Freedom fighters to get 218 per cent DA hike: Rajnath

Pension of freedom fighters has been increased, with the introduction of a hike of 218 per cent in DA in 2014-15, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.

In a message on the occasion of 73rd anniversary of Quit India movement, Mr. Singh said he bowed to freedom fighters who worked tirelessly to make India independent in 1947. The revised rate of pension, as on August 1, 2014, after enhancement of DA (from 193 per cent), is Rs. 23,309 per month for former Andaman political prisoners, Rs. 20,129 for freedom fighters/spouses and Rs. 4,770 for unmarried/unemployed daughters.

The number of freedom fighters pensioners as on January 1, 2015 was 11,434 and widows and eligible dependents were 24,466, adding up to 35,900.

The Freedom Fighters’ Pension Scheme (FFPS) was introduced on August 15, 1972 during the Silver Jubilee year of Independence. Till July 31, 1980, the Freedom Fighters’ pension was available only to those who needed financial assistance on account of their meagre gross income; and the minimum pension sanctioned to a freedom fighter was Rs. 200 per month.

The benefit of FFPS was extended to all freedom fighters as a token respect (Samman) with effect from August 1, 1980 under Swatantarta Sainik Samman Pension Scheme.

R N Kovind appointed governor of Bihar, Acharya Dev Vrat named Himachal governor

Senior BJP leader Ram Nath Kovind and Acharya Dev Vrat were on 8^th August appointed as governors of poll-bound Bihar and Himachal Pradesh respectively.

69-year-old Kovind, who had been a two-time Rajya Sabha member between 1994 and 2006, hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

His appointment comes barely few months ahead of the assembly elections due in Bihar. West Bengal governor Keshri Nath Tripathi was holding additional charge of Bihar.

A lawyer by profession, Kovind had also been BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha chief.

Army says no to ‘offensive tattoo’ while hiring officers

Tattoos are a taboo for Army — it's official now. The Army has decided to show zero tolerance to "offensive" tattoos during the selection of commissioned officers.

According to a new policy approved by the Army authorities, a candidate appearing for an interview for commissioned officer will have to fill a separate form giving complete details of tattoos on his body. If the tattoo is within the approved parameters and is cleared by the selection board, the candidate will have to file an affidavit that he would not have any more tattoos on his body before leaving for pre-commissioning training.

Singapore turns 50, celebrates success amid challenges

Singapore threw a big party Sunday on 9th August for the 50th anniversary of independence and unrivaled economic success in a region struggling with poverty and political instability, even as the city-state began feeling the pinch of a midlife crisis.

As fighter jets screamed through the sky, nationalist songs blaring, leaders made speeches and people took advantage of free rides on trains and buses. While marveling at the island's leap from a poor colonial port to a wealthy metropolis, Singaporeans are also grappling with a growing resentment over political restrictions, an influx of foreign labor and rising cost of living.

Nepal parties sign 6-province model deal in new constitution

Nepal’s four major parties have reached a landmark deal to divide the country into six provinces, each sharing its border with India, resolving contentious issues of federalism under the new constitution, a crucial development praised by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

Following a marathon meeting, the Constitutional — Political Dialogue and Consensus Committee (CPDCC) of the Constituent Assembly finally inked an agreement at midnight to carve out the six federal units.

“A constitution with federalism and demarcation has been ensured,” Prime Minister Sushil Koirala tweeted. “I call on everyone to not be stuck on minor disagreements and work to build and develop the country.”

The four major parties also agreed to incorporate in the citizenship clause the provision of allowing children to acquire citizenship certificate in the name of either father or mother, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Local Development and Federal Affairs Prakash Man Singh.

Prime Minister Koirala and top leaders of CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, Unified CPN-Maoist and Madhesi Peoples Rights Forum Democratic (MPRFD) were present during the meeting.

However, UCPN-Maoist and MPRFD, have signed the deal with some reservations.

Shivnaren wins Sportstar trophy

Eighteen-year-old Shivnaren Srinivasan was not at his best, but managed a score of 145 gross to bag the open category title in the MGC-Sportstar Trophy golf tournament at Madras Gymkhana annexe here on Sunday.

C.V. Yudhvir (155) finished second while veteran L. Selvadurai (155) came third. Yudhvir was pushed to the second place based on his second day's score: Yudhvir had 75 to Selvadurai’s 79. 

Overnight leader with a 72, Shivnaren, an Economics student of Loyola College, started with a par on the first hole, followed by a birdie and a par on the second and the third. 

From the fifth hole to the 15th, Shivnaren struggled to putt and chip with authority, even bogeying the 11th and the 15th, to end up with a card of 73.

Ashes: Done and dusted

England ripped out the last three Australia wickets for 12 runs to win the fourth Test by a crushing innings and 78 runs at Trent Bridge on 8^th August and regain the Ashes.

It was also the first time this year that England, whitewashed 5-0 in Australia in 2013/14, had won back-to-back Tests. Ben Stokes had Mitchell Starc caught by Ian Bell at second slip for nought and Mark Wood bowled Josh Hazlewood for a duck.

Wood produced another ferocious full-pitched delivery to shatter Nathan Lyon’s stumps and complete the rout, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch and all around the ground. Adam Voges was left unbeaten on 51 in Australia’s total of 253.