India-born nurse’s death: watchdog finds radio station guilty

London: A report by Australia's media watchdog on the death of India-born nurse Jacintha Saldanha here, following a prank call from two radio jockeys, has found the radio station guilty of acting illegally, a leading British daily reported on Thursday. The findings of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) interim report was revealed to a Sydney court hearing the case, The Telegraph reported. The report found the radio station, 2Day FM, of acting illegally by recording and broadcasting a conversation without the consent of the hospital where Saldanha worked.

Saldanha, 46, a mother of two, was found unconscious in December last year in the quarters of the King Edward VII Hospital in central London where she was working as a senior nurse.  The two radio jockeys, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, had called the hospital on December 4 posing as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. 

Saldanha received the call and, not understanding their prank, transferred it to a colleague who then provided them information about Prince William's then pregnant wife Kate Middleton. Three days later, Saldanha was found hanging.

The report said the radio station, located in the Australian state of New South Wales, breached the state's Surveillance Devices Act and that its licence could be suspended or revoked. The two hosts apologised after the incident and insisted it was only a intended to be a harmless prank. Greig did not report to work and he has sued the radio station for failing to provide a safe workplace. Christian returned a national accolade "top jock" by the broadcaster earlier this year. he has also offered to appear at the British inquest into Indian descent nurse's death in London.

The station's owner, Southern Cross Media Group, claimed the media watchdog has no right to determine whether the station committed a crime. Barrister for the radio station Bruce McClintock was quoted by The Telegraph as saying that the watchdog acted like a "policeman, prosecution, prison warden, judge, jury and parole officer".

"The courts are the place, and the only place, where determination of criminal guilt can be made," he said.
He added that such findings would do "enormous damage" to the station.ACMA's barrister Neil Williams, however, said the watchdog was entitled to carry out statutory duty a and doing so and not interfering into the "judicial function".

India-born nurse’s death: watchdog finds radio station guilty

London: A report by Australia's media watchdog on the death of India-born nurse Jacintha Saldanha here, following a prank call from two radio jockeys, has found the radio station guilty of acting illegally, a leading British daily reported on Thursday. The findings of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) interim report was revealed to a Sydney court hearing the case, The Telegraph reported. The report found the radio station, 2Day FM, of acting illegally by recording and broadcasting a conversation without the consent of the hospital where Saldanha worked.

Saldanha, 46, a mother of two, was found unconscious in December last year in the quarters of the King Edward VII Hospital in central London where she was working as a senior nurse.  The two radio jockeys, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, had called the hospital on December 4 posing as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. 

Saldanha received the call and, not understanding their prank, transferred it to a colleague who then provided them information about Prince William's then pregnant wife Kate Middleton. Three days later, Saldanha was found hanging.

The report said the radio station, located in the Australian state of New South Wales, breached the state's Surveillance Devices Act and that its licence could be suspended or revoked. The two hosts apologised after the incident and insisted it was only a intended to be a harmless prank. Greig did not report to work and he has sued the radio station for failing to provide a safe workplace. Christian returned a national accolade "top jock" by the broadcaster earlier this year. he has also offered to appear at the British inquest into Indian descent nurse's death in London.

The station's owner, Southern Cross Media Group, claimed the media watchdog has no right to determine whether the station committed a crime. Barrister for the radio station Bruce McClintock was quoted by The Telegraph as saying that the watchdog acted like a "policeman, prosecution, prison warden, judge, jury and parole officer".

"The courts are the place, and the only place, where determination of criminal guilt can be made," he said.
He added that such findings would do "enormous damage" to the station.ACMA's barrister Neil Williams, however, said the watchdog was entitled to carry out statutory duty a and doing so and not interfering into the "judicial function".

Noble hearts spreading smiles

Thiruvananthapuram: Every day, you might smile happily at least once for some cause. But, have you ever thought of spreading that smile to the faces of those who are finding it tough in life? Even if you had wished for it, your hectic schedules might have pulled you back, urging you to spent time at home with friends or family. 

However, a group of young people, who met during the 'Yes +' course organised by the Art of Living Foundation in 2011, thought in the opposite way, which led to the formation of SARSAS (Save A Rupee Spread A Smile), a charitable Trust, here.

