76
Clashes between the Gurjars and Meenas
Reasons behind the protests by Meena leaders against the
inclusion of Gurjars in the Scheduled Tribes.
The Gurjars are agitating in order to attain the status of a
Scheduled Tribe. Leaders belonging to the Meena sect have
been vigorously opposing this move. What are the main reasons
behind the Meenas' opposition? A relevant document should
mention the root cause(s) behind the conflict between these
two sects.
77
Attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas
Attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas on Indian and Israeli forces.
A relevant document should provide information about attacks
by Hezbollah guerrillas on Indian and Israeli peace keeping
troops stationed in Israel.
78
Conflict between Advani and Singhal over the Ram
Mandir issue
Conflict between Ashok Singhal, the president of Vishwa
Hindu Parishad, and L.K. Advani, the BJP leader over the Ram
Mandir issue.
A relevant document should provide information about the
ongoing debate on the Ram Mandir issue between Ashok
Singhal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad president, and L.K.
Advani, the BJP leader. Information on conflicts between
these two leaders on other issues, or among other VHP and
BJP leaders is irrelevant.
79
Building roads between China and Mount Everest
Plans to build a road from China to Mount Everest.
A relevant document should describe plans to build a road
from China to Mount Everest. Information about discussions
on this issue between the Indian and Chinese authorities
is also relevant.
80
Babri Masjid demolition case started against Advani
Initiation of legal proceedings against Advani for his
involvement in the demolition of Babri Masjid.
A relevant document must include information about the
initial legal steps taken against Advani, including the
registration of an FIR, or orders passed by the Rae Bareilly
court. Information about steps that were taken to transfer
the case to the Allahabad High Court is not relevant, nor is
information about what happened at the Allahabad Court.
81
Problems related to the immunization programme
against Japanese Encephalitis in India
The Health Ministry in India has made certain plans to
protect Indian children against the outbreak of Japanese
Encephalitis. What problems have arisen in the course of
implementing these plans?
What problems have arisen while vaccinating Indian children
against Japanese Encephalitis? One of the problems is that
adequate vaccine is not manufactured in India. Thus, the
possibility of importing vaccine from abroad (particularly
China) has been considered. Related discussions will also be
regarded as relevant.
82
Proposed bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad
The proposed bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad,
and its role in solving the Indo-Pak dispute.
A proposed bus service between Srinagar in India and
Muzaffarabad in Pakistan is being considered. What hopes has
this raised about resolving disputes between the two
countries? Terrorist organizations have threatened to attack
the buses to disrupt the service. Information about such
threats is also relevant.
83
Election campaign of Laloo Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas
Paswan
Attempts made by Laloo Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan to
gain the votes of Muslim voters.
A relevant document will describe attempts made by Laloo
Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan to gain the votes of
Muslim voters. Of particular interest is information about
various promises made and allurements offered to
Muslims.
84
Brinda Karat's allegations against Swami Ramdev
Allegations raised by Brinda Karat that medicines sold by
Swami Ramdev contain animal parts.
A relevant document should contain information about
complaints made by Brinda Karat alleging that Ramdev has
been selling medicines containing animal parts, thus
violating licensing and labeling regulations laid down in
India's Drug and Cosmetics Act.
85
Abu Salem, accused in the Mumbai Bomb Blast case, in
jail custody
Order passed by the court to remand Abu Salem, accused in
the Mumbai Bomb Blast case, in jail custody.
Information about Abu Salem's involvement in the Mumbai Bomb
Blasts is relevant. Information related to other accusations
against him, such as those related to the Pradip Jain murder
case, or the passport forgery case, is not relevant.
86
Privatization of the Mumbai and Delhi airports
The Government's decision to privatize the Mumbai and Delhi
airports and its call for tender bids in this regard.
A relevant document should contain information about the
decision to modernise and privatise the Mumbai and Delhi
airports. Information about Anil Ambani-owned Reliance
Airport Developer Ltd.'s participation in the bidding
process for both airports is also relevant, but articles
dealing with the subsequent court cases are not relevant.
87
Discussions between Manmohan Singh and Pervez Musharraf regarding
the position of troops around Siachen
Discussions between Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India,
and Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan, regarding the
position of troops around Siachen.
