National Summary:
Politics:
The Congress secured the highest number of 16 seats in the just-concluded biennial election of 55 Rajya Sabha seats from 13 States and the by-election to one seat from Rajasthan. But there is nothing much to celebrate for the Congress as in effect it lost two seats as many as 18 of its members are retiring in the next two weeks. The Bharatiya Janata Party equalised its figure with 11 members getting elected. The major loser is the Samajwadi Party as it could get only two of its members elected though seven of its MPs are retiring. The BSP secured seven seats (only three are retiring) and the DMK got three (with none retiring).
The BJP reiterated its demand for an apology from the Congress as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Arjun Singh said he had no role to let Warren Anderson leave the country after the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
Jaswant Singh rejoins the BJP. Singh was expelled over his controversial take on Mohammad Ali Jinnah in his book on Pakistan's founding father.
Insurgency Movements:
West Bengal chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said there was no easy solution to the Maoist challenge and the issue has become "very complicated" due to support to the rebels by the main Opposition Trinamool Congress and others.
With the tribal mass-movement spilling into the whole tribal hinterlands of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia, Maoists are using this to induct teenage youths in their fold with promises of food and better life in camps. Amidst conversations with different youths and senior tribals of Lalgarh, Binpur, Belpahari, Jhargram and Salboni over the past four days, it was revealed that Maoists leaders who are leading the Lalgarh and Salboni squads have already prepared a Child Liberation Army (CLA). This child army squad, comprising teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years, has been trained by the Maoists who have already started the induction process.
The threat of Maoist attacks is hampering coal mining in several states, keeping production lower than the demand from growing industries, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said. With the Maoist rebels controlling vast swathes of mineral-rich areas, the government has often struggled to transport coal to power and steel firms. Jaiswal said the central and the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and West Bengal were some of the coal-rich states that needed to beef up the security for mines.
Economy:
India assured US Inc. that its concerns on infrastructure, investment restrictions and other impediments would be addressed expeditiously, and a road map prepared for discussions ahead of President Barack Obama's visit in November. Seeking the support of U.S. investors for bridging an estimated $250-300 billion gap in the infrastructure investment needs of India in the next five years. India's hope of double-digit economic growth by 2012, up from an estimated over 8.5 per cent in the current fiscal.
India's high net worth individuals (HNWIs) prospered just over 120,000 in number, or 0.01% of the population, their combined worth is close to one-third of India's Gross National Income (GNI). HNWIs, in this context, are defined as those having investable assets of $1 million or more, excluding primary residence, collectibles, consumables, and consumer durables. According to the firms' 2010 World Wealth Report, India now has 126,700 HNWIs, an increase of more than 50% over the 2008 number. it seems safe to assume that as a class not only have India's super-rich recouped their 2008 losses, they have even made gains over their pre-crisis (2007) positions. Meanwhile, in 2009 alone, an estimated 13.6 million more people in India became poor or remained in poverty than would have been the case had the 2008 growth rates continued, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). Also, an estimated 33.6 million more people in India became poor or remained in poverty over 2008 and 2009 than would have been poor had the pre-crisis (2004-7) growth rates been maintained over these two years.
Indian Occupied Kashmir:
The Kashmir Valley on Monday observed a strike to protest against the killing of two youths. In another development, a militant attack in north Kashmir's Sopore town left 12 people injured, including four policemen.
The youth in Kashmir have fallen into the net of drugs, with such cases increasing by 35-40 per cent in the last few years. Mostly youth in the 18-35 age group have fallen in the trap. Deaths are reported in young men because of drug use,"
Social Issues:
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre and eight States for a direction to explain the steps taken to prevent honour killings at the national level and in the respective States. A vacation Bench comprising Justice R.M. Lodha and Justice A.K. Patnaik, after hearing counsel Ravi Kant, issued notice to Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh asking them to respond to the plea of the petitioner, Shakti Vahini, to submit a National/State Plan of Action to combat honour crimes. It alleged that the State governments had failed to take action to curb such feudal tendencies of killing couples and individuals for the sake of honour. The petition said that in the last one year, Shakti Vahini, an NGO, had been studying the cases on honour killings. It said the number of cases had been on the rise in recent times, and when the State governments concerned remained a mute spectator, there was a lot of fear among couples who were married and those intending to get married that they might face the wrath of feudal forces. The petition noted that the pressure was often so intense that some couples resorted to suicide.
India is expected to reduce its poverty rate from 51 per cent in 1990 to 24 per cent in 2015, slashing the number of extremely poor by 188 million, according to a United Nations report on the Millennium Development Goals for 2010.
About 77% Indian kids face negative situations online and only 27% parents control the cyber activities of their kids, says a global family survey on children's online lives and safety issues released on Wednesday. But a very interesting finding is that children have their own rules and regulation for surfing internet. Only 50% Indian parents thought their kids had faced an unpleasant experience online. Only 1%of the 500 adults considered, admitted not knowing what their children got up to online. But 23% of the 200 kids who took the poll felt their parents were clueless. And here's the clincher: 76% — 30% "strongly" — felt they are more careful online than their parents or guardians.
Regional Summary
East Bengal:
CPM general secretary Prakash Karat has finally held both his party — the CPM, and the Left Front government responsible for the recent electoral setbacks in West Bengal.
By-elections to 10 assembly seats in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh will be held on 27 July, the Election Commission announced. Bypolls will be held in Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Nizamabad (Urban), Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal west Assembly constituencies, the EC said.
West India:
Reacting to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar returning the aid money the Gujarat government had given to that state as flood relief, the Congress said that it was “CM's lust for publicity that has given an opportunity to the Bihar CM to insult Gujarat”.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Indian government re-examines 1984 Bhopal disaster
BHOPAL'S DEATH TOLL
- Initial deaths (3-6 December): more than 3,000 - official toll
- Unofficial initial toll: 7,000-8,000
- Total deaths to date: over 15,000
- Number affected: Nearly 600,000
- Compensation: Union Carbide pays $470m in 1989
Source: Indian Supreme Court, Madhya Pradesh government, Indian Council of Medical Research
More than 25 years after the Bhopal gas leak killed thousands of people, the court finally convicted seven former managers at the plant.
They received minor fines and brief prison sentences.
The disaster struck when a cloud of toxic gas leaked from a plant run by the American company Union Carbide. 'Inadequate justice'
But apart from the efforts of a determined group of campaigners, the incident had been all but forgotten in India.
That changed after last week's court verdict reminded people how long the victims have had to wait for what is widely seen as inadequate justice.
Now a group of senior ministers has been asked to look again at issues such as compensation for those affected, and continued pollution at the now abandoned site of the Union Carbide plant.
Home Minister P Chidambaram said recommendations should be finalised on Monday after a series of meetings over the weekend.
He said the ministers are looking into the number of people affected and the number of compensation claims which have been accepted so far.
The fact that the Bhopal tragedy is back in the news at the same time as the huge oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has added to the sense that the victims of 1984 have been terribly let down.
Commentators in India have pointed out that the US government appears far more concerned about a disaster in its own back yard than it ever was about one which took place in the developing world.
There has also been trenchant criticism of the Indian government response over the years, and of Union Carbide - now owned by Dow Chemicals - for its failure to do more to help.
By Chris MorrisBBC News, Delhi
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10354583.stm
Summary of Last Week' s Happenings in India ( 12 to 18 June 2010)
Politics:
Congress decided that the government, not the party, would have to clarify on the various aspects of the Bhopal gas Tragedy case, as the facts are only with the government. The party was concerned that the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi's image should not be tarnished by the controversy.
Senior leader of the Communist Party of India Gurudas Dasgupta said, the Communist movement in India is at a crossroads and needs a restructuring and greater democratization to bring it closer to the people. Mr. Dasgupta regretted that despite several years at the helm in West Bengal, apart from a few initiatives such as land reforms and the strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system, the Left had not been able to reflect an alternative line.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a broadside against the United Progressive Alliance government over the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and accused it of working for U.S. interests. Party says the bill failed to hold American and other foreign suppliers responsible in the event of a nuclear accident.
