By Ashok Kumar:

It seems Anna’s shoes are too big for his aides and followers, thereby nipping all the good work of the anti-graft leader in the bud.
The first to step out his shoes was Arvind Kejriwal, an RTI activist and one of the main advisors of Anna Hazaare. Last week he claimed that Anna Hazaare was above Parliament and he can get any bill passed. Perhaps, Arvind has not gone through the constitution or if he has then the statement is unconstitutional and calls for trial by a court of law.
However, Anna Hazaare was quick to respond to clarify that it was the people of India that are above Parliament and not the Gandhian leader himself and said Arvind has not told him of this statement if he has made.
Another of his trusted aide, Prashant Bhushan, a lawyer blurted out a plebiscite in Kashmir as a solution to the problem. This, Anna describes as Bhushan’s “personal remarks.”
Bhushan claims that his statement on Kashmir is similar to the first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s in the United Nations. Perhaps the lawyer aide of Anna has forgotten that much water has flown down the Ganges since then. The Pandits have been thrown out of the Valley in millions and their properties have been occupied by the perpetrators of the militancy in the state. And, no one knows how many Pakistani infiltrators have since then settled in the valley.
Is Prashant not living in this world? How can he assume that at this stage a plebiscite could be a solution to the problem? In today’s situation, the plebiscite would result in an obvious separation. It is a clear case of absent-mindedness or else he has become a pawn in the hands of the separatists. No sensible Indian would advocate separation of the country. Kashmir is a part of India and shall remain so ever.
No wonder, Prashant was attacked in his Supreme Court chamber by Bhagat Singh Sena and Ram Sene activists in New Delhi last week out of sheer frustration at the Advocate’s anti-national comments.
Even Anna Hazaare has said that he would do anything for Kashmir as it an integral part of India.
Anna Hazaare is embarking on “atmashanti maun vrat” (silence) for a week to condone the shameless utterances of his aides, though his supporters claim that he goes on maun vrat quite frequently for peace.
But Anna’s maun vrat in no way can condone the blasphemous statements by his aides.

Edited By Ashok Kumar
NEW DELHI:Delhi Police have arrested two people for assaulting social activist Prashant Bhushan for his comments on Kashmir, reports TOI

The two, Tejinder Singh and Vishnu Gupta, were arrested on Thursday morning and taken to police station.

There were reports that the two planned to surrender in the court. However, the police arrested them before that.

The two had managed to flee on Wednesday from the chamber of Prashant Bhushan as people gathered after they attacked the lawyer.

The third attacker Inder Verma was overpowered and arrested on Wednesday itself after the assault.

The three had barged into the chamber of the lawyer activist on Wednesday afternoon and attacked him as he was about to give an interview to Times Now.

They were angry over Prashant Bhushan’s reported comments on Kashmir in which he had allegedly favoured referendum.
Hours before the assault Bagga tweeted. “God give us power to complete our mission.”

Bagga along with Vishnu Gupta formed the Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena earlier this year and was joined by Inder Verma, an activist of Sri Ram Sene, a right wing organization. Verma attacked Bhushan on Wednesday.

After the attack, which left the anti-corruption crusader bruised and battered, Bagga tweeted again, this time exulting, “He try (sic) to break my nation, I try to break his head. Hisab chukta. Congrats to all. Operation Prashant Bhushan successful.” Then again, “We hit Prashant Bhushan hard in his chamber in Supreme Court. If you will try to break my nation, I will break your heads.”

Bhushan had recently spoken in favour of plebiscite in Jammu & Kashmir.

Bagga’s father Preet Pal said that the 26-year-old graduate used to be an active member of BJP Yuva Morcha. His flat in Vishnu Garden is filled with his photographs with BJP leaders such as LK Advani and Rajnath Singh. His father runs a garments shop in Tilak Nagar.

“He has a lot of Kashmiri friends. The Kashmir issue bothers him. He is aggressive but a patriot. He had recently registered his protest against Arundhati Roy at India Habitat Centre. He had also spent a night in jail then,” an extremely cool Preet Pal said. He added, “Let the law take its course. I don’t support the method but I support his cause.”

