1. Price : Rs.2 Page : 8RNI No. : MAHENG/2011/38665
INDIA'S LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Vol.:3 Issue:08 Monday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
Page .......2
PM inaugrates National Media Centre,
says credibility is media’s currency
Page .......3
Mumbai gang-rape: Press Council panel
begins work
Page .......8
Sonia unveils Delhi food scheme
Inside
INDIA'S LOCAL NEWSPAPER
Mumbai: Hours after the police arrested the
two missing suspects in the gang-rape of a young
photographer in Mumbai, her family issued a
statementthankingthemedia,thepolice,thestaff
at the hospital where she is recovering, and the
public.
"Wehopeandprayforyourcontinuedsupport
andcampaigninthefightforjusticeformydaughter
and women at large in India," the statement said.
"Now that stringent laws are in place, we are
optimistic that your and the government's efforts
will help fast track the matter so that the severest
of punishment is meted out. This will ensure that
eventhemostsick-mindedthinktwicebeforethey
Mumbai gang-rape:
ALL FIVE ACCUSED ARRESTED;
WOMAN'S FAMILY ASKS FOR
'SEVEREST OF PUNISHMENT'
actinsuchaninhumanandinsensitiveway."(Read
fullstatement)
Allfivemenwantedforthegang-rapehavenow
been found.The main accused, SalimAnsari, 27,
had managed to escape to Delhi but was located
there and arrested today. He is being brought to
Mumbai.
Investigatorssayhewastheonewhoinstigated
his four friends to rape the 22-year-old, while her
male colleague was tied with a belt and thrown to
the ground nearby at a deserted textile mill on
Thursdayat6pm.(Bravesurvivorsaysshewants
to work again)
Earliertoday,thepolicearrestedKasimBangali,
21, from a Mumbai suburb. The police says
Bangali, in his late 20s, was "the most depraved"
of the gang and raped the woman twice.
The photojournalist has told the police in a
statement that a broken beer bottle was held over
her head as the men took turns to rape her. Later,
the police said in court today, the gang ordered
thephotographertocleanupthesceneofthecrime
and took two photos of her in a cellphone,
threateningtoreleasethemifshereportedthemto
anyoneTheattackinacitylongconsideredamong
thesafestforwomeninIndiahasprovokedanger
andcomparisonswiththefatalgang-rapeofayoung
studentonmovingbusinDelhiinDecember.
Visit u at www.indialocal9.blogspot.in Email-indialocal9@gmail.com

2. PAGE 2INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
Editorial
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA
chairperson Sonia Gandhi jointly inaugurated the
information and broadcasting ministry's new National
Media Centre on Raisina Road, New Delhi on Saturday.
TheNationalMediaCentrewithmoderninfrastructure
will serve as the communication hub of the government.
The media centre is equipped with state-of-the-art
technology to facilitate enhanced media access to the
government and is likely to house the Press Information
Bureau (PIB).
"This media centre symbolises the
vibrant mood of the existing media
landscape in the country. I am sure it will
fulfill the needs and requirements of our
mediafraternity,manyofwhomarepresent
heretoday,"ManmohanSinghsaidduring
theinauguration.
"A witch hunt is no substitute for investigative
journalism. At the end of day, credibility is media's
currency,"theprimeministersaid,addingthatthespiritof
inquiry should not lead to calumny.
He said that the media was among the principal
beneficiariesofthewaveofeconomicreformsintroduced
inthecountry,andadvancementsliketheinternet,telecom
revolution, low-cost broadcasting and social media were
RAHUL
TULI
Enforcement and awareness help
Beed improve Child Sex Ratio
Two years ago, Beed in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region made
newsnationwideonaccountofheinouscrimeoffemalefoeticide,lead-
ingtoaseriouscrackdownonseveralmedicalpractitioners.According
to 2011 census, Beed recorded a Child Sex Ratio of 796 girls per 1000
boys,muchworsethantheChildSexRatioof894forMaharashtraand
the all India figure of 914. Child Sex Ratio is defined as the number of
femalesper1000malesinthe0-6agegroup.Thisratio,onitsownmay
notbeabletopresentacorrectpictureofsexratioasthereareinstances
ofunderreportingofgirls.Therefore,theSexRatioatBirth,definedas
the number of girls born for every 1000 boys, is considered a more
accurate and a refined indicator. While unplanned pregnancy is gener-
allythereasonbehindabortions,femalefoeticideisafarmoreheinous
crimethantheageoldpracticeofkillingtheunwantedchildafteritwas
born. Selective elimination of the girl child in the womb itself is done
after the determination of child’s gender through the medical means.
Thisisusuallydoneunderfamilypressurefromthehusbandorin-laws
or even women’s parents. Sadly a majority of female foeticide cases
involve an enthusiastic participation of women - both old and young.
Like many societies around the world, India too is patriarchal in
nature.Rightfromtheancientscriptures,onefindsinstancesweremen
areglowinglypraisedasthekeytocontinuefamilylineage.Thisresults
in a fanatic obsession for a male progeny.
Alarmbellsbegantoringwhentherampantpracticeofprenatalsex
selection came to light with the connivance of several reputed medical
practitioners in Beed. The Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic
Techniques (Prevention of Sex Determination)Act, enacted by Parlia-
ment of India in 1994, bans use of sex selection techniques before or
after conception and prevents the misuse of prenatal diagnostic tech-
niqueforsexselectiveabortion.However,duetolaxityinenforcement,
the there was no let up in discrimination against the girl child.
The state government woke up to the challenge and announced a
slew of measures to stop female foeticide and catch its perpetrators.
Teamswereformedtocrackdownonillegalultrasoundcentresindulg-
ing in sex determination tests. Food & Drug Administration kept a
watchonthesaleofdrugsandmedicinesrequiredformedicaltermina-
tion of pregnancy. Action was taken against 12 chemists in Beed dis-
trict who failed to provide satisfactory replies to the show cause no-
tices served upon them.To supplement the enforcement programme, a
massiveawarenessdrivewasinitiatedtodrivehometheimportanceof
girl child. Besides the public service advertisements broadcast over
television and radio, Amir Khan’s TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ also
helped raise the level of awareness about female foeticide. Voluntary
Organizations(NGOs)cameforward to supplement government’s ef-
forts in this girl child mission. In Beed, organizations like ‘Tee Foun-
dation’and ‘Marathwada Lok Vikas Manch’came forward to adopt
talukas, in a bid to improve child sex ratio.TheseVoluntary Organiza-
tions adopted Shirur-Kasar taluka for a comprehensive survey and
provision of necessary support services. “It was a grim scenario
when we began our survey in 2011; Beed had a low sex ratio of 733
and it was even worse in Shirur- Kasar taluka, where child sex ratio
was only 669” says Dr. Bharati Lavekar of the Tee foundation The
Voluntary Organizations conducted house to house surveys and
listed out the reasons for adverse sex ratio. “After studying the mind-
set and the behavioural pattern of villagers, we became convinced
that the situation can not be improved merely by enacting laws or
conducting television sting operations. We needed to get to the root
of the problem and change people’s mindset” adds Dr.Lavekar.While
the government supervised strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act,
holistic health services were made available to pregnant women
through regular health check up, vitamin administration and nutrition
supplement under the National Rural Health Mission, NRHM. Spe-
cialtrainingprogrammeswereheldforASHA(AccreditedSocialHealth
Activist) volunteers and Anganwadi Sevikas for skill upgradation.
