Police reforms have been a blind spot for successive governments, with the force diminishing in both number and capacity  

It is safe to say that the overall law and order scenario in the country makes for a grim picture. The sheer number of criminal incidents shows that Indians live in dangerous times, with a declining policecitizen ration across cities and villages in every state.

Comparative figures show that there has hardly been any change in the strength of police personnel at the time when country reports substantial increase in the number of crimes. The statistics brought out by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)  show that while the number of crime incidents increased by over two lakh in 2007 as compared to 2002, the number of cops available for per lakh population (police-population ratio) remained the same.   

Incidentally on this count, both the NDA and UPA governments had shown similar result. The police-population ratio hovered around 125 (125 cops per lakh of population) during 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 means lesser number of cops available to citizens despite growth in crime rate.   

Though the sanctioned strength of cops in the country records some improvement, the existing vacancies have made the situation worse. The country’s police-population ratio low compared to many other countries is getting worse by the year if one looks at the sanctioned strength.
   

Data shows that the sanctioned strength declined from 143 police personnel per lakh population (January 1, 2006) to 126 police personnel per lakh population (January 1, 2007). Which means there used to be one cop available for 699 persons in 2006 the UN norm is one for 450 and a year later, it was down to one for 739.   

Despite a sanctioned strength of 15.7 lakh, the actual strength of the total police force was 14.1 lakh, with 10.2% of the posts lying vacant as of January 1, 2007. Almost all the states show poor result no matter whether they are ruled by NDA or UPA or the Left parties.   

In a number of states, the ratio is much lower than the national average (126) Bihar (57), UP (83), West Bengal (94), Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand (98), Orissa (99), Rajasthan (104) and Madhya Pradesh (114).   

Inadequate numbers of arms and ammunition, vehicles and other police infrastructre has made the situation worse. Though the Centre has pumped in substantial amount of money to improve these facilities under modernization of state police forces (Rs 1,248.70 crore in 2007-08 as compared to Rs 695 crore in 2002-03), it has not shown any improvement with the states barely able to meet requirements.   

Dismal records of successive governments towards police reforms are yet another point which is responsible for poor policing across the country. While states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Tripura have either enacted police legislation or amended the existing police Acts in this regard in the wake of Supreme Court’s intervention, the Centre has completely missed out on this point.    

A new legislation in respect of police administration for Union Territories to replace the earlier enactment didn’t see the light of day.

Times View:

Going by the book, ‘law and order’ is technically the responsibility of individual states. But no-one can deny that the buck really stops with the Centre, which has the upper hand in a federal set-up. No state would dither in implementing various police modernization schemes provided the states are given adequate financial support and a constant review. One can take a cue from what the government has done post 26/11. When Centre got activated after sensing the urgency, states too fell in line, taking all the necessary steps to strengthen the security apparatus. So the onus to pave the way for states to act upon desired guidelines lies with the Centre.

SLEEPY on the JOB:

Gorgeous: Bollywood actor Sameera Reddy at the inaugural of a body contouring clinic in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Those cardio and weight training sessions can add that much needed (or aspired) zing between the sheets.

IMPROVES TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

Research has shown that regular exercise, especially squats and lunges, boost the testosterone level in the body. Since the hormone plays a key role in one’s libido and performance, a boost there equals great sex.

MAKES YOU LOOK ATTRACTIVE

A toned physique is undoubtedly the most potent turn-on for your partner. It makes you more desirable to your partner and starts the fire burning. It’s been observed that those who maintain a toned physique have a better perception of themselves which leads to higher confidence levels and helps in a better sex life.

IMPROVES STAMINA

A man who indulges in enough cardio-vascular exercises stands better chances of satisfying his partner. Regular cardio builds the body’s overall stamina, which means you last longer in bed. Cardio requires withstanding the pressure for a longer duration with a sustained and justified distribution over the workout’s time span. This conditioning of the body helps men last longer and preferably let the women achieve orgasm before them. This helps because while men reach climax only once during the lovemaking, a women can do so multiple times.

On the other hand, the women who indulge in weight training achieve an orgasm much faster, as the aggression it induces makes patience take the back seat which is why it is advisable for them.

BEATS LIBIDO KILLERS

Stress is one of the biggest reasons for a dissatisfactory bedroom experience as it leads to many problems, right from reduced stamina to simply not being in mood. Regular exercise is one of the biggest stress busters for most people and lower stress levels means a healthier and a far more exciting sex life

APHRODISIACS IN YOUR DIET

A healthy and well-balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of achieving fitness. After you work-out, your body craves nutrition. For building muscle and repairing the damage, you need a diet high on zinc and proteins. Eat your way to a great sex life with a diet rich in asparagus, onions, garlic and bananas.

MATTER OF POSITION

To experiment, keep that flab in check for the extra inches may restrict your urge to experiment in bed.

