• NATIONAL NEWS

'ZERO TOLERANCE' towards instances of sexual misconduct or domestic violence

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has communicated to all Indian missions overseas that the ministry has 'zero tolerance' towards sexual misconduct or domestic violence by officials, and such incidents will lead to immediate recall of the official and his dependents.

Taped conversation can be used during cross eaxamination, rules Bombay HC in divorce case

Bombay HC has allowed a Parsi man to use CD of taped conversations during the cross examination of his wife in a divorce case. The HC has held that during cross- examination, any document can be produced and the witness can be confronted with it, as truth has to emerge.

Quality council moots accreditation body for blood banks

A 5 member committee of eminent doctors has been appointed by the Quality Council of India to regulate the quality of blood dispensed by the blood banks across the country. The committee will is headed by Dr Bharat Singf of GTB hospital, and will function under National Accreditation Board for Hospitals.

Armed Forces Tribunal peeved over defence ministry ignoring its order

The Armed Forces Tribunal has reportedly sought 'civil contempt powers' against the defence ministry for not reinstating a Muslim soldier whom the tribunal had acquitted of charges of terror links. The tribunal has also sought amendment of AFT Act, 2007.

Madras HC directs Tirupur textile units to close shop

Madras HC has directed all bleaching and dyeing units in Tirupur to shut down with immediate effect, and not reopen till they achieve Zero Liquid Discharge into Noyyal river. There are around 720 units in the area. TNPCB will have to inspect each unit before granting permission.

Indian origin citizen faces heat in US over undisclosed Indian accounts

A US citizen of Indian origin in New Jersey has been indicted for using the offshore banking services of a bank based in England, to open accounts in India which were not disclosed to the US IRS with a view to evade taxes. Five bankers are alleged to have been involved in the conspiracy.

Lavasa seeks six weeks to submit reply in High Court

MoEF has submitted in the Bombay HC that it is not looking to work out an out-of-court settlement with Lavasa/ HCC. The company has now sought six weeks’ time to file a reply in the HC to the ministry’s objections.

NREGA wages revised, Nicobar tops the chart

The central government has revised the wages of labour under NREGA in consonance with the Consumer Price Index for agricultural labourers. The effective hike ranges from 17% to 30%. The new wages range from Rs117 per day in Meghalaya to Rs181 in Nicobar.

Delhi government plans tough measures to deal with illegal constructions

Delhi government has proposed to deal stringently with illegal constructions and encroachments. Action will be taken not only against the owner but also against contractor, architect, JE and SHO of the area for any violation of laws. Buildings without sanctioned plan will be denied water and electricity connections. 

SC worried about origin of black money, lack of action against account holders

Supreme Court has expressed concern that government should not view black money only as a tax evasion problem, as there is a possibility that its source could be dubious arms deals or narcotics. Government has to reply by February 3, 2011, detailing what steps it has taken against the account holders  whose names were disclosed by a German bank.

Copyright can't be claimed on the name of a popular god, holds Delhi HC

Delhi High Court has vacated the stay imposed on ‘Parul Food’ using the name of Hindu god Krishna on its butter brand, allowing it to use the name with minor changes in font and colour. The observed that copyright cannot be claimed on the name of a popular god or deity.

GR Sofi emerges as the frontrunner for the post of Information Commissioner in J&K

GR Sofi, Commissioner Income Tax , Amritsar is likely to be appointed the Information Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir. At present, the post is vacant.

SC directs CBI to furnish documents to former Gujarat minister in encounter case transfer plea

Supreme Court has directed CBI to furnish copies of certain portions of the first status report, filed by it in June 2010 with the court with respect to transfer plea in Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case, to the state government and the accused former minister Amit Shah. The next date of hearing is February 23, 2011. SC is hearing the arguments of CBI regarding cancellation of the bail of former Gujarat minister Amit Shah in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Gujarat High Court had granted the bail on the condition that Shah should leave the state, which was reportedly fulfilled.

CRZ violations not to be condoned

Environment ministry has directed coastal zone management authorities of all the states and Union Territories to identify violations under Coastal Regulation Zone 1991 by end-May, and update the violations and action taken on their websites on a fortnightly basis. Violations will not be condoned.

