MUMBAI:
Eyeing leadership in the Super Sports segment, Bajaj Auto today launched the Pulsar RS 200 bike, priced at Rs 1,18,500 and Rs 1,30,268 for the non ABS and ABS versions respectively, ex-showroom Maharashtra.
The company said it plans to sell 2,500 units per month of Pulsar RS 200.
“We have launched Pulsar RS 200 in the super-sport segment to offer an unprecedented level of design, engineering and performance.
“The non-ABS version is priced at Rs 1,18,500 and ABS version at Rs 130,268 ex-showroom Maharashtra. This is the first bike having Rs 1,00,000 plus price tag from the company,” Bajaj Auto Motorcycle President Eric Vas told reporters here.
“We are already market leaders by far in the sports segment and with the launch of Pulsar RS 200 look forward to gaining leadership in the Super Sports segment as well. The company plans to sell 2,500 units of the Pulsar RS 200 per month and plan to start exports as well,” Vas said
Bajaj first brought the Pulsar to the Indian market in 2001. Today Pulsar sells more than 55,000 units every month in the domestic sports motorcycle market with a leadership market share of 43 per cent making it India’s no.1 sports bike for 14 years in a row.
“The Pulsar RS 200 has 4 valves spark DTSi engine with fuel injection and liquid cooling. It unleashes 24.5 PS power and achieves a top speed of 141 km/hr and ….,” Vas said.
The super sports segment today stands at less than one per cent of the motorcycle market and this bike is all set to re-define and expand this segment, Vas said. (AGENCIES)

WASHINGTON, Mar 26:
An ancient lake on Mars’ Jezero Crater may have once been filled with fairly fresh water, making it a potentially habitable environment, scientists say.
Researchers from Brown University found that the onslaught of water that filled the Jezero Crater was one of at least two separate periods of water activity in the region surrounding Jezero.
Jezero is high on scientists’ list of possible landing sites for NASA’s Mars 2020 rover. If life had emerged in either of the two water-related events, signs of it may well have been preserved at Jezero, researchers said.
The ancient lake at Jezero crater was first identified in 2005 by Caleb Fassett, a former Brown graduate student. He identified two channels on the northern and western sides of the crater that appear to have supplied it with water.
That water eventually overtopped the crater wall on the southern side and flowed out through a third large channel. It’s not clear how long the system was active, but seems to have dried out around 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago.
Each of the crater’s inlet channels has a delta-like deposit where sediment carried by water was deposited in the lake.
In 2008, Bethany Ehlmann, another former Brown graduate student now a professor at Caltech, showed that those fan deposits are full of clay minerals – a clear sign of alteration by water.
The question of how exactly those minerals formed, however, remained open. The minerals could have formed in place in the lake, or formed elsewhere and got transported into the lake.
Tim Goudge, a graduate student at Brown who led the new study, gathered high-resolution orbital images from NASA’s CTX instrument, and combined them with data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Goudge put together a geological and mineralogical map of the entire Jezero Crater paleolake system.
The map showed that each of the fan deposits has its own distinct mineral signature that matches the signature of the watershed from which it was sourced.
“That’s a good indication that the minerals formed in the watershed and were then transported into the lake,” Goudge said.
The minerals’ formation and their transportation seem to have been separated by a fair amount of time. Mapping of the watershed showed a younger layer of rock that sits on top of the hydrated minerals.
The crater’s inlet channels cut through that layer of younger rock. That means the water that carved the channels must have flowed well after the mineral layer had formed.
“What it implies is that there were actually two periods of water-related activity,” Goudge said.
The water that stood in the lake from the second event does not seem to have chemically altered the rock much at all.
This suggests that Jezero was filled with fairly fresh water with a nearly neutral pH – making it a potentially habitable environment, researchers said. (AGENCIES)

