Monday, August 29, 2011

Russia successfully test-launches ballistic missile

Russia successfully test-launches ballistic missile-Russia on Saturday successfully test launched its Bulava inter-continental ballistic missile to its maximum range of 8,000 km, in a boost to the country's defence capabilities.The missile was fired successfully by the White sea-based Russian nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky, the Defence Ministry said today.The successful launch of the Bulava came after a string of setbacks suffered by this programme.Only eight of its previous 15 launches were officially declared successful.

"The regular launch of the missile was conducted at 7:20 am Moscow time from a submerged position from the regular carrier in line with the state flight development tests at a maximum flight range of the missile," a defence ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Ria Novosti.The missile successfully reached its target in the Pacific Ocean in accordance with the necessary shipping security measures, the spokesman said.

The successful test of the missile was reported to President Dmitry Medvedev by the defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov.The Bulava, expected to become Russia's main naval strategic missile, is capable of carrying 10 warheads with a range of 8,000 km.The first test launch from the Yuri Dolgoruky was conducted on June 28, 2011. Before that the missiles were fired from the typhoon-class Dmitry Donskoy submarine.

The three-stage missile is specifically designed for deployment on Borey class nuclear submarines.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hazare's fast enters 11th day, doctors says he seems healthy

Hazare's fast enters 11th day, doctors says he seems healthy-As Anna Hazare's fast entered the 11th day on Friday, the Gandhian lost seven kg of weight but doctors said he appeared to be healthy.

"He has lost seven kg till now. His blood pressure and heart beat are okay. He seems to be healthy. He is holding up," Dr Ravi R Kesliwal, who examined Hazare, told reporters in New Delhi.He said doctors were constantly monitoring his health.

Doctors Thursday night said the Gandhian's condition was "stable" but there is reason to worry.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Euro remains under selling pressure in Asia

TOKYO: The euro faced continued selling pressure in Asia on Friday as a tumbling global stock market continued to erode risk appetite and push the European single currency down, dealers said.
The euro fell to $1.4312 in Tokyo morning trade from $1.4337 in New York late Thursday.Against the Japanese yen, the euro stood at 109.65 yen, unchanged from New York but down from 110.26 yen late Thursday in Tokyo.

Despite moves to stall its rise by the Swiss central bank, the Swiss franc strengthened to 1.1381 francs per euro, compared with 1.1464 francs late Thursday in Tokyo.But it fell to 0.7953 against the dollar from 0.7936.

"In general, players are avoiding taking unnecessary risks," said Sumino Kamei, senior analyst at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. "I don't see any reasons for supporting the euro above $1.45 now."

Sunday, August 21, 2011

NAC's lokpal bill-by-NCPRI member Aruna Roy

Srinivasa Murthy wrote:

Arvindji, Kiranji,
Please be wary of the Government's machinations. The politician appointed civil society (called NAC) is being used to subvert the process. The message Government is trying to convey is 'even civil society members are not unified about Jan lokpal bill' and create confusion among the common man. I am sure you thought about that-#NCPRI member Aruna Roy,  who is also in the NAC, said: "The prime minister's office should come  under the Lokpal bill. We have suggested some safeguards for this in our  version of the bill."

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Burma’s president meets opposition leader Suu Kyi

Friday, 19 August 2011
  Burmese President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met for the first time on Friday in Naypyitaw at an unknown location, according to the local journal 7 Days.

Burmese President Thien Sein, shown here in traditional Burmese dress while speaking in Parliament, met with opposition leader Suu Kyi on Friday in Naypyitaw, as relations between her and the newly formed government improve. Photo: Mizzima
Burmese President Thien Sein, shown here in traditional Burmese dress while speaking in Parliament, met with opposition leader Suu Kyi on Friday in Naypyitaw, as relations between her and the newly formed government improve. Photo: Mizzima
"They met at 1 p.m.," said a source close to officials, when Mizzima asked for confirmation.

The opening ceremony of a national-level workshop on poverty and economic development was delayed for one hour due to their meeting, the journal said.

Suu Kyi was officially invited to attend a national-level three-day workshop that ends on Sunday. High-level government officials, members of political parties and business representatives were invited to the workshop.

