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8 Pages Rs: 1.00 Jammu Edition www.thestudentage.com JKENG/2012/41612 Vol. 2 No: 124

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MUSHARRAF GETS BAIL IN BHUTTO CASE

A HANDSHAKE ACROSS HIMALAYAS

SREESANTH SOUGHT FEMALE MODELS

TRADES DOMINATE BORDERS...! INDIA, CHINA TARGET $100 BILLION BY 2015

India-China ink 8 trade agreements..!
NEW DELHI: India and China, on Monday, signed a series of memorandum of understandings (MoUs) on pharmaceuticals, buffalo meat and fisheries and an agreement on feed and feed ingredients to address the growing trade deficit. The trade deficit has increased from $1.08 billion in 2001-02 to $40.77 billion in 201213. The MoUs were signed as part of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India. The MoU for the export of buffalo meat from India to China was signed between Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development 1. Both sides have agreed to conduct the Yatra every year from May to September. The Chinese side will make further improvements to the existing facilities on the route of the pilgrims and to maintain smooth communication has agreed to assist in renting wireless sets and local SIM cards 2. The three working groups under the Joint Economic Group are: i)Services Trade Promotion Working Group, ii)Economic And Trade Planning Cooperation and iii)Trade Statistical Analysis 3. Aims at strengthening mutual cooperation in trade and safety of buffalo meat, fishery products and feed and feed ingredients, and to meet the regulatory requirements with respect to safety & hygiene & quarantine 4. Aims at enhancing cooperation in the field of Sewage Treatment and experience sharing in the areas of mutual interest in the urban sectors . 5. MoU aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of water efficient technology with applicability in the area of agriculture and exchange of best practices. 6. MoU provides for a Joint Working Group that will coordinate translation and publication of 25 books of Classic and Contemporary Works of each side over a period of 5 years in to Chinese and Indian languages respectively. 7. China will provide India with information of water level, discharge and rainfall of 8:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs(Beijing Time) twice a day from June 1st to October 15th each year in respect of three hydrological stations on the mainstream Brahmaputra river 8. Both sides agreed to identify sister cities and sister states/provinces in India and China with a view to establishing relationships between them in areas of mutual interest for enhancing greater people to people contacts NEW DELHI: Putting behind the border dispute, which the Indian envoy call as 'complicated', India and China today sought to improve their bilateral relations and signed eight agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, culture and water resources. The agreements were signed at the end of the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang. The eight agreements are: 1. To enhance trade, Services Trade Promotion Working Group, Economic And Trade Planning Cooperation Group and Trade Statistical Analysis Group have been set up. Under this pact the two countries have set a target of $100 billion by 2015 for bilateral trade. 2. A pact on Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims will make further improvements to the existing facilities for the pilgrims including providing them with wireless sets and local SIM cards. The Kailash Mansrovar Yatra will be conducted every year from May to September. 3. Under another pact China will provide information of water level, discharge and rainfall twice a day from June 1st to October 15th each year in respect of three hydrological stations Contd. on page 2

AN ANALYSIS
Media of both the countries have laid more emphasis on business deals and have played down a recent border "tent confrontation" between the two armed forces. Analysts say that both countries have prevented border problems from derailing ties by prevailing in the face of "the West" and "media hype" about the border stand-off. "Tensions between the two Asian giants meet Western interests... China's surrounding environment will suffer if India, a country which has the prospect of running neck-and-neck with China, becomes another Japan or Philippines in terms of its policies toward China," says Dr. Jitendra Singh National Spokesperson BJP "In order to curb IndoIndo-China's rise, a few other countries have in recent years enlarged differences between

Authority (APEDA). The export of buffalo meat is not allowed from India to China and this has been a longpending issue between the two countries. With the

resumption of trade, India hopes that it will not only be helpful in reducing trade imbalance but also help China's food security by providing Contd. on page 2

China and India, China must understand that India-China are destines to live together and there will be no Asian century if the tensions arise due to aggression. China has to get the vision to see India differently and its policies towards India have to different that its policies for other countries. China has to come out of the clutches of its pseudo freinds" he added.

Omar hopeful of partial withdrawal of AFSPA from J&K

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been advocating partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some parts of his state, on Monday expressed hope of finding a "common meeting ground" with the Army on the vexed issue. Omar, who listed removal of AFSPA as an important confidence building measure, contended that the special law has been misused from time to time and has forced various human rights body to support for its repeal. "We understand that you cannot overnight take it (AFSPA) away. It has to be a gradual process. It has to start with those areas where Army is no longer required to operate and that is what we have been asking for," he told reporters during an interaction at Foreign Correspondents' Club here. Omar was given an honorary membership of the club on the occasion. He said there are areas in the state where infiltration and militancy continue to be a problem and thus, making a ground for Army's Contd. on page 2

Decisive mandate to pursue agenda 80,000 families affected in Doda-Kishtwar Earthquake:M I Khanday of peace, prosperity in J&K: Mufti
CHENANI/JAMMU: Reiterating resolve of his party to establish a new system of justice and equality, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today sought a decisive mandate for his party to give a final push to the agenda of peace, dignity, stability and prosperity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Addressing an impressive public meeting at Chenani Bus Stand here today, Mufti said during its tenure the PDP led regime had proved its ability to change destiny of SRINAGAR: The recent earthquake in Doda region of Jammu and Kashmir damaged public infrastructure worth Rs 100 crore as over 80,000 families were affected by the natural disaster. The losses to public infrastructure have been assessed to the tune of nearly Rs 100 crore with major damage reported in Doda district where public infrastructure worth Rs 89.10 crore has been damaged, an official spokesman said after a review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary M I Khanday here. The spokesman said over 80,000 families, mostly in Doda and Kishtwar districts, have been affected due to the May 1 earthquake and the aftershocks. State Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary reviewed the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway in the earthquake affected districts of Doda, Kishtwar and

Ramban. Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts via video link presented the latest assessment reports and informed the committee about the relief and restoration works being carried out in response to the calamity, the spokesman said. Khanday asked the divisional and district administration to extend relief to all affected families in the form of shelter, tents and free ration along with Contd. on page 2

the common masses by treating all individual equally and by providing equal opportunities of development and

growth to all sections of the society. "Although we had just 16 members in the Assembly, Contd. on page 2

Pakistans strategic depth: A pipe dream?

ROHIT SINGH RANA Regular border fighting between Afghan security personnel and Pakistani forces have brought to limelight the tenuous relations between the two neighbours. This time, the fighting broke out a week earlier, when Pakistanis tried to rebuild fortifications on the controversial Durand line. Afghan President Hamid karzai has made it clear to Pakistan,that it does not recognize the Durand line, which it is trying to superimpose on Afghanistan. The bitter fighting in Ghostha District of Eastern Naganhar, took a heavy toll of Pakistani forces which according to reports suffered thirty casualties. The proud Afghans, will never accept the diktats of Pakistan and the policy of regular intimidation has given the Pakis only a bloody nose. History is replete with examples that the restive areas of Afghanistan, bordering Pakistan will never leave its sovereignty into the hands of its western neighbour, how much Islamabad may flog its religious card. Keeping in view the terrorist assets, ISI has nurtured to neutralise Indian influence in Afghanistan, the statement of President Karzai, criticizing Pakistan for building fortifications across Durand line assumes importance. In this cat and mouse game of Pakistans quest to seek the much vaunted strategic depth in Kabul, it is important for all involved in the region to thwart the sinister plan. The very concept of Pakistani strategic depth is fraught with serious consequences, as it subtly strips the Afghans of its own international policy especially with India. The dangerous game, in which Pakistan is trying to seize political control over Kabul, will not be in the interests of neither Iran nor India. Islamabads perpetual honeymoon with terrorism and creation of a dangerous doctrine promoting foreign policy through terror machine and Taliban has made the peace in the region under constant threat. This dubious policy which Islamabad espoused since the regime of General Zia has made the whole region bleed. Hence there is an urgent need to develop strong relationship between India, Iran and Afghanistan so that the efforts to promote peace in the whole of south Asia are redoubled. The Naganhar incident has created a new rallying point for all Aghans in the martydom of Mohammad Qasim, who laid down his life fighting Pakistani security forces in the border clash. Qasim has stirred the Afghans to defend their territory against Islamabads evil designs. In this backdrop of strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, the decision of President karzai to seek Indias help to supply military hardware and weapons to Kabul assumes importance. India, previously stuck to its policy of trying to remain non-partisan but the karzai appeal has evoked positive response in New Delhi. Indian arms for Kabul mean its further drift with Islamabad. This has put the flawed doctrine of Pakistans strategic depth under a big question mark. Things for Pakistan have not turned well courtesy its faulty understanding of history and religion. With a new Government about to take control in Pakistan under Nawab Sherief, it will be interesting to note, how the new leadership will react to the crisis. But as long as Pakistans military has a final say in running its foreign policy, it will be naive to expect something fruitful in near future. The Kabul Islamabad crisis will grow deeper with the withdrawal of American forces in2014. Having said so, the finger always points towards irresponsibility of Pakistan and its policy makers. First it was hate India, now it is hate Afghanistan, with the result its failed attempt to promote relations with neighbours on the basis of religion failed. This theory dismembered Pakistan once and now is creating another enemy in the Western border. When flawed and contorted visions are promoted, nations suffer and interestingly start devouring their own maker. Pakistan is passing through this very phase.

Mr. Mirwaiz: Kashmir is natural part of India not Pakistan!

In your Friday address, you said that Kashmir is natural part of India. It means you have changed stance from being in favour of freedom for Kashmir to its merger with Pakistan. How speedily you change your stance. In foreign lands, you give an impression of talking for freedom but now the sudden twist. Whatever it may be, Mr. Mirwaiz, you do not know history. You only know what is suitable to your supporters. Perhaps London education too has not shaped your vision of history. History is an impartial subject, where opportunistic and coloured visions do not hold ground. Kashmir is not a natural part of Pakistan because history cannot be six decades old. It is a long continuum of sagas after sagas which people like you fail to realize. On what basis have you conjured fantastic theories? Kashmir is natural part of India, not of Pakistan, because Kashmiris have always stood for secularism and plurality. They have nurtured a synthesis of cultures and religions. Pakistan stands for only one favourite religion. Its identity is also not defined, so Mr. Mirwaiz, read your lessons well. Kashmir will always be a natural part of India because of its great traditions and diverse culture. Appreciate good things that India has to offer; learn to have big heart, Mr Mirwaiz. RANASAHIB

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it," Omar said. The Chief Minister cited the coalition government in his state as a hurdle for revoking of the Disturbed Areas Act, a prelude to the removal of AFSPA. "I have a coalition government. A coalition government in which Congress is an ally of mine. They are also the single largest constituent of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the centre. Clearly for me to do anything in the state I need a majority of my own or I need to take Congress on board. "Both of which require discussion or a dialogue. I don't have a majority of my own. And therefore, I need to carry political parties like Congress along with me and that is what I am trying to do. I wish it would be easier for me to remove DA Act. Before 2002 it would have been possible when the NC had a full majority in the Assembly, but that opportunity is unfortunately not available now," he said. we provided good governance to the people by streamlining functioning of all the wings of the government", he said and added that it was only during the PDP led regime that governance consciousness was generated among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the common masses had a taste of good governance. "We are not praising ourselves but people are themselves now comparing performance of our government with the present dispensation", he observed, adding, "the overwhelming response, the party has been receiving from common masses during the recent years, is appreciation well as acknowledgement of the good work done by the previous PDP led regime in the State". Mufti said there was a widespread public recognition of the fact that the credible leadership and pro-people agenda of PDP had positively transformed the State's political, economic and developmental landscape. "The process of the State's political and economic transformation started by the PDP-led coalition government in the year 2002 has to be now taken to the logical conclusion because the present regime has miserably failed to carry forward this process", he said and assured the gathering that PDP would, with fresh resolve, embark on the agenda of ensuring dignified peace and sustainable economic prosperity for the people in all the regions and sub-regions of the State. Terming the coming assembly elections as historic event in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the State needs credible public representatives to address grievances of the people seriously. He, however, hastened to add that present regime has lost its credibility. "After formation of National Conference led government in the year 2009, the State has been plunged into unprecedented crisis and this regime has become synonymous of chaos and uncertainty", he said, adding, "It is a historical fact whenever National Conference attained power the state of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed uncertainty and mess". He said that National Conference leadership deliberately encouraged chaos in the State because this party always take benefit of turmoil and uncertainty. Highlighting achievements of his regime, he said PDP led regime had brought transparency and accountability in the governance by strengthening democratic institutions in the state. He especially mentioned that during PDP led regime more than 70,000 youth were appointed as teachers under Rebar-e-Talim (ReT) scheme and more than 30,000 Anganwari workers were also appointed. "Not only a single case of favouritism or nepotism were reported during our tenure because appointments were made with complete transparency and accountability to ensure that only deserving people would get jobs", he said and dared his opponents to come with single example of favouritism or backdoor appointment during PDP led regime. He, however, regretted that the present regime has been brazenly indulged into backdoor appointments in government jobs. Responding to the demands raised by local people, Mufti reiterated his demand that a separate tourist circuit should be establish connecting Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Kud, Batote, Doda and Bhaderwah. Sardar Rangil Singh, Yashpal Sharma, MLC, Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Mehboob Iqbal, Suram Singh, Neeraj Vohra, Sukhdev Sharma, Hans Raj, Mohammad Ashraf, Kuldeep Manhas, Vimal