Minorities' Issues:
Sharp decrease in Muslim community’s support for Left Front causes concerns for the alliance. Muslim voters no more trust their unfulfilled promises. West Bengal government announced to implement Sachar Commission’s suggestions for Muslim backward class but it could not deliver well practically. Muslims constitute the most backward community of Left ruled states. As a result they are moving towards Trinamool Congress and other parties.
Insurgency Movements:
The interrogation of a senior Naxal leader caught recently by the security forces in Bihar has reportedly revealed a link between them and insurgent groups in the Northeast.
India has strongly protested the inclusion of Naxal issue under the realm of an "armed conflict" in a UN report that deals with ‘Children and armed conflicts’ saying the violence being perpetrated by these groups does not make it a zone of armed conflict as defined by international law. The report, which is produced by the office of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and submitted to the Security Council, highlighted the recruitment and use of children by the Maoist armed group in some districts of the Chhattisgarh. The report also pointed out that the Naxal's had carried out systematic attacks on schools in order to intentionally destroy government structures and to instill fear among the local community.
Economy:
India is quite capable of combating the impact of Eurozone crisis as India's exports to the European Union as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) was only 3.4 per cent. Although the stock markets are fluctuating, this is due to the global trends, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said. ADB has projected an 8.2 per cent growth and for 2011 the projection is 8.7 per cent for India.
Stock market benchmark Sensex climbed 273 points to settle at its highest level in more than one month on the back of a smart rally in IT stocks and RIL. Shrugging off concerns over double digit inflation, the 30-share barometer of the Bombay Stock Exchange rose 273.2 points, or 1.6 per cent, to finish at 17,338.17, a level last seen on May 3.
The inflation rate surging into double digits and it touched 10.16 per cent in May, the highest in the last 19 months.
Geo-Strategic Front:
India conveyed its concerns to US for Pak-China nuclear cooperation. India clearly told US that it has objections on such cooperation between China and Pakistan during strategic dialogue with US.
After failing to persuade Pakistan to resolve the Kishenganga hydel project dispute at the government level, India on Wednesday named a judge of the Geneva-based International Court of Justice Peter Tomka and a Swiss international law expert Lucius Caflisch to represent it. India’s greatest effort will go into ensuring that Pakistan should not get a veto on forthcoming water projects in India. Pakistan’s main disputes are first that India’s proposed diversion of the Kishenganga (its called Neelum in Pakistan) to another tributary, Bonar-Madmati Nallah “breaches India’s legal obligations under the treaty.” Pakistan also objects to India’s decision to deplete the level of the reservoir level of the plant to “below the dead storage level (DSL)”. Its reason being that it says the treaty places strict limitations on drawdown of water. Pakistan wants to prevent India from proceeding on the project until the verdict. India doesn’t want to do this because it’s a financial liability and then the project could become threatened. Pakistan also wants a legal declaration that the diversion is a breach of the treaty. Third, that India should not draw down the water level of the reservoir.
India successfully test-fired it’s nuclear-capable, ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a launch complex of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea. With a maximum striking range of 350 km, Prithvi-II is capable of carrying a pay-load of 500 kg.
Social Issues:
Britain has launched an inquiry into reports that millions of pounds of aid for education has disappeared into the depths of corruption without any benefit to the poor children the aid was intended for.
India has been ranked as a “Tier II Watch List” country only one level better than worst-performing Tier III countries such as Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) compiled by the United States State Department. India ranks among those countries whose governments do not fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act's (TVPA) minimum standards. The Government of India did not demonstrate sufficient progress in its law enforcement, protection, or prevention efforts to address labour trafficking, particularly bonded labour.
Congress decided that the government, not the party, would have to clarify on the various aspects of the Bhopal gas Tragedy case, as the facts are only with the government. The party was concerned that the former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi's image should not be tarnished by the controversy.
Senior leader of the Communist Party of India Gurudas Dasgupta said, the Communist movement in India is at a crossroads and needs a restructuring and greater democratization to bring it closer to the people. Mr. Dasgupta regretted that despite several years at the helm in West Bengal, apart from a few initiatives such as land reforms and the strengthening of the Panchayati Raj system, the Left had not been able to reflect an alternative line.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a broadside against the United Progressive Alliance government over the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill and accused it of working for U.S. interests. Party says the bill failed to hold American and other foreign suppliers responsible in the event of a nuclear accident.
Minorities' Issues:
Sharp decrease in Muslim community’s support for Left Front causes concerns for the alliance. Muslim voters no more trust their unfulfilled promises. West Bengal government announced to implement Sachar Commission’s suggestions for Muslim backward class but it could not deliver well practically. Muslims constitute the most backward community of Left ruled states. As a result they are moving towards Trinamool Congress and other parties.
Insurgency Movements:
The interrogation of a senior Naxal leader caught recently by the security forces in Bihar has reportedly revealed a link between them and insurgent groups in the Northeast.
India has strongly protested the inclusion of Naxal issue under the realm of an "armed conflict" in a UN report that deals with ‘Children and armed conflicts’ saying the violence being perpetrated by these groups does not make it a zone of armed conflict as defined by international law. The report, which is produced by the office of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and submitted to the Security Council, highlighted the recruitment and use of children by the Maoist armed group in some districts of the Chhattisgarh. The report also pointed out that the Naxal's had carried out systematic attacks on schools in order to intentionally destroy government structures and to instill fear among the local community.
Economy:
India is quite capable of combating the impact of Eurozone crisis as India's exports to the European Union as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) was only 3.4 per cent. Although the stock markets are fluctuating, this is due to the global trends, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said. ADB has projected an 8.2 per cent growth and for 2011 the projection is 8.7 per cent for India.
Stock market benchmark Sensex climbed 273 points to settle at its highest level in more than one month on the back of a smart rally in IT stocks and RIL. Shrugging off concerns over double digit inflation, the 30-share barometer of the Bombay Stock Exchange rose 273.2 points, or 1.6 per cent, to finish at 17,338.17, a level last seen on May 3.
The inflation rate surging into double digits and it touched 10.16 per cent in May, the highest in the last 19 months.
Geo-Strategic Front:
India conveyed its concerns to US for Pak-China nuclear cooperation. India clearly told US that it has objections on such cooperation between China and Pakistan during strategic dialogue with US.
After failing to persuade Pakistan to resolve the Kishenganga hydel project dispute at the government level, India on Wednesday named a judge of the Geneva-based International Court of Justice Peter Tomka and a Swiss international law expert Lucius Caflisch to represent it. India’s greatest effort will go into ensuring that Pakistan should not get a veto on forthcoming water projects in India. Pakistan’s main disputes are first that India’s proposed diversion of the Kishenganga (its called Neelum in Pakistan) to another tributary, Bonar-Madmati Nallah “breaches India’s legal obligations under the treaty.” Pakistan also objects to India’s decision to deplete the level of the reservoir level of the plant to “below the dead storage level (DSL)”. Its reason being that it says the treaty places strict limitations on drawdown of water. Pakistan wants to prevent India from proceeding on the project until the verdict. India doesn’t want to do this because it’s a financial liability and then the project could become threatened. Pakistan also wants a legal declaration that the diversion is a breach of the treaty. Third, that India should not draw down the water level of the reservoir.
India successfully test-fired it’s nuclear-capable, ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a launch complex of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea. With a maximum striking range of 350 km, Prithvi-II is capable of carrying a pay-load of 500 kg.
Social Issues:
Britain has launched an inquiry into reports that millions of pounds of aid for education has disappeared into the depths of corruption without any benefit to the poor children the aid was intended for.
India has been ranked as a “Tier II Watch List” country only one level better than worst-performing Tier III countries such as Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) compiled by the United States State Department. India ranks among those countries whose governments do not fully comply with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act's (TVPA) minimum standards. The Government of India did not demonstrate sufficient progress in its law enforcement, protection, or prevention efforts to address labour trafficking, particularly bonded labour.
Summary: 5 to 12 June 2010
National Summary:
BJP and Left parties linked the Bhopal gas verdict to the civil nuclear liability Bill and said the government should reconsider the nuclear legislation. The contentious nuclear liability Bill which allows for Rs 500 crore compensation in case of nuclear accidents is under discussion and CPM and BJP criticised it in a present form.
