'No clear stand of Centre on Tamil issue at UNHRC'...

New Delhi: Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy on Thursday accused the Centre of not taking a clear stand at the United Nations Human Rights Council when the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka was put to vote. 

In a statement, he said either India ought to have voted unconditionally with the US or it should have unconditionally opposed the resolution. 

"If it had done so, it would have got appreciation in the eyes of the world and it would have been better than falling between two stools," he said. 

He said the modified draft of the US was "eminently reasonable" and worthy of unconditional support. 

"In an oblique way, the US draft is a victory for Sri Lanka since no one has called the human rights violation as state-sponsored," he said. 

Terror module unearthed in Punjab.....

Hoshiarpur: A module of Sikh militant group Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) was unearthed here today with the arrest of its three members, including two women, police said. 

Acting on a tip-off, the members of the banned terror outfit were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the district and Jalandhar Police and several arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession, Jalandhar (Zonal II) IG, Gurpreet Kaur Deo said. 

The arrested have been identified as Ranjit Singh Rana, Salinder Kaur and Kulwinder Kaur. 

The recoveries included a 7.65mm auto pistol, two .32 bore revolvers, three magazines and 89 live cartridges among the others. 

An FIR has been registered against the suspects under various sections of the IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, police said. 

This is the second major terrorist module unearthed within the span of a month. Earlier, on February 27, in a joint operation conducted by Amritsar and Mohali police, a Babbar Khalsa International module was neutralised with the arrest of top leader Narain Singh, alias Chaura, and his associate Dharam Singh, alias Karan Singh. 

Lok Sabha passes anti-rape bill, age of consent stays at 18.....

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill which provides for natural life term or even death for repeat offenders of rape and other stringent punishment for various offences like stalking, voyeurism and acid attacks. 

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill-2013, brought against the backdrop of the country-wide outrage over Delhi gang-rape, also makes it clear that the age of consent for sex would be 18 years, which was a sticking point with political parties. 

"I wish to state that we are enacting the strict law to act as a deterrent," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, replying to a nearly six-hour debate on the Bill. 

The Bill seeks to replace an Ordinance promulgated on February 3, which will expire on April 4. 

It seeks to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Indian Evidence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. 

The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by opposition and one by UPA constituent NCP for a life-term for perpetrators of acid attacks were defeated. 

"Time has come to send out a loud, clear and deterrent signal that the society will not tolerate such errant behaviour," Shinde said, underlining that the Bill was being brought to plug loopholes in the law. 

With an aim of providing a strong deterrent against rapes and gang-rapes, the Bill states that an offender can be sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 20 years, but which may extend to life, meaning imprisonment for the remainder of that person's natural life and with a fine. 

It has provisions for handing out death sentence to offenders who may have been convicted earlier for such crimes. 

The Bill, for the first time, defines stalking and voyeurism as non-bailable offences if repeated for a second time. Perpetrators of acid attack will attract a 10-year jail term. 

Shinde said the Bill has provisions for allowing rape victims and witnesses to use the services of interpreters or special educators for recording of statement. 

He also agreed with suggestion of some members to post lady officers at every police station. He said efforts were being made to induct more women in the police force under the police modernisation programme. 

Moving the Bill for consideration, Shinde sought support of all parties, saying "let us honour the braveheart", referring to the 23-year-old victim of gang-rape by six persons in the national capital last year. 

The Bill, for the first time, defines acid attack as a crime and also grants a victim the right to self-defence. It also has provisions for awarding a minimum 10-year jail term for perpetrators of the act. 

B Mahtab (BJD) had moved an amendment to provide for life term for perpetrators of acid attacks. He pressed for division of votes, giving the government some anxious moments as Shinde, who is also Leader of the House, was seen reaching out to the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj, apparently to ask her about the BJP's stand. 

Later, the amendments were defeated 105-62. 

The government was again on tenterhooks when Tathagat Satpathy (BJD) pressed for division on a clause dealing with stalking, which he wanted to be made a cognisable offence. 

