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8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com

STUdenT aGe
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013

JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 66

SET UP MONITORING SYSTEM FOR CAUVERY WATER: JAYALALITHAA

REVOLUTION THAT IS NOT SO GREEN, AFTER ALL

India's industrial output rises 2.4 percent in January

Govt. has already requested for return of Guru's body: Saifullah
inister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah today informed the House that the State Government has already requested the Centre for the return of the mortal remains of late Afzal Guru to his family members. Intervening during several members raising the issue in the House, the Minister said that the seriousness of the State government can be gauged from the fact that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote a letter to the Centre demanding the return of the dead body. He said the Government contd on page 2

PAGE 6

GAD contests news item 'non -submission of IPRS by IAS officers'

IN BRIEF

Guru issue rocks J K Assembly, marshalls evict Rashid

Separatists say stir for Afzal's body to continue
SRINAGAR: Separatists on Tuesday said they will continue with their stir to press for return of mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, a day after Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde ruled out handing over the body to his family. "Kashmiri people will not give up their legitimate demand for the return of Guru's body and will continue the peaceful struggle in this regard," Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said in a statement after a meeting here. The meeting, chaired by former chairman Prof Abdul Gani Bhat in the absence contd on page 2

JAMMU, MARCH 12: Referring to report carried by various Newspapers on 11.03.2013, regarding "nonsubmission of Immoveable Property Returns (IPRs) by 96 IAS officers of J&K Cadre)" the Government today clarified that the IAS officers are required to submit IPRs in terms of Rule 16(2) of the All India Service (Conduct) Rules, 1968, latest by 31st January, contd on page 2

PAGE 5

PAGE 7

(L) MLA Abdul Rashid being marshalled out of the house. JAMMU: Pandemonium broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly which was adjourned thrice on Tuesday following Opposition protests over Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde' statement that the body of Afzal Guru will not be returned to his family. At one stage, PDP members jumped onto the reporters' tables on the floor of the House forcing the staff to leave their chairs while Independent MLA Abdul Rashid threw mikes and tried to throw chairs and tables but was prevented by the marshalls who evicted him out.

(R) PDP MLAs shouting As the PDP and Independent MLAs pressed for the return of the body of Afzal to his family, there was a demand that the Assembly pass a resolution for return of the body of the Parliament attack convict. Afzal was buried in Tihar jail in Delhi after he was hanged on February 9. Even as Shinde's statement triggered unruly scenes, sloganeering and high-pitched verbal duel by the entire Opposition, members of BJP strongly objected to Law Minister Mir Saifullah suffixing Afzal Guru with title of 'Sahib', Raising slogans 'Bharat mata contd on page 2

House passes grants for Finance, Ladakh Affairs

JAMMU, MARCH 12: The Legislative Assembly today passed grants amounting to Rs. 13396.14 crore for the departments of Finance and Ladakh Affairs. Earlier, Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather moved that a sum of Rs. 13396.14 crore be granted to the government to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment contd on page 2

JK to remain power deficit State for years

ROHIT SINGH RANA JAMMU, MARCH 12: Jammu and Kashmir will continue to remain as one of the most power deficit states in the entire country as the gap between the power generation and demand is widening at an asymmetrical speed. Presently the peak demand of power in the State is pegged at upwards of 2300 MWs and in this summer too the demand at peak load will increase because of increasing use of air conditioners etc. The situation will not

Gujarat tops in per capita food, non-food spending: Assocham

KOLKATA: While Gujarat holds the numero uno position in the rate of growth in per capita food, non-food and FMCG consumption expenditures across India, West Bengal has the lowest growth rate on these fronts, says a study by industry body Assocham. The study - 'Evolution of Indian Rural Markets During 2004-05 to 2009-10' released by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said Gujarat garnered maximum growth in per capita food and non-food consumption spending during the period with growth rates of about 28 percent and 33 percent respectively. The western state also topped in terms of household consumption of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) during the five-year period, registering a growth of about 24.69 percent. West Bengal, however, saw growth of just about 1.6 percent and about eight percent in per capita food contd on page 2

Power generation in state sector at 760 MWs against demand of 2300MWs

informed that the process for the capacity addition of 9036 MWs has been initiated out of which 6120 MWs will be in the State sector and three projects of 2130 MWs will be executed as joint venture projects. There are five projects in the Central sector of 1679 MWs capacity and 39 projects in private sector. Despite these efforts there is no respite in sight for the people of the State in providing contd on page 2

Over 25,000 SPO's working in State: Govt

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday said that over 25,000 Special Police Officers (SPO's) were working in the state while nearly 1,900 of them have been regularised as constables/followers. In a written reply to a question from Congress legislator Bashir Ahmad Magray in the Legislative Council here, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that 25,474 SPO's are presently working in different units of the contd on page 2

change in the coming years as the generation of power in the State sector will not rise

appreciably till 2020 when some big power projects will be completed.

To a query raised by MLA M.Y Tarigami in the State Assembly the government

Largest fake currency haul seized from Pak border

NEW DELHI: Maximum seizure of fake currency notes with a face value of over Rs 2.64 crore was made from the Indo-Pak frontier compared to other land borders between 2010 and February this year, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. The Indo-Myanmar border, during the same period reported the highest seizure of 42,394 kg narcotics, followed by a haul of 21,779 kg illegal drugs along the IndoBangla border, Minister of State for Home M Ramachandran told Lok Sabha in a written reply. The Bangaldesh frontier also recorded the second highest fake Indian currency seizure during the same period with a face value of Rs 1.56 crore, he said. Fake currency with a face value of over Rs 8 lakh was seized at Indo-Nepal border, he said. Besides, 631 arms were seized on the Indo-Myanmar border followed by 161 weapons from IndoBangladesh border, he said, adding contd on page 2

15 injured in Shutdown in Srinagar road mishap over youth's arrest for stone-pelting in J&K
UDHAMPUR (J&K): Fifteen passengers were on Tuesday injured when their bus overturned here, 75 kms from Jammu, police said. "The bus, on the way to Srinagar from Katra, turned turtle on JammuSrinagar National Highway at Bali Morh around 1100 hrs today," they said. The injured have been admitted in the Udhampur district hospital, they said. SRINAGAR: Many areas of Srinagar city on Tuesday observed a complete shutdown over the arrest of a youth allegedly involved in stone-pelting, officials said. A complete shutdown is being observed in Nowhatta, Gojwara and adjoining areas around the historic Jamia Masjid in the old city here, sources said. While shops and other business establishments are shut in these areas, traffic movement has also been affected as people staged protests against police after a youth Asif Qazi was yesterday arrested by security forces from his shop, the sources said. The traders' body in the area has called for a complete shutdown, demanding immediate release of Qazi. Qazi was wanted in connection with stone-pelting cases, according to police.

Saroori demands relief compensation from PDD to Chatroo fire victims

JAMMU, MARCH 12: MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori has demanded adequaue compensation for the victims of devastating fire incident at village Deller some 3 Kilometers from Tehsil Headquarter of Chatroo in Kishtwar District. In the fire a residential complex owned by Ghulam Mohammad Rishi son Mumma Rishi, his two sons Mohammad Iqbal and Mohammad Yaseen . According to reports, the fire broke out at around 2.30 AM on Monday morning in which the whole of the double story building reduce to ashes, besides perishing 55 sheep's & Goats, 6 Cows and 3 horses. As soon

45565 street lights installed in twin capital cities: Jora

JAMMU: 15683 and 29882 street lights have been installed in Srinagar and Jammu by the respective Municipal Corporations. This information was given by the Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora while replying to a question by S. Dharambir Singh in the House today. The minister said that besides, other departments like PDD and Tourism contd on page 2

as the news of the fire reach Kishtwar, senior officers of District Administration Kishtwar including ADC contd on page 2

Vadra land deal paralyses proceedings in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The issue of land deals allegedly involving Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra paralysed proceedings in Parliament on Tuesday. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha witnessed two adjournments till 2pm as BJP members stormed the Well seeking a probe into the issue. The plight of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka and the Italian marines, held for killing of Indian fishermen, not returning, and other issues were also raised but the issue that dominated was one relating to Vadra. Gandhi was present in the Lok Sabha when the BJP members trooped into the Well carrying a placard which said 'Finance Minister, adopt the formula of son-in-law; earn sitting at home and reduce losses'. The BJP had earlier given notices in both Houses for suspension of Question Hour to discuss the alleged anomalies in land deal by Vadra in Rajasthan. The notices came in the backdrop of reports alleging that Vadra had broken the law in buying land in Rajasthan, much above the prescribed ceiling, and that he was set to reap a windfall from the land in arid Bikaner area. AIADMK and Congress ally DMK triggered uproar over the plight of ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka, carrying placards and pictures of slain LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran's 12-year-old son. CPI(M) members raised the issue of Italy refusing to return the two marines accused of killing fishermen of Kerala in the high seas. Both the Houses were contd on page 2

Nirbhaya's murder fails to move cabinet, differences persist

NEW DELHI: Amid differences of opinion in the cabinet over the proposed anti-rape law, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Tuesday expressed confidence that the government will resolve the issue by Thursday and pass the legislation by March 22. There is a sense of urgency in passing the law by March 22 as the bill will replace an ordinance promulgated by President Pranab Mukherjee Feb 3 and has to be passed within six weeks from that date. The first half of the budget session ends March 22 and the house will reconvene April 22. The issue has been in sharp focus after the brutal assault and gang-rape of a woman in Delhi

Sub sonic cruise missile Nirbhay fails in trial test

BALASORE (ODISHA): India's first indigenously developed sub-sonic cruise missile Nirbhay on Tuesday failed to hit the target in its maiden test-firing as it had to be terminated midway after deviating from the flight course. However, the DRDO said the missile "successfully" met the basic mission objectives and performed some of the manouveres satisfactorily before being terminated midway. "Nirbhay was successfully launched today at 11.50am from launch complex, contd on page 2

Some provisions of anti- rape bill not getting consensus

Government lacks will for strong anti-rape law: Activists
omen's rights activist Tuesday criticised the government for failing to finalise an anti-rape law after difference erupted between various ministries on several ordinances and accused them of lacking political will to bring a stronger law for protection of women. The proposed anti-rape bill was referred to a Group of Ministers (GoM) Tuesday following differences of opinion among cabinet ministries over certain provisions, including lowering the age of juveniles. The activists allege the government's lack intention to bring a stringent law for violence against women, which could empower women particularly against sexual violence. "They are again reopening ordinances which were already deliberated upon. This is dismaying. contd on page 2

Dec 16, 2012. She succumbed to her injuries Dec 29 in Singapore. As differences of opinion pre-

vailed among ministers at a special cabinet meeting called to pass the bill, the government

decided to refer the legislation to a Group of Ministers (GoM) to resolve the issue. "The GoM meetings will be held soon. We are confident that the issue will be resolved by Thursday. We will pass the bill by March 22," Shinde told reporters. According to informed sources, the points of disagreement over the bill relate to provisions making it gender neutral, lowering the age of juvenile criminals from 18 to 16 besides provisions prescribing punishment for stalking and voyeurism. While Finance Minister P. Chidambaram wants the bill to be gender contd on page 2

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STUDENT AGE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013

DEFENCE/CONTD
JAMMU, MARCH 12Continuing with the budget discussion in Legislative Council today Syed Rafiq Shah termed the budget laid by Finance Minister as routine. He said the Budget should have been growth oriented and focusing on making the State self-sufficient. He called for more attention to exploit the power potential in the State and asked the government to recover electricity dues from all defaulters. He also called for addressing issues of Gujjar, Bakerwal and Pahari people including their permanent settlement and extension of basic amenities. He said the cap on LPG cylinder for Kashmir Valley should be increased taking into account its extreme winter conditions. He said salary of Sarpanchs, Panchs Numberdars and Chowkidars should be enhanced significantly. Mr. B. R. Kundal appreciated the Finance Minister for people friendly budget and said that lot of concessions have been given in the budget without burdening the poor people, through additional resource mobilization. Highlighting his observations on the budget, Mr. Kundal said that there is no mention of the total debt liability and the amount that has been kept aside for it. He said government should take steps to encourage local livestock production, to reduce dependence on mut-

BJP's prospective "Secretariat Gherao" programme in full preparations

JAMMU:In continuation of the party meetings being organized for the success of March 14 "Secretariat Gherao" programme, BJP Senior leaders held a joint meeting with district presidents and Distt. General Secretaries of Jammu, Akhnoor, R.S. Pura and Samba districts at party headquarters on Tuesday. Addressing the meeting, State General Secretary (Org.) Ashok Koul said that ours is a cadre based organization with massive public standing, which is the real treasure. He said that our party activists have been putting their best efforts every time for the successful conduct of any programme being undertaken to highlight the issues confronting the common people across the state. He said that the March 14 "Secretariat Gherao" programme will be one such more occasion to display the strength and the party activists have fanned out in all directions to ensure the participation of the public in large. State General Secretaries Bali Bhagat and Kavinder Gupta said that the scheduled programme has been planned with a view to expose the real face of State's NC-Congress coalition government for its mis-governance. They said that the successive governments in Jammu & Kashmir had been of NC, Congress and PDP or their coalitions. Whenever any public related grievance has been raised, only promises to resolve the same were given and on ground nothing practical was ever done. They said that the present NC-Congress coalition has crossed all the past practices of corruption, nepotism, discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh, non-formulation of any concrete youth policy. Not only this, the coalition has never taken the issues related to refugees, migrants, farm\ers, women etc. Jammu Mahanagar District President Rajesh Gupta said that the Jammu Mahanagar leaders have been continuously organizing meetings in their respective areas with the sole motive of mobilizing the public opinion in favour of the party's scheduled "Secretariat Gherao" programme and ensure their participation in large numbers. In this context, he announced that Distt. General Secretary Jaideep Sharma is looking Gandhi Nagar Constituency and Sanjay Baru Jammu West constituency. Similar meeting in W.No. 13 was chaired by BJP State Secretary Munish Sharma. Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Priya Sethi convened a meeting of her morcha activists for the same purpose. BJYM Jammu Distt. President Ajay Vaid also convened a meeting of Yuva Morcha activists of Jammu and discussed the strategy for maximum participation of youth in the scheduled programme. Sat Pal Pappi, Kashmir Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Raj Singh, Jaideep Sharma Sanjay Baru, Suraj Singh, Bindu Sharma, Capt. Karnail Singh, Ayodhya Gupta, Keshav Chopra, Radha Sharma, Sat Pal Karlupia, Sunil Sharma, Tilak Raj Mahajan, Rama Kumari, Chetan Mehra, Neelam Devi, Manohari Devi, Punit Mahajan, Ramesh Raina, Ranjit Singh, Anil Gupta, Sunil Kumar, Akshay Kail, Sachin Kumar, Sanjiv Kumar, Darshana Devi, Munish Gupta, Prem Lata Naresh Sharma and other took part in these meetings.

