INDIA COUNTRY BRIEF110405

Basic Political Developments

TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao has opened another front in his quest for a separate state.

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi kicked off his election campaign in Assam on Tuesday by calling upon the public to vote for Congress.

Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday refuted the Congress charge as 'baseless' that the party had not fielded a candidate against Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday raided 20 premises of officers of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and a private firm in connection with the Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam.

About Rs. 5.11 crore in cash found atop a private bus parked at Ponnagar in the

City, in the Tiruchi West constituency, Tamil Nadu.

With Mamata Banerjee's 'padayatras' drawing thousands, the ruling CPI-M has also planned a similar roadshow on coming Saturday.

A Trinamool Congress candidate was today today attacked allegedly by CPI(M) cadres while he was campaigning in Raina assembly constituency in Burdwan district.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister S K Modi today lent his full support to eminent social worker Anna Hazare and other activists in their ongoing campaign for a comprehensive Lokpal bill for weeding out corruption.

Pranab Mukherjee today said it was not possible to satisfy all aspirants for party tickets and warned that contesting against official nominees would invite stern action.

Reliance Communications Chairman Anil Ambani today appeared before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

National Economic Trends

Prime Minister's economic advisory panel wants the government to utilise all available policy options to bring down inflation.

Business, Energy or Environmental regulations or discussions

Reserve Bank of India has asked foreign airlines operating in India to stop the practice of using overseas banks to settle transactions on the sale of air tickets in India.

Aerens Gold Souk International Ltd (AGIL) today said it will invest up to Rs 300 crore in the next three years to set up three hospitals in northern India.

BHEL today said its unit here recorded an all time high turnover of Rs 12,275 crore during the financial year 2010-11.

The National Textiles Corporation today said it will invest Rs 425 crore in association with a joint venture partner.

Vodafone said on Tuesday it had filed a petition in India's Supreme Court.

Corporate are lapping up advertising spots in the forthcoming IPL, with the likes of Tata Motors earmarking a Rs 30 crore spend for the tournament.

Indonesia today offered to supply coal to Bihar for thermal power plants.

Harley Davidson today said it has launched its 1,200cc superbike 'Forty-Eight' in India, priced at Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Activity in the Oil and Gas sector (including regulatory)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) plans to build an LNG import facility and pipeline infrastructure in India to transport gas from a Mozambique block.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs is likely to clear London-listed mining group Vedanta Resources of Cairn India tomorrow after overruling the law ministry's opinion on state-owned ONGC's rights.

Militant Activity/Terrorism (Particularly in Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, Chennai, Coimbatore)

Suspected anti-talk faction of NDFB shot dead three SSB jawan at Lalvita of Longa-Pipsu area under Kachugaon police station in Kokrajhar district of Assam.

The banned Paresh Barua led faction of ULFA has decided not to call any Assam bandh from April six to April 15 in view of the upcoming Rongali Bihu celebrations in the state.

Orissa police arrested top state level Maoist leader Ghasi alias Khatru, wanted in over 30 criminal cases.

The trial proceedings in the 2006 Varanasi blasts could not take place today as a prosecution witness did not appear in the district court.

The CRPF at the forefront of anti-Naxal operations in the country has now changed its operational techniques and is concentrating on intelligence based operations at state borders.

Labor/Social Unrest

Full Text

Basic Political Developments

In quest for Telangana, KCR launches daily http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-quest-for-Telangana-KCR-launches-daily/articleshow/7870778.cmsTNN | Apr 5, 2011, 03.35am ISTHYDERABAD: TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao has opened another front in his quest for a separate state. Virtually turning his partymen from the state to the mandal-level into newspaper agents, he has directed them to ensure that the Telugu daily to be launched by him achieves a circulation of 3 to 3.5 lakh within the first six months.

Slated to be launched in the last week of April or first week of May, KCR claims that the newspaper will be the voice of Telangana. To be called 'Namaste Telangana,' it will have as its slug line the words 'Telangana Gunde Chappudu' (Telangana heartbeat). It is slated to be initially launched in seven of the 10 Telangana districts and expanded gradually.

While other media organisations have adopted traditional methods to increase competition, KCR has come up with a novel one — one involving the active participation of TRS workers. All the TRS leaders down to the mandal-level have been receiving letters from KCR, telling them that it is every party leader's responsibility to play an important role in the growth of 'Namaste Telangana'.

Assam polls: Congress only party that cares for aam aadmi, says Rahulhttp://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-polls-congress-only-party-that-cares-for-aam-aadmi-says-rahul/20110405.htmApril 05, 2011 14:38 IST

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi kicked off his election campaign in Assam on Tuesday by calling upon the public to vote for Congress, as it was the only party that "cared for the aam aadmi." Launching an attack on the opposition he said that they believed in ruling the nation from Delhi.

