NOTICE INVITING
E-TENDER
e-N.I.T. No. 01 of 2013-2014 of E.E. BHD
Date: 01-08-2013
Executive Engineer, Bankura Highway Division, P.W. (Roads) Directorate invites e-tender vide e-NIT No. 01 of 2013-14 for 10 (ten) Nos. works of different roads. (ch. to 13th F.C. 2013-2014). Last date for submission of bid on 19-08-2013 upto 3-00 p.m. Details may be available in the website: http://etender.wb.nic.in and also in the office of the Executive Engineer, Bankura Highway Division, P.W. (Roads) Directorate, Nutanchati, Bankura at any working day between 11-00 a.m. and 3-00 p.m.
Sd/- S. Sarkar
Executive Engineer
Bankura Highway Division
P.W. (Roads) Directorate  (B0007)         C20760

SAINTHIA MUNICIPALITY
Office Of The
Councillors
P.O.- Sainthia
Dist.-Birbhum
ABRIDGED TENDER NOTICE
Sealed quotation are invited by the Chairman, Sainthia Municipality from the bona fide Agencies having sound credential for “Supply & Delivery at site ISI Mark Double Flange jointing system centrifugally cast D.I.D.F. (K9/K7) Pipes & D.I. fittings conforming to IS 8329-2000 (Third revision) in standard length 0.5 m. to 5.0 m for push on joint & flange joint (rubber gasket) with internal cement mortar lining and external protection by metallic zinc coating with finish layer of epoxy / bituminous coating of outside as per IS 8329 -2000 specification with necessary jointing material rubber gasket (IS 5382:1985) including transportation, loading, unloading and staking at site including free supply of polythene sleeves for Water Supply Projects for Zone I & II Sainthia Municipality Water Supply Scheme under UIDSSMT programme vide N.I.Q. No. 1873/Engg.Sec/SM/2013, dated: 29-07-2013. Detailed information about the works, Earnest Money, Value of quotation form, time of completion of work etc. will be available in the office of the undersigned during office working hours upto 14-08-2013.
The undersigned reserves the right to accept or reject the lowest Quotationer or all the Quotationers without assigning any reason what so ever.
Sd/-
Chairman
Sainthia Municipality
Sainthia, Birbhum    
    C20763

TENDER NOTICE
Sealed tenders are invited by the Secretary, DH&FWS, Siliguri & CMOH, Darjeeling, for procurement of OPD Ticket to be used in RH/BPHC/PHCs in the Siliguri Sub-division from the reputed printing firm / individual having experience in similar works. Information may be had from the Dist. Health & Family Welfare Samiti, Siliguri, 2nd Floor, Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad Building, Siliguri on any working day. Last date of receiving tender up to 1-00 p.m. on 16-08-2013, in the said office and will be opened on the same day at 02-00 p.m.
Sd/-
Secretary, DH&FWS,
Siliguri & CMOH, Darjeeling      (B0008)    C20764
 

I, ADWITIYAA Das, W/o. Mr. Arindam Pal, currently residing at Flat No. 105, Block: B, Dreamland Enclave, Kaikhali Chiria More, Kolkata-700052, West Bengal shall henceforth be known as Adwitiyaa Pal, vide affidavit No. 9719, affirmed and sworn before the 1st Class Judicial Magistrate, Sealdah on June 24, 2013.  (B0005)         C20758

I, GURPRIT Kaur, R/o. 111, Ganguly Para, Fartabad, Garia, Kolkata-700084 shall henceforth be known as Jessica Malhotra, vide affidavit sworn before the Notary Public, Govt. of India on 02-08-2013.        C20755

NOTICE
Cine Central, Calcutta
2, Chowringhee Road  Kolkata-700013
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Bangla Academy, 1/1, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata- 700020 at 6-00 p.m. Members are requested to attend the meeting. General Secretary   (B0004)         C20754

