India News

Amritsar: The Sikh Diaspora on Sunday raised a hue and cry over the alleged sale of land attached to Sikh Shrines in Pakistan.

According to reports, the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board (PETPB) has reportedly sold around 850 canals worth multi-million rupees on a nominal price, which includes a piece of land of nearly 311 canals belonging to Mota Singh near the posh locality of Defense Colony in Lahore and second piece of land of nearly 500 canals belonging to Samadh Bhai Mann Singh and Gurdwar Deh in Lahore.

Sikhs living in Pakistan has strongly registered their protest against the sale of Sikh land by PETPB.

Recently PETPB had also sold land belong to Gurdwara Chuna Mandi and Gurdwara Babe Nanki, but they had to withdraw the deal after strong protest by the international Sikh diaspora.

Darshan Singh from Pashawer said that even they had go to the court to get justice for the land in Chuna mandi, which was sold illegal and it was only after the intervention of the court that PETPB withdrew the deal.

Dr. Pritpal Singh, convener of American Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC), told ANI from California, that they have taken serious note of the deals and added that they have taken the matter of earlier deals with the PETPB chairman Asif Hashmi.

He also said that Hashmi, has even assured them that no further deal would be done without consulting the Sikhs living in Pakistan.

Pritpal Singh further said if the PETPB does not cancel the deal, they might go to the Supreme Court to get back the land belonging to the Sikh Shrines.

Meanwhile, Joginder Singh, Secretary of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (SGPC), said that it was a matter of shame for the Government of Pakistan, as their department has been leasing out the land belonging to Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

He also appealed to the Sikh diaspora to collectively register their protest against the PETPB and stand with Pakistan Sikh Gurdawra Parbhandhak Committee.

In Pakistan, there are nearly 172 enlisted historical Sikh shrines where as Pakistan Government allows international Sikh pilgrims to visit only six of them.

Joginder Singh said that it could be one of the reasons that PETPB has been selling many of the land of the other Sikh Shrines.

Source ANI

Bangalore: South African domestic cricket team, Cape Cobras, arrived in Bangalore on Sunday to take part in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament, which begins on October 8.

Cape Cobras, is one of the 12 teams which will fight for the trophy with domestic twenty20 teams from India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and West Indies.

Addressing the media Cape Cobras captain Andrew Puttin expressed their eagerness to take on the teams for the tournament, and said that his players would have to acclimatise to the situations quickly.

“Not all of us have played in India, so we have to adapt to the condition quickly. But, we have got players who have played at the international stage, so that could be an advantage as well,” Puttin said.

While, all-rounder J. P Duminy highlighted that the team has a good mix of experienced and young players, which would help them to perform well in the tournament.

“I think we have got a good balance at the moment. Now, its just about us putting the performance where it counts,” Duminy said.

The Cobras have only five days before they start their campaign against hosts and IPL runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Co-Chairman of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) Gareth Evans on Sunday urged the global partners to work in order to make the world a safer place to live by disarming nuclear weapons.

Evans said this while addressing the media after the two-day regional summit of ICNND, which was convened with the support and assistance of the Delhi Policy Group (DPG) in the national capital. The summit looked forward to a successful review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in May 2010.

“It is the responsibility of the every country in every region of the world to contribute in making world a safer place to live,” Evans said.

Evans further said that the contribution of India, Pakistan and Israel, who were out of the NPT, had a vital role to play in the global efforts to stream proliferations.

“It is extremely important, if both India and Pakistan indicate at least on signing NPT and if the US and China were to ratify, particularly the test ban treaty and then other countries would follow suite,” Evans said.

“Let get on with the business and get into values and let’s get both India and Pakistan signed for NPT,” he added.

The regional meeting also discussed the NPT pursuing nuclear disarmament preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, and facilitating the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear technology to meet growing regional energy demand.

