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December 22, 2013, 12:23 am
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Hand loom Export Awards

22122013
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Book Launch “The TOI Story “

22122013
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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, Education, Uncategorized

Woodpecker Film Festival award night

22122013




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Categories : Business, Entertainment, Uncategorized

Thailand’s opposition party to boycott Feb 2 polls

22122013
ThailandUpdated on : 22-12-2013 08:43 AM
Thailand’s main opposition Democrat Party on Saturday decided to boycott the February 2 snap polls and join anti-government rallies seeking to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra out of office.
Facing continuous street protests led by former Democrat leader Suthep Thaugsuban, Yingluck dissolved parliament and called an early poll on December 9 to try to ease tensions.
But the opposition is determined to replace her government with an unelected “People’s Council”.
“The meeting of party executives and former party lawmakers resolved that the Democrat Party will not send candidates to contest in the February 2, 2014 general election,” Democrat leader and former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva said.
“We don’t believe the February 2 election will lead to true reform and restore public confidence in the system.”
Democrat Party lawmakers resigned en masse from parliament earlier this month to march with former deputy premier Suthep.
They plan to hold mass rallies at sites across the capital tomorrow. The Thai Election Commission, however, said the February polls would go ahead as planned and registration of candidates will start on Monday.
Yingluck, who protesters accuse of acting as a proxy for her fugitive brother and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has promised to set up a “people’s council” for political reform after the elections.
She urged all political parties to contest the polls in order to uphold the rule of law and ensure reforms through the parliamentary system.
“The government realises that the country needs to be reformed. However, the reforms should run in line with democratic principals,” Yingluck said in a televised address.
Yingluck’s troubles escalated in November when her Pheu Thai Party tried to push an amnesty bill that would have nullified the graft conviction of her brother Thaksin. Thaksin was toppled in a 2006 coup and remains highly influential, despite having lived in self-exile since 2008.
Meanwhile, the chief of the powerful army, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, expressed concern about the risk of civil war if the political conflict continues.
He proposed the formation of a people’s assembly comprising “all colours” to help heal the divide.
The army chief stressed that the proposed assembly would bear little resemblance to the “People’s Council” proposed by Suthep.
“The people’s assembly must not be organised or sponsored by any conflicting group, as it would not be accepted by the other side,” he said.
At least five persons died and hundreds were injured during anti-government protests in Thailand’s worst political turmoil since the 2010 rallies that swept Abhisit from power.

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Corruption biggest issue, inflation primary challenge: Rahul

22122013
Corruption biggest issue, inflation primary challenge: RahulUpdated on : 22-12-2013 08:08 AM
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday addressed industry body FICCI in New Delhi and said that the biggest issue today is corruption and it is bleeding people and is unacceptable.
Interacting with business leaders in New Delhi and responding to their concerns, the Congress Vice President favoured rule-based system in clearances to correct the situation and accountability to be clear and time bound.Asserting that the UPA government was committed to deal with corruption and push growth, he outlined the steps taken by the UPA government, including enactment of Lokpal, to combat graft.
Gandhi talked about the problems of inflation, clearances, accountability and transparency while underlining the need for pushing the growth to alleviate poverty and making the country the largest economy by the time it turns 100 years old.
“I am in complete agreement with the need for regulatory system to be rapidly and radically modernised. Frankly, there are no excuses for the length of time required to clear some of these projects. We are fast-moving economy. We cannot allow you to be held back by slow decision-making. Accountability has to be clear, fixed and time-bound,” he said addressing the FICCI Annual General Meeting.
“The biggest problem is absolute arbitrary powers at all levels of the system. This is what we face.. In India, there are lot of arbitrary powers. The Environment Minister or the Chief Minister can take any decision he wants,” he said while responding to concerns of the industry that clearances were holding up projects.
“The real issue in all these things, whether land acquisition or environment it is arbitrary power,” Gandhi said, while advocating the need for eliminating the system of arbitrary powers.
He said the “paradigm” in the country has changed and in this scenario, “we have to build rule-based structure… we have to get used to the new paradigm. We have to move away from the arbitrary idea that a Chief Minister and an Environment Minister can do anything.”
Flagging the concerns over price rise, which Congress attributed as one of the reasons for the party’s debacle in recent assembly elections, Gandhi said that beating inflation is top priority.
“High inflation on the back of high food prices is an immediate concern. It has stretched household budgets and constrained industrial growth. It hurts our people everyday. Beating inflation is our top priority”.
“We must crack down on hoarding and profiteering. We must ease infrastructure bottlenecks and rapidly modernise the supply chain from field to plate,” he said.
Gandhi also chose the occasion to claim that it was the UPA government which did the maximum to fight corruption, which he termed as an “unacceptable burden on the people of our nation”.
“Corruption is bleeding our people dry. It is an unacceptable burden on the people of our nation. We must fight corruption with all our strength and determination,” he said but asserted “this government has done more than any other government to combat corruption…. The Congress Party has developed a framework against corruption.”
Noting that the passage of Right to Information Act by the UPA has been the most powerful weapon in the fight against corruption, he said, “the power of information is finally in the hands of the people. This has created a paradigm shift. Few governments have had the courage to enact legislation that rendered their processes more transparent and open to scrutiny.”
Gandhi added that he was proud to say that the RTI has shown all concerned “the writing on the wall and, in some cases, it has shown them the wall of Tihar Jail!”
He listed in this regard the steps like rejecting the Ordinance to overturn a court verdict that held that convicted criminals be kept out of Parliament and assembly and passage of Lokpal Bill but added “we need to go further.”
Gandhi said that the passage of six anti-corruption bills is critical to fight corruption.
He felt that while the amendment to the Prevention of Corruption Act will protect honest officers and be much more effective against those who are corrupt, the Grievance Redressal Bill will ensure that every citizen has the right to timely delivery of goods and services by their government.
Noting the “frustration” of the industry with regard to environmental clearances delaying projects unduly, Gandhi acknowledged that “there is excessive administrative and judicial discretion. The loopholes are so big you can drive a truck through some of them”.

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बजरंग दल के हिन्दू युवा सम्मलेन की तैयारियां पूरी

22122013

आज दिल्ली के शिवाजी कालेज के सामने जुटेंगे हजारों बजरंगी
नई दिल्ली। दिसम्बर 21, 2013.  विश्व हिन्दू परिषद दिल्ली की युवा इकाई बजरंग दल द्वारा दिल्ली में आयोजित किए जाने वाले एक विशाल हिन्दू युवा सम्मेलन की सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गईं हैं। बजरंग दल के प्रांत संयोजक श्री शिव कुमार ने बताया कि राजधानी के शिवाजी कालेज के सामने स्थित सांवरिया ग्राउण्ड राजा गार्डन में आयोजित किए जाने बाले इस विराट सम्मलेन में दिल्ली भर के हजारों बजरंग दल कार्यकर्ता जुटेंगे तथा हिन्दू समाज पर हो रहे चहुं मुखी हमलों के विरुद्ध अपनी आवाज बुलंद करेंगे।
विस्तृत जानकारी देते जुए विहिप दिल्ली के मीडिया प्रमुख श्री विनोद बंसल ने बताया कि बड़ी संख्या में जुटने वाले जन समुदाय को बजरंग दल के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक श्री राजेश पाण्डे व विहिप के केन्द्रीय मंत्री डा सुरेन्द्र जैन सम्वोधित करेंगे। रविवार दिनांक 22 दिसंबर को दोपहर 2बजे से होने वाले इस सम्मलेन में विहिप व बजरंग दल के विविध पदाधिकारियों के अलावा अनेक साधू-संत भी भाग लेंगे।
भवदीय
विनोद बंसल,
मीडिया प्रमुख, 
इंद्र्प्रस्थ विश्व हिंदू परिषद,
नई दिल्ली. मो – 9810949109
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December 23, 2013, 6:23 am
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India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-III missile

23122013
India test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-III missile Updated on : 23-12-2013 06:07 PM
India on Monday test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile with a strike range of more than 3,000 km as part of a user trial by the Army from Wheeler Island off Odisha coast, defence sources said.
The operation of the surface-to-surface missile was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army with logistic support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The indigenously developed missile was flight-tested from a mobile launcher at launch complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range at about 1655 hrs, defence sources said.
“It was the second user trial in the Agni-III series carried out to establish the ‘repeatability’ of the missile’s performance,” a DRDO official said.
For data analysis, the entire trajectory of today’s trial was monitored through various telemetry stations, electro-optic systems and sophisticated radars located along the coast, and by naval ships anchored near the impact point, the sources said.
The Agni-III missile is powered by a two-stage solid propellant system. With a length of 17 metres, the missile’s diameter is 2 metres and launch weight is around 50 tonnes.
It can carry a warhead of 1.5 tonne which is protected by carbon all composite heat shield.
The sleek missile, already inducted into the armed forces, is equipped with hybrid navigation, guidance and control systems along with advanced on-board computer.
The electronic systems are hardened for higher vibration, thermal and acoustic effects, a DRDO scientist said.
Though the first developmental trial of Agni-III carried out on July 9, 2006 could not provide desired result, subsequent tests on April 12, 2007, May 7, 2008 and February 7, 2010 as well as the first user trial on September 21, 2012 from the same base were all successful.

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Relief for India, Pak objections rejected

23122013
Kishenganga issue: Relief for India, Pak objections rejectedUpdated on : 22-12-2013 10:38 PM
In a major relief for India, The Hague-based International Court of Arbitration has rejected Pakistan’s objections by upholding New Delhi’s right to divert water from the Kishenganga river for power generation in Jammu and Kashmir.
In its final award on the India-Pakistan arbitration case, the court also decided that India shall release a minimum flow of nine cumecs (cubic meters per second) into the Kishenganga/Neelum river below the Kishenganga hydro-electric project (KHEP) at “all times.”
The issue of minimum flow was left unresolved by the partial award issued on February 18, 2013. The court, in its final award pronounced yesterday, also decided that both India and Pakistan may seek “reconsideration” of its decision through the Permanent Indus Commission and the mechanisms of the Indus Waters Treaty “after a period of seven years from the first diversion of water from the Kishenganga river.”
In its partial award, the court had unanimously decided that the 330 mw project in Jammu and Kashmir is a run-of-river plant within the definition of the Indus Waters Treaty. It had also held that India was free to divert water from the Kishenganga/Neelum River for power generation.
The court has given India the right to divert water for the project and has accepted Pakistan’s demand for uninterrupted flow of water. Pakistan has claimed that the project would rob it of 15 per cent of its share of river waters.
It also accused India of trying to divert the river to harm Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum hydro-electric project (NJHEP).
Recalling the matters already decided in the partial award, the court noted that India had “coupled intent with action” in the planning and construction of the KHEP before Pakistan achieved the same with respect to NJHEP, and that the KHEP had acquired “priority in right” as a result.
The final award is binding upon the two countries without recourse to appeal. On May 17, 2010, Pakistan had moved for arbitration against India under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960.
The Indus Waters Treaty is an international agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 that regulates the use waters of the Indus system of rivers by the two neighbours.
The KHEP is designed to generate power by diverting water from a dam site on the Kishenganga to the Bonar Nallah, another tributary of the Jhelum, through a system of tunnels, with the water powering turbines having a capacity of 330 mw.
In commencing the arbitration, Pakistan challenged the permissibility of the planned diversion by the KHEP of the waters of the Kishenganga into the Bonar Nallah and the effect that this diversion would have on NJHEP.
Besides others, India’s case was defended by jurists Fali S Nariman and R K P Shankardass. The seven-member Court of Arbitration was chaired by judge Stephen M Schwebel of the US who is former president of the International Court of Justice.
The other members of the court were Franklin Berman and Howard S Wheater (UK), Lucius Caflisch (Switzerland), Jan Paulsson (Sweden) and judges Bruno Simma (Germany) and Peter Tomka (Slovakia).
In June 2011, the Court of Arbitration conducted a site visit to the Kishenganga project and surrounding areas located on the Kishenganga river. In February 2012, a delegation of the court carried out a second site visit to the Neelum river valley.
From August 20 to 31, 2012, the Court of Arbitration held a two-week hearing on the merits of the dispute between India and Pakistan before giving a partial award in February last year.

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Categories : Trade, Uncategorized, world News

23122013
Tejpal’s judicial custody extended by 12 days
 
TejpalUpdated on : 23-12-2013 03:53 PM
A local court on Monday extended the judicial custody of Tehelka founder editor Tarun Tejpal for 12 days even as his lawyer moved a bail petition. 
Judicial Magistrate First Class Sarika Faldesai extended the judicial custody of Tejpal, after his initial 12-day custody expired on Monday. 
Tejpal, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman journalist, has been lodged in Sada sub jail near Vasco town. 
The lawyers representing Tejpal today moved a petition before the district court seeking his bail stating that “the accused has not been questioned by police since he was lodged in the judicial custody.”
The petition mentions that Tejpal was only questioned when he was in the police lock-up, and was not interrogated from the time he was remanded in judicial custody. Hearing on the bail petition would be held on December 26. Tejpal, accused of sexually assaulting a junior woman colleague in a hotel here in early November, was arrested by Goa Police on November 30. 
He has been booked under IPC sections including 354-A (sexual harassment, physical contact, advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures, or any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature), 376 (rape) and 376 (2)(k) (rape by a person of a woman in his custody taking advantage of his official position).

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Kejriwal stakes claim to form govt; LG sends proposal to President

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Kejriwal stakes claim to form govt; LG sends proposal to Prez Updated on : 23-12-2013 02:14 PM
Ending the fortnight-long deadlock, the Aam Aadmi Party today staked claim to form the government in the national capital with outside support from the Congress.
After the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) met Monday morning and decided to go with the results of the ‘referendum’ which overwhelmingly favoured the party taking the reins of power, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal met Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and and handed over him a letter staking claim to form government.45-year-old Kejriwal, who was the party’s face in the elections, will be the new Chief Minister who will be sworn-in at a public event in the Ramlila Maidan, the venue of Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement for a Janlokpal Bill.
He said he would table a confidence motion in the assembly and “let’s see what happens”.
This will be the capital’s first minority government.
The date and timing of the swearing-in ceremony would be decided once President Pranab Mukherjee gives his decision, Jung told Kejriwal when he met him.
The Lt Governor told Kejriwal that he would send the proposal of government making to the President for his decision.
After the two-hour-long meeting of the PAC at AAP office in Kausambi nearby Ghaziabad district, Kejriwal said AAP has decided to give a letter to the Lt Governor expressing its readiness to form the government.
“We were called by the Lt Governor to discuss government formation on December 14. We had sought time to take a decision as ours is a party of common people and we want to their views.
“We got responses from the citizens through website, phone calls, SMS and by holding public meetings and most of them favoured government formation by AAP. We are now going to give the letter to LG saying that AAP is ready to form the government,” Kejriwal told reporters at AAP’s office in Kausambi, Gaziabad.
He said the party held 280 public meetings across Delhi and in 257 such gatherings people favoured formation of government by the party while the rest opined that they it should not take powers.
There has been deadlock over government formation in Delhi for nearly two weeks after the announcement of the results on 8th December.
AAP has 28 seats while Congress with 8 has agreed to give outside support. BJP is the single largest party with 31 seats in its kitty.
Lets take a look at Kejariwal’s journey from Engineer to Politician.
With a thumping victory in the recently concluded Delhi assembly elections, Aam Admi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal and his party have garnered immense prominence across the country.
A former Indian Revenue services officer who is in his mid forties , Arvind Kejriwal, hails from Haryana and is a graduate in Mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
His association with issues affecting the common man have always earned him appreciation from various quarters.
He earned the Magsaysay award for EMERGENT LEADERSHIP in 2006 for pioneering the passage of right to information law as a part of his fight against systemic corruption in the country.
In the same year Arvind Kejriwal also gave up his job and channelised all his energies to put up a spirited fight against the issues affecting common man and society at large.
Joining ranks with anti-corruption social activist Anna Hazare in 2011, Arvind Kejriwal formally associated himself with India Against Corruption movement to mobilise the masses in support of a strong and effective mechanism to curb corruption .
The eleven day protest for the passage of Jan Lokpal from the stage of Ram Leela Maidan in New Delhi received an overwhelming response from all walks of life and especially from youngsters.
The resounding public protests and the alleged callous response from the government made Arvind Kejriwal realise that real change within the system is possible only by direct political involvement .
Though his decision was vehemently disapproved by his mentor Anna Hazare as well as former IPS officer Kiran Bedi , other team members like Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, Kumar Vishwas, Manish Sisodia and others came forward to join Kejriwal.
Arvind Kejriwal formally announced his political party on the Gandhi Jayanti day of 2012 and christened it as Aam Aadmi Party on 26 th of November.
With broom as its election symbol, the debutant party positioned itself with innovative electoral campaigns claiming to cleanse the political system.
Sensing the pulse of Aam Aadmi, the party raised the very common issues plaguing the people of Delhi like increasing crimes against women , surging power tariffs, insufficient water-supply, all pervading corruption and rising inflation.
The party also for the first time came up with the concept of constituency specific manifestos.
The party launched hard hitting campaigns on social media platforms including facebook and twitter and even launched dedicated mobile applications.
In a landslide victory , the Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the second largest party winning 28 out of 70 seats in the national capital playing a game spoiler to three times CM , Sheila dikshit led congress and Harshvardhan led BJP.
Congress was decimated to a third place with just 8 seats while BJP emerged as single largest party with 31 seats , but declined from seeking to form the government in Delhi.
Now that Aam Aadmi has clearly expressed that it wants to see only people who deliver on the promise of corruption free government, the onus is on Aam Aadmi Party to perform , as its single line agenda is Corruption free Governance.

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23122013
Boletín informativo. Lunes 23 de Diciembre 2013.
La viñeta de la semana
Al grano | Rafa Maltés 
      
España
POR QUIM GONZÁLEZ MUNTADAS 
La industria está donde la hemos dejado 
Nuestra industria está donde la han dejado los escasos esfuerzos dedicados a la formación técnica universitaria y la escasa o deficiente política de formación profesional.
      
PR JAVIER LÓPEZ | ATENEO PRIMERO DE MAYO 
Aproximación a los problemas de la formación profesional para el empleo 
Los recursos de la Formación para el Empleo proceden de la cuota que empresas y trabajadores depositamos en la seguridad social, unos recursos que, en plena crisis, suponen 1.860 millones de euros, en el presente año.
      
Economía
ESTIMACIONES DE LOS TÉCNICOS DE HACIENDA 
El primer Gordo de Navidad con impuestos aportará 188 millones a la recaudación de Hacienda 
Pese a suponer el 27% de los ingresos de Loterías, no salvará los malos resultados del Impuesto de Loterías. La recaudación final por Loterías se situará en 435 millones de euros, la mitad de lo previsto.
      
GESTHA | TÉCNICOS DE HACIENDA 
Si me ha tocado la lotería, ¿en cuánto se me queda el premio? 
Contesta Carlos Cruzado | En primer lugar, si le ha tocado la lotería, está de enhorabuena. Siempre se trata una buena noticia, sobre todo con los tiempos que corren.
      
El 62.246 es el ‘Gordo’ de Navidad 
El número 62.246 ha resultado agraciado con el Gordo, el primer premio del Sorteo Extraordinario de Lotería de Navidad, dotado con 4.000.000 euros a la serie. El 79.712, ha sido agraciado con el segundo premio y el51.689, con el tercer premio.
      
Sanidad
POR ENRIQUE ÁLVAREZ CONDE | CATEDRÁTICO DE DERECHO CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA UNIVERSIDAD REY JUAN CARLOS 
La privatización del aborto 
El Consejo de Ministros del día 20 de diciembre, como si de una trágica inocentada navideña se tratara, ha aprobado, mediante la modificación de diferentes leyes, una nueva ley del aborto que viene a derogar a la actualmente vigente. La aprobación de este proyecto de ley en la mitad de la Legislatura lo que ha puesto de relieve no es sino la evidente pérdida en materia de derechos, los cuales constituyen un patrimonio universal, incluso por encima de las religiones.
      
DEFENSA DE LA SANIDAD PÚBLICA 
Las múltiples facetas de la estrategia para privatizar la sanidad 
Por Marciano Sánchez Bayle y Manuel Martín García | Vivimos momentos críticos para el futuro de la Sanidad Pública en España.
      
Salud sexual y educación sexual hoy en Europa 
Por Marlis González | A lo largo del año que ahora termina se han producido, al menos, dos intentos de que -por parte de las Instituciones Europeas- se tomen acciones en materia de Salud Sexual y Educación Sexual
      
América Latina
CRÓNICAS DE AMÉRICA LATINA 
La inflación no da tregua en Argentina 
El gobierno lanza un nuevo acuerdo de precios para contener la presión.
      
CRÓNICAS DE AMÉRICA LATINA | JAVIER M. GONZÁLEZ 
Murió Nelly Omar, la Malena del Tango 
Tenía 102 años y actuó hasta hace dos años.
      
Cultura
RELATOS | CARMEN BARRIOS 
La habitación del olvido 
143.353 nombres innombrables han permanecido ocultos en el enorme archivo de la habitación del olvido, fueron relegados allí para borrar cualquier rastro de su existencia…
      
Ciencia
LOS QUBITS Y SUS POSIBILIDADES 
Materiales de diseño 
La mecánica cuántica ha proporcionado un conocimiento más profundo del comportamiento de la materia y eso permite que los científicos puedan partir de la teoría en vez del método de ensayo y error para diseñar y fabricar materiales para aplicaciones específicas.
      
Opinión
· Vicenç Navarro: El enorme deterioro del mercado de trabajo en España (incluso peor en Catalunya) 
Uno de los hechos que ha impactado más negativamente el bienestar y calidad de vida de los españoles ha sido el gran deterioro de las condiciones laborales…
      
· Juan Torres López: Sociedad sumisa 
Sabemos por la biología que el conocimiento y la consciencia, e incluso podríamos decir que también la esperanza, son el resultado de la acción…
      
· Rafael Fernando Navarro: Nunca fue primavera 
Pons hacía frases redondas, esféricas, para que nada se escapara de ese ruedo sonoro del valenciano que tiene camisa blanca…
      
· Alex Vidal: Si es que abortan como zorras… 
El aborto puede ser en muchos casos un asunto de pareja, pero es en todo caso, una cuestión de la mujer. Por eso hay quien lo regula…
      
MODIFICAR / CANCELAR SUSCRIPCIÓN
Está recibiendo este boletín tras solicitar este servicio a través de la web de Nueva Tribuna. En cualquier momento puede modificar o cancelar su suscripción accediendo a esta dirección. 
Nueva Tribuna Información continua y análisis para una ciudadanía comprometida con los valores de libertad, igualdad y justicia.
Nueva Tribuna 
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C/ Noblejas, 5 Bajo – 28013 Madrid

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23122013
these upcoming events in Zagreb
 
 Zagreb Touristinfo | Events | Hotels
Pan Arena Ice Fever 
Arena Zagreb 
January 23rd, 25th & 27th- Info
PBZ Zagreb Indoors
Dom sportova 
February 1st – 9th- More info
Zagreb Coffee & Chocofest
HDLU – Croatian Association of Artists 
February 6th – 9th - More info
Dream Theater 
An Evening With Dream Theater
KC Dražen Petrović 
February 3rd- Tickets
Simple Minds 
Greatest Hits Tour
Dom sportova 
March 4th - Tickets
Rufus Wainwright
Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall 
April 2nd- Tickets
 Zagreb Touristinfo | Events | Hotels
Zagreb Tourist Board - info@zagreb-touristinfo.hr - www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr 
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please click here

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दंगा रोधी बिल मुस्लिम तुष्टीकरण की हद : विहिप

23122013

हिन्दू युवा सम्मेलन में हजारों बजरंगियों ने ली त्रिशूल दीक्षा
नई दिल्ली। दिसम्बर 22, 2013.  हिन्दुओं के विरुद्ध दमनकारी प्रवृति को प्रोत्साहित करने वाले सांप्रदायिक हिंसा रोकथाम विधेयक का तीव्र विरोध करते हुए विश्व हिन्दू परिषद ने इसे मुस्लिम तुष्टीकरण की पराकाष्ठा बताया है। हिन्दू युवा सम्मेलन को सम्बोधित करते हुए विश्व हिन्दू परिषद के केन्द्रीय मंत्री डा सुरेन्द्र जैन ने आज कहा कि इस विधेयक की वकालत करने वाले लोग गुजरात, मुजफ़्फ़र नगर, नेल्ली व मुम्बई के दंगों की बात तो करते हैं किन्तु उन दंगों के पीछे के गोधरा, लव जिहाद, गंभीर हिन्दू उत्पीडन तथा मुम्बई विस्फ़ोट की घटनाओं पर वे मौन धारण कर लेते हैं। उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि मुस्लिम तुष्टीकरण की यह पराकाष्ठा नहीं तो और क्या है कि राजधानी दिल्ली के सुभाष पार्क पर कब्जे के बाद अब जिहादियों के हौसले इतने बुलन्द हो गए हैं कि उन्होंने दिल्ली उच्च न्यायालय परिसर में भी अपना जबरन कब्जा जमा लिया है। न्यायालय के प्रवेश द्वार क्रमांक 5 के बगल में चोरी छुपे मस्जिद का निर्माण कार्य तीव्र गति से जारी है और अनेक स्थानीय शिकायतों के बावजूद सभी सम्बन्धित सभी एजेन्सियां इस गंभीर मसले पर मौन धारण किए हुए हैं। बजरंग दल के कार्यकर्ता समस्त हिन्दू समाज को साथ लेकर जिहादियों के राष्ट्र विरोधी मंसूबों को सफ़ल नहीं होने देंगे।
पश्चिमी दिल्ली के शिवाजी कालेज के सामने स्थित सांवलिया ग्राउण्ड में एकत्रित हजारों बजरंगियों की त्रिशूल दीक्षा के उपरान्त दल के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक श्री राजेश पाण्डे ने कहा कि प्राचीन गुरुकुल शिक्षा पद्धति में शास्त्रों के साथ शस्त्रों की शिक्षा भी दी जाती थी जो आज पूरी तरह से विलुप्त हो चुकी है। हमने देश के लाखों नौजवानों को त्रिशूल दीक्षा देकर सेवा, सुरक्षा व संस्कारों के माध्यम से राष्ट्र, धर्म व संस्कृति की रक्षा के लिए संकल्पित किया है। उन्होंने देश की तरुणाई का आह्वान करते हुए कहा कि वे भगवान शंकर के प्रसाद रूपी इस त्रिशूल को धारण कर मन्दिरों, गौ, गीता व गायत्री पर हो रहे हमलों, जिहादी आतंकवाद, लव जिहाद, महिला उत्पीडन, व समलैंगिकता जैसी बीमारियों से समाज को छुटकारा दिलाने हेतु आगे आएं और भय मुक्त भारत का निर्माण करें।
बजरंग दल के प्रान्त संयोजक श्री शिव कुमार द्वारा संचालित मंच से विहिप के राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता श्री प्रकाश शर्मा, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय उपाध्यक्ष श्री ओम प्रकाश सिंहल, प्रान्त अध्यक्ष श्री स्वदेश पाल गुप्ता, उपाध्यक्ष सरदार उजागर सिंह, क्षेत्रीय संगठन मंत्री श्री करुणा प्रकाश, प्रांत संयुक्त महा मंत्री श्री राम कृष्ण श्रीवास्तव, प्रान्त मंत्री श्री राम पाल सिंह यादव,बजरंग दल के राष्ट्रीय प्रशिक्षण प्रमुख श्री मनोज वर्मा सहित अनेक वक्ताओं ने सम्वोधित किया।
भवदीय

विनोद बंसल, 
मीडिया प्रमुख, 
इंद्रप्रस्थ विश्व हिंदू परिषद, दिल्ली. 

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M Dharma breaks victory barrier with three-stroke triumph at 12th TATA Open

23122013
Image 
Local Lad Karan Taunk finishes runner-up

Jamshedpur, December 22, 2013: M Dharma of Bangalore joined the winner’s circle on the PGTI after a three-stroke victory at the 12th TATA Open in Jamshedpur on Sunday. Dharma fired a two-under-69 in the final round to end up with a tournament total of 13-under-272. Jamshedpur-based amateur Karan Taunk had a creditable runner-up finish at 10-under-275.

On Sunday, the entire field played nine holes each on both courses – Beldih and Golmuri. While one half of the field teed off from Beldih, the other half began its round from Golmuri. Thirty-three golfers with the best scores at the end of round three teed off from Golmuri and finished at Beldih. The par for the combined courses was 71.
M Dharma (66-70-67-69), the overnight joint leader, made three birdies against a lone bogey in the fourth round to finally break the victory barrier in his ninth year on the professional circuit. The 27-year-old Dharma, who hails from the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course in Bangalore, played a steady final round as he made good chip-putts for birdies on the fourth, ninth and 12th to stay ahead through the day. The only blemish on his card was the bogey on the eighth that came as a result of a three-putt.
“I had a fabulous week here as I played to my potential and just had one ordinary round on the second day. My chipping was excellent today and I never lost focus. My good results in the last five weeks can be attributed to my brilliant ball-striking,” said Dharma, who has now climbed from 19th place to seventh position on the PGTI’s Rolex Rankings for 2013 after picking up the winner’s cheque of Rs. 8,08,250 at the 12thTATA Open.
The Bangalore-based professional, who will become a father for the first time early next year, added, “It feels great to finally cross the line and have a title under my belt. I would now like to end the year on a high with a good performance next week as well. I would like to thank the KGA and its members for their continuous support over the years.”
Local amateur Karan Taunk (67-69-69-70), lying third after round three, delighted the home crowd with his second-place finish after returning a one-under-70 in the last round. Karan, who will be turning professional at the PGTI’s Qualifying School in January 2014, sank four birdies and dropped three bogeys on Saturday. He played a good chip for birdie on the ninth and converted birdie putts from 10 to 15 feet on the 13th and 15th. This was Taunk’s best-ever finish in a professional event.

Taunk said, “This performance is a huge boost for me before beginning my professional career. I used the local knowledge to my advantage through the week. However, today I did not create enough birdie chances for myself. I played a couple of poor chip shots on the 10th and 11th that led to bogeys and kept me from getting close to Dharma’s score.”

Delhi’s Shamim Khan (68-72-71-66) claimed third place with a total score of eight-under-277. Shamim carded a five-under-66 in the final round that featured six birdies and a bogey.

Manav Jaini of Delhi was a further shot behind in fourth position.

The last event of the 2013 PGTI season will now be staged in Kolkata next week and will feature only the top-60 players in the Rolex Rankings after the 12th TATA Open along with five invites. Rashid Khan leads the Rolex Rankings at this stage with earnings of Rs. 41,80,634 for the season so far.

Top scores after Round 3:

13-under-272: M Dharma
10-under-275: Karan Taunk (A)
Eight-under-277: Shamim Khan
Seven-under-278: Manav Jaini

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23122013
 
The White House, Washington

Good afternoon –
The Affordable Care Act has been in the news a lot recently — and increasingly for the right reasons.
The law is working: More than half a million Americans have enrolled throughHealthCare.gov in the first three weeks of December alone — and 800,000 more are on track to get Medicaid through their states. These are people for whom health insurance might not have previously been an option — people who in the past might have been discriminated against for simple medical conditions like asthma, or who may have been dropped from their coverage just because they got sick.
Now, thousands of Americans are signing up for coverage every day. That matters. It means financial security for families all across the country. It means freedom from the fear that one illness or accident might cost you everything you’ve worked so hard to build.
And if you do it before December 23rd, you can be covered on the first day of the New Year.
Now, if you already have health insurance, I’m asking you right now to help make sure that your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and the people you go to college or church with know the facts about how they can get covered, too. Moms and dads, remind your kids this holiday season. And if you’ve recently signed up, tell your friends.
Whether you talk to a family member, share a photo or a story on Facebook, tweet using the hashtag #GetCovered, or walk a friend or colleague through the website — your effort will make a difference right now.
That’s because the most important source of information about this law isn’t going to be me, or anyone here at the White House. It’s going to be you, telling the people you know to check out HealthCare.gov for themselves, and make their own decision about getting covered.
Tens of millions of people have already felt the benefits of reform, from free, recommended preventive care like mammograms, to more affordable prescription medications. But there are millions more of our fellow citizens who stand to be helped — and we’ve got to make sure they know exactly how.
Thanks for your help.
President Barack Obama

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23122013

cid:image003.jpg@01CEFCBD.8BDDF200
Contact :   Priti Setia, +91 8826417555/Shilpita Banerjee, +91 97171 62424


Autodesk is changing the way the world is designed and made: Showcases new version of Autodesk360 at Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Mumbai
Indian R&D powers Autodesk’s technology innovation in the cloud
December 24, 2013 - Autodesk, Inc. , a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment creation software announced today that the next generation of Autodesk 360, shall lead  the company’s vision of providing a project-centric cloud solution that covers all aspects of the design and engineering workflow.

Developed out of its India research and development facilities at Hyderabad, Autodesk 360 can help professional as well as amateur designers streamline their workflows, effectively collaborate, and quickly access and share their work anytime and from anywhere on a real time basis. The next generation of Autodesk 360 delivers a cloud based collaboration platform specifically for Design & Engineering Projects. It addresses the entire design & engineering workflow, from start to finish and includes the entire project team, not just the designers. 

