NEW DELHI, Jan 15:
Dissident Trinamool Congress MP Somen Mitra today resigned from Lok Sabha giving effect to his plans to join Congress ahead of the general election this year.
“I have submitted my resignation letter to the honourable Lok Sabha speaker,” Mitra told reporters soon after meeting Speaker Meira Kumar. He represents Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal.
Mitra, a former State Chief of the Congress, has been openly criticising the Trinamool Congress leadership and has made it clear that he will return to his parent party.
He also opposed any alliance with Mamata Banerjee’s party in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Asked whether Sikha Mitra, his wife and Trinamool MLA will also quit and join Congress, he said, “I will join Congress alone and not take anybody with me. It will depend on individual decision.”
Sikha was the first to raise a banner of revolt against the Trinamool Congress leadership.
Mitra had earlier said he would publicly let everyone know in detail the reasons and circumstances behind the decision to quit the Trinamool Congress. (PTI)
Trinamool MP Somen Mitra quits LS, to join Cong
Shinde’s suggestion on minority youths a “new low”: Modi
AHMEDABAD, Jan 15:
Dubbing as a “brazen attempt” to woo the minority community Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s remarks on minority youths in jails on terror charges, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said it marked a “new low” for the country.
He also asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to advise his cabinet colleague not to focus his attention on minorities alone as “principles at stake” could not be sacrificed “at the altar of political expediency”.
In a letter to Singh, the BJP’s prime ministerial contender said Shinde’s statement could send a wrong message about the country’s criminal justice system and have a demoralising effect on the law enforcement machinery.
“The Home Minister’s concern is a brazen and callous attempt to woo the minority community and even the minority community will raise questions on the timing of such statements,” Modi said.
“The suggestion (from Shinde) is unprecedented and marks a new low for the country…. The principles at stake are far too valuable to be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency,” he said.
The Gujarat Chief Minister said, “a crime is a crime irrespective of the birth marks of the criminal and his religious beliefs could not determine the guilt or innocence.”
Shinde had last week made a statement that he would write to all state Governments to set up review or screening committees to assess the role of minority youths languishing in jails on terror charges without trial.
He said Shinde’s suggestion was against the constitutional principle of right to equality before law.
Modi also wrote that the suggestion was against the constitutional principle of right to equality before law.
Shinde had earlier written to all state Governments including Gujarat that “strict and prompt action against erring police officers should be taken where there is malafide arrest of any member of minority community.
“Wrongfully arrested person should not only be released immediately but should also be suitably compensated and rehabilitated to join the mainstream”.
Modi said that the proposed directive for setting up review committees was against the provision of criminal law, which does not provide for any review committee for withdrawal of pending cases where charge sheets have been filed.
“One cannot rule out the possibility of the trials getting delayed due to such illegal action on the part of the state if the courts were to find fault with such interventions made on extraneous considerations. If this were to happen, undertrial prisoners will end up being under incarceration for longer periods; thus achieving exactly the opposite of the purported objective,” Modi wrote.
The Gujarat Chief Minister said the Home Minister should find a solution within the constitutional framework, while suggesting an acceptable solution could be to fast-track all terror cases.
He also said Shinde should focus on monitoring the terror cases being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
“It would be interesting to know how many innocent youths are found to be wrongly implicated in these cases. I hope the Home Minister understands that every case of acquittal need not be a case of wrongful arrest and false/malafide implication,” he said. (PTI)
Suspected LeT operative sent to judicial custody till Jan 21
NEW DELHI, Jan 15:
A suspected LeT operative, whose arrest and alleged connection with Muzaffarnagar region have created a controversy, was today remanded in judicial custody till January 21 by a Delhi court.
28-year-old Rashid was produced before additional sessions judge Daya Prakash after expiry of his police custody and the special cell of Delhi Police told the court that he was not required for further custodial interrogation.
The special cell said their investigation in the case was going on and Rashid, who was arrested on December 16 last year, be remanded in judicial custody.