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Sharma, Mushtaq, Jai Krishan and others also spoke on the occasion. In the function senior leaders of Panthers Party and BJP joined PDP in the presence of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Prominent among those who joined PDP included Dev Raj, Dharam Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Vijay Kumar Manhas, Pardeep Kumar Khajuria, Shanker Chand, Jalal Din, Lal Hussain, Vijay Kumar, Surjeet Singh, Jeevan Singh, Tirath Singh, Kirpu and others. carrying out immediate temporary restoration works of damaged public infrastructure. The Chief Secretary directed that the amount of Rs 25 crore released under State Disaster Relief Fund, for providing ex-gratia relief in cases of death, injury and damage to property, should be distributed among all the affected people and additional requirement of funds under SDRF should be communicated for release. He called for ensuring distribution of free ration in all affected areas with directions to the CAPD for sending in advance the required quantum of ration to these districts for next month also. While reviewing the status of facilities being provided to the students, Khanday directed the divisional and district administration to carry out repair and restoration of all partially damaged schools. The Deputy Commissioners informed the meeting that fully or severely damaged schools are currently being run in open areas, tents, rented accommodations and other safe areas.The district civil and police administration was asked to coordinate in running awareness and basic level training programmes for informing people regarding the precautionary measures needed in the event of further shocks. Police and civil administration was also asked to maintain high level of alertness and regular contact with all village level units to ensure a structured and planned relief and response, the spokesman said. The meeting was informed that pamphlets highlighting safety and other measures to be adopted are being distributed among people, he added.Meanwhile, experts from National Disaster Management Authority have held meetings with engineers regarding quake resistant structural construction techniques.

quality and hygiene meat products. India and China on Monday enhanced their bilateral ties with the inking of eight significant agreements that cover a range of areas including trade, culture and water resources. The agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang on the mainstream Brahmaputra river. 4. A separate Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the India's Ministry of Water Resources and China's National Development and Reform Commission for cooperation in the field of ensuring water efficient irrigation. 5. A pact on trade and safety of buffalo meat, fish products will ensure regulatory requirements with respect to safety, hygiene and quarantine of such products. 6. An MoU was also signed between the Ministry of Urban Development and National Development and Reform Commission of China on cooperation in the field of sewage treatment. 7. On cultural front, an agreement will allow coordination on translation and publication of 25 books of classic and contemporary works of each side over a period of five years into Chinese and Indian languages. 8. Another pact is on cooperation and linkages between cities and provinces of the two countries. Both sides agreed to identify "sister cities" and "sister states/provinces" to establish relationship in areas of mutual interest for enhancing greater people-to-people contacts. presence. "There are also areas where Army has not operated for a number of years now - where the security situation is controlled by Jammu and Kashmir police and central paramilitary forces. "In such places, the requirement for AFSPA that we discussed, that is exactly what we are doing, the Army has been very reluctant to go forward on this. But I believe there is a common meeting ground that can be found and we are talking about

CONTINUATION Trades dominate

80,000 families

Trades dominate

Decisive mandate

Omar hopeful

Priyanka Gandhi to contest poll against cousin

sources are to be believed then the party would announce their decision soon. Priyanka may contest from Sultanpur, a constituency from where her cousin and BJP leader Varun Gandhi is all set to contest during the next general election. It is believed that Priyanka's sudden activities in microblogging site Twitter and social networking site Facebook are the initiatives which she has taken to build a strong platform reaching out to aam-aadmi (common man). However, it was not confirmed when the Congress party would announce its decision on Priyanka. The daughter of the Gandhi family had left an impressive note on people's mind during her poll campaigning for her brother Rahul and mother Sonia Gandhi. Despite Congress' defeat in Uttar Pradesh during assembly elections in 2011, many were impressed with Priyanka's presence. Earlier it was reported that BJP would ask Varun to contest from Sultanpur which is close to Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two constituencies represented by his cousin brother Rahul Gandhi and aunt Sonia Gandhi respectively. Fight between Priyanka and Varun would be interesting to see in Sultanpur, a constituency which once had been represented by Varun's father Sanjay Gandhi.

Congress responsible for discrimination with Jammu- BJP.

JAMMU:- Akhnoor district working committee meeting of the BJP held at Bantlab on Sunday which was attend by BJP State Vice President and Prabhari Akhnoor Vibodh Gupta and Sakina Bano, State general Secretary Bali Bhagat, Kissan Morcha State President Karan Singh, district President Sukhdev Singh, district general Secretary Suraj Prakash, Omi Khajuri, BJYM district President Vikas Choudhary, all the district Vice-President, district secretaries, district Morcha and Cell Presidents Mandal Presidents and the working committee members. Addressing the working committee members Vibodh Gupta expressed anguish over the repeated ignorance of Jammu region by the Successive state government and held Congress ministers from Jammu responsible for discrimination with Jammu region. He said when ever BJP MLA's raised the issue of discrimination with Jammu in the Assembly, Congress ministers and MLA's opposed all the moves and affords of BJP and always supported anti-Jammu National Conference and PDP. Vibodh said that the deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand,PHE Minister and MLA Akhnoor Sham Lal Sharma and Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma fatory of BJP iled to address the grievances of the common man and accused them of hooliganism for Jammuities. He said inspite of have deputy Chief Minister, Previously Health Minister and Member Parliament, the sufferings of Common people living in Akhnoor and Khoor have no end and asked the BJP workers to expose the rampat Corruption of Congress and the National Conference ministers and aware the people that Jammuities are not safe in their hands. Addressing the Workers Bali Bhagat said that the recently held Cabinet meeting at Srinagar chaired by the Chief Minister also established that the adoption of 73rd constitutional amendment or empowerment of Panchs and Sarpanchs is a non-issue both for the National Conference and the Congress ministers.Had the Congress really committed to fulfilling its socalled commitment of Panchyat Empowerment , the Congress ministers would have surely made the Chief Minister and his NC colleagues in the Cabinet to discuss threadbare the issue and taken some concrete steps in this matter aimed at empowering and protecting Panchs and Sarpanchs, he added and said that it has now been established that Congress ministers and MLA do not want to incorporate 73rd and 74th amendment of Indian Constitution on Jammu and Kashmir and asked the workers to get united and build booth level organizational structure to through out Congress and the National Conference government out of Power. BJP Akhnoor district President Sukhdev Sigh Presented the vote of thanks and asked the workers to strengthen the party and start preparations for Parliament elections as well as Assembly elections to make the viccandidates sure.

L U C K N O W : Preparations for upcoming mega war -- Lok Sabha Elections 2014 have already begun in Congress and BJP. While the latter made headlines after appointing Gujarat CM Narendra Modi's close aide Amit Shah as in-

charge of Uttar Pradesh, it is believed that the former too is also ready with a big surprise in store. According to Congress sources, senior party leaders have been grooming one of its crucial trump cards -- Priyanka Gandhi for the mega war. If

Sham, Gurezi review functioning of PHE deptt, No election in J&K without Delimitation Rs. 261.52 cr. Action Plan for current fiscal Warns National Panthers Party 500 new habitations to be covered under potable water in Valley
SRINAGAR: In order to provide potable drinking water to the uncovered habitations and to complete the on-going Water Supply Schemes (WSS) in the Kashmir division, an Action Plan to the tune of Rs. 261.52 crore has been proposed for the current financial year by the PHE Department. The Action Plan is likely to be approved by the Central Government shortly. The allocation is proposed to cover as many as 500 new habitations, which includes establishing 1600 hand pumps, constructing tube-wells, coverage of schools, to improve water quality, new initiatives under sustainability and other allied works to augment and improve the overall drinking water scenario in the division. This information was given to the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma at a high-level meeting of engineers, which held to review the functioning of the Department. Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Gurezi was also present in the meeting. The Chief Engineer, PHE while briefing the meeting, informed that there are 6106 habitations (PHE villages) out of which 4613 have been fully covered up to ending March, 2013. The balance number of habitations, i.e. 1493 will be covered in a phased manner and during the current financial year a target of 500 habitations has been fixed. Besides, 6281 schools out of total 6895 have also been covered during the previous fiscal and remaining 614 have been targeted to be covered during the current fiscal with drinking water facilities, said the Chief Engineer. The meeting was apprised that as many as 1071 WSSs under different programme are underway in the division at an estimated cost of Rs. 1613.08 crore, out of which 246 stand completed till ending March, 2013 with a cumulative expenditure of Rs. 868.29 crore. Under Irrigation sector, the Chief Engineer, informed the meeting that during the previous fiscal as many as 5 major/medium irrigation schemes were completed with an estimated cost of Rs. 29.89 crore in the Valley, out of total 14 schemes which were taken up during the period. Under Minor Irrigation sector, there are 129 schemes under execution for which an amount of Rs. 128.46 crore was released during 2012-13 against which Rs. 88.80 crores were incurred and 51 schemes stand completed till ending March, 2013 and 46 schemes are targeted to be completed during the current fiscal. Under Flood Control sector, there are 15 schemes under AIBP, 4 schemes under NABARD and 23 schemes under State Sector which have been taken up and are at different stages of completion. An amount of Rs. 55.74 crore has been incurred on these schemes out of total release of Rs. 74.30 crore. Eight schemes under Flood Management Programme and NABARD have been targeted to be completed during the current fiscal, the meeting was told. Appreciating the previous years performance, the Minister directed the engineers to make concerted efforts to achieve the targets of current year. He maintained that the Department has been mandated with creating and ensuring the basic need of drinking water to all human beings and cattle, therefore, the officers must devote fully and fullfill the needs of the people. He said quality water and judicious use of this precious commodity is a paramount concern and all out efforts should be made in this context. He also stressed the need for ensuring hundred per cent metering on the commercial establishment to regulate the water supply and to realize revenue. JAMMU: "J&K National Panthers Party has threatened that there shall be no Assembly or Parliamentary election in J&K if Delimitation is not held in the State. The party accused the Congress-NC ruled state for discriminating with the people of J&K by keeping the state out of the Delimitation process. This demand has been addressed to N.N. Vohra, the Governor of J&K urging him to exercise his constitutional power to hold Delimitation of the Assembly constituencies before holding the election for the next Legislative Assembly in the State." Prof. Bhim Singh, the Chief Patron and Founder of the Panthers Party in his memorandum to the Governor has urged him to take stock of the entire situation and the mischievous role being played by the ruling clique in the state. He accused the UPA government also for kneeling before the Abdullah family to surrender its authority before an unconstitutional authority. He pointed out that Delimitation was held after the census of 2001 throughout the country by the Kuldip Singh Delimitation Commission except J&K. He said that the Panthers Party had moved the High Court and the Supreme Court in this regard but could not succeed, mainly for the reason that the effects of the census 2001 were getting diluted because of the fresh census of 2011. The Panthers Party Supremo has raised the most important issue of reservations. He pointed out that there are seven Assembly constituencies reserved for the SC only in Jammu Pradesh for the past 18 years. Because J&K Assembly has a term of six years which itself is violative of the mandate of the Constitution. However, he said that there is no justification nor there is any mandate of the Constitution to continue reservations for 40 years without rotation. This is, he declared, a criminal discrimination against the people of Jammu that the non-Scheduled Caste electorates of the seven Assembly (reserved) segments are denied their fundamental rights to contest Assembly election for 40 years. This is a glaring example of violation of Article 14, 19, 21 among other provisions of the Constitution and shall not be accepted by the people. He said both the Congress and NC are responsible for this criminal conspiracy against the people of Jammu to humble them, disgrace them, humiliate them only because they are the Dogras and they belong to Jammu Pradesh. Why J&K was ignored from the Delimitation process? Prof. Bhim Singh said that the Scheduled Tribes have legal entitlement of political reservation in the Assembly. The present government did not go for Delimitation because they do not want to grant reservation to the Gujjars, Bakerwals and the Gaddies. Prof. Bhim Singh urged the Governor for his urgent intervention in this regard. He said that the party shall take up the battle from the streets to the Supreme Court to ensure that people shall not suffer from discrimination at the hands of NC and the Congress.

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NC doesn't believe in raising politicaledifice on peoples' miseries: Rana
DODA: Provincial President National Conference (NC), Devender Singh Rana on Monday said that NC does not believe in raising its political edifice over the miseries of the people and decried the attempts of politicising the situation arising in the wake of earthquake in the Chenab Valley. "We have not come here to bake our political bread but we want to share your miseries, help out those in distress and do whatever is possible for your rehabilitation", Rana told impromptu public meetings at Arnora, Bhandote, Badron, Dhara and Bhagwah areas of the tremor affected Doda District. Currently on the third leg of his fortnight extensive visit to the area, Rana and his team of National Conference leaders met the victims individually and in groups to have feel of their sufferings and seek first hand feedback on the measures taken by the administration in providing assistance. The Provincial President referred to the initiatives taken by the government in solving the problems of earthquake victims and said that the administration has been asked to ensure all possible assistance to the sufferers in fair and impartial manner so that nobody nurtures impression that justice has not been done to him. "National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have asked us to camp in the affect-

CS reviews post-earthquake relief, rehabilitation measures

SRINAGAR: The State Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday reviewed on Monday the relief and rehabilitation efforts underway in the earthquake affected districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban. Deputy Commissioners of the affected Districts via video link presented the latest assessment reports and informed the committee about the relief and restoration works being carried out in response to the calamity. Over 80,000 families mostly in Doda and Kishtar have been affected due to the earthquake of 1st May and postearthquake aftershocks. The losses to the public infrastructure have been assessed to the tune of nearly Rs. 100 cr with major damage been reported in Doda where public infrastructure worth Rs 89.10 cr has been damaged. Chief Secretary asked the Divisional and District administration to extend relief to all affected families in the form of shelter, tents, and free ration rented accommodations and other safe areas. The meeting was informed that Pamphlets highlighting safety and other measures to be adopted are being distributed among people. Meanwhile, experts from National Disaster Management Authority have held meetings with engineers regarding earthquake resistant structural construction techniques. Local Masons and carpenters should also be given basic training regarding earthquake resistant construction, the committee observed. Director General of Police, Ashok Prasad, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Dr. Arun Kumar, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development B.R Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B.B Vyas, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Pradeep Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Vinod Koul, Commissioner Secretary, CAPD Mohammad Abbas, Principal Chief Conservative of Forest and other senior officers attended the meeting.

along with carrying out immediate temporary restoration works of damaged public infrastructure particularly related to Power, R&B, PHE, Health and school education. He directed that Rs 25 Cr under SDRF already released for providing exgratia relief in cases of death, injury and damage to property, livestock etc. should be distributed among all the affected people and additional requirement of funds under SDRF if any should be communicated for release. Chief Secretary called for ensuring

distribution of free ration in all affected areas with directions to the CAPD for sending in advance the required quantum of ration to these districts for next month also. While reviewing the status of facilities being provided to the school children, Chief Secretary directed the divisional and district administration to carry out repair and restoration of all partially damaged schools. The Deputy Commissioners informed the meeting that fully or severely damaged schools are currently being run in open areas, tents,

Union Govt should send central team to assess loss of quake-hit areas: Panthers
JAMMU: Alleging lapses on the part of the State administration in providing relief and rehabilitation to quakehit people in the State, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) urged the Union Government to send a central team to assess the loss in quake-hit districts and take necessary action. JKNPP members, led by President Balwant Singh Mankotia, staged a Dharna to lodge their protest against State Government for its alleged failure to aid the people of quake-hit areas and demanded urgent relief measures. Mankotia, while accusing both State as well as Central Governments for failing to reach out to the quake-hit people, said that Prime Minister had announced 10,000 tents for the quakehit areas but even after 15 days only 3,000 tents have been provided to the affected families. He also charged that although several ministers had been deputed to the quake -hit areas of Doda and Kishtwar, they had done nothing except visiting only some of the affected zones. Mankotia said Panthers Party leaders during their visit to quake-hit areas in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban Districts, had allegedly found grave lapses on the part of the administration in providing quake relief.

