Rape case: French Consulate official Pascal's bail plea adjourned to September 10
BANGALORE: The Karnataka high court today adjourned to September 10 the bail petition filed by French Consulate official Pascal Mazurier, arrested on charges of raping his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Justice H N Nagamohan Das adjourned the hearing to Monday next after Mazurier's wife Suja Jones filed an application before the court impleading herself as the second respondent in the case which was accepted.

Counsel for Mazurier S Mahesh wanted to file objections following which the court adjourned the matter. Mazurier, Consular Attache to the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, had moved the High Court on August 7 seeking bail.

On August 21, when the matter came up before Justice V Jagannathan, he had adjourned the hearing asking the State to file its objections. Suja Jones's advocate Pramila Nesargi wanted to intervene in Mazurier's bail hearing, but the defence lawyer had objected to it on the grounds that no petition has been filed by her. Mazurier, in his petition, had pointed out that as per the report of the test conducted by the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (Bangalore), his DNA profile did not match with that of the child.

The Fast Track Court-I had on July 27 rejected his plea for bail while observing that "though DNA test has not tallied with the DNA profile of the accused, bail cannot be granted to him only on this ground."

Mazurier was arrested on June 19 after police booked him for raping his daughter based on a complaint filed by his wife.

Rape case: French Consulate official Pascal's bail plea adjourned to September 10
BANGALORE: The Karnataka high court today adjourned to September 10 the bail petition filed by French Consulate official Pascal Mazurier, arrested on charges of raping his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter.

Justice H N Nagamohan Das adjourned the hearing to Monday next after Mazurier's wife Suja Jones filed an application before the court impleading herself as the second respondent in the case which was accepted.

Counsel for Mazurier S Mahesh wanted to file objections following which the court adjourned the matter. Mazurier, Consular Attache to the Consulate General of France in Bangalore, had moved the High Court on August 7 seeking bail.

On August 21, when the matter came up before Justice V Jagannathan, he had adjourned the hearing asking the State to file its objections. Suja Jones's advocate Pramila Nesargi wanted to intervene in Mazurier's bail hearing, but the defence lawyer had objected to it on the grounds that no petition has been filed by her. Mazurier, in his petition, had pointed out that as per the report of the test conducted by the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (Bangalore), his DNA profile did not match with that of the child.

The Fast Track Court-I had on July 27 rejected his plea for bail while observing that "though DNA test has not tallied with the DNA profile of the accused, bail cannot be granted to him only on this ground."

Mazurier was arrested on June 19 after police booked him for raping his daughter based on a complaint filed by his wife.

 five more bodies fished out, Bankura accident toll now seven

KOLKATA: Five more bodies were fished out of the Bhairabanki River Friday, raising the death toll in the bus accident in West Bengal's Bankura district to seven, police said. The accident occurred Thursday as the bus with around 50 passengers was crossing a low bridge in blinding rain. The driver lost control and the bus fell into the river, police said. "We have recovered five bodies today (Friday). We don't have information of any more missing persons, but a search is on," Bankura police superintendent Mukesh Kumar told IANS over phone. Divers searched an area of 10 km around the site of the accident at Fulkushma, about 160 kms from h

  

 five more bodies fished out, Bankura accident toll now seven

KOLKATA: Five more bodies were fished out of the Bhairabanki River Friday, raising the death toll in the bus accident in West Bengal's Bankura district to seven, police said. The accident occurred Thursday as the bus with around 50 passengers was crossing a low bridge in blinding rain. The driver lost control and the bus fell into the river, police said. "We have recovered five bodies today (Friday). We don't have information of any more missing persons, but a search is on," Bankura police superintendent Mukesh Kumar told IANS over phone. Divers searched an area of 10 km around the site of the accident at Fulkushma, about 160 kms from h

  

 Five killed in Damascus blast

BEIRUT: Five security personnel were killed on Friday in an explosion outside a mosque in the north of the Syrian capital Damascus, state television reported. The blast took place in the district of Rukneddin, as worshippers were leaving the mosque. A number of civilians were also injured in the blast, which was caused by explosives attached to a motorcycle.

 Five killed in Damascus blast

BEIRUT: Five security personnel were killed on Friday in an explosion outside a mosque in the north of the Syrian capital Damascus, state television reported. The blast took place in the district of Rukneddin, as worshippers were leaving the mosque. A number of civilians were also injured in the blast, which was caused by explosives attached to a motorcycle.

Fire under control in Mumbai building

Mumbai: A fire broke out on the 12th floor of the FIFC building in Bandra Kurla Complex of suburban Mumbai this morning.

Ten labourers, who were trapped in the under-construction building, were rescued and the fire was brought under control
after two hours.

