India News: January 2005

Bapu's 58th death anniversary observed
Sunday, January 30, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan.30 (ANI): The 58th death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was observed today.

The main function was held in the Capital where people paid homage to Bapu at Raj Ghat.

Various public meetings, bhajans, and social discussion were organised across the country to mark the occasion.

Mahatma Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic, on January 30, 1948. (ANI)

Security in Jharkhand, Bihar beefed up ahead of state polls
Sunday, January 30, 2005 | Editor

Ranchi/Jehanabad/Barachatti, Jan 30 (ANI): The BJP on Sunday slammed the law and order situation in Bihar after Maoists burned down the chopper used by former party chief Venkaiah Naidu.

Venkaiah Naidu's helicopter, which touched down at Maoist stronghold Barachatti because of a technical snag was reduced to cinders after the rebels hurled petrol bombs on it. Naidu escaped unhurt from the scene.

"Yesterday's incident, the experience, shows the grave situation in Bihar. It's a first hand experience and it should be taken seriously," Naidu told a news conference in Ranchi.

The Maoist communists, who shun polls, have vowed to disrupt polls.

Security has been beefed up in Bihar with gun-toting Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers checking vehicles and frisking passengers in the state's Jehanabad district,

"We are here as this area is a stronghold of naxals. We are here to check militant activities. We are in control of the whole area and a search is on for anti-social elements," a CRPF commander, who refused to give his name, said.

Residents said that increased security would help people to come out and vote freely.

"If a CRPF camp is there, people will vote without any fear, " said Jagdish Singh. (ANI)

RIL abstains from buying back; share price up by Rs 16.55
Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 28 (PTI) For the third succesive day, Reliance Industries abstained from buying back its shares even as the price of its share jumped by Rs 16.55 to close at Rs 522.75.
The company informed the stock exchanges that no shares were purchased today.

Till January 24, RIL had bought over 28.69 lakh shares for about Rs 149.62 crore under its byuback programme.

Today is the 13th day of RIL's buyback programme, the biggest ever by any Indian corporate so far. The approved price of the buyback is up to Rs 570 a share and the company has earmarked Rs 2,990 crore for the purpose. PTI

AI, IA preparing to launch IPO in 2005-06: Praful Patel
Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 28 (PTI) Public sector carriers Air India and Indian Airlines are preparing for their initial public offers by the next fiscal to fund their fleet acquisition programmes and enhance debt-equity ratio.
"We have told the airlines to start working towards that end. It will take some time and the two airlines could launch the IPO in the later part of 2005-06," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said here.

Replying to questions on the issue, he said the proceeds of the IPO would be used by the two airlines to finance their fleet expansion plans.

While Jet Airways has already launched its IPO, low-cost carrier Air Deccan has also announced plans to go ahead with its IPO by September 2006.

Asked about the government decision to set up a National Investment Fund out of disinvestment proceeds, Patel said the fund had "nothing to do with our scheme of things for the IA and AI... We don't need this (Fund) to infuse equity".

"We plan to use the monies raised from the proposed public offerings by these airlines to fund their acquisition plans and improve their debt-equity ratio", he said. PTI

Rupee posts sharp gains against US Dollar
Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 28 (PTI) Notwithstanding customary month-end pressures, the Rupee today posted sharp gains against the US currency on the back of strong trade and steady foreign fund inflows with sentiments taking a turn for the better following the buoyant stock markets.
In fairly active trade at the interbank foreign exchange (Forex) market, the Rupee closed at Rs 43.7150/7250 per dollar, a steep eight paise rise from Thursday's close of Rs 43.7850/7950 after an opening slot of Rs 43.79/81 per dollar.

Healthy trade and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) inflows into the surging stock markets spurred a sharp Rupee rally today inspite of the usual month-end dollar demand, a forex dealer said.

The BSE sensex today soared by 180 points to close at 6419.09, driven up by aggressive FII buying coupled with retail operators buying support.

Rupee sentiments have turned positive following renewed FII interest into the thriving economy.

Export proceeds and expatriate remittances have also buoyed the local dollar supplies, taking advantage of the current interest rate diferentials between India and other global trading nations, bankers said.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fixed the reference rate for the US currency at Rs 43.78 per dollar and the single European unit at Rs 57.08 per Euro.

Traders expect the Rupee to consolidate gains on Monday, supported by bunched up weekend dollar supplies. PTI

Porn sites banned in cyber cafes
Saturday, January 29, 2005 | Editor

The Uttar Pradesh government has banned surfing of pornographic websites at cyber cafes. Offenders will face heavy fines and jail.

Uttar Pradesh IT Minister Veerendra Singh said that cyber cafes would have to install equipment that prevents logging on to any adult site.

"There should be a master video-display to monitor all computers by the cyber cafe owner," Singh told IANS.

All district magistrates and superintendents of police have been informed of the ban and asked to conduct surprise raids.

Offenders can be fined up to Rs.200,000 and jailed for 10 years. First-time violators face a fine of up to Rs.100,000 and imprisonment for five years.

District officials have been asked to maintain a dossier of all cyber cafes. Earlier, the government had ordered that cabins and partitions in cyber cafes be pulled down for stricter scrutiny.

[IANS]

US firm opens another BPO centre at Gurgaon
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Trinity Business Process Management Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Trinity Partners Inc, Tuesday opened a second business process outsourcing (BPO) facility in this IT boomtown in Haryana.

The move comes within 14 months of Trinity setting up operations in Gurgaon. The new facility would house over 300 seats at full utilisation.

"We have experienced exponential growth and momentum over the last year," said Arvind Srivastava, managing director of Trinity Business Process Management Pvt Ltd., in a statement.

"The new facility will enable Trinity to further enhance its business and take advantage of the highly qualified work force, infrastructure and enhanced global connectivity. We will be expanding even further in 2005 to meet the demands of our clients," said Srivastava.

[IANS]

India to launch two satellites
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

India will put into space two satellites, one for mapping and other with multiple uses, by May-June, the chief of the country's space agency said here Friday.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch the Carosat-1, equipped with cameras with a resolution of 2.5 metres to undertake mapping applications, in March-April and the Insat-4A satellite in May-June.

ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair told reporters that Cartosat-1 will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh using the using the indigenous polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV).

"We are targeting the launch of Cartosat-1 for March-April and that of Insat-4A for May-June from Korou in French Guyana on board the European Space Agency's geo-synchronous launch vehicle," Nair said on the sidelines of a function.

Nair clarified the Sriharikota launch site did not suffer any damage in the Dec 26 tsunami, when tidal waves struck the southern coast.

ISRO made extensive used its remote sensing and Insat series of satellites for surveying and mapping the extent of damage caused by the tsunami along India's southern coast, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka and even Indonesia.

"We have given the satellite data to government authorities, including district officials, indicating the extent of damage for undertaking rescue and relief operations," Nair said.

Earlier, delivering the keynote address at the launch of broadband services by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Nair said telecom services catered to only 25-30 percent of the population and they had to be extended to the remaining 70-75 percent in rural India.

"The national telecom goal is to reach any part of the country, including remote areas where power could be supplied using solar cells. BSNL can make use of our satellites to provide connectivity to rural India and extend a host of services including e-learning, tele-medicine, weather information and agriculture-related inputs," Nair said.

ISRO recently initiated a pilot project in Tamil Nadu's villages to provide tele-education, tele-medicine and e-governance through satellites, which can reach any part of India without hindrance or conventional cable.

"In the post-tsunami period, ISRO was the first to establish communications in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing tele- and video-conferencing using Insat satellites," Nair said.

"Though we cannot compete with the conventional systems provided by BSNL, in emergencies, satellites play a critical role to bridge the gap."

Satellites can provide communications links to villages, from where BSNL can take them to households and government offices.

"We will join hands with BSNL to see that it connects rural India to provide seamless access to the common man, leading to the development of our villages and remote areas," Nair said.

[IANS]

Indians make breakthrough in translation hurdles
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

A group of Indian innovators has devised a cheap and user-friendly technological solution to the communication problems posed by the diversity of languages in the country and abroad.

Past attempts to break the language barrier proved too costly to be implemented on a mass scale, reports Grassroots Features. But the new low-cost innovation could solve this impossible hurdle to communication and development.

Hemant Babu, 39, who has worked on the project for two years, said this technology to increase linguistic tolerance works on the same principle as FM radio. Non-technical users, he assured, will be able to operate it with ease.

For instance, at a conference where English speakers are addressing a Hindi-speaking audience, listeners will be provided with a pocket-sized radio set and headphones.

With the aid of these, the audience can listen to simultaneous translations of the speeches by an interpreter, being transmitted over a low band frequency from a control room in the conference centre.

The radio sets, which can be reused over a long period of time, cost between Rs.35 and Rs.120.

In late November, this simple method was successfully used at a three-day national convention in Bhopal, where a number of experts had gathered to discuss various issues related to the Union Carbide gas disaster.

