HC refuses to stay trial against Kumaraswamy

B D Narayankar, Bharati Ranganath and M Siddaraju

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 30: In a legal setback to former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Karnataka High Court today refused to stay proceedings initiated against him and his wife in a lower court on a private complaint,alleging corrupt practices.

Admitting a petition by Kumaraswamy, Justice K N Keshavanarayan declined to grant stay, observing a prima facie case has been made out and there is a statutory bar for grant of stay on proceedings of a case filed under Section 19(3)C of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Kumaraswamy had challenged the proceedings initiated by the Lokayukta court and the Aug 8 summons issued by it directing him to appear before the court today.

In another setback, the Lokayukta court today rejected the anticipatory bail applications of Kumaraswamy and his wife apprehending arrest in the case.

Judge Sudhindra Rao rejected their applications on the grounds they may tamper with evidence if granted bail. However, in a temporary reprieve for Kumaraswamy, the judge granted him and his wife exemption from personal appearance till September 5 on health grounds.

The case relates to alleged irregularities in renewal of mining licence to a firm and allotment of land to a private housing cooperative society, which allotted a site to Kumaraswamy''s wife. Vindo Geol, Managing Director of Jenthakal Mining Company was also exempted from personal appearance on health grounds. The judge directed all three to appear in court on Sept 5.

Advocate Vinod Kumar in his complaint had alleged that Kumaraswamy favoured the firm by ordering renewal of its licence flouting rules and made bulk land allotment to the society and it allotted a residential site to his wife as a favour.

EARLIER REPORT

B D Narayankar

Bangalore, Aug 30: Karnataka High Court on Tuesday refused to grant stay on the proceedings initiated against former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and his wife by a lower court on a private complaint filed against them.

Justice KN Keshavanarayan rejected the applications filed by Kumaraswamy and his wife Anita praying for staying the proceedings before the Lokayukta Special Court initiated on a private complaint.

The Lokayukta court on August 8 issued summons on Kumaraswamy and his wife asking them to appear before it on Tuesday.

Kumaraswamy had challenged the issue of summons and also the proceedings initiated by the court against him.

Earlier in the day, the lower court dismissed anticipatory bail plea filed by Kumaraswamy and Anita.

In the private complaint filed by advocate Vinod Kumar, it has been alleged that Kumaraswamy illegally recommended renewal of mining licence of Jantakkal mining company and also allotted land to a private housing society when he was the Chief Minister.

The housing society in turn allotted a residential site to Anita, the complaint alleged.

Kumaraswamy and Anita are likely to appear before the Lokayukta court later in the day.

Former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and some of his family members including his two sons appeared before the Lokayukta court on Monday.

While dismissing the petition, Justice Keshavanarayan observed that the court has no jurisdiction to grant the relief prayed for.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy's counsel Hashmath Pasha said the court could not grant stay on proceedings as the case was filed under Section 19(3)(C) of Prevention of Corruption Act.

There is also a Supreme Court decision in this regard, he said.

"There is a statutory bar for grant of stay on proceedings of the court under Sec19(3)(C) of the Prevention of Corruption Act," Pasha told reporters after emerging from the courtroom.

Pasha, however, said though the judge refused to grant stay on proceedings, it has admitted the petition for further consideration. "This is a good sign," he said.

He further said that his clients would file anticipatory bail application in the High Court and were confident of getting bail there.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hc-refuses-to-stay-trial-against-kumaraswamy/179951-37-64.html

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Karnataka-HC-refuses-to-stay-proceedings-against-Kumaraswamy/articleshow/9795589.cms

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/187325/hc-refuses-stay-proceedings-spl.html

http://www.hindustantimes.com/High-court-rejects-Kumaraswamy-s-bail-plea/Article1-739588.aspx

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Karnataka-HC-refuses-to-stay-proceedings-against-Kumaraswamy/articleshow/9795589.cms

Finally, BSY and sons appear in court

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 29: Hours after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail application, former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa along with his son today appeared in the Lokayukta Special Court in connection with alleged irregularities in denotification of lands.

The former chief minister, who was undergoing treatment for hypertension in a private hospital since yesterday, returned home this morning, soon after the High Court "dismissed" his anticipatory bail plea and declared that he would appear before the court in the afternoon.

The Lokayukta court had issued summons on August eight to Yeddyurappa and 10 others seeking their personal appearance on August 27. Citing ill-health, Yeddyurappa had sought exemption from personal appearance on August 27, but the court rejected his plea.

The court, however, granted him exemption from appearance for that day directing him to appear before it today.

Yeddyurappa reached the court premises by 2.30 PM along with his son B Y Raghavendra in connection with the private complaint registered against him by advocate Sirajin Basha over alleged irregularities in denotification of lands acquired by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

The complainant had alleged irregularities in denotification of lands in Arakere, Devarachikkanahalli and Geddalahalli.

The Lokayukta Judge adjourned the hearing of the matter to September seven.

Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa,his sons Raghavendra and Vijayendra, son-in-law R N Sohan Kumar, MLA Hemchandra Sagar, former minister S N Krishnaiah Setty and other accused filed regular bail applications in the Special Lokayukta Court today.

When the case came up for hearing in the morning, Justice Sudheendra Rao gave time to Yeddyurappa and other accused to appear before him at 3.30 PM.

Krishnaiah Setty and Hemachandra Sagar appeared in court in the morning itself.

Speaking to reporters after emerging from the courtroom, Basha's advocate C H Hanumantharaya said Yeddyurappa's counsel objected to his representation as Special Public Prosecutor and termed it as "delaying tactics." "The court will decide on who will represent Basha and thereafter the objections will be filed," he said.

Hanumantharaya said he requested the court to direct Yeddyurappa's counsel to file applications mentioning the grounds as to why he should be prevented from appearing as deemed public prosecutor.

He also alleged that Yeddyurappa was adopting delaying tactics by objecting to his representation as SPP. "I must honestly say it is a delaying tactics.. it looks like that they (Yeddyurappa's counsel) are interested in seeing to it I don't appear... it will become easy for them," he said.

