TN to issue ordinance to ensure conduct of Jallikattu

New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI) In a bid to defuse the swelling street protests, Tamil Nadu government today said it will issue an ordinance to ensure the conduct of Jallikattu sport in a day or two and has submitted a draft of it to the Union Home Ministry.

After discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and consultations with legal experts, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced this morning that the state government will amend a Central act on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to allow conduct of Jallikattu in the state with Centre's backing and urged protestors across the state to withdraw their agitation following the likelihood of the bull taming sport to be held in a "day or two."

Panneerselvam, who stayed back in Delhi yesterday to discuss the matter with legal experts and government officials, said the draft ordinance has been prepared and sent to the Union Home Ministry today, and after Centre's approval, it will be sent for Presidential assent.

"I stayed back in Delhi yesterday and discussed with legal experts and senior government officials the matter of making amendments to Centre's animal cruelty prevention act (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960) at the state level. On the basis of that it was decided to bring an amendment to the Act at the state level," he told reporters here.

"It was also decided to issue an ordinance to make this amendment. Under the Constitution of India, this draft ordinance has to be sent to Union Home Ministry and on Centre's recommendation it has to be sent to the President for his approval," he said.

After securing a Presidential order, Tamil Nadu Governor can issue an ordinance on the matter, he said, adding, he had asked his senior officials to liaison with their Central government counterparts on the matter by staying put in Delhi.

Panneerselvam sounded confident of seeing the matter through as he recalled the Prime Minster's assurance of support to any legal steps by his government to allow the bull taming sport in the state and said the ordinance will be issued in a day or two.

"As said by the Prime Minster, we will get full Central cooperation on this matter. So, with the ban about to be removed and Jallikattu likely in a day or two, I request the public, students and other organisations who have been protesting to withdraw their agitation," he said, flanked by among others, state Animal Husbandry Minister P Balakrishna Reddy. .

Ministry of AYUSH and Advertising Standards Council of India sign MoU to co-regulate misleading advertisements in the AYUSH sector

In order to curtail malpractices in the advertisement of AYUSH drugs, the Ministry of AYUSH has signed a MoU with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Addressing the cases of misleading advertisements with respect to Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy drugs, treatments and related services, ASCI will comprehensively monitor these advertisements across print and electronic media. The MoU was signed by  Advisor (Ayurveda), Ministry of AYUSH Dr, Dinesh Chan Katoch and Chairman, ASCI Shri Srinivasan K Swamy in the presence of Secretary AYUSH Shri Ajit M Sharan at New Delhi.

 ASCI has been given a self-monitoring mandate by the Ministry of AYUSH to identify potentially misleading advertisement in the AYUSH sector and process complaints through its Consumer Complaints Council (CCC). The Ministry of AYUSH will also redirect complaints against misleading advertisements they receive, to the ASCI, which will be reviewed using ASCI’s code and guidelines. The MoU also requires ASCI to report to the Ministry of AYUSH, all advertisements in potential violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder as well as non-compliance of ASCI’s CCC recommendations for the Ministry of AYUSH to take further action.

Commenting on the partnership, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH Sh. Ajit M. Sharan, said that the MOU is yet another important step taken by the AYUSH ministry to ensure that Indian consumers have access to safe and effective medicines. The arrangement would also ensure that any advertisement making claims for diseases and disorders, in violation of the existing regulations, are immediately brought to our attention.

Chairman, ASCI, Sh. S.K. Swamy, added that AYUSH is among top three sectors where we find a high incidence of misleading advertisements and some of the advertisements in the AYUSH sector claiming treatment of certain diseases in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Regulations have been a cause of concern. ASCI’s partnership with the Ministry of AYUSH will provide the necessary support to our efforts in effectively curtailing misleading advertisements in this sector.

Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma new CBI chief

New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma was today appointed Director of CBI, country's premier probe agency.

His name was cleared by a three-member selection panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar and Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge as members.

Verma has been made the CBI chief, official sources said.

