Orissa gets New Trains, but gets less allocation in Railway Budget

Bhubaneswar: After being neglected by successive Railway Ministers in the recent years, the people of Orissa had high hopes on incumbent Mamata Banerjee and expected big sops in the Union Railway Budget 2009. However, that did not happen, as the state received just Rs. 715.22 crore budgetary allocation, as compared to Rs. 949.34 crore received last year. However, Orissa got importance in terms of new trains and other infrastructure development.

Out of the 12 non-stop Duronto trains announced by Mamata Banerjee, Orissa got one, which will run from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi once in a week. In addition, the schedule of Rajdhani Express, has been extended to 4 days in a week.

Orissa got several new trains including Kamakhya-Puri Express, Puri-Surat via Sambalpur, Koraput-Rourkela, Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, Puri-Cuttack, Puri-Berhampur and Puri-Bhubaneswar.

Orissa had something to cheer, as out of 50 Railway Stations, which will be developed as world class stations, Mamata gave two to India - Bhubaneswar and Puri. Cuttack, Koraput and Rayagada will be developed as model railway stations.

While Mamata Banerjee allocated funds for the existing railway projects in the state. she also sanctioned survey for several areas that were left untouched earlier. They included Banspani – Bimlagarh – Barusuan, Bolangir – Nuapada, Digha – Jaleswar, Dantewada – Malkangiri and Sambalpur – Berhampur.

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Mamata Banerjee's Duronto Trains to be faster than Rajdhani Express

New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, announced 12 new super fast non-stop trains in his dream Railway Budget 2009. Ms Banerjee named then as 'Duronto' trains, which will have no stoppage between the point-to-point stations. Four out of the 12 trains will be directly going to West Bengal. The 'Duronto' trains will have AC and non-AC sleeper coaches.

Here are the non-stop Duronto Trains, launched in Railway Budget 2009:

• New Delhi-JammuTawi (Tri-weekly)
• Howrah- Mumbai (Bi-weekly)
• Mumbai-Ahmedabad (Tri-weekly)
• Chennai- Delhi (Bi-weekly)
• New Delhi -Lucknow (Tri-weekly)
• Delhi-Pune (Bi-weekly)
• Howarh - Delhi (Bi-Weekly)
• New Delhi -Allahabad (Tri- weekly)
• Sealdah-New Delhi (Bi-Weekly)
• Kolkata-Amritsar (Bi-weekly)
• Bhubaneswar - Delhi (Weekly)
• Ernakulam - Delhi (Weekly)

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Communal Clashes kill 3 People in Mysore

Mysore: Karanataka is on boil again! Communal clashes broke out between two communities in Kyathamaranahalli and adjacent areas in Udaigiri police station in Mysore, which left three people killed and over 15 persons injured. The police lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to blank firing to disperse the mob, who indulged in violence.

The victims were identified as Mubarak (25), Tirupathi (46) and Junaid Pasha (15). One of the injured is said to be in a critical condition. The trouble began following the desecration of a religious school in Gayathripuram.

A carcass of a slaughtered animal was found inside the school ground, which incited the communal passion in the area. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Udaigiri, Lashkar, Narasimharaja and Mandi Mohalla till July 5.

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Gay Activists across the World welcome Delhi HC Verdict on Gay Sex

Washington: The Gay activists across the world, have welcomed the Delhi High Court's verdict, which ended the discrimination against the Gays and termed 'homosexuality' as legal. Several Indian Americans celebrated this as a victory for Gay Pride, while similar celebrations were reported from the UK, Germany, Nepal and other parts of the world. The Western media hailed the court verdict as "historic".

Earlier yesterday, the Delhi High Court had termed the 'homosexuality' as legal. It sought immediate changes in the Section 377, which criminalizes consensual gay sex. The court ruled that Section 377 is a violation of fundamental rights.

Gay activists in India have celebrated this judgement, saying it will give them a sense of freedom and some means to live with dignity and self respect. They believe that their long struggle has finally yielded results, but they know that their battle is not yet over.

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Union Railway Budget 2009: 57 New Trains, 12 non-stop Duronto Trains introduced

New Delhi: Breaking News! Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee presented the Railway Budget 2009 in Lok Sabha today. Mamata Banerjee termed the budget as a populist one and introduced several new schemes and trains. She also did not hike the basic train fares and freight charges. Although she tried to please all sections and all states, West Bengal did get some importance in her 'Janata Budget'.