Voluntary Organizations played a key role in inter-personalcommuni-
cation, by reaching out to women during their free time. To motivate
people to raise girl child a fixed deposit scheme under the Balika
Suraksha Yojana was introduced. Under this scheme Rs 5000 would
be deposited in the name of every girl child born afterAugust 15, 2011
tobeheldasFixedDepositwithStateBankofHyderabadforatermof
18 years. The lump sum money would be payable to the girl on be-
comingamajor,subjecttoattainingcertainminimumeducationalquali-
fications.
PMinaugratesNationalMediaCentre,
sayscredibilityismedia’scurrency
The centre costing
around Rs. 60 crore is
sprawled over a 1.95
acre plot and can hold
around 300
mediapersons in the
main press conference
auditorium.
inconceivable just two decades ago. The PM further asserted that
media and civil society are an essential part of democracy and
nation building and added that the UPAGovernment has always
fostered a free, pluralistic and independent media.
"Media is a reflection of the entire society at large and the
mediahasenormousreach.Mediaandcivilsocietyareanessential
partofdemocracyandnationbuilding.Advancementslikeinternet,
telecom revolution, low cost broadcasting and social media were
inconceivable two decades ago. I reiterate commitment of UPA
Governmentinfosteringafree,pluralisticandindependentmedia,"
he said. Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that constructive
criticism of the policies of the government
by the media was welcome as it played an
important function of a watchdog.
"Wewelcomethewatchdogroleofthe
media," Sonia Gandhi said, adding that it
hadstrengtheneddemocracy.
ThecentrecostingaroundRs.60croreissprawledovera1.95
acreplotandcanholdaround300mediapersonsinthemainpress
conferenceauditorium.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry had said that the
location, Raisina road will cut distance and travel time between
eventsfordignitariesandthemediapersonnel.TheMinistryadded
thatthisinitiativeaimsatimprovingdisseminationofinformation
aboutgovernmentpoliciesandprogrammes.
Nation remembers Rajguru
on his 105th birth anniversary
The Nation on Friday pays
tribute to Rajguru, one of the greatest
Indian revolutionary of modern India,
on his 105th birth anniversary. The
‘deadly’ trio of Bhagat Singh,
Sukhdev and Rajguru will always be
remembered by the coming
generations for opposing the mighty
British Empire tooth and nail.
Shivaram Hari Rajguru was born
on 24thAugust, 1908 at a time, when
India was facing the staunchest
opposition for its independence by
the British Empire.
RajguruwasacolleagueofBhagat
Singh and Sukhdev. Being a learned
scholar, he was a sharp shooter and
was regarded as the gunman of
Hindustan Socialist Republican
Association (HSRA).
Rajguru was a member of the
Hindustan Socialist Republican
Army, who wanted India to be freed
from the clutches of Britishers by any
means. He believed that ferocity
(extremism) against oppression was
far more effective than the moderate
path. He displayed courage when he
took part in the murder of a British
police officer, JP Saunders, at Lahore
in 1928. The murder was seen as a
revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat
Rai, who succumbed to his injuries
due to excessive police beating.
Fighting till their last breath, all three,
Rajguru, Sukhdev and Bhagat Singh
were convicted of crime and hanged
on 23rd March, 1931.
They were cremated at
Hussainiwalaat on the banks of the
Sutlej river in Ferozepur district of
Punjab. Today on the birth
anniversary of the freedom fighter,
we pay our sincere tribute to Rajguru
who was a born leader. His courage
and spirit will continue to inspire
generations.
Safety audit carried out shows
air travel is safe in India
A safety audit carried out by International aviation experts shows air
travel is safe in India. The audit by the International Civil Aviation
Organisation - ICAO - says, action plans are in place to address safety
concerns. With this, India is all set to be removed from the list of nations
having significant aviation safety concerns.Director General of CivilAviation
Arun Mishra said the auditors have cleared India of all the 'significant
safety concerns' and they have recommended this to their - ICAO
headquarters in Montreal. The formal clearance by the UN-body ICAO is
likely to come within a week or 10 days.

3. PAGE 3INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
" 3rd Indian Stainless Steel House ware Show 2013" was
inaugurated on 23rd August by film star Smt. Hema Malini in
presence of Smt. Jayawantiben Mehta at Bombay Exhibition
Center, Goregaon (E), Mumbai. Seen in the picture, Shri R.L.
Choudhary- Chief Editor of "Steel Market Info" with Smt. Hema
Malini & Smt. Jayawantiben Mehta. Fair with 170 stalls open up
to Sunday, 25th August, 2013. Free Entry to trade visitors. Time:
10 am to 7 pm
State rules out auto fare hike till March
The state has said there will be no fare hike for autos till March
next year. Meanwhile, over 30,000 permits will be issued to autos
plying in the eastern and western suburbs by the month end.
New Permits
ForMumbai
Autos 34,000
Taxis 12,000
ForThaneandNaviMumbai
Autos 20,000
Taxis 2,000
Maharashtra tops in
dengue deaths this year
Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of dengue deaths
this year. Of the national toll of 60, the state accounts for 23 deaths.
State Dengue Cases Deaths
Maharashtra 961 23
Kerala 5,801 19
Karnataka 3,775 11
Tamil Nadu 3,079 0
(Figures up to July 2013)
Mumbai gang-rape: Press
Council panel begins work
Mumbai(AU NEWS
NETWORK): The inquiry
committee appointed by the Press
Council of India to look into the
factsofthegangrapeofa23-year-
old photojournalist here, today
held talks with Home Minister R
R Patil and police commissioner
Satyapal Singh. PCI chairperson
Justice Markandey Katju
appointed Rajeev Sabade to
inquire into the facts of the case,
the version of the Maharashtra
government, journalists and
asked him to submit a report at
the earliest. "Sabade held talks
with Patil and Singh," said a
statement by the Mumbai
Marathi Patrakar Sangh, from
where he is operating.
Any organisation or
individual wishing to submit
information or memorandum to
the panel could do so during
regular office hours, the
statement said. The intern with an
English magazine was gang raped
by five men on Thursday evening
when she and her male colleague
had gone to the deserted Shakti
Mills compound in Lower Parel
on an assignment. The incident
triggered outrage across the
country and was condemned as
despicable and shameful stirring
memories of a similar attack on a
paramedic last December in New
Delhi that led to nationwide
protests. Political parties, media
associations and Bollywood
have joined the common people
in demanding harshest
punishment to the culprits of the
crime in a city which is seen as
safe for women.
