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Petrol price cut by Rs 2 per litre; diesel by 50 paise

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An employee counts money at a fuel station in Kolkata

New Delhi: Petrol price was today cut by Rs 2 per litre and diesel by Rs 0.50 a litre, the third reduction in rates this month on fall in global oil rates.

The new rates will be effective midnight tonight, said Indian Oil Corp (IOC), the nation’s largest fuel retailer.

Price of petrol in Delhi has been cut by Rs 2 per litre, including local levies, and will cost Rs 61.20 per litre from tomorrow as against Rs 63.20 currently.

A litre of diesel will cost Rs 44.45 as compared to Rs 44.95 currently. Oil firms had last cut petrol price by Rs 1.27 a litre and diesel by Rs 1.17 per litre with effect from August 15. Prior to that, rates of petrol were cut on August 1 by Rs 2.43 a litre and that of diesel by Rs 3.60.

“Since last price change, there has been a decrease in international prices of both petrol and diesel. However, Rupee-US Dollar exchange rate has depreciated during this period. The impact of both these factors warrants a downward revision in prices, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price decrease,” IOC said in a statement.

Last month, the price of petrol was cut on July 1 by 31 paise per litre and diesel by 71 paise a litre. This was followed by a Rs 2 per litre cut in rates of both petrol and diesel, excluding local sales tax, from July 16 but consumers in Delhi were deprived of the benefit as the Delhi government raised VAT.

As a result, petrol price in Delhi went up by 28 paise a litre after hike in VAT or sales tax on the fuel from 20 to 25 per cent.

Rates of diesel, on which VAT was raised from 12.5 per cent to 16.6 per cent, saw a smaller reduction of 50 paise per litre.

“The movement of prices in international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes,” IOC said.

(PTI)

JDS keeps suspense on issue of support in Bengaluru civic body

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BBMP poll

Bengaluru: Maintaining suspense over his party’s move, JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda today made it clear that he is in no hurry or ‘anxious’ to take a call on the issue of extending support either to the ruling Congress or BJP to take control of the city civic body.

Gowda said he would convene a meeting of party MLAs, MLCs and corporators and defeated candidates in the August 22 polls held to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), on September 5 to take a decision.

“I am calling all my MLAs, MLCs and corporators – both victorious and defeated on Sept 5.We will all sit together and interact to find ways to strengthen our small regional party,” he told PTI, even as his party corporators were cooling their heels in Kerala to prevent from being “poached” upon.

Gowda said he is not anxious nor was he a beggar to go to the doorsteps of the national parties – BJP and Congress – for lending support to rule BBMP. “I am not anxious. Why should I be bothered? I am not a beggar either. People know who are anxious. Congress and BJP are (anxious),” he said.

The JDS chief said, nevertheless he has to take a decision very carefully, given the past records of both the national parties sullying the image of his party. “I have to be very careful in taking a decision because both parties took our support earlier and damaged our reputation … I took the support of Congress and burnt my fingers.Dharam Singh was then made the CM who led Congress-JDS government. The Congress destroyed my party,” he said.

“Later, without my knowledge, my party leaders took the support of BJP, and thereafter what happened everybody knows. My son’s image was tarnished by a BJP leader after he levelled corruption charges in a mining case,” he said.

Asked which is a more dangerous party between BJP and Congress, Gowda said, “How do I say who is the better evil?” Gowda also questioned BJP’s claim of having people’s mandate, saying “If I support BJP, the Congress has to sit in the opposition, and if I support Congress, the BJP has to sit in the opposition. Who is saying BJP enjoys the mandate.”

Asked about the intriguing drama being unfolded even for a city corporation, Gowda ruled out any horse-trading. “Let me tell you with great responsibility. Nobody can indulge in horse-trading. No Operation Kamala this time, that BJP crafted in 2009.Nobody can touch(my corporators),”he said.

BJP has accused the Congress of indulging in horsetrading to gain control of BBMP. The Congress is working on ways to thwart BJP from ruling BBMP for a second term but the party is reportedly divided over taking help from JDS.

Upsetting Congress plans to wrest control of the BBMP council, BJP won 100 wards out of 198, as the results were declared on Tuesday for the polls held on August 22. Congress had bagged 76, JD(S) bagged 14 and others eight.