Revenue officials flay Govt's apathetic attitude

JAMMU: Demanding removal of pay anomalies, the revenue officials (Patwaris and Girdwars) under the banner of All J and K Patwar Association(AJKPA) took out a rally from Press Club Jammu to Deputy Commissioner Office in support of their demands. The protest rally was organised under the leadership of District President AJKPA, Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai amidst anti-government slogans. The revenue officials flayed the callous attitude of the State Government for not showing its serious concern towards the genuine demands. The association has decided to resume the indefinite strike till the government issues formal order. The protesting employees, who are on indefinite strike since 8th April, are demanding fulfilment of their long-pending demands including removal of pay anomalies and recruitment of new Patwaris. Addressing the gathering, Ganai held government responsible for the sufferings of the common masses and said government is trying to test our patience which is not good.

ed region and be with the people at this hour of need", he maintained. Rana sought to dispel the misgivings about the assistance sanctioned for the rehabilitation of the tremor victims and said that Rs 334 crore, which some people misconceive as relief for Doda-Kishtwar areas, is actually a normal installment provided to Jammu and Kashmir under State Disaster Relief Fund. He said the Chief Minister has already met and taken up with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh a special package for the Chenab Valley region. Speaking on the occasion, District President NC and MLC Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy gave a resume of initiatives taken by the NC cadres at district, block and Panchayat levels to reach out to the people and seeking redressal to their problems. The team, accompanying the Provincial President, comprised Babu Ram Paul, former Minister, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary, Th. Kashmira Singh, ex-MLC, Brij Mohan Sharma, ex-MLC , Gurdeep Singh Sasan and Sajjad Shaheen.

74 visitors cross Govt. Polytechnic students bring laurels Chakan-da-Bagh POONCH : With the openKISHTWAR: In the recently declared results of first semester by J and K State Board of Technical Education Govt. Polytechnic, Kishtwar, secured first position among all newly started polytechnics of Jammu Division by securing 69.81 per cent result in Civil Engg. and 52.94 per cent in Electrical Engg. First position in Civil Engg. was secured by Prakash Singh son of Narinder Singh with 87.50 per cent, second by Moin Ul Islam Qazi son of Masheer Ul Islam Qazi with 86.80 per cent and third by Bikram Singh son of Munshi Ram with 85.90 per cent. First position in Electrical Engg. was bagged by Mushraf Hussain son of Mohi Ud Din with 88.70 per cent, second by Tauqeer Raja son of Ashfaq Ahmed Beg with 84.90 per cent and third by Meenakshi Devi daughter of Maldev Singh with 83.90 per cent. The Principal, Govt. Polytechnic, Kishtwar congratulated the students for bringing laurels to the institution by their hard work, parents for their support and encouragement and also lauded the efforts of the dedicated teaching staff members of the institution who worked very hard for the students and institution. ing of Chakan-daBagh crossing on Monday, 74 visitors crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector. Among 35 passengers who went to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), two Indian visitors went to meet their relatives while 33 PoK visitors returned after completing their visit and 39 fresh PoK visitors came to meet their relatives in India. The gates were opened from 2:05 PM to 2:25 PM. The crossing was supervised by District Agriculture Officer Mohammad Yonus and Dy SP S. S Salathia from Indian side and ACR Aslam Qayani from PoK side

Patwaris take out protest rally

KATHUIA: Patwaris of district Kathua on Monday took out a protest rally under the leadership of President All J and K Patwar Association district President Bodh Raj in which over two hundred Patwaris and Girdawars of district Kathua participated. The rally which started from DC office in the scorching heat passed through Shahidi Chowk, Mukerji Chowk and College Road raised slogans in support of their demands . The speakers in this rally said that the govt. has not listened to their genuine grievances which they are highlighting for the last 44 days. The speakers reiterated their determination to fight for their right till last even if the govt. takes harsh steps. They expressed their susrprise that how the government which earlier had discussions with Patwaris and assured acceptance of their demands by March 2013, could go back of its commitments. The protest rally with a pledge to continue their strike culminated back at DC office. The prominent among those who spoke in the rally include District President Bodh Raj, Santokh Singh, Sardar Ali and Mohan Singh from Kathua, Ram Pal Sharma, Parshotam Lal, Chain Singh, Jagdev Singh, Addiaq Ahmed and Vishno Dutt from Hiranagar, Pankaj Kumar, Hadyat Ali Malik and Sanjay Sharma from Bani, and Bodhd Raj, Rajeev Sharma and Mohan Lal from Billawar.

Young Panthers criticise Govt

KATHUA: State Secy, Young Panthers Pawan Dev Singh strongly projected the demands of Bani Constituency while addressing a press conference on Monday. Pawan Dev Singh rapped the Education Dept. for its total failure in streamlining the Dept. He felt deep concern that most of the schools of Bani and Malhar Zone are lying defunct due to the shortage of staff. He demanded that the teachers of Bani Constituency which are promoted to master grade should be adjusted in Bani itself as Bani is the most backward area of the State and most of the schools in the said area are having acute shortage of staff. He further said that the posting of the masters of Bani out of station will further create hazards among the locals of Bani in general and student community in particular. He criticised Govt for poor road connectivity in Bani Constituency. Others present on the occasion include Vikram Chandan, Sandeep Singh, Ranjeet Singh and Niyian Jasrotia.

Saroori lays foundation stone of ITI

KISHTWAR : Former Minister and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori on Monday laid the foundation stone of ITI complex at Chatroo operated by Ever Green Institute. While address the gathering on foundation stone laying ceremony, Saroori lauded the role of Chairman of the Institute Jaffar Hussain Wani for playing its role in spreading education in educationally backward area of Chatroo Tehsil. He said that with the opening of ITI at Chatroo, people will get skill training like plumber, masons, carpenters, fitters, COMPA (Computer) and in other related trades. He urged up on the local youths to enroll their names in the said ITI so that they can get job opportunities in upcoming power projects. He said that the ITI was opened under State Government scheme through Technical Education Department. He said that after completing their course, State Technical Board will issue the certificates to the eligible candidates. Saroori said that under Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme, nearly 250 students from different parts of Inderwal Constituency have been sent for different training course in various colleges of the country free of cost. While criticising National Conference Saroori said State Government of Jammu and Kashmir has failed to provide relief to the earthquake victims and to hide their failures they (National Conference) are now making false allegations. He said brother of NC supremo Mustafa Kamal should use his mind before leveling such false allegations. Till date only 4 tents have been provided to each Panchayats, so what type of embezzled is there in the relief meant for earthquake victims of erstwhile Doda district, he questioned. Saroori was accompanied by ADC Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan, BDO Chatroo Semma Parihar, Tehsildar Chatroo Mohsin Ahanger, Dy SP Syed Majeed, Xen R & B Mohammad Ashraf Gilkar, Xen PMGSY Thusoo, Principle ITI Zahoor Mattoo, ZEO Chatroo Subash, other sectoral officers, Sarpanchs, Panchs and people in large were present on the occasion.

People have high hopes on credible PDP leadership: Mufti

JAMMU: Reiterating resolve of his party to establish a new system of justice and equality, Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today sought a decisive mandate for his party to give a final push to the agenda of peace, dignity, stability and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. ''During our tenure, the PDP-led regime had proved its ability to change destiny of the common masses by treating all individuals equally and by providing equal opportunities of development and growth to all sections of the society,'' Mufti said while addressing a public meeting at Chenani in Udhampur District. He said,'' although we had just 16 members in the Assembly, we provided good governance to the people by streamlining functioning of all the wings of the government'', he said and added that it was only during the PDPled regime that governance consciousness was generated among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the common masses had a taste of good governance. ''We are not praising ourselves but people are themselves now comparing performance of our government with the present dispensation,'' said the PDP patron adding, ''the overwhelming response, the party has been receiving from common masses during the recent years, is appreciation as well as acknowledgement of the good work done by the previous PDP led regime in the state.'' Terming the coming assembly elections as a historic event in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the state needs credible public representatives to address grievances of the people seriously. He, however, hastened to add that present regime has lost its credibility. ''After formation of National Conference-led government in the year 2009, the State has plunged into unprecedented crisis and this regime has become synonymous with chaos and uncertainty,'' he alleged adding that it is a historical fact that whenever National Conference attained power the state of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed uncertainty and mess.

LoC trade funding Hawala money Voluntary Health Asso delegates meet Governor to ultras, separatists: Chaman
JAMMU: LoC Trade is proving not only scandalous but is also encroaching upon Sovereignty of India in Jammu and Kashmir and telling upon the security matters. Three is a need of deep look by some independent agency instead of going under pressures of secessionists and semi secessionists as also self seekers operating in various guises. The former Union Minister and MLA, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta was commenting upon the reports that large consignment of Chinese apples seized by Custom Department authorities at Uri Islamabad and later released mysteriously after obtaining a certificate by an expert that these apples are the product of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and the Chinese stickers are misleading. Prof. Gupta said that apple in such a large scale are not grown in Pak held areas and more so, the apple crop is not yet ready in Valley. He questioned as to from where these apples worth crores are finding their way in PoK and then to India as part of the LoC Trade. He termed it a matter of serious concern in particular when the consignment coincides with visit of Chinese Prime Minister to New Delhi. He recalled that the LoC trade was started some five years ago as part of confidence building measures and it was given that the products of both sides of the State would be traded under barter system and there would be no Custom Duty unlike other places along borders in India. But the fact remains that over 90 percent goods being exchanged are not actually the products of this State which are being traded. In this regard, Prof. Gupta pointed out that coconut, bananas, chillies and some such like items are not the produce of this State but are being exported to PoK in huge quantity. Similarly, Peshawari Chappals, cloth, carpets, almonds and some other similar items being imported are not the produce of PoK. By this dubious trade not only the custom duty and other taxes are being evaded but also third country's produce is getting its way in this State and also being taken to other parts of the country in dubious manner. An unscrupulous type of game is going on, he said and pointed out that some traders have been found utilising LoC trade for funding Hawala money to ultras and separatists. He said it is a serious matter which must be looked into with various angles including that of third country involvement. He further said that such measures of making castles in the air would not work for having trust and confidence unless Pakistan changes her policies linked with proxy war and withdraw the support to cross border terror. The subversion and friendship cannot go together, added Gupta. SRINAGAR: A joint delegation of the Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi, and J and K Voluntary Health and Development Association, Srinagar, called on N.N Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this afternoon. The delegation, led by Alok Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi and Convener of the Independent Commission on Development and Health in India, comprised A. M Mir, Executive Director, J and K Voluntary Health and Development Association, and Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director, Tobacco Control Project. They briefed the Governor about the to-date status of their activities as well as about their future action plans at the national level and through the J&K Association for dealing with public health issues, particularly those aimed at enlarging awareness about the prevention and promotion of Non-Communicable Diseases, specially Diabetes and Cancer. Mukhopadhyay, Mir and Bhavna

thanked the Governor for his strong support to the work of their organisations and associated stakeholders as a result of which J&K has achieved tremendous progress in the control of tobacco consumption. The Governor complimented Mukhopadhyay and the Voluntary Health Association of India and Mir and the J&K Voluntary Health and Development Association for the commendable work being done under their care and assured them all possible support in achieving the objectives of both the Associations. The Governor observed that the media has to play a vital role in creating awareness among the people about the varied ongoing welfare schemes and programmes which cover every arena of development and for highlighting the problems and grievances of the public at large in regard to the inadequacies of the public delivery systems. He added that media can make a valuable contribution towards the achievement of sustained peace, progress and speedy development in the State.