Maharashtra Home Minister personally
supervising gang-rape case probe
Mumbai(AU NEWS
NETWORK): Under fire from the
opposition in the wake of gang-
rape of a 23-year-old
photojournalist here,
Maharashtra Home Minister R R
Patil is personally supervising the
probe into the case round the
clock. Patil visited Crime Branch
Unit3nearNMJoshiMargpolice
station in the wee hours today to
review the progress made in the
investigations of this case, a
police official said . Patil's visit to
the police station at 2.30 AM
raised eyebrows and officials
weresurprisedtoreceivehim.The
home minister not only interacted
with the police officials at the
station to get a first hand
impression of the probe, but also
spoke to the two accused who
had been arrested in the case. Patil
asked the duo their names and
where they resided. He also
questioned them about their role
in the incident. According to the
official, Patil appreciated the
efforts of the police in arresting
the two accused and stressed the
need to quickly arrest the
remaining culprits. The Home
Minister has given full freedom
to the police in probing the case
and told them that the
government needs quick results,
the official said. The
photojournalist, who worked as
an intern with an English
magazine, was gang-raped by five
men on Thursday evening when
she had gone to the deserted
Shakti Mills compound in Lower
Parel with a male colleague on
assignment.
Senior photojournalist
Gajanan Ghurye
commits suicide
Mumbai(AU NEWS
NETWORK): Apparently upset
over his nagging health problems,
a senior freelance photojournalist
allegedly committed suicide at his
residence in Central Mumbai,
police said.Gajanan Ghurye (58),
was found hanging from a ceiling
fan by his family members at his
third floor house in 'Sai Charan'
apartmentsinDadar'sShivajiPark,
said Deputy Police Commissioner
D Kulkarni. The political
photographer was ill for quite
some time and this could be the
reason behind the extreme step,
the DCP said. A case has been
registeredattheShivajiParkpolice
station and further investigations
are on.
Maha Governor to take up issue
of women safety with Chavan
Mumbai(AU NEWS
NETWORK): Maharashtra
Governor K Sankaranarayanan
todayassuredwomenjournalists
herethathewilltakeuptheissue
of the safety of women in the
statewithChiefMinisterPrithviraj
Chavan. Addressing a group of
women scribes representing the
print and electronic media who
met him at Raj Bhavan, the
Governorsaidhewouldalsotake
up the issue of enhancing the
safety of women in local trains
with the Railway Minister. The
journalistsvoicedtheirconcern
onsafetyofwomeninMumbai
in the backdrop of Thursday's
gangrapeofaphotojournalist,a
Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.
"Wehavestronglawstoprotect
the life and liberty of citizens;
what we need is effective
implementationofthelaws,"the
Governor said. The journalists
narrated to the Governor
instances of harassment
suffered by women while
travellingaloneonstreetsandin
trains.
Mangets9yrsimprisonment
for mugging woman on train
Mumbai(AU NEWS
NETWORK): A sessions court
here on Wednesday convicted a
41-year-old man for assaulting and
robbing a woman on a train, and
sentenced him to nine years'
rigorous imprisonment.According
to the Dadar Railway Police,
Manjusha Marva (40), the victim,
was travelling to Mumbai by
Devnagri Express on January 12,
2012. As the train crossed Dadar
terminus, Mohammed Sheikh, the
accused, got into the ladies coach
nearParelstationinthecity.Seeing
Marva alone in the coach, he tried
to strangle her with her dupatta
and assaulted her. Later, Sheikh
snatched the woman's mobile
phone before jumping off the
running train.
"The key to cracking the case
was the IMEI number of the
mobile. We traced the number and
the accused was immediately
apprehended," said a Dadar
railway police official. The
prosecution relied on witnesses
from the mobile company to
prove the case. Further, Marva
herself identified the accused in
the court. Accepting the
prosecution's case, the court
convicted Sheikh and sentenced
him to nine years' imprisonment.
So far, we have not got any information on the 26:22 seat sharing
formula (as claimed by the NCP) from Delhi.
Manikrao Thakre, state Congress chief, on the 2014 Lok Sabha
poll strategy.
88% sitting time lost,
LS session may be
extended
NewDelhi:TheLokSabhawas
productive for barely 12% of its
available sitting time over the first
ten days of the 16 day monsoon
session, losing the remaining 88%
time to adjournments. Disturbed
over the House clocking just 7.42
hours of actual sittings till August
22, the government is now
considering extension of the
monsoon session. According to
data compiled by PRS Legislative
Research, the Lok Sabha spent just
38 minutes on legislation and 50
minutes on question hour during
its 10 sittings till August 22. Out of
the seven bills introduced, not a
single bill has been passed.

4. PAGE 4INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
Deepika, Kangana,
Chitrangda audition for next
Fast & Furious instalment
Madras CafeStraight up, Madras
Cafe couldn't be more dif-
ferent to director Shoojit
Sircar'sVickyDonor.Politi-
cal, tense, finally explosive,
Madras Cafe is no picnic in
the neighborhood park.
Major Vikram Singh
(Abraham) lands in Sri
Lanka, heading RAW's co-
vert operations. He must
work with colleague Bala to
get Anna Bhaskaran
(Rathnam),headoftherebel
LTF group - "Also known
as Tigers" - to accept a
peaceful resolution.Vikram
knowsAnna will be a huge
challenge - what surprises
him is how many others he
must face. Madras Cafe
dives boldly into terrain
Bollywood hasn't touched
before. Its arsenal features
research, respect and
bravely, no songs. But it's
not arty or preachy any-
where. Its first half is lay-
ered, complex trails - leaks,
foreign interests, domestic
rivals - slowly revealed to
Vikram. As RAW boss
Robin Dutt (Basu) ups the
pressure, Vikram must
move fast through sultry,
dangerous airs. His foreign
journalist friend Jaya
(Fakhri, apparently playing
real-life journalist Anita
Pratap, who first inter-
viewed LTTE chief
Prabhakaran) knows this
conflict's heart even better
thanVikram, whose discov-
eries, from Sri Lanka to
South Block, grow trau-
matic. Madras Cafe's true
star is its story which builds
up to an agonizing end. It
brings to life the Lankan
war which many viewers
were too young to have
known. It highlights India's
ambiguous role, moving
sensitively, taking no sides,
except those of relation-
ships involving respect -
but no romance - between
Vikram and Jaya, duty, vic-
tory and loss. Its second
halfgrowsmorefraughtand
taut, conspiracies and com-
pulsions becoming clearer.
John stays low-key and
competent as Vikram while
supporting actors, like
agents Bala, SP and Vasu,
stand out. Restrained per-
formances by the LTF sui-
cide bombers are chilling.
The cinematography is
remarkable, shots of huge
naval warships, helicopters
floating across hills, sun-
shine on a deadly sea,
haunting. Commendably,
Sircar never overindulges
in gore, keeping Madras
Cafe a shifting site of men-
tal violence. Madras Cafe
deserves an extra half-star
for guts, going for the gun-
powder - but with a re-
strained hand.
Bollywood stars are in
demandinHollywoodmore
than ever before. Close on
the heels of reports of
Sonam Kapoor auditioning
for Pirates Of The Carib-
bean: Dead Men Tell No
Tales, comes news of
Deepika Padukone,
Kangana Ranaut and
Chitrangda Singh audition-
ing for a role in Fast & Furi-
ous 7. Interestingly, the
brief for scouting talent
was 'someone like Deepika
Padukone', reveals a well-
placed industry source. As
it turns out, the makers of
the franchise were looking
at Bollywood actors for the
role of a science and tech-
nology expert, a significant
character in the pacy
thriller.
"Considering the brief,
Deepika was the first to be
auditioned, before she went
on her holiday," revealed
our informer, adding,
"Kangana and Chitrangda
were also recently screen-
tested for the part. The pro-
ducers wanted to keep their
options open as the movie
has been scheduled to re-
lease next July."