Courtesy the radio sets she had been given at the beginning of the conference, Rashida Bi, a gas victim who cannot read and write either Hindi or English, was able to understand the English speaking experts.

Although Rashida has attended many conferences on the Bhopal tragedy in the last two decades, this was the first time she was able to understand the experts' opinion.

"Initially I could not believe that we could understand in Hindi what was being said in English," she said.

Munawar Husain, another victim, said, "With the radio set we were able to ask questions directly to experts and understand their answers. For the first time I was able to express my views and interact with experts".

The Bhopal conference was attended by Babu and other representatives of the informal group that has developed this revolutionary aid to multi-lingual communication.

The innovators, who are part of an international network of voluntary interpreters, activists and technicians called "Babels", wish to disseminate their technology free of charge.

"In fact we want it to spread as fast and as widely as it can. Its widespread use will help marginalized sections to share their concerns and consolidate their position," said Babu.

The translation equipment and technology used are part of a larger political process to break linguistic barriers across cultures and regions.

"It is a project to empower people of diverse linguistic groups to express and understand issues in their own language," said Babu.

Babu's project also involves members of Nomad, an organisation that develops tools for digital translation and archiving.

The FM based translation system was first used during the World Social Forum 2004 in Mumbai. It brought down the cost of translations from Rs.9,800,000 ($223,000) to Rs.600,000 ($13,000).

The affordability and simplicity of this technology has attracted the attention of many social movements across the world. It was used at "Social Forum for South America" at Quito, Ecuador in July 2004.

A Greenpeace conference used this system last month in India. Babu and his team are now preparing to put their innovation to good use at the World Social Forum at Porto Alegre, Brazil in January 2005.

[IANS]

Country showcases its military might on R-Day
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Country showcases its military might on R-Day
New Delhi, Jan 26 2004

The vibrant tapestry of India's military prowess woven with its economic progress and rich cultural diversity was showcased on the historic Rajpath here today as the country celebrated the 56th Republic Day amid tight security.

President A P J Abdul Kalam took the salute of the impressive and elegant parade, watched by the chief guest Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the entire top brass of political and military class.

On display, during the scaled-down parade, were the most sophisticated weapon systems and fighters like Agni, Prithvi and Brahmos missiles, T-90 tanks, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, unmanned aerial vehicle Searcher MK-II and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets.

The dare-devils of Army presented breathtaking performances on racing motorcycles as fighters displayed spectacular acrobatics overhead.

Tableaux of various states and departments and cultural paegents by school children enthralled the audience who flocked to watch the parade braving the early morning chill.

Tableaux of several states could not find place in the parade which was curtailed to one hour and 38 minutes from its normal duration of two hours 10 minutes.

Twenty-two tableaux, presented by 15 states, four ministries and three government departments, took part in the parade. Last year, the number was 28.

Tsunami disaster cast its shadow as Tamil Nadu did not participate in the parade. PTI

[Indo-Asian News Service]

Blasts injure 10 policemen in strike-hit Assam
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

At least 10 policemen were injured when two explosive devices went off in quick succession at the main Republic Day celebrations here Wednesday when Assam Governor Ajai Singh was unfurling the national flag.

The first explosion took place at 8.55 a.m. on the periphery of the Judges Field ground, and the second, triggered by a concealed landmine, five minutes later within the ground.

The second explosion, which injured the policemen, led to chaos as the nearly 1,000 civilians, mostly government officials, at the venue ran out of the ground in panic.

"There is utter confusion here," an IANS correspondent reported from the site.

The governor was quickly whisked away from the ground.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts, but it is widely believed to be the work of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the state's main separatist group.

Militants in Assam have triggered a series of explosions in the run-up to the Jan 26 celebrations killing at least six people and blowing up an oil pipeline.

Wednesday's attacks came as a protest strike called by separatist groups opposed to the Republic Day celebrations derailed normal life in Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya.

The streets in most towns of the three states were mostly deserted, residents and police sources said.

About 100,000 security personnel were deployed in India's northeast after at least 10 separatist groups called for a boycott of the Republic Day festivities in five of the seven northeastern states.

The only two states where there are no such calls are Mizoram and Nagaland.

Mizoram does not have any rebel group while two of the militant outfits active in Nagaland are currently operating a ceasefire with New Delhi.

"Normal life has been affected in Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya," a police officer said here.

Militants in the insurgency-hit northeast have for years were boycotting India's Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations.

The run up to the events has always been violent, with rebels striking vital installations including crude oil pipelines, trains and road and rail bridges, besides targeting security forces.

[IANS]

Cell phones banned in Gujarat schools, colleges
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

The Gujarat authorities decided Wednesday to ban use of mobile phones in schools across the state, much to the consternation of students and teachers.

"We have decided to ban the use of cell phones in 7,500 secondary and higher secondary schools in the state from today," said H.N. Hingoo, the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board chairman.

Apart from distracting students, mobile phones in campuses got a bad name following the MMS scandal in November in which two students of a Delhi school filmed themselves in sexual acts with a cell phone camera.

"Any student caught with a mobile phone in the classroom will be given a warning and the phone will be returned only to his or her guardian. Stricter action will be taken if a student is caught again," Hingoo said.

The ban also applies to teachers. They have been barred from carrying cell phones in classrooms though they can use it in teachers' halls.

The Gujarat University College Principals Association has imposed a similar ban on colleges in and around the city.

"We had passed the resolution earlier this month. Several colleges have started implementing it," said association president Saurabh Choksi.

Students of colleges associated with Gujarat University found carrying cell phones would be fined Rs.500 and sterner action would be taken if caught again, he said.

The Surat-headquartered Veer Narmad South Gujarat University was expected to take a formal decision soon on banning mobile on their campuses.

Students, however, seem disappointed with the ban.

"We do not use phones in classrooms, but we need to carry themm when leaving home," said Nirav Patel, a student studying in a city school and living in the nearby city of Gandhinagar.

Some teachers too questioned the efficacy of the move.

"While all would agree that cell phones must not be used in the classrooms, it remains to be seen how the ban is put in place. There is no way to physically check for the instrument every time a teacher goes for a class," said Fulabhai Patel, a teacher.

[IANS]

Pakistan team inspects Mohali stadium
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

A two-member Pakistani team inspected the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium here Tuesday to see if a Test match with India could be held there.

Zakhir Khan from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sohail Khan from the Lahore Police went around the stadium and seemed satisfied about its suitability as a likely venue.

The PCA stadium at Mohali is located 10 km from Chandigarh. The Pakistani officials spent an hour at the stadium and also saw the hotels available in Chandigarh.

"Mohali has excellent facilities and its location gives an advantage to hundreds of cricket fans from Pakistan to come here to see the match," Zakhir Khan said after meeting PCA officials here.

The Pakistan team also met PCA secretary M.P. Pandove and vice president G.S. Walia.

The Pakistani officials refused to tell reporters if Pakistan would play in Ahmedabad. PCA has promised to set up a separate stand for the Pakistani fans. The Pakistani officials later left for Kolkata.

[IANS]

India to develop tsunami-warning system
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

India will set up an early warning system for tsunamis in the Indian Ocean and share its predictions with other countries, Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said Monday.

The government will invest Rs.1.25 billion on the system, which will also warn against storm surges and cyclones that strike the Indian coast every year.

Indian scientists will work with international experts on the warning system in February.

"We are ready to share the information with all the countries in the Indian Ocean. But how much to share, and when to give out the warnings, will be decided by the government," Sibal said.

K. Radhakrishnan, director of the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service, said the system would start functioning in September 2007.

Radhakrishnan recently attended the UN-led world disaster management conference at Kobe, Japan.

He said India would have to install bottom pressure recorders near the earthquake-prone Java, Sumatra, Andaman Islands, Myanmar and north Arabian Sea. Tide gauges near the coastal areas will monitor the sea level.

Tsunamis struck countries in the Indian Ocean Dec 26 and killed several thousands. The giant waves flattened towns and displaced thousands more. Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India were the worst hit.

According to Sibal, the tsunami warnings would be sent out using the Indian Ocean for Global Ocean Observing System. The countries would have to set up the receiving stations.

Scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, will soon start research on the system. India will also take part in meetings at Phuket Friday and in Paris March 3 to discuss the sharing of information on tsunamis.

[IANS]

Kumble's Padma Shri crown a bit late
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Anil Kumble, who was awarded the Padma Shri Tuesday, should have been honoured a few years ago, but India's highest wicket-taker in Test cricket will not complain.

After 15 years in international cricket, Kumble's Test and One-Day International (ODI) record is staggering.

The 34-year-old leg spinner, who last month surpassed Kapil Dev's Indian record of 434 Test wickets, now boasts of 444 scalps in 92 Tests. He has another 323 wickets from 260 ODIs.

