Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for December 6-13, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Supreme Court serves notice to CVC Thomas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to PJ Thomas, on a plea seeking his removal as Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

The apex court also issues notice to the government on the CVC issue. The apex court will now pronounce its final verdict on January 27, 2011.

A bench comprising Chief Justice … Read : Supreme Court serves notice to CVC Thomas.

Homosexuals more likely to be punished

WASHINGTON – Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are about 40 percent more likely than other teens to be punished by school authorities, police and the courts.

The study by Yale University researchers is the first to document excessive punishment of LGB youth nationwide.
“We found that virtually all types of punishment – school …. Original source  : Homosexuals more likely to be punished.

Lahore HC stays Blasphemy Law amendment until judicial ruling on Aasia case

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has ordered a stay against making any amendments in Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law until the judicial ruling on Aasia Bibi, the Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges, is finally out.

The court ruled on a petition filed by a citizen that no amendment be made in the Blasphemy Law …. Source  : Lahore HC stays Blasphemy Law amendment until judicial ruling on Aasia case.

Supreme Court to hear plea against CVC Thomas’s appointment

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court will hear today two Public Interest Litigations challenging the appointment of P J Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner.

The petitions will hear by a bench comprising Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices K S Radhakrishnan and Swatanter Kumar.

The two PILs-one filed by an NGO Centre for Public … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court to hear plea against CVC Thomas’s appointment.

Adarsh Society to file reply in Bombay High Court

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court on Monday will hear a plea against the controversial Adarsh Housing Society on the environment violation.

Adarsh Society has to reply to the Environment Ministry’s show cause notice for “unambiguously” violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) laws.

Adarsh Society wanted four weeks to reply but the ministry gave only seven days more … Original article on : Adarsh Society to file reply in Bombay High Court.

Notice to government, CVC Thomas on appointment

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central government and P.J. Thomas on a petition challenging his appointment as the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

Thomas’ appointment as CVC has been challenged in a public suit.
The court will hear the matter Jan 27, 2011.
The opposition has been demanding Thomas’ … Original source on Gaea Times at : Notice to government, CVC Thomas on appointment.

Supreme Court issues notice to CVC Thomas

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) P.J. Thomas as to why his appointment should not be quashed.

The court will hear the matter Jan 27, 2011.
The opposition has been demanding Thomas’ resignation since he has been chargsheeted in a palm oil import scam when he was …. Source  : Supreme Court issues notice to CVC Thomas.

Accusations against Assange political stunt: Lawyer

LONDON – The founder of whistleblower website WikiLeaks will fight charges of sexual offences, with his lawyer saying Sunday that the accusations are a “political stunt” being orchestrated by officials in Sweden, possibly at the behest of Washington.

“It doesn’t escape my attention that Sweden was one of those lickspittle states which used its resources …. Read the original article  : Accusations against Assange political stunt: Lawyer.

Jharkhand panchayat polls: 47,000 in fray in second phase

RANCHI – Over 47,000 candidates are in the fray for Monday’s second phase of panchayat polls in Jharkhand, amid a boycott call by the Maoists, an official said.

“All the necessary security arrangements have been made for the polls,” S.D. Dharma, Jharkhand election commissioner, told reporters here Sunday.
In the second phase, voting will take …. Source  : Jharkhand panchayat polls: 47,000 in fray in second phase.

Hong Kong protesters demand China release Nobel laureate

HONG KONG – Hundreds of protesters marched to Beijing’s de facto embassy in Hong Kong Sunday calling for the release of jailed dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo.

The group also called on China to free the laureate’s wife Liu Xia who has been under house arrest since the award was announced in …. Read the original article  : Hong Kong protesters demand China release Nobel laureate.

Australian PM fails to name law WikiLeaks has broken

SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has failed to name any Australian laws broken by the controversial WikiLeaks website or its founder Julian Assange, a media report said Tuesday.

Western governments are increasingly calling for Assange to be stopped as WikiLeaks continues to publish more than 250,000 confidential US diplomatic documents, the Sydney Morning …. Read the original article  : Australian PM fails to name law WikiLeaks has broken.