At the onset, the only condition put forward by the team members was that whatever be the initiative, it must be a sustainable one. As a first step, a few of them teamed up and started visiting old-age homes and orphanages. Even though not many volunteers were available during that time, planned and sustained efforts helped to draw attention of others. What began as a small social activity flourished into a charitable trust within no time, thanks to the hard working and generous minds behind it. 

" We began this on a Deewali day in 2011 October, by providing breakfast to the inmates of Ananthasai Orphanage here. We were contented on seeing their happiness. Most of our volunteers were youngsters, especially students," says Deepa, Vice-President of SARSAS. 

"We believe that service is not something we want to do, but what we have to do. Within theses two years, our monthly visits to old-age homes and orphanages have grown and we have expanded to five domains - community services, education, old-age help, health and hygiene and food and nutrition. Besides these, we are currently planning to start animal care to take care of stray animals," Deepa adds. 

For Deepa and others who support this venture, service has become a part of their lives. They devote their time and energy for spreading smiles. Be it a birthday or any other auspicious occasion, they celebrate it with the less fortunate ones. 

"We have no celebrations without them. We understand their requirements and provide things accordingly," says Jijo, a volunteer of SARSAS.

The organisation also provides community services. 
Recently they helped the natives of Poonthura. As part of educational help, they provide academic help in week days to students in some selected orphanages and conduct photography and craft workshops and soft skill classes. 

Under the project "Arivu", SARSAS set up a library for students in orphanages. "When you hear orphanage, don't think that all kids are without parents. You could see children whose parents are too poor to raise them. These kids are not exposed to reading; in fact, nobody cares. We started the library to fill this gap. We started it by giving them newspapers. The response was good. They are looking forward to our care, nothing else mattes here," Jijo adds.

SARSAS also provide medical aides such as blood donation and financial support to the needy. They also serve food to inmates of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. As part of Onam celebrations, SARSAS gave away 'Onakodi,' or new clothes, to inmates. 

The trust takes great care while selecting orphanages or old-age homes. "We never provide help without cross checking. We had come across certain orphanages that  target only money. Once, when we approached an orphanage in Thiruvananthapuram, they said 'you give us the money we will do everything'. We dropped that orphanage, because it was obvious that they were targeting only profit," says Sanju, a Psychology graduate and a volunteer of SARSAS since its inception. 

"We are not taking money directly from anyone, everything is done through SARSAS' bank account to ensure maximum credibility."

During the initial years, the projects were supported by the Art of Living Foundation. But, now the organisation is trying to stand on its feet through various initiatives such as campaigns and art exhibitions. 

The SARSAS team has great ideas that are waiting to be executed. They are planning to sponsor children and expand services, including the new one - animal care. 

Currently, SARSAS conducts blood donation camps once in three months, awareness programmes, campaigns,  camps and classes. Last May, they conducted a summer camp for students. 

SARSAS exhorts everyone to be a part of a movement that intends to spend time with quality. "We are not expecting money. We want you to learn the value of service through us. In our case, we have no permanent volunteers. Anybody can come and participate, or if you want to do something for others, you could seek our help," says Jijo. 

“Age is not a barrier here. What matters is your attitude towards life. You could spend your time in a pizza hut with your friends or indulge in a service like this. The choice is yours,” reminds Jijo.

Noble hearts spreading smiles

Thiruvananthapuram: Every day, you might smile happily at least once for some cause. But, have you ever thought of spreading that smile to the faces of those who are finding it tough in life? Even if you had wished for it, your hectic schedules might have pulled you back, urging you to spent time at home with friends or family. 

However, a group of young people, who met during the 'Yes +' course organised by the Art of Living Foundation in 2011, thought in the opposite way, which led to the formation of SARSAS (Save A Rupee Spread A Smile), a charitable Trust, here.

At the onset, the only condition put forward by the team members was that whatever be the initiative, it must be a sustainable one. As a first step, a few of them teamed up and started visiting old-age homes and orphanages. Even though not many volunteers were available during that time, planned and sustained efforts helped to draw attention of others. What began as a small social activity flourished into a charitable trust within no time, thanks to the hard working and generous minds behind it. 

