NEW DELHI, Nov 27:
Government today made it clear that no “specific time frame” can be fixed for making appointments in the anti-corruption body, Lokpal, due to petitions pending in the Supreme Court and various High Courts challenging various provisions of the Lokpal Act.
Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that the Centre had notified rules relating to the Search Committee for Lokpal in January this year. But soon after, writ petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the validity of the rules.
He said on May 5 this year, the apex court was informed that the Centre will re-examine the issue and make formal amendments in the rules and only then proceed further. The amended rules related to the Search Committee were notified on August 27.
Singh said that a number of writ petitions have also been filed in various High Courts challenging certain provisions of the Act and the Search Committee Rules.
“Government has filed applications before the SC for transfer of these writ petitions to the Supreme Court so as to get authoritative pronouncements on all these issues, so that institution of Lokpal can be made functional at the earliest.
“Under the circumstances, no specific timeline has been fixed for making appointments in the Lokpal,” he said. (PTI)
No timeline can be fixed for Lokpal appointments: Govt
BMW launches next generation M3 sedan, M4 Coupe in India
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: German luxury car maker BMW launched next generation M3 sedan and all new M4 Coupe in India, priced at Rs 1.19 crore and Rs 1.21 crore respectively (ex- showroom Delhi). Both the models would be available across the country as completely built up units, the car maker said.
The legendary sportsman flagged off the all new BMW M3 and all new BMW M4 during an exclusive event at the Buddh International Circuit
“A new chapter in the fascinating history of high performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH is beginning,” BMW Group India President Philipp von Sahr said.
The cars deliver superior performance with a newly developed six cylinder engine and light weight design, he added.
While the M3 is the fifth generation model, M4 Coupe is a brand new car.
Earlier this week, the company had launched an updated version of its M5 sedan in India, priced at Rs 1.35 crore or Rs 13.5 million (ex -showroom Delhi), he stated.
He further disclosed that taking a further step in sustainable mobility, BMW India also plans to introduce hybrid car i8 in 2014.
Besides, it is also looking to expand dealer network in the country by 2015-end by taking the overall number to 50 from 37 currently.
The company, which slipped behind German rivals Audi and Mercedes in the Indian market last year, is looking to recover ground by investing in the brand and new launches.
BMW India, which is wholly-owned subsidiary of the Germany’s BMW Group, currently produces various vehicles at its Chennai facility including the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and X3.
Former DIG Lali Khan joins NC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Israr Khan, popularly known as Lali Khan today joined National Conference in presence of Chief Minister and Working President Omar Abdullah and pledged to strengthen the party at grass roots level with an avowed objective of steering Jammu and Kashmir to peace, prosperity and development.
Welcoming Lali Khan into the party fold, Omar Abdullah said that National Conference is a movement that has inspired generations to carry forward the forward looking policies for ensuring better future for the posterity. He said joining of right thinking people will strengthen the caravan, enabling it to meet the political and economic aspirations of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
Provincial President National Conference Jammu Devender Singh Rana and other senior leaders were present on the occasion.
Belonging to a prominent Udhampur family, Lali Khan is credited an unblemished career in police.
For his multifaceted personality, Israr Khan gained prominence as Lali in the socio-cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Activities in full swing in Annual Sports Week at Govt Polytechnic
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: Activities were in full swing on fourth day of the ongoing Annual Sports Week at Government Polytechnic, Bikram Chowk, here.
Earlier, in the rangoli competition held today, 8 teams of different departments depicted their imaginations with colours in the form of beautiful rangolis.
The competition was judged by Er Sakshi Kapai, Er Vandana Chib and Er Harmeet Kour.
The first prize was won by Nidhi, Nalini, Bharti and Shikha of Architecture Department, while the 2nd prize went to Bisma and Suman Lata of Mechanical Engineering Department while third prize went to Amneet, Priya, Nishu and Osheen of Electrical Engineering.
In painting competition which was judged by Pratibha, Archana and Sandip Kour, first prize was won by Nalini of Architecture Department, 2nd by Vijay Kumar of Civil Engineering and third by Dawar Hussain of Architecture Department. The theme of the competition was “Save Girl Child”.
In Volleyball tournament, Automobile Engineering Department defeated Travel and Tourism by 24-20, 24-10, while Mechanical Engineering Department defeated the Instrumentation and Control Department by 21-24, 24-20, 24-19 and 24-22.