With one independent Corporator joining BJP, the party has increased its tally to 101.
Besides Corporators, the 255-member BBMP Council includes 57 other members from Bengaluru with voting rights. They include Members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, MLAs and MLCs.

With the magic number to gain control over BBMP being 128, BJP’s strength including non-corporator members stands at 125, Congress’ at 101, JD(S) 21 and others at eight.

(PTI)

Law Commission for “swift” scrapping of capital punishment

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Death Penalty

New Delhi: The Law Commission Monday recommended by a majority “swift” abolition of death penalty except in terror-related cases, noting it does not serve the penological goal of deterrence any more than life imprisonment.

The recommendation by the 9-member panel was, however, not unanimous, with one full-time member and two government representatives dissenting and supporting retention of capital punishment.

In its last report, the 20th Law Commission said there is a need to debate as to how to bring about the “abolition of death penalty in all respects in the very near future, soonest.”

The panel, while refusing to recommend any single model for abolishing death penalty, said “the options are many — from moratorium to a full-fledged abolition bill. The Law Commission does not wish to commit to a particular approach in abolition. All it says is that such a method for abolition should be compatible with the fundamental value of achieving swift and irreversible, absolute abolition.”

While supporting death for those convicted in terror cases and for waging war against the country, the report, ‘The death Penalty’ said that although there is no valid penological justification for treating terrorism differently from other crimes, concern is often raised that abolition of capital punishment for terror-related offences and waging war will affect national security.

The panel also questioned the “rarest of rare” doctrine in awarding death to convicts.

“After many lengthy and detailed deliberations, it is the view of the Law Commission that the administration of death penalty even within the restrictive environment of ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine is constitutionally unsustainable.

“Continued administration of death penalty asks very difficult constitutional questions…These questions relate to the miscarriage of justice, errors, as well as the plight of the poor and disenfranchised in the criminal justice system,” the report said.

One of three full-time members Justice (retd) Usha Mehra and both the ex-officio members — Law secretary P K Malhotra and Legislative Secretary Sanjay Singh gave their dissenting notes.

The Law Commission comprises a Chairman, three full-time members, two ex-officio members who represent the government, and three part-time members.

(Agencies)

Thousands attend flag hoisting at Bengaluru’s Mary’s Basilica

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Bernard Moras

Bengaluru: Even as the clouds seemed to threaten rain, devotees stood their guns (umbrellas of-course) ready to face an impending spell of rain. Thousands of devotees gathered in the lanes and by-lanes of the ‘congested’ Shivajinagar that bustles with business activity.

The century old 160 feet tall St. Mary’s Basilica that is nestled amidst a historic Mosque and Hindu temple has been home for devotion for people of all religious faiths. Prelate Archbishop Bernard Moras in his message to devotees in the presence of Chief Guest KJ George (Home Minister of Karnataka) appealed to devotees “we must work for an ambience of peace and harmony between peoples of all religions”. Quoting the papal encyclical of Pope Francis ‘Laudio Si’ he made a clarion call that the “common good” must take utmost place. He called upon devotees of Mother Mary to become catalysts of change where ‘peace and harmony should prevail over violence and hatred’.

Mary Basilica

As the Prelate waved to the multitude, he said ‘my concern is for Justice. Let God’s people feel that God cares’. On the sidelines he said “ This is the year of the family and also the year dedicated to Consecrated Life’. ‘ families in peril need extra prayers. “During the novena let us pray that love, forgiveness and understanding prevails over hatred, revenge among families. The Archbishop persistently pressed for peace both, within Christian families and people of other religions.

Home Minister KJ George said “ As home Minister, God has placed a heavy responsibility upon me to promote Peace. With the Help0of Mother Mary, and all your prayers, I will continue my job of ensuring peace in this State”.

The Arch bishops’ greeting of waving hands at the people sparked a euphoria with people throwing rose petals towards the flag-post of Mother Mary and waving back at the Archbishop and the over hundred priests at the flag-post. Many devotees were seen in tears with hands lifted up towards the flag-post.

Top Police officers attended the celebrations.

The feast will be celebrated septemeber 8th concluding with a grand car procession.

MAX presents Elite Model Look India 2015

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MARC ROBINSON

Bengaluru: MAX, the country’s largest international value fashion brand, is back with the 2nd edition of Elite Model Look India 2015 after getting raving success last year.