Preet Pal was later taken to the Tilak Nagar police station by cops who also searched his home. Bagga had spoken to his father after the incident but was not home when the police arrived. The Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena Facebook page says, “A team of guys who are crazy for nation, who can do anything for nation. A task force against traitors, anti-nationals and corrupts (sic). A team of people who are ready to take any action to teach anti-nationals and traitors.”

On his Twitter page, Bagga says he is frustrated by Congress, corruption, traitors and anti-nationals and that he is motivated by the vigilante Bollywood hit, A Wednesday.

Bagga’s act, however, drew more condemnation than applause on the web. Sandeep Kataria posted on Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena Facebook page: “Very shameful act u hv done. U all 3 are coward. Shame on u.”

“This is the first time my research has been associated with business, hence the Nokia NSW Business innovation award is very much special. So far the awards I have received were of very academic in nature so the this award is more meaningful and I am happy that more and more businesses can contribute to the environment,” Veena Sahajwala, Scientia Professor in University of New South Wales in Sydney told The Indian Sub-continent Times after the award ceremony in Sydney on Friday 30th September, 2011.

The award was a category of the prestigiousTelstra NSW Businesswomen award 2011.

Overall winner was: Catherine Burn, Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services in NSW Police Force. Other winners were: Maureen Houssein-Mustafa, OAM of MHM Australasia Pty Ltd.  Jodie Fox of Shoes of Prey, Jo Heighway of SMSF Outsource Solutions

 The event was attended by The Hon Pru Goward MP, Minister for Women.

Accepting the award, Veena said her staff and students call her crazy and her children say you are a nerd. “ Yes I am crazy and I am excited about the crazy ideas. That’s the way I work . The students and post-graduate students they all inspire me to come up with these crazy ideas. 

” We generate waste around us and we should also create opportunities up cycle these waste, ” she said in her speech. 

When she was in school, big machines fascinated her and her inquisitiveness about how things work shaped her career path. She stunned everyone in the family when she declared she wantred to become an engineer. But she soon received the encouragement from the famoily to follow her dreams. And, she landed in IIT Kanpur. Normally, after passing out, people would look for jobs but Veena choose to go for masters and then doctrate. She went straight to Canada and then to United States but got job in Univefsity of New South Wales, Sydney.

Veena is passionately working on her dream project reducing carbon emission in steel production. She is happy that lots of business houses are now coming forward in manufacturing their products using recycleed materials. 

The government has reviewed the security of Indian diplomatic corps posted in Pakistan and has provided bullet-proof cars to all senior officials.

All officials posted in the Indian high commission in Islamabad have been asked to curtail unnecessary travel and venture out only with proper security guards.

“Senior diplomats posted in Pakistan have been given bullet-proof vehicles,” an official said, referring to various instances of terror attacks in Pakistan.

Though there is no specific intelligence input about any threat to the Indian diplomats posted in Pakistan, additional steps have been taken for their protection.

Security of the Islamabad high commission complex has also been tightened, officials said.

Four motorcycle-borne Taliban militants yesterday shot dead a diplomat of Saudi Arabia, a staunch US ally, claiming that it was to avenge the killing of Osama bin Laden and continued drone attacks in Pakistan’s volatile north-west. (PTI)

Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressing ethnic media

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced at the May 11, 2011 budget briefingfor Multicultural media that the government plans to create a Multicultural media Round Table to get a feedback on various government advertising policies.

As a first step, after the presentation of the Federal Budget Julia Gillard said,” this Prime Minister very much values the rich multiculturalism and diversities of Australian community.  It is for this very reason that we are holding the first-ever multicultural media briefing. And, as the next step we shall be creating a Multicultural Media Roundtable that will give us an opportunity to get your feedback.”

“You are getting news and information from various sources and we think it is important for us to engage with you and provide information which you can use in a way you deem it fit.”

Her address was followed by briefing by several Federal Ministers led by Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, MP.

 BOOST IN MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA

 Mr. Bowen said the Federal Government will implement a suite of regional migration initiatives together with an increase in permanent migration – to 185 000 visas – the 2011-12 to deliver on its broader economic and regional development priorities. 

Importantly, this also includes a boost to the family intake level as part of Australia’s increased migration program.