" We began this on a Deewali day in 2011 October, by providing breakfast to the inmates of Ananthasai Orphanage here. We were contented on seeing their happiness. Most of our volunteers were youngsters, especially students," says Deepa, Vice-President of SARSAS. 

"We believe that service is not something we want to do, but what we have to do. Within theses two years, our monthly visits to old-age homes and orphanages have grown and we have expanded to five domains - community services, education, old-age help, health and hygiene and food and nutrition. Besides these, we are currently planning to start animal care to take care of stray animals," Deepa adds. 

For Deepa and others who support this venture, service has become a part of their lives. They devote their time and energy for spreading smiles. Be it a birthday or any other auspicious occasion, they celebrate it with the less fortunate ones. 

"We have no celebrations without them. We understand their requirements and provide things accordingly," says Jijo, a volunteer of SARSAS.

The organisation also provides community services. 
Recently they helped the natives of Poonthura. As part of educational help, they provide academic help in week days to students in some selected orphanages and conduct photography and craft workshops and soft skill classes. 

Under the project "Arivu", SARSAS set up a library for students in orphanages. "When you hear orphanage, don't think that all kids are without parents. You could see children whose parents are too poor to raise them. These kids are not exposed to reading; in fact, nobody cares. We started the library to fill this gap. We started it by giving them newspapers. The response was good. They are looking forward to our care, nothing else mattes here," Jijo adds.

SARSAS also provide medical aides such as blood donation and financial support to the needy. They also serve food to inmates of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. As part of Onam celebrations, SARSAS gave away 'Onakodi,' or new clothes, to inmates. 

The trust takes great care while selecting orphanages or old-age homes. "We never provide help without cross checking. We had come across certain orphanages that  target only money. Once, when we approached an orphanage in Thiruvananthapuram, they said 'you give us the money we will do everything'. We dropped that orphanage, because it was obvious that they were targeting only profit," says Sanju, a Psychology graduate and a volunteer of SARSAS since its inception. 

"We are not taking money directly from anyone, everything is done through SARSAS' bank account to ensure maximum credibility."

During the initial years, the projects were supported by the Art of Living Foundation. But, now the organisation is trying to stand on its feet through various initiatives such as campaigns and art exhibitions. 

The SARSAS team has great ideas that are waiting to be executed. They are planning to sponsor children and expand services, including the new one - animal care. 

Currently, SARSAS conducts blood donation camps once in three months, awareness programmes, campaigns,  camps and classes. Last May, they conducted a summer camp for students. 

SARSAS exhorts everyone to be a part of a movement that intends to spend time with quality. "We are not expecting money. We want you to learn the value of service through us. In our case, we have no permanent volunteers. Anybody can come and participate, or if you want to do something for others, you could seek our help," says Jijo. 

“Age is not a barrier here. What matters is your attitude towards life. You could spend your time in a pizza hut with your friends or indulge in a service like this. The choice is yours,” reminds Jijo.

Govt must not succumb to US pressure on N-deal, warns Left

 New Delhi: Left parties Thursday warned the government that it would commit an "illegal act" if it tried to dilute the Civil Nuclear Liability Act or signed any agreement for supply of nuclear reactors during the upcoming US visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "If the government wants to succumb to US pressures (to clinch a deal), I am afraid they will be shown as having done an illegal act which will be against the interests of the country," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told reporters here. "The effort of the Manmohan Singh government to dilute the Civil Nuclear Liability Act to exempt US suppliers of reactors from the liability clause will be an illegal attempt to bypass the law passed by Parliament," he said, adding, "The Americans want to sell the reactors on their terms but they will have to abide by the laws of this country..."

Karat was reacting to reports that government was moving to clear a deal to acquire nuclear reactors from US major Westinghouse Corp and sign an agreement during Singh's visit. Asserting that no one could bypass the law laid down by Parliament - the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 - Karat said, "We know they (Government) tried to dilute the law but the Standing Committee rejected it." "It is evident that the UPA government is succumbing to the pressure of the US administration to safeguard their companies' interests. But this cannot be at the expense of the interests of the country and the safety and security of Indian citizens," the CPI(M) Politburo later said in a statement.