Campaigning for three Youth Congress leaders -- Rekibuddin Ahmed, Jitu Kissan and Pijush Hazarika -- at Chaygaon, Majbat and Raha constituencies for the second phase of the Assam polls, Gandhi said, "The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Act spoke of the Congress' commitment to uplift the rural poor. NREGA is not a mere a scheme but an act that compels the government to provide jobs to the unemployed all across the country, especially in rural areas."

He asked the people to choose Youth Congress leaders over their ageing rivals for the obvious reason that the younger legislators would be full of energy and enthusiasm to work for the rural folk.

In an apparent reaction to rival parties' allegations of corruption against the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre and the state government in Assam, Gandhi said, "The Congress is the only party which has taken tough action against those found to be corrupt. The RTI Act put into force by the UPA government has been instrumental in exposing corruption."

The Congress general secretary lauded the success of the Tarun Gogoi-led government in Assam for facilitating overall economic development, infrastructure development, restoration of peace since the party came to power in the state in 2001.

"When the Asom Gana Parishad was in power before the Congress, peace was a far cry while development activities were stalemated; employees were not getting salaries regularly. Today, the situation is completely different with the state registering an economic growth rate of eight per cent compared to the two per cent during the AGP regime. So, vote for the Congress and Tarun Gogoi to ensure that higher economic development and peace prevails in Assam," Gandhi said at an election rally attended by thousands at Chaygaon in Kamrup district.

No 'unholy nexus' with CPI-M in Kerala: BJPhttp://www.rediff.com/news/report/kerala-assembly-2011-no-unholy-nexus-with-cpi-m-in-bjp/20110405.htmApril 05, 2011 16:04 ISTSenior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday refuted the Congress charge as 'baseless' that her party had not fielded a candidate against Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan in the April 13 assembly elections as part of a secret pact with the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist.

"I reject the allegation as baseless. Janata Dal-United is our coalition partner and had wanted the seat (Mallampuzha where Achuthanandan is contesting). As a coalition dharma, we have given the seat to JDU," she said.

BJP had only floor coordination with Left in the Parliament to take up common issues such as corruption against the United Progressive Alliance government, but differed on most other issues, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha said at a meet-the-leader programme at the Press Club in Kozhikode.

She was responding to a question on Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ramesh Chennithala's charge about an 'unholy' nexus between CPI-M and BJP at Malampuzha which he said was evident from the saffron party not fielding its candidate in Mallampuzha.

Chennithala had alleged that the nexus between CPI-M and BJP was continuing since the last civic polls. On reports of a tacit alliance between CPI-M and Jammat-e-Islami, Swaraj said 'actually it has exposed the truth. This is nothing new. It was not unexpected because this has been the approach of both the CPI-M and Congress'.

She accusing both the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front of failure to promote the interests of Kerala and sought people's mandate to enable BJP play the role of an "effective opposition" in the state.

"In a democracy opposition has a great role to play... We are not asking for votes to form the government, but we want to play the role of an effective opposition in Kerala."

She said BJP had put forth a model of governance in states ruled by it and model of opposition where it was not in power.

"In the BJP and National Democratic Alliance-ruled states we are taking a leap in infrastructure development, power and agriculture sectors and in implementing schemes for the welfare of the downtrodden," Swaraj claimed.

Alleging that both the LDF and UDF failed to promote the interest of Kerala, she said about three million people from the state were working overseas and an equal number outside Kerala, because both the fronts had failed to generate jobs.

Kerala's potential in tourism, Ayurveda and coconut plantation had not been fully tapped. The plantation sector had come to stagnation and paddy cultivation had declined steeply, she charged.

CWG scam: CBI raids premises of DDA, CPWD officialshttp://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-183329.htmlNew Delhi, Apr 5 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday raided 20 premises of officers of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and a private firm in connection with the Commonwealth Games (CWG) scam.

CBI officers also searched the premises of private firm Jubilee Sports Private Limited in connection with alleged irregularities in laying the synthetic turf for the lawn bowl event.

The teams of agency officials, after registering a fresh case under Section 120-B for criminal conspiracy and under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, swooped down at the locations here and in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Those raided included superintendents and engineers associated with Dhyanchand Stadium and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The V.K. Shunglu Committee, constituted by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to probe the CWG mess, in its report had brought various government agencies under the scanner for inflated prices and rigged tender process for the CWG.

The CBI has so far filed nine cases in connection with the alleged irregularities in the conduct of 2010 Games.

Election officials seize over Rs. 5 crore in Tiruchihttp://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article1601763.ece?homepage=trueThe stash, found atop a private bus, is considered to be the single largest seizure of cash in the State so far in the run up to the Assembly elections.

About Rs. 5.11 crore in cash found atop a private bus parked at Ponnagar in the City, in the Tiruchi West constituency, was seized by election officials in the early hours of Tuesday.

This is considered to be the single largest seizure of cash in the State so far in the run up to the Assembly elections.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of officials led by Revenue Divisional Officer and Returning Officer of the constituency, S. Sangeetha, searched the bus found parked at Ponnagar at around 2 a.m.