This continuous, unbroken workflow represents a significant productivity enhancement for users who had been accustomed to working on a file with one app, saving it, converting it, and then opening it up with another app to perform the next step in the design process. The net result is that users in the Architecture, Engineering, & Construction; Manufacturing; and Media & Entertainment industries will be able to do more, achieve better results faster and collaborate more effectively. As a hub for project and team collaboration, the next generation of Autodesk 360 allows all project collaborators access from any device, including desktops, tablets and mobile phones. Upon logging in to Autodesk 360, users view a real-time “dashboard” rollup of all of the data, projects, people, tasks, discussions, activities, issues and alerts that are associated with design or architecture projects that they are working on.

The Autodesk 360 Technology will feature the following capabilities:
  • Projects: The new Autodesk 360 puts the project at the center, connecting all data, activities and people in a single cloud-based user experience.  
  • Search: Autodesk 360 incorporates deep search functionality helps you find exactly what you’re looking for. Find critical design information within the context of the project.
  • Collaboration: Autodesk 360 organizes and provides access to all project information –not just design data – to all project team members, via a great user experience on any device at any time.
  • Viewing:  Autodesk 360 works with virtually any data type, not just Autodesk formats, including non-design data like documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Anyone involved in a project can view files without the need for special tools or software.
  • Rendering: Take advantage of virtually infinite computing power in the cloud to create high resolution renderings in a fraction of the time, and without the need for expensive hardware.

Patrick Williams, Senior Vice-President, Autodesk, APAC said, “Autodesk has always focused on relevant innovation specific to the industry requirements and customer expectations. It’s an indisputable fact that majority of our customers work in teams on extensive and sophisticated projects and we realize that till now there has been a considerable lack of infrastructure to support them. With the new Autodesk 360, we are positioning the project in the center of the workflow, bringing together people, data, and activities in an unprecedented and innovative way that works for all personas in the project.”

In the future, Autodesk 360 will integrate with the broad set of Autodesk’s cloud products and services enabling users to leverage the near-infinite computing power of the cloud to easily tackle a variety of tasks, without tying up the desktop or requiring specialized, expensive hardware. 

Pradeep Nair, Managing Director, Autodesk, India and SAARC, further adds, “India is among the top five users of Autodesk consumer products in the cloud through mobile and smart devices. The role of India research and development effort in the development of Autodesk 360 is a reiteration of the role and importance of this country in the growth of Autodesk globally. With Autodesk 360, we enable projects to become open and connected with an efficient, seamless workflow.”

He further added that, “Cloud is a strategic priority for Autodesk and we recently introduced a cloud-based rental model for pay-as-you-go access to our technology.”

Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Autodesk 360 are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2013 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.



Warm Regards

Priti SetiaSenior Account Manager
Edelman India Private LimitedVatika Triangle, 6th Floor, Sushant Lok – 1, Block A, Gurgaon, Haryana 122 002, India
T: +91 124 4131 421 | F: +91 124 4131 499 | M: +91 88264 17555, +91 9811898075| E: priti.setia@edelman.com


Daniel J. Edelman India Group

Great Places to Work - Great Places To Work Institute Survey 2013
Indian Consultancy of the Year 2012  – The Holmes Report 
South Asia Agency of the Year 2012 - Campaign Asia Pacific


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Mikhail Youzhny: I just want to keep playing and enjoying tennis

23122013

In 2008, World No.15 Youzhny won the tournament when he routed SpainⳠRafael Nadal in the final

CHENNAI, December 23, 2013: World No.15 Mikhail Youzhny of Russia is among the top ranked players to be participating in Aircel Chennai Open 2014 that boasts of top names such as World No.8 Stanislas Wawrinka, World No. 16 Fabio Fognini, and World No. 26 Benoit Paire among others. On his second visit to play in Chennai, Youzhny will be back for another shot at a title he won when he routed SpainⳠRafael Nadal 6-0, 6-1 in the 2008 final.

He has had a very impressive year that started on an incredibly positive note as he recorded his 400th career ATP World Tour-level singles win over Benjamin Becker in Doha. He finished runner-up in Halle final losing to Roger Federer and after that became the first Russian champion in 18 years at Gstaad, defeating Robin Haase. ㉠think I put up a good fight right through. I played consistently during all three sets. We both played good tennis but Roger played little better!䠳aid the 31-year-old describing his match with the World No.6 in Halle.

Reaching the US Open quarterfinals for the third time, beating Haas in round three and Hewitt in round four boosted YouzhnyⳠconfidence. 㗨ile I feel that I did not do bad job, I do not have the euphoria of success because I always want to do better. As far as I know, there are only two players in the ATP Tour, who have finished all years since 2002 in the top 50. I am fortunate to share that honour with Federer! I think it is not that bad,䠨e said talking about the year that has gone by. He is positive about 2014 and plans to make no changes to his training schedule.

This year, Youzhny also went on to win his second ATP World Tour crown of the season and lifted the 10th trophy of career with victory over 31-year-old David Ferrer at the Valencia Open 500. It was Youzhny’s 10th career title and first victory over a Top 5 opponent since 2010, when he upset Novak Djokovic in the Rotterdam semi-finals. Speaking about the experience, he said, ㉠just went to play my best and did not think about the result.䠼u>

The Russian is someone who really wants to keep playing good tennis wherever he goes. While he was disappointed that he lost to Djokovic twice, he feels he did not take advantage of the chances he got. クth were two very different matches. At the Monte Carlo Masters, it was the first clay court tournament for both of us and we both were not in best shape. I think I had some chances to win, but did not convert. In New York, we both were in good shape, but Novak was fresh. He was more consistent. I was just out of a tough five set match against Hewitt in the fourth round,䠨e said expressing his views.

As a passionate Russian eager to learn, Youzhny has been coached by Boris Sobkin since he was a 10-year-old and the two continue to share a close working relationship. He was proud to be part of the countryⳠDavis Cup winning teams in 2002, 2006 and believes the future of tennis is bright thanks to an abundance of promising young talent such as Evgeny Donskoy, Andrey Kuznetsov and Karen Khachanov. He is known for his signature military style salute, which he uses to thank spectators for watching the match.

Youzhny is one among a number of top players who are drawn to Chennai because they like the tournament, the crowds and excitement, and the city. Since he practices in Thailand in December, he is not far away and is well prepared to face the weather.

When he gets some time to unwind, he likes to spend time holidaying in Dubai and with the family. Reading Russian Classic literature, catching a game of football, enjoying music such as Russian Chanson or his favourite group Lesopoval rejuvenates him. He also likes Russian humour and wouldnⴠmind taking part in comedy if an opportunity comes his way. He says he has many funny tennis stories to entertain people.

When he comes to India, Youzhny loves to indulge in chicken curry and would like to tour the country if he has some time. For now, all eyes are on him as he begins his new season at the USD $450,000 tournament. Will he repeat his 2008 performance in Chennai?

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It’s a landscape 2014 at National Museum Cardiff in Wales

23122013
Cardiff - National Museum & City hall Towns & Villages
From sculpture, to landscape, Dylan Thomas and the UK’s biggest art prize, National Museum Cardiff in Wales has a feast of art exhibitions for everyone in 2014 and admission is free!
2014 sees the celebrations surrounding the Dylan Thomas Centenary year. At National Museum Cardiff Sir Peter Blake presents his illustrations of Under Milk Wood (1953). This major body of work is the culmination of a 25-year project and is exhibited for the very first time. The show includes portraits of each of the characters in the cast, watercolours of the dream sequences and collages and paintings of scenes and locations in the fictional village of Llareggub.(now until 16 March 2014).
Ivor Roberts-Jones was one of this country’s finest portrait sculptors and produced some impressive monumental public sculptures in bronze. The Double Edge: Ivor Roberts-Jones exhibition focuses on his remarkable portraits in bronze of Welshmen who achieved greatness in all walks of life (7 December 2013 – 11 May 2014).
A new exhibition Wales: A Visitation. Poetry, Romanticism and Myth in Art takes inspiration from American writer, Allen Ginsberg’s poem Wales Visitation using works from the Museum’s collection to explore modern and contemporary forms of Romanticism. Ginsberg visited Wales in 1967 and after taking LSD explored the Welsh countryside. His experience inspired his poem Wales Visitation which drew on an imagined Celtic past and the landscape and folklore of Wales. Featured artists include David Jones, Richard Long, Graham Sutherland and Clare Woods. Supported by the Colwinston Charitable Trust. (22 February-7 September 2014).
Colwinston Charitable Trust also supports a new installation by Andrea B촴ner combining two diverse collections held at National Museum Cardiff – the drawings of Gwen John from the art collections and moss from the herbarium. (22 February-7 September 2014).
One of Constable’s most famous paintings Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows will be on loan to the museum from the Tate Gallery for six months. The display and a series of related events are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund. (7 March – 7 September 2014)
During his brief and tragic life, the Welsh artist James Dickson Innes (1887-1914) painted a unique vision of the Welsh landscape in an intensely colourful Post-Impressionist style. Marking the centenary of the artist’s death, the exhibition Landscapes by JD Innes: Beauty Most Wild will shed new light on the work of this unjustly neglected artist. (12 April – 20 July 2014)
A major exhibition Richard Wilson: The Transformation of European Art marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wilson (1714-1782), perhaps Wales’s greatest artist.  Before Wilson, British artists painted the landscape to record its appearance. Wilson showed how landscape paintings could have layers of meaning and convey mood and emotions too. A partnership with the Yale Center for British Art. (5 July – 26 October 2014)
Efforts and Ideals: Prints of the First World War is a display of all 66 lithographs from the 1917 print portfolio The Great War: Britain’s Efforts and Ideals, commissioned by the Ministry of Information. They provide a fascinating representation of Britain’s war objectives, military activities and effort on the Home Front, and include some of the best-known British artists of the period such as Augustus John, Frank Brangwyn, William Rothenstein and C.R.W Nevinson. (Sat 2 August-January 2015)
The Artes Mundi 6 Exhibition will be presented for 17 weeks at the National Museum of Art, Chapter and other locations around Cardiff from 25 October 2014. The Artes Mundi 6 Prize will be awarded on the 22nd January 2015. Ten artists from eight countries have been shortlisted coming from the UK, USA, Portugal, Israel, Croatia, Iceland, Brazil and the Netherlands. The winner will be announced in 2015 and receive £40,000.
Entry to National Museum Cardiff is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.
Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.
-         Ends –
For more information, please contact
Jasmine Roy
Manager- Corporate Communications
Visit Florida
Tel: +91 22 42163144
Mobile – 9004690231
jroy@aviareps.com

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Ten Reasons to Visit Orlando in 2014

23122013
01MK_1
Multi-Park Expansion and Innovative Performing Arts Center
Among Orlando’s Must-See additions

Orlando continues to reinvent itself with enticing additions opening in 2014. New offerings found inside its world-famous theme parks and throughout the destination give families even more reason to visit Orlando in the New Year. From hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort to catching a Broadway show at the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando delivers unrivaled experiences to satisfy all ages and interests. Here are 10 reasons to visit Orlando in 2014:
THEME PARKS
1)    DUPLO Valley at LEGOLAND Florida will bring the LEGO DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life for Orlando’s youngest visitors. The new farm-themed attractions, including a train, mini tractor ride and water play area, are geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5.
2)    Building on the popularity of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort in Florida will bring to life some of the experiences and places found in and around London in the Harry Potter books and films. Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located within Universal Studios Florida, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where guests now experience Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.  When complete, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will feature shops, a restaurant and an innovative, marquee attraction based on Gringotts bank. Guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express.
3)    Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will complete the final phase of New Fantasyland – the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history – with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster. This family coaster will transport guests on a musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Also coming to Magic Kingdom this year is Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, an all-new daytime parade featuring characters and music from memorable Disney films.

ATTRACTIONS
4)    Orlando’s tallest and steepest free-fall water slide is coming to Aquatica – SeaWorld’s Waterpark. Ihu’s Breakway Falls will be the only multi-slide of its kind in Orlando.
5)    Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, the $429 million Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will be the new home for Broadway productions and Orlando Ballet among other performances. The arts center will include two performance theaters, a 300-seat community theater, outdoor plaza and banquet room.
6)    Visitors with a need for speed will love the new I-Drive Indoor Kart Racing. This multi-level entertainment center includes a half-mile (805-meter) track for the electric-powered go-karts, bowling lanes and an arcade.

ACCOMMODATIONS
7)    Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located just minutes from Magic Kingdom and Epcot. With 444 guest rooms (including 68 suites), a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, full-service spa, three restaurants and an elaborate pool area, guests will feel totally immersed in the luxury resort experience.
8)    Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is soon to be the fourth and largest on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. Inspired by retro resorts of the 1950s and 60s, the 1800-room hotel will feature moderately priced family suites and value-priced guest rooms. When complete, guests can experience a 10-lane bowling alley and enjoy two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more.
DINING
9)    Capa boasts Spanish influenced cuisine and nightly views of Magic Kingdom fireworks. This rooftop steakhouse will be located on the 17th floor of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
10) It’s all about Southern comfort food at The COOP in foodie haven, Winter Park. For this new restaurant concept, John Rivers, owner of the local-favorite 4 Rivers Smokehouse, will serve classic southern dishes like chicken and waffles, deviled eggs, buttermilk biscuits, po’ boys and artisanal pies.
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Visitors Guide and Orlando Magicard® or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real-time updates, follow us at Twitter.com/VisitOrlando andFacebook.com/VisitOrlando.
###

      Editor’s Note: For additional press information or high-resolution downloadable images,
please visit VisitOrlando.com/media

For more information, please contact
Jasmine Roy
Manager- Corporate Communications
Visit Florida
Tel: +91 22 42163144
Mobile – 9004690231
jroy@aviareps.com

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23122013



Presents


Zee TV to premiere Rajan Shahi’s new show on Jan 6th 2014 at 10PM

Love doesn’t appear with any warning signs. Everyone has their own version of falling in love. Some call the moment magical, some call it explosive. It’s one unique and unmistakable experience, an exhilarating mix of feelings that brings two people together. The routine “girl meets boy… boy and girl fall in love…boy and girl get married” is common in all love stories, however it’s the process and the experience of falling in love that makes every story unique from the others. Bringing together this simple yet complicated concept called ‘love’ and one’s realization of it, is a beautiful story titled …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Conceptualized by ace producer Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions and Zee TV, the show will premiere on January 6th 2014, Mon – Fri at 10PM.

…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya talks about this sublime experience that a young and spirited Avni is waiting to discover in her life. She is a hopeless romantic who feeds on a daily dose of traditional romantic classics and romanticizes the idea of “falling in love”. Based in the bustling city of Jaipur, the show boasts of an interesting cast who will form the characters of the two families who are central in the narrative. Both the families belong to the same community but follow a very different value system. The key cast includes newbie Kaanchi Singh and Mishkat Varma as the leads in the show respectively – Avni and Raj. Avni’s parents’ characters will be played by the graceful actress Reena Kapoor and Rajeev Singh respectively. Other key cast comprises ofWaseem Mushtaqh, Ashita Dhawan, senior actor Rajeev Verma and newcomer Nikita Agarwal amongst others.
Mr. Ajay Bhalwankar, Content Head, Hindi GECs, ZEEL, said, “…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya centers around the thought that -you don’t find love, love finds you! Falling in love is one of the most magical experiences that happen between two people. And to share this experience is master story teller, Rajan Shahi who is the producer as well as the director of the show. The story encapsulates the life of a vivacious young girl, Avni and her experience of falling in love. It has the quintessential Rajan Shahi touch in terms of the look and feel. The cast has fresh talent and we hope our audiences will embrace this journey of love.”

Woven beautifully around the culture and traditions of the Marwari community, Avni lives, eats and breathes romantic books and romantic movies. Her notion and her idea of love is fuelled by these visuals until the moment of truth happens and she realizes that what she was looking for was always right in front of her.

Producer of the show and directing the series along with Romesh Kalra and Neeraj Baliya, Rajan Shahi said, “…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya is a look into the life of a young girl who leads a protected life in the city of Jaipur. She is bound by the rule book that her highly traditional family has laid down for her. It captures the journey of Avni who transcends the boundaries set for her and begins to experience life in all its glory. We’re glad to have found our Avni in Kaanchi and Raj in Mishkat. We wanted a cute, innocent, young face and Kanchi fits the bill to the tee. Mishkat has got the typical chocolate boy good looks and is soon to become another heartthrob in the industry. Reena is also making a comeback to TV after a long time.”
As far as the promotion of the show is concerned, the channel has lined up a well rounded plan which includes endorsements in the print, television, DTH, Cable platforms amongst other initiatives. An interesting audience engagement program targeting couples is also underway.
…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, is a journey of discovering, accepting, negating and falling in love. A coming of age story about two young people who have different notions about love. The story celebrates the first flush of love…the small, tender moments which develop between these two individuals, painted against the picture perfect backdrop of the pink city. Like Alexander Smith said“Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition”. So will love find Avni?? Come find out this New Year!

…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya premieres on 6 January 2014, Mon–Fri at 10PM only on Zee TV

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23122013
AIRCEL CHENNAI OPEN AND HYATT REGENCY CHENNAI ANNOUNCE THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP
As part of the deal, the contemporary 5 star hotel will be the Ꮶficial Hotel⠯f the Aircel Chennai Open until 2016
CHENNAI, DECEMBER 23, 2013: The organizers of the Aircel Chennai Open today announced that the tournament has entered into a new partnership with Hyatt Regency Chennai. The contemporary abode in the heart of Chennai  will be the championshipⳠᏦficial Hotel⠦or the next three editions of the USD 4,50,000 tournament, which is India and South AsiaⳠonly ATP World Tour event.

Hyatt Regency Chennai marked the first foray of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts into South India. Since its inception, the contemporary hotel has been providing authentic hospitality to discerning business and leisure travelers with multiple award-winning food & beverage outlets, luxurious Siddh Spa and fitness centre, 327 aesthetically designed rooms & suites, state-of the-art banquet and event spaces and exquisite theme based art installations in the hotel.   

The 19th edition of the tournament will be held at ChennaiⳠSDAT Stadium from December 30th 2013 to January 5th 2014. It features one of the strongest playing fields ever, with an impressive lineup of talent including top 20 players Stanislas Wawrinka, Mikhail Youzhny, Fabio Fognini and defending champion Janko Tipsarevic among others. Both Indian and International participants will compete for the coveted title. The tournament promises to give the subcontinent access to a week of scintillating tennis action.

In its capacity as Official Hotel, Hyatt Regency Chennai will play host to players, tournament officials and guests. Apart from hosting the worldⳠleading tennis players for the entire duration of their stay in Chennai, the hotel will also host the one-of-a-kind player parties and partner events.

Situated on the iconic Anna Salai or Mount Road, the hotel is easily accessible from the Chennai domestic and International airport and is in close proximity to consulates, business districts, ChennaiⳠIT corridor, Chennai Trade Centre and prime residential areas, including Boat Club Road and Poes Garden.

Ashu Jindal, COO IMG Reliance said, どrcel Chennai Open is proud to be associated with Hyatt Regency, Chennai. We appreciate their efforts to provide excellent hospitality, warmth and attention to detail when it comes to hosting premier events. Aircel Chennai Open is glad to announce a three-year partnership with the hotel and looks forward to enjoying their varied offerings in the seasons to come.䠼u>

Mr. Sunjae Sharma, Area Director Hyatt Bangalore, Chennai, Hampi, Kathmandu and Kolkata and General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai said, ㈹att Regency Chennai is delighted to be the Official Hotel of the Aircel Chennai Open, India and South AsiaⳠonly ATP World Tour event. While Chennai offers players the best setting for the game, Hyatt Regency Chennai shall ensure the guests feel more than welcome  with our authentic hospitality and experience a truly memorable stay. Our team has various tennis theme promotions planned during the event and it shall definitely be an exciting time. As India witnesses a sporting revolution, we are delighted to be a part of it. We look forward to welcoming you to Hyatt Regency Chennai.䠼u>

The Title Sponsor for the tournament is Aircel and the event is supported by a consortium of sponsors in the Platinum category headed by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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India, Pak DGMOs meet at Wagah-Attari border

24122013
India, Pak DGMOs meet at Wagah-Attari border
The much anticipated meeting between Director Generals Military Operations of India and Pakistan began on Tuesday along the Wagah-Attari border to work out a mechanism to ease tension and ensure peace at the Line of Control. 
The Indian side is led by Lt General Vinod Bhatia while Major Gen Aamer Riaz is heading the Pakistani side. 
A Brigadier and three Lieutenant Colonels from each side are also participating in the talks. 
Official sources Islamabad said that the meeting was scheduled to take place on the ‘No Man’s Land’ at the Wagah-Attari border. 
Pakistan military in a statement said that the decision for holding meeting between Pakistan and Indian DGMOs was taken on political level. 
The DGMOs will discuss issues pertaining to tension on LoC and other related issues on the working boundary with a focus to maintain ceasefire and bring normalcy. 
The DGMOs of the two nations are meeting for the first time in 14 years. 
They last met in 1999 after the Kargil war. 
India is expected to forcefully convey to Pakistan the importance of maintaining ceasefire at the LoC. 
Pakistani media reports have said Islamabad is expected to seek a bigger role for UN military observers deployed along the Line of Control. 
UNMOGIP was established in 1949 under the resolution passed by the world bodys Security Council to supervise ceasefire along the LoC. 
The meeting comes three months after Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif proposed this meeting to defuse tensions. Pakistan had initially proposed to include the Foreign Ministry officials in the meeting of senior military officials but India had rejected it. 
However, Pakistan Foreign Office had said last week, “For the time being, this meeting will be between the DGMOs but our proposal is still on the table”.

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News dose around the globe

24122013

Image

Thai opposition party plans to continue protests

24122013
Thailand’s main opposition Democrat Party plans to boycott a lower house election and continue its anti-government protests. Attention is now on whether the election will be held as scheduled.
Candidacy registration for the February poll began on Monday. 34 parties have filed their candidates.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered around the registration site to try to block the election. Some of them sat in front of the entrance and others voiced protests.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra decided to dissolve the lower house for an election in response to anti-government demonstrations.
Protestors have been demanding Yingluck’s resignation and an end to the influence of her brother, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Demonstrators say they will continue their protests on Tuesday.

Explosives found near road to court, Musharraf trial delayed

 
The start of the trial of former Pakistani leader, Pervez Musharraf, for treason was delayed on Tuesday over security fears after explosives were found near the road he was to take to court. Musharraf, 70, is expected to appear in person before a special court in the capital, Islamabad, AFP reported. The allegations relate to the imposition of emergency rule in November 2007. Musharraf and his lawyers have dismissed the case as politically-motivated.
 
 

Central African Rep. militia ‘hack to death’ UN peacekeeper from Congo

 
A United Nations peacekeeper from the Republic of Congo has been killed in the Central African Republic by militia. The soldier, stationed in the town of Bossangoa, was killed by the anti-balaka group late on Sunday,“with an unprecedented level of barbarity,” an official told AP, adding that they “hacked his head”. Bossangoa has recently been the epicenter of fighting between the country’s Muslim minority and Christian majority. French and UN forces, deployed to the CAR earlier this month to combat the violence between both groups, have been criticized for taking sides in the conflict.
 
 

Former Pakistani president Musharraf to be tried for treason

 
Pakistan’s ex-ruler, Pervez Musharraf, is set to go on trial on treason charges. Apart from a number of other charges, General Musharraf will be tried for suspending the constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007. Musharraf will be the first military ruler to go on trial for treason. His petition to be tried by a military court has been rejected. Pervez Musharraf seized power in 1999 after a military coup and remained president till 2008, when the democratically elected government forced him to quit.
 
 
 

Judge rules that same-sex mariage can continue in Utah

 
A federal judge has denied the Utah state government’s request to put a hold on same-sex marriage in the state, meaning the unions may continue. The issue has been particularly divisive in Utah, a traditionally red state with a sizable Mormon population. Yet US district judge Robert J. Shelby ordered that Utah begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately, writing that “the state’s current laws deny its gay and lesbian citizens their fundamental right to marry and, in doing so, demean the dignity of these same-sex couples for no rational reason.”
 

White House castigates Syrian government for recent bombings

 
The White House criticized Monday recently reported missile and bomb attacks on civilians by the Syrian government, saying Damascus must honor its commitment to allow delivery of humanitarian aid. ”The attacks over the weekend killed more than 300 people, many of them children,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement. “The Syrian government must fulfill its November commitment to do more to facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, so that millions of Syrian men, women, and children have access to urgently needed services.”

Iraqi military forces eliminate camps of Al-Qaeda-linked militant group

 
The Iraqi military forces have destroyed two of Al-Qaeda-linked militant group’s camps in Anbar province, the country’s Defense Ministry said. Aerial photographs of the camps and intelligence information indicated“the arrival of weapons and advanced equipment from Syria to the desert of western Anbar and the border of Nineveh province,” the ministry’s spokesman said. Military forces located 11 militant camps near the border with Syria.
 
 
 

Syria National Coalition threatens to boycott Geneva-2 peace talks if bombings continue

 
Syria National Coalition says it will not attend planned peace talks in Geneva if bombings “the Assad regime is carrying” out continue. The statement follows an aerial attack that killed more than 300 people in an eight-day bombing campaign on Aleppo. The so-called Geneva 2 talks, slated for January 22, 2014, are aimed at ending the 33-months long civil war that, according to UN estimates, has claimed lives of 126,000 people.
 
 
 

Iraqi gunmen kill four in attack on TV station

 
Iraqi gunmen besieged the local government television station, Salahuddin, in the northern city of Tikrit on Monday, killing four of its employees. The gunmen, who were wearing explosive vests, stormed the premises after detonating a car bomb near the entrance, according to Reuters’ sources. The confrontation ended when a firefight with security forces at the channel killed the militants responsible for the attack. “Two of the attackers blew themselves up when security forces raided the station and the others were killed in the clashes,”said a senior police officer.
 
 
 

New round of Turkey and Israel talks for Gaza flotilla raid

 
A senior Turkish diplomat met with an Israeli delegation in Istanbul last week to discuss compensation for the victims of the Mavi Marmara raid. “The talks did not stop. The recent meeting is a part of the ongoing process,” a Turkish Foreign Ministry official told Hurriyet Daily News. The Israeli delegation was headed by National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen, and the group met with Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Feridun Sinirlioğlu. Israel made a deadly raid on the Gaza-strip bound and Turkish-owned flotilla in 2010, leading to the deaths of nine. Dozens were also wounded. Compensation talks after Israel’s prime minister issued an apology to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The process has been on hiatus for several months. “There are still differences regarding the amounts, but they have narrowed,” Haaretz quoted a senior Israeli official.
 
 
 

450 Muslim Brotherhood inmates go on hunger strike in Egypt 

 
More than 450 jailed Muslim Brotherhood members have launched a hunger strike over their “inhuman treatment” by the Egyptian prison system, Lebanese website Naharnet reports. The prisoners have been “banned from family visits, legal counseling, medical care and (live in) overcrowded and unhygienic cells,” the organization said on its twitter page. Thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members were arrested by the Egyptian security forces following the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi on July 3 and violent Islamist protests across the country.
 
 
 

13 hurt as tour bus crashes off Freeway 10 in Baldwin Park, Calif.

 
Los Angeles County Fire has transported 13 people after a bus crashed off the westbound 10 Freeway in Baldwin Park on Monday. Two people suffered moderate injuries, while the rest had minor injuries, KABC reported. Shortly after 4:30am the bus, believed to be coming from a casino in Palm Springs, went off the road and into a small drainage canal. It then reportedly hit a light pole and came to lean on a fence. Crews had to force entry into the bus.
 
 

Dubai police seize $31mn worth of drugs

 
Police in Dubai have made a record drug seizure of some 4.6 million Captagon pills, an amphetamine-like stimulant, worth more than $31 million, AFP said. Five people of different Arab nationalities were implicated in the shipment, three of whom have been arrested. The operation codenamed “Nine Ball” dealt a major blow to drug trafficking in the United Arab Emirates, the Khaleej Times reported, citing Dubai’s police chief, Major General Khamis Mattar al-Mazeina.
 
 

At least 20 killed in Iraq attacks

 
A new wave of attacks across Iraq has killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens, AP reported. The government earlier pressed on with its offensive to hunt down Al-Qaeda-linked militants in the country’s volatile western desert. On Monday, in an attack near Baghdad’s western suburb of Abu Ghraib, militants fired mortar rounds into a military base, killing three officers and three soldiers, a police officer said. Seven soldiers were wounded. Hours later, a bomb went off next to a passing military patrol in the same area, killing two, and two other soldiers were wounded.
 
 

Philippines police ban caps, sunglasses to fight crime at Manila malls

 
Police in the Philippine capital have banned the wearing of caps and sunglasses in shopping malls. The move is aimed at stopping criminals concealing their identity from security cameras, AFP reported. The ban was imposed after a gang looted a jewelry store at a popular suburban Manila shopping mall on December 15. The suspects used baseball caps to hide their identities. Those wearing caps and sunglasses will not be allowed into malls and will be stopped by security guards.
 
 

1 dead as African peacekeepers fire on C. Africa protesters

 
African peacekeepers shot dead a protester in the capital of the Central African Republic on Monday, AFP reported. The Chadian soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing protesters who accused them of complicity with rebels, witnesses say. Several hundred Christian demonstrators had massed outside Bangui airport to call for the departure of President Michel Djotodia. The former rebel became the first Muslim leader of the majority Christian nation after a March coup. The protesters were also demanding the departure of Chadian troops within the African Union’s MISCA force.
 
 

300 killed in 8 days of Syria’s air raids on Aleppo – monitoring group

 
Syrian warplanes have killed more than 300 people in an eight-day bombing campaign against rebel-held parts of the northern city of Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday. “From December 15 to 22, 301 people have been killed, including 87 children, 30 women and 30 rebels,” said the monitoring group, which relies on activists and witnesses on the ground. The army adopted the tactic because of a lack of ground forces, AFP quoted a security source as saying. He said the heavy civilian toll was because the rebels were in residential areas.
 
 

8 troops killed in attacks west of Baghdad

 
Attacks in and near a western Baghdad suburb have killed four officers, Iraqi officials said. Militants fired mortar rounds into a military base in Abu Ghraib, west of the Iraqi capital, killing three officers. The attack also wounded seven soldiers. In the same area, a bomb went off next to a military patrol, killing a soldier. Two other soldiers were wounded.
 
 

Communist Party tells China media not to report ‘wrong points of view’

 
China’s ruling Communist Party told the state media on Monday that they should not be reporting on wrong points of view. New guidelines adopted to enforce “core socialist values” suggest that the media must“steadfastly uphold the correct guidance of public opinion.” The rules, published by Xinhua news agency, said the media should “not provide channels for the propagation of the wrong points of view.” Core socialist values include “ideals like democracy, equality and rule of law, but also the guiding position of Marxism in today’s China,” according to the guidelines.
 
 

Kuwait’s Cabinet ministers resign en masse

 
Kuwait’s entire Cabinet submitted their resignations Monday to the prime minister, parliament speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim said. The move could pave the way for a cabinet reshuffle, Reuters reported. “I hope… that Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah will succeed in reshuffling the government,” the speaker said.
 
 

EU bans arms exports to Central African Republic

 
The EU on Monday banned the export of arms and sending mercenaries to the Central African Republic. The ban follows a UN Security Council resolution this month requiring all countries to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms to the country, which remains wracked by sectarian violence, Reuters said. The ban covers financial and technical assistance, including mercenary personnel. French President Francois Hollande said earlier the 28-nation EU would decide next month on a joint operation in the republic to support a French military intervention.
 
 

Yemen reopens international airports after closure

 
Yemen has reopened its international airports after a brief closure Monday due to a strike by workers at the civil aviation authority, the transport minister said. Earlier in the day, workers went on strike after a dispute with the Finance Ministry over the aviation authority’s independence. The finance ministry froze the authority’s funds, Reuters reported. Transport Minister Waed Batheeb promised the workers that he would help to resolve the issue.
 
 

Al-Qaeda in Yemen offers rare apology over hospital attack

 
In a rare public apology, Al-Qaeda’s branch in Yemen has said that one of its fighters disobeyed orders and attacked a hospital during a December assault that killed 52 people, AP reported. In a video posted on militant websites, Qassim al-Rimi, commander of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, said that the attackers were warned in advance not to enter the hospital within the complex. “Now we acknowledge our mistake and guilt,” Al-Rimi said. “We accept full responsibility for what happened,” he said, adding he was ready to “pay blood money for the victims’ families.”
 
 

China says aircraft carrier tests in South China Sea successful

 
China’s first and only aircraft carrier has successfully carried out a series of tests during a training mission in the disputed South China Sea, Reuters reported, citing state media. The drills this month off the coast of Hainan Island mark the first time China has sent a carrier into the South China Sea. This was also the first time it has maneuvered with the kind of strike group of escort ships US carriers deploy, analysts say. “The Liaoning successfully performed several tests of the combat system… and organized for the first time comprehensive combat training,” China Daily reported.
 
 

Civilians killed as Pakistan launches offensive against Taliban – witnesses

 
Residents of Pakistan’s ethnic Pashtun region of North Waziristan accused government troops on Monday of killing dozens of civilians after military launched an operation against Taliban insurgents, Reuters reported. The operation started after a December 18 suicide bomb attack on a checkpoint in North Waziristan. Officials said at least 23 militants had been killed in clashes with security forces in the Mir Ali region of North Waziristan following the attack. Authorities imposed a curfew across the lawless region and residents said many people had fled from their homes after days of shelling and helicopter raids.
 