Earlier Yeddyurappa who was discharged from hospital,visited Gavigangadhareshwara temple and offered pooja.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/hc-dismisses-yeddyurappas-bail-plea-appears-before-court/804492.html

http://www.dailypioneer.com/364322/Yeddyurappa-son-appear-in-Lokayukta-court.html

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/yeddyurappa-son-appear-in-lokayukta-court/804509.html

http://www.asianage.com/india/yeddyurappa-son-appear-lokayukta-court-268

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/yeddyurappa-son-appear-in-lokayukta-court/20110829.htm

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/yeddyurappa-son-appear-lokayukta-court-083

http://www.thehansindia.info/News/Article.asp?category=1&subCategory=1&ContentId=3385

http://www.uttrakhand.co.in/news/national/karnataka/yeddyurappa-son-appear-in-lokyukta-court/

http://www1.timesnow.tv/Yeddyurappa-son-appear-in-Lokayukta-court/articleshow/4382558.cms

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/187028/yeddyurappa-son-appear-lokayukta-court.html

http://newspolitan.com/forum/art/india/bangalore/GM3DINR0GM3ECVC3

SP probing case against Yeddy relieved

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 26: A Superintendent of Police investigating the case filed against former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa in connection with the Lokayukta report on illegal mining was today relieved from the job by the anti-corruption watchdog on his "request".

Lokayukta Shivraj V Patil told reporters here that he relieved Eshwarchandra Vidyasagar, who on April 22 filed an FIR under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Yeddyurappa and three of his family members, from the post of Lokayukta SP on his request.

He made it clear that Vidyasagar was not relieved on the basis of reports that his name figured in the report on illegal mining submitted by his predecessor Santosh Hegde.

"Whether his name is there or not or is there any case against him ... I don't think I should say anything about it.That (Lokayukta report) is not the basis for his relieving. We have releived him on his request," he said.

Asked who would replace Vidyasagar, Patil said, "We shall take only such officers who have unquestionable integrity ...but take among available officers."

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/sp-probing-case-against-yeddy-relieved/802901.html

http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?732702

Sri Lankan Consul office opens in Bangalore

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 26: Maintaining that both India and Sri Lanka were growing at a fast pace, the Lankan High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam today said efforts would be made to bring together businessmen of the two countries.

Inaugurating the office of Honorary Consul for Sri Lanka in the city, he said it would work towards bringing together Indian and Sri Lankan businessmen and traders.
"There is no terrorism in Sri Lanka and our growth is going to be exponential.

In this context, we have people from Karnataka to take part (in the process of building business partnerships) and we think it is a win-win situation," he said.
Both India and Sri Lanka have been developing at a fast rate, he said.

Kariyawasam stressed on the importance of having closer interaction between the island nation and Karnataka in the field of trade, commerce and business.

"We think Sri Lanka and Karnataka must have closer interactions, and for that purpose we have opened the Consul for Sri Lanka in Bangalore."

The commission of appointment of K Sudhakar as Consul for Sri Lanka would be formally handed over to him at a function tomorrow, he said.

"Sudhakar will lead the effort of improving ties between Sri Lanka and Karnataka in all spheres including trade, commerce and business," Kariyawasam said.


Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sri-lankan-consul-office-opens-in-bangalore/178860-60-115.html

http://www.sananews.net/english/2011/08/sri-lankan-consul-office-opens-in-bangalore/

http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/sri-lankan-consul-office-opens-in-bangalore_728450.html

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5394571

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11A/Aug26_1314373902CH.php

http://srilankamirror.com/english/the-news/6647-lanka-opens-consul-office-in-bangalore

http://www.thetop.in/news/sri-lankan-consul-office-opens-in-bangalore

http://www.anhourago.in/show.aspx?l=21894149

http://vivalanka.com/news/page.jsp?articleid=213554

http://ourlanka.com/srilankanews/sri-lanka-opens-consul-office-in-bangalore.htm

http://www.lankaweekly.com/sri-lankan-news/sri-lanka-opens-consul-office-in-bangalore.html

and many more

Raveendra, Natasha get Doordarshan promotion

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 25: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has promoted S G Raveendra and Natasha Sharon D�Souza to Non-Functional Selection Grade. Both Raveendra and D'Souza belong to Group �A� officers of the 1997 batch of Indian Information Service, according to a press release.

Raveendra would continue to function in his capacity as Director (News) and Head of Regional news unit at Bangalore Doordarshan Kendra, it said.

Raveendra would also continue to hold additional charge of Director (News) and Head of Regional news unit at Bangalore All India Radio, it said.

D'Souza, on the other hand, would continue to hold the post of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity at Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Bangalore, it added.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/raveendra-natasha-get-doordarshan-promotion/801785.html

http://www.mybangalore.com/news/raveendra-natasha-get-doordarshan-promotion.html

Moily wants Yethinahole water for Chickballapur

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore,Aug 25: Union Minister for Corporate Affairs M Veerappa Moily today urged Chief Minister D V Sadananada Gowda to immedietely execute the proposed project to draw water from Yethinahole river in Hassan district to Chickballapur, Bangalore Rural and parts of Bangalore Urban districts.

In a letter to Gowda, Moily said the project should be finalised, approved and implemented immediately, as Chickballapur, Bangalore Rural and Kolar districts had no river water sources.

Moily, who is MP for Chickaballapur, said the government provided about Rs 25 crore to Larson and Turbo to undertake the technical feasibility report and Rs 200 crore was provided for preliminary works.

He also said the proposal was cleared by the high-powered irrigation technical board and was awaiting approval by state cabinet.

Moily said the project could be completed in two years and 8 tmcft of water from the Yethinahole could be drawn to these arid districts through pipelines. He also said the proposal was mentioned in 2011-12 stae budget.

Moily said that by extending the project, drinking water and irrigation facilities could be created even in the neighbouring Kolar and Tumkur districts.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/moily-wants-yethinahole-water-for-chickballapur/800955.html

http://www.indiaeveryday.in/karnataka/fullnews-moily-wants-yethinahole-water-for-chickballapur-1166-2969226.htm

Lanka plans undersea power grid link with India

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 27: Sri Lanka was planning to set up a power grid connection between the island and Mysore in India which is facing growing requirement for electricity, a top envoy said today.

"The plan is at conceptual level. We are doing a feasibility study... And plan to set up an undersea power transmission line between India and Sri Lanka (Anurhadhapura)," High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Prasad Kariyawasam told reporters here.

The idea was to meet the increasing demand for electricity. "In the current context of India's power requirement, it may be very right for Sri Lanka to sell power to India and vice-versa. We have lot of excess capacity in terms of wind power," he added.

On the situation in Jaffna in the aftermath of the war which led to decimation of LTTE, Kariyawasam said Sri Lanka was in the process of rebuilding, reconstruction and reconciliation. Of the 2.90 lakh Tamilians displaced, only 5,000 remain to be resettled.

He also said of the 11,000 LTTE cadre, 7,000 have been rehabilitated and otheres remained to be resettled.

