0815 HRS

15th April, 2013

THE HEADLINES:

• JD(U) asks BJP to name its Prime Ministerial candidate by year end; the BJP criticises JDU's remarks; Congress says, other NDA partners should take a cue from JD(U).

• The Three accused in UP DSP Zia-ul-Haq murder case remanded to judicial custody till 28th April.

• 45-day fishing ban comes into effect to enrich marine wealth on the country's eastern coast.

• Finance Minister on a two-day visit to Toronto to attract Canadian investment in the infrastructure sector.

• And, 34 civilians and nine militants killed in two separate attacks in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

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The Janata Dal (United) has asked the BJP to announce the name of its Prime Ministerial candidate before the end of this year. The party adopted a resolution at the end of its two-day National Executive meeting in New Delhi yesterday. The resolution said, it was the tradition of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, the NDA to follow its National Agenda of Governance. Addressing the National Executive meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that a candidate for the Prime Ministerial position should have a secular image.

"A person who can carry with him all the diversities of the country, can lead the nation."

Earlier, addressing the meeting, re-elected JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said that his party will continue to be in the NDA, despite differences with the BJP on some issues. Senior JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ruled himself out of the Prime Ministerial race.

The BJP has hit back at its key ally the JD(U) for targeting Narendra Modi, rejecting all unfounded inferences against the Gujarat Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitaraman said that the JD(U) should refrain from diluting the NDA's focus on removing the UPA government.

"If they concentrate their energies on our Chief Ministers and dilute the cause of removing the UPA, we reject all unfounded inferences against Shri Narendra Modi."

Meanwhile, the Congress has said that other NDA partners need to take a cue from the JD(U) which has insisted on a Prime Ministerial candidate with a secular credibility beyond doubt. The Party's remark comes in the back drop of the JD(U) resolution seen as a veto against Narendra Modi's possible candidature for the Prime Minister's post.

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The three accused in the killing of Uttar Pradesh DSP Zia-ul-Haq were remanded in judicial custody till April 28th yesterday. The fourth accused in the case, Yogendra alias Babloo Yadav, who is said to be a juvenile, will be produced before the juvenile justice board today. All the four accused were arrested by the CBI in Pratapgarh district on Saturday.

Our correspondent reports that the Balipur village head Nanhe Yadav, his brother Suresh and DSP Zia-ul-Haq were killed on March the 2nd in Kunda, Pratapgarh.

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A 45-day ban on fishing in the territorial waters along the east coast of the country came into effect from mid-night last night. The annual closed fishing season ensures time and space for the fish to breed and to multiply. Authorities strictly monitor the coast during the ban which is intended to enrich marine wealth.

Our Andhra Pradesh correspondent reports that more than 600 mechanized boats at Visakhapatnam were anchored at the fishing harbour.

"All the mechanised boats and trawlers will be prohibited strictly from going for fishing till mid-night of May 31st. Andhra Pradesh government has imposed the ban on fishing in all its nine sea faring districts under the directives from the Union government. The fishermen are demanding the State government for timely relief assistance and supply of free rice during the closed season as they remain unemployed. The ban will be enforced along the entire stretch of Eastern seaboard, comprising states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. HENRY, AIR NEWS, VISAKHAPATNAM."

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In the Kashmir valley, police claim to have busted a module of the militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen in south Kashmir. Our Srinagar correspondent reports that the police have arrested two persons, including a panch Mohammad Amin Khandey in Anantnag district. The duo, as per police sources, were playing an important role in a plan to revive the influence and activities of the outfit in south Kashmir. An FIR has been lodged against the arrested persons.

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In Uttar Pradesh, survey work is on in full swing to assess the loss incurred in Siddharthanagar, where thousands of acres of ready to be reaped wheat crop were gutted due to a wide spread fire on Saturday. A report,

''The whole emphasis is on to speedily complete the survey work of the areas in Siddharthanagar where thousands of acres of wheat crop was destroyed due to widespread fire on Saturday. DM SP Mishra has instructed the SDMs to submit the survey report at the earliest so that Rupees 7500, which are admissible under 'Khalihan Bima Yojana' can swiftly be handed over to fire stricken farmers. WITH RAVINDRA NATH TRIPATHI FROM SIDDHARTHANAGAR, THIS IS MERAJUDDIN AIR NEWS FROM LUCKNOW."

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Finance Minister P Chidambaram reached Toronto yesterday, on a two-day visit aimed at attracting Canadian investment in the infrastructure sector. He is accompanied by top finance ministry and central bank officials. Sources said the Finance Minister will kick off the India investment roadshows in Toronto today. He has held similar roadshows in major global financial hubs that include Japan, Hong Kong, Germany and Singapore.