 

Yemen shuts airports due to strike

 
Yemen shut its international airports on Monday after workers at its civil aviation authority went on strike, officials said. The strike was due to a dispute with the finance ministry over the independence of the civil aviation authority, Reuters reported. The Finance Ministry froze the authority’s funds, according to an official at the Transport Ministry. Officials at Sanaa, Aden and Mukalla airports confirmed the shutdown.
 
 

NATO soldier killed in eastern Afghanistan

 
NATO has said one of its service members was killed in attack in eastern Afghanistan. The soldier died after coming under direct fire by enemy forces on Monday, AP reported, citing a statement from the US-led International Security Assistance Force. The coalition provided no other details or the nationality of the killed soldier. The death brings to eight the number of coalition deaths so far this month.
 
 

US will reimpose sanctions if Iran breaks a nuclear deal – Rice

 
The US and the West will find ways to to reimpose sanctions on Iran if Tehran violates the recent nuclear P5 + 1 agreement. “We will not construct a deal or accept a deal in which we cannot verify exactly what they are doing,” national security adviser Susan Rice told CBS. “And if they’re caught, we will ensure that the pressure is reimposed on them.” Under November’s deal, Iran agreed to halt its nuclear program for six months in exchange for limited relief from sanctions. media agencies 

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Blast rocks Cairo

24122013
A powerful car bomb explosion has rocked a police headquarters in an Egyptian city north of Cairo, killing at least 14 people and injuring 120, officials said.
An interim government spokesman accused the Muslim Brotherhood of orchestrating the attack and branded it a “terrorist organisation.” The Brotherhood then quickly condemned the blast in an emailed statement.
The Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi described the attack as a “terrorist incident,” and vowed that the perpetrators “will not escape justice.”
The explosion was so strong that parts of the gate surrounding the directorate are demolished.  Rescue teams are pulling people from under rubble.
“The Muslim Brotherhood considers this act as a direct attack on the unity of the Egyptian people and demands an enquiry forthwith so that the perpetrators of this crime may be  brought to justice,” the statement said.
The Middle East News Agency quoted Cabinet spokesman Sherif Shawki as saying that the Muslim Brotherhood showed its “ugly face as a terrorist organisation shedding blood and messing with Egypt’s security.”

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Ban Ki-moon: Double peacekeeping force in South Sudan

24122013
 Ban Ki-moon advised the UN Security Council  5,500 additional soldiers and over 400 more police should be sent to South Sudan to reinforce the current UN mission there amid increasing violence in the fledgling nation.
Additional security forces would add to the nearly 7,000 soldiers that currently make up the UN mission in South Sudan. The reinforcements would come from other UN missions in Africa, according to a letter from Ban to the Security Council, AFP reported.
The Secretary-General said earlier Monday from UN headquarters in New York that allegations of rights violations in South Sudan will be investigated.
“The UN Mission in South Sudan is protecting civilians at its bases, supporting humanitarian deliveries, monitoring the human rights situation and investigating reports of abuses,” he said. “We have lost two peacekeepers in the past week and one was wounded. I commend our brave peacekeepers, as well as the mission’s staff and leaders.“
Two Indian peacekeepers were killed last week during an alleged rebel ambush on a UN compound.
Tens of thousands of people have fled the country amid fighting between rebels supporting former Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir’s forces. Last week, Machar denied he was preparing a coup, as alleged by Kiir.
Fighting began last week in the capital of Juba, then spread to other cities in South Sudan, the youngest country in Africa since breaking from Sudan in 2011.
Hundreds of people have been killed as a result of the dispute, according to reports. UN compounds are housing over 40,000 civilians, the Secretary-General said Sunday.
Machar is of the Nuer community while Kiir is of the majority Dinka ethnic group. Their rivalry is feared to be fuel for further conflict between the groups.
“Let me be absolutely clear,” the Secretary-General said Monday. “The world is watching all sides in South Sudan. Attacks on civilians and the UN peacekeepers deployed to protect them must cease immediately. The United Nations will investigate reports of grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Those responsible at the senior level will be held personally accountable and face the consequences – even if they claim they had no knowledge of the attacks.”
United States President Barack Obama told members of Congress on Sunday that American efforts in South Sudan could be ramped up in the coming days as the security of US citizens and others in the East African nation are increasingly put at risk.
An attempted rescue mission by the US on Saturday to try and remove Americans currently residing in South Sudan was aborted after rebel fighters reportedly aligned with former Vice President Machar opened fire on US planes, injuring four.
Around 380 American citizens and around 300 others have been evacuated by the US from Juba so far, but on Sunday the President sent a letter to select congressional leaders informing them that he may advise the military to increase its efforts.
“As I monitor the situation in South Sudan, I may take further action to support the security of US citizens, personnel, and property, including our embassy, in South Sudan,” Obama wrote on Sunday. 150 US Marines are making their way to the Horn of Africa in the likelihood that they will be ultimately sent to South Sudan in order to evacuate Americans and protect the US Embassy in the war-torn nation, according to various reports.

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Inventor of AK-47 rifle Mikhail Kalashnikov dies

24122013
Senior Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov as he designed his AK-47 assault rifle. (RIA Novosti)
Mikhail Kalashnikov holds the first manufactured model of AK-47 assault rifle. He died at the age of 94, he had been in intensive care in Izhevsk since November 17.
Kalashnikov, who was famous for his frugal lifestyle, was feted as a straightforward hero.
The self-taught peasant turned tank mechanic who never finished high school, but achieved a remarkable and lasting feat of engineering while still in his twenties.
He was forever asked if he regretted engineering the weapon that probably killed more than any other in the last fifty years.
“I invented it for the protection of the Motherland. I have no regrets and bear no responsibility for how politicians have used it,” he told them.
Senior Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov as he designed his AK-47 assault rifle. (RIA Novosti)


“Mikhail Kalashnikov’s entire life is a shining example of dedication to serving your country,” said a statement from Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed “deep condolences” over the death of the engineer.
Kalashnikov who continued working well into his nineties, had been suffering from heart and intestinal problems, and on November 17 was admitted into intensive care in Izhevsk in central Russia – where the plant that produces the eponymous rifles is located. The official cause of death will be revealed following a mandatory autopsy.
A public funeral will be organized by the regional administration, in consultation with surviving relatives, though no date has been named so far.RT news

 


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Arvind Kejriwal invited to be CM of Delhi

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Arvind Kejriwal set to become the youngest CM of Delhi
President has given nod to the Aam Admi Party and its leader Arvind Kejriwal to form government in Delhi thus given seven days time to prove the majority on the floor of assembly. He-becomes the youngest Chief Minister of Delhi, likely to take oath on Thursday at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Prashant Bhushan has clarified that AAP government may not last longer keeping in view of track record of Congress in this arena.
Activist turn organisation makes their foray into political outfit with their trump on people participation but people at large still doubt  on their perfect integrity and in whisper rumour mills of gathering honey go around at various occasion first at time of Annas protest on Lokpal, during the making of party AAP NRI donation collection, Leader former colleagues do not have words of praise of his integrity. Arvind to be elevated from IRS to activist to Politician is in itself a robin-hood story of today’s times. But people fed up with monotonous politics wanted badly a change and AAP foot the bill.
Kejriwal on conveyed to the Leutinent Governor of Delhi, the decision of his party to form the government with the Outside support of the Congress Party.The 45 year old former Indian Revenue Service Officer and social activist, Arvind Kejriwal stormed into the political scene of the Capital only a year ago, when he formed his political party, called Aam Admi Party.Kejriwal himself and all the other MLAs of his party are the first time MLAs. Soon after he was invited by the Leutinent Governor to be the Chief Minister, Kejriwal declined official security cover.
Recent tweet on face book of Arvind kejriwal explains his fans following
With regards government formation in Delhi, we want reiterate few things below. Please watch and share the video below. (available in 5 languages)
1. It is only outside support, not an alliance, which means that it will be AAP Government, AAP agenda/manifesto that will be implemented.
2. Decision is based on overwhelming wish of people of Delhi that AAP should form government
3. AAP will not make any compromises and pursue its agenda of anti-corruption. AAP plans to pass Delhi Lokayukta bill in first 2 weeks of Jan and go after the corrupt.
4. AAP fully intends to deliver on the 18 point agenda that brings power back to the people and addresses their needs
5. If Congress withdraws its support and the government falls, then AAP will go back to the people. AAP will not make compromises with the Congress just to stay in the government.
The opinion of the people who participated in the referendum process was overwhelming in favour of formation of the government in Delhi. Respecting this message, AAP has decided to form the govt. AAP leaders met the Lt. Governor of Delhi and conveyed this decision. We thank the people for their faith & support. We look forward to your continued support. Thank you.


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‘Mobile Seva’ Launched

24122013
IT Signals the Beginning of a Nationwide Initiative Aimed at Providing Government Services Through Mobile Devices 
The ‘Mobile Seva’ (the national mobile-governance initiative of DeitY) was dedicated to the citizens here today by Shri J. Satyanarayana, Secretary, Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), at a function organized at DeitY, Electronics Niketan. The logo for ‘Mobile Seva’ too was unveiled at the function. 
Mobile Seva aims to provide government services to the people through mobile phones and tablets. It has been developed as the core infrastructure for enabling the availability of public services through mobile devices. Mobile Seva enables the integration of the mobile platform with the common e-Governance infrastructure consisting of State Data Centers (SDCs), State Wide Area Networks (SWANs), State and National Service Delivery Gateways (SSDGs/NSDG). It enables a government department to integrate both web and mobile based services seamlessly and enhances the access to electronic services tremendously leveraging the very high penetration of mobile phones, especially in rural areas. Availability of government‐wide shared infrastructure and services enables rapid development and reduced costs for the departments in rolling out mobile based services. 
As on date, 833 Central and State Govt. Departments are using Mobile Seva for providing SMS-based services, and over 55.25 Crore SMS notifications have been sent to citizens for various mobile based services. Citizens can now directly interact with Government Departments through SMS. As on date, 254 public services have been made available to the citizens. A Mobile Applications Store (m-App Store) has also been developed by DeitY as part of Mobile Seva. The Mobile Governance Portal and the m-App Store can be accessed at http://mgov.gov.in/. The m-Appstore currently hosts over 240 live mobile applications. The live applications can be downloaded and installed free of cost on a mobile phone by any person. 
A Mobile Applications Store (m-App Store) has also been developed by DeitY as part of Mobile Seva. The Mobile Governance Portal and the m-App Store can be accessed at http://mgov.gov.in/. The m-Appstore currently hosts over 240 live mobile applications. The live applications can be downloaded and installed free of cost on a mobile phone by any person. Citizens can visit http://mgov.gov.in/ for more information. 

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Ghulam Nabi Azad Launches ‘AV Magni-Visualiser’ Screening Device for Cervical Cancer

24122013
The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad launched screening device for cervical cancer, called ‘AV Magni-Visualiser’, here today. The device has been designed and developed at Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology (ICPO), NOIDA which is one of the premier Institutes of ICMR and is involved in epidemiology and development of indigenous HPV vaccine. 
Speaking at the launch function, Shri Azad congratulated the scientists at ICMR and ICPO for designing and developing this cost-effective and affordable device for screening cervical cancer in its early stages. He stated that cervical cancer is still the number one killer cancer in several parts of rural and semi-urban India. It has been estimated that about 1 lakh 32 thousand cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and 74, 000 deaths occur due to it every year. It accounted for 9% of total deaths due to cancer in 2010. He further said that many of the cases may still be going unreported in many rural areas taking the number even higher. 
The Health Minister stated that with this device it will be easy to screen and detect cervical cancer in its early stages thus making treatment more effective. He stated that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the “National Programme on Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs, and Stroke” in 2010 in 100 selected districts taken up initially as pilot project across 21 States to address the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing burden of NCDs, particularly Cancer, Diabetes and CVDs. 
Sh Azad said that presently screening for cervical cancer is available only in the regional cancer institutes and medical colleges. He added that the equipment presently being used is expensive, as a result of which not many medical colleges can afford this equipment. This device, which will be much cost effective, will be first rolled out in the district and sub-district community health centres (CMCs) and subsequently in the primary health centres (PHCs), he noted. As not all PHCs have lady doctors and nurses, staffing and training will form an important part of roll out paln, he stated. 
Dr. V M Katoch, DG, ICMR said that this will benefit a large number of women in the country and bring down the rates of morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer, which is high at present as it is not detected in the early stages. Cervical cancer does not occur de-novo. It starts from certain pre-cancerous states/lesions called dysplasias and it takes about a decade for cancer to develop from pre-cancerous lesions. Detection and appropriate treatment of pre-cancerous lesions will halt their progression to invasive cancers. He further stated that the accuracy and efficacy of the device has been evaluated through tests in five regions during the past two years. He also said that this device has a white light source with variable interchangeable magnification and it can be operated on 12 Volt battery in rural and semi urban areas where electric supply is not regular. Magnivisualizer has been found to pick up 1.5 times more High grade pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions than the ordinary tungsten light. 
Also present at the launch function were Smt. Santosh Chowdhary, MoS (Health), Shri A. H. Khan Chowdhury, MoS (Health), Shri K Desiraju, Secy (Health), Sh Lov Verma, Secy (DAC), and senior officers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and scientists. 
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December 25, 2013, 2:36 am
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TNA unsure about Lankan President’s call for dialogue

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TNA unsure about Lankan PresidentUpdated on : 25-12-2013 01:55 PM
Sri Lanka’s main Tamil party has said it is uncertain about President Mahinda Rajapaksa extending an open invitation to it to join efforts to achieve national reconciliation as the government’s stand is unclear. 
“President has called the TNA for a dialogue. We don’t know if they are talking about the parliamentary select committee (PSC) again,” Tamil National Alliance (TNA) senior leader Suresh Premachandran said. 
He was commenting on a TNA parley held on Tuesday in the northern town of Vavuniya aimed at taking stock of unresolved Tamil issues. 
“We are not expecting any meaningful, fruitful things from PSC”, Premachandran added. 
The TNA and other opposition parties have boycotted Rajapaksa’s PSC. 
Rajapaksa last week in parliament invited TNA to work towards a home grown solution to the Tamil minority question. 
TNA said they were not averse to restarting bilateral talks with the government but would stick to their decision to stay away from the PSC constituted to look into their demands. 
In the 6-hour marathon parley, the TNA also discussed several issues concerning the Tamils – based on the smooth functioning and deliverables of northern provincial council, Premachandran said. 
The TNA secured a landslide win in the historic provincial council polls in September, held after a gap of 25 years, in the former LTTE-controlled Northern Province, renewing demands for greater autonomy for the Tamil-dominated region after decades of brutal ethnic conflict. 

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25122013
TRAI imposed Rs 50 lakh fine on nine telcos for poor service
 
TRAI imposed Rs 50 lakh fine on nine telcos for poor serviceUpdated on : 24-12-2013 07:25 PM
Telecom regulator TRAI has imposed cumulative penalty of Rs 50 lakh on nine mobile operators for failing to meet quality of service benchmarks in the second quarter ended June 2013, official sources said. 
The regulator has imposed maximum penalty of Rs 14.5 lakh on state-run telecom company BSNL for failing to meet 13 quality of service parameters, they said, adding that no penalty was imposed on Videocon, Loop Mobile and state-run MTNL.
TRAI imposed Rs 12.5 lakh penalty on Aircel and Reliance Communications (including Reliance Telecom) for failing to meet certain parameters. 
The regulator imposed a penalty of Rs 3 lakh on Idea Cellular, Rs 2 lakh each Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, Rs 1.5 lakh each on Uninor and Vodafone, sources said. 
A fine of Rs 50,000 was imposed on CDMA operator MTS. Under existing regulations, TRAI can impose up to Rs 50,000 penalty on telecom operators for failing to meet any quality of service parameter for mobile services and up to Rs 1 lakh for repeating such failure.
For example, if call drop rate benchmark of (less than) two per cent is not met by an operator in the first quarter after coming into force of these regulations, a financial disincentive not exceeding Rs 50,000 would be imposed. 
In case, in any of the subsequent quarters the benchmark for the same parameter i.e. call drop rate benchmark is not met, financial disincentive not exceeding Rs 1,00,000 will be imposed by the authority. 
The regulator, however, can impose a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh if it finds that telecom operators have submitted false compliance report on quality of service benchmark.

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SEBI board approves new norms for exercise of enhanced powers

25122013
SEBI board approves new norms for exercise of enhanced powers Updated on : 24-12-2013 07:04 PM
To ensure greater efficacy in exercise of its new powers, market regulator Sebi’s board on Tuesday cleared new norms for its search and seizure operations, settlement proceedings, refund to investors and crackdown on illicit money-pooling schemes.
The new norms also seek to ensure that sufficient safeguards are put in place to avoid any misuse of its new powers and the required privacy of individuals is granted while conducting search and seizure operations.At the same time, detailed regulations have also been put in place for settlement of admistrative and civil proceedings in a transparent manner, while ensuring that serious offences like insider trading are kept out of settlement window.
The decisions were taken at a board meeting of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Tuesday, which is also believed to have discussed matters like new Corporate Governance Code for listed companies, revision of insider trading norms and a new framework for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
However, a final decision is yet to be taken on corporate governance code, REITs and new insider trading norms, sources said.
The seven decisions announced by Sebi after the board meeting also included doing away with mandatory IPO grading, prospectus being valid for one year for multiple draft offers, and a tax treatment similar to FIIs being accorded to FPIs (Foreign Portfolio Investors), a newly created class of overseas investors.
As many as four decisions are related to the promulgation of an ordinance by the government for grant of greater powers to Sebi to check mushrooming of illegal money-pooling schemes across the country and to take strict actions against fraudsters and market manipulators.
Among others, Sebi board approved an amendment to Sebi’s Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF) Regulations, enabling utilisation of such amounts primarily for restitution to investors and in case of failure of identification of investors, for the credit of disgorged amounts to this Fund.
Besides, the board also approved an amendment to the Sebi Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) Regulations. The government ordinance, promulgated in September for second time, provides for regulation of pooling of funds under any scheme or arrangement, involving a corpus amount of Rs 100 crore or more, to be deemed to be a CIS activity.
Accordingly, a proposal to amend Sebi’s CIS norms was been approved to provide for a framework for regulation of all activities deemed to be CIS schemes. The changes also provide for additional requirements for continuous compliance by a registered CIS entities.
The ordinance also confers direct powers to Sebi Chairman to authorise an Investigating Authority or any other officer of Sebi to search any premises where incriminating documents are lying and seize such documents for investigation purpose.
The ordinance also empowers Sebi to make regulations for executing the search operations and to ensure safe custody of any books of account or other documents that are seized.
In this respect, the board approved Sebi (Procedure for Search and Seizure) Regulations, 2013, which is on the lines of the provisions in the Income Tax Act and provides detailed procedures for such search and seizures by the regulator.
The board also approved Sebi (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2013, which have been framed, keeping in view the provisions of the Ordinance and public comments received by Sebi in this regard.
The key features of this new regulation include a common substantive procedure for settlement of administrative and civil proceedings under all the securities laws, while it also formalises the already existing settlement process.
The new norms also provide for guiding factors for dealing with the settlement process, while serious offences such as insider trading are excluded from the scope of settlement.
In order to impart transparency in the process, the roles of the internal committee and high powered advisory committee are specifically defined, while the regulations also provide for terms of settlement in monetary as well as non-monetary terms or combination of both.

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Categories : Funds, Trade, Uncategorized

25122013

NO RIFT IN PARTY: AAP KEJRIWAL

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AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday played down reports of a rift in the party over the issue of cabinet berths and said party MLA Vinod Kumar Binny was not upset over his non-inclusion.
A day after Laxmi Nagar MLA Binny, a ministerial hopeful walked out of a meeting at Kejriwal’s house after coming to know that he was not among the probable ministers, Kejriwal said the legislator was not interested in a ministerial berth.“Binny came to me last evening. He told me he does not want a ministerial berth and that he was here for a mission. Binny said he has conveyed to the media that he was not upset,” said Kejriwal.
Binny on his part stated that he was not angry and that there was no rift in the party.
“There is no rift between me and the party. There is nothing that I was angry about after being denied a post in the ministry,” he said.
As Binny walked out of the party meeting on Tuesday, senior party leaders Sanjay Singh and Kumar Vishwas went to his residence late last night and held parlays to pacify him till wee hours of the day.
After a long meeting, Singh and Vishwas came out and said, “There was no dissent and it was all created by the media.”
“It was our regular meeting and we have been meeting on various occasions,” they said.
Kejriwal had on Tuesday finalised his team of ministers that includes his trusted associate Manish Sisodia and five others.
Kejriwal, who is likely to be sworn-in as Chief Minister on Thursday, had sent to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung a list of six ministers, including the names of Sisodia, a former journalist who won from Patparganj constituency, Rakhi Birla, who defeated PWD Minister Rajkumar Chouhan, Somnath Bharti (defeated Women and Child Development Minister Kiran Walia) Saurabh Bhardwaj, Girish Soni and Satendra Jain.
Playing down reports of a rift in the party, Binny said his meeting with Singh and Vishwas was a “routine” one.
“I am not angry with the party. Sanjay and Kumar came to meet me and they spent some time discussing routine issues,” he said.
Denying that he was miffed over not getting a ministerial berth, Binny said, “There is no demand and I do not want any post. I will work wherever and whatever responsibility is given to me.”
He said, “Kejriwal is the Chief Minister and it is his prerogative to choose his council of ministers.”
Asked if he was offered the post of Parliamentary Secretary as a deal, Binny said, “There is no deal.”
Questioned whether his Congress background worked against him, Binny said it is “unfortunate” if this works against somebody becomes almost everybody has come from either the Congress or BJP as AAP is a new party.

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India hopeful of early resolution of diplomatic row

25122013
India hopeful of early resolution of diplomatic rowUpdated on : 24-12-2013 12:45 AM
“Something will happen”, said External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on the prospects of an early resolution of the stand-off arising out of the arrest of senior diplomat Devyani Khobragade in the US.
As India and the US continued to make efforts to resolve the issue, Khobragade, who has since been transferred as Counsellor in the Indian Mission to the UN to give her full diplomatic immunity, has sought waiver from attending the pre-trial process.
A decision on her plea will be known Monday.
Asked how hopeful he was of a resolution of the issue soon, Khurshid on Sunday said “World keeps moving forward, world never dies, world never stops. Something will happen.”
On the US State Department welcoming his remarks on Indo-US ties, he said “They (the US) must do something. Welcoming is not enough”.
Khurshid had termed the US as a valuable partner emphasising that both sides need to preserve the extremely exceptionally valuable relations.
39-year-old Khobragade, a 1999-batch IFS officer posted as Deputy Consul General in New York, was taken into custody last week on visa fraud charges as she was dropping her daughter to school before being released on a USD 250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.
India had demanded that the case against Khobragade be dropped unconditionally but it was rejected by the US.
Meanwhile, the deadline for the US diplomats and families in India to turn-in their IDs will expire Monday, with government not extending it.
It was among the measures taken by India to downgrade privileges of US diplomats in the country after Khobragade was arrested and put through both strip and cavity searches, procedures normally used for criminals.
In New York, India’s Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji said he had written a letter to UN chief Ban Ki-moon around December 18-19 informing him of Khobragade’s transfer as Counsellor to the Indian mission here and requested that she be accorded the same privileges and immunities as a diplomatic officer.
Mukerji said the papers are being processed and the UN has to send Khobragade’s documents to the US Office of Foreign Missions, which is part of the US State Department protocol for clearance.
“Now it is between the UN and the US State Department,” he said
Publicly their common refrain was that the bilateral relationship was extremely valuable, though Washington continued to harp on their line that Khobragade would not enjoy diplomatic immunity “retroactively”.
She has since been transferred to the Indian Mission to the UN to give her full immunity. External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid maintained his conciliatory tone when he termed the relationship “extremely exceptionally valuable”, a sentiment reciprocated by the US State Department which said, “it is important to preserve and protect our partnership”.
Khurshid told reporters in New Delhi, “We are in a conversation at different levels. Let the conversation go to its logical conclusion.”
In Washington, a State Department Spokesperson said the US was “continuing the conversation with our Indian counterparts privately” to resolve the situation arising out of the arrest and strip search of Khobragade in a visa fraud case.
Asking the US to “understand the value of the relationship”, Khurshid asked whether it was “unreasonable” for India to expect Washington to allow its diplomat to serve with dignity.
The State Department maintained that even if there was a change in the status of Khobragade from being Deputy Consul General with limited immunity to being posted to the UN mission where she gets full immunity, there would not be a “clean slate” from the past charges.
However, the US assertion that retroactive immunity is not possible flies in the face of precedents such as the one involving a Saudi prince in 1982 when he was accused of holding an Egyptian woman against her will in Dade County in Florida state.
Observers say that at the time of the incident, Prince Abdulaziz had no diplomatic credentials. But three weeks later, the State Department granted Abdulaziz and his family full diplomatic immunity.
The Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Dade County’s counter claims and held that the Prince had been eligible for diplomatic status at the time of the incident even if he had not received it. The Court ruling, in effect, endorsed the concept of retroactive immunity.

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Arvind Kejriwal to be sworn-in as Delhi CM on Dec 28

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Media awaits on 23 Dec for press Conference at Constitution club New Delhi but there was no arrangements and entire Delhi media waited for more than ten hours and could get moving bite. Some of the media in waiting.President Pranab Mukherjee  accepted Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung’s proposal on government formation by Aam Aadmi Party. Home ministry thus sent the President’s communication to Najeeb Jung. “It is up to the L-G to decide the date of swearing-in after holding consultation with Chief Minister designate,” the Home Ministry said. Media reports Arvind Kejriwal to be sworn-in as Delhi chief minister on December 28 at noon. The ceremony will take place at the Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. Congress with second thought and various deliberations has accepted to grant outside support in formation of the Delhi government headed by Arvind kejriwal who is placed in Catch 22 situation and will do his utmost to show his idealistic intention to run the government, his move shall chart out the history of AAP and new era or the hooliganism joined activist turn politicians who look upon the solid society as their volunteers reach an interesting point of gamesmanship which begins on Dec 28 noon . People of Delhi  are excited about this new show so is India but the move is bed rocked with one man showmanship .
Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal will take oath as Delhi Chief Minister on Saturday at Ramlila Maidan.Kejriwal will take oath alongwith 6 ministers. Aam Aadmi party has finalised names of six MLAs to be inducted in the Kejriwal cabinet. These are Manish Sisodia, Rakhi Birla, Satendra Jain, Girish Soni, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Somnath Bharti. The date of swearing in ceremony was finalised soon after the Delhi LG Najib Jung invited Kejriwal to form government on Wednesday. Delhi Chief Secretary D M Spolia met Kejriwal at his residence and conveyed the invitation by the LG to him for forming government. Earlier the LG had received the formal communication by the President Pranab Mukherjee regarding AAP’s government formation in Delhi.Kejriwal had on Monday met the LG and staked claim to form government in Delhi.
Kejriwal had proposed Ramlila Maidan as the venue for his swearing in ceremony.Arvind Kejriwal has said he will start implementing his party’s manifesto from the day his government takes charge. Kejriwal met AAP supporters and party workers and deliberated on a future strategy on Wednesday. Later speaking to news persons, he said MLAs who want to support AAP on its 18-point charter are welcome to do so. AAP on Wednesday reiterated it is not in any sort of coalition or understanding with the Congress and expects “support of the majority” on the floor of the House for its 18 issues.
Party leader Yogendra Yadav said Aam Aadmi Party will go to the floor with its 18 point agenda and 28 MLAs.
He added the party expects the support of the majority in the house on these points. If they failed to get it, they would move out.
Discontent was also visible within the Congress over its support to AAP.
A section of the party is opposing the decision and some people have even taken to the streets to protest against it. The party has however, accepted the divide within over supporting AAP.
Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said the party had decided to support AAP after much consideration.
Meanwhile, BJP said AAP’s talk of alternative politics was a sham after the reported rifts over ministerial berths.

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Janko Tipsarevic withdraws from Aircel Chennai Open 2014

25122013
Defending Singles Champion Janko Tipsarevic withdraws from Aircel Chennai Open 2014
Rupture on the heel tendon forces 29-year-old player to pull out of tournament in which he participates on a regular basis


CHENNAI, DECEMBER 25, 2013: Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic, the 2013 Singles Champion, has withdrawn from the tournament due to a rupture on the heel tendon he sustained in Valencia in October this year. The World No. 36 today said that he is still to recover fully from the two-month-old injury.

The 29-year-old is a regular at Aircel Chennai Open and one of the tournament’s favorites. Tipsarevic had earlier confirmed his presence at the US $450,000 tournament to stake a claim to the crown and kick-start his new season at the Aircel Chennai Open for the seventh year. The upcoming contest, known to be India and South Asia’s premier ATP World Tour tennis event, will mark the tournament’s 19th edition and is scheduled to be played at Chennai’s SDAT Stadium from December 30th 2013 to January 5th 2014.

At Aircel Chennai Open 2013, Tipsarevic had a dream start to 2013 when he captured the fourth ATP World Tour title of his career, defeating Bautista Agut (Spain) in three sets 3–6, 6–1, 6–3 here in Chennai.

While the top player continues to participate in top events around the world, niggling injuries have cut short his smooth runs at tournaments. The injury he sustained at the Valencia Open forced him to pull out after just three games against Marcel Granollers. Following this, the Serb was also forced to withdraw from the Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic.

Speaking about his withdrawal from the Aircel Chennai Open 2014, Janko Tipsarevic said, “I have had a difficult three months after injuring my heel. I felt I would recover well in time for the Aircel Chennai Open but regret to say that I will not be able to take part in the tournament. I apologize to fans who have always supported me and waited to watch me play during matches there. Chennai was always my favourite tournament to start the new season. I always felt very well in Chennai and love this tournament. I really look forward to recovering quickly and getting back to playing tennis soon.”
The Title Sponsor for the tournament is Aircel and the event is supported by a consortium of sponsors in the Platinum category headed by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
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December 25, 2013, 11:50 pm
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Cambodian PM visits Vietnam

26122013
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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) and his wife Bun Rany gesture as they leave for a visit to 
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen left here Thursday for a three-day visit to Vietnam to boost ties as the opposition’s protests to demand his resignation and a re- vote has entered the 12th day.
The prime minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Hor Namhong, Commerce Minister Sun Chanthol, Finance Minister Aun Porn Moniroth, Chief of Border Affairs Var Kimhong, Justice Minister Ang Vong Vathana, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, and Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron, as well as other senior officials. “During the visit, Prime Minister Hun Sen will hold a bilateral talk with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung,” Sry Thamarong, minister attached to Prime Minister Hun Sen, told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport before departure. “The two premiers will also witness the signing ceremony of nine agreements including a treaty on extradition as well as those on cooperation in public security, trade, bridge construction, education, and information,” he said.
Besides, the prime minister will pay separate courtesy calls on Nguyen Sinh Hung, president of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, and Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Hun Sen makes the visit to Vietnam as political dispute at home remains tense. Since Dec. 15, the country’s main opposition party has launched a new round of daily protests in the capital to demand his resignation or a re-election following allegations of serious fraud during the July’s election.
The July’s poll results showed that the Hun Sen’s ruling party won a majority of vote with 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the Sam Rainsy’s opposition party, but the opposition refused to accept the outcome and has boycotted parliament since then.
Hun Sen said on Friday last week that he would neither step down nor call a re-vote because he has done nothing wrong.
He also warned the opposition of its outlawed protests, saying the government would take legal action against protesters if they try to block highways or capture government buildings.

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Fumio Kishida : Japan, Russia to meet on territorial issues

26122013
Japan and Russia will meet on territorial issues here on Jan. 31 in an effort to resolve the deadlock of the issues between the two countries, said Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Thursday.
The meeting, which will involve Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama and his Russian counterpart Igor Morgulov, is also expected to cover bilateral economic cooperation.
Kishida told a press conference that he hopes the meeting could shore up Japan-Russia relation as a whole and could be conducive to help the two countries to conclude a peace treaty.
Japan and Russia are at odds over a series of islands north of Japan’s Hokkaido. The islands, which are known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, prevent the two countries from signing a peace treaty since the end of World War II.


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U.S. drone strike in NW Pakistan

26122013
At least four people were killed and several others injured in a U.S. drone strike late Wednesday night in Pakistan’s northwest tribal area of North Waziristan, reported local Urdu TV channel ARY on Thursday.
According to local media reports, U.S. unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at a house suspected of being a militant hideout in Miranshah, a main town of North Waziristan which borders Afghanistan.
Identities of the killed and wounded and other details are not immediately available.
The U.S. drone strike in North Waziristan is the 26th of its kind (counted on daily basis) in Pakistan since this year. At least 166 people have reportedly been killed in such strikes so far this year.
While most of the victims are believed to be suspected militants, the U.S. drone strikes do often kill innocent people.
Late last month, U.S. drones launched an attack on a religious school in Pakistan’s northwest district of Hangu, killing at least 15 people including many students.