Participants in the workshop told 7 Days that they had not yet seen Suu Kyi who arrived in Naypyitaw on Friday.

Under a special arrangement, a government security team appeared at Suu Kyi’s home in Rangoon at 9.a.m. local time led by Special Branch Police commander Colonel Win Naing Tun and accompanied her to Naypyitaw.

Relations between the government and Suu Kyi have gradually improved following two meetings recently between Suu Kyi and government Minister Aung Kyi.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Aung San Suu Kyi support of Indian activist Anna Hazare’s campaign

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has spoken in support of Indian activist Anna Hazare’s campaign against corruption in India.

Aung San Suu Kyi came out in support of Anna Hazare's protest against corruption in India, saying everyone should be concerned with eliminating corruption in governments. Photo: Mizzima

Aung San Suu Kyi came out in support of Anna Hazare's protest against corruption in India, saying everyone should be concerned with eliminating corruption in governments. Photo: Mizzima
Speaking in Rangoon to a reporter from The Times of India, Suu Kyi said everybody should be concerned about corruption, noting it pervades much of society.

The interview was conducted a few days before the arrest of Anna Hazare who has been pursuing a Gandhi-like protest in New Delhi against corruption, including periods of fasting. The 74-year-old social activist was arrested and jailed on August 16, but the authorities have just released him, according to media reports. He has received wide public support in a country plagued by corruption and poverty.

“Why is corruption so universal?” Suu Kyi asked. “There are good traits that are also universal. The fact that somebody like Anna Hazare is working against corruption shows there are people willing to speak out.”

Suu Kyi said that those who fight against corruption have their work cut out, and the struggle will have to go on for generation after generation. “We will never come to a time when corruption is eradicated,” she told The Times of India.


Commenting on the conflict this protest has caused with Indian politicians and the ruling Congress Party, she said there was no need for strife between politicians and civil society because both have the same goals, to work for the betterment of society, to help India be a stronger, healthier, better nation.

Democracy provides an opportunity to solve differences. “It is better than taking a rifle and shooting each other,” she said.

Thein Sein meets opposition leader Suu Kyi

Suu Kyi was officially invited to attend a national-level three-day workshop that ends on Sunday. High-level government officials, members of political parties and business representatives were invited to the workshop.President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi met for the first time on Friday in Naypyitaw at an unknown location, according to the local journal 7 Days.
Suu Kyi have gradually improved following two meetings recently between Suu Kyi and government Minister Aung Kyi. Participants in the workshop told 7 Days that they had not yet seen Suu Kyi who arrived in Naypyitaw on Friday.

Under a special arrangement, a government security team appeared at Suu Kyi’s home in Rangoon at 9.a.m. local time led by Special Branch Police commander Colonel Win Naing Tun and accompanied her to Naypyitaw.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Saina 5thJwala-Ashwini move into top 20

Jwala-Ashwini move into top 20 in rankings, Saina 5th-World Championship bronze medallist Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa broke into the top 20, while Saina Nehwal jumped a place to fifth in the latest world rankings released on Thursday.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jwala and Ashwini, who created history by becoming the first Indian women’s pair to win a bronze in World Championship last week, jumped four places to 17th.

“We are happy to break into the top 20. Reaching the semifinals of the World Championship was a good feeling, especially because nobody has done that in India but we would love to reach the finals. We have broken some barriers but we would love to win a gold,” Ashwini said.

Environmental Damage:A-Study-of-CPCB-IITD-MoEF

Environmental Damage
In a recent study carried out by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) under the aegis of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to assess the environmental pollution of 88 industrial clusters (indicating combined effect of all industries in the area) in different parts of the country, the internally generated Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) using the same methodology indicate that the pollution level of the coal mines are much lower compared to the total pollution level of the clusters identified by CPCB. This information was given by the Minister of State for Coal Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patill in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said that it is pertinent to mention here that the Environment Management Plan (EMP) for each project is prepared taking into account the likely impact on environment, ground water, human beings etc which involves the holding of Public Hearing with the stake holders and the officials of the State Government concerned. The EMP is finalized addressing the issues raised by the Stake holders and placed for approval of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Project proponents have to comply with the conditions laid by MoEF while according environment clearance.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

CCPA meets over Anna and Justice Sen

CCPA meets over Anna and Justice Sen-Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, CCPA, today met in New Delhi. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh chaired the meet.

