Centre glare on paan masala ads

New Delhi (PTI): The government has asked the Advertisement Standards Council of India to examine the veracity of claims made by commercials of paan masala without tobacco, information and broadcasting minister S. Jaipal Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The government has banned the direct and indirect advertisement of tobacco products, Reddy said in a written reply.

The advertising code for all television channels prohibits commercials which promote direct and indirect production, sale or consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

?On the matter regarding advertisement of paan masala without tobacco, the Advertisement Standards Council of India has been asked to examine the veracity of the claim in terms of its own code of self-regulation,? Reddy said.

Ranbaxy founder plea to PM

New Delhi (PTI): Ranbaxy Laboratories founder Bhai Mohan Singh has asked the Prime Minister to defer the Padma Vibhushan to be given to him till his name is cleared in two cases of dishonoured cheques.

?I feel that till my name is duly cleared in the cases, it would not be appropriate for me to accept the award. Therefore, without meaning any disrespect to the prestigious award and also to ensure that such an award does not suffer even the slightest blemish of any kind, I respectfully suggest that if the government so approve the bestowing of the award be kept in abeyance,? Singh said in a letter to the Prime Minister.

?If the government so approve my name be deleted from the list of awardees invited for rehearsal and award investiture fixed for 27th and 28th March, 2005,? he said.

The letter followed some press reports raising a controversy over the award given to him.

?The cases referred to in the press news are only with regard to two cases under Section 138/141 of the Negotiable Instruments Act against Montari Industries Ltd, a company managed by my middle son Manjit Singh, who, in his capacity as managing director, had issued cheques which remained unhonoured,? he said in the letter.

Hotels under scanner

New Delhi (PTI): Hotels that do not protect the privacy of its guests will face stringent action, including blacklisting, tourism minister Renuka Chowdhury told the Lok Sabha on Monday.

She was replying to a question on whether the Centre has taken action against a hotel in Ludhiana, which had allegedly filmed a newly-married couple.

Release delay

Islamabad (PTI): Pakistan has informed the Indian high commission here that the handover of 529 fishermen and 39 other civilian prisoners, who have completed their terms, on the Wagah border was delayed due to heavy rain and transportation problems. They are now expected to be handed over on Tuesday, Indian officials here said.

Kerala Assembly

Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The Kerala Assembly was adjourned for the day after the CPM-led Left Democratic Front Opposition disrupted the proceedings in protest against the government?s refusal to order a judicial probe into the leak of SSLC examination question paper. They also demanded the resignation of education minister E.T. Muhammed Basheer.

Taj appeal

New Delhi (PTI): The Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India have received a representation from a non-government body for taking over maintenance of the Taj Mahal and is examining its legal angle, culture minister Jaipal Reddy told the Rajya Sabha. Reddy said the Unesco world heritage committee had recommended setting up a body to coordinate conservation and development of the Taj, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Sati arrests

Jaipur (PTI): Eleven people, including a woman who allegedly attempted sati in Pali district on Sunday, have been booked under various sections of the Sati Prevention Act, Pali collector Kuldeep Ranka said. Another 31 people who clashed with police have also been arrested.

The railways will start a frequent travellers programme from August following increasing competition from airlines. Under the scheme frequent travellers will earn bonus points.