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Snowden call to mass data collection

26122013

 
Former US security agency contractor Edward Snowden has urged governments to stop collecting personal communications data.
Snowden has warned about a loss of privacy in a message recorded in Moscow by Britain’s Channel 4.
He said people have sensors in their pockets that track them everywhere they go. He added that a child born today will grow up with no conception of privacy at all.
The former National Security Agency contractor said the ongoing debate on data collection will determine the amount of trust in technology and the governments that regulate it.
He said if governments really want to know how people feel, they should ask them instead of spying on them.

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Serial bombings in Iraq Christian area

26122013
A series of bombings killed at least thirty eight  people in a Christian-populated district in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Wednesday.
AS per the Police say a car bomb exploded near a church in the south of the city after Christmas mass.
The police add other bomb attacks occurred elsewhere in the district on the same day.
At least 38 people were killed and 70 wounded, most of them Christians.
Iraq is estimated to have around 300,000 Christians with the vast majority of the citizens Muslims.
On Christmas Eve, a mass was held in another church in Baghdad where Muslim leaders attended in a move to overcome religious differences.
No one has claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.

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Christmas message at the Vatican

26122013

Pope Francis has prayed for an end to the conflict in Syria, while calling for social harmony in South Sudan.
The pontiff delivered his Christmas message to the tens of thousands of Catholics that gathered at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Wednesday.
The pope noted that too many lives have been shattered by the conflict in Syria, fueling hatred and vengeance. He prayed that peace be granted to the country and to the whole world.
The pope also reflected on South Sudan, where thousands of people have died recently after troops loyal to President Salva Kiir clashed with forces supporting former vice president Riek Machar.
He prayed for social harmony to be fostered in the country.

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South Sudan president calls for dialogue

26122013

The president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, has called for dialogue to end the tribal-based armed conflict between his supporters and backers of the African country’s former vice president, Riek Machar.
Fighting between the two different ethnic groups erupted in the capital Juba on December 15th and has spread to other parts of the country. At least 500 people have died and 80,000 have fled their homes.
In a televised speech on Wednesday, Kiir said innocent people have been wantonly killed and people are targeting others because of their tribal affiliation. He added that this is unacceptable and these atrocities have to cease immediately.
International efforts are continuing to mediate a ceasefire. The US government has sent a special envoy to urge both sides to end the hostilities.
Media  reports say government troops clashed on Wednesday with supporters of the former vice president in an oil-producing city in the north of the country.  Media agencies 

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Kim urges military to increase combat readiness

26122013

 
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has urged the military to step up combat readiness. His remark comes as tension is rising on the Korean Peninsula.
The North’s state-run television on Wednesday reported, with many photos, that Kim visited the command of an army unit in charge of the country’s west.
The visit was made on Tuesday, the anniversary of his late father Kim Jong Il’s assuming supreme commandership of the Korean People’s Army.
Kim reportedly instructed the unit to be prepared to the utmost in combat readiness and to bear in mind that war breaks out without prior notice.
Kim was accompanied by 3 top military leaders: the head of the military’s political department Choe Ryong Hae; Chief of General Staff Ri Yong Gil; and defense chief Jang Jong Nam.
Observers say his remark is intended as a threat to the South, indicating the possibility of military provocation from the North without notice.

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Opposition rejects Thai PM’s proposal on national reform council

26122013

 


Thailand’s prime minister proposed a “national reform council” on Wednesday, following weeks of mass street protests against her government. Yingluck Shinawatra said the body would be set up in parallel with a February-2 general election, AFP reported. The council would recommend constitutional amendments, economic and legal reforms and anti-corruption measures. Protest leaders immediately rejected the plan, reiterating that reforms should go before elections, in a bid to curb the political influence of the prime minister’s family. She can “show her responsibility and sacrifice by stepping down so that the reform process can begin”, said a spokesman for the protest movement, Akanat Promphan.


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Militants killed in Pakistan by US drone strike

26122013

 

A suspected US drone fired two missiles at a home in a northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, killing at least three foreign militants, according to Pakistani intelligence officials. The strike took place just before midnight on Wednesday in the village of Qutab Khel in North Waziristan, AP said. Initial reports suggested the slain men were Arabs.

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Deepika Kumari creates national record in women’s 50 m archery

26122013


Top ranked women recurve archer Deepika Kumari has created a national record in women’s 50 metre round in the 34th Senior National Archery Championship in Jamshedpur. World Cup silver medallist Deepika shot 346 points breaking the previous record of 333 points held by Olympian L Bombayla Devi. Former Olympian V Praneetha finished second in the event with 332 points while Reena Kumari scored 322 to clinch the bronze.
In the Men’s section, Atanau Das emerged winner in the individual Olympic round. Olympian pair of Jayanta Talukdar and Deepika Kumari won the recurve mixed team event.

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Bangladesh polls:

26122013

In Bangladesh, the armed forces personnel are being deployed from today to help the Election Commission maintain law and order in the 10th parliamentary elections scheduled for January 5, amid a boycott by the BNP-led Opposition. Election Commission sources say around 50,000 armed forces personnel will be deployed for a period of 15 days till January, 9 2014, who will assist regular law enforcing agencies in election-related works.
Voting will take place in 146 out of 300 constituencies, as 154 single candidates stand elected unopposed. There is no army deployment is 5 districts where candidates in all constituencies have been elected unopposed. Army has been deployed during all parliamentary elections in Bangladesh from 1973 to 2008. Security in Election Commission Secretariat has been strengthened with the installation of several closed circuit cameras inside and outside the buildings.
Meanwhile Opposition BNP has announced ‘March to Dhaka’ on December 29th, urging all Bangladeshis to join the movement to resist the elections and protect democracy. 

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Egypt declares Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group

26122013


The Egyptian Government has officially declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group. Deputy Prime Minister Hossem Eissa announced the move which will give the authorities more powers to crackdown on the Brotherhood. Muslim Brotherhood has denounced it as an illegitimate act to frame Brotherhood and said its protests would continue. Our West Asia correspondent reports that the Muslim Brotherhood has been blamed for the deadly attack on the Police Headquarters in Mansoura on Tuesday as well as attacks on churches and other violent incidents across the country. The Cabinet orders mean more powers to the Government for crackdown on Brotherhood. A Cairo court has already banned activities by the Muslim Brotherhood , issued orders for dissolving it and frozen its assets. Since the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi and the eviction of pro Morsi sit ins in Cairo ,a massive crackdown is on by the security forces.
Entire top brass of Muslim Brotherhood including the ouster President Mohammed Morsi and its supreme Guide Mohamed Badie are now behind bars facing several charges of inciting violence, propagating attacks on security personnel and the killing of protesters. 
However experts say that the decision may face serious legal challenges and raised apprehensions that it can be used to silence any opposition voice against the Government.

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Turkey PM reshuffles cabinet amid graft charges

26122013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has reshuffled his cabinet amidst graft charges. He has replaced nearly half his cabinet bringing in 10 new faces. Erdogan has replaced three resigning ministers and his EU affairs minister, while reshuffling the justice, transport, family, sports and industry portfolios, and one of his four deputy prime ministers’ posts.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, replacing 10 key ministers amid a widening high-level corruption scandal rocking his government.
The move came late on Wednesday, shortly after the resignation of interior, economy, and environment ministers. Each of them had a son detained on December 17 in a long-running investigation into graft allegations involving state-run lender Halkbank.
After a closed-door meeting with President Abdullah Gul in Ankara, Erdogan has named 10 new ministers.
The move follows the resignation of three Ministers yesterday in the wake of a probe into a corruption case. The Minister for the Economy, the Interior Minister and the Environment Minister had to resign on charges that they along with their sons, have been involved in a high level fraud involving illicit money transfers to neighboring Iran and bribes for construction projects. Last weeks dozens were arrested including the sons of the Ministers who have resigned and millions of dollars were found in one of their homes.

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Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav

26122013
Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav to be held on 16th, 17th & 18th January 2014 at 6:45 P:M at Shankar Lal Hall, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi.

 I shall be grateful if you can cover this news item, viz “Swami Haridas-Tansen Sangeet – Nritya Mahotsav” in your Newspaper/ Magazine/ TV Channel. Looking forward to receive you at the MAHOTSAV and with kind regard.
Encl: Letter to editor and group photograph of artists.
Thanking you,
With Best Wishes,
Uma Sharma

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December 25, 2013, 11:57 pm
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पाक हिन्दुओं को नागरिक सुविधाएं शीघ्र दी जाएं:विहिप
विहिप प्रतिनिधि मण्डल सुषमा स्वराज से मिला, धरने पर बैठे लोगों को दिलाया आश्वासन
नई दिल्ली। दिसम्बर 25, 2013.  पाकिस्तान से पीडित होकर आए हिन्दुओं की समस्याओं को लेकर विश्व हिन्दू परिषद दिल्ली का एक उच्च स्तरीय प्रतिनिधि मण्डल लोक सभा में विपक्ष की नेता श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज से मिला और भारत आगमन के पश्चात उन्हें हो रही पीडा से अवगत कराया। विहिप दिल्ली के अध्यक्ष श्री स्वदेश पाल गुप्ता की अगुवाई में गए प्रतिनिधि मण्डल ने बाद में पिछले नौ दिनों से धरने पर बैठे लगभग डेढ सौ पाक पीडित हिन्दुओं को ढाढस बंधाने जन्तर मन्तर पर भी पहुंचा। जन्तर मन्तर पर हुई सभा को सम्बोधित करते हुए जहां विहिप अध्यक्ष ने जब तक सरकारी सुविधा नहीं मिल जाती समाज के माध्यम से प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को हर सम्भव सहायता देने का वचन दिया तो वहीं भाजपा के राज्य सभा सांसद श्री बलबीर पुंज ने कहा कि भारत आते समय सीमा पर जो यातनाएं उनको झेलनी पडीं उनकी जांच करा कर सभी को भारत में पूरी नागरिक सुविधाएं दिए जाने की लडाई हम लडेंगे।
विस्तृत जानकारी देते हुए विहिप दिल्ली के मीडिया प्रमुख श्री विनोद बंसल ने बताया कि आज प्रात: ग्यारह बजे विहिप प्रदेश अध्यक्ष के साथ उपाध्यक्ष श्री महावीर प्रसाद व मीडिया टोली के सदस्य श्री राजीव गुप्ता ने श्रीमती स्वराज से भेंट कर पाकिस्तान से पीडित हिन्दुओं की व्यथा और वर्तमान में उनकी स्थिति से अवगत कराया। उन्होंने बताया कि भारत सरकार के गृह मंत्रालय के आदेश के बावजूद राज्य सरकार की ढिलाई के कारण इस वर्ष के प्रारम्भ में आए 542 हिन्दुओं को नागरिक सुविधाएं तो दूर वर्क परमिट तक नहीं मिल सका है। इसके कारण उन्हें जगह-जगह पीडित होना पड रहा है। अब लगभग 150 लोग और आए हैं जिनके पास न दो जून की रोटी है न तन पर ढंकने को पर्याप्त कपडे। ये सभी जंतर मंतर पर कडकडाती ठंड में खुले आसमान के नीचे ठिठुरने को मजबूर हैं। इस जत्थे में बडी संख्या में महिलाएं व बच्चे भी शामिल हैं। श्री नाहर सिंह ने बताया कि किसी तरह जान बचा कर भागे इन पाक नागरिकों की व्यथा यह भी है कि सीमा पार करते समय इनके पास जो गहने इत्यादि सामान था उसे सीमा पर तैनात जवानों ने उनसे छीन लिया और यहां तक कि महिलाओं के सुहाग के प्रतीक चूडी व कंगन तक को जबरन उतरवा लिया। पिछले जत्थे में आई एक महिला को तो पाक दरिंदों की हटधर्मिता के कारण अपने छ: दिन के बच्चे को वहीं छोड कर आना पडा था। विहिप ने मांग की है कि सरकार इन सभी पाक पीडित हिन्दुओं को वर्क परमिट जारी कर आवश्यक सुविधाएं दिलाए और इनकी भोजन, आवास, चिकित्सा व शिक्षा जैसी मूलभूत आवश्यकताओं की पूर्ति करे।
भवदीय
विनोद बंसल,
मीडिया प्रमुख,
इंद्र्प्रस्थ विश्व हिंदू परिषद, दिल्ली. 
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December 26, 2013, 12:01 am
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48,000 evacuated due to rains in SE Brazil

Posted on  by sagarmedia

 

 The death toll from heavy rain-caused disasters in Brazil’s southeastern state of Espiritu Santo rose to 18 after authorities confirmed the death of the latest victim, the Regional Civil Defense office said Wednesday.
The number of residents forced to evacuate, meanwhile, was adjusted from the nearly 50,000 reported Tuesday to 48,000, the agency said in a press release.
The death toll may still rise as communication with many towns has been cut off by the rains and flooding, which have also interrupted clean water and electricity service, the agency said.
Of the 78 cities in Espiritu Santo state, 50 have been declared in a state of emergency, due to rains that started last week.
Reanto Casagrande, governor of Espiritu Santo, said the downpours represented the worst weather disaster in the history of the state.
“We will have to reconstruct the whole state,” Casagrande told reporters.
In some places, rescue work can only be carried out by helicopter, as flood waters have blocked road access.
On a tour of the affected region Tuesday, Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff said she had never seen “so much water” and that the priority now was to save those at risk to prevent more deaths.
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December 26, 2013, 11:17 pm
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With an eye on LS polls AAP constitutes two-member panel
With an eye on LS polls AAP constitutes two-member panel Updated on : 27-12-2013 01:19 AM
In a bid to strengthen the party before the Lok Sabha polls, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday appointed a two-member sub-committee to look into its polls preparations and finalise strategy. 

"A sub-committee under the party's Political Affairs Committee has been formed to look into AAP's prospects in the Lok Sabha elections."



Senior PAC member Sanjay Singh and AAP's National General Secretary Pankaj Gupta have been appointed to formalise strategy, decide procedure and selection of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls," AAP senior leader Yogendra Yadav told reporters in Delhi. 

Though AAP is yet to decide on several aspects, the party has expedited the process and has taken few decisions. 

For the past many days partymen are roaming in nooks and corners of the country and taking feedback from the people and analysing the position of the party, added Yadav. 

Sanjay Singh said,"In the coming days members of the Central committee will go to different states and party committees and district units in various states to analyse the party position."

Inviting applications from candidates interested in contesting Lok Sabha polls, Singh said a form, similar to that issued during Delhi assembly polls, has been put in public domain. 

"Any person who wants to become an AAP candidate will have to fill the form and give all details about himself. Lok Sabha candidates will have to procure signature of 100 people from each legislative assemblies under one Lok Sabha. They will have to provide the number of those people for verification purpose," Singh added. 

On the question of applicants forging signature to get party's ticket, Singh said many candidatures were rejected during Delhi Assembly election due to this reason only. 

"The forms are in English in Hindi. In some time forms can be filled online also. Presently they are available at our offices and the website. Forms can be sent through post or sent to our e-mail id," said Pankaj Gupta. 

About speculation that Vindo Kumar Binny, MLA from Laxmi Nagar constituency, may contest Lok Sabha polls, Yadav said Binny is a senior AAP member and the party will take a final decision in this regard.

"Where one should be used it is a very big thing...You will get to know later," Yadav said adding that Binny stood with the party at a time when many political larders of Delhi were keeping a distance from AAP. 

"Binny has made many sacrifices for the party and to think that all this work he did was because he had ambitions to become a minister is totally wrong."

I was very shocked when I read that such an image was created for person who started his political career with sacrifice before AAP came into existence and has been sacrificing on all stages," said Yadav. 

Reports of a rift between Binny and the party had surfaced over the issue of cabinet berths. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal played down reports, while Binny on his part said that he was not angry and that there was no rift in the party. 

On question on number of seats AAP will contest election, Yadav said, "We have formed our teams in 309 districts in the country, but it is still very early to say on how many seats we will contest the election." 

We will request people who want to change the politics of corruption, muscle power and money power, criminalisation to come forward, added Yadav.

Taking about the selection process for candidates Yadav said the party will focus on selection of candidates with clean image. 

"Honest people associated with other parties and organisations and feeling suffocated are welcome in AAP. Even members of other social organisations, farmers' organisations should come forward," he said.
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December 26, 2013, 11:35 pm
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leading anti-Mubarak activists jailed for 3 years in Egypt 
3 leading anti-Mubarak activists jailed for 3 years in Egypt Updated on : 22-12-2013 09:15 PM
Three top activists who spearheaded the 2011 revolution that toppled Egyptian strongman Hosni Mubarak have been sentenced to three years in jail for organising illegal demonstrations, the first such verdict under a new controversial protest law. 

Founder of 6th April Youth movement Ahmed Maher, member Mohamed Adel and long-time activist Ahmed Douma were charged with rioting and allegedly assaulting security forces during an unauthorised protest held here last month. The three were fined 50,000 Egyptian pounds (USD 7,100) each, judicial sources said. The activists chanted "down with the military regime," as a court here pronounced its verdict, official news agency MENA reported. 

The military-backed interim regime last month approved the controversial protests law that requires demonstrators to seek advance approval from the interior ministry. 

The three men were the first pro-democracy activists to go on trial amid months-long deadly crackdown on Islamists after the military on 3rd July ousted Mohammed Morsi, the country's first democratically elected President. 

They had supported the ouster of Morsi, whom they accused of betraying the 2011 revolution that toppled Egypt's three decades long President Mubarak. 
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December 26, 2013, 11:46 pm
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No vendetta, other snooping cases will be probed too: Govt
No vendetta, other snooping cases will be probed too: GovtUpdated on : 27-12-2013 08:48 AM
Rejecting charges of political vendetta, government said the Commission of Inquiry set up by it will probe snooping cases involving multiple states that include alleged surveillance on a woman in Gujarat and leaking of call data records of BJP leader Arun Jaitley.


"There is no vendetta, no revenge, no politics. We are taking action on the basis of facts and following the people's representations sent to the President. We are taking action as per people's wish," Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday. 

Shinde said that there were constant demands to the central government over the last one-and-a-half months for a probe into the Gujarat case, a reference of the alleged snooping on a woman at the behest of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 

He said a delegation of 47 women had met President Pranab Mukherjee and given representations demanding a probe. 

The President had referred the representations to the Home Ministry for necessary action which led to today's decision by the Union Cabinet of setting up of a Commission of Inquiry. 

The Home Minister said the inquiry ordered by the Gujarat government, to be conducted by a retired high court judge, cannot be compared with the Centre's order for probe as the Commission of Inquiry will cover multiple states while the Gujarat inquiry was concentrated only within the state. 

Shinde said there were several cases in the states of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi and the Commission of Inquiry will cover all of them. 

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was allegedly snooped on by the previous BJP government when he was not in office and that case will be probed by the Commission of Inquiry, he said. 

According to Home Ministry sources, the previous Prem Singh Dhumal government allegedly destroyed all records of snooping on Singh before the new government was formed. 

BJP had hit out at the Government for setting up the inquiry, saying it smacks of political vindictiveness and a witch-hunt targeting Narendra Modi while indicating it will be challenged in court for "violation" of Centre-state ties. 

The Home Minister said the leaking of call data records of BJP leader Arun Jaitely would also be probe by the Commission. 

"Political parties were also demanding a probe (into Jaitely case)," he said. 

Shinde said he has written to the Law Ministry to suggest a few persons who could be part of the Commission of Inquiry. 

Asked whether the Commission of Inquiry was ordered in view of the coming Lok Sabha polls, the Home Minister denied there were any political considerations. 

The Commission of Inquiry will submit its report within three months. 

The Lok Sabha elections are expected to be held in April-May, 2014. 
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December 28, 2013, 5:54 am
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International Drama Festival-16thBharat Rang Mahotsav 2014
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Capital wakes up to another Celebration of Drama with International Drama Festival-16thBharat Rang Mahotsav 2014

-ࠠࠠʼ/span>16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav to highlight various faces of Indian Theatre

-ࠠࠠʼ/span>16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav travels to Imphal and Guwahati

New Delhi, December 27, 2013: The cold winds are whistling between the window panes, and the sun is not tiring from its mischievous game of hide and seeks, the city is under a mystic spell of the famous Delhi winters and the fog has completely turned the citizens into a bit more Eskimo looking attires. It is that time of the year when DelhiⳠweathers have seemingly frozen the human souls and their lively spirits. The city is under a wintry spell and after welcoming the New Year with zest and zeal itⳠtime Delhi looks up to celebrate the warmth of life and human emotions. ItⳠtime again to warm up Delhiites souls with the drama of human emotions. ItⳠtime for Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

The National School of Drama rings in 2014 with its annual drama extravaganza in the form of International Festival of Drama – the 16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Commencing from the 4th of January and culminating on 19th January, 2014, this yearⳠInternational Drama Festival highlights the various faces of Indian theatre and brings to the capital 71 performances by renowned theater groups from different parts of India and the world on same platform so that theater aficionados as well as common men can watch and be entertained and enriched by their performances.

This year, theatre groups from 17 states, representing all the four regions of the nation East, West, North South will stage their performances on this international platform. Even countries like Srilanka, Japan, Israel, China, Poland and Germany which are steeped in theatre culture, brings in seven performances in this yearⳠinternational festival. The festival will feature a complete kaleidoscope of various theatre styles starting from Classical, including Modern, Western and finishing in Folk Theatre; thus showing all the different faces of Indian Theatre to the audience. If this was not all, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this time highlights traditional folk theatre from about every part of the country bringing 11 performances from folk & traditional theatre, making it the ultimate platform of interaction and education of theatre.

Prof. Waman Kendre, NSD Director, says, エarat Rang Mahotsav is not only about urban theatre but it also focuses on the rural and traditional theatre. Hence, NSD being the apex theatre institution of the country is reaching out to every nook and corner of the country where drama and theatre exists and survives. With such exchange of knowledge and culture NSD aims to be the ultimate platform of theatre and cultural exchanges in theatre not only in India but with other countries as well where theatre is alive.伯span>

As a parallel festival, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this year goes out to the exotic North East with 6 plays this year.NSD this year touches the hearts of Imphal and Guwahati with 3 international plays (from Israel, Japan and Sri Lanka) and 3 Indian plays which includes a Tamasha. This parallel festival will be on from 9th January, 2014 to the 16th January, 2014.

Shri Ratan Thiyam, Chairperson, National School Of Drama Society says, ㉮tegrating theatre from all parts of the nation and also taking it to varied audience has been an integral part of the vision of NSD for Bharat Rang Mahotsav. North East has a culturally rich and potentially strong theatre movement. Missing Bharat Rang MahotsavⳠpresence in the region will be a loss to the art and culture lovers of North East. Hence, the parallel festival is targeted in the North East this year.伯span>

Apart from the theatre shows, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this year will also be bringing the national theatre luminaries and their international counterparts together on one platform. With this aim NSD has planned two seminars this year where ideas will be exchanged freely and thoughts on topics like ᇬobal Exchanges, Local Encounters⠡nd on ᕳe & Abuse of Tradition in TodayⳠTheatre⠷ill be discussed at length. Meet the directors an open forum for the audience to interact with the directorⳠand Dr Kamlesh Datt Tripathi interacts with K.N. Panicker will also be some of the major interactive session in BRM 2014.

As part of Interactions on New Writings in Theatre, this year BRM 2014, will see the launch of a book by Mahesh Dattani ፥ & My Plays⠰ublished by Penguin India along with book reading session by various eminent authors like Surendra Verma, Pratap Sehgal, Mannu Bhandari and Asghar Wajahat are part of the festival. NSD this year has also planned a poster and photographic exhibition on in house Shakespeare production throughout the festival period.  Film screening of films based on theatre experiences and theatre process by Sanjay Maharshi will also be one of the major attractions during the festival. Short films on mobile theatre of Assam, Nautanki, Grotowski workshop and The Making of King Lear adapted in Hindustani are catered for the audience.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav was started a decade ago by the NSD in order to contribute to the growth and development of theatre across the country with the aim of providing a platform for theatre performances and interaction. From being a national festival that presented the work of some of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has grown into an international event, hosting theatre companies from around the world, and is today acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia dedicated solely to theatre. In addition to the national and international performances that are staged during the Festival, the fare also includes exhibitions, installations, interactive sessions with directors and performers for the general public and professionals, a vibrant theatre caf鬊open forums and meetings and a shorter festival in another city to which some of the productions travel.
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December 28, 2013, 5:57 am
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International Drama Festival-16thBharat Rang Mahotsav 2014

28122013
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Capital wakes up to another Celebration of Drama with International Drama Festival-16thBharat Rang Mahotsav 2014
-ࠠࠠʼ/span>16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav to highlight various faces of Indian Theatre
-ࠠࠠʼ/span>16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav travels to Imphal and Guwahati
New Delhi, December 27, 2013: The cold winds are whistling between the window panes, and the sun is not tiring from its mischievous game of hide and seeks, the city is under a mystic spell of the famous Delhi winters and the fog has completely turned the citizens into a bit more Eskimo looking attires. It is that time of the year when DelhiⳠweathers have seemingly frozen the human souls and their lively spirits. The city is under a wintry spell and after welcoming the New Year with zest and zeal itⳠtime Delhi looks up to celebrate the warmth of life and human emotions. ItⳠtime again to warm up Delhiites souls with the drama of human emotions. ItⳠtime for Bharat Rang Mahotsav.
The National School of Drama rings in 2014 with its annual drama extravaganza in the form of International Festival of Drama – the 16th Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Commencing from the 4th of January and culminating on 19th January, 2014, this yearⳠInternational Drama Festival highlights the various faces of Indian theatre and brings to the capital 71 performances by renowned theater groups from different parts of India and the world on same platform so that theater aficionados as well as common men can watch and be entertained and enriched by their performances.
This year, theatre groups from 17 states, representing all the four regions of the nation East, West, North South will stage their performances on this international platform. Even countries like Srilanka, Japan, Israel, China, Poland and Germany which are steeped in theatre culture, brings in seven performances in this yearⳠinternational festival. The festival will feature a complete kaleidoscope of various theatre styles starting from Classical, including Modern, Western and finishing in Folk Theatre; thus showing all the different faces of Indian Theatre to the audience. If this was not all, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this time highlights traditional folk theatre from about every part of the country bringing 11 performances from folk & traditional theatre, making it the ultimate platform of interaction and education of theatre.
Prof. Waman Kendre, NSD Director, says, エarat Rang Mahotsav is not only about urban theatre but it also focuses on the rural and traditional theatre. Hence, NSD being the apex theatre institution of the country is reaching out to every nook and corner of the country where drama and theatre exists and survives. With such exchange of knowledge and culture NSD aims to be the ultimate platform of theatre and cultural exchanges in theatre not only in India but with other countries as well where theatre is alive.伯span>
As a parallel festival, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this year goes out to the exotic North East with 6 plays this year.NSD this year touches the hearts of Imphal and Guwahati with 3 international plays (from Israel, Japan and Sri Lanka) and 3 Indian plays which includes a Tamasha. This parallel festival will be on from 9th January, 2014 to the 16th January, 2014.
Shri Ratan Thiyam, Chairperson, National School Of Drama Society says, ㉮tegrating theatre from all parts of the nation and also taking it to varied audience has been an integral part of the vision of NSD for Bharat Rang Mahotsav. North East has a culturally rich and potentially strong theatre movement. Missing Bharat Rang MahotsavⳠpresence in the region will be a loss to the art and culture lovers of North East. Hence, the parallel festival is targeted in the North East this year.伯span>
Apart from the theatre shows, Bharat Rang Mahotsav this year will also be bringing the national theatre luminaries and their international counterparts together on one platform. With this aim NSD has planned two seminars this year where ideas will be exchanged freely and thoughts on topics like ᇬobal Exchanges, Local Encounters⠡nd on ᕳe & Abuse of Tradition in TodayⳠTheatre⠷ill be discussed at length. Meet the directors an open forum for the audience to interact with the directorⳠand Dr Kamlesh Datt Tripathi interacts with K.N. Panicker will also be some of the major interactive session in BRM 2014.
As part of Interactions on New Writings in Theatre, this year BRM 2014, will see the launch of a book by Mahesh Dattani ፥ & My Plays⠰ublished by Penguin India along with book reading session by various eminent authors like Surendra Verma, Pratap Sehgal, Mannu Bhandari and Asghar Wajahat are part of the festival. NSD this year has also planned a poster and photographic exhibition on in house Shakespeare production throughout the festival period.  Film screening of films based on theatre experiences and theatre process by Sanjay Maharshi will also be one of the major attractions during the festival. Short films on mobile theatre of Assam, Nautanki, Grotowski workshop and The Making of King Lear adapted in Hindustani are catered for the audience.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav
The Bharat Rang Mahotsav was started a decade ago by the NSD in order to contribute to the growth and development of theatre across the country with the aim of providing a platform for theatre performances and interaction. From being a national festival that presented the work of some of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has grown into an international event, hosting theatre companies from around the world, and is today acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia dedicated solely to theatre. In addition to the national and international performances that are staged during the Festival, the fare also includes exhibitions, installations, interactive sessions with directors and performers for the general public and professionals, a vibrant theatre caf鬊open forums and meetings and a shorter festival in another city to which some of the productions travel.

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Happening Overseas

28122013

Removal of chemical weapons from Syria delayed beyond the deadline


The removal of the “most critical” toxins from Syria is expected to be delayed beyond the Dec. 31 deadline“because of various external influences, including the weather,” the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said. Earlier Damascus agreed to remove deadly toxins, including around 20 tons of mustard nerve agents, from the northern port of Latakia by the end of the year. It is still unknown when the removal of chemical weapons from Syria will begin, a Russian diplomat said on Friday.




​Tribesmen blow up pipeline in Yemen


Tribesmen have blown up a pipeline in the eastern Hadramout province of Yemen, disrupting oil flow, according to local government official, reports Reuters. This is the first time the pipeline has been hit. It transports crude oil from an oil field in Hadramout to the country’s port of Mukkala. The tribesmen in Yemen often attack oil pipelines in their protests for more employment and the release of jailed relatives. On Thursday they seized an Oil Ministry building in the region in response to the killing of their tribal leader at an army checkpoint this month.


Student dies in Egypt’s university clashes


A student has been killed in Egypt during a campus clash between police and Islamists in Cairo, a local medic told AFP. Earlier on Saturday, supporters of the banned Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement set fire to two buildings at Cairo’s Al-Azhar University, state TV said. The violence reportedly erupted as pro-Muslim Brotherhood students tried to prevent their classmates from sitting an exam.



​Iraqi troops arrest Sunni MP, kill 5


Iraqi security forces arrested Ahmed al-Alwani, a member of the Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc in the country’s parliament, on charges of “terrorism” in the western city of Ramadi. Forces clashed with his bodyguards who resisted the arrest, killing at least five people, including a sister and brother of Alwani, police sources reported. Alwani, an influential figure in the Sunni protest movement, has been critical of the country’s Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and his Shiite-led government, sources said.


​Russian spacemen took a record-breaking spacewalk outside the ISS


Two Russian spacemen, Oleg Kotov and Sergey Ryazansky, have taken an 8 hours 7 minutes spacewalk, reported mission control from Houston on NASA TV. The spacewalkers wearing Russian Orlan-MK space suits set a record for the longest Russian spacewalk ever. The cosmonauts, who last month carried the Olympic torch into open space, were installing the Canadian UrtheCast cameras on the outside of the ISS. However, the task was aborted after a Russian flight control team was unable to receive telemetry data from the video cameras, and the spacemen were told to remove the cameras and bring them inside the orbiting laboratory for further inspection.


​China jails 4 security officials over fruit seller’s death


A Chinese court sentenced four security officials to jail terms of up to 11 years over a watermelon vendor’s death, the official Xinhua news agency reported. Deng Zhengjia, 56, died after a fight with the security officials in the south-central province of Hunan in July. The man was trying to sell watermelons where trade was apparently banned, according to Xinhua. The incident set off a wave of criticism over constant abuses of power by city patrols. The security officials were the members of the “chengguan” [The City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau] who work with police to help enforce minor city regulations. They have recently been tarnished by several cases in which vendors were beaten, had goods confiscated, or were illegally detained or evicted.


​N. Korea strengthens patrols at Chinese border


North Korea has beefed up security at its border with China, Chinese state-run Global Times newspaper reported. The number of North Korean soldiers who conduct nighttime patrols along the border is now higher than those during daylight hours, the report said. Pyongyang has also asked Beijing to stop short-term tourist travel to the North. North Korea’s border regions are relying on cross-border trade and jobs in China for a considerable degree of its economy. The businesses are predominantly illegal, but local authorities are often compelled to turn a blind eye on them. Pyongyang from time to time launches crackdowns on the black market economy, which it sees as a source of corruption, and a threat towards its policy of controlling inflow of information from abroad.


​Dozens killed in Brazil flooding


Nearly 40 people have been killed in two weeks of heavy downpours which caused floods and mudslides in the south-eastern Brazilian states of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais, said Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff who arrived in one of the affected regions on Thursday. More than 70,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Tens of thousands of people spent Christmas without drinking water, power or communications. Rescue troops have been organised to deliver food, water and medicine to the affected areas. Rousseff has already pledged millions of dollars to help rebuild the region.


