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Archives for August 2016

Najma Heptullah to be Manipur Governor

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najma_heptullah11

New Delhi: Former Union Minister Najma Heptulla was on Wednesday made governor of Manipur while ex-Rajya Sabha MP VP Singh Badnore goes to Punjab in new gubernatorial appointments announced for four states with all of them being associated with the BJP.

Banwarilal Purohit, a three-time former member of Lok Sabha from Nagpur and managing editor of Central India’s daily ‘The Hitavada’, will be the governor of Assam while Delhi-based BJP leader and former MLA Prof Jagdish Mukhi was made Lt governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique.
Heptulla, 76, had last month resigned as Minority Affairs Minister from Union Cabinet.

The resignation had come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to have set an unwritten writ of ’75-year age bar’ for ministers and had kept veterans like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi out of the Cabinet and co-opted them in ‘Margdarshak Mandal’.

Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan was holding the additional charge as Manipur governor.

68-year-old Badnore, who hails from Rajasthan, will be the new governor of Punjab, the communique said. Haryana governor Kaptan Singh Solanki was holding additional charge of Punjab, which goes to polls next year, after Shivraj Patil’s term ended last year.

Nagaland governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya was holding additional charge as Assam governor, a post which will now be assumed by 76-year-old Purohit.

Professor Jagdish Mukhi, who has been member of Delhi legislative assembly from Janakpuri constituency, has been appointed as Lt governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the communique said.

73-year-old Mukhi has been appointed in place of Lt General (Retd) A K Singh, it said.

(PTI)

AOL event ‘completely destroyed’ Yamuna floodplains, NGT told

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Ravishankar Art of Living

New Delhi: The ‘World Culture Festival’ extravaganza organised by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living (AOL) on Yamuna has “completely destroyed” the riverbed, an expert committee has told by the National Green Tribunal.

“The committee observes that entire floodplain area used for the main event site i.e. between DND flyover and the Barapulla drain (on the right bank of river Yamuna) has been completely destroyed, not simply damaged. The ground is now totally levelled, compacted and hardened and is totally devoid of waterbodies or depressions and almost completely devoid of any vegetation.

“The area where the grand stage was erected (and the area immediately behind it) is heavily consolidated – most likely with a different kind of external material used to level the ground and compress it. Huge amount of earth and debris have been dumped to construct the ramps for access from the DND flyover and from the two pontoon bridges across the Barapulla drain,” the expert committee, set up by the NGT, told a bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.

The tribunal had directed the seven-member expert committee headed by Shashi Shekhar, Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources, and senior scientists and experts from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, IIT, Delhi and other agencies to inspect the site of the World Culture Festival was held this year.

The committee, in its 47-page report, has said that due to the three-day event, the floodplain has lost “almost all its natural vegetation” like trees, shrubs, tall grasses, aquatic vegetation including water hyacinth which provides habitat to large number of animals, insects and mud-dwelling organisms.

“These organisms were rendered homeless, driven away by intense activity and many were consigned to graves under the debris. This is invisible loss of biodiversity which cannot be easily assessed and most may never be able to return. Far more significant changes are expected in the micro-organisms which are critical to ecosystem functioning,” it said.

The report further states that construction of ramps and roads, alteration of water bodies and flattening of the ground has completely damaged the diversity of habitats.

“The physical damage in the floodplain and its wetlands include a change in topography which has a direct bearing on the diversity of habitats. Construction of ramps and roads, filling up of waterbodies and levelling of the ground together with compaction have almost completely eliminated the natural physical features and the diversity of habitats,” the report said.

(PTI)

India rejects Pak’s proposal for FS-level talks on Kashmir

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Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

Islamabad: India today rejected Pakistan’s proposal to hold Foreign Secretary-level talks on Kashmir and asserted that it would like to discuss aspects related to cross-border terrorism which are central to the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry’s invitation, India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar expressed his willingness to travel to Islamabad but maintained Pakistan has no locus standi in addressing any aspect of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is an internal matter of India, except to put an end to cross-border terrorism and infiltration.