The cash, in 500 and 1000 rupee denominations, was found in five leather bags on the roof of the bus. According to sources, some persons from a car parked nearby fled when they saw the officials search the bus. A search was also conducted at two houses at Ponnagar and New Selva Nagar.

Both the bus and the car have been impounded. The seized cash was later handed over to the Income Tax Department officials who were conducting further investigations.

District officials said the origin of the cash or who it belonged to has not yet been established. Reliable sources said the bus was owned by a person in Perambalur.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru, the DMK candidate contesting from Tiruch West, issued a statement here denying that the seized cash belonged to his relatives, as reported in a section of the media.

CPI-M plans road show after Mamata padayatras http://www.ptinews.com/news/1486614_CPI-M-plans-road-show-after-Mamata-padayatras-Kolkata, Apr 5 (PTI) With Mamata Banerjee's 'padayatras' drawing thousands, the ruling CPI-M not to be outdone has also planned a similar roadshow on coming Saturday by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in his Jadavpur constituency in the city's southern part.

"Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee will participate in a roadshow from the Jadavpur police station to Sonarpur covering a distance of seven kms," CPI(M) state secretariat member Robin Deb told PTI.

Deb insisted there was no question of the chief minister taking a leaf out of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's book.

"On the contrary, it is Mamata who is following in the footsteps of CPI-M which had in the past organised huge processions on issues of public importance in the city and elsewhere, in some of which Buddhada himself took a leading part," Deb, who is looking after CPI-M's campaign in the Jadavpur constituency, said.

Trinamool candidate attacked in Burdwan district http://www.ptinews.com/news/1486980_Trinamool-candidate-attacked-in-Burdwan-district-Bardhaman (WB), Apr 5 (PTI) A Trinamool Congress candidate was today today attacked allegedly by CPI(M) cadres while he was campaigning in Raina assembly constituency in Burdwan district

The incident took place just a day after a TC candidate was attacked and one party activist killed in the same district.

Trinamool Congress candidate for the Raina seat Nepal Chandra Ghorai today lodged an FIR with the police alleging he was attacked by CPI(M) activists led by Haripada Santra while he was campaigning at Methopara at around 10 am.

Ghorai claimed that 10 of his supporters were injured when Santra and other CPI(M) activists attacked them with lathis and other sharp edged weapons.

In the FIR lodged with the Madhavdighi police station Ghorai has named 12 CPI(M) leaders, including Santra for attacking him and his supporters.

Modi supports Hazare's demand for Lokpal bill

http://www.ptinews.com/news/1487150_Modi-supports-Hazare-s-demand-for-Lokpal-bill-Patna, Apr 5 (PTI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister S K Modi today lent his full support to eminent social worker Anna Hazare and other activists in their ongoing campaign for a comprehensive Lokpal bill for weeding out corruption.

"I have full personal support to Maharashtra's eminent social activist Anna Hazare and other activists for a comprehensive Lokpal bill for uprooting corruption," Modi told reporters on the sidelines of his 'Janata Darbar' programme.

Stressing that the social activists had prominently raised their voice against corruption, Modi said the Centre should seriously consider their view and act swiftly instead of "taking it as a prestige issue."

Referring to 2G spectrum scam, he said, "Several layers of corruption involving the issue had surfaced and the UPA government should take it seriously."

He said the NDA government was firm in its resolve to uproot corruption at all levels in Bihar.

Pranab warns of stern action against rebels in Bengalhttp://www.ptinews.com/news/1487742_Pranab-warns-of-stern-action-against-rebels-in-BengalSiliguri (WB), Apr 5 (PTI) Sending a tough message to the rebels, senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee today said it was not possible to satisfy all aspirants for party tickets and warned that contesting against official nominees would invite stern action.

While dissidence in the party borne out of dissatisfaction at being denied tickets can be understood, filing nominations as Independents against official nominees cannot be tolerated, Mukherjee said while campaigning in north Bengal.

Similarly, acting against the alliance between his party and the Trinamool Congress would not be brooked, the veteran leader said.

His tough words followed filing of nominations by two sitting Congress MLAs Ram Piyare Ram from Kolkata Port and Abdul Khaleq Mollah from Garden Reach constituencies and their refusal to withdraw their papers.

PAC questions Anil Ambani, telecom CEOs on 2G issuehttp://www.ptinews.com/news/1487392_PAC-questions-Anil-Ambani--telecom-CEOs-on-2G-issueNew Delhi, Apr 5 (PTI) Reliance Communications Chairman Anil Ambani today appeared before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which quizzed him for over two hours in connection with alleged irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation.

Ambani, also a former Rajya Sabha member, reached Parliament premises around noon when the PAC was questioning Etisalat DB Telecom CEO Atul Jhamb.