STUDENT AGE TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

EDUCATION AGE

4
No entrance test for admission into Delhi University's English Journalism course
NEW DELHI: Students aspiring to get admission into English journalism degree course of Delhi University will not have to appear for an entrance test from this academic session under the new four-year undergraduate programme. However, admission into Hindi journalism course will continue through an entrance test like previous years. The Journalism (Hons) in English has now been named as Bachelors of Journalism and Mass Communication under the new four-year pattern. "This time Journalism (Hons) has been renamed as Journalism and Mass Communication, and its syllabus too has been renewed," Dean of Students' Welfare JM Khurana said. Earlier, five colleges that offer Journalism (Hons) in English used to conduct a common journalism entrance test for students, while Indraprastha College

CAREER FORUM: Nutrition and Dietetics

ning, monitoring the food preparation etc. Institutional Catering is another field where Nutrition and dietetics professionals are needed. In Health Care field, depending on the nutrition needs of the patients, dieticians prepare their diet charts and monitor the results of dietary therapy and maintain records. The research dietician or nutritionists do research on nutritive value of food which helps to understand the various components of food we eat and the right type of food which provides a balanced mix of the essentials like vitamins, minerals etc needed for the human body. Nutrition and dietetics professionals also work for Social Welfare. They work in organizations mainly public health departments run by government, which helps in improving the eating habits and consequently, the health of the public. LIST OF INSTITUTES B.C.M. (Bishop Choolaparambil Memorial) College for Women, Kottayam (Kerala) Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) M.S. (Maharaja Sayajirao) University of Baroda : Faculty of Family and Community Sciences, Vadodara (Gujarat) Viharilal College of Home and Social Science, Kolkata (West Bengal) I.P.S. Institute, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh)

Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health. A relatively new profession, this field has gained importance with the realisation that inappropriate eating habits can lead to many major diseases and that quality of life depends on the quality of food we eat. Dieticians or nutritionists help to promote good health through corrective eating habits, thus improving the quality of life. They assist people in planning meals depending upon their age, sickness or work routine, counsel and educate them about healthy eating- selection and preparation of food items

according to the principles of nutrition and evaluate and make changes in their clients diet periodically. ELIGIBILITY: Candidates desiring to seek admission to the course in Bachelor course in Nutrition & Dietetics are required to have a pass in the Higher Secondary Examination or Plus two in science subjects covering physics, chemistry, home science and biology. HIGHER STUDY OPTIONS 2 year Masters programs in Dietetics and nutrition course. Ph.D. Food Technology JOB PROSPECTS & CAREER OPTIONS

Nutrition and Dietetics is a vital, growing field and the opportunities and possibilities in this field are endless. The main fields in which a dietician or nutritionists can work is in Food service field, Institutional Catering, Health Care field, Research & Development and Social Welfare. They can work as consultants or do private practice. Moreover they could find openings in the mass media where top priority is given to disseminating vital information on healthy living. Food service field include food Catering service, Restaurants etc where professionals can do menu plan-

for Women, which used to provide a unique course of Bachelor of Mass Media and Mass Communication(BMMMC), held a separate test. "Now IP college which alone used to provide BMMMC course will now provide the same degree of Journalism and Mass Communication like other colleges. Entry is based on the merit list," Khurana said. Admission this time for Journalism course will be based on the cut-off lists of different colleges. According to the teachers of the journalism department,

BMMMC and Journalism have been merged but components of both previous courses are kept alive, and they are complementing each other in the new course. "BMMMC is merged with Journalism but the course component of BMMMC is still there and Journalism component has been enhanced," said principal of IP College, Babli Moitra Saraf, who is also the head of journalism department in the college. However, the syllabus is not yet made public. It will be uploaded soon on the university website.

IIT-M to sign MoU with HAL

CHENNAI: IIT-Madras is set to sign an MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore, to work together in the field of aerospace transmission. Under the tie-up, a HAL-IIT-M Centre for aerospace transmission system will be set up on the campus. The MoU will be signed at a programme at IIT on Monday HAL had agreed on a technology cooperation during the Aero India show that was held in Bangalore earlier this year. Both the organisations will collaborate to do research in the transmission system for the helicopter and flight engines being developed by HAL and to evolve required software and design solutions for different types of gears, bearings, lubrication system, vibration monitoring system and production technologies.

Now, social service activities PM tells DU delegation he will look into fourcompulsory in Rajasthan colleges year undergraduate programme matter
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singhon Saturday evening told a delegation of senior teachers of that he would reflect on their demand for intervention in the proposed four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) and talk to the human resource development minister. The delegation met the Prime Minister for nearly an hour. Sources said the PM gave the delegation a patient hearing and asked how an overwhelming number of teachers were in support of FYUP. The delegation told Singh that the process was followed "nominally but not substantially". For instance, it was brought to the PM's tive council, agenda papers were not circulated in advance but given at the time of the meeting. According to sources, Singh maintained that he should not be seen as interfering in the affairs of autonomous educational institutions. He asked the delegation about University Grants Commission's view on the matter. He was told that UGC was no longer what it used to be and worked mostly at the behest of the HRD ministry without any independent view. The delegation impressed upon the PM the need to intervene as well as set up an independent fact-finding committee. Singh was told that as the head of an elected government, he should intervene and not allow lakhs of students to suffer to cater to the whims of one individual. The delegation told the Prime Minister that HRD ministry was in the habit of relying on information provided by Delhi University. It was pointed out that even Rajya Sabha was misled. To a question on vacancies in DU, the upper House was given the figure of a little over 300 vacancies whereas more than 4,000 vacancies exist in the university's departments and colleges. Departments themselves have nearly 700 vacancies, the delegation told the PM. JAIPUR: To evoke a sense of activism among youths, the state higher education department has made it compulsory for every student seeking admission in degree programmes to have membership in any of the nation building and social service bodies NCC, NSS, Rover Rangers, Youth Development Centers, Women's Cell and Human Right Clubs. The direction was included in the admission policy (2013-14) introduced by state higher education recently. The policy is applicable to both government and private colleges in the state. The policy intends to develop the personality of youths, sensitize them towards social problems and drive them to work for nation building. Students will be allowed to pick activities according to their choice and preference. Students who are pursuing higher streams are also under this policy but are not mandatory for them. The policy says that colleges have to ensure that even students pursuing research will be given a chance to participate in the any of these bodies. This decision would mean that students seeking admissions in 150 government colleges and 1,400 private colleges in the state will be involved in the social service activities. The period of activity is for the complete academic year. Naveen Jain, director, College Education says, "This mandatory provision is likely to connect our youths with bodies dedicated for social service. It will be learning process for them and enable them to execute the ongoing campaign of such bodies." Tarana Khan, education director, Udaipur division, said, "This will evoke confidence among girls' students. Groups like NSS, NCC and Women Cells are actively involved in the activities' related to women, including self defense trainings." Students can join more than one body. However, participation in these activities will not contribute anything in final exams. The department has also said those colleges which do not comply with the rules will face stringent action.

Indian university lecturer arrested in UAE

DUBAI: An Indian university lecturer who had come to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a short visit has been arrested by police here for blogging against a Dubai-based university. Though a report in the Gulf Times did not name either the lecturer or the university in India he works in, it said that he had finished his term in the private university at Dubai's Academic City a year ago, but his contract was terminated without any reason. A Dubai court later ruled in his favour and he got his end-of-service benefits. After returning to India, he started blogging against the university and revealed the reason why his contract was terminated.

notice that 34 staff associations of colleges had passed resolutions against FYUP but the vice-chancellor had now warned college principals that staff associations could not pass any resolution. The PM was also told that in the meetings of DU's execu-

Nagaland governor SOL to continue in 3-year mode to get doctorate While Delhi University is all set to wasting time and money in commutimplement the four-year undergrad- ing and standing in queues, students degree in Himachal uate programme (FYUP), the can apply for admission online.
SHIMLA: Nagaland Governor and former CBI director Ashwani Kumar will be awarded an honorary doctorate at a convocation of Himachal Pradesh University here to be presided over by President Pranab Mukherjee May 24, a statement said here Monday. A total of 272 doctorate degrees, including the most prestigious degree in doctorate of science, will be conferred on the candidates, besides 244 gold medals and prizes, a university statement said. Vice chancellor of Lucknow's Baba Sahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University R.C. Sobti will also get a doctorate. It said Mukherjee would be the chief guest and deliver the convocation address, while Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh, who is chancellor of the university, and Chief Minister Virbhadra, Singh would be present. During his visit to the hill state, Mukherjee will address the assembly and deliver the first Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Lecture at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) here May 24. Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, an alumnus of the university, was awarded degree of D.Lit. March 7, 2003, by then governor Suraj Bhan. School of Open Learning (SOL) has decided to go ahead with the threeyear degree programme for undergraduate admissions this academic session. "As per the directives , we will be continuing with the threeyear degree programme for undergraduate admissions. Developing the material according to the FYUP will take time. The three-year undergraduate degree provides good opportunities for students as they can pursue other degrees too. For example, students who enroll in BCom (Hons) from SOL, study CA, Tally, etc, simultaneously. Hence, by the time they graduate , they have different certificates , which help them," says HC Pokhriyal, executive director, School of Open Learning, Delhi University. Every year, close to 1.5 lakh students take admission in SOL. SOL conducts five undergraduate programmes - BA programme, BCom programme , BCom (Hons), BA (Hons) political science and BA (Hons) English literature. Instead of Register online Explaining the registration process, Madhvi, in-charge , computer, SOL, says that when a student takes admission for the first time, they will be allotted an SOL roll number. They will have to fill in the basic details such as valid email id and mobile number. "The online registration for students taking admission in first year will also solve the purpose of registering for exam as firstyear students would not need to register themselves separately," she explains. The gateway for payment and fee transaction is the State Bank of India (SBI). Students can pay the registration fee through debit or credit cards and challan. Payment through challan is best suited for students who want to avail of the online facility but don't have credit/debit cards. "Students can fill in their details, get themselves registered on the SOL website and get the challan printed from the SOL website.

Delhi University: Management admissions to begin from May 21

NEW DELHI: Admissions to Bachelor with Honours of Management Studies, the new non-technical professional course to be introduced by Delhi University under its four-year undergraduate programme, will open on May 21. The university has earlier decided to do away with Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Financial Investment and Analysis and BA (Honours) of Business Economics and introduce the new course in their place. According to sources in the university administration, seven colleges so far have been allowed to start the course. However, the other colleges which offered the earlier courses and teachers employed there are a worried lot. The colleges offering the new management course include Saheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, SGTB Khalsa College, Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Maharaja Agrasen College and College of Vocational Studies. "Other colleges, too, will be allowed to teach this course. A decision will be taken on the matter once the vice-chancellor is back," an official said. There were a total of 891 seats for the three courses with BBE having 554, BBS 275 and BFIA 62 seats. The university will continue with the entrance exam for short-listing candidates. The total number of seats to be offered is likely to be 1,000, according to sources. The entrance test will be conducted on June 26. Based on the entrance test results, shortlisted candidates will be called for interview. A merit list will be prepared giving 50% weightage to the entrance test score, 30% weightage to Class XII results and 20% weightage to the interview.

Senior citizens line up for distance learning courses

AHMEDABAD: There is no age for learning. This is evident from the experience of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) officials who, during their roadshows in the city, found that more than 100 people over 60 years in age had registered for various courses. SK Ghosh, director of IGNOU's regional center in Ahmedabad, said that most of the senior citizens who had registered had enrolled for diplomas and shortterm courses. "Gujarat has had many illustrious persons who kept the fire of knowledge burning. During our recent roadshow at Gujarat Vidyapeeth, we got to know that former vice-chancellor Ramlal Parikh had enrolled in a diploma in management (DIM) course in 1989 when he was already the V-C of a university. Our oldest student in the city so far is of 84 years," he said. Ghosh added that likes of Prof Mandaben Parikh, 70, who is director of Rural Development & Management Institute (RUDMI), Ahmedabad, have taken spot admission in certificate course in information technology (CIT) programme. "Gujarat is one state where the dropout ratio in distance learning is low. This is an achievement in itself. With all age groups taking to education, we are encouraged to reach out to smaller centres," he said.

STUDENT AGE TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

EDITORIAL

CULPRIT MANIA
Recent years have seen three crises that have involved common people. The first was the 2006 micro-finance crisis in Andhra Pradesh, which led to legislation in 2010. After that, micro-finance in Andhra Pradesh has largely passed into the hands of institutions that get their funds from banks; its adequacy is quite unknown. The second is the long-running Sahara crisis. Sahara India Financial Corporation was ordered by the Reserve Bank of India in 2008 to repay all deposits by 2015. Then, in 2011, the Securities and Exchange Board of India ordered two of its other companies, Sahara Real Investment Corporation and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation, not to issue any more capital, and told the public not to complain to Sebi if SRIC and SHIC did not repay their deposits: in effect, it told them that the two Sahara companies were untrustworthy. It also told the two companies to repay all their optional fully convertible debentures. Sahara was of the opinion that the OFCDs were so designed that they were not subject to Sebi's regulation. The dispute went to court and ended up in the Supreme Court, which asked the two corporations last August to deposit Rs 24,400 crore in a bank and repay it to depositors. In March, Sahara said that it had paid off most depositors and had money to repay the rest. Sebi said it was not convinced, and filed a contempt petition against Sahara. Recently, the Supreme Court supported Sebi and passed severe strictures (a term which must be used for intemperate remarks when they are made by the Supreme Court). Then in April, Saradha Group of Calcutta stopped repaying deposits. Sudipta Sen, the promoter, and Debjani Mukherjee were traced to Kashmir, arrested and brought to Calcutta, where the intelligence bureau of the state government is looking for their improprieties. The purpose here is not to argue in favour of any of the culprits. They are rich enough to hire the best lawyers. But certain features are common to all these scandals. First, it is impossible to know what the culprits' case is; everyone, from the Supreme Court to the governments to the media, agrees implicitly that the culprits are at fault and must be punished. Second, the enforcers do a fairly good job of pursuing the culprits. But they not only do not protect those poor people who gave money to the culprits; the idea does not even enter their heads. Third, even the ignorant poor know that banks are safe and private borrowers are not. The banks have energetically endeavoured for years to achieve financial inclusion. Still, the poor flock to those whom everyone else in this country unanimously believes to be scamsters. Yet, no one asks why the poor think so differently from the non-poor. Finally, whatever the non-poor think, the poor will continue to make risky investments. Can the non-poor think of nothing better than RGESS for them?