The post of CBI director was lying vacant for over one month following Anil Sinha's retirement on December 2.

At present, Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana is the interim director of the investigating agency.

Verma, a 1979 batch IPS officer of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, took over as Delhi Police Commissioner from February 29, 2016.

Obama thanks PM Modi for strengthening Indo-US ties

Washington, Jan 19 (PTI) Outgoing US President Barack Obama telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thank him for his partnership that enhanced the relations between India and America, the White House has said.

Obama spoke on the phone with Modi yesterday to thank him for "his partnership" and to review joint efforts of cooperation including defence, civil-nuclear energy, and enhanced people-to-people ties, a readout of the telephonic conversation between the two leaders said.

"Recalling his visit as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2015, President Obama wished the Prime Minister warm congratulations ahead of India's upcoming 68th Republic Day anniversary," the White House said.

"Both leaders discussed the progress they have made on shared economic and security priorities, including recognition of India as a major defense partner of the United States and addressing the global challenge of climate change," it said.

Obama was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his electoral victory in May 2014 and immediately invited him to visit the White House.

The two leaders met at the White House in September 2014.

Since then they have met each other for eight times. This is a record for leaders between India and America.

According to Assistant Secretary of State for South and central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal, the two leaders share a very warm relationship.

"They have a great deal of personal camaraderie. But they also have a great deal of respect for each other for the leadership and the values and the integrity of each other's approach," Biswal told PTI in a recentl interview.

"You have seen from President Obama that appreciation of Prime Minister Modi in words that he has used to describe him including in that Time magazine profile of the Prime Minister.

You have seen that Prime Minister Modi's appreciation of President Obama, of his values, his leadership style which the Prime Minister has used to describe the President," she said.

She said that it is not a relationship that just came about that day when President called Prime Minister-elect Modi to congratulate him.

"The seeds of this relationship were actually sown many many decades earlier," Biswal had said.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan acquitted in weapons case

Bollywood actor Salman Khan arrives in a car at a sessions court in Mumbai, India, May 8, 2015. An Indian court postponed a five-year prison sentence handed down to Khan on Friday pending an appeal, two days after a criminal court convicted him of killing a man in a...REUTERS/Shailesh Andrad

An Indian court on Wednesday acquitted Bollywood movie star Salman Khan of possessing an unlicensed weapon nearly two decades ago, ending a case that threatened to derail the career of one of the country's biggest actors.

Khan, 51, had been charged with possessing and using an unlicensed weapon to kill an endangered gazelle in 1998 on a hunting trip in the desert state of Rajasthan, where he was filming the movie "Hum Saath Saath Hain" (We Stand United).

The actor, who built his career on portrayals of bad boys with a heart of gold, was previously cleared of the poaching charge.

Khan, who was present in court in the city of Jodhpur for the verdict, was given the "benefit of the doubt and acquitted of all charges", his lawyer, Hastimal Saraswat, told reporters.

The actor could have faced up to seven years in jail if found guilty of possessing an unlicensed gun.

Minutes after the verdict, Khan, accompanied by a gaggle of lawyers and his sister, walked out of court without stopping to comment on the verdict. Later he tweeted: "Thank you for all the support and good wishes."

This was not Khan's first brush with the law. In 2015, the Bombay High Court overturned his conviction in a hit-and-run case in which he was accused of running over a homeless man.

The actor is also accused of killing an endangered antelope in October 1998. That case is being heard by a separate court.

Khan has churned out a series of blockbuster hits in the last few years. His two releases in 2017 are both big ticket films expected to make billions of rupees at the box office.

Proposal to ban JeM's Azhar to be brought again at UN: France

New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) Throwing its weight behind India, France today said it will ensure that the proposal to designate Pakistan-based JeM Chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist is "reintroduced" at the Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.

The strong assertion was made by Jacques Audibert, Diplomatic Adviser to French President Francois Hollande, weeks after China blocked India's move to get the Pathankot attack mastermind banned by the UN.