NOTICE
It is hereby informed that my client Kailash Siddhi Vanijya Pvt. Ltd., having its office at 13B, C.R. Avenue, Kolkata-700072 entered into an agreement with the original land owners Smt. Shyamali Das, Sri Amitava Das & Sri Amlan Das of 119, Rash Behari Avenue (Rani Rashmoni Bhawan), P.S.: Lake, Kolkata- 700029 for development of the below schedule mentioned property lying and situated in Dag No. 103, 104, 211, 215, 228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 247, 248, 249, 250, 253, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 285, 286, 287, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 297, 298, 299, 951, 952, 953, 954, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1088 under Khatian No. 162, 553, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562 at Mouza-Joka, R.S. No.- 31, Touzi No.- 54, J.L. No.- 21, P.S.- Behala now Thakurpukur, District- 24Parganas now South 24 Parganas being part & parcel of original the then mother Touzi No.- 145, the then District- 24 Parganas now South 24 Parganas which is under progress.
It is hereby informed to the public at large that if any person have any objection and/or claim against any part thereof then he/she shall have to intimate the same to the undersigned with cogent evidence in support of his/her claim, within 15 days hereof, failing which his/her claim shall not be entertained thereafter.
Sanjay Daima
Estate Manager
Estate of Atindra Nath Das
Rani Rashmoni Bhawan
119, R.B. Avenue
P.S.-Lake, Kolkata-29
Mob: 9674471592 /8013646497         C20757

I, MD. FULCHAND Sk. shall henceforth be known as Najbul Shaikh, vide affidavit sworn before the Executive Magistrate, Krishnagar, Nadia on 02-08-2013. Both are same and identical person. (B0003)         C20752

DISTRICT: 24 Parganas (South)
In the Court of Learned District Delegate at Alipore
Act 39 (Succession Case No. 147 of 2013)
Dr. Indira Ghosh and another … Applicants
                                                           Notice
Take notice that Dr. Indira Ghosh, wife of late Amitava Ghosh and Anushka Ghosh, daughter of late Amitava Ghosh, both are of 300, Parnasree Pally, Premises No. 93, Police Station- Parnasree, Kolkata-700060 applied for grant of Succession Certificate in respect of debts and securities of late Amitava Ghosh, son of late Bijoy Kumar Ghosh of 300, Parnasree Pally, Premises No. 93, Kolkata-700060 of Rs. 10,73,012.61p. in Account No. 03220030022478 with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, Park Street Branch, Apeejay House, ground floor, 15, Park Street, Kolkata-700016. If there be any claim of any person in respect of the said amount, objection should be filed in the above case within 30 (thirty) days from the date hereof otherwise matter will be heard ex parte.
Tarun Kr. Ghosh
Sheristadar
Dist. Judges’ Court
Alipore, 24 Parganas (S)
18-7-13               (B0002)         C20761

G.A. NO. 1633 OF 2013
P.L.A. No. 32 of 2012
In the High Court at Calcutta Testamentary and Intestate Jurisdiction
In the Goods of: Bimalendra Nath Maitra, lastly residing at No. GC-202, Sector-III, Salt Lake City, Calcutta-700091, West Bengal, a Hindu inhabitant, deceased.
To,
Smt. Krishna Adhikari, 21, Gariahat Road (South), Kolkata- 700031.
If you, as mentioned above, are claiming to have any interest in the estate of the deceased abovenamed is hereby cited to come within 2 (two) weeks from the date of publication of this citation and to show cause as to why Letters of Administration of the alleged last Will and Testament dated 10th day of December, 1997 of the deceased abovenamed should not be granted by this Court unto Jayanta Nath Maitra, son of Late Bimalendra Nath Maitra, residing at No. 119A, Selimpur Road, Kolkata-700031, one of the beneficiaries under the said last Will and Testament dated 10th day of December, 1997 executed by the deceased under pain and contempt of the  Law and further to do and receive as to Law and Justice shall appertain and what you shall do herein shall duly certifiy with these presents to our said Justices. Matter to appear in the list three weeks hence.
You are hereby informed that free legal services from the State Legal Services Authority, High Court Legal Services Committee, District Legal Services Authorities and Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committees, as per eligiblity criteria, are available to you and in case you are eligible and desire to avail of the free legal services, you may contact any of the above Legal Services Authorities/Committees.
Witness: Mr. Arun Mishra, Chief Justice at Calcutta aforesaid, the 13th day of June, in the year two thousand and thirteen.
For Registrar
Miss. Aruna Dutt  Advocate
9, Old Post Office Street  Kolkata-700001         C20756