A relevant document should contain information about
talks / discussions between Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister
of India, and Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan,
regarding the position of troops around Siachen.
88
Popular protests against the arrest of the accused in the Shankar
Raman murder case
Arrests of Jayendra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchi and
Vijayendra Saraswati, for their alleged involvement in
the murder of Shankar Raman, and people's protests against
these arrests.
Jayendra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchi, along with
Vijayendra Saraswati, the junior Shankaracharya, were
arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of
Shankar Raman. A relevant document should contain
information about the arrests, and popular protests against
the arrests.
89
Involvement of Congress ministers in the oil-for-food scam
Alleged involvement of the External Affairs Minister Natwar
Singh and other Congress ministers in the Iraqi oil-for-food
scam, and related investigations.
A relevant document should contain information about the
alleged involvement of K. Natwar Singh, India's External
Affairs Minister, along with a few other Congress ministers,
in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal, and related investigations
by the Enforcement Directorate.
90
Indian representatives visit Bangladesh
A visit by a team of Indian representatives to Dhaka to
discuss issues like sharing of water, security, and training
camps for militants.
A relevant document should contain information about one or
more of the following issues in the context of a visit by
Indian representatives to Bangladesh:
- sharing of Teesta waters between India and Bangladesh
- security, and training camps for militants
- India's disappointment at Bangladesh's denial of the presence
of terrorist camps on its soil
- India's apprehensions that ULFA militants are being
trained in Bangladesh and their activities are being
controlled from there.
91
Allegations of financial corruption against Pratibha Patil
Charges of financial corruption against Pratibha Patil.
A relevant document should contain information about various
charges of corruption levelled against Pratibha Patil,
e.g. the embezzlement of Kargil funds, aiding relatives to
take loans from a cooperative bank which were never repaid,
etc. Information about protests by the NDA on such grounds
against the nomination of Pratibha Patil for the post of
President is also relevant.
92
Activities of the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka
Insurgent activities of the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka.
A relevant document should contain information about various
destructive activities of the Tamil Tigers, such as their
role in the civil war, attacks on Sri Lankan soldiers, etc.
93
Taking bribes for raising questions in parliament
Members of the Indian parliament caught on camera, accepting
bribes for raising questions in Parliament.
Some members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were caught on
camera, accepting bribes for raising questions in Parliament.
A relevant document should have information on this expose.
94
Indian Navy accused of leaking classified information
Investigations into the accusations that classified
information has been leaked by the Indian Navy.
The Indian navy has been accused of leaking classified
information to foreign powers. A relevant document should
have information about the CBI investigation into these
allegations.
95
Racism row on the Big Brother show
The racism row on the Big Brother show involving Shilpa
Shetty and Jade Goody.
A relevant document should contain information about the
racist attitude of Jade Goody towards Shilpa Shetty on the
Celebrity Big Brother show, and Shilpa's reactions to this
attitude.
96
Pramod Mahajan's killer
Statements made by Pramod Mahajan's killer in court, denying
charges against him.
The accused in the Pramod Mahajan murder trial has denied
the charges against him. A relevant document should contain
information about his denial.
97
Quarrel between the Ambani brothers regarding ownership of the
Reliance Group
Feud between Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani regarding ownership of the
Reliance Group.
Information about the feud between Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani regarding
ownership of the Reliance Group, and about the final report presented by
K.V. Kamath on the valuation of assets of the Reliance Group is relevant.
98
India dismisses China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh
India's dismissal of China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh.
A relevant document should contain information about India's
dismissal of China's claims on Arunachal Pradesh, and the
arguments presented by India to support its position.
Statements made by the Arunachal Pradesh government are
irrelevant.
99
Laloo Prasad Yadav and the fodder scam
Evidence regarding Laloo Prasad Yadav's involvement in the
fodder scam.
A relevant document should contain information about
evidence regarding Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav's
involvement in the multi-million rupee fodder scam.
100
Monica Bedi and the passport forgery case
Monica Bedi charged with obtaining forged passports at
Hyderabad.
A relevant document should contain information about charges
against Monica Bedi of acquiring a forged passport under a
false name at Hyderabad, and the investigations conducted by
the CBI in this regard. Information about forged passports
obtained elsewhere is not relevant.