'10-12 labourers were working on the interior decoration of the building, which is not operational,' senior police
inspector Chandrakant Bhosle told reporters.

As many as 16 aerial ladder platforms (ALP) were pressed into service which managed to douse the flames with the help
of six fire tenders and as many water tankers, fire officials said.

The fire broke out at around 10.45 AM on the 12th floor of the First International Financial Centre (FIFC) high rise
building and spread to the 13th floor, they said. PTI

Fire under control in Mumbai building

Mumbai: A fire broke out on the 12th floor of the FIFC building in Bandra Kurla Complex of suburban Mumbai this morning.

Ten labourers, who were trapped in the under-construction building, were rescued and the fire was brought under control
after two hours.

'10-12 labourers were working on the interior decoration of the building, which is not operational,' senior police
inspector Chandrakant Bhosle told reporters.

As many as 16 aerial ladder platforms (ALP) were pressed into service which managed to douse the flames with the help
of six fire tenders and as many water tankers, fire officials said.

The fire broke out at around 10.45 AM on the 12th floor of the First International Financial Centre (FIFC) high rise
building and spread to the 13th floor, they said. PTI

24 killed, 150 injured in China quake

Beijing: At least 24 people were killed and 150 injured Friday in an earthquake that jolted southwest China's Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, authorities said.

More than 100,000 people have been evacuated in Yunnan, said an official with the province's civil affairs department.

The 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit the border area of Yiliang county of Yunnan and Weining county of Guizhou at 11.19 a.m. and the depth of its epicenter was about 14 km, reported Xinhua.

All the victims were from the city of Zhaotong.

Preliminary investigation showed that more than 20,000 houses were damaged or had collapsed in the quake, according to the official.

As of 1 p.m., the area had been stricken by 16 aftershocks, with the strongest one measuring magnitude-5.6, according to the provincial seismological bureau.

Authorities are transporting thousands of tents, quilts and coats to the quake-hit area.

So far, no casualties have been reported in Guizhou province, but the quake has also damaged or even toppled homes in Weining county, said Chen Bo, an official.

24 killed, 150 injured in China quake

Beijing: At least 24 people were killed and 150 injured Friday in an earthquake that jolted southwest China's Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, authorities said.

More than 100,000 people have been evacuated in Yunnan, said an official with the province's civil affairs department.

The 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit the border area of Yiliang county of Yunnan and Weining county of Guizhou at 11.19 a.m. and the depth of its epicenter was about 14 km, reported Xinhua.

All the victims were from the city of Zhaotong.

Preliminary investigation showed that more than 20,000 houses were damaged or had collapsed in the quake, according to the official.

As of 1 p.m., the area had been stricken by 16 aftershocks, with the strongest one measuring magnitude-5.6, according to the provincial seismological bureau.

Authorities are transporting thousands of tents, quilts and coats to the quake-hit area.

So far, no casualties have been reported in Guizhou province, but the quake has also damaged or even toppled homes in Weining county, said Chen Bo, an official.

IOC to make compensation for tanker blast victims
Kannur: IOC Chairman R.S.Bhutola told Manorama News channel here Friday that compensation will be paid to the victims of LPG tanker blast in Chala, Kannur that took as many as 19 lives and caused a loss of property worth crores of rupees. 

The compensation amount will be decided after getting the IOC investigation team's report. Talks are on with the state government, he said. 

What happened in Kannur was in fact a road accident, but it led to a huge devastation and tragedy, Bhutola said. 

IOC to make compensation for tanker blast victims
Kannur: IOC Chairman R.S.Bhutola told Manorama News channel here Friday that compensation will be paid to the victims of LPG tanker blast in Chala, Kannur that took as many as 19 lives and caused a loss of property worth crores of rupees. 

The compensation amount will be decided after getting the IOC investigation team's report. Talks are on with the state government, he said. 

What happened in Kannur was in fact a road accident, but it led to a huge devastation and tragedy, Bhutola said. 

Telugu film and TV personality Suman no more
Hyderabad:  Famous Telugu film and TV personality Suman passed away here late night Thursday . 

He was 45 and is survived by wife, a son and daughter. 

Suman is the second son of media baron and Eenadu Group Chairman Ramoji Rao. 

Suman, who had been unwell for the last four-five years, was undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital in the city and the end came at 0018 hours last night, sources said today. 

A multi-faceted personality, Suman excelled as a journalist, writer, lyricist, artist, actor and also as a director. 

He was instrumental in popularising the ETV entertainment channel in Telugu when it was launched in 1995. 

He had received the state Government's prestigious Nandi Award given to film and TV personalities. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Assembly Speaker N Manohar, state Ministers including K Jana Reddy, P Sabita Indra Reddy, Telugu Desam President N Chandrababu Naidu, a number of film personalities and political leaders paid homage to the departed soul.  