Another co-chairperson of the ICNND Yoriko Kawaguchi said: There is an increased concern that the terrorists or non state actors might get hold of this nuclear-materials and use them in the form of bombs.”

“The peaceful use of nuclear materials have to be looked into regional elements, regional needs and regional background which gives us variety of reasons for thinking on the lines of our solutions,” Kawaguchi said.

Regional security dynamics were also analysed along with the scope for confidence building measures. But, the meeting differed on whether regional nuclear arsenals could be contained in the absence of progress in resolving regional tensions.

Source ANI

Karnal (Haryana): Congress party President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday praised the Bhupinder Singh Hooda- led Haryana Government for efficiently working for the development of the state.

Gandhi said this while addressing a public rally in Haryana’s  Karnal district ahead of the state assembly elections.

Gandhi also highlighted that Hooda has won laurels for the Congress party, and said: “Now the farmers are getting adequate returns for their yields which has never happened earlier. Lakhs of farmers have benefited from the loan waver policy initiated by the party under the leadership of Hooda.”

“Looking at the problems faced by the farmers, Hooda has provided them with many facilities. Today if the farmers problems are reduced and the youth can see their future secured, it is because of the policies and programmes introduced by the Congress party in the state,” Sonia Gandhi said.

It was the first rally led by Sonia Gandhi for the Haryana state assembly polls. She is also scheduled to tour the state twice and address more public rallies in the region.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Narayan Rane on Sunday said that his party would benefit from the political squabble between Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirmana Sena (MNS) in Maharashtra.

Highlighting the recent verbal duels between Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS supremo Raj Thackeray, Rane said that the dispute between the two brothers had weakened the prospects of both the parties in the upcoming state polls.

“The Marathi people prefer Congress to Raj or Uddhav Thackeray. What is wrong in that? We are benefiting because of the fight between the two brothers,” Rane said.

The Congress-NCP alliance, which is taking on the opposition coalition of the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, is hoping for a hat-trick in assembly elections scheduled on October 13.

Source ANI

Raigarh (Orissa): Locals in Orissa’s Raigarh district claim that the Government is to blame for the youngsters in the area turning to Maoism.

They allege that the Government''s apathy to the condition of the people, forces them to take to Maoism, as they are devoid of basic facilities, which leaves them with no other option.

“The school building behind me has never been opened. It is always locked and there is no teacher. We have never seen the teacher. As the Government facilities are not reaching us, people are lured towards Naxalism,” said Ghai Handaraka, a local.

They also claim that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram have called the Maoists the greatest threat to the country, but the significant fact is that they have failed to not eliminate the threat.

However, the Revenue Minister of Raigarh, S. N Patro, denies the claim made by locals and said that young people from the district joined the Maoist.

“Nobody from this area has joined Naxalites. It is only in Andhra Pradesh''s neighbouring Vijaynagar district that there was rampant Naxalite activities for the 30-40 years,” Patro said.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Air India on Sunday de-rostered two pilots and crew members over allegations that they threw punches and hurled abuses at each other mid-air on AI flight IC 884 from Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) to New Delhi after a female attendant accused the pilots of molesting her.

The incident took place, when the flight carrying 106 passengers and seven crew on board, was 30,000 feet above sea level over Pakistan on Saturday.
 
“Taking a serious view of the incident, the management has de-rostered the pilots and two crew members. Further course of action will be decided based on the enquiry report,” an Air India spokesperson said

According to reports, at one point the situation went so out of control that the cockpit of the airline was even left unmanned, and one of the pilots threatened to divert the plane to Karachi.

Meanwhile, Captain Ranbir Arora, has played down the entire incident and said that there was never any risk to passengers and added that the ongoing inquiry will reveal the details soon, a Times Now report said on Sunday evening.

A female attendant and a co-pilot have suffered bruises in the incident.

The cabin crew lobby claims that the pilots harassed the female attendant, while on the other hand, the pilots accuse a male attendant of misconduct, which seriously compromised flight safety.