The members asked Ambani to join them just after 1:00 PM and discussions with him continued for nearly two hours.

He was asked questions on issues related to the 2G spectrum allocation as also 3G auction that was held last year.

"He was very free and frank," said a PAC member.

Another member said Ambani referred to the CBI charge sheet in the 2G allocation case and expressed his inability to speak in detail as the matter was sub-judice.

National Economic Trends

'Govt should use all policy instruments to tame inflation' http://www.ptinews.com/news/1487168_-Govt-should-use-all-policy-instruments-to-tame-inflation--New Delhi, Apr 5 (PTI) Prime Minister's economic advisory panel wants the government to utilise all available policy options to bring down inflation to an acceptable level of 4-5 per cent from 8.31 per cent currently.

"We must use all our policy instruments to bring down the current inflation and re-anchor the inflationary expectations to the four-or-five-per cent comfort zone", C Rangarajan, who heads the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council said.

Elaborating on the trade-off between country's economic growth and its rate of price rise, Rangarajan said an environment of reasonable price stability is considered "conducive" to economic growth.

Pointing out that last four weeks have witnessed a rise in vegetable prices, one of the primary causes of food inflation this year, Rangarajan said "inflation is expected to come down in the coming weeks".

Business, Energy or Environmental regulations or discussions

L and T achieves financial closure for Hyderabad metrohttp://www.newkerala.com/news/world/fullnews-183305.htmlHyderabad, April 5 : L and T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Ltd (L and TMRHL) Tuesday announced that it had achieved financial closure for the Rs.16,375 crore Hyderabad metro rail project, described as the largest ever fund tie-up in India for a public private partnership.

L and TMRHL Chairman Y.M. Deosethalee told a news conference here that the financial closure for the 71-km metro rail project was achieved in a record six months.

The firm has tied up funds from a consortium of 10 banks led by State Bank of India for the project, which includes Rs.14,132 crore for the metro rail system and Rs.2,243 crore for the first phase of real estate development.

The metro rail system cost is being financed through an equity of Rs.2,768 crore (20 percent), debt of Rs.9,906 crore (70 percent) and government grant of Rs.1,458 crore (10 percent).

Since the government has already frozen the metro rail project cost at Rs.12,132 crore and the viability gap funding (VGF) at Rs.1,458 crore, the balance portion of the increased cost is being funded through debt and equity by L and T.

The real estate (phase-I) cost of Rs.2,243 crore is being financed with an equity of Rs.671 crore (30 percent) and debt of Rs.1,572 crore (70 percent).

Deosethalee said the construction work would begin soon and the commercial operations likely to begin in 2016. He was confident of the firm breaking-even in three years from the commencement of commercial operations.

The concession agreement for the project was signed on Sep 4 last year. L and T, which bagged the project in July this year, formed special purpose vehicle L and TMRHL for developing the project on design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis.

The concession period is for 35 years, including five years construction, with a provision of extension for another 25 years.

L and T can undertake real estate development up to a maximum of 18.5 million square feet through utilisation of air space over the 269 acres of land earmarked for rail facilities.

It is one of the world's largest metro rail projects and the largest one in PPP mode. The project covers three high density traffic corridors --- Miyapur-LB Nagar (28.87 km); JBS-Falaknuma (14.78 km) and Nagole-Shilparamam (27.51 km).

Foreign airlines in India cannot settle transactions overseas: RBIhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/foreign-airlines-in-india-cannot-settle-transactions-overseas-rbi/articleshow/7874092.cmsMUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India has asked foreign airlines operating in India to stop the practice of using overseas banks to settle transactions on the sale of air tickets in India.

Some foreign airlines have an arrangement in India with credit card companies for allowing customers to select the country and currency of their choice while buying tickets from India, the central bank said.

In such a transaction, the overseas bank receives funds from the card company in its account maintained with an authorised dealer bank in India or in its foreign currency account maintained abroad and makes the payment in a foreign currency to the foreign airline.

"It is clarified that the practice adopted by foreign airlines, as mentioned above, is not in conformity with the extant provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act ," the RBI said.

"Therefore, advise the foreign airlines to discontinue immediately the practice of using overseas banks for settlement of INR transactions on account of sale of air tickets in India."

AGIL to invest Rs 300 crore for 3 hospitals in northern Indiahttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/agil-to-invest-rs-300-crore-for-3-hospitals-in-northern-india/articleshow/7873891.cmsNEW DELHI: Aerens Gold Souk International Ltd (AGIL), a part of diversified business group Gold Souk, today said it will invest up to Rs 300 crore in the next three years to set up three hospitals in northern India.

"We plan to invest nearly Rs 300 crore to establish 2-3 hospitals in northern India by 2014," AGIL Chairman Surender Gupta told PTI.

Aerens Gold Souk Group (AGS), which already operates two clinics for fertility and cosmetics surgery in Delhi under the 'Adiba' brand, said it was open to both acquisition or setting up of its own hospitals.

