LONDON: Two officials of the Greater Manchester police are scheduled to fly to India to meet the family of Indian student Anuj Bidve, who was killed in an unprovoked attack on Boxing Day in Salford. The investigating team have not yet recovered the murder weapon with which a gunman shot 23-year-old Bidve in the head after a brief conversation in the Ordsall area of Salford on Dec 26. Assistant chief constable Dawn Copley said, "Our family liaison officers are in regular contact with Anuj's family but passing information and updates over the phone is not the best way to communicate in tragic circumstances. "It is important to me personally , and Greater Manchester police, to have someone from the force meet with the family and help support them at this time," she said. "Having conversations face-to-face is absolutely the right thing to do. We will of course also provide whatever support we can throughout the family's forthcoming trip to the UK," the official added chief superintendent Russ Jackson and a family liaison officer will meet the family in India.
Obama signs bill to suspend $1.1 bn aid to Pak
WASHINGTON: US president Barack Obama has signed into law a massive $662-billion defence spending bill that also seeks to suspend a big chunk of $1.1 billion military aid to Pakistan, despite his "serious reservations" about provisions regulating detention and prosecution of suspected terrorists.
"I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation and prosecution of suspected terrorists ," Obama said in a statement after signing the bill in Hawaii, where the First Family is currently on the year-end vacation.
The $662-billion defence authorization bill for the year 2012, among other things, seeks to suspend 60% of $1.1 billion military aid to Pakistan - under the category Pakistan Counter-insurgency Fund - till secretaries of state and defence report to the Congress that Islamabad is making progress in the war on terror, particularly progress in strategies to counter manufacturing IEDs.
IEDs, which are mostly manufactured in Pakistan in its illicit factories, are one of the largest factors responsible for the death of American troops in Afghanistan. However , Obama in in his signing statement made no reference to this provision of the bill, which had drawn widespread condemnation in Pakistan and put another strain in US-Pakistan ties.
The Obama administration has maintained that the bill under no circumstances results in suspension of US military aid to Pakistan; as being interpreted by the Pakistani media.
Romney leading GOP president's race
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who is leading among all Republican presidential aspirants ahead of the key Iowa Caucus next week, has stepped up his attack on president Barack Obama, saying he would be little more than "a footnote" in the US history because of his "poor" decision-making .
The latest opinion poll by local DeS Moines Register said that Romney was leading among all the Republican presidential hopefuls.
"I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation and prosecution of suspected terrorists ," Obama said in a statement after signing the bill in Hawaii, where the First Family is currently on the year-end vacation.
The $662-billion defence authorization bill for the year 2012, among other things, seeks to suspend 60% of $1.1 billion military aid to Pakistan - under the category Pakistan Counter-insurgency Fund - till secretaries of state and defence report to the Congress that Islamabad is making progress in the war on terror, particularly progress in strategies to counter manufacturing IEDs.
IEDs, which are mostly manufactured in Pakistan in its illicit factories, are one of the largest factors responsible for the death of American troops in Afghanistan. However , Obama in in his signing statement made no reference to this provision of the bill, which had drawn widespread condemnation in Pakistan and put another strain in US-Pakistan ties.
The Obama administration has maintained that the bill under no circumstances results in suspension of US military aid to Pakistan; as being interpreted by the Pakistani media.
Romney leading GOP president's race
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who is leading among all Republican presidential aspirants ahead of the key Iowa Caucus next week, has stepped up his attack on president Barack Obama, saying he would be little more than "a footnote" in the US history because of his "poor" decision-making .
The latest opinion poll by local DeS Moines Register said that Romney was leading among all the Republican presidential hopefuls.
Air India offers NRIs, foreigners domestic travel scheme
NEW DELHI: In a bid to woo more passengers, Air India on Saturday launched a scheme for non-resident Indians ( NRIs) and overseas tourists offering fares starting $200 on its domestic flights for two journeys.
"Air India has launched new year bonanza for non-resident Indians and overseas tourists for their travel on Air India domestic flights with fares starting as low as $200 for two journeys to $720 for nine journey tickets," the airline said in a statement. The scheme is called the 'Visit Incredible India Pass' and will be available in overseas market from Jan 1, 2012. The pass will allow passengers to travel on any domestic route within 180 days from the date of commencement of the international journey. Travellers can also purchase additional coupons for $110 per journey.
