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
Saturday, August 6, 2011
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Miss Handicapped Beauty Contest in Yangon
Miss Handicapped Beauty Contest in Yangon,Myanmaris oranganised by Physically Handicapped Association (MPHA) hold this Beauty Contest at the Thuwunna Indoor stadium in Yangon.
Next month contest aims at showcasing their ability and confidence and raising moral power of them, according to the MPHA.
The beauty contest for different types of female handicapped is scheduled to take place on Aug. 20.The single female contestants, aged between 18 and 30, are eligible to compete in the contest which allows two participants for each team.
Next month contest aims at showcasing their ability and confidence and raising moral power of them, according to the MPHA.
The beauty contest for different types of female handicapped is scheduled to take place on Aug. 20.The single female contestants, aged between 18 and 30, are eligible to compete in the contest which allows two participants for each team.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Congress : CBI probe into Odisha mining scam
Congress on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore mining scam in Odisha. Chief spokesman of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Arya Kumar Gyanendra on Friday said in Bhubaneswar that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has to follow the way of Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yedduyurappa once it is probed by the CBI. He said the magnitude of mining scam in Odisha is much bigger than in Karnataka.
He also said, besides Naveen Patnaik, many ministers in his cabinet and a number of senior officials are involved in the multi-crore mining scam. He alleged that the Odisha Chief Minister is trying to mislead the people by asking the vigilance department under him to probe into the mining scam.
He also said, besides Naveen Patnaik, many ministers in his cabinet and a number of senior officials are involved in the multi-crore mining scam. He alleged that the Odisha Chief Minister is trying to mislead the people by asking the vigilance department under him to probe into the mining scam.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Cabinet approves Lokpal Bill draft
In today's Cabinet meet,
Lokpal bill draft government version is approved.
Lokpal to consists of eight members at National level.
Lokpal Bill to be introduced during monsoon session of Parliament.
PM kept out of Lokpal Bill purview.
Autonomy of judiciary to be maintained is out of the ambit Lokpal Bill.
Draft of Lokpal Bill is under purview of standing committee.
All former Prime Minister comes under ambit Lokpal Bill
Lokpal bill draft government version is approved.
Lokpal to consists of eight members at National level.
Lokpal Bill to be introduced during monsoon session of Parliament.
PM kept out of Lokpal Bill purview.
Autonomy of judiciary to be maintained is out of the ambit Lokpal Bill.
Draft of Lokpal Bill is under purview of standing committee.
All former Prime Minister comes under ambit Lokpal Bill
Justice Shivaraj V Patil appointed new K'taka Lokayukta
Justice Shivaraj V Patil appointed new K'taka Lokayukta
Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Shivaraj V Patil, hailing from Karnataka was on Tuesday appointed the new Lokayukta of Karnataka to succeed Santosh Hegde.
Governor H R Bhardwaj has cleared the name of Patil, who had earlier served as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court as well as Acting Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Raj Bhavan sources said.
71-year-old Patil, replaces Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge who completes his term on August two.
Patil also served as the one-man committee that went into the processes and procedures followed by the Department of Telecommunications in the allocation of licences and spectrum between 2001 and 2009.
A Raj Bhavan communique later said the Governor made the appointment on the advice tendered by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
The Governor has also appointed former Karnataka High Court judge, Justice (retd) R Gururajan as a Upalokayukta, Karnataka, it said.
Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Shivaraj V Patil, hailing from Karnataka was on Tuesday appointed the new Lokayukta of Karnataka to succeed Santosh Hegde.
Governor H R Bhardwaj has cleared the name of Patil, who had earlier served as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court as well as Acting Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Raj Bhavan sources said.
71-year-old Patil, replaces Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge who completes his term on August two.
Patil also served as the one-man committee that went into the processes and procedures followed by the Department of Telecommunications in the allocation of licences and spectrum between 2001 and 2009.
A Raj Bhavan communique later said the Governor made the appointment on the advice tendered by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.
The Governor has also appointed former Karnataka High Court judge, Justice (retd) R Gururajan as a Upalokayukta, Karnataka, it said.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Imagine TV and Rakhi Sawant's: Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan
Imagine TV and Rakhi Sawant's: Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan
The Funniest, wackiest and most bizarre chat show on TV
hosted by Rakhi Sawant:
- The brand new reality series hits the television screens on 29th July 2011~
Ever heard of a man who has not taken bath for 37 years, or two families who combat each other and use ghosts as their weapons, or a woman who prefers to stay perched on a cell phone tower for days, to avoid getting married to a man her parents chose! Yes, India is a unique country with very unique stories. Gear up to watch the most extraordinary & bizzare stories from our country on -Imagine TV as it launches Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan, hosted by the fun & entertaining - Rakhi Sawant, starting 29th July 2011, Friday – Saturday at 10pm
Produced by UTV, Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan, is a unique showcase of strange stories that highlight the wacky lives and strange beliefs that exist in our country. The show will bring together the funniest stories from across the country; stories that will leave you holding your tummy in laughter and your head in disbelief! As the host of the show Rakhi Sawant will bring these stories to the viewers in her trademark, over-the-top & unpretentious style. With Rakhi in the midst of the proceedings, dollops of entertainment and fun are guaranteed.
Says Rakhi Sawant, “I am elated to be back at doing what I do best – Entertain! My audience loves me and so do I. This time around I will be host of the baap of all shows, where you will witness some of the most bizarre incidents that are sure leaved you shell-shocked and rolling on the floor in splits of laughter. All I can say is ‘It Happens only in India’.”
Speaking on the launch of the show, Mr. Santosh Nair, CEO, TV Content – UTV said, “It’s not every day that you get a chance to witness some of the most unusual stories that our country has to offer. So Gazab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaniyan was conceptualized to showcase these peculiar tales to the audiences, but in an interesting format! Rakhi is definitely the ideal choice for the host, someone who will bring in an element of humour and entertainment, in her own unique style! It is a pleasure to work with Imagine TV yet again and with the stories that the show will bring forth, Gazab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaniyan is pegged to be one of the most captivating shows on television”
The Funniest, wackiest and most bizarre chat show on TV
hosted by Rakhi Sawant:
- The brand new reality series hits the television screens on 29th July 2011~
Ever heard of a man who has not taken bath for 37 years, or two families who combat each other and use ghosts as their weapons, or a woman who prefers to stay perched on a cell phone tower for days, to avoid getting married to a man her parents chose! Yes, India is a unique country with very unique stories. Gear up to watch the most extraordinary & bizzare stories from our country on -Imagine TV as it launches Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan, hosted by the fun & entertaining - Rakhi Sawant, starting 29th July 2011, Friday – Saturday at 10pm
Produced by UTV, Gajab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaaniyaan, is a unique showcase of strange stories that highlight the wacky lives and strange beliefs that exist in our country. The show will bring together the funniest stories from across the country; stories that will leave you holding your tummy in laughter and your head in disbelief! As the host of the show Rakhi Sawant will bring these stories to the viewers in her trademark, over-the-top & unpretentious style. With Rakhi in the midst of the proceedings, dollops of entertainment and fun are guaranteed.
Says Rakhi Sawant, “I am elated to be back at doing what I do best – Entertain! My audience loves me and so do I. This time around I will be host of the baap of all shows, where you will witness some of the most bizarre incidents that are sure leaved you shell-shocked and rolling on the floor in splits of laughter. All I can say is ‘It Happens only in India’.”
Speaking on the launch of the show, Mr. Santosh Nair, CEO, TV Content – UTV said, “It’s not every day that you get a chance to witness some of the most unusual stories that our country has to offer. So Gazab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaniyan was conceptualized to showcase these peculiar tales to the audiences, but in an interesting format! Rakhi is definitely the ideal choice for the host, someone who will bring in an element of humour and entertainment, in her own unique style! It is a pleasure to work with Imagine TV yet again and with the stories that the show will bring forth, Gazab Desh Ki Ajab Kahaniyan is pegged to be one of the most captivating shows on television”
Monday, July 25, 2011
Rewati Singh & Ashok Argal faced police
Under Cash-for-vote scam,Rewati Singh & Ashok Argal appear before police today.
Samajwadi Party MP Rewati Raman Singh and BJP MP Ashok Argal on Friday appeared before Delhi Police for questioning in connection with the 2008 cash-for-vote scam.
The questioning of Rewati Raman came three days after his former party colleague Amar Singh was questioned by the investigators. Two persons Sanjeev Saxena, former aide of Amar Singh, and Suhail Hindustani, an alleged go-between Amar Singh and BJP were arrested after quizzing.
Samajwadi Party MP Rewati Raman Singh and BJP MP Ashok Argal on Friday appeared before Delhi Police for questioning in connection with the 2008 cash-for-vote scam.
The questioning of Rewati Raman came three days after his former party colleague Amar Singh was questioned by the investigators. Two persons Sanjeev Saxena, former aide of Amar Singh, and Suhail Hindustani, an alleged go-between Amar Singh and BJP were arrested after quizzing.
Government firms up draft Land Acquisition Bill
Government firms up draft Land Acquisition Bill-Government has firmed up the draft of Land Acquisition Bill that makes consent of 80 per cent land owners mandatory before purchase of the land. Briefing the reporters after a meeting with Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh in New Delhi today, N C Saxena, member of Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council, NAC said that the new Bill is expected to be unveiled in the next few days. He added that the ministry has improved the draft by raising the consent bar of land owners to 80 percent which was kept at 70 percent by NAC. Mr. Saxena also said the proposed bill will enable the state governments to acquire zero to 100 percent land depending upon the project. Mr. Saxena noted that there will be special provisions for acquiring land of Scheduled Tribes. He also informed that the Ministry has also agreed to NAC's recommendation to integrate different bills of land acquisition and rehabilitation into one.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Pak won’t accept any country’s hegemony: PM-Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
Pak won’t accept any country’s hegemony-Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said Pakistan will not accept any country’s hegemony in the region.Talking to newsmen here at PM Secretariat after presiding over 13th annual awards ceremony of National Highways and Motorway Police, the Prime Minister said, “We don’t want any Chaudhry (regional chief) in the region.”
Prime Minister was responding to statement of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in which she urged India to match its economic progress by taking a more assertive political role in Central and East Asia. Gilani said, Pakistan will not accept hegemony of any country in the region.On-Replying to another question about the resignations of MQM Ministers, he said the resignations tendered by Sindh Governor, provincial and federal ministers of the MQM had not been accepted therefore, their status as ministers is still intact.
Referring-to question about the arrest of Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, head of Kashmir Center in Washington, he clarified that Dr. Fai is not a Pakistani citizen, and he was a citizen of Occupied Kashmir.About Fai’s reported link with a sensitive agency, the Prime Minister said the matter is being investigated and “Let the facts come; we will see it then.”
Regarding to a question about law and order situation of Karachi, he said it is a provincial subject and the Federal Government is in touch with the provincial government to improve the situation in this mega city.The Prime Minister said, “We respect the mandate of the provincial government.” He, however, said Opposition members had requisitioned the sessions of Senate and National Assembly to discuss the law and order situation in Karachi.Gilani said he especially asked the Chief Whip of National Assembly to ensure the quorum in the session so that the members could discuss the law and order situation of Karachi and it was ensured that there should be no problem of quorum.He said he himself attended the session and the members expressed their point of view on the Karachi situation.
On the issue of Zafar Qureshi, the Prime Minister said he will give his response to the Apex Court in this regard.About the financial conditions of Pakistan Railways and shortage of funds, the Prime Minister said, sufficient funds, in billions of rupees, have been provided to Railways to improve its economic conditions.
Regarding any change in the portfolio of Ministry of Railways,he said Ghulam Ahmed Balour, the Railway Minister is from a coalition partner and government has full regard and respect for its coalition partners.
Answering a question about the allegations on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for fudging in the figures of tax collection, the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Finance has been directed to take notice of these allegations.Media-agencies
Prime Minister was responding to statement of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in which she urged India to match its economic progress by taking a more assertive political role in Central and East Asia. Gilani said, Pakistan will not accept hegemony of any country in the region.On-Replying to another question about the resignations of MQM Ministers, he said the resignations tendered by Sindh Governor, provincial and federal ministers of the MQM had not been accepted therefore, their status as ministers is still intact.
Referring-to question about the arrest of Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, head of Kashmir Center in Washington, he clarified that Dr. Fai is not a Pakistani citizen, and he was a citizen of Occupied Kashmir.About Fai’s reported link with a sensitive agency, the Prime Minister said the matter is being investigated and “Let the facts come; we will see it then.”
Regarding to a question about law and order situation of Karachi, he said it is a provincial subject and the Federal Government is in touch with the provincial government to improve the situation in this mega city.The Prime Minister said, “We respect the mandate of the provincial government.” He, however, said Opposition members had requisitioned the sessions of Senate and National Assembly to discuss the law and order situation in Karachi.Gilani said he especially asked the Chief Whip of National Assembly to ensure the quorum in the session so that the members could discuss the law and order situation of Karachi and it was ensured that there should be no problem of quorum.He said he himself attended the session and the members expressed their point of view on the Karachi situation.
On the issue of Zafar Qureshi, the Prime Minister said he will give his response to the Apex Court in this regard.About the financial conditions of Pakistan Railways and shortage of funds, the Prime Minister said, sufficient funds, in billions of rupees, have been provided to Railways to improve its economic conditions.
Regarding any change in the portfolio of Ministry of Railways,he said Ghulam Ahmed Balour, the Railway Minister is from a coalition partner and government has full regard and respect for its coalition partners.
Answering a question about the allegations on Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for fudging in the figures of tax collection, the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Finance has been directed to take notice of these allegations.Media-agencies
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Afghan national has been arrested in Germany
Afghan national has been arrested in Germany Suspected al Qaeda recruiter on suspicion of recruiting or fundraising for international militant groups al Qaeda and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, federal prosecutors said on Thursday.Young 21yr- identified as Omid H.,alleged to have published articles and videos on an Islamic Internet site glorifying terrorist attacks with the intent of recruiting new members or raising money for the networks, prosecutors said.Some 60 articles and videos uploaded to the site by Omid H. over the past year were aimed to "incite ... radicalism and ideological-motivated violence," they said.Omid H. was arrested near Kassel in western Germany on Wednesday, the prosecutor's office said in a news release.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Bhushan, Anna, Kejriwal aur 20,000 Scou
Bhushan, Anna, Kejriwal aur 20,000 Scou – Very Very Special
Friends,
In Arabic fictional tale Ali Baba and 40 thieve, Ali Baba over heard the secret treasure of 40 thieves, his intelligent slave ‘Margina’ managed to kill all the thieves and her master Ali Baba was the only left who knew the secret to access the treasure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Baba
In recruiting 20,000 Lokpal Special Staff Bhushans want to create Indian Gestapo or KGB version that is even more powerful could Interrogate PM and Judges.
Bhushan, Anna, Kejriwal wants 20,000 Scou to help them to unlock the treasures of THIEVES but difference is for every thief they want 20 Scou. Here I am assuming just top 1000 thieves hold 90% recoverable treasure, unlike ‘Smart Margina’ they had requisitioned 20 Scoundrels on full time employment to access treasure held by each BIG thieve.
Scoundrels because firstly they shall come from most Corrupt Police Departments and 20,000 shall be empowered to ‘Arrest, Interrogate, Torture, Search Home & Business, Open Lockers and Bank Accounts, Use Electronic Tracking of Mobiles, Mails, Engage or Hire Witnesses etc’ all dirty work.
It was most stupid of Bhushans to cover non Gazetted Officer in the jurisdiction of Lokpal. In case of Telecom Scam few associates of Minister were involved why he wants even Chaprasi to be under Lokpal.
‘Jan Parliament’ NGO shall control corruption in Germination Stage itself.
Quick Prescription for Limiting Corruption
So I always prescribe Prevention & engaging Experts as Effective Way to Limit the Operations of The Thieves –
An Economic Intelligence Department employing just 500 directly jointly under PM & Supreme Court can deal with entire situation. How >>
– Supreme to order ‘Limiting the Shareholding of Corporate, Ambanis for example to original 12%’ who have illegally raised it to over 50%. This shall limit their wealth and cut their ability to Cheat & Corruption.