CPI National Secretary D Raja accused the government of becoming "a real suspect" on the nuclear deal and liability issues, saying, "The government is consciously going ahead to satisfy the US and dilute the laid-down law and now that has been exposed." Maintaining that the opinion of the Attorney General on the matter was "an interpretation of the law which does not hold", Karat referred to Section 17 of the Nuclear Liability Act and said, "Irrespective of the written contract, the right to recourse and the liability of the supplier will apply if there is supply of faulty material or equipment."

The section deals with right to legal recourse against the supplier or the manufacturer in case of a nuclear accident, faulty equipment or wilful neglect. In his reaction, Raja sought a clarification from the Prime Minister on the issue, saying "he took the risk of Left support withdrawal" to sign the Indo-US nuclear deal. The CPI leader said linking the accord with Russia on the Kudankulam nuclear power plant with the proposed deal with the US firm Westinghouse "is itself a manipulative move as the Kudankulam deal was struck much before the Liability Act was passed by Parliament." Demanding stoppage of any move towards an agreement with the US firm, Raja said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited "cannot enter into any agreement bypassing the law passed by Parliament."


PTI

Govt must not succumb to US pressure on N-deal, warns Left

 New Delhi: Left parties Thursday warned the government that it would commit an "illegal act" if it tried to dilute the Civil Nuclear Liability Act or signed any agreement for supply of nuclear reactors during the upcoming US visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. "If the government wants to succumb to US pressures (to clinch a deal), I am afraid they will be shown as having done an illegal act which will be against the interests of the country," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told reporters here. "The effort of the Manmohan Singh government to dilute the Civil Nuclear Liability Act to exempt US suppliers of reactors from the liability clause will be an illegal attempt to bypass the law passed by Parliament," he said, adding, "The Americans want to sell the reactors on their terms but they will have to abide by the laws of this country..."

Karat was reacting to reports that government was moving to clear a deal to acquire nuclear reactors from US major Westinghouse Corp and sign an agreement during Singh's visit. Asserting that no one could bypass the law laid down by Parliament - the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 - Karat said, "We know they (Government) tried to dilute the law but the Standing Committee rejected it." "It is evident that the UPA government is succumbing to the pressure of the US administration to safeguard their companies' interests. But this cannot be at the expense of the interests of the country and the safety and security of Indian citizens," the CPI(M) Politburo later said in a statement.

CPI National Secretary D Raja accused the government of becoming "a real suspect" on the nuclear deal and liability issues, saying, "The government is consciously going ahead to satisfy the US and dilute the laid-down law and now that has been exposed." Maintaining that the opinion of the Attorney General on the matter was "an interpretation of the law which does not hold", Karat referred to Section 17 of the Nuclear Liability Act and said, "Irrespective of the written contract, the right to recourse and the liability of the supplier will apply if there is supply of faulty material or equipment."

The section deals with right to legal recourse against the supplier or the manufacturer in case of a nuclear accident, faulty equipment or wilful neglect. In his reaction, Raja sought a clarification from the Prime Minister on the issue, saying "he took the risk of Left support withdrawal" to sign the Indo-US nuclear deal. The CPI leader said linking the accord with Russia on the Kudankulam nuclear power plant with the proposed deal with the US firm Westinghouse "is itself a manipulative move as the Kudankulam deal was struck much before the Liability Act was passed by Parliament." Demanding stoppage of any move towards an agreement with the US firm, Raja said the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited "cannot enter into any agreement bypassing the law passed by Parliament."


PTI

GSAT-7 transponders switched on

Bangalore: All the 11 transponders of India's advanced multiband communication satellite (GSAT-7) have been switched on and are performing well, the space agency said late Wednesday. "The transponders on board the GSAT-7 spacecraft operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands have been activated and their performance is found to be normal," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a statement here. The transponders, which receive and transmit signals at high frequency, will improve the maritime communications of the Indian Navy's warships in the region.