AIR correspondent quoting official sources, reports that Anna Hazare's detention and Justice Soumitra Sen's impeachment issues were discussed in the meeting.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Suu Kyi’s visit to Pegu

Aung San Suu Kyi on a one-day political trip out of Rangoon that helped the pro-democracy leader test her political room to maneuver.Little fanfare surrounded the day trip of the secretary general of the National League for Democracy to Pegu (Bago) to open two libraries and offer a donation to thousands of victims of flooding in the region.Suu Kyi said in her speech, she stressed the importance of reading and how it was necessary to help young people become mentally strong. One of the programmes of her party is to provide educational help, and Suu Kyi herself has spent much time talking and giving speeches to youth. She, herself, is a voracious reader.

But the trip was also an opportunity to test the water with the Burmese government. Since her release from house arrest last November, fears have been voiced for her safety if she travels outside of Rangoon due to violence she and her supporters experienced in Depayin in May 2003.At least 70 people associated with her party were killed by a government-sponsored mob and Suu Kyi appeared lucky to escape. She was arrested shortly after.

The short trip to Pegu, leaving by road at 5:45 a.m. and returning at about 5 p.m. went off without incident. She was able to open the libraries, visit monasteries, and offer aid to flood victims.

Recent meetings with Aung Kyi, a government minister, are credited with smoothing the way.Mizzima

Poonia wins gold in IAAF event in USA

Ace Indian discus thrower Krishna Poonia has won the Gold medal in the Annual Athletic Meet at Portland in the United States. Taking part in the first competition of her training stint in the USA, she hurled the discus to 58.88 metres today to bag the yellow metal. Poonia's performance in the IAAF-event was also her best performance of the season.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Poonia had four throws above 58 metres while her two efforts recorded 57.61 metres and 57 metres.

In October, Poonia will participate in another IAAF-approved event at Chula Visa in California where she recorded her personal best of 63.69 metres in April last year.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Corrupt in Ruling Class are inevitably JITTERY

Corrupt in Ruling Class are inevitably JITTERY when there is a People Bonding against Corruption.It can be seen that our Political class most expectedly, wants no Anti - Corruption watchdog. Instead they seek Red Beacon lights on their cars to make People fearful, when they move around.
Today, we can see the Anna Hazare movement is being stifled, in discussing trivialities like where& for what duration the Aug 16, 2011 fast be held, no.of People (the 5000 outer limit), duration etc.
These pre-conditions, some 22 by Delhi Police itself, babudom at work, are alarming; in what way we-are projected to the World as a Free & Fair Democracy, under a vibrant Constitution.It is indeed shocking that after our War of Independence in 1947, we have by 2011, reduced ourselves-to a situation that we are ready for a Confrontation within, due to Greed, Corruption & Miss Management
& cover up. Both our Ruling class & main Opposition having their finger in the Diminishing pie. Reddy Bros-of Bellary, getting 'shabashi' by BJP President is clearly objectionable.

Attached Power Point is reflective of Realities.

In whatsoever way you can, do lend a Hand to the Anna Hazare ji's movement, do so as is comfortable-to you & your Group.

posting promod for NNFI Democratic Alnc - connects like minded, across India + nri's for
good Gov. Subodh Bhargava, Promod Chawla, Jai Kumar, Samuel Paul,
Gen.Vinod Saighal, Tara Sinha, R K Somany are NNFI Trustees.
Economist:Prof Arun Kumar. Legal:S Parikh.Strategist: J Almeida, A Trivedi

Clinton urges all countries to abandon ties with Syria

Hillary Clinton urges all countries to cut political, economic ties with Syria-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged all countries to cut their political and economic ties with Syria. She said buying oil and gas from Syria and exporting arms there were giving President Bashar al-Assad "comfort in his brutality". Mrs Clinton's comments came as large anti-government protests continued despite a harsh army crackdown. Activists said at least 16 people died yesterday as protesters came under fire in towns and cities across the country. More than 1,700 people have died and tens of thousands have reportedly been arrested since the uprising against the 41-year rule of Mr Assad's family began in March. Washington has stopped short of calling for Mr Assad to stand down, instead seeking unity in the international community so Mr Assad cannot say it is only the US or the West that is against him. The US has imposed sanctions against Damascus and has said these could be increased, while calling on other countries to follow. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait have all recalled their ambassadors from Damascus while Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has described the methods used by the Syrian security forces as "unacceptable".