Elite Model Look is one of the most sought-after & prestigious contest in the world. This contest is a lifetime opportunity for thousands of boys and girls to become the next international supermodel and reach great heights like Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Gisele Bundchen, Sigrid Agren and Constance Jablonski.

The contest which will tour 6 cities across India to hand pick the best talents, reached Bangalore after getting fabulous response from Delhi, Chandigarh & Chennai. The Bangalore Regional Casting took place at Phoenix Market City, Bangalore on 29th August 2015. The city was brimming with energy and enthusiasm as young boys and girls made a bee-line to participate in a rare, unique and an unbelievable opportunity to be a supermodel. The whole environment was charged as they competed fiercely to get shortlisted. Cheering fans and guidance from the experts turned this contest into a memorable and exciting day for the young contenders.

The esteemed jury included – Max Fashion’s Executive Director VASANTH KUMAR, Licensee Elite Model Look India & highly renowned Fashion Director MARC ROBINSON, Supermodels NICOLE FARIA and RACHAEL BAYROS.

Contestants were shortlisted from hundreds of hopeful contenders based on criteria like their ramp walk, first impression and photogenic appeal. These contestants will compete in the final selection round inNational Casting along with contestants shortlisted from other cities including Delhi, Chandigarh, Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai.

National Casting finalists will undergo a week long grooming sessions by industry experts including Marc Robinson and Erika Oliveira, an Elite Model and winner of prestigious Golden Globe for “Best Model Female”. These rigorous grooming sessions conducted in a safe, supportive and fun environment help aspiring models to understand the concept of stage presentation, poise and most importantly to be confident. Shortlisted aspirants will be put on their road to success though guidance and mentoring by our experts right up to the Grand Finale, schedule to take place in Delhi in September.

The ultimate goal is to win the prestigious World Final and represent India on International level. The winners will aim for the super model trophy and will also secure a 3-year contract with the Elite agency.

Commenting on the occasion, VASANTH KUMAR, Executive Director, Max said “With the launch of Elite Model Look India 2015, Max reinforces its positioning of democratizing fashion and giving the Indian models the exposure to establish themselves in the International fashion circuit.”

Speaking at the event MARC ROBINSON, Fashion Director & Licensee Elite Model Look India said, “The fashion industry in India today is bereft of “Supermodels” that once had an iconic influence in the fashion scene in the 1990’s, today they simply and sadly don’t exist. With the introduction of a genuine initiative by the fashion brand like MAX and Elite Model Look, Paris, it will provide an opportunity to aspiring young male and female models”

Supermodel NICOLE FARIA said “It’s a great opportunity for young girls and boys to participate in ​E​lite ​M​odel Look. Not only it’s prestigious, it puts you on a very good platform.”

Commenting on the occasion, Supermodel RACHAEL BAYROS said “Elite Model Look India 2015 is a great opportunity for young aspiring models. Being part of such a credible model search, automatically ensures that you will be noticed by the best people in the fashion and glamour industry. I wish the contestants all the best.”

Are the streets safe for men, questions SIFF, a men’s rights organization

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uber-in-india

You start your day normally and carry on with your chores without a slightest of inclination that by evening you would be famous across the country as an eve-teaser, molester and a branded criminal having to apply for bail and attending courts. This is what happened with Sarvjeet Singh on the fateful day of 23rd August 2015 as he was standing at the traffic signal of Tilak Nagar, Delhi. Little would he have known that a minor confusion over traffic lights would lead to the girl Jasleen Kaur taking his picture (without his consent, as per his statement), post it on social media and tag him as a molester and eve-teaser, and the society would brand him as a criminal without any verification.

This also reminds us about the famous Rohtak sisters case which happened in November 2014, wherein 2 girls Aarti and Pooja had mercilessly beaten up 3 innocent boys with belts over seat argument and made a video of the same claiming they were molested by the boys. After a lot of brouhaha and male bashing, it emerged the girls were liars and they not only failed the lie detector test before the SIT but also eye-witnesses supported the boys. But this was not before a false case of molestation was filed against the boys, their lives and reputation ruined and they lost their appointment in army.

Coming back to Sarvjeet Singh’s case, eye witness statements emerged and also Sarvjeet himself spoke up and reality came out. It was a false case and the girl Jasleen just thought of claiming fame by making out a story of molestation while she was an Aam Aadmi Party volunteer for traffic management at Tilak Nagar traffic signal.