Swaraj supported him citing the case of former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda, who is accused of abetting the suicide of an employee in his firm and her mother by stalking. 

Shinde said the decision to keep the offence non-bailable was taken by consensus at an all-party meeting. 

Confusion ensued as Sathpathy pressed for division. He was agitated as the Speaker moved on to the next clause and was about to stage a walkout but was prevented by Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) and Mahtab. 

Shinde said the new sections to prevent stalking and voyeurism were introduced following a strong demand from women's organisations. 

"For the first time we are making these a punishable offence...So, we have made it bailable for the first instance. We will not spare him if he repeats the offence," he said. 

On making the age of consent for sex 16 years, he said the demand was made by NGOs and a number of advocates. 

BJP, SP and some others demanded that the age of consent for sex be 18 years and not 16 as envisaged in the ordinance. They contended that since the age of marriage is 18 years, the age of consent should be the same. 

The amendments seek to define and prescribe punishment for the offences of stalking, voyeurism and sexual harassment. The Bill also seeks to widen the definition of rape, broaden the ambit of aggravated rape and enhance the punishment for such crimes. 

The Bill also provides that all hospitals shall immediately provide first aid and/or medical treatment free of cost to the victims of acid attack or rape, and failure to do so will attract punishment. 

It also has provisions for a minimum imprisonment of seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life and a fine for offender who is a police officer, a public servant, a member of the armed forces or management or the staff of a hospital. 

The Bill also seeks to amend the Indian Evidence Act to allow a rape victim, if she is temporarily or permanently mentally or physically disabled, to record her statement before a Judicial Magistrate with the assistance of an interpreter or a special educator. It also has provisions to videograph the proceedings. 

Protests on Lankan Tamils issue continue in TN....

Chennai: Students across Tamil Nadu, including in Chennai, continued their protests on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue while some fishermen in Nagapattinam district observed a fast mid-sea. 

Around 500 students were arrested in two different incidents at Chennai when they tried to proceed towards the house of Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram to picket it, police said. 

Another group of students were arrested for trying to stage a protest near the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission. 

Various student bodies and political parties conducted a series of protests including demonstration, fast and rail and road blockade. An effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was burnt by protestors here, police said. 
Twenty students, who tried to barge into the army office of the ATNK and K (Andhra Tamil Nadu Kerala and Karnataka) area here, were arrested, police said. 

At Coimbatore, about 1,000 women belonging to the MDMK women's wing went on a day's fast on the Tamils issue. 

The workers, led by State secretary, Kumari Vijayakumar, shouted slogans against the Lankan Government and President Mahinda Rajapaksa besides the Centre for its "failure" to safeguard innocent Tamils there. 

Some 150 lawyers also observed a day's fast in front of the District Court Complex and are boycotting court proceedings till tomorrow, police said. 

Meanwhile, some persons, belonging to Hanuman Sena and 'Gandhiya Narpani Manram', were taken into custody for attempting to stage picketing in front of Central Telegraph Office near the Coimbatore district collectorate, police said. 

Over 200 students were arrested for entering the BSNL premises at Erode and trying to lock it, police said. 

In Nagapattinam district, more than 200 fishermen of Chinnagudi near Porayar ventured into the sea in fibreboats and went on a mid-sea hunger strike, 100 metres from the shore, protesting the alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka while their relatives observed fast on the shore. 

In neighbouring Puducherry, traders and businessmen observed a bandh to express solidarity on the Tamils issue. 

Under pressure, CBI calls off raid at MK Stalin's house...

Chennai: In a bizarre turn of events, the CBI raid at DMK leader MK Stalin's residence here has been called off minutes after Finance Minister P Chidambaram strongly disapproved of the action. 

The raid was being carried out at Stalin’s residence in Chennai, and at 18 other places across Tamil Nadu, in connection with a case of alleged tax evasion of imported cars. 