Telugu film and TV personality Suman no more
Hyderabad:  Famous Telugu film and TV personality Suman passed away here late night Thursday . 

He was 45 and is survived by wife, a son and daughter. 

Suman is the second son of media baron and Eenadu Group Chairman Ramoji Rao. 

Suman, who had been unwell for the last four-five years, was undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital in the city and the end came at 0018 hours last night, sources said today. 

A multi-faceted personality, Suman excelled as a journalist, writer, lyricist, artist, actor and also as a director. 

He was instrumental in popularising the ETV entertainment channel in Telugu when it was launched in 1995. 

He had received the state Government's prestigious Nandi Award given to film and TV personalities. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Assembly Speaker N Manohar, state Ministers including K Jana Reddy, P Sabita Indra Reddy, Telugu Desam President N Chandrababu Naidu, a number of film personalities and political leaders paid homage to the departed soul.  

Govt suspends 155 mining leases for violation of rules
New Delhi: To control the menace of illegal mining, special task forces conducted inspections of 454 mines in mineral rich areas and suspended 155 leases for violation of norms, the government said today. 

"Special task forces conducted inspections in a total of 454 mines in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Gujarat and suspended 155 mines under Mineral Conservation and Development Rules due to serious violations," Mines Minister Dinsha Patel told the Rajya Sabha.

Besides, Indian Bureau of Mines has recommended termination of eight leases, Patel said, adding the Centre has taken a number of steps to prevent illegal mining and was in regular touch with the state governments. 

To another question he replied that the Centre has also set up an Inquiry Commission and asking states to make action plans to curb illegal mining. 
The country has witnessed a spurt in illegal mining with 69,337 cases recorded in 2011 while the number of such cases in 2010 was 73,115 and in 2009 was 41,578. 

Patel said this year 25,713 cases were recorded by March while the government has realised a fine to the tune of Rs 755 crore from illegal miners besides seizing 2,20,085 vehicles used in them.

Govt suspends 155 mining leases for violation of rules
New Delhi: To control the menace of illegal mining, special task forces conducted inspections of 454 mines in mineral rich areas and suspended 155 leases for violation of norms, the government said today. 

"Special task forces conducted inspections in a total of 454 mines in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Gujarat and suspended 155 mines under Mineral Conservation and Development Rules due to serious violations," Mines Minister Dinsha Patel told the Rajya Sabha.

Besides, Indian Bureau of Mines has recommended termination of eight leases, Patel said, adding the Centre has taken a number of steps to prevent illegal mining and was in regular touch with the state governments. 

To another question he replied that the Centre has also set up an Inquiry Commission and asking states to make action plans to curb illegal mining. 
The country has witnessed a spurt in illegal mining with 69,337 cases recorded in 2011 while the number of such cases in 2010 was 73,115 and in 2009 was 41,578. 

Patel said this year 25,713 cases were recorded by March while the government has realised a fine to the tune of Rs 755 crore from illegal miners besides seizing 2,20,085 vehicles used in them.

  Now, glasses that allow deaf people 'see' sounds

Tags: glass,deaf
DAEJEON: A pair of glasses can now alert deaf people about loud noises – like the honk of a car horn. Developed by a group of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, the glasses allows the wearer to “see” when a loud sound is made, and gives an indication of where it came from, New Scientist reported. An array of seven microphones, mounted on the frame of the glasses, pinpoints the location of such sounds and relays that directional information to the wearer through a set of LEDs embedded inside the frame. The glasses will only flash alerts on sounds louder than a threshold level, which is defined by the wearer. But there is one problem; it requires the user to carry a laptop around in a backpack to process the signal. However, lead researcher Yang-Hann Kim stresses that the device is a first iteration that will be miniaturised over the next few years. The KAIST team presented its work last week at the InterNoise conference in New York City.

  Now, glasses that allow deaf people 'see' sounds

Tags: glass,deaf
DAEJEON: A pair of glasses can now alert deaf people about loud noises – like the honk of a car horn. Developed by a group of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, the glasses allows the wearer to “see” when a loud sound is made, and gives an indication of where it came from, New Scientist reported. An array of seven microphones, mounted on the frame of the glasses, pinpoints the location of such sounds and relays that directional information to the wearer through a set of LEDs embedded inside the frame. The glasses will only flash alerts on sounds louder than a threshold level, which is defined by the wearer. But there is one problem; it requires the user to carry a laptop around in a backpack to process the signal. However, lead researcher Yang-Hann Kim stresses that the device is a first iteration that will be miniaturised over the next few years. The KAIST team presented its work last week at the InterNoise conference in New York City.