While Kapil needed 131 Tests to capture 434 wickets at an average of 29.64, Kumble reached the target in 90 matches at an average of 28.17.

Kumble, who has also played for Northamptonshire and Leicestershire in the English county circuit in the 1990s, has claimed many of the Test wickets on the spin assisting pitches in India.

He seems to be blooming late, normally like spinners do with age. The turnaround came on the 2003-04 tour of Australia when he mesmerised with his guile and determination.

After an unimpressive 2003, in the absence of an injured Harbhajan Singh, Kumble bowled with a lot of penetration and finished with 24 wickets in three Tests against Australia - the most on either side.

That series gave his career a new lease of life. And he hasn't looked back.

The start of Kumble's Test career was not all that promising. After an ordinary debut against England in Manchester in 1990, he was dropped, forcing the mechanical engineer to seriously think about quitting the game for some other career.

Then, the 1992 Irani Trophy tie against the Rest of India in New Delhi was the turning point. A 13-wicket haul against the hosts and Kumble was on a plane to South Africa for a historic Test tour. He performed well in South Africa and became a permanent fixture in the team.

During the home Test series against Australia in October last year, Kumble became the world's ninth bowler - the second Indian after Kapil - to take 400 wickets.

Kumble is the first Indian spinner - and the world's third after Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne - to cross the 400-wicket mark.

He is the first Indian spinner to take 300 wickets, a milestone he attained in 2002 at his home ground - Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium - in the third Test against England.

Kumble overcame a serious shoulder injury at the turn of the century and some harsh criticism when he was going through a lean patch not very long ago - until the previous tour of Australia.

Another highlight of Kumble's career is his world record of 10 wickets in Pakistan's second innings at Ferozeshah Kotla, New Delhi. On that foggy February afternoon in 1999, Kumble spun the match in India's favour.

With that spell, Kumble became only the second bowler in the 124-year-history of Test cricket to have captured all 10 scalps in an innings. The only other achiever was England's Jim Laker against Australia in 1956.

[IANS]

Stop providing VPN service if not licensed: DoT
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 26 (PTI) The Department of Telecom has directed the internet service providers offering Virtual Private Network service to stop providing the service if they are not licensed to do so.
"It is understood that some ISPs are providing VPN services in contravention of the terms and conditions of the Licence Agreement. The ISP Licence stipulates that the Licensee shall not engage in provision of any other telecom service unless so licensed," DoT said in a directive to them on January 17.

"It is directed that the ISP licencees indulging in provision of VPN services must discontinue such services within 30 days from the date of issue of this letter unless otherwise permitted by the competent authority," it said.

The ISP licence agreement stipulates under its terms and conditions that the services or service means internet access, content services except telephony on Internet. Provisioning of VPN services is not covered under the terms and conditions of the licence, it said.

In a similar directive to all ISPs offering internet telephony, the DoT has said licences for provision of internet service (including internet telephony) stipulate internet access/internet content services including internet telephony and provisioning of VPN services is not covered under the terms and conditions of the licence.

In November, the DoT allowed ISPs to offer VPN service but after paying entry and licence fee by amending their licences with a one-time entry fee of up to Rs 10 crore depending on the category of licence and an eight per cent annual licence fee. PTI

Ten injured in R-day celebration in N-E states
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Guwahati, Jan 26 (PTI) Despite Republic Day boycott and "general strike" threats issued by militant outfits in several North-Eastern states, the celebrations passed off peacefully amidst tight security in most of the states in the region, barring Assam and Manipur, where ten people were injured.
Four insurgent outfits of the region -ULFA, Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), Manipur Liberation Front (MPLF) and Tripura People' Democratic Front (TPDF)-- had given a call for boycotting the celebrations and a 'general strike' today.

Official sources said seven people were injured when insurgents attacked a security vehicle at Chandrapur in Imphal East district of Manipur.

The incident occurred when unidentified militants exploded two bombs using remote control devices when a security vehicle was passing through the area.

Two security personnel and five civilians who were on their way to watch the Republic Day celebrations at Jiribam town were injured.

Normal life was also affected in Manipur in view of the 17-hr general strike called by the MPLF. PTI

UP Bahujan Samaj Party MP arrested under Arms Act in Bihar
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Patna, Jan 26 (PTI) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Lok Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh Kailash Nath Yadav and three others were arrested on the charge of possessing illegal firearms at Mohania in Bihar's Kaimur district during electioneering today, officials said.
Kaimur district magistrate B Rajendra told PTI Yadav, MP from Chandauli, was arrested when a contingent of Bihar police intercepted his convoy at Mohania and found him in possession of illegal firearms.

Rajendra said police intercepted Yadav's convoy of three jeeps which were going at a very high speed and during the search it was found he and his supporters were carrying six firearms. While licences of four weapons were valid for Uttar Pradesh only, the rest two firearms were unlicenced.

The DM said the MP and three others have been booked under the Arms Act and also section 144 of the CRPC which prohibits people from moving with lethal weapons without the permission of the authorities.

Rajendra said an FIR was being lodged following which they will be forwarded to Bhabhua jail. PTI

Nation celebrates R-Day, remembers tsunami victims
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 26 (PTI) India today unfurled its military might and cultural diversity at the annual Republic Day parade at the historic Rajpath here under tight security as Tsunami catastrophe cast its shadow on celebrations in Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar islands.
Insurgents set off bombs in Assam and Manipur wounding 10 people while the national event passed off peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir where militants gave calls for shutdown and boycott of celebrations.

In Manipur, where seven people were injured, streets wore a deserted look with shops and business establishments remaining closed following a 17-hour general strike called by Manipur People's Liberation Front.

In neigbouring Assam, ULFA carried out three bomb blasts, including two targeted at the official R-Day function in Guwahati, in which three people were injured.

A multi-layered security blanket was thrown around the Bakshi Stadium in Kashmir valley, the main venue of Republic day celebrations, which passed off without any untoward incident.

Celebrations in Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar islands, decimated by walls of waters exactly a month ago, were subdued sans cultural programmes and floats, depicting achievements and development of the state. PTI

Weak US dollar threatens worldwide economic stability: UN
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Dharam Shourie
United Nations, Jan 26 (PTI) The world economy grew by four per cent last year, but a rapidly falling US dollar poses a danger to economic stability worldwide, the United Nations has said.

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in a report yesterday said cyclical economic recovery reached a peak in 2004, especially for developing countries, and "the possibility of an abrupt and globally damaging correction persists, since the depreciation of the dollar alone seems unlikely to be sufficient to reduce the global imbalances to sustainable levels in an orderly fashion."

"The global imbalance is between consumption and debt in the United States and ballooning surpluses in many US trading partners. Currency changes by themselves, especially bilateral currency manipulation, will not resolve the problem," it adds.

Gross world product increased by four per cent in 2004 and could rise by 3.25 per cent this year, unless there is a negative market reaction to the falling dollar and rising US deficit, it said.

Meanwhile, the "oil shock" of a 50 per cent price rise in the first six months of 2004 was based on a demand surge, not the inadequate output of previous shocks "and therefore is more amenable to smooth market adjustment," it says.

Oil prices would be higher than average but lower than last year's peak, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Josi Antonio Ocampo told reporters here on the report's launch. PTI

FII inflows in Indian capital market to slow: CEOs
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 26 (PTI) With dollar regaining strength against major currencies and the US interest rates hardening, the crucial FII investment in Indian stock market will slow down in the initial months of the current calendar year, feel India's top CEOs and CMDs.
Seventy eight per cent of the country's leading 200 CEOs and CMDs polled by the 'Assocham Business Barometer (ABB)' are not sure whether the foreign institutional investors will remain positive on India and continue to pour money in 2005 as they did last year.

The portfolio investment had touched 8.8 billion dollars in 2004, not only giving a major boost to the sensex but also triggering a debate whether there should be any cap on the FII inflow.

The CEOs surveyed by ABB are not willing to bet on the FIIs in the wake of high volatility in the market place.

A clear view from the survey was that the inflow to the emerging markets as a whole would slow down with investors again looking to the US since the dollar has started improving and the Federal Reserves keeping the interest stance quite strong.

Agreeing with the findings of the survey, Assocham President M K Sanghi said ABB would regularly track various aspects of the Indian and global economy based on the views of the industry leaders.

ABB covered the opinion of industry leaders across different sectors such as manufacturing, banking, finance and telecom. PTI

India can export 3 mn tonnes of wheat worth USD 390 mn
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 26 (PTI) With wheat production estimated to surpass last year's production by about one million tonnes, experts have made a strong pitch for exporting over two million tonnes of wheat during the current year.
According to IARI director S Nagarajan, India can export three million tonnes of wheat worth 390 million dollars even after meeting the domestic demand of 65 million tonnes and allocating for buffer stocks after the current rabi season.

He said India can capitalise on the demand for high grade wheat in the international market by exporting about three million tonnes of the commodity and earning 390 million dollars from it.