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Jwala, Ponnappa storms into semis:World Badminton Championship


The pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwani Ponnappa have reached the semifinal of the Women's Doubles World Badminton Championship after defeating Indonesian pair of Vita Marissa and Nadia Melati 17-21, 21-10, 21-17 in quarter finals in London today. The Indian pair will now meet fifth seeded King Tiyan and Yunli Zhao of China in tomorrow's semifinal.

Earlier on Friday, Saina Nehwal lost the quarterfinals of the women's singles to Jing Wan of China 21-15, 21-10.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

C W C Modernizing Its Flood Forecasting Network

Central Water Commission Modernizing Its Flood Forecasting Network
Central Water Commission (CWC) is modernizing its Flood Forecasting Network using INSAT satellites based on real time telemetry system for collection & transmission of Hydro-meteorological data. So far 223 stations have been installed and another 222 stations are under installation.

During current monsoon, rivers Brahmaputra, Jiabharali, Beki, Dhansiri (South), Barak, Katakhal, Kopili, Desang, Dikhow, Burhi Dihing, Puthimari, Subansiri, Sankosh, Manas flowed above warning level in Assam till now. Rivers Ganga, Ghaghra, Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati, Adhwara group, Kosi, Mahananda, Sone, Kamala Balan flowed above warning level in Bihar.

The CWC has been issuing flood forecasts to different user agencies such as Revenue & Disaster Management Departments, District Administration, Irrigation and Water Resources Department of respective states as well as to Central agencies such as Railways, Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Public Sector Undertakings for planning/ taking appropriate measures.

The Minister of State in the Ministry Of Water Resources and Minority Affairs Shri Vincent H. Pala gave this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The details of new routes Air Connectivity

Air Connectivity-The details of new routes starting during the last three years and the current year are as follows:2008-2009 ---------
Delhi-Dehradun-Delhi
Mumbai-Latur-Nanded-Mumbai
Mumbai-Nasik-Mumbai
Mumbai-Sholapur-Mumbai
2009-10 -------
Chennai-Salem-Chennai
2010-11-------
Bangaluru-Mysore-Bangaluru
Cheanni-Agatti-Chennai
Delhi-Mangalore-Calicut & VV
Delhi-Ludhiana-Pathankot & VV
2011-12-------
Kolkata-Lilabari-Kolkata
Delhi-Kanpur-Kolkata
Mumbai-Latur-Nanded-Mumbai and Delhi-Ludhiana-Pathankot & VV routes have been modified as Mumbai-Nanded-Mumbai and Delhi-Ludhiana-Delhi.
At present, there are 370 scheduled flights per week operating in the North Eastern Region. Number and and percentage of flights increased in the NER from summer scheduled 2010 to summer scheduled 2011 are as under:

SS 10 WS 10 SS 11

---- ---- ----

No. of flihgts 286 348 370

% increased 21.67% 6.32%


Operations in domestic sector have been deregulated and flights are being operated by concerned airlines on the basis of commercial viability subject to adherence of Route Dispersal Guidelines. Government has laid down Route Dispersal Guidelines with a view to achieving better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country including North-East region. It is, however, up to the airlines to provide air services to specific places depending upon the traffic demand and commercial viability while complying with Route Dispersal Guidelines (RDG). Under the RDG, the operator has to diploy on routes in category-II (which includes North-Eastern Region, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Island and Lakshadeep) at least 10% of the capacity he deploys on routes in category-II routes, at least 10% would be deployed on services or segment thereof operated exclusively within the cat-II region.
This information was given by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Vayalar Ravi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

CBI conducts raids at CWG officials

CWG contract irregularities: CBI conducts raids at 16 places
The CBI on Tuesday conducted raids at 16 places in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Jaipur in connection with the alleged irregularities in awarding contract for renovation of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex for 2010 Commonwealth Games. Several incriminating documents and records were recovered during the searches. CBI spokesperson Dharini Mishra told reporters that the investigating agency had also registered a case against eight CPWD officials, two Delhi-based private firms and other unknown officials of CPWD for criminal conspiracy and criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CBI has alleged that the accused by abusing their position as public servants, in conspiracy with the private parties, considered inadmissible factors to artificially jack up the reasonable price so as to justify the award of work to the firms.