According to the Railway Budget, 50 Railway stations in India will be developed as world class stations. In addition, 49 stations have been identified for religious and tourism importance. 53 new railway tracks and 57 new trains will come up across the country.

The computerised railway tickets will be available across 5,000 post offices in the country, while Catering, Food, Punctuality and Cleanliness will be given top priority. Mamata also said that 375 stations will be developed as model railway stations. In addition, she also announced 12 new non-stop AC Duronto trains, which will connect all metros.

Here are the Key Features of Union Railway Budget 2009:

1) Interim Railway Budget is very unrealistic, can't sustain its targets
2) Budgetary support to Railways increased by Rs. 5,000 crore
3) 49 stations identified for religious and tourism importance
4) At least 1 doctor in all long distance stations
5) 50 world class stations to be set up
6) To ensure food and quality water in all trains
7) Catering, food, punctuality and cleanliness are priority areas
8) Automatic Ticket Vending Machines in all big stations
9) Commando battalions for Railways to be raised
10) Railway Recruitment Board policies to be reviewed

11) Tickets will be available in 500 post offices
12) Number of vending machines to be increased
13) Infotainment services, personalised services to be introduced in Rajdhani and Shatabbdis
14) SMS updates on wait-listed ticets to be introduced
15) To ensure Janata Food (at low price) in Trains
16) Double-decker AC for long-distance Intercity Express trains
17) Mobile ticketing vans to be introduced
18) Integrated security plan drawn up
19) Integrated Security System for 130 vulnerable stations
20) Women Commandos to be introduced

21) Mega logistics hub for Eastern and Western Corridor
22) Green Toilets in Trains
23) Cold storage facilities for farmers to store procure
24) 375 stations to be developed as model railway stations
25) Special provisions for SCs, STs and Sportspersons
26) Photo ID cards-cum-credit cards to be given to accredited journalists with PIB Card. Travel concession has been increased from 30% to 50% for them.
27) Kolkata Metro to be expanded till Barackpore
28) Special Pass for Students in Kolkata Metro
29) Kajigund-Anantnag Railway Line to be completed by August

30) 57 New Trains to be introduced
31) 53 new railway tracks to be built
32) Non-stop AC Sleeper Duronto trains to be introduced
33) Duronto Trains to connect major metros
34) 12 new AC sleeper non-stop trains to be introduced. They are Delhi-Jammu Tawi, Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Delhi-Chennai, Kolkata-Amrritsar, Delhi-Lucknow, Bhubaneswar-New Delhi, Delhi-Allahanad, Delh-Sealdah, Delhi-Ernakulam, Delhi-Pune, Howrah-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah.
35) 10 New Garib Rath Trains
36) Ladies Special in Delhi, Kolkata, chennai
37) AC Yuva Trains to be introduced at Rs. 299 and Rs. 399
38) Tatkal Tickets booking time reduced to two days. Charges down to Rs. 100 instead of Rs. 150.
39) No fare hike in railway tickets
40) Ambulance Service in 6 Cities
41) 1,000 new Reservation Centres to be built in 200 cities

42) New Houses to be built for 6650 Railway Employees
43) Colleges on Railway land in public-private partnership
44) Scholarship for higher education of girls of Railway Officials
45) Railway Medical Colleges, Hospitals to be set up
46) Izzat Scheme - Monthly ticket at Rs. 25 for people who earn less than 1,500 per month in the unorganised sector
47) Rail Coach Factory to be built in Kachrapara, West Bengal
48) 1000 MW Power Plant in West Bengal
49) 18,000 new goods bogies to be purchased.

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AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa demands removal of Union Minister A Raja

Chennai: AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa demanded the immediate removal of Union Minister for Communications, A Raja, accusing him of making a telephonic call to Madras High Court Judge, R. Reghupathi to grant bail to a MBBS student and his doctor father in a CBI case. Earlier, Justice R. Reghupathi had revealed that he had received a call from a Union Minister in this regard, but he did not name the Minister.

Jayalalithaa claimed that even though the Judge did not name the Minister, it was A Raja, who made the telephonic call to influence the Judicial system. "This is the first time in India's history that a High Court Judge had levelled such serious allegations against a Union Minister. The Minister should be removed from the Union Cabinet with immediate effect", said Jayalalithaa.

Earlier, Madras High Court Judge R. Reghupathi revealed in the court that a Union Minister called him up and tried to influence him to pass orders in favour of MBBS student Kiruba Shridhar and his father, Krishnamurthy, who alleged manipulated the answer sheets in the Ophthalmology Examination in the 3rd year of the MBBS course.