​Opposition protester shot dead in gunman attack in Thai capital


A man in his 30s has been killed and four others suffered gunshot wounds at a protester camp in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok, Erawan Emergency Center reported. An unidentified gunman opened fire on activists who have been venting their anger at PM Yingluck Shinawatra’s government over the past two days. Several hundred people have been camping out in tents next to Government House in Bangkok. Witnesses said they were sleeping when gunfire suddenly rang out at about 3.30 local time (20:30 GMT Friday). Reuters TV pictures showed bullet holes in a concrete wall and a generator, as well as bloodstains in one of the protesters’ tents. The shooting came only 48 hours after an officer had been killed during an anti-government rally in the Thai capital.

A fire ravaged an express train in southern India 

23 killed in fire on  train


A fire ravaged an express train in southern India on Saturday morning, killing at least 23 of the 67 passengers on board, a spokesman for CS Gupta railways announced. The train was traveling through Andhra Pradesh state when it was stopped and emergency crews rushed aboard. Firefighters retrieved at least 23 bodies, including two children. They added that many of those killed were likely suffocated in the coach section, which filled with thick black smoke. More than a dozen people were taken to hospitals with various injuries, said a railway official at the site of the fire.

Rescue setback for Russian passenger ship stranded off Antarctica


The rescue mission of Russian passenger ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy, which is trapped off Antartica, was stalled after a Chinese icebreaker failed to break through thick ice to reach the stranded vessel, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) told AFP. “The Chinese vessel unfortunately encountered some heavy ice that it’s not capable of breaking through,” AMSA spokeswoman Andrea Hayward-Maher said. “So unfortunately it won’t be able to continue through to the Akademik Shokalskiy. The rescue…unfortunately has stalled.” The Russian ship, which is being used in the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, became trapped in ice approximately 100 nautical miles east of the French Antarctic base Dumont D’Urville on Tuesday. The ship has about 74 people on board, including tourists and scientists.media agencies 

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28122013

Riots in Turkey

POSTED ON DECEMBER 28, 2013 UPDATED ON DECEMBER 28, 2013
Turkish riot police blasted opposition protesters with water cannons, tear gas and plastic bullets in Istanbul in scenes reminiscent of the summer’s mass anti-government demonstrations.
The protesters on Friday evening threw rocks and firecrackers at police, shouting, “Catch the thief!” in reference to a widening corruption scandal gripping Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.
Similar protests were held in the city of Izmir, and in Ankara where police also fired water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Police blocked hundreds of protesters from gathering in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square and pushed them away to the nearby streets. At least 70 people have been detained in the Taksim protesters.
At least 31 people, including three lawyers, have been detained in Istanbul, according to the Istanbul Bar Association.
Thousands of Erdogan backers, meanwhile, gathered at other spots showing their support for the embattled Erdogan.
Twenty-four people, including the sons of two former government ministers and the head of the state-owned financial institution, Halkbank, have been arrested on bribery charges.
Media reports say the probe is over alleged illicit money transfers to Iran and bribery for construction projects.Erdogan replaced almost half of his cabinet on Wednesday after three members stepped down following corruption allegations. Despite replacing 10 of his ministers, many Turks are calling on Erdogan to resign. A number of people, including the sons of two ministers, are allegedly suspects accused of corruption such as money laundering and bribery to secure construction permits.
Three Turkish legislators, including a former minister, from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) have resigned over the scandal and accused the Turkish government of putting pressure on the judiciary. Media agencies

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Press Conference at press Club on Khurshid Anwar Suicide

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Statement on the tragic circumstances of Khurshid Anwar’s suicide
We the undersigned are shocked at the manner in which a section of the electronic media and the social media vilified Khurshid Anwar, social activist and writer with regard to an allegation of rape against him, causing him to commit suicide today morning , the 18th of December, 2013. The allegation was never investigated by either the police, (there was no FIR) or any statutory body resulting in him being completely denied the opportunity of being heard or the allegation fairly investigated.
Without the due process of law the electronic and social media declare a person guilty even before trial. Due and fair process of law is necessary not only for the aggrieved but also for the accused.
We would like to also state categorically that this attitude of the media not only harms the cause of justice but also subjects people to unnecessary harassment.
Apoorvanand,
Kavita Srivastava
Mahtab Alam
Dipa Sinha
Sachin Jain
Aditya Srivastava
Dr. Binayak Sen
Biraj Patnaik
Dheeraj
Swati Narayan
Madhuri Krishnamurty
Purwa Bhardwaj
Kumar Sundaram
Manisha Sethi
Tanweer Fazal
Anusha Rizvi
Mahmood Farooqui
Poonam Girdhani
Fouzia Dastango
[The above statement has been endorsed by a large number of people. The full list with other names will be added here is the coming days]
If you are in agreement with this appeal, please do give in your name. This will make a difference. It will perhaps help make sure that no one else is forced down the road of death without any legal trial.

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Solutrean-Hindustan F.C. Thrash Delhi F.C. 2-1 in DSA Senior Division League 2013

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New Delhi, 27th December 2013: Solutrean-Hindustan Football Club thrashed Delhi Football Club 2-1 in their third league match of the DSA Senior Division League 2013 played at the CWG Sports Complex in Akshardham on Friday.
Midfielder Jagdeep Singh started the campaign with an eye-catching goal at the 30th min. Left-back Anil Bara shot the ball from left-flank to Jagdeep, who received it in the air and directed to the net beating the opposition’s custodian.
Just after three minutes (33rd min), Nigerian striker O.O. Sola increased the lead to 2-0 by netting the ball and helped Solutrean-Hindustan F.C. to maintain the domination through-out the first half.
In the second half, Solutrean-Hindustan faced tough fight-back from Delhi F.C. Pradeep Kumar scored their first goal at the 48th min. and helped his team to give some tough challenges. In the rest of the match, Delhi F.C. tried to equalise the score but Solutrean-Hindustan defenders resisted well and won the match 2-1.
After this match, Solutrean-Hindustan F.C. now has 7 points in the Group II. They will face City Football Club on 2ndJanuary 2013 at 02:45 pm.

About Hindustan FC:
Hindustan Football Club is a professional football club based in Delhi, India. Founded in 1948, they play in the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) Senior Division League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Delhi football.
Hindustan FC have been Delhi champions three times (2001, 2009 & 2010) and Runners-up four times (1996, 1998, 2000 & 2002). They have also been in the I League (earlier National Football League) 2nd Division five times (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2010).
Hindustan FC has established a football academy – Hindustan Football Academy – and the Academy organise an annual inter-school tournament – Hind Kishore School Tournament – in Delhi NCR.
Hindustan FC also organises annual seminar on Indian Football, prominent sports personalities, officials and corporate leaders share their views on various issues related to country’s football.

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Categories : CSR, sports, Uncategorized

28122013

250th AMC ANNIVERSARY


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  1. 1.                     
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The Army Medical Corps celebrates its 250th Anniversary on 01 Jan 2014. On this day in Jan 1764, the first Indian Doctor joined the East India Company. On 03 Apr 1947, amalgamation of the Indian Medical Department , Indian Medical Services and the Indian Hospital Corps led to the formation of the Indian Army Medical Corps . The Government of India on the recommendat ions of the Armed Forces Medical Services and Research Integration Committee chaired by Dr B C Roy created the post of DGAFMS as the Medical Adv iser o the Defence Minister I Supreme Commander , and to head the three medical services , creating the first integrated tri services organisation of the Indian Armed Forces in 1948.
  1. 2.                   Presently, Air Marshal D P Joshi , AVSM , PHS, is the Director General AFMS . The Air Officer has more than three decades of experience as urologist , renal transplant speialist, and as medical administrator working in varied fie lds such as disability P.ension adjudication , procurement , provisioning and human resources . Prior to his appointment as DGAFMS he was the head of medical services of the Air Force.
  2. 3.                  The Army Medical Corps has a rich and glorious heritage, providing combat and comprehensive medical care to the Armed Forces and its dependent clientele and in it’s care of our veterans . The Corps continue s to strive and preserve the health, fitness and the indomitable spirit of our soldiers, sailors and airmen and their families in both war and peace. In remote and forward areas these services are extended to Para Military Forces and civ ilians too.
    1. 4.                  The AFMS has a well-established health care system and has the distinction of being a leader in all dimensions of healthcare provisioning. We have transformed over the years to a modern, technology intensive service delivering evidenced based care with compassion and empathy. We have kept abreast of the global trends and best practices in delivering patient and combat casualty care. Our centers of excellence and training institutes have played a pivotal role in this transition over last 250 years.

  1. 5.                  As we all are aware that future of any technical service is relevant only if it provides state of the art medical care. In order to accomplish this commitment towards healthcare service, we have a dynamic Manpower, robust Infrastructure and modernized equipment. Our Human Resource consisting of about 6000 Medical Officers, 600 Dental Officers, 300 AMC (NT) Officers, 4500 Nursing Officers, 55000 soldiers, sailors and airmen is one of the largest healthcare organizations. Manpower inadequacies as compared to prevalent stffing norms in the country have been largely addressed with release of accretions by the Government and Hon’ble RM has sanctioned addit ional manpower which is being inducted in a phased manner .

  1. 6.                  The AFMS have adopted the concept of 3C through 3C, which is Combat to   Comprehensive Care through Complete Career Concept, by taking graduates and exposing them to combat care, and training them in serv ice through post graduate and doctoral courses and employing them to provide specialized and super specialized  care in tertiary  care and zonal hospitals .

  1. 7.                   In an endeavor to provide specialist medical care to its clientele , the Armed Forces Medical Services is moving towards an All Specialist Corps . As part of capability development there has been continuous effort in training the officers and men to enhance their professional knowledge in all specialties and trades keeping with the pace of advancements in healthcare. There is adequate infrastructure and teaching staff for training at AFMS teaching hospitals. Admission to the Advance Course/Post Graduate course at AFMS institutions for the year 2013 was based on the central examination NEET (PG) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) under the aegis of the Min of Health and Family Welfare (MoH & FW). Number of Postgraduate seats has been increased to more than 450 in AFMS Hospitals. In order to provide more avenues for enhancement of professional skills , age limit for PG courses has been increased . From the year 2014 onwards, the examination for the grant of Study Leave to the Specialists would be in the form of Computer Based Test (CBT) to be conducted at three centers in the country . Our Specialists are trained in super specialties at AllMS , PGI, NIMHANS Sri Chitra and other national and international centers of excellence to deliver better healthcare .
    1. 8.             The Military Nursing Service officers are also being imparted basic and Post Graduate training at various Colleges and Schools of Nursing. The schools of nursing at INHS Asvini , AH (R&R), CH (EC) Kolkata and CH (CC) Lucknow are all now upgraded to Colleges of Nursing. The schools at Bengaluru and Chandimandir are under the process of conversion into colleges. College of Nursing at Command Hospital (EC) has been permitted to start MSc Nursing in three disciplines i.e. Psychiatry, Community Health and Obstetrics & Gynecology nursing . Enhancement of seats from eight to twenty for training of Nursing Officers for PBBSc (Nursing) course of two years duration at College of Nursing, AFMC , Pune has also been accorded by the Gol. For the year 20 13, Maj Gen H J Bhullar , VSM , the then ADGMNS has been bestowed with t his prestigious award of National Florence Nightingale award by the Honorable President of India.
    2. 9.                   Quality training in various disciplines is being imparted to JCO/ORs for upgradation of their professional competency. Degree and Diploma courses in Paramedical Sciences are offered at the Institute of Paramedical Sciences. AMC Centre , Lucknow , through UP State Medical Faculty & Allied Sciences (UPSMFAC) , All India Institute  of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AllPMR), Mumbai, Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS) Pune, AF MC through Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) , CHAF (B) throu gh Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) , etc . I am confident that these courses from national institutes of repute will definitely help in continuous upgradation of skills of paramedical staff along with enhancing their post retirement job opportunities .
      1. 10.             Training to candidates sponsored by friendly neighbouring  fore ign countries is provided by the AFMS in its training institutions/hospitals based upon the requests received from these countries and availability of vacanc ies. 16 seats for MD/MS courses were allotted for candidates from friendly fore ign countries along with various short term courses in nursing and paramedical specialties for the year 2013-14 . Short term PG attachments were also given to 05 doctors. 04 Nurses were trained by Short term courses. 123 Para Medicals from various countries were imparted training.

  1. 11.              AFMS has always strived to change with the times to cater to all requirements of th clientele by providing the latest available technology, drugs and infrastructur upgradation at various levels of health care. Our infrastructure facilities and equipment profile have undergone accelerated improvements and are comparable to the best.
  2. 12.              We provide advanced and specialized treatment for heart, lung, kidney diseases, cancer treatment, joint replacement, artificial limbs, liver , kidney , Bone Marrow transplant, cochlear implant and assisted reproduction to its entitled clientele at the larger hospitals, with AH  (R&R ) being our apex center. The ART centre at AH (R&R) has the distinction of achieving 538 IVF pregnancies during 2013, which is the highest achieved by any IVF centre in the country.  Ours is the only center in the country to start once-ART programme wherein freezing of gametes, embryos and gonadal tissue of the cancer patients is carried out prior to commencing the chemo/radiotherapy to preserve their fertility .
  3. 13.             We have built infrastructure over the decades to evolve Nine centers of Excellence as ‘Navaratnas ‘ which include our Command Hospitals and AH (R&R). We are on the verge of commencing major modernization projects of constructing new hospital buildings in place of those of the colonial era . Construction of the new modern multistoried building of Command Hospital (Southern Command) Pune has started with foundation stone laying by the Hon’ble RM on 18 Jun 2013. The case of upgradation of 46 hospitals, both zonal and mid zonal is in advanced stage of approval by the Government. Air Force Hospitals at Gorakhpur and Hindon are being upgraded to Zonal level Hospitals of 400 beds each.
  4. 14.               Modernization of the Armed Forces hospitals is being undertaken thro ugh prioritized procurement   in Annual  Acquisition   Plans.  Some  of  the  major equipments procured are PET Scans, Orthopaedic Operating Tables , Adva nce Automated Visual Field Analyzers and Posterior Segment Operat ing Microscopes . 09 CT scan machines and 09 MRI machines are also being procured. Rs. 584.0’0 Crores has been allotted for procurement of medicines and non-expendables for various AFMS hospitals under Revenue Budget for the FY 2013-14 . Under Capital Budget for FY 2013-14 , Rs. 140.00 Crores has been allotted for the planned modernization through Annual Acquisition Plans to equip the hospitals with state of art, sophisticated and  electro-med ical equipments. Revision of entire 91 Medical Eq i pment (ME) scales pertai ni ng to Army , Navy and Air Force has been completed and is awaiting Govt approva l.
  5. 15.              Procurement of life saving and essential scaled equipment have been fast tracked to modernize peripheral hospitals and field medical units. We have also conceptualized the Common Drug List of 315 drugs to be procured by the mother depots with a compliance of near 100°/o . As cost reduction strategy, 205 Central Rate Contracts have been concluded as on 11 Nov 2013 , which includes 94 items of Common Drug List.
    1. 16.          A  Price Agreement  Policy has been formulated  on 08 May 2013 to enable the   AFMS hospitals in   procuring indented items promptly, with       economy, resulting in cutting down  order  processing time  and  inventory  carrying  costs. To keep  up with  the  rapid  advances  made  in medical therapeutics , revision  of the PVMS  Sec  -01  pertaining  to  drugs  has  been  undertaken  by  the  Drug  Revie Committee . A  number  of  drugs that  have become outdated  have been deleted ; and  newer  drugs  have  been  introduced  for  the  benefit  of  dependent  clientele. Apart  from this  Commanding  Officers  of  all  hospitals  have  been delegated with financial  powers thus  decentralizing  the  procurement  system .
    2. 17.          To cater to the ever changing requirements regarding patient care, MoD has approved the revised PE of Military and Base hospitals of all commands for adoption with immediate effect. The revised PE incorporates significant increase in manpower and vehicle author ization. PE of AFMC and Army Hosp (R&R) Delhi Cantt has also been revised and promulgated. Newer Ambula nces are being introduced in the AFMS. Procurement of 30 TATA Winger critical care ambulances has fructified. Summer and Winter trials have been complet ed for procurement of 679 Med Amb (4×4 ) through Capital Route and phase Ill trials are likely to commence soon . Summer field trials have been completed for procurement of 149 Med Amb (4×2) through Capital Route.
      1. 18.      Patient Safety is a 365 days commitment of our healthcare professionals to their patients. The year 2013 was observed as the ‘year of Patient Safety 01 Sep to 07 Sep 13 was celebrated as the Patients Safety Week-2013 with the theme of “7 days of awareness-365 days of commitment”. To further improve the quality of healthcare being provided by various AFMS hospitals and to bring it at par with the current best practices in the country, a ‘Roadmap for accreditation of AFMS hospitals’ has been put in place. This would be achieved through better organizational structure, responsibilities, processes, procedures, 

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Arvind: My request to B.J.P and Congress,let us work together

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    ARVIND KEJRIWAL’s ADDRESS TO DELHIiTES AFTER OATH CEREMONY
 Rhetorically Arvind Kejriwal Delhi CM, said in his address “Today is historical day as  this oath is not of C.M. and ministers but of Aam Admi. Delhi Citizens have done excellent job when the country seems to be going in gutter and people depressed. People of Delhi rose and showed the way that the elections can be won by sheer voters will. Corrupt government is thrown out due to some mystic powers. This is the beginning of the actual fight which cannot be fought by C.M. and its ministers alone and need 1.7 Cr. people support to fight corruption and I am sure we can do it. We are not the only intelligent people neither has the magic wand but if  1.7 Cr. people can get together, we can win over chaos and crisis.This is not my government but of 1.7 Cr. people government and they have to run this government. Two and a half years ago we were here at Ramlila Maidan with Aana but our fast, protest and agitation  all went in vain and thereby told reluctant Anna that we have to get into this political cesspool to remove the sludge. Health, Education, road, water and electricity bills all institutions have turned worse because of political unwillingness for speedy action.
We lost Santosh, our dedicated colleague. She died but her spirit must be watching our effort.
People asked me to be beware of the Babudom   but met many Babus,they have a good impression concern about their actions.
CM said, I appeal and pray to the workers, people  of AAP, let there be no arrogance  and we must shun it so that no other party is born to vanish us. That is why work with humility and love for all.
We have challenged the most powerful authorities. So beware and let us be cautious and face all challenges. Acknowledge, Delhi people have given great responsibility and work along with people at large, assure that we will work for the welfare of the masses. With the grace of God, the result of our action is not in our hand so let our efforts results be  in the hands of almighty.
Harshwardhan is a good person. My request to both B.J.P. and Congress,let us work together for the welfare of the people of Delhi in case their conscious support our efforts.
My vote of confidence is of less significance and will face it without its result or consequences but assure that there will be no trade or earn money while serving as we left our best career to serve the people.
My hunch is that at last the nation is on its way to mysticism  with the grace of Almighty and the people gather together at given time. Within 5 years, India will be Sone Ki Chidiya (a prosperous nation) as it used to be.
          Let no people ask money or give money in case it happens with you, just call the toll free number which will be allotted within 2 days. We will see that the corrupt is punished. Let us take pledge that neither we shall give money or take money for any action or any work so that corrupt free government is established.”

The C.M. of Delhi Arvind finally ends his speech by singing a song “Insan ka Insan se ho Bhaichara” in his opening speech at Ramlila Maidan after the Oath taking ceremony.

By Naresh Kumar Sagar
Updated 1.40 P.M. 28.12.13
New Delhi. 

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December 28, 2013, 5:58 am
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“Philippines: the Real Opportunities”
Seminar on Doing Business with the Philippines
January 21, 2014
Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi
 
We are pleased to invite you for a Seminar on “Doing Business with the Philippines: the Real Opportunities”   for   Trade & Investments, being organized by FICCI in association with Philippines Embassy in New Delhi as per the following schedule: 
 
Date & Day                            :               January 21, 2014, Tuesday
Time                                      :               10.00 am
Venue                                    :               Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi
 
As you may be that India-ASEAN trade is likely to increase from about US $ 80 billion at present to US$ 100 billion by 2015. However, the bilateral trade between India and the Philippines FY 2012-13 is just US$ 1.6 billion of which almost two thirds of Indian exports to the Philippines. This shows the immense potential for trade between our countries. Also, India – Philippines economic cooperation has a major role in the India ASEAN FTA, which is due to be concluded shortly. This will further open doors for trade and investment including that in Services.
 
 Experts and Representatives from Public Private Partnership Centre, (PPPC), Philippines,  would be travelling to New Delhi for this seminar to discuss the actual projects on offer in the sectors of Energy and Transportation and also answer your queries regarding the same. This would be ideal platform to explore the new opportunities in Philippines. In view of your interest in doing business with Philippines and the immense potential the country offers, we invite you to join us for the seminar cum panel discussion.
 
You may kindly forward your confirmation, latest by January 3, 2014, as the registration shall be on first-cum-first serve basis. A nominal fee of Rs.1500/- for FICCI members and 2000/- for the non members is being charged (to be paid through Cheque / DD in favor of “FICCI”). You may forward your confirmations along with Cheque/ Demand Draft to my colleague, Ms Santosh Nautiyal, Deputy Director, E mail:santosh_nautiyal@ficci.com, Fax:  23765316.
 
Looking forward to receiving you and with kind regards,
 
Yours  sincerely,
 
 
Sujoy Dasgupta
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December 30, 2013, 5:09 am
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Reduction in CAD

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Reduction in CAD, pick up in exports improve India’s external sector: RBI
The Reserve Bank today ruled out any major impact on domestic markets by the US Fed’s tapering its monthly bond-buying programme from later this week.
The apex bank said that India’s external sector has improved with reduction in Current Account Defecit, CAD and a pick up in exports.
In its eighth Financial Stability Report released today, RBI said, external sector risks have been reduced considerably and the effect of the tapering on the economy is expected to be limited and short-lived.
On the occasion of releasing the Report in Mumbai, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan warned on the high inflation as a hurdle for easy money policy. He said the outlook for the country’s economy has improved, with export growth regaining momentum, but growth is still weak.
Mr. Rajan also warned against the rising tide of bad loans saying risks to the banking system have increased since June this year.
The RBI report said that CAD is expected to be less than 3 per cent of the GDP during the current financial year as the country’s external position appears to be manageable and reserves seem adequate.
CAD shot up to an all-time high of 4.8 per cent last year on account of a heavy trade deficit and higher gold imports.
The tapering, from January, of the USD 85-billion monthly bond buying programme by US Fed to prop the American economy, has given India time to replenish forex reserves and rein in high CAD, which was at 3.05 per cent in first half of this fiscal (2013-14) as against 4.8 per cent last fiscal.
The US Fed announced this month that it would cut back on bond buying by 10 billion dollar to 75 billion dollar a month following improvement in the country’s economy.

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Mumbai International Film Festival, 3rd – 9th February 2014

 
Director General: Films Division & Director, Mumbai International Film Festival would address a Press Conference in Delhi on 30-12-2013 at PIB Conference Hall at 2:30 p.m. regarding the Mumbai International Film Festival, being organised by the Ministry from 3rd – 9th February 2014

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AAP’s fulfill promise of 700 litres of free water

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Delhi Jal Board meet with Arvind Kejriwal at his residence ends. AAP’s promise of  700 litres of water will be given free to each household in Delhi, while anything above 700 litres will be charged.
Free water upto 700 Ltrs  was one of the promises made in AAP’s manifesto,next on their agenda is reducing electricity charges.
CEO of the Delhi Jal board says that 20 kilo litre of water (700 litres) per month to customers will be provided to domestic customers who have functional water meters. This will be provided from January 1, 2014 to March 30. To encourage water conservation, consumers who use more than 20 kilo litres per month will be charged for the entire consumption.

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Financial Stability Report December 2013: RBI

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Financial Stability Report December 2013: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India today released the Financial Stability Report (FSR) December 2013, the eighth in the series against the backdrop of a mild positive market reaction to the announcement of tapering in the US Federal Reserves’ bond purchase programme from January 2014. The commencement of the taper should signal a calibrated return to normal liquidity and credit conditions in the global markets and also better pricing of risk. This will mean a repricing of certain assets with consequent volatility. Efforts during the past few months have been directed to make the Indian economy more resilient to the ultimate withdrawal of liquidity from the system and less reliant on unstable external capital for growth. The FSR aims to create awareness about the vulnerabilities in the financial system, to inform about the resilience to stress of the financial institutions and to generally serve as a health check on the financial system.

Highlights of Financial Stability Report by RBI December 2013

Global Economy and Markets–The tapering in the US Federal Reserves’ bond purchase programme is set to begin from January 2014. The initial reaction of financial markets to the announcement has been positive, having been anticipated and therefore factored-in. Fed’s forward guidance on the policy rates has also had a reassuring impact. However, financial market volatility will be conditioned by the pace of tapering going forward. Against this background, the interplay of growth inflation dynamics between advanced economies (AEs) and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) (convergence in growth and divergence in inflation) may increase vulnerabilities for EMDEs. To reduce spillovers from AE monetary policy normalisation, EMDEs will have to strengthen national balance-sheets. High global liquidity amid persistently low interest rates in AEs has been pushing up asset prices.

Domestic Economy and Markets– The delay in tapering allowed India to bring about adjustment in the current account deficit (CAD) and build buffers by replenishing its foreign exchange reserves. However, macro-economic adjustment is far from complete, with persistence of high inflation amidst growth slowdown. Fall in domestic savings and relatively high fiscal deficit are other major concerns for India . Reviving Fiscal Responsibility legislation and a gradual reduction in government borrowings can complement financial market development and improve confidence in the economy.

Against the backdrop of a large CAD and dependence on volatile capital flows to fund it, the Indian rupee had depreciated following the Fed’s May 2013 indication of possible tapering in its bond purchase programme. There have been significant improvements on the external front since then, some measures initiated by the Government of India (GoI) and the Reserve Bank.  The current account deficit (CAD) during Q2 2013-14 fell sharply to 1.2% of GDP from 4.9% during Q1 2013-14 due to decline in the trade deficit. From July 2013 onwards exports have grown faster than imports. The CAD is expected to be less than 3% of GDP during the current financial year. The increased resilience of the Indian financial markets is evidenced by the positive reaction to the announcement of the commencement of tapering from January 2014 by the Fed.

Corporate performance continues to be weighed down by boom period expansions and excess capacities, amid shifting asset composition towards financial investments. House prices and outstanding loans for retail housing by housing finance companies have grown relatively fast during the last few years. Inadequate social security coverage in India against a backdrop of changing demographics will pose challenges for expanding the pension system given the fiscal constraints. The NPS (National Pension System) was created to serve the Government employees and private sector workers.

Financial Institutions: Soundness and Resilience

Scheduled Commercial Banks–The risks to the banking sector have further increased during the past half-year. All major risk dimensions captured in the Banking Stability Indicator show increase in vulnerabilities in the banking sector. Banking Stability Measures, based on co-movements in banks’ equity prices, also indicate that the distress dependencies within the banking system have risen during this period.

Contagion Risks in the Banking Sector–Network tools have been used to assess impact of contagion due to risk of credit concentration. Failure of a major corporate or a major corporate group could trigger a contagion in the banking system due to exposures of a large number of banks to such corporates. The analysis shows that interconnectedness in the banking sector could cause losses due to contagion, over and above the direct losses on account of the failure of large corporate groups.

Trends in Credit and Deposit Growth–In the recent quarters, credit growth has exceeded the growth in deposits. As a result, there has been a significant rise in the incremental C-D ratio.

Asset Quality Concerns–Asset quality continues to be a major concern for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs). The key aspects of deterioration in asset quality are:
  • A rising trend in Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) to total assets along with declining trend in Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates that the rise in proportion of risky assets in the total assets of SCBs is becoming more broad-based.
  • The Gross Non-performing Assets (GNPAs) ratio of SCBs as well as their restructured standard advances ratio have increased. Therefore, the total stressed advances ratio rose significantly to 10.2% of total advances as at end September 2013 from 9.2% of March 2013.
  • The largest contribution to stressed advances comes from the PSU banks.
  • The ‘medium and large’ sized industries contributed more towards stressed advances than ‘micro & small’ sized industries.
  • Industries recorded the highest share in restructured standard advances and with relatively high GNPAs contributed the highest share of stressed advances in the banks’ loans portfolio followed by Services. Retail segment fared much better in terms of GNPA and restructured standard advances ratios.
  • Five sectors, namely, Infrastructure, Iron & Steel, Textiles, Aviation and Mining together contribute 24% of total advances of SCBs, and account
            for around 53% of their total stressed advances.

Stress Tests–Macro stress tests on credit risk suggest that if the adverse macroeconomic conditions persist, the credit quality of commercial banks could deteriorate further. However, under improved conditions, the present trend in credit quality may reverse during the second half of 2014-15 with the GNPA ratio expected to rise initially to around 4.6% by September 2014 from 4.2% as at end September 2013, which may subsequently improve to 4.4% by March 2015.

Systemic Risk Survey–According to the results of Reserve Bank’s latest Systemic Risk Survey, conducted during October 2013, global risks and domestic macro-economic risks were perceived to be the two most important factors affecting the stability of Indian financial system. On the domestic macro-economic front, deterioration in economic outlook is considered to be the most critical. Risk from domestic inflation, corporate leverage and household savings have also increased marginally. On the other hand, risks arising from CAD, fiscal, sovereign downgrade and infrastructure were perceived to have receded.

Regulation of Financial Markets, Institutions and Infrastructure

Too-Big-To-Fail and Shadow Banking–India stands committed to the implementation of the global regulatory reforms agenda and has made considerable progress on this front. Although firms and markets are beginning to adjust to the regulatory approach towards ending too-big-to-fail (TBTF), recent research indicates continued expectation of sovereign support to such institutions. In India , the process of identification of financial conglomerates and their joint supervision/ regulation have received a lot of attention. Some global reform measures, e.g. those related to shadow banking may need to be adopted selectively, based on their relevance to the domestic financial system.

Money Market Mutual Funds–Due to the interconnectedness with banks, liquidity pressure is felt by the money market mutual funds (MMMFs) whenever redemption requirements of banks are large and simultaneous. Regulatory measures taken to reduce the degree of interconnectedness seem to have been successful in reducing the liquidity risk in the system.

Financial Benchmarks –Although there have been no major instances of manipulation of market rates in India’s domestic markets, the Reserve Bank has constituted a committee to conduct a review of the systems and procedures in place with regard to major financial benchmarks.

Some Issues in Indian Financial Markets–Action to create central repositories for the banking sector, corporate bond market and insurance sector has been initiated. This move is expected to break the information asymmetry in those markets. India ’s domestic markets for derivatives have not taken off due to the absence of some of the basic building blocks and efforts are on to address these issues. It has also been observed that the equity prices of the companies in which the promoters had pledged significant portions of their shares, are relatively more volatile than the broader market during times of correction.

Payment and Settlement Systems–The payment and settlement system infrastructure in the country continued to perform without any major disruptions.

Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) and its Sub Committee–The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) and its Sub Committee deliberated on various aspects that impinge on financial stability -macroeconomic scenario, both global and domestic and the developments in financial markets.

Warm regards,

Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist

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‘Civil society recommends rejection of Parliamentary Committee report on amendment of RTI Act

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New Delhi, Dec. 30, 2013: The amendment made in the RTI Act by the Parliament that proposed to keep political parties outside its ambit has been approved by the Parliamentary Committee, entrusted with the task of reviewing it despite much opposition from civil society organizations and citizens.

In a landmark decision on June 3, 2013, the Central Information Commission (CIC) pronounced that the political parties (INC, BJP, CPM, CPI, NCP and BSP) are public authorities under section 2(h) of the RTI Act. The Government brought an amendment to the RTI Act excluding political parties from its ambit.
However, due to mounting public pressure, the Parliament chose to refer the Bill to the Parliamentary Committee, which invited suggestions on the proposed amendment to the RTI Act. ADR was one of the organizations which made its submission apart from NCPRI, MKSS, Subhash Chandra Agarwal and Shailesh Gandhi among others. All of them strongly objected to the amendment.

Rejecting Parliamentary Committee’s nod to the amendment, Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar, one of founder members and trustees of ADR, said, “The committee has not given any logical reasoning for its recommendation in its report. Excluding political parties from RTI Act is unconstitutional. It is  odd to argue that transparency is good for all state organs but not  for political parties, which in reality control all the vital organs of the state.”

Expressing a similar view, Shailesh Gandhi, ex-CIC, stated, “The standing committee doesn’t appear to have taken into account objections to the RTI amendments submitted by the civil society organizations. No arguments have been given in the report which indicate that the committee has noted our objections. It is obvious that no reasons were taken to counter our views before suggesting construing citizen’s fundamental rights.”

Mr Subhash Agarwal stated, ”Report of Parliamentary standing committee recommending that CIC-verdict holding political parties being covered by RTI Act is not justified because according to the committee it was not intent of legislature to cover political parties under the transparency Act. There are many bodies claiming not covered under RTI Act but are declared public-authorities by Information Commissions and even endorsed by High Courts as public-authorities. None of such bodies were ‘intended’ specifically by the legislature to be covered under RTI Act. Surprisingly, the committee has overruled Attorney General’s advice that any legislative step against CIC-verdict may be struck down by courts. It is not appropriate that it may become compulsory to involve precious time of Supreme Court in every matter to get things done in public interest.”

Anjali Bhardwaj from NCPRI also questioned the Parliamentary Committee’s approval to the Bill, saying, “NCPRI has consistently held that the proposed amendment to RTI Act is unconstitutional. Political Parties ought to be covered as public authorities under the RTI Act. There is no rationale for people who made the law to keep themselves out of its ambit. We feel there are adequate exemptions under section 8 of the Act. The law doesn’t need any amendment.”     