JAMMU :  Terming NC MLA Javed Rana’s statement against the speaker as being against parliamentary norms and most uncivilized conduct, BJP demanded an apology from NC Legislative Party (NCLP) leader Omar Abdullah and action against the NC member.
“BJP demanded a public apology from leader of NCLP Omar Abdullah besides seeking internal action by the National Conference against the erring MLA,” BJP state Chief Spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters here today.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly yesterday witnessed ruckus after ruling BJP and PDP members slammed NC member Javed Rana for accusing Speaker Kavinder Gupta of being “biased” and demanded action against him.
Rana on Tuesday evening in the Assembly had said, “I am denied time to speak. I have not been allowed in the House to speak on Governor’s address and now on Budget. I am discriminated against. You are biased because of being…”
The Speaker had said he has allotted time to all the parties and he should talk to his party leader.
Sethi said, “The conduct of Rana in the state Assembly, wherein he directly made communal remarks against the Speaker, has happened for the first time in the history of the Assembly and hence needs to be taken seriously”.
He said that whatever Rana said is not against the person of the Speaker but is a direct assault on the dignity of the Chair, which is very unfortunate and added the MLA has lowered the prestige of the House in the estimation of public.
Sethi said it is also unfortunate that Omar did not utter a single word of disapproval, much less condemnation, and has thereby “publically signaled the prevailing standard of civility of the NC Legislative Party.”
He said the conduct of the MLA is also an insult to the parliamentary set up.
Sethi said that NC leaders should come out of the frustration of not being in power and conduct themselves in a positive and constructive manner inside the Assembly. They should put forth their view points in a healthy and democratic manner and contribute to the parliamentary governance in the state instead of crossing all limits of decency, he added.
He expressed hope that good sense will prevail and they will not indulge in communalizing the respectable post of Speaker of the House. (AGENCIES)

SYDNEY :  Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni made no excuses for India’s 95-run loss to Australia in the cricket World Cup semi-finals but said the fast bowlers could have done “slightly better” and Shikhar Dhawan should not have attempted a big shot when they were going smoothly.
India’s 11-match winning streak over two World Cups came to a grinding halt as the Men in Blue faltered in their 329-run chase and were bundled out for 233 in 46.5 overs.
Electing to bat, Australia rode on Steven Smith’s 93-ball 105 to post 328 for seven in 50 overs and Dhoni opined that the Indian pacers could have bowled better.
“They played very good cricket, over 300 is always a difficult score, I felt it was just over par, they could have had 350. We came back quite well but I felt we still could have bowled better. The spinners performance was good but I feel the fast bowlers could have done slightly better,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.
Dhoni’s run-a-ball 65 stood tall amid a disappointing batting show as he waged a lone battle to take India past the 200-run mark and make a match of it despite the steep asking rate.
Shikhar Dhawan (45) and Rohit Sharma (34) started off well with a 76-run opening stand and Ajinkya Rahane contributed with a patient 44 in the middle overs. The Australian bowlers kept getting wickets to keep the Indian asking-rate mounting and Dhoni rued Shikhar’s dismissal.
“We started okay but they bowled well, they got the reverse swing going. We were happy with where we were at the start of the tournament. We got off to a very good start, Shikhar’s dismissal was slightly on the softer side, at a time when we could have had the bowling under pressure. Didn’t really need to play a big shot. But you get pressure chasing 300+, makes you do things you don’t want to do,” he said.
“There was too much (for me to do), our lower order can’t contribute too much in these conditions. Most of the good teams bat quite deep,” he added.
On been asked to comment on his future career path, Dhoni the wicketkeeper-batsman said, “Not sure (about next World Cup), I’m 33, I’m still running, still fit. Next year, T20 World Cup, will be time to decide about 2019 or not.” (AGENCIES)

JAMMU :  The Jammu and Kashmir government today batted strongly for extending the inner line permit, a necessary document for visiting Ladakh region, for foreign tourists despite concerns expressed by the army.
“The matter regarding extending the inner line permit for foreign tourists from Panamik to Varshi, including Yarma, Gumpa and Yarma Gongu monastery (in protected areas) in Nobra valley of Leh district, has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs by the state government in February this year, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said.
Sayeed, who holds the portfolio of tourism, said this in a written reply to the question of member Deldan Namgyal in state Legislative Assembly today.
The reasons for restrictions for these areas to foreign tourists is that they fall in northern border districts of J&K and are covered by the Protected Area Regime under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
The government allows foreign tourists to visit some protected areas up to Tyakshi in Nobra sub-division with certain conditions under the protected areas permit order.
The administration had issued an order on January 16, 2015 by virtue of which domestic tourists are now permitted in protected areas which come under Nobra sub-division circuit.
The Army had expressed concerns over allowing foreign tourists to visit these protected area.
On January 21, the headquarters of 14 Corps in Leh had intimated that the army recommends extension of inner line permit beyond Panamik with the pre-condition of establishing a police post to restrict foreign tourists beyond Varshi and along the road Sasoma-Sasrila to address their concerns, a state government official said in a letter to Secretary, MHA. (AGENCIES)