101
Drug party at Pramod Mahajan's bungalow
Details of the drink-and-drugs party at the late Pramod
Mahajan's official bungalow in which Rahul (his son), Bibek
Moitra, and possibly others were involved.
Rahul Mahajan and Bibek Moitra were involved in a late-night
drink-and-drugs party, held at the official residence of
the late Pramod Mahajan, Rahul's father. A relevant document
should provide details about what happened that night,
e.g. who was present, what intoxicants / drugs were consumed,
etc. A document whose main focus is on the aftermath of the
incident - its political implications, controversy involving
Rahul's medical reports, police investigations, etc. is not
relevant.
102
Pakistani cricketers involved in a doping scandal
Charges of doping against Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.
A relevant document should contain specific information
about the charges of doping against Shoaib Akhtar and
Mohammad Asif, or the steps taken by CAS in this case.
103
Bilateral problems surrounding the Baglihar hydro-electric
power project
What is India's position on the Indo-Pak conflict over the
Baglihar hydro-electric power project?
The Baglihar hydro-electric power project has given rise to
tension between India and Pakistan on the issue of sharing
the waters of the Indus and its tributaries. A relevant
document should cover the position of the Indian government
on this issue.
104
Jaya Bachchan sacked from Rajya Sabha membership
What legal steps has Jaya Bachchan taken on being
disqualified from Rajya Sabha membership for holding an
office of profit?
Jaya Bachchan has been disqualified from Rajya Sabha
membership for holding an office of profit. A relevant
document should cover the legal recourse that Jaya Bachchan
has taken to protest against this decision.
105
Taj heritage corridor scandal
CBI investigations into the alleged involvement of the Chief
Minister and highly placed bureaucrats of Uttar Pradesh in
the multi-crore Taj heritage corridor scandal.
A relevant document should focus on the investigation of
Mayavati, D.S. Bagga, and R.K. Sharma by the CBI in
connection with the Rs. 175 crore Taj Heritage Corridor
Scandal.
106
Ban on Taslima Nasreen's novel "Shame"
Taslima Nasreen's novel "Shame" banned for hurting Muslim
religious sentiments.
A relevant document should contain information about
resentment among the Muslim population against Taslima
Nasreen's novel Shame, or the consequent ban on the
novel. Information about any other novel is not relevant.
107
Furore over the release of a CD containing
anti-Muslim sentiments in Uttar Pradesh
Accusations against the BJP of publishing a CD containing
anti-Muslim material during the run-up to the election in
Uttar Pradesh, India, and steps taken by the BJP in this
regard.
A relevant document should contain information about BJP's
involvement in the distribution of an anti-Muslim CD in
UP (Uttar Pradesh), or about the suspension of the party
workers involved in the preparation / modification of the CD
from the BJP.
108
Greater Nagaland
Demand for a Greater Nagaland made by NSCN, a Naga
organization, and protests made by neighbouring states
against this demand.
A relevant document should contain information about
the demand for a Greater Nagaland, and the opposition to
this move from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
109
New political party formed by Raj Thackeray
Raj Thackeray's decision to form a new political party in
Mumbai, and his announcement about the new party.
A relevant document should contain information about the
continuous conflicts between Raj and his cousin Uddhav
Thackeray (Bal Thackeray's son), and about Raj's decision to
form a new political party in Mumbai.
110
Sino-Indian relations and border trade
Border trade through Nathu La and its impact on
Sino-Indian relations.
Information about the prospects of improving Sino-Indian
relations through border trade, expectations and
apprehensions expressed by officials from the two countries
in this regard, potential contentious issues, etc. is
relevant. Details about the movement of goods through Nathu
La are irrelevant.
111
Dance bars banned in Mumbai
Ban on Mumbai's dance bars and protests by dancers against
the ban.
A relevant document should contain information about the
decision of the Maharashtra cabinet to ban dance bars in
Mumbai, or about the protests / rallies organized by the
dancers against the order to close down all dance bars.
112
Links between Gutkha manufacturers and the underworld
Links between the Goa and Manikchand Gutkha manufacturing
companies and Dawood Ibrahim.
A relevant document should contain information about the
links between the owners of the Manikchand Gutkha and Goa
Gutkha companies and Dawood Ibrahim, the gangster.