Emperor Jehangir, who legend says was so captivated by Kashmir’s Beauty that he exclaimed, “Agar Firdaus ba-ru-i-zamin ast, hamin ast u hamin ast” (if there’s paradise on earth, it is here, it is here).

The garden showcased every possible colour on the palette  lavender, pink, orance, red, maroon, white, yellow.

Did you know that the newest tulip district on the global map is in Srinagar? Inaugurated last March, the Tulip Garden is located off the Dal Lake and at the foothills of the imposing Zabarwan hills. It has already begun playing a big role in marking the return of Kashmir as a preferred film locale. In the past year alone almost half-a-dozen films were shot here, with directors from around the country making a beeline for its naturally-splendid setting.

The Kashmir Valley is renowned for its beauty and flying over the Pir Panjal, I got a stunning view of the craggy mountainous landscape. The touchdown was smooth and soon I was zipping towards my hotel close to the Dal Lake.

Give Me Red Sea Of Tulips

The erstwhile Siraj Bagh has been converted into the Tulip Garden and the Boulevard Road running along the Dal Lake leads up to it. As I bought the entry ticket, which doubles as a souvenir postcard, I wondered if the garden would be as charming as the pictures of it. 

The Shalimar Garden Planned By Emperor Jehangir

 

My anxiety was laid to rest the moment I entered. What greeted the eye was a stunning floral display that appeared as a striped tapestry showcasing every possible colour on the palette: lavender, pink, orange, red, maroon, white, yellow. Multiple varieties make the total about 12 lakh tulips, spread over two-tiered 50 acres. A mere glance at the flower and the expression that comes to mind is `picture-perfect’, so flawless is it in every way. Tourists from across India had arrived here to see the flower which has a short blooming spell, about six weeks, mid-March onwards. Around a million tulip bulbs were imported from Holland to set up the garden.

Garden garland :

The tulip haven is yet another pearl in Srinagar’s string of beautifully landscaped gardens. The most popular green set is the trio of Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chasham-e-Shahi, which collectively are called Mughal Gardens. 

As is apparent, the gardens are a bequest of the Mughals, particularly Emperor Jehangir, who legend says was so captivated by Kashmir’s beauty that he exclaimed, “Agar firdaus ba-ru-izamin ast, hamin ast u hamin ast” (If there’s paradise on earth, it is here, it is here). The first Mughal garden, Shalimar Bagh, was envisaged by him in honour of his queen Nur Jehan, about 400 years back. Neighbouring Nishat Bagh was planned by Nur Jehan’s brother.

Both gardens are built according to the typical Persian-style symmetrical template, replete with central fountains leading to cascading waterways flowing down a series of terraced platforms that are dotted with the lovely chinar and sprays of floral spaces. Though Shalimar is bigger and the more popular one, it’s Nishat, a waterfront garden  it’s flowing tiered waters mingle with the Dal Lake  that’s compact and far prettier. 

Floral Display : Carpet Of Colour

 

Close by is Chasham-e-Shahi, which literally means royal springs, laid out by Jehangir’s successor, Emperor Shah Jahan.

He believed the spring water had curative properties and though many of them have dried up the fable is alive and draws people for reasons beyond sightseeing.

One visit to Kashmir and you’d know it has been crafted specially by God. Its gardens are man’s tribute to the Maker. 

Zayed Khan’s next big film is the Rs. 100 crore thriller Blue. But like most of his films, this one too is a multi-starrer. Ask the actor about it and he says, “I’m very happy to be working with Sanjay and Akshay in the film. I have worked with Sanjay, who is like an elder brother, in Dus, Shabd and Shaadi No 1. Talking about the experience of shooting underwater, says Zayed, “We were 100 feet below water fighting the sharks. It was quite an adventure and we enjoyed every bit as all three of us love doing action sequences.” 

Futuristic view :  

Producer Vashu Bhagnani’s son Jaccky is making his acting debut with Kal Kissne Dekha. In the film, Jackky plays Nihal who has the power to see the future. And what would he do if he possesses such a powerin real life? Chuckles Jaccky, “Wish I had this power when I appeared for exams. Now, I would rush to Las Vegas, find out the winning lottery number and buy a Ferrari.” On a more serious note, he adds, “I get intuitions like I would get a call from my mom or sister. And I am often proved right.”

Blue eyed boy :

Neil Nitin Mukesh has created waves with his singing. He has crooned the title song of his forthcoming film Aa Dekhe Zara. Says the shy actor, “A few girls came running up to me recently. One of them held my hand and didn’t let me go. It was embarrassing, but also pretty reassuring that people like my work. She hugged me and said ‘I love the ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’ number.” But Neil is clear, “singing is just a hobby; not a career option.” 