 He said migration was a crucial economic driver and contributed to an innovative and dynamic workforce. 

 “Australia is a country that has been built on migration and the Gillard Government understands that migrants will contribute to our future economic success as a nation,” Mr Bowen said.

 “Around two-thirds of the increased migration program will be for skilled migrants to help fill critical skill needs, particularly in regional areas.

 “The skill stream intake will increase to 125 850 places, with 16 000 places allocated to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

 “Regional areas will also benefit from the introduction of Regional Migration Agreements, a new initiative that will bring together employers, local and state governments and unions to cooperate in addressing local labour needs.”

 Mr Bowen said the important family intake level for the 2011-12 migration program would also increase to 58 600 places, with the majority of the increase going to partner visas.

 “The Gillard Government understands the importance of the family program to allow for the reunification of Australians with their close relatives, children and spouses,” he said.

“The doubling of parent visas will bring families together and recognises the contribution and commitment that migrants make to Australia.” 

 Gillard Government funds growth for universities

 The Gillard Government is investing a further $1.2 billion over the next four years to fund growth in university enrolments and make higher education available to all Australians.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, said this landmark investment will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians, particularly the children of migrants and second generation Australians, funding more than 480,000 undergraduate places at public universities this year.

 This investment is on top of $2.77 billion in funding already committed by the Gillard Government and will ensure a better opportunity for all Australian young people to pursue a university education.

“Many migrants have made significant sacrifices in coming to Australia so that their children will get the opportunity of a good education and contribute to Australia,” Senator Evans said.

“The Gillard Government understands the value of education and this investment will deliver for families who value education and are keen to get a university qualification.

“We are determined that all Australians – regardless of their background – should have the opportunity to gain a university education.

“A university education is a ticket to greater career choice and to high skilled and high paid jobs. These are aspirations that thousands more Australians will now be able to realise.

“That’s why Labor is making an historic investment of $35.7 billion over the next four years in teaching and learning in our universities to ensure more Australians enjoy the opportunities available to those who hold university qualifications.

 “In this next generation of students, there will be many migrants and second generations Australians who will be the first in their family to go to university because of this Government’s reforms,” concluded Minister Evans.

 INCREASING SPORT PARTICIPATION WITH MULTICULTURAL YOUTH GRANTS

 As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing participation in sport applications are open for the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program.

 Minister for Sport Mark Arbib and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs said the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program will provide grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to support the costs associated with community sport around Australia.

Senator Arbib said the grants will create opportunities for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to engage with sport and physical activity.

 “The Australian Government wants to see all Australians have access to safe, fun and inclusive sporting opportunities,” Senator Arbib said.

 “I believe sport is central to the Australian way of life, and sport can help to teach children from all cultures values, such as self-discipline, team work and how to reach your goals.

 “The Government wants children from all backgrounds to have equal access to sporting opportunities.  We want to see children out of their lounge rooms and into their backyards, playing with friends, playing down at their local sporting clubs.”

 Senator Lundy said the opening of the grant applications was a commitment from the Australian Government to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive multicultural society.

 “Sport is a fabulous driver for building participation and inclusion for young Australians from diverse backgrounds,” Senator Lundy said.

 “The grants will play an important role in helping these young people to participate in their local communities through sport.”

 Senator Arbib said the Gillard Government was supporting multiple programs to increase and support participation including the Active After-School Communities Program and the participation funding for the national sports agreement.

 Successful applicants for the 2011-12 Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program grants will be announced in July.

 Applications are open for a period of four weeks from 29 April 2011, to apply visit www.ausport.gov.au for eligibility details and information

MORE for SMALL BUSINESS

 Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation Bill Shorten said the Gillard Government recognises the contribution that migrant communities make to our economy with approximately 27 per cent of business operators born overseas. 

 He said the 2011-12 Budget will provide additional cash flow benefits to millions of small businesses through the tax system.  Small businesses, which make up 96 per cent of our businesses, are the backbone of our economy and deserve all the help we can provide.

 “Through hard work, strong families and drive, many migrants and Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds have built strong and successful small businesses in Australia,” said the Assistant Treasurer.