In Cricket tournament, Mechanical Engineering Department defeated Instrumentation and Control Department by 34 runs, while Automobile Engineering Department defeated Travel and Tourism by 3 wickets.
In Carrom, Rohit and Abid of Civil Engg defeated Rajan Charak and Ishan of Computer, while Gurpreet Singh and Baljeet Singh from Mechanical Engineering Department lost to Akash and Kartik of Automobile Engineering Department.
In Chess, Rajat Sharma of Electrical Department defeated Adik Puri from Architecture Department, while Inderdeep of Automobile Department defeated Kanav from I&C and Ankush of Mechanical Department defeated Pardeep of Automobile Department.
2nd Sanda Cup gets underway
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: The 2nd Sanda Cup got underway at MA Stadium, hewre today.
H K Lohia, president of the Association was the chief guest, Ranjeet Kalra presided the function, while Vijay Saraf and Deepak Handa vice-president of the Association were the guests of honour. Hitesh Khullar, AE JKPCC and Amit Gupta were also present on the occasion.
Around 650 participants from 13 districts of the State are taking part in the championship.
Today Sub-junior boys’ weight categories were in the fray for the yellow petal.
The chief guest during the function congratulated the J&K team for winning medals at National and International level.
Kamal Kishore secured bronze medal in the recently held 6th Traditional World Wushu Championship held at China in the month of October 2014, and State team brought 08 medals in the Federation Cup held at Telegana and also congratulated Kuldeep Handoo general secretary of the Association and Chief Coach of India for getting 2 Medals in the 17th Asian Games at Incheon (Korea).
Earlier, the welcome address was presented by the Ranjit Kalra, while Deepak Handa presented the vote of thanks.
The gold medal winners in various categories included Aman Sheikh, Harshit Manhas, Tsering Namgyal, Vikas, Sudanshu Choudhary, Satyam Singh, Irfan and Aakarshit Nanda.
KPC extends full support to BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) in its meeting here today while extending full support to BJP and policies and programmes of Prime Minster Narendra Modi expressed the hope that the Party will fulfill the aspirations of the community.
In a statement issued here today, KPC chief Kundan Kashmiri said that rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in their homeland is a big challenge for the Government and KPC is hopeful that Government will take proper steps in this regard and frame a return formula acceptable to the community.
He said though BJP has given place to various issues of the community in its manifesto it should also clear the stand on one place settlement of community in Valley besides abrogation of Article 370 which is the basis if all problems in the State.
KPC however asked the displaced Pandits to fill up the M Forms and take part in the democratic process fully by casting their vote.
CCE holds guest lecture
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 27: Chenab College of Education, (CCE) Kaluchack Jammu arranged a guest lecture by an IT Company, Gumbi Software Private Ltd, today.
Parveen Kumar Vishakarma (Marketing Manager) who had been deputed by the company, delivered a valuable lecture to the students and made the students aware of various projects and profiles that the company has framed for the benefit of the youths across India.
Mentioned company is a training partner with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for Uddan Initiative, where talented graduates are provided on the Job training in respective fields.
At the end of this valuable lecture, the Principal Kamaldeep Kour gave vote of thanks to the invited guest and encouraged the students to get maximum benefit of the arranged programme.
Modi, Sharif exchange pleasantries during SAARC retreat
KATHMANDU, Nov 27:
In the end it was just a handshake and an exchange of pleasantries between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at the SAARC retreat near here today, in sharp contrast to the bonhomie between them just six months ago.
Their cold vibes were on open display at the inaugural session of the eight-nation SAARC Summit here yesterday when they virtually ignored each other.
“There was not even a ‘dua-salaam’ (exchange of courtesies),” said a Pakistan source contradicting reports that the two leaders had a brief chat at the dinner hosted by Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala last night.
However, it was nearly impossible for Modi and Sharif to ignore each other in Dhulikhel just outside the Nepalese capital where restricted number of guests were present. There was no word that they went beyond pleasantries and talked about bilateral issues.
“The two leaders exchanged pleasantries when they met for the first time after arriving here,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
Lack of warmth between the two Prime Ministers at the SAARC is reflective of the sudden downslide in Indo-Pak ties after Sharif had attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony as did most of the SAARC leaders.