BJP dispel reports of differences in the party on the inclusion of caste in census, saying there is no confusion in the party. During the debate on inclusion of caste in census in the Lok Sabha, party deputy leader Gopinath Munde had backed inclusion of caste in census. But there were reports that senior leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi was opposed to the suggestion. Joshi, who was of the view that inclusion of caste in census would "disintegrate" the society.
Job opportunities for minority communities have gone up over three per cent in the last three years. According to the latest figures released by the minority affairs ministry, the number of minority community candidates selected for government jobs has risen from 6.9 per cent in 2006-07 to 9.24 per cent in 2008-09.
Members of Parliament from Naxal-affected states said that the right time for involving the Army in anti-Naxal operations has not yet come. The sentiment was expressed at the second meeting between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and MPs representing the worst Naxal-affected regions.
Gold prices jumped Rs 430 to an all-time high of Rs 19,070 per ten grams in the bullion market as investors rushed for the metal, considered as a safe bet, after global equity markets crashed on concerns over worsening euro zone debt crisis. Trading sentiment turned extremely bullish after gold in overseas markets rebounded from a one-week low as investors opted to buy less riskier assets against melting stocks and forex markets. The pure gold (99.9) surged by Rs 430 to set a new peak of Rs 19,070 per ten gram. The gold with 99.5 purity shot up by Rs 420 to Rs 18,970 per ten gram. Sovereign followed suit and traded higher by Rs 50 to Rs 14,650 per piece of eight gram.
There is likely to be a flight of capital from equity markets in emerging economies, including India, as a result of the Greece debt crisis, claims a survey conducted by Ficci. Consequently, capital flows to India could be on the lower side in the next six months or so. With capital flows into India expected to slow down if not completely reverse in the coming six months, the liquidity situation will also be a little tight in the days and months ahead.
The Indian IT sector is grappling with high attrition rate even as firms are doling out financial and other benefits to employees, says industry body Nasscom. “As a result of the slowdown, the IT industry was rather thin on the bench, but now everyone is hiring laterally. As a result, attrition has already become a problem. The problem will intensify over the next four-five months,” Nasscom chairman Mr Som Mittal said.
After last fiscal's double-digit expansion, industrial production picked up more steam to grow by 17.6 per cent in April, boosting the prospects of achieving 8.5 per cent economic growth in 2010-11. The April figure is almost equal to the 20-year-high output of 17.7 per cent achieved in December 2009.
India has been given access to David Coleman Headley, who has confessed to his role in the Mumbai attacks.
India on Tuesday said the continued blockade of Gaza and denial of food and medicine supplies created an immense humanitarian crisis. Condemning the Israeli attack on a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, India deplored the loss of life and injuries to people on the flotilla.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Friday opened the doors for India’s entry into the regional grouping, as it lifted the moratorium on new membership. The SCO, which comprises of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, changed the rules 10 years after its inception. This happened at the SCO summit in the Uzbekistan Capital.
Fifteen persons were injured in clashes between the police and stone-throwing youths who were protesting against an alleged blasphemous depiction of the holy city of Madina on some products, which disrupted life in parts of this city and Baramulla in north Kashmir on Saturday.
Twenty-six years after the world's worst industrial disaster that had left more than 15,000 people dead, a local court convicted all eight accused persons and sentenced them each to two years' imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on the eight, including former Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) chairman Mr Keshub Mahindra. A Rs 500,000 fine has been slapped on UCIL.
India ranked a low 128th on this year’s Global Peace Index (GPI) after it slipped six positions. Internal conflicts, terrorism and human rights abuses were the factors assessed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) to quantify global peacefulness in the only study of its kind in 149 countries. India was ranked 122nd last year while it was in the 109th position in 2007 when the first GPI was compiled.
Regional Summary:
BJP's two-day national executive meeting held from June 12. Gujarat Chief Minister Modi attended the meeting. On his arrival in Bihar all newspapers highlighted the Muslims comparatively better status in Gujarat under his administration, while Bihar Congress criticised Modi government for ill-treatment of Muslim community in Gujarat.
Most parts of north India on Tuesday received moderate to heavy rainfall, causing the mercury to dip sharply as flash floods triggered by Cyclone Phet inundated low-level areas of Rajasthan.
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday began a two-day meeting. The Polit Bureau, being held in the backdrop of the recent municipal elections in West Bengal in which the Left Front suffered reverses, also heard a preliminary report on the debacle.
As many as 35 lakh families in Kerala are likely to figure in the below poverty line (BPL) list. The Centre is likely to approve the list.
State energy minister Saurabh Patel has strongly objected to Planning Commission member Sayeeda Hameed’s remarks about the plight of minorities in Gujarat, saying Muslims here were in a better position than anywhere else in the country.
BJP and Left parties linked the Bhopal gas verdict to the civil nuclear liability Bill and said the government should reconsider the nuclear legislation. The contentious nuclear liability Bill which allows for Rs 500 crore compensation in case of nuclear accidents is under discussion and CPM and BJP criticised it in a present form.
BJP dispel reports of differences in the party on the inclusion of caste in census, saying there is no confusion in the party. During the debate on inclusion of caste in census in the Lok Sabha, party deputy leader Gopinath Munde had backed inclusion of caste in census. But there were reports that senior leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi was opposed to the suggestion. Joshi, who was of the view that inclusion of caste in census would "disintegrate" the society.
Job opportunities for minority communities have gone up over three per cent in the last three years. According to the latest figures released by the minority affairs ministry, the number of minority community candidates selected for government jobs has risen from 6.9 per cent in 2006-07 to 9.24 per cent in 2008-09.
Members of Parliament from Naxal-affected states said that the right time for involving the Army in anti-Naxal operations has not yet come. The sentiment was expressed at the second meeting between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and MPs representing the worst Naxal-affected regions.
Gold prices jumped Rs 430 to an all-time high of Rs 19,070 per ten grams in the bullion market as investors rushed for the metal, considered as a safe bet, after global equity markets crashed on concerns over worsening euro zone debt crisis. Trading sentiment turned extremely bullish after gold in overseas markets rebounded from a one-week low as investors opted to buy less riskier assets against melting stocks and forex markets. The pure gold (99.9) surged by Rs 430 to set a new peak of Rs 19,070 per ten gram. The gold with 99.5 purity shot up by Rs 420 to Rs 18,970 per ten gram. Sovereign followed suit and traded higher by Rs 50 to Rs 14,650 per piece of eight gram.
There is likely to be a flight of capital from equity markets in emerging economies, including India, as a result of the Greece debt crisis, claims a survey conducted by Ficci. Consequently, capital flows to India could be on the lower side in the next six months or so. With capital flows into India expected to slow down if not completely reverse in the coming six months, the liquidity situation will also be a little tight in the days and months ahead.
The Indian IT sector is grappling with high attrition rate even as firms are doling out financial and other benefits to employees, says industry body Nasscom. “As a result of the slowdown, the IT industry was rather thin on the bench, but now everyone is hiring laterally. As a result, attrition has already become a problem. The problem will intensify over the next four-five months,” Nasscom chairman Mr Som Mittal said.
After last fiscal's double-digit expansion, industrial production picked up more steam to grow by 17.6 per cent in April, boosting the prospects of achieving 8.5 per cent economic growth in 2010-11. The April figure is almost equal to the 20-year-high output of 17.7 per cent achieved in December 2009.
India has been given access to David Coleman Headley, who has confessed to his role in the Mumbai attacks.
India on Tuesday said the continued blockade of Gaza and denial of food and medicine supplies created an immense humanitarian crisis. Condemning the Israeli attack on a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, India deplored the loss of life and injuries to people on the flotilla.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Friday opened the doors for India’s entry into the regional grouping, as it lifted the moratorium on new membership. The SCO, which comprises of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, changed the rules 10 years after its inception. This happened at the SCO summit in the Uzbekistan Capital.
Fifteen persons were injured in clashes between the police and stone-throwing youths who were protesting against an alleged blasphemous depiction of the holy city of Madina on some products, which disrupted life in parts of this city and Baramulla in north Kashmir on Saturday.
Twenty-six years after the world's worst industrial disaster that had left more than 15,000 people dead, a local court convicted all eight accused persons and sentenced them each to two years' imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 on the eight, including former Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) chairman Mr Keshub Mahindra. A Rs 500,000 fine has been slapped on UCIL.