AGS is a diversified conglomerate having interests in real estate, retail, entertainment and hospitality sector.

"We are planning to enter the healthcare business in big way. It is either going to be through acquisition or we will open on our own," he added.

He said that the company was already in talks with certain established healthcare companies in northern India for acquiring a stake.

On the financing plan for its expansion, he said it would be through internal accruals and bank loans.

The company has also plans to establish a medical college in the National Capital Region (NCR).

"We already have the land bank for this (medical college). It is still in the planning stage and easily take 2-3 years to finalise all the details," Gupta said.

On April 4, AGIL entered into a franchise agreement with US-based hospitality giant Wyndham Hotel Group to operate four hotels.

As per the agreement, AGIL will operate four-star deluxe category properties in Chennai, Kochi, Hisar and Ludhiana under the Ramada brand.

These are currently under development with a planned combined investment of Rs 500 crore.

BHEL Trichy records all time high turnover of Rs 12,275 in FY11http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/engineering/bhel-trichy-records-all-time-high-turnover-of-rs-12275-in-fy11/articleshow/7873985.cmsTHRICHIRAPALLI: Engineering major BHEL today said its unit here recorded an all time high turnover of Rs 12,275 crore during the financial year 2010-11.

The turnover during the fiscal was 22.63 per cent higher than the previous fiscal's Rs 10,009 crore, A V Krishnan , Executive Director of BHEL's unit here told reporters.

The profit before tax also increased by 29.48 per cent to Rs 3,250 crore in the fiscal ended March 31 this year as against Rs 2,510 crore recorded in the previous fiscal, he said.

It had received orders for a record number of seven super critical projects during FY11, including three units of 800 MW, 3 units of 650 MW and one 700 MW projects, respectively, he said.

The current fiscal's projection of turnover was Rs 15,000 crore, he said.

All the preparatory works and pre-execution works have been carried out in time to complete the Phase-III capacity augmentation scheme for 20,000 MW capacity.

BHEL, Trichy achieved the targeted capital expenditure of Rs 296 crore for 2010-11.

The exports performance was also attractive with over 11,500 tonnes of components. In rupee value, it was about Rs 4,600 crore that included deemed export value, Krishnan said.

NTC to invest Rs 425 crore to foray into technical textiles spacehttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/ntc-to-invest-rs-425-crore-to-foray-into-technical-textiles-space/articleshow/7874189.cmsNEW DELHI: The National Textiles Corporation today said it will invest Rs 425 crore in association with a joint venture partner to foray into the manufacturing of technical textiles to cash in on the burgeoning demand from healthcare and infrastructure sectors.

"We plan to diversify into technical textiles space. This is an emerging sector. We will rope in a global firm that will provide technology to the venture and help to market the produce," NTC Chairman and Managing Director K Ramachandran Pillai told PTI.

NTC would offer a minority stake to the proposed joint venture partner and has earmarked Rs 425 crore investment for the project. The proposed investment would be financed in proportion with the ratio of shareholding in the venture.

Pillai said the joint venture firm would set up two units -- one each in Northern and Southern India -- and the land required for putting up the plants have already been acquired.

Used mainly for non-aesthetic purpose, technical textiles have a wide array of applications. These include textiles for automotive applications, medical textiles, geo-textiles and agro-textiles among others.

"The application of technical textiles are very nascent in India, but the potential is enormous," Pillai said, adding, only a couple of producers currently produce technical textiles in the country.

The joint venture would try to market its produce both in domestic and international markets, which is currently growing by 12 per cent year-on-year.

Pillai said the global market for technical textiles was likely to go up to USD 150 billion in the coming years from around USD 127 billion in 2010.

According to government's estimates, the domestic market for technical textiles is expected to clock 11 per cent growth rate to cross Rs 66,000 crore by 2012.

Pillai, credited with turning around the BIFR-referred NTC to a profit-making firm, said the two proposed mills are likely to be operational in 18-24 months from the zero date of commissioning the project.

Vodafone appeals against tax department noticehttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/vodafone-appeals-against-tax-department-notice/articleshow/7873232.cmsNEW DELHI: Vodafone said on Tuesday it had filed a petition in India's Supreme Court seeking protection against a notice from the country's tax authorities starting penalty proceedings on the company related to a tax bill over a 2007 acquisition.

"It is difficult to understand the rationale behind the tax authorities seeking to impose penalties on a matter which the tax authorities have, themselves, described as a 'test case'," Vodafone said in a statement.

Vodafone is contesting a $2.5 billion tax bill in India over its acquisition of a controlling stake in a mobile firm. It had earlier appealed to the Supreme Court challenging a lower court order that Indian tax office had jurisdiction over tax bills in cross-border deals. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on July 19.

"All the advice received by Vodafone during and since the acquisition is that there is no tax or therefore penalty that arises," Vodafone said in Tuesday's statement, adding it would take all steps needed to defend itself.