NOTICE
In the Court of the Ld. District Judge
at Alipore Matrimonial Suit No. 2918 of 2012
Anindita Pandey Nee Ghosh, wife of Sri Naveen Kumar Pandey & daughter of Lt. Somnath Ghosh, residing at 65, Garia Station Road, P.O.- Garia, P.S.- Sonarpur, Kolkata- 700084, District: South 24 Parganas  …. Petitioner/
Wife
-Versus-
Naveen Kumar Pandey, son of Sri Kali Charan Pandey, residing at 29/3, Briji Road, P.O.- Garia, Kolkata-700084, under P.S.- Patuli, District: South 24 Parganas.
…. Respondent/
Husband
It is hereby notice that the Anindita Pandey Nee Ghosh, wife of Sri Naveen Kumar Pandey & daughter of Lt. Somnath Ghosh, residing at 65, Garia Station Road, P.O.- Garia, P.S.- Sonarpur, Kolkata-700084, District: South 24 Parganas abovenamed has filed a suit for divorce against the Naveen Kumar Pandey, son of Sri Kali Charan Pandey, residing at 29/3, Briji Road, P.O.- Garia, Kolkata- 700084 under P.S.- Patuli, Dist.- South 24 Parganas abovenamed before the above Ld. Court, if the respondent has any objection against this instant suit then he may appear before the Ld. Court within 30 days from the date of the publication personally or through his Ld. Advocate, otherwise the suit, will be heard ex parte.
By Order
Tarun Kr. Ghosh
Sheristadar
Dist. Judges’ Court, Alipore
24 Parganas (S) 20-07-2013  (B0001)             C20762

LOAN from Nationalized Bank for cc / od / housing / project finance, contact Mr. Choudhari, (M): 8902699194. Only genuine borrower no agent.         C20717

WANTED Old Coin, Watch, Pen, Camera, Shawl & Carpet. Call: 9874486200.
(B0002)         C20708

WEST BENGAL STATE COUNCIL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Dept. of Science and Technology Govt. of West Bengal
Bikash Bhavan, 4th floor Salt Lake Kolkata-700091
WALK-IN INTERVIEW
Walk-in Interview will be held on 21st August, 2013 at 11-00 a.m. for engagement in temporary positions of Junior Research Fellow for “Space Based Information Support for Decentralized Planning (SIS-DP)” project. Interested Indian nationals are requested to appear before the Selection Committee. Particulars of the positions and the application form are available in the websites: www.dstwb-council.gov.in / www.banglarmukh.com and www.wbscst.org.in
(B0006)         C20759
 

statesman news service
NEW DELHI, 3 AUG: Congress president Sonia Gandhi today came out in support of suspended UP IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal. In her capacity as chairperson of the National Advisory Council, Ms Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister, asking him to “ensure that the officer is not unfairly treated”.
Her letter said the officer was “hastily suspended for unsubstantiated reasons. There is widespread concern because she was seen to be standing up to vested interests engaging in illegal activity".
“This instance has highlighted the need to assess whether there are adequate safeguards in place to protect executive functionaries working beyond the average call of duty to uphold the rule of law…I know some good beginnings have been made towards administrative reforms, but the issues that have come to be profiled in Ms Nagpal&’s case need focus,” Mrs Gandhi’s letter said.
The young officer was shunted out by the Uttar Pradesh government for ordering the demolition of a mosque wall. Her supporters, however, feel she was punished for taking on the state&’s powerful sand mafia.
Ms Gandhi&’s letter assumes significance since it is an indictment of a key ally, the Samajwadi Party. UP chief minister and SP chief’s son Akhilesh Yadav has firmly stood by the decision to suspend her on grounds that her actions threatened communal harmony.  
 