Kariyawasam said the Sri Lankan Government was planning to commence ferry services between Taliamanar and Dhanushkodi near Rameswaram in India. "...Dhanushkodi is a flourishing tourist and pilgrimage town ...," he added.

To a question on rehabilitation of refugees in Tamil Nadu camps, Kariyawasam said the Sri Lankan government welcomes those who want to return on their volition, but would not force them. There were nearly 50,000 refugees in Tamil Nadu, he added.

On Sri Lanka's economy, Kariyawasam said it's GDP growth was 8.5 per cent and per capita income stood at USD 2,400. "We have been ble to bring down inflation to five per cent."

When asked which was friendly country India or China, Kariyawasam said, "All countries are friends and India is our relative ... I believe you all agree relatives are closer than friends."

He said Sri Lanka would not do any business with those countries that would harm India's interests."We are conscious ... If there is any trouble in India, it will affect us. Therefore we will not do anything with those countries that will harm India's interests. But this should not stop us from making friends with China as it was growing powerhouse," Kariyawasam said.

"We are using China as we are using India for mutual benefits. It is not a serious matter between India and Sri Lanka, he added.



Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/lanka-plans-undersea-power-grid-link-with-india/803450.html

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5397306

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=201108290111rttraderusequity_0024&title=sri-lanka-plans-to-set-up-undersea-power-power-grid-link-with-india

http://www.sananews.net/english/2011/08/sri-lanka-plans-undersea-power-grid-link-with-india/

http://www.punjabstarnews.com/Bangalore/Lanka-plans-undersea-power-grid-link-with-India.html

http://www.asianage.com/india/lanka-plans-undersea-power-grid-link-india-020

BJP to Launch Nationwide Stir Against Anna'a Arrest

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 17: BJP today decided to launch a nationwide 'Bhrastachar Mitao, Loktantra Bachao' agitation against what it called UPA government's "high-handedness" to arrest Anna Hazare and "stifle" peaceful movement against corruption.

BJP units in each district will organise sit-in and conch-blowing protests and silent rallies at public places or near Mahatma Gandhi statue to expose UPA government's "fascist tendencies," BJP National General Secretary Anant Kumar said in a statement here.

Lambasting UPA, Kumar said since the Centre was trying to "create an atmosphere of terror and intimidation reminiscent of Emergency days," the party has decided to mobilise people against such "dictatorial" behaviour.

BJP would not remain a mute spectator to the "strong-arm" tactics of Government in crushing peaceful and democratic agitations against the "monumental scandals" of UPA regime, he said.

Meanwhile, flaying the arrest of Hazare, Pejavar mutt pontiff Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swami suggested that the anti-corruption crusader consider embarking on a fast for a week "to change the conscience of Parliamentarians who do not enjoy freedom of expression as they are bound by their party's whip."

Hazare's fast may change Parliamentarians conscience and they may vote in favour of the bill proposed by civil society. He also suggested holding of referendum in case Parliament accepted the Lokpal Bill proposed by the government.

Links

http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?731626

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-08-17/news/29896562_1_high-handedness-upa-regime-bjp-units

Decision on restarting Pandavapura coop sugar factory soon

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

KRS Dam (Mandya),Aug 17: The Karnataka government would soon take a decision on the modalities to restart Pandavapura and revive Mandya cooperative sugar factories Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today said.

The Pandavapura sugar factory has remained defunct since 2003 after the Chennai-based Kothari Sugar and Chemicals Limited abruptly terminated the lease agreement in April this year. It was handed over to KSCL in 2005-06 for a period of seven years against a lease amount of Rs 80.10 crore.

"We will take a decision on how to restart Pandavapura sugar factory and revive Mandya sugar factory for the benefit of farmers and workers soon," Gowda said at the inauguration of the new power generation sub-station at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam.

Referring to the meeting he had with sugarcane farmers yesterday, he said a meeting would be held on August 19 in Bangalore to address the problems faced by sugarcane farmers.

Giving an overview of the work done by his department after inaugurating the new entrance gate to Brindavan Gardens, Minor Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Basavaraj Bommai said as many as 232 tanks in Tumkur, Channapatna and Chamarajanagar were desilted and similar work would be undertaken in all the districts.

He also said the Kabini drinking water project was underway and 17 canals including Visweshariah, Hemagiri, Nandagiri and Sriramadeva Katte have been repaired to prevent seepage and wastage of water.

Earlier, Gowda offered 'Bagina' to Cauvery river and later inaugurated the new KEB power station and the new 80 foot crest valve gates installed at the KRS reservoir.

Gowda also performed puja at Goddess Chamundeshwari Temple. He was accompanied by his wife, Medical Education Minister S A Ramdas, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar and Excise Minister Renukacharya.

Links

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/184351/decision-restarting-pandavapura-coop-sugar.html

http://article.wn.com/view/2011/08/17/Decision_on_restarting_Pandavapura_coop_sugar_factory_soon/

http://www.anhourago.in/show.aspx?l=19529964

IIHS, SASC announce launch of India Urban conference in Bangalore

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 17: The Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS), Janaagraha and South Asian Studies Council today announced the launch of 'India Urban Conference' (IUC),2011 here.

The conference aims to bring to the fore key challenges India faces at the city, state and central levels in addressing problems relating to urbanisation.

"IUC 2011 series seeks to enable policy making and promote social action through dialogue between stakeholders at the city, state and central levels," Janaagraha co-founder Ramesh Ramanathan said here.

The conference also aims to use evidence and experience from cities and sites of innovation and interrogate themes relating to land, infrastructure, urban water, health, education and governance among others, he added.

"IUC is a unique platform that will bring together a range of stakeholders to debate urban issues in the context of verifiable data," Ramanathan said.

It will also create a platform for India's youth to help shape India's urban future through 'san-kranti', a nationwide student challenge, he said.

Links

http://www.thesundayindian.com/en/story/iihs-sasc-announce-launch-of-india-urban-conference-at-yale/20500/

Baldev Singh new HAL Director Corporate Planning and Marketing

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 16: Retired squadron leader Baldev Singh has taken over the charge of director corporate planning and marketing of HAL on Tuesday.

Prior to assuming charge, he was the Executive Director Flight Operations and Chief Test Pilot (Fixed Wing) at HAL Bangalore Complex, according to a press release.
Commissioned into the IAF in June 1973 as a fighter pilot, he has vast experience in various facets of aviation,it said.

"He has a total flight test experience of over 6,000 hours on 55 different types of aircraft," it added. After doing operational flying on Hunter, Mig-21 and Mig-23 aircraft, Singh qualified as a Flight Instructor in July 1983, the release said.

