Delhi University Moves To End Standoff over course

Delhi University Moves To End Standoff over course

New Delhi: Delhi University Thursday said it had told the UGC it was ready to restore the earlier three-year undergraduate course in a bid to end a row sparked by a controversial four-year programme.
"Today we have sent the proposal to the UGC (University Grants Commission) and are waiting for their response," the university's media coordinator Malay Neerav told the media.

He said the university, one of the oldest in the country, was keen to resolve the row that has halted admissions to its affiliated colleges this year, affecting tens of thousands of students.
"We also want the admissions to start soon," he said.

The admissions were to begin Tuesday but were suspended after the University Grants Commission told Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh to scrap the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP).

The FYUP, introduced last year, replaced the better known three-year undergraduate course.

Delhi University's proposal to UGC follows suggestions from vice chancellors of different universities in the country as well as professors and colleges of Delhi University.
The UGC Wednesday cracked its whip on Delhi University, asking its colleges to start admitting students under the three-year undergraduate course "immediately". The diktat may bring cheer to over two lakh students left in the lurch due to the ongoing tussle between the two bodies.

A source in the UGC told IANS that DU colleges have been told to begin the admission process, which was deferred by the colleges Monday in the absence of clarity on the question of rolling back the four-year undergraduate programme to the earlier three-year course.
The UGC sent a letter to the DU at 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, asking the university to begin admissions from Thursday. A Delhi college principal, however, told IANS they have not received any communication yet.

Earlier, in a letter to DU Registrar Alka Sharma sent Tuesday, UGC Secretary Jaspal Singh Sandhu said: "You are to immediately issue letters to the Delhi colleges directing them to admit students in the three-year undergraduate programme."

Meanwhile, DU in a statement said it has "received today (Wednesday) a document, from some eminent citizens, outlining concrete suggestions for the solution of the current situation as it exists".
"While welcoming this initiative, the university is examining in detail the document and is working with the expectation that the admission process shall be able to commence soon."

The statement was in reference to the 20-member group comprising vice chancellors of various universities along with principals and professors of DU colleges who Wednesday put forth a proposal to resolve the impasse between the university and the UGC.

The group appealed to the two bodies to consider providing "a three-year honours programme that is easily devised by reverting to several features of the old semester format and by drastically reducing the existing courses that are not of the honours stream and that exist in the current (four-year) format".
The group includes St. Stephen's principal Walson Thampu, Panjab University vice chancellor Arun Grover, and Anil Tyagi, vice chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi.

The group also appealed for the validation of an honours degree in three years, and said that the main honours courses may be increased to a total of 17.

"The foundation courses may be reduced in number and may be offered only in the first year. Further, a choice may be built into the format for these courses," the appeal stated.
According to sources, the UGC standing committee, which was set up June 21 to advise DU to migrate from the FYUP to a three-year one, will meet Thursday 5 p.m.

For the second day Wednesday, students were confused over the admission process as the DU colleges were unsure about the roadmap on restoring the previous three-year course.
This was despite the fact that 57 DU-affiliated colleges had agreed to the UGC's order of admitting students to the three-year undergraduate course Tuesday.

There are a total 78 colleges in the university, and 2.7 lakh students have applied for admissions this year.
The Delhi High Court Wednesday also refused to hear a petition seeking restoration of the three-year-course and the scrapping of the controversial FYUP. The Supreme Court had dismissed a similar plea Tuesday.

Protests, for and against the FYUP, continued Wednesday.
Representatives from various students' and teachers' organisations and individuals under the banner of the "Save DU campaign" held a meeting during the day and expressed concern over the continuing delay in the undergraduate admissions.

However, a clear picture emerged over the university vice chancellor Dinesh Singh's resignation, with DU media coordinator Malay Neerav making it clear that Singh still holds the position.

"There has been no progress on the matter. We are still waiting for a clear cut directive from DU. Despite sending a resolution to the vice chancellor Monday followed by a letter to the UGC, we are yet to hear from the university," Ram Lal Anand College principal Vijay K. Sharma told IANS




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Srinivasan Takes over As chairman of ICC

Srinivasan Takes over As chairman of ICC

India's N. Srinivasan was confirmed as chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Melbourne on Thursday, giving the 69-year-old industrialist the most powerful role in the governing body's restructured organisation.
Srinivasan, who emerged as the leading candidate to become ICC chairman in February, will assume office almost immediately after the governing body rubber-stamped constitutional changes at its annual conference being held this week in Australia.