NEW DELHI, 3 AUG: Scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi’s association with any sports body has ended as he has lost the membership of the powerful Council of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Kalmadi lost the IAAF Council membership after his defeat in the Asian Athletics Association’s presidential election in Pune early last month to Qatar’s Dahlan Al-Hamad. The IAAF has now appointed Du Zhaocai, senior vice-president of the AAA and general secretary of Chinese Athletics Association (CAA), to its Council as one of Asia’s representatives. pti

statesman news service 
NEW DELHI, 3 AUG: Review petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court against two recent judgments disqualifying MPs and MLAs on being convicted and debarring arrested persons from contesting polls. 
The petition, filed by president of Haryana Swatantra Party Ramesh Dayal urged the Supreme Court to review two verdicts delivered on 10 July.
The apex court had held that a person who is in jail or police custody cannot contest elections to legislative bodies. In another verdict, the court had struck down a provision in the Representation of People’s Act (RPA) that protects a convicted lawmaker from disqualification on the ground of pendency of appeal in higher courts. 
The verdicts have been opposed by politicians cutting across party lines and the Centre indicated it may also approach the apex court for a review and also go for a “legislative remedy” by amending current laws. 
“The impugned judgment suffers from errors. Section 8(4) of RPA has been declared unconstitutional without tracing its history,” the petition said. 
“This court passed erroneous judgment, which shall have serious repercussion on the functioning of Parliament, state legislature and democracy,” the petition said, noting, “There is no doubt that preventing of criminalisation of politics is a basic feature of the Constitution, but it cannot be extended to the level when democratically constituted Parliament may be weakened even to face its very existence.”

pradip chatterjee
KOLKATA, 3 AUG: Twenty-four-year-old Sukanya Pal from Barasat in North 24-Parganas is all set to go to Siachen, the world’s  highest battle field, in an expedition on her motorcycle to pay tribute to the jawans who are serving in the border areas and guarding the country from external forces.
Ms Pal (in sns photo) wants to pay respect to jawans stationed at the glacier, where temperatures range from minus 20 to minus 60 degree Celsius. She, along with her team members, plan to celebrate Independence Day with Army jawans at the Siachen base camp.
Ms Pal, who studied sociology at the masters level at Jadavpur University, is presently engaged in research and developed the habit of trekking when she was a student of class VII. Her interest in long-distance biking dates back to her school days — Ms Pal was inspired by her physical training teacher, who used to ride a motor-bike.
Though the journey to Siachen is tough, Ms Pal is no stranger to difficult terrain. She has travelled to Khardungla, on the world&’s highest motorable at 18,380 feet, on her two-wheeler on two occasions. Her feat received wide recognition when she, along with some of her fellow members, entered the Limca Book of National Records in 2011.
The ride to Siachen, however, is going be more difficult. Siachen is situated at a height of 18,875 feet, and there is no road connecting Khardungla and Siachen. As a result, the motorcyclists will have to take a stony and sandy path to reach the destination. Ms Pal will undertake the journey on her 180 cc Apache, while most of her companions will ride the Bullet. The other members who will accompany her on the expedition are Jayanta Biswas from Ichhapur in West Bengal, Joykrishnan B from Chennai and Bibartan Ghosh from Mumbai.
A resident of Nabapally in Barasat, Ms Pal will begin her journey from Subhas Maidan Club on 4 August, in the presence of distinguished guests. Several NGOs, including Barasat Youth Lovers’ Association, Barasat Football Lovers’ Associ-ation and Jyotirgomoy will felicitate her on the occasion.