Later, Singh was posted to Air Force Academy at Hyderabad for Instructional Flying duties on the Kiran Aircraft.

He was involved with the LCA Programme from 1990 and was deputed to Aeronautical Development Agency for this purpose, it said.

Singh also has extensive test flying experience on five prototype programmes and carried out the first flights of HANSA aircraft, the release added.

Links

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/184200/baldev-singh-hal-director-corporate.html

Nick Talbot appointed global design head of Tata Elxsi

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 16: Tata Elxsi, a leading design company, today said it has appointed design veteran Nick Talbot as the global design head for its industrial design (ID) division.

"We are confident that with the global design experience Talbot brings, we can add substantial value to our customers'' brands and products," Tata Elxsi (Industrial Design) Vice- President Anil N Sondur said in a statement.

Talbot will be based in the Bangalore headquarters of Tata Elxsi, the company said in a statement.

Talbot will be joining ID from Seymourpowell, one of the world''s leading design and innovation firms, where he was both Design Director and Director on their Board, the statement said.

He brings with him over 20 years of design experience in working with some of the world�s most innovative brands, the statement added.

"India is an emerging market for global design ... I look forward to an exciting career at Tata Elxsi," Talbot said.

Talbot led the design of a production train for Bombardier and production of running prototypes of world''s first hydrogen-fuelled motorcycle (ENV), the statement said.

More recently he led the team that created the ''Aircruise'' concept for Samsung Construction and trading, it added.

Links

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5369947


http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/nick-talbot-appointed-global-design-headtata-elxsi_576945.html

http://pinksheetblog.info/business_news/nick-talbot-appointed-global-design-head-of-tata-elxsi/

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Tata-Elxsi-appoints-Nick-Talbot-as-global-design-head/5222302162

Judge recuses himself from KIADB case

B D Narayankar & Bharati Raghunathan

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 16: The judge hearing the bail application of former Karnataka minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, his son and another person in the KIADB scam today recused himself from the case.


Justice K N Keshavanarayana said he had practised as a lawyer under the father of one of the accused and hence it would not be appropriate for him to hear bail applications of Naidu, his son Jagadish and ITASCA software firm Managing Director S V Srinivas.

Justice Keshavanarayana practised under Srinivas' father.

The matter will now go before the Chief Justice J S Khehar for assigning the petition to a new judge.

Katta and the others were remanded to judicial custody on August eight.

The three have approached the High Court after a lower court rejected their bail plea.

Links

http://expressbuzz.com/states/karnataka/judge-recuses-himself-from-kiadb-case/304720.html

Shettar pitches for inclusion of Reddy bros in cabinet

From Raghavendra Kanawally

Edited by B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Dharwad, Aug 15: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar today urged the BJP central leadership to induct controversial Reddy brothers into Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda's Ministry.

"Reddy brothers must be inducted into the ministry as they have strived hard to build the BJP in the state," Shettar, who lost the Chief Ministership to Gowda in a secret ballot, said.

Karunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy, who were indicted along with former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa in the Lokayukta report on the illegal mining issue, have been kept out of the Gowda ministry till date.

Gowda, sworn-in as chief minister on August 4, has still kept seven ministerial berths vacant, keeping the hopes of many ministerial aspirants alive.

He had inducted 21 ministers in the first phase of cabinet expansion on August 8 and five more on August 11.

Asked what would be the next course of action if Reddy brothers were not inducted into the ministry, Shettar said, "Please wait and see ... a decision will be taken in this regard."

Links

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/183972/shettar-pitches-inclusion-reddy-bros.html

‘Suvarna Soudha’ to be ready by Sept: Katti

From Subash Kulkarni

Edited by B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Belgaum, Aug 15: Karnataka Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti today said the state legislature house, "Suvarna Soudha", in the city will be ready by September this year.

The BJP-ruled government has been desperate to hold the inaugural session at "Suvarna Soudha" and announced the schedule for the session at least thrice in the last six months, but later backed off.

"About 75 per cent of construction work of "Suvarna Soudha" is complete and balance work is expected to get completed by September this year," he said on the occasion of the 65th Independence Day celebrations here.


The project, coming up at Halagabastavadi, is about 15 km from Belgaum on Bangalore-Pune Highway.

Highlighting the schemes and achievements of BJP Government under former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, Katti said the agriculture department deposited Rs 114.77 crore in 2,80,077 farmers' accounts under Suvarna Bhoomi scheme.

Later speaking to reporters, Katti said as many as 40 talukas of Chitradurga, Belgaum, Dharwad and Bangalore Rural would be declared drought-affected areas in case rains play truant there.

Katti said there was no race between him, Laxman Savadi and Bhalchandra Jharkiholi for Belgaum district in-charge minister's seat.

Links

http://zeenews.india.com/news/karnataka/suvarna-soudha-to-be-ready-by-sept-katti_726361.html

Karnataka finances sound, says Gowda

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 15: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday said the State’s finances were sound as the government mopped up Rs 58,541 crore revenue during 2010-2011 as compared to Rs 49,156 crore during 2009-2010.

In his first Independence Day address here, Mr. Gowda, who became the ruling BJP’s second Chief Minister in the State on August 4 after B S Yeddyurappa stepped down following his indictment by a Lokayukta report on illegal mining, said revenue receipts of the State increased to Rs 58,541 crore in 201—2011, a growth of 18 per cent.

He said the State government spent a record Rs 31,750 crore, while the target of plan expenditure for 2010—2011 was fixed at Rs 31,050 crore.

“The Planning Commission, Reserve Bank of India, and 13th Finance Commission have commended our efforts in resource mobilisation, fiscal management and increasing the plan expenditure,” he said.

Talking about tax collections, Mr. Gowda said commercial tax grew at 27 per cent in 2010-2011 and motor vehicles tax grew by 37 per cent. Moreover, the stamp duty collection went up to 36 per cent and excise tax by 19 per cent, he said.

Referring to agriculture, he said the State has received good rains, except in Chitradurga, Tumkur and Gadag districts, which received less than the average rainfall.

“The government will initiate relief works if the situation worsens in these areas,” he said.

On 'Namma Metro', Gowda said as Reach-I of the project between Byappanahalli-Mahatama Gandhi road was ready for operations, he requested the Central Government to grant approval for the Phase-II metro project.

"During my visit to Delhi, I have extended invitation to PM Manmohn Singh to expedite clearances and inaugurate 'Namma Metro' project," he said.