MARKFED Managing Director S S Channy said there is a readymade demand of two million tonnes of wheat from flour mills in Pakistan and that the matter is being considered by the Ministry of External Affairs.

"We are feeling cheated by the sudden changes in the export policies as we are not able to gear up to the situation," the President of All India Grain Exporters Association, D P Singh, said.

Singh wanted continuity in the decision for exports of foodgrains and demanded a long term policy in this regard.

He said there is scope for wheat exports this year although the government has decided not to permit exports from FCI stocks. PTI

US ready to offer help to India for tsunami relief: White House
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

Washington, Jan 26 (PTI) The United States is ready to offer India any help in its tsunami relief efforts, if a request was made, White House Press Secretary, Scott McClellan has said.
"India is a country that has a better capacity than most in the region to be able to provide relief and help to the people of India. We remain in close contact with them. We have always made it clear that we are there ready to help in any way that they need, if they so request it," McClellan said yesterday, when asked how the US would react if India made a request.

"We have made it very clear that we are in it for the long haul when it comes to helping people of the region who are suffering and people who are working to rebuild their lives and rebuild their communities. That is what we will continue to do," he said. PTI

Anand shares point with Topalov
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 | Editor

The Netherlands, Jan 26 (PTI) World Number two Viswanathan Anand played it safe against No. 3 Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria and easily drew his ninth round game in the Corus Chess Tournament.

With just four more rounds to come in this Category-19 event, Anand, with 5.5 points was sharing the third spot with Britain's Michael Adams.

Hungarian Peter Leko elevated himself to join Topalov in the lead with 6 points from 10 games. In the ninth round, Leko defeated Commonwealth Champion Nigel Short of Britain.

Braingames winner Vladimir Kramnik of Russia inched up his tally to 5.0 points after sharing honours with local hope Loek Van Wely. Next on the leaderboard were Russian Alexander Grischuk, Cuban lazaro Bruzon and Ukrainian Ruslan Ponomariov with 4.5 points each.

Against Topalov, Anand played it safe with black and his Petroff defence was a clear indication that he was in no mood to spoil his title chances.

The Indian ace does not enjoy a good score against Topalov, especially with black pieces in the recent past, and that also might have weighed in his mind.

Playing just according to the requirements, Anand achieved the equality he was looking for in quick time and then started chasing the white queen till it got traded.

Soon after the exchange Topalov proposed truce and the draw was accepted after 25 moves. PTI

India is proud of you: President Kalam to NRIs
Saturday, January 22, 2005 | Editor

India is proud of you: President Kalam to NRIs

A beautiful evening, graced by the presence of the Hon. President of India, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and filled with inspiring music; it was a deserving end for the third and perhaps most memorable Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The function was held at the Jamshed Baba Theatre in Mumbai. The Hon. President of India, Mr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in his address to the gathering conveyed the respect and love of the entire nation to the 20 million overseas Indians. "Wherever you are, whichever country you live, enrich that country with sweat, knowledge and dignity since you belong to a nation of that tradition. At the same time remember that we have a common umbilical connectivity with our motherland India", exhorted the Hon. President.

The Hon. President also awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to fifteen prominent NRIs / PIOs including prominent Keralite businessman Mr. M. A. Yusuf Ali and filmmaker Mr. Manoj Night Shyamalan for their services rendered to the Indian Diaspora. The Hon. President congratulated the awardees for their excellent contribution in fostering the understanding of India and addressing India's causes and concerns. "The nation is proud of you, and your prosperity is our happiness", the President said.

Sania puts up fight, loses to Serena
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

India's Sania Mirza put up a gallant fight against tennis ace Serena Williams before losing 1-6, 4-6 in the third round of the Australian Open here Friday.

Sania was the first Indian woman to enter the third round of a Grand Slam event.

[IANS]

Bangladeshis served 'quit India' notice; closing bank accounts
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

Kendrapara (Orissa), Jan 21 (PTI) People in the Mahakalapada block of the district lined up to close their bank and post office accounts after 1,551 inhabitants, including women and children, were asked to leave the country after being listed as Bangladeshi infiltrators.
The notices were being served to 1,551 persons, who have been identified as Bangladeshi infiltrators residing in 10 villages of the area.

People lined up before the branch of a nationalised bank to withdraw their savings and close the accounts.

"The trend had started on Wednesday," a bank employee told PTI.

Three rural post offices in the area also witnessed a similar scenario, reports said adding some of post offices were facing shortage of cash following the sudden withdrawal.

Asked about it, the local tehsildar Nihar Ranjan Barik said "I have heard about it." The local inhabitants had been cautioned to make thorough verification of land records if some of these people want to dispose-off their properties, the tehsildar said.

There, however, was no report of any distress sale of movable and immovable property by those asked to quit, he added.

The people, who were asked to leave, described the step as an 'inhuman act' while claiming themselves to be bonafide citizens of the country.

"The humanitarian issues are there but the law has to take its own course," District Collector Hemant Sharma said. PTI

RIL Q3 profit up 52 pc at Rs 2091 crore
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 21 (PTI) Reliance group flagship company RIL today posted a profit of Rs 2091 crore for the quarter ended December 2004, recording a massive growth of 52 per cent over the corresponding quarter of the last fiscal.
The net profit for the first nine months ending December 2004 was placed at Rs 5280 crore compared to Rs 3741 crore during April-December 2003.

According to the financial performance considered at the Board meeting of the flagship company here, chaired by Mukesh Ambani, the turnover for the first nine months was placed at Rs 68,535 crore, reflecting an increase of 27 per cent over Rs 54,066 crore during April-December 2003, sources said. PTI

Anil willing for one-on-one meeting with Mukesh: sources
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI) Anil Ambani is said to be willing to talk one-on-one to his elder brother Mukesh Ambani with a view to resolving the continuing feud between them, according to family sources.
Anil, who had sometime ago cautioned his brother recalling their father late Dhirubhai Ambani's advise to "beware of three c's -- chamchas, chelas and cronies -- is said to have suggested that the two of them can meet without presence of any outsiders and a solution may be found to end the public wrangling.

The Mukesh Ambani camp was very guarded in its reaction and said "all this is mere speculation by the media". They denied having heard anything from Anil in this regard.

It was not clear whether the reports of the younger brother's willingness to talk directly with his elder brother was a serious offer or another tactical move on the eve of the board meeting of the Reliance Groups flgship company RIL in Mumbai tomorrow. PTI

U.S. Dollar sharply dearer against rupee
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 20 (PTI) The U.S. Dollar ended sharply dearer against the rupee at Rs.43.81/82 per dollar but the Pound Sterling turned lower at Rs 81.82/84 per pound at the close of the Interbank Foreign Exchange (FOREX) market here today.
Following are Interbank Forex and RBI Rates.

(In Rupees per Unit) Unit Interbank RBI Reference rates US Dollar 43.81/82 U.S.Dollar Rs 43.78 Pound Sterling 81.82/84 Euro rate Rs 56.93 Euro 56.76/78 Japanese Yen (100) 42.57/59 PTI

Mortar shelling and firing from across LoC in Rajouri
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

Jammu, Jan 21 (PTI) As many as seven mortar shells were fired from across the Line of Control (LoC) in the forward areas of Manjakote in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir late last night, police sources said here today.
Seven mortar shells fired from across the LoC exploded in different forward areas of Manjakote between 0100 hours and 0200 hours, they said, adding that these were also followed by 12 rounds of heavy mechane gun fire.

However, there were no reports of any casuality or damage, the sources said.

The shelling and firing was reported in the area less than ten hours before the scheduled arrival of Army Chief Gen N C Vij and the state governor Lt Gen S K Sinha to Rajouri to dedicate barbed wire fencing on the LoC to the nation.

Earlier, shelling was reported around 2030 hours yesterday in Hamirpur area of Mendhar sector in Poonch district.

The shelling lasted for 30 minutes and a total of 12 mortar shells were fired from the across the LoC in Hamirpur area, they said, adding some rounds of medium machine gun were also fired during the period.

Significantly, the shelling since last evening, third during the last three days, came despite Pakistan's denial that it had any hand in shelling on Indian positions at Durga post in Digwar area and Banwat in Poonch district. PTI

India, China to hold first-ever strategic dialogue next week
Friday, January 21, 2005 | Editor

Beijing, Jan 21 (PTI) India and China will hold the first-ever 'strategic dialogue' on January 24 in New Delhi to discuss major global and regional issues that will help enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination, official sources said here today.

"This will be the first meeting of the strategic dialogue between India and China and the main focus will be the big global issues," one official said.

India would be represented by Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran while the Chinese side would be headed by Vice Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Wu Dawei.

The aim of the strategic dialogue is to broaden the scope of the blooming bilateral relationship, allowing both sides to exchange notes on global and regional security issues, the official told PTI here.

