Times Chennai, E Paper, 30 July 2009

VOL: 3 ISSUE 8

Chennai, July 30, 2009

War with Pak no option, talks the only way: Pranab New Delhi, July 30: Ruling out war as an option, the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday reinforced Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's position that there was no alternative but to keep talking to Pakistan but made it clear that there

parliament that over the last 10 years, governments across the political spectrum in India kept talking to Pakistan despite brief disruptions after terrorist attacks. "We can't erase Pakistan. It's going to exist. War is no solution,"

was no surrender by the government on the issue of combating cross-border terrorism. "Neither have we succumbed to terrorism nor will we stop talking," Mr. Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha during a debate on issues arising from the prime minister's foreign visits, including his trip to Egypt where he met Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. Action on terror was independent of any composite dialogue, he asserted. "The NDA did it. The UPA did it. This is the way the world of diplomacy moves," Mr. Mukherjee said while reminding

Mr. Mukherjee said while underlining the importance of keeping talks going with Pakistan. Mr. Mukherjee, who was foreign minister when the Mumbai attacks took place, clarified that talking did not mean the resumption of a fullfledged dialogue. " K e e p i n g channels open does not mean surrendering our position on terrorism," Mr. Mukherjee stressed, adding that Pakistan must act credibly and

verifiably to dismantle t h e t e r r o r i s t infrastructure operating from it's soil. During his intervention in the debate We d n e s d a y, D r. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday asserted that there was no dilution or rupture of n a t i o n a l consensus on terrorism emanating from Pakistan but made it clear that the only alternative was to continue the engagement with Islamabad. Seeking to allay apprehensions o v e r h i s controversial move to relink action on terrorism from the composite d i a l o g u e process as contained in the India-Pakistan joint statement issued in Egypt July 16, the prime minister stressed that b i l a t e r a l engagement or d i a l o g u e process can't move forward if terrorist attacks continue from across the border. H e a l s o defended the inclusion of Balochistan in the July 16 India-Pakistan joint statement saying a unilateral reference does not mean giving credibility to Pakistan's allegations of any Indian role in unrest in Pakistan's southwest province. "We have no role to play in Balochistan," he said.

To advertise in this paper mail to:

[email protected]

Page 2

Times Chennai E-Paper

Tamil Nadu

NLC to up power production by 4 times Chennai, July 30: Public Sector firm Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) is planning to quadruple its power generation capacity from the present 2,500 MW to 10,000 MW by the end of the XII Plan period ending 2017 by setting up thermal power plants in the country. NLC Chairman A R Ansari told reporters here that by setting up the new power plants, the PSU would double its power generation capacity from 2,500 MW to 5,000 MW by the end of the XI Plan Period to make it a 5,000 MW company by 2012. ''By the end of the XII Five-Year Plan, NLC will

have the capacity to generate 10,000 MW power involving a total investment of Rs 20,000 crore,'' he added. Dwelling further on the expansion plans, Mr Ansari said two 250 MW power plants would be set up in Neyveli. The first plant would be commissioned by July next year and the second two months later. He said by 2012, NACL would set up two units of 500 MW each in the Southern Tuticorin District of Tamil Nadu. Two units of 125 MW plant would be come in Rajasthan in the next

couple of months. Stating the present thermal station at Neyveli, which was more than 40-years-old, would be phased out in a p h a s e d m a n n e r, M r Ansari said NLC is planning to set up its third mining station at Jayakondam for which 12,000 hectare would be needed. On the NLC's proposal to make it a separate department, Mr Ansari said ''the government is considering our proposal and we hope to get a positive response.''

Kidnapped boy found murdered in TN Cuddalore, July 30: In a shocking incident, a sevenyear-old boy, who was kidnapped by miscreants while returning from school three days ago, was found murdered last night. The boy, Suresh, studying in second standard in a private school near Virudhachalam in this district, was kidnapped by miscreants on July 27, when he was returning home from school. A f t e r t h e miscreants telephoned Suresh's mother and demanded a ransom of Rs five lakh for the release of

her son, police formed special teams and launched a hunt for the kidnappers. On realising that police was zeroing in on them, the kidnappers killed the boy and threw the body in a pond after putting it in a gunny bag. Police was trying to locate the kidnappers by tracing their mobile number, when they murdered the b o y, i n i t i a l r e p o r t s suggested. After recovering the body, police arrested a man and a woman and

identified them as Sundarajan and Balayee, the latter, said to be a relative of the boy. They confessed that they had killed the boy on learning that the parents of the boy, instead of paying the ransom, had gone to the police. Meanwhile, police recovered the body, floating in a pond at Va y a l a p a t t i i n t h e n e i g h b o u r i n g Perambalur district and sent the same for postmortem.

Notorious rowdy shot dead while escaping Virudhunagar, Jul 30 : A notorious history-sheeter was shot dead by a police constable when he escaping after attacking escort policemen at Rettai Palem on the SivakasiSrivilliputtur road at Sivakasi, here late last night. Police said the a c c u s e d , P Sundaramurthy(37), against whom several cases, including two murder, attempt to murder and robbery cases were

pending, was arrested by the police on July 28 from a hideout in Sivakasi town. He was remanded to judicial custody. When Sundaramurthy was b r o u g h t i n a n autorickshaw to the Sivakasi bus stand last night after a medical check up, he suddenly snatched the rifle from a constable after giving him a blow on his face. The cops Sivasubramanian and Kamaraj attempted to catch him. There was a

pitched battle between the policemen and the accused. A n o t h e r constable fired two rounds as a self-defence, in which the accused suffered bullet injuries on his neck and on the left chest. He died on the spot. A police team rushed to the spot and held an enquiry. The injured cops had been admitted to Sivakasi Government Hospital, police added.

July 30, 2009

‘AU (Kovai) can’t conduct arts, science courses’ Chennai, July 30: The Anna University (Coimbatore) cannot give affiliation to engineering colleges to offer courses in arts and science in the absence of any All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) approval, AICTE counsel N Murali Kumaran has said. Murali Kumaran stated this in his written arguments submitted before Justice M Jaichandran on a writ petition from the Association of Management of Private Colleges in Coimbatore. Petitioner association contended that Anna University (Cbe) could not conduct courses other than those which fell under the purview of the AICTE Act. It could not grant

affiliation to the engineering colleges to offer courses in arts and science also, which fell under the purview of the Bharathiar University, petitioner said. Murali Kumaran said that it was an admitted fact that Anna University and Bharatiar University were having jurisdiction over the same areas in Coimbatore district. It could not be the intention of the State Government while enacting the Anna University (Coimbatore) Act to create a parellel university against the existing Bharatiar U n i v e r s i t y, w h i c h governed the colleges offering arts and science courses. It was apparent from the decision taken in

Anna University’s own syndicate and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education that the courses offered by the former did not fall under its purview. Therefore, whatever courses the Anna University, Coimbatore, was offering, which were not approved by the AICTE, did not fall under the purview of the university, he argued. He also submitted that the university was conducting distance education and awarding degrees without the approval of either the Distance Education Council or the joint committee of the UGCAICTE. And the judge rerserved his orders on the writ petition.