Indicating the importance given by the state government on the development of urban areas, Gowda said the state government has improved basic infrastructure in 211 towns and cities including Bangalore.

Gowda also said his priority was to implement the plan and programmes already announced, instead of making new announcements.

"Investment of over Rs 5 lakh crore through Global Investors Meet, issuing of Bhagyalakshmi bonds to more than 11 lakh girl children of BPL families ... are some of our government's achievements," he added.

Citing examples of focussing on achieving all-round development, Gowda said the state government will hold the first-ever global agri-business meet to woo private investments for agriculture development. "The second Global Investors meet is also on the anvil," he added.

Gowda also said he has urged the Central Government to bring in amendment to Article 371-D of the constitution to give special status to Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

On law and order, he said the incidence of communal clashes and crimes have come down drastically during the last three years when compared to previous regimes.

Links

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2359027.ece

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/karnataka-finances-sound-says-cm/788380.html

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5367547

http://www.newspolitan.com/india/politics/2011/08/15/india-report-Karnataka-finances-sound--says-CM

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-finances-are-sound-says-gowda/175872-37-64.html

Aarakshan screening cancelled in 2 theatres after BSP protest

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 14: Screening of Prakash Jha's controversial Hindi film Aarakshan was cancelled in two city theatres today after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers staged a protest demanding a ban on the movie.

Urvashi and Vision Cinemas managements said they took the step after being asked by the police, who reached the spot following the demonstrations.

"We cancelled the first two shows of the day after protests. Sunday is usually the busiest day in cinema halls ... we are facing major financial losses," an official from Vision Cinemas said.

First two shows were also cancelled at Urvashi theatre.

More than 500 BSP workers, carrying flags, staged demonstrations in front of the theatres and also outside chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda's official residence 'Krishna', where they submitted a memorandum demanding a ban on screening of the film.

Since Gowda was away from Bangalore, special officer Somashekhar received the memorandum on his behalf.

The movie starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Manoj Bajpai is based on the issue of caste-based reservation in educational institutions.

BSP state general secretary R Muniyappa said that Aarakshan has scenes degrading the concept of reservation.

"Already Uttar Pradesh has banned the controversial film for the same reason. Our party appeals to the state government to ban the film."

"Some dialogues are anti-Dalit and provocative. The government should ban the film to maintain law and order," Muniyappa said.

BSP supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday ordered a ban on the film across the state.

Andhra Pradesh had ordered suspension of the screening, but later lifted the ban after some minor modifications.

Links

http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110182161&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=126574

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/183714/aarakshan-screening-cancelled-2-theatres.html

Tata Motors unveils Aria 4x2 in Bangalore

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: Tata Motors today launched its new premium car Aria 4×2 in the local market.

“The pleasure of the Aria, combining the finesse of a sedan with the muscle of an Sports Utility Vehicle, can now be availed by a larger customer segment,” Tata Motors Utility Vehicles Head, Rajesh Nair, told reporters here.

The Tata Aria range along with the 4×2 range is being made available in 85 cities through 150 showrooms in phase-I, Nair said.

The Tata Aria 4×2 range will be available from Rs 11.71 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Bangalore), he added.

A company statement said Aria 4×2 range will be available in three trim levels — Aria Prestige, Aria Pleasure and Aria Pure.

It has features like 2.2 litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine, with variable turbine technology and 32-bit ECU delivers 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, it said.

It is also equipped with a dual mass flywheel which isolates torsional vibrations from the powertrain, thus providing a NVH free environment in the cabin, it said.

The new Mark II gearbox is perfectly mated to the engine ensuring smooth power delivery and precise shifting, the company said.

The suspension of Aria 4×2 is designed to achieve an optimal balance between ride comfort and control and stability, both on normal roads and in offroading.

Its low-roll characteristics and higher soaking capacity further ensure a sedan-like ride quality and SUV-like offroading capability, the company said.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/tata-motors-unveils-aria-4x2-in-blore/785064.html

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/tata-motors-unveils-aria-4x2bangalore_575712.html

http://www.newsreporter.in/tata-aria-4x2-lanuched-in-bangalore

Heineken beer launched

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: United Breweries today announced the launch of locally brewed and bottled Heineken beer from its Taloja brewery near Mumbai.

"Heineken will appeal to affluent, sophisticated and discerning consumers in India," United Breweries President and MD Kalyan Ganguly said in a statement.

Heineken has been launched in world-class packaging, with imported green embossed bottles in 650-ml and 330-ml sizes. It is also packaged in clear plastic labels, a first for any beer brand in India.

In India, Heineken will initially focus on activating the brand at premium pubs, bars, lounges, restaurants and retail outlets, the statement said.

Heineken will also leverage the brand's global proposition, "Open Your World", across all marketing executions.

Digital activation and social media also will be used to ignite conversations and connect with consumers, the statement said.

Initially launched in Mumbai and Pune, the brand will be rolled out across the rest of the country over the next few months, the statement said.

Across the world, Heineken connects with consumers through the UEFA Champions League Football and Rugby World Cup.

Heineken also partners some of the world's most premium and high profile music festivals, such as Coachella and Ultra in the USA, Rock in Rio in Brazil, Oxegen in Ireland and the Open'er Festival in Poland.

Links

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/united-breweries-launches-locally-made-heineken-beer/144099/on

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ub-launches-locally-brewed-heineken_575755.html

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/heineken-beer-launched/784894.html

Rohit Malhotra appointed CEO of Airtel B2C's Karnataka circle

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: In line with the new organisation structure recently announced for its India and South Asia operations, leading telecom company Bharti Airtel today announced appointment of Rohit Malhotra as CEO of its B2C operations in Karnataka circle.

Malhotra will report to Operations Director (South and Sri Lanka) Vineet Taneja, the company said in a statement.

"Malhotra's experience and perspective will be vital for us in this phase of transition and we are confident that he will successfully lead our operations in Karnataka," Taneja said.

Malhotra holds a management degree from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and brings to the table over 19 years of experience.

He has also served as a CEO of Bharti Airtel telemedia services.

In the past, Rohit has held several prestigious positions across various reputed companies like Madura Coats, Spice Telecom, Reliance Infocomm & Pantaloon Retail.

Bharti Airtel's new structure is aimed at driving greater business and functional synergies,providing a common interface to customers, and creating a de-layered and more agile organisation, the statement said.

Bharti Airtel's transformed organisation structure has two distinct Customer Business Units (CBU) with clear focus on B2C (Business to Customer) and B2B (Business to Business) segments.

