Cabinet clears bill to protect whistleblowers

NEW DELHI – The cabinet Monday cleared a bill to protect whistleblowers and it is likely to be tabled in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament, official sources said.

The approval for the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Informers) Bill, 2010 came at a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
… Read : Cabinet clears bill to protect whistleblowers.

Libya to compensate wrongly imprisoned citizens

TRIPOLI – Libya will pay compensation to its citizens who have been wrongly imprisoned by authorities, a ministry statement said.

“Those who were released after being detained by authorities in connection with various security cases, including convicts who were still imprisoned after the expiry of their sentences, prisoners who were detained but later acquitted and people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide

US immigrant’s dream ends with genocide allegation

CONCORD, N.H. – Beatrice Munyenyezi (moon-yehn-YEH’-zee) brought her young daughters to the United States from war-ravaged Rwanda in 1998 and focused on the American Dream: private schooling for her girls, a home with a swimming pool, a sport utility vehicle.
She financed her comfortable lifestyle in New Hampshire with mortgages, … Read : US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide.

Illegal immigration issue provides big boost for Brewer in Arizona’s governor race

Immigration issue boosts Brewer in Arizona race

PHOENIX – As the year began, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer faced a competitive field of fellow Republicans who wanted her job, with some GOP critics sensing she was particularly vulnerable as she sought voter approval of a sales tax increase she’d proposed to shore up the state budget.
All of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Illegal immigration issue provides big boost for Brewer in Arizona’s governor race.

Maldives attorney general resigns

MALE – Maldives Attorney General Husnu Suood has resigned over government’s “failure to enact necessary legislation” that made his job “untenable”, a media report said Sunday.

“I resigned… There are a lot pending matters. I believe that all state bodies have failed (to take their responsibilities). So I believe that at least someone should take the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maldives attorney general resigns.

J.S.Khehar new Karnataka chief justice

BANGALORE – J.S. Khehar was Sunday sworn in as the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court succeeding P.D. Dinakaran, who has been transferred to Sikkim in the wake of land grab charges against him.

Khehar, who was chief justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, was administered the oath of office by Governor H. R. Bhardwaj … Original source on Gaea Times at : J.S.Khehar new Karnataka chief justice.

Pay hike cannot be denied if worker not facing probe: court

GANDHINAGAR – The government cannot deny a pay hike to an employee if there is no disciplinary action pending against him at the time of a salary review, the Gujarat High court has ruled.

Justice A.L. Dave, while hearing a case of state government employee Suresh Bhambhani, said that a pay hike cannot be denied to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pay hike cannot be denied if worker not facing probe: court.

Australia lures bored Britons with odd jobs

LONDON – An Australian state has launched a campaign to recruit British workers fed up with boring or stressful jobs at home, a media report said Tuesday.

And it has revealed some of its more exciting, life-changing and downright odd positions.
So if you’ve always harboured an ambition to become a tuna toss judge, now’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia lures bored Britons with odd jobs.

Feds found, deported almost 47,000 people after checking 3 million jail booking fingerprints

Fingerprint sharing led to deportation of 47,000

WASHINGTON – Records show that about 47,000 people have been removed or deported from the U.S. after the Homeland Security Department sifted through 3 million sets of fingerprints taken from bookings at local jails.
About one-quarter of those kicked out of the country did not have criminal records, according to …. Original article  : Feds found, deported almost 47,000 people after checking 3 million jail booking fingerprints.

Sobhraj to seek review of murder conviction

KATHMANDU – Charles Sobhraj is seeking a review of the Nepal Supreme Court decision convicting him of the murder of an American tourist and upholding his life sentence.

The 66-year-old’s lawyer in Nepal, Shakuntala Thapa, told IANS she would be meeting him in Kathmandu’s Central Prison Tuesday, where he is serving a 21-year jail term, …. Source article  : Sobhraj to seek review of murder conviction.

Ban to meet UN panel probing flotilla raid

NEW YORK – The four-member panel appointed to investigate the Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in May was to hold its first meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday.

Ban said Monday he would meet with the panel at UN headquarters to discuss its mandate, which he said includes examining investigations already carried …. Source article  : Ban to meet UN panel probing flotilla raid.