Second broad gauge line between Madurai-Dindigul thrown open Madurai, July 30: The second broad gauge line between Madurai and Dindigul has been thrown open for traffic, Additional Railway General Manager V.Carmalus said on Thursday. Ta l k i n g t o newsmen here, he said the trains were being operated at 70 km per hour since Monday,and the speed would be increased to 90 KM per h o u r . Simultaneously,electrific ation work of the tracks between Dindigul and Madurai had been started.Electrification of Tiruchi-Villupuram sector had already been

completed,he said. T h e B G c o n v e r s i o n o f VirudhunagarManamadurai and Madurai-Bodinayakanur sections also would be taken up. To a question, he said electrification of Madurai-Villipuram section would be completed by 2010. W o m e n ' s special trains would be operated from August 5 at Chennai, he added. Divisional Railway Manager Anil Singhal said downtrains were being operated on the second line between Dindigul and Madurai. The tracks would have to

be consolidated before the speed of the trains was increased to 90 km an hour. The second track would provide a tremendous relief to existing BG track between Dindigul and Tiruchi which was being used to the extent of 140 per cent,he said. The project to convert the 63-km distance was taken up in June 2007 in two phases.The first phase between Dindigul and Kodairoad was completed in September, and the second phase,from Kodairoad to Madurai was cleared early this month. Second track cost had escalated to Rs.150-crore from the sanctioned Rs.130 crore.

Sir Muthiah Chettiar award to Tamil scholar V Rathinasabapathy Chennai, July 30: The Dr Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar Birthday Commemoration Award for Year 2009 will be p r e s e n t e d t o Ta m i l s c h o l a r V Rathinasabapathy. Announcing this at a press conference in Chennai, secretary of Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Memorial Trust A R Ramaswamy, while speaking about the 105th birth anniversary celebrations of Rajah Sir M A Muthiah Chettiar, said the Trust had been honouring Tamil scholars every year since 1988. ‘This year, our

selection committee has chosen V Rathinasabapathy for the award for his contribution to Tamil literature. This award consists of a cash prize of Rs one lakh.’ The awardfunction is to be held on 5 August at Rani Seethai Hall in the city. ProChancellor of Annamalai

University and patron of the Trust M A M Ramaswamy would deliver the welcome address. President of the Trust MAMR Muthiah would introduce the awardee and read out the citation. Veteran film director SP Muthuraman would deliver the special address on the occasion.

To advertise in this paper mail to:

[email protected]

July 30, 2009

Times Chennai E-Paper

Six injured in students clash Chennai, July 30: Tension prevailed in the busy Egmore area this morning following a clash between two groups of students, that left six people, including three bypassers, injured. Police sources said that nearly 50 students of Pachaiyappas College and Nandanam Arts College were involved in the clash, in which wooden logs and sharp weapons were used. A group of about

25 students were travelling in a Metropolitan Transport Corporation Bus bound for Koyambedu. As the bus left the Egmore Railway Station bus stand, about 25 students armed with wooden logs and iron pipes attacked the bus with stones. Soon the group boarded the bus and started attacking the students inside. This led to a free for all as the public and

passengers ran helterskelter. The students virtually fought a pitched battle for a while, creating panic on the arterial Poonamallee High Road. Three students and three bypassers were injured in the clash and were admitted to the Kilpauk Medical College hospital. Police rushed to the spot to restore order. Previous enmity was stated to be the reason for the clash.

HC stays fine slapped on former BCCI president Chennai, July 30: A single judge order imposing a fine Rs 25,000 on industrialist and former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, A C Muthiah, who had questioned the propriety of BCCI N Srinivasan owning the Chennai franchise of the board, has been stayed by a division bench of the Madras High Court on July 29. The bench comprising Justices K Raviraja Pandian and PPS Janarthana Raja granted the interim relief to the industrialist after senior advocate Ms Nalini Chidambaram submitted that Muthiah moved the court only to ''uphold the probity in the activities of the BCCI and to establish that the power of amendment has been abused by a public body to protect the interest of an

individual.'' Muthiah had alleged that as BCCI treasurer, Srinivasan, flouted rules when he bid for the Chennai team of the Board's Indian Premier League (IPL). The board later amended the rules, excluding Srinivasan from the ambit of the rules and to enable him to contest for BCCI secretary post, he said. On July 13, Justice K Chandru declined to interfere in BCCI affairs, dismissed the application and imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Muthiah. Assailing that order, Muthiah said the court could not refuse to exercise the power of judicial review, and adopt a self-imposed policy of judicial restraint in the matter of management of public bodies. Noting that

amendment to Clause 6,2,4, was made with the private interest of Srinivasan in mind, he said the move suffered from the vice of malice in law. ''The single judge failed to appreciate that confidence of the public will be shaken, if persons who use undue influence in public bodies to bend the law to suit their private interest are allowed to hold influential positions in public bodies,'' he added. He wanted the bench to set aside the single judge order, and to stay his direction to Muthiah to pay case cost of Rs 25,000. The bench ordered notice to Mr Srinivasan, returnable within two weeks.

HC dismisses plea in sandalwood smuggling case Chennai, July 30: The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition by an accused in a case of alleged sandalwood smuggling, who contended that the CBI did not possess the jurisdiction to investigate offences under the Customs Act without obtaining authorisation from the Board of Revenue. The Customs Collector had no authority to empower a person other than a Customs officer to file a complaint under the Act. In his order on a petition by K Srinivasan, Justice G Rajasuria said yesterday that in the present case, Customs officials initiated the action and the CBI took up the matter as per a High Court order. The interest of the accused was well

protected by the investigating agency. The CBI had the wherewithal to investigate into the Customs offences and the allied Indian Penal Code offences in this case. Simply because Customs officials had not investigated the matter, it could not be found fault with. The CBI had lodged a complaint before the Additional

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Economic Offences-II, Chennai, against eight persons. At the time of framing charge, Srinivasan, who was one of the accused, filed a petition seeking discharge from the case. The Additional CMM dismissed the application. Aggrieved, he filed the present revision petition.

Police posting Chennai, July 30: K.S. Narenthiran Nayar IPS, Superintendent of Police, has been posted as Superintendent of Police, Special Division, Special Branch CID, Chennai,

vice K.N. Sathiyamurthy IPS transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Section, Chennai Police, in an existing vacancy.

Page 3

American Doctor prefers Indian surgeon for his Knee replacements Chennai, July 30: An American Gynecologist from Los Angeles underlined his faith in an Indian Orthopedic surgeon by choosing him for his double knee r e p l a c e m e n t s . D r. Joseph Perkins MD, travelled to Chennai, India for his surgery by Dr. A.K.Venkatachalam. He is based in California as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, A l t h o u g h Americans patients have visited India for Joint replacements, this is probably the first time that an American doctor himself chose to have his surgery done by an Indian orthopedic

surgeon. Author of a few m e d i c a l b o o k s , D r. Perkins had slowed down considerably by knee osteo-arthritis. Conservative measures didn't work. He wanted f l e x i b l e k n e e replacements done through a minimally invasive approach and these were done within a day of his arrival. After spending a week in hospital, he is currently enjoying a holiday at a seaside resort. Many middle aged Americans afflicted by hip and knee arthritis are unable to afford private heath care. The

proposed health care reforms are doing very little. People want to exercise their choice and don't want to spend their later years in pain. They are unwilling to bide by US government guidelines of clinical efficiency that if you are old, you have to put up with pain. About 45 million Americans in the middle age group, so called as baby boomers share this plight. The medical requirements of this population are adequately addressed by Indian surgeons. Dr. Perkins vouches that the care that he received in hospital was exceedingly good.