-- GOI has reserved 50% seats and jobs for backward classes in colleges and public sector employment, but is reluctant to deploy 50% of Bank Credits to rural population who have surplus Land, Manpower, Agro Produce as Raw Material and Water to set up own industries etc to remove widening Rural-Urban Economic Gulf.
-- Supreme Court to cancel Mining Leases where Companies had paid less than 10% of the value of minerals, or are Hoarding on to cheaply acquired Land & Mining leases, GOI to release Mining Leases on annual basis to companies who observe Regulations, engage proper & scientific mining technologies and restore mined area fit for re-habitation.
>> When a person was fined for not building House within two years of allotment of a plot – he paid fine and built house in 12 months but DLF has over 10,000 acres prime Land Hoarding for 20 years. Supreme Court shall order return of un-build area acquired by Builders for 4 years or more to farmers. This shall restore injustice done to farmers who cheaply sold land to builders for fear of losing it to Government at even lower price.
>> Mayawati ought to have acquired Hoarded Land first for development.
-- Supreme Court to order 40% of the value of minerals be paid as Royalty to owners or natives or 20% royalty and restore - return Mining area to original owners or inhabitants.
-- Supreme Court to restore Urban Land Ceiling act that was illegally withdrawn considering Farming Land Ceiling was not – farmers lands are acquired for development but buildings in way of widening roads are not – in Mumbai bypass is built over sea.
-- Supreme Court to order 50% of the Bank Credits for Housing, Personal Loan, MSMEs to go to villages.
-- Supreme Court to order 20% of power generation reserved for Domestic/ Commercial Use by 70% rural population at par with Urban Domestic & Commercial consumption.
From-Email
Ravinder Singh
Inventor & Consultant
July21, 2011
Friends,
In Arabic fictional tale Ali Baba and 40 thieve, Ali Baba over heard the secret treasure of 40 thieves, his intelligent slave ‘Margina’ managed to kill all the thieves and her master Ali Baba was the only left who knew the secret to access the treasure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Baba
In recruiting 20,000 Lokpal Special Staff Bhushans want to create Indian Gestapo or KGB version that is even more powerful could Interrogate PM and Judges.
Bhushan, Anna, Kejriwal wants 20,000 Scou to help them to unlock the treasures of THIEVES but difference is for every thief they want 20 Scou. Here I am assuming just top 1000 thieves hold 90% recoverable treasure, unlike ‘Smart Margina’ they had requisitioned 20 Scoundrels on full time employment to access treasure held by each BIG thieve.
Scoundrels because firstly they shall come from most Corrupt Police Departments and 20,000 shall be empowered to ‘Arrest, Interrogate, Torture, Search Home & Business, Open Lockers and Bank Accounts, Use Electronic Tracking of Mobiles, Mails, Engage or Hire Witnesses etc’ all dirty work.
It was most stupid of Bhushans to cover non Gazetted Officer in the jurisdiction of Lokpal. In case of Telecom Scam few associates of Minister were involved why he wants even Chaprasi to be under Lokpal.
‘Jan Parliament’ NGO shall control corruption in Germination Stage itself.
Quick Prescription for Limiting Corruption
So I always prescribe Prevention & engaging Experts as Effective Way to Limit the Operations of The Thieves –
An Economic Intelligence Department employing just 500 directly jointly under PM & Supreme Court can deal with entire situation. How >>
– Supreme to order ‘Limiting the Shareholding of Corporate, Ambanis for example to original 12%’ who have illegally raised it to over 50%. This shall limit their wealth and cut their ability to Cheat & Corruption.
-- GOI has reserved 50% seats and jobs for backward classes in colleges and public sector employment, but is reluctant to deploy 50% of Bank Credits to rural population who have surplus Land, Manpower, Agro Produce as Raw Material and Water to set up own industries etc to remove widening Rural-Urban Economic Gulf.
-- Supreme Court to cancel Mining Leases where Companies had paid less than 10% of the value of minerals, or are Hoarding on to cheaply acquired Land & Mining leases, GOI to release Mining Leases on annual basis to companies who observe Regulations, engage proper & scientific mining technologies and restore mined area fit for re-habitation.
>> When a person was fined for not building House within two years of allotment of a plot – he paid fine and built house in 12 months but DLF has over 10,000 acres prime Land Hoarding for 20 years. Supreme Court shall order return of un-build area acquired by Builders for 4 years or more to farmers. This shall restore injustice done to farmers who cheaply sold land to builders for fear of losing it to Government at even lower price.
>> Mayawati ought to have acquired Hoarded Land first for development.
-- Supreme Court to order 40% of the value of minerals be paid as Royalty to owners or natives or 20% royalty and restore - return Mining area to original owners or inhabitants.
-- Supreme Court to restore Urban Land Ceiling act that was illegally withdrawn considering Farming Land Ceiling was not – farmers lands are acquired for development but buildings in way of widening roads are not – in Mumbai bypass is built over sea.
-- Supreme Court to order 50% of the Bank Credits for Housing, Personal Loan, MSMEs to go to villages.
-- Supreme Court to order 20% of power generation reserved for Domestic/ Commercial Use by 70% rural population at par with Urban Domestic & Commercial consumption.
From-Email
Ravinder Singh
Inventor & Consultant
July21, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Uranium find in Andhra Pradesh
India's state of Andhra Pradesh find one of the largest reserves of uranium in the world, the country's chief nuclear officer says.Initial Studies,reports Tummalapalle in Kadapa district may have reserves of 150,000 tonnes of the mineral, Atomic Energy Commission chief S Banerjee said.
India has estimated reserves of about 175,000 tonnes of uranium.Analysts say the new reserves would still not be sufficient to meet India's growing nuclear energy needs.
Media-agencies
India has estimated reserves of about 175,000 tonnes of uranium.Analysts say the new reserves would still not be sufficient to meet India's growing nuclear energy needs.
Media-agencies
Monday, July 18, 2011
Portfolio allocation-to-Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora
Portfolio allocation of Minister of State for IT and Communications,Milind Deora. He is given the charge of the Telecom Department.
Sachin Pilot,to take care of IT and Postal issues.
The 34-year old Deora, a two-time Congress MP from South Mumbai,had taken charge as Minister of State for IT and Communications.
Minister for IT and Communications Kapil Sibal has decided the responsibilities of both Ministers of State, official sources said on Monday.
Sachin Pilot,to take care of IT and Postal issues.
The 34-year old Deora, a two-time Congress MP from South Mumbai,had taken charge as Minister of State for IT and Communications.
Minister for IT and Communications Kapil Sibal has decided the responsibilities of both Ministers of State, official sources said on Monday.
Hillary Clinton arrives Monday in New Delhi
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will arrive in New Delhi on Monday to attend the second round of Indo-US strategic dialogue on Tuesday.A host of key bilateral, regional and international issues including situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and security cooperation in the backdrop of recent Mumbai blasts will be discussed during the talks.Hillary, who will be in India for a two-day official trip, will hold talks with her counterpart External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, apart from calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and meeting National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon.
On Tuesday, the US Secretary of State will hold a breakfast meeting with the National Security Adviser followed by the Indo-US dialogue after which she will call on the Prime Minister and will meet several senior political leaders including UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Clinton will be travelling to Chennai on Wednesday where she is likely to meet representatives of US companies.
Besides situation in the region, civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries will also be part of the strategic dialogue during which India is also expected to talk about American visa regime which is impacting the movement of Indian IT professionals in that country.
The dialogue is based on five pillars which include strategic cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism, energy and trade.
Clinton and Krishna had launched the India-US Strategic Dialogue in 2009 to provide a framework and strategic direction for the huge range of bilateral government-to-government activity between the two countries.The first meeting of the strategic dialogue was held in Washington last year.The strategic dialogue provides an opportunity to take stock of the progress in bilateral relationship and cooperation and to consult on global and regional issues of interest, besides charting out a short to medium-term roadmap of cooperation in priority sectors for the two governments, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said.
On Tuesday, the US Secretary of State will hold a breakfast meeting with the National Security Adviser followed by the Indo-US dialogue after which she will call on the Prime Minister and will meet several senior political leaders including UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Clinton will be travelling to Chennai on Wednesday where she is likely to meet representatives of US companies.
Besides situation in the region, civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries will also be part of the strategic dialogue during which India is also expected to talk about American visa regime which is impacting the movement of Indian IT professionals in that country.
The dialogue is based on five pillars which include strategic cooperation in defence and counter-terrorism, energy and trade.
Clinton and Krishna had launched the India-US Strategic Dialogue in 2009 to provide a framework and strategic direction for the huge range of bilateral government-to-government activity between the two countries.The first meeting of the strategic dialogue was held in Washington last year.The strategic dialogue provides an opportunity to take stock of the progress in bilateral relationship and cooperation and to consult on global and regional issues of interest, besides charting out a short to medium-term roadmap of cooperation in priority sectors for the two governments, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Monsoon session of Parliament from August 1
Monsoon session of Parliament from August 1:
The monsoon session of Parliament will begin on August 1 and is likely to continue for about six weeks. Subject to exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on September 8. This was announced by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in a press release. Lok Sabha Secretariat had made the announcement
The monsoon session of Parliament will begin on August 1 and is likely to continue for about six weeks. Subject to exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on September 8. This was announced by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in a press release. Lok Sabha Secretariat had made the announcement
Friday, July 15, 2011
Chilean students-protest
SANTIAGO: At least 32 officers were wounded and 54 demonstrators were arrested here Thursday in a mass protest demanding more funds for public education, police said.
Riot police used water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse the tens of thousands of demonstrators, who fought back by hurling rocks, sticks, and plastic bottles filled with paint.Santiago Police Chief Sergio Gajardo told reporters that 32 officers were wounded "as a result of the extremely violent actions that took place at the end of the march."
Riot police used water cannons and fired tear gas to disperse the tens of thousands of demonstrators, who fought back by hurling rocks, sticks, and plastic bottles filled with paint.Santiago Police Chief Sergio Gajardo told reporters that 32 officers were wounded "as a result of the extremely violent actions that took place at the end of the march."
Thursday, July 14, 2011
EL Nino effect in Burma.
According to observations recorded by 25 El Nino watch groups around the world, there is a 50 per cent probability in August and a 70 per cent probability in November.Dr. Tun Lwin said that only a strong El Nino could affect Burma.“The epicenter of El Nino is far from Burma. The epicenter is located near Peru and Ecuador in South America,” Tun Lwin told Mizzima. An El Nino leads to drought and very high temperatures.El Nino condition is based upon the Oceanic Nino Index. When water temperature is 5 degree Celsius higher than normal temperatures in the sea, an El Nino can occur. If it is nine degree higher than normal, a strong El Nino will occur.In 2010, lakes, ponds and wells dried up in Mon, Arakan, and Shan states, Rangoon, Pegu, Irrawaddy, Sagaing, Mandalay and Magwe regions because of El Nino. Temperatures reached 47 degree Celsius in Myinmu in Sagaing Region, 46.5 degree in Myinchan in Mandalay Region, 45 degree in Monywa (Sagaing Region) and Magwe (Magwe Region), and 44.8 degree in Nyaungoo in Mandalay Region.
“El Nino can spoil a monsoon. It causes drought, so the whole country could suffer bad consequences. I don’t want to say that El Nino can affect only Central Burma. It can affect the whole country. There is little rain in Central Burma even in normal conditions so you could say that Central Burma could be severely affected,” Tun Lwin said.There is more than a 50 per cent probability that an El Nino weather phenomenon will occur again in Burma this August, said Burmese meteorologist Tun Lwin. In 2010, some lakes dried up because of the EL Nino effect in Burma.
“El Nino can spoil a monsoon. It causes drought, so the whole country could suffer bad consequences. I don’t want to say that El Nino can affect only Central Burma. It can affect the whole country. There is little rain in Central Burma even in normal conditions so you could say that Central Burma could be severely affected,” Tun Lwin said.There is more than a 50 per cent probability that an El Nino weather phenomenon will occur again in Burma this August, said Burmese meteorologist Tun Lwin. In 2010, some lakes dried up because of the EL Nino effect in Burma.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Kyaw Win, official at the Burmese embassy in Washington, D.C.Reports
Kyaw Win, official at the Burmese embassy in Washington, D.C.Reports
Jul 13 2011
Tags: burmese human rights
ShareThis
Senior diplomat writes to Secretary of State Clinton, saying he has lost hope that his country's leaders will effect democratic change.Kyaw Win, the second-ranking official at the Burmese embassy in Washington, writes in a July 4 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, his efforts to push for reform have been rejected and he fears prosecution if he returns to Burma. United States to maintain targeted economic sanctions against the Burmese leaders and their businessmen allies, and to press for an international council of inquiry to investigate Burmese human rights abuses.The diplomat confirmed his resignation and request of asylum in the United States by telephone to a reporter for VOA's Burmese service.
Futher adds,Burma's military would ease its grip on power and move Burma to greater political pluralism. But, he says, the military has retained its hold on uncontested power in spite of elections last year that brought in a nominally civilian leadership.
He says that in reality, senior military officials are seeking "to stamp out the voices of those seeking democracy, human rights and individual liberties." He says war against the nation's ethnic minorities is "imminent" and threats against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi must be taken seriously.
Kyaw Win says the United States has played a special role in standing up for freedom and democracy in his country. He urges Secretary Clinton to facilitate the creation of an international body to investigate human rights abuses perpetrated in Burma's conflict zones by the military and other armed groups.Media-agenies-VOA
Jul 13 2011
Tags: burmese human rights
ShareThis
Senior diplomat writes to Secretary of State Clinton, saying he has lost hope that his country's leaders will effect democratic change.Kyaw Win, the second-ranking official at the Burmese embassy in Washington, writes in a July 4 letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, his efforts to push for reform have been rejected and he fears prosecution if he returns to Burma. United States to maintain targeted economic sanctions against the Burmese leaders and their businessmen allies, and to press for an international council of inquiry to investigate Burmese human rights abuses.The diplomat confirmed his resignation and request of asylum in the United States by telephone to a reporter for VOA's Burmese service.
Futher adds,Burma's military would ease its grip on power and move Burma to greater political pluralism. But, he says, the military has retained its hold on uncontested power in spite of elections last year that brought in a nominally civilian leadership.
He says that in reality, senior military officials are seeking "to stamp out the voices of those seeking democracy, human rights and individual liberties." He says war against the nation's ethnic minorities is "imminent" and threats against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi must be taken seriously.
Kyaw Win says the United States has played a special role in standing up for freedom and democracy in his country. He urges Secretary Clinton to facilitate the creation of an international body to investigate human rights abuses perpetrated in Burma's conflict zones by the military and other armed groups.Media-agenies-VOA
US suspends 800 million US dollar aid to Pakistan
US suspends 800 million US dollar aid to Pakistan
Angered by Pakistan's reluctance to go full throttle in the war against terror, the US has disclosed that it has suspended 800 million US dollar worth of military aid to it.
White House Chief of Staff Tom Donilon while confirming the suspension of the aid, described the relations with Pakistan as difficult and that it must be made to work overtime.
The suspended aid is about one-third of the 2 billion US dollar in annual American security assistance to Pakistan.
Angered by Pakistan's reluctance to go full throttle in the war against terror, the US has disclosed that it has suspended 800 million US dollar worth of military aid to it.
White House Chief of Staff Tom Donilon while confirming the suspension of the aid, described the relations with Pakistan as difficult and that it must be made to work overtime.
The suspended aid is about one-third of the 2 billion US dollar in annual American security assistance to Pakistan.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Big Thank You’ for making AirAsia number ONE again!
‘World’s Best Low Cost Airline’ award
Sepang, 11 July 2011 – AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, 2011) presents another irresistible promotion offering low fares to exciting domestic and regional destinations.
The promotion, aptly named the ‘A Big Thank You Sale’ presents guests with fares from as low as *RM3 to destinations from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sibu, Kuching, Bangkok, Hat Yai and Phuket. Also offered are flights via AirAsia’s East Malaysian hub, from Kota Kinabalu to Clark.