Justifying its decision to amend the Bill the Government said – The political parties are neither established nor constituted by or under the Constitution or by any other law made by Parliament.

An authority or body does not require to be established or constituted by or under the constitution or any other law made by the Parliament, to be called a public authority. According to Section 2(h) of RTI Act, an organisation that is ‘substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government’ can also fall under the category of public authority.

The Government also claimed – “There are already provisions in the Representation of the People Act, 1951 as well as in the Income-tax Act, 1961 which deal with the transparency in the financial aspects of political parties and their candidates.”

However, an analysis by Association for Democratic Reform (ADR) of Income Tax returns for six National Political Parties and the statements filed by them with the Election Commission show that over 75% of the funds cannot be traced and are from ‘unknown’ sources.

Another point made by the government was – Declaring a political party as public authority under the RTI Act would hamper its smooth internal working. Further, the political rivals may misuse the provisions of RTI Act.
The above-mentioned claim of the Government does not hold much ground as the RTI Act has enough built in protection in the form of the section 8- “Exemption from disclosure of information.”

The Parliamentary Committee observed that none of the six political parties, who happened to be respondent to CIC Order of 3rd June, 2013, has challenged the order in the higher judiciary which is a case of misrepresentation of a clear provision of law.”
However, the correct and the established practice for a party aggrieved by a decision made by the CIC, is to go to the High Court to challenge the CIC’s decision. If this is a case of ‘misrepresentation of a clear provision of law’ there is no necessity of an amendment of the law.



Contacts:

 
 


Journalist Helpline:
+91-8010394248






 Prof Jagdeep Chhokar

IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.)

Founder Member, 
National Election Watch & 
Association for Democratic Reforms

+91 9999620944

Prof Trilochan Sastry

IIM Bangalore

Founder Member,
National Election Watch & 
Association for Democratic Reforms

+91 9448353285

 Mr. Anil Verma

National Election Watch &
Association for Democratic Reforms



+91 8826479910

Mr. Anurag Mittal

National Coordinator

National Election Watch &
Association for Democratic Reforms

+91 9811108914
 
– 
Association for Democratic Reforms
“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,
B-35, Qutub Institutional Area
(Near Rockland Hospital)
New Delhi-110 016
 
M: +91 8010394248 
T: +91 11 41654200/01/02/03
F: 011 4609 4248
 

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Indefinite Fast by Anna’s followers from Dec 10th to 18 Dec 2013 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi

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Fast by Anna’s followers from Dec 10th to 18 Dec 2013 at Jantar Mantar New Delhi 
At stone throw distance from Jantar Mantar, the  AAP celebrated congregated at jantar mantar but no officials from AAP  paid courtesy visit at  the fasting dignitaries in support of Anna’s..All calls for AAp to support and respect Anna is hollow.

Sanjeet Singh Bhalothia · 133 followers
  • ये है केजरीवाल की असलियत…
    अंग्रेजी अखबार ‘पॉयनियर’ में प्रकाशित एक खबर के मुताबिक डच यानी नीदरलैंड दूतावास अपनी ही एक एनजीओ ‘हिवोस’ के जरिए नरेंद्र मोदी की गुजरात सरकार को अस्थिर करने में लगे विभिन्नओ भारतीय एनजीओ को अप्रैल 2008 से 2012 के बीच लगभग 13 लाख यूरो, मतलब करीब सवा नौ करोड़ रुपए की फंडिंग कर चुकी है। इसमें एक अरविंद केजरीवाल का एनजीओ भी शामिल है। ‘हिवोस’ को फोर्ड फाउंडेशन भी फंडिंग करती है।डच एनजीओ ‘हिवोस’ दुनिया के अलग-अलग हिस्सों में केवल उन्हीं एनजीओ को फंडिंग करती है,जो अपने देश व वहां के राज्यों में अमेरिका व यूरोप के हित में राजनैतिक अस्थिरता पैदा करने की क्षमता को साबित करते हैं। इसके लिए मीडिया हाउस को भी जबरदस्त फंडिंग की जाती है। एशियाई देशों की मीडिया को फंडिंग करने के लिए अमेरिका व यूरोपीय देशों ने ‘पनोस’ नामक संस्था का गठन कर रखा है। दक्षिण एशिया में इस समय ‘पनोस’ के करीब आधा दर्जन कार्यालय काम कर रहे हैं। ‘पनोस’ में भी फोर्ड फाउंडेशन का पैसा आता है। माना जा रहा है कि अरविंद केजरीवाल के मीडिया उभार के पीछे इसी ‘पनोस’ के जरिए ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ की फंडिंग काम कर रही है। ‘सीएनएन-आईबीएन’ व ‘आईबीएन-7’ चैनल के प्रधान संपादक राजदीप सरदेसाई ‘पॉपुलेशन काउंसिल’ नामक संस्था के सदस्य हैं, जिसकी फंडिंग अमेरिका की वही ‘रॉकफेलर ब्रदर्स’ करती है जो ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ पुरस्कार के लिए ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ के साथ मिलकर फंडिंग करती है। सच क्या है ये तो आप ही जानो भगवान जी बस मेरे देश को बचा लेना …!! जय श्री राम !
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December 31, 2013, 2:32 am
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Manish Tewari denies media speculations about resignation of PM31122013
December 31, 2013 by Naresh Kumar Sagar
Manish Tewari denies media speculations about resignation of PM
Hurriedly called press conference at media centre the Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari on Tuesday said there is no truth on the media speculations about the resignation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Tewari said if there is no news that should not mean the media should cook up one. He also said there is also no hurry for the congress party to decide on it’s Prime minister candidate. He said if a decision is taken it will be known to the media. Tewari said after releasing the 2014 official calendar in New Delhi. He was responding to media queries on speculative news reports on Dr. Singh’s resignation and also Congress party’s announcement of it’s Prime Minister candidate ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address a press conference on Friday, his second and possibly the last during UPA-II.
The press conference, just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, will only be the second during Singh’s second term as the Prime Minister which began in May 2009 even though he has met five Editors and a group of TV Editors once each. It will be the third full-fledged press conference in the entire 10 years that he has been the Prime Minister.

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Raqesh Vashisth replaces Karan Singh Grover in Qubool Hai

31122013
 
After considering lot of prolific actors from the industry to enact the character of Asadin Qubool Hai, Zee TV has locked Raqesh Vashisht to play the popular character. The channel was clear that besides being a good actor, the person who would bag the role had to be a thorough professional with a good track record in the television industry. Raqesh fitted the bill to the T!

The creative team from the production house 4 Lions and the channel were unanimous in selecting Raqesh as the lead opposite Zoya(Surbhi Jyoti) in Qubool Hai. It was after much contemplation and deliberation that they zeroed down on Raqesh. Says the team in unison, “Raqesh is handsome and good-looking and is looking amazing with Zoya (Surbhi Jyoti). The best and most important part is that he is known in the industry for his professionalism. We’re glad that he has agreed to come on board.”

On taking over the mantle of Asad, said Raqesh, “Its homecoming for me as my debut on television happened with Saat Phere on Zee TV. Qubool Hai is a hugely popular show worldwide and Asad is an enormously popular character. I’m happy that the creative team thought that I would be appropriate for the role. The year is ending on a very good note for me as my fans will see me all seven days! Monday to Friday on Qubool Hai and over the weekend on my dance reality show. Karan (Singh Grover) has already wished me luck and I’m hoping that I can make a make a place in the hearts of the viewers also soon.”

Zee TV had dropped Karan Singh Grover from playing Asad two days ago. His unprofessional behavior and lack of commitment towards the show were the primary reasons which made the channel to take such a drastic step against the actor. The creative team had a tough time dealing with his nonchalant and indifferent attitude and decided to replace him with immediate effect. Karan’s absence from the sets had writers of the show in a tizzy for the past few months and overnight parallel tracks were being written to keep the show telecast on as a daily fiction series. The show revolves around Zoya and Asad and viewers would have noted that Asad has been missing in action for quite some time now. The story was built around other characters last minute which took away the focus from the lead couple.

Mr. Ajay Bhalwankar, the Content Head of ZEEL, had earlier in his quote said, “Unprofessional behavior will be always accorded with strict disciplinary action. Actors should not take things lightly when they agree to be a part of a show as their erratic behavior can affect the livelihoods of many others who are working on it. No actor can hold shoots or dictate their terms and conditions to an extent that it hampers the show. We have initiated legal action and will announce his replacement soon.”

Raqesh will start shooting soon and will be seen as Asad on Qubool Hai from the beginning of the New Year! Keep watching Qubool Hai, every Monday to Friday at 9 30PM only on Zee TV

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Russia on alert after second deadly suicide bombing

31122013
 
 
Russia on alert after second deadly suicide bombing
At least 14 people were killed on Monday when a suicide bomber blew himself up on a packed trolleybus in Volgograd, raising new concerns about security at the Sochi Olympics a day after a deadly attack on the southern Russian city’s train station.
President Vladimir Putin, under pressure to show that Russia can assure the security of tens of thousands of guests when the Winter Games open on February 7, ordered stepped up security across the country.
The twin suicide attacks on Volgograd, which until this year had no record of recent unrest, have stunned Russia and troubled the authorities as people prepare for mass New Year celebrations.
At least 17 people died in yesterday’s attack blamed on a suspected female suicide bomber.
The force of the blast destroyed the number 15A trolleybus, which was packed with early morning commuters and was turned into a tangle of wreckage with only its roof and front remaining.
Health ministry spokesman Oleg Salagai told Russian state television that 14 people were killed in the trolleybus bombing and 28 wounded.
Russian investigators have opened a criminal probe into a suspected act of terror as well as the illegal carrying of weapons, the Investigative Committee said.
“The explosives were detonated by a male suicide bomber, fragments of whose body have been found and taken for genetic analysis to establish his identity,” said spokesman Vladimir Markin.
He said that some four kilogrammes of TNT equivalent had been used in the blast and noted the explosives were identical to those used in yesterday’s train station bombing.
“This confirms the theory that the two attacks are linked. It is possible that they were prepared in the same place,” he added.
The new attack will further heighten fears about security at the Winter Olympic Games in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi, which lies 690 kilometres southwest of Volgograd.
Putin ordered security stepped up across all of Russia after the bombings, with a special regime to be imposed in Volgograd, the national anti-terror committee announced.
  Russia is already preparing to impose a “limited access” security cordon around Sochi from January 7 which will check all traffic and ban all non-resident cars from a wide area around the city.
State television said that after the latest blast in Volgograd commuters were abandoning buses and trolleybuses and going to work on foot in fear of a new attack.

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Dhoom 3 Helmets from Steelbird

31122013
 
All you fashion junkies out there if you are passionate about biking and want to set the ramp on fire so get ready to get on the ride with Dhoom 3 Helmets. After the huge success of Steelbird MTV Riding gears, Steelbird R & D Team has designed an entire range which is perfect for youngsters and bike crazy folks.

Keeping in mind the needs, Steelbird has come up with its Steelbird Dhoom3 range with Exclusive design- Nitro Decals. As the helmets will have the D: 3 name and graphics. The new range will be aimed at passionate bikers and D: 3 fans.
Yes the Range is design especially for Youth. Helmet is designed with Hygienic interiors with multi-pore breathing padding. ItⳠa perfect blend of world class quality, highly innovative features & World class safety standards
Polycarbonate anti-scratch coated visor protects the rider from dust and smoke, without obstructing vision. The visorⳠspecial coating also makes it easier for riders to wear it during night as it helps block the incoming light from other vehicles and gives a clear view of the road.
The Range is ideal for all those who have a fad for helmet which is super stylish, light weight, affordable, comfortable and safe. Helmet is perfect fit for everyday use as well as a good companion for adventurous riders. The European teams behind the helmetⳠdesign have also integrated a designer interior with AIR-Mesh fabric to keep cool with a standard Micro-Metric buckle, which ensures a comfortable fit.

The D: 3 Range offers maximum protection without sacrificing on the style with its unisex design. High Impact ABS to absorb any impact during an accident. A helmet shell is protected with UV TOP-COAT. Top-Coat to protect the painted surface and the decals/stickers and to have a long-life of the paint. Decals & Stickers. The helmet gets locked in almost each and every Scooter Dickey.
A Helmet with Radium Reflective stickers in different colors make you more visible to motorists especially in pre-dawn or early evening hours. Choose a brightly colored helmet so drivers can see you better during the night.
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Priced range Rs 1,500 to Rs 15,000༳pan style=”background-repeat:initial initial”>helmet༳pan style=”background-repeat:initial initial”>is available in attractive Glossy and Mat finish.༯span>


Regard,
shina suri
8476886765

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Private Business Schools upset over UGC move

31122013
Private Business Schools upset over UGC move to put them under State UniversitiesEPSI delegation to meet Union HRD Minister and UGC Chairman
New Delhi, December 31, 2013 Leading private Business Schools are upset over the recent draft regulations issued by the UGC on December 23, 2013 for technical institutions that proposes to withdraw the autonomy of PGDM institutions.
Deans, directors, chairman of over 100 business schools met under the auspices of the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI), the national body of over 500 higher education institutions, and resolved that PGDM institutions will not succumb to the pressure of the UGC and will steadfastly protect the autonomy that they have enjoyed for more than 50 years.
AIMS and IAABS, the two other national bodies representing management institutions, are also supporting this resolution.
An interactive meeting of PGDM institutions was addressed by leading management academicians including Fr. E Abraham (Director, XLRI, Jamshedpur), Dr Pritam Singh (Director General, IMI), Prof Shesha Iyer (Director, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research), Prof Apoorva Palkar (President, AIMS), Prof Bibek Banerjee (Director, IMT), Dr Sunil Rai (Director, Goa Institute of Management), Dr J K Das (Director, FORE School of Management), Mr Sharad Jaipuria (Chairman, Jaipuria Group of Business Schools), Fr. Alex Ekka (Director, XISS) and Dr S Chatterjee (Dean, MDI). The meeting was also addressed by Mr Amit Agnihotri, Founder Chairman, MBAUniverse.com.
All participants unanimously said that PGDM institutions are today the leading management education providers, because they have been granted autonomy by the Union Government since 1950s. By preparing and contributing lakhs of managers, entrepreneurs and business leaders to the Indian economy, PGDM institutions today occupy the top spots among the Indian Business Schools.
The UGC proposal is regressive and similar to AICTE’s December 2010 Notification, which was stayed by the Supreme Court.
EPSI, AIMS and Jaipuria Group of Institutions had filed three petitions in February 2011 against the AICTE’s move. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court for its final verdict.
Over 100 deans, directors and chairmen of PGDM institutions resolved to represent their case to the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the University Grants Commission by requesting them not to halt the current momentum in the Indian management education, which will be the inevitable result of rigid controls similar to those imposed on state universities and state governments.
State Universities, known to suffer from red-tape, lethargy and corruption, are in dire straits. They have shown apathy for innovation and professionalism which is a sine-qua-non for business education.
A delegation of deans and directors will meet Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development M M Pallam Raju and the UGC Chairman Prof Ved Prakash in coming days and appraise them about the collective stand taken by 300 PGDM institutions to continue to remain autonomous and not affiliate with state universities.
For more details, please contact:
Dr H Chaturvedi Alternate President, EPSI & Director, BIMTECH Or Sanjiv Kataria Strategic Communications and PR Counsel +91 98100 48095

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BJYM PROTESTS On the graft allegations against Virbhadra Singh

31122013
BJP Youth protest in front of Vice president  Congress Rahul Gandhi house on graft charges against Himachal Pradesh CM.
Police use water cannons to disperse protesters outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence and Anurag Thakur of BJP lead the protest.
Even in cold,batons&water cannons used against us. But we won’t relent.Virbhadra Singh must resign-Anurag Thakur,BJP
Tweets Remesh Nair #HDL     ‏@BJYM PROTESTS AGAINST CORRUPT CONG AT RG’S RESIDENCE.@ianuragthakur DETAINED BY DELHI POLICE. .

TIMES NOW     ‏@timesnow            
BJP demands an explanation from Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on the graft allegations against Virbhadra Singh
 
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कैसे बनाया अमेरिका ने अरविंद केजरीवाल को, जानिए पूरी कहानी!

‎ArvindKejriwal‬
A look at Delhi's seventh CM Arvind Kejriwal doing ordinary things http://ow.ly/san7Y #ArvindKejriwal