Prosecutors: NYC man used UN as a set and boasted of bogus job in immigration scam

DA: NYC man claimed UN job in immigration scam

NEW YORK – Prosecutors say a former United Nations volunteer held himself out as a staffer to con immigrants out of thousands of dollars and even met with victims in the U.N.’s New York City building lobby to enhance his scam.
Marc Payen (PAY’-ehn) is being held on … Read more : Prosecutors: NYC man used UN as a set and boasted of bogus job in immigration scam.

Fan sues NY Mets and MLB, says flying piece of broken maple bat shattered bones in his face

Fan sues NY Mets, claims injuries from broken bat

NEW YORK – A New York Mets fan who says a shattered bat smashed him in the face in the Shea Stadium stands is suing the team and Major League Baseball, claiming they didn’t do enough to protect fans from break-prone maple bats.
James G. Falzon’s lawsuits follow …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fan sues NY Mets and MLB, says flying piece of broken maple bat shattered bones in his face.

Blood diamonds, dinner parties: Mia Farrow, Naomi Campbell turn war-crime trial to spectacle

Farrow, Campbell draw spotlight to war-crime trial

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Naomi Campbell flirted with Liberia’s former president across the dinner table at Nelson Mandela’s presidential mansion in 1997 and boasted the following morning that Charles Taylor had given her a huge diamond during the night, Mia Farrow and another witness testified at Taylor’s war crimes trial …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blood diamonds, dinner parties: Mia Farrow, Naomi Campbell turn war-crime trial to spectacle.

Tribals come together to talk about their struggle

NEW DELHI – Dressed in their traditional attire, around 80 tribal people from eight states came together here Monday on the occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People to speak about their struggles and ask for their rights as equal citizens.

From Jantar Mantar, they marched to Delhi Haat to interact with Delhi residents … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tribals come together to talk about their struggle.

Mamata for giving forest rights to tribals

LALGARH – Strongly pitching for granting of forest rights to tribals, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said she will request the central government to bring a comprehensive bill in this regard.

“I will request the centre to bring a comprehensive bill and give forest rights to tribals. Rights over forest is their birth right,” Banerjee told … Read more : Mamata for giving forest rights to tribals.

Court to Chhattisgarh: respond to plea on Salwa Judum

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Chhattisgarh government to respond on the plea seeking the disbanding of the Salwa Judum set up to counter Maoist violence.

The apex court bench of Justices B. Sudarshan Reddy and S.S. Nijjar also wanted to know what action was being taken against the Salwa Judum activists involved [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Genitalia-revealing scanners’ cause uproar in US over ’stored images’

MELBOURNE – A privacy group in US has filed a lawsuit to end controversial airport body scanning after claims that thousands of images were being reportedly stored or recorded.

The Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) has filed the lawsuit amid revelations that some police agencies are storing the images.

The full-body scanners, which will not be … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Genitalia-revealing scanners’ cause uproar in US over ’stored images’.

18 Indian immigrants arrested in Britain

NEW DELHI – At least 18 Indians have been arrested in Britain for immigration-related offences and would be deported soon.

The illegal workers were arrested by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) from two catering firms in west London, a clothing factory in Leicester and a restaurant in Aberdeen.
The arrests were made between July 22 and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 18 Indian immigrants arrested in Britain.

Jurors head into 11th day of deliberations at Blagojevich corruption trial

Day 11 of Blagojevich jury deliberations
CHICAGO – Verdict watch continues at the downtown Chicago courthouse where former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is on trial for corruption.
Jurors head into their 11th day of deliberations Wednesday. There’s still no indication of whether they’re close to a verdict.
Judge James Zagel told attorneys Tuesday he’s heard nothing … Read more »».

15,000 justice department staff may lose jobs in Britain

LONDON – At least 15,000 staff of Britain’s justice department may lose their jobs as the government has planned to reduce its budget from October this year as part of its deficit reduction plan.

“There will have to be less of us as we cannot streamline the organisation to work effectively and efficiently without considering staff … Original article on : 15,000 justice department staff may lose jobs in Britain.

Court rejects PIL on graft charges against Kalmadi

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High court Wednesday dismissed a petition alleging corruption charges against Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi and members of Hockey India (HI).

The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by lawyer Ajay Agarwal, who demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter.
A … Read more : Court rejects PIL on graft charges against Kalmadi.