SEBI questions higher price for promoters' shares disguised as non-compete fee

SEBI has reportedly asked Korean firm E.Land to justify inclusion of a non-compete fee in the price offered to the promoters of Mudra Lifestyle, for acquiring controlling stake in the company. While shareholders have only been offered Rs60 per share under open offer, promoters have been offered Rs70, which has not found favour with SEBI.

Malegam Committee report implementation likely by March-end

RBI governor D Subbarao has indicated that decision on implementing Malegam Committee report on microfinance will be taken by March-end, once the bank has received feedback from the various stakeholders like MFIs, banks, state governments and the union government.

Banks using short term funds to finance long term projects worries RBI

RBI has expressed concern over the fast developing mismatch in the maturity of assets and liabilities in the banking sector. While average maturity of deposits has come down to 2 years, the gestation period of infra projects is typically very long, multiplying credit and liquidity risk for the lending bank. 

Government considering an autonomous body for fish processing

Food processing ministry is studying the feasibility of setting up National Fish Processing Development Board, an autonomous body, to promote fish processing industry. The proposed agency is expected to encourage setting up of hygienic fish processing and storage facilities.

RIM pleads helplessness, says no key available for Blackberry enterprise services

Canadian company RIM has stated that it cannot provide access to corporate emails on its Blackberry handsets, as the technology is not available with it. RIM feels it has fulfilled its commitment by providing Indian security agencies tools to decode messenger & public internet services.

Corporate affairs ministry's new guidelines on product safety to benefit consumers

Corporate affairs ministry is in the process of formulating consumer safety guidelines, which will require disclosure by companies in the annual accounts statements if consumer health and product safety standards are being followed during manufacturing and labeling, and reasons for non compliance, if any.

Government considering an autonomous body for fish processing

Food processing ministry is studying the feasibility of setting up National Fish Processing Development Board, an autonomous body, to promote fish processing industry. The proposed agency is expected to encourage setting up of hygienic fish processing and storage facilities

Next hearing in the writ petition over entry of foreign law firms on March 8, 2011

Next hearing in the writ petition pending before the Madras High Court over the entry of foreign law firms in India has been fixed for March 8, 2011. The petitioner has alleged violations under Advocates Act, Immigration Act and tax evasion among others, and raised concern over backdoor entry of foreign firms. Several law firms, external affairs ministry and RBI have been named as respondents.

Indian commodity exchanges set to unveil world’s first iron ore futures

Forward Markets Commission has reportedly accorded approval to futures trading in iron ore. Traders, miners and importers are expected to participate in what is being touted as world’s first iron ore futures contracts, which might be launched by MCX and/or ICEX.

Minority shareholders shoot down delisting plan

Industrial tool maker Kennametal’s minority shareholders in India have rejected the company’s share buyback plan at the offer price, holding up its delisting plans. A delisting proposal can only go through if twice the number of people support such a move, compared to those who don’t.

Warehouse based receipt financing to get a fillip

National Bulk Handling Corporation has signed an MoU with Punjab and Sind Bank to work in tandem in the area of warehouse based receipt financing. NBHC is the country’s leading integrated agri-commodity and collateral management company, and is associated with 33 banks.

Oil ministry mulls installation of GPS system on tankers to prevent systemic pilferage

Union Oil minister has assured that government will reintroduce marker system to stop oil adulteration. Centre will also ask the state governments to use GPS to keep track of tankers, and extend help to states to put in place GPS for oil tankers to stop wide scale pilferage. The effectiveness of such a system, however, remains in doubt.

Arbitration panel strikes down Vedanta's call option in BALCO

An arbitration panel has reportedly declared invalid (u/s 111A of Companies Act), Sterlite Industries’ call option to acquire balance 49% stake in BALCO. Sterlite had earlier bought 51% stake in BALCO,  and had to exercise the call option within 3 years, but dispute arose over the valuation of the remaining stake, which was then referred to three member arbitration panel.

iGate gets IT department notice for tax arrears on 'body shopping receipts'

Close on the heels of Infosys being asked to pay tax on the overseas onsite software development services, IT department has now asked iGate to pay tax of around Rs11 crore on all the overseas services where iGate supplied the manpower, but the supervision of work rested with the client company. IT department is maintaining that income from such services does not qualify u/s 10 of the IT Act.

Merchant bankers of state run companies handling capital issues of rival companies raises eyebrows

Government might preclude merchant bankers, managing the public issue of a state run company, from managing the issue of a competing private company for a specified time. Recently, some merchant bankers were found managing the offers of both SAIL and TATA steel within close chronological proximity.

