national

Cong surges ahead in Assam Panchayat polls

Feb 16,  6:27 PM In Assam, counting for panchayat poll is on with Congress ahead for consecutive third term. The ruling party has won 247 Zila Parishad member seat so far out of 420 total seats.The All India United Democratic Front, AIUDF emerged as the second largest party with 70 seats.Asom Gana Parishad won 25 seats while BJP managed to win 12 seats.Congress has dominated 14 Zila Parishad while AIUDF got majority in 3 districts.It may be recalled that voting was held for 420 Zila Parishad members, 2 thousand 203 Gaon Panchayat Presidents and an equal number of Anchalik Panchayat members and 22 thousand 30 ward members in 21 districts. Curfew lifted from major towns in Kashmir valley Feb 16,  1:58 PM In Kashmir valley curfew has been lifted from all the major towns since this morning. No untoward incident has been reported from any part of the valley today. Public and private transport is back on the roads. The police is keeping strict vigil in sensitive areas of the valley.The curfew was clamped in all ten districts of Kashmir region last saturday in the wake of hanging of Afzal Guru in Tihar jail. Mobile and Internet services have been restored in the Valley after remaining suspended for a week. PM expresses concern over large number of pending cases in trial courts Feb 16,  1:36 PM Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed concern over the large number of pending cases in the judiciary, especially in the trial courts. Inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Bar Council of India in New Delhi today, Dr.Singh asked the legal fraternity to find ways and means for faster disposal of cases. He said the UPA government is firmly committed to take all necessary steps for building a strong and efficient justice delivery system. Dr.Singh also sought the support of the legal fraternity in the implementation of government schemes to legally empower the poor and marginalised sections of society. He asked the Bar Council to assist in providing free legal aid to economically weaker section. Dr. Singh added that the effectiveness of the Bar councils is a factor in determining the strength and quality of our justice delivery system. The Prime Minister urged the advocates to adapt themselves to the rapid changes and equip themselves adequately to deal with legal requirements of globalisation and international law. Dr. Singh pointed out that there is an increase of International Patent Rights litigations and disputes over bilateral investment protection agreements have also begun to come to courts. Shinde: Govt committed to put in place stringent law to curb crime against women Feb 16 Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has said that the government is committed to put in place a stringent law to curb crime against women. Speaking at the 66th Raising Day Parade function of Delhi Police in New Delhi this morning, Mr Shinde assured the force to provide all possible supports for better policing. He said Delhi Police should create an environment to instill confidence among the people so that they can freely approach the concerned police stations for help during need and distress. He informed that his Ministry has sanctioned a proposal of providing additional 370 PCR vans to Delhi Police for strengthening security system in the city. Condemning the Delhi gang-rape incident that took place on 16th of December last year, Mr Shinde said that such kind of incident would not be tolerated.Speaking on the occasion, Delhi Police Chief Neeraj Kumar said that safety and security of women is the priority of the police. Ministerial meet of 14h BASIC Conference starts in Chennai Feb 16 The ministerial meeting of the 14h BASIC Conference began in Chennai today. Union Minister for Environment and Forests Mrs.Jayanthi Natrajan, who is the coordinator of the meeting and ministers of the BASIC and BASIC plus countries began the discussion on various issues related to climate change that are to be taken forward at the forthcoming conference to be held at Geneva on the 27 and 28th of this month. The meeting is expected to ensure that the developed countries should take the lead not just in mitigation but also in adaptation, finance technology transfer and capacity buiding. Sternly deal with crimes against women, say MIB minister Feb 16 Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari has called for dealing firmly with areas of prejudice and discrimination against women. Delivering convocation address at the Guru Nanak Girls College in Ludhiana on Saturday he expressed his sadness over the gangrape in Delhi in December last and said the government has come out with an ordinance to sternly deal with crimes against women Pitching for equal rights of education for women, he said this has to be done if India has to occupy its rightful place in the world. Tiwari advocated for women playing a pioneering role in making a better society as they now occupy many top positions in various professions. Expressing concern over drug addiction in Punjab, he said this can be tackled adequately,if women come forward against this menace. Two sadhus injured in fresh fire in Kumb Mela Feb 16 Two sadhus were injured in yet another fire at the Kumbh Mela area in Allahabad Saturday afternoon.The fire broke out in Sector 9 of the Kumbh Mela area, injuring the victims while they were cooking food.The fire was brought under control quickly.A leaking gas cylinder appears to have caused the fire. Overnight rains add to winter chill in New Delhi Feb 16 Overnight rains added to the winter chill in the capital this morning.Though the minimum temperature rose three notches above normal at 13.7 degrees Celsius, cold winds accompanied by rain maintained the chill in the air. India Meteorological Department said that 15.4 mm rain was recorded in Delhi till 8.30 AM. The Met office forecasts rain and thunderstorm in the day at some places. The Met department has also predicted light rain for tomorrow.