Rights group calls for end to caning in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Amnesty International has called on the Malaysian government to end judicial caning, saying it was a form of torture and left thousands permanently scarred every year.

The London-based group’s report was based on interviews with 57 caning victims and released in Kuala Lumpur Monday.
“Amnesty International estimates that as many as … Read more : Rights group calls for end to caning in Malaysia.

‘Merry Christmas’ banned at Philippine airport

MANILA – Immigration officers at the Philippines’ main international airport were prohibited Tuesday from wishing passengers a Merry Christmas.

The directive was issued to avoid the impression that the officers were soliciting Christmas gifts and tips from passengers, said Ronaldo Ledesma, officer in charge at the Bureau of Immigration.
Ledesma said immigration officers at Manila’s …. Read the original article  : here.

Registered Sex Offender Arrested On Suspicion Of Sexual Assault

FREMONT (GaeaTimes.com) Reportedly, a registered sex offender has been retained. The police suspect that he may have sexually assaulted a 2-year-old girl in a Union City retail store.
Eugene Ramos is 36 years old. He has been charged on Friday with committing a forcible lewd act with a child younger than 14, assault with … Read more >>.

LHC CJ admits petition against amendment to blasphemy law

LAHORE (GaeaTimes.com) The Lahore High Court Chief Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif on Monday has admitted on having regular hearing a petition that actually called for restraining the government from moving a bill in the National Assembly for amendment of the blasphemy laws. Reportedly, the court has issued a notice to the federal government dated [..] Read the original article: here.

Walmart Faces Largest Class-action Employment Lawsuit in U.S. history

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — The mega-retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are facing a long-standing dispute over alleged gender bias in pay and promotions.
Reportedly, a verdict against the company could result in billions of dollars in damages. Now, the question that remains is whether 1.6 million current and former Wal-Mart employees can band together in their claims … Read : Walmart Faces Largest Class-action Employment Lawsuit in U.S. history.

Lahore HC prevents Blasphemy Law amendment until judicial ruling on Aasia case (Amended)

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) prevented any amendment in Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law until the judicial ruling on Aasia Bibi, the Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges, is finally out.

The court ruled on a petition filed by a citizen that no amendment be made in the Blasphemy Law until the court delivers … Read more >>>.

Apex court questions Orissa on mining licence to POSCO

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notices to the central and the Orissa governments on a petition challenging the Orissa High Court order that set aside the state government’s grant of ore mining licence to South Korean steel major POSCO.

The Posco was granted mining licence in the Khandadhar area of Orissa’s Sundergarh … Read more >>.

Supreme Court wants states to act on police reforms

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday said that it would see to it that its judgment on police reforms was implemented in its entirety and it was not left in limbo. We don’t want our judgment to lie in the courtroom,” the court said.

There should be uniformity in the implementation of its direction … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court wants states to act on police reforms.

Arrest all involved in Haj scam: Pakistani apex court

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Supreme Court Monday expressed displeasure over alleged corruption in arrangements for Haj pilgrims and directed the authorities to arrest all accused involved in the scam.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary, in his remarks, said thousands of Haj pilgrims have suffered because of the maladministration by concerned officials.
“Even the …. Read the original article  : Arrest all involved in Haj scam: Pakistani apex court.

CBI competent to handle alleged 2G scam, no comment: Sibal

NEW DELHI – Communications Minister Kapil Sibal Wednesday declined comment on the raids by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the premises of his predecessor A. Raja and associates over the 2G spectrum allocation saying the matter was sub judice.

“CBI is an independent, competent investigating agency. What it does, it does on its … Read more >>.

Indian women balancing divine feminine with modernity

NEW DELHI – The emerging voice of women in India is one of strength, economic sustainability, positive energy, achievement and erudition – that strikes a fine balance between modernism and tradition.

According to a cross-section of power women in the capital, what sets the contemporary Indian woman apart from the rest of her gender …. Original source  : Indian women balancing divine feminine with modernity.

New Canadian act targets ‘Ghost’ immigration agents

TORONTO – “Ghost” immigration consultants in India, who dupe people desperate to migrate to Canada, will be put out of business with the passing of new legislation by the Canadian parliament.