Budget Discussion in is in full swing

ton imports which have remained constant over the years at Rs 700 crore. He said that the government should declare agricultural zones in the State, introduce double cropping in feasible areas, increase net irrigated area and provide more cold storage facilities particularly in Jammu. He said Market checking squads should remain active throughout the year to ensure quality and quantity standards are maintained. Mr. Jahangir Mir said that welfare of people should be reflected in the budget and planning should be done keeping in view its short term as well as its long term impact especially focussing on poor.

Contd. from page 1...

GAD contests news ...
to the Cadre Controlling Authority and majority of them have met the procedure. The GAD spokesperson has clarified that 79 IAS officers of J&K Cadre have submitted their IPRs well in time, i.e. by 31st January, 2013, to the General Administration Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu and the same have been uploaded at the IPR portal of the DoPT website. The news reports mentioning names of the defaulters, therefore, need to be corrected.

returned to his family was expunged by the Speaker. As the House assembled this morning, PDP members stood up from the Opposition benches and raised slogans against the Union Home Minister, condemning his statement. PDP member Syed Bashir and Javed Mustafa Mir said Shinde had hurt the sentiments of the House. Some members raised slogans like 'Guru ki body ko wapas lao wapas lao-- resolution lao resolution lao.' With the opposition members unrelenting, the House was adjourned on three occasions by Speaker Mubarak Gul.

2300MWs and the generation in the State sector still far way behind the government will continue to import power which at present is costing the State about 2000 crore and will increase sharply putting additional pressure on the fiscal health of the State.

Gujarat tops in....

and non-food consumption expenditure respectively during the period, said the study. "The per capita food and non-food consumption expenditure across India has increased at a pace of over 14 percent and 17 percent respectively during 2004-05 and 2009-10," said D.S. Rawat, Assocham's national secretary general. "Household consumption of FMCG across India has registered a growth rate of over 11 percent during the aforesaid period," said Rawat, according to a release. Apart from Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra have registered a growth rate of about 24 percent in per capita food consumption expenditure across India. Households in Kerala, Punjab and Haryana spend highest on non-food consumer items as these have registered an average monthly household expenditure on non-food items worth over Rs.3,078, Rs.2,883 and Rs.2,580, respectively. Odisha (Rs.936), Bihar and Jharkhand (Rs.1,051) and West Bengal (Rs.1,071), however, had the lowest monthly household expenditure on non-food items during the five-year period, the study said.

House passes....
during the year ending March 31, 2014. The House, later, passed the grants by a voice vote.

Govt. has already ....

shares the concern and feelings of the members on this issue.

"We will hold discussion in both houses of parliament by March 22. The cabinet met today and all members expressed their views openly. The PM (prime minister) formed the GoM and we will meet Wednesday or Thursday and I'm confident we will arrive at consensus and, either Friday or Monday, the bill will be taken up in the house," Ashwani Kumar told reporters. The ordinance proposes the death penalty in the rarest of rare cases of rape and for repeat offenders while keeping marital rape out of its ambit. The ordinance was framed by the government as evidence of its intention to treat the issue of crimes against women with urgency and incorporated suggestions of the Justice J.S. Verma Committee formed to give views to make anti-rape laws more strong.

Correction
I have applied for the correction of my wife's name wrongly written as Ruhe Instead of Shashi Bala in municipal record of my child birth certificate born on 27-12-2006. My Child name is Aryan Dev Singh under MRD No. 904825/12455. The name of my wife is Shashi Bala W/o Sh Ramesh Singh R/O Shama Chack. Objection if any may be conveyed to registrar municipal Corporation, Jammu with in one week. Ramesh Singh S/O Sh. Faqir Singh R/O Shamma Chack, Jammu

Separatists say...
of the Mirwaiz who is under house arrest, rejected the statement of the Union Home Minister. The statement said Kashmir is the core issue in the sub-continent and the main reason of animosity between India and Pakistan. "The entire South Asian region is standing on a heap of explosives due to lingering Kashmir issue. The need of the hour is to demonstrate political maturity and farsightedness and seek a fair solution to the issue for peace in the region," it said. JKLF headed by Mohammad Yasin Malik also denounced Shinde's statement. "Shinde's assertion that the government followed jail manual is meaningless," the outfit said. Accusing the Minister of double speak, it asked, "Where was the jail manual when he (Shinde) offered Ajmal Kasab's body to Pakistan?" Hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani also criticised the Home Minister. "The demand for return of mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru is essentially a humane issue but the Indian rulers... Are involved in electoral politics to score points over their opposition," he said in a statement.

Government lacks ....

It is apparent that there are voices within the government, who are against bringing a stronger law," Kavita Krishnan of the All India Progressive Women's Association said. Terming it "unfortunate", Krishnan's said the government was still rethinking upon the simple ordinance like stalking and voyeurism. "A stringent law against stalking and voyeurism will be a better deterrent against rape and yet they are still debating it," she said. Krishnan's views were also echoed by rights lawyer Vrinda Grover. "It is a very sad. The government does not have a political will to bring a stronger anti-rape law. There seem to be a political class within the government that does not want a stronger law," she said. Accusing the government to trying to bring a weak anti-rape law, Grover said: "First they pass an ordinance and within a month, they are rethinking about it. Why do they have to rethink? Clearly the political class of our country, particularly the government, wants to bring a weak anti-rape law." Lawyer Rebecca John, while expressing dismay, said: "I don't know why a matter as important as protection of women has become a controversial thing in our country. Difference within the ministers on something as right as this is a reflection that the mindset of our governance needs to change. The malice in our system is deeper than it seems." However, welcoming the governments decision to refer the bill to the GoM, Tripti Tandon of Lawyers Collective said there were several ordinances in the bill which were contentious and needed a re-look. "I think it a good thing. There were several points like lowering the age or the provision of death penalty, which are very contentious. It was wise to refer it to GoM," she said.

Over 25,000 SPO's....

Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP). He added that so far 1,852 SPO's have been regularised as constables/followers. Omar, meanwhile, said that the state government has formulated a comprehensive policy in 2009 for absorption of SPO's as constables/followers. He said that the SPO's in the age group of 28-37, who have completed three years continuous engagement, are eligible to apply for appointment to the post of constables/followers. The chief minister, however, mentioned that recruitment through this source should not exceed 15 per cent of the available vacancies. On the question of salary paid to these officers and whether the government was contemplating to enhance their wages, Omar said that a proposal for enhancement of the honorarium of SPO's from the existing Rs 3,000 per month to Rs 5,000 per month has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration.

Correction
I have applied for the correction of my wife's name wrongly written as Ruhe Instead of Shashi Bala in municipal record of my child birth certificate born on 712-2005. My Child name is Aditya Dev Singh under MRD No. 860005/119982. The name of my wife is Shashi Bala W/o Sh Ramesh Singh R/O Shama Chack. Objection if any may be conveyed to registrar municipal Corporation, Jammu with in one week. Ramesh Singh S/O Sh. Faqir Singh R/O Shamma Chack, Jammu

Largest fake currency ....

similar seizures from Indo-Pak, Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders during the same period.

Saroori demands ....

Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Tehsildar Chatroo Mohsin Raza Ahanger, SHO P/S Chatroo Farooq Ahmed Khateeb and team of fire service department rush to the spot and started rescue operation but could not save the property as there was no road connectivity at the site of the incident. Meanwhile MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori raises the issue inside J & K Assembly and blames the Power Development Department for the negligence. Mr. Saroori said that despite government claiming that they have released the funds to the tune of Rs. 140 Cr for maintenance of HT/LT network, but said that in his constituency most of the electric wire are barbed and were connected with tress threatening the life of common masses. He demanded direction from the chair to PDD with regarding compensation to effected families. Later Saroori directed DC Kishtwar for immediate relief to the fire victims and Rs 60,000 cash assistance was distributed by ADDC Kishtwar to the effected families.

45565 street lights ....

have also installed some lights in the capital cities, the lights are repaired by the agency to whom contract of installation is accorded, after wards the defected ones are repaired by the Municipal Corporation by its own.

JK to remain ....
un- interrupted power supply for years to come. The projects which have been undertaken in the State sector are meant to provide all the electricity generated to the State and it is thus important that these projects need to be completed within the time schedule. But the experience of past when it comes to the completion of such projects of crucial importance for the infrastructure of the State is that never before have the power projects been completed on time. The cost over runs plague the power sector with the result the capacity addition suffers. At present there are eleven power projects being undertaken in the State sector and the target for their completion is between years 2015 to 2021. The third unit of Phalgham of 1.5 MW capacity is scheduled to be commissioned in this year but it will not in any way alter the power situation in the State due to its very low capacity. The major projects being under taken in the State sector are BHEP (450MWs) scheduled for 2015, Hanu HEP (9MWs) target year2017; Dah HEP (9MWs) target year2017; Parnai HEP (37.5Mws) target year 2017; Lower Kalnai(48MWs) target year2017; New Ganderbal (93MWs) target year2018; SwalkoteHEP(1856MWs) target year2021;Kirthal-1(390MWs) target year2019 ;Kirthal-29(930MWs) target year2020 and Ratle HEP 850(MWs) target year 2017. It is pertinent to mention that out of these power projects those which can significantly improve the power crisis being in the State sector are Swalkote , Kirthal-1 and 2 and the Ratle power projects as their combined power generation capacity is of the order of 4226 MWs. Being in the State sector the power generated by these projects will be used within the State and shall not be exported to the northern grid as is done in the case of centrally funded projects. But the point of concern is that these power projects will be fully operational by year 2021 if there are no delays in their execution which is no doubt a highly optimistic scenario. The fact is that such big projects are never completed on time. Thus for the coming years the power situation is not going to improve considerably. Consumers of the State will continue to suffer because of power shortages. With the peak power demand rising beyond

Sub sonic cruise....

Chandipur, Odisha, meeting the basic mission objectives successfully. "After travelling approximately midway, deviations were observed from its intended course. Further, flight was terminated to ensure coastal safety," DRDO spokesman Ravi Gupta said in a release. The surface-to-surface sub-sonic cruise missile has the capability of being launched from land, sea and air, they said, adding Nirbhay has good loitering capability, good control and guidance, high degree of accuracy in terms of impact and very good stealth features. Nirbhay was developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory based in Bangalore in understood to have a strike-range of around 1,500 km. India has the technology of super-sonic missile like BrahMos which is jointly developed by India and Russia. BrahMos has a strike range of 290 km.

ADMISSION BOOKING 2013

12th Pass or 12th Class studying students who are interested in Engg. / Medical fields are informed to get their seats booked in reputed colleges of Northern India under Management seats without any donation securing 50% marks in Phy, Chem, Maths/Bio for the following courses, M.D.S, B.D.S, M. Tech, B. Tech, B. Sc Nursing, B. Pharmacy, Diploma in all streams G.N.M, M.Ed, B.Ed, MBA, LLB, Hotel Management, MCA, BBA etc.

Vadra land deal ....

adjourned till noon soon after assembling for the day and later adjourned again till 1400 hours. Soon after papers were laid in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal was asked by Speaker Meira Kumar to reply to the two-day debate on the rail budget. But as the din continued unabated, Kumar adjourned the House.

In the court of special Municipal Mobile Magistrate, Jammu

Present: V.S. Bhou Brij Lal Pandita S/O Lt. Laxmi Nath R/O 108/2, Om Vihar, Vijay Nagar, Talab Tillo, Jammu

RAINA EDUCATION CONSULTANCY

(Opposite Sub Treasury Tirth Nagar Talab Tillo Jammu) Mob: 94191-37183

Nirbhaya's murder.....
neutral by replacing the word "rape" with "sexual assault", women activists have impressed upon the government to retain the word "rape" so that law is seen as specifically for crimes again women. Also, Minister for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath is against lowering the age of juvenile criminals from 18 to 16, an issue which came into focus after the Delhi gang-rape, in which one of the accused is a juvenile. Informed sources said the government needed to be careful on defining provisions which made stalking and voyeurism punishable under law as these might be challenged in a court. The GoM will be headed by Chidambaram and its other members include Shinde, Tirath, Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and Communications Minister Kapil Sibal. "We will pass the bill within the stipulated timeframe. There are differences which will be sorted out soon," Tirath said.

Notice To Public
Whereas, above titled petitioner has been filed in this petition for seeking direction to the nonapplicant for registration of birth particular of applicant's child namely Sandeep Kumar born on 14-11-1989. Whereas, through the medium of this proclamation, the public at large is informed that in case, anyone has any objection in issuance of direction with respect to the registration of the birth particulars of the applicant's child by the non-applicant, their he/she/they shall file the same before this court in person or through counsel within 15 days from the date of publication. If the date is fixed declared holiday, the matter will be taken up on the next working day. Given under my hand seal of this court today on 11th day of March 2013. Special Municipal Mobile Registrate Jammu

JOB IN JAMMU
MNC dks vius Office / Non-Office dk;Z ds fy, 30 M/F dh t:jr gSA a
Qual: 10/12/Grad./P.G. Income: Rs.8,000 to Rs.15,000 pm Contact:

Guru issue rocks ....

ki jai', BJP members also stood atop tables amid shouting of slogans by members of treasury benches. Shinde yesterday ruled out handing over Afzal's body to his family in Kashmir, saying "the body has been buried according to the jail manual and there was no way it could be handed over." Making a statement in the House in a bid to calm the tempers down, the Law Minister said "the issue is connected with the sentiments of the people and with this House-- this House is representing the sentiments of the people". He further said "Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's stand has been that mortal remains of the Afzal Guru 'Sahib' should be returned back--it is also the stand of National Conference (NC)...". A remark by an opposition member on how the Assembly felt about the body of Afzal Guru not being

Omega International

Hall 101, South Block, Bahu Plaza, Jammu (M): 9906083095, 9205072038

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3
Former Legislators from Kupwara present demands to Governor
JAMMU, MARCH 12: Mr. A. R. Badana and Mr. Nasir Khan, both former Legislators from Kupwara district, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today and presented to him several important development related demands of the area. The demands presented by the former Legislators included, interalia, improvement and upgradation of Chowkibal-Teetwal and Meejyal-Keran roads, conducting on-spot special recruitment drives in Army and the Central Paramilitary Forces at Karnah and Keran for enabling the youth of the area to secure employment, provision of more funds for construction of building and raising other infrastructure for the Army Goodwill School, Hajinar, Karnah, and taking all the other required measures for securing the rapid socio-economic advancement of the Pahari speaking people. Both the former Legislators also discussed with the Governor various matters relating to the measures which need to be taken for development of the people of the area, particularly those living literally along the border line of the district. The Governor assured Mr. Badana and Mr. Khan that the issues raised by them would be taken up with the concerned authorities.

