SC upholds conviction of Vikas, and Vishal Yadav in Nitish Katara case

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August 17, 2015

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the conviction of three convicts -Yadav, Vishal Yadav, Sukhdev Pehalwan – in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case.

The SC, however, agreed to hear the issue of quantum of punishment in the said case. The apex court also issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Police over their jail sentences.

Meanwhile speaking to news agency ANI, Nitish’s mother Neelam expressed her delight with the verdict, saying it is a very big day.

“What I have been saying for 13 and a half years, that stand has been vindicated, highest court of country has upheld the conviction,” she added.

Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed a plea by Vikas Yadav, who is serving a 30-year jail term without remission in the Katara murder case, seeking extension of the parole granted to him.

Yadav was in April granted seven-day custody parole by the high court to visit his 93-year-old ailing grandfather and to challenge the high court order in the Supreme Court.

After expiry of parole, he had again moved the high court for an extension of three more weeks.

However, on April 10, the high court’s single-judge bench dismissed the plea and the order, which Yadav challenged before the division bench.

A division bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice RS Endlaw dismissed the appeal, saying the single-judge order of granting one week’s parole was free from “perversity or illegality”.

Challenging the April 10 order, Yadav had said he was not able to prepare the appeal in seven days of parole time granted to him, and thus needed extension of parole as the documents in the case were bulky and more time was needed to prepare his appeal in the Supreme Court.

Police, however, opposed the plea, saying enough time had been granted to him to prepare for appeal.

The high court on February 6 had enhanced to a 30-year jail term without remission the life sentence awarded to Vikas Yadav and his cousin Vishal Yadav for Katara’s murder.

Major relief for Congress in National Herald case, sources say Enforcement Directorate will close it

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

In a big relief for Congress, Enforcement Directorate has decided to close the National Herald case, said sources. The ED decided to close the case citing technical reasons.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi were summoned in the case in June 2014 after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint accusing them of cheating and misappropriation of funds in acquiring ownership of the now-defunct English daily National Herald.

Swamy alleged misappropriation of assets worth Rs. 2000 crore of the National Herald newspaper.

Reacting to this Swamy said, “There has been political influence from the Congress party to close the National Herald case.”

Among the other leaders who had received summons include Congress leader Motilal Vora and senior party member Oscar Fernandes.

Asiya Andrabi booked for waving Pak flag, making anti-India speech

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

Chief of radical women’s outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM, Asiya Andrabi, who had stoked a controversy by addressing a rally organised by 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) in Pakistan over phone, was booked by the authorities under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, said reports on Monday.

In her telephonic address to the rally, organised in Lahore on August 14, Andrabi had greeted the people of the neighbouring country on their Independence Day and spewed venom against the Indian establishment.

JuD chief Saeed was seen sitting on the stage during Andrabi’s address.

Hours before her address, the DeM chief had celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day at her residence. Dozens of DeM activists had gathered in Bachpora area of the city where they celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day and waved Pakistani flag.

Andrabi’s telephone address triggered a controversy with BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit president Jugal Kishore demanding strict action against her.

“These are instances of treason and will not be tolerated at all…Asiya Andrabi should be arrested.I expect that she would have been arrested by now and a case of treason would have been registered against her.”

Congress spokesman RPN Singh demanded that concrete action should be taken against those working against the state.

“The NSA-level talks are slated to be held on August 23-24. A lot of talks have happened and the government claims about a breakthrough. But, with the terrorists attacking India, there is an urgent need to take concrete action against them, whether it is Hafiz Saeed or Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi via these talks with Pakistan.”

Pirates 5 first look revealed, Johnny Depp hits stage as Jack Sparrow

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

Hollywood star Johnny Depp made an appearance in the costume as Jack Sparrow to tease the fifth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” joining Walt Disney Pictures’ president of production Sean Bailey onstage.

“Where are we?” Depp (as Captain Jack) asked after staggering onstage. Bailey replied, “Disneyland.”

Blinking thoughtfully, Jack responded, “Never heard of it,” before he started throwing out grapes into the audience.

“Grape! Grape! It bounced, don’t pick it up. I hate grapes. I despise the rotten little things,” Depp said while distributing the freebies at the Disney fan event.

“I came to sing you a song!” he declared, before being ushered off the stage by Bailey.

“I didn’t want to sing you a song anyway!” He insisted as a parting shot.

“Dead Men Tell No Tales” recently wrapped production, and is slated for release on July 7, 2017.

The fifth installment in the franchise stars Depp along with returning stars Orlando Bloom (Will Turner) and Geoffrey Rush (Captain Barbossa), and franchise newcomers Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites and Kaya Scodelario.