Dramatist Raadhu dies Chennai, July 30: Popular dramatist Raadhu, well known for plays such as ‘Kalyanathil Galatta’, died in Chennai on Wednesday evening. He was 67. Raadhu’s 47th play, ‘Kaadhal Sadugudu’ was unveiled

last Friday. Raadhu, who had earlier worked with the Reserve Bank of India, took to writing plays at an early age and was known for providing good, clean entertainers. A recipient of Kalaimamani award in 2 0 0 2 , R a a d h u

conducted a 36-hour drama marathon in 1992. He was closely associated with Kamal Haasan, R a j n i k a n t h a n d AV M Saravanan. Raadhu’s last rites will be held today. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son-in-law.

Page 4

Times Chennai E-Paper

National

Sonia backs Manmohan on Indo-Pak joint statement New Delhi, July 30: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday strongly backed Prime

Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of the Indo-

Pak joint statement and told partymen that there should be no confusion or misunderstanding on it among them. She also said that India's foreign policy vis-a-vis Pakistan has not changed. "Till Pakistan shows concrete steps on anti-terror front there is no point of dialogue," s h e t o l d a C o n g r e s s Parliamentary Party meeting here, a day after

the Prime Minister a d d r e s s e d Parliament on the issue of the joint statement with Pakistan in Egypt. Resumption of dialogue with P a k i s t a n depends upon whether it fulfills its promises on taking action against perpetrators of Mumbai attacks and does not allow its soil to be used for terror activities against India, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari quoted Gandhi as saying in the meeting.

Hybrid coaches to be introduced in Duranto trains New Delhi, July 30: State-of-the-art hybrid coaches with enhanced seating capacity will be introduced in the non-stop 'Duranto' class of trains which will be rolled out

toilets, a source in the Railways told said. R a i l w a y Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced 12 such trains in her

rakes has already arrived in New Delhi station," the source said. Eleven Durantos will originate from Delhi. He said these

July 30, 2009

Holbrooke to visit India mid-August Washington, July 30: U S S p e c i a l Representative for P a k i s t a n a n d Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke is expected to visit New Delhi midAugust. "I am going to go back in mid-August. Within the limits of Indian independence day. They all are looking forward to my coming," Holbrooke

said while briefing about his recent trip to P a k i s t a n a n d Afghanistan and his plan to visit India. Holbrooke was scheduled to visit India during his just concluded trip to the region, but could not make it due to scheduling mismatch. "There are four people I usually see. All but one of them were out

of the country," he said, explaining that this was the reason why he could not travel to India during his recent trip to the region. "There's no issue here," he said. "It was basically when he was en route to Pakistan we found out," one of his aides told State Department Press Corps about the cancellation of Holbrooke's visit to India.

No change in stand on climate change: Manmohan New Delhi, July 30: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said India's stand that global temperature should not exceed two degrees celsius was a possible threshold guiding global action and is "entirely in line" with country's stated position on global warming. "India has not changed its stand on climate change and the declaration at the Major Economic Forum (MEF) adopted at L'Aquila, Italy, is not a declaration of its

climate change policy," he said in the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate. Dr. Singh, who is under attack for stating that global temperature increase should not exceed 2C, argued "it was not a bilateral declaration between India and another country or a group of countries. Instead, he pointed, "it is a declaration that represents a shared view among 17 developed and developing countries, the latter category including

China, South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico." Therefore, the formulations are necessarily generally worded to reflect different approaches and positions of a fairly diverse group of countries, he contended. The Prime Minister said "it is India's view, which has been consistently voiced at all forums, that global warming is taking place and that its adverse consequences will impact most heavily on developing countries like India

Infosys first private company to get CISF security

soon. Made of stainless steel, these coaches are light in weight and will have inherent design features like superior aesthetics, better ride quality and low maintenance cost. They would also have environment-friendly

Budget speech. Later, replying to a discussion on the Budget in Parliament, she announced introduction of another two such trains and had said a couple of them would run within a month. "One of the

hybrid coaches will have 12 per cent enhanced seating capacity. The exterior will have R a j d h a n i - l i k e appearance. RCF Kapurthala will roll out 360 hybrid coaches during this financial year.

Govt comes out with guidelines for schools on swine flu New Delhi, July 30:The G o v e r n m e n t o n Wednesday came out with a slew of guidelines for schools for managing cases of swine flu, including asking them not to insist on a medical certificate from students afflicted by the disease. After a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all schools and colleges have been asked to ensure that any student or staff member showing flu like symptoms such as fever, cough, running nose and difficulty in breathing is allowed to stay at home for a period of seven to 10 days. According to the

guidelines, educational institutions should not insist on production of medical certificate by the student or staff. I t s a i d educational institutions should monitor the health status of such students or staff who might have come in contact with a suspected case of swine flu to see whether they develop flu like symptoms. In case of students staying in hostels, the educational institutions would not only monitor the health status of the students, but also that of care providers. It should be ensured that the care providers wear

face mask and wash hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send the boarders back home, as it would spread infection further. Educational institutions have been asked to report such cases to local health officers for further monitoring. Given the current magnitude of the spread of AH1N1 infection and the fact that the current virus is fairly mild, closure of educational institutions on account of any member falling ill with flu like symptoms is not recommended.

New Delhi,, July 30: Infosys Bangalore office will be the first private sector unit to get CISF security cover. The campus security cover will start from tomorrow with deployment of 101 specially-trained CISF personnel. Earlier on July 23, 2009, Centre had cleared a proposal of deploying CISF

personnel each for Reliance refinery in Jamnagar and for Infosys premises in Bangalore. R e l i a n c e Industries is, however, having second thoughts on having the security from the Government. The need for security cover to vital private installations was felt following intelligence reports that Pakistan-

based terrorists might try to target them by launching a surprise attack similar to the one in Mumbai last year. The Centre has expanded the role of CISF from guarding government establishment to providing security to private installations in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attack

‘Adopt carrot, stick policy to get money from Swiss banks’ New Delhi, July 30: Industrialist Rahul Bajaj on Wednesday said the government should adopt a carrot and stick policy to bring back Indian money stashed in Swiss banks and suggested that identities of account holders should be protected. "Tax this money at the maximum tax rate prevailing in the country and give them (account holders) the carrot that after the tax, the money will be legal. Give them a strong stick... a time frame and say that after this 100 per cent of their money will be taken

away," the Independent member said in the Rajya Sabha. Participating in a discussion on the Finance Bill, he demanded steps to bring back the money and suggested that the identity of account holders be protected. Even government officers should not come to know the names, he said. Saying there are various ways to do it, Bajaj suggested allowing account holders to bring back the money through "bearers' bond", which will automatically enable

the government to tax it. He said that otherwise only small people will come out to declare their deposits but not the big ones adding, "there are very big people", whose money is deposited there. Bajaj said since account holders will be allowed to bring back their money only after paying tax, the "ethical question" surrounding the issue will also go away. The noted industrialist felt that the Switzerland government on its own was not going to allow this money to be returned to India.

