Orissa to move apex court over POSCO project

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa will move the Supreme Court against a high court order disapproving its grant of permission to South Korean steel major POSCO to prospect for iron ore in Sundergarh district, an official said Saturday.

A bench of the Orissa High Court July 14 set aside the permission granted to POSCO last year for prospecting …. Read the original article  : here.

Spanish activists target `fire bulls’ after bullfight ban

MADRID – In village festivals taking place in north-eastern Spain these days, an iron structure containing balls of flammable material is attached to the horns of a bull.

The balls are set alight, and the animal is let loose on the streets, where it dashes about – often to the deafening sound of firecrackers – while …. Source  : Spanish activists target `fire bulls’ after bullfight ban.

Phone-tapping of anti-social elements justified: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday held that investigating agencies can intercept phone calls of an individual if there is sufficient evidence to prove that he or she is involved in anti-social activities.

The court dismissed the plea of an accused involved in drug trafficking cases challenging the government’s decision to tap his mobile … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Phone-tapping of anti-social elements justified: Court.

Centre’s flip-flop on Noida memorial angers apex court

NEW DELHI – The central government came under fire in the Supreme Court Friday for yet another flip-flop on the status of the controversial Noida Park – a dream project of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

The centre’s affidavit is “neither here nor there” in terms of the provisions of the Schedule II of the Environmental … Read : Centre’s flip-flop on Noida memorial angers apex court.

Court petitioned for razing slum near Games stadium

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Friday sought the Delhi High Court’s permission for razing a slum cluster near the Thyagaraj Stadium in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

A division bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice S. Muralidhar directed the MCD to find an alternate site by Saturday for the 16 …. Source  : Court petitioned for razing slum near Games stadium.

Moscow bans alcohol sale after 10 p.m.

MOSCOW – Moscow has introduced a new law banning the sale of alcoholic drinks from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. as part of an official crackdown.

The new legislation makes it illegal for shops to sell anything containing more than 15 percent of alcohol at night, the Moscow News reported Friday.
But not everyone is convinced …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Moscow bans alcohol sale after 10 p.m..

Telangana political issue: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday declined to interfere with the Telangana imbroglio saying that it was a political issue and was better left to the political bosses.

“Why should this court entertain the PIL at this stage? It is a political question. No decision has been taken so far. Why should we pre-empt it,” …. Read the original article  : Telangana political issue: Apex court.

Hiked US worker visa fees come into effect

WASHINGTON – The steep hike in US worker visa fees imposed under a new law signed by President Barack Obama ignoring Indian and American corporate concerns has come into effect.

The new law, which is aimed at raising $600 million for securing the US-Mexico border, would cost Indian IT firms sending thousands of professionals on H-1B … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hiked US worker visa fees come into effect.

Uphaar tragedy: Court exempts Kanth from appearing

NEW DELHI – A city court hearing the Uphaar fire tragedy case Friday accepted the plea of former IPS officer Amod Kanth seeking exemption from appearing in court because of an ankle fracture.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sanjeev Kumar said: “The accused is exempted from his personal appearance before this court. He is directed to appear Sep … Read : Uphaar tragedy: Court exempts Kanth from appearing.

Government vows to protect Kashmir Sikhs (Second lead)

NEW DELHI – Amid uproar in both houses of parliament, the government Friday assured that it was committed to the safety of Sikhs in the Kashmir Valley where some Sikh families have reportedly received anonymous letters from extremists asking them to either embrace Islam or leave.

The Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned for half an …. Original source  : Government vows to protect Kashmir Sikhs (Second lead).