  At least five dead in south-western China quake
BEIJING: At least five people died and more than 20 were injured after two earthquakes measuring 5.7 and 5.6 on the Richter scale hit a mountainous area of southwestern China within an hour on Friday.

The first 5.7-magnitude tremor was felt across a wide area of neighbouring Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces at 11:19 am (0319 GMT), the China Earthquake Administration reported on its website.

A 5.6-magnitude quake with an almost identical epicentre hit the same area at 12:16 pm.

The epicentre of the quakes was about 15 kilometres from Yiliang county town in Yunnan province, the administration said.
An official in Yiliang told DPA by telephone that at least five people had died and more than 20 were injured in the county,
according to a “preliminary estimate.” There were no immediate reports of casualties in other areas of Yunnan or in the two bordering provinces.

The official Xinhua news agency said many people had rushed outdoors after the first quake shook buildings in Yunnan’s Zhaotong city, which administers Yiliang and is about 30 kilometres from the epicentre.

The tremors were also felt in Leshan city in Sichuan province, the agency quoted a local resident as saying.

  At least five dead in south-western China quake
BEIJING: At least five people died and more than 20 were injured after two earthquakes measuring 5.7 and 5.6 on the Richter scale hit a mountainous area of southwestern China within an hour on Friday.

The first 5.7-magnitude tremor was felt across a wide area of neighbouring Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces at 11:19 am (0319 GMT), the China Earthquake Administration reported on its website.

A 5.6-magnitude quake with an almost identical epicentre hit the same area at 12:16 pm.

The epicentre of the quakes was about 15 kilometres from Yiliang county town in Yunnan province, the administration said.
An official in Yiliang told DPA by telephone that at least five people had died and more than 20 were injured in the county,
according to a “preliminary estimate.” There were no immediate reports of casualties in other areas of Yunnan or in the two bordering provinces.

The official Xinhua news agency said many people had rushed outdoors after the first quake shook buildings in Yunnan’s Zhaotong city, which administers Yiliang and is about 30 kilometres from the epicentre.

The tremors were also felt in Leshan city in Sichuan province, the agency quoted a local resident as saying.

Pakistani girl gets bail in blasphemy case

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court on Friday granted bail to a Christian girl accused of blasphemy, her lawyer said.Attorney Tahir Naveed told DPA that his client Rimsha Masih would be released by Saturday after the completion of formalities. The girl has been in detention for the three weeks after Islamabad police arrested her on suspicion of desecrating the Koran.

Pakistani girl gets bail in blasphemy case

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court on Friday granted bail to a Christian girl accused of blasphemy, her lawyer said.Attorney Tahir Naveed told DPA that his client Rimsha Masih would be released by Saturday after the completion of formalities. The girl has been in detention for the three weeks after Islamabad police arrested her on suspicion of desecrating the Koran.

Marathi actor arrested in Goa parlour raid
PANAJI: Marathi actor Sachit Patil was among the five persons arrested in a raid on a massage parlour at Chogam road by a police team late last evening in north Goa.

Five girls were rescued, four from Darjeeling and another from Maharastra. They were being used for immoral activities by the salon owner. Police said the actor Sachit Patil and a friend had gone to the parlour and were caught red handed seeking services at the SPA. Police said Patil and four others including Chalpati Rao from Andhra Pradesh, the parlour owner Harikant Mishra and others were arrested under the immoral Trafficking act.

Meanwhile in the backdrop of prostitution activity resurfacing at massage parlours and SPA, The coastal police stations in Goa are instructed to visit parlours and verify the activities. The police teams were also asked to ascertain whether foreign girls are employed at these places. The north Goa Superintendent of police Vijay Singh said the checks and raids at parlours will continue as the tourist season begins soon.

Marathi actor arrested in Goa parlour raid
PANAJI: Marathi actor Sachit Patil was among the five persons arrested in a raid on a massage parlour at Chogam road by a police team late last evening in north Goa.

Five girls were rescued, four from Darjeeling and another from Maharastra. They were being used for immoral activities by the salon owner. Police said the actor Sachit Patil and a friend had gone to the parlour and were caught red handed seeking services at the SPA. Police said Patil and four others including Chalpati Rao from Andhra Pradesh, the parlour owner Harikant Mishra and others were arrested under the immoral Trafficking act.

Meanwhile in the backdrop of prostitution activity resurfacing at massage parlours and SPA, The coastal police stations in Goa are instructed to visit parlours and verify the activities. The police teams were also asked to ascertain whether foreign girls are employed at these places. The north Goa Superintendent of police Vijay Singh said the checks and raids at parlours will continue as the tourist season begins soon.