Booking period for this must-not-miss promotion starts at 12am on 12 July – 17 July 2011, for the travel period between 6 February – 20 June 2012. Log on www.airasia.com for more information on this promotion and other similar, enticing deals.Kathleen Tan, Regional Commercial Head, AirAsia Berhad said, “We are proud to be recognized as the world’s best low-cost airline for three consecutive years. However, this amazing feat is not possible without the support of our wonderful guests. Being conferred the award for three years in a row indicates our incessant efforts to ensure the best products and services for all our guests.
“In conjunction with this achievement, we will be offering special RM3 fares to selected domestic and regional destinations. By this promotion, we hope to see more people grab the opportunity to travel and enjoy quality time with their friends and families. This ‘A Big Thank You Sale’ promotion is a way to say thank you to our guests for the support given all these years. Rest assured that we always listen to our guests’ needs for lower and lower fares.”
To make holidays more interesting and memorable, guests may log on to www.airasiago.com to be able to mix and match their preferred tour and activities, apart from affordable holiday packages and lodging from over 70,000 hotels worldwide. Together with the partnership with Expedia, the travel portal has 130,000 hotel partners around the world.
AirAsia remains a popular choice among air travelers with its consumer-friendly products and services, including low fares, a modern fleet, an extensive network and great flight frequencies, convenient booking and payment channels, and choose-your-own features for meals, seats and baggage allowances.
AirAsia’s operations are anchored in its mission to democratize travel, encapsulated in its tagline Now Everyone Can Fly. It has ferried more than 120 million guests to date. AirAsia has also established itself as the Truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline, with its unmatched connectivity in the region and its “sky bridges” – routes – that link the capitals and communities of Southeast Asia to each other and beyond.
Sepang, 11 July 2011 – AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline for three consecutive years (2009, 2010, 2011) presents another irresistible promotion offering low fares to exciting domestic and regional destinations.
The promotion, aptly named the ‘A Big Thank You Sale’ presents guests with fares from as low as *RM3 to destinations from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sibu, Kuching, Bangkok, Hat Yai and Phuket. Also offered are flights via AirAsia’s East Malaysian hub, from Kota Kinabalu to Clark.
Booking period for this must-not-miss promotion starts at 12am on 12 July – 17 July 2011, for the travel period between 6 February – 20 June 2012. Log on www.airasia.com for more information on this promotion and other similar, enticing deals.Kathleen Tan, Regional Commercial Head, AirAsia Berhad said, “We are proud to be recognized as the world’s best low-cost airline for three consecutive years. However, this amazing feat is not possible without the support of our wonderful guests. Being conferred the award for three years in a row indicates our incessant efforts to ensure the best products and services for all our guests.
“In conjunction with this achievement, we will be offering special RM3 fares to selected domestic and regional destinations. By this promotion, we hope to see more people grab the opportunity to travel and enjoy quality time with their friends and families. This ‘A Big Thank You Sale’ promotion is a way to say thank you to our guests for the support given all these years. Rest assured that we always listen to our guests’ needs for lower and lower fares.”
To make holidays more interesting and memorable, guests may log on to www.airasiago.com to be able to mix and match their preferred tour and activities, apart from affordable holiday packages and lodging from over 70,000 hotels worldwide. Together with the partnership with Expedia, the travel portal has 130,000 hotel partners around the world.
AirAsia remains a popular choice among air travelers with its consumer-friendly products and services, including low fares, a modern fleet, an extensive network and great flight frequencies, convenient booking and payment channels, and choose-your-own features for meals, seats and baggage allowances.
AirAsia’s operations are anchored in its mission to democratize travel, encapsulated in its tagline Now Everyone Can Fly. It has ferried more than 120 million guests to date. AirAsia has also established itself as the Truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline, with its unmatched connectivity in the region and its “sky bridges” – routes – that link the capitals and communities of Southeast Asia to each other and beyond.
PM defends crackdown on protesters
Kuala Lumpur,-Prime Minister Najib Razak on Sunday defended the government's handling of the demonstrations, saying "we dislike chaos".Najib also accused opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim for masterminding the protest to drum up support for his political aspirations. People came out in large numbers yesterday for the opposition-backed rally to bring pressure on Najib's long ruling coalition to usher in electoral reforms and more transparency ahead of national polls early next year.Police fired tear gas and detained more than 1,600 people during the protest.Addressing more than 6000 supporters in Kuala Lumpur, Najib lashed out at Anwar, saying he is prepared to sacrifice his principles to achieve his dream of becoming prime minister.
He accused Anwar of masterminding the protest march held by NGO Bersih 2.0, the opposition coalition and called him an opportunist.He described the Bersih (meaning clean in Malay language) rally as a desperate plan by Anwar to manipulate the people to gain their support.
Najib said Anwar's position was affected by the growing support of the people for the government following the various economic development policies that had been implemented."He knows that if he does not do anything, we (the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional) will win in the 13th general election"."This is the last chance for him. When people know that this is their last chance, they will do everything, good or bad," he said.Najib dismissed claims of police brutality during the protest and said police personnel had used minimum force when acting against the demonstrators."We dislike chaos. We like peace. We like a country where the people live in harmony," he said.On reports that a person had died during the protests, the Prime Minister said it had happened because of a pre-existing medical condition.
Acting city police chief Amar Singh confirmed that Baharuddin Ahmad, who was in his 50s, died after complaining of chest pains.The Prime Minister said Anwar deliberately wanted to bring down the country's image.He appealed to all not to make demonstrations a part of Malaysian culture."We are peace-loving citizens who want to live in peace and harmony, and want to live in a country that has a bright future," he said
He accused Anwar of masterminding the protest march held by NGO Bersih 2.0, the opposition coalition and called him an opportunist.He described the Bersih (meaning clean in Malay language) rally as a desperate plan by Anwar to manipulate the people to gain their support.
Najib said Anwar's position was affected by the growing support of the people for the government following the various economic development policies that had been implemented."He knows that if he does not do anything, we (the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional) will win in the 13th general election"."This is the last chance for him. When people know that this is their last chance, they will do everything, good or bad," he said.Najib dismissed claims of police brutality during the protest and said police personnel had used minimum force when acting against the demonstrators."We dislike chaos. We like peace. We like a country where the people live in harmony," he said.On reports that a person had died during the protests, the Prime Minister said it had happened because of a pre-existing medical condition.
Acting city police chief Amar Singh confirmed that Baharuddin Ahmad, who was in his 50s, died after complaining of chest pains.The Prime Minister said Anwar deliberately wanted to bring down the country's image.He appealed to all not to make demonstrations a part of Malaysian culture."We are peace-loving citizens who want to live in peace and harmony, and want to live in a country that has a bright future," he said
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Congress search next DMK Minister
Dayanidhi Maran's exit from the Union Cabinet over the 2G scam issue, senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee discussed the current political situation with DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai today.Emerging from over an hour-long meeting with Karunanidhi at his residence, Mr. Mukherjee told reporters that the alliance is there, the alliance will continue and it will be strengthened.
Mr. Mukherjee said it was his practice to call on the DMK leader whenever he was in the city. Noting that this was his first visit to Chennai after the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, he said he took the opportunity of calling on him and explained the current political situation and shared views.Dayanidhi Maran was present at the meeting, also attended by Union Minister V Narayanasamy and TNCC President K V Thangkabalu.
SP may be offered ministerial along with Lallu to get berth in next cabinet reshuffle to add solid numbers in Congress coalition intact after various scams.
Mr. Mukherjee said it was his practice to call on the DMK leader whenever he was in the city. Noting that this was his first visit to Chennai after the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, he said he took the opportunity of calling on him and explained the current political situation and shared views.Dayanidhi Maran was present at the meeting, also attended by Union Minister V Narayanasamy and TNCC President K V Thangkabalu.
SP may be offered ministerial along with Lallu to get berth in next cabinet reshuffle to add solid numbers in Congress coalition intact after various scams.
Friday, July 8, 2011
SC restricts opening of Thiru Temple vaults
The Supreme Court on Friday restrained the seven-member committee from opening vaults of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, which according to various estimates contains wealth worth over Rs one lakh crore.A bench of justices R V Raveendran and A K Patnaik on Friday asked the petitioner Raja Marthanda Varma, erstwhile Prince of Travancore, and the Kerala government to come out with appropriate suggestions for ensuring sanctity and security of the ancient temple which has come to the limelight following discovery of the huge wealth.
The apex court while restraining the opening of vault (B) and also the vault (A) posted the matter for further hearing on next Thursday.During the arguments, senior counsel K K Venogopal, appearing for the erstwhile prince, clarified that the temple was a public property and no member of the royal family claims any ownership or right over the huge property.
"The royal family is not claiming any ownership. It is a public temple. It is not claiming any ownership of property. No part of it belongs to any member of the family. The property belongs to Lord Padmanabhaswamy," he told the bench.
The royal family which is the trustee of the temple has challenged the Kerala government's decision to take over the administration of the temple which was earlier upheld by the Kerala High Court.During Friday’s arguments, the bench observed that utmost security should be ensured in and around the temple in view of the discovery of the huge wealth.Emphasising on security measures, the bench observed, "Instead of having their eyes on the deity or sanctum sanctorum, the eyes of many people will now be on these kallara (vaults)."
Counsel Venugopal also clarified that the value of the treasure reportedly discovered from the temple was not authentic as they were mere media speculations."So they were valuation by the media. They are newspaper valuations," the bench remarked.The apex court, during the last hearing on 6th July, had directed videography of the ongoing unearthing of treasure trove inside the chambers of the temple.
The bench had proposed the appointment of a curator of a museum to preserve the treasure being unearthed from the centuries-old temple in Kerala.The treasures found from cellars of the temple are estimated to be around Rs 1 lakh crore.
The apex court's directions had come during the hearing of a petition by the heir of erstwhile prince of Travancore Raja Rama Varma, challenging a Kerala High Court ruling of 31st January this year, ordering takeover of the assets and management of the shrine by the state.
The court had also barred the observer, supervising the unearthing of the temple's treasure, from giving any interview of the process, saying the matter is related to the state.The apex court had earlier passed an interim order on a plea filed by Rama Varma's uncle Marthanda Varma staying the high court's order for takeover of the management and assets of the temple.While hearing the petition, the court had directed that "there shall be a detailed inventory of the articles, valuables and ornaments found from the temple's treasure trove."The court had also appointed retired judges of Kerala High Court, Justice M N Krishnan and Justice C S Rajan as observers to supervise unearthing of the temple's treasure and had said that the inventory list would be prepared in their presence.The two petitioners in the matter, including Marthanda Varma, were also authorized by the apex court to be present during the preparation of the inventory list.The court had also said the inventory shall be made in the presence of the Devaswom Department's secretary or a representative nominated by it, besides a senior officer of the Department of Archeology.Kerala-state government plans Rs 30-crore security plan for the shrine, the first installment of which was earmarked in the state budget presented in the assembly on Friday. Media-agencies
The apex court while restraining the opening of vault (B) and also the vault (A) posted the matter for further hearing on next Thursday.During the arguments, senior counsel K K Venogopal, appearing for the erstwhile prince, clarified that the temple was a public property and no member of the royal family claims any ownership or right over the huge property.
"The royal family is not claiming any ownership. It is a public temple. It is not claiming any ownership of property. No part of it belongs to any member of the family. The property belongs to Lord Padmanabhaswamy," he told the bench.
The royal family which is the trustee of the temple has challenged the Kerala government's decision to take over the administration of the temple which was earlier upheld by the Kerala High Court.During Friday’s arguments, the bench observed that utmost security should be ensured in and around the temple in view of the discovery of the huge wealth.Emphasising on security measures, the bench observed, "Instead of having their eyes on the deity or sanctum sanctorum, the eyes of many people will now be on these kallara (vaults)."
Counsel Venugopal also clarified that the value of the treasure reportedly discovered from the temple was not authentic as they were mere media speculations."So they were valuation by the media. They are newspaper valuations," the bench remarked.The apex court, during the last hearing on 6th July, had directed videography of the ongoing unearthing of treasure trove inside the chambers of the temple.
The bench had proposed the appointment of a curator of a museum to preserve the treasure being unearthed from the centuries-old temple in Kerala.The treasures found from cellars of the temple are estimated to be around Rs 1 lakh crore.
The apex court's directions had come during the hearing of a petition by the heir of erstwhile prince of Travancore Raja Rama Varma, challenging a Kerala High Court ruling of 31st January this year, ordering takeover of the assets and management of the shrine by the state.
The court had also barred the observer, supervising the unearthing of the temple's treasure, from giving any interview of the process, saying the matter is related to the state.The apex court had earlier passed an interim order on a plea filed by Rama Varma's uncle Marthanda Varma staying the high court's order for takeover of the management and assets of the temple.While hearing the petition, the court had directed that "there shall be a detailed inventory of the articles, valuables and ornaments found from the temple's treasure trove."The court had also appointed retired judges of Kerala High Court, Justice M N Krishnan and Justice C S Rajan as observers to supervise unearthing of the temple's treasure and had said that the inventory list would be prepared in their presence.The two petitioners in the matter, including Marthanda Varma, were also authorized by the apex court to be present during the preparation of the inventory list.The court had also said the inventory shall be made in the presence of the Devaswom Department's secretary or a representative nominated by it, besides a senior officer of the Department of Archeology.Kerala-state government plans Rs 30-crore security plan for the shrine, the first installment of which was earmarked in the state budget presented in the assembly on Friday. Media-agencies
China releases new set of documents on 'Nanjing massacre'
China releases new set of documents on 'Nanjing massacre'
China has released a new collection of documents on the 1937 "Nanjing Massacre" in which over three lakh Chinese were killed allegedly by Japanese troops in eastern Jiangsu Province.The provincial government has released the collection of historical documents which were complied during the last 10 years by more than 100 experts and scholars, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The collection, jointly released by Jiangsu People's Publishing Limited and Phoenix Publishing and Media Group on Wednesday, was the most elaborate and systematic historical works on the incident, said Zhang Xianwei, chief editor of the collection.
China has released a new collection of documents on the 1937 "Nanjing Massacre" in which over three lakh Chinese were killed allegedly by Japanese troops in eastern Jiangsu Province.The provincial government has released the collection of historical documents which were complied during the last 10 years by more than 100 experts and scholars, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The collection, jointly released by Jiangsu People's Publishing Limited and Phoenix Publishing and Media Group on Wednesday, was the most elaborate and systematic historical works on the incident, said Zhang Xianwei, chief editor of the collection.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Myanmar's southeastern Kayin state hit rains and flood
Flood,heavy rain,hit Hlaingbwe township in Myanmar's southeastern Kayin state for the past several days, a local media reported Tuesday.Most of the areas in the township including paddy fields were under water due to the overflow of water from the Hlaingbwe stream, Myanmar Newsweek said.The flood affected over 20 villages in Bago, destroying paddy fields in the region. Schools were closed and used as shelters for accommodating flood victims.The villagers used boat in crossing from one village to another.Flood had struck Mon state, Bago and Yangon regions earlier this year.Reports media agencies
Monday, July 4, 2011
BJP in favour of bringing PM under Lokpal: Advani
BJP in favour of bringing PM under Lokpal: Advani
New Delhi: New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) Senior BJP leader L K Advani today said that his party is in favour of bringing Prime Minister within the ambit of Lokpal, noting that the 1998 and 2001 drafts prepared by NDA were clear on the issue.
Shri Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha) regarding Lokpal Bill
On the inclusion of Prime Minister
The ministerial draft clearly provides an immunity to the Prime Minister from the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. The Lokpal Bill lays down the procedure for investigation and creates the agency which has the power to investigate. The substantive law of corruption under which the crime is committed is the Prevention of Corruption Act. The substantive law i.e. Prevention of Corruption Act does not grant any immunity to the Prime Minister. If he is investigated by agencies such as the CBI or a State Police, no such immunity is available to the Prime minister. Laws granting Prime Minister’s immunity from legal provisions have been frowned upon. Constitutional amemdment which made prime Minister’s election non-challengeable was introduced in the Emergency. It was struck down by the Supreme Court. Ordinarily if the prime minister commits an offence the accountability standards for them must be higher than ordinary humans. The principle of Ceaser’s wife being beyond suspicion requires a more stringent standard for a Prime Minister. A prime Minister in larger public interest may need protection only in relation to National Security or Public order issues. These areas affect India’s sovereignty and security. Decisions taken by the Prime Minister and expenditure incurred on these subjects cannot be accounted for either before the Lokpal or any other investigative agency. There may be a rationale for treating these areas as special and distinct but if a Prime Minister were to receive kick-backs on commercial transactions or subvert a vote of confidence through bribery, why should he be immune from the penal law? It is for this reason that both Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan singh have repeatedly said that they have no objection on being covered by the Lokpal. Clause 10 of the Lokpal Bill of 2001 thus granted only a limited immunity to the Prime Minister wherein it was stated –
“provided that Lokpal shall not enquire into any matter involving, or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation against the Prime Minister inso far as it relates to national security or maintenance of public order”.