31122013
कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष सोनिया गांधी की अध्यक्षता वाली एनजीओ गिरोह ‘राष्ट्रीय
सलाहकार परिषद (एनएसी)’ ने घोर सांप्रदायिक ‘सांप्रदायिक और लक्ष्य
केंद्रित हिंसा निवारण अधिनियम’ का ड्राफ्ट तैयार किया है। एनएसी की एक
प्रमुख सदस्य अरुणा राय के साथ मिलकर अरविंद केजरीवाल ने सरकारी नौकरी
में रहते हुए एनजीओ की कार्यप्रणाली समझी और फिर ‘परिवर्तन’ नामक एनजीओ
से जुड़ गए। अरविंद लंबे अरसे तक राजस्व विभाग से छुटटी लेकर भी सरकारी
तनख्वाह ले रहे थे और एनजीओ से भी वेतन उठा रहे थे, जो ‘श्रीमान ईमानदार’
को कानूनन भ्रष्‍टाचारी की श्रेणी में रखता है। वर्ष 2006 में ‘परिवर्तन’
में काम करने के दौरान ही उन्हें अमेरिकी ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ व ‘रॉकफेलर
ब्रदर्स फंड’ ने ‘उभरते नेतृत्व’ के लिए ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ पुरस्कार
दिया, जबकि उस वक्त तक अरविंद ने ऐसा कोई काम नहीं किया था, जिसे उभरते
हुए नेतृत्व का प्रतीक माना जा सके।  इसके बाद अरविंद अपने पुराने सहयोगी
मनीष सिसोदिया के एनजीओ ‘कबीर’ से जुड़ गए, जिसका गठन इन दोनों ने मिलकर
वर्ष 2005 में किया था।
अरविंद को समझने से पहले ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ को समझ लीजिए!
अमेरिकी नीतियों को पूरी दुनिया में लागू कराने के लिए अमेरिकी खुफिया
ब्यूरो  ‘सेंट्रल इंटेलिजेंस एजेंसी (सीआईए)’ अमेरिका की मशहूर कार
निर्माता कंपनी ‘फोर्ड’ द्वारा संचालित ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ एवं कई अन्य
फंडिंग एजेंसी के साथ मिलकर काम करती रही है। 1953 में फिलिपिंस की पूरी
राजनीति व चुनाव को सीआईए ने अपने कब्जे में ले लिया था। भारतीय अरविंद
केजरीवाल की ही तरह सीआईए ने उस वक्त फिलिपिंस में ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ को
खड़ा किया था और उन्हें फिलिपिंस का राष्ट्रपति बनवा दिया था। अरविंद
केजरीवाल की ही तरह ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ का भी पूर्व का कोई राजनैतिक
इतिहास नहीं था। ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ के जरिए फिलिपिंस की राजनीति को पूरी
तरह से अपने कब्जे में करने के लिए अमेरिका ने उस जमाने में प्रचार के
जरिए उनका राष्ट्रीय-अंतरराष्ट्रीय ‘छवि निर्माण’ से लेकर उन्हें
‘नॉसियोनालिस्टा पार्टी’ का  उम्मीदवार बनाने और चुनाव जिताने के लिए
करीब 5 मिलियन डॉलर खर्च किया था। तत्कालीन सीआईए प्रमुख एलन डॉउल्स की
निगरानी में इस पूरी योजना को उस समय के सीआईए अधिकारी ‘एडवर्ड लैंडस्ले’
ने अंजाम दिया था। इसकी पुष्टि 1972 में एडवर्ड लैंडस्ले द्वारा दिए गए
एक साक्षात्कार में हुई।
ठीक अरविंद केजरीवाल की ही तरह रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय की ईमानदार छवि को गढ़ा
गया और ‘डर्टी ट्रिक्स’ के जरिए विरोधी नेता और फिलिपिंस के तत्कालीन
राष्ट्रपति ‘क्वायरिनो’ की छवि धूमिल की गई। यह प्रचारित किया गया कि
क्वायरिनो भाषण देने से पहले अपना आत्मविश्वास बढ़ाने के लिए ड्रग का
उपयोग करते हैं। रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय की ‘गढ़ी गई ईमानदार छवि’ और क्वायरिनो
की ‘कुप्रचारित पतित छवि’ ने रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय को दो तिहाई बहुमत से जीत
दिला दी और अमेरिका अपने मकसद में कामयाब रहा था। भारत में इस समय अरविंद
केजरीवाल बनाम अन्य राजनीतिज्ञों की बीच अंतर दर्शाने के लिए छवि गढ़ने का
जो प्रचारित खेल चल रहा है वह अमेरिकी खुफिया एजेंसी सीआईए द्वारा अपनाए
गए तरीके और प्रचार से बहुत कुछ मेल खाता है।
उन्हीं ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ के नाम पर एशिया में अमेरिकी नीतियों के पक्ष
में माहौल बनाने वालों, वॉलेंटियर तैयार करने वालों, अपने देश की नीतियों
को अमेरिकी हित में प्रभावित करने वालों, भ्रष्‍टाचार के नाम पर देश की
चुनी हुई सरकारों को अस्थिर करने वालों को ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ व ‘रॉकफेलर
ब्रदर्स फंड’ मिलकर अप्रैल 1957 से ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’ अवार्ड प्रदान कर
रही है। ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ के संयोजक अरविंद केजरीवाल और उनके साथी व ‘आम
आदमी पार्टी’ के विधायक मनीष सिसोदिया को भी वही ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’
पुरस्कार मिला है और सीआईए के लिए फंडिंग करने वाली उसी ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’
के फंड से उनका एनजीओ ‘कबीर’ और ‘इंडिया अगेंस्ट करप्शन’ मूवमेंट खड़ा हुआ
है।
भारत में राजनैतिक अस्थिरता के लिए एनजीओ और मीडिया में विदेशी फंडिंग!
‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ के एक अधिकारी स्टीवन सॉलनिक के मुताबिक ‘‘कबीर को
फोर्ड फाउंडेशन की ओर से वर्ष 2005 में 1 लाख 72 हजार डॉलर एवं वर्ष 2008
में 1 लाख 97 हजार अमेरिकी डॉलर का फंड दिया गया।’’ यही नहीं, ‘कबीर’ को
‘डच दूतावास’ से भी मोटी रकम फंड के रूप में मिली। अमेरिका के साथ मिलकर
नीदरलैंड भी अपने दूतावासों के जरिए दूसरे देशों के आंतरिक मामलों में
अमेरिकी-यूरोपीय हस्तक्षेप बढ़ाने के लिए वहां की गैर सरकारी संस्थाओं
यानी एनजीओ को जबरदस्त फंडिंग करती है।
अंग्रेजी अखबार ‘पॉयनियर’ में प्रकाशित एक खबर के मुताबिक डच यानी
नीदरलैंड दूतावास अपनी ही एक एनजीओ ‘हिवोस’ के जरिए नरेंद्र मोदी की
गुजरात सरकार को अस्थिर करने में लगे विभिन्‍न भारतीय एनजीओ को अप्रैल
2008 से 2012 के बीच लगभग 13 लाख यूरो, मतलब करीब सवा नौ करोड़ रुपए की
फंडिंग कर चुकी है।  इसमें एक अरविंद केजरीवाल का एनजीओ भी शामिल है।
‘हिवोस’ को फोर्ड फाउंडेशन भी फंडिंग करती है।
डच एनजीओ ‘हिवोस’  दुनिया के अलग-अलग हिस्सों में केवल उन्हीं एनजीओ को
फंडिंग करती है,जो अपने देश व वहां के राज्यों में अमेरिका व यूरोप के
हित में राजनैतिक अस्थिरता पैदा करने की क्षमता को साबित करते हैं।  इसके
लिए मीडिया हाउस को भी जबरदस्त फंडिंग की जाती है। एशियाई देशों की
मीडिया को फंडिंग करने के लिए अमेरिका व यूरोपीय देशों ने ‘पनोस’ नामक
संस्था का गठन कर रखा है। दक्षिण एशिया में इस समय ‘पनोस’ के करीब आधा
दर्जन कार्यालय काम कर रहे हैं। ‘पनोस’ में भी फोर्ड फाउंडेशन का पैसा
आता है। माना जा रहा है कि अरविंद केजरीवाल के मीडिया उभार के पीछे इसी
‘पनोस’ के जरिए ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ की फंडिंग काम कर रही है।
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‘पॉपुलेशन काउंसिल’ नामक संस्था के सदस्य हैं, जिसकी फंडिंग अमेरिका की
वही ‘रॉकफेलर ब्रदर्स’ करती है जो ‘रेमॉन मेग्सेसाय’  पुरस्कार के लिए
‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ के साथ मिलकर फंडिंग करती है।
माना जा रहा है कि ‘पनोस’ और ‘रॉकफेलर ब्रदर्स फंड’ की फंडिंग का ही यह
कमाल है कि राजदीप सरदेसाई का अंग्रेजी चैनल ‘सीएनएन-आईबीएन’ व हिंदी
चैनल ‘आईबीएन-7’ न केवल अरविंद केजरीवाल को ‘गढ़ने’ में सबसे आगे रहे हैं,
बल्कि 21 दिसंबर 2013 को ‘इंडियन ऑफ द ईयर’ का पुरस्कार भी उसे प्रदान
किया है। ‘इंडियन ऑफ द ईयर’ के पुरस्कार की प्रयोजक कंपनी ‘जीएमआर’
भ्रष्‍टाचार में में घिरी है।
‘जीएमआर’ के स्वामित्व वाली ‘डायल’ कंपनी ने देश की राजधानी दिल्ली में
इंदिरा गांधी अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डा विकसित करने के लिए यूपीए सरकार
से महज 100 रुपए प्रति एकड़ के हिसाब से जमीन हासिल किया है। भारत के
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अपनी रिपोर्ट में कहा था कि जीएमआर को सस्ते दर पर दी गई जमीन के कारण
सरकारी खजाने को 1 लाख 63 हजार करोड़ रुपए का चूना लगा है। इतना ही नहीं,
रिश्वत देकर अवैध तरीके से ठेका हासिल करने के कारण ही मालदीव सरकार ने
अपने देश में निर्मित हो रहे माले हवाई अड्डा का ठेका जीएमआर से छीन लिया
था। सिंगापुर की अदालत ने जीएमआर कंपनी को भ्रष्‍टाचार में शामिल होने का
दोषी करार दिया था। तात्पर्य यह है कि अमेरिकी-यूरोपीय फंड, भारतीय
मीडिया और यहां यूपीए सरकार के साथ घोटाले में साझीदार कारपोरेट कंपनियों
ने मिलकर अरविंद केजरीवाल को ‘गढ़ा’ है, जिसका मकसद आगे पढ़ने पर आपको पता
चलेगा।
‘जनलोकपाल आंदोलन’ से ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ तक का शातिर सफर!
आरोप है कि विदेशी पुरस्कार और फंडिंग हासिल करने के बाद अमेरिकी हित में
अरविंद केजरीवाल व मनीष सिसोदिया ने इस देश को अस्थिर करने के लिए
‘इंडिया अगेंस्ट करप्शन’ का नारा देते हुए वर्ष 2011 में ‘जनलोकपाल
आंदोलन’ की रूप रेखा खिंची।  इसके लिए सबसे पहले बाबा रामदेव का उपयोग
किया गया, लेकिन रामदेव इन सभी की मंशाओं को थोड़ा-थोड़ा समझ गए थे। स्वामी
रामदेव के मना करने पर उनके मंच का उपयोग करते हुए महाराष्ट्र के
सीधे-साधे, लेकिन भ्रष्‍टाचार के विरुद्ध कई मुहीम में सफलता हासिल करने
वाले अन्ना हजारे को अरविंद केजरीवाल ने दिल्ली से उत्तर भारत में ‘लॉंच’
कर दिया।  अन्ना हजारे को अरिवंद केजरीवाल की मंशा समझने में काफी वक्त
लगा, लेकिन तब तक जनलोकपाल आंदोलन के बहाने अरविंद ‘कांग्रेस पार्टी व
विदेशी फंडेड मीडिया’ के जरिए देश में प्रमुख चेहरा बन चुके थे। जनलोकपाल
आंदोलन के दौरान जो मीडिया अन्ना-अन्ना की गाथा गा रही थी, ‘आम आदमी
पार्टी’ के गठन के बाद वही मीडिया अन्ना को असफल साबित करने और अरविंद
केजरीवाल के महिमा मंडन में जुट गई।
विदेशी फंडिंग तो अंदरूनी जानकारी है, लेकिन उस दौर से लेकर आज तक अरविंद
केजरीवाल को प्रमोट करने वाली हर मीडिया संस्थान और पत्रकारों के चेहरे
को गौर से देखिए। इनमें से अधिकांश वो हैं, जो कांग्रेस नेतृत्व वाली
यूपीए सरकार के द्वारा अंजाम दिए गए 1 लाख 76 हजार करोड़ के 2जी
स्पेक्ट्रम, 1 लाख 86 हजार करोड़ के कोल ब्लॉक आवंटन, 70 हजार करोड़ के
कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स और ‘कैश फॉर वोट’ घोटाले में समान रूप से भागीदार हैं।
आगे बढ़ते हैं…! अन्ना जब अरविंद और मनीष सिसोदिया के पीछे की विदेशी
फंडिंग और उनकी छुपी हुई मंशा से परिचित हुए तो वह अलग हो गए, लेकिन इसी
अन्ना के कंधे पर पैर रखकर अरविंद अपनी ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ खड़ा करने में
सफल  रहे।  जनलोकपाल आंदोलन के पीछे ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ के फंड  को लेकर जब
सवाल उठने लगा तो अरविंद-मनीष के आग्रह व न्यूयॉर्क स्थित अपने मुख्यालय
के आदेश पर फोर्ड फाउंडेशन ने अपनी वेबसाइट से ‘कबीर’ व उसकी फंडिंग का
पूरा ब्यौरा ही हटा दिया।  लेकिन उससे पहले अन्ना आंदोलन के दौरान 31
अगस्त 2011 में ही फोर्ड के प्रतिनिधि स्टीवेन सॉलनिक ने ‘बिजनस स्टैंडर’
अखबार में एक साक्षात्कार दिया था, जिसमें यह कबूल किया था कि फोर्ड
फाउंडेशन ने ‘कबीर’ को दो बार में 3 लाख 69 हजार डॉलर की फंडिंग की है।
स्टीवेन सॉलनिक के इस साक्षात्कार के कारण यह मामला पूरी तरह से दबने से
बच गया और अरविंद का चेहरा कम संख्या में ही सही, लेकिन लोगों के सामने आ
गया।
सूचना के मुताबिक अमेरिका की एक अन्य संस्था ‘आवाज’ की ओर से भी अरविंद
केजरीवाल को जनलोकपाल आंदोलन के लिए फंड उपलब्ध कराया गया था और इसी
‘आवाज’ ने दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव लड़ने के लिए भी अरविंद केजरीवाल की ‘आम
आदमी पार्टी’ को फंड उपलब्ध कराया। सीरिया, इजिप्ट, लीबिया आदि देश में
सरकार को अस्थिर करने के लिए अमेरिका की इसी ‘आवाज’ संस्था ने वहां के
एनजीओ, ट्रस्ट व बुद्धिजीवियों को जमकर फंडिंग की थी। इससे इस विवाद को
बल मिलता है कि अमेरिका के हित में हर देश की पॉलिसी को प्रभावित करने के
लिए अमेरिकी संस्था जिस ‘फंडिंग का खेल’ खेल खेलती आई हैं, भारत में
अरविंद केजरीवाल, मनीष सिसोदिया और ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ उसी की देन हैं।
सुप्रीम कोर्ट के वकील एम.एल.शर्मा ने अरविंद केजरीवाल व मनीष सिसोदिया
के एनजीओ व उनकी ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ में चुनावी चंदे के रूप में आए विदेशी
फंडिंग की पूरी जांच के लिए दिल्ली हाईकोर्ट में एक याचिका दाखिल कर रखी
है। अदालत ने इसकी जांच का निर्देश दे रखा है, लेकिन केंद्रीय
गृहमंत्रालय इसकी जांच कराने के प्रति उदासीनता बरत रही है, जो केंद्र
सरकार को संदेह के दायरे में खड़ा करता है। वकील एम.एल.शर्मा कहते हैं कि
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लिए भारत सरकार की अनुमति लेना आवश्यक है। यही नहीं, उस राशि को खर्च
करने के लिए निर्धारित मानकों का पालन करना भी जरूरी है। कोई भी विदेशी
देश चुनावी चंदे या फंड के जरिए भारत की संप्रभुता व राजनैतिक गतिविधियों
को प्रभावित नहीं कर सके, इसलिए यह कानूनी प्रावधान किया गया था, लेकिन
अरविंद केजरीवाल व उनकी टीम ने इसका पूरी तरह से उल्लंघन किया है। बाबा
रामदेव के खिलाफ एक ही दिन में 80 से अधिक मुकदमे दर्ज करने वाली
कांग्रेस सरकार की उदासीनता दर्शाती है कि अरविंद केजरीवाल को वह अपने
राजनैतिक फायदे के लिए प्रोत्साहित कर रही है।
अमेरिकी ‘कल्चरल कोल्ड वार’ के हथियार हैं अरविंद केजरीवाल!
फंडिंग के जरिए पूरी दुनिया में राजनैतिक अस्थिरता पैदा करने की अमेरिका
व उसकी खुफिया एजेंसी ‘सीआईए’ की नीति को ‘कल्चरल कोल्ड वार’ का नाम दिया
गया है। इसमें किसी देश की राजनीति, संस्कृति  व उसके लोकतंत्र को अपने
वित्त व पुरस्कार पोषित समूह, एनजीओ, ट्रस्ट, सरकार में बैठे
जनप्रतिनिधि, मीडिया और वामपंथी बुद्धिजीवियों के जरिए पूरी तरह से
प्रभावित करने का प्रयास किया जाता है। अरविंद केजरीवाल ने
‘सेक्यूलरिज्म’ के नाम पर इसकी पहली झलक अन्ना के मंच से ‘भारत माता’ की
तस्वीर को हटाकर दे दिया था। चूंकि इस देश में भारत माता के अपमान को
‘सेक्यूलरिज्म का फैशनेबल बुर्का’ समझा जाता है, इसलिए वामपंथी
बुद्धिजीवी व मीडिया बिरादरी इसे अरविंद केजरीवाल की धर्मनिरपेक्षता
साबित करने में सफल रही।
एक बार जो धर्मनिरपेक्षता का गंदा खेल शुरू हुआ तो फिर चल निकला और ‘आम
आदमी पार्टी’ के नेता प्रशांत भूषण ने तत्काल कश्मीर में जनमत संग्रह
कराने का सुझाव दे दिया। प्रशांत भूषण यहीं नहीं रुके, उन्होंने संसद
हमले के मुख्य दोषी अफजल गुरु की फांसी का विरोध करते हुए यह तक कह दिया
कि इससे भारत का असली चेहरा उजागर हो गया है। जैसे वह खुद भारत नहीं,
बल्कि किसी दूसरे देश के नागरिक हों?
प्रशांत भूषण लगातार भारत विरोधी बयान देते चले गए और मीडिया व वामपंथी
बुद्धिजीवी उनकी आम आदमी पार्टी को ‘क्रांतिकारी सेक्यूलर दल’ के रूप में
प्रचारित करने लगी।  प्रशांत भूषण को हौसला मिला और उन्होंने केंद्र
सरकार से कश्मीर में लागू एएफएसपीए कानून को हटाने की मांग करते हुए कह
दिया कि सेना ने कश्मीरियों को इस कानून के जरिए दबा रखा है। इसके उलट
हमारी सेना यह कह चुकी है कि यदि इस कानून को हटाया जाता है तो अलगाववादी
कश्मीर में हावी हो जाएंगे।
अमेरिका का हित इसमें है कि कश्मीर अस्थिर रहे या पूरी तरह से पाकिस्तान
के पाले में चला जाए ताकि अमेरिका यहां अपना सैन्य व निगरानी केंद्र
स्थापित कर सके।  यहां से दक्षिण-पश्चिम व दक्षिण-पूर्वी एशिया व चीन पर
नजर रखने में उसे आसानी होगी।  आम आदमी पार्टी के नेता  प्रशांत भूषण
अपनी झूठी मानवाधिकारवादी छवि व वकालत के जरिए इसकी कोशिश पहले से ही
करते रहे हैं और अब जब उनकी ‘अपनी राजनैतिक पार्टी’ हो गई है तो वह इसे
राजनैतिक रूप से अंजाम देने में जुटे हैं। यह एक तरह से ‘लिटमस टेस्ट’
था, जिसके जरिए आम आदमी पार्टी ‘ईमानदारी’ और ‘छद्म धर्मनिरपेक्षता’ का
‘कॉकटेल’ तैयार कर रही थी।
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जीतने के बाद अपनी सरकार बनाने के लिए अरविंद केजरीवाल व उनकी पार्टी
द्वारा आम जनता को अधिकार देने के नाम पर जनमत संग्रह का जो नाटक खेला
गया, वह काफी हद तक इस ‘कॉकटेल’ का ही परीक्षण  है। सवाल उठने लगा है कि
यदि देश में आम आदमी पार्टी की सरकार बन जाए और वह कश्मीर में जनमत
संग्रह कराते हुए उसे पाकिस्तान के पक्ष में बता दे तो फिर क्या होगा?
आखिर जनमत संग्रह के नाम पर उनके ‘एसएमएस कैंपेन’ की पारदर्शिता ही कितनी
है? अन्ना हजारे भी एसएमएस  कार्ड के नाम पर अरविंद केजरीवाल व उनकी
पार्टी द्वारा की गई धोखाधड़ी का मामला उठा चुके हैं। दिल्ली के पटियाला
हाउस अदालत में अन्ना व अरविंद को पक्षकार बनाते हुए एसएमएस  कार्ड के
नाम पर 100 करोड़ के घोटाले का एक मुकदमा दर्ज है। इस पर अन्ना ने कहा,
‘‘मैं इससे दुखी हूं, क्योंकि मेरे नाम पर अरविंद के द्वारा किए गए इस
कार्य का कुछ भी पता नहीं है और मुझे अदालत में घसीट दिया गया है, जो
मेरे लिए बेहद शर्म की बात है।’’
प्रशांत भूषण, अरविंद केजरीवाल, मनीष सिसोदिया और उनके ‘पंजीकृत आम आदमी’
 ने जब देखा कि ‘भारत माता’ के अपमान व कश्मीर को भारत से अलग करने जैसे
वक्तव्य पर ‘मीडिया-बुद्धिजीवी समर्थन का खेल’ शुरू हो चुका है तो
उन्होंने अपनी ईमानदारी की चासनी में कांग्रेस के छद्म सेक्यूलरवाद को
मिला लिया। उनके बयान देखिए, प्रशांत भूषण ने कहा, ‘इस देश में हिंदू
आतंकवाद चरम पर है’, तो प्रशांत के सुर में सुर मिलाते हुए अरविंद ने कहा
कि ‘बाटला हाउस एनकाउंटर फर्जी था और उसमें मारे गए मुस्लिम युवा निर्दोष
थे।’ इससे दो कदम आगे बढ़ते हुए अरविंद केजरीवाल उत्तरप्रदेश के बरेली में
दंगा भड़काने के आरोप में गिरफ्तार हो चुके तौकीर रजा और जामा मस्जिद के
मौलाना इमाम बुखारी से मिलकर समर्थन देने की मांग की।
याद रखिए, यही इमाम बुखरी हैं, जो खुले आम दिल्ली पुलिस को चुनौती देते
हुए कह चुके हैं कि ‘हां, मैं पाकिस्तानी खुफिया एजेंसी आईएसआई का एजेंट
हूं, यदि हिम्मत है तो मुझे गिरफ्तार करके दिखाओ।’ उन पर कई आपराधिक
मामले दर्ज हैं, अदालत ने उन्हें भगोड़ा घोषित कर रखा है लेकिन दिल्ली
पुलिस की इतनी हिम्मत नहीं है कि वह जामा मस्जिद जाकर उन्हें गिरफ्तार कर
सके।  वहीं तौकीर रजा का पुराना सांप्रदायिक इतिहास है। वह समय-समय पर
कांग्रेस और मुलायम सिंह यादव की समाजवादी पार्टी के पक्ष में मुसलमानों
के लिए फतवा जारी करते रहे हैं। इतना ही नहीं, वह मशहूर बंग्लादेशी
लेखिका तस्लीमा नसरीन की हत्या करने वालों को ईनाम देने जैसा घोर अमानवीय
फतवा भी जारी कर चुके हैं।
नरेंद्र मोदी के बढ़ते प्रभाव को रोकने के लिए फेंका गया ‘आखिरी पत्ता’ हैं अरविंद!
दरअसल विदेश में अमेरिका, सउदी अरब व पाकिस्तान और भारत में कांग्रेस व
क्षेत्रीय पाटियों की पूरी कोशिश नरेंद्र मोदी के बढ़ते प्रभाव को रोकने
की है। मोदी न अमेरिका के हित में हैं, न सउदी अरब व पाकिस्तान के हित
में और न ही कांग्रेस पार्टी व धर्मनिरेपक्षता का ढोंग करने वाली
क्षेत्रीय पार्टियों के हित में।  मोदी के आते ही अमेरिका की एशिया
केंद्रित पूरी विदेश, आर्थिक व रक्षा नीति तो प्रभावित होगी ही, देश के
अंदर लूट मचाने में दशकों से जुटी हुई पार्टियों व नेताओं के लिए भी जेल
यात्रा का माहौल बन जाएगा। इसलिए उसी भ्रष्‍टाचार को रोकने के नाम पर
जनता का भावनात्मक दोहन करते हुए ईमानदारी की स्वनिर्मित धरातल पर ‘आम
आदमी पार्टी’ का निर्माण कराया गया है।
दिल्ली में भ्रष्‍टाचार और कुशासन में फंसी कांग्रेस की मुख्यमंत्री शीला
दीक्षित की 15 वर्षीय सत्ता के विरोध में उत्पन्न लहर को भाजपा के पास
सीधे जाने से रोककर और फिर उसी कांग्रेस पार्टी के सहयोग से ‘आम आदमी
पार्टी’ की सरकार बनाने का ड्रामा रचकर अरविंद केजरीवाल ने भाजपा को
रोकने की अपनी क्षमता को दर्शा दिया है। अरविंद केजरीवाल द्वारा सरकार
बनाने की हामी भरते ही केंद्रीय मंत्री कपिल सिब्बल ने कहा, ‘‘भाजपा के
पास 32 सीटें थी, लेकिन वो बहुमत के लिए 4 सीटों का जुगाड़ नहीं कर पाई।
हमारे पास केवल 8 सीटें थीं, लेकिन हमने 28 सीटों का जुगाड़ कर लिया और
सरकार भी बना ली।’’
कपिल सिब्बल का यह बयान भाजपा को रोकने के लिए अरविंद केजरीवाल और उनकी
‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ को खड़ा करने में कांग्रेस की छुपी हुई भूमिका को उजागर
कर देता है। वैसे भी अरविंद केजरीवाल और शीला दीक्षित के बेटे संदीप
दीक्षित एनजीओ के लिए साथ काम कर चुके हैं। तभी तो दिसंबर-2011 में अन्ना
आंदोलन को समाप्त कराने की जिम्मेवारी यूपीए सरकार ने संदीप दीक्षित को
सौंपी थी। ‘फोर्ड फाउंडेशन’ ने अरविंद व मनीष सिसोदिया के एनजीओ को 3 लाख
69 हजार डॉलर तो संदीप दीक्षित के एनजीओ को 6 लाख 50 हजार डॉलर का फंड
उपलब्ध कराया है। शुरू-शुरू में अरविंद केजरीवाल को कुछ मीडिया हाउस ने
शीला-संदीप का ‘ब्रेन चाइल्ड’ बताया भी था, लेकिन यूपीए सरकार का इशारा
पाते ही इस पूरे मामले पर खामोशी अख्तियार कर ली गई।
‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ व  उसके नेता अरविंद केजरीवाल की पूरी मंशा को इस
पार्टी के संस्थापक सदस्य व प्रशांत भूषण के पिता शांति भूषण ने ‘मेल
टुडे’ अखबार में लिखे अपने एक लेख में जाहिर भी कर दिया था, लेकिन बाद
में प्रशांत-अरविंद के दबाव के कारण उन्होंने अपने ही लेख से पल्ला झाड़
लिया और ‘मेल टुडे’ अखबार के खिलाफ मुकदमा कर दिया। ‘मेल टुडे’ से जुड़े
सूत्र बताते हैं कि यूपीए सरकार के एक मंत्री के फोन पर ‘टुडे ग्रुप’ ने
भी इसे झूठ कहने में समय नहीं लगाया, लेकिन तब तक इस लेख के जरिए नरेंद्र
मोदी को रोकने लिए ‘कांग्रेस-केजरी’ गठबंधन की समूची साजिश का पर्दाफाश
हो गया। यह अलग बात है कि कम प्रसार संख्या और अंग्रेजी में होने के कारण
‘मेल टुडे’ के लेख से बड़ी संख्या में देश की जनता अवगत नहीं हो सकी,
इसलिए उस लेख के प्रमुख हिस्से को मैं यहां जस का तस रख रहा हूं, जिसमें
नरेंद्र मोदी को रोकने के लिए गठित ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ की असलियत का पूरा
ब्यौरा है।
शांति भूषण ने इंडिया टुडे समूह के अंग्रेजी अखबार ‘मेल टुडे’ में लिखा
था, ‘‘अरविंद केजरीवाल ने बड़ी ही चतुराई से भ्रष्‍टाचार के मुद्दे पर
भाजपा को भी निशाने पर ले लिया और उसे कांग्रेस के समान बता डाला।  वहीं
खुद वह सेक्यूलरिज्म के नाम पर मुस्लिम नेताओं से मिले ताकि उन मुसलमानों
को अपने पक्ष में कर सकें जो बीजेपी का विरोध तो करते हैं, लेकिन
कांग्रेस से उकता गए हैं।  केजरीवाल और आम आदमी पार्टी उस अन्ना हजारे के
आंदोलन की देन हैं जो कांग्रेस के करप्शन और मनमोहन सरकार की
कारगुजारियों के खिलाफ शुरू हुआ था। लेकिन बाद में अरविंद केजरीवाल की
मदद से इस पूरे आंदोलन ने अपना रुख मोड़कर बीजेपी की तरफ कर दिया, जिससे
जनता कंफ्यूज हो गई और आंदोलन की धार कुंद पड़ गई।’’
‘‘आंदोलन के फ्लॉप होने के बाद भी केजरीवाल ने हार नहीं मानी। जिस
राजनीति का वह कड़ा विरोध करते रहे थे, उन्होंने उसी राजनीति में आने का
फैसला लिया। अन्ना इससे सहमत नहीं हुए । अन्ना की असहमति केजरीवाल की
महत्वाकांक्षाओं की राह में रोड़ा बन गई थी। इसलिए केजरीवाल ने अन्ना को
दरकिनार करते हुए ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ के नाम से पार्टी बना ली और इसे दोनों
बड़ी राष्ट्रीय पार्टियों के खिलाफ खड़ा कर दिया।  केजरीवाल ने जानबूझ कर
शरारतपूर्ण ढंग से नितिन गडकरी के भ्रष्‍टाचार की बात उठाई और उन्हें
कांग्रेस के भ्रष्‍ट नेताओं की कतार में खड़ा कर दिया ताकि खुद को ईमानदार
व सेक्यूलर दिखा सकें।  एक खास वर्ग को तुष्ट करने के लिए बीजेपी का नाम
खराब किया गया। वर्ना बीजेपी तो सत्ता के आसपास भी नहीं थी, ऐसे में उसके
भ्रष्‍टाचार का सवाल कहां पैदा होता है?’’
‘‘बीजेपी ‘आम आदमी पार्टी’ को नजरअंदाज करती रही और इसका केजरीवाल ने खूब
फायदा उठाया। भले ही बाहर से वह कांग्रेस के खिलाफ थे, लेकिन अंदर से
चुपचाप भाजपा के खिलाफ जुटे हुए थे। केजरीवाल ने लोगों की भावनाओं का
इस्तेमाल करते हुए इसका पूरा फायदा दिल्ली की चुनाव में उठाया और
भ्रष्‍टाचार का आरोप बड़ी ही चालाकी से कांग्रेस के साथ-साथ भाजपा पर भी
मढ़ दिया।  ऐसा उन्होंने अल्पसंख्यक वोट बटोरने के लिए किया।’’
‘‘दिल्ली की कामयाबी के बाद अब अरविंद केजरीवाल राष्ट्रीय राजनीति में
आने जा रहे हैं। वह सिर्फ भ्रष्‍टाचार की बात कर रहे हैं, लेकिन गवर्नेंस
का मतलब सिर्फ भ्रष्‍टाचार का खात्मा करना ही नहीं होता। कांग्रेस की
कारगुजारियों की वजह से भ्रष्‍टाचार के अलावा भी कई सारी समस्याएं उठ खड़ी
हुई हैं। खराब अर्थव्यवस्था, बढ़ती कीमतें, पड़ोसी देशों से रिश्ते और
अंदरूनी लॉ एंड ऑर्डर समेत कई चुनौतियां हैं। इन सभी चुनौतियों को बिना
वक्त गंवाए निबटाना होगा।’’
‘‘मनमोहन सरकार की नाकामी देश के लिए मुश्किल बन गई है। नरेंद्र मोदी
इसलिए लोगों की आवाज बन रहे हैं, क्योंकि उन्होंने इन समस्याओं से जूझने
और देश का सम्मान वापस लाने का विश्वास लोगों में जगाया है। मगर केजरीवाल
गवर्नेंस के व्यापक अर्थ से अनभिज्ञ हैं। केजरीवाल की प्राथमिकता देश की
राजनीति को अस्थिर करना और नरेंद्र मोदी को सत्ता में आने से रोकना है।
ऐसा इसलिए, क्योंकि अगर मोदी एक बार सत्ता में आ गए तो केजरीवाल की दुकान
हमेशा के लिए बंद हो जाएगी।’’
लेखक : संदीप देव

 

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December 31, 2013, 6:12 am
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AAP reduce electricity prices by 50 per cent

31122013
  Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal  promise of power price reduction upto 50% today held a press meet after a cabinet meeting, Kejriwal said there will be a 50 per cent cut in electricity prices up to a consumption of 400 units. Rates will be reduced further when the CAG audit is complete. 
His major pre-poll promises was that he would half the cost of electricity in Delhi if AAP was elected.

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Habitat World at India Habitat Centre programs 31122013
2nd January, 7:00pm
Bhojpuri Film Festival.
Naya Pata (Hindi/Bhojpuri with Eng. Subtitles/2013/94mins)
Dir. Pawan K. Shrivastava Produced through crowd funding, the film represents innovative cinema in trying to capture the emotional turmoil that migrants undergo.
Film Screenings are for Film Club Members only.
details
4th January, 7:00pm
Silsila 
Silsila- Commemorating the 75th year of Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan.Hindustani Classical Vocal by Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan & Sitar Recital by Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. Followed by documentary on Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan. Collab: Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan Memorial Trust
5th January, 7:00pm
Sarod recital by Alam Khan, disciple of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan
6th January, 7:00pm
LGBT Dignity, The Way Forward
Panelists:
Aditya Advani, Activist; Abhina Aher, Programme Manager, India HIV/AIDS Alliance; Anjali Gopalan, Founder and Executive Director, The Naz Foundation Trust, Harish Iyer, Equal Rights Activist & Arvind Narrain, Founder, Alternative Law Forum. Moderator- Pramada Menon, Queer Feminist and Co- Founder CREA Collab: Naz Foundation
Habitat World at India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003 | T: +91-11-4366 3080; | E: habitatworld@oldworldhospitality.comwww.habitatworld.com
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Apr-Nov fiscal deficit at 93.9% of actuals to BEs

31122013

Today at 5:57 PM
Dear All,

Apr-Nov fiscal deficit at 93.9% of actuals to BEs

The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 93.9% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as compared to 80.4% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit significantly increased to 171.8% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as compared to 118.7% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year.

    Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space by November 2013 vis-à-vis November 2012        (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India
Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month
 The data for February 2013 and February 2012 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
* indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The revenue receipts of the central government stands at 47.6% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 and also at the end of November 2012.

Fiscal position for November FY2014 vis-à-vis November  FY2013
Month
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2014*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2013*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2012*
April
17.3
13.1
18.1
May
33.3
27.6
31.7
June
48.4
37.1
39.4
July
62.8
51.5
55.4
August
74.6
65.7
66.3
September
76.0
65.6
68
October
84.4
71.6
74.4
November
93.9
80.4
85.6
December
–
78.8
92.3
January
–
90.7
105.4
February**
–
97.4
94.6
March
–
94^
98.9^
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month
** Data for February 2013 and February 2012 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
^ indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The government’s market borrowing stands at 84% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as compared with 86% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2012. The domestic financing stands at 95% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as compared to 82% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2012. The external financing of the government stands at 19% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as against 1% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2012. The total financing of the central government stands at 94% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of November 2013 as against 80% of the actuals to budget estimates during the corresponding period of previous year.

   Sources of financing the deficit                                                                                                          (%)
 Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: Data pertains to the end of the November 2012 and November 2013


Regards,

Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist

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CBSE-Katha Reading Utsav concludes with great thump

31122013
CBSE-Katha Reading Utsav concludes with great thump
Understanding the creative side of students
New Delhi, 31 December, 2013: The 3 day reading festival organized by CBSE in association with Katha, in the memory of Dr. Abid Hussain, President, Katha, concluded today with much pomp and ceremony.
A one of its kind reading and writing workshop organized by the Board, the Katha Utsav saw CBSE rewarding students for the creative enigma they portrayed.
The three day festival not only saw participation from young enthusiastic kids but also saw the who’s who of the literary circle mingling with children. Innovative and diverse, the three days were filled with various sessions on the art of reading, the importance of technology, the beauty of writing and various competitions for students to have some fun.
The event also saw various publishers and editors since great story writing comes from accepting the great criticism from the masters of the trade.
Ms. Sakshi Jain, Art Director, Katha, excited to be a part of the festival said, “Books are not merely a product to be sold, they are a product of love which originate in the mind of the writer and then transferred to the mind of the reader.”
Concluding today, the day saw teachers, parents and students interact with publishers in Meet with the Publishers and Literary Agents. Ms.Anita from Young Zubaansaid, “This meet helped students get an idea of how a writer pens their words into a masterpiece.”
The meet came to a close with the Katha Awards and Valedictory Ceremonywherein the winners were felicitated with awards and prizes for their active work in the field of reading and writing workshops that were held during the three day programme.  Students from different parts of country where present to receive the prestigious acclamation being given by the renowned alumni of Katha.
When asked about his thoughts on such events, Shri Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE, said “It is a must that more and more such festivals are organized to rejuvenate the art of reading amongst students. Technology has started playing such a big role today those children almost seem to forget the printed word.”
During the workshop, various spots were allotted in Sanskriti School wherein the students could go and showcase their creative skills. There was a Culture Café where the students could create flavors and textures of the culture they come from. This included excellence in writing, translation and illustration. Similarly, there was also aTwitter Café and a YouTube café where the young writers could learn, share, make friends with their tweets and record the video of anything around them with the camera provided to them and share that on YouTube. The videos they upload would be reviewed. For the ones who love to read, there was a Katha Book Café where 100 plus books recommended by CBSE and NCERT were showcased.
CBSE and Katha started a joint venture earlier this year to help nurture future writers in the country. The main objective of this initiative is to identify, encourage and provide a platform to all the future poets, novelists and translators of the country. Several Katha clubs were formed in CBSE schools that held literary lessons for students. Students who showcased a flair for literary writing were selected from these clubs for this national workshop.

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31122013
COMMISSIONING OF FAST PATROL VESSEL (FPV)
ICGS ABHEEK – 31 DEC 13

THE INDIAN COAST GUARD SHIP ‘ABHEEK’, THE SECOND IN THE SERIES OF TWENTY FAST PATROL VESSELS (FPVs), DESIGNED AND BUILT BY             M/S COCHIN SHIPYARD LIMITED, WAS COMMISSIONED ON 31 DEC 13 AT KOCHI BY SHRI AK ANTONY, THE HON’BLE RAKSHA MANTRI IN THE PRESENCE OF         VICE ADMIRAL ANURAG G THAPLIYAL, AVSM, DIRECTOR GENERAL INDIAN COAST GUARD, INSPECTOR GENERAL SPS BASRA, YSM, PTM, TM, COMMANDER COAST GUARD REGION (WEST), PROF KV THOMAS, HON’BLE MINISTER OF STATE(IC) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION, SHRI P RAJEEV, MP(RAJYA SABHA), DR. CHARLES DIAS, MP(LOK SABHA), STATE MINISTERS AND OTHER SENIOR DIGNITARIES OF THE CENTRAL AND STATE GOVT.
          THE 50 METER INDIGENOUS FPV DISPLACES 290 TONNES AND CAN ACHIEVE A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 33 KNOTS WITH AN ENDURANCE OF
1500 NAUTICAL MILES AT ECONOMICAL SPEED OF 13 KNOTS, EQUIPPED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART WEAPONRY AND ADVANCED COMMUNICATION AND NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT. SHE MAKES AN IDEAL PLATFORM FOR UNDERTAKING MULTIFARIOUS CLOSE-COAST MISSIONS SUCH AS SURVEILLANCE, INTERDICTION, SEARCH AND RESCUE AND MEDICAL EVACUATION.  THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE SHIP INCLUDE AN INTEGRATED BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IBMS), INTEGRATED MACHINERY CONTROL SYSTEM (IMCS) AND AN INTEGRATED GUN MOUNT WITH INDIGENOUS FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM (FCS).
THE SHIP HAS BEEN NAMED ICGS “ABHEEK”, LITERALLY MEANING “FEARLESS”, AND WILL BE BASED AT CHENNAI UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE COMMANDER, COAST GUARD REGION (EAST).
         


IN HIS ADDRESS DURING THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, HON’BLE RAKSHA MANTRI TERMED THE FAST PATROL VESSELS AS THE WORK HORSES OF COAST GUARD. THE HON’BLE RAKSHA MANTRI ALSO DWELT UPON THE FAST PACED DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIAN COAST GUARD AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE SUPPORT OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE COAST GUARD’S PLAN TO INCREASE FORCE LEVELS SUBSTANTIALLY TO FACE THE EMERGING SECURITY CHALLENGES IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN. HE EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACCORDS TO COASTAL SECURITY IN VIEW OF THE ASYMMETRIC THREATS FROM THE SEA. INDIAN COAST GUARD WILL HAVE      150 SHIPS/BOATS AND ABOUT 100 AIRCRAFT OVER THE NEXT
FIVE YEARS. IN ADDITION TO THESE OPERATIONAL ASSETS, A COASTAL SURVEILLANCE NETWORK IS BEING ESTABLISHED WITH 46 STATIONS TO ENSURE REAL TIME COASTAL SURVEILLANCE. 
          THE SHIP IS COMMANDED BY COMMANDANT MANISH KUMAR NEGI AND HAS COMPLEMENT OF 05 OFFICERS AND 34 OTHER RANKS.

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31122013

Dear All,

State Development Monitor  
 December 2013  


States have marked significant developments in all the spheres. Various economic advancements have been observed in states such as supplementary budget has been presented in Uttar Pradesh Assembly.

States are in the way to boost their industrial developments as first branch of all woman bank opened in Madhya Pradesh and UP sugar crisis ended as millers agreed to pay cane price in 2 tranches. Rural economy of states has also strengthened with notable developments such as Punjab seeks NDDB help to modernise milk plants and over 54 LT paddy arrived in Haryana.

Paving the way for better infrastructure, Haryana notifies rules for regularisation of plots. Further, major initiatives have been taken by the states to improve education as
 National Law
 University , IIT-Delhi to set up campus at Sonipat and
 Punjab releases Rs 280.81 crore for scholarships.

However, the tourism sector has also observed remarkable developments like Punjab to come out with tourism policy. Further, major social developments which have taken place in the states are Chhattisgarh tribal pockets to get Rs 750 crore and J&K gives nod to fresh rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants. On the health front, Bihar has launched telemedicine services for the upliftment of health services in the state.

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TRADERS SHOCKED OVER GOVT NOD TO TESCO IN FDI IN RETAIL

31122013

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has expressed deep shock and utter dismay over the approval of FIPB in FDI in Retail investment between Tesco and Tata.
 ” It is an unjustified step of the Government which will harm the small retailers of the Country. The Government instead of upgrading and modernising the existing retail trade of India has chosen the route of laying red carpet for Multinational Companies in their bid to control and dominate the retail sector”-said CAIT President B. C. Bhartia and Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal in a joint press statement released here today at New Delhi. 
The CAIT is committed to oppose any such policy and will do all within its might to make it one of the main Poll issue in forthcoming Loksabha Polls in 2014. To take stock of the current development and to decide the role of traders in forthcoming elections, the CAIT has convened a meeting of its National Governing Council on 10th and 11th January at Nagpur which will be attended by prominent trade leaders of different States from all over the Country.
The CAIT recalled that principal opposition party BJP, Left Parties and several other parties have made it clear in the past to reject present policy of FDI in Retail and accordingly the CAIT will impress upon all political parties to reiterate their stand in their respective Election Manifestos.    
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
For more details, please contact CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal at +91-9891015165-9310199771
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Article 3

January 1, 2014, 1:52 am
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GLOBAL NEWSDOSE

1012014

Today at 3:01 AM
Lights. Camera. Education!
The White HouseTuesday, December 31, 2013
Lights. Camera. Education!
Are you a student filmmaker? Know someone who is?
We want your help.
If you’re a student, we want you to make a short film — and have the chance to show it right here at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the first-ever White House Student Film Festival. If you’re a parent or a friend, pass this on to a student you know.
The topic? Technology in classrooms. There’s huge power in what technology can do for education — from taking a course online, to collaborating with students from across the country (or the world!).
We’re looking for awesome student filmmakers to show the power of technology in classrooms in a short film.
If that sounds like you — or someone you know — go to WhiteHouse.gov/Film-Festival and find out how you can participate.
Find out more about the White House Film Fest -- then submit your entry
But hurry! You’ve only got until January 29th to send in your submission. So if it’s going to get “two thumbs up,” you’d better start now.
Not a K-12 student? Forward this to someone who is:
Stay Connected


Tourism Ministry launches its calendar #IncredibleIndia for 2014 to promote #India as one of the best tourism destinations of the world.

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Indonesia police shot dead terrorist

Indonesia police anti-terrorism squad has shot dead six fighters and arrested another in an all-night standoff at a house near the capital Jakarta, officials said.

Brigadier-General Boy Rafli Amar, a National Police spokesman, said the shootout started late on Tuesday when most Indonesians were preparing for New Year’s Eve celebrations and ended Wednesday.
Intelligence gathered from earlier arrests allowed police to storm hideouts in Ciputat on Jakarta’s southern outskirts.
He said those who were killed had refused to surrender and instead fired guns and lobbed homemade bombs at security forces, injuring one police officer.
Police spokesman Ronnie Sompie said that they had seized explosive materials and firearms from the house.
Police believe the men are part of a larger group involved in robberies carried out to fund “terrorist activities”, mainly aimed at police, and also plan to investigate any links to a plot to bomb the Myanmar Embassy.
Earlier on Tuesday, police arrested a suspected terrorist for his alleged role in a suicide bombing on a police station and fighter training activities.

Utah files emergency request with Supreme Court

Tto halt same-sex marriage

Utah lawmakers asked the US Supreme Court to suspend same-sex marriage in the state after a judge overturned the voter-approved ban last week. That judge decided that by refusing to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, the heavily Mormon state was violating their right to equal treatment under the law. Yet on Tuesday Utah officials filed an emergency request with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who handles emergency filings from Utah and Rocky Mountain states, to nullify the more than 900 gay marriages that have taken place across Utah. Sotomayor responded by asking same-sex couples to provide legal briefs by Friday at noon. The justice has the power to either act alone or with the rest of the court.

 Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement framework

US Secretary of State John Kerry hopes that Palestinians and Israelis can agree on a framework for a peace settlement this week as the diplomat readies to leave for the region on Wednesday, a senior State Department official told Reuters. Issues such as regional security, the future of Jerusalem and the fate of refugees need to be resolved before a peace agreement can be reached within the nine month timeframe set up when talks restarted after a three-year hiatus in July. The official said the framework would act as a guideline for reaching a full peace treaty in April which stipulates a two-state solution.

Egypt seizes assets of Morsi and his supporters

Egypt’s government has increased its crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood in the country ordering the seizure of assets belonging to 572 members, senior judicial and security officials announced. Labelled as a terrorist organization last week, the interim government placed the assets of former President Mohammed Morsi and his family on the list, as well as provincial Brotherhood leaders and members of the group’s executive body. The list is comprised of members suspected of inciting violence following the ousting of Morsi on July 3.

Baghdad blasts, amid Anbar clashes

A series of bombs which were detonated across Iraq’s capital killed 15 in Baghdad alone, Reuters sources report. In the biggest attack, seven people were killed when a car bomb struck a Shi’ite neighborhood. The news comes a day after police dispelled a Sunni Muslim protest camp set up in the western province of Anbar. Over 9,000 have already been killed in Iraq this year, as the country has descended into its worst bout of sectarian violence since 2008.

100 Dutch youths arrested in New Year’s riot

One hundred youths lobbed bottles and fireworks at firefighters in southwest Netherlands who were trying to quell the flames of a burning car wreck. The car itself had been set alight as part of a New Year’s tradition in the town of Veen, near the southwest coast of the Netherlands. “We have arrested around 100 young people, men and women, mainly between the ages of 18 and 25, after they pelted firefighters trying to put out a burning car wreck,” police spokesman Jeroen Steenmeyer told AFP. The police were forced to take action after the firemen were attacked. New Year’s celebrations in the small town of 2,500 are infamous; last year an unarmed drone was dispatched by the government to monitor celebrations.

France announces massive Mali troop cuts

French Defence Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said on Tuesday that the number of the country’s troops in Mali would be reduced by 60 percent over the course of the next three months.  A one-thousand strong force will be left. France intervened in Mali in January to push back Islamist militants that had gained a footing in the country’s north. At the highest point of the conflict, France had some 4,500 troops stationed in the country.
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Article 2

January 2, 2014, 12:13 am
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Quake of M6.6 – VANUATU

2012014
Globe with Earthquake Location

 

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.6
Date-Time
  • 1 Jan 2014  16:03:30 UTC
  • 2 Jan 2014  03:03:30 near epicenter
  • 1 Jan 2014  20:03:30 standard time in your timezone
Location13.873S 167.202E
Depth196 km
Distances
  • 37 km (22 mi) W of Sola, Vanuatu
  • 183 km (113 mi) N of Luganville, Vanuatu
  • 443 km (274 mi) NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu
  • 779 km (482 mi) N of We, New Caledonia
  • 918 km (569 mi) N of Paita, New Caledonia
Location UncertaintyHorizontal: 0.0 km; Vertical 6.1 km
ParametersNph = 148; Dmin = 445.2 km; Rmss = 0.68 seconds; Gp = 29° Version = 1
Event IDus c000lvb5

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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014

2012014
Web version|Mobile version|Forward to your friends|
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014
‘Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations’
7-9 January, 2014: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India
 
Dear Sir,
 
I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India is celebrating the 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) with the theme “Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations” from January 7-9, 2014 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is the partner Ministry for PBD 2014 and FICCI is managing and coordinating the event.
 
As you may be aware, PBD is a unique platform that connects over 2000 overseas Indians across 60 countries.  Besides opportunities to connect with different stakeholders from Industry and Government, the PBD 2014 will offer new synergies to Indian Diaspora to network & collaborate across sectors in different States.
 
The Divas will be formally inaugurated on 8th January, 2014 by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. On 7th January, a special seminar entitled the ‘Youth PBD’, will be held to focus on youth diaspora.  Hon’ble President of India will deliver the Valedictory Address and confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on 9th January 2014.
 
As on date, we have already received the registration from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait ,Malaysia ,Mauritius ,Mozambique ,Netherlands, New Zealand ,Oman ,Portugal ,Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia ,South Africa, Switzerland ,Tanzania, Thailand ,United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom & United States of America (USA).
  
In recognition of the evolving significant and multidimensional role of Indian Diaspora, PBD 2014 will address the theme of ‘Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations’
 
PBD 2014 will also commemorate the remarkable contributions made by Indian Diaspora in building the growth story of modern India and also accentuates India’s position in the international arena. 
 
Major highlights of the Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are as follows: 
 
  • Plenary Sessions with Hon’ble Union Ministers
  • Concurrent Session on Innovation & Technology, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment etc
  • Special session on NRIs in the Gulf
  • Explore business opportunities in India and within Diaspora
  • New initiatives to engage the youth and second generation of Indian Diaspora
  • Focussed seminars to explore Investment Opportunities in States
  • Presentation of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2014 by the Hon’ble President of India
  • Exhibition
  • Cultural Programme
 
I take this opportunity to invite you to register as an esteemed delegate to the Twelfth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jan 7 – 9, 2014 at New Delhi, India.
 
For more details about the event, you may log to PBD website www.pbd-india.com
 
For any further query, please feel free to contact my colleagues Mr. Samrat Soo, Deputy Director, FICCI / Ms. Priya Dhawan at pbd2014@ficci.com, samrat.soo@ficci.com Tel: +91-11-23736313 / 23487273, Fax: +91-11-23320714 /23721504.
 
Look forward to your kind confirmation and with regards
 
Vinita Sethi
Assistant Secretary General
Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
New Delhi, India

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2012014
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library
cordially invites you to a Conference

 
at 9.00 am on Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 January, 2014
in the Seminar Room, First Floor, Library Building
 
on

‘Economy, Reason, Affect:
Anti-colonial sensibility 1860-1950’
 
in association with
 
Dr. Baidik Bhattacharya,
Universityof Delhi, Delhi
Dr. Aishwary Kumar,
Stanford  University, USA,
Prof. Udaya Kumar,
NMML and
Prof. Rajeswari Sunder Rajan,
New  York University, USA.
 
 
 
Programme Schedule:                            Tuesday, 7 January, 2014
 
9.00 am. – 9.30  am.
 
9.30 am. –   10.00 am.
 
 
Coffee
 
Opening Remarks and Theme Note:
Prof.  Mahesh Rangarajan,
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library,
New Delhi
Dr.  Robert Crews, 
Stanford    University,   USA
Prof.  Rajeswari Sunder Rajan,
New    York University, USA
 
10.00 am.- 11.00  am.
 
 
Session I
 
Chair:
 		Prof.  Mary E. John, 
Centre for Women’s Development Studies,
New    Delhi
 
Speaker:
Prof. Tanika  Sarkar,  
Jawaharlal Nehru University,  New Delhi
‘Intimate  Violence:
Constructing marital  rape in colonial Bengal’
 
 
11.00 am.- 11.15 am.
Coffee
 
11.15 am.– 12.15  pm.
 		                                      Session II
Chair:
 		Prof. Udaya  Kumar,
NMML
 
Speaker:
 		Dr. Sanal Mohan,
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
‘Complexities of Colonialism and the Question of Affect:
The problem of caste slavery in Kerala’
 
12.15 pm. – 1.15 pm.
 
Session III
 
 
Chair:
 		Prof. MSS Pandian,
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi
 
Speaker: Prof. Bernard  Bate, 
Yale-NUS    College,   Singapore,
‘Swadeshi  Bharati:
Protestant  Textuality and the Poetics of Tamil Political Modernity’
 
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm.
Lunch
 
 
2.15 pm. – 4.15 pm.
 
Session  IV
Chair:Prof. Neeladri  Bhattacharya, 
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi
 
Speakers:Dr. Andrew  Sartori, 
New York    University,   USA
‘Aspirations to  Freedom in Early Twentieth-Century 
(Anti-) Colonial Bengal’
 
 
Dr. Prathama  Banerjee, 
Centre  for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi
‘Can there be a  Pure Action?:
Debating the  political in colonial Bengal/India’
 
 
 Wednesday,  8 January, 2014
 
 
9.00 am. – 9. 30 am.
Coffee
 
9.30 am. – 11.30 am.
Session V
 
Chair:Prof.  Mahesh Rangarajan,
Nehru Memorial Museum and Library,
New Delhi
 
Speakers:Dr.  Simona Sawhney, 
Indian Institute  of Technology, Delhi
‘Hunger  Strike’
 
 Dr. Mohinder  Singh, 
Jawaharlal Nehru University,  New Delhi
‘Conceptualization  of the Social:
Reflections on  the concept of samaj in 19th  century north India’
 
11.30 am. – 11.45 am.
Coffee
 
 
11. 45 am. -12.45 am.
Session VI
 
Chair:Dr.  Veena Naregal,
Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi
Speaker:Prof. Madhava  Prasad, 
The  English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
‘Language:
The Political  Commons’

 
12.45 pm. – 1.45 pm.
Lunch
 
1.45 pm. – 3.45 pm.
Session VII
 
Chair:
 		Prof. V. Sanil,
Indian  Institute of Technology,  Delhi
 
Speakers:Dr.  Aishwary Kumar, 
Stanford    University,   USA
‘A  Revolutionary Democracy:
Ambedkar’s   Ucched’
 
Dr. Milind  Wakankar, 
Ambedkar University, Delhi
‘Law and Bhava:
Notes towards a  treatise on freedom’
 
3.45 pm. – 4.00 pm.
Coffee
 
 
4. 00 pm. -  5.00 pm.
Session  VIII
 
 
Chair:
 
 
Speakers:
 		Prof. Pradip  Kumar Datta, 
University of Delhi, Delhi

Prof. Sudipta  Kaviraj, 
Columbia    University,   USA
‘Dharma in the  Face of Modernity:
Bankimchandra’s  Dharmatattva’
 
 
 
 		Thursday, 9  January, 2014
 
 
9. 30 am. – 12. 30 pm.
Session IX
 
11. 15 am. – 11.30 pm.
Coffee  Break
 
 
Chair:Dr. Parna  Sengupta, 
Stanford    University,   USA

 
Roundtable:‘Concetual  Histories of the Anti-colonial Movement in the India Sub-continent’
 
 
Discussion led by:
Prof.  Rajeswari Sunder Rajan,
New    York University, USA and
Dr.  Baidik Bhattacharya, 
University of Delhi, Delhi

 
12. 30 pm. – 1.00 pm.
Concluding  Remarks
 
 
1.00 pm.
Lunch
 
 
Please find the concept note and abstracts of the conference attached.
 
All are welcome.
Those wishing to have their names added to the email list may please email us at nmmldirector@gmail.com
 
Web links to programmes for 2014:
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January 2, 2014, 12:37 am
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TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on ‘Reserve Price for Auction of Spectrum in the 800 MHz Band’
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Consultation Paper on ‘Reserve Price for Auction of Spectrum in the 800 MHz Band’. On 12th December 2013, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had requested the Authority to furnish their recommendations on reserve price for 800 MHz band in all the service areas in terms of clause 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act 1997 as amended. In this context, TRAI has issued this consultation paper raising specific issues for consideration of stakeholders. The key issues raised in the consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, spectrum block-size and methods to be used for valuation and estimation of reserve price of spectrum. The consultation paper has been placed on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in.

Written comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders by 15th January 2014 and counter-comments by 22nd January 2014. Stakeholders are requested to send their comments by due date as there will be no extension of timelines.

The comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form attrai.jams@gmail.com.

An Open House Discussion on the consultation paper will be held on 27th January 2014 in New Delhi.
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January 3, 2014, 3:37 am
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International News

3012014

POSTED ON JANUARY 3, 2014

7 arrested in Egypt in connection with suicide attack

Seven people from the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) party have been detained by Egyptian authorities for alleged involvement in a suicide bomb attack on a police station in Mansoura that killed 16 people last month, Egypt’s interior minister announced. The arrest included a son of one of the party’s leaders Yehya Almongi Saad Huseini. The Brotherhood denies being involved in the attack. A Sinai-based militant group, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, claimed responsibility for the December 24 attack in Mansoura.

Japan rescues balloonist near disputed islands

Japanese coastguards have rescued a Chinese hot air balloonist which crash-landed next to the disputed Diaoyu/Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. According to the Japanese coastguard, the air balloon steered by a 35-year-old man crashed about 22 kilometers from the contested area. The passenger was rescued by a helicopter and handed over to a Chinese patrol ship which expressed gratitude for the rescue operation. The dispute over the uninhabited stretch of islands has intensified since 2012, with China setting up maritime patrols and East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone over the islands.

Chinese consulate in San Francisco hit in arson attack

The Chinese consulate in San Francisco has been left badly damaged after an unidentified person set fire to the main gate, the consulate said in a statement Thursday. The suspect parked a van in front of the building and carried two cans of petrol to the gate before setting it ablaze. Although it is common for protests to occur outside Chinese diplomatic missions in Western countries, acts of violence are rare.

Bombing and shootings kill at least 28 in Iraq

A suicide bomber driving a car packed with explosives killed at least 12 people and wounded another 25 in the north-eastern Iraqi city of Balad Ruz. In separate incidents four people were killed when a sticky bomb attached to a mini bus went off in the northern Shi’ite Baghdad suburb of Sha’ab. While in Latifiya, south of Baghdad, a roadside bomb killed four and injured 11. Six more people, including three soldiers were killed when gunmen opened fire at a military checkpoint in the same town according to police sources, Reuters reports.

Two Americans detained in Libya

Two US citizens are being held by the Libyan army at its headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi, local security and army sources told Reuters. The identity of the Americans and the reason for their arrest was not immediately clear. Last week, four American military personal were held by the Libyan government for several hours before being released. Their convoy failed to stop at a military checkpoint and had been found to be carrying weapons

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Categories : Business, Media, Politics, Uncategorized, world News

Bill Gates regains ranking as world’s richest person

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Microsoft found Bill Gates has once again been granted the accolade of world’s richest person, knocking Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim off of the top spot. Bill Gates amassed a fortune of $78.5 billion over 2013, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. The software magnate’s surge in wealth this year has boosted the collective fortune of the world’s 300 richest to a total of $3.7 trillion this year, Bloomberg calculated.

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US withdraws embassy staff from S. Sudan amid violence

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The US is evacuating its embassy staff from South Sudan in a “further drawdown” of its consular services, the State Department has announced. The move comes after a month-long conflict between rebels and government forces that has left at least 1,000 dead and around 180,000 forced from their homes. Representatives of President Salva Kiir’s government and the leader of the rebels, his former deputy Riek Machar, are holding negotiations to resolve the conflict.

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Five new countries join UN Security Council

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Jordan, Lithuania, Chile, Chad and Nigeria have joined the UN Security Council (UNSC) as non-permanent members for the next two years, as of Jan. 1, 2014. The new members replaced Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo. Jordan, which took its seat on the Council after Saudi Arabia turned down a place, assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council for January.

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Passengers rescued from icebound Antarctic ship

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Passengers rescued from icebound Antarctic ship
A helicopter rescued all 52 passengers from a research ship that has been trapped in Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve after weather conditions finally cleared enough for the operation on Thursday.
The Chinese helicopter carried the scientists and tourists from the Russian ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy in groups of 12 to an Australian icebreaker, said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre, which oversaw the rescue.
The Aurora Australis will now take the passengers to the Australian island state of Tasmania, a journey expected to last two weeks.
“I think everyone is relieved and excited to be going on to the Australian icebreaker and then home,” expedition leader Chris Turney told The Associated Press by satellite phone from the Antarctic.
All 22 crew members stayed with the icebound vessel, which is not in danger of sinking and has weeks’ worth of supplies on board. They will wait until the ice that surrounds the ship breaks up.
The eagerly anticipated rescue came after days of failed attempts to reach the vessel. Blinding snow, strong winds, fog and thick sea ice forced rescuers to turn back time and again. Three icebreakers were dispatched to try and crack their way through the ice surrounding the ship, but all failed. The Aurora came within 20 kilometres of the ship on Monday, but fierce winds and snow forced it to retreat to open water.
On Thursday, it appeared the weather had thwarted yet another rescue attempt. The helicopter was originally going to airlift the passengers to the Chinese icebreaker on which the copter is based, with a barge then ferrying the passengers to the Aurora. But sea ice prevented the barge from reaching the Snow Dragon icebreaker, and the maritime authority said the operation would have to be delayed. A last-minute change in plans allowed the rescue to go ahead.
The passengers were instead flown to an ice floe next to the Aurora and then taken by a small boat to the Australian ship, Turney said.
The Akademik Shokalskiy, which left New Zealand on November 28, got stuck after a blizzard pushed the sea ice around the ship, freezing it in place about 2,700 kilometres south of Hobart, Tasmania.
The scientific team on board had been recreating Australian explorer Douglas Mawson’s 1911 to 1913 voyage to Antarctica.
Turney had hoped to continue the trip if an icebreaker managed to free the ship.
Despite his disappointment over the expedition being cut short, he said his spirits remained high. “I’m a bit sad it’s ended this way,” he said. “But we got lots and lots of great science done.”

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SC unhappy over comments

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Homosexuality verdict: SC unhappy over comments
Supreme Court has expresses displeasure today over statements made by some Union ministers against its verdict on homosexuality. 
The apex court added that some of the statements are not in good taste and these are not appreciable in public.
Supreme Court however refused to pass any order against the ministers but cautions people holding high posts from making such type of statements. 

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PM rules out third term;

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PM rules out third term; to announce candidate at right time
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ruled himself out of the race for prime ministership after the next elections holding that Rahul Gandhi had “outstanding credentials” for the top job but said Narendra Modi as PM will be “disastrous” for the country.
He said the Congress party would decide on its prime ministerial candidate and announce it at an “appropriate” time.
Addressing a press conference, the third in his two terms, he sought to dispel the negative image of his government and the tag of weak prime minister for him after nine and half years in office saying he had done his best and put the country on a good growth momentum.
“I do not believe I am a weak prime minister. It is for historians to judge. The BJP and its associates may say whatever they like. If by strong prime minister you mean you preside over mass massacre of innocent citizens on the streets of Ahmedabad, if that is the measure of strength, I do not believe that that this country needs that kind of strength.
In his opening statement itself, the Prime Minister said after the general elections in a few months time “I will hand the baton over to a new prime minister. I hope it will be a UPA chosen prime minister and our party will work to that end.”
The Prime Minister, who faced a number of questions on corruption charges that sullied the image of UPA-II, asserted that the controversies surrounding coal blocks allocation scam and the 2G spectrum licences pertained to UPA-I and people had voted the coalition back to power in 2009.
“Well as far as charge of corruption are concerned, most of the charges relate to period of UPA-I. The coal block allocation as well 2G spectrum allocation, they were both in UPA-I. We went to the electorate in 2009 and people gave us mandate to rule again.
“These charges have been raised from time to time by the media, CAG and courts. They belong to the previous five years. People of India entrusted us with the responsibility to rule again. They do no seem to have paid heed to all charges of corruption,” he said.
Asked if he could have done something differently on the corruption issue since it has tainted his Mr. Clean image, Singh said he felt “somewhat sad. It was I who insisted that spectrum allocation should be transparent and fair. It was I who insisted that the allocation of coal blocks should be on the basis of auction. These facts were forgotten.
“Opposition has vested interests. Sometimes the media plays into their hands. When history is written we will come out unscathed. This is not to say that there are no irregularities. But the dimensions of the problem have been overstated by the media, by CAG sometimes and other entities.”
To various questions about his performance and how he would be judged, he said “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or for that matter opposition parties.”
Replying to a question, Singh said he has indicated in his opening remarks that he is not going to be the candidate for prime ministership again. “Rahul Gandhi has outstanding credentials to be pm candidate.”
To another question, he said he has full confidence that the next prime minister would be from the UPA.
Asked whether a contest between Modi and Gandhi would be equal, he said “without discussing the merits of Narendra Modi, I sincerely believe that it will be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as prime minister.”
When a questioner asked him about Modi’s campaign theme of a Congress-free India, Singh shot back, ” I sincerely believe what Narendra Modi is saying, it is not going to materialise.”
To a query whether “dual centres of power” in Congress had affected his functioning, Modi said “I sincerely believe that the arrangement where the Congress President and the Prime Minister did not happen to be same person has under the circumstance worked exceedingly well.
“For me it was a remarkable achievement that I have been able to complete 10 years without any hiccups between the prime minister and Congress President. Sonia Gandhi’s support has been enormous. She was there to back me which facilitated my task in more than one way.”
Asked about the perception that the decisions were taken in 10, Janpath, a reference to Sonia Gandhi’s house, he said, “It is not a question of Congress President or the Vice President. If they have any view it ought to be reflected in the government to the extent possible. It is not a disadvantage or a drawback in our system. This has enabled us to deal with many issues.
“If the government recognised issues, I don’t think it is right to say that this is wrong or it is disadvantage to make corrections if the party leadership says it is required in national interest.”

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Categories : Media, Politics, Uncategorized, world News

National Archives of India to Collaborate with State Archives of Turkey,Oman

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National Archives of India to Collaborate with State Archives of Turkey and the National Records and Archvies Authority of Oman 
The National Archives of India has successfully collaborated with the State Archives of Turkey and the National Records and Archives Authority of Oman in a series of meetings in Ankara and Muscat during this week. The Director General National Archives of India V. Srinivas met the Director General State Archives of Turkey Dr. Ugur Unal in Istanbul on January 2, 2014 and the Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority of Oman Dr. Hamad Mohd Al Dhawiani in Muscat on December 31, 2013. The protocol for collaboration in Archives was signed between India and Turkey during the visit of the President of India to Ankara on October 7, 2013. 
The Ambassador of India to Turkey Smt. Susmita Gongulee Thomas and the First Deputy Minister of Archives of Turkey Mr. M. Abdullah Canbek were present on the occasion in the State Archives of Turkey at Ankara when the Hindi and the Turkish Texts of the Protocol were signed and exchanged. 
The protocol allows National Archives of India to access ancient Ottoman Archives records amounting to 12 million documents with considerable historical importance in the year 2014. In the bilateral meeting both sides recognized the benefits from the collaboration in the field of archives and agreed on the need for deeper collaboration in the coming years to develop strong institutions and improved record management practices. India and Turkey agreed on the following road-map for future collaboration: (a) Identifying Archival Material of Mutual Interest: The National Archives of India agreed to host a delegation of Archivists from the State Archives of Turkey at the National Archives of India for a period of 5 days to identify documents which are of interest to the State Archives of Turkey. The State Archives of Turkey agreed to provide a catalogue of reference material available with the State Archives of Turkey for National Archives of India to identify areas of mutual interest; (b) Exhibition of Ottoman Archival Records in National Archives of India: The National Archives of India agreed to host a one week exhibition from the State Archives of Turkey in New Delhi at a time of mutual convenience in 2014. It was also agreed that an advance team from State Archives of Turkey could be deputed to National Archives of India to work out the logistical arrangements. (c) Collaboration in Training Programs: The National Archives of India agreed to build collaboration with the State Archives of Turkey in development of training programs through a Technical Assistance Program. (d) Collaboration in Digitization of Records: the National Archives of India agreed to explore possible areas of collaboration with the State Archives of Turkey in the exchange of digital copies and share experiences in this regard. 
In the bilateral meeting between Dr. Hamad Mohd. Al Dhawiani Chairman National Records and Archives Authority, Sultanate of Oman and V. Srinivas, Director General National Archives of India which was attended by the Ambassador of India to Oman Shri J.S. Mukul, the following areas of collaboration were identified (a) The National Archives of India will host an Omani delegation of Archivists at New Delhi to prepare proper reference media for the archival documents collected from Indian side; (b) The National Records and Archives Authority will hold an exhibition at New Delhi on Omani and Ottoman Archival records along with a seminar of Arabic Scholars from both sides participating in the deliberations. (c) A technical assistance program for development of training programs would be developed between the 2 institutions; (d) Both sides would seek to explore collaboration in digitization of archival records; (e) Both sides agreed to work on exchange of archivists to develop archival records in both countries; and (f) The National Archives of India would facilitate interaction with State Archives and Grant in Aid institutions associated with Portuguese history in India. Oman has hitherto accessed 73000 documents of historical importance from National Archives of India for building an international records section in the National Records and Archives Authority. 

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AAP’s MS Dhir is Delhi speaker : Team Anna members will join the BJP

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 Aam Aadmi Party today braced for a fight in the election for the post of Delhi Assembly Speaker, naming first-time MLA from Jangpura constituency MS Dhir as its candidate. Aam Admi Party MLA, M S Dhir has been elected as Speaker of Delhi Assembly. Pro-tem Speaker Mateen Ahmad announced this in the House after voice vote. Speaker’s election  scheduled to have taken place on January 3, a day after the trust vote to be sought by the government in the Assembly.AAP’s MS Dhir becomes the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly.  37 MLAs support Dhir while 32 legislators back BJP candidate Jagdish Mukhi. 
Rumours to be believed  then Team Anna members will join the BJP on January 14. They include, Kiran Bedi, Akhil Gogoi, Avinash Dharmadhikari, Shivendra Chauhan, General VK Singh and Justice Santosh Hegde.

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Reel life couple who cannot see eye-to-eye in real life

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Tinsel town is riddled with tales of successful reel life pairs who can’;t see eye to eye in real life. ᙥh Hai Mohabbatein⠩s a story that showcases mature love and deals with societal issues. This is the story of Raman and Ishita who are connected by their common love for little Ruhi. But if rumors are to be believed the actors in this TV show Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi cannot stand each other in real life.

So, what is the issue? Says a source, 㔨e two have not had a showdown over anything, but they prefer to keep to themselves and hardly communicate even during breaks. Even though they don’;t communicate, they manage to shoot their scenes without any issues.”

When contacted both Karan and Divyanka were unavailable for a comment. We wonder what will happen to this love-hate relationship

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Kanchi Singh & Mishkat Varma talk about their New Year resolutions..

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New romance in the New Year!

Image

With Rajan Shahi’s new show …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya going on air on Jan 6th  at 10pm on Zee TV, the cast of the show seems to be anxiously awaiting the response from the viewers and the critics. Their collective energy and dedication has helped them to create a  bank of eight episodes already! Talking about their New Year resolutions, all of them in unison speak about how they are giving their best shot and trying hard to make this new show a huge success.

Talking about their New Year resolutions, the female protagonist of the show, Kaanchi Singh aka Avni of …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya said,“I mostly make a New Year resolution only about my habits or my looks, but, this year I have promised myself to give it my best to my debut on small screen. Giving my cent percent to …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya is my only wish this year and with such amazing co-actors, I am sure I am going to learn and evolve each day on shoot.” Riding on the same thought, Mishkat Verma aka Raj of …Aur Pyaar Ho Gayasaid, “Mr. Rajan Shahi based his trust on me before anybody else and this , my resolution is to make him proud doing a good job as the lead actor and to not let Zee and Mr. Rajan Shahi down.”

Adding to this, Reena Kapur aka Bhavna of …Aur Pyaar Ho Gayasaid, “I am glad to be making a comeback with a show as grand as this. My New Year resolution this year is to be more sincere towards my work and make this show a huge success.” Waseem Mushtaqaka Akshat of …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya said, “I am glad to be a part of a show with such an amazing star cast. My New Year resolution this year is to make the show a huge success and to spend a lovely holiday with my wife in Spain.”

While they are all excited to ring in the New Year with utmost enthusiasm, here’s wishing all the audiences a fantastic year ahead too!

…Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, premiers on 6th January 2014, from Monday – Friday at 10 PM
only on Zee TV!

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Shame on the Callous and Insensitive UP Government:

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Shame on the Callous and Insensitive UP Government: Civil Society Demands Immediate Halting of Forcible Closure of Relief Camps
 
A spirited demonstration was held today at Uttar Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi to protest against the callous and insensitive attitude of the UP government towards the riot affected and displaced survivors. As news of the government notification directing the closure of all relief camps spread at the end of the year, there was anger among activists who have been working with the riot victims for the past three months since the violence broke out. 
 
Several civil society organisations participated in the demonstration. Speakers condemned the administrative failure of the UP government to first protect the victims from rioters, then its failure to ensure the return of peace by refusing to act against the perpetrators of violence, or by providing for those forced to flee their homes and reliefs to seek shelter in relief camps. The UP government has, the speakers emphasized, multiplied this injustice by now ordering the destruction of all camps. Speakers also underlined the importance of initiating a dialogue in the violence hit area, with a view to restoring peace, while reiterating their commitment to provide relief to the victims. 
Among the prominent speakers were: Prof. Apoorvanad (Aman Ekta Manch); Adv N.D. Pancholi (PUCL); Prof. Rizwan Qaiser, Dr. Arjumand Ara (D.U), Dr. Tanweer Fazal (JTSA); several students and youth activists. 
 
The programme was conducted by Mahtab Alam. A memorandum to the Governor was submitted to the Resident Commissioner. (Copy below).
Asad Ashraf (JSSF) and Amir Khan (Anhad) on behalf of all civil society groups. 
Asad 9911248960 Amir  8586942950
The Governor,
Uttar Pradesh
Through the Resident Commissioner,
Uttar Pradesh Bhavan, New Delhi.

Subject: Forcible Eviction of Riot Victims from Relief Camps

Sir,
As you are aware, in September riotous violence broke out in Muzaffarnagar, forcing thousands to flee from their homes and ancestral villages for relief camps. Three months after the riots erupted – due to lack of administrative resolve to tame potential troublemakers, in the first place – those who instigated and executed arson, murder and rape roam free; while the victims of that violence are forced to suffer fear, indignity, hunger, disease, and even deaths of their children in relief camps.

The UP Government, frugal from the beginning in its aid to the victims, has now crossed all limits of callous governance and cynical political calculation, by ordering the eviction of riot hit peoples from the relief camps, dismantling the flimsy tents, which at least provided them with a modicum of shelter against the bitter cold. This campaign is being carried out by brutal force: eyewitnesses in Loi, Neem Kheri, Bhora etc have reported the heavy deployment of police force and the forcible closure of these camps by bulldozing the tents and hearths and beating up the residents. The UP government is also indulging in blackmail, threatening to hold up compensation for those who do not evacuate the camps immediately. It has even demolished the tents erected on land brought by the riot victims.

Where force and blackmail fail, it is not above employing outright deceit. The UP government is now peddling the lie that people are either moving out voluntarily or are being relocated to the Budhana Tehsil camp. As news reports and civil society reports have amply demonstrated that both these claims are false.

While we fail to understand how government, any government, can be so deliberately cruel and insensitive towards the suffering of the people, we are writing to you with a deep sense of urgency, requesting you to kindly intervene to ensure that those already displaced from their villages and home are at least allowed to continue to live in the relief camps.  We appeal to you to kindly ensure that those forced out of their last shelter do not die on the streets of cold. Please prevail upon the UP government to halt the demolition of the relief camps with immediate effect. 
  
Asad Ashraf , Preetika Nanda, Ikshula Arora, Tajally Shehreyar  (Jamia Students’ Solidarity Forum), Amir Khan, Manan Trivedi and Bhavna Sharma (ANHAD); Manisha Sethi, Tanweer Fazal and Amabrien Alqadr (JTSA), Ehtasham Khan (Indian Wisdom Foundation); Adv. N D Pancholi and Mahtab Alam (PUCL, Delhi); Prof. Apporvanand, Dr. Arjumand Ara and Jamal Kidwai (Aman Ekta Manch); Deepti Bharti, NFIW; Navaid Hamid, MOEMIN and many others.                                                            
Asad Ashraf ( Jamia Students’ solidarity forum)
9911248960

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Manish:We are responsible for weak child unable to pursue education

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कमजोर बच्चों के आगे न बढ़ पाने के लिए हम लोग जिम्मेदार- मनीष सिसोदिया
नई दिल्ली, 02-01-2014
दिल्ली के शिक्षा मंत्री मनीष सिसोदिया ने 2 जनवरी, 2014 को उच्च शिक्षा विभाग के अधिकारियों के साथ एक बैठक की और विभाग की दयनीय स्थिति पर चिंता जताते हुए सख्त तेवर दिखाए।
बैठक के दौरान उन्हें पता चला कि दिल्ली सरकार कमजोर वर्ग के बच्चों के लिए एक स्कॉलरशिप देती है। इसके तहत ट्यूशन फीस की आधी रकम दी जाती है। पर, इस योजना की बदहाली का आलम यह है कि पिछले साल केवल 7 बच्चों को इसका लाभ मिला। दरअसल, बैठक की शुरुआत में एक वरिष्ठ अधिकारी ने विभाग के संगठन, कामकाज, उपलब्धियों और चुनौतियों से संबंधित एक प्रेजेंटेशन दिखाना शुरू किया। उस प्रेजेंटेशन में न तो सूचनाएं पर्याप्त थीं और न ही स्पष्ट।
मनीष सिसोदिया ने प्रेजेंटेशन आधार पर सवाल दागने शुरू किए तो अधिकारियों के पास इनका कोई सीधा जवाब नहीं था।
इसके अलावा दिल्ली सरकार के शिक्षा विभाग की तरफ से दिए जाने वाले कुछ अवार्ड, सम्मान आदि के बारे में भी अधिकारी स्पष्ट जवाब और अपडेट आंकड़े नहीं दे पाए।
विभाग की इस दयनीय हालत और अधिकारियों के टाल-मटोल के रवैये से नाराज मनीष सिसोदिया ने अधिकारियों को एक-दो दिन के भीतर विभाग से जुड़ी अपडेट जानकारियां देने के लिए कहा।
बैठक के दौरान पता चला कि दिल्ली में हर साल 10+2 से तकरीबन 2 लाख 65 हजार बच्चे उत्तीर्ण होते हैं। पर, आगे की पढ़ाई के लिए दिल्ली में केवल तकरीबन 90 हजार को ही दाखिला मिल पाता है। दिल्ली सरकार के अंतर्गत आने वाले विश्वविद्यालयों, कॉलेजों और अन्य संस्थानों में तकरीबन 70 हजार बच्चों को प्रवेश मिल जाता है। वहीं, 20 हजार बच्चे दिल्ली विश्वविद्यालय और अन्य संस्थानों में प्रवेश पाने में कामयाब हो जाते हैं।
इस बैठक में शामिल एक अधिकारी का तर्क था कि उत्तीर्ण होने वाले स्टूडेंट्स में से पढ़ाई में कमजोर बच्चे आगे दूसरे तरह के कामों में लग जाते हैं। इस पर मनीष सिसोदिया ने कहा, उन्हें लगता है कि पढ़ाई में कमजोर उन बच्चों की स्थिति के लिए हम लोग ही जिम्मेदार हैं। पढ़ाई में अच्छे बच्चों को तो हमें बेहतर बनाना ही है, पर असली काम तो उन बच्चों को आगे बढ़ाने का है जो कमजोर हैं। 

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Concert of the Keystone Boys Choir from Philadelphia

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Dear Friends, 
 
We are happy to invite you to a concert of the Keystone Boys Choir from Philadelphia to be held at the Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre on Monday, 6th of January 2014 at 6.30 p.m.
All are welcome!
 
Best regards,
 
– 
Johanna Balchandani
Senior Cultural Adviser
Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre
1-A Janpath, New Delhi – 110 011
Tel: 00-91-11-2301 4497, 2301 1152, 2301 4992
Fax: 00-91-11-2379 3161
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