Links

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-08-11/news/29876222_1_bharti-airtel-customer-business-units-ceo

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/rohit-malhotra-appointed-ceoairtel-b2c-(ktaka-circle)_575603.html

http://www.telecomlive.com/homepg/innercomt.asp?N_Id=22194

http://news.chennaionline.com/South/Bharti-Airtel-appoints-Rohit-Malhotra-as-CEO--Karnataka/bcd2b0fc-6190-4a06-9e77-640b35b96283.col

GMR Infra posts Q1 net loss of Rs 67 cr

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 10: GMR Infrastructure today reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 66.69 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, mainly on account of lower revenues from the Delhi Airport, high interest cost and increased tax outgo.

The company had reported a net profit of Rs 28.44 crore during the corresponding period of the last fiscal.

Net sales of the company during the quarter under review increased by 51.34 per cent at Rs 1,863.57 crore, GMR Infra said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

In a separate statement, the company said it incurred a loss of Rs 192 crore on Delhi Airport, which is operated by one of its subsidiaries, as the costs have gone up significantly, while the airport tariff has yet not been revised.

It added that the tariff revision in Delhi Airport is under active consideration with Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

"It may be noted that increased cost of operations of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) after commissioning of Terminal-3 are being accounted for, without commensurate revision in the tariffs.

"Profit after tax (PAT) loss of DIAL has adversely impacted the overall consolidated results, resulting in the aforesaid PAT loss of Rs 67 crore for the quarter, after minority share," the statement said.

During the quarter, the interests payment of the company also increased by over 38 per cent to Rs 372.42 crore, while the tax outgo was Rs 65 crore.

"The 38 per cent rise in interest cost and 67 per cent increase in depreciation are also mostly due the capitalisation of Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport. Tax liability of Rs 65 crore relates to profit-making subsidiaries," the statement added.

However, the traffic at the Delhi Airport increased by 23 per cent during the quarter, it further said, adding that all the airports operated by company witnessed significant traffic growth in the April-June quarter.

Commenting on the results, GMR Group Chairman G M Rao said, "The first quarter of the year started on a strong note. Our airport assets experienced robust traffic growth and our energy assets turned out healthy plant load factor."

He added that the company infused USD 131 million (over Rs 591 crore) to consolidate equity base of its Airports Holiding Company, thereby making a total private equity investment of USD 331 million (over Rs 1,495 crore) during the quarter.

The company had a total debt of close to Rs 17,000 crore as on June 30, 2011, GMR Infra's Group CFO A Subba Rao said.

Links

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-08-10/news/29872070_1_delhi-airport-tariff-revision-first-quarter

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/gmr-infra-posts-q1-net-lossrs-67-cr/143958/on

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/gmr-infra-posts-q1-net-loss-of-rs-67-cr/829916/

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/gmr-infra-posts-q1-numbers/1/17776.html

Karnataka ministry to be expanded today, Reddy brothers not to be included

BD Narayankar and Siddaraju

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: The D V Sadananda Gowda ministry in Karnataka will be expanded today with the induction of five more ministers, keeping out the mining magnates Reddy brothers and their close associate B Sreeramulu.

According to sources in the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Raju Gowda, C P Yogeshwar, Anand Asnotikar, Balachandra Jarkiholi and independent MLA Varthur Prakash are likely to be sworn-in this evening.

Karunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy, who were indicted in the Lokayukta report on the illegal mining issue and their close associate Sreeramulu are not likely to be inducted, sources said.

The three were ministers in BJP's first government in the South, headed by B S Yeddyurappa.

This is the second ministry expansion Gowda is carrying out after he inducted 21 ministers on August 8 in a hurried exercise.

Even after today's expansion, the ministry will have seven vacancies.

Gowda took oath as Chief Minister on August 4 following axing of B S Yeddyurappa by the party high command after a Lokayukta report on illegal mining indicted him.

Even as there are many ministerial berth aspirants within BJP, the party high command has chosen to accommodate Varthur Prakash, who has been supporting the government in tune with the promise held out to him earlier.

Sringeri MLA D N Jeevaraj, who recently quit as Government Chief Whip with hopes of joining the ministry, has not been chosen in today's round of expansion.

Governor H R Bhardwaj has been requested to administer oath of office and secrecy to new ministers in Raj Bhavan at 6 PM, the sources said.

Links

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-08-11/news/29876254_1_karnataka-ministry-reddy-brothers-lokayukta-report

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/182986/karnataka-ministry-expanded-sans-reddy.html

5 More Join BJP Ministry in Karnataka, Sans Reddys

BD Narayankar and Siddaraju

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: In the second expansion in three days, Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today inducted five ministers of cabinet rank into his ministry, but kept out the controversial Reddy brothers.

Gowda managed to shrug off pressure by mining magnets G Janardhana Reddy, his brother Karunakara Reddy and their family associate B Sreeramulu to regain ministerial berth.

In today's exercise that took the strength of the ministry to 27, Balachandra Laxmanrao Jarkiholi, Anand Vasanth Asnotikar, Raju Gowda (Narasimha Naik), C P Yogeshwar and Varthur Prakash (Ind) were administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor H R Bhardwaj at Raj Bhavan.

Yogeshwar, Raju Gowda and Prakash are first timers into the ministry. Jarkiholi and Asnotikar had served in the previous B S Yeddyurappa government.

Gowda, who was sworn-in as chief minister on August 4, has still kept seven ministerial berths vacant, keeping the hopes of many ministerial aspirants alive.

On August 8, Gowda, inducted 21 cabinet rank ministers, all of whom were in the Yeddyurappa ministry.

Gowda who came under intense pressure for ministerial slot, rushed to New Delhi this morning, sought the nod of his party high command for the second instalment of ministry expansion and returned by evening to complete the exercise.

The BJP high command has decided to keep away the Reddy brothers following their indictment by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.

Jarkiholi and Asnotikar, the rebels-turned loyalists of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, return to the ministry after a gap of about 10 months.

Yeddyurappa had sacked both of them along with other rebel ministers last October, after they joined dissidents and withdrew support to his government.

Jarkiholi and Asnotikar were among the 11 disqualified rebel BJP MLAs, whose membership was restored by the Supreme Court in May. All the 11 MLAs later supported Yeddyurappa.

Yogeshwar, who managed to win the Chennapatna by-election during April, has been rewarded with a ministerial berth, apparently in a bid to strengthen BJP in old Mysore region and to counter the growth of JDS.

At last after several attempts, luck has smiled on Varthur Prakash, the lone independent to get into the ministry, despite a long list of aspirants among BJP MLAs.