Monday, August 8, 2011

No cause of concern over oil spill: Natarajan

Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natrajan has said, there was no need to be alarmed about the oil spill off the Mumbai coast. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, she said that the situation was being dealt with by the Coast Guard.Cargo vessel MV Rak, which sank off Mumbai three days ago, is leaking oil and Coast Guard ships sprayed dispersants today to contain the oil spill, which has spread to about seven nautical miles around the ship.

A Ministry of Environment and Forests press release said,according to the Maharashtra Government, the spill on the Juhu coast is a localised phenomenon due to some other reasons and not due to the RAK spill. The RAK had about 290 tonnes of furnace oil and 50 tonnes of fuel oil apart from 60000 tonnes of coal and the incident happened at about 25 nautical miles away from the coast.

Navy spokesperson Manohar Nambiar said,the Coast Guard, being the designated national agency for management of oil spills, has stationed their oil pollution response vessel Samudra Prahari at the site to deal with pollution arising from the sunken vessel. Coast Guard has launched Operation Suraksha 02/11 to prevent damage to the fragile marine environment along Maharashtra coast.

The oil slick is being neutralised by Samudra Prahari, using oil spill dispersant and the Coast Guard is also using helicopters to monitor the situation and for aerial spray of the dispersant to contain the oil spread.

The State Government has kept the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the district collectors in a state of readiness to clean up the shore in coordination with Coast Guard and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

The MPCB have requested National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) to ascertain loss to marine life if any. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has deputed teams to take water samples and to identify the oil content and the source.

The ramifications of the ship Pavit being docked on Juhu beach since the last few days are also being examined. The MPCB has started monitoring and sea water sampling since yesterday at Mumbai coastal areas such as Gateway of India, Dadar, Juhu, Versoa, Gorai, Mahul, and in Navi Mumbai areas.

G7 pledges to support financial stability

Financial chiefs and central bankers of the G7 nations pledged to take all necessary measures to support financial stability and growth as nervous global markets re-opened. A statement issued by them said, they were committed to taking coordinated action where needed, to ensuring liquidity, and to supporting financial market functioning, financial stability and economic growth.

The European Central Bank, ECB said, it would make major purchases of Eurozone bonds in the latest move to stem a debt crisis that has world leaders scrambling for a global response. The ECB said, it would actively renew the bond purchases after Italy and Spain announced new measures and reforms to boost their economies and France and Germany pushed for full and rapid implementation of terms agreed at an emergency summit last month.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

India On Verge of Major Upheaval – Subramanian Swamy

By K.B.NAIR-CERRITOS , CA – In a hard hitting speech Janata Party Leader, Dr Subramanian Swamy lashed out at the Congress administration and its role in the several corruption scandals which are rocking India and proclaimed that the country is on the verge of a major upheaval in which by the end of the year many in the present Government would find themselves out of power and behind bars. He made this statement at a public meeting organized by the Bhartiya Vichar Manch in the Sierra Room of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on July 31. He went on to state that the strong movement against corruption is gaining momentum and predicted it would lead to elections being called early next year.

Dr Swamy started his address following the screening of a short video titled “ India- Republic of Scams” which briefly outlines the state of affairs in India resulting from alleged large scale scams and urges people to get involved in saving the country from disaster. Against this background Dr Swamy broke down his speech into three broad headings starting with what is corruption, followed by how it negatively impacts the country and finally what is the solution to the problem.