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said the legislation to crack down on crooked immigration consultants has received final approval Tuesday in the House of …. Read the original article  : New Canadian act targets ‘Ghost’ immigration agents.

Australian says China stopped trip to Nobel ceremony

SYDNEY – Zhang Heci, an Australian citizen, complained Wednesday that Chinese authorities detained him at Shanghai airport while he was on his way to Oslo to attend the award ceremony of the Nobel Peace Prize to jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.

Zhang said he was detained for 24 hours on his arrival in Shanghai and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Australian says China stopped trip to Nobel ceremony.

Wilson Couple Held Without Bond For Killing Two-Year-Old Daughter

WILSON (GaeaTimes.com) — The police said that they received two 911 calls on November 29th and immediately reached the spot. They were reported that the child happened to be suspiciously unresponsive. But, on reaching the situation they found the child to be dead.
Though, the child was later officially pronounced dead at Wilson Medical Center, it …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wilson Couple Held Without Bond For Killing Two-Year-Old Daughter.

Law Firms May Be the Nex Target of Fake Check Scams

NORTH CAROLINA (GaeaTimes.com) — The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office warned the various law firms of fake check scammers.
According to the Attorney General Roy Cooper, law firms in Gastonia, N.C. and Oxford, N.C. reportedly has received counterfeit checks recently amounting to $85,000 and $295,000 from scammers who asked them to wire the money to …. Read the original article  : Law Firms May Be the Nex Target of Fake Check Scams.

WikiLeaks defiant as Assange held in British custody (Roundup)

LONDON – The international furore over the latest batch of WikiLeaks publications threatened to intensify Tuesday as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was in custody in Britain on unrelated sex assault claims.

While US and British politicians have led the international condemnation of recent releases of top secret US cables by WikiLeaks, suggesting the organisation’s activities … Read more : WikiLeaks defiant as Assange held in British custody (Roundup).

Apex court asks lawyers not to refuse cases

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has held that Bar Associations could not pass a resolution directing their members not to take up the cases of the accused it is aggrieved with. The court said that such a step would be against the constitution.

“We declare that all such resolutions of Bar Associations in India …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Apex court asks lawyers not to refuse cases.

No sale of gutka, pan masala in pouches from March 2011

NEW DELHI – In a major setback for manufacturers of gutka (chewing tobacco) and pan masala, the Supreme Court Tuesday imposed a ban, from March 2011, on these products’ sale in plastic sachets.

Asking the manufacturers to explore and decide by March, 2011 on the alternative material for packaging them, an apex court bench of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No sale of gutka, pan masala in pouches from March 2011.

Women achievers felicitated in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Krishna Poonia, India’s first woman to win a gold medal at Commonwealth Games, scientist Charusita Chakravarty and Sudha Rani Pandey, the first woman vice-chancellor of the Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, were honoured with the Stree Shakti awards here Tuesday.

The function was held at the residence of union Tourism and Urban Poverty Alleviation … Original source on Gaea Times at : Women achievers felicitated in Delhi.

President clears court probe against Prasar Bharti chief

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil has given her assent for a Supreme Court inquiry into charges of financial mismanagement against Prasar Bharti Chief Executive Officer (CEO) B.S. Lalli, official sources said Thursday.

Sources said Patils assent came on a reference made by the government. It would set in motion the process for removal …. Source  : President clears court probe against Prasar Bharti chief.

A lakh homeless spend winter on Delhi’s streets (Dec 10 is World Human Rights Day)

NEW DELHI – For those of us who take the warmth of our homes and their heating devices for granted, here’s a chilling statistic – Delhi has over 100,000 homeless people, most of whom are left to fend for themselves in the open during the cruel winter season.

“Delhi winter is cruel, its chill reaches … Read more »».

Helping women in distress fight back

NEW DELHI – Women from varied backgrounds shared stories of their trials and triumphs at a cultural programme organised here to celebrate two decades of the Centre for Social Research (CSR) – an NGO for women in distress.

The programme ‘Expressions-creating female spaces’ was organised Wednesday to honour the accomplishment of the community women by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Helping women in distress fight back.