NEWS IN BOX
Efforts afoot to promote Urdu language in State: Gurezi
JAMMU: The Government has taken various steps for promotion of Urdu language in the state which include teaching the same in government as well as private institutions as one of the main subjects in elementary / secondary classes. It is also taught as one of the elective subjects in 11th and 12th classes in both divisions of the state. The information was given by the Minister of State for Culture, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Gurezi while replying to a question by Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy. The Minister said that various steps have been taken in different departments like Home, Judiciary and Revenue for maintenance of official records in Urdu. It is also used as a key language in basic police working and revenue records are also been maintained in Urdu language throughout the state. Mr. Gurezi also added that a comprehensive proposal for creation of the 29 posts for the proposed Urdu Academy has been sent to the concerned for approval.

NYKS organises National Integration Camp

JAMMU, MARCH 12: Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand today inaugurated seven day National Integration Camp organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Jammu. As many as 150 youth from eight different states of the country are attending the camp at youth hostel Nagrota. The participating states are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Utter Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and J&K. Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din was guest of honor on the occasion. Addressing the youth delegates, Deputy Chief Minister called upon them to act as peace messengers of the state's rich culture, language, tradition and heritage back at their home states. He said the participants would know in detail about the state and back home they should share their experiences with their friends and peer groups. "Our state has lot to offer for visiting tourists in terms of scenic beauty and pilgrim tourism and I hope after getting first-hand experience you will act as brand ambassadors for the state," he added. He appreciated the efforts of NYK in providing the youth from different states an opportunity to come together and share their culture, traditions and languages thus promoting national integration among them. "Youth need to inculcate in them the ideals shown by great leaders of the country like Mahatma Gandhi and have to spread the message of mutual coexistence and brotherhood," he exhorted. He said the younger generation has special role in nation building and future of the

Be brand ambassadors of state: Dy CM to participants Taj lauds efforts of NYKS

Un-electrified areas of Reasi to be covered under RGGVY: Vikar

JAMMU: The Minister of state for Power, Mr. Vikar Rasool informed the House that the un-electrified areas of district Reasi would be covered in the Phase-II of RGGVY. The information was given by the Minister while replying to a question by Mr. Jugal Kishore in Legislative council today. He said that since the full quantum of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for RGGVY was not sanctioned by the Rural Electrification Corporation of India, some habitations could not be included in the scheme by NHPC and the same would be taken in the Phase-II.

Work under progress on fruit, vegetable market at Kankote: Sadhotra

JAMMU: Minister for Planning, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra while replying on the behalf of Minister for Horticulture to a question by Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir informed the House that the department is establishing a fruit and vegetable market in Poonch district Kankote, tehsil Haveli over 26 kanals of land and development works are under progress.. Maternity, child care facilities being provided in SDH, Ganderbal: Shabir Minister of State for Health Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan while replying to a question by Haji Ali Mohammad Bhat informed the House that Maternity and Child Care facilities are presently being provided in the Sub-District Hospital, Ganderbal., adding that no separate Maternity & Child Care Hospital exists in the district.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand alongwith Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din lightening a traditional lamp during inauguration function at Jammu. nation was on young shoulders. He said youth are future leaders, bureaucrats and citizens of the country and they have to get actively involved in various social activities to bring a positive change in the system. He said the youth have to be extra cautious against the divisive politics being played on the name of religion, language, race and cast. The biggest threat is not from external forces but from those elements within the society who try to derail the peace and development by engaging in cheap politicking, he added. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Taj called upon the participants to work for modern India and play their important role in fulfilling the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, Rajiv Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He said NYK deserves a special accolade as it has made possible the integration of varied cultures and traditions of the country. He said dream visualized by stalwart leaders of the country for a golden tomorrow can only become reality by the active participation of youth in the process of nation building. Highlighting the importance of holding such camps, he said exchange of ideas and people to people contact, was key towards attaining a common vision to make the world a better place to live. He asked the youth to workd hard and hel the country to keep pace with the world. In his key note address, Zonal Director, NYKS Mr. Nabin Kumar Naik, gave brief resume of the activities of NYKS and apprised the gathering that the present camp is second in the series, as one such camp is already underway in Udhampur, adding that very soon the NYKS would organise a camp in Baramulla. District Coordinator, Jammu Mr. Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Ex-MLA Haji Rashid, S. Channi Singh and other senior officers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and Youth and Sports department participated in the function.

Progress of 6th Economic Census reviewed

UDHAMPUR, MARCH 12: To review the progress of 6th Economic Census of district Udhampur, the Director Economics and Statistics, Mr. B.R. Lachotra convened a meeting of concerned Officers associated with the conduct of 6th Economic Census in the office Chamber of Chief Planning Officer, Udhampur today. The meeting was attended by Joint Director Planning, Mr. Rakesh Jamwal, Assistant Director Planning Mr. Yash Paul Sharma, Statistical Officer Mr. Darshan Kumar and all Block Statistical Officers. In the meeting Mr. Jamwal who is also holding the additional Charge of DSEO presented Charge wise Status of progress of 6th Economic Census of District Udhampur. He elaborated that out of the total 974 EBs of the District, the field Operations were carried out in 848 Non Snow bound EBs and the same have been completed in all respect. As regard field Operation in 126 EBs of Snow bound areas, Mr. Jamwal disclosed that the process will commence from 1st April 2013. Mr. Rakesh Jamwal further apprised the Director that the scrutiny, coding of filled in schedules of Non Snow Bound areas would be started during this week in the Office of District Statistics and Evaluation Officer Udhampur.

JKVDA calls on Gurezi

JAMMU, MARCH 12: The Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Doctors Association, Jammu, today called on Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi, and apprised him of the difficulties faced by the Field Veterinarians besides presenting a charter of demands of the veterinarians of Jammu Province. The delegation was led by its Vice- President, Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Secretary, Dr. Rahul Dev, Publicity Secretary, Dr. Jaswant Singh, Treasurer, Dr. Vinay Vishal and others. Dr. Iqbal apprised the Minister of the impending requirements of the department requesting him to take up immediate steps in this regard. The demands and problems included strengthening of laboratories at district level, opening of a centralized hospital and provision of latest diagnostic tools at the district and tehsil level, improvement in extension activities in the Animal and Sheep Husbandry departments besides streamlining of research and developmental activities of the department. The Minister assured the association that all their issues would be looked into sympathetically. The association also assured all cooperation for welfare of livestock population of the State.

Rs. 350.88 Cr earmarked during DLRC meeting at Shopian

SHOPIAN, MARCH 12: To provide avenues to the educated unemployed youth for establishing their own income generating units, Rs. 350.88 crores have been earmarked for the year 2013-14 in district Shopian. This information was given to the District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting held today under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Shopian, Mr. Mohammad Javaid Khan. All the members of District Industries Centre, besides Additional General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, NABARD and representatives of all banks operating in the district and officers of line departments were also present in the meeting. The Lead Bank Manager, Mr. Mohammad Saleem briefed the meeting about the achievements of banks under Annual Action Plan upto ending 2013. He informed the meeting that total credit outstanding of all the banks has been about Rs. 394.02 crores out of which Rs. 347.15 crores are in priority sector against deposits of the district which stood at Rs. 469.85 crores as such taking CD ratio Rs. 83.86 percent and said that against the financial target of Rs. 161.47 crores and physical target of 6421 beneficiaries under priority sector, the banks have disbursed Rs. 239.78 crores to 9406 beneficiaries upto February 2013. The meeting was informed that during the 1st three quarters of the year 28,000 applications under KCC scheme have been processed, for which Rs. 278.53 crores have been disbursed among 13,818 beneficiaries. Speaking on the occasion, District Development Commissioner, Shopian stressed upon the concerned to complete the fixed targets well in time so that benefits should reach to the masses on ground. He also enjoined upon them to provide easy loans to the educated unemployed youth for setting up of their own income generating units.

81% plan funds utilized in Kulgam

'Ensure expenditure commensurate with physical achievements': DC
KULGAM, MARCH 12- An amount of Rs 46.13 crores have been incurred by the end of February under District Plan in Kulgam District which accounts for 80.88 % of the plan availability and the district is set to utilize the approved plan in full. This was disclosed at a review meeting of sectoral officers, convened here under the Chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Jahangir Mir. It was given out that 21.60 km roads have been blacktopped under district plan while 30.65 km stand macadamised under projectisation in R&B sector. In PHE sector 3 water supply schemes are nearing completion to ensure dependable potable water supply to four habitations covering a population of 5331 souls. In Irrigation sector Rs 3.97 crores have been spent on 16 upcoming irrigation schemes of which three schemes are being complete with cultivable command area of 349 hectares. In education sector 58 Primary, 14 Middle schools and 160 additional class rooms have come up to boost pedagogic infrastructure and facilitate universalization of education. The meeting was told that Rs 55.40 crores have been spent on the completion of 6475 works under NREGA generating 25.70 lakh mandays. Under IAY Rs 3.15 crore stand utilized on the construction of 753 dwelling units of the total 1088 taken up. As many as 334 unemployed youth have been facilitated in establishing their gainful ventures with a total investment of Rs 3.10 crore, while under SKEWPY Rs 4.29 lakh were given to 7,368 youths as voluntary services allowance this fiscal. As many as 247 un-electrified habitations have been provided power facility under RGGVY. The meeting held threadbare discussion over the physical and financial targets to be achieved this fiscal under different development sectors. It was revealed that the approved plan schemes under execution are likely to be completed in full by the end of the fiscal.

Rs 79.97 crore disbursed among land holders for establishing Grid Station at Jatwal: Vikar
JAMMU, MARCH 12: Minister of State for Power, Mr. Vikar Rasool while replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Mr. Subash Chander Gupta said that an amount of Rs. 12.81 crore was released by Power Grid Corporation of India, soon after the placement of indent for acquisition of land measuring 320 Kanal and 5 marlas for setting up of Grid Station at village Jatwal in Samba district till date as land compensation to the people. The Minister further said that the possession of the land was to be handed over to Power Grid Corporation of India in terms of Section 17 of Land Acquisition Act, 1990. The 80 per cent of the total amount payable to the land owners was paid as per provision of Land Acquisition Act, 1990. Mr. Vikar said that out of 39 major land holders and their shareholders, an amount of Rs 7.99 crore has already been disbursed to 37 major land holders and their shareholders. The remaining payment of 20 per cent shall be released after the finalization of Final Award of the acquisition of land which is under preparation, he added. The Minister said the payment approximately amounting to Rs. 2.20 crore is pending due to dispute among the shareholders and the same will be cleared after the resolution of the dispute.

Day long BLS programme held at Kashmir Nursing Home

SRINAGAR, MARCH 12: Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir today organized a daylong programme on imparting Basic Life Saving (BLS) and stabilization training to field journalists at Kashmir Nursing Home, Gupkar, Srinagar here today. As many as 48 journalists were provided the training for personal safety while covering the incidents. The daylong first phase of training to Journalists was inaugurated by Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman. Speaking on the occasion, the Director reiterated that efforts are on to reduce morbidity and mortality of injured persons due to manmade and natural catastrophes.

DDC Ganderbal distributes cheque worth Rs. 1.5 lakh under Horticulture Mission scheme
GANDERBAL, MARCH 12: To improve the socio-economic status of farmers, the District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Mr. Itrat Hussain Rafique distributed cheques worth Rs. 1.5 lakh on account of assistance given for purchase of a Tractor above 20 HP under Horticulture Mission Scheme at Batwani, district Ganderbal. On the occasion, Chief Horticulture Officer, Ganderbal and other officers and officials of the Horticulture Department were present.

Significant improvement in production of food grains: Mir

JAMMU: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir while replying to a question by Dr. B. A. Veeri informed the House that concerted efforts of the farming community combined with financial support of the department and technological inputs made available to the farmers, there has been significant improvement in the production of food grains. He said the state has been covered under National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and the same for rice has been introduced in the three districts of Jammu, Samba & Kathua and the scheme for wheat has been introduced in the six districts i.e. Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Leh and Kargil. The Minister said that in Kashmir division food-grain production is affected by several factors which include un-irrigated area of about 1.14 lakh hectares is under Maize and pulse cultivation. Maize is grown over an area of about one lakh hectares and its contribution towards food-grain production is only 22%, conversion of agriculture land into horticulture purposes and other purposes like roads, railways, buildings etc. He said contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to GSDP in 2009-10 has reached to 20.89 and estimated requirement of food-grains for 2013-14 will be 11-11 lakh MT while the production 13-86 lac MT is expected. Likewise, in Kashmir division the expected production has been estimated 7-49 lac MT against the estimates requirement of 11-81 lac MT during the same period, he added Mr. Mir said that land revenue Act and Acts like Agrarian Reforms Act, Prohibition on Conversion of Land and Alienation of Orchards Act etc. regulate conversion of Agriculture Land for nonAgriculture purposes. However, developmental activities like construction of roads, bridges, acquisition of land for railways and other public purposes has resulted in unavoidable conversion over the years. The Minister also said as and when any violation of land laws is noticed, immediate corrective action is taken by the concerned revenue field agencies. So far as land at Gogo and Airport Colony, Srinagar as well as Tawi Vihar, Jammu is convened, the conversion have taken place long ago and now these areas fall within municipal limits of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

Employment Fair concludes at Chhatroo

KISHTWAR, MARCH 12: The two day Employment Fair organized by District Employment and Counselling Centre Kishtwar at Chhatroo Kishtwar concluded today. The fair first of its kind in the area was attended by large number of educated unemployed youth. All the departments that offer self-employment schemes installed their stalls and educated the general public about the self- employment schemes. On spot registrations were made by the District Employment and Counselling Centre Kishtwar and the educated unemployed youth were apprised about JKSSES and SKEWPY. Stall of Department of Sericulture was selected as the best stall of the fair.Stall of Indian Army got 2nd position and stall of the Social Welfare department secured 3rd position in the fair.

