0815 HRS
10th January , 2013
10th January , 2013
THE HEADLINES
- India expresses deep concern over inhuman killing of two soldiers by Pakistani army in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Railways announce fare hike after a gap of ten years.
- Prime Minister launches National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 for a greener transport system.
- Delhi High Court takes strong exception over not taking action against top police officials in Delhi gang rape case.
- AND IN SPORTS,
- 39th Under-20 National Women Hockey Championship gets underway in Hyderabad today.
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Outraged by the brutal killing of two of its soldiers by intruding Pakistani troops at LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, India yesterday strongly protested to Pakistan, warning that the unacceptable incident will have an adverse impact on the ties. As strong reactions by the government and political parties came in, Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir was summoned by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, who conveyed India's deepest concern and protest over the inhuman killing of the Indian soldiers. Pakistan was also asked to immediately investigate these actions that are in contravention of all norms of international conduct and ensure that these do not recur. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the Pakistan envoy was spoken to in very strong terms and the deepest concern and protest over the incident was conveyed.
It is more than clear now at this time as to who is responsible for violation and also who is responsible for an act which is inhuman and can not possibly be accepted.
Referring to last month's Indo-Pak discussions on conventional Confidence Building Measures, where maintaining the sanctity of the LoC, was emphasised, Mr Khurshid said, violation of the ceasefire itself is something which is a matter of great concern. He added, if it is not immediately, contained, it will have an adverse impact on the bilateral relations. India's Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Maj Gen Ashfaq Nadeem to complain about the attack.
Meanwhile, one of the two soldiers brutally killed by Pakistani troops, Lance Naik Hemraj, was cremated with full military honours at his native village Khairar in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. The funeral pyre was lit by his five year old son Prince in the presence of senior civil and military officers last night. Another soldier killed along LoC in Poonch sector on Tuesday, Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh, will be cremated today at his village Dhahiya in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan among others will attend his funeral.
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Railways have announced an across the board hike in fares with effect from the 21st of this month. Making the announcement in New Delhi yesterday, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the Second Class ordinary suburban fares have been raised by 2 paise per kilometer and Second Class ordinary non-suburban services by 3 paise per Kilometer. Second class Mail and Express train fares have been increased by 4 paise per kilometer and Sleeper class by 6 paise per Km. Mr. Bansal said the AC Chair Car and AC three Tier, fares will go up by 10 paise per kilometer. Mr. Bansal said that an additional 6,600 crore rupees revenue will be generated per year out of which 1000 crore will be fetched by the AC Classes. He said the fare hike announced after a decade had become imperative to bring down losses.
There has been no revision in the basic fares for the last over 10 year. This has had very telling effect on the finances of the railways and the losses in passenger segment which was thousand 159 crore in the year 2004-5 raised to 19,964 crore in 2010-11 and is likely to increase to 25,000 crores in the year 2012-13. []><><><[]
The Delhi High Court has taken strong exception to the fact that only a junior police officer was suspended in connection with the gang rape of a 23-year-old student in the national capital and senior cops have not been made accountable. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice VK Jain asked why only Assistant Commissioner of Police, and not Deputy Commissioner of Police, or the Commissioner of Delhi Police have been put to task. The bench also expressed anguish over the non-disclosure of the names of policemen who were patrolling the areas where the girl was raped in a moving bus on the 16th of December. The court will pronounce its order today. The court had, on December 19, taken suo motu cognizance of the gang rape incident and had decided to monitor its probe by the police.
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Delhi High Court Chief Justice D Murugesan has asked the court's registry to list the cases of sexual offence against women for hearing by it on a priority basis. It also said such cases must be heard on a priority basis as their pendency has increased. The order came in the backdrop of a letter written by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir to all the High Courts for setting up fast track courts to deal with cases of sexual offence against women.
[]><><><[]
The Government has ordered that no school in the national capital will hire transport vehicles of any kind without verification of the owner and the rest of the crew by the Delhi Police. The decision was made at the special Task Force meeting headed by Home Secretary, R. K. Singh in New Delhi yesterday to ensure the safety of women in the city. It was also decided that every DTC and Cluster bus should have a CCTV Camera and members of the crew of a public transport vehicle must have a photo identify card, latest by the 1st of March this year.
[]><><><[]
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 in New Delhi, yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh termed the mission as a very important milestone in the country’s efforts for a cleaner and greener transport system for the future. Dr. Singh urged for reduction in transport sector’s dependence on oil. He said this can be achieved by faster adoption of the full range of electric vehicle technologies.
These technologies are not only more efficient, but they are also cleaner. They have the potential of contributing substantially to our efforts for mitigating the adverse impact of economic development on the environment.