"It is an honour to be confirmed as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council," Srinivasan said in a statement after the 52-member full council approved amendments which, to many observers, give India, England and Australia virtual control of the sport.

Often described as the most powerful man in cricket, Srinivasan became the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) president in 2011 but was ordered to step aside in March to ensure a fair investigation into an illegal betting scandal during last year's Indian Premier League involving his son-in-law.

The Chennai-native was also accused of having a conflict of interest due to his India Cements company owning a franchise in the lucrative Twenty20 league.

Those controversies have led to some criticism of his appointment with one official of a now unrecognised unit within the Indian cricket board urging the country's Supreme Court to bar Srinivasan from taking over as ICC chief.
"I believe that some of the criticism is unfair to me and it's not well-founded," Srinivasan told reporters. "One must judge me by results.

"It's the first day. I have just been elected. One has to wait and see as to what is the effect I have on the ICC before you make that call."

NO STONE UNTURNED

Srinivasan added that he had voluntarily stepped aside from the top BCCI post.
"I have not done anything wrong for which I should feel hesitant to take this position," he added.

Once he assumes the new role at the end of the conference, Srinivasan's priority will be to expand the global reach of a sport that only has 10 teams playing at test level.
"I will leave no stone unturned in trying to strengthen the pillars and foundations of our sport, both on and off the field," he said.

"I want to ensure that cricket retains and grows its popularity, and that the ICC plays a leading role in this global growth.

"I want to see more strong teams in international cricket. For this to be achieved, we all need to work hard to develop local talent in our countries. Naturally, there will be more support to those who first show they can help themselves," Srinivasan added.
The ICC also announced other administrative changes with Mustafa Kamal of Bangladesh elected as its new president, now a titular post, while a new executive committee headed by Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards was also formed.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke will continue to head the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee in a new structure that will see the "Big Three" boards pocketing the greater share of ICC revenue.

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Navi Mumbai Airport May Be operational By December 2018

Navi Mumbai Airport May Be operational By December 2018



Thane (Maharashtra), June 17 (IANS) The first phase of the proposed new international airport in Navi Mumbai is expected to become operational by December 2018, an official said here Tuesday.

The first phase will include one runway of the new airport, arrival and departure terminals and custom, immigration sections.

Designed to ease congestion at the existing single runway Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, the proposed double runway Navi Mumbai International Airport will come up near Panvel as a Public-Private Partnership project on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The airport is expected to cost about Rs.14,500 crore, said Sanjay Bhatia, vice-chairman and managing director of City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) of Maharashtra Limited, which is overseeing the construction of the greenfield airport project.

CIDCO has now embarked on a Rs.20,000-crore infrastructure development of the nodes it manages in the airport vicinity, Bhatia said.

CIDCO has already appealed to various stake-holders listing out various initiatives on the infrastructure aspects, including the settlement with almost all the villages to ensure smooth process of land acquisition, he added.

Among the related projects which would boost the new international airport are a Rs.2,100-crore Metro Rail project, Rs.1,412-crore Nerul-Uran railway line, Rs.1,450-crore Balganga Dam for providing drinking water to Navi Mumbai, an airport township, other coastal roads and bridges.

Besides, the state government is re-activating the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust is doubling its capacity to handle large vessels.

CIDCO has prepared a three-year action plan to develop 13 schools, four professional colleges, one degree college, 32 hospitals, 34 religious and spiritual centres and 77 community welfare centres, including hostels and indoor and outdoor sports facilities, added Bhatia.

CIDCO plans to construct 6,000 affordable houses for the poor and middle classes in the region.

The local forest department is collaborating with CIDCO to develop a Rs.36-crore Nature Park Project spread over 2,000 hectares.

"It will have walking trails, water conservation projects, viewing galleries, adventure and camping facilities, regeneration of the forest and existing waterfalls, besides a Boulders' Park," Bhatia said.

These projects have attracted major realtors of Navi Mumbai, including Rajesh Prajapati of Prajapati Developers and Mohan Gurnani of Moraj Developers.

They have assured full support to CIDCO to convert Navi Mumbai into a "world-class city" by providing all housing amenities and infrastructure.