During his visit, Chidambaram will meet his Canadian counterpart Jim Flaherty, Governor General David Johnston and other top officials in Ottawa.

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Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari reached the Tajikistan capital, Dushanbe yesterday, on a three-day official visit. Mr. Ansari was given a ceremonial reception at the airport and was received by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Davlatov M. Sultonovich.

Earlier, talking to reporters on board the aircraft, the Vice President said, both India and Tajikistan face the threat of terrorism emanating from their neighbouring countries.

"One area of common interest between the two of us and a high priority interest, is the problem of terrorism. Eminating from the territory between us and them which means Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan has an enormous interest in the stability of Afghanistan."

On expanding trade relations with Tajikistan, Mr. Ansari said, remittances from Russia are the critical element of Tajikistan's economy and India has extended a good deal of assistance to this.

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In Somalia, at least 34 civilians and nine militants were killed in two separate bomb attacks yesterday. Nine suicide bombers blasted their way into Mogadishu's main court complex yesterday, some blowing up their explosive vests and others firing on civilians in a rampage that left 29 dead. Five more civilians died in a separate bomb attack. A security officer told reporters in Nairobi that the African Union force, the Somali National Army and local police have cleared the building. The latest figures indicate that there are 29 killed civilians, 9 dead Shebab militants and 58 people injured in the attack.

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The US Secretary of State, John Kerry has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the defence of Japan and said, the countries would work to guarantee a peaceful resolution to the confrontation with North Korea. Mr. Kerry is in Tokyo on the last leg of a regional tour, where he is trying to build support for pressure on North Korea over its recent nuclear and rocket tests. He also warned against unilateral or coercive action in the East China Sea.

"The United States will do what is necessary to defend our allies to ban republic of Korea and the region against these provocations but our choice is to negotiate, our choice is to move to the table and find the way for the region to have peace."

Earlier, North Korea had rejected an offer from South Korea to hold talks on the future of the joint Kaesong industrial complex.

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In Odisha, the Similipal Wild life Sanctuary, famed for its biodiversity, will soon have an Eco Sensitive Zone, ESZ, covering about two thousand squire kilometre around the sanctuary in the Mayurbhanj district in the state. As per the draft proposal, the ESZ would impose a total ban on stone quarrying, establishment of industrial units, tree felling and mining activities within 10 kms of the ESZ.

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In the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals defeated Kings XI Punjab comfortably by six wickets to register their third win in the ongoing Cricket tournament at Jaipur last night.

Earlier, in another match, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 48 runs in Kolkata.

In today's fixture, Chennai Super Kings will clash with Pune Warriors in Chennai at 8 PM.

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NEWS JUST IN;

In Himachal Pradesh, 12 youths were killed in a road accident in Chamba district last night. The accident occurred in Bharmur area when the vehicle in which they were traveling rolled down about 700 metres in a gorge. All the bodies have been recovered.

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The News Services Division of All India Radio in its weekly "PUBLIC SPEAK" programme tonight will bring you a discussion on, 'Domestic violence against women'. This can be heard on the FM Gold Channel and additional frequencies at 9.30 PM. Chairperson of the National Women Commission will answer the querries of listeners. Questions can be posed on telephone number : 011-2331-4444.

This programme is also available on Doordarshan DTH.

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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES

The Janta Dal (United) pushing its alliance with the BJP to the edge, is a lead story in today's papers. Hindustan Times writes "Nitish gives BJP time till December to ditch Modi". The Times of India says, "BJP won't dump Modi for Nitish, NDA headed for split".

Mayawati's warning to Samajwadi party goons, is also noticed by the papers. Mail Today reports that former Chief Minister Mayawati hit out at the Akhilesh Yadav government- accusing it of political vendetta. She said Samajwadi Party goons would be taught a lesson when she returns to power, reports the paper.

Hindustan Times reports that Cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan's party - the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has acknowledged that 'Kashmiri Jihadi forces' were active in Pakistan and were instigating terror and lawlessness in the country.

With Pakistan continuing to deny India transit access to Afghanistan, New Delhi is trying to complete the formalities for entering into an agreement with Iran for development of the Chabahar port for a vital link, reports Hindustan Times.

Now you can no longer choose your college at Delhi University, reports the Hindu. From June this year, all that a student has to do is indicate the choice of subjects - and the University will do the rest, says the paper.

The Pioneer carries a story 'God of small things' telling of hundreds of Pakistani nationals who migrated to India in search of a better life, and have found shelter in the two-story Delhi residence of 60 year old Nahar Singh.

And finally, Business Line of the Hindu informs us that sunlight powered bulbs made of old plastic bottles are powering classrooms in two villages near Thane