India ranked a low 128th on this year’s Global Peace Index (GPI) after it slipped six positions. Internal conflicts, terrorism and human rights abuses were the factors assessed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) to quantify global peacefulness in the only study of its kind in 149 countries. India was ranked 122nd last year while it was in the 109th position in 2007 when the first GPI was compiled.
Regional Summary:
BJP's two-day national executive meeting held from June 12. Gujarat Chief Minister Modi attended the meeting. On his arrival in Bihar all newspapers highlighted the Muslims comparatively better status in Gujarat under his administration, while Bihar Congress criticised Modi government for ill-treatment of Muslim community in Gujarat.
Most parts of north India on Tuesday received moderate to heavy rainfall, causing the mercury to dip sharply as flash floods triggered by Cyclone Phet inundated low-level areas of Rajasthan.
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday began a two-day meeting. The Polit Bureau, being held in the backdrop of the recent municipal elections in West Bengal in which the Left Front suffered reverses, also heard a preliminary report on the debacle.
As many as 35 lakh families in Kerala are likely to figure in the below poverty line (BPL) list. The Centre is likely to approve the list.
State energy minister Saurabh Patel has strongly objected to Planning Commission member Sayeeda Hameed’s remarks about the plight of minorities in Gujarat, saying Muslims here were in a better position than anywhere else in the country.
Summary: 29 May to 4 June 2010
National Summary:
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal supports the inclusion of cast in census and said there need not be any apprehension that the demand would lead to a division in society.
The Left parties on Tuesday condemned Sunday night's attack by Israeli armed forces on a flotilla of six ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The CPI(M) called upon the Government of India to condemn the dastardly act, which the statement described as both unprovoked and a criminal attack on ships carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza , which has been under siege for almost three years now. The party said India must work actively with other countries from the non-aligned nations in the United Nations and other bodies to force Israel to lift the illegal siege. The CPI Central Secretariat said the belligerent act once again showed to what extent Israel could go to defy world public opinion and humanitarian values.
RSS is seriously concerned about their escalating image as a terrorist outfit in media and masses. The proved link of its personnel in bomb blast and terrorist activities make parties worried and it decided not to support any of its member involved in such activities. The extremist Hindu organization took this stance after continuous news of involvement of extremist Hindu outfit terrorist activities in Malegaon in Maharashtra, Macca Masjid in Andhra Pradesh, Ajmer in Rajasthan and blasts in the Samjhauta Express.
Maoists blew up a panchayat office building and a godown in 's Malkangiri district early on Sunday in an apparent bid to prevent security personnel from camping there.
To enhance capability in fighting against Maoist and Naxal insurgents central government wants states to enhance their police training capacities and recruit at least double the number of policemen and women that are being recruited, at present, every year.
As the government cut duties and stepped up public expenditure, its fiscal deficit rose by 24.89 per cent to Rs 4,12,307 crore in 2009-10 compared to the year ago period. Fiscal deficit had stood at Rs 3,30,114 crore during 2008-09. Initiating the stimulus measures to spur the slowing down economy after global financial crisis deepened, the government cut excise duty by four per cent in December, 2008. It again cut excise duty as well as service tax by two per cent in February, 2009. So higher impact of stimulus measures in the form of tax cuts came in 2009-10, which resulted in widening of fiscal deficit.
Pushed up by soaring prices of pulses, milk and fruits, the annual food inflation went up by 0.32 per cent to reach 16.55 per cent for the week ending 22 May. It was 16.23 per cent the week before.
Chinese said it is ready for “a new starting point” to improve relations with India in talks with visiting President Pratibha Patil Chinese officials also underscored the difficulties the two countries face in their efforts to start afresh, with issues that had challenged the relationship in the past, from Tibet to trade, expectedly finding mention. Chinese officials sought “a reiteration” of India's position that it recognised Tibet as a part of China and did not permit “anti-China activities by any Tibetans resident” on the Indian soil
Canada has regretted the use of the language that “cast false impressions” in the denial of visa to former or serving members of the Indian armed forces and security institutions and assured India that it is reviewing the admissibility policy set forth in the legislation on visa policy. This followed a sharp Indian reaction to the Canadian authorities citing reasons such as human rights violation while declining visas to Indians who were or are associated with the security and intelligence organisations.
In four days talks of Indus Water Commission, the Pakistani delegation expressed its desire to visit the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo project near Alchi village on the Indus river in Leh district, and the site of the 44 MW Chutak hydel project on the Suru, a tributary of the Indus in Kargil district. Islamabad has raised objections to both projects. Pakistan has reservation on Kishenganga power project in Jammu and Kashmir as well, which it alleges violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty as water would be diverted. Pakistan is said to have appointed two arbitrators to contest its case, though it is yet to formally approach the World Bank.
India, which is seeking a permanent berth in the UN Security Council, has said that expansion of only non-permanent seats does not constitute reform of the world body and demanded that membership, be increased in both categories. India along with Japan, Germany, South Africa and Brazil is seeking permanent membership of the Security Council.
India and the USA concluded their first Cabinet-level Strategic Dialogue, pledging to deepen ties between two countries for mutual benefit and global stability while committing to work to strengthen global legal regimes against terrorism. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton and external affairs minister SM Krishna pledged to deepen people-to-people, business-to-business, and government-to-government linkages for the mutual benefit of both countries and for the promotion of global peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said no untreated waste and industrial effluents would flow into the Ganga river by 2020. “Under ‘Mission Clean Ganga', it would be ensured that by 2020 no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents flow into the Ganga,” Dr. Singh said, in the Report to the People on completion of one year of the UPA's second term in office.
In a major embarrassment for the Indian army, a Lieutenant General has been forced to resign following allegations of sexual misconduct against him by the wife of an officer during a visit abroad last month.
The Government declared Indian Mujahideen as a terrorist organisation. The terror outfit, which has been allegedly involved in serial bomb blasts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore and Mumbai, has been added by the Government in the list of terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A month after being sentenced to death for the Mumbai terror attacks, Ajmal Kasab has filed an appeal in Bombay High Court challenging the verdict and sought a lawyer from the legal aid panel to argue his case.
Regional Summary:
Shibu Soren resigned as Jharkhand Chief Minister after failing to get the support of Congress and its ally JVM(P) ahead of trust vote in the Jharkhand assembly. Jharkhand came under Central rule with President Pratibha Patil accepting a recommendation of the Union Cabinet after the Congress and the BJP gave up efforts to form an alternative government following the resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Elections to 81 civic bodies across West Bengal, including that to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), passed off peacefully on Sunday. The average turnout, involving a total electorate of more than 85 lakhs, was nearly 75 per cent. It was marginally higher in the districts than in the KMC area. The results are to be announced on June 2.
The Centre told the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) that integration of Naga-inhabited areas would need consensus among the States concerned, as boundaries would have to be altered. The NSCN (IM) reiterated that integration of Naga-inhabited areas was a “natural aspiration of the Naga people” and hoped New Delhi would solve this issue in due course. Assam, Nagaland and Manipur have been strongly opposing inclusion of any Naga-inhabited areas in the States in the proposed Nagalim the single administrative entity to be created by integrating all Naga inhabited areas, which the NSCN (IM) has been proposing.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal supports the inclusion of cast in census and said there need not be any apprehension that the demand would lead to a division in society.
The Left parties on Tuesday condemned Sunday night's attack by Israeli armed forces on a flotilla of six ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The CPI(M) called upon the Government of India to condemn the dastardly act, which the statement described as both unprovoked and a criminal attack on ships carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza , which has been under siege for almost three years now. The party said India must work actively with other countries from the non-aligned nations in the United Nations and other bodies to force Israel to lift the illegal siege. The CPI Central Secretariat said the belligerent act once again showed to what extent Israel could go to defy world public opinion and humanitarian values.
RSS is seriously concerned about their escalating image as a terrorist outfit in media and masses. The proved link of its personnel in bomb blast and terrorist activities make parties worried and it decided not to support any of its member involved in such activities. The extremist Hindu organization took this stance after continuous news of involvement of extremist Hindu outfit terrorist activities in Malegaon in Maharashtra, Macca Masjid in Andhra Pradesh, Ajmer in Rajasthan and blasts in the Samjhauta Express.