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Record Breaking Binny Destroys Bangladesh

Record Breaking Binny Destroys Bangladesh

All-rounder Stuart Binny's 6 for 4 outweighed debutant Taskin Ahmed's 5 for 28 as India snatched victory in an incredible low-scoring encounter.

Who would be interested in a hastily-organised, meaningless bilateral ODI series taking place in the shadow of the football World Cup, that too with several of the game's biggest stars being rested. Judging from the vast swathes of empty stands in the usually packed Mirpur stadium, and the struggles to get a television broadcaster in India, not many. Those who did tune in today though caught one of those gobsmacking, prediction-defying results that make sport captivating to watch.

Two days ago, Bangladesh posted 272 in Mirpur and their captain had felt that had not been sufficient. Today, at the same ground, India were knocked over for 105, but that not only proved sufficient, it was 47 too many for Bangladesh. Pacy teenage debutant Taskin Ahmed was the star of the first half of the game, with a five-for that kept India to their lowest total against Bangladesh, but that faded into insignificance as Stuart Binny conjured figures of 6 for 4 to extend the home side's losing streak to nine.

On a track with plenty of juice, spiced up further by a rain burst that interrupted play for two-and-a-half hours, the quicks thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This is not a stadium which is usually favourable to them, but today the pitch was as helpful as an early-summer Headingley surface, with spiteful deliveries being served up with alarming regularity.
The batsmen found how testing the conditions would be on the first two balls of the game itself as Mashrafe Mortaza nearly had both India openers lbw, though the appeal against Robin Uthappa was turned down. It didn't get any easier over the course of the game, and no batsman looked comfortable in the middle, though hardly any of them showed the necessary resolve to grind through their way through tough patches.

After Taskin's burst, Bangladesh seemed set for victory as they survived some nervy moments to get to 39 for 2. Enter Binny, whose gentle medium-pace - which was granted only one over by MS Dhoni on Binny's debut - turned into vicious, unplayable swing. He had Mithun Ali beaten twice in his first over, before the torrent of wickets began that transformed the day into the highlight of his career.
Mushfiqur Rahim edged to the keeper down the leg side in his second over, and the other settled batsman, Ali, flicked a catch to square leg in his third. One ball later, Mahmudullah tried an expansive drive away from his body to be caught at gully. At 50 for 5 in the 14th over, Bangladesh nerves began to jangle.

At the other end, Mohit Sharma struck twice in the 15th, first with a ripsnorter that reared and swerved away to send back Bangladesh's best batsman Shakib Al Hasan, and later when Ziaur Rahman's attempted slog only reached as far as the fielder at square leg. The four wickets in eight balls had virtually killed off the chase. It took Binny a couple more overs to finish off the game, and upgrade his figures to the best by an Indian in ODIs.
Briefly, Taskin had a chance of getting the best bowling by a Bangladeshi in ODIs. He had to settle for third on that list, but the performance justified the hype that heralded his arrival to the one-day stage. He showed off his confidence by banging in a bouncer on his first ball in ODI cricket. Another short ball got rid of the in-form Uthappa, who top-edged a pull to mid-off for 14, and he had Ambati Rayudu lbw in his next over. A delighted Taskin chest-bumped Mashrafe in celebration as India wobbled at 28 for 3.

Both bowlers were getting the ball to swerve around dramatically, but neither were tempted to experiment too much by the juice in the surface as they served up plenty of spiteful deliveries. If India could have chosen two men to counter the situation, they would have backed the technically correct Cheteshwar Pujara and the vastly experienced Suresh Raina. Pujara was watchful, surviving some nervy moments early, while Raina was more aggressive as Bangladesh's quicks dropped it too short against him.

Just when Pujara seemed to be settling down, Taskin got one to jag past Pujara's defence to get him lbw. Wriddhiman Saha then joined the list of batsmen today to be lbw attempting to play the ball in the region of midwicket. Raina had been the most impressive of India's batsmen, but he was run out after a uncharacteristically lacklustre attempt at a second. That dismissal came on Stuart Binny's first ball and left India at 66 for 6 in the 17th over.
There were still 24 overs to go, but India's lower-order didn't show the cricketing nous to stick around, especially with the rain clouds hovering. India lost their two allrounders cheaply: Akshar Patel was bowled after hitting two of his five deliveries for boundaries and Binny nicked a wide one to the keeper. The tailenders swung their bat around and managed to get India to triple digits, before Binny produced the performance that this low-profile series is likely to be remembered

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Baahubali Release Date confirmed

Baahubali Release Date confirmed

Rajamouli’s prestigious project Baahubali is one of the most awaited movies. Prabhas,Rana and Anushka are doing the lead roles. Baahuali release date is fixed on April 17th 2015.