He also exuded confidence on India becoming member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) notwithstanding stiff opposition by China on admitting India into the 48-nation grouping.

"We will make sure that demand is reintroduced. We are still hopeful that the UN will designate him (Azhar) as a terrorist soon," Audibert told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue when asked about the Azhar issue.

India has already initiated preliminary discussions with several member countries of the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council on once again brining back the proposal to ban Azhar. France is a member of the Sanctions Committee and has been strongly supporting India on the issue.

On India's NSG bid, Audibert said France supports New Delhi's membership as its entry into the grouping will improve non-proliferation regime.

"We have been supporting India's NSG bid because India is providing necessary guarantee. India's membership of NSG will improve the non-proliferation regime," he said.

Asked about the Scorpene submarine deal with India, Audibert said he did not think the alleged leak of some secret documents has compromised the project.

Earlier, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, he made a veiled reference to China on the South China Sea dispute, saying freedom of navigation and law of the sea needs to be defended by all the states.

"India and France act together to improve stability in the region through their cooperation in maritime security," he said.

He also spoke about right of any country to defend itself against a threat of terrorism.

Naidu comes to the defence of 'Dangal' actress Zaira

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today came to the defence of 16-year old Kashmiri girl Zaira who featured in Dangal movie and was trolled for meeting J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and wondered why "ultra liberals" are silent on the issue.

"Why did she have to tender an apology for meeting the CM of her own state? Why is everyone silent now? Where are the so called ultra liberals now?" Naidu, who holds the portfolio of Information and Broadcasting, questioned.

Naidu, who is also Urban Development Minister, was addressing a function of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) here.

Asserting that the incident clearly shows the irony of the pseudo liberals who vehemently came out to speak against the growing "intolerance" earlier, Naidu urged the people to stand up by her side.

Zaira, who has featured as a young Geeta Phogat in the recently released Bollywood movie Dangal, was trolled after her picture with Mehbooba emerged which triggered a backlash.

Naidu said it is in fact a great achievement that children from Jammu and Kashmir are coming into the mainstream and are showcasing their talent and inspiring thousands of other youngsters.

"Zaira's episode shows how pseudo liberals react to different situations, adopt different standards. What is wrong committed by this young talented artist from Jammu and Kashimir?" he said.

She has shown the path and one should feel proud and appreciate her than trying to be verbally violent, the minister said.

Commenting on the controversy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi replacing Mahatma Gandhi in the 2017 calendar and diary of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Naidu said "creating unnecessary" issues by certain people has become a routine.

"What is the issue, I don't understand? PM Modi has been promoting Khadi from day one. He is appealing to the people to use khadi and its sales has increased over 30 per cent," he said.

Hitting out at those criticising the issue, he said it is the very same people who have never followed the Father of the Nation. "There was no photo of Gandhi ji for 5 years during the Congress regime but they had no objection at that time," he said.

Pak must walk away from terror for talks with India: PM

New Delhi, Jan 17 (PTI) In a clear message amidst the chill in bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked Pakistan to walk away from terror if it wants to have dialogue with India.

Outlining his approach for an integrated neighbourhood, Modi said his vision for country's neighbourhood puts premium on peaceful and harmonious ties with entire South Asia.

"But, India alone cannot walk the path of peace. It also has to be Pakistan's journey to make. Pakistan must walk away from terror if it wants to walk towards dialogue with India," he said while addressing the participants at the government's geo-political flagship initiative "Raisina Dialogue-II".

He also recalled several initiatives taken by him to normalise ties with Pakistan including travelling to Lahore.

There is a deep chill in Indo-Pak ties due to series of cross-border strikes including in Pathankot and Uri by Pakistan-based terror groups.

In an obvious reference to Pakistan, the Prime Minister also asserted that India's belief in delinking terrorism from religion, and rejecting artificial distinctions between good and bad terrorism, are now a global talking point.

"And, those in our neighbourhood who support violence, perpetrate hatred, and export terror stand isolated and ignored"," he said.