The female attendant has also filed a molestation complaint against them with the police.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit flagged off 160 low-floor buses, including 30 air conditioned ones, here on Sunday.

With these, the total number of low-floor buses plying on the roads of the capital has gone up to 763.

Decorated with flowers, the buses were lined up near India Gate where Sheila Dikshit flagged them off and took a ride in one of the cherry red coloured air-conditioned buses.

"You can see these 160 buses, red coloured air conditioned buses and green coloured low floor buses. These buses have a lot of good features.

“Earlier, we used to find people hanging out of buses but now because of these buses , you won''t be able to see that. We also plan to come up with 4000 to 5000 buses before Commonwealth Games," she said.

The commissioning of low-floor buses by March 2010, much before the Commonwealth Games is seen as a big achievement of the government.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be India''s first major international sports event after the 1982 Asian Games.

New Delhi hosted the inaugural Asian Games in 1951 and again in 1982.

Source ANI

Bangalore: Former Indian captain Anil Kumble on Sunday said that absence of key players in the Indian team cost them a major tournament like Champions Trophy.

Talking to media persons at a promotional event here, Kumble said that inspite of keeping bench players around, India lacked key players who were not fit enough to play Champions Trophy, in South Africa.

"India was a bit unfortunate with injuries that we have had in the last couple of months. Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag were not a part of the Champions Trophy. But then injury to Yuvraj Singh didn''t help either. So when you have a major tournament you want your key players to be 100 percent. But just because you have bench strength you need not rotate you players. Every game is important and every tournament is equally important," he said.

India had lost explosive opener Virender Sehwag and pace bowler Zaheer Khan to injury before the ICC Champions trophy began on September 23.

Yuvraj Singh, the aggressive left-hander, also suffered the injury during a fielding session in Johannesburg ruling him out of the tournament as well.

Kumble, who will lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in the Champions League commencing on October 8, is aiming at gaining some match-practice ahead of the key tournament.

"We have been working hand and have grouped well," he said.

The October 8-23 event involves 12 teams, three from hosts India, two each from Australia, England and South Africa and one each from New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

Source ANI

Karnal: Congress President Sonia Gandhi urged the Haryana voters here on Sunday to vote for stability and development of the state.

Addressing a rally here, Sonia Gandhi said the UPA Government at the Centre has initiated the programme to wave off the loans of farmers and promised many such measures by the State Government also if voted back to power.

The 90 member Haryana Assembly will go to polls on October 13 along with Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh.

She also asserted that Congress party would make all efforts to mitigate the plight of farmers.

Sonia Gandhi also promised a separate women''s university would be setup in the state if voted back to power.

State Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and Union Minister of State for PMO, Prithviraj Chavan accompanied Sonia Gandhi during the rally.

Source ANI

Gorakhpur: Acute encephalitis that causes inflammation of the brain, is on a rise, which has so far claimed 331 lives in Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh has been in the grip of the deadly disease for the last two decades. The disease is almost endemic to the region.

Many children have been admitted to the B R D Medical College.

The relatives of the patients are complaining of lack of doctors and medicines in the hospital.

Bhupendra Singh said that the doctors are not providing treatment to the patient since three days.

"The condition of this hospital is very bad as there are three to four patients on one bed. There are no doctors to look after the patients. We have to buy medicines from the markets, as there are no medicines available in the hospital. Everyday, around five to six infants die in this hospital. The relatives are feeling helpless," said Singh.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rakesh Saxena, Principal of the B R D Medical College, said they are trying their level best to administer proper treatment to the patients.

"The news of patients buying medicines from outside the hospital is absolutely incorrect.
Our medical is well equipped with medicines and the Encephalitis patients are being treated with those medicines only. Further, I agree that there are two patients on one bed but saying that there are five to six patients on one bed is totally false," said Dr. Saxena.

He added that the patients are being shifted to the new wards where they will be given individual beds.

This disease is almost endemic to the region and immediate measures are required to restrain the spread of the infection any further.