The Prime Minister pointed out that over 80 percent of India’s petroleum product requirement is imported. He said, high international prices of oil contribute significantly to high import bills, trade deficit and inflation, and puts a big strain on the economy.
[]><><><[]
The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to three financial sector reform laws. These are Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012. An official statement said, these laws have come into force with the President's assent. The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to enlarge the definition of money laundering offences and could help curb funding of terrorist operations, was approved by Parliament in the Winter Session. The Bill removes the existing limit of 5 lakh rupees as fine under the Act.
The banking bill will pave the way for corporate houses to enter the banking sector which is a key reform legislation pending for long. The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 is aimed at strengthening the provision for bad debts by banks and financial institutions.
[]><><><[]
The Assam Police has intensified search operations to nab those behind the blast at Bartarani village under Digboi police station in Tinsukia district. Three children under the age of 10 died and two persons including a child were injured in yesterday's blast. More from our correspondent:
The injured persons are undergoing treatment in Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh. Tinsukia S P, P P Singh said that the blast occurred when one of the victims removed the pin of the grenade. The grenade was brought in to home from paddy field by the father of the victim who is differently abled person. Police suspected that the grenade could have left behind by suspected ULFA cadres. MANAS PRATIM SARMA, AIR NEWS, GUWAHAT
Outraged by the brutal killing of two of its soldiers by intruding Pakistani troops at LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, India yesterday strongly protested to Pakistan, warning that the unacceptable incident will have an adverse impact on the ties. As strong reactions by the government and political parties came in, Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir was summoned by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, who conveyed India's deepest concern and protest over the inhuman killing of the Indian soldiers. Pakistan was also asked to immediately investigate these actions that are in contravention of all norms of international conduct and ensure that these do not recur. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said the Pakistan envoy was spoken to in very strong terms and the deepest concern and protest over the incident was conveyed.
It is more than clear now at this time as to who is responsible for violation and also who is responsible for an act which is inhuman and can not possibly be accepted.
Referring to last month's Indo-Pak discussions on conventional Confidence Building Measures, where maintaining the sanctity of the LoC, was emphasised, Mr Khurshid said, violation of the ceasefire itself is something which is a matter of great concern. He added, if it is not immediately, contained, it will have an adverse impact on the bilateral relations. India's Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Maj Gen Ashfaq Nadeem to complain about the attack.
Meanwhile, one of the two soldiers brutally killed by Pakistani troops, Lance Naik Hemraj, was cremated with full military honours at his native village Khairar in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. The funeral pyre was lit by his five year old son Prince in the presence of senior civil and military officers last night. Another soldier killed along LoC in Poonch sector on Tuesday, Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh, will be cremated today at his village Dhahiya in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan among others will attend his funeral.
[]><><><[]
Railways have announced an across the board hike in fares with effect from the 21st of this month. Making the announcement in New Delhi yesterday, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said the Second Class ordinary suburban fares have been raised by 2 paise per kilometer and Second Class ordinary non-suburban services by 3 paise per Kilometer. Second class Mail and Express train fares have been increased by 4 paise per kilometer and Sleeper class by 6 paise per Km. Mr. Bansal said the AC Chair Car and AC three Tier, fares will go up by 10 paise per kilometer. Mr. Bansal said that an additional 6,600 crore rupees revenue will be generated per year out of which 1000 crore will be fetched by the AC Classes. He said the fare hike announced after a decade had become imperative to bring down losses.
There has been no revision in the basic fares for the last over 10 year. This has had very telling effect on the finances of the railways and the losses in passenger segment which was thousand 159 crore in the year 2004-5 raised to 19,964 crore in 2010-11 and is likely to increase to 25,000 crores in the year 2012-13. []><><><[]
The Delhi High Court has taken strong exception to the fact that only a junior police officer was suspended in connection with the gang rape of a 23-year-old student in the national capital and senior cops have not been made accountable. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice VK Jain asked why only Assistant Commissioner of Police, and not Deputy Commissioner of Police, or the Commissioner of Delhi Police have been put to task. The bench also expressed anguish over the non-disclosure of the names of policemen who were patrolling the areas where the girl was raped in a moving bus on the 16th of December. The court will pronounce its order today. The court had, on December 19, taken suo motu cognizance of the gang rape incident and had decided to monitor its probe by the police.
[]><><><[]
Delhi High Court Chief Justice D Murugesan has asked the court's registry to list the cases of sexual offence against women for hearing by it on a priority basis. It also said such cases must be heard on a priority basis as their pendency has increased. The order came in the backdrop of a letter written by Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir to all the High Courts for setting up fast track courts to deal with cases of sexual offence against women.