The raid, which is said to have begun at around 6 am, was stopped little after 10 am. 
Chidambaram said that he did not approve of CBI raids, which came just two days after the DMK pulled out of the UPA government. "In this case I have to say that I strongly disapprove of the action. This action will be misunderstood.” 

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath also objected to the raids, while Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla said the government condemns the raids and the CBI would be asked to explain the same. 

Speaking to reporters, Stalin said that the raid was part of 'political vendetta' against the party. 

"We left the UPA that is why CBI raided us. We will deal with it in accordance with the law." 

The DMK had on Tuesday formally withdrawn support to the UPA government over the issue of US-sponsored resolution on Sri Lankan war crimes issue. 

Reports had suggested that Stalin had prevailed over his father in the decision to pull out from the UPA. 

As the news of CBI raids spread, senior DMK leaders and a large number of party supporters gathered at the residence of Stalin. 

An FIR was registered yesterday against one senior Intelligence Officer of Directorate of Revenue Murganandam and two others for allegedly abusing their official position by not taking any action when the import of foreign cars, including some limousines, was made. 

According to the FIR, the officials have allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy with unknown people and caused a loss of Rs 20 crore to the exchequer. 

One of the imported cars is being used by Stalin's son, officials said, adding after further investigation names of beneficiaries of importing the car would be included in the FIR. 

The CBI said that the FIR was registered on the basis of a 'source information' as the agency had been probing the leads in the case for quite some time. 

Over 68 million Indians living in slums....

New Delhi: Approximately 68 million Indians are living in slums, according to a government census. 

Releasing the first such census report on slum households prepared by the Registrar General of India, Union Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Ajay Maken today said that majority of them were located in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 

Presenting the highlights of the report, Census Commissioner C Chandramouli said, "In all 1.73 crore census houses have been reported in houselisting blocks, categorised as slums in India, comprising 1.37 crore slum households." 

He also noted that in 19 cities with million-plus population, 25 per cent of households live in slums. 

"A majority-71 per cent- of these are located in six states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, west Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh," Chandramouli said. 

90 per cent of slum households use electricity, 70 per cent slum households have television, 72.7 per cent have telephone facility while 10.4 per cent households have computer or laptop in their house.
Maken said, "In 2001, there were 23.5 per cent of households in urban areas which were living in slums. It has now come down to 17.4 per cent. But there are still 17.35 million slum houses, 13.74 million slum households and we have 68 million people living in the slum areas as 2011 census." 

The slum household census report says that 74 per cent of these households use tap as the main source of drinking water followed by hand pump ortube which is used by 20.3 per cent.

66 per cent households have toilet facility within the premises, but 18.9 per cent slum households defecate in open and 15.1 per cent use public facilities, according to the report on 'Housing Stock, Amenities And Assets in Slums Based on House Listing And Housing Census'. 

Ten places in the country also claimed to be 'all-slum towns'. 

1993 Mumbai blasts: Yakub Memon gets death, 5-year jail term for Sanjay Dutt....

New Delhi: Delivering its verdict in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's conviction under the Arms Act but commuted his jail sentence from six years to five. 

Dutt had been given six-year jail term by the TADA court. As he has already spent 18 months in jail, he will now have to spend another three and a half years in prison. The convicts who are on bail, including Sanjay Dutt, will have to surrender within four weeks. Meanwhile, as per reports, he has decided to file a review petition against the verdict. 

Delivering the verdict the SC said, “The circumstances and nature of offence was so serious that Dutt cannot be released on probation.” It also said that the evidence and materials perused by TADA court in arriving at the decision against the actor Dutt were correct. 

Dutt was convicted in November 2006 for illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and an AK-56 rifle but was acquitted of more serious charges of criminal conspiracy under the now defunct anti-terror TADA. 

Just after the verdict was announced, a visibly upset Priya Dutt, the actor’s sister, talking to reporters outside the court said, “I really don’t know what to say right now.” 

Talking to a news channel Dutt’s counsel Satish Maneshinde said, “Sanjay Dutt is strong enough to face any sentence awarded by the Supreme Court.” He also said that he had talked to Dutt after the verdict was announced. 