The response was handed over to Pakistan by Indian High Commissioner to Islamabad Gautam Bambawale.

“Since aspects related to cross-border terrorism are central to the current situation in J&K, we have proposed that discussions between the Foreign Secretaries be focused on them.

“We have also conveyed that Government of India rejects in their entirety the self-serving allegations regarding the situation in J&K, which is an integral part of India where Pakistan has no locus standi,” the sources added.

Pakistan on Monday had invited India for talks on Kashmir, saying it is the “international obligation” of both the countries to resolve the issue.

The invitation was extended amid tension in bilateral ties due to the war of words between the two nations over the issue.

Last week, while reacting to a statement by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz regarding the invitation, India had made it clear that it would talk on “contemporary and relevant” issues in Indo-Pak relations and at this time it included stoppage of Pak-supported cross-border terrorism.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said: “India would welcome a dialogue on contemporary and relevant issues in India-Pakistan relations. At this time they include a stoppage of Pakistani support for cross-border terrorism, infiltration of terrorists like Bahadur Ali.

“Incitement to violence and terrorism across the border, parading of internationally recognised terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin, and sincere follow up on the Mumbai attack trial and the Pathankot attack investigation in Pakistan.”

India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over the statements by Islamabad on the situation in Kashmir which is witnessing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month.

Wani was described as a martyr by Pakistan, which has also tried to internationalise the Kashmir issue while India has been maintaining that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the Valley is the root cause of the turbulence.

(Agencies)

Canadian International School Celebrated the 20 th anniversary with an Alumni Meet

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The Principal lighting the lamp

The culmination of the 20th anniversary celebrations and the first ever, exclusive alumni meet was held on campus on Aug 12th. Alumni from the world over visited the school and shared their stories about CIS. The evening was filled with fun and nostalgia, where the pillars of CIS’s strength, its teachers and admin staff, were felicitated.

The Evening started with a band playing in the basketball courts and then everyone moved to The Odeum for an alumni meet and honoring of all the staff of CIS.

The first registered student of CIS was present and many more from all corners of the world. Each one came up and spoke about their experience studying in CIS and those that couldn’t make it sent video clips with their thoughts.

The entire show was live streamed on the Alumni Facebook page so graduates who could not attend the event could watch it live.

Sheweta Sastri, the Executive Director had to say this about the event “It was a pleasure to see so many alumni on campus. The 3rd event in in our celebration of 20 years series was a runaway success! Every teacher and member of staff received gifts from the school. The anecdotes and memories shared by CIS Alumna were those they will cherish for a long long time. What a wonderful evening!”

Established in 1996, the Canadian International School or CIS, is celebrating 20 glorious years. Among the other milestones on the way is the fact that they were the first school in Bangalore to start offering the IB Diploma programme in the year 2000. The current Board of Directors (ownership team of Sterling Developers) took over the school in 2002, built the current campus, and moved to it in 2006 commemorating the 10th anniversary of the school.

2016, is a landmark year for the school. 3 Marquee events were planned to celebrate 20 years. Jan 2016, saw the inauguration of “The Odeum”, – a 470 seat, state-of- the-art performing arts theatre – with a performance,”Isha Rumi” by Sunaad, a group of Indian classical singers. The vision for The Odeum is for it to become the cornerstone for performing arts in North Bangalore, given that this area does not have any comparable performance venue.

On March 22nd 2016 (the date of incorporation 20 years ago), a huge carnival was organised on campus for students and parents and friends of CIS. The finale on the that day was the going live of their solar project, which ensures that CIS meets all of its electricity requirements from solar power, and any excess energy produced is given back to the grid for use by surrounding homes and villages. CIS is doing its bit to reduce the world’s carbon footprint.

Life Health Foods launches Almond Fresh India with Brett Lee

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Pack shot-01

Bengaluru: As young and old India alike wakes up to a more healthy existence, moving towards increasingly positive and conscious lifestyle choices, Life Health Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in the health beverage segment, presents plant milk extracted from almonds for the first time in India under the brand name ‘Almond Fresh’.