This formulation in the NDA Bill seems to be more appropriate than a complete immunity.
New Delhi: New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI) Senior BJP leader L K Advani today said that his party is in favour of bringing Prime Minister within the ambit of Lokpal, noting that the 1998 and 2001 drafts prepared by NDA were clear on the issue.
Shri Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha) regarding Lokpal Bill
On the inclusion of Prime Minister
The ministerial draft clearly provides an immunity to the Prime Minister from the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. The Lokpal Bill lays down the procedure for investigation and creates the agency which has the power to investigate. The substantive law of corruption under which the crime is committed is the Prevention of Corruption Act. The substantive law i.e. Prevention of Corruption Act does not grant any immunity to the Prime Minister. If he is investigated by agencies such as the CBI or a State Police, no such immunity is available to the Prime minister. Laws granting Prime Minister’s immunity from legal provisions have been frowned upon. Constitutional amemdment which made prime Minister’s election non-challengeable was introduced in the Emergency. It was struck down by the Supreme Court. Ordinarily if the prime minister commits an offence the accountability standards for them must be higher than ordinary humans. The principle of Ceaser’s wife being beyond suspicion requires a more stringent standard for a Prime Minister. A prime Minister in larger public interest may need protection only in relation to National Security or Public order issues. These areas affect India’s sovereignty and security. Decisions taken by the Prime Minister and expenditure incurred on these subjects cannot be accounted for either before the Lokpal or any other investigative agency. There may be a rationale for treating these areas as special and distinct but if a Prime Minister were to receive kick-backs on commercial transactions or subvert a vote of confidence through bribery, why should he be immune from the penal law? It is for this reason that both Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan singh have repeatedly said that they have no objection on being covered by the Lokpal. Clause 10 of the Lokpal Bill of 2001 thus granted only a limited immunity to the Prime Minister wherein it was stated –
“provided that Lokpal shall not enquire into any matter involving, or arising from, or connected with, any such allegation against the Prime Minister inso far as it relates to national security or maintenance of public order”.
This formulation in the NDA Bill seems to be more appropriate than a complete immunity.
Britain to pull hundreds of troops from Afghanistan
LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce the withdrawal of at least 500 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2012 following a similar drawdown by the United States, reports said Sunday.The move would take the number of British troops in Afghanistan below the key figure of 9,000 and mark a major step towards Cameron's stated aim of having all British combat forces out of the country by 2015.
Cameron would announce on Wednesday plans to withdraw up to 800 troops by the end of next year, the Sunday Times reported. The Sunday Telegraph put the figure at 500 and said they would leave in mid-2012.Britain's Ministry of Defence said that some troops would be brought home early but refused to confirm details."UK force levels in Afghanistan are kept under constant review," a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
Cameron would announce on Wednesday plans to withdraw up to 800 troops by the end of next year, the Sunday Times reported. The Sunday Telegraph put the figure at 500 and said they would leave in mid-2012.Britain's Ministry of Defence said that some troops would be brought home early but refused to confirm details."UK force levels in Afghanistan are kept under constant review," a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The 25th anniversary of the Mizoram Peace Accord.
Nksagar-Sagar -Media-Inc:July 2nd, 2011
#Aizawl: The Centre’s lack of proper appreciation of social, political and demographic peculiarities of region is responsible for turmoils that have been plaguing the northeastern region, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said here on Friday.”The conflicts witnessed in the North East for decades seem to carry with them an ideal or goal. The projected goal is to preserve ethnic identities, perceived to be in danger of being swamped by culture alien to the people, and to undo the alleged wrong done to them by years of neglect with the resultant economic deprivation,” Lal Thanhawla said at a closing function of a national seminar on ‘Peace and Development in Mizoram : Challenges and Prospects’.The seminar was organised by Zoram Research Foundation, in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research,North Eastern Region and Mizoram University, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Mizoram Peace Accord.Report:-theshillong-times.com
#Madhu Chandra-Our campaign for peace in North East India had many forms. Prayer Campaign was one begun from 2007 May, hundreds and thousands continued to prayer for peace in the region,situation in Manipur is much better. I was there for for 25 days and did not hear about killing, whereas there use to be daily killing a year ago.
#Tripartite talk at Senapati Concludes without Positive Solution The UNC is demanding to have alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. The United Naga Council (UNC), Central Govt. and Manipur Govt hold a talk today at Senapati H.Q., Manipur but both the parties drew their own lines and failed to meet in the same point. The tripartite talks commenced at 10:30am and continue till 12:30pm. The Govt. of Manipur want the territorial integrity and stressed on the functioning of Autonomous District Council (ADC) with devolution of more powers. To which the UNC have clearly told the Govt. of Manipur and Central Govt. that the Nagas are not in Manipur by choice and want to have an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. In this tripartite talks, the UNC represented for the Nagas in Manipur, Uk Bansal Secy, Internal Security, Shambhu Singh, Joint Secy and Ak Mishra, joint Director (IB) represented Central govt. and the state govt. was represented by DS Poonia, CS and Host of S/Bureaucrats. Media-agencies
#Aizawl: The Centre’s lack of proper appreciation of social, political and demographic peculiarities of region is responsible for turmoils that have been plaguing the northeastern region, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said here on Friday.”The conflicts witnessed in the North East for decades seem to carry with them an ideal or goal. The projected goal is to preserve ethnic identities, perceived to be in danger of being swamped by culture alien to the people, and to undo the alleged wrong done to them by years of neglect with the resultant economic deprivation,” Lal Thanhawla said at a closing function of a national seminar on ‘Peace and Development in Mizoram : Challenges and Prospects’.The seminar was organised by Zoram Research Foundation, in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research,North Eastern Region and Mizoram University, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Mizoram Peace Accord.Report:-theshillong-times.com
#Madhu Chandra-Our campaign for peace in North East India had many forms. Prayer Campaign was one begun from 2007 May, hundreds and thousands continued to prayer for peace in the region,situation in Manipur is much better. I was there for for 25 days and did not hear about killing, whereas there use to be daily killing a year ago.
#Tripartite talk at Senapati Concludes without Positive Solution The UNC is demanding to have alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. The United Naga Council (UNC), Central Govt. and Manipur Govt hold a talk today at Senapati H.Q., Manipur but both the parties drew their own lines and failed to meet in the same point. The tripartite talks commenced at 10:30am and continue till 12:30pm. The Govt. of Manipur want the territorial integrity and stressed on the functioning of Autonomous District Council (ADC) with devolution of more powers. To which the UNC have clearly told the Govt. of Manipur and Central Govt. that the Nagas are not in Manipur by choice and want to have an alternative arrangement for the Nagas in Manipur. In this tripartite talks, the UNC represented for the Nagas in Manipur, Uk Bansal Secy, Internal Security, Shambhu Singh, Joint Secy and Ak Mishra, joint Director (IB) represented Central govt. and the state govt. was represented by DS Poonia, CS and Host of S/Bureaucrats. Media-agencies
Friday, July 1, 2011
Syrian troops operation city Aleppo protests
Friday, July 01, 2011
Syrian troops swoop amid Aleppo protests DAMASCUS: Syrian troops swept into new villages in the northwest on Thursday as the second city Aleppo saw anti-regime protests and as pro-democracy dissidents joined ranks at home and abroad, activists said.Around 60 tanks and armoured personnel carriers entered two villages in the countryside of Idlib province, said Rami Abdel Rahman of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.The operation was the latest in a campaign to quash dissent against the autocratic rule of President Bashar al-Assad as pro-democracy protests gathered steam and opposition figures joined hands to press for reform.
Abdel Rahman said troops leaving the village of Al-Bara split into two units, one heading towards the village of Kafr Nabl and the other to Kansafra.Early on Thursday soldiers stormed Al-Bara, a hamlet known for its Roman remains, Abdel Rahman said."Heavy gunfire rang out, probably to terrorise villagers to prevent them from leaving their homes," he said.After the operation villagers fled Al-Bara and the nearby villages of Al-Rami, Mar-Ayan and Kafr Haya, "heading south and west," Abdel Rahman said.
On Wednesday, 10 civilians were shot dead by troops in a cluster of villages in Idlib's Jabal al-Zawiyah district, Abdel Rahman told AFP in Nicosia.The crackdown comes in defiance of repeated global condemnation and warnings from Western powers to Syria to show restraint and despite new US sanctions against key regime pillars and Syria's top ally Iran.Dennis Kucinich, a US Democratic Representative under fire over a trip to Syria, said on Thursday Assad had promised him that he would "remove his forces from the cities."
"I appealed to President Assad to remove his forces from the cities. He told me he would, and today we learned that he has begun to do just that," Kucinich said in a statement released by his office in Washington.
The Observatory says 1,353 civilians have been killed since mid-March in the crackdown and that 343 security force personnel have also died. Thousands have been arrested.However, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Vienna on Thursday the alliance would not take action despite the crackdown."We have no plan to intervene in Syria," he said."We operate in Libya on the basis of a UN mandate and the support of countries of the region," he added, which was not the situation regarding Syria."Having said that I strongly condemn the behaviour of the security forces and the crackdown on the civil population," Rasmussen added.In Aleppo, a bastion of the regime and Syria's commercial hub, hundreds of pro-democracy protesters swept into the streets on Thursday, prompting security forces to use batons to disperse them, activists said."Hundreds of people took part in several neighbourhoods of Aleppo," said Abdel Karim Rihawi, president of the Syrian League for Human Rights."Security forces dispersed the protesters who were chanting slogans calling for freedom, using batons."
Rihawi said that two people were reportedly injured and that some pro-regime supporters held counter-demonstrations.A Facebook group that has been a motor of the uprising had urged Syrians to march on Thursday on Aleppo to demand Assad's ouster, and to rally nationwide on Friday.
"The Aleppo Volcano. The people want the fall of the regime," pro-democracy activists said in a message posted by the Syrian Revolution 2011 on Facebook.
"Revolutionaries, come to Aleppo and Idlib provinces... and go to central Aleppo... to protest and to light the spark of the Revolution."
The group also called on people to rally after weekly Muslim prayers, branding July 1 "the Friday of departure" and saying in a message to Assad: "We don't love you, Go away, you and your party."
The opposition also turned up the heat on Assad, announcing the creation of a "national coordination committee" of exiled dissidents and opponents at home to push for democratic reforms."A national coordination committee has been formed, seeking national and democratic change in Syria," rights lawyer Hassan Abdel Azim told AFP.The committee "has drafted a political document that has been sent to political parties and (opposition) figures for discussion and approval."
The announcement comes after about 160 dissidents, several of whom have spent years in jail as political prisoners, gathered in Damascus on Monday and vowed to press ahead with a peaceful uprising.The crackdown against Syrian protesters has been widely condemned and met with a series of sanctions. Media-agencies
Syrian troops swoop amid Aleppo protests DAMASCUS: Syrian troops swept into new villages in the northwest on Thursday as the second city Aleppo saw anti-regime protests and as pro-democracy dissidents joined ranks at home and abroad, activists said.Around 60 tanks and armoured personnel carriers entered two villages in the countryside of Idlib province, said Rami Abdel Rahman of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.The operation was the latest in a campaign to quash dissent against the autocratic rule of President Bashar al-Assad as pro-democracy protests gathered steam and opposition figures joined hands to press for reform.
Abdel Rahman said troops leaving the village of Al-Bara split into two units, one heading towards the village of Kafr Nabl and the other to Kansafra.Early on Thursday soldiers stormed Al-Bara, a hamlet known for its Roman remains, Abdel Rahman said."Heavy gunfire rang out, probably to terrorise villagers to prevent them from leaving their homes," he said.After the operation villagers fled Al-Bara and the nearby villages of Al-Rami, Mar-Ayan and Kafr Haya, "heading south and west," Abdel Rahman said.
On Wednesday, 10 civilians were shot dead by troops in a cluster of villages in Idlib's Jabal al-Zawiyah district, Abdel Rahman told AFP in Nicosia.The crackdown comes in defiance of repeated global condemnation and warnings from Western powers to Syria to show restraint and despite new US sanctions against key regime pillars and Syria's top ally Iran.Dennis Kucinich, a US Democratic Representative under fire over a trip to Syria, said on Thursday Assad had promised him that he would "remove his forces from the cities."
"I appealed to President Assad to remove his forces from the cities. He told me he would, and today we learned that he has begun to do just that," Kucinich said in a statement released by his office in Washington.
The Observatory says 1,353 civilians have been killed since mid-March in the crackdown and that 343 security force personnel have also died. Thousands have been arrested.However, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Vienna on Thursday the alliance would not take action despite the crackdown."We have no plan to intervene in Syria," he said."We operate in Libya on the basis of a UN mandate and the support of countries of the region," he added, which was not the situation regarding Syria."Having said that I strongly condemn the behaviour of the security forces and the crackdown on the civil population," Rasmussen added.In Aleppo, a bastion of the regime and Syria's commercial hub, hundreds of pro-democracy protesters swept into the streets on Thursday, prompting security forces to use batons to disperse them, activists said."Hundreds of people took part in several neighbourhoods of Aleppo," said Abdel Karim Rihawi, president of the Syrian League for Human Rights."Security forces dispersed the protesters who were chanting slogans calling for freedom, using batons."
Rihawi said that two people were reportedly injured and that some pro-regime supporters held counter-demonstrations.A Facebook group that has been a motor of the uprising had urged Syrians to march on Thursday on Aleppo to demand Assad's ouster, and to rally nationwide on Friday.
"The Aleppo Volcano. The people want the fall of the regime," pro-democracy activists said in a message posted by the Syrian Revolution 2011 on Facebook.
"Revolutionaries, come to Aleppo and Idlib provinces... and go to central Aleppo... to protest and to light the spark of the Revolution."
The group also called on people to rally after weekly Muslim prayers, branding July 1 "the Friday of departure" and saying in a message to Assad: "We don't love you, Go away, you and your party."
The opposition also turned up the heat on Assad, announcing the creation of a "national coordination committee" of exiled dissidents and opponents at home to push for democratic reforms."A national coordination committee has been formed, seeking national and democratic change in Syria," rights lawyer Hassan Abdel Azim told AFP.The committee "has drafted a political document that has been sent to political parties and (opposition) figures for discussion and approval."
The announcement comes after about 160 dissidents, several of whom have spent years in jail as political prisoners, gathered in Damascus on Monday and vowed to press ahead with a peaceful uprising.The crackdown against Syrian protesters has been widely condemned and met with a series of sanctions. Media-agencies
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bangladesh scraps caretaker govt for elections
Bangladesh's Parliament on Thursday approved a key constitutional amendment bill that scraps the nonpartisan caretaker system to conduct general elections, a move termed by the main opposition BNP as aimed at rigging polls by the incumbent govt in the country.The approval of 15th Amendment Bill 2011 also retains Islam as the state religion, an issue that has sparked a row with religious minority groups and civil society bodies calling it against the secular spirit of the 1972 constitution.
The parliament passed the bill with a vote of 291-1, well over the two-thirds majority needed in the 345-member popular House.The Bangladesh Nationalist party led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, which has 38 members, abstained from the voting.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the ruling Awami League, has dismissed allegations that the amendments are aimed at rigging polls."This is a historic moment for democracy," Hasina said, adding "We can't allow unelected people to oversee national elections."
The lone independent lawmaker, Fazlul Azim, opposed the amendments which also brought about a series of changes to the constitution."This will not be good for the future of our democracy," Azim was quoted as saying.BNP, which has already taken to the streets over the issue, warned of fresh protests against the move to end the interim system.It fears that general elections due in 2014 could be rigged in favour of the ruling party.BNP supremo Zia will hold an emergency press conference today when she is expected to announce the party line against the landmark amendments.
