1400 HRS
25th January, 2013

THE HEADLINES

• Karnataka government in crisis; 14 BJP MLAs led by B.S.Yeddyurappa set to resign.

• India to continue its demand for extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind David Headley from the US.

• Elaborate security arrangements in the National Capital for Republic Day celebrations tomorrow.

• Milad-Un-Nabi being celebrated across the country with traditional fervor and gaiety.

• Britain's Andy Murray to clash with Roger Federer of Switzerland in the second semifinal of Men's Singles today.

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Karnataka State Governor H.R.Bhardwaj has said that he will go through Legislative Assembly records and if he feels that government has been reduced to a minority then he will ask the Chief Minister to prove his majority in the first instance before transacting any business on the floor of the House. He was speaking on the sidelines of a function in Bangalore today. He said, former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and 13 other MLAs of BJP visited him and expressed their desire to resign. In this background the Governor said there seems to be a possibility of a split within the BJP. He further added that he has spoken to the Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar and asked him to meet him on this matter. The Chief Minister office has confirmed that the Chief Minister is meeting the Governor this afternoon.

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New Delhi will continue to press for the extradition of the Pakistani-American Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist David Headley. Talking to reporters in New Delhi this morning, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid expressed disappointment over India not been allowed to conduct Headley's trial inspite of him being the co-conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai carnage.

"That the fact that American court has the recognise the roll of an accused in perpetrating this crime in India is actually is atleast good begning. We would have like severe sentence, I said we will like to accused to be tried in India but atleast a begning has been made we will continue our efforts to ensure that all such people are extradite and brought to India for trial."

Expressing dissatisfaction over the punishment to the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Home Secretary R.K. Singh said India wants death sentence for David Headley and all those involved in 26/11 terror attack.

Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi expressed disappointment at the verdict and demanded that he should be tried in India.

Reacting to Headley's sentencing, the BJP also demanded extradition of 26/11 master mind. Talking to reporters, Party spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudi said that Headley should be handed over to India and be tried under Indian laws and given capital punishment.

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Greeting people of India on the occasion of its Republic Day, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that her three trips to the country as the top American diplomat reinforced her unyielding belief that the Indo-US strategic partnership is making the world more united, prosperous and secure. In a statement, she said, together, the two countries are strengthening their ties and working to address some of the most difficult global challenges. Ms. Clinton said, on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, she was delighted to send her best wishes to the people and government of India as they celebrate Republic Day.

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Security has been tightened in and around the National capital for Republic Day parade celebrations tomorrow. Over 25,000 security personnel, including sharpshooters from NSG, have been already deployed across the city. Snipers have been deployed at high-rise buildings while CCTVs are keeping a tight vigil on people's movement between Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade which showcases India's military might and cultural diversity.

To maintain air security, the airspace over the capital will remain closed for an hour tomorrow from 11.15 AM to 12.15 PM. Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns are also on the job at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos are keeping a close watch along the route of the eight-kilometre long Republic Day parade from Raisana Hills to Red Fort.

A multi-layer security ring has already been put in place at Rajpath, where President Pranab Mukherjee will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Meanwhile, the services of the Delhi Metro will be partially curtailed tomorrow and the 29th of this month on Beating Retreat Ceremony.

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The President Mr.Pranab Mukherjee will address the nation today on the eve of the 64th Republic Day. All India Radio will broadcast his speech in English from 7 p.m. This will be followed by its Hindi translation.

The address will also be broadcast over all AIR stations including CBS, Vividh Bharati, FM and local radio stations. The regional version of the President's address will be broadcast by regional stations of All India Radio from 9.30 p.m. All India Radio will also broadcast Sarva Bhasha Kavi Sammelan today from 10 p.m.

On the occasion of Republic Day tomorrow, All India Radio will broadcast running commentary of the Republic Day celebrations in Hindi and English simultaneously from 9.20 a.m. onwoards. All AIR stations including local Radio Stations and FM channels will relay the running commentary.

A special Newsreel will be broadcast tomorrow from 8.15 p.m. to 8.42 p.m.

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The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade. He was given a ceremonial reception by the President Pranab Mukherjee at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. Accompanied by Queen Jetsun Pema, the Bhutanese King is on a 8 day State visit to India. He also paid floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

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Vice President Md.Hamid Ansari today called upon the citizens to value their vote and the importance of exercising their right to vote in electoral process. Addressing a function on the occasion of the 3rd national Voters Day in New Delhi , Mr Ansari said that it is the time to examine the causes of every citizen not exercising their right to vote .