Amid Indian protests, US House okays bill to hike visa fees

WASHINGTON – Amid protests from India, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill to steeply hike US visa fees for skilled workers to raise $600 million in emergency funding to help secure the US-Mexico border.

Senators passed a similar plan last week. But since the House version passed in a voice vote Tuesday is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Amid Indian protests, US House okays bill to hike visa fees.

10th day of deliberations at Blagojevich trial comes, goes with no verdict

Another day at Blagojevich trial with no verdict
CHICAGO – The tenth day of deliberations by jurors in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ended with no verdict.
Judge James Zagel told attorneys earlier Tuesday he’s heard nothing recently from the jurors. The only way jurors may communicate with the judge … Read more »».

Appeals court throws out life sentence for smuggler whose crash killed 10 illegal immigrants

Life sentence thrown out in deadly immigrant crash

PHOENIX – An appeals court has thrown out the life sentence of a suspected smuggler who was the driver during a June 2006 rollover crash in southwestern Arizona that killed 10 illegal immigrants, including a pregnant woman.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that …. Read the original article  : Appeals court throws out life sentence for smuggler whose crash killed 10 illegal immigrants.

Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery conviction

Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman facing death

SAO PAULO – Brazil has formally offered asylum to a woman sentenced to death in Iran on an adultery conviction.
The official news service Agencia Brasil reports that Brazilian ambassador to Iran Antonio Luis Espinola Salgado made the offer Monday.
The case created an international outcry when Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brazil offers asylum to Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery conviction.

Gujarat High Court transfers Ishrat Jahan case to Supreme Court-appointed SIT

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court on Thursday rejected Ishrat Jahan’s mother, Shamima Kausar’s, plea to transfer the encounter-related case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Instead, it ordered the case to be transferred to a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is headed by former Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director R … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gujarat High Court transfers Ishrat Jahan case to Supreme Court-appointed SIT.

Petition filed in Pak Supreme Court over TV channels blocking row

ISLAMABAD – A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan over the blocking of transmission of some TV channels, including Karachi-based Geo News, for airing reports regarding the hurling of shoes at President Asif Ali Zardari.

Dr. Shahid Masood, a journalist, has filed the petition under the Article 184 (3) of the … Read more >>.

Distribute free food to poor: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – In an order of far reaching consequences, the Supreme Court Thursday asked the central government to distribute free foodgrains to families below the poverty line.

It also asked the state governments to tell whether they were distributing 35 kg of foodgrains to each of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families that was allocated [..] Read the original article: here.

Attorneys, judge wait to hear from jury in former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial

All sides waiting to hear from Blagojevich jury

CHICAGO – All sides at former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial are set to gather in court to seek clarity on a jurors’ note hinting they’re deadlocked on at least some counts.
The gathering Thursday comes after a note from deliberating jurors the day before.
It was the first …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Attorneys, judge wait to hear from jury in former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.

Goa Church under cloud for selling island to resort company

PANAJI – The Church in Goa has come under a cloud following the sale of one of the river islands owned by the Archdiocese of Goa to a resort developer.

Villagers residing at Vanxim (Ilhas de Capao), a small picturesque island located in the Mandovi river, about 20 km from here, have alleged that the Church … Read more : Goa Church under cloud for selling island to resort company.

Mumbai campaign against taxis, autos flops

MUMBAI – A campaign to boycott autorickshaws and taxis to protest arbitrary fares charged by their drivers virtually failed Thursday because many commuters said they were dependent on them.

Although Mumbaikars had lent their full support to the campaign launched by three advertising professionals, those who don’t own vehicles went for taxis and autos so as …. Original article  : Mumbai campaign against taxis, autos flops.

Foreign-born workers get three-quarters of British jobs

LONDON – Workers born outside Britain bagged most of the jobs in the country despite a steep surge in recruitment this year, adding to the worries of unemployed British youths, campaigners have said.

Employment levels in three months between April and June rose from 184,000 to 29 million in the biggest quarterly hike since 1989. But … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Foreign-born workers get three-quarters of British jobs.

US in dialogue on visa fee hike

WASHINGTON – Amid growing voices against a “discriminatory” US legislation to hike visa fees for highly skilled professionals, Washington began a dialogue with lawmakers, business and within the government on the issue.