For example, the two sides are expected to exchange views on the stalled North Korean nuclear issue, a topic personally handled by Wu as the host of the six-party talks on a sensitive issue that has severe implications for the security and stability of Asia.

The six-party talks between the United States, North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia on Pyongyang's nuclear programmes has hit a major roadblock.

A fourth round of scheduled talks in Beijing last September did not materialise amid serious differences between Pyongyang and Washington. PTI

India, Nepal frim up revised extradition treaty
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) India and Nepal today firmed up a revised treaty for extradition and mutual legal assistance which would be signed at "an appropriate high level soon." The treaty was finalised by Home Secretary Dhindendra Singh and his Nepalese counterpart Chandi Prasad Shrestha after day-long deliberations covering issues like bilateral co-operation in combating activities of terrorists, criminals and other undesirable elements involved in printing and circulation of fake Indian currency notes.
"We have been working on this for quite some time. We have an existing extradition treaty with Nepal but it is rather limited. Looking at how things are moving in the world and how international relations have changed, it also needed a fresh look," Singh told reporters.

Shrestha said the revised extradition treaty was in tune with modern day requirements of the two countries as times had changed since the signing of the treaty way back in 1953.

Both India and Nepal are coping with insurgency and terrorist activities.

Singh said the treaty would be signed at an appropriate high level after which the two countries would ratify it.

"We hope that this will be a major step in bilateral relations between the two countries," Singh said.

Asked whether there were any hitches between the two countries, Singh said "we believe in sorting out all matters through deliberations and all I can say is the treaty will satisfy the needs of both the countries." PTI

Anil seeks independent report on Jain's business links in IPCL
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 19 (PTI) On the eve of the Board meeting of Reliance group company IPCL, Anil Ambani has stepped up pressure against Anand Jain, a close associate of his elder brother Mukesh, by demanding an 'independent' report on Jain's business dealings with the company.
Anil, fighting a bitter battle with elder brother Mukesh on the ownership issues of the Reliance empire, wrote to two government directors on the Board of erstwhile PSU, acquired by the Reliance group in 2002, charging that there was conflict of interest between Jain's business activities in IPCL and his position as Director.

Anil, who put in his papers as Vice Chairman of IPCL earlier this month saying it would be below his dignity to be on the same Board as Jain, suggested to the government directors that an independent professional accounting firm should look into the matter and give its report to the Board.

IPCL Board, headed by Mukesh, would meet here tomorrow to consider Anil's resignation and other issues raised by him, including Jain's business dealings may also come up.

Government's two nominees on IPCL Board are G S Sadhu and Ramesh Singh.

Government sources confirmed the receipt of a letter written by Anil. PTI

Cabinet clears Rs 27.31 bn package for tsunami-hit states
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) The Union Cabinet today cleared Relief and Rehabilitation package of Rs 27.31 bn for tsunami-hit Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Union Territory of Pondicherry.
A separate package would be worked out for the worst-hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands after a visit to the area by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar tomorrow.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohn Singh, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said this was the first phase of relief package and the second phase, to be announced shortly, would cover areas like agriculture and infrastructure.

Of the total package, a sum of Rs 8.61 bn would be given for immediate relief and temporary rehabilitation assistance in the affected states.

A special package of Rs 11.16 bn has been earmarked for fishery sector and repair and restoration of fishing harbour and landing places. Out of this, Rs 4.54 bn would be given as subsidy while Rs 6.39 bn would be by way of loan, he said.

For Tamil Nadu, the other severely affected state, a total capital subsidy of Rs 3.56 bn and loan component of Rs 5.66 bn have been provided in the special package for fisheries sector. Kerala would be provided Rs 755.6 mn, Pondicherry Rs 609.8 mn and Andhra Pradesh Rs 341.6 mn.

For housing, a special package of Rs 7.52 bn has been given, including the cost of acquisition of land, Chidambaram said. PTI

EC warns of action against parties using religion in politics
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

Ranchi/New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) RJD chief Lalu Prasad's attack on BJP on the Banerjee committee report on Godhra train fire today attracted the attention of Election Commission which said that action would be taken against leaders using religion in politics and may discuss the issue tomorrow at its full meeting.
"We have to verify the authenticity of the statement. But the commision will take action if religion is used for political exploitation," Chief Election Commissioner T S Krinshnamurthy told reporters when his attention was drawn to reports that Lalu had blamed BJP and RSS for post-Godhra riot while discussing the Banerjee committee report.

Prasad, while campaigning in rural areas of Gaya and Aurangabad districts yesterday, referred to the Justice U C Banerjee report and alleged that the BJP and Sangh Parivar were "deeply involved" by spreading mis-information campaign after the train tragedy which led to riots in which hundreds of innocent people were killed.

Stating that the Commission is yet to go through the interim report of Banerjee panel, the CEC said it would be unfortunate should such things were used for political purposes.

"We are certainly disturbed and quite unhappy if such things are used for personal acrimony and vendetta," he said and appealed to all political parties to concentrate on issues of development and good governance. PTI

Bush, Singh discuss tsunami relief
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

Washington: US President George W Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh discussed warm US-India ties and co-operation in response to last month's tsunami disaster, the White House said on Wednesday.

"The president called the prime minister Singh on the impressive response by the government of India immediately following the tsunami," said spokesman Scott McClellan. The undersea quake left some 2,20,000 dead in the Indian Ocean region.

Trinamool in a dilemma over alliance with BJP
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress is in a dilemma over whether to continue its alliance with the BJP or make tactical adjustment with the Congress, especially in view of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections to be held sometime in the middle of this year.

The issue would be debated threadbare at the two-day state council session of the party starting from tomorrow at Contai in east Midnapur district, party sources said.

The Trinamool Congress chief, Mamata Banerjee, has so long said that alliance with the Congress is not possible as long as it took CPI-M support at the Centre, but, analysts said, she is aware of the negative impact of her party's support to BJP's overt Hinduvta line which characterised its political strategy ever since it suffered defeat in the last Lok Sabha poll.

Top Trinamool leaders are divided on the question. One section of leaders, including MLAs Sadhan Pande and Saugata Roy, had gone on record saying that the Trinamool will benefit by coming closer to Congress at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation if it hopes to retain power in the city civic body.

They feel that the party's association with the BJP is a liability and the party is alienated from the minority voters as was evident in the party's disastrous showing in the Lok Sabha polls when the CPI(M) in its campaign exploited the issue of the post Godhra violence in Gujarat as one of its poll planks.Trinamool Congress general secretary Sultan Ahmed told PTI that the party's minority leaders, including himself, had already told the Trinamool chief, "We have to keep an equidistance from both BJP and Congress and we should go it alone". Poll adjustment with Congress could be considered at a later date, he said.

"The alliance with BJP has proved to be a liability. More so now because the BJP went on an overdrive on the question of Hinduvta", he said.

However, Mamata Banerjee is of the view that the party should try to capture the opposition space in the state left almost vacant by the Congress following its decision to form government at the Centre with Left support.

She believes that the Trinamool can win over the anti-CPI(M) votes if it adopts a neutral stance if it maintains equidistance from both the BJP and Congress. "Congress has no credentials in the state as a true opposition. What has hidden has come come in the open", Mamata said.

However, Mamata will give the final shape of the party tactical line in the upcoming meeting which would be attended by its 57 party MLAs.

ICC clarifies on Harbhajan
Thursday, January 20, 2005 | Editor

The International Cricket Council today clarified that Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has been reported for suspect bowling action, would be reviewed as per existing guidelines.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said Harbhajan would not receive the benefits of a new proposal that allows for a bowler to straighten his arm upto 15 degrees.

"At this stage these are only recommendations and Singh's action will therefore be reviewed on the same basis as all of the other bowling actions that have been reported in 2004," Speed said in a statement issued by the ICC in London.

Harbhajan was reported after India's second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong in December.

Rules of the game

The Indian Cricket Board was yet to form a panel of experts to work with the off-spinner who had six weeks' time from the day of reporting to correct his action.

The BCCI has said it had written to the ICC seeking a clarification regarding the permissible limit of flexion for a bowler's action to be legal.

As per existing rules, a spinner is allowed five degrees of flexion at the point of delivery and fast bowlers 10 degrees.

The ICC's Cricket Committee had recently proposed that all bowlers be allowed to bend their arm upto 15 degrees. The proposal was yet to be ratified to become a law. (PTI)

India can't compromise on Kashmir: Natwar
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 | Editor

India cannot compromise on its stand on Jammu and Kashmir, which is a symbol of the country's secularism, External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh has said.

"It is not a question of flexibility. We cannot compromise on the reality, the basic question. For us, Kashmir does not merely mean a few square kilometres of land. It is the symbol of our secularism," Singh told BBC radio's Hindi service Sunday.