"I urge millions across the country to value their vote and the importance of exercising their right to vote in an informed and ethical manner for the betterment of our democracy."

Mr Ansari also gave away the National Awards for the best Electoral practices, media awards for the best campaign on voter education and awareness. On this day the Vice President also handed over voter identity cards to the 10 voters of Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister Mr Ashwini Kumar said that government is considering for bringing in a set of proposals related to electoral reforms.

Chief Election Commissioner, V.S Sampath said that over 2.32 crore citizens have been registered under the enrollment drive conducted by the Commission across the country ahead of the National Voters' Day. Of them, around 93 lakh voters are in the age group of 18 to 19 years.

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Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad, is being celebrated across the country today with religious fervor and traditional gaiety. Thousands of Muslims thronged to pray in Dargahs and mosques.

The President, Vice President, the Prime Minister and the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have greeted the nation on the occasion. In his message, the President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said prophet's message of brotherhood, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity, guide and inspire the people to live righteous and productive lives. The Vice President said the message of the Prophet guide the people in building a peaceful and harmonious society. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in his message, recalled the timeless and eternal teachings of the Prophet, which speak of brotherhood, tolerance and compassion among fellow human beings. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi said, the Prophet had a deep love for the entire humanity and we should pledge to preserve his ideals for a better tomorrow.

In Uttar Pradesh, the occasion is being celebrated with traditional religious fervor and gaiety.

" Programs engulfed in veneration are going on in many places of Lucknow to elaborate the sacred life, teachings and actions of prophet Muhammad. Poetic fond remembrance of the Prophet in the shape of 'Naat' is taking place in every Mehfil of Eid e Miladunnabi since last evening. Aminabad, Chowk and many other places of the old city are abuzz with the festivity to mark the pious day. Famous 'Tiley Wali' mosque along with many other religious buildings, have been beautifully decorated to celebrate the occasion."Merajudin/Lucknow/AIR NEWS."

In Tamilnadu, special prayers for world peace and communal harmony were held at mosques.

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The Election commission of India, ECI has announced several measures to bring more transparency in the postal ballot voting in Tripura. ECI is taking measures so that every person can utilise their right to franchise in the upcoming assembly election. More from our correspondent;

"The Chief Electoral officer of Tripura Asutosh Jindal informed this to media. He said that the ECI like earlier has tied up with India Post so that around 3000 soldiers who are staying outside the state can get their postal ballot in time and also the same ballot reaches in Time before counting. He also informed that a guideline will be issued by the Election Commission of India on 28th of this month for the poll bound state with regard to the postal ballot voting. The CEO Tripura also informed that drop boxes will be placed in offices of every Returning officer for the Poll personals on the day of their departure to the respective polling stations. He said that the polling personals can drop their postal ballot on the drop boxes. Tripura goes to poll on 14th of next month.SUDIPTA KAR/ AGARTALA/AIR NEWS."

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Sangrur district of Punjab stands first in the country in wheat production per hectare with a production of 5505 kilogram per hectare. Last time Malda district of West Bengal stood first in wheat production with a production of 5232 kilogram per hectare. Directors of National Wheat Security Mission A.K. Sharma and G.K. Chaudhary announced this in Sangrur.

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At least five people were killed and six injured in a fire that gutted over 50 hutments at Mahim in suburban Mumbai early this morning. Our Correspondent reports that the fire broke out around 5 am in the Naya Nagar slum and quickly spread, catching the occupants unaware in their sleep.

Seven fire engines and eight tankers rushed to combat the blaze and managed to control it after four hours. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange rose 54 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 19,977 in early trade, today, on fresh buying by funds and retail investors. Later, the Sensex gained further ground, and stood 118 points, or 0.6 percent in the green, at 20,042 in afternoon trade, a short while ago.

Key stock indices in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea had lost between 0.2 percent and 1.2 percent, today. Over on Wall Street, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average had ended 0.3 per cent higher in yesterday's trade.

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Oil prices eased in Asia today, as dealers took a breather from a rally in New York that was spurred by encouraging data on Chinese manufacturing and US jobs. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March dropped seven cents to 95.88 dollars a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for March delivery shed 15 cents to 113.13 dollars.

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In Australian Open Tennis, Britain's Andy Murray will clash with World Number Two Roger Federer of Switzerland in the semi final match of the Men's Singles today. World Number One Novak Djokovic of Serbia has already booked a berth in the final by beating Spaniard David Ferrer, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in the first semi final yesterday.

In the Women's doubles, the Italian pair of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci will fight it out with the Australian duo of Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua for the title today