TRAI seeks comments on consultation paper on pricing of financial services through mobile phones

In order to address the various issues related to the provisioning and pricing of delivery of financial service using mobile phones, TRAI has issued a consultation paper. Stakeholders can send their comments by February 14, 2011 on e-mail ID raj.pal@nic.in or eco@trai.gov.in.

India signs trade deal, legal assistance treaty with Indonesia

India on Jan25, 2011 signed crucial trade agreements with Indonesia, expected to generate business worth $15 billion in foreign trade and investments in the fields of mining, oil and gas, defence and manufacturing. The two countries have also signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters.

US immigration cracks down on sham varsity, threat of deportation looms large for Indian students

Immigration and Custom Enforcement of US raided and shut down a ‘sham’ university in a suburb in the San Francisco Bay area, California, in the third week of January,  for fraud, misuse of visa permits and money laundering. The students on the university's rolls, mostly Indians, were found to be working illegally in different locations in the US rather than studying.

LIC MF obtains stay order on sale of Vishal Retail's assets pending settlement of its debt

Delhi High Court has reportedly stayed the proposed sale of assets by Vishal Retail to other entities, following objection from LIC MF, which has sought repayment of its debt prior to the sale process getting underway. Last year, Deutsche Bank had obtained similar stay order against the company, seeking settlement of its debt.

TRAI files proposed tariff plan for free to air and pay channels, broadcasters oppose the cap

TRAI has filed its draft regulation in the Supreme Court, proposing to divide cable services countrywide into three price bands, and fixing maximum monthly cap of Rs250 on the tariff to be charged in non CAS areas (for basic package with more than 20 pay channels). Broadcasters like Sony, Zee and Star are opposing the move in the court.

Consolidated FDI Policy, Circular 1 of 2011 to be issued on March 31, 2011

The next edition of Consolidated FDI Policy, incorporating changes effected post issue of Circular 2 of 2010, will be issued on Mar 31, 2011, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has announced.

Projects in area notified as elephant reserve in Chhattisgarh would need prior clearance

Environment minister has written to the Chhattisgarh government to review the decision to scrap the two notified elephant reserves in the state. He reiterated that since the specified area was already notified as protected forest, prior clearances would still be needed under forest and wildlife protection Acts for any proposed projects.

IPS officer files FIR in Lucknow against Facebook

IPS officer Amitabh Thakur has reportedly filed a case in Lucknow against Facebook for hosting ‘I hate Gandhi’ group, alleging that the group attracted offensive remarks against Mahatma Gandhi, who was the father of the Indian national movement.

SC grapples with the dilemma of different punishments for similar crimes

A division bench of the Supreme Court has observed that subjective opinion of individual judges on award of capital punishment, overlooking earlier precedents, cannot be ruled out. The dilemma arose in the case of rape and murder of a 10 year old minor girl by a young married man Ramesh Bhai Rathod in Gujarat, who received the comparatively lighter punishment of life sentence, while in 2004 Dhanonjoy Chatterjee of Kolkata was hanged for a similar crime.

SC refuses to stay proceedings in fast track court trying Godhra accused

Supreme Court has refused to restrain the fast track court in Gujarat from pronouncing the verdict in Godhra carnage case on February 19, 2011. The court reasoned that after asking the trial court to proceed with the trial, it would not be justified in asking the lower court to stay its proceedings. Judgment in Godhra carnage case is slated to be announced by the Ahmedabad trial court on February 19, 2011. The case pertains to a fire which decimated 56 lives to death inside coach S-6 of Sabarmati Express  on February 27, 2002 near Godhra station in Gujarat. A Special Investigation Team was appointed to probe the incident on Supreme Court direction.

SC upholds life term for gangster for killing government official

Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and life term awarded to dreaded gangster Babloo Srivastava in the murder of a customs official 17 years ago.

Delhi High Court orders retrial in dowry death case citing gross miscarriage of justice

Delhi High Court has ordered re-trial in an alleged dowry death case of Haryana. The case pertaining to victim Sushma and her minor daughter’s death was transferred to Delhi, but the father and brother of the victim were not examined by the trial court, and the accused, a practicing lawyer of Haryana, was acquitted.