Encephalitis is commonly known as brain fever, Japanese encephalitis virus causes the disease, the virus is transmitted to humans by Culicine mosquitoes.

Source ANI

Vadakara (Kozhikode): A North Korean ship, Hyang Ro, has been detained by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard off the coast of Kerala at Vadakara in Kozhikode district.

According to a Navy spokesperson, a North Korean ship was detained after it anchored in Indian waters without mandatory clearance from authorities. It cited an internal leak in its tanks for the action.

The vessel, owned by the Sinhung Shipping of North Korea, anchored in Indian waters on October 2. It was proceeding to Port Bin Qasim in Pakistan from Colombo.

The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, police, intelligence agencies and port authorities are examining the ship, which is approximately of 9,000 tons, a spokesperson added.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Air Officer-in- Charge Maintenance, Air Marshal K M Ram Sundara flagged-off the Indian Air Force  (IAF) Team for the Raid De Himalaya-2009 here on Sunday.

Head of IAF’s adventure activities, Air Marshal N Verma was also present during the flagging off ceremony.

The IAF team will participate in the Raid De Himalaya-2009 that starts from Shimla on Tuesday.

The IAF is fielding three Maruti Gypsies in the extreme and adventure trial category.

The team led by Wing Commander M. K. Abrol is consisting Flight Lieutenant A Kapur, Squadron Leader Ashish Kumar, Squadron Leader Manish Choudhry, Junior Warrant Officer AK Singh and Corporal RP Ralliya.

Wing Commander Abrol has earlier participated in Himalayan Car Rally, Great Desert Strom and Charminar Car Rally. He along with Flight Lieutenant Kapur is competing in the Extreme Category.

Earlier, in 2006, the IAF team had won the Raid -de- Himalaya.

Over 100 cars and 30 two wheelers put the endurance of man and machine to a test during eight days of the Raid-de-Himalaya competition.

The Federation Motor Sport Club of India organizes the event,

The rally will pass through some of the treacherous, highest and beautiful tracks of Himalayas before culminating in Srinagar on October 13.

Source ANI

New Delhi: According to a report of the National Commission for Women, (NCW) at least half of the 612 districts in the country are affected by trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation.

The NCW report says that in 378 districts, there are 1,794 identified places of origin from where females are trafficked and 1,016 areas where commercial sexual activities take place.

The NCW says that the promise of a job is the biggest way of deception and accounts for over 50 per cent of trafficking cases.

The states in southern and eastern India ae the most vulnerable as far as trafficking is concerned, say the report.

The report also found out that almost all the districts in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal are affected by this problem.

Tamil Nadu with 93.33 per cent of its districts are affected, is leading the tally of the states affected by human trafficking followed by Orissa with 86.66 per cent and Bihar 86.48 per cent.

The report further added that 2.4 per cent of the total female population in age group of 15-35 years in the country are affected by commercial sexual exploitation.

According to the report there are over 28 lakh commercial sex workers in the country. And over 43 percent women enter to this flesh trade in their minor ages.

The report expressed concern over the entry of minors in flesh trade from the regions where incidence of poverty and hunger are comparatively high

Reasons like violence against women, high rate of unemployment and lack of options contribute to the vulnerability of trafficking of adults, the report says.

The report says that gender discrimination and gender specific violence and crimes perpetuate the vulnerability of women and children and act as one of the reasons behind trafficking.

The report also says that more than 22 per cent women are trafficked and forced into flesh trade by family members.

Around 8 per cent women are trafficked by husbands or in-laws and friends or neighbours lure 18 per cent. More than 51 per cent women in commercial sex were trafficked either by family members or in-laws, the report says.

The report reveals that about 22 per cent of traffickers are not prosecuted due to their political backing.

Source ANI

Adampur (Punjab): To beef up air defence capabilities and react in quickest possible time along the international border with Pakistan, the Indian Air Force has decided to station all its MiG 29 squadrons at Adampur, the second largest Air Force base in the country.