While we are it, it is pertinent to mention about Dimapur Lynching incident also wherein a 7000 strong crowd marched into the prison facility at Dimapur, Assam and lynched a man accused of rape mercilessly by dragging him on streets and raining blows on him. Later, it turned out that he was trapped in a false rape case.

So, what did we learn from these cases?

The message is very clear – Men are unsafe on streets

Any argument or disagreement with a woman can end up in the man being trapped in a false case of rape, molestation, eve-teasing, his life and reputation ruined and many such innocent men have either been jailed, or worse, they have been beaten up mercilessly or even killed.

That’s not the worst part. The worst part is, society justifies such killings and attacks on men by calling it “Instant Social Justice”. Such a social mindset, which emerges from a patriarchal society, makes the lives of men extremely precarious. Conservative and traditionalist people refuse to see this as a social issue despite numerous examples coming to fore.

Also, no action is taken on people who abuse men based on assumptions without verification of facts. As a result no man is safe on streets.

The role of media in such cases also cannot be ignored. More often than not media channels blow the issue out of proportion without verifying facts in a blind race for TRPs. Most often media channels resort to passing stereotypes against men which make the situation for men more dangerous with each passing day.

“We need to remove people like Arnab Goswami from journalism. In a recent TV Debate on Times Now channel, Arnab was spotted saying, “Do not throw data at me”. Had he said the same thing in some other debate, he would have been out of job by now and his journalistic career would have come to an end, but because he said it in a gender debate and his statement was against men, he is still in the job. However, in the interest of journalistic ethics, Arnab must be fired” rued Sujit Deshpande, National Coordinator for Save Indian Family Foundation, a men’s rights organization.

“Save Indian Family Foundation strongly condemns such horrific acts of violence on men and the vilification of men in general discourse. Such behavior against men is extremely sexist in nature. As a society we only teach men to respect women but we don’t teach women to respect men, this must change. Otherwise I can see a dangerous trend setting in, wherein men are refusing to help any women fearing that she will take a picture of him and ruin his life by uploading it on social media”, says Jyoti Tiwari, spokesperson for Save Indian Family Foundation.

Save Indian Family Foundation urges the society to take a pro-male approach in dealing with such cases. Let’s make the streets safer for men.

Hey Bob – Bengaluru meets its first ever Bike Taxi

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Endless traffic jams, no free cabs during peak hours and expensive everyday commute.

Here’s the answer to all your commute woes – Say Hey Bob!

Hey-Bob

Let’s face it, we live in one of the most crowded cities of the world. More than 50 lakh vehicles are vying for space on Bangalore roads. It’s a huge urban crisis and individual citizens have to now take matters into their own hands and make their commute sustainable.

S​pending half of your day being stuck in traffic? Not finding free cabs during peak hours? Everyday commute making big holes in your pocket? Say ‘No more’! Bangalore’s first ever bike taxi, Hey Bob, is here to make your commute smoother and your wallets happier.

Bangalore has been recorded as one of the most crowded city in India. Owing to the magnitude of the problem, it has come down to individual citizen to take matters into their own hands and make their commute sustainable. Vishal, Girish, Suman, Vinay are the co-founders of Hey Bob & have embarked on this journey to make lives much easier for the commoners of Bangalore. Utilizing the potential of technology, the budding entrepreneurs have aligned the app to the business models of four-wheeler cab services – Ola and Uber.

Having bike taxi as an alternative will reduce the number of cars on the road that run only with one passenger most of the time. Also, it will save several hours every week because of its swift and hassle-free commute. The only catch in the entire project is the absence of bike taxi laws in Bangalore currently. But this has not dampened the spirits of the founders as they are in continued talks with the state transport department to make this initiative a success. Thanks to Mr. Rame Gowda (Transport Commissioner ), Mr. H. G. Kumar (Additional commissioner For Transport) and Mr. Sambrani (Joint Commissioner for Transport, Environment & E-Governance), the law is soon to be passed. The operations are underway in full force and will only begin once the law is in place to strictly adhere to the road safety rules and regulations.

To top it all off, free rides are to be awarded for the first few users after downloading their mobile app. Refer your buddies and you can earn huge discount too.

Say ‘Hey Bob!’ this Saturday, 29th Aug, and meet the team who are making this initiative a reality. The Launch of the App Hey Bob. Get answers to all your questions and find out more about their future plans at Cubbon Park between 10.30am – 11am after which the team moves to M G Road. We’d love to see you there.