A handshake across Himalayas

Li Keqiang
e live in an age of change, but there are always certain things that are enduring, forever refreshing and attractive. India is such a nation, at once old and young. I will be leading a Chinese government delegation to India, the first country I will visit as the Premier of China. I am very much looking forward to it and hope to make some concrete contribution to deepening the friendship and promoting cooperation in various areas between China and India. Pillars of civilisation Both China and India have a long and great history that goes back thousands of years. The Chinese and Indian civilisations are among the oldest of human civilisation. They represent the two pillars of the civilisation of the East. The towering Himalayas have not prevented them from mutual attraction and illumination. Fahien and Huen Tsang, two eminent Chinese monks of the Jin and Tang dynasties respectively, and Bodhidharma of ancient India all made outstanding contribution to religious and cultural exchanges between China and India. In my student days, I already had a strong interest in India. I was impressed by the memorable poetic lines and the deep philosophical insights of Rabindranath Tagore, the famed "sage poet", and moved by his profound friendship with the leading Chinese authors of his day. There was a Chinese Indologist at my alma mater, Peking University, with whom I was well acquainted. He spent his whole life studying and teaching ancient Indian culture and in recognition of

China and India are destined to be together. They should work hand in hand if Asia is to become the anchor of world peace
his contribution, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. Indeed, from generation to generation, our two cultures have learned and benefited from each other through exchanges and, as a result, they have both flourished with the passage of time. When I first visited India 27 years ago, I was struck by her warm sunshine, brilliant colours, beautiful arts, hardworking and talented people and amazing splendour and diversity. As far as I know, the India of the 21st century is taking a fast track of innovation-driven development. Bangalore, the "Silicon Valley of South Asia", is home to about 1/3 of IT talents in India; it is not only the ICT centre of India, but also a hub of software services in Asia. India's manufacturing sector has also moved forward. Tata Motors ranks among the world's top five manufacturers of commercial vehicles, and Tata Global Beverages is the world's second-largest producer of tea. I have read that Steve Jobs, the late CEO of Apple, had travelled to India with no other purpose than to learn yoga and meditation. It is believed that this gave him many inspirations and resolve for innovation. Now, a growing number of Chinese youth are backpacking across your country, intent on discovering and appreciating India's magnificent culture and retracing the footsteps of history. China and India, two big Asian countries living next door to each other, are destined to be together. Since modern times, our destinies have been more closely tied than ever. Our peoples sympathised with, supported and helped each other in their quest for national independence and liberation, leaving behind a trail of touching stories. Afterwards, our two countries jointly initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have become the important basic norms underpinning the new type of international relations that we both seek. Our two countries have worked shoulder to shoulder to uphold the rights and interests of developing countries, giving lasting traction to South-South cooperation. Today, the handshake across the Himalayas is even stronger. Facing the same task of boosting the economy, improving people's living standards and reviving the nation, both countries need a peaceful and tranquil neighbourhood and external environment and wish to achieve win-win results through dialogue and cooperation. India, a strong Asian nation and a major country with global influence, is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. India, a BRICS member with robust economic growth, is playing a significant role for peace and prosperity in South Asia and in the Asia Pacific in general. China is happy to see the growth momentum of India and ready to expand and upgrade Sino-Indian cooperation to the benefit of all-round economic and social development in both countries. There is no denying that China and India still have between them some difficult issues left over from history. But the rich historical experience and the broad vision, which are common qualities of big countries, serve as the basis for China and India to take a long-term view and live in amity with each other. With joint efforts in the past few years, the two sides have gradually found a way to maintain peace and tranquillity in the disputed border areas, and have learned to deal with the situation in a reasonable and mature manner. Both agree that the common interests between China and India far outweigh their differences and that the two countries should enhance mutual trust rather than increasing mutual suspicion. I believe that as long as we draw on wisdom and strength on our way forward, there will be no obstacle that we cannot overcome. As long as we face the problems squarely and talk to each other with sincerity, we will eventually find proper solutions. Seven necessities China is a big country that is growing and peace-loving. What we Chinese value most are "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you" and the philosophy that stresses the importance of good faith and making friends with neighbours. China is more developed than before, but it remains a developing country. Even if China becomes strong one day, it will never embark on the doomed path of seeking hegemony. We suffered immensely from foreign bullying, wars and chaos and know so well that the same tragedy should not be allowed to happen to anyone ever again. China has a long way to go to achieve modernisation. To successfully manage a populous big country like China, the top priority is to ensure the supply of seven daily necessities, namely firewood, rice, cooking oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea. In other words, we have to address the most immediate concern of our people in everyday life. The Chinese people want better education, more stable employment, more reliable social security, more comfortable housing, more colourful cultural life and national stability and prosperity. It is not easy to deliver all those to our people and modernise the country. We must focus on self-development and that calls for a peaceful international environment. We need to live with our neighbours in harmony and make friends in the world. To pursue a path of peaceful development is the unwavering commitment and firm action of the Chinese people. Continuous reform China owes its rapid growth to continuous reform as well as external cooperation. Interdependence is a defining feature in state-to-state relations in this era of globalisation. China is a beneficiary and a defender of the existing international order and system and stands ready to work with India and other countries to advance reform of the system. China will undertake international obligations commensurate with its national strength. We stand ready to embrace the world with a more open mind and hope that the world will view China with a calm frame of mind. Both China and India are big countries in size and in population. Together, the populations of our two countries exceed 2.5 billion and account for nearly 40 per cent of the world's total. We are viewed as the two most important emerging markets. However, our bilateral trade volume was less than $70 billion last year. This is incompatible with the strength and status of our two countries, but it also points to the huge potential for expanding and upgrading our bilateral trade and business cooperation. This is an issue that the two sides must work to resolve together. The world looks to Asia to be the engine driving the global economy. This would be impossible without the two powerhouses of China and India. Our two countries need to work hand in hand if Asia is to become the anchor of world peace. An Asian century that people expect would not come if China and India, the two most populous countries in the world, failed to live in harmony and achieve common development. Asia's future hinges on China and India. If China and India live in harmony and prosper together, and if our two markets converge, it will be a true blessing for Asia and the world at large. China's development promises opportunities for India, and India's development promises opportunities for China. Our common development will benefit people of the two countries and offer the world more and better opportunities. (Li Keqiang is Premier of the People's Republic of China)

Fast track terror cases

Released on bail last week by a special National Investigation Agency court, former militant Liyaqat Shah will thank his stars for having escaped a much worse fate. With a history of training and residency in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he perfectly fitted the profile of terror suspects whose lot it has been to languish in jail with little possibility of securing bail and even less of being committed to trial. The Delhi Police picked up Liyaqat from the Nepal border on March 20 and charged him with planning an attack on the Capital ahead of Holi. Fortunately for him, the court rejected the terror conspiracy theory, not just freeing him from the prospect of prolonged captivity but in effect accepting the Jammu and Kashmir police's explanation that the reformed militant was on his way home under an amnesty scheme offered by the State government. Liyaqat may have been lucky but just how hostile the environment can be for prisoners in general, and those accused of terror in particular, is illustrated by the recent death in police custody of 2007 Uttar Pradesh blast accused Khalid Mujahid. Khalid's death is bound to further complicate a case that was already in controversy because of questions surrounding the circumstances of his arrest. Indeed, Khalid's arrest had been the subject matter of the R.D. Nimesh Commission appointed by the erstwhile Mayawati government in U.P. Unsurprisingly, Khalid's relatives have filed an FIR implicating senior police officers in his death, and the Akhilesh Yadav government has pitched in, seeking a CBI investigation. The NIA was constituted amidst hopes that it would professionalise terror investigation and prosecution vitiated by the inefficiencies and biases inherent to State police forces. That the new agency is itself under attack today speaks to the extent to which the rot has permeated the system, not to mention the herculean effort that will be required to clean up the mess. The heart-rending case of Pragya Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast, shows that if terrorism knows no religion, nor does mistreatment of those accused of terrorism. Pragya, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has since suffered a paralytic stroke, has complained of torture by NIA interrogators. The prosecution and the courts must give serious thought to the remedy she has sought: speedy investigation and trial. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde recently suggested fasttrack courts for terror cases. The idea needs quick implementation because to hold men and women captive for years without trial or bail is not just violative of human rights but amounts to judging them guilty without the benefit of due process.

The crude reality of oil prices

Tom Bower

Bankers' accusations of trader price-rigging are fuelled by revenge - the real fixers are in OPEC
The bankers have finally got their revenge. Oil traders claim that influential bankers, furious that that their sector has been squeezed by regulators since the 2008 crash, have persuaded Brussels that oil traders should no longer be able to operate without the same rigorous rules. According to the bankers, oil traders behave worse than money brokers. And so

the Eurocrats raided the offices of BP, Shell and Platts, comparing their investigation into oil pricerigging with the one into the bankers' Libor scandal. By focusing on Platts, an unusual reporting agency whose methods to discover the price of oil often provoke accusations of dishonesty, the Eurocrats have won public sympathy and the gratitude of those banks who host massive oil-trading operations. Over the past century, the repeated charge is that oil prices have been rigged by oil traders, refiners or producers. At its simplest, traders are alleged to either flood or squeeze markets to fix prices to grab a quick profit. Undoubtedly some traders have been dishonest, and U.S. regulators have charged a handful of traders for manipulation. But their alleged crimes were shortlived and simple to detect. The current suggestion that BP, Shell and Platts have

been conspiring for 10 years to manipulate oil prices - possibly the Brent market in the North Sea - is mind-boggling. Dynamics of pricing Setting the price of oil is fiendishly complicated. Unlike the price of gold or BP shares, oil's value is not fixed in one open stock market. Crude oil is not only traded on regulated markets in New York and London but also around the clock in thousands of opaque markets. Like wine and cheese, the quality and value of crude oil varies significantly, and this is reflected in its price, as are many other factors. The difference in price also depends on the distance between the oilfields and refineries in three locations: Oklahoma, the North Sea and Dubai, as well as other factors such as whether the oil is for immediate delivery or in the future. Every day, tens of thousands of anonymous

traders across the globe are secretly agreeing prices worth trillions of dollars. A market can only work if traders, including their dishonest brethren, know what prices their competitors have agreed. Since 1909, traders have increasingly relied on Platts, owned by McGraw-Hill, the U.S. publishers. Platts reporters call hundreds of producers and traders every day to discover their purchase and selling prices. Unscrupulous traders lie to manipulate the market, but even the best manipulator can only fool the market for a couple of days yet often takes advantage of an incompetent Platts reporter. Some of the most aggressive traders suspected of speculation are global commodity trading giants who are beyond the Eurocrats' reach. And so the bankers are angry. Speculation In a world of squeezes and deception, bankers' oil-

trading has shifted the balance. Over the last 20 years, Morgan Stanley's sophisticated trading has become colossal speculation. Markets have witnessed huge crashes following crazy speculation to manipulate the oil market. But while U.S. investigators have repeatedly accused honest speculators of causing phoney price increases, they have also failed to find convincing evidence of a conspiracy. After Morgan Stanley's traders suffered huge losses in 2008, Platts declared its price reporting was unacceptable. The bank protested that there was no evidence of wrongdoing but to its distress was excluded by Platts from the system for a period. Now bankers protest that oil traders and Platts should be regulated like them. The Platts system is imperfect, but no alternative has

been found. Whatever transgressions the Eurocrats might discover are inconsequential compared to the world's mammoth price-fixer, OPEC. Every day, the oil producers who claim to control about 80 per cent of the world's oil restrict their production to keep prices artificially high. This group is too powerful to challenge. No one in Washington or Brussels can order the Saudis or Venezuelans to produce more oil or charge a fair price. Instead, Saudi officials in Dhahran unilaterally impose the highest price they can extract. Stymied by OPEC, the Eurocrats have gone for smaller fish. Like the U.S. regulators, they will at best emerge from the treacle with a minnow.(Tom Bower is author of The Squeeze: Oil, Money and Greed in the 21st Century).

READER SPACE

Warming Neighbours
Dear Editor, It seems that Pakistanis have finally found a man who can lead their nation in the right direction. After having elected Nawaz Sharif as the new head of Pakistan's democratic government, a new era of peace and prosperity between the two neighbours appears to be on the horizon. Unlike all of his predecessors, he sounds sincere in improving ties with India and the plight of his countrymen. He seems to understand well that Pakistan has paid a very heavy price by playing the K-card and for exporting terrorism to India. Lalita Bakshi Ramnagar

Dear editor, Through your esteemed daily, I would like to express my thoughts on how to face the challenges of life. We all know that life isn't that simple and that throughout our journey in life we have to face numerous challenges, problems and setbacks. The difference between people who succeed in life and those who don't is their ability to face challenges correctly and not the absence of challenges. A strong person will stand up and fight again. The way you think of yourself affects your ability to face life's challenges. If you believe that you are weak or helpless then most likely you will not try again. Negative people make everything a problem. They generate an incredible amount of mental and physical stress. If we want to successfully face life's challenges, we need to have a positive mindset, based on wisdom with our minds focused, balanced, and aware, we can respond to any situation or challenge from that state. D.P Singh (Raju) Channi Himmat, Jammu

Facing challenges of life

STUDENT AGE TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

NATIONAL

Oil Ministry recommends hike in natural gas price N

EW DELHI: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry has moved a Cabinet note recommending a $6.7 per million metric British thermal unit (mmBtu) price for domestically produced gas. The issue is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) this week. The present price of $4.2 per mmBtu ends on March 31, 2014, and a new pricing formula has to be in place by that time. With the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) not having the mandate to

6
trust by public servant) against 19 persons. The 19 were two former BSP ministers Naseemuddi Siddiqui and Babu Singh Kushwaha, former Joint Director of Mining S A Farooqui, former Managing Director of Rajkiya Nirmaan Nigam C P Singh and 15 engineers. C P Singh is currently technical advisor to the Uttrakhand Chief Minister. For the remaining persons indicted in the report, the Lokayukta recommended that their properties be probed and if these were found disproportionate to their known sources of income, FIRs should be lodged against them. The 199 persons indicted by the Lokayukta are two exBSP ministers, two former MLAs, a sitting MLA, five mining officers, 57 engineers of Nirman Nigam, five engineers of LDA, two advocates, eight people of the public, leaders of 20 consortiums, 60 representatives of supply firms and 37 accountants of RNN. Soon after assuming office, Mr. Akhilesh had asked the Lokayukta to probe alleged irregularities and corruption in supply of pink sandstone from Mirzapur for the construction of memorials and parks during the BSP regime.