Maoists blew up a panchayat office building and a godown in 's Malkangiri district early on Sunday in an apparent bid to prevent security personnel from camping there.
To enhance capability in fighting against Maoist and Naxal insurgents central government wants states to enhance their police training capacities and recruit at least double the number of policemen and women that are being recruited, at present, every year.
As the government cut duties and stepped up public expenditure, its fiscal deficit rose by 24.89 per cent to Rs 4,12,307 crore in 2009-10 compared to the year ago period. Fiscal deficit had stood at Rs 3,30,114 crore during 2008-09. Initiating the stimulus measures to spur the slowing down economy after global financial crisis deepened, the government cut excise duty by four per cent in December, 2008. It again cut excise duty as well as service tax by two per cent in February, 2009. So higher impact of stimulus measures in the form of tax cuts came in 2009-10, which resulted in widening of fiscal deficit.
Pushed up by soaring prices of pulses, milk and fruits, the annual food inflation went up by 0.32 per cent to reach 16.55 per cent for the week ending 22 May. It was 16.23 per cent the week before.
Chinese said it is ready for “a new starting point” to improve relations with India in talks with visiting President Pratibha Patil Chinese officials also underscored the difficulties the two countries face in their efforts to start afresh, with issues that had challenged the relationship in the past, from Tibet to trade, expectedly finding mention. Chinese officials sought “a reiteration” of India's position that it recognised Tibet as a part of China and did not permit “anti-China activities by any Tibetans resident” on the Indian soil
Canada has regretted the use of the language that “cast false impressions” in the denial of visa to former or serving members of the Indian armed forces and security institutions and assured India that it is reviewing the admissibility policy set forth in the legislation on visa policy. This followed a sharp Indian reaction to the Canadian authorities citing reasons such as human rights violation while declining visas to Indians who were or are associated with the security and intelligence organisations.
In four days talks of Indus Water Commission, the Pakistani delegation expressed its desire to visit the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo project near Alchi village on the Indus river in Leh district, and the site of the 44 MW Chutak hydel project on the Suru, a tributary of the Indus in Kargil district. Islamabad has raised objections to both projects. Pakistan has reservation on Kishenganga power project in Jammu and Kashmir as well, which it alleges violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty as water would be diverted. Pakistan is said to have appointed two arbitrators to contest its case, though it is yet to formally approach the World Bank.
India, which is seeking a permanent berth in the UN Security Council, has said that expansion of only non-permanent seats does not constitute reform of the world body and demanded that membership, be increased in both categories. India along with Japan, Germany, South Africa and Brazil is seeking permanent membership of the Security Council.
India and the USA concluded their first Cabinet-level Strategic Dialogue, pledging to deepen ties between two countries for mutual benefit and global stability while committing to work to strengthen global legal regimes against terrorism. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton and external affairs minister SM Krishna pledged to deepen people-to-people, business-to-business, and government-to-government linkages for the mutual benefit of both countries and for the promotion of global peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said no untreated waste and industrial effluents would flow into the Ganga river by 2020. “Under ‘Mission Clean Ganga', it would be ensured that by 2020 no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents flow into the Ganga,” Dr. Singh said, in the Report to the People on completion of one year of the UPA's second term in office.
In a major embarrassment for the Indian army, a Lieutenant General has been forced to resign following allegations of sexual misconduct against him by the wife of an officer during a visit abroad last month.
The Government declared Indian Mujahideen as a terrorist organisation. The terror outfit, which has been allegedly involved in serial bomb blasts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore and Mumbai, has been added by the Government in the list of terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A month after being sentenced to death for the Mumbai terror attacks, Ajmal Kasab has filed an appeal in Bombay High Court challenging the verdict and sought a lawyer from the legal aid panel to argue his case.
Regional Summary:
Shibu Soren resigned as Jharkhand Chief Minister after failing to get the support of Congress and its ally JVM(P) ahead of trust vote in the Jharkhand assembly. Jharkhand came under Central rule with President Pratibha Patil accepting a recommendation of the Union Cabinet after the Congress and the BJP gave up efforts to form an alternative government following the resignation of Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Elections to 81 civic bodies across West Bengal, including that to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), passed off peacefully on Sunday. The average turnout, involving a total electorate of more than 85 lakhs, was nearly 75 per cent. It was marginally higher in the districts than in the KMC area. The results are to be announced on June 2.
The Centre told the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) that integration of Naga-inhabited areas would need consensus among the States concerned, as boundaries would have to be altered. The NSCN (IM) reiterated that integration of Naga-inhabited areas was a “natural aspiration of the Naga people” and hoped New Delhi would solve this issue in due course. Assam, Nagaland and Manipur have been strongly opposing inclusion of any Naga-inhabited areas in the States in the proposed Nagalim the single administrative entity to be created by integrating all Naga inhabited areas, which the NSCN (IM) has been proposing.
Summary: 22 to 28 May 2010
National Summary:
Manmohan Singh answered all repeatedly asked questions about his legacy, retirement, relationship with Sonia Gandhi and any succession plan involving Rahul Gandhi, at his first press conference as executive head of UPA’s second tenure in government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dismissed notions of any gaps in his equation with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying they met every week to discuss major issues. .” He said Rahul Gandhi was “very qualified” to join the Cabinet and said he had requested him on a number of occasions to do so but the young MP had declined saying he wanted to give his attention to party-building.
The Supreme Court of India has said in a verdict that it is the fundamental right of minorities to establish educational institutions without the government imposing any unreasonable restrictions. The apex court passed the judgment while upholding an appeal filed by Cannanore District Muslim Educational Association challenging a Kerala High Court decision that the association had no statutory right to run a higher secondary course in the Sir Syed College run by it.
79 persons killed and nearly 150 people injured in a train crash in West Bengal on Friday, West Bengal government suspected the involvement of Maoists in accident.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and India, which saw a sharp increase at $10 billion in 2009 against $4 billion in 2005, is set to grow further following the aggressive promotional campaign launched by that country. . India was the largest buyer of Indonesian palm oil while exporting refined petroleum products, wheat, rice, sugar and steel to Indonesia. The Indo-Indonesian joint study group has already recommended further discussions for negotiating a pact that could increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2020.
India's complaint against the European Union on the unjust seizure of cheap generic drug consignments meant for Latin America and African nations has received a boost, with the World Health Organisation terming such action “misuse of rules” against counterfeit medicines. In the last more than one year, EU member-countries, especially the Netherlands, had seized or halted several shipments of Indian-made generic medicines bound for Latin America and Africa. India, along with Brazil, protested against these seizures and made known to the EU its strong displeasure against the move through trade and diplomatic channels, terming it a violation of international rules
India and Turkmenistan on Tuesday discussed energy cooperation and signed several agreements signalling the desire of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties. In a sign of continuing interest in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, New Delhi has offered to host a technical meeting of experts under the aegis of the Asian Development Bank.
The first draft of the final document of 2010 Nuclear-Non Proliferation Treaty Review conference has asked India, Pakistan and Israel to join NPT and CTBT.
With many Indian space scientists returning to their country post-9/11, the US space agency, Nasa, is feeling the need to focus on homegrown brains. In post 9/11 scenario it became tough for Indians to stay in US in tight security so they prefer to serve their own country in a comfortable environment and they think their country needs them.
Canadian high commission’s allegation that Indian security agencies are involved in human rights violation that’s why they denied visa to security personnel provoked Indian government and India demands apology from Canada. Most of the retired and serving officials denied visa are or were associated with agencies like the Army, BSF and IB.
A two-member delegation of Amnesty International concluded its six-day visit to Srinagar on Sunday. It held wide-ranging discussions with the government and the separatists but was denied permission to visit the jails.
A survey carried out across both Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, shows that only 2% of the respondents on the Indian side favour joining Pakistan. A study by Robert Bradrock, a scholar from London's Kings College, that involved interviewing 3,774 people in both parts of Kashmir in September-October 2009 showed that 44% of people on the Pakistani side favoured independence, compared to 43% in Indian Kashmir.75%-95% respondents favouring independence as a final resolution. The poll showed no support either for joint sovereignty or for maintaining status quo. However, more than 58% of those surveyed were prepared to accept the Line of Control as a permanent border if it could be liberalized for greater people-to-people contact and trade. Only 8% voted against making the LoC a permanent boundary, with the highest level of opposition in Anantnag district, the report said. Few people in Kashmir, compared to many more in PoK, believed that violence was likely to resolve the Kashmir issue. In J&K, only 20% thought that militant violence would help solve the problem, compared to nearly 40% who thought it was coming in the way of a resolution. In PoK, 37% of those surveyed held the view that violence was a possible route to resolution.