Activists of the Praja Rajyam campaign for their party which promises LPG cylinders and monthly groceries at Rs.100, at Sikhamani centre in Vijayawada on Tuesday.

In total, AIG employees have agreed to return about $50 million of the $165 million in bonuses awarded earlier this month by the troubled insurer, New York Attorney-General Andrew Cuomo’s office said on Monday. Mr. Cuomo said he still hoped more AIG employees would return their bonuses. At most, Mr. Cuomo said his office could hope to recoup $80 million of the bonuses  roughly the amount paid out to American employees.

“I applaud the employees who are returning the bonuses,” said Mr. Cuomo. “I think they are being responsive to the American people.”

Mr. Cuomo said nine of the 10 people receiving the largest awards had agreed to return their bonus. Some others had refused to return the money, while others were still considering it. AIG has come under heavy criticism because the bonuses were given to employees after the company received $170 billion in government bailout money. About 400 employees and future employees in AIG’s financial products division received bonuses. Documents provided by AIG to the Treasury Department said the awards ranged from $1,000 to nearly $6.5 million. Seven employees were to receive more than $3 million. 

The successful bidder should not sell any assets or undertaking of Satyam for two years. His entire shareholding would be subjected to a three-year lock in.   

“The pre-preferential allotment holding of the bidder will be locked in for six months,” C. Achutan, Satyam board member, said in a letter to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which underlined the nittygritties of the bidding process.

Key staff insulated

The board also mandated the winner to retain the top 100 employees of Satyam for at least 12 months. It, however, spelled no conditions with regard to other employees.

If the winner is a special purpose vehicle, it cannot alter the constitution of such SPV for three years. The new promoter should also maintain the listing of company’s ADS on the NYSE. He should also ensure that the company’s equity shares and ADS would not become eligible for termination of registration.

Any change in control of the company after the bidder is selected should be done only after the approval of the Company Law Board.

Clauses for bidders

The bidders should not deal in Satyam securites until six months from the date of the public announcement by the successful bidder. They should not solicit the employees or clients of Satyam for one year.

The showpiece White House event is the culmination of a week-long public relations offensive designed to raise Obama’s agenda above the clamor of a row over AIG bonus payments and Republican carping at his sweeping spending plans.

The news conference, at 8 pm (0000 GMT), in the historic East Room of the White House, follows the president’s interviews on iconic network programs “The Tonight Show” and “60 Minutes” and a swing through California last week.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama would use his second full-scale presidential news conference to forge a connection with Americans he is trying to shepherd through the worst economic crisis in generations.

“I think the president believes that a continued dialogue with the American people about where we are and where we’re going is necessary … to give people a sense of what we’re doing and a sense of where we’re going,” Gibbs said.

“They may or may not like all the decisions that he makes, but I think he believes it’s important that they understand why he’s making the decisions that he is.”

The encounter will also mark a political pivot point from the largely domestic focus so far of Obama’s two months in office to the international drive to end the crisis and the crowded US foreign policy agenda.

Obama’s next big tests include the debut of a new Afghan war strategy expected later this week and his first big steps on the world stage beginning at next week’s G20 summit in London and a tour of Europe and Turkey.

To prepare the groundwork for the meeting of developed and developing nations on April 2, Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke Monday by telephone and also discussed Iran and Afghanistan, the White House said.

Obama’s visit to Britain also includes crucial first encounters with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev.

The press conference will take place a day after the president detected “glimmers of hope” in the housing sector and stocks soared nearly seven percent at the debut of his new bank rescue, in a rare moment of respite for his young administration.

The president said he was “very confident” in the effort to revive banks by offering government incentives for private investors to buy up to a trillion dollars in toxic assets which choked lending and sparked the recession.

“We believe this is one more element that is going to be absolutely critical in getting credit flowing again,” said Obama after meeting his top economic advisors at the White House.

“It’s not going to happen overnight, there is still great fragility in the financial systems but we think that we are moving in the right direction.”

For Americans who have watched helplessly as their retirement savings evaporated in the stock market crash, there was good news, for once on Monday as the Down Jones Industrial Average shot up nearly 500 points and extended a two-week rally.

Meanwhile, housing starts  or privately owned new homes on which construction has started  soared 22.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual 583,000 units after seven months of decline, the Commerce Department said.

Since taking office two months ago, Obama has framed a 787 billion dollar economic stimulus law packed with tax cuts and infrastructure spending, a mortgage foreclosure plan, and an effort to ignite lending on auto and student financing and incentives for the development of a new green energy industry.

“Because of the work that’s already been done, you are starting to see glimmers of hope in the housing market that stabilization may be taking place,” Obama said.

“We’ve still got a long way to go, and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Obama said.

“But I’m very confident that, with the team that we’ve got assembled, we’re going to be able to make it happen,” he added, in what appeared to be another warm endorsement of the embattled Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.