1400 HRS
18th March, 2013

THE HEADLINES:

• All Party Meet discusses measures to check misuse of proposed Criminal Law Amendment Bill on sexual harassment of women.

• Supreme court says, the order restraining Italian Ambassador from leaving India, will continue till further orders.

• Finance Minister Chidambaram says, RBI and Finance Ministry have started inquiry into charges of money laundering by some employees of three private banks.

• Registration of pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra begins.

• Sensex sheds over 170 points in afternoon trade.

• And Australia sets a victory target of 133 for India on the final day of the Mohali Cricket Test.

{}<<><>>{}

The government said that measures to check the misuse of the proposed Criminal Law Amendment Bill on sexual harassment, have been discussed in the all party meeting today. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said, the objective of the proposed Bill has been appreciated by all parties. He said, leaders from different political parties will be meeting again this afternoon to discuss the issue. He said, the issue of lowering the age for consent will be discussed and necessary amendments will be incorporated in the proposed Bill to remove the apprehensions expressed by the leaders.

The intent or object of the Bill has been appreciated and there are two-three provisions which will be further discussed and if required, the government will bring amendment, so that the Bill can be put up for introduction, consideration and passing in Lok Sabha and thereafter taken to Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Sudip Bandyopadhyay of Trinamool Congress said that states must be consulted on the issue. Talking to reporters, he said his party is in favour of an effective Bill on violence against women. He also said, the states should be given reasonable time to air their views.

{}<<><>>{}

The Rajya Sabha is discussing the General Budget 2013-14. Initiating the discussion, M Venkaiah Nadu of the BJP said, the government is using global slowdown as an alibi for its non-performance. He said during the last year 48 countries grew faster than India and in 2011, 27 countries clocked faster growth than India. Earlier, the BJP members led by Mr Naidu objected to the absence of Finance Minister P Chidambaram at a time when the House took up the discussion on the Budget. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla informed the House that Mr Chidambaram has left for Chennai. Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena then tabled the three appropriation Bills.

{}<<><>>{}

The Government today said that there is no crisis of foodgrains and essential commodities in the country. Giving this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Food Minister K V Thomas however said, prices of foodgrains and certain essential commodities have been showing a rising trend for the past some time. Mr Thomas said that the Centre has taken several steps to control this trend. These include reduction of import duties to zero for wheat, onion and pulses. The Minister said, the import duty on sugar has been kept at 10 per cent.

{}<<><>>{}

The Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 pm over the demand for resignation of Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma by Samajwadi Party members. During Zero Hour, SP leader Shailendra Kumar alleged Mr. Verma made derogatory remarks against SP President Mulayam Singh Yadav in Lucknow. Raising slogans, party members did not allow Mr. Verma to respond to the charges. Seeking apology and his removal from the Union Cabinet, SP members trooped into the well. Amidst noisy scenes, the speaker Ms. Meira Kumar adjourned the House.

Earlier, proceedings in the House were disrupted during Question Hour for about ten minutes on the Telangana issue.

{}<<><>>{}

NEWS JUST IN,

The Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 3 p.m.

{}<<><>>{}

Defence Minister A.K. Antony informed the Lok Sabha today that nearly four hundred Indian fishermen are still in Pakistan's custody. The government has regularly been trying to secure their release with their boats. An India-Pakistan Judicial Committee is also in place to ensure a humane treatment and expeditious release of fishermen who have completed their prison term. Mr. Antony said due to the government's consistent efforts, 677 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan last year. Seven fishermen have been released this year so far.

{}<<><>>{}

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has said, the government is planning to universalise the pension system for elderly, disabled and widows. Replying to supplementaries during question hour in the Rajya Sabha today, he said that his Ministry is working on redefining the existing pension system, particularly linking it to inflation. Mr Ramesh said it is proposed to redefine disability and destitute women. He hoped that a decision in this regard will be taken within six weeks from now.

{}<<><>>{}

The Supreme court today said that the order restraining the Italian Ambassador from leaving India, will continue till its further orders. Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini who appeared in the Apex Court, said he has complete immunity under the Vienna Convention. The Apex Court said, all authorities shall take appropriate steps on order restraining the Italian envoy from leaving the country. The court also said that it does not accept and believe in the Ambassador's statement as he has lost trust. Attorney General G E Vahanvati said that the Ministry of External Affairs is fully mindful of international obligations. The Supreme Court has fixed April the 2nd for further hearing.

{}<<><>>{}

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said, diplomatic status is not an excuse for protecting criminals. Diplomacy cannot be used as a ploy for insulting the judicial system of the country. The Chief Minister was responding to an adjournment motion moved by the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly today.

{}<<><>>{}

Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said, the RBI and Finance Ministry have started inquiry into charges of money laundering by some employees of three private sector banks. Speaking to newsmen after a meeting with the chief executives of public sector banks and financial institutions in New Delhi, the Finance Minister said, the matter is being investigated. Mr. Chidambaram also said, it is early to come to a conclusion as of now, as the department of financial services and the RBI are examining the allegations closely.

Our Correspondent reports, the country's three largest private banks including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank were accused of indulging in money laundering. An online portal Cobrapost claimed that a sting operation conducted by it, has revealed a money laundering scam.