  Chandy replies to VS

Tags: chandy, reply, VS
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Friday replied to opposition leader V S Achuthanandan’s letter seeking details of three Emerging Kerala projects. Chandy has stated in the letter that Petroleum, Chemicals & Petro Chemical Investment Region (PCPIR), National Investment & Manufacturing Zone, and the Amballoor Electronic Hub were introduced by the LDF and introduced in the budget by them. Allegations leveled that these projects are newly reformed and terming it as mysterious is pathetic, Chandy said. Documents on the projects will be submitted to VS. Chandy has claimed that the government is moving forward with the projects started by the LDF government. The letter concludes stating that the government expects all cooperation from the opposition to make the project a big success.

  Chandy replies to VS

Tags: chandy, reply, VS
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Friday replied to opposition leader V S Achuthanandan’s letter seeking details of three Emerging Kerala projects. Chandy has stated in the letter that Petroleum, Chemicals & Petro Chemical Investment Region (PCPIR), National Investment & Manufacturing Zone, and the Amballoor Electronic Hub were introduced by the LDF and introduced in the budget by them. Allegations leveled that these projects are newly reformed and terming it as mysterious is pathetic, Chandy said. Documents on the projects will be submitted to VS. Chandy has claimed that the government is moving forward with the projects started by the LDF government. The letter concludes stating that the government expects all cooperation from the opposition to make the project a big success.

 NDA leaders demonstrate in Parliament on coal issue
NEW DELHI: With the monsoon session drawing to a close, BJP-led NDA Friday held a demonstration in Parliament House complex demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation, cancellation of coal blocks, and a fair probe and declared that it will now take this agitation to the streets.

MPs from Houses belonging to BJP, JD (U), Shiromani Akali Dal and Shiv Sena held the protest demonstration in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament premises on the coal allocation issue.

Holding placards that read "On Coalgate issue, Prime Minister should resign", "For a corruption free India, now from Parliament to the streets" and demanding cancellation of coal block allocations, the NDA MPs raised slogans to press for their demands.

NDA Working Chairperson L K Advani, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, her Rajya Sabha counterpart Arun Jaitley, NDA Convenor and JD (U) President Sharad Yadav, Harsimrat Kaur (SAD) and Anant Geete (Shiv Sena) were prominent among those who participated in the protest.

Speaking to reporters later, Advani said, "Today is the last day of the session and so NDA MPs decided to gather here and declare that our agitation for a corruption free India will move from Parliament to the streets. Our target is to make India free of corruption."

Advani alleged that the UPA government has been deeply involved in corruption from 2G spectrum to Coalgate and this has angered the people across the country.

"We will take this agitation to all corners of the country," Advani said.

Swaraj maintained that till now NDA had been disrupting Parliament on the coal allocation issue and will take this issue further through street protests.

"We have taken a pledge at the Gandhi statue here that we will take this issue to the people. We will take this issue from Parliament to the streets and from village to village," Swaraj said.

 NDA leaders demonstrate in Parliament on coal issue
NEW DELHI: With the monsoon session drawing to a close, BJP-led NDA Friday held a demonstration in Parliament House complex demanding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation, cancellation of coal blocks, and a fair probe and declared that it will now take this agitation to the streets.

MPs from Houses belonging to BJP, JD (U), Shiromani Akali Dal and Shiv Sena held the protest demonstration in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Parliament premises on the coal allocation issue.

Holding placards that read "On Coalgate issue, Prime Minister should resign", "For a corruption free India, now from Parliament to the streets" and demanding cancellation of coal block allocations, the NDA MPs raised slogans to press for their demands.

NDA Working Chairperson L K Advani, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, her Rajya Sabha counterpart Arun Jaitley, NDA Convenor and JD (U) President Sharad Yadav, Harsimrat Kaur (SAD) and Anant Geete (Shiv Sena) were prominent among those who participated in the protest.

Speaking to reporters later, Advani said, "Today is the last day of the session and so NDA MPs decided to gather here and declare that our agitation for a corruption free India will move from Parliament to the streets. Our target is to make India free of corruption."

Advani alleged that the UPA government has been deeply involved in corruption from 2G spectrum to Coalgate and this has angered the people across the country.

"We will take this agitation to all corners of the country," Advani said.

Swaraj maintained that till now NDA had been disrupting Parliament on the coal allocation issue and will take this issue further through street protests.

"We have taken a pledge at the Gandhi statue here that we will take this issue to the people. We will take this issue from Parliament to the streets and from village to village," Swaraj said.