UP Lokayukta indicts 199 in memorial scam

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta on Monday indicted 199 persons, including two former BSP ministers, a sitting MLA, several officers and engineers for irregularities in construction of memorials and parks during the previous Mayawati regime in the State. Submitting his report to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Lokayukta N K Mehrotra said irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,400 crore were detected which was 34 per cent of the total budget for construction of memorials and parks. I have submitted my report to the Chief Minister in which 199 persons have been indicted, Mr. Mehrotra said. He said he had recommended filing of FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act and under section 409 of the IPC (criminal breach of

Editors Guild demands thorough probe into Ganadoot killings

NEW DELHI: Editors Guild of India on Monday expressed shock and deep anguish over the killing of three employees of the newspaper Dainik Ganadoot in Agartala and demanded a thorough probe into the incident. That manager of the newspaper Ranjit Chowdhury, proof reader Sunil Bhattarcharjee and driver Balaram Ghosh died at the hands of suspected contract killers in broad daylight on Sunday, shows that the law and order in the state of Tripura has all but collapsed, the Guild said in a statement here. Issued by Vijay Naik, the General Secretary of the guild, the statement said that this is not only an attack on the freedom of the press, but the inability of the police to show any progress in the investigation shows inefficiency of the police administration. The Guild called upon Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar to order a thorough probe into the incident and provide adequate protection to the staff of the newspaper. It also said that the media in north-eastern states is coming under increasing threats from insurgents and contract killers and as such, reporting from conflict zones is becoming difficult as reporters have to put their lives at risk. The Guild called upon the state government to find the culprits and bring them to book. The South Asia Media Commission also expressed shock over the killings and slammed the Tripura government for its insensitive attitude towards the incident. The murder of three staffers of the Agartalabased newspaper, Ganadoot Patrika, in their office in broad daylight is shocking beyond words, K K Katyal, South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) President, said in a statement.

decide on gas prices, the matter will now be placed before the Union Cabinet. Highly placed officials in the Ministry said the Cabinet note had pitched for a single price for all kinds of gas produced in the country which would benefit Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India Limited (OIL). RIL must wait The new gas prices, when approved by the Cabinet, will apply immediately to the state-run companies but Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) will have to wait till April 2014 to get the new prices.

The pricing issue has been under debate for some time with the Finance, Chemicals and Fertilizers and Power ministries opposing doubling of prices or linking it with the formula suggested by the

Rangarajan panel. They had argued that any kind of arbitrary hike would put a huge financial burden on the government in the shape of the fertiliser subsidy bill going up and also a hike in power tariffs.

Pranab wants more centres of excellence Protesting Maruti workers seek solidarity
arrested 147 protestors and issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against 66 others. One such protest was being organised outside the residence of Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister, Randip Singh Surjewala in Kaithal. After using the provisions of section 144 CrPC, the Kaithal district administration on May 18 deployed a heavy posse of armed police personnel in riot gear, to prevent a protest rally the next day. At least 96 protestors were arrested from the protest site and four were picked up from other places. Next day, those proceeding to support the protest were stopped at various places in Kaithal. When the MSWU activists gathered near Pyoda village outside the city limits and organised a march to seek the release of those arrested, a police contingent stopped them on the road next to Mr Surjewalas residence. C H A N D I G A R H : Emphasising the need for more centres of excellence and wider vocational training, President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday urged the country's universities to take upon themselves the task of encouraging research in key areas to ensure that the country's population could become an asset and not a liability. Mr. Mukherjee was delivering his convocational address at a privately run Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, near Jalandhar, where the Afghanistan President, Hamid Karzai was conferred an honorary doctorate degree. As many as 7801 regular and distance education students received their degrees. Despite a legacy of Takshashila and Nalanda, none of the Indian universities figured in the top 200 across the world, Mr. Mukherjee said expressing concern, Outstanding personalities who won Nobel prizes were Indians but working in Universities outside India. of the box thinking" for innovative measures to introduce more vocational courses. He said it was unfortunate that less than seven percent of the total workforce had received vocational training.

CHANDIGARH: The Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) on Monday appealed to all workers organisations, trade unions, democratic rights' and civil rights organisations and mass organisations as well as democratic minded individuals to come out in protest and solidarity against what was described

as "the most brutal repression." Through a release, MSWU said that since March 24 they had organised protest rallies, hunger strikes and sent deputations seeking reinstatement of 546 permanent and 1800 contract workers terminated by the company. It charged that the State police have so far

When every year the country was adding 12 million work force, Mr. Mukherjee advised education institutions to take advantage of technology and utilise "out

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Karazi, expressed concern that years of strife had led to a situation where his country suffered due to lack of higher education. He said

that living up to the expectations of a friend, India has given 2000 scholarships to Afghan students. He said that India had also gone beyond its means to provide a two billion dollars aid for rebuilding Afghanistan. In his message to students, Mr. Karzai said, You are the citizens of India and citizens of the world and you represent a country that is fast rising in economical, industrial and social growth. Your presence is felt all around. Keep progressing and at the same time, remember your culture and use your energy for the countrys welfare. Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil, presided while Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was the guest of honour for LPU's third convocation.

US Envoy Nancy Powell meets Mamata

KOLKATA: US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell on Monday met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a visit to the city. Though it was just a courtesy call, the meeting between the two lasted over an hour, at a time when the Trinamool Congress government completed two years in office on Monday. Last May, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had met Ms. Banerjee during her visit to the city when the ruling Trinamool Congress celebrated its one year in power and had discussed about US investment in the state. But, there has been no development on that score in the past one year. It is not known if Ms. Powell followed up on the issue. Ms. Powell had met the CM earlier in September, last year. During her stay, Ms. Powell is scheduled to attend a number of programmes in the city including an interaction with industrialists at a chamber of commerce and visit to an NGO. There was also no feedback from the CMO if the CM showcased achievements of her government in the last two years or discussed foreign investment. There was also no information if the two discussed Swami Vivekanadas Chicago trip as Ms. Banerjee has planned to celebrate it in a grand way in September. Ms. Banerjee had also requested the US government to make arrangement for creating a chair in the name of Swami Vivekananda in some US universities.

Kuldip Nayar, N Ram to get life-time achievement awards

MUMBAI: Veteran journalists Kuldip Nayar and N Ram would be conferred with lifetime achievement awards instituted by the Mumbai Press Club at a function in Mumbai on May 25. The Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan will present the award to Mr. Nayar and Mr. Ram at a glittering function to be held at National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Tata Theatre in South Mumbai, says a release. On the occasion, more than 20 other journalists will receive awards in various categories for excellence in journalism. The Lifetime Achievement Awards were selected by the managing committee of the Press Club based on a survey of leading and senior journalists from all over the country, Gurbir Singh, President of Mumbai Press Club, said. While Mr. Nayar is revered as a columnist and peace activist apart from being a former Rajya Sabha member, Mr. Ram had headed The Hindu Group of publications as the Editor-in-Chief for over two decades. Mr. Ram was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Indian Government and the Sri Lanka Ratna by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Press Club awards, popularly known as RedInk Awards, received over 900 entries from journalists all across India.

No arrest in triple murders in Agartala newspaper office

AGARTALA: Police has not been able to make breakthrough in the investigation over triple murder in the office of Agartala-based vernacular daily newspaper. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar accompanied by Director General of Police Sanjay Sinha visited the office of the Dainik Ganadoot on Monday which witnessed the gruesome murders. Two unidentified assailants in a daring broad daylight raided the Ganadoot office on Sunday and stabbed to death the newspaper manager, a proof reader and the driver. Police said two of the victims were also strangled besides stabbed with a dagger. The triple murders in a newspaper office created sensation and panic in Tripura with condemnations coming from media organisations, political parties and individuals. Main opposition party Congress called a 12 hour general strike in Agartala on Tuesday to protest deteriorating law and order situation in Tripura. Police have failed to make any progress in the horrifying triple murder incident. No arrest or detention has been made so far. We are looking into different angles. We have got some vital clues and expect to make a remarkable progress very soon, a senior police officer said on Monday. He hinted that the murderers were professional killers and adding that the entire incident was pre-planned. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who earlier directed police to do whatever possible to solve the case, visited the crime scene. He consoled widow and daughter of the murdered driver and talked with editor cum proprietor Sushil Choudhury. Mr Choudhury earlier claimed that he was the target of the attack and the assailants mistook his manager as him. However he did not spell out reason why he would be possible target in light that no media organisation in Tripura ever saw such an attack. Ruling CPI(M) has urged the state government to ensure investigation to reveal the motives and unmask conspirators behind the attack which had taken away three innocent lives. Agartala Press Club and working journalist organisations echoed same and placed demands like compensation and government job to bereaved families.

SC slams ad hoc appointment BJP to launch jail bharo agitation of teachers in primary schools
NEW DELHI: Appointment of teachers in primary schools on ad hoc basis by various state governments without following proper qualification criteria on Monday drew flak from the Supreme Court which said that such policies are spoiling the entire education system and future of the country. A bench of justices B.S. Chauhan and Dipak Misra expressed strong disapproval of such a system and said it was shocking that it can be pursued even after the implementation of Right to Education Act. A populist principality cannot spoil the future of the country. We want to know qualification of teachers, the bench said while hearing Gujarat governments plea on a case pertaining to appointment of Vidya Sahayak in primary schools in the state. How do you bring such policies when there is Article 21A. It is shocking. There are such appointments in Uttar Pradesh also. These Shiksha Sahayaks (helpers) are Shiksha shatrus (enemies), the bench observed asking the state government to place details relating to qualification and appointment of such teachers. The bench noted that ad-hoc appointment of primary teachers are done in many states which provide them less than one-forth salary given to regular teachers. Once we have implemented Article 21A, can we allow such system? Our concern is quality of education and we are very serious about the kind of education we are imparting, the bench said adding, We spoil the entire education system by appointing ad-hoc teachers who do not have proper qualification. A bench of justices B.S. Chauhan and Dipak Misra expressed strong disapproval of such a system and said it was shocking that it can be pursued even after the implementation of Right to Education Act. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP is launching a jail bharo agitation this week demanding accountability from Central government. Party spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman told a Meet the Media programme here that constitutional and statutory bodies had brought up corruption charges against Ministers of the UPA government. However, the government was evading a response. It had even adjourned Parliament sine die to prevent debate. This was unacceptable. The government had also not acted on recommendations of the committees formed to look into solutions for price rise and improvement of the public distribution system. During its Bharat Nirman campaign, the UPA was taking credit for the achievements of the previous UPA government rather than the present one as the present government had nothing to its credit. Though it took credit for bringing legislation on right to information, the Prime Ministers Office itself was denying information to applicants. State president V. Muraleedharan, who was also present, said that the jail bharo agitation would begin in Kerala with picketing in Thiruvananthapuram on May 27 under the leadership of all India general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy. Leaders such as O. Rajagopal, P. K. Krishnadas and C. K.

Padmanabhan would lead the agitation in other districts in the following days. Replying to questions, Ms. Seetharaman said that the visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to Varkala Mutt was not linked to any political activity. Asked about the NSS and the SNDP joining hands, she said that any attempt for unity was welcome. Its implications for BJP could not be commented on now. She said that the BJP was for independence of the Central Bureau of Investigation with a mechanism for accountability to Parliament. Suggestions made by it included separation of investigation and prosecution wings and a collegium for appointment of director.

Media Commission slams Tripura govt on killing of daily staffers

NEW DELHI: The India chapter of the South Asia Media Commission has condemned the Tripura government for failure to maintain order and insensitivity after the murder of three staffers of the Agartala-based Bengali daily, Ganadoot Patrika, in their office on Sunday afternoon. In a statement, the commission pointed out that in its first reaction, the state government had not expressed any concern or resolve to apprehend the criminals, and instead the issue had got mired in petty politicking. Instead, the government must initiate a thorough inquiry, take precautions to prevent such incidents, and pay compensation to the victims of violence.

STUDENT AGE TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

INTERNATIONAL & ECONOMY

7
Musharraf gets bail in Bhutto case but will stay in detention
ISLAMABAD: A court in Pakistan Monday granted bail to Pervez Musharraf in the 2007 assassination case of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, but the former president will remain in detention in a case relating to keeping judges in illegal confinement. Musharraf has been accused of failing to provide security to Bhutto, who was killed in December 2007. In spite of the Anti-Terrorism Court's release order, Musharraf will remain in detention in the case of keeping judges in illegal confinement when he imposed emergency in 2007, report. The former president is being kept at his Islamabad he should be granted bail. Musharraf returned to Pakistan in March after nearly four years of selfexile to take part in the May 11 general elections. However, he was barred from running in the polls. Musharaf is also facing other criminal cases. Lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court to put him on trial for treason for imposing emergency and over the death of Baloch tribal leader Akbar Bugti in a 2006 military operation.