Why should I be uncomfortable facing Kareena: Amrita Rao
Amrita Rao was named after her
grandfather Amrit Rao, who had fought
for our freedom with Netaji Subhash
Chandra Bose. She believes that her first
relationship will be her last, but, so far,
marriage is not on the cards. She is most
attached to her mother, who has always
been with her and she values the fact
that her mother never put any pressure
on her, and, in fact, gave her whatever
she wanted without her asking for it.
While she had walked from Mahim to
Juhu during the Anna movement,
under police protection,
to share her generation's
collective disappoint-
ment with the system,
she feels sad that in
spite of our forefathers
having fought for our
freedom without the help
of the police, we are back
to square one. Ahead of her
upcoming release Satyagraha,
she talks to TOI about her pride
in being self-made, pressures of
being an actress and how she did
not date Shahid Kapoor. Excerpts:
How did you get into films?
While we are originally from
Mangalore, my grandfather
had migrated to Burma from
where he returned to join
the Indian NationalArmy
and settled in Mumbai,
where I was born and
brought up. I was still in school when I
heard about this audition for this fair-
ness cream ad. I got selected and subse-
quently, did a lot of ads and I got no-
ticed by Ramesh Taurani and Ken Ghosh
and Ishq Vishk happened. Since my
childhood, I was that girl who would walk
into a movie hall starry-eyed having this
hunch that I will be there and can do
this though I did not have the guts to
share my feeling with my parents. I truly
believe in destiny. Once, this chocolate
brand actually waited for my exams to
get over to shoot with me. I joined col-
lege, but finally, had to drop out as by
that time I had a lot of work and could
not continue doing both. Initially, I was
thrown out of track mentally and I would
imagine myself sitting and writing exams
and could not fathom that I had to dis-
continue studying. I had trained in
Hindustani classical singing and my
mother thought I could become a play-
back singer, but I always wanted to be-
come an actor. Children who are inclined
to the arts where the income is not guar-
anteed, need more support from their par-
ents. Sometimes, parents lose patience
due to pressures of the outside world.
I got that support and got success
easily and could prove to my par-
ents that there was a demand for
me. But, perhaps, if I tried and
failed, I would have had to
step back. From the age of
15, I haven't taken a single
rupee from my dad, even
though he could afford
the best of luxuries
for me and I pride
myself on that.
Do you feel
stressed due to
competitive pres-
sure?
It's not just
that your films
have to work.
You also have to
look good.
There is an
added stress related to what you are
wearing. While on the one hand, the
media expects us to be down-to-earth,
on the other hand, they do not want us
to repeat our shoes. So actors work
with designers whose stuff they wear
and promote. While there is an influx
of new faces and it is easier today to
get a debut, to sustain your career is a
real challenge. From the beginning, I
always had people approaching me and
I find that to be the more respectable
way. For me, it's extremely difficult to
call people to ask something for my-
self. While it would be great to have a
godfather, it's a great feeling to be self-
made.
Issue on screens for 'Once Upon...' unfounded: Shah Rukh
Superstar Shah Rukh
Khan says the issue over
the allotment of screens for
the release of Ekta
Kapoor's 'Once Upon A
timeInMumbaiDobaara'is
a little unfounded as
'Chennai Express' produc-
ers UTV did make way for
Balaji's request. Ekta's
mother Shobha Kapoor,
who released Akshay
Kumar starrer 'Once
Upon...' a week later on
August 15, had expressed
disappointment with UTV
over the sharing of screens.
ShahRukhsaidthecommit-
ment from the producers
UTVwaswellclarifiedwith
themakersof'OnceUpon...'
and he was not involved in
any discussion. "We had
booked single screen the-
atres for two weeks. A de-
sirecamefromthere(Balaji)
that look we are coming on
August 15 and can you
give us some theatres. I
don't do the business, they
(UTV)saidwewillgiveyou
40 to 50 per cent (screen
space) which we did," Shah
Rukh told in an interview.
"Our film was earlier sup-
posed to release on Thurs-
day, it then got shifted to Fri-
day,aweekmeanssevendays
and everyone has the right to
run their film for seven days.
(AU NEWS NETWORK)

5. PAGE 5INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
Anti superstition Bill : Hanging since 2003
Kalnirnay founder Salgaonkar dead
Jyotibhaskar Jayant Salgaonkar, founded of the popular Kalnirnay
almanac, died in Mumbai on Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 84.
700Airlines from 83 countries polled
The amount of baggage lost at the Mumbai airport has grown 10
fold, a survey by Skyscanner reveals.
12,850 Baggage lost in 2011 at the airport
1,190 Baggage lost in 2006
Unclaimed bags at the airport till May 2012 : 4,840
List of passengers' forgotten belongings
Live parrot
Glass eye
Prosthetic leg
A bag of sand
A clog
Box of dried fish
One shoe
Wedding dress
Bag of diamonds
Wig
Bag of onions
Bag of onions
Toupee
Handcuffs
Double bass
One egg (without packing)
Frog
Falcons
Underwear
Written marriage proposal
UGC asks varsities and colleges to
use digital animals and simulators
Colleges told to take digital leapfrog
Mumbai (AU NEWS NETWORK): In a bid to stop
the killing of animals in higher educational
institutions across India, the University Grants
Commission has asked universities and colleges
to use digital animals and simulators instead of
dissections and experiments on real frogs, guinea
pigs or rats. Universities have been advised to
modify their Zoology and Life Sciences curriculum
accordingly to follow the commission's 2011
guidelines effectively. Such virtual platforms are
widely being used in universities and medical
colleges abroad. Last month, UGC asked all
universities, through a circular, to refer to the
course structure of Bharathidasan University,
Chennai, which has done away with animal killing.
The university uses simulators to teach students.
The commission wants all institutions to follow
Bharatidasan.In2011,UGCcameoutwithaguideline
for "discontinuation of dissection and animal
experimentation". The guideline is still to be followed
in letter and spirit by all universities and colleges
because Zoology and Life science courses have
dissection mandatory. Besides, a large number of
rare and protected animals are killed to prepare
specimen and models for laboratories across India.
Animal dissection should be carried out only if the
animals is not protected under Wildlife (protection)
Act 1972, emphasizes the Bharathidasan University's
course model. It gives details of simulators / software
available for digital dissection of various animals.
The course stresses on the use of chart, slides and
models instead of specimens of animals.
Highlights …
The new law will have 11 articles and 12 schedules.
TheminimumimprisonmentsixmonthsimprisonmentandRs.5000
fine and maximum seven years imprisonment and Rs.50,000 fine if the
person is guilty and found exploiting physically, monetarily and
mentally. The police has to compulsorily register all complaints; they
cannot give any excuse. Crime under this law is cognizable and non-
bailable.
It is a Crime now
Torturing the person, beating him/her, making him drink urine or
dung saying he is influenced by the god/goddesses or spirits. Showing
so called miracles and threatening persons to part with money by
warning of harm. Calling anyone unlucky Sacrificing someone's life to
get the hidden treasure Claiming to be god. When bitten by a dog or
snake, instead of taking the victim to the doctor, if someone takes him/
her to bogus godmen for inhuman treatment like putting hot iron on the
body etc. Promising sex change of a foetus by performing 'miracles'.