  Govt may hike fuel prices next week

Tags: govt, may hike, fuel prices
NEW DELHI: The government may hike petrol, diesel, cooking gas and kerosene prices simultaneously as early as next week, with Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Friday saying “difficult and painful” decisions need to be taken. “There are no immediate proposals to raise prices of various oil products including petrol,” Reddy told reporters. Though he did not specify when the hike may take place, indications are it could be done after the Cabinet meets next week. The Ministry is wary that if oil firms are allowed to raise just petrol prices today or tomorrow, the political opposition to the unpopular decision may force the hands of the Cabinet into not hiking diesel, LPG and kerosene rates. With oil firms losing a record Rs 560 crore per day on sale of regulated diesel and cooking fuels and another 16 a day on petrol, the Petroleum Ministry is pushing for raising rates once the Monsoon Session of Parliament ends on Friday. “We are of course facing treacherous crisis of unpredictable magnitude... Our oil companies will lose huge nearly Rs 200,000 crore (if rates are not raised),” Reddy said, adding that steps need to be taken to reduce this deficit. “We have to take some difficult, painful decisions.” On the political opposition to raising fuel rates, Reddy said fuel pricing was a classic case of “politics defeating economics.” Reddy said he has moved a note for the consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) explaining the precarious situation facing the oil sector. “It is my duty as a minister to bring facts to the notice of CCPA. When will it meet, I have no idea.” State-owned fuel retailers are losing over Rs 5 per litre on sale of petrol, a commodity which was freed from government control in June 2010 but whose rates haven’t moved in tandem with cost. They sell diesel at a loss of Rs 19.26 a litre, kerosene at Rs 34.34 per litre and domestic LPG at Rs 347 per 14.2-kg cylinder.

  Govt may hike fuel prices next week

Tags: govt, may hike, fuel prices
NEW DELHI: The government may hike petrol, diesel, cooking gas and kerosene prices simultaneously as early as next week, with Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Friday saying “difficult and painful” decisions need to be taken. “There are no immediate proposals to raise prices of various oil products including petrol,” Reddy told reporters. Though he did not specify when the hike may take place, indications are it could be done after the Cabinet meets next week. The Ministry is wary that if oil firms are allowed to raise just petrol prices today or tomorrow, the political opposition to the unpopular decision may force the hands of the Cabinet into not hiking diesel, LPG and kerosene rates. With oil firms losing a record Rs 560 crore per day on sale of regulated diesel and cooking fuels and another 16 a day on petrol, the Petroleum Ministry is pushing for raising rates once the Monsoon Session of Parliament ends on Friday. “We are of course facing treacherous crisis of unpredictable magnitude... Our oil companies will lose huge nearly Rs 200,000 crore (if rates are not raised),” Reddy said, adding that steps need to be taken to reduce this deficit. “We have to take some difficult, painful decisions.” On the political opposition to raising fuel rates, Reddy said fuel pricing was a classic case of “politics defeating economics.” Reddy said he has moved a note for the consideration of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) explaining the precarious situation facing the oil sector. “It is my duty as a minister to bring facts to the notice of CCPA. When will it meet, I have no idea.” State-owned fuel retailers are losing over Rs 5 per litre on sale of petrol, a commodity which was freed from government control in June 2010 but whose rates haven’t moved in tandem with cost. They sell diesel at a loss of Rs 19.26 a litre, kerosene at Rs 34.34 per litre and domestic LPG at Rs 347 per 14.2-kg cylinder.

UDF recommends CBI probe into second Marad riot
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF on Thursday recommended for a CBI probe into the conspiracy behind second Marad riot. The demand for CBI probe was made by Muslim League in the UDF meeting. 

UDF recommends CBI probe into second Marad riot
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF on Thursday recommended for a CBI probe into the conspiracy behind second Marad riot. The demand for CBI probe was made by Muslim League in the UDF meeting. 

115 killed in Syria: Report

Damascus: An anti-government organisation has claimed the Syrian military Wednesday killed at least 115 people in a massacre in Aleppo province.

The Syrian Local Coordination Committees, an umbrella organisation of 14 anti-government groups, said 25 of those killed were children.

Around 5,000 people died in Syria's civil war in August, making it the deadliest month since violence started almost 18 months ago, according to activist groups.

More than 26,000 people have died in the conflict that started in March 2011.

115 killed in Syria: Report

Damascus: An anti-government organisation has claimed the Syrian military Wednesday killed at least 115 people in a massacre in Aleppo province.

The Syrian Local Coordination Committees, an umbrella organisation of 14 anti-government groups, said 25 of those killed were children.

Around 5,000 people died in Syria's civil war in August, making it the deadliest month since violence started almost 18 months ago, according to activist groups.

More than 26,000 people have died in the conflict that started in March 2011.

First Dreamliner aircraft delivered to Air India in the US

New Delhi: Flag carrier Air India Thursday took charge of the first of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Charleston in South Carolina in the US, ahead of flying it down to the Indian capital.