A rich source of Calcium and Vitamin D, Almond Fresh is made from the highest quality Californian Almonds. It is available in Natural, Chocolate and Vanilla flavors in 200 ml and 1l formats.

Brett Lee, leading Australian fast bowler & cricket personality, is the Brand Ambassador for Almond Fresh. Throwing his support behind this new product, Lee enthusiastically says, “I am passionate about healthy products that taste great and it’s exciting to see almond milk now available in India. I encourage people young and old to try this great new health drink which is a good source of calcium and vitamin D with lower calories than dairy milk.”

Mr Rohit Bhagat, Business Head, Life Health Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd., says, “Almond Fresh is an innovative and nutritious health beverage from the stable of Life Health Foods. Traditionally, almonds have always been popular in our culture for their richness and nutritive value. We are sure almond milk will also earn a deserving spot on the Indian breakfast table. Low in calories and rich in calcium, Almond Fresh with its fabulous taste will appeal to a rising segment of health conscious Indians. With the launch of this product, we hope to move a step forward in creating healthy future generations of India”.

The formulation and technology for making almond milk has been designed with the support and careful oversight from the parent company from Australia.

Almond Fresh with its mild nutty taste provides Calcium and Vitamin D that supports good healthy bones and teeth. Being plant-based, Almond Fresh is naturally Cholesterol Free, low in Sodium and preservative free. Almond Fresh can also be the next best friend of your breakfast cereal. Guess why? It is lower in Calories than both regular dairy milk and slim dairy milk, Almond Fresh is lactose free, adding further appeal to vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers.

With the launch of Almond Fresh, Life Health Foods becomes one of the most formidable players in the category of ready-to-drink dairy alternatives and though a niche segment currently, the category of Non Dairy alternatives is growing at the rate of 20% year on year. On the international front too, almond milk has become a major success story as consumers around the world switch to the great taste and health benefits that almonds are well known for.

Life Health Foods is particularly enthusiastic about bringing Almond Fresh to the breakfast table of today’s young and vibrant India – the section of Indian society, which believes in designing their own lives and living their passion. The company believes that Almond Fresh with its combination of great taste, several health benefits and affordable cost will be the top choice of health conscious Indians.

Bollywood’s Contribution For Independence Day Have Been Scores Of Patriotic Movies

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patriotic films of india

Bollywood Film makers have always been very patriotic to the core and to commemorate each Independence Day they have been making films based on patriotic themes. In fact since the indian film makers too wanted to be free from the Britishers rule they had already started making patriotic films much before our country gained independence in the year 1947. And if we can recollect correctly the 1st ever patriotic film made in India was in the year 1931 and the patriotic films made in the those period were films like The Sword of Allah, Azaad Hindustan, Tiranga Jhenda, Swatantra Bharat et al to be followed by scores of such films but obviously one can’t recollect all the names of patriotic films made in those times. But of course some of the best films were Shaheed, Pukar, Purab Aur Paschim, The Making Of Mahatma Gandhi made by Shyam Benegal if we can recollect it correctly. But the best of film made during that period was made by a foriegn director named Richard Attenborough who gave a gem of film to the Indians namely Gandhi starring a foreign actor namely Ben Kingsley who had enacted the role of Mahatma Gandhi – the father of the nation perfectly. And all such films were instrumental in stirring the patriotic feelings of the Indians of those times.

And to stir the patriotic feelings of the Indians once again we have put together a list of the Best Patriotic Movies in Bollywood. In fact Bollywood has a very strong sense of patriotism. And so, every year the Indian film industry sees at least a couple of movies dedicated to India and her freedom fighters as well as the ones that instill a sense of pride in viewers through patriotism.

While some of these films actually portray the freedom struggle of India and it’s freedom fighters, others are set in the post-Independence era and simmer with a patriotic zeal and pride for the country.