Having an illicit relationship with 'barren' women.
Ordinance on black magic issued
Mumbai (AU NEWS NETWORK) :Aday after the killing of
anti superstition activist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, the Maharashtra
government on Wednesday pushed through an ordinance
enacting the anti black magic legislation he had relentlessly
campaigned for.
The state cabinet decided to promulgate the ordinance in the
wake of mounting pressure and protests following the gunning
down of Dr. Dabholkar by two unidentified assailants in Pune.
The ordinance, signed by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan
and sent to the governor for approval, replaces the draft
Maharashtra Prevention and Eradiction of Human Sacrifice and
other Inhuman, Evil nad Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act,
2011, pending before the Assembly since it was last introduced
on August 10, 2011.
The bill prohibits human sacrifice, Aghori practices, black
magic, and illegal practices by quacks. Offenders can be
imprisoned for a maximum of seven years.
The original draft of the bill
was prepared by Dr. Narendra
Dabholkar in the late 1990s. It
came before the cabinet for
discussion for the first time in
2003. It was tabled in the
Assembly inApril 2005, when the
treasury benches itself opposed
it and suggested changes.
Activists who had drafted the bill
had deliberated with more than
100 MLAs and key leaders of the
Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata
party.
The changes After diluting
some of the provisions and a nod
from the cabinet, the bill was
tabled again. The stateAssembly
cleared it on December 16, 2005,
but the Legislative Council
opposed it. It decided to send the
bill to the joint select committee,
which held four meetings and
invited suggestions and
objections from the public. 1.17
lakh responses - 38,887 against
the bill, while 78,869 in favour the
committee received.
The bill lapsed as the
government was dissolved after
theAssembly elections in 2009.
Push for New Bill
With push from activists, the
state Cabinet gave its nod to the
new draft in July 2011, which was
tabled in theAssembly inAugust
that year. No discussion has been
held on it till date.
Contentious issues
Theoriginaldraft,whichcame
before the Cabinet for discussion
for the first time in 2003, was
comparatively 'harsh' in nature.
The act of 'being possessed by a
deity' and chanting of mantras to
treat snake bites were punishable
acts in the draft.
The activists were divided on
these provisions, which were
deleted from the draft before it
was tabled in 2005.
THEOBJECTIONS
Among the 1.17 Lakh
responses received by the
legislaturein2007-08,someraised
objection to the very idea of the
bill and contended that there were
only 17 cases related to
superstitions registered in the five
years prior to 2007, and hence
there was no need for the Act
It was also contended that the
provisions of the bill are against
the constitutional rights of the
people as even the Satyanarayan
puja would be a religious ritual
and punishable under the
proposed Act.
The Warkari community
objected to the provisions of
inclusion of trusts and temple
managements in the ambit of the
bill. They feared the trusts
managing various temples would
be affected due to the provisions.
The government then decided to
delete section 5, which had the
provision. It decided to delete
section 13, which talks about
religious rites and rituals
interpreted as against the
traditional rituals.
The government planned to
replace the existing bill, but failed
to do so because of resistance
from theWarkaris.
8 crusaders killed in state in
past 3 years
Mumbai : The murder of Dr.
Narendra Dabholkar on Tuesday
took to eight the number of
prominent crusaders from various
sectors killed in the state in the
past three years.
Murdered since Jan. 2010
Satish Shetty | Killed in
Jan.2010 in Pune.
Arun Sawant | Killed in
Feb. 2010 in Beed.
Dattatreya Patil | Killed in
May 2010 in Ichalkaranji
Ramdas Ghadegaonkar |
Killed inAug. 2010 in Nanded
Yeshwant Sonawane |
Addl. Collector killed in Jan. 2011
Premnath Jha | Killed in
Feb. 2013 in city Dr. Narendra
Dabholkar | Campagined for state
to pass anti superstition bill; killed
on Tuesday in Pune.
2006 Mumbai train blast accused moves
court for homoeopathy books to study
New Delhi(AU NEWS NETWORK): A prime accused in 2006
Mumbai serial train blasts case has approached the Delhi High
court seeking a direction that he be provided publications on
homoeopathy free of cost in jail for studying as he was too poor to
afford them. The move came after attempts by Ehtesham
Qutubuddin Siddiqui to get the books from Central Council for
Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Delhi by filing an RTI plea
failed with Central Information Commission (CIC) rejecting the
request. The Delhi High Court today directed the Centre and city
government to respond to the plea of Siddiqui, currently lodged in
the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai. Issuing notice to the governments,
Justice VK Jain sought their response by January 31, 2014 on the
plea seeking direction to supply copies of all 45 books published by
CCRH, Delhi. On February 4 this year, Siddiqui had written a letter to
the Delhi High Court Chief Justice claiming his right to study the
medical books after his request was rejected by CCRH and CIC.
J Dey murder accused seeks
extension of bail on health grounds
Mumbai(DEV GAURAV PAWAR): Real Estate developer Vinod
Asrani, alias Vinod Chembur, an accused in the murder of journalist
Jyotirmoy Dey, on Friday moved the Bombay High Court seeking
extention of bail granted to him earlier on medical grounds. His
lawyer Adhik Shirodkar told a bench of Justices PV Hardas and
Reveti Dhere that Asrani had chronic liver and kidney problems
and needed constant medical attention which was not possible in
jail. Hence, Asrani was urging extension of bail given to him in
December last year on the same ground. Hearing the plea, the bench
asked the prosecution to file its say on September 20 and adjourned
the matter until then.The same bench had on Tuesday dismissed
Asrani's plea for discharge while relying upon a confession of a co-
accused which allegedly hinted at the role played by Asrani in the
conspiracy. The High Court, however, after perusing the material
submitted by the prosecution, held that there was prima facie
evidence against Asrani.Shirodkar said the police had in their
possession a recorded telephonic conversation between gangster
Chhota Rajan and his associate wherein the former said thatAsrani
was unnecessarily arrested in the case and that he was not involved.
Asrani is accused of calling Dey to a suburban hotel and identifying
him to members of Chhota Rajan gang who allegedly shot the
journalist dead in suburban Powai on June 11, 2011.

6. PAGE 6INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
It appears that someone against Dabholkar's thoughts killed
him. They are under the wrong impression that his fight will be
finished by killing him.
Sharad Pawar, NCP chief on the murder on Dr. Narendra
Dabholkar
The progressive movement of Maharashtra is now bereft
of a face, with the killing of Dabholkar. Thoughts cannot be
crushed by such cowardly attacks.
Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister
Narendra Dabholkar's murder is a great insult to our society.
Fights based on ideology should be fought through ideology, but
the situation has reached to a point where he was shot dead.
Everyone must now fight for the anti superstition and black
magicbill.
S. Manav, founder of Akhil Bharatiya Andhsraddha
Nirmoolan Samiti
Pune/Mumbai (AU
NEWS NETWORK): For 20
years, Narendra Dabholkar
held his ground in his fight
against inhuman social
practices stemming from
superstitious beliefs over
the years did little to
change that stance. He paid
heavily for that on
Tuesday, when two
unidentified assailants
gunned him down in Pune
for being a voice of reason
in a superstition riddled
society. Even till his last
moments, he was
completely immersed in his
campaign. The 68 year old
Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan declared a reward of Rs.10 lakh to anyone who
provides crucial details of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar's killers. Condemning the
attack on Dr. Dabholkarchief ministerPrithviraj Chavan said, Dabholkar's death
is a blot on the face of the progressive Maharashtra. The state will neverforget Dr.