Raju Gowda is also dissident-turned-loyalist to become the minister.

As per the constitutional stipulation, Karnataka can have a strength of 34-member ministry.

Reddy brothers stayed away from the today's swearing-in ceremony at which Sadananda Gowda, his ministerial colleagues and Yeddyurappa were present.


Links

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gowda-expands-ministry-Reddys-kept-out/Article1-732217.aspx

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/five-more-join-bjp-ministry-in-karnataka-reddys-kept-out/785172.html

http://www.livemint.com/2011/08/11220739/Five-more-join-BJP-ministry-in.html?atype=tp

http://www.dailypioneer.com/360110/Five-more-join-BJP-ministry-in-Karnataka-Reddys-kept-out.html

Prahlada takes over as DIAT VC

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 11: Scientist and Chief Controller of Aero Programmes of DRDO (Delhi), Prahlada, has assumed charge as the Vice Chancellor of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology DIAT. Prahlada had also served in various ISRO and DRDO establishments, a DRDO release said here today. He also spearheaded commercialisation of DRDO technologies into civilian products through a customized programme with FICCI, the release said.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/prahlada-takes-over-as-diat-vc/785527.html

Too early to assess US downgrade implication: Wipro

BD Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 8: IT major Wipro today said it was too early to make any assessment on the implication of the S&P downgrade of the United States' credit rating.

The unprecedented downgrade of the US credit rating last Friday has triggered concerns about its fallout on the USD 60 billion Indian IT industry, which garners over 60 per cent of revenues from North America's biggest market.

"We need to see if this downgrade along with the prevailing macroeconomic conditions has any further impact on the real economy, which is primarily driven by consumer and business confidence," Wipro CEO and Executive Director T K Kurien said in a statement here.

In fact, the structural weakness in the economy offers opportunities to IT services companies, he added.

Ratings agency S&P's has downgraded the US credit rating to 'AA' from 'AAA' as it was not convinced with the efforts being made to tackle the country's debt problems. This resulted in a meltdown of Indian and other key bourses.

Software exporter Wipro also remained confident of withstanding another downturn. "We feel that the IT industry is far more prepared for any change in the negative macroeconomic environment now than we were in 2008," Kurien said.

Links

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/software/too-early-to-assess-us-downgrade-implication-wipro/articleshow/9533169.cms

http://profit.ndtv.com/news/show/too-early-to-assess-us-downgrade-implication-wipro-167100

Lokayukta conducts surprise checks in 6 sub-registrar offices in Bangalore

BD Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 9: Karnataka Lokayukta officials conducted surprise checks in six sub-registrar offices in Bangalore rural district and booked suo moto cases against officials and agents for alleged financial irregularities.

The checks were conducted at sub-registrar offices at Hoskote, Doddaballapur, Jigani, Devanahalli, Anekal and Nelamangala on Monday evening.

In Hoskote sub-registrar office, Lokayukta registered a suo moto case against a Second Divisional Assistant (SDA) under Prevention of Corruption Act, Lokayukta Shivaraj V Patil told reporters in Bangalore.

The official, incharge of collecting fees towards issue of encumbrance certificates, was found with excess cash of Rs 11,450 in his possession, he said.

Another case was booked against the Hoskote sub-registar for having Rs 37,600 as against the actual cash of Rs 22,340 as receipts towards registration fee, Mr. Patil added.

In Doddaballapur sub-registrar office, suo moto cases were booked against two officials and an agent. The Sub-registrar and First Divisional Assistant (FDA) were found guilty of forgery and collecting less registration fees, Mr. Patil said.

“We found just Rs 15,675 from the office when the documents mentioned Rs 27,380, a shortage of Rs 11,705,” Mr. Patil said.

In Jigani, suo moto cases were booked against two officials and agents each. Cases were booked against two agents and the sub-registrar and two SDAs, Mr. Patil said.

“They were found guilty of collecting less fees towards encumbrance certificates for an amount of Rs 1,55,440. The actual amount found was Rs 77,515,” he added.

Mr. Patil also said suitable legal action is being taken against officials and agents found guilty of possessing deficit and unaccounted cash in Nelamangala, Devanahalli and Anekal sub-registrar offices.

Links

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2339837.ece

Will act on illegal mining report: Patil

BD Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 9: Karnataka Lokayukta Shivaraj Patil on Tuesday said he would act on the illegal mining report submitted by his predecessor and Governor Bhardwaj's recommendation to initiate criminal proceedings against indicted former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

"I have almost read the voluminous mining scam report. I will examine the provisions available under the law to initiate action in this regard," Patil told reporters in Bengaluru.

Patil also said he would read the governor's letter and take appropriate steps to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa, who had to quit as chief minister following the indictment by the previous Lokayukta Santosh Hegde.

Bhardwaj had recommended Lokayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa.

To another question, Patil said Lokayukta police would probe the complaint against Yeddyurappa, alleging irregularities in the Upper Bhadra irrigation project, which was referred to it for probe by a local court on Monday.

He said the Lokayukta would draw up a roadmap and an action plan by month-end to address issues on improving functioning of Lokayukta. "I would like to suggest to the government to launch online registration of property documents and install CCTVs in government offices to check corruption," he added.

Patil also said the conviction rate in corruption cases handled by Lokayukta in 2011 shot up to 45 per cent, compared to six to seven per cent a few years back.

Links

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2340207.ece?homepage=true

http://www.rediff.com/news/report/will-act-on-mining-report-guvs-recommendation-ktaka-lokayukta/20110809.htm

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/will-act-on-illegal-mining-report-governor-bhardwajs-recommendation/articleshow/9542035.cms

http://www.dailypioneer.com/359622/Will-act-on-illegal-mining-report;-Guvs-recommendation.html

http://www.hyderabadcircle.com/india/will-act-on-bhardwaj%E2%80%99s-recommendation-patil-44860