In defining corruption as a crime when a public office is misused for private gain, Dr Swamy said he was not referring to the small sums of money which changes hands at lower administrative levels which he thinks is unpreventable. What he finds disturbing is the scale to which corruption has escalated depriving the Government of several million dollars of revenue and thereby seriously undermining the financial stability of the nation. He went into the details a couple of such cases where ministers had used their positions for their personal financial gain or their kith and kin. The first he touched on related to the construction of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project which proposed to link the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Manar. Dr Swamy alleges the project was aggressively promoted with the intention of benefiting the companies of family and relatives of the then Shipping Minister through construction, shipping and dredging contracts related to the project.


Swamy speaks to his admirers after his address
The second was the most volatile and recent 2G scam over which controversy is still raging across the country. A significant part of his address was devoted to this subject in which after explaining its technical details he went on to describe how the then Telecommunications Minister A. Raja, by twisting the rules, masterminded the sale of spectrum to Swan and Unitech in which he had a stake, at throwaway prices on account of which the nation lost a staggering $ 40 billion in revenue.

This apart, he added the complex international financial transactions involved in the process would in itself pose immense security risks as anti national individuals and organizations had stakes in the foreign companies associated with the scheme, which in turn could be utilized to finance and support its own terrorist activities in India. Dr.Swamy named individuals who had connections to the gangster Dawood Ibrahim and the ISI.

Every time Dr Subramanian Swamy quoted how he had thwarted efforts by those in power to cover the scams by moving the Courts, he was met with thunderous applause from the audience.

Among the more serious ramifications of accumulation of such huge quantities of unaccounted wealth Dr Swamy stated was the lavish life style of those possessing them because of which there is an alarming shift from production of consumer goods for the average general public to the catering of luxury goods to the rich where the margins are far more attractive. Also inevitable is the skyrocketing prices of real estate and the illegal trade in food items and necessities resulting in inflation shooting to 16%. Another is the stashing of undeclared wealth in foreign banks which not only do not pay interest but charge a 2% service fee thus depriving the country of crores of rupees of revenue for its social programs. He also went on to explain procedures through which by the use of “participatory notes” the payment of Capital gains tax is cleverly avoided in transactions involving foreign currency.


The impressive audience at the talk.
In providing solutions to the colossal corruption problem Dr Swamy expressed the prevailing laws are sufficient but time consuming but in the short term he suggested the appointment of an independent prosecutor with sufficient powers to proceed legally against those who break the law so swift justice is arrived at. As an example he quoted the case of Bernie Madoff in the US who was convicted and incarcerated within 6 months whereas Ramalinga Raju’s case in the Satyam scandal is still pending mired in the Indian legal system for years. In the long term he called for a Renaissance of Indian traditional social values of Sanatan Dharma and by giving up the current trend of the relentless pursuit of making money ushered in by the hunger for material prosperity and globalization. He pointed out that money alone does not bring happiness as it proven by the fact that droves of wealthy individuals are arriving in India to find peace and purpose in their lives.

The low key organizers were content to let the speaker of the day take center stage and the event was pleasantly free of photo ops making it easy for the audience to focus on Dr.Swamy’s talk. Earlier Hari Pothulu had made the welcome and housekeeping remarks before Dr Subramanian Swamy was introduced by Ram Kumar. Dr Vinod Ambastha moderated the lively Q & A session that concluded the event.
Media-agencies

Friday, August 5, 2011

Myanmar unable to contain insurgents

Myanmar’s security forces are finding it difficult to contain insurgents at the ground-level creating serious security implications in India, the Assam Rifles said today.“The government of India and Myanmar are cooperating to fight insurgents. But they (Mynmarese security force) are finding it difficult to convert this cooperation into action at the ground-level,” AR’s Director General, Lt Gen, Rameshwar Roy said here. He was responding to the recent blast at Imphal, Manipur and the AR’s operations to counter insurgency.

Operating freely,organising in Myanmar, Northeast-based insurgent outfits just have to sneak into India through the 1643-km long hostile and unfenced Indo-Myanmar International border running along Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Assam Rifles (AR) patrols this long unfenced border,frequent infiltration of insurgents groups like United National Liberation Front, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K & I-M) and others from Myanmar has raised questions on AR’s border patrolling ability.AR not only guards the Indo-Myanmar border, is actively involved in counter-insurgency operations,thirty-one out of its 45 battalions are deployed in counter-insurgency operations, mostly in insurgency-ravaged Manipur. Presently, just 15 battalions can be spared to patrol the hostile Indo-Myanmar border.