press trust of india
Bulawayo, 3 Aug: India today created history by recording their first-ever five-match ODI series whitewash on foreign soil as they thrashed Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the fifth and final cricket one-dayer, riding on leg-spinner Amit Mishra’s career-best six wicket haul.
Mishra’s fine effort of 6 for 48 saw the Men in Blue bowl out Zimbabwe for a paltry 163 in 39.5 overs after opting to bowl and the visitors then chased down the small target comfortably with 16 overs to spare at Queens Sports Club here.
India have recorded three 5-0 series wins at home in the past five years ~ whitewashing England twice and New Zealand once. But, this was their maiden whitewash win in a five-match series away from home.
Ajinkya Rahane, who was playing in his first match of the series, top-scored with a 66-ball 50, his third ODI fifty in his 17th match, with the help of four boundaries and a six. He shared a crucial 71-run partnership for the third wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (not out 48 from 77 balls) to lay the foundation for the win. Jadeja ended the contest in style by hitting a six as India reached 167 for three in 34 overs. The victory target was too small for the rampaging Indians, who have recorded convincing wins over the home side in all the five matches. The young Indian side under Virat Kohli, who had come here without a few top players, maintained their domination over the home side and ended the series in emphatic style.
This series victory also rectified their disappointing performance in this country in 2010 when they lost all their two matches in a tri-series.
Captain Virat Kohli, one of the Indian centurions in the series, dropped himself down and sent Rahane at number three as the target was small. His team-mates ensured that there was no need for their captain to come out and bat. India’s run chase though did not begin well with opener Cheteshwar Pujara dismissed in the fourth ball for a duck.
Pujara was cleanbowled by Kyle Jarvis with a good length delivery just outside off which cut back to sneak through the gap between bat and pad before hitting the top of middle stump. Pujara was out in a similar fashion in the previous game, his debut match, when he made 13. In the fourth over, Dhawan took 15 runs off Brian Vitori with three fours and hit the same bowler for a six and a four two overs later. But Dhawan was dropped in the same over when he was on 32 in the penultimate ball before the break which was taken after the Indians had faced six overs in their small chase.
The Indian opener tried to pull a Vitori delivery towards short fine leg only to top-edge it. But to the Indian’s luck, he survived following a misunderstanding between the fine-leg fielder and his captain and wicket-kepeer Brendan Taylor. The fine-leg fielder, who should have gone for the catch, left it for Taylor, who dived full length but did not get to it.
Dhawan, the other Indian centurion in the series, was out in the 11th off Jarvis, the best bowler for the home side today. The Indian offered an edge to wicketkeeper Taylor as he attempted to push a good length delivery close to off stump. Dhawan, who had scored 116 in the second match, hit six fours and a six in his 38-ball innings.
Dhawan’s departure saw the Indians slowing down a bit and they had the luxury to do so. Jarvis and Elton Chigumbura bowled an accurate line and length to deny Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja room to play shots. Rahane, who survived being run out in the seventh over after a mix up with Dhawan, was out in the 28th over, bowled by a turning ball off part-timer Malcolm Waller. But by that time India were well on course for victory. Jadeja lied low for some time before a flurry of boundaries, including a six and a four off Sean Williams in the 29th over, besides the six which ended the contest.
Sean Williams (51) was the only Zimbabwean batsman to put up a semblance of fight before the home team’s innings folded in 39.5 overs.
The collapse started pretty early for Zimbabwe with opener Vusi Sibanda (5) getting caught behind the stumps by Dinesh Karthik off Jaydev Unadkat in the fourth over. His partner Hamilton Masakadza did stay for a while and raised hopes of anchoring the innings before Ravindra Jadeja rattled his stumps. Masakadza struck a 46-ball 32 which included four boundaries. Next man in skipper, Brendan Taylor, departed without troubling the scorer but consumed 11 balls in the process. He was caught by Suresh Raina at second slip while trying to have a go at Mohit Sharma.
Zimbabwean batsmen’s parade back to pavillion continued before Williams tried his bit to stage a fightback. In his 65-ball knock, Williams picked up six boundaries, giving his teammates a lesson in how to deal with the conditions. But Mishra brought an end to Williams’ stiff resistance when the batsman tried to sweep on one knee but ended up gloving it to the first slip. Mishra had earlier taken the crucial wicket of all-rounder Elton Chigumbura (17) who failed to replicate his half-century performance from the previous match. Kyle Jarvis (12 not out) and Natsai M’shangwe (16) did their bit to delay the inevitable but the Indians proved simply unstoppable.