 “To recognise and reward this enterprising spirit the Government will reduce income tax instalments paid under Pay As You Go (PAYG) using the gross domestic product (GDP) adjustment method for one year.

 “This change will deliver a $700 million cash flow benefit from lower tax payments in 2011-12, mainly to small businesses.”

 This measure builds on the Government’s tax reforms for small businesses to be introduced in 2012‑13 that include:

 •                 an immediate write-off of the first $5,000 on the purchase of any motor vehicle;

•                 an immediate write-off of all assets valued at under $5,000 (up from $1,000 presently) estimated to cost $1.7 billion over the forward estimates;

•                 a write-off of all other assets (except buildings) in a single depreciation pool at a rate of 30 per cent.  Currently, small businesses allocate assets to two different depreciation pools, with two different depreciation rates (30 per cent and five per cent); and

•                 a reduction in company tax rate to 29 per cent for incorporated small businesses.

 The changes will apply to all small businesses, including sole traders and businesses operating through trusts, partnerships and companies. These reforms will make tax simpler for small business, while increasing cash flows so they can reinvest and grow their businesses.

 The Government is also providing increased certainty for the many small businesses that use trusts to manage their financial affairs. The changes to trust laws will enable the streaming of capital gains and franked distributions. 

The changes will apply for the 2010-11 and later income years. “It is important to make these changes so small businesses using trusts can continue to do so with confidence and enjoy more certainty, particularly in relation to streaming of capital gains and franking credits,” Mr Shorten said. 

 The Government is determined to help the nation’s 2.7 million small businesses remain vibrant and competitive, and these measures are an important part of that commitment.

General outrage in India over Lakshmi image on swimsuit

Apologies from the designer and commitment to not to produce the objectionable swimwear suit with image of Goddess Lakshmi as part of its collection notwithstanding, the row has  escalated to diplomatic levels.

The Indian government has complained to the Australian high commission a week after Byron Bay designer Lisa Burke sent a model down an Australian Fashion Week catwalk wearing a cutaway swimsuit under her label, Lisa Blue, depicting the goddess Lakshmi across her chest and bottom.

“The Ministry of External Affairs has conveyed its deep concern to the Australian high commission in New Delhi, asking that all concerned be apprised of the Indian religious sensitivities in the matter,” the ministry said in a statement published overnight.

The swim wears or tongs bearing Australian flag is a common sight in insensitive Australia, but playing with the sentiments of a religious community is deplorable and shows lack of understanding of the world around.

The fashion designing courses should be teaching ethics, especially religious sentiments.

“The issue was, similarly, taken up by our consulate general in Sydney with the fashion designer.” The Hindu Council of Australia and Vishwa Hindu Parishad were up in arms against the depiction of the image on the swim wear and sent out emails condemning the act and action.

Image of Goddess on swim suit

The Department of Foreign of Affairs and Trade could not immediately confirm the complaint with high commission staff, due to the time difference. But a spokesperson said DFAT was aware of the furore.

Photographs of the model in the Lisa Blue swimwear show sparked outrage in India over the weekend.

Demonstrators burnt Australian flags, religious figures demanded apologies and the label’s Facebook page became the site of furious debate.

Ms Burke issued numerous statements apologising for any offence the print had caused and said Lisa Blue would not produce the swimsuit as part of its collection.  The Hindu Council of Australia circulated another e mail giving details of the apology by Lisa Blue.

By Ashok Kumar

Osama Bin Laden is history. With this the world equation has changed. The US had heavily relied on its partner in fight against terror and its mastermind, Pakistan but carried out an operation without the knowledge of the latter. This goes on to show that Pakistan was playing a double game, of an ally with the US and the terrorists at the same time.

A US official commented on a question why Pakistan was kept out of the operation that if Pakistan had been informed then bin Laden would have been moved to another destination and the hard work of so many days would have gone waste. Such was the level of (mis)trust the US had in its ally.

The mistrust stems from the fact that Osama was living under the nose of military and the government in a fortified palace and ‘no one noticed’. No one ever tried to find out what’s happening behind the high walls. This hard to believe when every third house reportedly belongs to retired police or army officers.

No wonder, the US had to go it alone risking the violation of air space charter or intervention by Pakistan forces.