The Adampur Air Force station, which is also known as home of MiG 29s, already has two frontline fighter squadrons and will see another squadron moving from Jamnagar in Gujarat soon.

“We consider ourselves to be a strategic air power establishment of the IAF in the western sector, ever ready for operations. We are fully geared up to operate in any given time frame like any other Air Force stations of the country,” said Air Commodore HS Arora, Air Officer Commanding of the Adampur air base.

To extend the service life of MiG 29 by 25 to 40 years, the RAC MiG aircraft corporation signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence to upgrade over 60 fighters in service with the IAF since the 1980s.

“We are looking forward to induct upgraded Mig 29s which will happen sometime next year. The Ministry of Defence and Air headquarters is monitoring it,” Air Commodore Arora said.

He said six MiG-29 fighters are being upgraded and flight-tested in Russia and the remaining aircraft will be overhauled in India with the aid of Russian experts, and added that IAF pilots and technicians are already undergoing training there.

“The upgraded MiG 29 fighters will have better radar systems and avionics to help fighters, a new weapon control system, modernised RD-33 engines, which would increase the aircraft hitting capability from long ranges,” Air Commodore Arora added.

The first batch of upgraded fighters will arrive in the second half of 2010 and Russia will complete the upgradation of 60 MiG-29 fighters by 2013.

The Indian Air Force, which turns 77 this year, in order to become a strategic force in the world, has been going under modernisation in a big way.

The IAF this year inducted one Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and two more will come on line in 2010 to strengthen the Air Force’s capability to see beyond enemy lines.

In addition, the IAF is acquiring three midair refuelers, six C-130 transport aircraft, 80 medium-lift helicopters, Spyder air defense systems, medium power radars and low-level transportable radar.

The IAF is also upgrading six airstrips in Arunachal Pradesh to rapidly deploy troops and jointly developing with Russia fifth generation fighter aircrafts.

Source ANI

Surat: Five people of a family were pulled out alive from the debris of an old three-story house that collapsed here on Saturday night.

All the Bohra family members were in the building when the house collapsed but were extracted out of it with minor injuries.

"We were having our dinner at that time. My entire family was there. We had realised that the building was going to collapse. Fortunately, we were sitting by the side of our bed. That''s why we were saved as the falling roof beams did not hit," said H K Bohra, a rescued man.

Rescue personnel reached the site on time after neighbours of the Bohras sounded an alert and called them.

The rescue team had to struggle to reach the trapped people through debris. They said they had to move debris carefully as there was a danger of hurting the people trapped under the debris.

The rescue personnel used a crane and a ladder for the evacuation of the trapped people.

" Since it''s an old building there wooden planks lying. If we moved the planks, there was a danger that more debris would fall. That''s why, we carefully removed the debris and extracted out people alive," said MJ Gamit, rescue official.

The injured were rushed to a hospital.

The incident took place at Jhapa Bazaar. In this area, houses are very old and adjacent to each other and narrow alleyway makes it difficult for rescue personnel to reach the incident site and carry out any operation.

Source ANI

Air Marshal LK Malhotra took over as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters here on Sunday.

Air Marshal Malhotra is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his exemplary leadership, dedication and distinguished service to the IAF.

Commissioned in fighter stream in 1973 Air Marshal Malhotra has nearly 4000 hours flying experience on a variety of fighter aircrafts.

Air Marshal Malhotra is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, a qualified flying instructor, an Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and has undergone the Higher Command Course at College of Combat, Mhow.

He has held several important field and staff appointments, which include Commanding Officer of a Fighter Squadron, Chief Operations Officer of a Fighter Base, Directing Staff of College of Air Warfare, Command of a Tactical Unit in Eastern Air Command, and important staff appointments in the Department of Personnel (Officers) at Air Headquarters.