Here’s a list of the Bollywood’s Best Patriotic Movies, Shaheed, the name of which was already mentioned above. So Shaheed was a patriotic film about the Indian independence movement. This was one the of many nationalist films made during this period which depicted the struggle for Independence. The next in line was Mother India. In 1947 India gained independence from the British rule. The country was caught between the need to modernise and continue the technological advances of the last two decades, and the need to maintain traditional moral values and avoid cultural decline. Moreover this movie was nominated in the “Best Foreign Film” category of the Oscars. And how can one forget one more film, yet again by director Mehboob Khan namely Son Of India. One more films of those times was Haqeeqat directed by Chetan Anand. It was about how Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru saw China as India’s best friend after independence propagated the Indo – Chin Bhai Bhai. Then the Indo – China war happened in 1962 and an unprepared India was devastated.

One more important film of that time was Border directed by J P Dutta which was an epic tale about young men & his war to set every Indian free from their own shackles of slavery. The movie was an adaptation from real life events that happened at the Battle of Longewala fought in Rajasthan (Western Theatre) during the Indo – Pakistani War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War.

And the next patriotic films to follow were Aamir Khan (producer) & Ashutosh Gowarikar’s (Director) Lagaan which was a deadly combination of cricket and the rebellion against the British Empire. This one even made it all the way to the Oscars and lost out to No Mans Land.

Once again it was Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film Swades. Which was all about a successful Indian scientist working at NASA who returns to an Indian village to take his nanny to America with him and in the process rediscovers his roots. Director Ashutosh’s masterpiece had all the elements of a patriotic film without resorting to jingoism.

Then how can one forget about Rakeyesh Om Prakash Mehra’s Rang de Basanti a youthful drama about some youthful people gripped by a feeling of patriotism.

And last but not the least was Chak De India, which used a hockey field in India and the Indian women’s national field hockey team as metaphors to explore larger than life’s themes relating to sexism, ethnic & regional prejudice, and religious prejudice under the larger umbrella of Indian nationalism. It also referred to the legacy of partition.

Movie Review: ‘Rustom’ is a perfect crime drama that has hit the marquee after ages

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Rustom

Banner: Zee Studio, KriArj Entertainment, Cape Of Good Films & Plan C Studios
Producer: Neeraj Pandey, Aruna Bhatia,
Nittin Keni, Akash Chawla, Virender Arora,
Ishwar Kapoor & Shital Bhatia
Director: Tinu Suresh Desai
Star Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ileana D’Cruz,
Esha Gupta, Arjan Bajwa, Pawan Malhotra, Usha Nadkarni, Sachin Khedekar, Kumud Mishra, Anang Desai, Parmeet Sethi, Kanwaljit Singh et al
Music: Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly, Raghav Sachar & Arko Pravo Mukherjee

Of late there is a strongest trend of making a biopic movie on legendary figures and also movies based on true stories of real people mirroring their down to earth real lives. And religiously following this trend is none other than the Producer – Actor team of Neeraj Pandey – Akshay Kumar. And their latest outing Rustom is based on the real life incident of a famed Naval Officer named K. M. Nanavati. And both Neeraj Pandey & Akshay Kumar deserve a standing ovation for brilliantly presenting or rather re – presenting the courtroom battle of K. M. Nanavati. Which had earlier appeared in the form of 2 movies namely Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke & Achanak. So once again Hats off to Neeraj Pandey & Akshay Kumar.

The scripted scenario of Rustom kick starts with a periodic era of 1959, when Mumbai was still “Bombay” and the times when justice was done by the jury members and not by the judge. This is followed by the introduction of the “habituated to his uniform” Commander Rustom Pavri (Akshay Kumar) and his lovely wife Cynthia Pavri (Ileana D’Cruz). One day, when Rustom Pavri comes back home from the sea, earlier than his scheduled date, he is shocked when he gets to know that his wife Cynthia has gone out with the “filthy” rich Vikram Makhija (Arjan Bajwa) and has not been home since the last 2 days. Rustom Pavri, then, starts breathing fire and reaches Vikram’s house, only to find Vikram & Cynthia together in an uncompromising situation. Unable to bear the sight of his wife’s deceit, Rustom Pavri loads his official gun and shoots the evil minded Vikram, killing him on the spot. Being the ever righteous man, Rustom Pavri then goes to the police station and surrenders himself. When the news of Vikram’s death reaches the ears of his “well connected” sister Preethi Makhija (Esha Gupta), she vows to revenge her brother’s death. As the case goes to the court however, Rustom pleads not guilty. What follows after that is a heated court room drama, mudslinging & the role of the media in the case… all eventually leading to one common thing.