Consultations held by Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi with Kashmiri separatists led to the cancellation by India of Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh’s visit to Islamabad in September. Since then both countries have maintained that they are willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue provided the other side takes the initiative.
Ahead of SAARC, Pakistan did not help matters with Sharif insisting that he would consult Kashmiri leaders again before any dialogue with India and maintained that the “ball is in India’s court” since it had unilaterally cancelled the talks.
Modi had structured bilateral meetings with all SAARC heads of Governments and states except Sharif on the sidelines of the 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit. (PTI)
Test set to be rescheduled, Warner, Watson, Haddin not ready
Melbourne, Nov 28: The first cricket Test between India and Australia is all set to be rescheduled as three of the senior cricketers in Shane Watson, David Warner and Brad Haddin are amongst those who have already said that they are not in perfect state of mind to return to competitive cricket.
According to a report in ‘The Australian’, the first Test scheduled to start at the Gabba on December 4, may now be squeezed between the second Test at Adelaide (December 12-16) and the third Test at Melbourne on ‘Boxing Day’ (December 26-30).
The report stated,”The players met at the SCG yesterday where they were addressed by Michael Clarke after the death of Phillip Hughes on Thursday. The Weekend Australian understands that the Test squad was unanimous in their decision not to play the game.”
“Test players David Warner, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Nathan Lyon were on the field when Hughes was struck and attended to him in the terrible minutes after the extent of the damage became apparent. What they saw on the pitch, what they saw in the hospital and the grief they feel has stripped them of the desire to play cricket.”
There is an expectation that Hughes’ funeral cannot take place until Wednesday. His body will be taken back to his home town of Macksville on the mid-north coast. If the players attend funeral, it will be almost impossible to come back and concentrate on a Test match starting very next day.
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said that the BCCI was completely supportive of the situation.
“We’ve been in constant contact with the officials from the Indian cricket board and I’ve got to say that their understanding and empathy has been absolutely outstanding,” Sutherland said.
“They completely understand the situation. They’re doing everything they can to do that.”
“They’ll prepare themselves in the best way possible. They understand that these are unique and extraordinary circumstances and I guess if the Test match goes ahead, both teams will have a very different sort of preparation.”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is of the opinion that if the players don’t want to play, they shouldn’t be forced.
“If the boys make the decision they want to play then it has to go ahead, but all of them have to make that decision,” Ponting says. “But I don’t think they are going to be right.
“It’s one thing to think the guys will be ready, but people don’t understand how much heart and soul and concentration and effort they put into every single delivery over five days of a Test match.” (PTI)
NPP committed for Jammu Dogra Pahari State: Bhim
Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Nov 27: Chief patron of National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh has said that National Panthers Party was committed for Jammu Dogra Pahari State and similar status for Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
Addressing election rallies at Katra, Reasi and Arnas in district Reasi today Prof Singh declared that the Panthers Party stands for Jammu Dogra Pahari State to end 60 years old slavery, exploitation, discrimination and authoritarian rule. The Panthers party released its manifesto last evening with 31 points including the reorganization of J&K. This is the only way that people of Ladakh, Kashmir valley and Jammu Pradesh shall get equity and justice, after reorganization with separate Chief Ministers, separate Assemblies, separate budgets and separate recruitment boards.
In two public meetings at Udhampur and Ramnagar constituencies, where Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA and Harshdev Singh- MLA are contesting, Prof Singh accused both Delhi and Srinagar based political parties for exploiting the people of Jammu Pradesh and using them for 65 years as sheep and goats.
Prof Singh was accompanied by Harshdev Singh in Ramnagar segment, Balwant Singh Mankotia in Udhampur segment, Balwan Singh candidate in Reasi segment and Shakeel Ahmed contesting from Gool-Arnas segment.
Singh accused BJP of encouraging defection, misusing its position in Government by his hate speeches spreading conflict and confusion. He accused BJP of exploiting the people of Jammu for 64 years in the name of Article 370 which BJP promised to abrogate if it comes to power. After coming to power Mr Modi has started exploiting the Kashmiris that BJP shall not touch Article 370. He called on the people of Jammu region to beware of the ugly designs of BJP which is interested only to seek power.
Bhim Singh flayed State Government for denying relief and compensation to the flood victims which proves that NC-Congress Government has no love for Jammu. He also accused the State Government for the violation of the Code of Conduct by favouring NC, Congress and BJP candidates only.