Malaysian Hindu activists sue government

KUALA LUMPUR – Two Malaysian Hindu activists who were held under a security law for 17 months sued the government Thursday for 200 million ringgit (about $62 million), claiming their detention was illegal.

M Manoharan and P Uthayakumar were detained in December 2007 after they organised a rally of more than 5,000 people in Kuala [..] Read the original article: here.

Bombardier ordered to pay Pakistani-origin pilot for discrimination

TORONTO – Global metro and corporate aviation giant Bombardier has been ordered to pay $319,000 to a Pakistani-origin man for denying him pilot training because he was listed as a “threat to aviation or national security” by US authorities.

In its ruling, the provincial Quebec Human Rights Tribunal have found that Pakistani-origin Javed Latif was … Read : Bombardier ordered to pay Pakistani-origin pilot for discrimination.

Padma Shri for Air India Kanishka inquiry judge demanded

LOS ANGELES – The Indian Oversees Congress in the US has urged the Indian government to confer Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, on Air India Kanishka inquiry head who has made far-reaching recommendations in his report.

Former Canadian chief justice John Major, who headed the public inquiry into the lapses that led to … Read more >>.

Government told to hear TV channel out on ‘Bigg Boss’ row

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Wednesday directed the union information and broadcasting ministry to serve a fresh show cause notice to Colors TV channel and give it a hearing over the content and timings of its reality show “Bigg Boss”.

The direction came during the hearing on the ministrys order last month to the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Government told to hear TV channel out on ‘Bigg Boss’ row.

Apex court reserves verdict on monitoring spectrum probe (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition seeking its monitoring of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2G spectrum controversy.

The petition was moved by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL).
The court also expanded the scope of CBI investigation into the 2G spectrum … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court reserves verdict on monitoring spectrum probe (Second Lead).

Serbia, others criticized for Nobel ceremony boycott

BELGRADE/BRUSSELS/BERLIN – Serbia’s decision to join 18 other countries in boycotting the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony drew sharp criticism from the European Union (EU) Wednesday.

Belgrade would not be represented at the event in Oslo Friday to honour the 2010 laureate, jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Wednesday.
“We give …. Source article  : Serbia, others criticized for Nobel ceremony boycott.

NHRC chief denies dereliction of duty in Raja phone call case

NEW DELHI – National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson and former Chief Justice of India, Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, on Wednesday said he had not received any letter or communication from Madras High Court Justice R. Reghupathi in connection with an allegation that former Telecom … Original article on : NHRC chief denies dereliction of duty in Raja phone call case.

Need to look into Radia tapes leak: Government to apex court

NEW DELHI – The central government Friday told the Supreme Court that it was taking every step to ensure that there was no leakage of the telephone tapes of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia in the 2G spectrum scam and that the leaks to the media needed to be looked into.

The government said this in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Need to look into Radia tapes leak: Government to apex court.

Himachal farmers load guns for ‘Operation Monkey’

SHIMLA – The man-animal conflict has turned ugly in Himachal Pradesh. Farmers in several villages have set aside their farm implements and loaded their guns — to shoot down monkeys from Friday as the simians have been destroying their crops and fruits.

Under ‘Operation Monkey’, hundreds of farmers have procured permits from the state …. Source  : Himachal farmers load guns for ‘Operation Monkey’.

Pak spy agencies admit having Adiala Jail’s “missing prisoners” in their custody

ISLAMABAD – The mystery of eleven missing prisoners of Adiala Jail has finally been solved, as Pakistan’s top intelligence agencies have confessed before the Supreme Court that the terror accused are in their custody, and are being tried under the Army Act.

During the course of the court proceedings, Raja Muhammad Irshad, counsel for the federation, …. Original article  : Pak spy agencies admit having Adiala Jail’s “missing prisoners” in their custody.

SC refuses to strike off Allahabad HC “something is rotten” remark

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Friday refused to strike off the stinging remarks it made against the Allahabad High Court.

The judge said that it is not a time to react but to introspect and not all judges are bad, there are good judges also.

The Allahabad High Court had filed an application … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SC refuses to strike off Allahabad HC “something is rotten” remark.