The court allowed police’s plea and remanded Rashid in judicial custody till January 21. Another co-accused in the case and suspected LeT operative Shahid is also in judicial custody till January 21.
Earlier on January 10, advocate M S Khan, who is appearing for both the accused, had apprised the court that a letter has been sent by his clients to Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde requesting him to transfer the case from the special cell of Delhi Police to National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The accused had said the matter requires a “thorough and fair” probe as there were loopholes in the version of special cell.
In the letter, Advocate Khan had referred to a speech given by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on October 24 last year at Indore when he said that “an officer of Intelligence Bureau had briefed him about the infiltration of ISI in relief camp in Muzaffarnagar for the purpose of recruitment of youngsters.”
“This matter requires a thorough and fair investigation as these two persons have been made scapegoats,” the letter had said.
The special cell had recently said that Rashid and Shahid had met two persons in Muzaffarnagar region.
With the arrest of these two suspected LeT operatives from Haryana’s Mewat region, the police had last month claimed to have busted a terror module of LeT which was in an “advanced stage” of planning a militant strike in Delhi. (PTI)
Djokovic, Williams run hot in Melbourne
Melbourne, Jan 15: Title favourites Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams shrugged off a second day of intense heat to reach the Australian Open third round today alongside China’s Li Na.
Djokovic, watched by new coach Boris Becker, flew past against Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer 6-0, 6-4, 6-4, extending his Melbourne streak to 23 straight wins.
With temperatures close to 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) Williams also took the fast route with a 63-minute demolition of Serbia’s Vesna Dolonc.
“It was tough conditions out there. I think it keeps getting hotter. Every day is really hot,” said the 17-time Grand Slam title-winner.
Li, twice a finalist at Melbourne Park, subdued a challenge from Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic, touted as the new Martina Hingis, to make the third round for the fifth year in a row.
Spanish third seed David Ferrer beat France’s Adrian Mannarino to progress alongside Tomas Berdych, the world number seven, who downed Kenny De Schepper.
Ice packs and energy drinks remained in high demand after Canada’s Frank Dancevic fainted and China’s Peng Shuai vomited in extreme temperatures on Tuesday.
After a tournament-record nine withdrawals in the first round, Croatia’s Ivan Dodig became the latest casualty when he pulled out with cramp in the fourth set of his match against Damir Dzumhur.
Reports said that Dodig thought he might have “died” in the hot conditions, blasting them as unacceptable.
Despite complaints about the heat, which is forecast to remain for another two days, organisers have baulked at halting play, saying humidity is low enough to mitigate any risk.
Djokovic, a previous casualty of the Australian heat after retiring during his 2009 quarter-final, said his switch to a gluten-free diet had helped him cope. (AGENCIES)
ea�� om� = emis thanMaharashtra who have come from lower rung group C. But any team at this stage is strong, they (Bengal) have to play all five days of good cricket to be in the final,” he said of Bengal who will face Maharashtra inIndore from January 18-22.
Ganguly further said India would do well in the five ODI and two-Test series in New Zealand, an “inferior” side to South Africa.
“They dont have (Dale) Steyn or (Morne) Morkel in their side. New Zealand are an inferior side in comparison to South Africa. If their coaches are intelligent enough, they would have out and out greentops.
“I’m very very hopeful of success against New Zealand. We’ve just come back from a tough tour of South Africa, losing both Test and ODI series. We have seen India doing well after a difficult tour. But I’m hopeful of Team India doing well in New Zealand.”
Ganguly, who has already got an honorary fellowship from University of Central Lancashire, will be conferred D.Litt by the Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur.
“That I will be honoured in my home town makes it all the more special. It’s a big honour for me. I feel proud,” Ganguly concluded. (PTI)
Trupura CM seeks funds for sports infrastructure
Agartala, Jan 15: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today appealed to the central government to sanction adequate funds for the north eastern states to build up proper sports infrastructure.
“The region is backward and was not properly nursed to develop it. As a result of that there is dearth of adequate sports infrastructure in the region. We want more funds be given to the region for building proper sports infrastructure,” Sarkar said after inaugurating the 59th National School Football U-17 Boys Championship here.