Kohli credits MS Dhoni for his success
Bulawayo, 3 Aug: Virat Kohli credited his success as captain to Mahendra Singh Dhoni and said he is learning the tricks of the trade ‘from the big man himself’. “It is a team of very talented players, it is not that difficult as captain, it is not difficult to motivate them. It has gone well so far. I have learnt a few tactics from him and used them on the field,” he said. pti

press trust of india
NEW DELHI, 3 AUG: Taking strong objection to alleged improper comments made by SP leader Mr Narinder Bhati against suspended IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, social activist Ms Nutan Thakur today filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women against the UP Agro chairman.
In her complaint, Ms Thakur raised objections over the alleged usage of words like “aurat” and “behudgi” against the IAS official, who clamped on sand mining mafia in Gautam Budh Nagar, in a video footage.
“I watched the video on Youtube where a lot of time beep was used… I have written a letter to Ms Mamata Sharma, chairperson of the NCW to take cognizance of this serious issue and enquire into the matter. I have also requested her to initiate all legal proceedings as per the enquiry report,” she said.
The video footage of the Samajwadi Party minister showed him bragging how he got the IAS officer suspended in 41 minutes.
Ms Thakur had earlier also filed a PIL in Allahabad High Court for a direction to Department of Personnel and Training (cadre controlling authority of IAS officers) to summon the file related to the suspension of Ms Nagpal and cancelling the suspension if it was found to be illegal and improper.
The NCW Chairperson, however said she has not yet received the complaint.

tarun goswami
KOLKATA, 3 AUG: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee talks continually of ma, mati and manush but the Kolkata Municipal Corporation&’s (KMC) taxation policies have been driving the common man  up the wall.
After coming to power in KMC, the Trinamul Congress issued a circular (no 35 of 2010-11) specifying the method to be followed for the annual valuation of ceremonial houses, nursing homes and guest houses. The method has not only made the rich richer, but hit revenue collection of KMC.
Interestingly, Mr Firhad Hakim, state municipal affairs minister and Mayor Sovan Chatterjee who often talk about augmenting KMC&’s revenues  did not say a word or take any step to stop implementation of the circular. As a matter of fact both knew the disastrous effect of the circular.
Circular no 35 deals with
the method that is followed
to calculate the annual valuation of  ceremonial houses and halls, nursing homes and guest houses.
Earlier, to calculate the annual valuation of ceremonial houses, the computation method was daily rent collected by ceremonial houses multiplied by 72 days.
Forty per cent of annual valuation is KMC tax plus 50 per cent commercial surcharge. This system was followed since the Left Front came to power in KMC in 1985. 
As per the new method, to calculate the annual valuation of ceremonial houses, nursing homes and guest houses it is twice the reasonable rent  prevalent in the area plus commercial surcharge. Thus, the municipal tax paid by ceremonial houses, guest houses and nursing homes dipped considerably. There are ceremonial houses where the daily rent is anything between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh.
But for middle class people who let out their premises the tax burden has become very steep. To calculate the annual valuation, KMC  considers the monthly rent multiplied by 12 months minus 10 per cent  depreciation. So, the tax burden is very heavy on those who have let out their property to earn  their livelihood.   
Moreover, no effort has yet been made to assess the new buildings at Jodhpur Garden that stretch from the southern side of Jodhpur park to South City mall.
KMC officials said had these buildings been assessed, an additional 8000 to 10,000 new assesses could have been brought under KMC property tax net. 
When contacted senior civic officials of the Revenue Department remained tight lipped.