House passes grants for Forest Deptt

JAMMU, MARCH 12: The Legislative Assembly today passed grants amounting to Rs. 619.86 crore for the departments of Forests, Environment and Ecology. Earlier, Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmed moved that a sum of Rs. 619.86 crore be granted to the Government to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2014. The House, later, passed the grants by a voice vote.

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J&K rolls out RFD for efficiency, accountability in deptts: Rather

JAMMU, MARCH 12: The Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Ab. Rahim Rather today called for putting in place a scientific method for evaluation of efficiency and accountability through measurable outputs and outcomes in various departments, adding that fiscal discipline and budget management should be the guiding principle in this regard. Speaking in a meeting of officers of Finance Department in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu this afternoon, convened in connection with the roll out of Results Framework Document (RFD) of Finance Department, Mr. Rather said that resources generation was imperative to give fillip to development and growth of

Vyas to place RFD of F D on Website on 15th March

Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, Ab. Rahim Rather speaking in a meeting of officers of Finance Department in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu . the state on sustained basis and the RFD was an effective tool to fulfill these objectives. He said that efficient management of state's fiscal resources, coupled with their judicious allocation and expenditure, was key to make the state financially selfreliant. He said RFD - is a new concept of performance evaluation so as to guide the officers at the helm of affairs to achieve proficiency in self determined targets and the achievements thereof. Mr. Vyas in his power point presentation said that the Results Framework Document is a new scientific and mathematical concept to bring in more accountability, efficiency and objectivity in the functioning of various departments, which will be launched in the State w.e.f. the last quarter of the c.f.y. He also gave a conceptual background about the RFD and informed that the document is a sort of MoU between the Minister and the Secretary of the Department. The Principal Secretary Finance, who is also the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Director General, Accounts & Treasuries J&K, Mr. Ravi Magotra, Special

Secretary to Chief Secretary, Mr. Zubair Ahmad, Special Secretary Finance, Mr. Omkar Nath, Director Budget, Dr. Mohammad Ishaq Wani, Director Finance, Mr. Majid Jehangir and other concerned officers of the Finance Department attended the meeting. Mr. Vyas briefed the meeting about the utility and objective of Results Framework Document (RFD) and said it is a vision to employ resources for the development and growth of the state in a framework of set targets and measurable deliverables. The document provides an important linkage between the political and executive set up of government functioning with the collective aim of bringing out measurable out-

puts and outcomes against the targets mutually agreed upon for achieving in the ensuing year. He said the RFD for the Finance Department will be loaded on website on 15th of this month, so that other departments and the general public understands this unique system of efficiency measurement and develops a culture for it. He said, the work on RFD for the Finance Department is going on since January this year. He said Chief Secretary, Mr. Iqbal Khandey is very keen to see the system in place in the State departments from the next fiscal. Mr. Zubair, while giving details about the preparation and implementation of RFD in the Finance Department, explained its broad contours

and utility in preparation of Annual Budget and the supplementary demands, monitoring and managing various FRBM compliances, debt management and improving internal efficiency, responsiveness and service delivery of the Department. He gave an exhaustive overview about all the eleven objectives of the RFD and its main designated functions including realistic estimation of state's resources and judicious allocation in the Budget, effective recoveries of outstanding amounts by the Commercial Taxes, Excise and Taxation Departments. He also explained how the RFD brings efficiency and accountability among the officers and the field functionaries.

Rs. 261 cr spent on 47024 works up to ending January 2013: Sagar

JAMMU: An amount of Rs. 131.88 crore has been spent under MGNREGA during 2010-11 on completion of 11049 works which has generated 72.91 lakhs mandays. Similarly, during 2011-12 an amount of Rs. 314.77 crore has been spent by taking up 25921 works and generating 160 lakh mandays. During 2012-13 ending January, an amount of Rs. 261.11 crore has been spent by taking up 47024 works and by generating 118.55 lakh mandays. The information was given by the Minister for Rural Development, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar while replying to a question by Dr. Shehnaz Ganai in Legislative Council today. The Minister further said that an amount of Rs. 1.15. crore has been allotted to the district Poonch during 2009-10, similarly, an amount of Rs. 2.43cr ,Rs. 13.2cr and Rs. 20.23cr has been allotted during the years 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 ending January under Rural Sanitation Scheme. He also informed the House that initially the incentive was provided to the BPL families for construction of Individual Household Latrine units now the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India has included BPL,identified APL households restricted to SCs / STs, small and marginal farmers, landless labours with home steel, physically handicapped and women headed families as the beneficiaries.

Owais exhorts role of personnel to honour human rights

JAMMU, MARCH 12: Describing the "men in uniform" defenders of human rights, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Technical Services, J&K Mr. Owais Ahmed has said that impartiality, patience and awareness are the pre-requisitions for a professional police man to honour the human rights. He said that honesty and dedication are also the factors which play a vital role in forming a disciplined law enforcing agency. Mr. Owais was inaugurating day long debate competition on human rights, organized by Police Modernization Zone at Armed Police Complex here today. The topic of the debate was "respect for human rights contributes professionalism in police". He said that security of the people is prime duty of the men in uniform but while enforcing the law of the land they have to also safe guard the rights of the citizens. They face hostile situations in the field while performing duties but at the same time professionalism demands patience and impartiality, keeping the standard of discipline maintained, he said. The IGP reminded the participants that the jawans and officers are administered an oath at their enrolment in the department to safeguard the rights of the people and thus they have more responsibility to uphold their pledge. Civil society has great expectations with the force and we have to come up to their expectations, said the IGP. Mr. Owais emphasized the need to organize such debates so that police personnel get awareness about their duties towards human rights. He said that by organizing such debates, the police organization can achieve desired results in educating their men and officers to honour the human rights. He said that the organization has introduced human rights as a subject in its training syllabus in all training institutions and is also deputing its officers and men outside the state for getting specialized training on the subject. As many as 15 speakers from Security, CID, Crime, PHQ, Railways, Traffic, Auxiliary/Home Guards and Police Telecom took part in the debate. A jury consisting of DIG (Armed) Jammu, Mr. T. Punchok (Chairman), SSP, Mir Mohammad Choudhary, SP, Shalinder Singh, Joint Director Pawan Kumar Gupta adjudged the performance of the competitors. During the competition, questionanswer session was also held and the topic was deliberated efficiently and argued very well. Traffic team was declared 1st and CID team as runner up. In the individual capacity Inspector, Ms. Usha Kher was declared 1st, Dy.SP Raja Adil Hamid 2nd, and SI Jalal-u-din, as 3rd position holder in the competition and were rewarded. Earlier, SSP Tele-com Jammu, Mr. Bupinder Singh deliberating on the aims of the debate said that the objectives to organize such debates and competitions is to make aware the "men in khaki" about their responsibilities towards human rights.. He stressed upon the audience to take benefit from the deliberations which could prove beneficial in enhancing their knowledge about the respect of human rights. Among others, the function was attended by SSP, Telecom, Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Shorie, Superintendents of Police Telecom, Mr. Rafi Ahmed Mir, Mr. R. K. Munshi and Mr. D. P. Singh and other police officers.

CPI (M) demands ban on use of pepper gas, mass arrests in J&K
JAMMU: Expressing serious concerns over the alleged use of pepper gas by police against protesters in the Valley, the state unit of CPI (M) on Monday said authorities maintaining law and order should do away with such practise. Referring to media reports which claimed that exposure of pepper gas had led to the death of an asthma patient and termination of pregnancy of another woman recently, CPI-M's State Secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami strongly condemned the incidents and demanded stern action against the guilty. "This practise needs to be done away with, sooner the better. These measures are not acceptable in a civilised society where protests and dissent are seen as an inseparable part of democracy," he observed. Condemning the mass arrests of political leaders and the youth during protests across the Valley, the CPI (M) leader demanded their immediate release.

Manohar Lal convenes public grievances camp

KATHUA, MARCH 12: Minister of State for Fisheries, Cooperatives, Finance and Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, convened a Public Grievances Camp at Basohli. Various deputations from Najote, Bathri, Machhedi, Bhrota, Parnala and Baggan panchayats apprised the Minister of demands and difficulties of their respective panchayats. They projected several demands related to potable drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, better road connectivity, construction of road from SDH Billawar to Malhar Dhar, handpump for murhueen mohda, medicines for sub centre Bharota, small bridge and water scheme for Bathri, water scheme for ghard mohda, high capacity transformer for Jahnu, adequate ration supply for silli baggan, pending wages for casual labourers of PDD and PWD departments. Dr Manohar Lal assured the people that all their genuine demands and problems will be taken up on priority basis. The Minister also called upon the sarpanches and panches to sensitize the people about schemes meant for socio-economic development of people especially of kandi, hilly and far off areas of the state. He directed SDM Billawar to dispose off the land compensation cases on priority and clear pending payment of wages under MGNREGA. He directed the BDO Billawar to speed up the work on construction of panchayat ghars besides asking XEN PWD, PDD to dispose off the pending wages of casual workers with immediate effect. The Minister instructed the Xen PHE to speed up work on water supply schemes in Aglidhar, Sialna, Bathri and Sukrala at the earliest.

Awareness cum orientation camp organized

RAJOURI, MARCH 12: Awareness cum orientation camp was organised by Department of Rural Development Rajouri under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan and under the guidance of District Development Commissioner Rajouri Saugat Biswas while Matloob Khan Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Mushtaq Raina Executive Engineer (REW) Rajouri, Dr Arvind Karwani District Panchayat Officer and other senior officers of the administration participated. Sarpanches and other elected Panchayat representatives of the Block Rajouri, ASHA workers, school teachers and Anganwadi Supervisors & workers besides officials of the Rural Development Department and other Government Officers attended the meeting. Dr. Karwani and Rafiq Choudhary Block Development Officer Rajouri delivered detailed lectures on the objectives, salient features and different components of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, newly launched flagship programme of Government of India .They emphasised upon the importance of individual and community hygiene and the need of creating sanitary facilities in rural areas. It is pertinent to mention here that individual household latrines, school sanitation and Anganwadi sanitation units are being constructed under this programme. All the BPL (Below Poverty Line) households and certain categories of APL (above poverty line ) households like SC, ST, physically handicapped, women headed families and small & marginal farmers are provided incentive for construction of individual household latrines (IHHL) through convergence with MG-NREGA. The Panchayats who achieve full sanitation coverage under these components are further covered under Solid & Liquid Waste Management project in order to achieve concept of "Nirmal" or pure Panchayats by ensuring total sanitation. The participants were educated tips about personal hygiene and methods of avoiding water borne and other diseases which can be avoided by maintaining basic sanitation in their houses and surroundings in the Panchayat. Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri ( Nodal Officer devolution of powers to Panchayats ) directed concerned officers to involve the Panchayats in the identification and the implementation of the works. The Departments were asked to convene monthly meetings with PRI's and send the record note of such meetings to higher authorities .The Panchayat level functionaries were asked to attend monthly halqa Panchayat meetings and ensure that Panchayats are fully involved in decision making. .

Kissan mela cum training programme organized

UDHAMPUR, MARCH 12:-Department of Fisheries, Udhampur organized a Kissan Mela cum Training Programme for fish farmers of district Udhampur under centrally sponsored scheme "Support to State Extension programme for extension reforms, ATMA at Jakhani here today. The camp was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Mr. Surat Singh while Joint Director Planning, Mr. Rakesh Jamwal was the guest of honour on the occasion. During the camp the fish farmers were provided practical demonstration about the scientific aspects of pisciculture viz pond management, methods of disease control, water quality management, fish marketing and other important aspects of fish culture.Appreciating the efforts of the department for organizing such a valuable training programme, ADC said that such camps would definitely help the farmers to enhance the technical knowhow of fish culture. He called upon the fish farmers to avail the opportunity in a right way and acquaint themselves with the latest scientific technique of pisciculture. Mr. Singh stressed for adopting pisiciculture as their alternate occupation for their socio economic transformation.

Drug & Food Control Org seizes Gutka

JAMMU, MARCH 12: The enforcement staff has seized 159 cartons of Dabang Gutka worth Rs. 21.00 lakh from two trucks bearing registration No. PB-10 CD-1085 and HR-55 K-7775 at Lakhanpur Check Post. This was done following imposition of ban on manufacture, storage, sale, transportation, display or distribution of Gutkha by whatever name and Pan Masala/Zarda containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients by whatsoever name by the Commissioner, Food Safety, M. K. Dwivedi. The exercise has conducted with the active support of sales tax officials posted at Lakhanpur. Controller Drug & Food, Satish Gupta, has appealed the public to refrain from indulging in violation of prohibition order on the subject. He further impressed upon that violators, on this account, can face imprisonment for six months and a fine of minimum Rs. 1.00 lakh.

Autorickshaw driver injured in protests dies

SRINAGAR: An autorickshaw driver injured in South Kashmir's Anantnag district during protests on March 8 succumbed to injuries in a hospital in Srinagar late Monday night, police said. Riyaz Ahmad Khanday, 23, an autorickshaw driver who was attacked by stone pelters in South Kashmir Mattan town of Anantnag district during a protest, died in Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura. Four people have been arrested for the death of Khanday, who had allegedly plied his autorickshaw during a shutdown in the town. With Khanday's death, the toll in the violence that followed the hanging of Afzal Guru has risen to five. Two youths drowned during protests allegedly after being chased by security forces in North Kashmir's Ganderbal district. A boy was killed in firing by security forces in North Kashmir's Watergam village and another youth was killed in another firing incident by security forces in Baramulla town on March 5.