Former President Parvez Musharraff used to say if people are saying Osama is in Pakistan then we ask them to come and show us where he is? And, they have shown to the likes of Musharraff that here he (Osama) is and we are taking him away from under your nose. What a slap on the face of Pakistan!

Meanwhile, the US is giving hard knocks to Pakistan over harbouring the most wanted terrorist. India had on several occasions alerted the US on the double game Pakistan is playing. ‘Officially, it is an ally in war against terrorism on the hand harbouring terrorist outfits like LeT and Tehrik-e-Taliban. With this, visions of getting Dawood Ibrahim and other terrorists who have found a safe haven in Pakistan have also been raised while that country would keep on denying their presence.

Flabbergasted by the US strike, the Pakistan government is looking for alibi and that came in the shape of ‘illegal’ attack on its soil by the Americans. Two things that Pakistan is good at are right public relations and politics of denial. The accused Pakistan will turn the things around make itself look like a victim.

In another development, the US administration has changed the original version of the killing theory. It now says that Osama was unarmed but resisted capture and hence was shot dead. The change has triggered severe criticism by the media and international community thereby the Administration losing the trust of its own community. In fact, they should have waited for the Defence Administration to come out with details of the attack.

By Ashok Kumar

Osama Bin Laden is history. With this the world equation has changed. The US had heavily relied on its partner in fight against terror and its mastermind, Pakistan but carried out an operation without the knowledge of the latter. This goes on to show that Pakistan was playing a double game, of an ally with the US and the terrorists at the same time.

A US official commented on a question why Pakistan was kept out of the operation that if Pakistan had been informed then bin Laden would have been moved to another destination and the hard work of so many days would have gone waste. Such was the level of (mis)trust the US had in its ally.

The mistrust stems from the fact that Osama was living under the nose of military and the government in a fortified palace and ‘no one noticed’. No one ever tried to find out what’s happening behind the high walls. This hard to believe when every third house reportedly belongs to retired police or army officers.

No wonder, the US had to go it alone risking the violation of air space charter or intervention by Pakistan forces.

Former President Parvez Musharraff used to say if people are saying Osama is in Pakistan then we ask them to come and show us where he is? And, they have shown to the likes of Musharraff that here he (Osama) is and we are taking him away from under your nose. What a slap on the face of Pakistan!

Meanwhile, the US is giving hard knocks to Pakistan over harbouring the most wanted terrorist. India had on several occasions alerted the US on the double game Pakistan is playing. ‘Officially, it is an ally in war against terrorism on the hand harbouring terrorist outfits like LeT and Tehrik-e-Taliban. With this, visions of getting Dawood Ibrahim and other terrorists who have found a safe haven in Pakistan have also been raised while that country would keep on denying their presence.

Flabbergasted by the US strike, the Pakistan government is looking for alibi and that came in the shape of ‘illegal’ attack on its soil by the Americans. Two things that Pakistan is good at are right public relations and politics of denial. The accused Pakistan will turn the things around make itself look like a victim.

In another development, the US administration has changed the original version of the killing theory. It now says that Osama was unarmed but resisted capture and hence was shot dead. The change has triggered severe criticism by the media and international community thereby the Administration losing the trust of its own community. In fact, they should have waited for the Defence Administration to come out with details of the attack.

By Ashok Kumar

Osama Bin Laden is history. With this the world equation has changed. The US had heavily relied on its partner in fight against terror and its mastermind, Pakistan but carried out an operation without the knowledge of the latter. This goes on to show that Pakistan was playing a double game, of an ally with the US and the terrorists at the same time.

A US official commented on a question why Pakistan was kept out of the operation that if Pakistan had been informed then bin Laden would have been moved to another destination and the hard work of so many days would have gone waste. Such was the level of (mis)trust the US had in its ally.

The mistrust stems from the fact that Osama was living under the nose of military and the government in a fortified palace and ‘no one noticed’. No one ever tried to find out what’s happening behind the high walls. This hard to believe when every third house reportedly belongs to retired police or army officers.

No wonder, the US had to go it alone risking the violation of air space charter or intervention by Pakistan forces.