Information about links between Dawood Ibrahim and other
companies is not relevant.
113
Political clashes in Bangladesh
Clashes within the BNP and between the BNP and the Awami
League in Bangladesh.
A relevant document should contain information on the
clashes between existing BNP supporters and those who left
the party, clashes between supporters of Sheikh Hasina and
Khaleda Zia, and the number of persons killed or wounded in
such clashes.
114
Investigation of the arms scandal in the Defence Ministry
Arms deal signed by George Fernandez with Denel, and demands
made by Pranab Mukherjee for an investigation into
irregularities in this deal.
Information about an arms deal signed by ex-Minister George
Fernandez with South African firm Denel is relevant.
Information about Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee's demand
for detailed information about the deal, and investigations
into the purchase of arms is also relevant.
115
Serial blasts in Varanasi
Casualties resulting from the serial blasts in the Sankatmochan
temple.
Relevant documents should contain information on the serial
blasts in Varanasi, the first blast at the crowded
Sankatmochan temple near Benaras Hindu University, and the
number of persons dead / wounded, etc.
116
Encounter specialist Daya Nayak
What steps did the ACB take against Daya Nayak in the
disproportionate assets (DA) case?
A relevant document should contain specific information
about the steps taken / charges framed by the
Anti-Corruption Bureau against encounter specialist Daya
Nayak. Information about charges against his wife and
associates is irrelevant.
117
Controversy over land at Kalinganagar
The offer for talks made by the tribals and the Orissa
government's plea for central mediation in connection with
the controversy over land acquisition at Kalinganagar.
The tribals have requested the Orissa government to call a
meeting to resolve the controversy over land acquisition at
Kalinganagar. The Orissa state government has sought
mediation by the Centre over this issue. A relevant document
should contain information about these moves. Other details
about the meeting are irrelevant.
118
Terrorist strike at Ayodhya
Possible involvement of Pakistani terrorist groups behind
the Ayodhya attack, and the effect of the attack.
A relevant document should contain information on one or
more of the following: the casualties inflicted, political
strikes after the attack, suspicion of the involvement
of Pakistani terrorist groups behind the attack, BJP's
labeling the incident as a blow on religious beliefs,
etc.
119
Taj Mahal controversy
Controversy about Taj Mahal take over.
Is the Taj Mahal a wakf property? What evidence is there in
support of this claim made by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Wakf Board?
Information about the Archaeological Survey of India's demand
for supporting evidence is relevant. Also relevant is any
information on efforts to privatise the Taj Mahal.
120
Sex CD scandal involving Anara Gupta
Charges against Anara Gupta, erstwhile Miss Jammu, for her
involvement in the sex CD scandal, and reports from the
Andhra Pradesh forensic laboratory in this regard.
Anara Gupta was arrested for her alleged involvement in the sex CD
scandal. But the report from the Andhra Pradesh forensic laboratory
termed the charges as baseless. A relevant document should contain
information about the charges or the forensic reports from Andhra
Pradesh.
121
Blasts on Samjhauta Express
Deadly explosions on the Samjhauta Express.
A relevant document should report about the blasts on the
Samjhauta Express, and the casualties caused by the explosions.
122
Sanjay Dutt's surrender
Surrender of Sanjay Dutt, the actor, convicted in the 1993
Mumbai blasts case.
A relevant document should contain information about the
surrender of Sanjay Dutt, convicted in the 1993
Mumbai blasts case. Information about the time limit set by
the court for Sanjay Dutt to surrender is also relevant.
123
Death of Yasser Arafat
Death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
A relevant document should contain information about the
death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Information
regarding the political uncertainty or instability in
Palestine is not relevant.
124
Sale of illegal drugs in various Indian states
Trade in illegal drugs in various states of India.
A relevant document should mention the various places in
India where illegal drugs are sold. The names of specific
states are of particular interest.
125
Attack on the Lal Masjid
Siege of the Lal Masjid in Islamabad by fundamentalist students.
A relevant document should contain information about one or more of
the following: the arrest of the chief Imam of the Lal Masjid, gherao
of the Lal Masjid by fundamentalist students in order to set him
free, and clashes between the students and the police.