Felicity Jones in ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

Theory of Everything star Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn and Diego Luna will star in Star Wars stand-alone movie “Rogue One”.

The Gareth Edwards-directed film focuses on resistance fighters who unite to steal plans to the Death Star. Other cast members include Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads

Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk and Riz Ahmed, said the Hollywood Reporter.

“Rogue One takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and will be a departure from the saga films but have elements that are familiar to the Star Wars universe,” producer Kathleen Kennedy said in a release.

“It goes into new territory, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining that essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know.”

“Rogue One” is slated for a December 16, 2016 release.

Kris Jenner breaks down in tears on ‘I am Cait’

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

Reality TV star Kris Jenner has accused Caitlyn Jenner of leaving her family behind and only marrying her as a “distraction” in a heartbreaking sneak peak at an upcoming episode of “I Am Cait”.

After Kim and Khloe Kardashian spoke to Caitlyn about her comments in the famous Vanity Fair article, it’s now Kris’ turn to confront her ex for the first time since her transition, reported E! online.

“You’re sensitive and amazing to all these new people in your life, you’re just not so sensitive and amazing to the family that you left behind,” Kris said tearing up.

“I tried to do everything I can to be nice, reach out. You have to see it from my perspective – I need an ally when it comes to dealing with the kids,” the 65-year-old replied.

With tears streaming down her face, Kris added, “When you feel like you gave your whole life to somebody and the sum of it all was you were a distraction…”

“Don’t go there,” the former Olympian hits back. “This is not the issue. I was defending myself. It was a distraction from the sense of who I was – that doesn’t mean I didn’t love you or the kids.”

Kris’ meeting with Caitlyn comes after Kim confronted the reality star about her comments about her mother in the Vanity Fair interview.

Government must develop rural infrastructure

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Mahendra Singh

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August 17, 2015

After the reign of Chaudhary Charan Singh, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, we forgot that we have primarily been an agrarian economy. Then came Narsimha Rao and Manmohan Singh and they said, “privatize”, “liberalize”. Private medical, engineering and marine colleges were opened and everything became liberal from entry to passing. In this rush, agriculture was forgotten. Corruption became rampant and only a handful privileged reaped all the benefits of it which continues till date.

MPs and MLAs came from rural and semi urban areas but built bungalows and flats in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi etc. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that all MPs will adopt one village. Modi also had launched the ‘Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana’ promising to bring a demand driven model for village development and expressed confidence that the scheme with its “constructive politics” will have a “viral effect” across the nation. Under the programme, each MP will take the responsibility of developing physical and institutional infrastructure in three villages by 2019.

Modi “adopted” Jayapur under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. A mere 25 kilometres from Varanasi, Jayapur has become a metaphor for model village development after Modi’s endorsement. The Prime Minister’s Office was constantly in touch and was monitoring the work here. Modi said that it is not MPs who are taking guardianship of the village under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, but villagers who were taking MPs under their wing, through this scheme. Almost a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked parliamentarians to adopt a village and develop it into a model village, 107 MPs, including Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and nine other BJP MPs, have not signed up for the initiative. Since these ministers are secure for five years so they need not bother of the outcomes.

Agrarian economy must be revitalized by empowering gram panchayats with close supervision by local level, District and Tehsil level officers. Take foreign assistance for enriching barren land because our politicians and high officers will never take interest in it. The biggest disappointment is that Modi and his ministers do not seem to be interested in implementing this task which we earnestly expected prior to the Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, the population is increasing day by day whereas land is shrinking. However, nobody is thinking about how to control the rising population.

This is the best phase of my life: Anil Kapoor

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

After completing nearly four decades in Bollywood, actor Anil Kapoor says he is going through the best phase of his life and attributed his success to his loving and supportive family.

Kapoor, 58, who attended the fourth edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) here as chief guest, said, “I think I am going through the best phase of my life. I have been fortunate that I made the right choices. My hardwork, destiny, right choices and of course the support of my family.

“This profession is very tough and you need the right kind of support that can keep you sane and normal. I never look back when I do a film,” the star said.

Kapoor, whose last release was “Dil Dhadakne Do”, said starring in the film was a great experience and he really loved working with director Zoya Akhtar.

The actor’s next film “Welcome Back” is due to hit theatres on September 4 this year and Kapoor said he is looking forward to it.

“I am looking forward to the release of ‘Welcome Back’ and then I start the second season of my TV series ’24’. I am very excited about that.”

Kapoor said that he always chooses a film or a role on his instincts. “Anything which has good material whether it is Bollywood, Hollywood or TV, I enjoy doing that. I pick my roles and I go by my instincts.