Benia lifts Shiv Khori Kesari title 2013

RANSOO(REASI), MARCH 12: Wrestler Benia of J&K Police of Basantgarh Patha, Mohd Sadiq Pahalwan lifted "15th Shiv Khori Kesari title 2013" by defeating Wrestler Parveen of Ladopur, Akhara Haryana in a neck to neck contest that lasted at Ransoo, the base camp of Shiv Khori Shrine Board in Pouni Block of Reasi District last evening. As a part of famous and historic Shiv Khori Mela, Vishal Dangal was organized by J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association in collaboration with J&K Tourism Department, Ransoo Dangal Committee and District Administration, Reasi under the overall supervision of President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association Shiv Kumar Sharma. Tehsildar (S), Reasi, R.K Anand ( Mela officer) was the chief guest on the occasion. President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association who is President J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association thanked the Minister of Tourism, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and Deputy Director Tourism for their support to the indigenous game of Wrestling. In all 34 bouts were played in the Vishal Dangal. Suraj of Goal Bagh Stadium Amritsar won the 2nd main bout by defeated Kulbir Singh of Kot Bhalwal Jammu while Kulbir Singh of Kot Bhalwal Jammu remained the winner of 3rd main bout. 4Th bout was won by Chottu who defeated Hoshier Singh of Mahore. In other bouts Arjun of Jammu beat Rohit of Amritsar, Kala of Pahtankote beat Soffi of Domana and Surjeet Singh of Kalakote beat Baba of Domana. Among others, DSP, CRFF, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Retd Lecturer Mubarik Singh, Sarpanches and Panches were also present in the occasion.

RFFDA organizes one day awareness-cum-training programme at Kupwara

KUPWARA, MARCH 12: The Fisheries department today organized an awarenesscum-training programme at Town Hall, Kupwara in collaboration with Regional Fish Farmers Development Agency (RFFDA) where in the Director Fisheries, Kashmir, Chief Project Officer, RFFDA, CPO Manasbal, Assistant Director Fisheries, Kupwara and Assistant Director Fisheries, Baramulla were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Director Fisheries impressed upon the educated unemployed youth for adopting for setting up of the Trout and Corp fish units as there is scope under private sector in fish farming. She informed that at present 400 beneficiaries have been covered under Prime Minister's Employment Package Programme while Rs. 1.50 lakh are being provided for Corp ponds and another Rs. 2.40 lakh under Trout culture for material and construction purposes.

also member J&K State Sports Council, Shiv Kumar Sharma Presided over the function. Treasurer Indian Style Wrestling Association of India Shiv Kumar Sharma and President Ransoo Dangal Committee Kewal Krishan gave Rs

13,000/- cash prize money to wrestler Benia winner of 1st malli in addition to "Silver Gurj (Gadda) and Patta"besides Rs 12,000/- given to runner up Wrestler Parveen by Sarpanch Paul Chand and Sarpanch Shamsher Singh.

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EDITORIAL
By Sandhya Jain ur planners project genetic engineering as the panacea for all that ails Indian agriculture. Worse, refusing to learn from the history of farmer suicides, the Government wants to extend its blunders to rain-fed areas. The archetypal States of the Green Revolution are shrivelling under the cumulative impact of the overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, hybrid monoculture, and over- extraction of groundwater, all of which have ravaged the soil health and affected productivity. Further, in just one decade, yields have peaked in genetically modified crops (Bt cotton) even as new and drug-resistant pests have emerged to attack the crop and harass the luckless farmers. Despite these irreversible trends, planners continue to project genetic engineering as the panacea for all that ails Indian agriculture. Worse, refusing to learn from the ongoing history of farmer tragedies, the Government proposes to extend the mistakes of the Green Revolution to rain-fed regions. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, approved three years ago, and now revived as the lynchpin of the 12th Plan, views genetic engineering as the solution to all crop requirements, such as drought resilience, salinity tolerance, improved nitrogen fixation, and water efficiency. Experts warn that this could cause loss of potentially useful genetic biodiversity. More dangerously, farmers would lose control of seeds and would be

ith 4000 ultras from the State still living in Pak occupied Kashmir and other parts of Pakistan it is clear that the clouds of terror will take a long time to get clear. The conditions for peace depend upon many things. The influx of terrorists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir is one such crucial parameter that has an important bearing upon the peace in the valley. The rehabilitation policy announced by the government to facilitate the return of those 'mis-guided' ultras who want to return has not borne any fruit as nobody has come through proper process across the identified routes in the rehabilitation policy. The interesting part of the whole issue is that militants in hundreds have come to the valley through illegal routes especially via Nepal. They have brought their POK wives and children in tow. What a happy reunion. Though they are not entitled for any assistance for their rehabilitation who knows whether they will gradually take to a normal life or not. It is a plausible to reason that they might have been sent by their handlers to unleash a fresh wave of terror in the valley. There are many examples in which the surrendered militants after getting released from the jails escaped and again took to militant activities. Nowhere in the world will it be tolerated that a man of Jihadi mindset leaves for the terror universities of Pakistan gets baptized there in the arts of waging war one fine morning appears in the State with his wife and children. Tolerance has a limit, Goodwill has a limit too but in India we have reached to such a state of hypocrisy that words like reason, national interest and punishing the enemies of the country are empty words which have no relevance. Only how to remain politically viable is the main agenda of the political parties especially the valley based mainstream parties. It sounds funny that while as these parties have enough of soft corner for the terrorists to come back and get them rehabilitated there are lakhs of displaced people from Pakistan who are fighting for their due space in the State. These west Pakistani refugees are having myriad problems which have not been addressed despite rosy promises made to them from time to time. The displaced people from the valley have not been given a viable and holistic rehabilitation policy where by their economic, cultural and political rights could be ensured and safeguarded in the valley. There are hundreds of families who had to flee from the border areas due to cross border firing. These families too deserved a comprehensive rehabilitation policy. But when the Government is concerned to rehabilitate those who waged war against the country and killed its innocent citizens how can the real sufferers hope to get speedy attention and fair deal. God only can help this country with such a queer mindset occupying the minds of the High and Mighty who preside over our destinies.

Rehabilitation policy for militants, discrimination for displaced people

REVOLUTION THAT IS NOT SO GREEN, AFTER ALL

forced to rely on monopoly biotechnology companies, as has happened in the case of cotton farmers; Bt cotton comprises over 92 per cent of all cotton grown in India. Yet the NMSA moots genetic engineering as the future route for all crop improvements, and even proposes extending it to livestock, fisheries, poultry and microbes. It suggests that genetic engineering should be used to convert crops of certain efficiency (C3) in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (thereby reducing the carbon footprint) into C4 crops for improved photosynthesis. Experts feel this is unnecessary and that it is better and safer to rely on traditional C4 crops like maize and millet. It is pertinent that the parliamentary committee on agriculture and a committee appointed by the Supreme Court noted concerns with the GM policy and demanded a precautionary approach till appropriate regulations were in place. Early experiments with GM plants had adversely affected animals that accidentally ate the crop residue, though these were quickly hushed up by vested interests. The mission's main thrust is on technology and mechanised agriculture, with emphasis on promoting tractors, laser land levellers, drip and sprinklers, all of which have failed in States like Punjab and Haryana where they cannot check the declining productivity caused by virtually barren soil and poor water table.

The 12th Plan aims at four per cent growth rate in agriculture as against 3.3 per cent and 2.4 per cent in previous years. It pays lip service to small farms, but its approach will adversely impact small farmers, food security, and even the status of agriculture in the economy. Farm collectivisation, once virulently opposed by Choudhary Charan Singh, could make a backdoor entry via the 12th Plan, which virtually punishes farmers with marginal land holdings. Stressing the "viability of farm enterprise and focus on small farms", the Plan proposes that small farmers leave agriculture and lease their lands as land banks which can be leased to farmers' cooperatives. A presumed surplus population in agriculture is thus yanked out of the farmstead without providing alternative livelihoods. Instead, it is glibly suggested that the displaced farmers work under MGNREGA or become slum-dwellers in cities. The threat of forced cooperativisation is serious, with an array of changes in the Tenancy and Land Lease Acts and the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act being mooted to make the idea work. There is little concern on the fact that this would further marginalise and impoverish the farmers. It is claimed that "lands will not be given to corporate entities", but experts say this is an indirect admission that the Government is aware that the powerful food industry and land grab sharks will make a killing. The lopsided nature of the

approach paper is evident from its assertion that agricultural production must shift from cereal to pulses, horticulture, and value addition through food processing, as India has enough food grains reserve till the end of the 12th Plan. Actually, as the National Sample Survey Organisation data reveals, there has been a sharp decline in the consumption of food grains in the last two decades in both urban and rural areas, which has serious implications for food and nutrition security. The document urges lower minimum support price for rice and wheat and higher MSP for pulses and oilseeds. The Government has reduced food security to availability of food in the market, linked up with the public distribution system and cash transfer based on Aadhar. The emphasis on food processing is unsettling, as food processing industries are lobbying hard for subsidies in agriculture. This means processed food will be treated at par with food grown in farms and will receive Government subsidy. If that happens, policy changes will ensure that the lion's share of public funding goes to food processing (private capitalism). Much attention has been given to private investment in agriculture. Worldwide, private capital in agriculture has focussed on production of oilseeds, agro-fuels, wheat and feed for livestock for meat production. In India, private investment in agriculture has focussed on farm mechanisation and micro irrigation. The 12th Plan hopes to attract investment in backend infrastruc-

ture like food processing, warehousing, rural connectivity, insurance products, most of which is expected as foreign direct investment in retail. The Plan does not envisage curbing alienation of agricultural land. Current estimates show that an additional 11 million hectare a agricultural land is needed to feed the rising population. Despite this, nearly three million ha of agricultural land (much of it multi-cropping) has been diverted to non-agricultural use since 1990-91, according to official statistics. India needs to overhaul the current system of input-intensive agriculture based on monoculture and hybrids, biotechnology, and mechanisation. Sustainable agriculture can only be based on diversified production models and conserving genetic bio-diversity of crops and livestock in partnership with local communities. It must accommodate the reality of subsistence agriculture in the country, and encourage non-pesticidal farming and use of bio-fertilisers. Finally, we need strategies to cope with climate change. Increased temperatures have already adversely affected wheat and paddy yields in some places due to increased water stress and reduction in the number of rainy days. Parts of western Rajasthan, southern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Bihar are perceived as vulnerable to climate-induced stress.

Technology may now be more effective than activism

CHANGING CLIMATES

Potato for Bhang

he State Agriculture Department has introduced a new initiative in those areas which are notorious for cultivation of Cannabis (Bhang). It is a step in right direction provided the potato tubers which have been supplied to these areas as seeds are not consumed but are sown by the farmers so that they gain from the crop produce. Potato is a cash crop and can fetch a good price in the market besides it can be stored and whenever the farmer likes he can sell his crop at a much higher price. That is a natural and obivious choice for the farmers to have. But will they is as interesting is the step of the agricultural department to wean away the farmers from cultivating the infamous contraband-Bhang from which Hashish or Charas is extracted. There are some areas in the Kashmir especially in Kakapora, Pulwama, Tral and Anantnag whichhave become the hubs of bhang cultivation. The trend surfaced first in early 1970s of the last century and then gradually spread due to the high value that the contraband fetched in the market. The urge to cultivate bhang has reached to such proportions that it is threatening the normal pattern of crop cultivation in the region which once was famous as the granary of Kashmir. The long reign of militancy gave a spurt to its cultiva-

tion as a nexus developed between the cultivators, militants and some elements in the law enforcement agencies. This nexus is a very dangerous agent for fomenting a long violent resistance as the militants can cash on the ill gotten wealth and pump the contraband finance into antinational activities. The whole world is witness to the millions of dollars that the Afghan Taliban is earning from the poppy cultivation. Huge quantities of heroin that are pumped into the western countries come from the poppy cultivation undertaken in the AfPak region and are monitored and controlled by Taliban and other Jihadi groups. Hence there is an urgent need to control the Bhang cultivation in South Kashmir. Thousands of young people have turned into drug addicts thanks to the greed of the farmers who in order to make quick bucks indulge in activities inimical to the society. A stringent law is needed so that those who cultivate Bhang are punished or their land holding title is annulled. We have to come down with a heavy hand on the producers of contraband. This way only we can ensure that our new generation does not fall prey to drugs or land themselves into the hands of ever willing Jihadis whose numbers mercifully for now, is shrinking.