He said there is a number of sports talents in the region but they could not be properly nurtured due to paucity of funds. (PTI)
After Nalanda, another university remains found in Bihar
PATNA, Jan 15:
Archaeologists have traced the remains of another university at Telhara, about 40 km from the ancient Nalanda University, a reference to which was found in the account of Chinese travellers Hiuen Tsang and Ithsing.
The remains of the university in Nalanda district were found during the course of an excavation at Telhara, Director State Archaeology Atul Kumar Verma told reporters.
The excavation, which began at Telhara in Ekangalsarai block of Nalanda in 2009, was still continuing.
Verma said there was a reference to the Telhara university in the travel account of Ithsing, who had visited Nalanda, a distinguished centre of learning in Bihar, in the 7th century A.D.
The account suggested that Telhara was either a seat of higher research or a competitor to Nalanda university, he said.
Verma, who is also Director of the excavation at the site, said there was an account of three Buddhist temples at Telhara in Ithsing’s account which were found during the excavation.
Besides, the account mentioned a big platform on which around 1000 Buddhist monks used to sit for prayer, he said.
A similar platform has been located during the excavation, he said. Verma said evidences of both Gupta and Pala period structures, like the one mentioned by Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang, have also been unearthed at Telhara.
Seals written with “Teladhak Mahavihara” which was also authenticated by the Archaeologist Alexander Cunningham in his report have been found, he said.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who hails from Nalanda district, has visited the site several times to keep himself abreast about the progress of the excavation.
He announced that relics from the site would be housed in the proposed International Museum coming up in Patna. (PTI)
Kiwis name “settled” squad for ODI series against India
Napier, Jan 15: New Zealand today named a virtually unchanged squad for the upcoming ODI series against India with the selectors keeping faith in players who drew the recent five-match home assignment against the West Indies.
The 13-player squad, which drew the series 2-2 against the Caribbeans, was more or less retained with reserve batsman Colin Munro, who will return to play for his provincial side, being the only omission.
“The BLACKCAPS selectors have named a settled line-up for the ANZ One Day International Series against world no.1 India starting in Napier on Sunday,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
“The squad for the five-match series is identical to the one which drew the recent ODI series against the West Indies, with the exception of Auckland batsman Colin Munro who will return to play for his province.”
General Manager National Selection Bruce Edgar said the players had been rewarded for a number of strong performances against the West Indies.
“It was pleasing to see every player stand up at some stage of that series and there were some simply outstanding efforts headlined by Corey Anderson’s world record one day ton,” he said.
Given the conditions and the focus on green tracks, the Kiwis have opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack.
Adam Milne, the 21-year-old sensation, who created a flutter by bowling at 150-plus speed in the Twenty20s against the West Indies, will be the one to watch out for against India as well.
Milne will vie with the experienced Kyle Mills, Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan for frontline pace spots. All-rounders Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham are also a part of the pace attack.
Edgar said New Zealand now face one of their toughest challenges at home against a side ranked at the top in the 50-over game and number two in Tests.
“We know we’ll have to play out of our skins, and out match them player for player to be competitive against such a powerful side. But we showed against the West Indies that we can play extremely well on our day and are capable of beating any side,” he said.
New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson said the team is fully
aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“Matching yourself against the best in the world is what you play international cricket for and I know the guys are buzzing about this opportunity. It’s also an important part of our build-up for next year’s World Cup where India are the defending champions,” he said.
The squad for the two Test matches, which follow the ODI series, will be named later this month.
After Sunday’s match here, the five match series will continue to Hamilton (January 22 and 28), Auckland (January 25), and Wellington (January 31), before two tests in Auckland and Wellington.
New Zealand ODI squad to face India:
Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi, Jimmy Neesham, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne. (PTI)
AAP MLA accuses own Govt of deviating from promises made
NEW DELHI, Jan 15:
In an embarrassment to Aam Aadmi Party, its MLA Vinod Kumar Binny today attacked the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Government, accusing it of deviating from the “promises” made to the people ahead of the election.