Dabholkarcontribution against anti superstition movement.We have to keep the
fight continue against unhealthy and heinous prevailing activities in society. That
will be the real tribute to Dr. Dabholkar.
crusader was engaged in
mobilizing public opinion
and pressuring the
Maharashtra government
to pass theAnti Jaadu Tona
Bill to check the spread of
practices related to magic
and superstition, which is
being opposed by certain
sections. The Pune police
have started collecting
CCTV footage of areas near
the assassination site. a
senior police officer said
they have got part of the
registration number MH 12
( ) 7756 without the specific
series. Based on this the
police have zeroed in on 14
motorcycles from the Khed
taluka in Pune district. The
police have also released
the sketch of one of the
suspects. Protests erupted
across Maharashtra as
soon as news of his
assassination spread. In
Mumbai, protests gathered
outside Shivaji Mandir at
Dadar to morun his death.
Nashik, where the anti
superstition movement was
personally guided by
Dabholkar himself, was
plunged into a state of
gloom.
Several dignitaries,
including CM Prithviraj
Chavan and home minister
RR Patil, and loved ones
lined up to pay their last
respects at Shantiniketan in
Satara, where the activist's
remains were kept.
Dabholkar, colleagues
recalled, had been
threatened several times
over the last few months for
opposing Jat Panchayats.
Three years ago, he was
attacked at a public forum
while speaking up against
black magic and blind faith.
TheMurderPlot
Around6.45am,Dr.
Narendra Dabholkar starts
from his flat in Ameya
Apartments in Shaniwar
Peth for his routine walk to
SambhajiPark.
Passes along
Shaniwar Peth police
chowky en route to
Balgandhava bridge. Two
shooters between 25 and
30 years old, one wearing a
white shirt and the other
wearing a grey shirt, follow
him on foot after parking
their bike in front of the
police chowky.
At 7 am, the
shooters fire five rounds at
Dabholkar from close
range.Threebulletshithim;
two in the chest, and one in
the forehead.
The two men
calmly walk back towards
their bike.Aman, who lives
in an apartment near the
police chowky, notes down
the bike's registration
number from his balcony.
There was police
nakabandi, to check chain
snatching, at a distance of
barely 50 meters from the
spot.
Thus spake Dabholkar …
When one follows the
scientific spirit, he should
also be a critic of religion.
The important
question is people getting
exploited because of
superstition. That is more
important than whether
miracles exist or not. The
proposed law will help stop
exploitation of a lot of
people from the villages.
There are 14 cases
against me and damages of
almost Rs.14 crore have
been sought. I take it as part
of my work. I am able to
sleep in peace at night; that
is what is more important.
I don't think its
faith. It's blind faith.And it's
across the world. It ought
to get suppressed. Why did
the Peshwas collapse?
They did all their work
based on Brahmins'
predictions.
If I have to take police
protection in my own
country from my own
people, that there is
something wrong with me.
I am fighting within the
framework of the Indian
Constitution and it is not
against anyone, but for
everyone. Only those who
swindle common people
need to fear this bill. Some
misguiding forces rake up
some issues and the
government hesitates to
approve the bill.
NarendraDabholkar.
About Dr. DabholkarNarendra Dabholkar was born
on November 1, 1945, in Satara,
Maharashtra, His father was a
lawyer. After completing his
schooling, Dabholkar moved to
Sangali to study medicine. He was
a national level kabaddi player and
receivedsevengoldmedals.Hewas
also honoured with the Shiv
Chhatrapati award. Dabholkar
startedhismedicalpracticeinSatara
in 1970. He was actively involved
in social reformation movements
such as one village one well,
renaming of Marathwada
Vidyapeeth. He set up the
Maharashtra Andhshraddha
NirmulanSamiti17yearsago.The
samiti has more than 230 branches
all over Maharashtra. Dabholkar
authored 12 books propagating
social reforms. He also wrote
several articles in various
publications and was editor of
Marathi weekly Sadhana for the
past 13 years. He was famous for
hisoratoryskills,sharpthinkingand
critical analysis. Dabholkar also a
conduceted de-addiction centre in
Satara for 20 years.He is survived
by his wife, a daughter and a son.
TheBill
Maharashtra Prevention and
EradicationofHumanSacrificeand
Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori
PracticesandBlackMagicBill
AIM
The proposed law targets
quacks, tantriks and godmen who
claim powers to conduct surgeries
only with fingers. It targets those
whouse'tantramantra'tocuresnake
and dog bites and serious illnesses.
The government plans to take
upthebillduringthewintersession
of the state legislature.
OFFENCES
The practice, promotion
andpropagationofhumansacrifice
and black magic. To be cognizable
and non bailable. Under the
prtextofexpellingghost,assaulting
bytyingapersonwithropeorchain,
and beating by stick or whip.
Display of so called
miracles by a person and thereby
earning money and to deceive,
defraud and terrorize people.
Doing inhuman, evil and aghori
practicesandblackmagicinsearch
of precious things, bounty and
water resources. Propagating
black magic and other dubious
practices as cures for ailments.
PUNISHMENTS
Imprisonment from six
months to seven years, fine from
Rs.5,000toRs.50,000
IMPLEMENTATION
A team of policemen will
be appointed as vigilance officers
to monitor crimes and report them
to the nearest police station.
Court dismisses PIL against ban on VHP's yatra
The Lucknow bench of
Allahabad High Court on
Saturday dismissed a petition
against the Uttar Pradesh
government's ban on VHP's
proposed Yatra from Ayodhya.
Adivision bench comprising
Justice Laxmi Kant Mahapatra
and Justice Devendra Kumar
Upadhaya dismissed the Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a
local lawyer Mahesh Gupta. The
PILwas filed on Friday, seeking a
direction to the state government
to allow the devotees to
undertake the 84 kosi parikrama
in Ayodhya from Sunday. "Since
the petitioner has not pleaded any
customary right to this parikrama
regarding past several years it is
dismissed," the court said. On
behalf of the state government,
Additional Advocate General
Bulbul Godiyal said, "Such type
of parikrama was never organised
in the past 50 years and as per
Hindu belief it is performed in
"Chaitra" month of the Hindu
calendar which has already
passed away as it was in between
April 25 to May 20". The court
observed, "There is nothing in
the writ petition to show that the
84 kosi parikrama is a religious
custom followed at the place
mentioned and it was stated by
the state counsel that such a
parikrama has never been
undertaken in the last 50 years".
Court further said, "In the
absence of any material showing
that the parikrama proposed to be
undertaken is a part of religious
custom, no such direction can be
issued as no right occurs. The writ
petitionisaccordinglydismissed".