Introduced in 1996 to prevent rigging and acrimonious row during elections, the country top court recently declared the system was at odds with the constitution's main spirit that the state be governed by elected representatives.
The parliament passed the bill with a vote of 291-1, well over the two-thirds majority needed in the 345-member popular House.The Bangladesh Nationalist party led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, which has 38 members, abstained from the voting.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the ruling Awami League, has dismissed allegations that the amendments are aimed at rigging polls."This is a historic moment for democracy," Hasina said, adding "We can't allow unelected people to oversee national elections."
The lone independent lawmaker, Fazlul Azim, opposed the amendments which also brought about a series of changes to the constitution."This will not be good for the future of our democracy," Azim was quoted as saying.BNP, which has already taken to the streets over the issue, warned of fresh protests against the move to end the interim system.It fears that general elections due in 2014 could be rigged in favour of the ruling party.BNP supremo Zia will hold an emergency press conference today when she is expected to announce the party line against the landmark amendments.
Introduced in 1996 to prevent rigging and acrimonious row during elections, the country top court recently declared the system was at odds with the constitution's main spirit that the state be governed by elected representatives.
Greece riots seize capital...Athens
Greece fended off a bankruptcy that would have roiled global markets and threatened the future of the euro when lawmakers backed controversial austerity measures in the face of violent protests.More than 100 people were injured.Investors cheered the bill - which aims to cut spending and raise taxes by Euro 28 billion (USD 40 billion) and raise Euro billion (USD 71 billion) in privatizations over five years - but, in Athens, the mood was dark.
In a haze of tear gas, protesters hurled anything they could find at riot police and tried to blockade the Parliament building.A Greek default would threaten the viability of the euro, the EU's common currency, and send shock waves through global markets similar to those that kicked off the global financial meltdown after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.
While world markets rose on the news that the bill passed, Greece is not yet out of the woods.The bill - along with another that must be passed Thursday on implementing the austerity package - will release the next Euro 12 billion (USD 17 billion) installment of a Euro 110 billion (USD 157 billion) international bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker indicated after the vote that Greece would get the fifth batch of its bailout loans.
But many Greeks complain they have already paid dearly in a year that has seen public sector salaries and
In a haze of tear gas, protesters hurled anything they could find at riot police and tried to blockade the Parliament building.A Greek default would threaten the viability of the euro, the EU's common currency, and send shock waves through global markets similar to those that kicked off the global financial meltdown after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.
While world markets rose on the news that the bill passed, Greece is not yet out of the woods.The bill - along with another that must be passed Thursday on implementing the austerity package - will release the next Euro 12 billion (USD 17 billion) installment of a Euro 110 billion (USD 157 billion) international bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker indicated after the vote that Greece would get the fifth batch of its bailout loans.
But many Greeks complain they have already paid dearly in a year that has seen public sector salaries and
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Storms kill people in northern Vietnam
Storms kill people in northern Vietnam:The government said storms in northern Vietnam have killed 22 people as five more bodies were recovered and 65 have been injured.
The Floods and Storms Control Department said on its website today that 12 of the victims were killed by lightning.The rest died from falling trees, collapsed houses or were washed away by floods in eight northern provinces before and after Tropical Storm Haima hit the region last week.
Nearly 2,700 homes were destroyed or damaged, and 990,000 acres (40,000 hectares) of rice paddy were inundated.Vietnam is prone to floods and storms which kill hundreds of people a year.
The Floods and Storms Control Department said on its website today that 12 of the victims were killed by lightning.The rest died from falling trees, collapsed houses or were washed away by floods in eight northern provinces before and after Tropical Storm Haima hit the region last week.
Nearly 2,700 homes were destroyed or damaged, and 990,000 acres (40,000 hectares) of rice paddy were inundated.Vietnam is prone to floods and storms which kill hundreds of people a year.
NIT Council Meeting
NIT Council Meeting Held: Shri Kapil Sibal Suggests Review of NIT System
The 2nd NIT Council meeting was held here today under the Chairmanship of Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development. The meeting was attended by distinguished members of Parliament, Chairperson & Directors of National Institute of Technology (NIT) and other Council members. Several important decisions having long-term implications on improving the quality of technical education were taken.
Since the NIT system is going to complete a decade of its existence, the Minister suggested to conduct a review of the system under the Chairmanship of Dr. Anil K.Kakodkar on the lines of the report already submitted by him on IITs.
Reports of various committees constituted by the Council earlier were approved for implementation. The Council also reviewed admission policy for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In particular, foreign student admission through DASA and centralized M.Tech admission were considered. The Minister expressed government’s desire to have one single national level examination test for admission to all Engineering institutions on which Ramasamy Committee would be submitting its report by September 2011.
A Committee was constituted for implementing centralized PG admissions on the pattern of UG admissions. Another Committee to provide merit scholarship to deserving UG students was constituted. Scheme for promoting foreign students admission through AIEEE on-line examination to be held at international level was also approved in principle.
Shri Sibal re-affirmed the support of the ministry to the NIT system in general and to Ten new NITs in particular for the development of infrastructure and recruitment of faculty and staff. He was appreciative of the progress made in this regard by NITs and remarked that these institutions have to be the torch bearers of progress and development in the technical and professional education in the country alongside the IITs.
He stressed on the need of networking amongst IITs, NITs and other institutions. In order to promote better coordination the Directors and Chairpersons of IITs and NITs must meet once a year to discuss larger issues connected with technical education and research.
The Secretary HRD laid emphasis on promotion of research and recruitment of quality faculty in NIT system. The Minister also desired that the NIT Council should meet more frequently. Accordingly the next Council meeting was fixed for November 15, 2011.
The 2nd NIT Council meeting was held here today under the Chairmanship of Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development. The meeting was attended by distinguished members of Parliament, Chairperson & Directors of National Institute of Technology (NIT) and other Council members. Several important decisions having long-term implications on improving the quality of technical education were taken.
Since the NIT system is going to complete a decade of its existence, the Minister suggested to conduct a review of the system under the Chairmanship of Dr. Anil K.Kakodkar on the lines of the report already submitted by him on IITs.
Reports of various committees constituted by the Council earlier were approved for implementation. The Council also reviewed admission policy for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In particular, foreign student admission through DASA and centralized M.Tech admission were considered. The Minister expressed government’s desire to have one single national level examination test for admission to all Engineering institutions on which Ramasamy Committee would be submitting its report by September 2011.
A Committee was constituted for implementing centralized PG admissions on the pattern of UG admissions. Another Committee to provide merit scholarship to deserving UG students was constituted. Scheme for promoting foreign students admission through AIEEE on-line examination to be held at international level was also approved in principle.
Shri Sibal re-affirmed the support of the ministry to the NIT system in general and to Ten new NITs in particular for the development of infrastructure and recruitment of faculty and staff. He was appreciative of the progress made in this regard by NITs and remarked that these institutions have to be the torch bearers of progress and development in the technical and professional education in the country alongside the IITs.
He stressed on the need of networking amongst IITs, NITs and other institutions. In order to promote better coordination the Directors and Chairpersons of IITs and NITs must meet once a year to discuss larger issues connected with technical education and research.
The Secretary HRD laid emphasis on promotion of research and recruitment of quality faculty in NIT system. The Minister also desired that the NIT Council should meet more frequently. Accordingly the next Council meeting was fixed for November 15, 2011.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Congress demands dismissal of Mayawati govt
Congress has demanded the dismissal of Mayawati government for deteriorating law and order situation and spurt in violence against women in Uttar Pradesh. State Unit of the party has handed over a memorandum to Governor B.L. Joshi in Lucknow on Monday. The Congress has also demanded a CBI inquiry into a number of incidents took place recently in the state including murder of a teenage girl by a group of policemen in Lakhimpur Kheri district, killing of two CMOs and mysterious death of a Deputy CMO in Lucknow jail and death of farmers in police firing at Bhatta Parsul villages in Gautam Buddha Nagar district. In its memorandum, the party has alleged that several BSP MPs and MLAs are allegedly involved in different criminal activities and some of them are in jail. AIR correspondent reports that Congress leaders, who were arrested while taking out a Nyaya March in Lucknow on Monday, have been released.
Earlier, state government had clamped prohibitory orders and refused the Congress permission to take out the march in Lucknow.
Earlier, state government had clamped prohibitory orders and refused the Congress permission to take out the march in Lucknow.
UP Police threatened to implicate Tripathi in false case
UP Police threatened to implicate Tripathi in false case
PTI Lucknow:Senior journalist of a news channel was allegedly picked up "forcibly" by police in Hazratganj area here after which journalists staged a demonstration near Chief Minister Mayawati's residence.Shalabh Mani Tripathi, state bureau chief of Hindi news channel IBN7, was picked up by SP (City) BP Ashok and Circle Officer Anup Kumar while he was coming out of his office last evening, Tripathi's colleagues alleged.
They alleged that the police not only manhandled Tripathi, but also thrashed his assistant and took them to the police station forcibly.Police have threatened to implicate Tripathi in false case, they alleged.
Protesting the incident, journalists staged a demonstration near Chief Minister's residence.Meanwhile, principal secretary to UP CM Navneet Sehgal told reporters that "the process for suspension of the two police officers has been initiated."
Media agencies
PTI Lucknow:Senior journalist of a news channel was allegedly picked up "forcibly" by police in Hazratganj area here after which journalists staged a demonstration near Chief Minister Mayawati's residence.Shalabh Mani Tripathi, state bureau chief of Hindi news channel IBN7, was picked up by SP (City) BP Ashok and Circle Officer Anup Kumar while he was coming out of his office last evening, Tripathi's colleagues alleged.
They alleged that the police not only manhandled Tripathi, but also thrashed his assistant and took them to the police station forcibly.Police have threatened to implicate Tripathi in false case, they alleged.
Protesting the incident, journalists staged a demonstration near Chief Minister's residence.Meanwhile, principal secretary to UP CM Navneet Sehgal told reporters that "the process for suspension of the two police officers has been initiated."
Media agencies
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Burmese prisoners freed from Kolkatta after 13 years
Indian Navy arrested the 36 Burmese on February 11, 1998 and two managed to escaped from custody still their whereabouts are not known. Thirty-four are released from Kolkata Prison on May 19, 2011 and gave their public appearance at Gandhi peace foundation today.
Indian officers lured the rebels to Landfall Island in the Andaman Islands more than 13 years ago. Six revolutionaries were murdered in cold blood and the remaining 36 languished behind bars.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charged them with illegal entry into Indian maritime territory and possession of arms and explosives, claiming that the arms and explosives were destined for insurgents in Northeast India.
The 31 former rebels are currently living in New Delhi as refugees under the protection of the UNHCR.
Indian officers lured the rebels to Landfall Island in the Andaman Islands more than 13 years ago. Six revolutionaries were murdered in cold blood and the remaining 36 languished behind bars.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charged them with illegal entry into Indian maritime territory and possession of arms and explosives, claiming that the arms and explosives were destined for insurgents in Northeast India.
The 31 former rebels are currently living in New Delhi as refugees under the protection of the UNHCR.
Four Bombs explosion in Brumese three Cities
In Maymyo (Pyinoolwin), rumours are circulated that more bombs will be detonated.
A second bomb exploded in Mandalay on 84th Road between 31st Road and 32nd Road at around 3 p.m. on Friday. There were no injuries.
The bomb exploded near the Sainsabelphoo gold shop and a rubbish pile located near Pariyatti Sasana Association. The location is 800 feet from the site of the first bomb explosion around noon.
Three powerful bombs exploded within minutes of each other in Mandalay, Naypyitaw, the capital, and Maymyo on Friday.This was followed by a second bomb explosion in Mandalay a few hours later.Military officers investigate after a bomb explosion destroyed a parked car in front of the Zaygyo Hotel in Mandalay on Friday, June 24, 2011. At least one person was injured in the blast.
Military officers investigate after a bomb explosion destroyed a parked car in front of the Zaygyo Hotel in Mandalay on Friday, June 24, 2011. At least one person was injured in the blast.The first bomb exploded at noon in downtown Mandalay. The bomb was placed in a Pajero sports utility vehicle with the license plate number 3B-1904 parked in front of the Zaygyo Hotel.
One traffic police officer was injured, according to a fire brigade officer in the city.‘The car was entirely destroyed’, he told to Mizzima. An eyewitness said firefighters were stopped by high-ranking military officers who told them, ‘It is none of your business’.‘I thought it was a thunderstorm because the explosion was so loud’, a resident told Mizzima.An eyewitness said that he saw ambulances take two injured people from the scene.A second bomb blast went off in Naypyitaw at 12:30 p.m. when it exploded at No. 46, Shwelabkaung Street in Thapyaygone Quarter. No other details were available.
Nearly at same time on Friday, a third bomb blast destroyed the upper floor of a two-story house in Quarter 4 in Maymyo. The area is home to a large number of military schools. Rumours in the town claim more bombs have been planted and security check points have been strengthened, according to residents.
Fourth bomb is reported to have exploded in a rubbish dump in Mandalay at about 3 p.m. The area, about 800 feet from the earlier explosion, was cordoned off by security forces two hours prior to the bomb going off.Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a two-storey home in Quarter No. 4 in Pyin Oo Lwin, or Maymyo and Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a home on Shwelabkaung Street in Thabyaykone Quarter, Takkon Township, in Naypyitaw. Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a home on Shwelabkaung Street in Thabyaykone Quarter, Takkon Township, in Naypyitaw on Friday. About the same time, bombs also went off in Naypyidaw and Maymyom.
A second bomb exploded in Mandalay on 84th Road between 31st Road and 32nd Road at around 3 p.m. on Friday. There were no injuries.
The bomb exploded near the Sainsabelphoo gold shop and a rubbish pile located near Pariyatti Sasana Association. The location is 800 feet from the site of the first bomb explosion around noon.
Three powerful bombs exploded within minutes of each other in Mandalay, Naypyitaw, the capital, and Maymyo on Friday.This was followed by a second bomb explosion in Mandalay a few hours later.Military officers investigate after a bomb explosion destroyed a parked car in front of the Zaygyo Hotel in Mandalay on Friday, June 24, 2011. At least one person was injured in the blast.
Military officers investigate after a bomb explosion destroyed a parked car in front of the Zaygyo Hotel in Mandalay on Friday, June 24, 2011. At least one person was injured in the blast.The first bomb exploded at noon in downtown Mandalay. The bomb was placed in a Pajero sports utility vehicle with the license plate number 3B-1904 parked in front of the Zaygyo Hotel.
One traffic police officer was injured, according to a fire brigade officer in the city.‘The car was entirely destroyed’, he told to Mizzima. An eyewitness said firefighters were stopped by high-ranking military officers who told them, ‘It is none of your business’.‘I thought it was a thunderstorm because the explosion was so loud’, a resident told Mizzima.An eyewitness said that he saw ambulances take two injured people from the scene.A second bomb blast went off in Naypyitaw at 12:30 p.m. when it exploded at No. 46, Shwelabkaung Street in Thapyaygone Quarter. No other details were available.
Nearly at same time on Friday, a third bomb blast destroyed the upper floor of a two-story house in Quarter 4 in Maymyo. The area is home to a large number of military schools. Rumours in the town claim more bombs have been planted and security check points have been strengthened, according to residents.
Fourth bomb is reported to have exploded in a rubbish dump in Mandalay at about 3 p.m. The area, about 800 feet from the earlier explosion, was cordoned off by security forces two hours prior to the bomb going off.Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a two-storey home in Quarter No. 4 in Pyin Oo Lwin, or Maymyo and Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a home on Shwelabkaung Street in Thabyaykone Quarter, Takkon Township, in Naypyitaw. Residents gather at the scene of a bomb explosion which destroyed a home on Shwelabkaung Street in Thabyaykone Quarter, Takkon Township, in Naypyitaw on Friday. About the same time, bombs also went off in Naypyidaw and Maymyom.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Somdev sets up clash with Youzhny in Wimbledon 2nd round
Somdev sets up clash with Youzhny in Wimbledon 2nd round
India's Somdev Devvarman sailed into the second round of Wimbledon Tennis Championships after his German opponent Denis Gremelmayr retired hurt midway through their opening match here.
