DMRC to execute Kochi Metro Rail project, says Kamal Nath

KOCHI: Union Urban Minister Kamal Nath said state’s first Metro Rail Project at Kochi is all set to become a reality with the centre deciding to entrust Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the task of executing the project. The minister announced the decision at a press meet here Tuesday. Many things including inviting tenders would be under the guidance of DMRC. Delhi Metro former chairman E Sreedharan would serve as the advisor of Kochi Metro. Sufficient technical assistance needed for the project would be provided by DMRC, he said. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that he is very happy for handing over the project to DMRC. The project would be completed under the leadership of E Sreedharan, said Chandy. .

DMRC to execute Kochi Metro Rail project, says Kamal Nath

KOCHI: Union Urban Minister Kamal Nath said state’s first Metro Rail Project at Kochi is all set to become a reality with the centre deciding to entrust Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the task of executing the project. The minister announced the decision at a press meet here Tuesday. Many things including inviting tenders would be under the guidance of DMRC. Delhi Metro former chairman E Sreedharan would serve as the advisor of Kochi Metro. Sufficient technical assistance needed for the project would be provided by DMRC, he said. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that he is very happy for handing over the project to DMRC. The project would be completed under the leadership of E Sreedharan, said Chandy. .

Functioning of offices, schools hit in state due to strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Functioning of government offices and schools were partially hit as pro-Left government employees and teachers in the state Tuesday began an indefinite strike in protest against UDF government's decision to implement Contributory Pension Scheme for its staff from this April. The pro-BJP Federation of Employees and Teachers Organisations (FETO) has also joined the strike. Expressing solidarity with the staff and teachers, employees of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation also observed a day-long strike, which hit operation of bus services across the state. However, State Employees and Teachers Confederation (SETCO), owing allegiance to the ruling UDF, stayed away from the strike, saying the government decision would not affect the existing employees as statutory pension scheme would continue for them and CPS was only for newly appointed employees. Sources said the functioning of government offices and schools were partially affected by the strike as majority of government employees belonged to pro-Left Unions. Terming the strike as 'politically motivated,' Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in Kochi that the government had made earnest efforts to avoid the strike. The CPS was a "foresighted move" which would help the employees and the public in the long run, he said, adding the scheme had already been implemented in 25 states covering 90 per cent of employees in the country. Chandy also said 'dies non' (no work, no pay) would be effected for striking employees. He also cautioned that strict action would be taken against those who prevented employees from attending offices and schools. In Kerala's case, 80.61 per cent of the state's revenue was spent on salary and pension to employees, leaving only 19.39 per cent of the receipts to meet the development and welfare commitments, Chandy said. Rejecting the claim, the unions allege that CPS is part of government's move to give up its commitment and would lead to denial of minimum pension to employees.

Functioning of offices, schools hit in state due to strike

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Functioning of government offices and schools were partially hit as pro-Left government employees and teachers in the state Tuesday began an indefinite strike in protest against UDF government's decision to implement Contributory Pension Scheme for its staff from this April. The pro-BJP Federation of Employees and Teachers Organisations (FETO) has also joined the strike. Expressing solidarity with the staff and teachers, employees of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation also observed a day-long strike, which hit operation of bus services across the state. However, State Employees and Teachers Confederation (SETCO), owing allegiance to the ruling UDF, stayed away from the strike, saying the government decision would not affect the existing employees as statutory pension scheme would continue for them and CPS was only for newly appointed employees. Sources said the functioning of government offices and schools were partially affected by the strike as majority of government employees belonged to pro-Left Unions. Terming the strike as 'politically motivated,' Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in Kochi that the government had made earnest efforts to avoid the strike. The CPS was a "foresighted move" which would help the employees and the public in the long run, he said, adding the scheme had already been implemented in 25 states covering 90 per cent of employees in the country. Chandy also said 'dies non' (no work, no pay) would be effected for striking employees. He also cautioned that strict action would be taken against those who prevented employees from attending offices and schools. In Kerala's case, 80.61 per cent of the state's revenue was spent on salary and pension to employees, leaving only 19.39 per cent of the receipts to meet the development and welfare commitments, Chandy said. Rejecting the claim, the unions allege that CPS is part of government's move to give up its commitment and would lead to denial of minimum pension to employees.

Stones pelted at buses on strike day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stones were pelted at KSRTC buses during the strike staged by a section of the employees owing allegiance to the strike staged by government employees and teachers.  

In some places, private buses were asked to suspend services. Even though KSRTC began its services early morning, they were asked to suspend it by 7 am. Some passengers sustained injuries when stones were pelted at the buses in many places.  Buses were asked to suspend services in different parts of the state

Stones pelted at buses on strike day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stones were pelted at KSRTC buses during the strike staged by a section of the employees owing allegiance to the strike staged by government employees and teachers.  