Binny, who had publicly displayed his unhappiness after failing to get a place in the Cabinet, said there has been a “lot of difference” between what AAP had promised during the election campaign and what is being done now.
“There is a lot of difference between what AAP promised and how the Government is now working. I will divulge all these things in a press conference tomorrow to ensure accountability and transparency in the party,” the Laxmi Nagar MLA told reporters.
He had showed his displeasure when he was left out of the Government in December.
When his response was sought on Binny’s attack on the Government, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the MLA first demanded that be made a minister and then wanted to contest the Lok Sabha polls.
“There’s nothing I can do about what he is saying. First, he had come for ministership, we refused. After that, he wanted to contest the Lok Sabha polls. He came to my house to ask for the ticket. The party has decided that all sitting MLAs would not be given tickets for the Lok Sabha polls,” the Chief Minister said.
Kejriwal said there was a meeting of all 70 candidates who contested the Delhi polls but the MLA did not raise a single point in the meeting. “I do not know what his intentions are and I do not even want to get into them. We are the most sensitive Government towards resolving issues. We welcome criticism, be it from the public, media or BJP,” he said.
Binny said he was not upset over not becoming a minister and wanted to raise issues in public interest. “I am not upset over anything. The party is deviating from the main issues. Hence, it is important for us to make them realise that we are in the party for its cause and the issues it raised,” the MLA said. (PTI)
horoscope
Thursday Jan16-2014
Aries : The stars are up to some mischief — you may get into some kind of trouble. But matters may settle down, and by noon, you may have forgotten all about it. The evening will find you quieter and reflective, sober and wiser. Good thing, says Ganesha.
Taurus : A good day for money and love (you need more?). A quality, professional approach will help you shine out in business today. Be it launching a product or marketing it, you will win yourself hearts, smiles and a bundle of green. Let the leader in you take over during the day and the lover in you return by night, says Ganesha.
Gemini : A day when you get the opportunity to show what stuff you are made of. By afternoon, you will be in your elements and will feel almost invincible. Your optimism will rub off on your colleagues and the atmosphere at the workplace will be nothing short of electrifying, says Ganesha. Also, you will attract a lot of attention from the opposite sex. The evening will culminate into a passionate affair.
Cancer : Today you are likely to be full of enthusiasm, both at work and home, predicts Ganesha. At work, your convictions will get the better of other people’s vindictiveness, and your colleagues will come around to your viewpoints. But don’t take any critical decision without prior approval.
Leo : You need to tap into your inner resources today. Meetings or important consultations are best concluded before the afternoon. The later half of the day will not be very auspicious for you. A day of mixed results awaits, says Ganesha.
Virgo : Watch you step, warns Ganesha. Trouble is lurking just round the corner and waiting to waylay you. At work, you will find yourself in a high-spirited mood and will be helpful to your colleagues. You might end the day in the company of family members recollecting the happy days you have spent in each other’s company.
Libra : Today seems like a good day to take a break and go on a pleasure trip to revitalise yourself, says Ganesha. Even on the business front, it will do you a world of good to take a break from the usual routine. This evening, you are at your best winning the heart of the opposite sex at social gatherings.
Scorpio : Today you are likely to remain the unvarying object of emotions and sentiments, predicts Ganesha. Your inkling for performing arts may draw you to take up some lessons in classical music and traditional dance. A romantic, candlelit evening with your sweetheart may be on the cards to wrap up the day.
Sagittarius : You are likely to pull up your socks today shoulder the responsibilities that come your way. You may fall short of money due to some unexpected expenses. However, nothing can deter you from taking your sweetheart on a date. Have a lovely evening!
Capricorn : The day will have a bundle of things to offer today, some good, some not so good. At work, you are likely to overlook the most obvious things, and come across some unexpected ones. But as dawn turns to dusk, a pleasant surprise may get you all pepped up.
Aquarius : It always pays to have extra cash, and in that regard, you will be a happy person today! You may carefully update and crosscheck your financial position. Of course, there are people who don’t share your happiness and will try to advise you to the contrary. Ignore them, says Ganesha.