Next date of hearing in Delhi High Court in electricity tariff PIL is February 11, 2011

Delhi High Court has fixed Feb 11 as the next date of hearing on a PIL challenging the power tariff hike in the capital. The court observed that the government had not been proactive in appointing a chairman of DERC, while the government has submitted that it could find no takers for the job.

SC deletes reference to conversion in Dara Singh judgment

Supreme Court on January 25, 2011 deleted two references to ‘conversion’ in the sentence awarded to Dara Singh, as the said references had evoked protests from minority religious groups. SC had declined to award death penalty and had upheld life term awarded earlier by the Orissa High Court to Dara Singh and accomplice Hembram, for killing Australian missionary Graham Staines and two sons in Keonjhar, Orissa in 1999. At the time of refusing death penalty, court had said there is no justification for 'interfering in someone's belief through force, conversion or false premise'.

ISRO, DRDO companies get reprieve from US export curbs

US has struck off the names of several subsidiaries of ISRO and DRDO from the infamous Entity List. These companies got included in the list, and were denied high technology components for defence and space programmes, following the nuclear test in 1998.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies Bill on surrogacy being given finishing touches

Union health ministry has sent the ART Regulation Bill, 2010 to the law ministry for approval. The Bill seeks to regulate the surrogacy sector, including the age and number of live births per surrogate mother, consent of spouse, confidentiality of donor’s identity, nationality of the child etc. Lack of regulation has given rise to peculiar problems, including conflicts between surrogate mother and donor couples, in the recent past.

Panel looking at Factories Act to make it more progressive

A committee has been constituted by the PM to revamp the Factories Act, 1948 to incorporate flexibility and progressive welfare measures for workers. The definition of factory as per the Act is also under scrutiny, as it has resulted in a lot of litigation in the past.

Natco's aaplication under Indian patent laws a test case for compulsory licence for expensive drugs

Generic drugmaker Natco Pharma is planning to seek compulsory licence to locally make Bayer’s cancer drug ‘Nexavar’, whose monthly dosage costs a prohibitive Rs2.8 Lacs. Natco intends to invoke the compulsory licence rule on completion of three years of patent, as Bayer has refused voluntary licence as requested by Natco. Under Indian patent laws, it can ask for a compulsory licence to manufacture the said drug, as Bayer's price is unaffordable for a vast majority of patients.

Ceiling of 55 Lac bales on cotton yarn exports stays for now

The Committee of Secretaries has decided to maintain a ceiling of 55 Lac bales for cotton fibre shipments in the current cotton season. The situation will be reviewed again on Feb 10, 2011. Cotton yarn manufactured out of imported raw cotton has been exempted from export restriction.

CA institute to assign unique code from next month

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is all set to introduce unique code numbers for CAs from next month, in a bid to curb fraudulent practices, including forged attestations.

Kerala High Court's suggestion on sale of lottery does not go down well with political leaders

A major opposition leader of Kerala Assembly has opposed Kerala High Court’s suggestion regarding halting sale of lotteries in the state. On January 21, Kerala High Court had asked the state government to consider declaring Kerala as lottery free zone.

Airlines to partly refund charges on non refundable tickets in case of cancellation

Domestic airlines have reportedly agreed to refund various charges (except base fare) even on non-refundable tickets, in case of cancellation upto two hours prior to departure. The decision was taken in a meeting of the working group, constituted by the aviation ministry, on Jan 18.

Andhra government proposing to make MFI's pay compensation to families of suicide victims

Andhra government is reportedly considering a proposal to make the MFI companies pay compensation of Rs5 Lac each to next of kin, in case a borrower commits suicide due to coercive recovery practices. This is because the loan liability does not get extinguished, but rather devolves on the victim’s family.

RBI raises repo and reverse repo rates marginally

RBI’s 3rd Qtr Review highlights food and fuel price driven inflation as the dominant concern. It has cautioned against structural inflation, unless output enhancing measures are undertaken by the government. It has increased Repo and reverse Repo rates by 25 basis points, but the CRR remains at 6%.

Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani appears for Dr Binayak Sen in Chhattisgarh High Court

Hearing started in Chhattisgarh High Court on January 24, 2011, on the petition of Dr Binayak Sen against the life term awarded by the Raipur sessions court. Petitioner has argued that sedition charges must be backed up by particulars of time, place and manner in which the offence was committed, which has not happened in this case. An EU delegation was also present in the capacity of observer.