Prabhas was one of the chief guest for Run Raja Run audio launch which happened on Sunday and the crowds went gaga seeing Prabhas. When asked details about Baahubali he said we will be having a press meet very soon and will give all the details and he also said the whole crew is working very hard for the project.

Currently movie shooting is going on in sets. More details soon.


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BJP leaders May Enter Cabinet As Modi plans Expansion

 BJP leaders May Enter Cabinet As Modi plans Expansion

NEW DELHI: All those BJP leaders who were left out of Narendra Modi’s Cabinet may get another shot at it as the prime minister is expected to expand his Cabinet in the coming days.

Sources said representatives from the left-out states and more NDA allies may be accommodated in the expansion that may take place this or the next week.

Other important things on the agenda of the PM and the party is to replace Governors in some states and getting a new party chief. While names of J. P. Nadda and O. P. Mathur are doing the rounds for the post of party chief, sources said Modi’s aide Amit Shah is also being considered for the top post.

Sources also claimed that many meetings have been held between the senior leadership and RSS on these issues. They added that the upcoming cabinet expansion could see more than 20 new ministers getting a cabinet position.

“There will be more representation from Maharashtra and Bihar where polls are due in a few months as well as states like West Bengal where the party is trying to make further inroads. Besides, leaders from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh could also get a chance,” said a party leader, who wished to stay anonymous.

Moreover, representatives from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand could also find a place for themselves. The BJP registered remarkable victory in both the hill states.

A party insider also said many senior leaders including Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Murli Manohar Joshi and few more may be given some important posting in the coming days. Arun Shourie may also be given some important job as he has been known as Modi’s favourite.

After Gopinath Munde’s death, Modi is also likely to induct another BJP leader to represent the state. Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athavale could also get a seat. With polls in Maharashtra due this year, Athavale can play a crucial role in getting Dalit votes to the coalition.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that Delhi may get a new Lt-Governor in the coming days with the names of bureaucrat-turned- politician Hardeep Puri and BJP veteran Lalji Tandon doing the rounds. A top source said lobbying is at its peak for the post of governors in different states and the buzz is that, in Delhi, Puri may replace current L-G Najeeb Jung.

 The PMO has also sought details of the tenures of at least eight Governors who are due to retire by the year- end. The Home Ministry, which advises the President on appointment of Governors, has submitted the list of those who are due to retire this year to the PMO. It is believed that Governors of the states like Maharashtra, UP and Bihar could also be replaced in the coming days.

BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi is being seen as a frontrunner for the post of Maharashtra Governor.

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Indian Cricketer Murali Kartik retires from cricket

 Indian Cricketer Murali Kartik retires from cricket

Murali Kartik, the former India left-arm spinner, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Kartik, 37, played eight Tests, 37 ODIs and one Twenty20 international for India. His first-class career, which began in 1996, spanned more than 17 years. Kartik's career coincided with the dominance of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh in the India side, and as a result, he never got a sustained run in Tests. He played four Tests in 2000, making his debut against South Africa in Mumbai but had to wait for more than three years for his next chance, which came against Australia in Sydney in January 2004, where he had a return of 1 for 211.

He bounced back with a solid showing against the same opponents at home later that year and his seven wickets were crucial in India winning the Mumbai Test in November. The first Test against South Africa in Kanpur later that month turned out to be Kartik's last, although he made a short-lived ODI comeback in 2007.

The comeback brought about his finest ODI performance, also against Australia in Mumbai, where he claimed 6 for 27 and then made an unbeaten 21 in a match-winning ninth-wicket partnership with Zaheer Khan.

"The Mumbai Test (match haul of 7/76) where I won the Man-of-the-Match award will always be special as we were able to restrict an Australian side chasing 103 (107)," he said, when asked to pick out his career highlights. "Also when Sachin presented me with my India Test cap and Kapil Paaji (then coach) presented the India hat."