July 30, 2009

Times Chennai E-Paper

National

PM, President to get swanky copters New Delhi, July 30: After getting three desi versions of US president’s 'Air Force One', the Indian President

and PM are now all set to also acquire 12 swanky and secure helicopters for VVIP travel on the lines of ‘‘Marine One’’. The multi-million dollar deal to procure the 12 EH/AW-101 helicopters, manufactured by Italian a v i a t i o n m a j o r AgustaWestland, is in the concluding stages now, say defence ministry sources. "The Cabinet Committee on Security will have to give the final nod before the contract is inked," said a source. This will be the third major deal in recent years to ensure Indian netas and other VVIPs can travel in fully-secure comfort in and around the country. First, the Rs 727crore deal for five mid-size Embraer 135BJ Legacy jets was inked in September 2003. Then, the 937-crore contract for three Boeing Business Jets (BBJs), with advanced selfprotection suites to guard

against missiles and other threats, was signed in October 2005. With the Legacy

jets and BBJs already inducted, the VVIPs will also get the 12 helicopters to travel around in style. This, incidentally, comes at a time when the upgrade of the US presidential helicopter fleet is embroiled in a funding controversy. Though not as high-tech as Barack Obama's "Marine One", the call sign of the US Marine Corps helicopter which ferries the US President, the Indian EH101 helicopters will have self-defence systems like missile-approach warners, chaff and flare dispensers and directed infra-red electronic counter-measures to protect the VVIPs on board. T h e n e w helicopters will replace ageing Russian-origin Mi8s and Mi-17s being operated by IAF's elite

Communication Squadron, which ferries around the President and PM, just like the Legacy jets have replaced the old HS-748 Avros and the BBJs the two 737200 aircraft bought in 1983. T h e AW - 1 0 1 helicopters were pitted against the American Sikorsky's S-92 Superhawks during field trials held last year, overseen by both IAF and SPG. The AW-101, which can carry around 40 combat troops but will ferry 10 passengers in the VVIP configuration, and has three engines for better power and safety, was found more suitable. One particular SPG requirement was that the helicopters have "a high tail boom'' since it would allow the VVIP cars to come right next to the rear exit staircase and not "expose'' the protected persons to a threat from anyone in the vicinity. Moreover, the AW-101 was found to be a rugged helicopter, with crashworthy and damage-tolerant features, capable of hovering even in winds over 80 kmph. "We also wanted a helicopter with a service-ceiling of over 4.5 km and capable of operating at night,'' said an official.

We have to deliver what we promised, Sonia tells Congress MPs New Delhi, July 30: With only a week to go before the first parliament session of the new government ends, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi exhorted party members not to lose sight of the reason they had been elected as MPs. I n a w e l l calibrated address at the Congress parliamentary meeting, she cajoled and chided while stressing that the time had come "to deliver what we promised". Gandhi, who backed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's declaration there was no dilution of the national consensus on countering terrorism emanating from Pakistan, reminded the MPs to not forget the decisive mandate that had voted the government back to power. "You will be soon going back to your constituencies and states. I am sure you will keep in touch with your constituency and attend to the needs and demands of

the people there," she said. "As I said on an earlier occasion, we have been given a decisive mandate and people expect us to fulfil their aspirations. It is for us now to deliver what we have promised. "We now have a larger number of ministers from our own party. I am speaking from my personal experience which I know you will share, when I say that the expectations and d e m a n d s f r o m constituents are ever increasing and rightly so," Gandhi said. "It is no longer a matter of a hand pump here and there, or a culvert or a kutccha (unpaved) road. People demand better infrastructure, allweather roads, functioning schools and hospitals, skill-training facilities and jobs." Gandhi asked all ministers to take out

time to assist MPs, e s p e c i a l l y i n developmental works in their respective constituencies. "This makes all the difference especially in states where our workers are waging a struggle in the opposition." She referred to the flagship National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme that had received an enhanced outlay in the budget, the Right to Education, the Rehabilitation & Resettlement Bills and the proposed National Food Security Act the government plans to translate to law. Expressing her displeasure on the attendance of MPs in both houses of parliament especially when crucial Bills have been introduced in the month-long session, she said: "Our chief whips have a tough task

Page 5

Action started for getting back money from Swiss banks: PM New Delhi, July 30 : The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said in Rajya Sabha that "action has already started" for getting back black money belonging to Indians from Swiss banks. His remark came after Prakash

Javadekar (BJP) sought to know from the Prime Minister what the UPA government was doing to bring back the money within 100 days. As Javadekar's supplementary was not related to the main question on G-8 meeting, Chairman Hamid Ansari

asked him to stick to the subject. But, the Prime Minister stood up and said, "yesterday when Finance Minister was replying to the Finance Bill in this House, he specifically dealt with this aspect and had said that action has already started on it."

Omar accuses Sayeed of ignoring sex scandal when in power Srinagar, July 30: Hitting back at the PDP, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday accused its leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of "shutting his eyes" to the sex scandal when it first surfaced in 2006 as his own people were involved. " S a y e e d preferred that this scandal should go on and never bothered how callously daughters of Kashmir were being exploited by his own people. He should have resigned at that very time if he would have been real son of soil but he preferred to shut his eyes," an angry Mr. Omar said while addressing supporters at his Gupkar Road residence here. The state assembly witnessed high drama after PDP deputy leader Muzaffar Hussain Beigh alleged that Mr. Omar's name figured in the sex scandal case. PDP has demanded a judicial inquiry in the case, saying that it was not satisfied with the CBI probe. Mr. Omar, who has given a conditional

resignation to the state Governor after the accusation, said Sayeed was "scared" that his government would fall as his own men were also "involved" in the scam which came to light during 2006 after the arrest of a woman. "Sex scandal came to the notice of Sayeed when he was the Chief Minister. His own people and his close associates were actually involved in the scandal because of which he felt that his government will fall," he alleged. Mr. Omar appreciated the role of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who h a n d e d o v e r investigations in the case to the CBI. "Sayeed in his capacity as Home Minister at the Centre selected Jagmohan as Governor and succeeded in his mission to impose AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in the state," Mr. Omar alleged, adding it was because of these issues that his father Farooq Abdullah had to resign from the Chief Minister's post in 1990.