Referring to India's ties with China, Modi, at the opening of the three-day Dialogue, said it was not "unnatural" for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences but both sides should show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests.

"I see the development of India and China as an unprecedented opportunity, for our two countries and for the whole world. At the same time, it is not unnatural for two large neighbouring powers to have some differences.

"In the management of our relationship, and for peace and progress in the region, both our countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests," Modi said, adding he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have sought to tap the vast area of commercial and business opportunities in the relationship.

Asserting that the century belongs to Asia, he said the sharpest trajectory of change is happening in the continent and there are large and vibrant pools of progress and prosperity that dot the landscape of this region.

"But, rising ambition and festering rivalries are generating visible stress points. The steady increase in military power, resources and wealth in the Asia-Pacific has raised the stakes for its security.

"Therefore, the security architecture in the region must be open, transparent, balanced and inclusive. And, promote dialogue and predictable behaviour rooted in international norms and respect for sovereignty," he said.

In his address, the Prime Minister gave a run down of India's foreign policy priorities, security interests in the Indian Ocean and bilateral engagement with neighbouring countries, Gulf nations and major powers including the US, China and Russia.

He also emphasised that 'Sab Ka Saath; Sab Ka Vikas' is not just a vision for India but a belief for the whole world.

Japan to provide Vietnam new patrol vessels

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) review an honor guard at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam January 16, 2017. REUTERS/Luong Thai Linh/Pool

Hanoi, Jan 16 (AP) Japan will provide Vietnam new patrol vessels, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said today on the last stop of his four-nation tour to boost his country's trade and security engagements in Asia amid China's rising dominance.

"The two countries will further strengthen security and defense cooperation and this time Japan has decided to provide (Vietnam with) newly built patrol vessels at Vietnam's request," Abe said at a news conference in Hanoi with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc. "We will strongly support Vietnam's strengthening its maritime law-enforcement capabilities." 

Vietnam already has six used patrol vessels provided by Japan and how many were in the fresh offer wasn't mentioned.

Both countries have maritime disputes with China Vietnam in the South China Sea and Japan in the East China Sea. The two leaders called for the upholding of international law in resolving disputes in the South China Sea.

"The two sides agreed on the importance of ensuring peace, security and safety of maritime navigation and overflight in the East Sea, promoting the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, no use of force or threat to use force," Phuc told reporters, referring to the South China Sea by Vietnamese term.

Phuc said Abe has committed to give Vietnam more development assistance amounting to 123 billion yen ( 1.05 billion) in the fiscal year of 2016 for maritime security, responding to climate change and water treatment.

It's not clear whether the new loans will cover the purchase of new patrol vessels.

The two leaders also pledged to deepen their two countries' strategic partnership.

Japan is one of Vietnam's top investors and trading partners and is the communist country's single largest bilateral donor.

Abe has already visited the Philippines, Australia and Indonesia on his trip.

All 5 Indian-American lawmakers get key Congressional panels

Washington, Jan 16 (PTI) All five Indian-American lawmakers, the highest in the history of the US Congress, have been nominated to influential Congressional panels.

Congressman Ro Khanna representing Silicon Valley has been nominated to the powerful House Budget Committee, while Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, elected to the House of Representatives from Seattle, would serve on yet another powerful House Judiciary Committee.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, representing Chicago's west and northwest suburbs, will serve on the House Education and Workforce Committee, along with the powerful House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee.

Three-term Congressman Ami Bera, the senior most among all Indian-American lawmakers in the House of Representatives, has been renominated to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Science, Space and Technology Committee. He is also the co-chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-American to have been elected to the US Senate, has been made member of four powerful Senate Committees. These are Committee on Budget, Select Committee on Intelligence, Committee on Environment and Public Works and Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

"These four committees will be key battlegrounds in the fight for the future of our country. At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, I will aggressively fight for our families and the ideals of our nation," Harris said in a statement.

This is the highest number of Indian-Americans in the history of the US Congress.