In some places, private buses were asked to suspend services. Even though KSRTC began its services early morning, they were asked to suspend it by 7 am. Some passengers sustained injuries when stones were pelted at the buses in many places.  Buses were asked to suspend services in different parts of the state

Lionel Messi wins FIFA world's best player award for record 4th year

ZURICH: Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for his astonishing 91-goal year for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012. Aged just 25, Messi has now been voted the world's best player for an unprecedented fourth straight year. Messi beat his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Spanish champion Real Madrid and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta, who starred as Spain won the 2012 European Championship. Messi's fourth award lifted him above three-time FIFA winners Zinedine Zidane of France and Brazil's Ronaldo. The old Ballon d'Or trophy for players in Europe was won three times by France great Michel Platini, and Netherlands forwards Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten. Voting was by national team coaches and captains around the world plus invited media.

Lionel Messi wins FIFA world's best player award for record 4th year

ZURICH: Lionel Messi has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for his astonishing 91-goal year for Barcelona and Argentina in 2012. Aged just 25, Messi has now been voted the world's best player for an unprecedented fourth straight year. Messi beat his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Spanish champion Real Madrid and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta, who starred as Spain won the 2012 European Championship. Messi's fourth award lifted him above three-time FIFA winners Zinedine Zidane of France and Brazil's Ronaldo. The old Ballon d'Or trophy for players in Europe was won three times by France great Michel Platini, and Netherlands forwards Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten. Voting was by national team coaches and captains around the world plus invited media.

Sensex down 25 points

MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Tuesday declined by nearly 25 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profits after recent gains amid a weak trend in global markets. The 30-share barometer, which had lost 92.66 points yesterday, fell by 24.65 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 19,666.77. Stocks of realty, capital goods, FMCG, consumer durables and banking sectors declined due to profit-booking. Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 4.95 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 5,983.45. Brokers said apart from profit-booking by speculators, a weak trend in Asian trade following overnight losses on the US market and in Europe, spurring selling, dampened the trading sentiment here. Besides, a cautious approach adopted by participants before the beginning of the earning season which is expected later this week, also cast shadow on the sentiment, they said. In the Asian region, Japan’s Nikkei Index was down 0.38 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index shed 0.40 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.38 per cent down in yesterday’s trade.

Sensex down 25 points

MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Tuesday declined by nearly 25 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profits after recent gains amid a weak trend in global markets. The 30-share barometer, which had lost 92.66 points yesterday, fell by 24.65 points, or 0.12 per cent, to 19,666.77. Stocks of realty, capital goods, FMCG, consumer durables and banking sectors declined due to profit-booking. Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty fell by 4.95 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 5,983.45. Brokers said apart from profit-booking by speculators, a weak trend in Asian trade following overnight losses on the US market and in Europe, spurring selling, dampened the trading sentiment here. Besides, a cautious approach adopted by participants before the beginning of the earning season which is expected later this week, also cast shadow on the sentiment, they said. In the Asian region, Japan’s Nikkei Index was down 0.38 per cent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index shed 0.40 per cent in early trade. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.38 per cent down in yesterday’s trade.

Third accused arrested in Noida factory worker murder case

Noida: Noida Police has arrested the third accused in the murder of a 21-year-old woman factory worker here even as two policemen were sent to police lines for allegedly not acting on the complaint of the victim in the past. 

"The third accused Udeyveer was arrested Monday night and will be produced before court," a senior police officer said today. 

He said the initial medical report of the murdered woman did not confirm rape and the police was awaiting the final report. 

"Her body, however, showed signs that a rape attempt was made," the officer said. 

The semi-nude body of the woman bearing injury marks was found on Saturday morning from Pushta area in Sector 63. 

Sub Inspector Rajesh and constable Rakesh, who had allegedly failed to act on the complaint of the victim two years ago that one of the accused had forcibly entered her house and attempted to molest her, have been sent to police lines. 

"Had the police taken action then the accused could not have dare to commit the murder.The police slackness gave the accused courage to strike against her," National Commission for Scheduled Caste Vice Chairman Raj Kumar Verka had stated during his visit to Noida on Sunday. 

Yesterday, the two arrested accused Naresh and Kailash were sent to 14 days judicial custody after they were produced before the district court. 

Call details and electronic surveillance helped the police in nabbing the culprits. 

Naresh had once worked in the same garment export house where the victim was working and had promised to marry her. However, the woman came to know that he was already married and started avoiding him. 

Naresh told police that the woman was threatening to lodge an FIR against him and he got scared and hatched a plan to kill her. 

On the fateful day, he took her to an under construction factory at sector 63 where two other accomplices Kaliash and Udaiveer were present. 

Kailash and Udeyveer also had enmity with the woman. The victim had in the past complained to police against Kailash. Udeyveer had few years ago forcibly entered her house and molested her. 

Four policemen were on Sunday suspended and the SHO was shunted to police line in the wake of the incident.