SYDNEY: Australia beat India by 95 runs in the second semi-final of the cricket World Cup here today to set up a title clash with New Zealand.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 328/7 in 50 overs (Steve Smith 105, Aaron Finch 81; Umesh Yadav 4-72)
India: 233 all out in 46.5 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 45, Ajinkya Rahane 44, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 65; James Faulkner 3-59, Mitchell Johnson 2-50, Mitchell Starc 2-28). (AGENCIES)

MUMBAI: All eyes are set on the hit-and-run case in which Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, charged with killing one person and injuring four by ramming his car into a shop in 2002, would step into the box tomorrow to put up his defence and explain the circumstances that led to the mishap.
It would be a crucial test for the 49-year-old actor as he gets an opportunity to give his version about the mishap that occurred in the wee hours of September 28, 2002 when his car ran over people sleeping on pavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra here.
Judge D W Deshpande has summoned Khan to appear tomorrow to give his statement under section 313 of CrPc which comes at the fag end of the trial after the prosecution closed its evidence by examining more than 25 witnesses in court.
Under this provision of CrPc, not only the accused gets a chance to put across his contention on the evidence adduced by the prosecution but also the court can ask him questions to clarify any ambiguity that may have cropped up during the trial, special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat told PTI.
After his statement is recorded, Khan would also get an opportunity to examine defence witnesses if he wants to do so. The court would then hear arguments of both the sides before giving its verdict, Gharat said.
This is a fresh trial being held in a sessions court after a Magistrate added the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder which lays down punishment upto ten years.
The prosecution has alleged that the actor was under the influence of liquor and examined witnesses to prove that before the mishap he had gone along with his friends to a bar in a seven star hotel in the late hours on the ill-fated day.
It has alleged that he did not have a driving licence.
The prosecution has also alleged that Khan was driving his Land Cruiser SUV in a rash and negligent manner. In this regard, it has relied upon the statement of Khan’s police bodyguard Ravindra Patil to a Magistrate earlier that he had asked the actor not to drive rashly or else he would meet with an accident but he did not pay heed to his advice.
However, Patil passed away during the trial and on a prosecution plea, the court has taken on record his statement but will decide on its evidence value later.
On the other hand, Khan has denied allegations that he was under the influence of liquor and that he was driving the car at the time of mishap. (AGENCIES)

NEW DELHI :  Describing Qatar as part of India’s extended neighbourhood, President Pranab Mukherjee said there is lot that both countries can do together to realise the existing potential in trade and investment ties.     Addressing a Banquet hosted in the honour of Emir of the state of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at Rashtrapati Bhawan last night, the President said, “India and Qatar share deep and rich historical connections based on geographic proximity and cultural commonalities.
“Qatar is part of India’s extended neighbourhood. Civilisational links between the two countries find expression in mutually beneficial, growing economic and commercial exchanges and close people-to-people contacts.      “There is lot that both countries can do together to realise the existing potential in trade and investment ties.”    The President said the rich experience of India’s globally reputed companies in executing infrastructure projects of the highest standard is at the disposal of its Qatari friends.    “India is confident they would be worthy partners in Qatar’s economic progress and contribute meaningfully towards Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he added.    The President said India deeply values Qatar as a reliable source of energy.
It is time that the two countries convert their commercial synergies into a deeper energy partnership through India-Qatar joint ventures in refineries and petrochemicals projects in India, as also through joint exploration in third countries.     “India invites investors and entrepreneurs from Qatar to look at its infrastructure sector and join in the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives.
“India’s 100 Smart Cities project is open for foreign participation. Foreign investment caps have been eased in construction, railways and defence sectors.     “India looks forward to new partnerships and collaborations in areas of common interest,” the President said.    Mr Mukherjee said Qatar has generously embraced a large number of Indian expatriates and encouraged them to flourish and prosper.
The positive contribution that Indian community in Qatar has made towards the development and progress of their host country has been well acknowledged and appreciated.    The President said Qatar is from a region, which is of vital importance to India.
“Peace and stability in West Asia is in common interest of both the countries. Cooperation between India and Qatar is necessary for countering terrorism and maritime piracy that affect both the countries,” he added.    Earlier, the Emir of Qatar called on Mr Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The President said he was confident that relations between the India and Qatar would be strengthened by the Emir’s visit, which was his first State Visit to India.
Mr Mukherjee thanked the Emir and his father for their personal commitment to strengthen bilateral ties with India.      He also thanked the Emir of Qatar and his Government for ensuring the safety, security and well-being of Indian community in Qatar.
The President said India has launched a major set of reforms to boost economic growth.  The Union Government has eased foreign direct investment caps in key areas, like Railways, Defence and Insurance.
“It is an opportune time to make investments in India, especially since the country is once again on the path of high growth,” he added.
The President also expressed the need to make the trade more broad-based and diversified.
Responding to the President, the Emir said bilateral relations between Qatar and India have been always strong, but they can be made even stronger.
The goal of his visit was to strengthen relations. Qatar is happy with the progress in relations between the two countries in various fields, he added.
The Emir said he was confident that these relations will continue to develop and grow further, particularly after signing more cooperation agreements between the two countries and in the wake of significant economic reforms introduced by the Indian government, which has led to improvement in investment climate in India, he added.
The Emir reiterated Qatar’s commitment to help secure India’s energy needs.
He also expressed appreciation for the role of Indian community in Qatar and their contribution to the progress and economic development of that country.
(AGENCIES)