Apex court refuses to expunge ‘rotten’ remark

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday refused to expunge the remarks that something was “rotten” with the Allahabad High Court while hearing a petition of the lower court.

An apex court bench headed by Justice Marakandey Katju said that they will issue a clarification in respect of their Nov 26 judgement wherein the controversial … Read more >>.

Indian NGO awarded Asia Human Rights Award

TAIPEI – The Rescue Foundation, an Indian NGO that frees teenage girls from forced prostitution, was Friday presented with the 2010 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award.

Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou awarded the prize to the group’s president, Triveni Balkrishna Acharya.
The Mumbai-based group frees about 300 girls each year who were trafficked and sold …. Source article  : Indian NGO awarded Asia Human Rights Award.

Iranian footballers arrested over partying

TEHRAN – Several Iranian football players and coaches have been arrested for having attended a party, Tehran press reported.

No names were mentioned by the papers but there are speculation that some of the arrested footballers were national team players and all of them play in the country’s premier league.
The players and coaches were …. Source article  : Iranian footballers arrested over partying.

Bexar County Jail LawSuit Settles at $5.5 Million

BEXAR (GaeaTimes.com) — According to sources a $5.5 million settlement has been finally reached at in the class action lawsuit against Bexar County Jail over illegal strip searches.
The case was filed in 2005. Reportedly, the suit claimed that the county’s policy “to force those charged with minor crimes to undergo the indignities of a …. Read the original article  : here.

Volkswagen, Audi Owners Bag $69 Million Settlement of Design-Defect Suit

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — US magistrate judge in Newark has approved a $69 million settlement, this week, ending the claims brought by owners of Volkswagens and Audis whose interiors leaked during rainstorms.
Reportedly, the terms of the settlement will deliver $10,000 in compensation for each of the nine class representatives, $9.2 million in fees, and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Volkswagen, Audi Owners Bag $69 Million Settlement of Design-Defect Suit.

Semtech Securities Class Action Settlement Worth $20 Million

Semtech Corp. is known for manufacturing analog and mixed-signal chips. According to the company, it has agreed in principle to pay $20 million to settle a class action securities lawsuit concerning the company’s stock option accounting practices. The news has been officiated on Wednesday.
Reportedly, the agreement is preliminary and is awaiting a negotiation and …. Original article  : Semtech Securities Class Action Settlement Worth $20 Million.

Women in Goa fire services department soon

PANAJI – Women will rub shoulders with men in fire fighting operations in Goa from the next financial year, an official said here Saturday.

Learning fire fighting protocol and training in fighting fire related emergencies may also be made mandatory for workers employed in industrial areas in Goa.
Speaking to reporters in …. Original source  : Women in Goa fire services department soon.

Czechs to end tests of gay asylum seekers

PRAGUE – The Czech Republic will no longer require gay asylum seekers to undergo arousal tests to prove that they are homosexual after facing criticism that the procedure is humiliating, an official has said.

The testing method – known as phallometry – was invented in the 1950s by a Prague-based sexologist. It is widely used …. Original source  : Czechs to end tests of gay asylum seekers.

Izard Nobel LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mela Sciences Inc.

WEST HARTFORD (GaeaTimes.com) — The law firm of Izard Nobel LLP, has filed a lawsuit seeking class action status in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Mela Sciences, Inc. (” MELA | PowerRating” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MELA) between February …. Read the original article  : Izard Nobel LLP Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Mela Sciences Inc..

Facebook Promotes Class Action Lawsuit For Canadian Law Firm

TORONTO (GaeaTimes.com) — A Canadian law firm thought it wise to reach out for Facebook to promote their cause. They are promoting a Lawsuit against an international pharmaceutical giant.
Reportedly, Siskinds LLP in London, Ont. is marching on with the lawsuit against the pharma division of Germany’s Bayer AG over safety concerns with their Yasmin [..] Read the original article: here.

Nobel ceremony honours jailed Chinese activist Liu Xiaobo (Roundup)

OSLO – An empty chair served as a stark reminder of the absence of Nobel Peace Prize laureate, jailed Chinese political activist Liu Xiaobo, at Friday’s ceremony at Oslo City Hall.