Somdev was leading 6-4 4-2 when Gremelmayr conceded the match to the Indian.
Somdev will next face Russian Davis Cup stalwart Mikhail Youzhny. The 18th seed defeated Argentine Juan Monaco 4-6 6-2 6-2 4-6 6-4 in his first-round clash.
Somdev's booming serve gave him the advantage as he sent down six aces in the very first set, which lasted 35 minutes.
The Indian didn't concede a single break chance to his rival and converted one of the four he earned to nose ahead.
In the second set as well, Somdev had the upperhand after breaking Gremelmayr, who eventually conceded the match after being on court for just over an hour.
India's Somdev Devvarman sailed into the second round of Wimbledon Tennis Championships after his German opponent Denis Gremelmayr retired hurt midway through their opening match here.
Somdev was leading 6-4 4-2 when Gremelmayr conceded the match to the Indian.
Somdev will next face Russian Davis Cup stalwart Mikhail Youzhny. The 18th seed defeated Argentine Juan Monaco 4-6 6-2 6-2 4-6 6-4 in his first-round clash.
Somdev's booming serve gave him the advantage as he sent down six aces in the very first set, which lasted 35 minutes.
The Indian didn't concede a single break chance to his rival and converted one of the four he earned to nose ahead.
In the second set as well, Somdev had the upperhand after breaking Gremelmayr, who eventually conceded the match after being on court for just over an hour.
Aung San Suu Kyi celebrated her 66th birthday
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi celebrated her 66th birthday on Sunday.The Nobel Peace laureate turned 66,her best gift awaited at Yangon's international airport,arrival of her youngest son, Kim Aris, who lives in Britain and kissed his mother on arrival.Suu Kyi,who has celebrated 15 birthdays in detention or house arrest over the past 22 years, the first in nine years that she was able to celebrate freely with friends, family and supporters.
Ruled by the military since 1962, Myanmar held its first elections in 20 years in November. Suu Kyi was released from seven years of house arrest just days after the poll, which her party boycotted.The junta handed power to a civilian government in March, but critics say it's merely a front for continued army rule.
On her last year birthday ,Suu Kyi was alone, locked in her dilapidated lakeside compound while world leaders called for her release and supporters held somber ceremonies elsewhere in Yangon in her honor.This year she offer a meal to Buddhist monks, attend a celebration at her political party headquarters and enjoy a private garden party with friends and relatives.Suu Kyi was born June 19, 1945, in Rangoon, now Yangon,won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her determined nonviolent struggle for democracy.
She was last arrested in May 2003 after her motorcade was attacked in northwestern Myanmar by a pro-junta mob while she was on a political tour. This month, she plans her first trip across the countryside since that ill-fated tour.
Since her release last year, Suu Kyi has continued to be outspoken, but little has changed in the repressive nation, which still holds more than 2,000 political prisoners and deploys security agents to monitor Suu Kyi closely.
Ruled by the military since 1962, Myanmar held its first elections in 20 years in November. Suu Kyi was released from seven years of house arrest just days after the poll, which her party boycotted.The junta handed power to a civilian government in March, but critics say it's merely a front for continued army rule.
On her last year birthday ,Suu Kyi was alone, locked in her dilapidated lakeside compound while world leaders called for her release and supporters held somber ceremonies elsewhere in Yangon in her honor.This year she offer a meal to Buddhist monks, attend a celebration at her political party headquarters and enjoy a private garden party with friends and relatives.Suu Kyi was born June 19, 1945, in Rangoon, now Yangon,won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for her determined nonviolent struggle for democracy.
She was last arrested in May 2003 after her motorcade was attacked in northwestern Myanmar by a pro-junta mob while she was on a political tour. This month, she plans her first trip across the countryside since that ill-fated tour.
Since her release last year, Suu Kyi has continued to be outspoken, but little has changed in the repressive nation, which still holds more than 2,000 political prisoners and deploys security agents to monitor Suu Kyi closely.
Nirupama Rao meets Suu Kyi in Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi, and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao met and both expressed a desire for the bilateral relationship to "blossom and grow".Rao, who was here as part of the delegation of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna during his three-day visit to Myanmar that ended on Wednesday, called on Suu Kyi on Monday at her residence, official sources said.
The meeting, which was not part of Rao's schedule, lasted for an hour, during which she "felicitated" Suu Kyi on her 66th birthday which was on Sunday, they said."Both expressed a desire for this relationship to blossom and grow," a source said.
Asked why Krishna, who headed the Indian delegation, did not meet Suu Kyi, the sources said he had a tight schedule and that the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, V S Seshadri, had met her earlier.Rao's meeting with Suu Kyi was, however, kept under wraps till the Indian delegation left the country.
The sources privy to the conversation that took place between the two said that Suu Kyi recalled her days in India, including the time she spent with her Indian friends.Suu Kyi, who was recently freed from several years of house arrest, had done her Bachelors in Political Science from Lady Sri Ram College in New Delhi from where she graduated in 1964.She also lived in Shimla prior to her return to Myanmar in 1988.
The sources said Rao spoke to Suu Kyi about India's relationship with Myanmar, which recently got its first civilian government in years, and New Delhi's help to this country in various fields.Suu Kyi, welcoming India's role as a partner in economic development of Myanmar, spoke about the need for greater people-to-people contacts, the sources said.She also spoke about the emotional and religious ties between the two countries.
As a prisoner in her own country, locked in her lakeside home in Yangon, Suu Kyi spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest.She was freed in November last year.
The meeting, which was not part of Rao's schedule, lasted for an hour, during which she "felicitated" Suu Kyi on her 66th birthday which was on Sunday, they said."Both expressed a desire for this relationship to blossom and grow," a source said.
Asked why Krishna, who headed the Indian delegation, did not meet Suu Kyi, the sources said he had a tight schedule and that the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, V S Seshadri, had met her earlier.Rao's meeting with Suu Kyi was, however, kept under wraps till the Indian delegation left the country.
The sources privy to the conversation that took place between the two said that Suu Kyi recalled her days in India, including the time she spent with her Indian friends.Suu Kyi, who was recently freed from several years of house arrest, had done her Bachelors in Political Science from Lady Sri Ram College in New Delhi from where she graduated in 1964.She also lived in Shimla prior to her return to Myanmar in 1988.
The sources said Rao spoke to Suu Kyi about India's relationship with Myanmar, which recently got its first civilian government in years, and New Delhi's help to this country in various fields.Suu Kyi, welcoming India's role as a partner in economic development of Myanmar, spoke about the need for greater people-to-people contacts, the sources said.She also spoke about the emotional and religious ties between the two countries.
As a prisoner in her own country, locked in her lakeside home in Yangon, Suu Kyi spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest.She was freed in November last year.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
President Sein to visit India
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday concluded his three day visit to Myanmar during which he held talks with practically the entire leadership of the recently-formed civilian government focusing on security, agriculture and trade among other issues.India also "encouraged" Myanmar on its efforts of national reconciliation which it believes need to be broad based and inclusive."It was a very useful exchange of views," Krishna said when asked about his parleys with Myanmar leaders including President Then Sein.He said India values the bilateral relations and looks forward to blossoming of robust bilateral relationship.
Krishna had also extended President Pratibha Patil's invitation to Sein to visit India which was accepted by him.
Krishna's visit, along with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, is the first high-level tour from India since the government took over in March after years of military rule.Official sources said the visit was an opportunity to engage with the new civilian government to understand their priorities and needs.Sources said the visit was very "positive and constructive" and helped in furthering the India-Myanmar relationship.While the idea was to engage with the new government to get a better viewpoint of their thinking, a number of bilateral issues were discussed.
On the investment front, Krishna quoted Sein as saying that Myanmar was open to investments and would like to see more Indian companies there.India already has a presence in the country but is looking at a bigger role and is currently identifying mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.India is the thirteenth largest investor with an investment estimated at USD 189 million in five projects.
However, China is the biggest investor in Myanmar with investments totalling to about USD 9.6 billion.Sources said Sein suggested Small Medium Enterprises sector, hydro electricity, agriculture and capacity building as the main segments that India could chip in besides others.The two sides also discussed issues relating to security, connectivity, and more people to people contacts and parliamentary exchanges.
On the security front, Myanmar gave "firm assurances" to India that its territory will not be used for anti-India activities.Krishna had said security is the "most crucial and sensitive issue".
Security cooperation has been a major part of India- Myanmar relations because of the long border that it shares with four northeast states.Many insurgent groups operating in the area are known to take advantage of the thick jungles along the border in Myanmar to take refuge.
While the meetings were a bid to foster strategic and economic ties between the two neighbours, sources said a number of issues with regard to cooperation in the field of health and agriculture were also discussed.India has in principle agreed to modernise the children's hospital in Yangon by supplying the latest modern equipments.Talks are also on for building a state of the art general hospital in Sittwe with Indian help, sources said.
Extending a helping hand to cyclone-prone Myanmar, India handed over 10 modern and disaster-proof rice silos built at a cost of USD 2 million to preserve grains during natural
Krishna had also extended President Pratibha Patil's invitation to Sein to visit India which was accepted by him.
Krishna's visit, along with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, is the first high-level tour from India since the government took over in March after years of military rule.Official sources said the visit was an opportunity to engage with the new civilian government to understand their priorities and needs.Sources said the visit was very "positive and constructive" and helped in furthering the India-Myanmar relationship.While the idea was to engage with the new government to get a better viewpoint of their thinking, a number of bilateral issues were discussed.
On the investment front, Krishna quoted Sein as saying that Myanmar was open to investments and would like to see more Indian companies there.India already has a presence in the country but is looking at a bigger role and is currently identifying mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.India is the thirteenth largest investor with an investment estimated at USD 189 million in five projects.
However, China is the biggest investor in Myanmar with investments totalling to about USD 9.6 billion.Sources said Sein suggested Small Medium Enterprises sector, hydro electricity, agriculture and capacity building as the main segments that India could chip in besides others.The two sides also discussed issues relating to security, connectivity, and more people to people contacts and parliamentary exchanges.
On the security front, Myanmar gave "firm assurances" to India that its territory will not be used for anti-India activities.Krishna had said security is the "most crucial and sensitive issue".
Security cooperation has been a major part of India- Myanmar relations because of the long border that it shares with four northeast states.Many insurgent groups operating in the area are known to take advantage of the thick jungles along the border in Myanmar to take refuge.
While the meetings were a bid to foster strategic and economic ties between the two neighbours, sources said a number of issues with regard to cooperation in the field of health and agriculture were also discussed.India has in principle agreed to modernise the children's hospital in Yangon by supplying the latest modern equipments.Talks are also on for building a state of the art general hospital in Sittwe with Indian help, sources said.
Extending a helping hand to cyclone-prone Myanmar, India handed over 10 modern and disaster-proof rice silos built at a cost of USD 2 million to preserve grains during natural
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
India gifts 10 modern rice silos to Myanmar
India extending a helping hand to the cyclone prone country,on Tuesday dedicated 10 modern and disaster-proof rice silos in Myanmar to ensure that no one goes hungry during natural calamities.External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, on a three day visit to the country, inaugurated the silos, having a combined capacity of 5,000 tonne storage build with the assistance of India.
India had given USD 2 million for the construction of these silos, whose need was felt after the devastating May 2008 Cyclone Nargis.
"One of the lessons learnt from this catastrophe (cyclone) was the need to have strong and weather-proof rice warehouses located at strategic positions in the cyclone prone area to enable speedy distribution of food grains to the people in times of need," Krishna said while inaugurating three silos in the presence of Myanmarese Commerce Minister Win Myint.
The silos are capable of withstanding wind speeds of 150 km per hour and are earthquake resistant up to eight on the Richter scale.For flood prevention, the silos are built on plinths two metres from the ground.
"It is a matter of pride and satisfaction to me that India has been associated with such a worthwhile project, which will directly benefit the friendly people of Myanmar," Krishna said.Of the 10 silos constructed in a year ending February, four are in Yangon region while seven are in Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) region.
Official sources said the construction of the silos is part of India's efforts to forger deeper and stronger relations with the country, seen as strategically important.Win Myint expressed Myanmar's 'gratitude for the generosity'.
He also said that the two countries were existing with a sense of 'peace, co-existence and cooperation', and this extended to the areas of education and economic development.
India had given USD 2 million for the construction of these silos, whose need was felt after the devastating May 2008 Cyclone Nargis.
"One of the lessons learnt from this catastrophe (cyclone) was the need to have strong and weather-proof rice warehouses located at strategic positions in the cyclone prone area to enable speedy distribution of food grains to the people in times of need," Krishna said while inaugurating three silos in the presence of Myanmarese Commerce Minister Win Myint.
The silos are capable of withstanding wind speeds of 150 km per hour and are earthquake resistant up to eight on the Richter scale.For flood prevention, the silos are built on plinths two metres from the ground.
"It is a matter of pride and satisfaction to me that India has been associated with such a worthwhile project, which will directly benefit the friendly people of Myanmar," Krishna said.Of the 10 silos constructed in a year ending February, four are in Yangon region while seven are in Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) region.
Official sources said the construction of the silos is part of India's efforts to forger deeper and stronger relations with the country, seen as strategically important.Win Myint expressed Myanmar's 'gratitude for the generosity'.
He also said that the two countries were existing with a sense of 'peace, co-existence and cooperation', and this extended to the areas of education and economic development.
Bring back Indian money stashed abroad: Mamata
Banerjee said "if anyone says all politicians are corrupt, then let them join politics." Pressing for a comprehensive package to check the menace of corruption at all levels, Trinamool Congress chief demanded that the moneys illegally stashed abroad should be brought back.
She also suggested that electoral reform measures be carried out by the Election Commission and said state funding of polls would go a long way to curb the use of black money in the electoral process.She also suggested that electoral reform measures be carried out by the Election Commission and said state funding of polls would go a long way to curb the use of black money in the electoral process.
Suggesting a "comprehensive collective package" to fight all lacunaes in the system, she also wanted strengthening of the vigilance machinery to check corruption at all levels.She refused to take a question on Baba Ramdev saying "Ask me questions relating to Bengal and not on Delhi."When her comments were sought on the midnight swoop on Baba Ramdev and his followers, Banerjee said "I was not in Delhi."
She also added that Anna Hazare was given a lot of respect by the UPA government.
On her party's views on the issue of corruption, she said "when the all-party meeting takes place, we will discuss and we will give our opinion."
She also suggested that electoral reform measures be carried out by the Election Commission and said state funding of polls would go a long way to curb the use of black money in the electoral process.She also suggested that electoral reform measures be carried out by the Election Commission and said state funding of polls would go a long way to curb the use of black money in the electoral process.
Suggesting a "comprehensive collective package" to fight all lacunaes in the system, she also wanted strengthening of the vigilance machinery to check corruption at all levels.She refused to take a question on Baba Ramdev saying "Ask me questions relating to Bengal and not on Delhi."When her comments were sought on the midnight swoop on Baba Ramdev and his followers, Banerjee said "I was not in Delhi."
She also added that Anna Hazare was given a lot of respect by the UPA government.
On her party's views on the issue of corruption, she said "when the all-party meeting takes place, we will discuss and we will give our opinion."
Monday, June 20, 2011
S M Krishna to leave for Myanmar today
Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc: New Delhi Jun 20,2011
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will leave for Myanmar today. He will be accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Nirupma Rao and other senior officials. This will be the first Indian high level visit after the formation of Civil Government in Myanmar in March this year. Broad based exchange on the issues of transportation, connectivity, Information Technology, telecommunication and infrastructure are high on the agenda of the Indian delegation. Our correspondent adds that India will also seek cooperation from Myanmar under its Look East policy. The success of programmes like trilateral highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand, Trans-Asian Railway to connect New Delhi with Hanoi and the Kaladan multi-modal transport project will depend only with Myanmar cooperation. India is also eager to boost its investment in gas and hydro-electricity projects in Myanmar and is eyeing oil and gas fields.