Pisces : A good day is in the offing, says Ganesha. You are likely to receive news you will be glad to share and celebrate with your family. A few pending deals are likely to be finalised in the afternoon, and there are indications you will need to go off on a short visit for business purposes later on in the day.
Army Chief speaks out
Ahead of Army Day on 15 January, Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh addressed a press conference in the national capital where he highlighted the Army’s stand on various issues including AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir and ceasefire violations along the LoC. Though it is customary for the Army Chief to address the annual press conference on the eve of Army Day, yet General Bikram Singh has been unusually candid and forthright in reacting to some sensitive issues with which the Army is dealing. His address is a fine blend of patriotism and professionalism of an Army that has been raised in a democratic country. The core of his message was that the Army upholds national interest supreme, and nothing will be allowed to come in its way of preserving national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He dealt with a wide range of subjects, some very sensitive, pertaining to defence matters and parameters of deployment and operational policy set forth for the Army to follow. It is a verdict on how Army is to conduct itself in a democratic state even when involved in armed action. At least on three topics, the Army Chief was candid. He repudiated dilution of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the prevailing situation in the region, including possible terrorist spillover into the Valley after the US withdraws from Afghanistan. His apprehensions of Afghan spillover are not unfounded as Kashmir is very much on the agenda of Pakistan-based armed jihadi organizations. Therefore we need to wait and watch what ultimately happens in Afghanistan. It has also to be remembered that Pakistan is keenly waiting for Taliban to take the reins of power in their hands in Kabul after the exit of NATO. India may need to reinforce her defence position in J&K.
On ceasefire violations along the LoC the Army Chief strongly justified India’s retaliation to ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir. The fact is that Pakistan Army has been violating the cease fire agreement with the tacit purpose of providing cover fire to infiltrating jihadis. The General has no option but to retaliate to such violations. That is the new doctrine for cease fire violations committed by the Pakistani side. Local commanders have been given powers to retaliate. Honest upholding of rules would be reciprocated as honestly by the Indian side. But how can anybody expect India to sit silently and allow the adversary break the agreement and embark on aggressive designs? The endeavour is not to escalate the situation into operational or strategic arena. It is to deal with the same measure if not more and give a befitting response in a professional manner at place where we are fired upon. The General made it crystal clear that the Indian forces retaliate but never initiate. Should Pakistan Army stop providing cover fire to the infiltrators, they cannot succeed in sneaking inside our territory at the LoC.
The Army Chief dispelled the doubts that we did not react adequately to the barbaric act of Pakistanis of beheading an Indian soldier after they had intruded into Indian side. He was very forthright in saying that adequate or even more than adequate steps were taken. On the basis of that action, the General exuded confidence that in any event of violation of ceasefire, retaliation will take place.
On China’s intrusion along the LAC the Army Chief was of the view that it was wrong to say India did not act on repeated intrusions by China, adding that there were talks at the diplomatic level as well. There has been an improvement in the situation along the LoAC. Attempts are on to ensure the ceasefire agreement is adhered to, he said, adding that there is inadequacy at the moment regarding infrastructure development along the Indo-China LAC. The General said that Chinese troops did enter deep in Despong region in Ladakh but when countered by our Army, there ensued talks and finally the Chinese withdrew. He said that these small intrusions happen because there are areas unmarked as yet. However diplomatic efforts on both sides are going on to have a viable border security machination.
Commenting on overall security scenario, the General said that there was a comprehensive scheme of securing our borders so that nobody has the courage to violate it. We are upgrading the infrastructure needed for security of borders like roads, railways, bridges etc. Army is raising Mountain Strike Corps and the 59 Division has been raised at Panagarh in West Bengal, one brigade each has been raised in Eastern Command and Northern Command and all the formations are being raised under a well laid out plan.
On human rights issues, the General said that the orders are that there will be zero tolerance on human rights issues and some jawans and officers found guilty of abusing human rights of civilians have been dealt with according to the law.