Though the district administration and state government had announced financial compensation, he victim's father had initially refused to accept the compensation, saying he only wanted to see that his daughter gets justice. 

He said her soul will rest in peace only when her killers were hanged. Later on persuasion of officers, a compensation of Rs.3.75 lakh has been given to him. 

The Chief Minister's Rs.15 lakh compensation announcement was yet to be communicated to the district office. "Once received, this amount too would be disbursed to the family," officials said. 

After the incident, police has set up police chowki at Behlolpur Hindon Pushta area. Behlolpur and Chotpur Colony are included under it. As these colonies are in remote area, their monitoring from Model Town chowki was difficult. 

Third accused arrested in Noida factory worker murder case

Noida: Noida Police has arrested the third accused in the murder of a 21-year-old woman factory worker here even as two policemen were sent to police lines for allegedly not acting on the complaint of the victim in the past. 

"The third accused Udeyveer was arrested Monday night and will be produced before court," a senior police officer said today. 

He said the initial medical report of the murdered woman did not confirm rape and the police was awaiting the final report. 

"Her body, however, showed signs that a rape attempt was made," the officer said. 

The semi-nude body of the woman bearing injury marks was found on Saturday morning from Pushta area in Sector 63. 

Sub Inspector Rajesh and constable Rakesh, who had allegedly failed to act on the complaint of the victim two years ago that one of the accused had forcibly entered her house and attempted to molest her, have been sent to police lines. 

"Had the police taken action then the accused could not have dare to commit the murder.The police slackness gave the accused courage to strike against her," National Commission for Scheduled Caste Vice Chairman Raj Kumar Verka had stated during his visit to Noida on Sunday. 

Yesterday, the two arrested accused Naresh and Kailash were sent to 14 days judicial custody after they were produced before the district court. 

Call details and electronic surveillance helped the police in nabbing the culprits. 

Naresh had once worked in the same garment export house where the victim was working and had promised to marry her. However, the woman came to know that he was already married and started avoiding him. 

Naresh told police that the woman was threatening to lodge an FIR against him and he got scared and hatched a plan to kill her. 

On the fateful day, he took her to an under construction factory at sector 63 where two other accomplices Kaliash and Udaiveer were present. 

Kailash and Udeyveer also had enmity with the woman. The victim had in the past complained to police against Kailash. Udeyveer had few years ago forcibly entered her house and molested her. 

Four policemen were on Sunday suspended and the SHO was shunted to police line in the wake of the incident.

Though the district administration and state government had announced financial compensation, he victim's father had initially refused to accept the compensation, saying he only wanted to see that his daughter gets justice. 

He said her soul will rest in peace only when her killers were hanged. Later on persuasion of officers, a compensation of Rs.3.75 lakh has been given to him. 

The Chief Minister's Rs.15 lakh compensation announcement was yet to be communicated to the district office. "Once received, this amount too would be disbursed to the family," officials said. 

After the incident, police has set up police chowki at Behlolpur Hindon Pushta area. Behlolpur and Chotpur Colony are included under it. As these colonies are in remote area, their monitoring from Model Town chowki was difficult. 

Shirdi Saibaba temple has ornaments worth over Rs 50 crores

Nagpur:  The famous Saibaba temple at Shirdi in Maharashtra, one of the richest shrines in the country, has ornaments and jewellery worth Rs 50,53,17 473 and a total fixed deposits to the tune of Rs 6,27,56,97488 as on March 31 last year including investments in Kisan Vikas Patra. 

The ornaments and jewellery worth has increased by Rs 11,04,50,335 as compared to figures of year ended on March 31, 2011 which was total of Rs 39,48,67,138. 

Similarly, the total value of fixed deposits, investments in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is of Rs 23,34,00,000 at end of last fiscal year against Rs 40,84,00,000 (KVP) of previous year (March 31, 2011), according to the annual report of the Sai Baba Trust, Shridi which was constituted by the Government of Maharashtra for smooth functioning of activities in 2004. 

The fixed deposits with various nationalised banks have increased by Rs 1,38,06,28,921 during the financial year of 2011-12, the yearly report, which was tabled during the Winter Session of State Legislature in late December 2012, said. 

Gold worth Rs 9,20,55,539 was added to its kitty during the year 2011-12 from the existing value of Rs 27,95,27,935 (March 31, 2011). 

However there were no additions of gold coins and gold pendants during 2011-12. 

The Trust has foreign currency on hand worth Rs 17,05,137. It was spending Rs 76,74,26,961 on various charity work (grant in aid) including Rs 45 crores towards development of proposed airport at Shirdi and for hosting Sai Bhajan Sandhya (musical evening) in London at an expense of Rs 24,69,239, the report said. 

The temple has received total donations during the year to the tune of Rs 2,06,14,96,152 including Rs 1,60,45,78,233 from charity boxes (both cash and kind), the report added.