Corporates get ready to splurge on advertisements during IPLhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/advertising/corporates-get-ready-to-splurge-on-advertisements-during-ipl/articleshow/7873464.cmsNEW DELHI: Looking to cash in on the cricket fever after India''s World Cup win, corporates are lapping up advertising spots in the forthcoming IPL, with the likes of Tata Motors earmarking a Rs 30 crore spend for the tournament. Not only big corporates with deep pockets are loosening their purse strings. Even companies that make water heaters, voltage stabilisers and other electrical products, like Paragon Footwear and V-Guard, are getting ready to splurge on advertisements to grab eyeballs during the IPL telecasts.

According to industry sources, homegrown auto major Tata Motors is understood to have earmarked a budget of Rs 30 crore for advertising during the IPL matches on sub-continental broadcaster SetMax .

When contacted, a Tata Motors spokesperson declined to divulge the company''s advertising budget for the IPL, but said: "The company has booked spots to advertise as an entity for both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles." Besides booking ad spots on Set Max, Tata Motors is going a step further in its association with the IPL by becoming an associate partner for passenger cars with the Delhi Daredevils.

"This is an extension to our association with the JiyoDilli Festival and to support the spirit of the city of Delhi," the spokesperson said.

The company is also talking to other IPL teams to become associate partners for commercial vehicles too, he added. Others are not far behind. Footwear-maker Paragon is increasing its marketing spends by 40 per cent this year compared to last year on account of plans to advertise during the IPL.

"Cricket promises larger consumer engagement compared to any other format. It is for the first time that Paragon has decided to buy spots in a big way for IPL season four," Mudra Max Associate Vice-President Gopalakrishnan Nair Gopi told PTI. Mudra Max is the media buying agency for the company. He, however, but did specify how much the ad budget of the company was.

Another Mudra Max client, V-Guard, is also for the first time sponsoring the ''Extra Innings'' analysis during every match of the IPL. "Sponsoring the extra innings is another way of making presence felt on a big property like the IPL. It is cheaper than buying ad spots in terms of financials and also attracts eyeballs," Gopi said. Even camera-maker Nikon is for the first time associating with the IPL. The company, which has earmarked Rs 120 crore on its overall marketing activities this fiscal, will be spending significantly on TV advertisements.

While the company has not disclosed its TV ad budget, according to Nikon India GM (Imaging) Sajjan Kumar, the camera-maker will be spending 30 per cent of its TV marketing budget this year on the IPL. The company had recently roped in Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra as its brand ambassador.

Indonesia offers coal supply to Biharhttp://www.ptinews.com/news/1487076_Indonesia-offers-coal-supply-to-BiharPatna, Apr 5 (PTI) Indonesia today offered to supply coal to Bihar for thermal power plants.

The offer was made by Indonesian Ambassador to India Lt Gen (Retd) Andi M Ghalib during his meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar here this afternoon.

Emerging from the meeting, Kumar said the Indonesian envoy made the offer "and we will explore the possibilities and take up the matter with the Centre as to whether the coal from that country be made available to us for thermal plants here."

Kumar said both India and Indonesia shared strong cultural relations since ancient times and promotion of tourism between the two countries can further strengthen the bilateral relations.

He recalled that Indonesian president had visited New Delhi and participated in the Republic Day function on the sidelines of which several agreements were signed between the two countries on commerce, trade and tourism.

Harley Davidson launches 'Forty-Eight' in India at Rs 8.5 lakhhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/two-wheelers/harley-davidson-launches-forty-eight-in-india-at-rs-85-lakh/articleshow/7873524.cmsNEW DELHI: US premium motorcycle maker Harley Davidson today said it has launched its 1,200cc superbike 'Forty-Eight' in India, priced at Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

This model will be available across all the Harley- Davidson dealerships, in addition to the existing model line- up of 14 bikes for 2011, Harley Davidson India said in a statement.

The company said bookings for the new offering will start from this month at its five dealerships across the country.

Last month, Harley Davidson had said it would not hike prices of its two models to be assembled in India despite an increase in import duty for completely knocked down parts.

The company, which is setting up an assembly unit at Bawal in Haryana, had said it was evaluating options in the wake of the new CKD norms, resulting in higher import duty.

In December 2010, the company had announced that the SuperLow and Iron 883 will be the first two models to be rolled out of the CKD assembly facility in Bawal in Haryana. The bikes are priced at Rs 5.5 lakh and Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.

Its other 12 fully imported bikes in India are priced between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 38.66 lakh.

In November 2010, Harley Davidson announced to start assembling bikes in India from this year. The Indian plant will be only its second facility outside its home-base after Brazil.

The US iconic brand was allowed to enter India in 2007 with relaxed emission norms for big bikes above 800cc, while mangoes from here were allowed to be sold in America. However, It first started selling its imported bikes in India from this year.