Wave of attacks kills at least 70 in Iraq

BAGHDAD: A wave of car bombs and shootings killed at least 70 people in Shi'ite and Sunni areas of Iraq on Monday, officials said, escalating fears of a return to widespread sectarian bloodletting in the country. The attacks, some of which hit market places and crowded bus stops during the morning rush hour, pushed the death toll in Iraq since Wednesday to more than 200. The bloodshed over the past week has been reminiscent of the retaliatory attacks between Sunnis and Shi'ites that pushed the country to the brink of civil war in 2006-2007. Tensions have been worsening since Iraq's minority Sunnis began protesting what they say is mistreatment at the hands of the Shi'ite-led government. The mass demonstrations, which began in December, have largely been peaceful, but the number of attacks rose sharply after a deadly security crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in northern Iraq on April 23. Iraq's Shi'ite majority, which was oppressed under Saddam Hussein, now controls the levers of power in the country. Wishing to rebuild the nation rather than revert to open warfare, they have largely restrained their militias restaurant and another at the city's main bus station killing at least 13 and wounded 40, according to provincial police spokesman Col Abdul-Karim alZaidi and the head of city's health directorate, Riadh Abdul-Amir. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but such large-scale bombings bear the hallmarks of al Qaeda in Iraq. The violence also struck Sunni areas, hitting the city of Samarra north of Baghdad and the western province of Anbar, a Sunni stronghold. A parked car bomb in Samarra went off near a gathering of pro-government Sunni militia who were waiting outside a military base to receive salaries, killing three and wounding 13, while in Anbar gunmen ambushed two police patrols near the town of Haditha, killing eight policemen, police and Army officials said. Also in Anbar, authorities found 13 dead bodies in a remote desert area, officials said. The bodies, which included eight policemen who were kidnapped by gunmen on Friday, had been killed with a gunshot to the head. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.

over the past five years or so as Sunni extremist groups such as al Qaeda have targeted them with occasional largescale attacks. But the renewed violence in both Shi'ite and Sunni areas since late last month has fuelled concerns of a return to sectarian warfare. The worst of today's violence took place in Baghdad, where ten car bombs ripped through open-air markets and other areas of Shi'ite neighbourhoods, killing at least 46 people and wounding more than 150, police officials said. In the bloodiest attack, a parked car bomb blew up in a busy market in the

northern Shi'ite neighbourhood of Shaab, killing 13 and wounding 25, police and health officials said. The surge in bloodshed has exasperated Iraqis, who have lived for years with the fear and uncertainty bred of random violence. "How long do we have to continue living like this, with all the lies from the government?" asked 23year-old Baghdad resident Malik Ibrahim. "Whenever they say they have reached a solution, the bombings come back stronger than before." The predominantly Shi'ite city of Basra in southern Iraq was also hit today, with two car bombs there one outside a

house which has been declared a sub-jail. Last month, the Lahore High Court rejected an application by Musharraf for extension of his interim bail. He was then formally arrested. Musharraf's lawyer told the court Monday that there was no solid proof against the former military ruler and that

Indonesia mine collapse Iran 'producing new defence missile' death toll rises to 17 air TEHRAN: Iran says it has started mass
TIMIKA (INDONESIA): Rescuers have recovered three more bodies from a collapsed underground room at a giant US-owned gold and copper mine in Indonesia, bringing the confirmed death toll to 17. Mine officials say 11 others are believed buried under the rubble. The Big Gossan underground training facility at the PT Freeport Indonesia mine collapsed last week when 38 workers were undergoing safety training. Ten injured miners were rescued. The company said in a statement on Monday that recovery efforts were continuing around the clock. Mining operations at the Grasberg mine, owned by Phoenix, Arizona-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc, have been suspended since the accident to pay respects to the victims and to concentrate on the recovery effort. producing a new sophisticated air defence missile system capable of engaging low-altitude aircraft. According to report, Defence Minister General Ahmad Vahidi as saying the new system, dubbed Herz-9 or Talisman-9 in Farsi, is capable of operating at night. He said the system was mobile and could automatically identify and target flying objects at "low altitude". From time to time Iran announces military achievements that cannot be independently verified. The country, facing a Western military embargo, is pursuing a program for military self-sufficiency, producing weapons ranging from light submarines and jet fighters to torpedoes and missiles.

North Korea fires two more short-range missiles

SEOUL: North Korea on Monday fired two more short-range missiles, a day after UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon urged the regime to return to talks on its controversial nuclear programme. "North Korea fired one KN-02 short-range missile between 11 am and 12 noon and a second one between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday. The second missile is the same type as the KN-02 short-range missile launched on Monday morning". North Korea has fired a total of six short-range missiles in the same waters. South Korea's presidential office urged North Korea to stop aggravating tensions on the Korean Peninsula after Pyongyang launched its fifth missile on the third day. Pyongyang, however, said on Monday that the missile launch was only part of normal military training for self-defence purposes, the official said. On Sunday, Ban Ki-moon said he was concerned over Pyongyang's latest missile launches and urged the regime to return to the talks on its controversial nuclear programme. Yonhap said Pyongyang launched a short-range missile into the East Sea on Sunday, a day after firing three missiles into the same body of water. The communist regime broke off talks with South Korea, China, the US, Japan and Russia on its nuclear programme in 2009, after the UN Security Council passed a resolution condemning its missile tests. Tensions rose on the Korean Peninsula in December after North Korea tested a Taepodong 2 missile and again in February when it carried out its third nuclear test. The UN hit back with sanctions, and the start of joint military drills between South Korea and the US in March further irritated the North, which threatened to carry out a nuclear attack on the US mainland, as well as on US forces in the region. North Korea has been subjected to several rounds of UN Security Council sanctions since it declared itself a nuclear power in 2005.

ECONOMY

India, China agree to take steps to address trade imbalance India CTC tea prices rise on
NEW DELHI: Targeting $100 billion in bilateral commerce by 2015, India and China today agreed to take steps for addressing the issue of trade imbalance through greater cooperation in areas like pharmaceutical and IT. A joint statement issued after the meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said: "While striving to realise the trade turnover target of $100 billion by 2015, the two countries agreed to take measures to address the issue of the trade imbalance. "These include cooperation on pharmaceutical supervision including registration, stronger links between Chinese enterprises and Indian IT industry, and completion of phytosanitary expressed willingness to carry out cooperation on establishing industrial zones so as to provide platforms for cluster-type development of enterprises of the two countries. On the first meeting of the India-China CEO's Forum, the statement said that the Prime Ministers of both the countries look forward to the recommendations of the forum to further enhance bilateral trade and investment. Considering the rapid changes in the world economic situation, it said the two sides tasked the Strategic Economic Dialogue mechanism to consider issues of macro economic coordination and to suggest possible responses by the two countries. "The two sides agreed to continue pushing forward the Doha Development Round, consider the potential for a bilateral Regional Trade Arrangement and review the state of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)," the statement added. It also said that India welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest here and participate in infrastructure development. "Project contracting cooperation between the businesses of the two countries would be enhanced," it said. Both the sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of energy and environmental conservation, new and renewable energy and high-technology.

higher demand; dust falls

MUMBAI: Prices of CTC grade tea in India, the world's second-biggest tea producer, rose at last week's auction on strong demand, while prices of dust variety edged lower on higher supplies. The CTC (crush-tear-curl) grade was sold at 153.28 rupees ($2.79) per kg, up 1.8 percent from the previous week's auction, while prices of the dust variety fell 1 percent to 162.66 rupees per kg. "Local buyers were actively buying all grades. Supplies have also improved. That weighed on dust prices," said an official of the Calcutta Tea Traders' Association.

negotiations on agro-products." While India's export to China were only $13.52 billion in 2012-13, its imports from that country aggregated to $54.3 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $40.78 billion. The two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their financial regulators and to support banking

institutions in setting up representative offices, branches or subsidiaries and carrying out business activities. They agreed to "promote cooperation between their financial institutions to provide funding for bilateral economic cooperation projects", it added. Further, India and China

India's tea exports in the year ended March 31 rose about 3 percent from the previous year to 220.46 million kg as shipments to sanction-hit Iran rose after trade started in rupee. The country's tea production from April 2012 to March

2013 rose 2 percent from a year earlier to a record high of 1,116.67 million kg, the state-run Tea Board said. India exports CTC tea mainly to Egypt, Pakistan and the UK, and the premium orthodox variety to Iraq, Iran and Russia.

StanChart to acquire Morgan Stanley's private banking arm

MUMBAI: Standard Chartered India on Monday said it has agreed to acquire the private wealth management business of Morgan Stanley India for an undisclosed amount, subject to regulatory approvals. "Standard Chartered India has agreed to acquire Morgan Stanley's onshore private wealth management business here. The acquisition complements our existing private banking onshore business and will significantly increase our private banking AUM here," said a statement by StanChart India. Standard Chartered India had re-entered the private banking business in 2006 after a decade's gap, and currently private banking constitutes around 30 percent of its business here. Market observers said the MS acquisition is part of StanChart's plan to ramp up its private baking arm here. Morgan Stanley India could not be contacted for comments immediately. MS entered the private banking area in the country four years ago. The unit is headed by executive director Himanshu Bhagat, while StanChart's private banking is headed by Sandeep Das. "The deal reinforces our commitment to the consumer banking business here and further consolidates our leading position amongst the top private banking segments here," the StanC statement said further. Though the bank did not divulge the deal size, it is understood that Morgan Stanley India handles around USD 800 million of assets under its management, which is only around 5 percent of its balance sheet in the country, and it employs around 400 people.

Oil Min proposes gas price hike to $6.7

NEW DELHI: Oil Ministry has moved a Cabinet note to raise the price of natural gas produced by state-owned ONGC and OIL as well as private firms like Reliance Industries to $6.7, less than $8-8.5 hike previously expected. In a note for the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the ministry has proposed raising gas price for state- run firms immediately and that for RIL from April 2014, sources privy to the development said. ONGC/OIL and RIL currently get $4.2 per million British thermal unit as the price of natural gas. The ministry wants Rangarajan Committee recommendation of pricing domestically produced natural gas at an average of international hub prices and cost of imported LNG instead of present mechanism of market discovery be accepted with a minor modification. Sources said the hike in natural gas price by $1 would result Rs 3,155 crore per annum hit on fertiliser plants for producing 23 million tons of urea this fiscal and Rs 4,144 crore a year for 32 million tons of urea production from 2017-18. The impact of every US dollar increase in gas price would be about Rs 10,040 crore per annum on the power sector for 28,000 MW of electricity generating capacity. Sources said ministry wants the pricing formula proposed by the panel to apply to all forms of natural gas - conventional, shale and coal-bed methane (CBM). Also, the price determined shall be applicable to all consuming sectors uniformly. They said it wanted the new pricing guidelines to apply from 2013 itself on all domestically produced gas barring cases where it is either governed by a definite formula prescribed in the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) or the government had previously fixed a tenure for the same. This essentially meant that RIL would get the new price only from April 1, 2014 upon expiry of the fixed five-year term of current rate of $4.205 per mmBtu.State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) can, however, get the new rates this year itself for gas they produce from fields given to them on nomination basis by the government. Gas from nominated fields, called APM gas, was last revised in June 2010 to $4.2 from $1.79. The Rangarajan panel suggested rates may also not apply to BG Group-operated Panna/Mukta and Tapti fields in the western offshore as the current rates of $5.57-5.73 per mmBtu for the fuel produced from these are derived from a predefined formula detailed in the PSC. The gas price hike proposed falls short of what RIL and its partner BP plc of UK have been seeking. They want domestic gas prices to be freed and benchmarked to the rate at which gas in its liquid form (LNG) is imported into the country. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) currently is imported at about $14 per mmBtu. Sources said the ministry said the Rangarajan panel report needs to be accepted so that domestically produced natural gas prices are fixed in a fair manner and in a way that incentivises production. The panel had suggested taking a weighted average of the US, Europe and Japanese gas hubs or market price and then averaging it with the net imported price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to give sale price of domestically produced gas. The Rangarajan Committee suggested averaging volume- weighted price of gas at US's Henry Hub, UK's NBP and Japan Customs Cleared prices for the trailing 12 months with the the net price that producer got from exporting LNG to India on a long-term contract. Previously, RIL had from April 2014 wanted to price KG-D6 gas at the rate India pays for importing LNG on a long-term contract from Qatar. India pays 12.67% of the international oil rate plus $0.26 per mmBtu to Qatar. At $100 per barrel oil rate, this translated into a gas price of $12.93. The panel headed by C Rangarajan - Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prim Minister also suggested gas-on-gas competition after five years.

Gold, silver prices fall to record low on strengthening dollar

NEW DELHI: Gold hit a 21-month low and silver prices plunged to a two-and-a-half-year level Monday. Experts said this happened because of the strengthening of the dollar. According to MCX data, gold price plummetted to Rs.25,574 per 10 grams (down Rs.261.00) and silver dipped to Rs.41,459 per 1 kg (down Rs.1,170). "This slow and steady downfall of gold price is mainly due to strengthening of the dollar against the rupee. Euro is also doing better and Spain has clocked positive balance of payment," Pankaj Parekh, vice chairman, Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said. He emphasised that the economic situation globally is improving and stock exchanges across the world are bullish. Gold touched Rs.25,766 per 10 gms in April 17 from a peak of Rs.32,464 per 10 gram struck in Nov last year. "A month back gold prices dipped to similar level and from there it bounced back to Rs.27,500 per 10 gms level a fortnight back. The prices are dipping and recouping back. It has remained range-bound between Rs.26,000 and Rs.27,500 per 10 gms in the last one month," Rahul Gupta, director, Jewellers said. He mentioned that gold prices have corrected a lot and going forward it will see an upward movement only. The rupee also opened lower by 16 paise at Rs.55.04 per dollar against Friday's closing of Rs.54.88. Traders said the rupee weakened because of heavy demand for the US currency from gold and oil importers along with volatile domestic shares.