Anti superstition activist shot dead
In Pune 68 year old Dr. Narendra Dabholkar killed while on morning walk
CM declares Rs.10 lakh award

7. PAGE 7INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
TOP
BUSINESS
NEWS
ASHOK DOSHI
The depreciated rupee will be
very damaging for our economy
especially on the inflation, fiscal
deficit and stock market fronts. It
is imperative that RBI intervenes
strongly. Fortunately, the mon-
soon has turned out to be excel-
lent. The agricultural season
should be very good leading to
high growth in agriculture, which
will be beneficial to the rest of the
economy with strong rural de-
mand. I feel, if we act strongly the
GDP growth in the second half of
the current financial year, can be
restored over 7%
-AdiGodrej|Chairman,Godrej
Group
We think that the worst is
over, though there is no sign of
recovery. If RBI is able to stabi-
lize the rupee by issuing NRI or
sovereign bonds and roll back the
July measures before, say, the
advance tax outflows of mid-Sep-
tember, growth could improve to
5.3%in2013-14,from5%lastyear,
on good rains. If tightening per-
sists into the busy October-
March industrial season, growth
will likely slip to 4.8% as banks
will then begin to hike lending
rates
-Indranil Sen Gupta | India
Economist, Bank ofAmerica ML
We are downgrading India
from 'overweight' to 'neutral' …
The main concern is the esti-
mated CAD of 5.1% of GDP and
how this will be financed.Acon-
tinuation in emerging market
bond fund redemptions due to US
Fed tapering is a reasonable as-
sumption.
-Adrian Mowat | JPMorgan
The steep fall in nifty raises
the question whether this is the
time to buy. Valuation and senti-
ment indicators are the key and
some of the sentiment indicators
appear to be reaching oversold
territory, and at some point in the
next few nifty points and a few
days, the market is likely to rally.
However, until the fundamental
construct remains the way it is,
we think this will be a rally to sell,
not buy.
-Ridham Desai | Morgan
Stanley
There are now increasing
signs of adverse effects on India
both through the trade and fi-
nance channel as it continues to
face a hostile external environ-
ment. GDP growth in FY14 does
not look promising. However, In-
dia can well use the occasion to
make a bold pitch for policy ac-
tion…Indiamustturnmoreforce-
fully towards cooperation for
trades, investments and finance
with South East Asian, African
and LatinAmerican countries.
-SoumyaKantiGhosh|Chief
EconomicAdviser, State Bank of
India
The rupee has become over-
sold and at this stage India is
probably gaining significant
competitiveness in the interna-
tional markets.
-JIM Walker, MD and
Founder, Indian economy
Kodak seeks
court approval for
reorganization plan
NewYork ; Kodak is in court
seeking approval for its plan to
emerge from bankruptcy protec-
tion. A
confir-
mation
hearing
is under
way in
N e w
Yorkbe-
fore a
federal bankruptcy judge, days
after Eastman Kotak Co's credi-
tors voted in support of its plan
to reorganize its finances and
operations. The photography
pioneer filed for bankruptcy pro-
tectionin2012tocopewithgrow-
ing debt amid the shift from film
to digital photography.
Concern for falling rupee
Rupee Vs other currencies
Rupee has suffered against most other world currencies since the
start of 2013
While other currencies also depreciated against the dollar, the hit
on rupee was stronger due to a number of factors.
CURRENT RATE IN RS.
Bahrain dinar
UK pound
Euro
Swiss franc
US dollar
Canadian dollar
Australian dollar
Singapore dollar
Malaysian ringgit
UAEdirham
Saudi riyal
Chinese yuan
Hong Kong dollar
Indonesian rupiah
SriLanka
Jan. 1
145.00
88.73
72.29
59.71
54.69
55.13
56.94
44.75
17.88
14.88
14.58
8.77
7.06
0.56
0.43
Aug. 20
168.30
99.03
84.74
68.69
63.23
60.98
57.33
49.54
19.24
17.30
16.95
10.33
8.15
0.59
048
%fall
16.1
11.6
17.2
15.0
15.6
10.6
0.7
10.7
7.6
16.3
16.3
17.8
15.6
5.7
12.2
Source : Bloomberg
L&T bags Rs.1500 cr order from Oman
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. has bagged an order valued at Rs.1,500/-
crore, or $250 million, from Petroleum Development Oman LLC. The
order is for the engineering, procurement and construction of the
Yibal third stage depletion compression project in Oman, and is likely
to be executed over 39 months, the company said. Yibal Nath is a
sweet gas reservoir in Oman and the Yibal third stage facility is being
installed to boost reservoir pressure.
India blacklists two global arms suppliers
New Delhi : The Home Minister has served show cause notices to
two foreign arms vendors following allegations of their bribing offi-
cials and ordered suspension of all transactions with them. TheAmeri-
can subsidiary of Swiss firm M/s. Sig Sauer, known for manufacturing
rifles with sophisticated designs, exceptional accuracy and realibility,
and another Swiss small arms manufacturer M/s. San SwissArmsAG
were served with the notices.
Fortis sells Vietnam hospital for $80m
Fortis Healthcare has completed the sale of its entire 65% stake
in Vietnam based hospital chain Fortis Hoan My Medical Corpora-
tion for $80 million. In June, the healthcare major had entered into
a pact to sell its entire staken in the Vietnamese hospital chain to
Viva Holdings Vietnam. The transaction has been concluded on
August 20, 2013, Fortis Healthcare said. In 2011, Fortis Healthcare
International, its unit, has acquired 65% stake in Hoan My Medi-
cal Corporation for $64 million.
Tatas to Rebrand Nano as Smart Car
Mumbai : Automobile giant Tata Motors plans to position its
small car Nano as a smart city car with advanced features as the
company tries hard to do away with its image of being a cheap
vehicle. We are coming out with a power steering option for Nano.
The new version with better fuel efficiency will target the youth,
said Cyrus Mistry, chairman, Tata Sons, at the company's annual
shareholders' meet on Wednesday. He added the company will
launch a new Ultra range of light commercial vehicles and new me-
dium and heavy trucks in Prima series soon. Tata Motors' capital
expenditure for the current financial year will be higher than Rs.3,000
crore it spend in financial year 2013-14.
RInfraplanstoinvestRs.3,000crinpower
Reliance Infrastructure plans to spend around Rs.3,000 crore by
March 2016 on power generation, transmission, and strengthening
distribution network in Mumbai, sources said. The company has ear-
marked Rs.1,406 crore for its distribution business. Reliance Infra-
structure is planning to set up sub stations around Mumbai to cater
to growing load. The company will spend Rs.1,113 crore over the next
three years on power transmission and "is looking at tying up loans
to fund its capital expenditure plan for the transmission expansion", a
source said.
IRDAslaps Rs.3.1 cr fine on BajajAllianz Life
New Delhi : Insurance regulator Irda has imposed a hefty pen-
alty of Rs.3.10 crore on BajajAllianz Life Insurance for violation of
various norms, including those related to early death claims and
group insurance.
Rs. Sinks...why ?
The rupee continued its slide on Wednesday,
touching a fresh low of Rs.65.54 to a dollar before
closing at 64.11. A Deutsche Bank note said the ru-
pee could reach 70/$ within a month but some re-
bound is possible later in the year.
Why is the rupee sliding?
Domestic Factors
Widening current account
deficit means demand for dol-
lars higher than supplies.
Policy paralysis and slowing
economic growth had already
made foreign investors jittery
about India. Political un-
certainty ahead of 2014 polls added to fears
RBI curbs on dollar outflows seem to have backfired.