'Our technical team in the US has taken the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner aircraft. We expect the aircraft to land in India by Saturday evening,' a senior Air India official told IANS here.

According to Air India's Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan the new aircraft will allow the airline to operate on new routes and enable it to save fuel cost.

'The 787 aircraft will allow Air India to open new routes in a dynamic marketplace and provide the best in-flight experience for our passengers,' Nandan said.

The 787 plane has the range and capability to allow Air India to deploy it on many routes including the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Key airline officials like general manager for the wide-bodied aircraft and director of operations took the delivery and will stay in the US to finish the final modalities of sale and lease before flying the aircraft home.

The development comes after an Aug 3 decision of the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) which approved the proposal of the civil aviation ministry allowing the flag carrier to take delivery of 27 Boeing 787 aircraft after signing the delay-compensation settlement agreement.

Air India will be the fifth global airline after All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines to receive the fuel-efficient and eco-friendly aircraft.

Air India had booked 27 Boeing 787s in 2006 in a mega deal. The carrier was to get the delivery in May 2008, but that got pushed forward to the end of the month for a variety of reasons including manufacturing delays.

The aircraft were scheduled to be delivered from September 2008 to October 2011. But due to certain design and production issues, these were delayed and rescheduled to be delivered between June 2012 and March 2016.

The airline plans to deploy the 787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes to save on fuel, train the crew and add flexibility in its winter schedule by flying out to select domestic and overseas destinations.

'A key feature of the aircraft is fuel saving. It consumes 20 percent less fuel than other aircraft. The proposal to deploy the aircraft on domestic routes will help us save on high jet fuel cost,' the official said.

The Boeing 787 aircraft is made of composite materials. Its newly-developed engine and advanced flight technologies make it highly fuel-efficient. The plane can fly up to 16,000 km non-stop.

The aircraft comes with a slew of advanced technologies which reduce noise and emission during all phases of flight, including take-off, cruise and landing.

The Air India's 787 will also be equipped with best-in class seats for its 256 passengers from Contour Aerospace and Weber Aircraft.

While Contour Aerospace will equip the 18 business class seats, Weber would provide the other 238 seats.

The official said it would have state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system from the aviation electronics major Thales.

First Dreamliner aircraft delivered to Air India in the US

New Delhi: Flag carrier Air India Thursday took charge of the first of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at Charleston in South Carolina in the US, ahead of flying it down to the Indian capital.

'Our technical team in the US has taken the delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner aircraft. We expect the aircraft to land in India by Saturday evening,' a senior Air India official told IANS here.

According to Air India's Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan the new aircraft will allow the airline to operate on new routes and enable it to save fuel cost.

'The 787 aircraft will allow Air India to open new routes in a dynamic marketplace and provide the best in-flight experience for our passengers,' Nandan said.

The 787 plane has the range and capability to allow Air India to deploy it on many routes including the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Key airline officials like general manager for the wide-bodied aircraft and director of operations took the delivery and will stay in the US to finish the final modalities of sale and lease before flying the aircraft home.

The development comes after an Aug 3 decision of the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) which approved the proposal of the civil aviation ministry allowing the flag carrier to take delivery of 27 Boeing 787 aircraft after signing the delay-compensation settlement agreement.

Air India will be the fifth global airline after All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines to receive the fuel-efficient and eco-friendly aircraft.

Air India had booked 27 Boeing 787s in 2006 in a mega deal. The carrier was to get the delivery in May 2008, but that got pushed forward to the end of the month for a variety of reasons including manufacturing delays.

The aircraft were scheduled to be delivered from September 2008 to October 2011. But due to certain design and production issues, these were delayed and rescheduled to be delivered between June 2012 and March 2016.

The airline plans to deploy the 787 Dreamliner aircraft on domestic routes to save on fuel, train the crew and add flexibility in its winter schedule by flying out to select domestic and overseas destinations.

'A key feature of the aircraft is fuel saving. It consumes 20 percent less fuel than other aircraft. The proposal to deploy the aircraft on domestic routes will help us save on high jet fuel cost,' the official said.

The Boeing 787 aircraft is made of composite materials. Its newly-developed engine and advanced flight technologies make it highly fuel-efficient. The plane can fly up to 16,000 km non-stop.

The aircraft comes with a slew of advanced technologies which reduce noise and emission during all phases of flight, including take-off, cruise and landing.

The Air India's 787 will also be equipped with best-in class seats for its 256 passengers from Contour Aerospace and Weber Aircraft.

While Contour Aerospace will equip the 18 business class seats, Weber would provide the other 238 seats.

The official said it would have state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system from the aviation electronics major Thales.