"We are proud of the fact that in our country, we have a state with a Muslim majority. The chief minister of this state is a Muslim, so are a majority of ministers and many (legislators), it is the foundation of India's secularism, and we would not allow that to be compromised."

On recent interactions between India and Pakistan, Singh said India had put forward 72 confidence-building measures (CBMs) and noted that concrete progress had been made on some but progress was slow on others.

He hoped to discuss the CBMs further during his forthcoming visit to Pakistan.

"The process of composite dialogue is on the right track, but this does not mean we are not confronted with problems and that all issues have been resolved, or a major breakthrough has been achieved on the Kashmir issue," he said.

"What I am saying is that if the bus service starts between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, similarly if the train service starts between Sindh and Rajasthan, it would definitely help matters, and at the moment the atmosphere is cordial between the two countries."

In reply to a question, Singh said India was getting much support from the international community against terrorism.

"The world knows that terrorists are entering Jammu and Kashmir from the neighbouring country, more than 60,000 innocent people have been killed in the decades of unrest in that state, countries across the world accept this fact," he said.

On India's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, Singh said the people of India would not accept being made a member without veto power.

"This is what precisely the prime minister has said. I think the Indian people would not like their country to be a B-class member of the expanded UN Security Council. It would not be acceptable to anyone in India."

On foreign policy perspectives between the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Singh said national consensus on foreign policies would continue.

[IANS]

Tighter security for Lalu, Rabri
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 | Editor

The Bihar government Sunday tightened security for Chief Minister Rabri Devi and her husband Railway Minister Lalu Prasad after the killing of a Left party legislator in Jharkhand.

Police said the government had sounded a high alert in Bihar following the killing of Mahendra Prasad Singh, a Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist (CPI-ML) legislator, by suspected Maoist guerrillas in Jharkhand Sunday.

An official of the state home department said: "We cannot take chances as far as security is concerned. We have increased security (for Rabri and Lalu Prasad) after the killing of the CPI-ML legislator in Jharkhand."

The security of Bihar's first couple, all set to campaign for the upcoming assembly polls, had been beefed up just Friday after a scuffle between ticket-seekers of the ruling Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and party parliamentarians.

[IANS]

Centre to discuss issue of greater autonomy for J-K
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 | Editor

The Centre today decided to form a committee which would hold talks with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir over the resolution passed by the previous state Assembly calling for greater autonomy for the state.

This was stated by National Conference President Omar Abdullah after a 45-minute-long meeting with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today.

"The Centre will appoint a committee soon and we will also form a committee comprising senior party leaders who will hold discussions on granting greater autonomy to the state," Omar, who was accompanied by his father and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, told reporters here.

[agency]

NRI czar spreads his steel wings
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

PTI

LONDON: Close on the heels of acquiring 37 per cent share in a leading Chinese steel firm, Mittal Steel Company headed by NRI steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal plans to acquire three more steel plants in Eastern Europe and Turkey at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

Mittal plans to bid around $1 billion for a 49 per cent stake in Eregli Demir ve Celik Fabrikalari (Erdemir), which is being sold by the Turkish government. It faces tough competition from Arcelor, the Luxembourg-based group that Mittal recently overtook to become the world's leading steel maker, and US Steel of America, daily ' The Independent on Sunday ' reported.

Erdemir is the world's 13th largest steel maker and is listed on the Istanbul stock exchange. Whoever buys the state's stake is expected to take over management of the group. A preferred bidder is due to be announced within weeks, the report said.

Mittal is also putting in an offer for Vitkovice Steel, the Czech producer put up for sale by the state on Thursday. Again, Arcelor and US Steel are the main rivals. Mittal is already the largest steel maker in the Czech Republic, though the international nature of the business means there are likely to be few anti-trust problems.

Analysts expect it to be valued at more than $200 million .It will also be known in the next few weeks whether Mittal's company has won the auction for Polish steel group Huta Czestochowa, which is on sale with a price tag of around 300 million dollars.

Its main rival is Donbass, a Ukrainian steel business controlled by Rinat Akhmetov, the oligarch who owns the Shakhtar Donetsk football team. Akhmetov was a strong supporter of Leonid Kuchma, the outgoing Ukrainian president. Yushchenko has vowed to reduce the influence of oligarchs in the former Soviet state.

RIL buys 92,772 shares more; outgo in 6 days at Rs 1.01 bn
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Reliance Industries today bought another 92,772 shares, taking the total number of shares bought under its ongoing buyback programme to 19,34,522 in the first six days.
The company has shelled out Rs 1.01 bn so far.

RIL today bought back the shares at an average price of Rs 510.94 a share as against Rs 531.62 on day one, Rs 529.58 on day two, Rs 519 on third day, Rs 52.91 on day four and Rs 515.7 on day five.

The approved price of the buy back is upto Rs 570.

In a commnication to stock exchanges, RI said it bought the shares for a consideration of Rs 47.4 mn today.

Reliance scrip continued to slide despite the on going buy back and closed at Rs 511.45 as against previous close of Rs 513.35.

The company has earmarked a sum of Rs 2,990 crore for the purpose.

At its Board meetng on December 27, RIL had said that the objective of approving upto Rs 570 for buying back its shares was to arrest the fall in share prices, which has been witnessed since the proxy war between Ambani brothers became public in mid-November. PTI

Nurse who broke Kalam's security sacked
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

LUCKNOW: On Friday, 18-year-old Archana Saxena breached security in a desperate bid to get the President’s ear.

A day later, she was sacked from the local hospital, where she had been working as a nurse for the last two years for a monthly salary of Rs 900, for doing so.

‘‘My employer said I had behaved like a terrorist by going to the dais where the President and other VVIPs were sitting. I was thrown out, with a half month’s salary,’’ she said.

During President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s visit on Friday, Archana had rushed to the dais, pleading for his intervention in saving the lives of her parents, who, she claimed, were under threat. Among those seated on the dais, at the function in Rudahi town, about 20 km from here, was Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav too.

Out of work now, Archana is worried about how her family will make ends meet. Besides her aged parents, she has two sisters and a brother. But she has no regrets about her action.

'‘Mujhe Rashtrapatiji ke suraksha kawach bhedne par pachtava nahin hain. Woh humare Raja hain, aur agar Raja ke samne hum apni fariyad nahin uthaynge to kiske samne lekar jayenge,’’ she said.

Her father, Sunderlal, added: ‘‘I have no source of income. Now, my daughter, who was earning Rs 900 per month, has also been sacked following pressure of the village head. We have been rendered moneyless only because my daughter tried to highlight the oppression by local powerful people.’’

BJP accuses Jaya of defaming Kanchi Math
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi: The BJP on Monday accused J Jayalalithaa of "defaming" the Kanchi Math in the name of secularism and likened the situation in the state to "Emergency".

The party accused Jayalalithaa of using police for a "desperate purpose of trying to revive the shrinking base of the ruling party". Full Coverage: Arrest of Shankaracharya

The saffron party raised questions over the absence of a "clear and categoric" stand by Congress and other political parties on "this major issue".

In a rejoinder to Jayalalithaa's statement that no religious head was above the law, BJP General Secretary and spokesman Arun Jaitley alleged at a press conference that the Chief Minister was "defaming the Kanchi Math and meting out injustice to a religious head in the name of secularism."

"Discrimination is no enforcement of rule of law," he said, charging that Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati and Junior Shankaracharya Vijayendra Saraswati were being subjected to such a treatment.

Likening Jayalalithaa's rule to Emergency, he said that this was clear by her actions like arrest of the Junior Sankaracharya when the Supreme Court released the Kanchi Seer on bail and issuance of warrant against Jayendra Saraswati in a third case immediately after the Apex Court's decision.

EC holds Lalu guilty of violating Code, but only warns
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Ahead of next month's assembly polls in Bihar, the Election Commission today held RJD Chief Lalu Prasad guilty of "serious violation" of the Model Code of Conduct for distributing money to voters but let him off merely with a warning.
"Ordinarily, this serious violation of the Code by Prasad should invite exemplary punishment to the party which he heads as its President, apart from severe condemnation of Prasad", the EC said in a six-page order on the incident on December 18 which had raised a political storm.

Taking note of the repeated assurances given by Prasad to abide by the Model Code in his reply to the show-cause notice, the EC said it was inclined to take a "lenient view in the matter on the present occasion".

Noting that under the circumstances the Commission would not like to pursue this matter further against RJD, the EC nevertheless severely reprimanded Prasad for his violation.

"The Commission would like to caution the party and all its leaders, workers and supporters that this is the last opportunity to them to honour the Model Code of Conduct and abide by it, both in letter and spirit.