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weight boxer Praveen Kumar (+91kg) won the fourth gold for India after overhauling B eguer ni Hamza from Algeria. Olympian and 2 0 1 0 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Manoj Kumar (64kg) had to settle for silver after losing out to Abdelkader Chadi of Algeria. Both the boxers started cautiously, waiting for the other to make the move. In the end it was the Algerian boxer who dominated the first round. Manoj came back strongly to win the second but Chadi`s precise attacks helped him maintain the overall advantage in final round. Ultimately, Manoj lost the bout by three points. Olympian Dinesh Kumar (91kg) also suffered a similar fate. Kumar came up short against the power-hitting of Fotios Arapoglous from Greece. He too will have to be content with a silver. Participating in his maiden international event Sukhdeep Singh (75kg) gave a good account of his boxing skills. In the finals though, the 20year-old was unable to get past local boy Kyriakos Spanos. Chief national coach G.S. Sandhu was extremely pleased with India`s performance. "This is a first for us, we have never won a tournament in the European circuit before. It is a big achievement for Indian boxers and I am very happy with the way most of our boys fought. Even the first timers did a tremendous job to be counted among the medal winner at the event. These are promising signs for India boxing and this performance will do wonders for their confidence," said Sandhu. Earlier in the tournament, Anil Kumar (60kg), Jagroop Singh (81kg) and L. Devendro Singh (49kg) reached the semifinals. The three lost out in the round of four and had to be content with a bronze medal finish. NEW DELHI: "The nightmare is finally over and I am back to a normal life", said a relieved Vijender Singh as he broke his silence on the sensational drug scandal that severely hurt his reputation, insisting that more than a crisis, it was a learning experience that left him stronger and wiser. Speaking for the first time after the scandal broke out more than two months back, the Olympic bronze-medallist opened up about what he went through before being given an "all-clean" certificate by the National AntiDoping Agency. "The nightmare is finally over for me and I am back to my normal life. I have started training and looking forward to the World Championships in October," said the 27-year-old middleweight boxer, the first Indian to become world number one in international rankings. "I am thankful to the Haryana Govt., the Sports Ministry, the Indian Olympic Association and the Indian Boxing Federation for standing by me and because that gave me a lot of confidence. Now I am back to training in the camp and nothing can be better than this," he added. It has been more than two months since Vijender found himself in quandary when his name cropped up in a massive drug haul after Punjab police recovered heroin, worth around Rs 130 crore, from NRI Anoop Singh Kahlon`s house in

Indian boxers win European title, create history

LIMASSOL (CYPRUS): Indian boxers scaled new frontiers as they powered through to claim the top rank and bag the 2013 Invitational FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup. The Indian pugilists displayed grit and talent throughout the tournament and a stunning performance particularity in the finals Sunday with a total tally of 10 medals -- four gold, three silver and three bronze -- ensured a first place in the overall standings for the Indian contingent. This is the first time that Indian boxers have won a tournament on the European circuit. Reigning national champion Madan Lal (52kg) was the first Indian to take to the ring. Up against Ayigah Dodsi from Belgium, Lal started strongly to register an early lead. His sharp combinations of straight punches and hooks helped him gain a five-point lead at the end of Round 1. In the second, the Belgian tried to make a comeback but the 21-yearold Lal was up to the challenge, quickly changing his strategy. Lal relied more on counter-attacks in the

8
`Nightmare` over, Vijender gets back to normal life
phone with anybody. I have become wary of people which is quite natural given what I went through," added the boxer. Asked if, even for once, he felt his achievements were being completely forgotten while his integrity was questioned, Vijender chose to laugh it off. In fact, he refused to call it the biggest crisis of his life, insisting that anything bad can always be worse. "I don't think it was the biggest crisis of the life because life is like that only, it is unpredictable and I am taking it positively. I haven't lost faith in anything because I am a very optimistic person," he explained. "I always try to see the good in everything and that gives me strength. Even when I lost in the London Olympics quarterfinals, I said to myself 'don't lose heart, god has his own plans'. Actually, life just goes on, you have to accept whatever challenge you face and become stronger," he said. He has already missed a couple of exposure trips and won't be there for the Asian Championships next month after giving the national trials a miss. Vijender, if selected, will next be seen in action only at the October World Championships. Asked if he is intimidated by the scrutiny that he would invite due to the scandal, Vijender said, "Scrutiny has never scared me because I have had detractors all my life."

final two rounds and went on to bag the flyweight title with ease. Gold medallist at the 2009 Youth Olympic Games V. Durga Rao (56kg) had to dig deep against German boxer Dieter Dier. After three rounds of intense action, the scores were knotted at 12-all. In the end though, it was Rao who emerged victorious on individual judge`s score to bag his very first international medal on the senior tour. Mandeep Jangra (69kg) devoured Victor Vega Blanco of Spain in a completely one sided affair to bag the welterweight title. Super heavy-

I dont think there is extra pressure on us: Moody

HYDERABAD: The crowds went ecstatic after Darren Sammy hit two consecutive sixes off left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla to script a memorable finish for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday night at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium here. With that win, Sunrisers qualified for the play-offs of the IPL tournament. But later, Tom Moody, the head coach of Sunrisers, walked into the media room showing only a tinge of satisfaction with an occasional smile.

Govt plans new law to check match-fixing

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the IPL spot-fixing controversy, the Centre has decided to bring a legislation to provide "strictest possible" punishment for match-fixing. Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal spoke to Sports Minister Jitendra Singh in this regard. "Match-fixing destroys the confidence of the public who believe that all sporting events are fair and the outcomes are based on the performances of the sportspersons on the field. Any attempt to fix a match and its result cannot be allowed. I have asked the Secretary, Legislative, to come up with a proposed legislation to ensure that any attempt to fix matches, in any sport, attracts exemplary punishment," Sibal said. Under prevailing laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), prosecution of match fixers is a problem area as there is no definition of fixing. Also there are no specific provisions in the law to deal with this crime. "The present provisions of the IPC don't allow prosecution for match-fixing as it is not an offence. The nearest provision under which a player or someone who indulges in match-fixing or spot-fixing can be booked is Section 420 of the IPC, which deals with cheating or fraud. However, past experience of using this provision of IPC has not been very good, since many previous attempts to prosecute the accused have failed. That is why it is necessary to come up with a special enactment to deal with this," said Sibal. Sources in the Law Ministry said Sibal has asked Union Legislative Secretary P K Malhotra to propose a legislation, which will then be discussed with the Sports Ministry and taken to the Cabinet for approval. It has been felt that instances of match fixing have gone unpunished mainly due to the lacunae in the law. However, successive governments have never shown any resolve to remove the anomaly. Sources in the Law Ministry said Sibal has asked Union Legislative Secretary P K Malhotra to propose a legislation, which would then be discussed with the Sports Ministry and thereafter taken to the Cabinet for approval.

Zirakpur. The presence of a car used by Vijender`s wife Archana near the house raised a media storm and on April 1, Punjab Police said Vijender bought heroin for personal consumption on 12 different occasions from Kahlon. Vijender denied any wrongdoing and underwent a NADA dope test which came out negative. The strapping six-footer from Haryana said there are lessons to be learnt even in the worst of crisis and he learnt his while dealing with the controversy. "I believe, whatever god does, he does it for the good, I always try to look at life like that. Even in this incident I am sure god must have thought something good for me," he said. "Every incident, good or bad, teaches you something. I also learnt a few things. I realised who are my true friends and who are the hangers on. I realised that difference because all my good friends formed a ring of support around me," Vijender said. "Another lesson is that I won't ever be as casually friendly with anyone as I used to be. I won't ever leave my car keys or my mobile

Sub-junior nationals start tomorrow

NEW DELHI: The 3rd edition of the Hockey India SubJunior Men & Women National Championship (Finals) will be played at Bhopal from May 21-27. A total of 28 teams in the men`s and 25 in the women`s category participated in the national championships which was conducted zonal wise in the month of April. The winners and runners-up of each of the four zones qualified for the final round. There will be eight teams playing in each of the men`s and women`s category, and the teams are divided into two pools. The matches will be played at Aish Bagh Hockey Stadium and Mayur Park Hockey Stadium in Bhopal. In the men`s category, defending champions Odisha have been drawn in Pool A and will play their inaugural match against Jharkhand tomorrow while in the women`s category defending champions Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy have been drawn in Pool A. Men: Pool A- Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand and The Hockey Maharashtra Pool B- MPHA, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh Women: Pool A- MPHA, Karnataka, Chandigarh and Odisha Pool B- Haryana, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and The Hockey Maharashtra.

Sreesanth sought female models photos from Bollywood ca`sting director

MUMBAI: Tainted Rajasthan Royals paceman S. Sreesanth had received several mails carrying hundreds of photographs of female models from a Bollywood casting director, allegedly for the purpose of advertisement of his brand called S36. The Mumbai police have found several e-mail interactions from the seized laptop and mobile phones, in which a certain casting director had sent him the pictures of models. The police had raided the suburban five- star hotel on Friday night where Sreesanth and bookie Jiju Janardan had independently booked a room each. The casting director was on Monday called by the Mumbai police for interrogation. According to his version, Sreesanth co-owns a company called S36. A film producer from Hyderabad is another partner in the company. The casting director had interaction with him only on emails and Facebook. He had sent the models photographs to Sreesanth. The cricketer had asked him to send more photos, said one of the officers who interrogated the casting director. Brand S36 The Facebook page of S36 with Sreesanths photo on it says that the products under this brand consist of mineral packaged drinking water, apparels and sports goods. According to police sources, Sreesanths partner from Hyderabad could also be called for interrogation. The police have not ruled out the possibility of interrogating the paceman.

Kerala athlete KT Neena qualifies for World Youth Championships

GUNTUR: Kerala's KT Neena qualified for World Youth Championships after winning gold in 5000m race with a new meet mark of 25 mins 13.95 sec on the third and final day of the 10th National Youth Athletics Championships, here. The World Youth Championships will be held in Ukraine in July. Neena's teammates A.M. Binsy and S. Akshaya completed the other two places on the podium as Kerala pipped overnight leaders Haryana by just one point (155-154) to defend their overall title. Haryana continued to apply pressure with more number of wins on the last day's events at Brahmananda Reddy Stadium on Monday but the defending champions fought back with vigour and the tale of identifying this edition's champions went till the last event of the meet-the medley relay. Another medal sweep by their steeplechasers, an excellent run by half-miler Mohammed Afsal, noteworthy wins by triple jumper Abdulla Aboobacker and hurdler Anjali Jose helped the team to wrest the lead from Haryana. In the medley relay for girls the Kerala team was trailing at mid-way but the last leg runner Shaharbana Sidhique made a gallant effort to take her team to the flag position. Expectantly Haryana took the gold in the boys' relay but it did not change the position. Apart from Kerala walker Neena, most of the other World Youth qualifiers came from Haryana. On the final day of competitio ns 400m hurdler Parmvir Singh (54.43 secs), javelin thrower M a n d e e p K u m a r (67.02m), sprinters Mohit (22.52 secs) and Ashish Chikara (22.66s) attained such distinction among others. Haryana boys' garnered the 123 points for the team championships while Kerala girls made their state proud once again with the top with

120 points. Shot putter Shakti Solanki (Delhi) and sprint-star Dutee Chand (Odisha) were adjudged best athletes of the three-day meet in boys and girls divisions respectively and received 10 gms gold medals for their effort.

Prakash launches shuttle talent hunt in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Badminton great Prakash Padukone has tied up with Tata Capital to launch a talent hunt for children between 8 and 12 years of age at five gymkhanas of the city culminating in a two-day tournament next month to select eight of them to undergo training at his Bangalore-based academy. The talent hunt will be held from May 27 to June 7 to identify potentially good players for the two-day tournament at the Cricket Club of India on June 15 and 16 from where four boys and as many girls are to be picked for a training stint here or at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, it was announced at a news conference on Monday. Padukone said a renowned coach from Indonesia, Yusuf Johari, has been roped in to identify potentially good players and would work on the children and correct their footwork and grip during the talent hunt. "This initiative is restricted to only those who have never played the sport. Fifty to 100 children would be called up at each club for a two-day trial and the selected few would take part in the two-day tournament," said Prakash. "At the end of the tournament we will pick four boys and four girls for further training in Mumbai or even at Bangalore in our academy," said Padukone who later said that a trio of very talented boys from his academy would also play an exhibition match at the CCI. Apart from CCI, the other clubs/gymkhanas who are part of the initiative are Bombay Gymkhana, Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana, Khar Gymkhana and National Sports Club of India. "Johari is very good in training children and was with us at the academy in January-February. He is a very experienced coach in teaching technique and footwork. It's very important to teach players the right grip and footwork at a young age as later on its very difficult to correct them," said Padukone. "This is the first initiative of such kind in India and depending on its success it can be replicated in other cities," he added. Though the initiative is open to non-members of the five club/gymkhanas, members` children would get preference in signing up for the project, said Bombay Gymkhana`s badminton secretary Shirish Nadkarni.

Chinese Taipei win men`s doubles TT title

PARIS: Chinese Taipei`s Chen Chien-An and Chuang ChihYuan upset Hao Shuai and Ma Lin from China to win the men`s doubles title at the World Table Tennis Championships here. Chen and Chuang fought back from one game down to win three in a row but Ma, former Olympic Champion, and Hao Shuai took the fifth before the Chinese Taipei tandem sealed the victory Sunday by taking the sixth 11-8. This was the second event that China failed to win at the World Championships following the mixed doubles and the third title they have lost since the 2003 worlds in Paris. China cleanswept all five titles from 2005 to 2011 at all World Championships.

Let us celebrate those who have kept the game alive

NEW DELHI: Super Kings primed to stifle Mumbai Indians in Tuesdays qualifier Cricket should take the front seat when Mumbai Indians meets Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League qualifier at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Tuesday. These are troubled times for the game but there is a reassuring force, glowing for 23 years, giving cricket the credibility it needs, now more than ever. Scandals and controversies have been part of the game, from Bodyline to spot-fixing, but icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble are testimony to integrity emerging unscathed when confronted by hostile circumstances. Tendulkar and Kumble witnessed tortuous moments in the dressing room when Indian cricket was ravaged by match-fixing at the beginning of 2000. All had seemed lost but these two pillars of Indian cricket stood behind skipper Sourav Ganguly and prevented further disintegration of the team and the image of the game. Support came from John Wright, the coach who taught India to win overseas; and win consistently. It is a pleasant coincidence that Tendulkar, Kumble and Wright form the think-tank of Mumbai Indians. There is no doubt the image of IPL has suffered at the hands of three greedy players from Rajasthan Royals. Cruel irony It was cruel irony that

a dressing room, which was lit up by the presence of Rahul Dravid, nurtured such detrimental individuals. The impact was visible when Rajasthan Royals took the field for its last league encounter. It lost the match but not the motivation to put up a brave front. The IPL, a domestic tournament in the strictest sense, has a niche audience and promotes a brand of cricket that has caught the attention of the youth. If the purists look the other way it does not really matter, for the tournament has come to command an international

following. It has come to stay, what with some of the biggest names in contemporary cricket lending their support to this format where even a mishit is celebrated. Mumbai Indians, CSK, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with V.V.S. Laxman as the mentor, making it to the eliminator and qualifier stage is in keeping with their deeds. CSK, the most compact combination in all the editions of the IPL, and Mumbai Indians have drawn strength from their vast range of options in batting and bowling.

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