"When PDP ruled the state there was no talk about withdrawal of AFSPA. But today when my government is actually making efforts for its removal, that party is sabotaging the process by directly or indirectly fomenting violence," he said. Mr. Omar asked both Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti to be patient and wait for six years to face people in the next elections. "During the last six years, we have played responsible role of opposition. We never snatched any mike from the Speaker's podium and allowed the government to run their business in the House. But now PDP has crossed all limits by stooping to a level which has no parallel in political ethics," he said. He said it is first time that such a massive financial support has come from the Centre under plan funds. Apart from Rs 5,500 crore being earmarked for the state from plan outlay another Rs 1,200 crore package has been sanctioned under Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan, he said.

10 BHU students held for ragging Varanasi, July 30: Ten students of Banaras Hindu University were detained by police and fined Rs 50,000 each by their institute after being caught ragging five freshers. The accused, who were pursuing B.

Tech in the Applied Mathematics Department in the varsity's Institute of Technology, were caught ragging five juniors by the university security staff outside the campus at Assi ghat on the banks of t h e G a n g a o n Wednesday evening,

BHU spokesman Prof Rajesh Singh said. The university also decided to disallow them from attending classes for fifteen days and expel them from the hostel for six months, Mr Singh said.

Bill for extension of SC/ST quota in LS, assemblies moved New Delhi, July 30: Government on Thursday introduced a Constitutional amendment bill in the Rajya Sabha to extend by another 10 years reservation of seats for SCs, STs and nomination of Anglo-Indian communities in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. T h e Constitution (109th Amendment) Bill 2009 moved by Law Minister M

Veerappa Moily seeks to extend reservation beyond January 25, 2010 when the time period of 60 years under Article 334 of the Constitution lapses. " Although the SCs/STs have made considerable progress in the last 60 years, the reasons which weighed with the Constituent Assembly in making provisions with regard to reservation of seats and nomination of members

have not ceased to exist," the statement of objects and reasons of the amendment bill said. It was, therefore, proposed to continue this reservation and nomination for another 10 years, it said. The SC/ST qouta in the legislature is given on the basis of proportion to their population. Besides, President can nominate two members belonging to Anglo-Indian communities to the Lok Sabha.

Page 6

Times Chennai E-Paper

World

Australian PM vows to create 50,000 'green' jobs Sydney, July 30: Australia's prime minister promised on Thursday to create 50,000 ``green'' jobs and apprenticeships to combat climate change and unemployment simultaneously. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has prioritized environmental legislation this year even as his government forecast that Australian unemployment would rise to 8.5 percent next year from the current 5.8 percent because of the global downturn. ``The government I lead will not stand idly by while thousands of young Australians have their hopes crushed by a global recession not of their own making,'' Rudd told a conference of his Labor Party. The ``green'' jobs package includes 30,000 apprentice positions that offer training in environment-friendly building practices, such as

installing solar energy panels and water recycling systems and retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient. The program will also create 10,000 positions in a national Green Jobs Corps that w i l l p r o v i d e environmental training for unemployed people between 18 and 24 and employ them in public works projects, such as planting trees and restoring walking tracks. Money would also be poured into another 10,000 jobs that encourage sustainability and green building practices. Rudd said the 94 million Australian dollar ($77 million) job creation and training program was aimed at helping youth obtain new skills ``that will be highly relevant to a lowercarbon economy in the future.''

T h e announcement was welcomed by Sharan Burrow, president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, who called it ``a great step forward.'' ``It's a recognition that here is a prime minister who is determined to act on unemployment,'' Burrow said. Rudd's office did not immediately respond to AP questions on whether the money would be diverted from funds already in the budget or if Rudd planned to seek a new appropriations bill. Rudd has focused heavily on the environment this year and is pushing tough legislation to curb Australia's emissions of carbon dioxide. Most opposition parties oppose the legislation, which goes before the Senate next month.

'Musharraf can be tried in London' Islamabad, July 30 : A British lawmaker of Pakistani origin has talked of the possibility of former President Pervez Musharraf being put on trial in the UK as he failed to respond to summons from

the top court in Islamabad over his controversial decisions to impose emergency and fire judges two years ago.

Musharraf, who is now in London as part of his extensive lecture tour, snubbed summons yesterday to appear before a 14-member bench headed by Pakistan Chief Justice Iftikhar M Chaudhary, who had himself been a victim of the military dictator. Lord Nazir Ahmed, who became UK's first Muslim life peer in 1998, said that a case can be lodged in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the former Pakistani president, the Geo news has reported. Interacting with mediapersons here yesterday, Lord Nazir said Musharraf can be tried in London. He underlined that a 'Victim Support Group' will be formed against Musharraf, the Pakistani

TV channel reported. Neither the former head of state, who lost power last year and who has now turned a bitter critic of his democratic successors, n o r h i s l e g a l representatives appeared before the court. Musharraf, who seized power in a military coup in 1999, had sacked Chief Justice Chaudhary and dozens of other judges, fearing that the top judge would disqualify him from contesting as President while still in uniform. The Supreme Court had on July 22 issued notice to Musharraf to explain his actions of imposing emergency on November 3, 2007 and deposing over 60 members of the superior judiciary who did not endorse the measure

Saudi Arabia rejects recognition before Israel leaves Arab land Riyadh, July 30: Regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia on Wednesday rebuffed US calls for diplomatic overtures toward Israel and said the Jewish state's settlement expansion is jeopardising efforts to revive peace talks. "It is Israel that has to move seriously towards the peace process," Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali said. "As we all know, Israel is continuing to take unilateral measures by changing the geographic and demographic facts on the ground, by building

settlements and expanding the existing ones," he said. Nugali said Israeli settlement expansion on occupied Arab land continues to impede any progress toward a lasting two-state solution between the Palestinians and Israelis. "We have been seeing a schizophrenic Israeli policy. On one hand you talk about peace and their interest to achieve peace," he said. "On the other hand they take actions against the peace process that complicate it and put it in

jeopardy." His comments came amid a concerted US push towards r e s t a r t i n g comprehensive Middle East peace negotiations involving Israel and its neighbours Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians. US Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell, Defence Secretary Robert Gates and US National Security Advisor James Jones have been meeting leaders in the region this week.

July 30, 2009

Ireland agrees to take 2 Guantanamo inmates Dublin, July 30: Ireland said on Wednesday it will accept two detainees from Guantanamo Bay, the latest European country to help US President Barack Obama's bid to close the controversial camp. The two men, reportedly Uzbeks, are expected to travel to Ireland in the "next couple of months”, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said after i n f o r m i n g U S Ambassador Dan Rooney of the decision. The move follows a visit by Irish officials to Washington

and the US naval base at Guantanamo on the southeastern tip of Cuba. "In making this decision I am conscious of the intention of the United States to close the centre at Guantanamo Bay, in part by transferring detainees no longer regarded as posing a threat to security but who cannot return to their own countries, to other countries willing to accept them," Ahern said. While declining to give details of travel arrangements, he added, "A definite timetable has yet to be established,

(but) the transfer of the two detainees is expected within the next couple of months." Media reports have suggested the two are Uzbek nationals, but a Justice Ministry spokesman declined to comment, and Ahern said the men's privacy would be respected. He underlined the difficult conditions in which they had been detained for a number of years, saying they would need to be given time and space to adjust to their new circumstances when they arrive.