"And that it would not hesitate to take exemplary action against the party in case any further violation of the Model Code of Conduct or lawful directions of the Election Commission given from time to time for ensuring free and fair elections comes to the notice of the Commission", the order signed by Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishna Murthy and other two Commissioners B B Tandon and N Gopalaswami said. PTI

MAMC gangrapists get lifer
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Sending across a deterrent message, a city court today sentenced to life imprisonment Maulana Azad Medical College student gangrape case convicts Rahul and his accomplice Amit, two years after the girl was sexually assaulted at knife point on the terrace of the 'Khooni Darwaza' monument in Central Delhi.
"...Convicts have been held guilty of committing gangrape on an unmarried helpless girl who was a medical student. Such act of bestiality deserves stringent punishment. They do not deserve any mercy and have to be given exemplary punishment so that it acts as a deterrent to others also," Additional District and Sessions Judge Chander Shekhar said.

The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 18,000 each on Rahul alias Budhprakash and Amit.

"Murder destroys the physical frame of the victim. But a rapist degrades the soul of a helpless female, in consequence whereupon the victim suffers and dies everyday", the court said and rejected their plea for release on probation.

The court on January six found Rahul and Amit guilty under Sections 376 (2)(g) (gangrape), 392 (for robbing mobile phone of victim), 397 (robbery with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) of IPC and relevant provisions of Arms Act.

However, the court acquitted two others - Ashok of charges of harbouring the accused and Mohan Lal, who was accused of dishonestly receiving stolen property.

Two boys aged 13 and 14 had pleaded guilty in the case before the Juvenile Justice Board which sent them to an Observation Home in September, 2003 till they attained adulthood. PTI

RIL syndicates USD 350 million borrowing
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 17 (PTI) Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has syndicated five year US Dollar 350 million multi-currency borrowing with the options for banks to participate in Japanese Yen, US dollar and euro.
The funds raised would be used for the ongoing capital expenditure and is the first transaction from an Indian corporate with three currency options demonstrating the wide-spread appetite for RIL paper, the company said in a release.

The transaction has been lead arranged by ABN Amro Bank, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd, Calyon, DBS Bank Ltd, ING Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

It has been finely priced at a margin of 75 basis points per annum making RIL the first private sector comapny to achieve the most competitive pricing.

"This landmark borrowing represents the finest pricing achieved by RIL for a medium term loan. We are also pleased that such a diverse bank group has come together for the first time with expertiise in the three currencies of the transaction," RIL President finance Alok Agarwal said. PTI

Pathan working on improving pace
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

Mumbai, Jan 17 (PTI) Left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan has recovered fully from his injury and is now working on improving his speed further to be able to come out in flying colours in the forthcoming home cricket series against Pakistan.
"Indian team physio Andrew Leipus has really helped me to get back to shape and I have recovered fully from the injury. I am now looking forward to the home series," Pathan told PTI on the sidelines of the "Get Irfan to School" contest at the Saint Joseph High School here today.

"I am also doing a lot of weight training to strengthen my shoulder so that I can bowl with more pace. Once it happens, I can bowl a yard faster," the Baroda bowler said adding he would continue to work on his fitness.

"I will have to keep myself fit so that I can give hundred per cent to the cause of the team. Playing Pakistan anywhere in the world is always tough as the expectations of the fans will be very high." Pathan had suffered a side strain during the recent Test series against bangaldesh and had to miss out on the one-day series against the same rivals.

To a query whether he would be under pressure to perform, he said, "I don't think I will be under any pressure at all. As long as I keep performing and my team keeps winning, I don't think I should be worrying about other things".

Asked whether he had set any target for himself, Pathan said, "I think it is too early to set any target as as I am new to Test cricket. Right now I will be happy to help my team (India) win consistently". PTI

Godhra train fire was "accidental": Banerjee Committee
Monday, January 17, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Contrary to Sangh Parivar's contention that the Godhra train blaze that killed 59 Kar sevaks triggering wide-spread communal riots was a pre-planned conspiracy, a retired Supreme Court Judge has said it was "accidental" fire.
Heading a high-level committee appointed by the UPA Government, Justice U C Banerjee also ruled out the possibility of any inflammable liquid thrown from outside the coach.

The report came under immediate attack from BJP, which called it an "extra-constitutional effort to influence the course of justice", while the then Railway Minister Nitish Kumar described it a "political stunt" in view of the coming elections.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, who was behind the appointment of the committee, accused the Sangh Parivar of involvement in the post-Godhra riots and alleged Kumar should have properly investigated the train fire.

"With the elimination of the 'petrol theory', 'miscreant activity theory' as well as the ruling out of any possibility of 'electrical fire', the fire in S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express can at this stage be ascribed as an 'accidental fire'," Justice Banerjee Committee, said in its interim report submitted to Railway Board Chairman R K Singh.

Pranab attacks CPIM's anti Congressism
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor

Kolkata, Jan 11: Senior Congress leader and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today launched a broadside against CPI(M), providing crucial outside support to UPA government, saying that its repeated threats were an embarassment for the government.

Addressing the Congress workers in the presence of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here the Defence minister said that CPI(M) was consulted on every important issue and that their, "meaningless criticism" only showed their "blind anti-Congressism."

Mukherjee strongly refuted CPI(M) charge that the centre was diluting the CMP saying, "there was no single instance of deviation from CMP."

"We have never said that the Government would be run in accordance with the dictates of the UPA", Mukherjee said adding that even the new patent regime over which the Left parties had expressed reservations had been adopted after consultation with them.

"Their (CPI-M) ocassional threats on different policies was creating an adverse impact and embarassment for the government,", he said.

Mukherjee also accused the CPI(M) for helping in the growth of communal forces in the country.

"It was CPI(M)'s blind anti-Congressism during the Rajiv Gandhi regime and joining hands with the communal forces when they shared common platform with BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a meeting in Kolkata in late 80's was responsible for the growth of communal forces in the country since then," he said. (Agencies)

Cong's prospects in Assembly polls good: Sonia
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 | Editor

RAE BAREILY: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said the prospects of her party in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, Jharkhand and Haryana "were good".

"Congress ke prospects achhey hain (Congress prospects are good)," Gandhi told reporters in reply to a query during an informal chat here on the concluding day of her two-day visit to Rae Bareily, her Lok Sabha constituency.

On being asked about the measures being undertaken to alleviate the sufferings of the Tsunami victims, Gandhi said the "Central government was doing everything possible for them".

She said that the services of the NGOs have also been solicited, while the Rajiv Gandhi foundation is also doing its bit in this regard.

Gandhi said a programme titled 'interact' was also being launched, which would sponsor children orphaned in the calamity.
Cong's prospects in Assembly polls good: SoniaAdd to Clippings

PTI[ TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2005 04:21:42 PM ]
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RAE BAREILY: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said the prospects of her party in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, Jharkhand and Haryana "were good".

"Congress ke prospects achhey hain (Congress prospects are good)," Gandhi told reporters in reply to a query during an informal chat here on the concluding day of her two-day visit to Rae Bareily, her Lok Sabha constituency.

On being asked about the measures being undertaken to alleviate the sufferings of the Tsunami victims, Gandhi said the "Central government was doing everything possible for them".

She said that the services of the NGOs have also been solicited, while the Rajiv Gandhi foundation is also doing its bit in this regard.

Gandhi said a programme titled 'interact' was also being launched, which would sponsor children orphaned in the calamity.

TN govt could arrest Kanchi seer in a 3rd case: Seer's counsel
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

Chennai, Jan 11 (PTI) Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswahti's counsel today told a court here that Tamil Nadu Government was planning to arrest the seer in a third case with a view to negating the bail granted to him in the Sankararaman murder case by the Apex Court.
"The only purpose to arrest the seer is to negate the benefit of bail given by the Supreme Court", the advocate M Satyanarayanan alleged while moving the Principal Sessions Court for anticipatory bail for the seer who apprehended arrest in a third case relating to the assault of a temple priest Tirukoshtiyur Madhavan in August last in the city.

Principal Sessions Judge P Murugasen posted the petition for hearing tomorrow after public prosecutor (PP) T V Ganesh strongly opposed taking up the petition today on the ground that he was not given sufficient time to prepare his line of argument and get instructions from the government.

Meanwhile, Murugasen's observation regarding a July 1997 memorandum by the state DGP to SPs and Commissioners of Police about not arresting those whose anticipatory bail petitions were pending set off speculation whether the seer could be arrested in the new case after his release from Vellore prison.

Murugasen observed that the DGP's memorandum to SPs and Police Commissioners be strictly complied with.

In the memorandum, based on observations by Madras High Court Judge Justice M Karpagavinayagam, the DGP told the police to ensure that when anticipatory bail petitions are filed before the High Court no arrest need be made till disposal of the petitions. PTI

Pre-budget exercise begins on Tuesday
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram will begin his two-day pre-budget consultations here tomorrow to get some valuable inputs for the UPA government's economic agenda, particularly on tax reforms and pushing investment in infrastructure and farm sectors.
Chidambaram will start his brainstorming sessions with agriculturists and industrialists tomorrow followed by two separate sessions the day after with trade union leaders and economists.