The lawyer quoted the actor as saying: “I have accepted the judgement of the court with all humility and I respect the sentence.” 

As per reports around Rs 300 to 350 crores is riding on Sanjay Dutt’s upcoming film projects. 

The SC also upheld the death sentence of Yakub Abdul Razak Memon and described him as the biggest accused in the case. 

The SC said, "We have no doubt about Memon's role in the blasts. Memon and all absconding accused were ‘archers’ and rest of the accused were ‘arrows’ in their hands.” 

Yakub Memon is Tiger Memon's brother. Tiger along with Dawood Ibrahim is said to be the mastermind of the blasts. They fled India after the blasts. 

The apex court also came down heavily on Pakistan. The SC bench said that Pakistan's complicity in the heinous crime could not be denied. 

“The accused were trained in bomb making and to handle sophisticated weapons in Pakistan,” SC said adding, “Management and conspiracy of blasts were done by Dawood Ibrahim and others.” 

It also said that Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI was also involved in the Mumbai blasts. 

In another observation, the apex court said, “Police, customs and coastal guards are also to be blamed for 1993 blasts.” 

Meanwhile, the court reduced the death sentence of ten others to life term on the ground that the convicts were behind bars for 20 years and their economic condition was weak.” However, they will remain in jail till death. 

The apex court had heard appeals and cross-appeals filed by and against 100 people who were convicted by the special TADA court in 2006 in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. 

After a marathon 10-month-long hearing beginning November 1, 2011, the Supreme Court had in August 2012 reserved its verdict on appeals and cross-appeals in the 1993 Mumbai serial terror bombing case in which 257 people were killed and 713 were injured. 

During the hearing, the bench had for the first time used laptops in the court to peruse the voluminous documents and record of the case and the submissions of various counsel. 

20 of the Best Dog Breeds for Homes with Small Children...

If you have a family that includes small children, you may want to look into which breeds are generally best around kids. Here are twenty of the best dog breeds. It should be said that breed alone does not determine if a dog is the right choice for your household. All dogs are individuals and breeding is just one ingredient that shapes the animal's temperament.

Beagle 
In most cases beagles are very good with children. They love to interact with people, and children are especially fun. These dogs tend to be gentle, like rough housing, and enjoy playing ball. A beagle is small and unthreatening for the most part, yet it is also sturdy and ready to play so the rough nature of children won't be a big issue here. It is important however to say that beagles don't like to be disturbed when eating.

American Bulldog 
These dogs aren't extremely timid, shy or aggressive towards people. The American Bulldog is brave and determined but not hostile. These dogs normally love children, and is known for acts of heroism towards its owners. They have strong protective instincts, and because of this they can be well-socialized and trained at an early age. Some of these dogs may be aggressive with other dogs and reserved with strangers. American Bulldogs do tend to drool and slobber however.

Eskimo Dog 
The American Eskimo Dog is a loving breed. They are well built and playful, and this makes for a good family dog. This breed is also known to be intelligent, alert, easy to train, and eager to please. The Eskimo Dog is naturally cautious around stranger, but once the stranger is introduced and around the dog for a time the Eskimo will take easily to them. These dogs need plenty of attention and they also love to bark. It is important to socialize an Eskimo Dog when they are young to avoid any aggressive tendencies.

Foxhound 
The American Foxhound is a sweet, loving, gentle dog and is also great with children. They get along with other dogs as well since they have a "pack-hunting" background. This breed can be difficult to housebreak, and will often take off after an interesting scent. They have a melodious bark, and love using it. This breed doesn't normally make for a good house pet.

Mastiff
The Mastiff loves children and they are usually quite devoted to their owners. They are quiet, calm, loving, and loyal. Mastiffs are protective but not aggressive. They can be aggressive when their owners or the family children are threatened however. They make great guard dogs. The American Mastiff and the English Mastiff are very similar when it comes to looks and disposition, but the American breed has a dryer mouth.

Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a bouncy breed. These dogs are extremely playful and lively, the perfect dog for kids. Females will be calmer and more submissive than males. Bearded Collies are high-energy dogs. These dogs need to be with people and not left alone for long without anything to entertain them. They are very trainable but obedience training is often needed since these dogs are headstrong animals. They are noisy barkers but not watch dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog 
These dogs' love children. They are gentle, cheerful, very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, self-confident and good natured. They aren't overly aggressive. These animals are natural watchdogs, fairly friendly with strangers, good with other pets, and slow to mature. They remain "puppy-like" for some time. The Bernese needs to be around people, and they should be trained gently since they are sensitive creatures.

Bloodhound 
These dogs are mild-manners and extremely lovable. Bloodhounds will actually allow children to crawl all over them without a protest. It is important to watch children because of this attribute, since the dog will let the unfair treatment go on and he or she could be hurt as a result. These dogs are very energetic outdoors, and they need firm but gentle training. With respect to obedience, these dogs are extremely willful and will make their own choices rather than follow your rules. Some bloodhounds can be shy, but they become extremely devoted to their owners and get along well with other people. They are rarely vicious, and they get along well with other pets as well. Bloodhound will howl, snore, and drool. These dogs might also sniff inappropriately or wander off when they smell something interesting. They follow any scent, and for this reason bloodhounds have been used worldwide for criminal searches and rescue efforts. These dogs should never be kept in an unfenced yard since instinct will have them wandering off.

Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is very gentle, alert, intelligent and well-mannered. They can be rambunctious, and many have a sense of humor. They like to learn and pick up things quickly which makes training easy. This breed is normally playful and very affectionate as well. The Boston Terrier is normally okay with other pets, but they can be hard to housebreak.

Boxer
This breed is happy, playful, curious, intelligent, energetic, and eager and quick to learn. On the down side this dog can also be stubborn and sneaky. They are loyal dogs that get along well with children. It is in the Boxer's nature to protect, they love to jump, and they need plenty of human contact. These dogs make great guard dogs.

English Bulldog 
The English Bulldog is one of the gentlest dogs out there. It is also a great dog in warding off intruders. These dogs are affectionate, dependable, gentle, and courageous. English Bulldogs are attention seekers as well and they need a lot of attention to be happy. These dogs are energetic when young, but slow down with age. They also snore, drool and slobber.

Collie
The Collie is extremely intelligent, sensitive, sweet, loyal and easy to train. This is the breed you saw in Lassie. Collies are very devoted, friendly, good-natured and protective. For the most part they are playful and gentle, a great dog for kids. Puppies will sometimes nip at your heels, but will housetrain quickly. Collies are not aggressive creatures, but they are suspicious of people they dislike.

Field Spaniel
This dog is very independent, mild mannered, affectionate, smart and playful. Field Spaniels are also quite active, and make an excellent pet when they get enough exercise. If play is too rough however the dog may withdraw. In general, they are calm dogs. It has also been said that Field Spaniels have a tendency to become attached to one family member and ignore others. This dog should not be locked up in a kennel and needs regular contact with people.

Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is lovable, well-mannered, intelligent, easily trained, patient, and gentle. They are also loyal, active and eager to please. These dogs are friendly towards everyone in most instances so they don't have much of a guarding instinct. They won't attack an intruder, but they will signal their approach. These dogs need to be around people, and when left alone can get into trouble.

Great Dane 
Though this dog is huge, it is also gentle. The Great Dane is sweet, playful and patient towards children. They generally love everyone and need to be around people. Great Danes do not bark much and do not become aggressive often. They are good watch dogs, but they should be trained when young so that their size is manageable. They can be difficult to train and aggressive towards other dogs however.

Labrador Retriever
A loving, intelligent, patient, loyal, willing, and happy dog, that is good-natured and loves to play. They are friendly towards people and mesh well with other dogs. Labs are easily trained, are good watchdogs (not guard dogs), and can be destructive if left alone. These are very popular dogs and they are also very talented. Labs are a bit more dominant than Golden Retrievers.