“And of course money… It is important but it is not the most important. You have to survive,” he said.

When asked if he ever thought of going behind the camera or retiring from films, the actor replied, “No. Never.”

Kapoor was accompanied by his daughter Sonam Kapoor at IFFM. He was conferred with a special IFFM award for excellence in world cinema.

He also became the first Bollywood star to hoist the tricolour at the iconic Federation Square along with Indian High Commissioner Navdeep Suri, Consul general Manika Jain and hundreds of Indians.

What does Katrina Kaif have to say about Saif Ali Khan?

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Afternoon Voice

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August 17, 2015

Actress Katrina Kaif, who has worked with Saif Ali Khan in ‘Phantom’, says he’s a true gentleman, who is also very intelligent.

“Intelligent, very knowledgeable and a true gentleman” is how Katrina describes Saif.

‘Phantom’ is the directorial of Kabir Khan, who has explored the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in the movie.

While they shot several action scenes, Katrina said “only Saif was given machine gun in the movie”.

She said the “best shooting happened in Lebanon… which is where you see the tents and guns and the whole portion where Saif is shooting the machine gun and I have my gun. That was definitely the most exciting and funniest portion.”

‘Phantom’ is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Siddharth Roy Kapur. It is releasing on August 28.

‘Pak is brutal, We want freedom from them’

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Afternoon Voice

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August 16, 2015

Many Balochastanis’ on social media alleges that Pakistan forcefully occupied the Baloch land on May 27 1948.

Balochistan people are seeking media help through social networking site twitter in support of their freedom struggle. Hundreds of Balochistanis’ posted comments online to fight for their freedom and expose the atrocities committed against them by Pakistan. Most of the Right wing tweepals are in support of them. Pakistan has proven to be a bad neighbour to its adjoining countries. Pakistan’s largest province — which borders Iran and Afghanistan — is riven by sectarian strife and Islamist violence. Its roughly seven million inhabitants have long complained they do not receive a fair share of its gas and mineral wealth.

Waleed Lalbaloch, a Political and Social Activist spoke to AV and said, “You should highlight Balochistan issues. It’s your duty; you people should raise the voice for humanity. Our brothers and sisters are being killed in Balochistan. Worst operations are going on in different places of #OccupiedBalochistan, we want media coverage please help us in our freedom struggle.”

Faiz Baluch- BSO-Azad Activist says, “Pakistan forcefully occupied Balochistan on 27 March 1948. Freedom loving Baloch activists burned their Pakistani passports. I wish more power to Baloch freedom activists.”

Balochi nationalists support the claim that the ruler of the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, was compelled by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the first governor-general of Pakistan, to sign the document of succession. The Government of Pakistan decided to take complete control of the administration of the Khanate of Kalat on April 15, 1948. Balochistan is the largest province and one of the four provinces of Pakistan.

Talaar Baloch @TalaarBaloch says, “Pakistani can’t be ours when our brothers are dying, sisters are being tortured but they continue abusing us. Abducting and killing, burning and looting of Paki army #AwaranOperation can’t stop ppl’s of Awaran 2 struggle of freedom.”

BLF Online ‏@BLF_Online

“Jhaoo, 13th August. BLF Sarmachars attacked check post of main #FC camp in Waja Baagh Jhaoo, several killed and injured.”

Balochi demands include greater autonomy, increased royalties from natural resources and provincial revenue, and in some cases full independence. There have been many claims of human rights abuses. Baloch separatists allege that the central government of Pakistan is systematically suppressing development in Balochistan in order to keep the Balochs weak.

Many Balochastani on social media alleges that Pakistan forcefully occupied the Baloch land on May 27 1948. Pakistan Army is treating Balochistan as a colony not as an equal partner. Pakistan’s civilian government with the support of Pakistan Army are stealing rich Balochistan’s resources at gun point. Yet, civilians and Pakistan Army intentionally denies in front of UN and international community. Humanitarian organizations don’t help the victims.”

“It is the UN and international community’s moral responsibility to ask the state of Pakistan to stop violating the international law and the save humanity in conflict war zone. Torture, arrest and killing in custody by Pakistan security forces is a daily norm. Don’t leave the Baloch people to be slaughtered like millions of Muslims and Bengalis were by the same Islamic Republican Army of Pakistan. Pakistani politicians believe that India to some extent is aiding Baloch fighters resist legitimate authority of the Islamabad government.”

Pakistan is violating international laws of war Occupied Balochistan. More than 20,000 Baloch including Women & children have been abducted by Pakistani forces and security agencies. In the period 2003 to 2012, it is estimated that 8000 people were abducted by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan.