New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday criticized the appointment of former defence secretary Shashi Kant Sharma as the new Comptroller and Auditor General, accusing the United Progressive Alliance government of accusing of weakening constitutional institutions.

“Government is slowly but continuously appointing persons who are weak and who don’t have spine to watchdog bodies like CAG, CVC (Central Vigilance Commission), CIC (Central Information Commission), Election Commission which keep an eye on the government,” party leader and lawyer Prashant Bhushan said at a press conference in Delhi.

He contended that Sharma’s appointment as CAG rakes up a debate of conflict of interest since he would be entrusted the task of auditing defence deals between 2003-10 – the time during which he was in the defence ministry.

“Interestingly, the whole process of selection of Vinod Rai’s successor took place in complete secrecy. Yet, none of the political parties raised this issue. Why?” he asked.

Sharma will succeed Rai, who retires May 22, the government announced on Tuesday.

(IBNLive)

YAMUNANAGAR: The Haryana Power Generation Engineers Association (HPGEA) yesterday held gate meetings at all three thermal plants of the state in protest against the management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for not filling the quota posts of state engineer.

The engineers urged the government and the HPGCL management to intervene and ensure that the rights of the employees were not ignored by the BBMB management.

Praveen Dahiya, a spokesperson of the association, said the employees of the Rajasthan State Electricity Board were being taken in excess of their strength, while the employees of the Haryana power utilities were being ignored.

Till date, five Superintending Engineers of the RSEB had been posted in the BBMB against the quota of one post, whereas even the requests of many engineers of the HPGCL were turned down by the BBMB management.

(The Tribune)

Chandigarh: Lokayat, a group for people’s movement solidarity, today flayed the Haryana Government for lathi-charging workers of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union at Kaithal on May 19.

Addressing a press conference here today, leaders of the Maruti Suzuki Workers’ Union and RS Bains and RS Hooda, both advocates of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleged that around 6.30 p.m. on May 19 the police started a brutal lathi-charge on protesters, including women and children, when they were protesting outside the house of Haryana Industry Minister Randeep Surjewala at Kaithal.

Hooda alleged that the state government was portraying the entire trade union movement as the movement of a group of criminals.

Meanwhile, the Lokayat demanded that false cases registered against leaders and workers should be withdrawn immediately and all workers should be reinstated.

(The Tribune)

NEW DELHI: If it’s the playoffs, it’s got to be CSK!

With so many dreary off-the-field happenings and the most expensive franchise deciding to pull out, the only good news for the BCCI on Tuesday was the on-field entertainment dished out by two CSK batsmen in the first qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

CSK made their fourth consecutive final in the bargain, their fifth in six years of the tournament, with a resounding 48-run win in what was supposed to be a contest of equals but turned out to be anything but as Mumbai’s formidable bowling unit came a cropper. Their in-form batsmen too faltered under pressure of a huge 193-run target, sinking to 144 all out with eight balls to spare.

CSK owed the target to a spectacular 140-run stand from 12.4 overs by the dependable power duo of Michael Hussey (86 not out; 58b, 10×4, 2×6) and Suresh Raina (an unbeaten 82; 42b, 5×4, 5×6), whose free-flowing blades ensured much cheer around the Ferozeshah Kotla as Chennai motored to 192 for the loss of only one wicket batting first.

In contrast to the sombre mood which has enveloped the league, the thousands who congregated at the Kotla didn’t seem to mind the fireworks, the blaring music, the swaying cheerleaders or the emcees. They came looking for a good time and even the absence of hosts Delhi Daredevils went unnoticed. MI now get a second chance to redeem themselves with another crack at a final berth in the second qualifier in Kolkata on Friday.

Only MI opener Dwayne Smith (68 off 28 balls; 6×4, 5×6), who connected with some mighty heaves but pushed his luck too far, managed to temporarily upset CSK’s composure. Dinesh Karthik fell to a debatable LBW decision and Rohit Sharma, for once, failed to get going, ensuring half the job done for CSK.

Kieron Pollard’s dismissal just when he seemed to be getting into the groove, having carted game-changer Ravindra Jadeja (3/31 off his four) for two consecutive sixes in the 15th over before being undone by MS Dhoni’s clever field placements, sealed the deal for CSK.

Two spectacular catches, one from Suresh Raina to dismiss Mitchell Johnson and the other by Dwayne Bravo to get rid of Pragyan Ojha and finish off things, provided the icing on the cake.

Rohit Sharma will feel let down by his bowlers, who were left groping for answers as Chennai opted to bat first. The move to hold back Lasith Malinga for the death overs came a cropper as 123 runs were scored off the last 10 and the decision to replace Dhawal Kulkarni with Munaf Patel didn’t really pay off either. Only Harbhajan, who gave away only 26 off his four, came away with reputation unscathed.

Mumbai could never really put the brakes on the scoring. Vijay’s was the only wicket to fall in the eighth over but by the end of over 15, Hussey and Raina had taken the score to 125/1. From the 10th to the 15th they went at 11.20 an over, and then the slogging really began, with runs coming at an incredible rate of 13.40 off the next five!