Chavez hits at Venezuelan media with new laws Caracas, July 30: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is taking steps to tighten restrictions on the media despite mounting opposition by private media to a series of proposed reforms that would expose them to criminal prosecution. C h a v e z supporters argue that the measures limiting broadcasting rights for radio and television will lead to a significant "democratisation" of the media, which has been controlled by a handful of owners. "We will launch a strong fight for the

democratisation of communication, to break the media oligarchy in V e n e z u e l a , " Communication and Information Minister Blanca Eekhout said. In a recent report, National Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission (Conatel) chief Diosdado Cabello said 27 families have "privileged ownership" of 32 percent of the radio broadcast industry. B u t f o r Chavez's opposition, this "now or never" approach to the media is just the latest onslaught on press freedoms by the firebrand leftist leader,

who has never forgiven privately owned media for backing a failed coup against him in 2002. "The only player that exposes many of the things the government is doing is the media, and the government feels it has to regulate them," professor Marcelino Bisbal, editor of the book ‘Communication Hegemony and Control’, said. He said the government is developing eight new laws or reforms of existing laws that will have an impact on the media, including one that creates a new set of "media crimes" punishable with prison sentences.

Iraqi raid on Iranian exile camp killed 7’ Baghdad, July 30: An Iraqi raid on an Iranian opposition group's camp north of Baghdad killed seven people, according to a police officer and members of the exile group. A standoff at the camp continued for a second day on Wednesday. However, some Iraqi government officials denied any deaths in the operation at Camp Ashraf and the casualty reports could not immediately be independently verified. The camp housing members of the People's Mujahedeen Organisation of Iran is located in a dangerous area and Iraqi authorities prevented reporters from gaining access on Wednesday. About 3,500 exIranian fighters and relatives live in the camp, first set up in 1986 when they helped Saddam Hussein in the Iraq-Iran

war. After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, American troops disarmed the fighters and confined them to the camp. The Americans h a n d e d o v e r responsibility for the camp to the Iraqis to comply with a security agreement that took effect on January 1 but said they would maintain a force nearby to ensure humane treatment of the Iranians. Tensions rose as the Iraqi government stepped up efforts to get the group to leave the country in a friendly gesture to close ally Iran, which considers the exiles part of a terrorist group. Iran thanked the Iraqi government for the raid. "Yesterday, we heard of the Iraqi government raid on Camp Ashraf," said Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani. "This is

appreciated, that the Iraqi government decided to clean Iraq from the dirty presence of terrorists," he said. Raid a 'crime against humanity' Meanwhile, the main Iranian resistance movement in exile has condemned a raid by Iraqi forces on their supporters' last main base camp, calling it a "crime against humanity". "Attacking besieged people with no means of defence is a crime against humanity," Maryam Rajavi, president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, told a news conference in Rome after riot police clashed with Iranian exiles in the Iraqi town of Ashraf. T h e g r o u p accuses Baghdad of taking orders from Tehran. About 100 Iranian exiles demonstrated outside the Parliament building in Rome where Rajavi was speaking.

July 30, 2009

Times Chennai E-Paper

Business

Mukesh Ambani is Mumbai's Top Influential Mumbai, July 30: If influence is an everchanging reality, DNA's annual list of Mumbai's most influential people

captures it best. The surprises begin right at the top. Ratan Tata, a fixture at No 1 for the previous three years when he was having a dream run with his businesses, has been displaced by Mukesh Ambani this year. This is obviously the year in which clout in the corridors of power trumps prestige and aura. T h e l i s t , comprising hotshot businessmen and Bollywood stars, politicos and socialites, is published every year to coincide with the date of DNA's launch, July 30. It is generated on the basis of extensive research by the newspaper's senior editorial team. Many things

go into our estimation of a person's influence. A m o n g t h e m : achievements during the year, impact on society, contributions to the arts and public image. Some of our influentials are there because the offices they hold make them powerful - the r e g u l a t o r s , politicians, and bureaucrats, for example. But others are there purely on the basis of what they are, and what they have done. F o u r personalities -- Ratan Ta t a a n d M u k e s h Ambani, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan -- have never slipped out of the top 10 in o u r l i s t o f To p 5 0 Influentials, reflecting their tremendous hold over the levers of b u s i n e s s a n d entertainment, respectively. More than half of the listers are regulars, suggesting that influence is not something that is acquired or relinquished easily. But another 20and-odd individuals debut each time or make it back in the list after a gap of a year or two.

At least two members of the Thackeray family are always in the list, but Raj has this year stolen a march over cousin Uddhav. Raj and Uddhav, respectively, ranked 38 and 19 in 2006, 7 and 8 in 2007, and 14 and 38 this year. T h e r o l e reversal can be attributed to Raj's impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections, overshadowing his cousin, who nevertheless inherits his father Bal Thackeray's networks. Interesting among the new entrants are Nita Ambani, for stepping out of her husband's shadow and taking up serious philanthropy, and Karan J o h a r, w h o b r o k e stereotype and started making mature films with complex plotlines. Also debuting or making a comeback to The Influentials are three doctors, three bankers, two ad men, two young politicians, one investor, one retail magnate, one industrialist couple, one media mogul, one beautician and one intellectual -- the first to be included in the power list.

SC rejects RNRL plea for final hearing New Delhi, July 30: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to take up a gas dispute between Reliance Industries and RNRL for final hearing on September 1, rejecting the prayer of Anil Group company for expeditious proceedings. A Bench headed Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said it will decide on the date of final hearing on September 1 when it will consider various petitions related to the dispute. The RNRL prayer came up for mentioning and the company's counsel Mukul Rohtagi requested that final hearing be taken up on September 1 as the entire Bombay High Court record was before the apex court and nothing was left to be filed. "All parties are here," he said, referring to Mukesh Ambani-led RIL, the government and gas users. RIL counsel Harish Salve, however, questioned the need for early final hearing, saying "what public interest would this serve?" T h e c o u r t enquired whether the petitioner wanted interim arrangement on the September 1 or the final order, Rohtagi said that RNRL was not looking for

interim arrangement. At this point Salve requested the court that there should be complete silence from all parties as people are going to the media. Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran said the government also wanted early resolution of the dispute. The court said it will try to give an early date but the first week of September is not possible. Seeking early resolution to the gas supply dispute involving

Mukesh Ambani led RIL and Oil Ministry, Anil Ambani yesterday said that his group firm RNRL would approach the Supreme Court for final hearing on September one. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on September 1 cross-appeals by both Ambani group firms, as also a petition by the Petroleum Ministry against a Bombay High Court order that asked RIL to supply gas to RNRL at USD 2.34 per mmBtu against the officially prescribed USD 4.2 per mmBtu.