New Karnataka ministry sans Reddy brothers

BD Narayankar and M Siddaraju

Press Trust of India

Bangalore,Aug 8 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today expanded his five-day-old ministry inducting 21 with Cabinet rank but left out the mining magnates Reddy brothers and their close associate Sreeramulu.
All the ministers who were inducted had served in the outgoing ministry of B S Yeddyurappa who had stepped down as Chief Minister following his indictment by Lokayukta in its report on illegal mining.
Karunakara Reddy and Janardhana Reddy, who were also indicted in the Lokayukta report and their close associate from mines rich Bellary district B Sreeramulu, failed to return to the ministry. The three were ministers in BJP''s first government in the South headed by Yeddyurappa.
There is no Deputy Chief Minister amid speculation that Jagadish Shettar who was defeated by Gowda, a Yeddyurappa loyalist, in the secret ballot may get this post. The strong bid by Shettar to bag this post was brought to nought by Yeddyurappa, who opposed creation of the post
Governor H R Bhardwaj administered oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers at Raj Bhavan this evening, acceding to a request at short notice by Gowda.
Those who joined the ministry are: Jagadish Shettar, Dr V S Acharya, R Ashoka, C M Udasi, Govind Karjol, S Suresh Kumar, Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri, Shobha Karndlaje, S A Ravindranath, Basavaraj Bommai, Umesh Katti, Murugesh Nirani, S A Ramdas, Laxman Savadi, C C Patil, Revenunaik Belamagi, B N Bacchegowda, J Krishna Palemar, V Somanna, A Naryanaswamy and M P Renukacharya.
With this the strength of the ministry rose to 22, leaving 12 more berths to be filled as Karnataka is entitled for a 34-member ministry as per the constitutional norm.
Besides Gowda, Yeddyurappa and several BJP leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony.
According to party sources, under a consensus reached between rival factions, 12 belonging to Yeddyurappa camp and nine from Shettar group were chosen to join the ministry afteer three-days of consultations by the party''s central leader Dharmendra Pradhan, who is in-charge of party affairs in Karnataka.

Links

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/wire-news/21-cabinet-rank-ministers-join-bjp-ministrykarna_574317.html

http://zeenews.india.com/news/karnataka/new-karnataka-ministry-sans-reddy-brothers-today_725051.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2336143.ece?homepage=true

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/21-cabinet-rank-ministers-join-bjp-ministry-in-karna/780633.html

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/182239/21-cabinet-rank-ministers-join.html

http://www.sify.com/news/21-cabinet-rank-ministers-join-bjp-ministry-in-karnataka-news-national-liitkfeeegi.html

http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?730575

Digvijay rejects BJP demand for Dikshit resignation

BD Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 7: Throwing his weight behind Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Sunday rejected BJP’s demand for her resignation in the wake of the CAG report on Commonwealth Games. “There is no question of resignation of Sheila Dikshit as the CAG report is not an incriminating evidence against anybody. It is basically an audit body and not an investigative entity,” Singh told reporters here.

Singh argued that CAG is a constitutional body which looks into government spending and should not be compared with the Lokayukta report which indicted former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on the illegal mining issue.

Asked when Rahul Gandhi would take charge of the Congress, Singh said Sonia Gandhi had appointed a four-member panel to look into party affairs. “Let the time come, everybody will come to know when Rahul Gandhi would assume charge,” he said.

He replied in the negative when asked if he felt left out from the panel. “Why should I feel left out?. I think Antony, Ahmed Patel and Janardhan Trivedi are in the party for a long time. I am junior to them,” he contended.

Asked about “dwindling prospects” of Congress in Karnataka, Singh said on the contrary, BJP’s position was fast eroding.

“By-elections are usually won by the ruling party. Therefore I don’t think Congress is loosing ground in Karnataka,” he said.

Launching a tirade against BJP, he said there was a serious situation in Karnataka where the ruling party was facing dissensions and are undecided on the issue of forming cabinet.

“I think if Yeddyurappa had taken effective action against illegal mining and the wrongdoings of Reddy brothers, he would have still been the chief minister,” he added.

Links

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Digvijay-rejects-BJP-demand-for-Dikshit-resignation/Article1-730541.aspx

http://thepatnapost.com/wp/?p=180

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/digvijaya-rejects-bjps-demand/445173/

http://www.hindustanmarkets.com/news.php?act=3&nid=6551

India still lacks knowledge of international law: President

BD Narayankar

Press Trust Of India

Bangalore, August 7: President Pratibha Patil on Sunday said there was the need to include the comparative study of both international and domestic laws to equip professionals to meet challenges in the 21st century.

“Law courses must take international and comparative law perspectives in the syllabi, along with necessary understanding of domestic law,” she said while addressing the 19th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University here.

Ruing India’s lack of awareness in the legal systems of other countries and expertise in international law, Patil emphasised the need for legal institutions to adopt internationally acceptable standards to overcome the problem. She also urged lawyers to develop abilities to cope with change in technology and its application in their legal profession.

Patil further urged lawyers to seek a remedy to high litigation cost which denied justice to a large section of the people. “So long that (high litigation cost) is the case. We cannot say that all have the potential to knock the doors of law to seek justice,” she added.

Urging lawyers and judges to discourage litigation, she said they should be engaged in securing and finding justice for their clients and litigants. “Disputes are inevitable, but litigation is not. Lawyers can suggest simplified options to their clients so that justice is neither denied nor delayed,” Patil said.


Links

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-still-lacks-knowledgeinternational-law-president/445121/

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-still-lacks-knowledge-of-int-l-law-President/Article1-730533.aspx

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=111215

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/182023/india-still-lacks-knowledge-intl.html

http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=379139&catid=36

http://legalplanet.com/2011/08/07/india-still-lacks-knowledge-of-intl-law-president-msn-india/

FKCCI seeks reconsideration of SC order to suspend mining

BD Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Aug 6: Karnataka''s apex industry body FKCCI today pleaded for reconsideration of the Supreme Court''s recent order suspending iron ore mining and transportation from Bellary district, considering its impact on the state economy and people.
"Disruption in mining plays havoc to the state''s economy.
Apart from large scale unemployment, this mining ban will also affect the royalty and other tax accruals to the state," Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) President J R Bangera said in a statement here.
Iron ore mining and steel plants in Bellary contribute about 30 per cent to the district''s domestic production.
"Mining and steel plants employ about 50,000 people directly and about 2 lakh indirectly in transport and other services," he said.
Of the over 46 million tonnes (MT) of ore production, about 25 MT was consumed within the state by at least four major integrated-steel manufacturing plants, including the Vijayanagar plant of JSW and Ginigera plant of Kalyani in Bellary, Bangera said.
The apex court on July 29 had ordered immediate suspension of mining and transportation of iron ore from Bellary district, saying "over-exploitation" of the area has caused large-scale environmental degradation.

Links:

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5347405

http://www.indiaeveryday.in/karnataka/fullnews-fkcci-seeks-reconsideration-of-sc-order-to-suspend-mining-1156-2906331.htm

http://article.wn.com/view/2011/08/06/FKCCI_seeks_reconsideration_of_SC_order_to_suspend_mining/

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/181869/fkcci-seeks-reconsideration-sc-order.html