Finance Minister, Mr. Chidambaram also hoped the Reserve Bank of India will address liquidity concerns of the economy in its monetary policy to be announced tomorrow. The Finance Minister also said, the government will infuse 14,000 crore rupees in public sector banks in 2013-14. He also said 215 projects currently stalled, was a matter of concern.

In only five sectors - power, roads, iron & steel, cement and ports, 215 projects which are stalled, the total investment in these 215 projects is in the order of seven lakh crore, about 54 thousand crore rupees have already been dispersed.

{}<<><>>{}

The News Services Division of All India Radio will bring you a special phone-in programme with the Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. This can be heard on FM Gold and additional frequencies from 6.30 PM to 7.30 PM tomorrow. Listeners can ask questions on Budget and economy from the Union Finance Minister and seek his replies on telephone numbers : 011-23421084, 011-23421085 and 011-23421215. The programme will also be carried by all multi-channel AIR Stations. This programme will also be available on Doordarshan DTH.

{}<<><>>{}

For news updates, follow us on Twitter @ airnewsalerts. You can also visit our facebook page All India Radio News for more news and events. For news updates on mobile, SMS AIRNEWS to 56060."

In Jammu and Kashmir, the registration of pilgrims for Shri Amarnathji Yatra began today for both the Yatra routes - Baltal and Chandanwari - through 422 designated Bank Branches spread all over the country. This year’s 55 day Yatra shall commence simultaneously on both the routes from the 28th of June and culminate on Raksha Bandhan, the 21st of August 2013. We have a report:

The step-by-step procedure which the Yatris need to follow to register for the Yatra has been put on Shri Amarnath Shrine Board’s website,www.shriamarnathjishrine.com. The website also contains the application form and state-wise list of Bank Branches with complete addresses which the Yatris can approach for registering themselves for this year’s pilgrimage. The applicant-Yatri shall have to furnish Compulsory Health Certificate while seeking registration for this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra. Moreover persons under the age of 13 years or above the age of 75 years and ladies more than six weeks’ pregnant would not be registered for this year’s Yatra. For ensuring effective security arrangements along the yatra tracks, only those Yatris who are in possession of a Yatra Permit, will be allowed. R.K.Raina/AIR NEWS/Jammu.

{}<<><>>{}

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalithaa has said that it was absolutely important for India to express strong support to the US sponsored resolution in the 22nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In a letter to Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh today, she said that India should move the necessary independent amendments to further strengthen the resolution.

Meanwhile, protest marches by students and lawyers demanding an independent probe on alleged war-crimes during the last phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka, are being witnessed throughout the state. DMK, an ally of the UPA has also been meticulously appealing to the Centre to take a stand on the issue. The DMK Chief M.Karunanidhi has been consistent in his demand about the Centre's stand on the issue.

Later in the day, Union Ministers, P.Chidambaram, A.K.Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad are to visit Chennai and meet the DMK Chief.

{}<<><>>{}

In Madhya Pradesh, the issue of rape of a Swiss woman in Datia district rocked the state legislative assembly today. Our Bhopal correspondent reports that due to strong protest of Congress members proceedings of the House were adjourned twice for about half an hour each earlier and later for the day.

{}<<><>>{}

In Uttar Pradesh, a two day state level farmer mela cum exhibition and sale of Agro industry products and equipment, concluded in Faizabad on Sunday. The mela-cum-exhibition was organized by Acharya Narendra Dev Agriculture and technology University, Faizabad. More than 60 pandals were erected by the Agro Scientists of the University, showcasing latest technology regarding intensive agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture, poultry, veterinary sciences and better land management techniques.

{}<<><>>{}

Egypt’s President Mohamed Mursi has said that Egypt looks up to India to enhance bilateral co-operation in Information Technology, space, science and technology and small and medium enterprises sector among others. Talking to AIR in Cairo ahead of his visit to India, Mr. Mursi invited Indian investments in Egypt to partner in its growth and development. More from our West Asia Correspondent:-

In a candid interview at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, for over 40 minutes the Egyptian President spoke at length on various issues. He lauded India’s democratic experience and its economic pursuit towards social justice and empowerment and said Egypt wants to learn from these experiences. Mr, Mursi said that Egypt is going through a transition period and people have huge aspirations after the revolution. But the challenges can be overcome with parliamentary elections. He sought India’s support in strengthening the democratic institutions in Egypt. The Egyptian President said that plans are afoot for a silicon valley like project in Sinai and India’s IT prowess will be of great help. Atul K Tiwary,AIR News.

{}<<><>>{}

The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange fell 183 points, or 0.9 per cent, to 19,244 in early trade, today, on sustained selling by funds, amid falling regional bourses. Later, the Sensex remained weak and stood 175 points, or 0.9 per cent in the red, at 19,252 in afternoon trade, a short while ago.

{}<<><>>{}

The rupee today lost 34 paise to 54.35 in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange, due to increased dollar demand from importers and appreciation of the US currency overseas.

{}<<><>>{}

IN SPORTS,

Chasing a victory target of 133, hosts India were 30 for no loss against Australia, at tea on the final day of the third cricket test at Mohali, when reports last came in. Cheteshwar Pujara on 10 and Murali Vijay on 19 were at the crease.

Earlier, after resuming the day at the overnight score of 75 for 3, Indian spinners completely bamboozled the Aussie batsmen this morning, as the visitors slid to 143 for 8 in no time