JAMMU :  Jammu and Kashmir government today said that 1,474 buildings, including 179 schools and 34 hotels besides 56 bunkers, have been vacated from security forces in the state for improving the security situation.
Replying to the question of NC member Bashir Ahmed Veeri in Legislative Council during Question Hour, Minister for Horticulture Abdul Rehman Veeri said that till date, 1,474 premises and 56 bunkers have been vacated from Army and security forces in view of improvement in security environment of the state.
“Of these, 179 schools, 922 private buildings, 268 government buildings, 37 hospitals, 34 hotels, 31 industrial units and 3 cinema halls have been vacated from the security forces and the Army,” he said.
Veeri, who was speaking on behalf of the Home Minister, said that similarly 56 bunkers have also been removed from public places in Srinagar from 2009 till date.
He said efforts are afoot to have the remaining premises vacated and utilized for their original use.
As on today, 1,307 private houses, 278 government buildings, 27 hotels, 5 cinema halls, 3 hospital and 18 industrial units are still under the occupation of security forces in the state and efforts are on to ensure their evacuation, Veeri added. (AGENCIES)

JAMMU :  Jammu and Kashmir government today said that various hospitals across the state were facing an acute shortage of doctors as their number was less than half of the total sanctioned strength.
“Against the sanctioned strength of 33 specialists, 12 are in position and against 33 sanctioned posts of medical officers, six are in position in District Hospital Poonch,” Minister for Health Chowdhary Lal Singh said while replying to the question of Shah Mohammad Tantray about the availability of doctors at Poonch district.
At Community Health Centre Mandi, against the total sanctioned strength of five specialists only two are employed whereas against seven sanctioned posts of medical officers, five are employed there, he said.
The official said that eight doctors are also working in different institutions of the Indian Systems of Medicine department including Ayush Unit at District Hospital Poonch.
He said that against the total sanctioned vacancies of 70 doctors at the District Hospital in Poonch only 20 are employed whereas 50 positions are lying vacant.
“In Sub-District Hospital (SDH), 24 doctors are working against the sanctioned vacancies of 42, at Primary Health Centres only 11 doctors are working against the total sanctioned vacancies of 51,” he said.
Apart from facing shortage of doctors, the hospitals in Poonch are also facing acute shortage of paramedical staff.
“At District Hospital Poonch, only 49 are employed against the total sanctioned vacancies of 100. In SDH, five vacancies are lying vacant. At PHCs, out of 81 sanctioned vacancies only 64 are employed,” he said.
He said that the department is making every effort to overcome the deficiency of doctors and paramedics by engaging the staff under National Health Mission.
To a question by Shakti Raj Parihar regarding the vacancies of doctors in Doda district, the Minister said, “Against 50 sanctioned posts of specialists, 23 are in position and 27 posts are vacant. Similarly, against 156 posts of doctors, 46 are in position and 110 are vacant”.
He said that 20 MBBS doctors and 40 ISM doctors are engaged on contractual basis under NHM to supplement the staff which is poster as per the sanctioned strength.
He said that 226 posts of consultants have already been referred to Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission.
“As and when the selection list is received, the vacant posts shall be filled up accordingly,” he said. (AGENCIES)