Monday through Friday

Page 7

Adani IPO's power run continues Ahmedabad, July 30: Adani Power Ltd's IPO continued to get overwhelming response from the capital markets on the second day of its opening. The issue has received bids for almost five times the shares on offer. According to the available information, the issue has subscribed 4.64 times on the NSE. Broking companies and research companies, including Prabhudas Liladhar and Emkay, among others, have recommended the IPO, suggesting that investors should bid for the issue. Retail investors, too, are bullish about the IPO's prospects. "I have applied for the Adani Power issue from 10 demat accounts belonging to my family members," said Rajesh Patel, a retail investor. "In fact, some of these accounts were opened

especially for this issue." Patel said he had invested in the IPO of Adani Enterprises and Mundra Port & SEZ, and both the companies had given him handsome returns. "I expect the Adani Power issue to list with 40-50% premium over the offer price," he said. "But I have no intention of selling on the listing. In fact, I will buy more Adani Power shares from the open market and hold on to them for the long term." Premiums in the grey market, too, doubled on Tuesday to around Rs12 per share. "Retail investors should subscribe to the issue," said Vaibhav Shah, MD, Monarch Projects &

Finmarkets Ltd. "It is expected to give decent returns on listing and has good long-term prospects. The IPO has received overwhelming response from institutional investors and funding partners. The issue could subscribe 15-20 times in the HNI and QIB segment." Ravi Gandhi, another retail investor, said he would apply for the APL issue on Wednesday. "And I will stay invested for the long term," he said. "This company has the advantage of logistic support, besides coal mining rights in Indonesia. This will lead to better control over inputs costs and to good profit margins."

To advertise in this paper mail to:

[email protected]

Page 8

Times Chennai E-Paper

Business

Can't file returns by July 31? Don't worry Mumbai, July 30: The last date to file your income is just a day away - July 31 and you are anxious because you are not in a position to file your returns by then. Relax, there is no need to be unduly worried. A s www.incometaxindia.gov.i n, the website of the income tax department points out, the return "may be furnished at any time before the expiry of two years from the end of the financial year in which the income was earned". Simply put, this means that for income earned during the financial year 2008-09 (ie from April 1 2008 to March 31, 2009), returns can be filed any time before March 31, 2011. S a l a r i e d individuals, whose tax has already been deducted at source by the companies they work for and there is no further income tax to be paid, need not fret over missing the July

31deadline. They can easily file their return after, without having to pay anything extra. This applies to anybody who has already met his or her tax liabilities. H o w e v e r, individuals should take note of section 271(F) of the Income Tax Act, which allows the assessing officer of the income tax department to levy a fine of Rs5,000 if the returns are filed after March 31, 2010. While a delay in filing returns is cost-free till a certain period, late payment of taxes comes at a cost. "Paying the tax late does come with a cost attached to it. In terms of repercussions, a simple interest of 1% per month will be levied on any tax due," says Sandeep Shanbhag, director, Wonderland Consultants, a tax and financial planning firm. Individuals with outstanding tax

IOC Q1 net profit at Rs 3,682.83 cr Mumbai, July 30 : The Indian Oil Corporation on Thursday reported a net profit of Rs 3,682.83 crore for the first quarter ended June 2009. The company had a net profit of Rs 415.13 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. Total income of the state-run company declined to Rs 60,683.97 crore in the April-June quarter from Rs 89,148.57 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal, IOC said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. In March 2009, IOC merged Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals (BRPL) with itself. Hence the figures of the corresponding period last fiscal are not comparable with that of the quarter under review.

Inflation eases to – 1.54%; food prices rise New Delhi, July 30: After a marginal rise in two consecutive weeks, inflation rate has dropped slightly to minus 1.54 percent for the week ended July 18 against -1.17 percent in the previous week. Government has maintained that the reason for inflation in negative zone was partly because of statistical reasons. The RBI, in its first quarterly review of 2009, also kept unchanged the rates saying there was enough liquidity in the market. The ease comes mainly on the back of decrease in prices of iron ore, lower aviation fuel and cement. However, there was no respite in food prices. Common man continues to have an inflated bill with higher prices of mutton, arhar, gram, moong, jowar, fruits & vegetables, masur, bajra, urad, maize and ragi. Mutton rose by 14 percent, arhar by 9 percent, gram by 4 percent, fruit and vegetables by 2 percent during the week. C o m m o n consumption items like edible oil, rice bran oil,

coconut oil, sugar, butter, ghee and gur have also became costly. However, prices of condiments and spices dropped. Prices of soft drinks also witnessed a northward movement. A major decline was registered in mineral index, as prices fell by 16.8 percent mainly due to softening iron ore prices by 24 percent and felspar by 3 percent. India's annual rate of inflation turned negative for the week ended June 6 for the first time since the new wholesale price index (WPI) series started in 1995. The inflation rate had last turned negative in 1977. Negative inflation implies that the average wholesale price level was lower during a given week, than it was in the corresponding week a year ago. Inflation, it may be mentioned, peaked in August 2008 to about 13 percent mainly on account of rising prices of crude oil and other commodities in the international market.

payments should therefore pay up before July 31, 2009. However, filing late may not be an option for everyone, especially for individuals who have a business or capital loss. For them, it is advisable to file returns before July 31. "Because if you have any business loss or capital loss (shortterm or long-term), the same cannot be carried forward for set-off against future income, if the returns are not filed in time," says Shanbhag.

July 30, 2009

BHEL to supply n-equipment to state-run firms on priority New Delhi, July 30 : BHEL is committed to supply nuclear reactor equipment to state-run companies on a priority basis and its joint ventures with foreign firms will not lead to delays, Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh told the Lok Sabha on Thursday. BHEL is totally committed to first supply equipment to state-run companies like the NPCIL, he said replying to supplementaries during the Question Hour. Seeking to allay

members' concerns that BHEL's foreign collaborations would lead to delays in domestic deliveries, Mr. Deshmukh said none of the PSU's joint ventures with foreign companies had manufacturing units within the country. Mr. Deshmukh said BHEL had already manufactured and supplied some nuclear reactor components like steam generators, reactor headers and nuclear turbine generator sets to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) for their

220 MWe and 550 MWe reactors. He said BHEL was also planning to manufacture nuclear turbines of 700 MW and above ratings. Mr. Deshmukh noted that BHEL had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NPCIL to form a joint venture company to carry out Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) activities on the secondary side of nuclear power plants of 700 MW and above rating within India and abroad.

July 30, 2009

Times Chennai E-Paper

SPORTS

Bond, Tuffey in New Zealand's Champions Trophy squad Christchurch, July 30: On the expected lines, New Zealand on Thursday named former Indian Cricket League (ICL) recruits Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey in their 30member squad for this year's Champions Trophy in South Africa. After they snapped their ties with the 'rebel' Indian league, Bond and Tuffey were recalled in the New Zealand ODI and Twenty20 team for next month's tour of Sri Lanka and their Champions

Trophy selection was also pretty much on the cards. Pacer Chris Martin, who was dropped last year after the home series against England, returns to the side as does James Marshall. Except Peter Ingram, Shanan Stewart and Brent Arnel, all other players picked in the C h a m p i o n s Tr o p h y squad, to be pruned to 15 by August 23, have current or recent international experience

with the Blackcaps or New Zealand A sides. "The majority of these players will be in action over the next six weeks with the Blackcaps in Sri Lanka, or the New Zealand A side going to India," chief selector Glenn Turner said. "This means that the players who make the final C h a m p i o n s Tr o p h y squad will have had some cricket under their belts going in to the tournament," he added.