The 2.5-tonne dedicated satellite will enable the navy to acquire blue water capabilities. The navy now need not depend on foreign satellites like Inmarsat, which has been providing communication services to its warships 
"The spacecraft is positioned at its designated orbital slot of 74 degrees east longitude in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above earth and in-orbit testing of the transponders is in progress," the statement added. 
The Rs.185-crore satellite was launched Aug 30 onboard the Ariane-5 heavy rocket of the European Space Agency (Arianespace) from Kourou in French Guiana off the Pacific coast, which cost the Indian government Rs.440 crore.

GSAT-7 transponders switched on

Bangalore: All the 11 transponders of India's advanced multiband communication satellite (GSAT-7) have been switched on and are performing well, the space agency said late Wednesday. "The transponders on board the GSAT-7 spacecraft operating in UHF, S, C and Ku bands have been activated and their performance is found to be normal," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a statement here. The transponders, which receive and transmit signals at high frequency, will improve the maritime communications of the Indian Navy's warships in the region.

The 2.5-tonne dedicated satellite will enable the navy to acquire blue water capabilities. The navy now need not depend on foreign satellites like Inmarsat, which has been providing communication services to its warships 
"The spacecraft is positioned at its designated orbital slot of 74 degrees east longitude in the geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above earth and in-orbit testing of the transponders is in progress," the statement added. 
The Rs.185-crore satellite was launched Aug 30 onboard the Ariane-5 heavy rocket of the European Space Agency (Arianespace) from Kourou in French Guiana off the Pacific coast, which cost the Indian government Rs.440 crore.

Controversy over nuclear liability law ahead of PM’s US visit

New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister's visit to the US, a controversy has broken out over the nuclear liability law with reports suggesting that an agreement will be signed which may not be in tune with the law. The Cabinet Committee on Security will consider a proposal to sign an agreement between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the US-based operator Westinghouse Electric Company.

The US sees the Civil Liability for Nuclear Disaster Act as hurdle in selling nuclear reactors to India. The law allows NPCIL to seek partial compensation from suppliers if their reactors are involved in a nuclear accident. 
But in an opinion to the Department of Atomic Energy, Attorney General G E Vahanvati is learnt to have stated that it is upto the nuclear plant operator to invoke section 17 of the Act regarding liability of suppliers in case of a mishap. The opinion will help New Delhi sign the contract.

But the government sought to downplay the controversy saying that there will be no dilution on the issue and the interest of India will be protected. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said while India needs energy, it will get it at its "own terms and conditions." He said the two sides have their own points of view, the discussions should result in a "win-win" situation for both the sides. Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy said the government will go by the law passed by Parliament.

"As far as nuclear liability is concerned, whatever the law laid down in our country, law passed by Parliament will prevail. "The opinion given by the Attorney General is there but the opinion of the Attorney General is not going to be implemented for the simple reason that the Indian law will prevail for everything," he said. The Prime Minister will have a discussion with authorities there within the framework of the nuclear liability law only, he said

Controversy over nuclear liability law ahead of PM’s US visit

New Delhi: Ahead of Prime Minister's visit to the US, a controversy has broken out over the nuclear liability law with reports suggesting that an agreement will be signed which may not be in tune with the law. The Cabinet Committee on Security will consider a proposal to sign an agreement between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the US-based operator Westinghouse Electric Company.

The US sees the Civil Liability for Nuclear Disaster Act as hurdle in selling nuclear reactors to India. The law allows NPCIL to seek partial compensation from suppliers if their reactors are involved in a nuclear accident. 
But in an opinion to the Department of Atomic Energy, Attorney General G E Vahanvati is learnt to have stated that it is upto the nuclear plant operator to invoke section 17 of the Act regarding liability of suppliers in case of a mishap. The opinion will help New Delhi sign the contract.

But the government sought to downplay the controversy saying that there will be no dilution on the issue and the interest of India will be protected. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said while India needs energy, it will get it at its "own terms and conditions." He said the two sides have their own points of view, the discussions should result in a "win-win" situation for both the sides. Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy said the government will go by the law passed by Parliament.

"As far as nuclear liability is concerned, whatever the law laid down in our country, law passed by Parliament will prevail. "The opinion given by the Attorney General is there but the opinion of the Attorney General is not going to be implemented for the simple reason that the Indian law will prevail for everything," he said. The Prime Minister will have a discussion with authorities there within the framework of the nuclear liability law only, he said