AR has asked the Centre to raise additional battalions, so that gaps in the International border could be plugged. A decision is pending with the Home Ministry (HM) to raise 26 additional battalions to guard this vulnerable border, infamous for infiltrations, smuggling of drugs, arms, timber, fake currency and gems. “Discussions are on to raise these additional battalions,” Lt Gen Roy said.

He, however, informed that an Inspector General Headquarters at Silchar (Assam) and three Sector Command Headquarters at Dimapur (Nagaland), Haflong (Assam) and Senapati (Manipur) would be created.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Dikshit discusses CAG report

With pressure mounting on Delhi government following the reported irregularities pointed by CAG in certain CWG projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday held hectic parleys with her cabinet colleagues and top officials and discussed the issue.

A meeting held at Dikshit's official residence, in the morning was attended by PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, Transport and Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely and Power Minister Harun Yusuf besides Chief Secretary P K Tripathi and some other officials.

Later she also held couple of meetings with officials and believed to have discussed the situation arising out of the reported allegations leveled against her and the government by the CAG.

Sources said the government will react to the CAG report only after it is tabled in the Parliament.

The CAG has reportedly pointed out that Spageage Switchgears, one of the disqualified firms bidding for street lighting project, was declared qualified "irregularly" after it made a plea to the Chief Minister.

It also reportedly found overspending by the government and civic agencies to the tune of over Rs 100 crore over streetscaping and an excess expenditure of Rs 31.07 crore on street lighting by MCD, NDMC and PWD.

However, city government stoutly rejected the allegations, saying she never "intervened to favour" any firm and all due processes were followed in finalising the contracts.

Tripathi, reacting to media reports about the CAG findings, said Dikshit never intervened in award of any contracts and all the allegations levelled against her were "totally incorrect".

Unfazed by the allegations, Dikshit asserted she or her government has "not done anything wrong" and said everything was done keeping in mind the "national interest and prestige".

U.S. House approves debt ceiling bill

U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan bill to avert a massive debt default and reduce trillions in government spending, paving way for the austerity measure to face a Senate vote.The Budget Control Act of 2011 was passed by the House of Representatives by 269-161, a day after leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties and the White House reached an agreement.

The voting in the House was marked by the dramatic appearance of Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in January.Giffords voted yes for the bill, receiving a standing ovation from her colleagues in the House.
The bill is scheduled to be voted by the Senate tomorrow.

Once passed by the Senate, it would go to the White House for U.S. President Barack Obama to sign into law, which would prevent the government from defaulting on its debt.

The measure seeks to raise the debt ceiling from $ 14.3 trillion and cut deficit by $ 2.4 trillion over 10 years.

Following the vote, the House of Representatives went into the long summer recess and is slated to resume again in the first week of September.

“This bill is a good step, but it’s just a first step in the effort to fundamentally change the way Washington does business. This does not balance the budget, but it does make it more difficult — if not impossible — to continue to increase spending,” Republican Congressman Joe Barton said.

“This bill caps discretionary spending. Now we need to immediately begin efforts to reform entitlements and create enough jobs to increase revenue so that we can reduce the deficit and balance the budget — which is the true bottom line,” he said.

House Democratic Whip, Steny H Hoyer, said it should not be about partisan politics and ideological extremes.

“It ought to be about responsibility. It ought to be about understanding that our oath of office is to preserve and protect the United States of America. This bill does that. Vote yes,” he said.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Airstrikes kill 40 pro-govt Yemeni tribesmen

Government airstrikes in southern Yemen targeting al-Qaida-linked militants accidentally killed 40 pro-government tribesmen, a Yemeni security official and a tribal chief said.Airstrikes reflect the deteriorating security situation that has spread across the impoverished, heavily armed country since the popular uprising against longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh began six months ago.

Armed tribesmen are battling government forces in a number of areas around the country, and Islamist militants, some linked to al-Qaida, have overrun entire towns in the country's restive south and are now fighting government forces and tribes that remain loyal to Saleh.The president has clung to power despite the months of protests and being seriously wounded in an attack on his palace compound in the capital, Sanaa, on June 3.

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