“This is an issue that we’ve had conversations with leaders on the Hill about,” State Department spokesman Phillip J Crowley told reporters Wednesday when … Read more : US in dialogue on visa fee hike.

One in 12 babies born to illegal immigrants in US

WASHINGTON – One of about every 12 babies born in the United States in 2008 was the offspring of illegal immigrants, says a new study sharpening a debate over a law that automatically makes them US citizens.

An estimated 340,000 of the 4.3 million babies born in the US in 2008 had parents who were in …. Original source  : One in 12 babies born to illegal immigrants in US.

Indian workers stuck in Libya to be back

NEW DELHI – Hundreds of Indian workers stuck in Libya in northern Africa without being paid salaries since October last year will return home by the month end, says Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.

“My ministry held talks with the Libyan government…the people stuck over there will return at the earliest, ending … Original article on : Indian workers stuck in Libya to be back.

Canada seizes ship with illegal Tamil migrants

NEW YORK/VANCOUVER – Canadian authorities boarded a ship carrying 490 Tamil migrants off the country’s Pacific coast, news reports said.

Vic Towes, Minister for Public Safety, was quoted by the Vancouver Sun newspaper as saying that among the migrants were human traffickers and terror suspects.
“Human-smugglers and human-traffickers are now watching Canada’s response to judge …. Original source  : Canada seizes ship with illegal Tamil migrants.

1984 riots case: SC stays trial against Sajjan Kumar

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday stayed trial proceedings against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar who is facing murder and other charges in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan also issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Kumar’s appeal challenging his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 1984 riots case: SC stays trial against Sajjan Kumar.

Pak Supreme Court seeks report over detained Indian fishermen

ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has ordered the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Sindh government to submit a report on the detention of Indian fishermen in the country’s jails by August 26.

This was announced by a three-member SC bench, which was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistani Fisher …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pak Supreme Court seeks report over detained Indian fishermen.

Calif. judge reschedules sentencing for ex-UFC fighter War Machine, says case calls for prison

CA judge seeks harsher sentence for Ex-UFC fighter

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego judge says he is not inclined to honor a plea deal for former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor War Machine and thinks the case calls for state prison.
Judge David Danielsen was scheduled Thursday to sentence the 28-year-old fighter to a year in jail …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Calif. judge reschedules sentencing for ex-UFC fighter War Machine, says case calls for prison.

Ignoring Indian concerns, Obama set to sign visa fee hike bill

WASHINGTON – Unmindful of India and corporate America’s concerns, President Barack Obama is all set to sign into law a legislation to secure the US-Mexico border with $600 million raised by hiking work visa fees.

“Today’s action by Congress answers my call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ignoring Indian concerns, Obama set to sign visa fee hike bill.

Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’

Doctor partied with Anna Nicole Smith
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles prosecutors have shown jurors their most explosive evidence against Anna Nicole Smith’s doctor – personal journal entries in which he talks of partying with her during a gay pride parade.

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor writes of “blurring the lines” between doctor and patient and wonders, “Can she …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’.

Gay marriages can resume in California

SAN FRANCISCO – Same-sex marriages can resume in California after a federal judge Thursday lifted a temporary stay he put in place after overturning the state’s ban on gay marriage last week.

Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that same-sex marriages will be legal in California from Aug 18.
Walker Aug 4 overturned California’s ban on same-sex marriage, … Read more »»».

Paris Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million hair extension lawsuit; possible countersuit

Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million suit

LOS ANGELES – Paris Hilton’s attorneys said Thursday that a $35 million lawsuit against the socialite was meritless and they would mount a spirited defense and possibly pursue a countersuit.
Hilton was sued Wednesday in Los Angeles for allegedly breaching a contract to promote and wear hair extensions manufactured … Original article on : Paris Hilton vows vigorous defense of $35 million hair extension lawsuit; possible countersuit.

Immigration chief in Phoenix fighting belief that federal government isn’t doing enough

Immigration chief: ‘We’re going to get this right’

PHOENIX – The director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that the removal of illegal immigrants from the country is at an all-time high.
ICE Director John Morton visited Phoenix in part to combat a common belief that the federal government isn’t doing enough to fight illegal … Read : Immigration chief in Phoenix fighting belief that federal government isn’t doing enough.