Shirdi Saibaba temple has ornaments worth over Rs 50 crores

Nagpur:  The famous Saibaba temple at Shirdi in Maharashtra, one of the richest shrines in the country, has ornaments and jewellery worth Rs 50,53,17 473 and a total fixed deposits to the tune of Rs 6,27,56,97488 as on March 31 last year including investments in Kisan Vikas Patra. 

The ornaments and jewellery worth has increased by Rs 11,04,50,335 as compared to figures of year ended on March 31, 2011 which was total of Rs 39,48,67,138. 

Similarly, the total value of fixed deposits, investments in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is of Rs 23,34,00,000 at end of last fiscal year against Rs 40,84,00,000 (KVP) of previous year (March 31, 2011), according to the annual report of the Sai Baba Trust, Shridi which was constituted by the Government of Maharashtra for smooth functioning of activities in 2004. 

The fixed deposits with various nationalised banks have increased by Rs 1,38,06,28,921 during the financial year of 2011-12, the yearly report, which was tabled during the Winter Session of State Legislature in late December 2012, said. 

Gold worth Rs 9,20,55,539 was added to its kitty during the year 2011-12 from the existing value of Rs 27,95,27,935 (March 31, 2011). 

However there were no additions of gold coins and gold pendants during 2011-12. 

The Trust has foreign currency on hand worth Rs 17,05,137. It was spending Rs 76,74,26,961 on various charity work (grant in aid) including Rs 45 crores towards development of proposed airport at Shirdi and for hosting Sai Bhajan Sandhya (musical evening) in London at an expense of Rs 24,69,239, the report said. 

The temple has received total donations during the year to the tune of Rs 2,06,14,96,152 including Rs 1,60,45,78,233 from charity boxes (both cash and kind), the report added.

Five Americans killed in Peru helicopter crash

Lima: A helicopter used by an oil and mining company has crashed into a commercial building in a village in northern Peru, killing at least seven people, including five Americans, an official said. 

"There are seven dead, including five Americans and two Peruvians," Marcos Ochoa, a local prosecutor, told Peru's RPP radio after villagers reported seeing the helicopter exploding and splitting in two as it hit the ground. 

The accident occurred at 2:57 pm local time Monday in the village of San Juan, in the northern jungle region of Ucayali, and police and specialists investigators were looking into the cause, the prosecutor said. 

"The helicopter crashed and exploded," one villager told RPP, adding that she saw three bodies on the ground. 

Firefighters and police cordoned off the crash site as investigators began their work. 

"The sound was terrible, we did not know what to do, the helicopter broke in two and was consumed by fire," another witness, a man, told reporters.  

Five Americans killed in Peru helicopter crash

Lima: A helicopter used by an oil and mining company has crashed into a commercial building in a village in northern Peru, killing at least seven people, including five Americans, an official said. 

"There are seven dead, including five Americans and two Peruvians," Marcos Ochoa, a local prosecutor, told Peru's RPP radio after villagers reported seeing the helicopter exploding and splitting in two as it hit the ground. 

The accident occurred at 2:57 pm local time Monday in the village of San Juan, in the northern jungle region of Ucayali, and police and specialists investigators were looking into the cause, the prosecutor said. 

"The helicopter crashed and exploded," one villager told RPP, adding that she saw three bodies on the ground. 

Firefighters and police cordoned off the crash site as investigators began their work. 

"The sound was terrible, we did not know what to do, the helicopter broke in two and was consumed by fire," another witness, a man, told reporters.  

PM formally inaugurates 11th Pravasi Divas

Kochi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formally inaugurated the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi today. 

Singh began his speech by welcoming the Chief Guest His Excellency Rajkeswur Purryag, President of the Republic of Mauritius to the function. 

He said, "President Purryag’s record of public service over four decades and his many achievements are a source of great pride for people of Indian origin across the world. Excellency, Your presence in Kerala today, reminds us of the deep civilizational, linguistic, cultural and religious ties between India and Mauritius. The shores of our two countries are washed by a common ocean and both our countries have a shared interest in peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. I am therefore, very thankful to you, Your Excellency, for accepting our invitation to be the Chief Guest at this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. We are also extremely grateful to the Government of Mauritius for its support to the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Port Louis in October 2012". 

Praising the state he said, Kerala is blessed by the generosity of nature, the hospitality of its people and the richness of its culture. This gives it a well-deserved right to claim that Kerala is “God’s own country”. The shores of Kerala have been part of the global currents of commerce, culture and religion since ancient times. This state was one of the first to come into contact with Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It had a strong tradition of maritime trade, extending from the Gulf and Europe in the West to China in the East. Today, residents of this vibrant state of the Union, lead the country not only in terms of their global presence, but also in their achievements on various social indicators. I am therefore delighted that Kerala is hosting this year’s event. For this, I thank the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala, my friend, Oommen Chandy. 