Barack Obama accepts party's nomination for second term

Charlotte, North Carolina: President Barack Obama has accepted his party's nomination for a second term, saying voters face the clearest choice at any time in a generation.

Obama says at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night that America has been tested by the cost of war, a troubled economy and crippling political gridlock.

He calls the election a choice between two different paths for America and two fundamentally different visions of the future.

His re-election in doubt, President Barack Obama conceded only halting progress Thursday night toward fixing the nation's stubborn economic woes, but vowed in a Democratic National Convention finale, 'Our problems can be solved, our challenges can be met.'

'Yes, our path is harder - but it leads to a better place,' he declared in a prime-time speech to convention delegates and the nation that blended resolve about the challenges ahead with stinging criticism of rival Mitt Romney's proposals to repair the economy. He acknowledged 'my own failings.'

'Four more years,' delegates chanted over and over as the 51-year-old president stepped the podium, noticeably grayer than four years ago when he was a history-making candidate for the White House.

The president's speech was the final act of a pair of highly scripted national political conventions in as many weeks, and the opening salvo of a two-month drive toward Election Day that pits Obama against Republican rival Romney. The contest is ever tighter for the White House in a dreary season of economic struggle for millions.
AP

Barack Obama accepts party's nomination for second term

Charlotte, North Carolina: President Barack Obama has accepted his party's nomination for a second term, saying voters face the clearest choice at any time in a generation.

Obama says at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night that America has been tested by the cost of war, a troubled economy and crippling political gridlock.

He calls the election a choice between two different paths for America and two fundamentally different visions of the future.

His re-election in doubt, President Barack Obama conceded only halting progress Thursday night toward fixing the nation's stubborn economic woes, but vowed in a Democratic National Convention finale, 'Our problems can be solved, our challenges can be met.'

'Yes, our path is harder - but it leads to a better place,' he declared in a prime-time speech to convention delegates and the nation that blended resolve about the challenges ahead with stinging criticism of rival Mitt Romney's proposals to repair the economy. He acknowledged 'my own failings.'

'Four more years,' delegates chanted over and over as the 51-year-old president stepped the podium, noticeably grayer than four years ago when he was a history-making candidate for the White House.

The president's speech was the final act of a pair of highly scripted national political conventions in as many weeks, and the opening salvo of a two-month drive toward Election Day that pits Obama against Republican rival Romney. The contest is ever tighter for the White House in a dreary season of economic struggle for millions.
AP

 20 injured as Cong demonstrators clash with police in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR:  Around 20 persons were injured as Congress workers protesting against the BJD government on Thursday tried to gherao the Odisha Assembly and fought a pitched battle with police. When water cannon and teargas failed to disperse the Congress demonstrators near the Lower PMG close to the Assembly building the police used batons, police sources said. The demonstrators retaliated with stones, they said. Among the injured were DCP Nitinjeet Singh and seven policemen, the sources said. A dozen demonstrators were also injured in the police action, the sources said. Earlier, the demonstrators were addressed by Congress stalwarts including state in-charge Jagdish Tytler and PCC president Niranjan Patnaik who dubbed the BJD government as the most corrupt in Odisha. The Congress leaders also raised the coal block allocation and fertiliser scarcity issues and held the chief minister responsible for irregularities. Accusing the state government of depriving the poor of rice and wheat provided by the Centre, the Congress leaders alleged that the BJD government was providing only 25 kg per family against 35 kg given by the central government under various schemes like Antyodaya Anna Yojana. Denying the allegations, the Chief Minister told reporters that the charges against the BJD were meaningless in view of the scams in which the Congress-led UPA government was allegedly involve

 20 injured as Cong demonstrators clash with police in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR:  Around 20 persons were injured as Congress workers protesting against the BJD government on Thursday tried to gherao the Odisha Assembly and fought a pitched battle with police. When water cannon and teargas failed to disperse the Congress demonstrators near the Lower PMG close to the Assembly building the police used batons, police sources said. The demonstrators retaliated with stones, they said. Among the injured were DCP Nitinjeet Singh and seven policemen, the sources said. A dozen demonstrators were also injured in the police action, the sources said. Earlier, the demonstrators were addressed by Congress stalwarts including state in-charge Jagdish Tytler and PCC president Niranjan Patnaik who dubbed the BJD government as the most corrupt in Odisha. The Congress leaders also raised the coal block allocation and fertiliser scarcity issues and held the chief minister responsible for irregularities. Accusing the state government of depriving the poor of rice and wheat provided by the Centre, the Congress leaders alleged that the BJD government was providing only 25 kg per family against 35 kg given by the central government under various schemes like Antyodaya Anna Yojana. Denying the allegations, the Chief Minister told reporters that the charges against the BJD were meaningless in view of the scams in which the Congress-led UPA government was allegedly involve