Director Tinu Suresh Desai in his 1st ever outing in 1920 London had displayed his directorial sparks. But in his 2nd outing Rustom he is in complete command and displays that he is just not the flash in the pan kind of director. But of course he appears a little weak in the courtroom drama but that is because of the poor writing skills of Vipul K. Rawal. Yet Tinu Suresh Desai has given a new life to this predictable courtroom fare. Another weak link of the movie is its technical crew like the film’s music by Ankit Tiwari, Jeet Ganguly, Raghav Sachar & Arko Pravo Mukherje, cinematography by Santosh Thundiyil & editing by Shree Narayan Singh. So on the whole it is only Akshay Kumar’s sterling act that holds the film and the cine goers interest together especially of those who are totally unaware of the most talked about case of Nanavati.

Performance wise no doubt that it is Akshay Kumar who rules the roost. He has totally blended himself into the character of Nanavati and delivered a towering albeit a powerhouse performance. On the other hand Ileana D’Cruz is too perfect to be true, in fact she matches Akshay Kumar step by step in the histrionics department. Esha Gupta is excellent. Arjan Bajwa has delivered a par excellence act in his “Brief” role. While the other seasoned actors like Kumud Mishra, Usha Nadkarni, Sachin Khedekar, Anang Desai, Parmeet Sethi, Kanwaljit Singh & above all Pawan Malhotra too have ended up giving a convincing & believable performance.

Tail Piece: Rustom is a perfect crime drama that has hit the marquee after ages.

Rustom Can Easily Be Termed As The Milestone Movie Of My Career: Akshay Kumar

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akshay kumar

Akshay Kumar is one of the most humble actor of Bollywood. He is so modest about his super stardom, that when he is addressed as a super star, his grin becomes wider and he just smiles. His rise to super stardom has been so phenomenal, en route all the highs & lows and ups & downs included. He has done films of varied genres albeit comedy is his forte. No doubt he has traversed miles & miles to finally prove his worth from his debut film Saugandh to his latest release Rustom.

What was the main reason for accepting Rustom?

First of all I found the concept interestingly gripping. But one never knows how the world will react to what I personally feel is intriguing & interesting.

Are you happy with the over all response to Rustom right from the promo launch?

So far the response has been mirrored to my own emotions and that is one of the greatest feelings an actor can experience, a shared passion about one’s choices of projects is just so humbling that it makes you want to hug all your fans and thank them for sharing their eagerness in your work.

While the trailer was released, you were away on a holiday. Do you regret missing out on the excitement for your film back home?

I would have regretted not being on holiday with my kids. I’ve made over 130 films, and luckily still counting. But I only get so many years to throw my kids in the pool and watch them marvel at the world before they become too big & too distant for me to impress.

But didn’t you feel cut off from the pre -release excitement back home?

Thanks to Steve Jobs & Mark Zuckerberg’s greatest inventions, they kept me connected to the world which made me feel like I was at home feeling the love & support as if I was only inches away from everyone’s excitement.

Rustom is your 1st ever film on a crime of passion… It’s about a loving husband who murders his wife’s lover. How difficult was it for you to portray this man who loves his country & his wife too but is accused of murder by the law?

It was so thrilling for me to portray such a character, one who has nothing but love & patriotism in his heart. But a crime is a crime… This film will leave you thinking twice about the legal system, the action of mankind and the ability to do the right thing at the right time.

The year has so far been extremely kind to you. Your reaction to Airlift & Housefull 3 being big hits?

You make it out like I wasn’t deserving enough to have a kind year. I personally couldn’t have wished for a better response to one of the most patriotic films I’ve ever made.