[]><><><[]
The Government has ordered that no school in the national capital will hire transport vehicles of any kind without verification of the owner and the rest of the crew by the Delhi Police. The decision was made at the special Task Force meeting headed by Home Secretary, R. K. Singh in New Delhi yesterday to ensure the safety of women in the city. It was also decided that every DTC and Cluster bus should have a CCTV Camera and members of the crew of a public transport vehicle must have a photo identify card, latest by the 1st of March this year.
[]><><><[]
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 in New Delhi, yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh termed the mission as a very important milestone in the country’s efforts for a cleaner and greener transport system for the future. Dr. Singh urged for reduction in transport sector’s dependence on oil. He said this can be achieved by faster adoption of the full range of electric vehicle technologies.
These technologies are not only more efficient, but they are also cleaner. They have the potential of contributing substantially to our efforts for mitigating the adverse impact of economic development on the environment.
The Prime Minister pointed out that over 80 percent of India’s petroleum product requirement is imported. He said, high international prices of oil contribute significantly to high import bills, trade deficit and inflation, and puts a big strain on the economy.
[]><><><[]
The President Mr Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to three financial sector reform laws. These are Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012. An official statement said, these laws have come into force with the President's assent. The Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to enlarge the definition of money laundering offences and could help curb funding of terrorist operations, was approved by Parliament in the Winter Session. The Bill removes the existing limit of 5 lakh rupees as fine under the Act.
The banking bill will pave the way for corporate houses to enter the banking sector which is a key reform legislation pending for long. The Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2012 is aimed at strengthening the provision for bad debts by banks and financial institutions.
[]><><><[]
The Assam Police has intensified search operations to nab those behind the blast at Bartarani village under Digboi police station in Tinsukia district. Three children under the age of 10 died and two persons including a child were injured in yesterday's blast. More from our correspondent:
The injured persons are undergoing treatment in Assam Medical College in Dibrugarh. Tinsukia S P, P P Singh said that the blast occurred when one of the victims removed the pin of the grenade. The grenade was brought in to home from paddy field by the father of the victim who is differently abled person. Police suspected that the grenade could have left behind by suspected ULFA cadres. MANAS PRATIM SARMA, AIR NEWS, GUWAHAT
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President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Awards to President of Mauritius Rajkeshwur Purryag and other persons at the concluding function of the three day Pravasi Bharatiya conclave at Kochi. Speaking on the occasion last evening, Mr. Mukherjee called upon the Indian Diaspora to play a decisive role in the county's journey to become a strong, just and equitable society. Delivering the valedictory address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi he urged Overseas Indians to help build a knowledge society, while continuing to engage culturally and emotionally.
[]><><><[]
A special National Investigation Agency, NIA court in Mumbai has extended the custody of Manohar Singh, a prime accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast, till the 16th of January. The NIA, seeking extension of his custody, had said he was one of the planters of the explosives and a key conspirator. Singh was arrested on 29th December last year by the NIA from Hathod area of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The NIA claimed he has confessed to his role in the blast. The multiple bomb explosions in Malegaon on the 8th of September, 2006 killed 37 people and injured over 100.
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In Madhya Pradesh, indefinite curfew was imposed in Raisen town last night after a dispute between two groups. Police used tear gas to disperse the mob which indulged in stone pelting in main market. The Situation is now peaceful and under control in the town. A relaxation in curfew has been given for five hours from 7 AM this morning to 12 noon.
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In Uttar Pradesh, the death toll due to severe cold has mounted to 233 this season. As many as 34 people succumbed to the chilling cold during past 24 hours. Five people died in Gorakhpur district which remained the coldest place in the state with mercury dipping to minus one degree. Educational institutions have been closed till 14th January in the state.
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The highest court in Venezuela has ruled that President Hugo Chavez and his administration can remain in power even though the President will not be fit enough for his swearing in today. Chavez who was re-elected in October is in hospital in Cuba after undergoing cancer surgery. He has not been seen in public for almost a month. The opposition argues that Chavez's current mandate expires today, the day he is due to be sworn in.
[]><><><[]
The 39th Under-20 National Women Hockey Championship will be held in Hyderabad from today. President of Indian Hockey Federation Dinesh Reddy said the National Women’s Hockey team will be picked up from the week long tournament. 21 teams from various states will play 18 league matches and seven knockout matches before the final match on the 16th of this month.
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TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Most newspapers this morning have reported the aftermath of the savage killing of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistani army. Under the headline, "Army readies tough reply to Pak butchery", Mail Today reports that the beheading of a soldier has angered the army's rank and file and has prompted strong political and diplomatic action.
"Train pain: Now, pay a lot more for travel". Under that headline, Hindustan Times reports that the rail fare hike announced one and a half month's before the presentation of the rail budget will keep the rail budget politically palatable.