Commemorating the Gadar Movement he released an issue of a special postage stamp at the occasion. He said that over the ages, the relationship between Pravasis and Bharat has taken many forms. One of its most glorious manifestations has been their contribution to India’s independence movement. Nearly a hundred years ago, almost to this day, Mahatma Gandhi returned to lead a nation’s march to freedom. This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement, which was a luminous spark of support in distant California for the struggle for independence being waged at home in our country. Apart from commemorating it by the issue of a special postage stamp today, we will also upgrade the Gadar Memorial in San Francisco into a functional museum and library with a sculpture to honour the Gadar Babas, the heroes of this great national movement. 

"Post-independence, overseas Indians have served as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between India and their adopted homes abroad. Regardless of whether they are successful professionals, traders and entrepreneurs, or second generation Indians, comfortably reconciling their two identities, or workers toiling hard to build a future for their families, they are at all times a most effective window for the world to India’s heritage and its progress," he said. 

We in the Government will do all that is possible to deepen their connection with India and advance their interests. While honouring their achievements, we will also seek to facilitate their travel, business and education and make it easier for them to be a part of life in India, enjoy due rights and participate in India’s economic development. 

Lauding the achievments of the Indian expatriate community Singh said, "It develops a more global presence, they also become more vulnerable to economic crises, conflicts, civil unrest or just senseless hate crimes. At a time of turbulence in many parts of the world, the safety and security of overseas Indian communities are uppermost in our minds. We derive comfort from the assurances that we have received from governments in the countries of your residence that they will do everything for your safety and security. We recognize that the primary responsibility rests with the host countries, but when needed, as was the case last year in Libya, our government will provide prompt and necessary assistance." 

Apart from physical safety, we are also concerned with the social and emotional well-being of our overseas brethren. We have therefore launched an insurance scheme for workers, established welfare funds in our embassies for distressed Indians, and created mechanisms to help vulnerable women abroad, he said. 

This protection and promotion of the rights and interests of Indian businesses, professionals and workers abroad is also a key task for our Missions in various countries. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and Social Security Agreements with a number of countries play an important role in this regard. 

The theme for this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is “Engaging Diaspora – the Indian Growth Story”. This is only appropriate since there have been concerns recently about the direction and content of India’s growth story and about larger social and governance issues. 

It is important to bear in mind that in the last four years, the world economy has had to deal with two major financial crises, both emanating from the developed world. The Indian economy has not been immune to the consequences of these crises. From an impressive average annual GDP growth rate of over 8% between 2004 and 2010, our growth declined to 6.5% in 2011-2012 and may fall below 6% in the current year. 

But, despite domestic constraints and challenges, we are confident that our strong economic fundamentals, backed by sound policies, will enable us to return to a higher growth path. This is an imperative for us because we need rapid growth and a healthy economy to meet the aspirations of an increasingly young India and make our economic development more inclusive and more sustainable. With this in view, we have recently taken a number of steps to boost domestic and foreign investment, accelerate project implementation and reform capital markets and the tax system. 

Among the most positive stories out of India in recent years are the acceleration in the rate of poverty reduction, stronger growth in the poorest states and improved productivity and increased real wages in our agriculture sector. This is significant, given that 65% of our population still relies on agriculture. 

On January 1 this year, we took a small first step to deliver benefits through direct transfer to beneficiaries, using the digital Aadhaar platform. This is an example of our efforts to make growth more inclusive and government programmes more efficient and less vulnerable to leakages of various sorts. 

We have just embarked on our twelfth five year plan with the ambition to sustain an annual growth rate of 8 per cent. For this, we will require enormous resources, reforms in policies and institutions, new models of public private partnership and community participation and innovation-driven science and technology. Even as we continue our focus on rural areas, and we must continue to do so, we will need to pay greater attention to our expanding cities and towns. New approaches will be needed to address challenges in areas like infrastructure, education, energy, water and agriculture. 

While India’s huge investible resources and large market give us confidence, strength and stability, we see international economic and technological partnerships as an integral part of our growth strategy. This is an important objective of our political and economic engagement in our region and across the world. 

We are aware that despite impressive economic performance and change on an enormous scale in the past two decades, India faces persisting challenges of poverty, equity, sustainability and opportunity. Vulnerable sections of society, including our women, face enduring prejudices and continuing problems in a rapidly changing India. 

However, across India, there are also countless inspirational stories of innovation, enterprise and leadership by citizens and communities that are transforming lives and generating hope for millions of our citizens. There is now a surge of expectation from an increasingly empowered and articulate public, for more responsive, transparent, participative, clean and efficient governance. Government also is determined to turn any setback into an opportunity to improve legal and regulatory frameworks. I have no doubt that the energy and the passions of our citizens, particularly our youth, will be a force of positive change in our country. 