You mean Housefull 3?

I see my comedies have helped critics loosen up. But jokes aside, Airlift made me feel proud to be an Indian. As for Housefull 3, I love the fact that one of my favourite franchises can still bring so much laughter to the crowds, people let their hair down and let out whoops of laughter in the theatres. It’s the heartiest feeling in the world. What better feeling than to make people happy?

You have always preferred to work with a new director. Comment!

Yeah! You can say that I like to work with newer directors. Anyone who makes the grade with Neeraj Pandey is all good by me. Neeraj Pandey’s standards of film making and his script sense are irreproachable. So in Rustom Tinu Suresh Desai had my full faith from day one. I’ve not regretted my instincts for a second.

Isn’t it difficult for a new director to guide you?

Tinu Suresh Desai has pulled all of us together into one creative vision so fast & so well that I take my hat off to him. He’s a producer’s director and he doesn’t mess around for a moment. He would forget to say hello to you as he had to be so engrossed with his work. But his practicality always brings him back to reality. Speedy man, fast paced, exactly what I like in my directors when they know what they want and get it come hook or by crook, they get their shot.
What impels me is that they bring about a change in me. Keeping my audiences intrigued is a very important part in keeping them interested in my career. When I star opposite a fresh face, the audience has no idea what kind of connection we will have.

To round it off tell us something about your co – star Ileana?

What can I say about her? Ileana is a pleasure to work with of course. She has a competitive edge about her but laced with a charming exterior. She likes to push herself in her scenes and takes a demanding day on the chin. Rustom may not be a physically taxing movie but it was certainly emotionally draining for all of us.

Srikanth faces twice Olympic champ Lin Dan in quarters

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Srikanth

Rio de Janeiro: India’s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth will face an enormous task of beating two-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Lin Dan of China in the quarter-finals of the men’s singles event at the Rio Olympics here on Wednesday.

World No.11 Srikanth stunned World No.5 Jorgensen 21-19, 21-19 in 42 minutes at the pre-quarters stage. And the stakes will be high as Srikanth will aim to prove that he has really come of age.

At Rio, Srikanth has joined Parupalli Kashyap, who was the first Indian men’s singles player to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympics at the London Games in 2012.

World No.3 Dan is considered as the most successful shuttler in history. The 32-year-old Chinese has completed the “Super Grand Slam”, having won all nine major titles in the badminton world: Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, Super Series Masters Finals, All England Open, Asian Games, and Asian Championships — becoming the first and only player to achieve this feat.

Many feel that Dan is past his prime but the left-hander remains the strong opponent that he used to be. Moreover, having the experience of wriggling out of crunch situations will be in his favour.

On the other hand, the 23-year-old Guntur lad has won 2014 China Open Superseries Premier after beating Dan 21-19, 21-17 in the final, thus becoming the first Indian male shuttler to win a Superseries Premier title.

It will be the fourth meeting between them with the Chinese dominating twice, but Srikanth had an upper hand at the last meeting at the 2014 China Masters.

On his way to the quarter-finals, the Indian topped Group H by registering easy wins against Munoz Lino of Mexico and Henri Hurskainen of Sweden, setting up a clash with Dane Jan O Jorgensen in the pre-quarters.

By virtue of his exceptional defensive skills, the Dane gave a tough time to Srikanth but it was the Indian who managed to clinch the well-fought battle with some body-line smashes.

After the pre-quarterfinals in the last two World Championships and the Asian Games, Srikanth has taken a good step forward, and it remains to be seen how well he tackles the extra attacking and rock solid defence of the God of badminton, Lin Dan.

(IANS)

Amnesty says its employees did not raise anti-India slogans

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amnesty-international

Bengaluru: Amnesty International’s India chapter today said none of its employee had shouted any anti-India slogan at an event on Kashmir in Bangaluru, allegations based on which sedition charges were slapped against the human rights body.

Amensty India said allegations mentioned in a complaint by an ABVP representative against it were “without substance” and that only discussion at the event on Saturday was about allegations of human rights violations and denial of justice in Jammu and Kashmir.