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will leave for Myanmar today. He will be accompanied by the Foreign Secretary Nirupma Rao and other senior officials. This will be the first Indian high level visit after the formation of Civil Government in Myanmar in March this year. Broad based exchange on the issues of transportation, connectivity, Information Technology, telecommunication and infrastructure are high on the agenda of the Indian delegation. Our correspondent adds that India will also seek cooperation from Myanmar under its Look East policy. The success of programmes like trilateral highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand, Trans-Asian Railway to connect New Delhi with Hanoi and the Kaladan multi-modal transport project will depend only with Myanmar cooperation. India is also eager to boost its investment in gas and hydro-electricity projects in Myanmar and is eyeing oil and gas fields.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
India, Denmark should fight terror together: Meira Kumar
India and Denmark need to pool in their resources to deal with the menace of terrorism. The Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said this during her visit to Copenhagen yesterday. She said India and Denmark, both targets of global terrorism, need to work together to isolate the forces of terror, violence and intolerance and pool their resources to deal with the menace and to build effective defense against it. She is leading a Parliamentary delegation to Denmark where she held discussions with the five member Presidium of the Danish Parliament. The Indian delegation also called on the Queen of Denmark.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Myanmar for role in realizing ASEAN community
YANGON, Myanmar Union Minister of Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun has called for the role of customs departments in realizing ASEAN Community, stressing the need for encouraging commodity flow integration, earning revenue for the state and handling border trade in line with policy and law, an official media reported last week.
U Hla Tun made the call at a senior customs officials meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Nay Pyi Taw , said the New Light of Myanmar.
He noted that Myanmar has formed National Window System Leading Committee which will join ASEAN window system via ICT tools as it is one of pivotal pledges of ASEAN nations.
U Hla Tun made the call at a senior customs officials meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Nay Pyi Taw , said the New Light of Myanmar.
He noted that Myanmar has formed National Window System Leading Committee which will join ASEAN window system via ICT tools as it is one of pivotal pledges of ASEAN nations.
Dr. JP to address IIM and Public Meeting in Bangalore
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan will be addressing students and faculty of two institutes of technology and management in Bangalore on June 16 and 17.He will be chief guest at the graduation ceremony of the Reva Institute of Technology & Management on June 16. He will be taking part in a seminar on the ‘The Role of youth in Politics and Nation Building’ at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM) on June 17.Dr JP will be addressing a public meeting on 17th at 5pm on the anti-corruption campaign at Rotary House of Friendship, Lavelle Road, Bangalore. Loksatta Party, Karnataka, would like to invite you to meet and interact with Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan (Dr. JP), the National President of Loksatta Party, and the serving MLA from Kukatpally constituency in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. JP has been an important figure in the long and emerging national consciousness against corruption in public office, and has a stellar record of promoting reforms in government and politics. He was instrumental in the passage of the Right to Information Act, the strengthening of the Anti-Defection law, and the introduction of a cap on the number of cabinet positions in ministries of state and central governments. The requirement that all candidates to elections should declare their assets publicly, is another feather in Dr.JP's cap.
In late April this year, Dr JP convened the national Round Table discussion of the proposed Lokpal Bill in Delhi, attended by the best public servants in the country, to develop consensus on the provisions of the law. In 2008, he tabled the Andhra Pradesh Anti Corruption Bill in the State Assembly, which is almost is on the lines of Jan Lokayuta advocated by Jan Lokpal committee.
ON 17th June, he will address us on the topic: "Growing Public Participation in Politics in the Backdrop of the Jan Lokpal Bill Movement".
Dr. JP has been an important figure in the long and emerging national consciousness against corruption in public office, and has a stellar record of promoting reforms in government and politics. He was instrumental in the passage of the Right to Information Act, the strengthening of the Anti-Defection law, and the introduction of a cap on the number of cabinet positions in ministries of state and central governments. The requirement that all candidates to elections should declare their assets publicly, is another feather in Dr.JP's cap.
In late April this year, Dr JP convened the national Round Table discussion of the proposed Lokpal Bill in Delhi, attended by the best public servants in the country, to develop consensus on the provisions of the law. In 2008, he tabled the Andhra Pradesh Anti Corruption Bill in the State Assembly, which is almost is on the lines of Jan Lokayuta advocated by Jan Lokpal committee.
ON 17th June, he will address us on the topic: "Growing Public Participation in Politics in the Backdrop of the Jan Lokpal Bill Movement".
Mamata unhappy with food department officials
Mamata unhappy with food department officials reports PTI West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the Food Department headquarters here today, said essential items were not reaching the poor and threatened to sack the officers responsible for it."Those from whom food is not reaching the people must be sacked," Banerjee told the department's officers when they informed her that items meant for PDS were not reaching the beneficiaries because of a section of Food Department staff and some businessmen.
Describing the food department as one 'without a father and a mother,' she said "nothing is monitored here. Funds are being spent on food items but it is not reaching the common people. This cannot be allowed to continue."
Warning the officers that they would be monitored, she said, however, that the government would not victimise anyone."We will all have to work together.
Describing the food department as one 'without a father and a mother,' she said "nothing is monitored here. Funds are being spent on food items but it is not reaching the common people. This cannot be allowed to continue."
Warning the officers that they would be monitored, she said, however, that the government would not victimise anyone."We will all have to work together.
Mamata unhappy with food department officials
(PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the Food Department headquarters here today, said essential items were not reaching the poor and threatened to sack the officers responsible for it.
"Those from whom food is not reaching the people must be sacked," Banerjee told the department's officers when they informed her that items meant for PDS were not reaching the beneficiaries because of a section of Food Department staff and some businessmen.
Describing the food department as one 'without a father and a mother,' she said "nothing is monitored here. Funds are being spent on food items but it is not reaching the common people. This cannot be allowed to continue."
Warning the officers that they would be monitored, she said, however, that the government would not victimise anyone.
"We will all have to work together.
"Those from whom food is not reaching the people must be sacked," Banerjee told the department's officers when they informed her that items meant for PDS were not reaching the beneficiaries because of a section of Food Department staff and some businessmen.
Describing the food department as one 'without a father and a mother,' she said "nothing is monitored here. Funds are being spent on food items but it is not reaching the common people. This cannot be allowed to continue."
Warning the officers that they would be monitored, she said, however, that the government would not victimise anyone.
"We will all have to work together.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
China Brahmaputra's dam to adopt interest of downstream countries.
A day after India sought details from Beijing on its plans to divert waters of the Brahmaputra by building a dam on it in Tibet, China today said it will adopt a "responsible" attitude taking into "full consideration" the interest of downstream countries."China adopts a responsible attitude towards the development of cross border water resources," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei told a media briefing here.He was answering a question on concerns in India over Beijing's plans to build a dam on Brahmaputra resulting in diversion of waters.
"We adopt a policy that protection goes together with development, and take into full consideration the interests of downstream countries," he said.
"We adopt a policy that protection goes together with development, and take into full consideration the interests of downstream countries," he said.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Congress' critical role in warmaking decisions
House of Representatives passed a new defense bill two weeks ago that strips Congress' critical role in warmaking decisions, and forces the armed forces to take on a new mission as judge, jury and jailor of all future foreign terrorism suspects. The Senate Armed Services Committee will decide whether to follow suit or change course starting this Wednesday.
Tell the Senate Armed Services Committee to protect Congress' role in deciding whether to go to war and limit the mission of our armed forces to prosecuting wars, not people. Not only are such choices smarter national security, they uphold the rule of law and American values.
The House version of the defense bill would:
Strip Congress of its critical role in warmaking decisions by ceding to the president unfettered authority to use military force anywhere in the world;
Force the military to become the judge, jury and jailor for all future foreign terrorism suspects, expanding the failed experiment at Guantanamo; and
Turn Guantanamo into the Hotel California where you get in but can never get out, even if you are innocent.
Sign the petition and tell the Senate Armed Services Committee to oppose any measures in the defense authorization bill that place politics over national security.
Tell the Senate Armed Services Committee to protect Congress' role in deciding whether to go to war and limit the mission of our armed forces to prosecuting wars, not people. Not only are such choices smarter national security, they uphold the rule of law and American values.
The House version of the defense bill would:
Strip Congress of its critical role in warmaking decisions by ceding to the president unfettered authority to use military force anywhere in the world;
Force the military to become the judge, jury and jailor for all future foreign terrorism suspects, expanding the failed experiment at Guantanamo; and
Turn Guantanamo into the Hotel California where you get in but can never get out, even if you are innocent.
Sign the petition and tell the Senate Armed Services Committee to oppose any measures in the defense authorization bill that place politics over national security.
Monday, June 13, 2011
A silent march on 18 June from Rajghat to the office of the NH RC
New Delhi11 June 2011
Rashtriya Swabhiman Andola (RSA) appeals to all anti-corruption activists to join hands. We have convened a meeting of different organisations active nationwide in the fight against corruption on 25 June, the day Emergency was imposed on this country. We are confident that a common strategy can be evolved for the forward march. The fight against corruption demands that members of civil society should overcome ideological untouchability and act as per people’s sentiments to reign in the virus of corruption.
RSA has also decided to organise a silent march on 18 June from Rajghat to the office of the National Human Rights Commission to highlight the plight of the people oppressed by a despotic government. Holding peaceful demonstrations to protest the flaws in the system is their democratic right. RSA appeals to all to participate in this march in big numbers to register people’s serious objection to the atrocities of the authority.
RSA appeals to Swami Ramdev to call off his indefinite hunger strike in view of his failing health. By endangering his health, Swami Ramdev will only help the insensitive UPA Government that is not serious about exposing the corrupt but is scurrying for cover to save its skin. The anti-corruption movement in this country needs him to relaunch the fight with renewed vigour.
We strongly demand to the government to declare India’s money stashed in tax havens as national property immediately and pass the ordinance for the same for Baba Ramdev to have a reason to end his fast.
We strongly condemn the Union Government for its demonic attempt to muzzle public dissent on the night of 4 June. It was creating a situation reminiscent of Emergency, unmindful of its consequences. This repression will fail to strangulate democracy, no matter what brutal means the police employ, a deplorable example of which they displayed by beating innocent satyagrahis half-asleep in the fateful night of 4 June.
We would like to bring to your notice the statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in his interview to Doordarshan and that of Mr Kapil Sibal in his interview on All India Radio. They were both blatant distortions of facts. They were trying to divert public attention from the issue of corruption by adding a political hue to a popular movement.
Those occupying such responsible positions in the government have said that I, Govindacharya, was ghost-managing the Bharat Swabhiman show. Mr Sibal even claimed that I was present on the dais and that Swami Ramdev was a mere mask of the Rashtriys Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). I deny this charge and challenge the Telecom Minister to prove the allegation, failing which he should render an unconditional apology. This government, whose ministers are issuing such irresponsible statements, does not deserve to continue in power. It is distorting facts and trying to run down the anti-corruption movements in the same way in which Indira Gandhi had tried to berate the J P movement before imposing Emergency. You may all recall that, in order to belittle people’s movement for change, the then government had termed Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan a CIA agent! A divided, bewildered Congress faced with insecurity of losing power then imposed emergency. People, however, taught the Congress a lesson and defeated it with a massive mandate and demonstrated their faith in democracy and abhorrence for dictatorship.
The issues confronting the country are unemployment, corruption and price rise. This government, having completely failed to address them, is trying to deflect attention from them. Its intentions are mala fide. Otherwise, how could the government not act on the FIR against Hasan Ali, the conduit of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, for four years? Why is the government not disclosing the names of people who have stashed black money in tax haven countries? What are the compulsions of the government that it cannot get an ordinance passed on the issue of black money? Now it is clear that the Prime Minister was aware of the 2G and Commonwealth Games scams. Why were actions not taken against those responsible? All these show the intentions of the government to shield the corrupt and the guilty.
I appeal to all to join this fight against corruption in whichever way they can.
KN Govindacharya
Patron
Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan
Rashtriya Swabhiman Andola (RSA) appeals to all anti-corruption activists to join hands. We have convened a meeting of different organisations active nationwide in the fight against corruption on 25 June, the day Emergency was imposed on this country. We are confident that a common strategy can be evolved for the forward march. The fight against corruption demands that members of civil society should overcome ideological untouchability and act as per people’s sentiments to reign in the virus of corruption.
RSA has also decided to organise a silent march on 18 June from Rajghat to the office of the National Human Rights Commission to highlight the plight of the people oppressed by a despotic government. Holding peaceful demonstrations to protest the flaws in the system is their democratic right. RSA appeals to all to participate in this march in big numbers to register people’s serious objection to the atrocities of the authority.
RSA appeals to Swami Ramdev to call off his indefinite hunger strike in view of his failing health. By endangering his health, Swami Ramdev will only help the insensitive UPA Government that is not serious about exposing the corrupt but is scurrying for cover to save its skin. The anti-corruption movement in this country needs him to relaunch the fight with renewed vigour.
We strongly demand to the government to declare India’s money stashed in tax havens as national property immediately and pass the ordinance for the same for Baba Ramdev to have a reason to end his fast.
We strongly condemn the Union Government for its demonic attempt to muzzle public dissent on the night of 4 June. It was creating a situation reminiscent of Emergency, unmindful of its consequences. This repression will fail to strangulate democracy, no matter what brutal means the police employ, a deplorable example of which they displayed by beating innocent satyagrahis half-asleep in the fateful night of 4 June.
We would like to bring to your notice the statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in his interview to Doordarshan and that of Mr Kapil Sibal in his interview on All India Radio. They were both blatant distortions of facts. They were trying to divert public attention from the issue of corruption by adding a political hue to a popular movement.
Those occupying such responsible positions in the government have said that I, Govindacharya, was ghost-managing the Bharat Swabhiman show. Mr Sibal even claimed that I was present on the dais and that Swami Ramdev was a mere mask of the Rashtriys Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). I deny this charge and challenge the Telecom Minister to prove the allegation, failing which he should render an unconditional apology. This government, whose ministers are issuing such irresponsible statements, does not deserve to continue in power. It is distorting facts and trying to run down the anti-corruption movements in the same way in which Indira Gandhi had tried to berate the J P movement before imposing Emergency. You may all recall that, in order to belittle people’s movement for change, the then government had termed Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan a CIA agent! A divided, bewildered Congress faced with insecurity of losing power then imposed emergency. People, however, taught the Congress a lesson and defeated it with a massive mandate and demonstrated their faith in democracy and abhorrence for dictatorship.
The issues confronting the country are unemployment, corruption and price rise. This government, having completely failed to address them, is trying to deflect attention from them. Its intentions are mala fide. Otherwise, how could the government not act on the FIR against Hasan Ali, the conduit of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, for four years? Why is the government not disclosing the names of people who have stashed black money in tax haven countries? What are the compulsions of the government that it cannot get an ordinance passed on the issue of black money? Now it is clear that the Prime Minister was aware of the 2G and Commonwealth Games scams. Why were actions not taken against those responsible? All these show the intentions of the government to shield the corrupt and the guilty.
I appeal to all to join this fight against corruption in whichever way they can.
KN Govindacharya
Patron
Rashtriya Swabhiman Andolan
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Campaign against Hazare, Ramdev
Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev this year has created absolutely awareness in public domain to scuttle the rein of corruption and money laundering in foreign banks with media doing its own investigation and scams emerging every month by which the ruling party is in back foot trying to defence its governance model and thus Congress launches campaign against Anna Hazare, Yog guru Ramdev
Kolkata, Jun 12 (PTI) The Congress today launched a campaign to counter the anti-graft movement by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev and accused a section of civil society of trying to weaken democratic institutions.
"The Constitution has given the power to legislate only to Parliament and the state Assemblies. If 5,000 or 6,000 people dictate from outside what the Parliament ought to do, this will weaken democracy," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told a press conference.
Mukherjee, who released a document in English containing his party's views on the issue, said the Congress was launching an awareness campaign all over the country.
"The documents will be made available in other languages.
Debates, discussions and seminars would be organised right from the district to the block levels to put forth our views," he said.
Kolkata, Jun 12 (PTI) The Congress today launched a campaign to counter the anti-graft movement by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev and accused a section of civil society of trying to weaken democratic institutions.
"The Constitution has given the power to legislate only to Parliament and the state Assemblies. If 5,000 or 6,000 people dictate from outside what the Parliament ought to do, this will weaken democracy," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told a press conference.