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Legendary Sculptor Tyeb Mehta passes away at 84

Mumbai: India's most acclaimed and renowned Sculptor, Tyeb Mehta, passed away at the age of 84. He breathed his last at the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai. Mehta had developed a chronic chest ailment and had been ill for many years. He is survived by wife Sakina, daughter Himani, son Yusuf and daughter-in-law Fatima. Tyeb Mehta had received accolades both in India and abroad.

Tyeb Mehta's painting, 'Celebration', was sold at Christie’s auction in 2002 for a huge sum of Rs. 1.5 crore. His another painting, 'Mahishasura' was sold for Rs. 1.6 crore in 2006.

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North Korea test-fires 4 Short-range Missiles

Seoul: Defying the world community , North Korea continued with its missile programme, as it test-fired four short-range missiles from the eastern coast on Thursday. The latest development is likely to heighten the regional tension with Japan and South Korea condemned the move. The UN has already sanctions on North Korea after the recent nuclear test.

The reports of North Korea's missile tests, were confirmed by the South Korean Defence Ministry. The missiles were of short-range and basically had surface-to-ship firing capabilities.

Barely a week ago, US President Barack Obama extended the economic sanctions on North Korea for its continued nuclear and missile programme, in a clear defiance of the world community.

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Economic Survey 2008-09 calls for Growth, Reform and Revival

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Economic Survey 2008-09, four days before the General Budget. The Economic Survey calls for more growth, reform and revival with a focus on investment and capital market. It paints a good picture of the Indian economy in the coming year. With the global recession receding and investment opportunities are opening up yet again, India is set to make its mark on the global arena.

While tabling the Economic Survey in Lok Sabha, Pranab Mukherjee expressed hope and confidence that India will surpass the 7 per cent GDP growth target. He also said that Monsoon would be normal this year despite the delay and there will be no impact on food production.

Here are the key areas on which the Economic Survey 2008-09 kept it focus -

Taxation:

In a major relief to the common people and taxpayers, the Economic Survey 2008-09 suggested tax cuts and increase in government expenditure. It said that the next round of stimulus package may include more tax cuts.

During the previous stimulus packages, the excise duty was cut by 6 per cent and service tax by 2 percent. The salaried employees and self-employed professionals may also witness an increase in income tax exemption limit for both men and women in addition to more relaxation under the Section 80 C and 80 D.

Capital Market:

"The capital market is showing signs of revival and confidence of both domestic and foreign institutional investors, will be restored", said the Economic Survey. The investments by FIIs in equity instruments amounted to USD 5.4 billion during April-May 2009.

The mutual fund investments in equity markets in March 2009 were Rs. 2,320 crore during April-May 2009.

Foreign Investment:

While the FDI limit in the insurance sector has gone up from 26 per cent to 49 per cent, the Survey wants 100 per cent FDI in insurance sectors related to health, weather and agriculture. It also wants 100 per cent FDI in high technology, strategic defence goods and services.

Debt & Bankruptcy:

The Economic Survey 2008-09 stressed on the need for a separate bankruptcy law for the country, separating from the existing Companies Act, 1956. A new bankruptcy law is needed to ensure speedy and effective bankruptcy, said the Survey. The existing bankruptcy provisions in India are very complex and it takes 8-10 years or more to complete the procedure of bankruptcy in the country.

The Economic Survey also calls for setting up an Independent Debt Office to manage the government debt.

Drug & Medicines:

The Economic Survey has called for decontrolling of drug prices. The drug price control should be limited to essential drugs where there are less than five producers, said the survey. The list of essential medicines will go to 354 from the existing 74.

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Congress MP M Jagannath apologises to Bank Manager

New Delhi: Under pressure from the Congress leadership, M Jagannath, Congress MP from Nagarkurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has apologised to the Bank Manager, whom he slapped on camera. Mr. Jagannath, who was summoned by Congress President Sonia Gandhi to New Delhi, tendered an unconditional apology to Bank Manager Ravinder Reddy.

Although Mr. Jagannath apologised under pressure, he maintained that the truth would come out later. "I tender an unconditional apology just to put an end to this issue", he said.

Mr. Jagannath was caught on camera, while slapping Ravinder Reddy, the Branch Manager of Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank at Uppununtala in Mahabubnagar. He reached New Delhi today to meet Congress Presidnt Sonia Gandhi and Veerappa Moily, in-charge of Andhra Pradesh affairs.

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