"Air India has launched new year bonanza for non-resident Indians and overseas tourists for their travel on Air India domestic flights with fares starting as low as $200 for two journeys to $720 for nine journey tickets," the airline said in a statement. The scheme is called the 'Visit Incredible India Pass' and will be available in overseas market from Jan 1, 2012. The pass will allow passengers to travel on any domestic route within 180 days from the date of commencement of the international journey. Travellers can also purchase additional coupons for $110 per journey.
Women should know how much skin they should cover: Karnataka minister
HUBLI: Karnataka's women and child welfare minister C C Patil assumed tones of a moral policeman on Sunday saying, "I personally don't favour women wearing provocative clothes and always feel they need to be dignified in whatever they wear." He also said women should know how much skin they should cover.
Patil was speaking to TOI on Andhra Pradesh director general of police Dinesh Reddy attributing the rise in rape cases to women dressing provocatively by wearing "flimsy and fashionable" dresses. Patil said incidents like rape and sexual harassment occur when moral values among men decline - the subtext being women dressing "provocatively" cause men's morals to nosedive.
"Today's lifestyle makes it mandatory for women to work like men and live on equal terms with them. So women work in IT companies and call centres at night, they ought to know how much skin they should cover when they leave for such work places. Thus, I leave the issue of their dressing to them," said Patil.
"I do not insist on a dress code for women because women belonging to various castes and communities dress according to their culture and tradition. Many women wear saris while others wear salwar. At the same time, there are western outfits like low-waist jeans also easily available in the market. But it's up to women to decide which dress is safe for them," he said.
Perhaps apprehending he would be accused of being a misogynist, Patil hastily added, "Over the centuries, we have given respectful position and dignified status to women. We worship women in many ways. As a mark of respect to women, many rivers are named after them in the country which only indicates the respect we have towards women.''
Patil was speaking to TOI on Andhra Pradesh director general of police Dinesh Reddy attributing the rise in rape cases to women dressing provocatively by wearing "flimsy and fashionable" dresses. Patil said incidents like rape and sexual harassment occur when moral values among men decline - the subtext being women dressing "provocatively" cause men's morals to nosedive.
"Today's lifestyle makes it mandatory for women to work like men and live on equal terms with them. So women work in IT companies and call centres at night, they ought to know how much skin they should cover when they leave for such work places. Thus, I leave the issue of their dressing to them," said Patil.
"I do not insist on a dress code for women because women belonging to various castes and communities dress according to their culture and tradition. Many women wear saris while others wear salwar. At the same time, there are western outfits like low-waist jeans also easily available in the market. But it's up to women to decide which dress is safe for them," he said.
Perhaps apprehending he would be accused of being a misogynist, Patil hastily added, "Over the centuries, we have given respectful position and dignified status to women. We worship women in many ways. As a mark of respect to women, many rivers are named after them in the country which only indicates the respect we have towards women.''
When kisses left US seamen beaten
TUTICORIN: While instances of local people molesting foreign women are well known during festivals and celebrations, this time, an instance of local women being at the receiving end has come to light.
An attempt to greet local women on New Year's in a way Westerners generally do has landed two Americans in serious trouble. Offended, passersby took the duo to task by beating them black and blue.
US citizens Russelcay Francis (48) and John Douglas (47), and another comrade, working as security personnel in a cargo ship, were in Tuticorin as their ship was anchored in the port.
On New Year's eve, after having a couple of drinks at a hotel where they were staying, they went to Palayamkottai-Tuticorin road. It was said that Russelcay, John and their friend were dancing on the road, inebriated, wishing passers by for New Year. Excited over the reciprocation they were receiving from two-wheeler riders, the three started shaking hands with women, wishing them.
At one stage, it was alleged that they started kissing local women. Shocked and frightened by their behaviour, the women started running away while local people who witnessed the incident were angered. Earlier, the Americans attempted to enter a local temple with shoes and beer bottles, which irked locals.
Agitated over their behaviour, local people caught hold of two of the foreigners and thrashed them till the Tuticorin Central police intervened. The police took them to hospital for treatment. The third seaman is, however, absconding. Tuticorin Central Police station sources said Russelcay Francis and John Douglas were brothers from California. A case has been registered against them for harassing women as well as under Section 295A for hurting religious beliefs because they attempted to enter the Prasannavinayagar temple in the area with shoes and beer bottles. Russelcay and John were admitted to the government hospital for treatment and later shifted to a private hospital. Police also booked cases against a few unidentified persons from the Palayamkoatti Road area for attacking the foreigners, they said. Tuticorin SP J Rajendran told TOI that the foreign nationals had come to Tuticorin as additional security staff for the cargo vessel. Local people attacked them when their behaviour with women became offensive.