In the country's worst air disaster in a decade, a Boeing 737 plane of Air India's low budget carrier overshot the airport runway and burst into flames killing 158 persons on Saturday.
Regional Summary:
Frustrated over Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) backtracking on its power-sharing deal in Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to withdraw support to the Shibu Soren government.
The movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling hills took an ugly turn when Madan Tamang, the outspoken veteran who headed the All India Gorkha League (AIGL), was hacked to death, allegedly by cadres of the rival Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The killing of Tamang shut down Darjeeling and police contingents were back on the streets after months.
Honour killing isn't restricted to north India: a young Reddy girl and her Dalit husband were stoned to death on Wednesday night. Six people, including the parents of Baddam Swapna Reddy (22), were arrested and charged with murder on Thursday. Swapna, belonging to the high-caste Reddy community, married Sunkari Srinivas (28) about three months ago. The couple was found stoned to death on the outskirts of Krishnajiwadi village in Nizamabad. Swapna's father B Lal Reddy, mother Radha, uncle N Ram Reddy and three aunts - Yadava, Padma and Shoba - were all booked for murder and under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Fresh clashes were witnessed between members of two communities in Shahpur in which one woman was injured. Communal clashes were started from the same area after a marriage procession took place near a Masjid during prayer time.
For the fifth consecutive year, Gujarat has registered the highest cotton production in the country. The production is likely to touch the 1 crore bales mark, way ahead of its nearest competitor, Maharashtra.
Manmohan Singh answered all repeatedly asked questions about his legacy, retirement, relationship with Sonia Gandhi and any succession plan involving Rahul Gandhi, at his first press conference as executive head of UPA’s second tenure in government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dismissed notions of any gaps in his equation with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying they met every week to discuss major issues. .” He said Rahul Gandhi was “very qualified” to join the Cabinet and said he had requested him on a number of occasions to do so but the young MP had declined saying he wanted to give his attention to party-building.
The Supreme Court of India has said in a verdict that it is the fundamental right of minorities to establish educational institutions without the government imposing any unreasonable restrictions. The apex court passed the judgment while upholding an appeal filed by Cannanore District Muslim Educational Association challenging a Kerala High Court decision that the association had no statutory right to run a higher secondary course in the Sir Syed College run by it.
79 persons killed and nearly 150 people injured in a train crash in West Bengal on Friday, West Bengal government suspected the involvement of Maoists in accident.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and India, which saw a sharp increase at $10 billion in 2009 against $4 billion in 2005, is set to grow further following the aggressive promotional campaign launched by that country. . India was the largest buyer of Indonesian palm oil while exporting refined petroleum products, wheat, rice, sugar and steel to Indonesia. The Indo-Indonesian joint study group has already recommended further discussions for negotiating a pact that could increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2020.
India's complaint against the European Union on the unjust seizure of cheap generic drug consignments meant for Latin America and African nations has received a boost, with the World Health Organisation terming such action “misuse of rules” against counterfeit medicines. In the last more than one year, EU member-countries, especially the Netherlands, had seized or halted several shipments of Indian-made generic medicines bound for Latin America and Africa. India, along with Brazil, protested against these seizures and made known to the EU its strong displeasure against the move through trade and diplomatic channels, terming it a violation of international rules
India and Turkmenistan on Tuesday discussed energy cooperation and signed several agreements signalling the desire of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties. In a sign of continuing interest in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, New Delhi has offered to host a technical meeting of experts under the aegis of the Asian Development Bank.
The first draft of the final document of 2010 Nuclear-Non Proliferation Treaty Review conference has asked India, Pakistan and Israel to join NPT and CTBT.
With many Indian space scientists returning to their country post-9/11, the US space agency, Nasa, is feeling the need to focus on homegrown brains. In post 9/11 scenario it became tough for Indians to stay in US in tight security so they prefer to serve their own country in a comfortable environment and they think their country needs them.
Canadian high commission’s allegation that Indian security agencies are involved in human rights violation that’s why they denied visa to security personnel provoked Indian government and India demands apology from Canada. Most of the retired and serving officials denied visa are or were associated with agencies like the Army, BSF and IB.
A two-member delegation of Amnesty International concluded its six-day visit to Srinagar on Sunday. It held wide-ranging discussions with the government and the separatists but was denied permission to visit the jails.
A survey carried out across both Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, shows that only 2% of the respondents on the Indian side favour joining Pakistan. A study by Robert Bradrock, a scholar from London's Kings College, that involved interviewing 3,774 people in both parts of Kashmir in September-October 2009 showed that 44% of people on the Pakistani side favoured independence, compared to 43% in Indian Kashmir.75%-95% respondents favouring independence as a final resolution. The poll showed no support either for joint sovereignty or for maintaining status quo. However, more than 58% of those surveyed were prepared to accept the Line of Control as a permanent border if it could be liberalized for greater people-to-people contact and trade. Only 8% voted against making the LoC a permanent boundary, with the highest level of opposition in Anantnag district, the report said. Few people in Kashmir, compared to many more in PoK, believed that violence was likely to resolve the Kashmir issue. In J&K, only 20% thought that militant violence would help solve the problem, compared to nearly 40% who thought it was coming in the way of a resolution. In PoK, 37% of those surveyed held the view that violence was a possible route to resolution.
In the country's worst air disaster in a decade, a Boeing 737 plane of Air India's low budget carrier overshot the airport runway and burst into flames killing 158 persons on Saturday.
Regional Summary:
Frustrated over Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) backtracking on its power-sharing deal in Jharkhand, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to withdraw support to the Shibu Soren government.
The movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling hills took an ugly turn when Madan Tamang, the outspoken veteran who headed the All India Gorkha League (AIGL), was hacked to death, allegedly by cadres of the rival Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The killing of Tamang shut down Darjeeling and police contingents were back on the streets after months.
Honour killing isn't restricted to north India: a young Reddy girl and her Dalit husband were stoned to death on Wednesday night. Six people, including the parents of Baddam Swapna Reddy (22), were arrested and charged with murder on Thursday. Swapna, belonging to the high-caste Reddy community, married Sunkari Srinivas (28) about three months ago. The couple was found stoned to death on the outskirts of Krishnajiwadi village in Nizamabad. Swapna's father B Lal Reddy, mother Radha, uncle N Ram Reddy and three aunts - Yadava, Padma and Shoba - were all booked for murder and under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Fresh clashes were witnessed between members of two communities in Shahpur in which one woman was injured. Communal clashes were started from the same area after a marriage procession took place near a Masjid during prayer time.
For the fifth consecutive year, Gujarat has registered the highest cotton production in the country. The production is likely to touch the 1 crore bales mark, way ahead of its nearest competitor, Maharashtra.
Summary: 15to 21 May 2010
National Summary:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized government for delaying parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s execution party also accuses government to being soft for home grown terrorists. Advani criticized government for not implementing Sachar Commission’s recommendations. 63% Indians feel Congress supremo has more influential than the PM. There is, however, some strong support for the PM with a vast majority giving his work at the top thumbs up. As many as 70% Indians reported "satisfied" with his performance and only 38% said there will be a change at the top before elections scheduled for 2014. The survey, commissioned by a news channel.
The All-India Ulema Mashaikh Board announced that they would vote for a government whether at the Centre or in the state that works for its welfare and listens to its demand for giving them fair representation in the functioning of Muslim organizations. The board wanted Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Sultanpur, Gonda, Kanpur and Ferozabad in UP to be declared as “minority-concentrated districts”. Board asked for immediate passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, the board also advocated for fair representation to Muslim women.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday submitted in the Supreme Court the final report on the results of its investigation into the role of 63 persons, including Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, in the Gulberg Society massacre case.
