SC imposes Rs 5 lakh cost on Maha Govt
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday imposed an exemplary cost of Rs five lakh on Maharashtra Government for delay in filing its affidavit relating to compliance of apex court’s directions on police reforms and constituting State Security Commission (SSC). A bench comprising justices GS Singhvi, Ranjana Prakash Desai and Sharad Arvind Bobde said there was a direction for chief secretaries of Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa to file affidavits by May 3 in this matter. But Maharashtra filed it on Monday.
CDS post: consultation with parties going on
New Delhi: A decision to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) will be taken by the Government after completion of the ongoing consultation with political parties, Defence Minister AK Antony told the lok Sabha. In a written reply to the House, he also said the recommendations given by Kargil Review Committee on creating the post for CDS is under consideration by the Government.
‘lookout notice issued against ex-iaf chief’
New Delhi: CBI has issued a lookout notice against a former IAF chief in connection with alleged irregularities in procurement of VVIP helicopters, Defence Minister AK Antony told the lok Sabha. In a written reply to the House, he said, “CBI has issued lookout notice against a number of individuals in India including a former chief of IAF in connection with the said case.” Though Antony did not name the IAF chief in his reply, former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi’s role in the deal is being inquired by the CBI. Tyagi’s bank account was recently frozen by the investigative agency and he was also questioned by them.
‘32 ISI-backed espionage modules neutralised’
New Delhi: A total of 32 ISI-backed espionage modules have been neutralised in the country in the last three years and 50 people, including 40 Indians, were arrested in this regard, the lok Sabha was informed.
India abstains from UN Arms Trade Treaty
New Delhi: India abstained from the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) adopted by the United Nations and the Government will take all measures to ensure that it does not impact national interest, the lok Sabha was informed. In a written reply, Defence Minister AK Antony also said India’s position in this regard has been placed on record at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “India abstained from the draft ATT, which was adopted at UNGA session on April 2, as it does not meet out requirements,” he said.
Amartya Sen backs Food Security Bill
New Delhi: A group of activists including nobel laureate Amartya Sen came to the defence of the Food Security Bill and accused the opposition of “killing arguments” in Parliament by disruptions. They demanded that the accountability should be fixed as to who was responsible for not allowing such social legislations be passed thereby affecting the health and nutrition of women and children.