SC constitutes medical board to ascertain condition of euthanasia petitioner

Supreme Court on January 24, 2011 set up a medical panel to examine Aruna Shanbaug, an ex-nurse, who is lying in a vegetative state at KEM hospital for last 38 years as a result of a debilitating sexual attack. Aruna had filed a euthanasia plea in 2009 through her friend, citing her hopeless condition, but KEM hospital's report didn’t corroborate it, and the court found the two to be at variance. The medical panel has been directed to ascertain her condition and submit its report to the court.

Parties pass the buck in Sabarimala case, Kerala High Court asks tough questions

All the departments submitted divergent reports in Kerala High Court on January 20, regarding the Sabarimala stampede. While the police department blamed the forest department, the latter blamed the former. The governing board of the shrine blamed both. High Court has now asked the parties to truthfully explain if the divine ‘makarajyoti’ is manmade. A division bench of Kerala High Court has also asked the state forest department and Travancore Devaswom Board commissioner (of Sabarimala temple) to file revised affidavits on the fatal stampede that resulted in the loss of 104 lives.

Court gets tough on power theft, orders imprisonment and hefty fine

A special Electricity court in Saket, New Delhi has sentenced the owner of a garment factory to two years imprisonment for stealing power for the unit from the BSES LV mains. The court also imposed fine of Rs23 Lacs and penalty of Rs15.5 Lacs on the accused factory owner, for tapping power illegally for his factory.

Delhi High Court orders interim stay on further appointments to state consumer commission

Delhi High Court has ordered interim stay on any more appointments to the Delhi consumer commission. The order came on a petition filed by an advocate Yashveer Singh, alleging that government has reserved more than 50% of the seats in the commission, in violation of the reservation ceiling. Government has to reply by February 15, 2011.

Anti dumping duty on acetone imports from Japan and Thailand

Investigation by DGAD has established that chemical acetone is being exported by Japan and Thailand to India below its normal price. Consequently, India is set to impose dumping duty on imports of acetone from these two countries.

Duped investor withdraws complaint against Citibank, police not to drop investigations

A prominent investor, who had filed FIR on January 4, 2011 against senior Citibank officials in Gurgaon, is not pursuing the matter any further, as he has received some 'additional information' from the bank. The police commissioner of Gurgaon, however, has said that he is proceeding with investigations as per available evidence, as the stage of filing FIR has already been crossed.

SC seeks response from Centre on Radia tapes disclosure

Supreme Court has issued a notice to Centre on a PIL filed by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation, seeking full disclosure of all the conversations, numbering more than 5000, between politicians, businessmen and journalists in the Niira Radia case. The matter is posted for further hearing on February 2, 2011.

Union Cabinet soon to take up proposal to create Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission

The Government announced its intention to establish the commission during 2010 Budget in order to simplify the legal framework and regulatory structure for the Sector. Role of the Commission would be to examine inconsistencies and over laps in financial sector laws.

Delhi High Court quashes Board Elections of British era Chelmsford Club

The existing management has been asked to conduct fresh elections in accordance with the governing rules of the club. In the suits filed before the court, besides challenging rejection of nomination papers of the petitioner, conduct of Club’s Managing Committee was also alleged to be prejudicial to members and the Club generally.

Lt Gen Rath found guilty in Sukna lake scam, courtmartialled

Lt Gen PK Rath has been court martialled by an Army Court, as he was found guilty of issuing an NOC to a private developer for commercially developing a land parcel next to Sukna lake in Darjeeling, without informing Eastern Command or Army HQ, and despite objections from his own officers.

Government to introduce Coal Regulator Bill in Budget session

Government will bring Coal Regulator Bill in Parliament in Budget Session. In order to bring total transparency and rational distribution of coal, competitive bidding of coal blocks will be initiated very soon. After the necessary amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, suitable rules are being framed for the purpose.

NCDEX applies to Forward Markets Commission for PVC futures

NCDEX has reportedly filed an application with FMC for a six month contract, to restart futures trading in PVC, with physical delivery at Delhi. The futures trading in PVC was discontinued in 2007. Local traders in Delhi are dependent on imports, with attendant price volatility, and a trading platform is expected to hedge price risk.