After fatwas by Darul Uloom Deoband that it was un-Islamic for women to work in close proximity to men in offices and for her family to accept her earnings, an Islamic seminary has said that education for Muslim girls was not only important, but also mandatory. "Education is mandatory for every Muslim, whether male or female," Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali of Darul Uloom Farangi Mahal said in a fatwa while quoting the Hadees and Sharia
The newly appointed Uttar Pradesh BJP President Surya Pratap Shahi visited the disputed site and vowed to construct a Ram temple there, saying it was a something related to the faith of crores of Hindus.
In a significant development, Punjab authorities have brought to the notice of the Central agencies and also officials of the ministry of home affairs that the communication between khalistanis and Naxalites is increasing in the state.
Naxal leaders refused home minister P Chidambaram fresh offer to hold talks if they "suspend" violence even for just 72 hours. The offer was dismissed by Naxal leader Ramanna who said in Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, "we cannot give up our weapons".
Naxals struck again in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, blowing up a bus and killing at least 36 people, including 12 Special Police Officers (SPOs). At least 14 people were injured.
A total of 880 persons have been killed during last three years in naxal insurgency, who included 356 police personnel, 118 Special Police Officers (SPOs) and home guards, 391 civilians and 15 government servants.
India sought comprehensive reform of international financial institutions to enable enhanced capital flows and infrastructure investment in developing markets, which it said will strengthen recovery from the worst global economic crisis since 1945.
China asked India not to discriminate against Chinese companies and ensure a fair and transparent investment environment to all.
India’s rupee completed its worst week since 1995 as tumbling stocks worldwide fueled concern the debt crisis in Europe will undermine the global economic recovery. The rupee’s 5.5 percent loss since April 30, the second- worst performance among Asian currencies, more than erased its gains during the first four months of 2010.
India’s benchmark stock index fell, on course for its worst month since January, as Europe’s sovereign debt crisis and rising U.S. jobless claims prompted investors to withdraw funds from riskier assets. Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd., the largest copper producer, dropped 1.6 percent as metal prices tumbled. Wipro Ltd., India’s third-largest software-services provider, declined to the lowest in two weeks.
In a bid to step up strategic ties with the Gulf, India on Tuesday decided to expand its bilateral military cooperation with Oman in fields ranging from maritime security and anti-piracy measures to joint training and combat exercises.
The death toll from a powerful cyclone that slammed into southeastern India, toppling power lines and triggering landslides, has climbed to 23, a top official said. The storm plunged a large swath of coastal Andhra Pradesh state into darkness when it hit Thursday packing winds of 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour. The storm made landfall near Bapatla, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) southeast of Hyderabad, and waves as high as 9 feet (3 meters) lashed the coast. Even before the cyclone hit, some parts of the state had received up to 1 foot (32 centimeters) of rain. Officials said at least 23 people have died since Wednesday. At least 55 fishermen were reported missing, although authorities had ordered fishing vessels to stay in port. State welfare agencies evacuated more than 50,000 people from low-lying villages ahead of the storm.
More than three years after the blasts on the India-Pakistan Samjhauta Express as it passed through Haryana, CBI Director Ashwani Kumar indicated that the agency was looking at similarities in the blasts on the train with the ones in Ajmer and Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad. “The link between Mecca Masjid, Samjhauta and Ajmer blasts is that the bombs had the same arming devices and these were procured from Indore,” Ashwani Kumar told.
Regional Summary:
Ending three weeks of impasse in Jharkhand, the BJP on Tuesday announced a rotational plan for the state: BJP with its allies, JMM and All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), will share power for 28 months each with the BJP having the first shot at power.
Ruling out any political understanding with Mayawati-led BSP, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hinted that Congress may go it alone in the 2012 assembly polls in the state.
West Bengal chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee rejected Trinamool Congress' demand for advancing 2011 Assembly elections in the state, saying it was only the state government which could make a recommendation in the matter.
Jewellers in Ahmedabad reported a good business on Sunday on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya considered auspicious to bring home wealth as gold sale crossed the Rs 20-crore mark.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized government for delaying parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s execution party also accuses government to being soft for home grown terrorists. Advani criticized government for not implementing Sachar Commission’s recommendations. 63% Indians feel Congress supremo has more influential than the PM. There is, however, some strong support for the PM with a vast majority giving his work at the top thumbs up. As many as 70% Indians reported "satisfied" with his performance and only 38% said there will be a change at the top before elections scheduled for 2014. The survey, commissioned by a news channel.
The All-India Ulema Mashaikh Board announced that they would vote for a government whether at the Centre or in the state that works for its welfare and listens to its demand for giving them fair representation in the functioning of Muslim organizations. The board wanted Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Sultanpur, Gonda, Kanpur and Ferozabad in UP to be declared as “minority-concentrated districts”. Board asked for immediate passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, the board also advocated for fair representation to Muslim women.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday submitted in the Supreme Court the final report on the results of its investigation into the role of 63 persons, including Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, in the Gulberg Society massacre case.
After fatwas by Darul Uloom Deoband that it was un-Islamic for women to work in close proximity to men in offices and for her family to accept her earnings, an Islamic seminary has said that education for Muslim girls was not only important, but also mandatory. "Education is mandatory for every Muslim, whether male or female," Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali of Darul Uloom Farangi Mahal said in a fatwa while quoting the Hadees and Sharia
The newly appointed Uttar Pradesh BJP President Surya Pratap Shahi visited the disputed site and vowed to construct a Ram temple there, saying it was a something related to the faith of crores of Hindus.
In a significant development, Punjab authorities have brought to the notice of the Central agencies and also officials of the ministry of home affairs that the communication between khalistanis and Naxalites is increasing in the state.
Naxal leaders refused home minister P Chidambaram fresh offer to hold talks if they "suspend" violence even for just 72 hours. The offer was dismissed by Naxal leader Ramanna who said in Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, "we cannot give up our weapons".
Naxals struck again in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, blowing up a bus and killing at least 36 people, including 12 Special Police Officers (SPOs). At least 14 people were injured.
A total of 880 persons have been killed during last three years in naxal insurgency, who included 356 police personnel, 118 Special Police Officers (SPOs) and home guards, 391 civilians and 15 government servants.
India sought comprehensive reform of international financial institutions to enable enhanced capital flows and infrastructure investment in developing markets, which it said will strengthen recovery from the worst global economic crisis since 1945.
China asked India not to discriminate against Chinese companies and ensure a fair and transparent investment environment to all.
India’s rupee completed its worst week since 1995 as tumbling stocks worldwide fueled concern the debt crisis in Europe will undermine the global economic recovery. The rupee’s 5.5 percent loss since April 30, the second- worst performance among Asian currencies, more than erased its gains during the first four months of 2010.
India’s benchmark stock index fell, on course for its worst month since January, as Europe’s sovereign debt crisis and rising U.S. jobless claims prompted investors to withdraw funds from riskier assets. Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd., the largest copper producer, dropped 1.6 percent as metal prices tumbled. Wipro Ltd., India’s third-largest software-services provider, declined to the lowest in two weeks.
In a bid to step up strategic ties with the Gulf, India on Tuesday decided to expand its bilateral military cooperation with Oman in fields ranging from maritime security and anti-piracy measures to joint training and combat exercises.
The death toll from a powerful cyclone that slammed into southeastern India, toppling power lines and triggering landslides, has climbed to 23, a top official said. The storm plunged a large swath of coastal Andhra Pradesh state into darkness when it hit Thursday packing winds of 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour. The storm made landfall near Bapatla, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) southeast of Hyderabad, and waves as high as 9 feet (3 meters) lashed the coast. Even before the cyclone hit, some parts of the state had received up to 1 foot (32 centimeters) of rain. Officials said at least 23 people have died since Wednesday. At least 55 fishermen were reported missing, although authorities had ordered fishing vessels to stay in port. State welfare agencies evacuated more than 50,000 people from low-lying villages ahead of the storm.
More than three years after the blasts on the India-Pakistan Samjhauta Express as it passed through Haryana, CBI Director Ashwani Kumar indicated that the agency was looking at similarities in the blasts on the train with the ones in Ajmer and Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad. “The link between Mecca Masjid, Samjhauta and Ajmer blasts is that the bombs had the same arming devices and these were procured from Indore,” Ashwani Kumar told.