An attempt to greet local women on New Year's in a way Westerners generally do has landed two Americans in serious trouble. Offended, passersby took the duo to task by beating them black and blue.
US citizens Russelcay Francis (48) and John Douglas (47), and another comrade, working as security personnel in a cargo ship, were in Tuticorin as their ship was anchored in the port.
On New Year's eve, after having a couple of drinks at a hotel where they were staying, they went to Palayamkottai-Tuticorin road. It was said that Russelcay, John and their friend were dancing on the road, inebriated, wishing passers by for New Year. Excited over the reciprocation they were receiving from two-wheeler riders, the three started shaking hands with women, wishing them.
At one stage, it was alleged that they started kissing local women. Shocked and frightened by their behaviour, the women started running away while local people who witnessed the incident were angered. Earlier, the Americans attempted to enter a local temple with shoes and beer bottles, which irked locals.
Agitated over their behaviour, local people caught hold of two of the foreigners and thrashed them till the Tuticorin Central police intervened. The police took them to hospital for treatment. The third seaman is, however, absconding. Tuticorin Central Police station sources said Russelcay Francis and John Douglas were brothers from California. A case has been registered against them for harassing women as well as under Section 295A for hurting religious beliefs because they attempted to enter the Prasannavinayagar temple in the area with shoes and beer bottles. Russelcay and John were admitted to the government hospital for treatment and later shifted to a private hospital. Police also booked cases against a few unidentified persons from the Palayamkoatti Road area for attacking the foreigners, they said. Tuticorin SP J Rajendran told TOI that the foreign nationals had come to Tuticorin as additional security staff for the cargo vessel. Local people attacked them when their behaviour with women became offensive.
Foreigners can now invest directly in Indian stocks
NEW DELHI: The government on Sunday gave a New Year gift to the stock markets by allowing qualified foreign investors (QFIs), including overseas individuals, to invest directly in Indian stock markets. So far, QFIs were permitted to invest only in mutual fund schemes. "As a next logical step, it has now been decided to allow QFIs to directly invest in the Indian equity market in order to widen the class of investors, attract more foreign funds and reduce market volatility and to deepen the Indian capital market," the finance ministry said in a statement. Detailed norms are expected to be issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) over the next two weeks. By allowing QFIs, the government is opening a new avenue for investment, earlier controlled by foreign institutional investors. Foreign nationals, who wanted to invest in Indian stock markets, came through the sub-account route. Non-resident Indians were, however, permitted to invest directly. "In this arrangement, a large number."In this arrangement, a large number of Qualified Foreign Investors, in particular, a large set of diversified individual foreign nationals who are desirous of investing in Indian equity market do not have direct access to Indian equity market. In the absence of availability of direct route, many QFIs find difficulties in investing in the Indian equity market," the finance ministry said.
The move comes at a time when FIIs are withdrawing from Indian equity markets due to problems in their domestic markets.
The move comes at a time when FIIs are withdrawing from Indian equity markets due to problems in their domestic markets.
Hindi is a foreign language for Gujaratis, says Gujarat high court
AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat high court has said that Hindi is a foreign language for Gujaratis. Even the state government-run primary schools teach in Gujarati, the court said. The high court made the observations in a case filed by farmers from Junagadh objecting to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) publishing a notification in Hindi. In 2006, the NHAI planned to widen the existing two-lane national highway 8D to four lanes. The alignment of the bypass was changed last year on various grounds.
This hurt farmers in Junagadh and Rajkot. Farmers from Junagadh's Saraghvada village moved the HC as their land would be acquired. They alleged the plan was changed to benefit influential people. As per Section 3(A) 3 of the National Highways Act, notification about a change in plan should have been published in Gujarati. NHAI though published it only in Hindi and English. Justice V M Sahai, who heard the case on December 29, concluded that by not publishing the notification in Gujarati, NHAI committed an error. He quashed last year's notification and declared the process as null and void. The court, however, refused to cancel the project. The judge upheld the petitioners' argument that Hindi is not understood by the residents of Junagadh. "The language used by the petitioners in this area is Gujarati and Hindi language used in the notification is a foreign language for them. The normal spoken language in the region is Gujarati and not Hindi. Similarly, government imparts education in primary school level in Gujarati," the court observed.