GoM decides on e-auction for FM Phase III

The Group of Ministers which met on January 19 to consider the modalities for Phase III of FM auction has decided to adopt the e-auction model, over the conventional open auction model. The GoM was headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee. The new phase is expected to add 700 more radio stations.

Projects to ensure coal linkages at the time of applying for environmental clearance

Environment ministry has said that projects like steel and thermal power plants, which require coal as raw material, would have to ensure firm coal linkages at the time of applying for grant of environmental clearance, and not at the time of “Terms of Reference’.

Budget session to commence from February 21, 2011

Budget session of Parliament will commence on February 21, 2011 and the budget will be presented on February 28, 2011. The first half of the session is expected to halt on March 16; therafter, the session would resume after a break on April 4, and then continue till April 21, 2011.

Some builders collecting cash for parking despite SC ruling

IT officials have unearthed violation of a Supreme Court ruling by some builders. Supreme Court had directed that no builder can charge for open or stilt car parking, as open area is for common use. However, in a recent raid on Lodha developers of Mumbai, the department found that the builder had started collecting cash for parking instead.

List of eligible services under SFIS scheme amended

DGFT has withdrawn benefits available to certain categories of exporters under Served From India Scheme (SFIS) scheme. ITES, telecommunication, airlines, data processing, financial services and fuel transport by pipelines are the affected sectors. (copy attached)

IP lawyers file writ petition in Madras High Court against IPAB

A writ petition has reportedly been filed in the Madras High Court to stop Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) from adjudicating any cases. Petitioners are IP lawyers, who have contended that IPAB does not have experts in the relevant field, and is functioning in contravention of the Constitution.

Maharashtra government prohibits information commissioner from attending office

An Information Commissioner of the Maharashtra government, whose role in clearing the Adarsh housing project has come under the scanner, has reportedly been suspended by the government, and prohibited from attending office. The said official had signed crucial documents for Adarsh Society, and his son was later made a member of the Adarsh Coop Group Housing Society. Government felt the move necessary to retain public trust in the office.

Private power companies in Delhi have to procure power in cost effective manner through competitive bidding

Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked power discoms to prepare annual procurement plan, indicating monthwise power requirements and sourcing plans in a transparent manner, and update the quantum available for sale/ purchase on their website every month. Purchases thereafter have to be made through compulsory bidding from the most economical source.

IT drive nets Rs44 Crores in cash from commodities traders

In an ongoing drive against tax evasion, the IT department has reportedly seized Rs44 Crores in cash from three commodities futures traders.

FIPB gearing up for another meet on February 4, 2011

Foreign Investment Promotion Board is likely to meet on February 4, 2011, to take up some more proposals for clearance. On December 31, 2010, FIPB had cleared 19 proposals, but decision on some like Reliance Broadcast Network was deferred.

SC frowns on Godhra riots related communication being forwarded to foreign body

Social activist Teesta Setalvad has assured the Supreme Court that she will not forward copies of communications with Indian officials regarding Godhra case to any foreign organization for human rights. Supreme Court had expressed displeasure on her correspondence with foreign bodies, in the course of hearing on Godhra communal riots, and asked her to approach the court in case of any grievance.

Tax evaders take shelter behind trusts

Tax evaders whose names figured in the list of account holders whose money was parked with German LGT bank have reportedly appealed to the tax tribunals that though their names figure as beneficiaries of trusts, they are neither aware how these trusts were formed, nor have they derived any money from such trusts.

Confidentiality clause hampers disclosure of names of tax evaders

Finance Minister has told the cabinet that names of tax evaders with overseas accounts can’t be disclosed because of the confidentiality clauses in treaties signed with these countries. Meanwhile, a Swiss parliamentary panel has approved the revised tax agreement with India, that will allow India access to information on Swiss accounts of Indian citizens.

• INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Iran hangs Dutch woman, Netherland freezes all contact

Netherlands has decided to freeze all contacts with Iran, after it received confirmed news that a Dutch woman of Irani origin had been hanged for drug smuggling. The woman had reportedly been arrested for participating in anti-government protests.

Pakistan ignores diplomatic immunity, asserts role of the court in shooting incident

Pakistan may not handover the diplomat to US, who is in custody for allegedly shooting two men in Lahore. Ignoring diplomatic immunity, Pakistan has taken the stand that the matter is in court, as also under investigation by the police.