Newfoundland
This dog has a great temperament. It is courageous, intelligent, and generous. It is said to be "human-like." Newfoundland's are patient, noble, gentle, loyal, and sweet with a slow-moving body. Often times they become extremely attached to their owners and can't adapt to a new home. This dog is very sociable and a good guard dog. This breed also drinks a lot of water and can be messy, drooling somewhat and getting wet in general. They can also be difficult to train.

Old English Sheepdog 
This dog has been described as gentle, loving, affectionate, friendly and intelligent. They are also faithful and protective of their owners. Since this dog has a herding instinct, they may bump (not nip) the children but this is normally not a concern. This breed loves children. They love to play and will stick close to home. The Old English Sheepdog makes a good coach potato too. These dogs will need a lot of grooming to keep the coat in shape.

Saint Bernard
This large, slow moving dog is also quite gentle, friendly, patient and obedient. They are also very tolerant of children. Saint Bernard's want to please and are intelligent, which makes training easy. This dog is also a great watch dog. They will drool a good bit after they eat or drink.

Standard Poodle
Poodles are intelligent dogs that are easily trained. They are happy, sensitive, good-natured, elegant dogs. The Standard Poodle is normally calmer than the smaller types, and they also dislike being along. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors, so a small living space isn't a problem. These dogs will need extensive grooming.

There are many other dogs out there that are child-friendly, but here is a list of twenty safe breeds to get you started. If you would like to find out more about these breeds and others that are safe/unsafe visit Dog Breed Info.

science....

This is a piece of the Esquel meteorite, a meteorite found in Chubut, Argentina in 1951 as a single mass weighing more than 700 kilograms.It is a pallasite meteorite which is why it contains such strange shapes and patterns. Pallasites are translucent, olivine crystals embedded in an iron-nickel matrix.

INVENTOR OF INTERNET-Tim Bernes Lee !

thank u sir :) 

SAFETY........

VERY USEFUL INFORMATION MUST SHARE............

When a thief forced you to take money from the ATM, do not argue or resist, you might not know what he or she might do to you. What you should do is to punch your PIN in the reverse...

Eg: If your PIN is 1234, you punch 4321.

The moment you punch in the reverse, the money will come out, but will be stuck into the machine half way out and it will alert the police without the notice of the thief.

Every ATM has it; It is specially made to signify danger and help. Not everyone is aware of this.

BRUCE LEE...........

Bruce Lee could perform one hand push-ups using only his thumb and index, perform 50 reps of one arm chin-ups, and throw a single grain of rice in the air and catch it with chop sticks.

Egypt balloon crash probe rules out criminal activity.............

Cairo: Egypt Wednesday ruled out any "criminal activity" in the tragic hot air balloon crash near Luxor in which 19 people, mostly Asian and European tourists, were killed.
"Initial results of the investigations conducted by Luxor Public Prosecution asserted that there were no criminal suspicions in the crash and the fall of the tourist hot air balloon in South Luxor yesterday," the state-run MENA news agency said.

The balloon was at 1,000 ft (300 metres) when it caught fire and exploded, plunging onto sugarcane fields west of Luxor yesterday. 

Passengers in the balloon included 19 foreign tourists, from Hong Kong, France, Japan and Britain. An Egyptian pilot and another Egyptian were also on board. 

The probes are being held under Luxor and Qena Attorney General Counselor Mohammad Fahmi. Four teams of investigators have been formed to inspect the scene of the balloon crash and listen to witnesses in the surrounding area as well as inspect the corpses of the victims. 

A technical committee of the aviation departent was also formed to inspect the take-off and fall locations of the balloon and review the licenses of Sky Cruise company which operates the balloon tours. 

The committee has also examined the balloon debris to know the reasons behind it catching of fire and falling of the balloon. 

Luxor Prosecution has ordered the transfer of the 19 bodies from Luxor International Hospital morgue to Cairo to undergo DNA tests. 