Schumacher set to race at Ferrari for Massa Rome, July 30: The Formula One circuit was abuzz with one of the biggest news to have hit since Ferrari’s Brazilian driver Felipe Massa got severely injured on the racetrack. It was the announcement of the Ferrari team that their old warhorse, seven times world champion, Michael S c h u m a c h e r, w o u l d replace injured Massa if he passes a fitness test. The German

racing legend, who is now 40 years old, retired from Formula One at the end of 2006. All being well, he will make his comeback in Valencia GP, Spain, next month. "Ferrari intends to entrust Michael Schumacher with Felipe Massa's car for as long as the Brazilian driver is not able to race," the Italian team said in a statement. " M i c h a e l Schumacher has shown his willingness and in the next few days he will undergo a specific program of preparation at the end of which it will be possible to confirm his participation in the championship starting with the European Grand

Prix on August 23." That race is one of the few Schumacher is unfamiliar with since the Spanish street circuit was added to the calendar only last season. Schumacher's comeback for the reigning champions will be a huge boost for Formula One organisers as well as local fans, who could be without home hero Fernando Alonso after his Renault team w e r e suspended for one race. H i s comeback will be the first time McLaren's current world champion L e w i s Hamilton, as well as Red Bull's title contender Sebastian Vettel, have raced against the man who dominated a decade. Both Hamilton, 24, and 22-yearold German race winner Vettel -- nicknamed 'Baby Schumi' by his compatriots -- entered the sport after Schumacher had left the scene. Fractured Skull F e r r a r i contacted the German, who has taken part in occasional motorcycle races since he retired, after Brazilian Massa fractured his skull in an accident at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. "I talked on the telephone with (team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (Ferrari president) Luca de Montezemolo this

afternoon and we decided jointly that I'll start preparing to jump in for Felipe," he said on his website. "Even though I completely wrapped up the subject of Formula One quite a while ago, due to my attachment to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. As a competitor, like I am, I'm looking forward to this challenge." Schumacher is Formula One's most successful driver, with 91 wins and more titles and records than anyone else has ever achieved. He won his first world title aged 25 with Benetton in 1994, by a single point from Britain's Damon Hill, and retained the title the following season before moving to Ferrari in 1996. He won five straight titles from 2000, and his final tally of race wins far eclipsed the previous mark of 51 set by Frenchman Alain Prost. Schumacher's return had looked doubtful earlier in the week when his manager Willi Weber was widely quoted as saying it was impossible. "Michael will not sit in a car in Valencia, this is out of the question," he had said Tuesday. The retired champion was also said to be still recovering from a neck injury when he crashed his motorbike during tests in Spain in mid-February.

Read Times Chennai E-Paper Today and every day

Page 9

India go down 1-3 to Britain in first hockey Test Birmingham, July 30: Indian hockey team began their Europe tour on a losing note, suffering a 1-3 defeat against England in the rainsoaked opening encounter of the threematch Test series here. Ben Hawes (1st minute), Barry Middleton (18th) and Richard Smith (68th) scored for the hosts, while Dhananjay Mahadik (8th) reduced the margin for India. A f t e r a n opening ceremony that included the Lord Mayor of Birmingham meeting the two teams, the match got off amid torrential rain late last night and England got off to a perfect start with a goal inside 60 seconds when Ben Hawes' effort went in off Ajitesh Roy's stick. Two minutes later England earned their first of 10 penalty corners but Ashley Jackson's effort was well charged down by the first runner Vikram Pillay. India recovered soon and responded in kind, earning their first penalty corner six minutes later. Gurwinder Singh Chandi's pass found its way to Dhananjay Mahadik, courtesy VS Vinaya's dummy, and the Indian

army man flicked it powerfully across James Fair and inside the post to equalise. England took the lead again in the 18th minute after setting the foundations from their fourth penalty corner. James Tindall shot powerfully from the top of the circle but after hitting the stick of first runner Pillay the ball went off the side deep in Indian territory. Barry Middleton seized the opportunity after the ball had ricocheted off Sandeep Singh's stick. With goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza struggling to readjust his position, the England skipper swept home while lying prone on the ground. The slippery conditions made things difficult but India began to reassert themselves in the match. Unfortunately for the visitors a number of passes went astray with Indian forwards in good positions. Into the second half and with the rain easing, India missed the chance of the match thus far after enterprising work along the right baseline by Chandi found Prabodh Tirkey in space at the back post but Tirkey hit the ball over.

India had another chance to restore parity six minutes into the second half but Fair saved a low and angular Sandeep Singh drag-flick. India's pressure nearly told soon after when a bobbling shot from Shivendra Singh hit the post with Fair beaten. England then gradually took control of the proceedings, winning three penalty corners in quick succession, beginning in the 52nd minute. First, Richard Smith's low flick was comfortably saved by Adrian D'Souza before Ashley Jackson and Simon Mantell had efforts charged down. India blew up another opportunity for the equaliser five minutes from the end when both Prabhjot Singh and Tushar Khandker failed to latch on to a Tirkey set up inside the circle. At the fag end, Richard Smith made sure of an English victory when he smashed home from beyond the penalty spot off a corner rebound in the 68th minute. The second Test will be played on Friday at the University of Birmingham.

Cricketers reluctant, BCCI may miss ICC deadline on WADA rules New Delhi, July 30: India's top cricketers are reluctant to sign a controversial anti-doping clause which, they claim, infringes on their privacy, leaving the Cricket Board in a fix. T h e International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked all its affiliated members to get their players to sign the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) form by August 1 which leaves a rattled BCCI with little time to negotiate with the reluctant players.

The cricketers are unhappy with the clause which makes it necessary for them to give details about their availability for one hour every day for random outof-competition testing by WADA officials. The players have been asked to fill their "whereabout update form" by August 1 but have they have not done so with most of them expressing reservations. The cricketers feel such a clause not only infringes on their privacy but also makes it

difficult for them since they are not aware of their programmes two months in advance during the offseason. According to the WADA rule, any sportspersons missing three doping tests in 18 months faces a two-year sanction. "The players have certain reservations about this clause. They have already expressed their concerns to the BCCI. We are seeing what can be done," a top BCCI official said.

SC gives nod to CWG village construction New Delhi, July 30: The Supreme Court of India gave its nod to the construction of the massive Commonwealth Games Village site today, stating that it did not v i o l a t e a n y environmental norms. The construction had been delayed of late for the Games, scheduled to be held in 2010.

The SC said that the CWG 2010 village was not on the river bed of Yamuna, and thereby did not pose any threat to the flora and fauna of the region.

It has allowed the construction work to be continued, a great sigh of relief for the government that was trying to hasten the process of construction owing to approaching deadlines.

To advertise in this paper mail to:

[email protected]

Page 10

Times Chennai E-Paper

July 30, 2009

Owned Edited and Published by S. Raghunathan Editorial and Advertisement Office: F 5 and 6 1st Floor, Leo Complex, New No: 41, Madley Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017. Ph: 42867771, Fax: 42867772