He has commanded the premier Air Force Fighter Station, Ambala, and has held the coveted appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Officers). He has also been appointed as the Commodore Commandant of the 14 Squadron, which is also known as The Bulls.

Prior to assuming the present appointment, Air Marshal Malhotra served as Senior Officer in charge Administration.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra took time out of her film shoot to meet slum children, who are going to compete with their rich counterparts on a TV show in Mumbai.

On the TV show, ''Big Switch'', slum and rich children will take part in a contest.
Priyanka said she found the concept of the show unique and that made her to visit these children.

"I have come to the show because I found the concept of the show interesting. Two different worlds are integrating to fulfil their dreams," she said.

Ahead of the show, Priyanka met the children and spent some time with them to boost their morale.

To children''s surprise, she accompanied them to a makeshift stage and danced with them. She also went on a ride with them.

Source ANI

Nagpur: Pet animals walked down the ramp with élan along with their masters at a special fashion show here.

The show was organised by the Indian Society for Animal Welfare.

The show was a celebration of pets and their owners all coming together on the ramp with a motive to show concern towards the animals.

Rakesh, a contestant, who walked with his calf dressed as a Lord Narayan, said that he wanted to convey the message that cows have a major significance in the Indian tradition and hence they should not be slaughtered.

"A cow has major significance in our Indian tradition as they provide us with milk which is of a great use. Further, the government should take action against the cow slaughtering which is illegal," said Rakesh

According to Pramod Kanetkar, an organiser of the show, the animals were more cooperative than the humans.

"We have been organising this event from the last five years. The main motive behind the event is to celebrate the contribution of animals in our lives. One can make out the love of the owner for the pet and vice-versa. The pets have cooperated more that the humans to make this event successful," said Kanetkar.

He added that the humans should show some kindness and sympathy towards the animals.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has unveiled the music album of a forthcoming film ''Jail'' here.

"I feel that the film would be very interesting especially Madhur Bhandarkar''s way of narrating a story, that it is hard-hitting with emotions," said Priyanka Chopra.

The National award-winning director Madhur Bhandarkar and the whole star cast of the film was present on the ocassion.

Bhandarkar claimed that his upcoming film on life inside the prisons would definitely receive appreciation by the film lovers.

"It was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed making this film. I am sure people who have always been liking Madhur''s film from Chandni Bar to Fashion, Page 3, Corporate and Traffic Signal, they will definitely like this movie also," said Bhandarkar.

Eternal singer Lata Mangeshkar has lent her voice for a prayer song in the film.

Music directors Sharib-Toshi and Shamir Tondon have given a breath of fresh air to the film''s music.

''Jail'' revolves around a guy played by actor Neil Nitin Mukesh. How he messes up with the law and how he ends up in prison and after that what happens to him during his trial and legal battle with law.

The film has been inspired from the famous hit-and-run case that happened in New Delhi. Sanjeev Nanda was the guy convicted for killing six people including three policemen while driving his BMW in 1999.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, who was released from Mumbai''s Arthur Road jail yesterday, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday.

According to reports, Shiney arrived here along with his family.

Shiney was in judicial custody for over three months after he was arrested on charges of allegedly raping his 20-year-old domestic maid. He was granted bail on a surety amount of Rs 50,000 by the Bombay High Court on Thursday.  

The Court has directed him to stay out of Mumbai. He was also told to submit his passport to the police in order to ensure that he doesn''t leave the country without permission.

The actor will also have to report to a police station every week.

Shiney has been charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 376 with rape, along with wrongful restraint and intimidation.

He was arrested on June 15 after preliminary medical tests on the girl confirmed sexual assault.

Mumbai police also claims that the actor had admitted to making a mistake by having consensual sex with the maid who has levelled allegations of rape against him.

Source ANI

Bangalore / Hyderabad : Incessant rains and the flood fury have wrecked havoc in four states of Southern and Western India.

Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have been the worst hit, with over 180 people killed in the last three days. In Maharashtra 10 people have died and rains have hit rail and air service in Goa.

Army rescue team has evacuated over 3,00,000 from the affected areas.  The State Governments have distributed over 4, 00,000 food and water packets. Over 250 doctors have been pressed into service to aid relief and rescue operations.

The Centre has assured assistance in search and rescue operations.

In Karnataka, thousands of people in the northern part of the state continues to battle for survival for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday, as the rescue work was hampered by swirling waters and destruction of roads and other means of communication.

The State Government, has estimated the losses at over Rs10, 000 crore, and sought urgent Central assistance.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Air Force helicopters airlifted over 20 people in Kurnool and Mahbubnagar districts. The evacuated people have been put into the relief camps on the outskirts of Kurnool.

Meanwhile, the army has intensified search and rescue operations using 13 helicopters and over 100 boats in flood-hit regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Air Force has deployed five Mi-8s and eight Chetaks helicopters in the operations.

In Maharashtra, 10 people have died in Ratnagiri district in Konkan region.

Torrential rains have also affected areas of Kolhapur, Solapur and Satara District.

In the tourist hub of Goa, the rains have hit rail and air services. The Dabolim Airport has been shut down with several flights being diverted due to low visibility in the region.

The army has been called in to rescue residents trapped in their houses in the Canacona region in south Goa.

Source ANI

Chennai: Pattali Makkal Katchi''s founder S Ramadoss has demanded that the Indian Government should take steps to send back Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner Vadivel Krishnamoorthy.

"The Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner here is functioning like Karuna and others there (in Sri Lanka). He is spying over here and so such a Deputy High Commissioner is not necessary in this state. We will protest to send him back," said Ramadoss.

Krishnamoorthy recently said that the camps for displaced Tamils in Lanka were not a zoo to be visited by people from other countries.

The fate of Sri Lanka''s Tamils has often sparked protests in India, including from sympathisers of Tamil separatist militants who were defeated by Lankan military earlier this year.

More than 260,000 Tamils live in camps in Sri Lanka, displaced during the 25-year war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Source ANI

Haryana: Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi will address rallies at Karnal and Sirsa in Haryana today.

The rallies are being held in support of the Congress candidate for Assembly elections in the state, which is scheduled to be held on October 13.
 
On Saturday, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed an election rally at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Assembly elections will be the first major test for the Congress coalition after registering a thumping victory in the General Elections for the Lok Sabha in May.

The single-phased elections will be held for total 438 State Assembly seats-- 288 (Maharashtra), 90 (Haryana), and 60 (Arunachal Pradesh).

The counting will be held on October 22. The election process will complete on October 25.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Union Human Resource Minister Kapil Sibal has said that setting up of a Central Madarsa Board to oversee Muslim education would be made only after a consensus.

After his meeting with Muslim MPs here on Saturday, Sibal said: "There were three kinds of opinions that has emerged during course of discussion. About four-five Member of Parliament suggested that we should not go ahead. An equal number of lawmakers suggested that this was a good proposal and the large majority said that the proposal is in the right direction."

"But we need to be very careful about the provisions. We need to recast many provisions to which I said I am in complete agreement specially the provisions in respect of the constitution of the Madarsa Board," he added.

At least 20 lawmakers from various political parties attended the discussion.

He further said that he gave one-month time to MPs to draw a consensus on how and in what manner the Madarsa Board was to be re-constituted.

"I said, tell me within one month how and in what manner this is to be re-constituted? What procedures the government should adopt so that the entire Muslim community is taken into confidence," he said.

The HRD Ministry has prepared a bill under which the structure of religious education would be brought on a par with the modern education system.

The Ministry also proposed a Central Madrasa Board Bill 2009 under which the structure of Muslim religious education would be brought on a par with the modern education system.

The move to set up a Central Madarsa Board was initiated following the National Commission for Minorities Educations recommendation made in April 2007.

Source ANI