Civil Aviation Minister Wael al-Maadawi also ruled out the possibility of criminal activity behind the crash. 

He said yesterday that his ministry agreed to a request by the British authorities to attend the ongoing probe into the hot air balloon crash. 

The minister said bodies of victims were carried by a military aircraft to Cairo to hand them over to their embassies. 

A committee from the the Civil Aviation Ministry has inspected the air balloon tour operator "Sky Cruise" on February 13, 14 and 15, Maadawi said, adding that the company passed the inspection. 

There are only 10 companies operating balloon flights in Egypt, he said, making it clear that they are all subjected to routine inspection. 

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry in Luxor moved the two wounded persons in the crash to Cairo. 

The ministry said it transferred the two wounded from Luxor's International Hospital to Nasir Institute in Cairo because of the seriousness of their conditions. The governor of Luxor Ezzat Saad had banned all hot-air balloon flights after the tragedy. - See more at: http://zeenews.india.com/news/world/egypt-balloon-crash-probe-rules-out-criminal-activity_831964.html#sthash.3isOnaFL.dpuf

Most Awaited Bikes of 2013.....

Indian motorcycle scenario is taking a turn for the better this year. A slew of launches are lined up in the 2-wheeler space but which are the 5 most anticipated machines to grace our shores?
KTM will launch the 390 Duke in India by mid-2013. This motorcycle will be powered by a 373cc engine producing 44 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque.

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The 111kmpl Volkswagen XL1.....

After working on the idea for over a decade, Volkswagen has revealed the near-production version of the XL1, a two-seat, plug-in diesel hybrid designed to be the world's most energy-efficient automobile. VW estimates the XL1 can get up to 111 kilometre per litre — although with a time to 100 kmph of 12.7 seconds, it won't get there quickly

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Volkswagen has announced the production of the world's most fuel efficient car - designed like a futuristic motor and capable of an incredible 111 kmpl.

Injured pacer Bird ruled out of India Test series..........

Hyderabad: Injured Australian speedster Jackson Bird has been ruled out of the remaining three Test matches against India due to a bone stress injury on his back sustained during the first warm-up game of the ongoing series.

"Initial tests performed in Melbourne have confirmed that Jackson Bird has a bone stress injury of the low back," team doctor Peter Brukner was quoted as saying.

"He will undergo further tests tomorrow (Thursday). He will not be re-joining the team in India."

Bird played in the first warm-up game of the tour against Board President`s XI and bowled 10 economic overs giving away only 10 runs.

A likely recovery time will not be known until Bird has further tests but it is a worrying development for Australia in an Ashes year, given how well his accurate seam-bowling style could translate to English conditions.

The loss of Bird leaves Australia with a 16-man squad ahead of the second Test, which starts in Hyderabad on Saturday.

At this stage, the selectors have not decided on whether to send a replacement player to join the group, leaving Mitchell Johnson as the only extra fast bowler in the group besides those who played in the first Test. 

Sports Minister writes to IOC seeking review on wrestling........

New Delhi: Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday wrote to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), urging the world body`s Executive Board to reconsider its decision to remove wrestling from the 2020 Summer Games roster.

In the letter, which has been addressed to IOC president Jacques Rogge, the minister said the decision to exclude wrestling from the 25 core sports needs to be revisited.

The letter highlighted the achievements of Indian grapplers in the quadrennial event and described wrestling as a popular sport not only in India but also in many other countries.

"The sports minister today wrote a letter to the IOC president Jacques Rogge and urged him to look into the matter and find out ways through which sports can win back its place in the 2020 Olympics," sports secretary Pradeep Kumar Deb told PTI.

Last week also, the sports secretary had written a letter to India`s representative in the IOC Randhir Singh and asked him to urgently take up the matter with the Executive Board and request the world body to reconsider its decision.

Wrestling, which combines freestyle and greco-roman events, has always been a core sport from the first Olympics. India has won four medals at the Games in wrestling.