This hurt farmers in Junagadh and Rajkot. Farmers from Junagadh's Saraghvada village moved the HC as their land would be acquired. They alleged the plan was changed to benefit influential people. As per Section 3(A) 3 of the National Highways Act, notification about a change in plan should have been published in Gujarati. NHAI though published it only in Hindi and English. Justice V M Sahai, who heard the case on December 29, concluded that by not publishing the notification in Gujarati, NHAI committed an error. He quashed last year's notification and declared the process as null and void. The court, however, refused to cancel the project. The judge upheld the petitioners' argument that Hindi is not understood by the residents of Junagadh. "The language used by the petitioners in this area is Gujarati and Hindi language used in the notification is a foreign language for them. The normal spoken language in the region is Gujarati and not Hindi. Similarly, government imparts education in primary school level in Gujarati," the court observed.
Air India launches domestic travel scheme for NRIs
New Delhi, December 31: In a bid to woo more passengers, Air India Saturday launched a scheme for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas tourists offering fares starting $200 on its domestic flights for two journeys.
“Air India has launched new year bonanza for non-resident Indians and overseas tourists for their travel on Air India domestic flights with fares starting as low as $200 for two journeys to $720 for nine journey tickets,” the airline said in a statement. The scheme is called the ‘Visit Incredible India Pass’ and will be available in overseas market from Jan 1, 2012. The pass will allow passengers to travel on any domestic route within 180 days from the date of commencement of the international journey. Travellers can also purchase additional coupons for $110 per journey.
“Air India has launched new year bonanza for non-resident Indians and overseas tourists for their travel on Air India domestic flights with fares starting as low as $200 for two journeys to $720 for nine journey tickets,” the airline said in a statement. The scheme is called the ‘Visit Incredible India Pass’ and will be available in overseas market from Jan 1, 2012. The pass will allow passengers to travel on any domestic route within 180 days from the date of commencement of the international journey. Travellers can also purchase additional coupons for $110 per journey.
Indian-origin political activist Amichand Rajbansi dies in South Africa
Pretoria, December 31: Indian-origin political activist Amichand Rajbansi, leader of the Minority Front party in South Africa, has died at the age of 69, state-run news agency BuaNews reported.
Rajbansi, nicknamed the “Bengal Tiger”, was a former chief minister of the House of Delegates Tricameral parliamentary chamber for Indian people, and founding member of the National People’s Party, which later became the Minority Front. The party said Rajbansi died Thursday at a hospital in Durban. He was admitted in October with bronchitis.
The African National Congress and Minority Front had an agreement that led to Rajbansi serving in the ANC-led KwaZulu-Natal cabinet from 2004 to 2009 as member of the executive council for sports and recreation. Messages of condolences poured in from South Africa’s political circles after his death.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, who worked closely with the former sport and recreation member of the executive council Rajbansi when he was premier of KwaZulu-Natal, said: “He will be surely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during these difficult moments.”
African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said Rajbansi was a prominent and influential figure in South African politics. “To many South Africans, Rajbansi was known for his near obsession on community issues and issues affecting minorities. This made him stand out as a politician and a community leader. He made his mark during the negotiations leading to a democratic dispensation in the country,” Mthembu said. Rajbansi also distinguished himself in parliament as a representative of the Minority Front. He was a “practical leader” and also “open-minded”, he said. “His absence in society and the political scene will be noticed. eThekwini municipality mayor James Nxumalo said Rajbansi played a leading role in the establishment of democracy in South Africa. “South African politics will never be the same without him and his contribution will be missed,” he said. Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Rajbansi helped bring “coalition politics” to South Africa. “He was one of the people who introduced the idea of coalition politics to South Africa by strategically aligning his party with others to achieve his objectives,” Zille said.
Rajbansi, nicknamed the “Bengal Tiger”, was a former chief minister of the House of Delegates Tricameral parliamentary chamber for Indian people, and founding member of the National People’s Party, which later became the Minority Front. The party said Rajbansi died Thursday at a hospital in Durban. He was admitted in October with bronchitis.
The African National Congress and Minority Front had an agreement that led to Rajbansi serving in the ANC-led KwaZulu-Natal cabinet from 2004 to 2009 as member of the executive council for sports and recreation. Messages of condolences poured in from South Africa’s political circles after his death.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, who worked closely with the former sport and recreation member of the executive council Rajbansi when he was premier of KwaZulu-Natal, said: “He will be surely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during these difficult moments.”