I also believe that the overseas Indian community should be a vital partner and participant in India’s social and economic development. Whether you wish to invest or share your knowledge, technology and skills, whether your enterprise takes you to the cities or your compassion brings you to a remote village, I assure you of our continuing effort to support your endeavours. 

He concluded his speech by saying that as India continues to grow, our external engagement increases and as we assume higher international responsibilities, Pravasi Bharatiyas will continue to remain close to our hearts, as partners in our national efforts and as vital links to the outside world.

PM formally inaugurates 11th Pravasi Divas

Kochi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formally inaugurated the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi today. 

Singh began his speech by welcoming the Chief Guest His Excellency Rajkeswur Purryag, President of the Republic of Mauritius to the function. 

He said, "President Purryag’s record of public service over four decades and his many achievements are a source of great pride for people of Indian origin across the world. Excellency, Your presence in Kerala today, reminds us of the deep civilizational, linguistic, cultural and religious ties between India and Mauritius. The shores of our two countries are washed by a common ocean and both our countries have a shared interest in peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. I am therefore, very thankful to you, Your Excellency, for accepting our invitation to be the Chief Guest at this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. We are also extremely grateful to the Government of Mauritius for its support to the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Port Louis in October 2012". 

Praising the state he said, Kerala is blessed by the generosity of nature, the hospitality of its people and the richness of its culture. This gives it a well-deserved right to claim that Kerala is “God’s own country”. The shores of Kerala have been part of the global currents of commerce, culture and religion since ancient times. This state was one of the first to come into contact with Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It had a strong tradition of maritime trade, extending from the Gulf and Europe in the West to China in the East. Today, residents of this vibrant state of the Union, lead the country not only in terms of their global presence, but also in their achievements on various social indicators. I am therefore delighted that Kerala is hosting this year’s event. For this, I thank the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala, my friend, Oommen Chandy. 

Commemorating the Gadar Movement he released an issue of a special postage stamp at the occasion. He said that over the ages, the relationship between Pravasis and Bharat has taken many forms. One of its most glorious manifestations has been their contribution to India’s independence movement. Nearly a hundred years ago, almost to this day, Mahatma Gandhi returned to lead a nation’s march to freedom. This year, we are celebrating the centenary of the Gadar Movement, which was a luminous spark of support in distant California for the struggle for independence being waged at home in our country. Apart from commemorating it by the issue of a special postage stamp today, we will also upgrade the Gadar Memorial in San Francisco into a functional museum and library with a sculpture to honour the Gadar Babas, the heroes of this great national movement. 

"Post-independence, overseas Indians have served as a bridge of friendship and cooperation between India and their adopted homes abroad. Regardless of whether they are successful professionals, traders and entrepreneurs, or second generation Indians, comfortably reconciling their two identities, or workers toiling hard to build a future for their families, they are at all times a most effective window for the world to India’s heritage and its progress," he said. 

We in the Government will do all that is possible to deepen their connection with India and advance their interests. While honouring their achievements, we will also seek to facilitate their travel, business and education and make it easier for them to be a part of life in India, enjoy due rights and participate in India’s economic development. 

Lauding the achievments of the Indian expatriate community Singh said, "It develops a more global presence, they also become more vulnerable to economic crises, conflicts, civil unrest or just senseless hate crimes. At a time of turbulence in many parts of the world, the safety and security of overseas Indian communities are uppermost in our minds. We derive comfort from the assurances that we have received from governments in the countries of your residence that they will do everything for your safety and security. We recognize that the primary responsibility rests with the host countries, but when needed, as was the case last year in Libya, our government will provide prompt and necessary assistance." 

Apart from physical safety, we are also concerned with the social and emotional well-being of our overseas brethren. We have therefore launched an insurance scheme for workers, established welfare funds in our embassies for distressed Indians, and created mechanisms to help vulnerable women abroad, he said. 

This protection and promotion of the rights and interests of Indian businesses, professionals and workers abroad is also a key task for our Missions in various countries. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and Social Security Agreements with a number of countries play an important role in this regard. 

The theme for this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is “Engaging Diaspora – the Indian Growth Story”. This is only appropriate since there have been concerns recently about the direction and content of India’s growth story and about larger social and governance issues. 

It is important to bear in mind that in the last four years, the world economy has had to deal with two major financial crises, both emanating from the developed world. The Indian economy has not been immune to the consequences of these crises. From an impressive average annual GDP growth rate of over 8% between 2004 and 2010, our growth declined to 6.5% in 2011-2012 and may fall below 6% in the current year. 

But, despite domestic constraints and challenges, we are confident that our strong economic fundamentals, backed by sound policies, will enable us to return to a higher growth path. This is an imperative for us because we need rapid growth and a healthy economy to meet the aspirations of an increasingly young India and make our economic development more inclusive and more sustainable. With this in view, we have recently taken a number of steps to boost domestic and foreign investment, accelerate project implementation and reform capital markets and the tax system. 