The IOC Executive Board, in a meeting, left wrestling out of the 25 core sports to be proposed for approval for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in the 125th IOC Session to be held in September in Argentina. - See more at: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/others/sports-minister-writes-to-ioc-seeking-review-on-wrestling_757175.html#sthash.mldmpQbe.dpuf

MCC calls for inclusion of T20 cricket in 2024 Olympic Games..........

London: MCC`s world cricket committee has called for the inclusion of Twenty20 cricket at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Cricket, having received full Olympic recognition in 2010, stands a chance of being included in future games, but will have to apply to be on the programme.

The earliest the International Cricket Council (ICC) can apply for cricket to feature at an Olympic Games is 2024.

Following a two-day meeting in Auckland, the MCC world cricket committee said that financial losses the game might suffer from the sport being in the Olympics would be outweighed by the exposure the game will get.

Cricket has appeared in the Games at the 1900 Paris Olympics, when Britain beat France by 158 runs. 
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Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Ronaldo demolishes hosts to book Copa final berth..........

Barcelona: Real Madrid stormed into the Copa del Rey final in the most stunning manner possible, with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in the second leg of their last-four clash on Tuesday.

With a 1-1 home draw to overcome from the first leg, Jose Mourinho looked on in jubilation as his team executed their gameplan to perfection, frustrating the Catalans at the back, and through an inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo, giving a counter-attacking clinic up front. 

The Portuguese opened the scoring from the penalty spot 12 minutes in, becoming the first player to score in six successive Clasicos away from home, and finished off a surging break shortly before the hour mark to put Madrid in the driving seat. 

Raphael Varane put the finishing touches on an unbelievable night for the visitors when he headed home a corner, with Jordi Alba`s late goal coming as little consolation for the hosts.

Los Blancos now await either Sevilla or Atletico Madrid in the showpiece event on May 18. 
Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi returned to start in midfield for the hosts, with Carles Puyol partnering Gerard Pique in defence. For Madrid, Varane, the standout performer from the first leg, started alongside Sergio Ramos at centre-back.

Barca started positively, and with only two minutes on the clock, were nearly ahead. Pedro did brilliantly to turn Fabio Coentrao inside out and square for Lionel Messi, who narrowly missed the target from a tight angle.

But instead, it would be Madrid who would take the lead. Ronaldo was simply too quick for Pique, and was tripped up inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty, from which the Portuguese forward slotted coolly into the bottom corner.

The Catalans exhibited their customary dominance of the ball, but Mourinho’s men were ready with discipline and numbers at the back, and a pacey threat on the counter whenever they won possession.

Referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco?, already the villain of the piece in the eyes of the Camp Nou faithful for the decision against Pique, was showered with further vitriol from the stands after correctly denying penalty appeals for Fabregas and Pedro.

And the home fans were left frustrated again moments before half-time, when Messi drilled a free kick agonisingly into the side netting, with half of the stadium already celebrating a goal.

The Blaugrana went close again minutes after the restart when Diego Lopez parried an effort by Busquets, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking the rebound off the toes of Fabregas from point blank range.

But much like the start of the first half, the chance was spurned, and again, Madrid would punish their profligacy on the counter-attack, this time putting the tie virtually out of reach.

Sami Khedira’s sublime first-time pass after winning the ball released Angel Di Maria against Puyol. The Barca captain was left on his backside by the skill of the winger, whose initial shot was parried by Jose Pinto, only for Ronaldo to bury the rebound. 

And with 22 minutes left, Madrid were in dreamland again, when Varane rose highest to head home Mesut Ozil’s corner in almost identical fashion to his goal in the first leg.

Flares were set off in the stands as a few home fans lost patience with events on the pitch, but their mood improved ever so slightly just before injury time when Alba ghosted in behind the full-back to slot Andres Iniesta`s clipped pass beyond Lopez. 

But the damage was long done by the irrepressible visitors, who will now contest the final in three months. The Clasico drama is not quite done, however, as both sides will lock horns at Santiago Bernabeu in la Liga on Saturday.