NEW DELHI, 3 AUG: A special CBI court today listed for 17 August the arguments on a plea by Janata Party chief Subramaniam Swamy that the written statement given by former Telecom Minister A Raja to the JPC on 2G scam be placed before court.
Special CBI Judge O P Saini, who was scheduled to pass an order on the plea, posted it for 17 August after the counsel appearing on behalf of Mr Swamy said that he would advance some arguments in the matter. The lawyer told the court that Mr Swamy was not in Delhi while the counsel, who was to argue on the plea, was unwell.
Mr Swamy had earlier argued that Raja’s statement to the JPC is an important piece of document to arrive at the truth and the logical conclusion in the 2G spectrum case.
He had also alleged that examination of witnesses of the CBI is “incomplete” as they have not discussed the meetings which took place regarding the allocation of 2G spectrum during Raja’s tenure as the Telecom Minister. He had said Raja’s statement to the JPC speaks about various meetings which took place regarding allocation and pricing of spectrum.
Mr Swamy had also pressed for summoning of then Finance Ministry officials Mr Sindhushree Khullar and Mr Shyamala Shukla as witnesses to explain the file notings during those meetings.
Mr Swamy has sought summoning of Raja&’s 22 April written statement to JPC Chairman P C Chacko along with the draft report of the JPC, the draft report of the Public Accounts Committee and other officials to ascertain the truth. pti

KOLKATA, 3 AUG: In the wake of the recent fuel price hike, state Transport Minister Madan Mitra today ruled out the possibility of a hike in bus fares. The state will not allow private bus operators to hike bus and mini bus fare, said Mr Mitra at the Press Club today. People will be affected if the bus fare is hiked and the state will not allow it, he said. The Centre is working hard to divide the state but people of the state will give a befitting reply to the Congress, he said. sns

Patiala, 3 Aug: Balwant Singh Rajoana, a convict on death row for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was today sentenced to two-and-half-year jail in an 18-year-old Arms Act case.
Additional District Judge Deepika awarded Rajoana two-and- half-year jail and also imposed Rs 1,000 fine as fine in case registered here on 25 December, 1995 under the Arms Act.
The then inspector of Sadar police station D S Malli had arrested Rajoana and recovered a pistol along with four cartridges from him, as per FIR.He was produced in the court and after pronouncing the sentence, he told the Press, “I was blessed by the almighty.” He also raised slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad”. He was also facing sentence of 10-year in an Explosive Act case.
Rajoana is also facing death sentence for assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh. His execution was stayed following clemency appeals. pti

Islamabad/Karachi, 3 Aug: At least 38 people were killed and over 50 injured in rain-related incidents in Pakistan as torrential downpours inundated the financial hub of Karachi and the country’s northwest today.
The Army was called to support relief work in Karachi, where 10 people died. Five people, including three children, were electrocuted while a woman drowned after falling into an open manhole, officials said.
Parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the tribal belt were also affected by rains, with 13 reported dead and 34 injured in separate incidents since yesterday. Six deaths were reported in Punjab. Deaths were also reported at Peshawar and Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Heavy rains that started early this morning created havoc in many parts of Karachi, with residents complaining of no electricity. Overflowing gutters and flooded roads and underpasses caused traffic jams in several areas. pti

TEHERAN, 3 AUG: Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, vowed after assuming office today to work to lift the international sanctions imposed on Teheran over its controversial nuclear drive. My government, “will take fundamental steps in elevating Iran’s position based on national interest and lifting of the oppressive sanctions,” the moderate cleric said in a first address, broadcast live on state television. Mr Rouhani was officially endorsed by Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who praised the newly-elected president’s decades of service to the Islamic establishment. “The country needs a national determination to keep its distance from extremism and needs to concentrate on the rule of law,” he added. Mr Rouhani begins his term as the Islamic republic’s seventh president facing challenges over its ailing economy and international isolation due to the policies of his hardline predecessor. afp