Among the most positive stories out of India in recent years are the acceleration in the rate of poverty reduction, stronger growth in the poorest states and improved productivity and increased real wages in our agriculture sector. This is significant, given that 65% of our population still relies on agriculture. 

On January 1 this year, we took a small first step to deliver benefits through direct transfer to beneficiaries, using the digital Aadhaar platform. This is an example of our efforts to make growth more inclusive and government programmes more efficient and less vulnerable to leakages of various sorts. 

We have just embarked on our twelfth five year plan with the ambition to sustain an annual growth rate of 8 per cent. For this, we will require enormous resources, reforms in policies and institutions, new models of public private partnership and community participation and innovation-driven science and technology. Even as we continue our focus on rural areas, and we must continue to do so, we will need to pay greater attention to our expanding cities and towns. New approaches will be needed to address challenges in areas like infrastructure, education, energy, water and agriculture. 

While India’s huge investible resources and large market give us confidence, strength and stability, we see international economic and technological partnerships as an integral part of our growth strategy. This is an important objective of our political and economic engagement in our region and across the world. 

We are aware that despite impressive economic performance and change on an enormous scale in the past two decades, India faces persisting challenges of poverty, equity, sustainability and opportunity. Vulnerable sections of society, including our women, face enduring prejudices and continuing problems in a rapidly changing India. 

However, across India, there are also countless inspirational stories of innovation, enterprise and leadership by citizens and communities that are transforming lives and generating hope for millions of our citizens. There is now a surge of expectation from an increasingly empowered and articulate public, for more responsive, transparent, participative, clean and efficient governance. Government also is determined to turn any setback into an opportunity to improve legal and regulatory frameworks. I have no doubt that the energy and the passions of our citizens, particularly our youth, will be a force of positive change in our country. 

I also believe that the overseas Indian community should be a vital partner and participant in India’s social and economic development. Whether you wish to invest or share your knowledge, technology and skills, whether your enterprise takes you to the cities or your compassion brings you to a remote village, I assure you of our continuing effort to support your endeavours. 

He concluded his speech by saying that as India continues to grow, our external engagement increases and as we assume higher international responsibilities, Pravasi Bharatiyas will continue to remain close to our hearts, as partners in our national efforts and as vital links to the outside world.

Madhani admitted to hospital for treatment

BANGALORE: State based PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madhani, lodged in central prison here after his arrest in connection with the 2008 serial bomb blasts, has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment of diabetes.

Assistant Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara jail D S Hatti said Madhani has been admitted to Soukhya hospital in Whitefield near here for the treatment of diabetes and related eye complication.

His wife and son would be allowed to attend him at the hospital, Hatti said.

The Karnataka High Court had in November last year rejected Madhani's bail plea but permitted him to avail treatment in a hospital of his choice under police escort.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had met his Karnataka counterpart Jagadish Shettar last week and urged him to provide medical treatment to Madhani.

Ruling UDF and opposition LDF members had last month asked the Kerala government to intervene to ensure proper medical care for Madhani. Chandy had said it was not just to keep a person in prison indefinitely "without trial".

Madhani was arrested on August 17, 2010 from his camp at Anwarassery in Kollam. He remains lodged in the jail since then.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader is among 31 people charge sheeted in the case relating to the July 2008 bomb blasts that killed one person and left 20 others injured here.

  

Madhani admitted to hospital for treatment

BANGALORE: State based PDP leader Abdul Nasser Madhani, lodged in central prison here after his arrest in connection with the 2008 serial bomb blasts, has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment of diabetes.

Assistant Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara jail D S Hatti said Madhani has been admitted to Soukhya hospital in Whitefield near here for the treatment of diabetes and related eye complication.

His wife and son would be allowed to attend him at the hospital, Hatti said.

The Karnataka High Court had in November last year rejected Madhani's bail plea but permitted him to avail treatment in a hospital of his choice under police escort.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had met his Karnataka counterpart Jagadish Shettar last week and urged him to provide medical treatment to Madhani.

Ruling UDF and opposition LDF members had last month asked the Kerala government to intervene to ensure proper medical care for Madhani. Chandy had said it was not just to keep a person in prison indefinitely "without trial".

Madhani was arrested on August 17, 2010 from his camp at Anwarassery in Kollam. He remains lodged in the jail since then.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader is among 31 people charge sheeted in the case relating to the July 2008 bomb blasts that killed one person and left 20 others injured here.

  

Teacher, watchman held for molesting tribal girls in Chhattisgarh

KANKER: The police have arrested a school teacher and a watchman for allegedly molesting 11 of the 75 students of a government hostel in Naharpur for over a year in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district.

Teacher Mannu Gota and watchman Deenanath were arrested after an FIR was lodged against them on Saturday night under section 376 (2) of the IPC.