Kartik was also a key member of the Railways side that made successive Ranji Trophy finals in 2000-01 and 2001-02, both times against Baroda. He played a vital role in their maiden title triumph in 2001-02, taking 5 for 51 and 3 for 7 in addition to scoring 69 in the second innings of the final.

In all, he played 203 first-class games and took 644 wickets at an average of 26.70. Nearly a third of those wickets were for English county sides Middlesex, Somerset, Surrey and Lancashire. He was also a handy batsman and was even used as an opener at times. He made 4423 first-class runs at an average of 20.19 with a highest of 96.

In the latter part of his career, Kartik also enjoyed success in the shortest format in England. He was part of Middlesex's T20-winning squad in 2008, and made two finals with Somerset in 2010 and 2011. He has represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Pune Warriors in the IPL and was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the 2014 auction. Kartik has said he will be available to play for Kings XI in the forthcoming Champions League T20.
ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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Lakshmi Manchu welcomes daughter via surrogacy

Lakshmi Manchu welcomes daughter via surrogacy

Hyderabad, June 15 (IANS) Telugu actress-producer Lakshmi Manchu has welcomed a baby girl through surrogacy. "It's one of the best moments of my life," tweeted her father and actor Manchu Mohan Babu.

Lakshmi, her husband Andy Srinivasan and the entire Manchu family are extremely delighted with the news.

"God has been kind. @LakshmiManchu my darling daughter has been blessed with a baby girl through surrogacy. One of the best moments of my life (sic)," posted Mohan Babu on his Twitter page Sunday.

Lakshmi has starred in Telugu films such as "Gundello Godaria, "Doosukeltha" and "Chandamama Kathalu", while as a producer she's known for making "Nenu Meeku Telusa" and "Jhummandi Naadam".

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Kejriwal wanted To Be Prime Ministe Anna Hazare

Kejriwal wanted To Be Prime Ministe Anna Hazare

Arvind Kejriwal's mentor and former comrade-in-arms Anna Hazare tells Aaj Tak Special Correspondent Pankaj Khelkar in Ralegan Siddhi, 105 km from Pune, why AAP failed and how it can be an effective opposition party.
Q. What do you think was Arvind Kejriwal's biggest mistake: Entering politics, giving up chief ministership or going national in a big way?

A. Kejriwal's biggest mistake was to quit the Delhi CM's post and contest the Lok Sabha elections in a big way. Kejriwal and I have worked together for several years. When he wanted to float a political party, I warned him that we had to follow the path of struggle, but he didn't listen to me. Our history tells us that in our country, real success comes through a struggle but Kejriwal was adamant about launching a party. But when he achieved great success in the first year alone, he thought, 'Now I must become the prime minister of the country'. This was his biggest failing.

Q. Has Kejriwal attempted to reach out to you in the past few months?
A. I met him once when he was the chief minister of Delhi. I told him, "Don't worry about the entire country, focus your attention on Delhi," but he did not listen and fought the Lok Sabha elections. He hasn't met me after the defeat nor has he approached me. He is going as per his wishes. I have no ties with him.

Q. How do you view the present tussle within AAP? Is it a true democratic struggle or a case of a party imploding?
A. If the current voices of one-upmanship within the AAP continue, I can only say that the worst is yet to come. You have to keep the spirit of service in mind to serve the nation. If greed for political power is what is on your mind, then your image will be further tarnished in society.

Q. In February 2014, you called Kejriwal power hungry. Do you still feel the same?
A. Yes. If Kejriwal continues to fight for political power, then the people of this country will also feel he is greedy for power and that he has selfish interest in whatever he is doing.

Q. Can AAP survive as a party?
A. My path was the right one. I still feel Kejriwal should not have launched a political party. However, the good thing is that he still has a clean image. He has worked for society for several years and that is the reason he has achieved so much in such a short span of time. I don't think AAP is finished. Sometimes, ignorance causes mistakes and Kejriwal has admitted to his mistakes.

Q. What would you advise your old disciple now?
A. He won't come to me now because our thoughts are different. But I will welcome him if he does because he thinks about the welfare of society. I would advise all AAP workers to stand united, work for the party and use their party symbol, a broom, to sweep societal evils away.

Q. What is the future for AAP?
A. It can become an excellent Opposition party. If the party in power makes mistakes, it should oppose them vehemently. Only Kejriwal's party has the ability to do so.

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Run raja Run Telugu Movie Trailer

Run raja Run Telugu Movie Trailer

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