Investors see it as possible precursor to capital con-
trols, rush to take out dollars while they can
Foreign investors nervous that profits may
get offset by rupee depreciation. Hence they exit
while they can still book a profit or trim losses.
Speculators add to volatility by buying up dollars,
expecting to sell the US currency when it appreci-
ates further.
GlobalFactors
As US economy started
recovering, it prompted inves-
tors who had fled to emerging
markets to re-invest in US assets.
Foreign investors
rattled by US Federal Reserve
Chairman Ben Bernanke's indi-
cating that Fed's bond buying
programme could be tapered off. Ironically,
fears of possible end to US growth stimulus trig-
gered anxiety about impact on global economy, in-
cluding India
Maruti launches
WagonR Stingray
Maruti Suzuki launched a re-
furbished variani of its WagonR
hatchback, called the WagonR
Stingray,pricedatRs.4.10lakhex-
showroom, Delhi). The Stringray
comes in three trims wit the top
model costing Rs.4.67 lakh. The
Stingray is, for now, available
only with a petrol engine, but the
company has plans to launch a
ENG powered variant soon.
Nishi Vasudeva
new HPCL
chairperson
Nishi Vasudeva, 57, has
been selected as CMD of
HPCL, the first woman to
head a state backed
'Navratna' enterprise. She is
currently HPCL's director
marketing. Incumbent Subir
Roy Choudhury retires on
February 28 next year. The
government interviewed
seven shortlisted candidates
before selecting Vasudeva
who had created history in
July 2007 as well when she
became the first woman to
make it to the board of the
cash-rich state owned oil
firm.

8. PAGE 8INDIALOCALMonday, 26thAugust to 1st Sept 2013
If you want to make it BIG in
LIFE start reading
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Activist hits Tunda in court
Lashkar bomb expertAbdul Karim Tunda was assaulted in a Delhi
court complex by an alleged Hindu Sena activist on Tuesday. Even
during the proceedings, a lawyer started shouting slogans against
the LeT man.
Now, you can file RTI petitions online too
New Delhi : Citizens will be able to file RTI applications online
fromWednesday in all central government ministries and departments
in the national capital. Minister of state for personnel, public grievances
and pensions V Narayanasamy will launch the patrol
www.rtionline.gov.in at a function here.
Tension grips Kashmir Pandits
Srinagar : Tension has gripped Hall village of south Kashmir after
some youth allegedly pelted stones on Kashmiri migrant pandits
quarters. Local pandits said some annoyed local youths pelted stones
on their residential quarter here on Monday night. The annoyed youths
were protesting against the local administrations for dismantling the
legally constructed shed when they pelted stones on our quarters,
said a pandit.
India, China discuss border incursions
New Delhi : India and China on Tuesday discussed the recent
spate of incursions and ways to maintain peace and tranquility along
the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the border areas. During the 5th
round of India-China Strategic Dialogue, resumed after nearly three
years, the two sides discussed key bilateral, regional and global issues
of mutual interest including ways to reduce trade deficit and trans
border rivers, ministry of external affairs said here.
UP out to lure Muslims, offers 20%
quota in government schemes
Lucknow : In a bold political move aimed at consolidating the
Samajwadi Party's Muslim vote bank, theAkhileshYadav government
on Tuesday announced 20% reservation to minorities in public welfare
schemes. We have fulfilled the promise we made in our election
manifesto, chief ministerAkhileshYadav told reporters after the cabinet
meeting where the decision was taken. We are trying to implement
Sachhar and Rangnath commissions recommendations as far as
possible to give the minorities, especially Muslims, their rightful due,
he said.
Niira Radia Tapes :
Ratan Tata appears in SC
Lawyer pleads for direction to ensure that tapped
conversations are not leaked and misused.
New Delhi : Business tycoon Ratan Tata on Wednesday attended
the Supreme Court proceedings of his petition in which he has claimed
publication of the leaked Niira Radia tapes violated his right to privacy.
He attended the hearing for almost two hours during which his
counsel senior advocate Harish Salve stressed before a bench headed
by Justice GS Singhvi the
issue of right to privacy.
The senior counsel said if
government cannot protect
privacy, it should stop
intercepting of telephonic
conversations.
It was a constitutional
right and there has to be a
balance between this and
public safety and privacy. It was not for the executive but for the
judiciary to decide it, Salve said.
The transcripts on corporate lobbyist Radia's conversation with
several politicians, media persons and business tycoon including Tata
got leaked in 2010, unraveling the 2G scan. Following the expose Tata
had involved the SC criticizing publication of his conversations.
Attired in a grey suit,Tata arrived at 11 am in the packed courtroom
and was seated on the benches meant for lawyers only. Later, Tata
Sons, in a statement, said, Ratan Tata has filed this writ petition on a
matter of principle. He believes privacy is an important right for every
individual.
Sonia unveils Delhi food scheme
NewDelhi:Launchingwhatsheclaimed
was"afoodsecuritysystemwhichisunparalled
intheworld",UPAchairpersonSoniaGandhi
onTuesdayunveiledtheFoodSecurityBillat
Delhi'sTalkatora Stadium in the presence of
chiefministerSheilaDikshitandfoodminister
KVThomas.
ThepartychoseformerprimeministerRajiv
Gandhi'sbirthanniversarytolaunchtheBillin
the Capital, which becomes the first state to
introduceit.WhileunveilingtheBill,theUPA
chiefsaidthatitwasRajivGandhi'scherished
dreamtoensurethatnoonesleptonahungry
stomach.TheUPAgovernmentisfollowingthe
idealsofGandhiandcontinuouslymarching
forwardtobringrevolutionarychangesinthe
lives of the aam admi.We want to make the
poorselfsufficient,saidSonia.Wemadethe
schemesothatnobodyremainshungryinthe
countryandnoone'schildsleepshungry.Giving
foodsecurityinsuchalargescaleisunparalleled
The Scheme
Rs.2 per kg Wheet
Rs.3 per kg Rice
75.5 lakh people to benefit from the scheme
43.89% of Delhi's population to be covered
Food security cards will be issued to people
Homelesses, rag pickers, residents of resettlement colonies
will be eligible for the scheme.
96 lakh - No of ration card holders in Delhi
Rs.1.25 cr The amount to be spent on foodgrains.
intheworld.Twothirdofthenation's125crore
peoplewillbeprovidedfoodgrainsatsubsidized
rates.Over80crorepeopleinthecountrywill
get food grains at cheaper rates, besides 50%
oftheurbanpopulationwillalsobenefitfromit.
weareproudofit,saidSonia.
Thefoodsecurityprogrammeisbilledasthe
biggest in the world with the government
spending estimated at Rs.1,25,000 crore
annuallyonsupplyofabout62milliontonesof
rice, wheat and coarse cereals to 67% of the
population.BesidesDelhi,theschemewillalso
be rolled out in Uttarakhand and Haryana. In
Delhi,thegovernmentwillprovide5kggrain
per person, or 30 kg per family under the
scheme.Thebillwillprovidesecurityto75.5
lakh people of the Capital's 1.68 crore
population. The scheme will be extended not
justtothosewithaBPLcard,butalsotothose
living in slums, to the homeless, and to those
livinginresettlementcolonies.