Jurors in Blagojevich trial tell judge they’ve reached agreement on just 2 counts

Jurors in Blago trial say they agree on 2 counts
CHICAGO – Jurors in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY’-uh-vich) say they have reached agreement on just two of 24 counts against him. The judge says he’ll tell them to go back and deliberate some more.
The jurors said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jurors in Blagojevich trial tell judge they’ve reached agreement on just 2 counts.

Haryana to get evening courts

CHANDIGARH – In a move to reduce the pendency of cases, Haryana will set up evening courts at Faridabad, Gurgaon, Hisar and Karnal towns this year, an official said Sunday.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who himself is a lawyer, has also given the nod for the setting up of ‘gram nyayalayas’ (village courts) in Rania …. Original article  : Haryana to get evening courts.

A medal for poor translation (Legal Reporter’s Diary)

NEW DELHI – There is one field where India could be assured a Commonwealth Games medal – erroenous judgements, many caused by poor translation. Or so believe some honourable judges of the Supreme Court.

Trial court proceedings usually take place in the language of the region and these are translated into English at the high court …. Original article  : A medal for poor translation (Legal Reporter’s Diary).

On I-Day, men to demand neutral laws

CHENNAI – When India celebrates its 64th Independence Day Sunday, around 100 men representing nearly 15 NGOs would press for the formulation of gender neutral laws at a meeting at the Yercaud hill station in Tamil Nadu.

The men’s rights groups would meet in the cool climes of Yercaud under the aegis of Save Indian Family …. Read the original article  : On I-Day, men to demand neutral laws.

Punjab speaker’s anticipatory bail plea rejected

PATIALA – A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court here Saturday refused to grant anticipatory bail to Punjab Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon in a corruption case against him.

Kahlon, who is a senior leader of the ruling Akali Dal, had moved the anticipatory bail plea before the court which has summoned him to appear …. Read the original article  : Punjab speaker’s anticipatory bail plea rejected.

Disabled innovators get recognition

NEW DELHI – Imtiaz Ahmed Kachvi from Karnataka is polio stricken since the age of two. During one of his trips to Hubli, he suffered bruises on his palms and knees while trying to board public transport. After this incident, he devised a hand-pedalled tricycle for easy mobility.

He and several others whose disability made them … Read more >>.

Information on Games should go online: CIC

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government and other government agencies have been directed by the Central Information Commission to post all information relating to the Commonwealth Games on their websites, a Right to Information (RTI) activist said Saturday.

Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi directed the state government and other agencies like New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to [..] Read the original article: here.

Mexican woman granted asylum based on domestic abuse claims; experts say case sets standard

Mexican woman granted asylum after domestic abuse

SAN FRANCISCO – A Mexican woman who says she endured beatings and rapes for decades at the hands of her common-law husband has won the right to stay in the United States. Experts say the case makes clear that domestic violence is valid grounds for asylum.
The Department of Homeland …. Read the original article  : Mexican woman granted asylum based on domestic abuse claims; experts say case sets standard.

Ohio woman settles with Pa. doctor she had accused of putting in wrong breast implants

Ohio woman who claimed wrong implants settles case

PITTSBURGH – Federal court records show an Ohio woman has settled her lawsuit against a Pennsylvania plastic surgeon she accused of installing the wrong kind of implants.
Brittany Daly of Steubenville, Ohio, sued Dr. Beverly Carl in March over the 2008 surgery.
Daly, who was 23 at the time, says …. Read the original article  : Ohio woman settles with Pa. doctor she had accused of putting in wrong breast implants.

Shareholders file ‘derivative’ suit against Hewlett-Packard over CEO Mark Hurd’s exit

Shareholders file suit against HP over Hurd’s exit

NEW YORK – Shareholders of Hewlett-Packard Co. have filed a “derivative lawsuit” against the technology company and its board over fallout from former CEO Mark Hurd’s abrupt resignation last week.
A derivative lawsuit lets shareholders sue executives or board members over claims that their actions harmed the company as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama seals visa fee hike law despite Indian concerns

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signed into law a legislation to secure the US-Mexico border with $600 million raised by massively hiking work visa fees, ignoring concerns over a “discriminatory” provision that will largely hit Indian firms, including Wipro, Tata, Infosys and Satyam.

Obama signed the bill in his Oval office at the White House Friday, …. Original source  : Obama seals visa fee hike law despite Indian concerns.