The Times of India reports that Haryana's khaps have formed a 17-member panel to appear before the Supreme Court to ask for Lok Adalat status for them and seek amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act to accommodate the social customs of the region which prohibit same-gotra marriages.
Hindustan Times reports that hate speech accused MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi has been slapped with charges of sedition.
The Pioneer reports that the Central Vigilance Committee on Public Distribution System has suggested that the state governments must constitute Civil Supplies Corporation to directly lift food grains and supply them to fair price shops which should be managed by cooperative societies and not private individuals.
The Asian Age reports that ten students, 8 of them from IITs, scored 100% in the Common Admission Test - CAT 2012, for entry into the Indian Institutes of Management and other business schools.
Diesel cars are likely to get costlier after Budget 2013-14, reports Hindustan Times, as the finance ministry is proposing to levy and additional excise duty on diesel cars across categories.
And finally, under the caption, "Drug to help paralysed walk again", The Times of India says that scientists at Stanford University, California have developed a pill which they claim could help paralysed people walk again.
President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Awards to President of Mauritius Rajkeshwur Purryag and other persons at the concluding function of the three day Pravasi Bharatiya conclave at Kochi. Speaking on the occasion last evening, Mr. Mukherjee called upon the Indian Diaspora to play a decisive role in the county's journey to become a strong, just and equitable society. Delivering the valedictory address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi he urged Overseas Indians to help build a knowledge society, while continuing to engage culturally and emotionally.
[]><><><[]
A special National Investigation Agency, NIA court in Mumbai has extended the custody of Manohar Singh, a prime accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast, till the 16th of January. The NIA, seeking extension of his custody, had said he was one of the planters of the explosives and a key conspirator. Singh was arrested on 29th December last year by the NIA from Hathod area of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The NIA claimed he has confessed to his role in the blast. The multiple bomb explosions in Malegaon on the 8th of September, 2006 killed 37 people and injured over 100.
[]><><><[]
In Madhya Pradesh, indefinite curfew was imposed in Raisen town last night after a dispute between two groups. Police used tear gas to disperse the mob which indulged in stone pelting in main market. The Situation is now peaceful and under control in the town. A relaxation in curfew has been given for five hours from 7 AM this morning to 12 noon.
[]><><><[]
In Uttar Pradesh, the death toll due to severe cold has mounted to 233 this season. As many as 34 people succumbed to the chilling cold during past 24 hours. Five people died in Gorakhpur district which remained the coldest place in the state with mercury dipping to minus one degree. Educational institutions have been closed till 14th January in the state.
[]><><><[]
The highest court in Venezuela has ruled that President Hugo Chavez and his administration can remain in power even though the President will not be fit enough for his swearing in today. Chavez who was re-elected in October is in hospital in Cuba after undergoing cancer surgery. He has not been seen in public for almost a month. The opposition argues that Chavez's current mandate expires today, the day he is due to be sworn in.
[]><><><[]
The 39th Under-20 National Women Hockey Championship will be held in Hyderabad from today. President of Indian Hockey Federation Dinesh Reddy said the National Women’s Hockey team will be picked up from the week long tournament. 21 teams from various states will play 18 league matches and seven knockout matches before the final match on the 16th of this month.
[]><><><[]
TODAY'S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Most newspapers this morning have reported the aftermath of the savage killing of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistani army. Under the headline, "Army readies tough reply to Pak butchery", Mail Today reports that the beheading of a soldier has angered the army's rank and file and has prompted strong political and diplomatic action.
"Train pain: Now, pay a lot more for travel". Under that headline, Hindustan Times reports that the rail fare hike announced one and a half month's before the presentation of the rail budget will keep the rail budget politically palatable.
The Times of India reports that Haryana's khaps have formed a 17-member panel to appear before the Supreme Court to ask for Lok Adalat status for them and seek amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act to accommodate the social customs of the region which prohibit same-gotra marriages.
Hindustan Times reports that hate speech accused MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi has been slapped with charges of sedition.
The Pioneer reports that the Central Vigilance Committee on Public Distribution System has suggested that the state governments must constitute Civil Supplies Corporation to directly lift food grains and supply them to fair price shops which should be managed by cooperative societies and not private individuals.
The Asian Age reports that ten students, 8 of them from IITs, scored 100% in the Common Admission Test - CAT 2012, for entry into the Indian Institutes of Management and other business schools.
Diesel cars are likely to get costlier after Budget 2013-14, reports Hindustan Times, as the finance ministry is proposing to levy and additional excise duty on diesel cars across categories.
And finally, under the caption, "Drug to help paralysed walk again", The Times of India says that scientists at Stanford University, California have developed a pill which they claim could help paralysed people walk again.
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