Activity in the Oil and Gas sector (including regulatory)

BPCL plans LNG import facility, pipeline infrastructure for Mozambique gashttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/oil-gas/bpcl-plans-lng-import-facility-pipeline-infrastructure-for-mozambique-gas/articleshow/7870463.cmsMUMBAI: State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) plans to build an LNG import facility and pipeline infrastructure in India to transport gas from a Mozambique block in which it holds stake with Videocon Industries.

Indian energy firms are acquiring assets abroad and improving infrastructure to help meet the growing demand for energy in Asia's third-largest economy.

"We could look at setting up our own LNG import facility and also build a requisite pipeline, once we decide on the final course of action for our offshore blocks in Mozambique," said SK Joshi, director finance, BPCL.

BPCL, India's second biggest refiner, and diversified Videocon Industries have 10% stake each in the 2.6-million-acre offshore area in the deep waters of the Rovuma sedimentary basin, in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. US-based Anadarko is the operator of the area with a 36.5% stake.

In early February, Anadarko announced its fourth natural gas discovery in the area, after a string of major deepwater natural gas discoveries.

"The Tubarao discovery well encountered more than 110 net feet (34 metres) of natural gas pay and no water in a high-quality Eocene-age reservoir, that is separate and distinct from the hydrocarbon accumulations in Anadarko's three previous discoveries in the offshore area 1 of the Rovuma Basin," BPCL said. "Currently, drill stem tests are being conducted and we should get the final appraisals from Mozambique in the next 12-15 months," Joshi said.

BPCL and Videocon had together acquired the Brazilian Oil exploration firm EnCana Brasil Petroleo . EnCana's assets include 10 deep-water offshore petroleum exploration blocks. Both companies also bought 12.5% stake each from Anadarko Indonesia in the Nunukan block in offshore Indonesia.

BPCL holds stake in 24 oil and gas blocks globally, including India. It has invested around 600 crore in Mozambique, 1,000 crore in Brazil and 100 crores in Indonesia.

Government likely to clear Cairn-Vedanta deal tomorrow: Sourceshttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/metals-mining/government-likely-to-clear-cairn-vedanta-deal-tomorrow-sources/articleshow/7874064.cmsNEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to clear London-listed mining group Vedanta Resources' USD 9.6 billion acquisition of Cairn India tomorrow after overruling the law ministry's opinion on state-owned ONGC's rights.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon...in all likelihood, it will give an in-principal approval to the Cairn-Vedanta deal," an official privy to the development said.

The Cabinet panel, which will besides Prime Minister, includes Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, Law Minister M Veerappa Moily and Corporate Affairs Minister Murli Deora, may overrule opinion of the Solicitor General of India that Vedanta must agree to equitably share royalty on oil produced from Cairn India's mainstay Rajasthan oilfields before the government nod.

"The pre-condition will be overruled by arguing that the government's take from Rajasthan oilfields will be impacted if Rs 18,000 crore royalty ONGC will pay in excess of its share in the oilfields is cost recovered from revenues," the official said. "The government revenues will be dented by USD 1 billion."

Incidentally, the government is committed to reimbursing in full the royalty ONGC pays in excess of its 30 per cent share in Rajasthan oilfields in case it is not cost recovered.

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) had in July 2010, more than a month before Edinburgh-based Cairn Energy announced sale of majority stake in its Indian unit to

Vedanta, cited provisions in the field contracts to say royalty, like any other levy, is cost recoverable.

Cairn India, which holds 70 per cent stake in the 6.5 billion barrels Rajasthan block, does not pay any royalty and is opposed to making it cost recoverable as it will dent its profits.

Besides opposing cost recovery of royalty, Cairn Energy has maintained that its stake sale to Vedanta does not require the government nod and had through its Indian unit made a conditional application in November-end on insistence of the oil ministry. The application also rejected rights of ONGC, which has stake in eight out of 10 properties of Cairn India.

The official said CCEA may ask Cairn to seek ONGC's no-objection.

Oil Ministry's Cabinet note lists royalty being made cost-recoverable as a pre-condition for approval as an option. Alternatively, it has suggested that the government gives its consent to the deal without any pre-condition and "appropriate decision" will be taken to enforce ONGC's right.

Militant Activity/Terrorism (Particularly in Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida, Chennai, Coimbatore)

3 SSB jawans killed in NDFB ambushhttp://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=apr0511/state06KOKRAJHAR, April 4 – Suspected anti-talk faction of NDFB shot dead three SSB jawan today at Lalvita of Longa-Pipsu area under Kachugaon police station in Kokrajhar district.According to sources, the victims have been identified as Subhash Ranjit, Bhagal Kumar and Radhasyam. However, the deadbody of Radhasyam remained untraced till filing of this report.

The militants ambushed and opened fire indiscriminately on the SSB patrolling party on duty.