Former President Parvez Musharraf used to say if people are saying Osama is in Pakistan then we ask them to come and show us where he is? And, they have shown to the likes of Musharraf that here he (Osama) is and we are taking him away from under your nose. What a slap on the face of Pakistan!

Meanwhile, the US is giving hard knocks to Pakistan over harbouring the most wanted terrorist. India had on several occasions alerted the US on the double game Pakistan is playing. ‘Officially, it is an ally in war against terrorism on the hand harbouring terrorist outfits like LeT and Tehrik-e-Taliban. With this, visions of getting Dawood Ibrahim and other terrorists who have found a safe haven in Pakistan have also been raised while that country would keep on denying their presence.

Flabbergasted by the US strike, the Pakistan government is looking for alibi and that came in the shape of ‘illegal’ attack on its soil by the Americans. Two things that Pakistan is good at are right public relations and politics of denial. The accused Pakistan will turn the things around make itself look like a victim.

In another development, the US administration has changed the original version of the killing theory. It now says that Osama was unarmed but resisted capture and hence was shot dead. The change has triggered severe criticism by the media and international community thereby the Administration losing the trust of its own community. In fact, they should have waited for the Defence Administration to come out with details of the attack.

By Ashok Kumar

Frantically trying to recover the lost ground as the state elections are on the door step, the NSW Labour Party and Government have launched a strategy to avail fringe benefits from the growing migrant communities.

And, in what better way they can achieve this than by honouring its prominent people.   

On 16^th February, Premier Keneally launched Labour Party’s campaign in the Indian community in Parramatta where there is a very high concentration of the community. Notable among the guests were Mr. Nathan Rees, Labour candidate from Toongabbie.

Close on its heels on Friday, 18^th February, Premier Kristina Keneally paid glowing tribute to the contribution of the Indian Subcontinent community in NSW at the inaugural Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards.

The Keneally Government created the awards to recognise volunteer work and philanthropy in the Indian Subcontinent community. It has been learnt, such awards have also been created for Vietnamese, Filipino and Lebanese communities that will be given out sometimes next week.

“NSW is blessed to be home to more than 100 000 people of Indian Subcontinent heritage and the community is an integral part of what NSW is today,” Ms Keneally said. (It is not very clear how many of them are actually the voters)

“The Indian Subcontinent community includes people from a wide range of professions, from education, trades and business to the arts and public service.

“The Indian Subcontinent community is truly one of the backbones of our society.”

The 2011 award winners are:

• Trade and Industry Award – Mr Chandru Tolani;

• Arts and Culture Award -Ms Kumud Merani;

• Community Harmony Award- Mr Pawan Luthra;

• Community Service Award Mr Mohit Tolani; and

• Lifetime Achievement Award (two winners) – Dr Siddalingeshwara Orekondy and Dr

• Gurcharn Singh Sidhu.

 “I congratulate our four winners who have distinguished themselves with outstanding service to the Indian Subcontinent community,” Ms Keneally said.

“I’d particularly like to pay tribute to our Lifetime Achievement winners, Dr Orekondy and Dr Sidhu, who have devoted more than 37 and 45 years of service respectively to the community in various fields.

“The challenges of balancing work life with family, as well as trying to find time for recreation, makes the contributions all of our winners even more significant.

“On behalf of the NSW Government I congratulate and acknowledge your tireless service to the people of the Indian Subcontinent community.”

Co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of India, Member for Macquarie Fields, Dr Andrew McDonald said: “The Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards are an important way to recognise and pay tribute to the enormous role the Indian Subcontinent community plays in our State.”

“I congratulate the winners of the inaugural Indian Subcontinent Awards for their dedicated service to the people of NSW.”

Meanwhile, after the award ceremony, some of the community members showed open resentment at the selection, the judge’s panel and absence of the names of other nominees.  The awards were meant for the entire Indian Subcontinent community and it was no surprise that the Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lankan communities were flabbergasted. They could be heard questioning whether these were Indian awards or Indian Subcontinent awards?

Even in the Indian community, resentment on the faces of the people could be clearly seen. The most categories that came under severe criticism were Arts and Culture and Communal Harmony. Some felt the real contenders were omitted and the winners have been close to someone while others saw it as a beginning “if the Labour could retain power.”