By Bikash Sinha & Krishnan Srinivasan ne of the features of our modern times is the ability to communicate with one another exceptionally rapidly. Events nowadays burst into our consciousness in an instant, whether it is the Arab Spring manifestations or the rape and murder atrocity in New Delhi, and these happenings show the ability of the public to organize mass action very quickly. But this phenomenon is two-faced; in the same way as these incidents come alive in a flash, they subside very fast as well, and it is a sad reflection of our times that our attention span is becoming shorter and shorter. New ideas race in, crowding out the old before they have had time to germinate and turn from campaign into action. Thus it seems with the agenda for climate change. Certainly, this problem did not emerge at the speed of light. Instead, it followed a long period of almost silent gestation in the laboratories of science and along the back alleys and corridors of diplomacy and politics. Twenty years ago, it would have been necessary to explain global warming to the bewildered public, but then climate change issues suddenly seemed to grab the public consciousness. Five years ago, the public were more aware of the perils of carbon emissions than the world's politicians. Newspapers were full of the dangers of an over-warmed planet, there was the remarkable documentary film in 2006 by Al Gore called An Inconvenient Truth, and the drama of global warming was expounded on television. Climate change entered every home. Then along came the American president, Barack Obama, with his inauguration speech, repudiating the character of denial of the George W. Bush years. That moment, four years back, was probably the high-water mark and represented the greatest hope in the climate change debate. For the first time, there was a realistic prospect that the world's most powerful and influential power, and biggest polluter, was

ready to confront and overcome the world's greatest challenge. After Obama's inauguration, the public was ready to believe that the rhetoric would turn into action, that nations would stop quibbling and start curbing emissions, and that the world's politicians would stop trying to negotiate with physics and instead begin to use the science to reconfigure the world's energy strategy. But Obama's inauguration proved to be a false dawn. Obama, as it turned out, would stake his presidency on healthcare and not on climate change. A series of conferences in recent years and on several continents, in Copenhagen, Durban, Doha and Rio, did nothing more than evince general intent to think about doing something sometime. And it seems, in rapid order, climate change has moved from the front pages to the backwaters. If one questions the editors and the journalists about this new low priority, they will say it is the public's fault: the discerning audience has had its moment of focus and has now moved on to other matters. Breaking news has crowded out what might well constitute the most important crisis ever to confront mankind. The record loss of ice in the Arctic Sea last summer has barely registered in the American public consciousness, because climate change is only just starting to pose a practical problem for the big population centres of the lower 48 states of the United States of America, although it has been that in Alaska for a long time. Native villages with sea frontage are eroding and must be moved. Tall new brush and saplings are springing up on the tundra where they had never grown before. The season during which it is possible to drive on icy roads has shortened from 204 days to 124. Alaskan hunters must go further out in the sea to hunt because the ice is receding. The direct effects of pollution hit people and animals harder in the Arctic, and the bodies of the Inuit living near the North Pole contain the highest concentrations of chemical

contaminants found in humans anywhere on earth. It seems that even the potential of a global catastrophe can only manage its few minutes of media and political attention. Obama now has a new mandate, but significantly, climate change barely featured this time in his election campaign. In Europe, the Centre-Right governments which are in power are kneedeep in financial and social internal problems and have no time and less inclination to give any priority to this global challenge. There are obviously no political dividends to be gained from addressing a problem that cannot be fixed cheaply, neatly and quickly. For completely different reasons, both Germany and Japan have renounced nuclear power, one of the few forms of low carbon energy that could maintain Western-style high standards of living while keeping the emissions and temperature down. In India, demonstrations have taken place against nuclear power with scant regard to, or serious discussion of, its manifold benefits, while the government of India chooses to maintain an agnostic silence. In all the current talk of stimulating growth, there is scarcely a mention of making it green. Therefore, since the Copenhagen conference, which was attended by many heads of government, the climate change agenda has fallen into deep trouble. We have no political consensus, no international agreement, and a public that is getting indifferent. Mass public demonstrations urging politicians to take action rapidly to avert this danger seem to be a thing of the past. What will we look for in a new and greener energy economy? There could be three components: better ways of capturing energy from nature, better ways of using energy, and finally, better ways of storing energy. Fortunately, there is no shortage of exciting ideas springing off the scientific drawing boards, spurred on by those hopes of four years ago.

Wind turbines can now compete with coal, solar power is becoming cheaper by the day, and, although it got off to a slow start, new batteries are being devised that will match nature's energy supply with consumer demand. Geothermal energy being extracted from the belly of the earth is a safe and cheap source of energy. Then there is the accelerator-driven sub-critical system in thoriumbased reactors, which operates in a closed cycle. A number of institutions in China and India are working on this new generation of safer nuclear technologies. For these reasons, the energy supply side is starting to look more promising. So what, with any confidence, can be expected as the next steps? Consumption is set to change. The use of motor vehicles is due for a dramatic transformation with fuel consumption likely to fall rapidly as a new generation of affordable plug-in hybrids hits the road. Efficient high quality LED lights are rapidly becoming the norm, and more energy efficient appliances are already in the market. The new gadgets will be popular simply because they are more user-friendly and cheaper than the older ones. LED lighting lasts for years and not months, energy-efficient appliances cost small change to run, and electric cars are quieter, quicker and cheaper to use than petrol or diesel engine ones. Seemingly, it will be customer experience and preference that will ultimately change our world for the better, and not the green campaigner or the international conference of plenipotentiaries. In this way, the climate has evidently changed for climate change. But the former activism has not totally disappeared; it has simply moved underground and out of sight. When the new technologies emerge in the marketplace, as they undoubtedly will, there will be a roller-coaster ride as the public ditch the old for the new faster than it abandoned the energy-efficient horse and cart in favour of the carbon-emitting motor car.

READERS SPACE
The PM's chair
Dear Sir One is amused that the BJP has a truckload of PM material. The ruling coalition has virtually none now that Rahul Gandhi has declined to be projected by the Congress as its prime ministerial candidate. If the Congress is plagued by corruption and nepotism, the BJP has to contend with internal bickering. Instead of leading the charge against a demoralized Congress, the Saffronite party is engaged in a puerile debate on who will be its prime ministerial candidate. L.K. Advani had his chance in 2009, but he missed the bus. Despite her oratorical skills, Sushma Swaraj might find it very difficult to be in the running as a

prospective Prime Minister. The BJP should reflect on its strategy prior to 2014. Yours, etc., Aditya Singh Chauhan Kathua

A crusade ends

Dear Sir Hugo Chavez, the flamboyant socialist leader who died recently, will always be remembered as an anti-imperialist and a staunch critic of neo-liberalism. The United States of America had dubbed him a dictator and a demagogue because Chavez did everything to save his country from American imperialism. He was also hostile towards the US because he believed that the country was responsible for the coup against him in 2002. He also sold oil to Cuba, a US adversary, and

resisted American efforts to curb narcotics trafficking in Colombia. Born into poverty, Chavez went on to become the most powerful man in Venezuela. He attended the Venezuelan military academy and served as an army officer before he turned against the government in 1992. He not only put oilrich Venezuela at the service of the poor, but also ensured that his people, especially those from the marginalized sections, received the benefits of education and health reform. Chavez's successor, Nicolas Maduro, has to carry forward the legacy that has been left behind by him. The "unfolding of events in Venezuela will be keenly watched the world over, particularly in the countries that had benefited immensely from Chavez's magnanimity and his larger-than-life persona". Yours etc. Bidyut Kumar Jammu

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NATIONAL
THIRUVANANTHAPURA M: Former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty's son Bitti Mohanty, who was convicted for raping a German woman, managed to evade law for six years before he was finally nabbed by the Kerala police due to his sheer bad luck. It was reported on Tuesday that his arrest by Kerala police was the result of an anonymous letter sent to the bank where he was employed for past nine months detailing his real identity. After investigation it was revealed that the letter was written by a woman colleague of Bitti, who was also his lover. Till his arrest, Bitti was working with the State Bank of Travancore as a probationary officer 'Raghav Rajan.' After receiving the handwritten letter, the bank lodged a complaint about him at the local police, which finally nailed him for alleged for alleged impersonation and forgery. Though Bitti initially insisted that he is 'Raghav Rajan' but authorities were not convinced as the personal details he had given did not match up. "Bitti had been working with the bank for seven months and claimed o hold an MBA degree from Kannur University," a police official was quoted as saying. Convinced that Bitti had created a fake identity to hoodwink police and evade law, he was then arrested

India, Mauritius to resolve contentious issues surrounding proposed changes to DTTA Convention
PORT LOUIS:India and Mauritius have decided to resolve contentious issues surrounding proposed changes to the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention. This was among the several steps announced to strengthen bilateral ties by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Port Louis today. It was also decided that the bilateral line of credit between two sides will be used as a vehicle to upgrade economic and commercial exchanges to improve the quality of life of Mauritian citizens. President Pranab Mukherjee also stated that India and Mauritius will further enhance exchanges in the fields of health, higher education, Information technology, science and technology, tourism, textiles, agro-processing, culture and legal MoUs have been signed in health and medicine, tourism and co-operation and in the field of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. India also increased the training slots for Mauritius under the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation programme. The President lauded the stands taken by Mauritius on terrorism and for its consistent support of India's rightful claim for permanent membership in an expanded United Nation Security Council. Earlier during the day, the President paid homage at the Samadhi of Sir Sewoosagur Ramgoolam and visited the Aapravasi Ghat, a world Heritage Site. The Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the national assembly and leader of the opposition called on President Pranab Mukherjee.

Jilted lover betrayed Bitti Mohanty

states," said a senior police official, who did not wish to be identified. Bitti is the son of BB Mohanty, a former director

President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Mauritius

co-operation. The President expressed satisfaction that three

Ambassador summoned Set up monitoring system for Italian over naval guards row Cauvery water: Jayalalithaa
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Tuesday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to protect the state's interest in the Cauvery river water dispute. Jayalalithaa asked the prime minister to constitute the Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to protect the state's interests so that the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) order can be implemented. In a letter to the prime minister, Jayalalithaa said: "the government of Karnataka is in the habit of depleting the storages from its four reservoirs namely Krishnarajasagar, Kabini, Hemavathy and Harangi during the summer months besides utilising the inflows into the reservoirs during the period." She said summer showers in the catchment areas of the Cauvery Basin in Karnataka would begin in the third week of April and the state's reservoirs would receive inflows. "Karnataka, as in the past, would continue to utilise the flows for summer irrigation without conserving it for the cumstances, I once again NEW DELHI: The Italian ambassador to India is being summoned by the external affairs ministry in connection with case involving two naval guards from Italy. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed as "unacceptable" Italy's refusal to send its two naval guards back to India where they were facing trial for killing two fishermen and said the issue will be taken up with that country. Singh conveyed this to delegations of Kerala MPs from Left and Congress, who met him separately to express anguish and demand his intervention in the "serious" matter. The Prime Minister said it was "unacceptable", according to CPM MPs K N Balagopal and M B Rajesh. Singh told the Left MPs that he will ask external affairs minister Salman Khurshid to take up the issue with Italy. His comments came in the wake of Italian foreign ministry's statement that the naval guards Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone will not return to India from Italy where they had gone to cast vote in last month's elec-

releases as prescribed in the final order of the tribunal. The government of Karnataka should adhere to the irrigation season from June 1 to Jan 31 as stipulated in the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and should not be allowed to deplete the storages from its reservoirs for summer irrigation," Jayalalithaa said. She said it is essential that a monitoring mechanism be put in place by the first week of May so that Tamil Nadu's rights are protected from the ensuring irrigation year 2013-14. "Under these cir-

request you to order the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure that the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee are put in place to implement the final order of the tribunal in letter and spirit," she said. On the Supreme Court's direction, the central government notified the tribunal's final order last month. The notification gives a legal backing to order as under Section 6 of the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, the central government has to notify the award of the tribunal.

tions after special permission granted by the Supreme Court. The two naval guards are facing trial for allegedly killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February last year, mistaking them for pirates. The Italian ministry claimed India had not responded to its requests to seek a diplomatic solution to the case and there was now a formal dispute between the two countries over the terms of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. Khurshid said the government is studying Italy's decision, its reasons as also implications. "We will study and take a rightful position... We will take informed position," he told reporters on the issue which is very sensitive in Kerala politics. Rajesh said, "We met the Prime Minister and took up the issue of Italian marines. The Prime Minister told us that he came to know about this from newspapers. He assured us that he will ask the external zffairs minister to look into this issue to intervene in this issue."

from Kannur in Kerala. Rajasthan police also later confirmed that the man arrested in Kerala is the elusive rapist Bitti Mohanty, who jumped parole in 2006 after his arrest the same year for raping a German woman in Alwar. He will now be taken to Rajasthan for investigations on how he managed to get certificates and documents in the fake identity of "Raghava Raj" from Andhra Pradesh. The Rajasthan police had earlier set up three separate teams to travel to Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. "Bitty will be first taken to Rajasthan where he jumped parole in 2006. If need be, he will be taken to the other two

general of police in Odisha. He was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in 2006 for raping a 26-year-old German woman in Alwar. He jumped parole the same year and had been on the run ever since. He had secured the bank job using the name Raghav Raj and had documents that showed he hails from Andhra Pradesh. Police said that Bitti has been identified, but his identity should be proven scientifically in the court, and for that Bitti and his father are likely to undergo a DNA test. BB Mohanty was accused of aiding his son's escape and was suspended but later reinstated. He retired in 2012.

Indian students can now study translational medicine

KOLKATA: In a first of its kind initiative in India to transform lab-based research into application at the clinical level, the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS) here will offer fellowship in translation science, varsity officials said Tuesday. "This is a fellowship which is a first of its kind in the country.There are only five to six institutes in the world that offer such courses or fellowships. "The fellowship titled 'Regenerative Medicine and Translational Science' will also include a course in regenerative medicine that encompasses healing and recovery. Both these areas are immensely important for the country," said WBUHS vice-chancellor Amit Banerjee. The fellowship will initially flag-off with 20 students starting April, at the School of Tropical Medicine here. To be at par with global standards, WBUHS has joined hands with prestigious institutes across the world like Oxford University and Harvard among others. "Our collaborators include Oxford University, Harvard, institutes in Singapore, Hong Kong etc. They will be available to our students via Skype, telemedicine and video conferencing," said Banerjee. Regulated and designed by the WBUHS, the fellowship will have a duration of 12 to 18 months. The university, which has 88 institutes in the state under its aegis, will launch a variety of other courses as well in 2013.

DMK: Do not scrap regional language from UPSC exam

ate withdrawal of the notification, terming it as a "big blow" to rural aspirants. He said that according to it, only when there is a minimum number of 25 candidates qualified in a particular language, will they be permitted to write their answers in that language and this has come as a "big blow" to rural aspirants. "But this restriction, according to the notification, is not applicable to Hindi and English. In the main examinations, candidates can write answers only in the language, which was their medium in the degree courses," he said. This "prescription" will definitely reduce the number of candidates opting to write in regional languages, he said in his letter. "These restrictions, which bar rural aspirants in the Civil Services (Main) Examinations, open up broad gateway to urban aspirants who study in Hindi or English medium," he said. "The changes notified by UPSC are being construed as obvious steps to impose Hindi. This is a serious violation of the assurance given by Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru to our nation," the DMK chief said. Further, this will lead to an "unhealthy and unequal competition" among rural and urban students, he said. Earlier, the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and TDP, among others, had opposed the new UPSC rules.