In Istanbul, nuclear talks underway by world powers

Sanctions by the UN has been imposed on Iran for non- disclosure of their programme. It is suspected by the West that Iran intends to build a nuclear weapon. However Iran has insisted that their uranium enrichment programme is peaceful and complies with international law. However the West Diplomats want to persuade Iran to start getting rid of its stockpile of low-enriched uranium and in order to achieve this they are ready to go for fuel swap i.e., in return the world powers would provide fuel for a research reactor.

Interest rates hits 11.25% in Brazil

The Central bank of Brazil has raised the interest rate to 11.25 % in order to cool down inflation and has also warned that it is just the beginning.

Delhi Commonwealth Games Committee could be sued by Australia

An Australian firm has threatened to sue the committee for non payment of Games bills. Lawyers have been asked to launch a class action suit against the Games organisers. On the other hand UK diplomats told AFP that a broadcasting company, SIS Live, was lobbying the British High Commission to help it collect 30% of unpaid fees from the Committee.

Constitutional Reforms proposed by Ecaudor President

Ten Constitutional Referendum questions were submitted by the Ecaudorian President. The proposed reforms would alter the way judges are chosen, amend preventive detention laws and revoke measures  which are intended to protect criminals. If the reforms are certified they will be forwarded to the Electoral Council for approval.

Human Rights mission in Tunisia

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has said that a group of experts will be sent to assess human rights priorities and meet with interim authorities to discuss the same.

Parliament deal in Afghan tentative

Afghan President is unhappy with the Parliamentary elections and has constituted a Tribunal to look into the alleged fraud. Therefore despite resistance from the winning candidates demands of dissolving the Tribunal the investigation is still continued.

NASA checks to continue.

Background checks of low-risk employees at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California can continue, expressed the Supreme Court. The workers had claimed that their privacy was being invaded by NASA, by requiring the investigations. But Justice Samuel Alito said that the government's interests and the rules against unauthorized disclosure of the information, outweigh the privacy concerns.

Copyright battle  continues for Telstra

According to lawyers, Telstra's last attempt made to the Australian High court by filing a special leave to appeal in order to copyright directories may fail.

Legislation aims at Drug Conspiracies

In U.S. a bill has been introduced that makes conspiring about Foreign drug trades a crime irrespective of where is its final destination. Through this legislation, a ruling of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is intended to be overruled, which had left a loophole in anti-trafficking laws.

Global Economic Growth predicted by IMF

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that the economic growth this year will be fast in comparison to year 2010. US is estimated a 3 % growth whereas UK a 2.5 % growth.

World  Bank sanctions loan to Mexico

The World Bank has sanctioned a loan of $751 million to Mexico to implement public policies aimed at strengthening the legal, regulatory and administrative changes there and which will further help in generating more jobs. The program proposed is expected to have a positive impact on Mexico's competitiveness.

Flotilla raid did not break law- asserts Israel

Conclusion drawn by the Commission appointed by Israel government with regard to the commando raids against the ship attempting to deliver humanitarian aid, defying Israel's Naval Blockade, has stated that it did not break the international law.

New tax unveiled in Australia

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a new tax to help pay for devastating floods that will cost heftily for reconstruction. The new tax will charge an extra 0.5% on those earning A$50,000-A$100,000 and 1% more on those earning more than A$100,000. In Victoria  inland sea is  creeping slowly across the south-east of the state, with several communities braced for flooding. According to Ms Gillard payments will be made from the Federal Government and even unemployed Australians who wants to relocate to reconstruction jobs will receive financial support. Infrastructure projects  are being delayed to save about A$675m and a number of programmes are also being cut off  including green car and energy initiatives. The prime minister must get the tax through parliament and as she relies on minor parties she faces a tough task from the opposition who are against the levy of new tax.

Education Bill in England marks new era

In order to overhaul the school system in England the Government is to set up details in its Education Bill. It paves a way for the legal changes needed for testing, teacher training etc. A clause has also been included wherein higher earning graduates will pay higher interest on their student loans. It also included further changes to enable the government to expand its free schools and academies policies.

Biotech inventions- Patentable in Europe?