A special court in the western Indian state of Gujarat has found 31 people guilty of setting fire to a passenger train in the town of Godhra in 2002.

The court acquitted 63 other people of conspiracy and murder, reports BBC

The court acquitted prime accused Maulana Umarji while other prominent accused Haji Billa and Rajjak Kurkur were convicted.

The Sabarmati Express was attacked by a Muslim mob killing 59 people, mainly Hindu pilgrims.

The attack led to some of the worst riots seen in India and left more than 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, dead.

Gujarat’s authorities were criticised for not doing enough to stop the riots.

Those convicted will be sentenced on Friday. Security is tight across Gujarat and extra police have been deployed in case of communal unrest.

Conspiracy

The attackers were said to have forced the train, carrying Hindu pilgrims from Ayodhya, to stop and then set fire to one of the carriages.

“The court has accepted the conspiracy theory. It was not an accident,” public prosecutor JM Panchal is quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

Whether or not there was a conspiracy to set the train ablaze or whether it was a spontaneous fire has long been the subject of dispute.

An inquiry commission set up by the state government said in 2008 that the burning of the train was a “conspiracy”.

That commission also exonerated Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi over the deadly religious riots that followed the blaze.

He was accused of failing to halt the religious violence and some opponents said he indirectly encouraged some of the Hindu rioters. But the commission dismissed these allegations.

“There is absolutely no evidence to show that either the chief minister or any of the ministers in his council or police officers played any role in the Godhra incident,” Justice GT Nanavati had concluded in his report.

The commission, which examined more than 1,000 witnesses during a six-year period, found that 140 litres of petrol had been purchased as part of what it said had been a conspiracy to burn the train carriage.

The report’s findings contradicted an earlier inquiry by retired Supreme Court judge Umesh Chandra Banerjee, who found that the coach fire was not deliberately started.

He concluded in 2005 that the fire began by accident

He said there was evidence to suggest the blaze began inside the train and that it was not fire-bombed

New Zealand’s prime minister says at least 65 people have died after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, reports BBC

John Key said the toll was expected to rise further, adding: “We may be witnessing New Zealand’s darkest day.”

The tremor caused widespread damage as it occurred at lunchtime when Christchurch was at its busiest, at a shallow depth of 5km (3.1 miles).

The mayor of New Zealand’s second-biggest city says at least 200 people are believed trapped under rubble.

The country’s deadliest natural disaster in 80 years struck at 1251 (2351 GMT on Monday), 10km (6.2 miles) south-east of the city.

Screams from rubble

The damage is said to be far worse than after the 7.1-magnitude quake on 4 September, which left two people seriously injured but no fatalities

That quake’s epicentre was further away from the city and deeper underground, but still caused an estimated $3bn (£1.9bn) in damage.

TV pictures of the aftermath of Tuesday’s disaster showed scores of collapsed buildings in the South Island city of nearly 400,000 people.

People could be seen wandering the rubble-strewn streets in distress.

Police said that among the dead were people on two buses which had been crushed by falling buildings.

Helicopters have been used to put out fires caused by the quake.

Officials said up to 30 people were feared still trapped inside the Pyne Gould Guinness building, where screams have been heard from beneath the wreckage.

Christchurch Cathedral, an iconic stone building in the centre of the city, was partly destroyed, its spire toppling into the square below.

Concrete in Victoria Square had risen at least a metre in some places and there are signs of liquefaction around the Avon river, RNZ added.

Power and telephone lines were knocked out, and pipes burst, flooding the streets with water.

The suburbs of Lyttleton and New Brighton are reportedly “unliveable”.

Aftershocks

As night-time approached, emergency shelters were set up in the city’s Hagley Park, a race course and schools.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told the BBC: “We’re beginning to get a feeling, from what we’ve got so far, that a significant number of people are injured and a significant number of people are still trapped in buildings.

“And as we get further into that rescue operation… clearly we’re going to be presented with statistics that are going to be bleak.”

PM John Key said: “It is just a scene of utter devastation. We have to work as fast as we can to get people out of environments where they are trapped.

“This is a community that is absolutely in agony. We just need this community, as it has done before and as it will do again, to come together, to check and support one another,” he added.