CSK’s tried and tested method of steady if unspectacular starts and explosive endings came off in splendid fashion, and MS Dhoni wasn’t even required to bat!

(Times Of India)

Ace fashion designer Roberto Cavalli says he always knew his son Daniele would follow him into the fashion world. The 72-year-old sees a younger version of himself in his son who helms the label’s menswear line, reported Contactmusic.

“Daniele and I have always been very close, and I knew that he would follow me one day. He is extremely talented. I can see how much he tries to invent something special.

“It’s fantastic to listen to him because when I speak to him I feel that he’s like me when I was younger. He has lived and breathed and grown up in my studio, so his apprenticeship started at a very young age!” Roberto said.

The father-son duo share a love of traditional craftsmanship and draw their inspiration from Italian heritage and their hometown Florence.

“My father and I do not have the usual concepts that other designers or brands have; it’s more about other things. When I say we love Florence it is because Florence is of maximum beauty, and the artisans use the oldest techniques to create this beauty. My father and I appreciate all these things that are very Italian, very Florence and very Cavalli,” Daniele said.

(The Indian Express)

ON day four and five of the Festival de Cannes, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan showed us why she is India’s brand ambassador to the festival. The actor walked the red carpet on Sunday in an Elie Saab black gown with shimmering embroidery for the screening of Inside Llewyn Davis. Earlier in the day, while addressing the media, she showed off her figure in a white shirt and long black mermaid-style skirt.

At the gala, the real showstealer was the team of Bombay Talkies — the four directors along with producer Ashi Dua. There was Zoya Akhtar in a white and maroon Manish Malhotra sari. Indian classical musician Anoushka Shankar performed at the event.

The teams of The Lunchbox and Monsoon Shootout completed India’s presence, as Vasan Bala, Guneet Monga, Ritesh Batra, Nimrat Kaur, Irrfan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Guneet Monga walked the red carpet.

(The Indian Express)

Essential oils are becoming a popular method to deal with childhood head lice.The pesticide treatments commonly used contain toxins that pose serious health threats. Because the scalp has many blood vessels close to the skin, these toxic substances are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Pesticide treatments which are commonly used to repel lice contain toxins that pose serious health threats. Because the scalp has many blood vessels close to the skin, these toxic substances are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Harmful side effects from chemical lice treatments include nervous system damage, convulsions, seizures, nausea, vomiting, headaches, mental confusion and even death. To make matters worse, these pesticides are becoming less effective as lice are developing a resistance to them. This often leads to repeated treatments. The additional exposure adds to the potential harm.

Head lice are highly contagious and very common among children. Because certain essential oils are highly effective against lice, there is absolutely no reason to expose children to dangerous pesticide treatment.

Laboratory tests (Veal 1996) show the essential oils of aniseed, cinnamon leaf, red thyme, tea tree, peppermint, nutmeg and oregano to be effective in killing live lice and their eggs. Other essential oils used to repel lice include lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, juniper berry, bergamot, clary sage, and lemongrass.

Tea tree oil may be the best choice for several reasons. Tea tree oil was found to be 93% effective against killing adult lice and 83% effective in killing their eggs. It is generally safe and is one of the only essential oils that can be used neat (undiluted) on the skin (in small amounts.) Tea tree oil can be used on children as young as one year old. Tea tree oil is so versatile that it should be on hand in every household. Having it on hand for other uses will prevent having to search for ingredients when dealing with a lice infestation that requires prompt action.

Many of the essential oils listed above should not be used on children. It is important to check safety data before using any essential oil. Oregano oil and red thyme oil should not be used at all. All essential oils, including tea tree should only be used by children on an “as needed” basis, and must be properly diluted.

Essential oils can be used both to rid the scalp of lice when an infestation is present and as a preventative measure when there is a potential threat.

To rid the scalp of lice the essential oils must be diluted in a vegetable oil or alcohol. Vegetable oil may be the best choice for smothering lice and to soothe scalp that may be sore or itchy from infestation.

Olive oil or vodka is fine if you have it on hand. Sweet almond oil, jojoba or grape seed oil are other good choices.
4 TBS (2oz) vegetable oil (or vodka)
1 tsp castor oil (optional)
20 drops tea tree oil

Blend well. Have child sit on a chair in the bathtub. Apply mixture to scalp and hair. Use only the necessary amount to make sure entire scalp and hair is coated. Cover with plastic shower cap. Leave on for several hours. Then wash and condition hair. Comb hair thoroughly with nit comb. Then rinse hair with the following rinse.

FINAL RINSE

1-quart warm water
¼ cup cider vinegar
2-5 drops tea tree oil

Shake well to disperse essential oil. Pour over clean hair. Do not rinse out. When hair dries, saturate a nit comb with tea tree oil and re-comb.

LAUNDRY

Lice can remain alive for up to 72 hours after they have left the human host. Re-infestation can occur if lice remain on pillows, bed linen, combs, clothes and towels. Completely wash all clothing and bedding. One teaspoon of tea tree oil can be added to each wash load. A few drops can be added to a washcloth and placed in the dryer with clothes and bedding. Dry on hottest setting available.

SHAMPOO

During the weeks following lice infestation use the following shampoo formula. Add 2-4 drops of tea tree oil to your normal amount of shampoo for one use. Leave shampoo in for five minutes before rinsing out. Finish with final rinse. Comb with nit comb.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

To prevent lice from infesting your child’s hair, especially if there is a potential threat, several precautions can be taken. The shampoo and rinse formula described above can be used for precautionary measures. Another quick method to deter potential lice infestation is to dab a few drops of tea tree oil on your fingertips and run your finger through child’s hair.

Warn your child about head to head contact with other children. Advise them not to share hats, helmets, brushes and hair accessories. If they are in day care or elementary school get in a habit of checking their scalp for nits on a regular basis. Early detection will allow quicker relief with fewer side effects such as itching and scabbing.

Tea tree oil is known as a “first aid kit in a bottle”. If you keep a bottle on hand for possible lice infections, you will soon discover it’s many other uses and benefits.

Melanie Vonzabuesnig

New Delhi: A fast track Delhi court hearing the December 16, 2012, gang-rape case on Monday dismissed the pleas of two accused seeking permission to undergo lie detector tests and also to subject the victim’s male friend to a similar test.

Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna dismissed the applications of Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur for their lie detector test and also their application to conduct polygraph test on the victim’s male friend who was with her when she was gang-raped in a moving bus.

The court while referring to a Supreme Court judgment said: “It is pertinent to mention that the trial is at its fag end as 77 witnesses have already been examined and a few witnesses are only left as per the prosecution. Even otherwise polygraph test, admittedly, is a tool of investigation…”

“The judgment (of Supreme Court) do leave a room for the voluntary administration of the impugned techniques but still questions arise as to the use of such test and the stage at which it is to be used.”

“Admittedly it is not a stage where more recoveries are to be effected. Rather, the trial is towards its end. Hence, the applications are devoid of merit and are dismissed,” the judge added.

The two accused said in their applications that they were innocent. Defence counsel contended that the gang-raped woman’s friend needed to undergo a lie detector test as he was hiding facts.

Special Public Prosecutor Dayan Krishnan opposed their plea and told the court that the result of the lie detector test was an inadmissible evidence even when done with consent.

“A polygraph test is an investigative device and this court is in the midst of a trial wherein 77 witnesses have been examined till date…It is further submitted that a polygraph test is per se inadmissible even when it is done voluntarily and with the consent of accused,” Krishnan said.

The 23-year-old woman was brutally tortured and gang-raped in the bus by five men and a juvenile.

The juvenile is facing proceedings before a Juvenile Justice Board, while the four other accused were put up for trial in the fast-track court. One of the accused allegedly committed suicide in Tihar Jail.

(IBNLive)

Srinagar: In another case of fratricide, a personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal allegedly killed two colleagues in Kishtwar late on Monday night. SSB personnel identified as Narinder Singh and Veer Singh died while two others were injured when their associate Vijay Kumar ran and fired at them while they were sleeping.

Hospital authorities say four persons were brought at Kishtwar’s District Hospital and among them Narinder Singh of Uttrakhand was declared as brought dead while Veer Singh succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The third injured identified as Ravinder Nath is undergoing treatment for his bullet injuries.

Another personnel identified as Habib-ul-Islam has also received treatment for his minor injuries, which he sustained while holding the personnel who went on a rampage. The police have registered an FIR and arrested the SSB personnel, Vijay Kumar.

(IBNLive)

Jind: Residents of Farain Kalan village of the district staged a demonstration today outside the main gate of the school and sought a high-level probe into the alleged sexual abuse of a minor student as they suspected involvement of more persons.

They announced not to let the school reopen till their demand was met. The school was locked on May 16 after the villagers laid a siege to the school and beat up the accused teacher.

“The protesters announced this morning that they would neither send their daughters to the school nor let the school function as the authorities had failed to order a probe,’’ claimed Rajbir, a local resident.

Surender, another resident, said though the accused had been arrested, delayed action by the authorities had put a question mark over their approach to the safety of the girl students.

He said while district education officials had informed them of replacing the entire staff, he added that the authorities must order a high-level and independent probe as more persons were suspected to be involved. The school authorities and the police failed to take swift action when the complaint was lodged by the victim’s kin.

The villagers resolved not to open it till the acceptance of their demand, he said the village could also convene a meeting of the Binain Khap soon, if the matter was not resolved.

A student of Class IX of the school was allegedly abused sexually by a teacher for over a month.

NHRC takes notice

Jind: The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a media report that six village panchayats of Mahendergarh district had announced not to send girls to schools from May 13 owing to threat of molestation of the students.

Rewari district had also witnessed a similar situation a few months ago when around 50 girls were stopped from attending schools. The commission has asked the Chief Secretary and the DGP, Haryana, seeking reports within four weeks.

(The Tribune)