Mukherjee, who released a document in English containing his party's views on the issue, said the Congress was launching an awareness campaign all over the country.
"The documents will be made available in other languages.
Debates, discussions and seminars would be organised right from the district to the block levels to put forth our views," he said.
India beat WI in Antigua to clinch five-match ODI series
India beat West Indies by three wickets in the third one dayer at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua last night to clinch the five -match ODI series.Chasing a victory target of 226, India made 228 for 7 in 46.2 overs. Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten at 86.For West Indies Andre Russell remained not out at 92. Amit Mishra and Munaf Patel took three wickets each.Rohit Sharma scored a fantastic unbeaten 86 under pressure as India beat West Indies by three wickets to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series in Antigua on Saturday. Except Parthiv Patel (46, 56 balls, 4x4, 1x6), none of the top-order batsmen showed intent although Virat Kohli got a poor leg-before decision when the ball seemed to be traveling down leg-side.
Chasing a target of 226, the visitors were reeling at 92 for six but Rohit (86 not out, 91 balls, 5x4, 2x6) along with senior-pro Harbhajan Singh (41, 64 balls, 1x6, 1x4) added 88 runs as India finally got home rather comfortably with 22 balls to spare.Praveen Kumar (25 no, 14 balls) provided final flourish after Harbhajan was dismissed.
The last two matches of the series will thus be rendered inconsequential as Rohit kept his composure when the team was in dire straits.He got an able ally in Harbhajan as the two batted with utmost responsibility.They never did anything flashy during their seventh wicket stand that lasted 18.4 overs.
Chasing a target of 226, the visitors were reeling at 92 for six but Rohit (86 not out, 91 balls, 5x4, 2x6) along with senior-pro Harbhajan Singh (41, 64 balls, 1x6, 1x4) added 88 runs as India finally got home rather comfortably with 22 balls to spare.Praveen Kumar (25 no, 14 balls) provided final flourish after Harbhajan was dismissed.
The last two matches of the series will thus be rendered inconsequential as Rohit kept his composure when the team was in dire straits.He got an able ally in Harbhajan as the two batted with utmost responsibility.They never did anything flashy during their seventh wicket stand that lasted 18.4 overs.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
CWG Delhi 2010 lacked mechanism,transparency,accountability
10.6.2011 New Delhi Nksagar- Sagar Media Inc;
Hazards Centre successfully organised the Press Conference on the Commonwealth Games 2010 at Indian Women’s Press Corps, New Delhi from 2pm-5pm on 10.6.2011.
Mr. Dunu Roy threw light on the issues that Commonwealth Games was part of an ad-hoc violation of the planning process and without public disclosure of and debate on all the decisions related to the Games. Who then are the real players? Because eventually the expenditure of the Games will be paid for by this “nation” whether it “watched” the Games or not. What were the steps taken by the State on the apprehensions and projections that were made in the report and, if not, then why?
Summary Note
While exploring the phenomena of Big Games, Hazards Centre published a report in 2007 titled “2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi: How much does national prestige cost?’’, in which the historical record of Big Games was examined. Thus, in the 1968 Olympics Mexico had plunged into a debt for 25 to 35 years. Both Munich and Montreal reported a deficit of $1,000mn in 1972 and 1976. Seoul suffered from a $45,000mn national debt in 1988; Barcelona incurred a loss of $1,400mn in 1992, and Sydney’s debt was $2,600mn in 2002. The $16,000mn Olympics in Athens in 2006 are linked by analysts to the current economic crisis in Greece, while the recovery of the spending of $37,000mn in Beijing in 2008 is yet to be seen. The analysis of the impact of big sporting events like the Olympics, World Cups, and Commonwealth Games, on the host cities show that the Games have little to do with sports or with pride. They are part of the larger economic strategy that is promoted by big financial interests through a programme of urban renewal along with advertising and marketing revenues.
This report was not only released publicly on 18 September, 2007, three years before the Commonwealth Games, but copies were sent to the various concerned Ministries. A copy was personally delivered to the then Minister for Sports. On his advice, copies were then sent to a selected list of hundred Members of Parliament and each one of them was contacted telephonically thereafter. However, there was no response from any of the Ministries or MPs – except for NCP MP Shri Tariq Anwar who merely acknowledged receipt of the report. Now, almost a year after the Games, we learn from responses to a RTI query by Shri Subhash Chandra Agrawal that our report was forwarded by the Sports Minister to the Prime Minister on as early as 19 September 2007 with the comment that “this document must make us pause and think before we continue down this disastrous path that heads of sports federations, doubling as statesmen in Parliament, are attempting to take us down” (emphasis added).
An analytical note was also prepared by the Secretary (Sports) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the same date of 17.9.2007 and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office. This note states that the report “is an extremely well researched and argued paper” although “some of comparisons and conclusions may be questioned”, because “there is no clear comparison of the revenue expenditure and revenue income”. However, the note goes on to acknowledge that “the paper attempts to cogently demolish several popular myths and arguments that support conduct of mega events”. These ‘myths’ include the “likely benefits of the revenues”, “the stark reality of social and environmental costs”, “the single minded trampling of environmental laws and safety-nets of the poor”, “the relative rise of prices due to so-called development”, and “negative impact on employment and environment and civil liberties”. The note comments that the report “could have elaborated on the mechanisms adopted by them (Olympic bodies and Organizing Committees)” to vest control in “a few multi-national companies and consulting firms”.
In an internal note circulated by the Director in the Prime Minister’s Office on 30.10,2007, the above observations are repeated with the acknowledgement that “there is no doubt that all the games have suffered deficit” (emphasis added). The Director further notes that “The whole issue of Commonwealth Games cost and benefits is repeatedly coming in focus due to serious differences between the Ministry and the Organizing Committee – while the Ministry insists on transparency and accountability, the OC wants to preserve its fiefdom”. She further comments that “The Cabinet Secretariat had reported resolution of the issues but that is not so”. Interestingly enough, this note is seen by the Joint Secretary (M) who remarks on 31.10.2007 itself, “No further action is required on this” (emphasis added).
Subsequent to this, just before the Games on 25 August, 2010, Hazards Centre released its second report titled “Heritage Games: cleaning up the debris”, in which it was reported that only 6 projects had been completed with the remaining still under construction, and the cost had risen to a staggering Rs102,000 crores, with Rs55,398 crores being directly invested as part of the Games related infrastructure. The report also predicted that the city would eventually have to pay for this investment in one way or another and for many years. On October 15, 2010, after the Games, Hazards Centre issued a press release documenting the adverse impacts of the Games on the workers who constructed the infrastructure, the other workers who serviced the city, the athletes who had participated in the Games, on the use of the infrastructure, the housing that had been built, the transport system that had been put in place, the revenues to the city, and the prices of property and consumer goods and essential commodities. Both these reports were given to the press, sent to the Prime Minister, and posted to all Members of Parliament as well as to investigating agencies. Once again, there was no response.
Conclusion:Some critical questions arise from this entire episode:
1. If the first report cogently demolished several myths and arguments that support conduct of mega events, why did the concerned Ministries not launch an enquiry into the mechanisms adopted by the Olympic bodies and Organizing Committees to vest control in a few multi-national companies and consulting firms?
2. If there was no doubt that all the games have suffered deficits and the OC wanted to preserve its fiefdom while the Sports Ministry was insisting on transparency and accountability, on what basis did the Joint Secretary in the PMO decide that no further action was required?
3. Why did all Members of Parliament abandon their mandatory rights of oversight and not raise questions about the profligate and unaccountable spending of public money even though they were warned three years before the Games were to take place?
4. What does it say about the accountability of parliamentary democracy if the Sports Minister is compelled to comment that the nation is going down a disastrous path at the behest of heads of sports federations, who are doubling as statesmen in Parliament?
We hope that the media will perform its role of vigilant watchdog over democracy and pose these questions before the appropriate authorities.
Hazards Centre successfully organised the Press Conference on the Commonwealth Games 2010 at Indian Women’s Press Corps, New Delhi from 2pm-5pm on 10.6.2011.
Mr. Dunu Roy threw light on the issues that Commonwealth Games was part of an ad-hoc violation of the planning process and without public disclosure of and debate on all the decisions related to the Games. Who then are the real players? Because eventually the expenditure of the Games will be paid for by this “nation” whether it “watched” the Games or not. What were the steps taken by the State on the apprehensions and projections that were made in the report and, if not, then why?
Summary Note
While exploring the phenomena of Big Games, Hazards Centre published a report in 2007 titled “2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi: How much does national prestige cost?’’, in which the historical record of Big Games was examined. Thus, in the 1968 Olympics Mexico had plunged into a debt for 25 to 35 years. Both Munich and Montreal reported a deficit of $1,000mn in 1972 and 1976. Seoul suffered from a $45,000mn national debt in 1988; Barcelona incurred a loss of $1,400mn in 1992, and Sydney’s debt was $2,600mn in 2002. The $16,000mn Olympics in Athens in 2006 are linked by analysts to the current economic crisis in Greece, while the recovery of the spending of $37,000mn in Beijing in 2008 is yet to be seen. The analysis of the impact of big sporting events like the Olympics, World Cups, and Commonwealth Games, on the host cities show that the Games have little to do with sports or with pride. They are part of the larger economic strategy that is promoted by big financial interests through a programme of urban renewal along with advertising and marketing revenues.
This report was not only released publicly on 18 September, 2007, three years before the Commonwealth Games, but copies were sent to the various concerned Ministries. A copy was personally delivered to the then Minister for Sports. On his advice, copies were then sent to a selected list of hundred Members of Parliament and each one of them was contacted telephonically thereafter. However, there was no response from any of the Ministries or MPs – except for NCP MP Shri Tariq Anwar who merely acknowledged receipt of the report. Now, almost a year after the Games, we learn from responses to a RTI query by Shri Subhash Chandra Agrawal that our report was forwarded by the Sports Minister to the Prime Minister on as early as 19 September 2007 with the comment that “this document must make us pause and think before we continue down this disastrous path that heads of sports federations, doubling as statesmen in Parliament, are attempting to take us down” (emphasis added).
An analytical note was also prepared by the Secretary (Sports) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the same date of 17.9.2007 and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office. This note states that the report “is an extremely well researched and argued paper” although “some of comparisons and conclusions may be questioned”, because “there is no clear comparison of the revenue expenditure and revenue income”. However, the note goes on to acknowledge that “the paper attempts to cogently demolish several popular myths and arguments that support conduct of mega events”. These ‘myths’ include the “likely benefits of the revenues”, “the stark reality of social and environmental costs”, “the single minded trampling of environmental laws and safety-nets of the poor”, “the relative rise of prices due to so-called development”, and “negative impact on employment and environment and civil liberties”. The note comments that the report “could have elaborated on the mechanisms adopted by them (Olympic bodies and Organizing Committees)” to vest control in “a few multi-national companies and consulting firms”.
In an internal note circulated by the Director in the Prime Minister’s Office on 30.10,2007, the above observations are repeated with the acknowledgement that “there is no doubt that all the games have suffered deficit” (emphasis added). The Director further notes that “The whole issue of Commonwealth Games cost and benefits is repeatedly coming in focus due to serious differences between the Ministry and the Organizing Committee – while the Ministry insists on transparency and accountability, the OC wants to preserve its fiefdom”. She further comments that “The Cabinet Secretariat had reported resolution of the issues but that is not so”. Interestingly enough, this note is seen by the Joint Secretary (M) who remarks on 31.10.2007 itself, “No further action is required on this” (emphasis added).
Subsequent to this, just before the Games on 25 August, 2010, Hazards Centre released its second report titled “Heritage Games: cleaning up the debris”, in which it was reported that only 6 projects had been completed with the remaining still under construction, and the cost had risen to a staggering Rs102,000 crores, with Rs55,398 crores being directly invested as part of the Games related infrastructure. The report also predicted that the city would eventually have to pay for this investment in one way or another and for many years. On October 15, 2010, after the Games, Hazards Centre issued a press release documenting the adverse impacts of the Games on the workers who constructed the infrastructure, the other workers who serviced the city, the athletes who had participated in the Games, on the use of the infrastructure, the housing that had been built, the transport system that had been put in place, the revenues to the city, and the prices of property and consumer goods and essential commodities. Both these reports were given to the press, sent to the Prime Minister, and posted to all Members of Parliament as well as to investigating agencies. Once again, there was no response.
Conclusion:Some critical questions arise from this entire episode:
1. If the first report cogently demolished several myths and arguments that support conduct of mega events, why did the concerned Ministries not launch an enquiry into the mechanisms adopted by the Olympic bodies and Organizing Committees to vest control in a few multi-national companies and consulting firms?
2. If there was no doubt that all the games have suffered deficits and the OC wanted to preserve its fiefdom while the Sports Ministry was insisting on transparency and accountability, on what basis did the Joint Secretary in the PMO decide that no further action was required?
3. Why did all Members of Parliament abandon their mandatory rights of oversight and not raise questions about the profligate and unaccountable spending of public money even though they were warned three years before the Games were to take place?
4. What does it say about the accountability of parliamentary democracy if the Sports Minister is compelled to comment that the nation is going down a disastrous path at the behest of heads of sports federations, who are doubling as statesmen in Parliament?
We hope that the media will perform its role of vigilant watchdog over democracy and pose these questions before the appropriate authorities.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ramdev protest: UP Congress leader resigns
Ramdev protest: UP Congress leader resigns
PTI / Wednesday, June 8, 2011 14:48 IST
A local Congress leader here resigned today from the party in protest against police crackdown on the camp of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Ramlila ground in Delhi.A local Congress leader here resigned today from the party in protest against police crackdown on the camp of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Ramlila ground in Delhi.
Pramila Vashishtha, vice-president of district Congress committee, resigned from her post in protest against alleged cruelty on women during forceful eviction of yoga guru Baba Ramdev from the Ramlila ground.Condemning the crackdown in her resignation letter, she extended full support to Ramdev's anti-corruption drive.
Meanwhile, the police crackdown is drawing flak from people from all walks of life here.Leaders of various social, political and religious organisations, have strongly deplored the midnight police action against Ramdev and his supporters at Ramlila Ground in Delhi.All India Teerth Purohit Mahasabha ,Rashtriya Mahila Sansthanand several other organisations have joined hands to condemn action against the Yoga guru.President of All India Teerth Mahasabha Yogesh Upadhyaya, extending full support to Ramdev's drive, criticised the UPA government for allegedly trying to curb a people's movement.
PTI / Wednesday, June 8, 2011 14:48 IST
A local Congress leader here resigned today from the party in protest against police crackdown on the camp of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Ramlila ground in Delhi.A local Congress leader here resigned today from the party in protest against police crackdown on the camp of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Ramlila ground in Delhi.
Pramila Vashishtha, vice-president of district Congress committee, resigned from her post in protest against alleged cruelty on women during forceful eviction of yoga guru Baba Ramdev from the Ramlila ground.Condemning the crackdown in her resignation letter, she extended full support to Ramdev's anti-corruption drive.
Meanwhile, the police crackdown is drawing flak from people from all walks of life here.Leaders of various social, political and religious organisations, have strongly deplored the midnight police action against Ramdev and his supporters at Ramlila Ground in Delhi.All India Teerth Purohit Mahasabha ,Rashtriya Mahila Sansthanand several other organisations have joined hands to condemn action against the Yoga guru.President of All India Teerth Mahasabha Yogesh Upadhyaya, extending full support to Ramdev's drive, criticised the UPA government for allegedly trying to curb a people's movement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
NASA : Search for Alien Life on Saturn’s Moon On Thursday NASA announced a mission to land a car-sized robot quadcopter on S...
-
GOVERNMENT TO REVIVE NORTH KOEL IRRIGATION PROJECT Posted on April 8, 2017 Centre has decided to revive the North Koel Irrigation pr...
-
SAB TV promises a Magical Comedy with Baal Veer ~Starting 8 th October every Mon-Friday at 8pm~ New Delhi,September 27 th...
-
NASA : Search for Alien Life on Saturn’s Moon On Thursday NASA announced a mission to land a car-sized robot quadcopter on S...