The trade and industry has already submitted its memoranda giving details of its wishlist that included reduction in corporate tax rates from the present 35 per cent to 30 per cent, abolition of minimum alternate tax on zero tax paying companies and continuation of investment-oriented exemptions.

Both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram have made it clear that the budget for 2005-06 would undertake comprehensive tax reforms.

The Finance Minister has given enough indications that the bulk of the taxes would have to come from corporates and not the salaried class and expressed government's commitment to widen the tax net to take the tax-GDP ratio from the present nine per cent to 11-12 per cent.

The government has also stressed the need to push up investment in agriculture to achieve a sustained four per cent growth annually in the farm sector, necessary for higher 7-8 per cent GDP growth. PTI

Pak not to accept "India-made" solution on Kashmir: Musharraf
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

K J M Varma
Islamabad, Jan 11 (PTI) President Pervez Musharraf tonight said that Pakistan would not accept any "India-made" solution to the Kashmir issue.

"We will not accept any solution of Kashmir with the stamp of 'Made in India' because this dispute cannot be resolved without the involvement of Kashmiris and Pakistan," he said in an interview to the private Geo TV.

Amidst reports that Pakistan may approach the World Bank for resolution of the Baglihar hydro-power dam issue with India, Musharraf said he was still hopeful of reaching a peaceful settlement to the dispute.

In the wake of failure of the Baglihar talks between India and Pakistan, he said he was hopeful of settling the issue because a lot of things were taking place between the two countries behind the scenes.

The outcome of the Secretary-level talks held in Delhi, which was "not encouraging", was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz last night, Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan said.

"Important decisions were taken during the meeting. We will see now how we proceed. Our firm decision on the World Bank intercession will be made public soon," Khan said. PTI

Centre for comprehensive law, special courts for SC, ST cases
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi, Jan 11 (PTI) Concerned over delay in justice in cases of atrocity against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Centre today favoured a "comprehensive law" and setting up of exclusive special courts in districts.
"A special mechanism and special laws are needed to deal with the situation," Law Minister H R Bhardwaj told a national conference on prevention of atrocities against SCs and STs and urged Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who was also present, to help frame a comprehensive law for speedy criminal justice.

The Law Minister said along with attitudinal changes, amendments in the existing laws were necessary to impart justice without delay and added that there was need for constant review of the criminal justice system.

Observing that only "lip sympathy" was being rendered to victims of atrocities, Bhardwaj said discrimination against the SCs and STs should be removed at the grassroots level and suggested that MPs and MLAs set an example by living and eating with them. "Unless we change our attitude, atrocities will continue," he said.

Patil said investigations should be carried out by officers of not less than DSP rank and these should be completed within 30 days. Besides, exclusive special courts should be set up in all districts and states lagging behind should accord "high priority" to it, he said.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar said over 16 crore people were victims of atrocity or untouchability and expressed concern over the low rate of conviction due to ineffective investigations, casual handling of prosecution of cases and acquittals on technical grounds. PTI

Law taking Jayalalithaa's course in TN: Sushma
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

Vellore, Jan 11 (PTI): Coming down heavily on Tamil Nadu police for arresting Junior Pontiff of Kanchi mutt Vijayendra Saraswati, Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today alleged that law in the state was not taking its course but Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's course.

"Those, who say the law will take its own course should see for themselves that in Tamil Nadu, law is taking Jayalalithaa's course, which is unjust and unfair," Swaraj told reporters here.

The state Government's "efforts to shake" the people's faith in the Sankara mutt, had failed "because faith is not fragile," Swaraj, who was here to receive Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi on his release on bail, said.

Earlier, speaking to reporters at Chennai, she said the arrest of the Junior pontiff was an assault on a religious institution. She demanded that the centre should issue a direction to the state, instructing it to deal with the case according to the Constitution.

The Government was making attempts to take over the administration of the mutt and wanted to install somebody amenable to it as the mutt chief, she alleged.

On the release of Jayendra Saraswathi, she said "It is the victory of truth and we will do our best. We will fight it out to the last to restore the glory of the mutt," she said.

'Anti-Hindutva' campaign

Kozhikode, Jan 11 (PTI) Kerala unit of the BJP today said the grant of bail by the Supreme Court to Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati had `confirmed doubts that a serious campaign is on against Hindutva by targeting the centuries-old Kanchi Mutt'.

"The 17-page apex court order, which itself is quite unusual in a case pertaining to bail, has made it clear that the probe has failed to establish any evidence against the Sankaracharya even two months after arresting the Seer," BJP state President P S Sreedharan Pillai told reporters here.

The arrest of Junior Pontiff, Vijayendra Saraswati, soon after the Supreme Court order had raised apprehensions about the ongoing `smear' campaign against the majority community, he said.

Being the first to register its protest against the arrest of the Sankaracharya, Pillai said the Kerala unit would observe January 14 as 'Prayers day' to express its protest against the manner in which the mutt had been 'targeted'.

The BJP wanted the Congress and the CPI(M) to 'tender an open apology' as the former refused to react and the latter had welcomed the Acharya's arrest earlier, he said.

BJP demands CBI probe into arrest of seers
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday demanded a CBI probe into the arrest of the two Shankaracharyas of the Kanchi Mutt as it accused the Centre of conniving with the Tamil Nadu government on the issue.

BJP Vice President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also demanded that the proceedings in the Sankararaman murder case in which the two seers are accused, be shifted to another state.

"There is obviously a Central connivance in the affair," Naqvi alleged while talking to reporters in New Delhi.

"If the Centre is serious, it should immediately order a CBI probe," he said.

Senior Kanchi Sankaracharya released
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 | Editor

Vellore, Jan. 11 (PTI): Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, was today released from the jail here exactly two months after he was arrested in connection with a murder case.

A beaming Sankaracharya came out at 4:30 pm and was received at the jail gate by BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, VHP leader Ashok Singhal, former Union Minister S Thirunavukkarasar, and a large number of mutt officials and devotees.

The Seer walked into the waiting yellow van of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam amidst tight security and headed for Kalavai, about 40 km. from Kancheepuram, as he has been barred from the Supreme Court from going to the Kanchi Mutt.

A police vehicle followed his van as the smiling Jayendra waived to his admirers and cameramen without making any comments to waiting newspersons. Many of the devotees fell at his feet as he waded through the crowd to go to his vehicle.

Mutt sources said the Seer would start conducting prayers at Kalavai from this evening itself.

The Supreme Court yesterday ordered the release of the seer, who was arrested on November 11 in the Sankararaman murder case, on bail on his furnishing a personal bond and two sureties to the satisfaction of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chengalput.

While granting bail, the apex court had castigated the Tamil Nadu police for having gathered "no evidence or material" against him in the case.

"We are of the opinion that prima facie a strong case has been made out for grant of bail to Sankaracharya," a Bench comprising Chief Justice R C Lahoti, Justice G P Mathur and Justice P P Naolekar, said while restraining the Seer from visiting the Mutt till the probe into the case was completed.

The court rejected the prosecution's claim that the tirade of Sanakararaman against the alleged maladministration of the Mutt and illegal activities of the Seer formed a major ground for the motive of Sankaracharya to eliminate him.

Hours after the Supreme Court ordered his release, Junior Sankaracharya of the mutt Jayendra Saraswathi, was taken into custody in connection with the same case.

Nostradamus foresaw killer waves
Saturday, January 1, 2005 | Editor

ERODE: The prophesies and predictions of Nostradamus on tsunami in coastal areas have come true. ``As per his predictions, the world will witness many more tragedies next year,'' Perry Jove, a researcher on Nostradamus writings, says.

A former officer of State Industries Department, Jove, who is also an astrologist and author of a book titled `Events and Imminent 1999-2021' in English, on the basis of Nostradamus's book Centuries, says that many of the French scholar's sayings like attack on Pearl Harbour during World War 11, disintegration of the USSR, WTC attack, earthquake in Columbia, death of some great leaders, etc. have come true.

Asserting that Nostradamus' views could be understood only by those who have good knowledge of history, astrology and English, Jove said in his 82nd verse (part 2), he indicated that the coastal towns would suffer in the 21st century and internal war of a country would come to an end. Accordingly, the war in Sri Lanka has stopped in the wake of killer tsunami.

Nostradamus, lived between 1503 and 1566, had predicted happenings which would occur in the world for the next 7000 years. His views indicated that some coastal towns would suffer from fire and other tragedies in the next year. Probably, there would be a change of leadership in the ruling coalition at the Centre before 2005 end, with assumption of power by a new leader coming from a family, which already had ruled earlier.

He also predicted that the economy of the US and UK would become weak before 2010 and China, where a military coup would happen, would become a dominant force in the world. While India will lead the world spiritually the Muslim countries become powerful due to their oil reserves.

The problems in ozone depletion will affect Arctic zone, leading to submersion of some islands, acid rains and dangerous diseases in the world, Perry Jove said.