Local police had slapped sedition charges against Amnesty International India yesterday following allegations that anti-India slogans were raised at the event, organised by it, during a discussion on Kashmir issue.

“No Amnesty International India employee shouted any slogans at any point,” the human rights organisation said in a statement referring to allegations that “slogans were raised that Indian Kashmir should be part of Pakistan.”

To charges that the event indirectly supported terrorists, Amnesty said the only discussion that had taken place was about allegations of human rights violations and the denial of justice to families in Kashmir.

“These are issues that have regularly been discussed in the media. They have been written about at length by members of Parliament, politicians, judges and civil society,”it said.

The event was held as part of a campaign based on the report “Denied: Failures in accountability for human rights violations by security force personnel in Jammu and Kashmir”, published in July 2015, it said.
Amnesty said the report was based on in-depth research in Jammu and Kashmir, including interviews with family members of “victims”, RTI applications, examination of police and court records, and interviews with civil society groups, lawyers, and government officials.

The families of three Kashmiri victims that were interviewed for the report were invited to share their stories at the event, said Amnesty.

About allegations that some people at the event tried to assault ABVP activists, it said, “No Amnesty International India employee was involved in any form of assault.”

“Towards the end of the event, some of those who attended raised slogans, some of which referred to calls for ‘Azaadi’ (freedom). Amnesty International India as a matter of policy does not take any position in favour of or against demands for self-determination.

“However, Amnesty International India considers that the right to freedom of expression includes the right to peacefully advocate political solutions. Amnesty International India had invited the Bengaluru police to be present at the event in the interest of the security of the invited families and other attendees,” the statement said.

About allegations that Sindhujaa Iyengar, an Amnesty employee, and two others raised raised anti-national slogans, it said Iyengar was not present on stage at any point during the event.
Amnesty said footage of the event has been shared with the police.

The rights body said Amnesty has worked extensively on human rights violations in Pakistan, including “the enforced disappearances and unlawful killings of political activists in Balochistan, violations by security forces in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and violence against journalists by groups including the ISI”.

Asked about reports that “anti-India” slogans were also raised by some students at the Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology in Tumkuru, 70 km from here, with which the Home Minister is associated, Parameshwara said an FIR had been registered in that case also and police were investigating it.

“One security fellow says I don’t understand what they (students) said. We don’t know at this stage – it is not very clear. There (Tumkuru) also an FIR has been registered and they are looking into it,” he said.

Asked if any action has been suggested against the culprits, he said action would be taken as per the law.

“No, no, no. I will go according to law. Action will be taken according to results obtained from police investigation. Beyond that I don’t think I can do anything,” he said.

Asked whether the government had swung into action due to the central government’s pressure, Parameshwara denied such reports, saying the government has its own duty to fulfil.

“It is not like that. Why should the Centre force us to register a simple FIR?. I don’t think so. We have our own duty to fulfil. If there is any such case, naturally the law will take its own course and police definitely work under those laws,” he said.

Simha said there has been no FIR filed against Kashmiris who raised the slogans, but only against Amnesty International.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Police are enquiring. An FIR has been registered.”
Noting that an FIR had already been registered on sedition charge, he said after an enquiry, police would take action according to law.

Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said patriotic and nationalist people could not tolerate “anti-India” slogans.

“What happened in JNU is being repeated here”, he said, adding, “this must be stopped.”
Yeddyurappa said BJP would fight to ensure that the culprits were brought to book and added that he had written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the issue.

Amnesty India today said none of its employees were involved in any form of assault against anyone at the event.

It said that towards the end of the event, some of those who attended raised slogans, some of which referred to calls for ‘Azaadi’ (freedom).

But, it said, Amnesty International India as a matter of policy does not take any position in favour of or against demands for self-determination.However, it considers that the right to freedom of expression includes the right to peacefully advocate political solutions.

Amnesty International India had invited Bengaluru police to be present at the event, in the interest of the security of the invited families and other attendees. “We have shared our footage of the event with the police,” it said.

(Agencies)

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