Soon after the incident top police and security officials rushed to the spot and launched combing operation. However, none was arrested so far. Police claimed that the anti-talk NDFB was behind the incident.

No ULFA bandhs from April six to April 15http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/no-ulfa-bandhs-from-april-six-to-april-15/637722.htmlGuwahati, Apr 5 (PTI) The banned Paresh Barua led faction of ULFA has decided not to call any Assam bandh from April six to April 15 in view of the upcoming Rongali Bihu celebrations in the state."We have decided not to go ahead with our earlier plan of calling bandhs during the visit of the head of the government and other senior central leaders to the state in the interest of the indigenous people during the forthcoming Rongali Bihu festival", the outfit''s Publicity Incharge Arunodoy Dohotiya said in a statement e-mailed

to PTI today.The interest of the Assamese people "are our topmost priority and on the request from different sections of the society we have decided to suspend our bandh programmes temporarily", he added.The outfit would, however, continue to oppose the visit of central leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the state.The outfit had called a bandh on April two protesting against the Prime Minister''s visit to address two poll rallies during the first phase but it failed to evoke any response with people coming out in large numbers to attend the rallies. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Barpeta and Mangaldai assembly constituencies in Lower Assam on April eight.

Police nab top rebel Ghasi in Koraput districthttp://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Police-nab-top-rebel-Ghasi-in-Koraput-district/articleshow/7869888.cmsTNN | Apr 5, 2011, 12.24am ISTBHUBANESWAR: Still recovering from the jolt it suffered in February when Maoists abducted and then released Malkangiri collector R Vineel Krishna and junior engineer Pabitra Majhi, police on Monday tasted success in nabbing top rebel Ghasi alias Khatru, wanted in over 30 criminal cases in Orissa.

Though senior police officers are tightlipped over Ghasi's arrest, sources said security men picked him up from Semiliguda area in Koraput, around 500 km from here. Ghasi, a tribal, is a key member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) Andhra-Orissa Border Special Zonal Committee. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh had announced an award of Rs 10 lakh on him, sources said.

Sources said Ghasi was accused of in the 2004 Maoist loot of the Koraput armoury and murders of CPI (ML) leader Arjun Kendruka, zilla parishad member Anand Kirsani and a contractor in 2010. "He is a big catch," remarked a senior police officer, requesting anonymity. Police recovered a firearm from Ghasi, sources added.

Sources said Ghasi, aged around 40 years, hailed from Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh and has rose in the Maoist hierarchy through successful offensives against police in the AOBSZC area. "He was involved in the attack on Narayanpatna police station in November, 2010," a source disclosed.

Ghasi's apprehension was the second biggest success for police since the Malkangir episode forced the state government to halt anti-extremist combing operations and concede to certain Maoists demands including release of five incarcerated Red radicals. On March 5, police said it had arrested top Maoist Shatrughna Biswal, who has several aliases like Mangu, Mohan, Muna and Sunit, from near the railway station in Bargarh district, around 350 km from here. Biswal is one of the four members of the Maoists' Orissa State Organising Committee (OSOC), headed by Sabyasachi Panda. "Biswal was active in Bargarh, Balangir and Nuapada districts since last one year," Bargarh superintendent of police Soorya Thankappan had told TOI. Police had recovered a 9 mm country-made pistol, six rounds of live cartridges, some Maoist-related documents, a mobile phone and Rs 54,550 in cash from him.

Hearing in Varanasi blasts postponedhttp://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1602252.eceThe trial proceedings in the 2006 Varanasi blasts could not take place today as a prosecution witness did not appear in the district court here.

District judge V C Gupta postponed the next hearing to April 19 as sub—inspector Kedar Kushwaha could not come in the court.

Kushwaha was to present evidences linked to the case and also appear for cross—examination. Waliullah, prime accused in the Varanasi blasts, was present in the court.

The twin blasts at Sankat Mochan temple and Cantonment railway station in Varanasi on March 6, 2006 had claimed several lives besides injuring many others.

CRPF changes operational techniques in Naxal-hit stateshttp://www.ptinews.com/news/1487546_CRPF-changes-operational-techniques-in-Naxal-hit-statesNew Delhi/Raipur, Apr 5 (PTI) A year after the deadly Dantewada Naxal attack which killed 75 CRPF personnel and a Chhattisgarh policeman, the central force at the forefront of anti-Naxal operations in the country has now changed its operational techniques and is concentrating on intelligence based operations at state borders.

"The CRPF has now mandated its young officers, in the ranks of Assisstant Commandants and Deputy Commandants to undertake special operations, based on intelligence, importantly at the state borders which see a huge Naxal movement," a senior CRPF officer supervising the operations at Raipur said.

On April six last year, armed Naxalites had ambushed an entire company of the force at Chintalnar in Dantewada killing 75 CRPF men and a state police official, dealing a severe blow to the force in its anti-naxal operations.

Labor/Social Unrest