African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said Rajbansi was a prominent and influential figure in South African politics. “To many South Africans, Rajbansi was known for his near obsession on community issues and issues affecting minorities. This made him stand out as a politician and a community leader. He made his mark during the negotiations leading to a democratic dispensation in the country,” Mthembu said. Rajbansi also distinguished himself in parliament as a representative of the Minority Front. He was a “practical leader” and also “open-minded”, he said. “His absence in society and the political scene will be noticed. eThekwini municipality mayor James Nxumalo said Rajbansi played a leading role in the establishment of democracy in South Africa. “South African politics will never be the same without him and his contribution will be missed,” he said. Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Rajbansi helped bring “coalition politics” to South Africa. “He was one of the people who introduced the idea of coalition politics to South Africa by strategically aligning his party with others to achieve his objectives,” Zille said.
Kerala plans new bank, university for non-resident Keralites
Thiruvananthapuram, December 31: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Friday held out an assurance that the state government will look into all the legal and technical issues of floating a new bank and a university that will set up as a joint venture between the state and the Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs).
“With regard to setting up a bank, the most important clearance has to come from the Reserve Bank of India and for that we will first look into all the legal issues in this regard. Then comes the technical aspect,” said Chandy told a Global Non-Resident Keralites Meet here.
The education department will look into the setting up a seperate university, with special preference to the children of NRKs and the NRKs returning to the state, Chandy said. “See, I do not want to make an announcement that both these demands will be implemented because there are lot of clearances required. But one thing I can assure you that both issues would be definitely pursued and we will do our best to ensure that this becomes a reality,” added Chandy. According to the latest figures, there are 34.50 lakh non-resident Keralites and they have sent a staggering Rs.50,000 crore to their bank accounts in the state.
The demand for a bank and a university has been there for a while, T.K.Manoj Kumar, secretary of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs(NORKA) department, told IANS. “The proposed plan for the bank is that the state government will hold 26 per cent equity and the rest will come from equity participation of NRKs. Likewise, the university would see the children of NRKs and NRK returnees getting preferential treatment when it comes to admissions,” said Kumar. An official from NORKA would visit Saudi Arabia next month and hold discussions with the Indian embassy officials to initiate steps and ensure that the Keralites who were jailed due to want of proper papers are released, said Chandy. “The centre will foot the bill of travel of some who will be repatriated and we welcome the offer by Siddique (an NRK businessman), who has agreed to meet the travel expenses of jailed Keralites in Saudi Arabia,” Chandy said. In a two-hour interaction with the delegates, numerous suggestions and complaints came up. Mary Joseph, who works in Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the NRK identity card issued by the NORKA was not accepted as a valid identity card in banks, and even in state government offices. “This complaint would be immediately attended to, and will see to it that steps are eased when it comes to renewal of NRK identity card,” said State Minister of NRKs K.C.Joseph. State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala, who addressed the gathering, requested the state government to open cooperative societies exclusively for NRKs in all the 14 districts.
“With regard to setting up a bank, the most important clearance has to come from the Reserve Bank of India and for that we will first look into all the legal issues in this regard. Then comes the technical aspect,” said Chandy told a Global Non-Resident Keralites Meet here.
The education department will look into the setting up a seperate university, with special preference to the children of NRKs and the NRKs returning to the state, Chandy said. “See, I do not want to make an announcement that both these demands will be implemented because there are lot of clearances required. But one thing I can assure you that both issues would be definitely pursued and we will do our best to ensure that this becomes a reality,” added Chandy. According to the latest figures, there are 34.50 lakh non-resident Keralites and they have sent a staggering Rs.50,000 crore to their bank accounts in the state.
The demand for a bank and a university has been there for a while, T.K.Manoj Kumar, secretary of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs(NORKA) department, told IANS. “The proposed plan for the bank is that the state government will hold 26 per cent equity and the rest will come from equity participation of NRKs. Likewise, the university would see the children of NRKs and NRK returnees getting preferential treatment when it comes to admissions,” said Kumar. An official from NORKA would visit Saudi Arabia next month and hold discussions with the Indian embassy officials to initiate steps and ensure that the Keralites who were jailed due to want of proper papers are released, said Chandy. “The centre will foot the bill of travel of some who will be repatriated and we welcome the offer by Siddique (an NRK businessman), who has agreed to meet the travel expenses of jailed Keralites in Saudi Arabia,” Chandy said. In a two-hour interaction with the delegates, numerous suggestions and complaints came up. Mary Joseph, who works in Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the NRK identity card issued by the NORKA was not accepted as a valid identity card in banks, and even in state government offices. “This complaint would be immediately attended to, and will see to it that steps are eased when it comes to renewal of NRK identity card,” said State Minister of NRKs K.C.Joseph. State Congress president Ramesh Chennithala, who addressed the gathering, requested the state government to open cooperative societies exclusively for NRKs in all the 14 districts.
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