The discussion with respect to patentability of biotech inventions in Europe has been limited to the European Patent Convention (EPC). As per the  Convention, any invention is patentable unless it falls within the list of excluded inventions. According to Article 52 of EPC, any invention can be considered as patentable subject matter so long as it is new, inventive and has an industrial applicability. The list of exclusions includes plant and animal varieties, along with inventions contrary to public order. As per Article 53 (b) of EPC, plant and animal varieties and essential biological processes for the production of plants and animals are not patentable subject matter but micro-organisms are patentable. In the Oncomouse case, it was held that a genetically altered mouse, which involved inserting an activated oncogene to develop cancer in the mouse was patentable subject matter. Therefore in Europe  non human multicellular organisms can be considered to be patentable subject matter.

An agreement to end litigations

Wi-LAN Inc, a leading technology innovation and licensing company, signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel.  According to reports the agreement will include the dismissal of all litigation between the companies in the U.S. District Court.

Sony Ericsson sues for trademark infringement

Clearwire has been sued by Sony Ericsson for trademark infringement. The basis of the suit is that  Clearwire’s sphere with swirl marks is very identical to Sony Ericsson’s model. The present complaint states that “while Sony Ericsson welcomes competition oannounce proposed changes n the merits from Clearwire, but this similarity recognized, federally registered logos is illegal and should be enjoined. 

Media outlets to be banned in Malawi

The President of Malawi has signed a bill banning media outlets as its considered contrary to public order. The new law, which amends the 2009 penal code amendment bill, has already drawn heavy criticism from regional media watchdogs who charged that the bill gives political allies unchecked authority to exercise arbitrary regulatory power. It has also been argued to be unconstitutional and if enacted will go against the concept of free democracy.

Revised Control Policy by United Kingdom

Proposed changes to the country's anti-terrorism policies, including the controversial use of control orders has been announced by UK Home Secretary.  Control orders, created by the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2005 imposes a variety of legal restrictions on individuals suspected of terrorism regardless of the suspect's citizenship status. Under the revised system, suspects may be detained without charges for a maximum of 14 days though the government may seek an extension under emergency circumstances.

Albania to investigate into organ trafficking

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe demanded Albania to investigate and prosecute alleged incidents of organ trafficking, inhuman treatment and other crimes by the Kosovo Liberation Army. It called for EU member states and the Council of Europe to contribute and support them  and when necessary provide all pertinent information requested. The report was unanimously approved.

Australia cites policy, refuses to sell uranium to India

Australia has rejected India’s demand for purchase of uranium, citing its policy that permits supply only to those countries who are signatories to Non Proliferation Treaty, and have signed a bilateral pact with Australia.

Big UK banks to be split up?

UK Office of Fair Trading CEO has told a parliamentary committee that splitting up or restructuring of investment and retail banking divisions of big banks like Lloyds and RBS should be considered, as it will boost competition. The banks had to be rescued with taxpayer money during the recent financial crisis, as their failure would have had a destabilising effect on the entire economy.

Federal court in Manhattan to sentence hedge fund executive in insider trading

US attorneys pursuing insider trading cases have scored another victory, with a key Wall Street hedge fund executive admitting to exploiting her access to non-public information about publicly traded companies to make illegal gains. The evidence was secured against the said executive through wiretaps.

Chinese telecom vendor Huawei sues Motorola in US court over IP issues

Huawei has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Northern District of Illinois, seeking a stay on the deal between Motorola and Nokia Siemens Networks for transfer of telecom network equipment business, raising intellectual property concerns. Prior to the deal, Motorola had a long term association with Huawei, and Huawei now fears that the information and technology it shared with Motorola could be passed on to rival Nokia Siemens. 

EU halts registry for green house gas emissions following thefts of carbon credits

In its discussions with 27 member governments, European Union has reiterated that it won’t let the registries for green house gas emissions resume till all the members implement adequate security measures. The registry was suspended following theft of carbon credits from a Czech trader’s account.

WTO chief says subsidies and export bans hurt global food trade

WTO chief Pascal Lamy has said that countries imposing export restrictions on food items to secure adequate domestic supply is a major reason for global food inflation. He also remarked that removal of national barriers to food trade could lead to more food being produced in a more efficient manner globally.

WEF meet gets underway in Davos, adopts symbolic move to close gender gap

WEF meeting got underway in Davos yesterday, with stipulation that at least one corporate delegate out of every five should be female. The move follows a trend in Europe, where many countries have mandated compulsory quota for women directors in boards of listed companies.