Supreme Court recalls Mangaluru pub attack, bans Muthalik’s Goa entry

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Pramod Muthalik

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday banned the Hindutva activist and Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik from entering into Goa over so called moral policing issues.

The court slammed Muthalik for beating up girls at a Mangaluru pub a few years ago and restrained him from entering Goa for at least six months.

The SC withheld the Bombay High Court’s order barring the Sri Ram Sene Chief from entering Goa.

Muthalik had moved the Supreme Court against Bombay High Court’s order.

Pramod Muthalik, 52, grabbed the headlines after a group of men headed by him attacked women visiting a pub in Mangaluru in 2009.

In 2010 Muthalik and top aides of his outfit, were caught on camera agreeing to vandalise an art exhibition in return for money. Despite warnings, he continued to deliver provocative statements in public meetings and press conferences.

(Agencies)

Karnataka government orders CID probe into M M Kalburgi’s assassination

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M M Kalburgi

Bengaluru: A CID probe was today announced by the Karnataka Chief Minister into the murder of progressive Kannada thinker and scholar M M Kalburgi at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka.

“We have decided to hand over the case to CID…. This incident should not have happened. It is highly condemnable,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters here, a day after Kalaburgi was shot dead at point-blank range by two unidentified men.

77-year-old Kalburgi was an associate of rationalist Govind Pansare of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, who also fell victim in similar circumstances in February, and had drawn the ire of some right-wing Hindu outfits like VHP and Bajrang Dal with his remarks about idol worship by Hindus.

He had often spoken against superstitions and courted controversies with his outspoken stand.

At Dharwad this morning, hundreds of admirers of Kalburgi paid last respects to him. The funeral will take place later in the day today.

Yesterday, the attackers had knocked at the door of Kalburgi’s house claiming to be his students and as it was opened, they pumped bullets into his forehead and chest and fled. He died in a hospital.

“Whoever is behind this, we will catch them and punish according to law,” said the Chief Minister, who visited Dharwad to pay last respects to Kalburgi yesterday.

Asked if the sleuths have got any clues, Home Minister K J George said the probe was being started. “It will be investigated from all angles.”

The Hubli-Dharwad police had announced a special team to probe the murder that has shaken the Kannada literary world.

Kalburgi had raised the hackles of right-wing outfits when he made certain remarks about idol worship by Hindus that were considered “derogatory” and “blasphemous” and also led to protests by them.

A winner of central and state “Sahitya Akademi” awards, he had also suggested the need for a better state anthem.

Part of his works on “Vachana”(verses)” literature had also come under criticism of the state’s majority “veerashaiva” (Lingayat) community, a liberal Shaivism founded by 12th century philosopher, poet and social reformer Basaveshwara.

(Agencies)

Bajrang Dal activist defends killing of MM Kalburgi, says Prof. Bhagawan is next target

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bajrang-dal

Mangaluru: A few Sangh Parivar activists in the coastal Karnataka have openly justified the killing of thinker Prof. MM Kalburgi and warned that a similar fate was awaited for those who “mock” Hinduism.

Bhuvith Shetty, who claims to be the co-convener of Bajrang Dal in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kananda district, tweeted on Sunday morning from his twitter handle @GarudaPurana that Prof. KS Bhagwan, a well known critic, would be the next target.

He tweeted at 10:41 a.m.: “Then it was UR Anantamoorty and now its MM Kalburgi. Mock Hinduism and die a dogs death. And dear KS Bhagwan you are next”(sic). The same person had tweeted on July 15: “You should know that I myself chopped off one Muslim’s hand for smuggling cows in Kalladka” (sic)

Both the tweets were retweeted by many tiwtterati on Sunday triggering a heated debated on social media. Some right wing social media activists even defended his provocative comments. When the matter was brought to the notice of authorities, the man deleted his tweets. However, the screenshots of his tweets continued to go viral on social media.

Prof. Kalburugi, the former vice chancellor of Hampi University, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman at the former’s residence in Dharwad in the morning. Hindutva activists had warned him of dire consequences after he raised his voice against blind beliefs in Hindu society and criticised idol worship.

It is worth mentioning here that Sangh Parivar activists in Karnataka had organised celebrations and burst crackers on hearing the news of the death of Jnanpith award winner UR Ananthamoorthy one year ago.

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