The District Collector had received a complaint of molestation. The team that was formed by him to investigate the complaint found it to be true.

"We got a complaint that a watchman and a teacher did wrong... We immediately took action through our women officers," said District Collector Aller Manger.

The matter came to light when the girls complained to a visiting official, who had come to the village to see the functioning of the hostel.

    

Teacher, watchman held for molesting tribal girls in Chhattisgarh

KANKER: The police have arrested a school teacher and a watchman for allegedly molesting 11 of the 75 students of a government hostel in Naharpur for over a year in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district.

Teacher Mannu Gota and watchman Deenanath were arrested after an FIR was lodged against them on Saturday night under section 376 (2) of the IPC.

The District Collector had received a complaint of molestation. The team that was formed by him to investigate the complaint found it to be true.

"We got a complaint that a watchman and a teacher did wrong... We immediately took action through our women officers," said District Collector Aller Manger.

The matter came to light when the girls complained to a visiting official, who had come to the village to see the functioning of the hostel.

    

Man held for raping minor daughters

SATNA: A labourer was arrested from Jag Nagar village in the district for allegedly sexually abusing his two minor daughters for over five years, police said Monday.

Rajkumar Kushwaha has repeatedly raped his two daughters, one a student of class IX and the other class VII student in a local school, since 2007 after his wife passed away, they said.

According to police, unable to bear the torture, the girls confided in their friends in school who narrated the incident to their teachers who informed the police.

Police arrested Rajkumar yesterday and also got the medical examination of the victims done.

Man held for raping minor daughters

SATNA: A labourer was arrested from Jag Nagar village in the district for allegedly sexually abusing his two minor daughters for over five years, police said Monday.

Rajkumar Kushwaha has repeatedly raped his two daughters, one a student of class IX and the other class VII student in a local school, since 2007 after his wife passed away, they said.

According to police, unable to bear the torture, the girls confided in their friends in school who narrated the incident to their teachers who informed the police.

Police arrested Rajkumar yesterday and also got the medical examination of the victims done.

90-yr-old Saudi marries 15-yr-old girl: sparks condemnation

DUBAI: A 90-year-old Saudi man's marriage to a 15-year-old girl in exchange for a fat dowry has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights and social media activists in the kingdom. The frightened girl locked out her husband refusing him entry to the bedroom for two successive days before fleeing back to her parents' home, the Al-Arabia reported. But the groom insisted that his marriage was "legal and correct", and that he paid $17,500 dowry to marry the girl, who is the daughter of a Yemeni father and Saudi mother. He vowed to sue his in-laws to give him back the girl or return him the expensive dowry. The travails of the girl evoked widespread condemnation from the people, who used Twitter to criticise the parents of the girl for giving her out to a man decades older than her. Suhaila Zein el-Abedin, a member of the Saudi National Association for Human Rights, urged authorities to intervene "as soon as possible to save this child from tragedy." El-Abedin noted that marriage in Islam must be based on mutual consent and this was not satisfied as demonstrated by the girl's move to lock her up in the room. She said the girl's parents were also to be held responsible for marrying their daughter to a man of the age of her grand grandfather. On twitter, Mouhammad Khaled Alnuzha (? @mkalnuzha), a legal expert asks if this is a case of human trafficking crimes punishable by law? Nawal Saad (@lhnalkhlwd) wrote on his account: "When people of reason and wisdom are asked to be silent and the ludicrous are set loose, we will see these anti-human behaviors."

90-yr-old Saudi marries 15-yr-old girl: sparks condemnation

DUBAI: A 90-year-old Saudi man's marriage to a 15-year-old girl in exchange for a fat dowry has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights and social media activists in the kingdom. The frightened girl locked out her husband refusing him entry to the bedroom for two successive days before fleeing back to her parents' home, the Al-Arabia reported. But the groom insisted that his marriage was "legal and correct", and that he paid $17,500 dowry to marry the girl, who is the daughter of a Yemeni father and Saudi mother. He vowed to sue his in-laws to give him back the girl or return him the expensive dowry. The travails of the girl evoked widespread condemnation from the people, who used Twitter to criticise the parents of the girl for giving her out to a man decades older than her. Suhaila Zein el-Abedin, a member of the Saudi National Association for Human Rights, urged authorities to intervene "as soon as possible to save this child from tragedy." El-Abedin noted that marriage in Islam must be based on mutual consent and this was not satisfied as demonstrated by the girl's move to lock her up in the room. She said the girl's parents were also to be held responsible for marrying their daughter to a man of the age of her grand grandfather. On twitter, Mouhammad Khaled Alnuzha (? @mkalnuzha), a legal expert asks if this is a case of human trafficking crimes punishable by law? Nawal Saad (@lhnalkhlwd) wrote on his account: "When people of reason and wisdom are asked to be silent and the ludicrous are set loose, we will see these anti-human behaviors."