Spielberg to make a film on Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Kashmir has caught the fancy of world renowned Director Steven Spielberg, who is defined by his perfect cinema-making skills. He is going to work on a new film based on the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir valley. According to a daily, Spielberg revealed his plans of producing the film along with its Indian copartner Reliance Entertainment, owned by business honcho Anil Ambani. Spielberg, who is in Mumbai to celebrate the success of his film 'Lincoln', was quoted as saying, "We have finalised a script for a movie. Part of it will take place on the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir. But we`re still trying to figure out the casting, locations and who`s going to direct it. On Monday, Anil and Tina Ambani threw a splendid bash in honour of Spielberg which was attended by Amitabh Bachchan and several celebrities. But Spielberg's India trip is more than just a celebratory one because he came with the agenda to discuss the aforementioned film on Kashmir with the Reliance Entertainment team.

Illegal coal blocks will be cancelled: SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday said the allocation of coal blocks prima facie seemed to be arbitrary and the procedure adopted by the government does not appear to be legal. It warned of cancelling the blocks if procedures were not followed. The court also directed the CBI not to share information of its probe into the scam with the "political executive" (central government). The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has estimated a loss of Rs.1.86 lakh crore to the exchequer in the controversial allocation of coal blocks by the government. The court said that if it was found that the government has not followed any procedure in the allocation of the blocks, then all the allocations of the blocks will "go". "The procedure the government is talking about prima facie does not seem to be proper and legal," said Justice Lodha. The apex court said it will first examine the legality of the allocation of coal blocks and then the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will look into the criminality, if any, in the allocation of the blocks. The court said this in the course of the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma and NGO Common Cause, seeking cancellation of all the coal blocks which have been negatively commented upon by CAG. The court directed the CBI director that the agency will not share information of its probe into the scam with the political executive (central government). Defending the allocation of the coal blocks and holding them legal, Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati said all norms were followed in the allocation of the coal blocks and the government does not want any large-scale cancellation. The statement by the attorney general assumes significance in the back-drop of the apex court cancelling 122 2G licences thereby jolting the telecom sector.

NEW DELHI:Key UPA ally DMK on Tuesday joined a host of parties in opposing a UPSC notification for scrapping of regional language paper, describing it as an attempt to "impose" Hindi and that the move will affect rural aspirants. In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi sought immedi-

Delhi gang-rape monster Ram Singh's death due to hanging, neighbours relieves
NEW DELHI: As per preliminary post mortem report, December 16 Delhi gang-rape accused Ram Singh had died due to hanging; ruling out the possibility that he was strangulated to death. Reports said Ram Singh's body had no antemortem injuries. The time death of was between 4.30 am and 4.45 am, as per the autopsy report. Importantly, the big question is whether Ram Singh hanged himself or was he hanged by someone else - the post mortem is not clear on whether he committed suicide. Meanwhile, defence lawyer Manoj Tomar said that he had seen Ram Singh's body. As per him, the body had multiple injuries with right collar bone being damaged. There were scratch marks on the body, Tomar said, adding, "Ram Singh did not commit suicide." After initial reports suggested Singh committed suicide, jail authorities and the government have been mum on the cause of the death - they had only said he was found hanging inside his cell. Ram Singh's family will be handed over the body after the autopsy, reports said. The family has alleged that he was murdered and demanded a CBI probe into the incident. "He has not committed suicide. He has been murdered and then hanged. I am saying this on the basis of the fact that evidences has been erased. He could not move his hand as it had fractures. Ram Singh, 35, was seen hanging at 5.45 am by a Tamil Nadu policeman in the prison's Jail No. 3 - 84 days after the horrendous gang-rape. He used a part of bed linen to hang from an iron grille eight feet high in his 15x12 rectangular cell. He was arrested from a Delhi slum where he lived Dec 17 -- a day after he and five others, including a juvenile, raped the physiotherapist trainee, a crime that shook the collective conscience of the country and made for shocking news across the world. While the woman was brutally raped, her friend was thrashed. Both were flung out of the bus, bleeding and without clothes. The woman died 13 days later in Singapore. Tihar officials had earlier said that Ram Singh was on "suicide watch", after he and the other accused reportedly became depressed. The watch was lifted later, they said. Ram Singh, who had confessed to the crime, had been charged on 13 counts. One of the five accused is his younger brother Mukesh. All are being tried in fasttrack court. Lawyers said Ram Singh's death would not affect the trial. He was supposed to go to the court Monday. Talking to media Ram singh's neighbor said "The last few months have been frustrating for all of us and we were fed up of the media and police swarming this place. I am relieved that he (Singh) is gone forever," said a middle-aged woman neighbour, requesting anonymity. The driver's neighbour, a mother of two who lives a few shacks away from his house, said: "He would pass lewd comments and tease women irrespective of their age... you could see it in his eyes, he was a monster and I was very scared of him." According to neighbours, Ram Singh's family - consisting of his parents and four brothers - migrated from Rajasthan and settled in the colony in the early 1990s. Describing Ram Singh and his brothers as "hooligans", the neighbours said they did odd jobs and were a "bad influence" on the young boys in the slum cluster. "They would often get drunk, gamble, indulge in brawls and ill-treat women. They were influencing the young boys as well," said another neighbour, adding that the driver's parents were permanent residents of the colony but their children would come off-andon. "He (Ram Singh) had shamed humanity and deserved this... his brothers are the same and police should throw this family out of here," he said. A police investigation following Ram Singh's arrest revealed that he had a history of bad behaviour and was called "mental" by his friends, alluding, perhaps, to his alleged abnormal and quarrelsome nature. The others accused in the case are Pawan, 19, and Akshay, 29, who are held in Tihar Jail No. 4, Vinay, 20, and Mukesh, 26, both in Jail No. 7. The sixth accused is a juvenile, lodged and being tried separately.

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Chinese leader rejects Western political systems

BEIJING: Yu Zhengsheng, the newly-elected leader of the country's top political advisory body, pledged on Tuesday that China will promote consultative democracy and will not copy Western political systems under any circumstance. "We need to steadfastly uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), adhere to and improve the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC," said Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). "We need to more strictly follow the socialist path of political development with Chinese characteristics, not imitate Western political systems under any circumstances, always adhere to the correct political orientation, and strengthen the CPPCC's ideological and political foundations of collective struggle," Yu said more than 2,000 political advisors at the closing meeting of the first with Chinese characteristics, strengthening confidence, being more conscientious, duties are compatible with the central task of economic development, conform to policy-making requirements more fully, and better reflect the wishes". Yu pledged to promote the consultative democracy, saying that it embodies the intrinsic requirements of socialist democracy. "The CPPCC's consultative democracy takes the Constitution, the CPPCC Charter and relevant policies as its foundation, and the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC as its guarantee," he said. "It integrates consultation, oversight, participation and cooperation; closely combines people's rights to stay informed about, participate in, express views on, and oversee government affairs; embodies the intrinsic requirements of socialist democracy; and accords with the fundamental interests of the people," he said.

Helicopter crash in Afghanistan Sri Lanka's ex-army chief to form new political party kills Five NATO troops
KABUL: Five members of the N AT O - l e d international force fighting in Afghanistan were killed in a helicopter crash in the south of the country. "The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the incident," a Nato statement said. The international force did not give any details about the nationalities involved but Associated Press said a Nato official had identified them as US troops. American and British forces make up the bulk of the Nato-led contingent in Afghanistan's south, while Australian troops also operate in the area. The crash came on the same day that two US troops and five Afghan police and soldiers were killed in a socalled insider attack by a person in an Afghan military COLOMBO: Former Sri Lanka Army commander Sarath Fonseka on tuesday filed papers to register a new political party in the island nation under his leadership. Fonseka, who filed his party papers at the Elections Department Tuesday, issued an open invitation for any political party member to join his new party in a move to form a strong opposition. Sri Lanka's Democratic National Alliance (DNA) MP Jayantha Kettagoda will function as the general secretary of the party, Fonseka said. Fonseka contested the 2010 presidential elections in the island nation under the Democratic National Alliance but lost the race to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. As commander of the army, Fonseksa played an integral role in ending the country's civil war in 2009, defeating Tamil Tiger rebels. He later had a public fall out with President Rajapaksa whom he unsuccessfully challenged in the 2010 presidential election. Following the end of the war, Fonseka was promoted to a four-star rank in the Sri Lankan army, becoming the first serving officer to hold such a rank. He has been described as Sri Lanka's most successful army commander. On Nov 29, 2009, Fonseka formally announced his candidature in the 2010 Sri Lankan presidential election. His candidacy was endorsed by the main opposition parties and Fonseka became the main opposition candidate challenging President Rajapaksa. He campaigned under the sign of a swan. Following his election defeat, Fonseka was arrested Feb 8, 2010, and the government announced he will be court-martialled for committing "military offences". He was found guilty of corrupt military supply deals and sentenced to three years in prison. After serving more than two years in prison, Fonseka was released May 21 last year.

session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee. Yu said that thoroughly implementing and studying the guiding principles of the 18th CPC National Congress held in November is the foremost political task of the CPPCC at present and for some time to come. "The most important and core issues while implementing and studying these guiding principles are upholding and developing socialism

and achieving self-improvement," he said. "We must doggedly focus on the central task of economic development and serving the overall interests of the country, he said. He said the CPPCC will make more efforts to "adopt pragmatic measures and achieve practical results, advance development in a scientific way, promote social harmony, ensure all the CPPCC's efforts to fulfill its

US Ready to Negotiate With North Korea: White House

WASHINGTON: United States on Tuesday said that it is ready to sit down with North Korea to negotiate but on the condition that Pyongyang must change its "current course". "We unequivocally reaffirm that the US is committed to the defence of our homeland and our allies. Recently, North Korean officials have made some highly provocative statements. North Korea's claims may be hyperbolic, but as to the policy of the US, there should be no doubt: we will draw upon the full range of our capabilities to protect against, and to respond to, the threat posed to us and to our allies by North Korea," National Security Adviser to the US President Tom Donilon, said. "This includes not only any North Korean use of weapons of mass destruction but also, as the President made clear, their transfer of nuclear weapons or nuclear materials to other states or nonstate entities," he said. "Such actions would be considered a grave threat to the US and our allies and we will hold North Korea fully accountable for the consequences," Donilon said in his address to the Asia Society in New York. The US, he said, will continue to encourage North Korea to choose a better path. "As he has said many times, President (Barack) Obama came to office willing to offer his hand to those who would unclench their fists. The US is prepared to help North Korea develop its economy and feed its people, but it must change its current course," Donilon said. "The US is prepared to sit down with North Korea to negotiate and to implement the commitments that they and the US have made. We ask only that Pyongyang prove its seriousness by taking meaningful steps to show it will abide by its commitments, honor its words, and respect international law," he said. In Washington, the White House expressed concern over the recent North Korean "bellicose rhetoric and threats", and said that such a move would further isolate the Pyongyang regime. "We are certainly concerned by North Korea's bellicose rhetoric and the threats that they have been making follow a pattern designed to raise tension and intimidate others," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

uniform in the east of the country. The new US defence secretary, Chuck Hagel, left Afghanistan earlier on Monday after a difficult first trip to Kabul that was marred by a suicide bomb attack near where he was holding a meeting and differences with President Hamid Karzai. The Afghan leader has accused the US of colluding with the Taliban. In August 2012, 11 people including seven US soldiers were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan. The worst such incident was in August 2011 when the Taliban shot down a CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter, killing all 38 people on board including 25 US special operations troops.

Snowstorm batters northwest Europe

World's largest biogas plant inaugurated in Finland

HELSINKI: The world's largest biogas plant was inaugurated on Finland's western coast as the country seeks to limit its use of foreign coal on Tuesday. Built near an existing coal-fired power plant in Vaasa, central Finland, the 140 MW biomass gasification factory is expected to cut coal use by up to 40 per cent. Fuelled mainly with wood residue from Finland's large forestry sector, the plant is expected to reduce carbondioxide emissions by 2, 30,000 tonnes a year while providing both heating and electricity for Vaasa's approximately 61,000 residents. The plant's operator, Vaskiluodon Voima, said it would also help create hundreds of new jobs in the region.

PARIS: A heavy late-winter snowstorm hit northwestern Europe on Tuesday, paralyzing transport, knocking out power to thousands and leaving hundreds stranded in their cars. France was affected most badly by the unseasonable weather, but Britain, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands also reported major disruptions. Nearly a third of France's regions were on alert and the government activated a ministerial crisis group to deal with mounting disruptions. More than 2,000 people were stranded in their cars overnight as heavy snow paralysed roads in Normandy and Brittany, with many spending the night in emergency shelters. At least 66,000 homes in Normandy and Brittany were without power, following snowfalls of 20 to 60 centimeters (eight to 24 inches). Heavy snow in several parts of Germany caused travel disruption, with 161 flights cancelled at Frankfurt airport, Europe's third busiest. Public transport in Berlin was affected with several regional trains cancelled or severely delayed. In Belgium, the snowstorms caused massive traffic disruptions, with vehicles backed up on 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of freeways due to snowdrifts and ice.

ECONOMY

India's industrial output rises 2.4 percent in January

NEW DELHI: India's industrial output increased by 2.4 percent in January as against a contraction of 0.6 percent in the previous month, giving an indication of revival in the Asia's third largest economy, the government data showed on Tuesday. Electricity output increased by 6.4 percent and manufacturing production registered a growth of 2.7 percent during the month under review. However, mining production slumped by 2.9 percent in January. The factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has registered a cumulative growth of 1 percent in AprilJanuary 2012-13 period yearon-years, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The cumulative growth for electricity sector in the first 10 months of the current financial year is 4.7 percent. Manufacturing output has increased by 0.9 percent, manufacturing sectors registering negative growth, any segment registered a decline of 1.8 percent and consumer durables output fell 0.9 percent. "While some signs of revival of industrial activity are indicated, it is too early to assume that the slowdown has bottomed out and green shoots of recovery are around the corner," said Adi Godrej, president, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). "If we factor in the base effect, the performance of industry is still below potential. But we hope that the growth in industry, though modest, would signal a beginning of a turnaround and we would expect much better figures, going forward," Godrej said. President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham) Rajkumar Dhoot said the data was positive but it did not give an indication that the Indian industry was "out of the woods".