Liu’s optimism about political change in China and calls for reconcilation were strong themes in the award ceremony boycotted by China.
The ceremony included …. Read the original article  : here.

Radia tapes leak being examined, apex court told

NEW DELHI – The government Friday told the Supreme Court that it was taking every step to ensure that there were no leaks of the telephone conversations of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia in the 2G spectrum scam and that the leaks to the media were being examined.

The government’s assurance came in response to Tata …. Original source  : Radia tapes leak being examined, apex court told.

India contributes $260,000 for slave trade victims’ memorial

UNITED NATIONS – India has contributed $ 260,000 to the United Nations Trust Fund for the construction of a Permanent Memorial dedicated to the millions of victims of the transatlantic slave trade.

“India’s contribution is reflective of our firm belief that the international community must pay homage to the victims of slavery and the transatlantic …. Original article  : India contributes $260,000 for slave trade victims’ memorial.

Writers appeal for freedom of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo

NEW DELHI – The pitch for the release of Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo has gathered fresh momentum with more than 500 high-profile literary signatories from around the world joining ranks with the Internationales Literaturfestival-Berlin.

The litterateurs who have joined the crusade against Xiaobo’s detention include the likes of John Ashbery, Wolf Biermann, Breyten …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Writers appeal for freedom of Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo.

Apex court won’t expunge barb against Allahabad High Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday refused to expunge its “something is rotten” barb about the Allahabad High Court, holding that everybody knew which judge of the court was corrupt.

“Rustics are no longer rustics. Don’t think people are fools,” Justice Markandey Katju said no sooner had senior counsel P.P Rao risen to argue …. Original article  : Apex court won’t expunge barb against Allahabad High Court.

China blocks broadcast of Nobel award ceremony

BEIJING – Live broadcasts of the Nobel Prize award ceremony – which would have included presentation of an award to jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo – was blocked Friday in China.

The blackout extended to foreign broadcasters such as CNN and BBC. An internet feed from Oslo on the Nobel Foundation’s website was also blocked.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : China blocks broadcast of Nobel award ceremony.

Big B, John in Madhya Pradesh to save tigers

BHOPAL – Bollyood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh to participate in the Save Our Tigers campaign. He feels the cause is more important than his films.

“The tiger’s cause is more important than my films. Kids should start tiger clubs and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Big B, John in Madhya Pradesh to save tigers.

NGO to rescue of Punjabi youth stranded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia

JALANDHAR – They had gone to foreign shores, hoping to turn around their fortunes. But their dreams soon turned sour as the 50 youths from Punjab were forced to live in miserable conditions and do shoddy jobs in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

A Punjab-based NGO, Lok Bhalai Party (LBP), working for the rights of Indians …. Source article  : NGO to rescue of Punjabi youth stranded in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia.

Protesters demand Assange’s release from jail

SAO PAULO – Scores of demonstrators rallied Saturday outside the gates of the British consulate in Sao Paulo to demand the release from prison of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Brazilian media said the demonstration was organized online, using social networks like Facebook and Twitter and several blogs that have emerged in Brazil to protest Assange’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Radia tapes: Rights group to oppose Tata’s plea against publication

NEW DELHI – The Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), which is seeking the apex court’s monitoring of the 2G spectrum probe, Saturday said that it will oppose Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata’s plea seeking to restrain media from publishing transcripts of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia’s tapped conversations.

Senior counsel Prashant Bhushan said that CPIL … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Radia tapes: Rights group to oppose Tata’s plea against publication.

Tourists banned in core areas of Madhya Pradesh tiger reserves

BHOPAL – The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) said that there shall be no tourism within the core area of tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh, according to documents filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The NTCA direction has been spelt out in an an affidavit filed before a Madhya Pradesh High Court bench …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Investigation into Radia tapes not complete yet’

NEW DELHI – A probe into the taped conversations of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia triggered by complaints of her alleged links with foreign intelligence outfits and amassing of Rs.300 crore in nine years is not over yet, the apex court has been told.

In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, an additional director of …. Original source  : ‘Investigation into Radia tapes not complete yet’.

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