World Bank assures Sensex falls 81 points banking, realty stocks slump more assistance to UP
LUCKNOW: The World Bank on Tuesday assured "increased development assistance" to Uttar Pradesh for improving rural and urban infrastructure. World Bank president Jim Yong Kim gave the assurance to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at an hour-long meeting here. Yadav sought more than $3.5 billion over the next five years. Kim told the media that he had made it a "personal point" to come to Uttar Pradesh and said he wanted to battle poverty and share the economic growth with the poorer sections of the society. "I want this to happen in our lifetime, in our generation," he said. Yadav said he wanted to achieve high economic growth and admitted that the state faced "significant challenges particularly in areas of infrastructure". He said the assistance sought by Uttar Pradesh was meant for roads and to strengthen urban systems including power, solid waste management and tourism. MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Tuesday fell by 81.29 points to end at 19,564.92 on selling in consumer durables, realty and banking shares as higherthan-expected IIP data combined with rising retail inflation tempered hopes of an interest rate cut by RBI next week. After a firm start at 19,697.84, the S&P BSE 30share Sensex tumbled by 81.29 points, or 0.41 percent to 19,564.92. During trading, it had touched the day's low of 19,505.75 on heavy selling in interest-sensitive stocks. In Sensex, 21 stocks fell led by HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Bajaj Auto, L&T and Bhel. Infosys, Bharti Airtel and Tata Power also reported losses. On gainers side, ITC, RIL and Tata Motors ended higher. Similarly, the National Stock Exchange index Nifty today dropped by 28.25 points or 0.48 percent to end at 5,914.10. It shuttled between 5,952 and 5,893.65 range intra-day. Sectorally, the consumer durable sector suffered the most by losing 1.99 per cent to 7,020.82, followed by power index by 1.36 per cent to 1,775.84. Realty index lost 1.24 per cent to 2,075.76 and banking index 0.92 per cent to 13,816.85.

while mining production has declined by 1.9 percent during the period under review. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the monthly data gave an indication of revival in the economy. "The growth in industrial and manufacturing sector remains an area of concern as positive growth of 2.4 percent in January 2013 comes over a low base. With 50 percent of

sustained growth remains elusive in the sector in immediate future," said Naina Lal Kidwai, president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). "Fixed investments, particularly the private sector investments, are drying up which is also evident from the negative growth of capital goods sector for nine out of the 10 months," she said. However, capital goods

India looks at more business from Egypt

CAIRO: Even as preparations are on for the visit of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy to New Delhi, the two countries explored their future economic potential during a trade committee meeting where India hoped it would emerge as preferred source of high quality and competitively-priced products in different areas, from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to information and communications technology. Coming on the eve of the visit this month of Morsy to India, the two sides reviewed the existing position with regard to bilateral trade, examine issues that need to be resolved and explore the future potential in new areas of cooperation, said a press release. The Indian delegation was headed by D.S. Dhesi, additional secretary in India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, while Said Abd-Allah, first under secretary in the Ministry of Industry & Foreign Trade headed the discussions from the Egyptian side. Both sides expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade between India and Egypt has shown impressive growth despite the ongoing global economic slowdown. They noted that trade has grown from $2.5 billion in 2006-07 to $4.3 billion in 2011-12. The trade balance currently lies in Egypt's favor with its exports to India touching $2.3 billion as against imports of a little under $2 billion. Both countries welcomed the significant increase in Indian investments in Egypt and agreed to work towards early resolution of some of the issues being faced by major Indian companies that are operating projects in different parts of Egypt.

Govt to launch 1 bn units of Rs 10 plastic notes in 5 cities

NEW DELHI: Government will introduce one billion pieces of Rs 10 bank notes made of plastic on a field trial basis in five cities, Minister of State for Finance said. "It has been decided by the government and the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) to introduce one billion pieces of Rs 10 notes in polymer/plastic on a field trial basis," Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena said. The minister said the field trial will be conducted in five cities -- Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Bhubhaneswar and Shimla with varied geographical locations and climatic conditions. In reply to a separate question, Meena said various agencies such as the RBI, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Security and Intelligence Agencies of the Centre and States, Central Bureau of Investigation are working in tandem to thwart the illegal activities related to Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN). He also said the work of these agencies is periodically reviewed by a nodal group set up for this purpose. "Further, one special FICN Coordination (FCORD) group gas been formed in the Ministry of Home Affairs to share the intelligence/information amongst the different security agencies of state/centre to counter the menace of circulation of fake currency notes in the country," he added.Meena said National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been empowered by NIA Act to investigate and prosecute offences relating to FICN.

NEW DELHI: India's consumer price based inflation accelerated to 10.91 percent in February as compared to 10.79 percent in the previous month due to a sharp increase in the prices of vegetables, edible oil and protein-based products, government data showed Tuesday. This is the fifth consecutive month of increase in the retail inflation measured in terms of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The retail inflation was registered at 9.90 percent in November and entered into double digit in December when it was recorded at 10.56 percent. Price rise was sharper in rural areas than urban. According to

launches bus Consumer price inflation rises to 10.91% PayTM tracking service
the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) retail inflation jumped to 11.01 percent for rural areas in February as compared to 10.79 percent in the previous month, while for urban areas it increased to 10.84 percent in the month under review from 10.73 percent in the previous month. Vegetables became costlier by 21.29 percent. Cereal prices increased by 17.04 percent yearon-year in February and oil and fats became costlier by 14.56 percent. Egg, fish and meat became costlier by 15.72 percent and pulses became costlier by 12.39 percent during the month under review. HYDERABAD: PayTM mobile solutions has launched a new service, which enables the bus travelers booking their tickets online through paytm.com to track the estimated arrival time of their bus before they leave for the boarding point. The Noida-based e-commerce company Tuesday announced that it has launched the industry's first real time updates of bus location to help the passengers board in time. The service will also be available on mobile, said a company statement. The service was launched Tuesday on buses of large operators in Hyderabad, Guntur, Vijayawada, Bangalore, Chennai and other cities in south India. The company plans to roll out the service in 100 cities across India. More than 1,000 buses with real-time GPS will be made available for commuters in a couple of months. "At any point of time, user can refresh the link to know the current status of the bus," the statement said.

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MISC
India win compound archery gold in Asian GP
NEW DELHI: The Indian men's compound team comprising Sandeep Kumar, Abhishek Verma, Jignas Chittibomma clinched the gold medal in the Asian Archery Grand Prix in Bangkok on Tuesday. The Indian trio defeated Vietnam 226-218 in four sets (60, 53, 56, 57 versus 53, 53, 55, and 57). India led Vietnam in first, third and fourth round and there was a tie in second. They ousted Singapore 234-221 in the quarterfinal before beating Indonesia 226212 in the last four stage. India were also on the top in qualification round scoring 2061. Vietnam and Thailand ranking was second and third earning 2054 and 2045 points. Sandeep Kumar's individual rank was second behind Chinese Taipei archer Tien Chong Ngugyun while Jignas Chittibomma was fifth and Abhishek Verma eighth. Recurve men's team of Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Binod Swansi defeated Malaysia 113 - 108 in the semi finals and will meet Japan in the final Wednesday. "It was a great team effort with each member contributing. I am hopeful that Indian contingent will win more medals in rest of the competition," team manager Virendra Sachdeva said from Bangkok.

8 Shashi of SOI retains CGEWCC chess title

JAMMU: Shashi Jamwal of Survey of India (SOI) retained the title in chess competition of Centre Government employees, organized by Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (CGEWCC), on Tuesday. In the final, Shashi Jamwal outplayed Raju Bhanotra of Principal Accountant General (PAG). Vijay Singh of Intelligence Bureau (IB) finished third after losing to Raju Bhanotra. Earlier, in the second round of the competition, Sanjeev Sharma of SOI beat Vinod Choudhary of the same department while Surinder Mohan outplayed Sandesh Kumar of PAG. Similarly, Vijay Singh downed DK Jamwal of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and Saransh Sharma of NSSO trounced PS Jamwal of the same department. In another match, Raju Bhanotra registered win over Rajinder Gupta of Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM). In the final, Director NSSO Jammu, Kishore Kumar was special guest, who congratulated the winner and runners-up. Earlier, the competition was declared open by Director General NSSO, Sher Singh.

India beat Pakistan for first win in Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH: India came from a goal down to defeat Pakistan 3-1 for their first win in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey on Tuesday. The young Indian side showed plenty of maturity and composure to avenge its defeat at the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha in December. More importantly, the win kept the Indian hopes alive for a podium finish in the tournament. Pakistan took the lead in the fourth minute as skipper Muhammad Imran decided to relay a penalty corner to the right to a diving Muhammad Waqas, who put it inside the goal. India hit back in the very next minute when Rupinder Pal Singh sent in a pile driver of a flick sailing into the Pakistan net. India took the lead in the ninth minute when Akashdeep Singh pounced on the rebound after an attempt by Mandeep Singh came off Pakistan keeper 25th and 35th minutes, but Imran could not find the target. India led 2-1 at half-time. pulled it wide of the left post. Mandeep Singh and Malak Singh kept the Pakistani defenders busy with their constant pressure, forcing the Pakistani defenders into making long passes instead of building up from the back gradually. In the 56th minute, India went 3-1 up when Mandeep Singh picked up a rebound from his deflection to send the ball into the roof of the net. Pakistan got their sixth penalty corner two minutes later but Sreejesh made a diving save. Two more penalty corners to Pakistan in the 64th and 65th minutes went waste. As the minutes ticked away, the Indian youngsters started slowing the pace. Pakistan were awarded their ninth penalty corner 40 seconds from end but failed to reduce the deficit.In earlier matches, India had lost to Australia and South Korea.

India beat Pakistan 3-1 in a do-or-die clash. Imran Shah, who was playing in place of the regular Imran Butt. Pakistan could have levelled in the 11th minute but Muhammad Irfan Jr made a hash of things with the goal gaping in front of him. Pakistan were awarded penalty corners in the 15th, Pakistan dominated proceedings in the first 10 minutes of the second half, thanks to the untiring Shafqat Rasool. But they could not find the final touch. In the 52nd minute, Pakistan were awarded their fifth penalty corner but Imran

S. Korean basket ball coach arrested for match fixing

SEOUL: A star basketball coach has been formally arrested in the latest in a series of match-fixing scandals that have shaken professional sports, including football and baseball, in South Korea. Prosecutors said Kang Dong-Hee, coach of the professional Dongbu Promy basketball team, had been taken into custody late Monday. Police suspect Kang of rigging four games in early 2011 in return for 47 million won ($42,850) paid by two gamblers who have already been arrested. Korean Basketball League Chief Han Sun-Kyo has apologised for the scandal, called for "zero tolerance" against match fixing, and promised to reform the basketball community. In 2011 prosecutors charged 57 people, 46 current and former players and 11 criminal gang members and bookmakers, with fixing the results of 15 matches in the professional football KLeague. The investigation led to two players and a former coach taking their own lives and prompted the world governing body FIFA to slap sanctions on dozens of South Korean players.

Unmukt Chand to endorse American Swan

NEW DELHI: American Swan, a fashion and apparel lifestyle brand, has roped in Unmukt Chand as its sports ambassador for digital and social media campaigns. The young cricketer is glad he can connect with the youth through the association. "I am very excited to be associated with American Swan and it's a great honor to be able to connect with the youth and inspire them to chase their dreams," Chand said. Chand led the Under-19 Indian cricket team to a World Cup victory in 2012 and will be seen in action in the upcoming IPL for Delhi Daredevils. He was recently bagged another major endorsement deal. For American Swan, he has been roped in as he comes across as a "go-getter, who is passionate and confident about his undertakings," said Anurag Rajpal, director and CEO, American Swan. "He is someone the youth can relate to, someone who inspires them to believe in their dreams for the sake of achieving their goals. I am sure this alliance will emphasize on the positioning of our brand that celebrates the aspirations and ambitions of young achievers," added Rajpal.

Mithun eyes history at Avantha Masters

GREATER NOIDA: Sri Lanka's Mithun Perera hopes his wish of winning his first Asian Tour title will come true when the 1.8 million euro Avantha Masters gets underway at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course on Thursday. The Sri Lankan was on the verge of creating history at the Asian Tour seasonopening event in Myanmar but was pipped to second place by Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand. A stellar field that consists of no fewer than 38 Asian Tour winners including three Order of Merit champions is poised to make the Avantha Masters an intriguing contest as a host of Ryder Cup stars from the European Tour have also confirmed their participation. Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, the most prolific British winner in European Tour history, will make his first appearance at the Avantha Masters. He will be joined by Ryder Cup stars Ignacio Garrido of Spain, England's David Howell, Italy's Edoardo Molinari, Frenchman Thomas Levet and Welshman Philip Price. The Asian Tour will feature top contenders including Singapore's Mardan Mamat, a three-time Tour winner, Sweden's Rikard Karlberg, Australia's Scott Hend and Korean-American David Lipsky. Meanwhile 2010 Avantha Masters champion Andrew Dodt of Australia is looking to revive his career in a place where he savoured his maiden victory three years ago. The Australian has not reached the dizzy heights of his breakthrough year in 2010. He spent most of his 2012 season playing in Europe where his indifferent form almost caused him to lose his card

Shahrukh Khan's Red Chillies to promote IPL opening 2013

KOLKATA: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has signed Shah Rukh Khan owned Red C h i l l i e s Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. as promoters for the Opening Ceremony to be held on the evening of April 2 at the Salt Lake Stadium. "We are delighted to have tied up with Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt Ltd, which has a proven track record of organizing and executing events on a grand scale. The Opening Ceremony of the IPL 2013 will be one of the most spectacular events ever witnessed, in keeping with what will follow in the tournament itself, over the following seven weeks," Rajeev Shukla, chairman of IPL, said on Tuesday. The IPL 2013 will be played across the country from April 3 to May 26.

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Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Test ends in draw

GALLE, SRI LANKA: The opening Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ended in a tame draw on the fifth and final day at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday. Bangladesh, chasing an improbable 268-run victory target in the final session, finished at 70-1 in their second innings after Sri Lanka had declared at tea on 335-4. The tourists were bowled out for 638 in their first innings on Monday in reply to Sri Lanka's 570-4 declared. The second and final Test starts in Colombo on Saturday. Scores: Sri Lanka 570-4 decl and 335-4 decl; Bangladesh 638 and 70-1.

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