Regional Summary:
Ending three weeks of impasse in Jharkhand, the BJP on Tuesday announced a rotational plan for the state: BJP with its allies, JMM and All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), will share power for 28 months each with the BJP having the first shot at power.
Ruling out any political understanding with Mayawati-led BSP, Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hinted that Congress may go it alone in the 2012 assembly polls in the state.
West Bengal chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee rejected Trinamool Congress' demand for advancing 2011 Assembly elections in the state, saying it was only the state government which could make a recommendation in the matter.
Jewellers in Ahmedabad reported a good business on Sunday on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya considered auspicious to bring home wealth as gold sale crossed the Rs 20-crore mark.
India Summary ( 8 to 14 May 2010)
National Summary:
BJP national president Nitin Gadkari criticises the Congress-led UPA government for being soft on terrorists and their sympathizers because of vote bank politics. He blames UPA for price rise and increasing naxal insurgency in the country. He accused Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad of betraying the opposition on the recent cut motions in parliament, and said they were "dogs who lick the feet of the Congress".
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh is under severe criticism of opposition for his remarks in Beijing on Saturday that India should be much more relaxed in its approach to Chinese investments into the country and get rid of "needless" restrictions. Congress party is also not very encouraging for his remarks. Manmohan Singh refused to accept his resignation but warned him to be careful in his statement.
Darul Uloom Deoband, India's foremost Islamic seminary denied asking Muslim women not to work along with men and said it only suggested that working women should dress "properly". Media and civil society’s strong reaction caused Darul Uloom to withdraw its statement.
With an aim to strengthen anti-Maoist operations in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura before the 2011 Assembly elections, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a dozen more camps in the three districts.
Seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed on Saturday when Naxals blew up their bullet-proof vehicle in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the first major attack after the Dantewada incident on April 6, in which 76 personnel were killed.
India is facing shortage of grain storage warehouses Agriculture Minister of the country Sharad Pawar invited individuals to help government in this regard.
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex registered its biggest single day gain of 561 points in ten months after EU and IMF agreed on a 1 trillion dollar emergency fund for the Union to help contain the region's credit crisis. The Sensex, which lost over 788 points over the past five sessions, bounced back by 561.44 points to 17,330.55 on positive Asian cues.
In a big-ticket investment aimed at giving a boost to its holding of oil and gas assets abroad, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Videsh Limited (OVL), along with its partners, entered into an agreement with the Venezuelan government on Thursday to develop a $20-billion oil project in that country. The project is expected to give India 3.6 million tonnes of crude a year. OVL and its partners signed the agreement with Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PdV) for development and production of hydrocarbons from the Carabobo project in the Orinoco region.
India has conveyed to Tehran that it had a major role in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and that India would cherish its support in handling the developing situation in that country. This was conveyed by India's deputy NSA Alok Prasad to Iran's main security body, Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday. Both sides remained tight-lipped about the dialogue over security-related issues. Sources, however, said Prasad told SNSC chief Saeed Jalili that India was looking forward to full-scale security cooperation between the two countries over Afghanistan and other regional security issues. The crucial IPI pipeline issue also came up during the discussion and Prasad conveyed to the Iranians that India's participation was being prevented solely by its concerns over security and pricing issues.
The US administration has named India's oil and gas flagship ONGC and Indian Oil Corp (IOC) among the 41 firms worldwide having energy ties with Iran, an act for which it may impose sanctions on them. "The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) provides for sanctions against persons, including foreign firms, who invest more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector in any 12-month period," the report said. Of the 41 firms named in the report, five are Indian. Besides ONGC and IOC, it names ONGC Videsh Ltd - the overseas investment arm of the state-run explorer, Oil India Ltd and Petronet LNG Ltd.
Indian government extended the ban on LTTE by another two years following intelligence reports that remnants of the Sri Lankan Tamil terror outfit were trying to re-group in Tamil Nadu.
Despite Pakistan’s protest India will organise a civilian mountaineering and trekking expedition to the forbidding Siachen Glacier for the fourth year in a row in October-November this year. The expedition, which has now become an annual affair, is meant to showcase to the global community that Indian troops hold the Siachen glacial heights and Pakistan is nowhere near the glacier. During this year's expedition, the Army plans to take along 35 civilians including women, journalists, scientists from the DRDO and other glacial studies institutes, and mountaineers from among civilian enthusiasts as well as military training establishments. The civilian Siachen expedition had run into a controversy when it began in 2007 after Pakistan lodged a strong protest, calling it "incongruous" to the ongoing peace efforts between the two countries.
Investigation of Malegaon, Ajmer and Hyderabad blasts cases clearly indicates the involvement of extremist Hindu groups and individuals in all incidents.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre said an incident of minor radioactive contamination was detected in one of its laboratories. The incident which happened on Monday involved minor contamination of the hands of a person, who was involved in the transfer of samples containing radioactive material in a sealed container from one laboratory to another for analysis.
Regional Summary:
The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced the poll schedule for the biennial election to 11 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh. Eleven members of the Rajya Sabha from the state will retire on July 4.
Nearly 14 years after 21 dalits, mostly women, girls and two infants, were massacred by a private militia of landlords in Bhojpur district; a local court of Bihar awarded capital punishment to three convicts and life imprisonment to 20 others.
A faction of the Gujjars on Monday said it would launch a fresh agitation against the one per cent additional quota offered to the community by the government, saying it was not ready to settle for anything less than the 5 per cent separate reservation.
In a case of 'honour killing', a woman was murdered on Wednesday in Punjab's Tarn Taran district by her family for marrying against their wishes, police said. Her mother-in-law was also shot dead. Cases of honour killing are increasing in Punjab.
BJP national president Nitin Gadkari criticises the Congress-led UPA government for being soft on terrorists and their sympathizers because of vote bank politics. He blames UPA for price rise and increasing naxal insurgency in the country. He accused Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad of betraying the opposition on the recent cut motions in parliament, and said they were "dogs who lick the feet of the Congress".
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh is under severe criticism of opposition for his remarks in Beijing on Saturday that India should be much more relaxed in its approach to Chinese investments into the country and get rid of "needless" restrictions. Congress party is also not very encouraging for his remarks. Manmohan Singh refused to accept his resignation but warned him to be careful in his statement.
Darul Uloom Deoband, India's foremost Islamic seminary denied asking Muslim women not to work along with men and said it only suggested that working women should dress "properly". Media and civil society’s strong reaction caused Darul Uloom to withdraw its statement.
With an aim to strengthen anti-Maoist operations in West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura before the 2011 Assembly elections, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a dozen more camps in the three districts.
Seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed on Saturday when Naxals blew up their bullet-proof vehicle in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the first major attack after the Dantewada incident on April 6, in which 76 personnel were killed.
India is facing shortage of grain storage warehouses Agriculture Minister of the country Sharad Pawar invited individuals to help government in this regard.
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex registered its biggest single day gain of 561 points in ten months after EU and IMF agreed on a 1 trillion dollar emergency fund for the Union to help contain the region's credit crisis. The Sensex, which lost over 788 points over the past five sessions, bounced back by 561.44 points to 17,330.55 on positive Asian cues.
In a big-ticket investment aimed at giving a boost to its holding of oil and gas assets abroad, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Videsh Limited (OVL), along with its partners, entered into an agreement with the Venezuelan government on Thursday to develop a $20-billion oil project in that country. The project is expected to give India 3.6 million tonnes of crude a year. OVL and its partners signed the agreement with Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PdV) for development and production of hydrocarbons from the Carabobo project in the Orinoco region.
India has conveyed to Tehran that it had a major role in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and that India would cherish its support in handling the developing situation in that country. This was conveyed by India's deputy NSA Alok Prasad to Iran's main security body, Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday. Both sides remained tight-lipped about the dialogue over security-related issues. Sources, however, said Prasad told SNSC chief Saeed Jalili that India was looking forward to full-scale security cooperation between the two countries over Afghanistan and other regional security issues. The crucial IPI pipeline issue also came up during the discussion and Prasad conveyed to the Iranians that India's participation was being prevented solely by its concerns over security and pricing issues.
The US administration has named India's oil and gas flagship ONGC and Indian Oil Corp (IOC) among the 41 firms worldwide having energy ties with Iran, an act for which it may impose sanctions on them. "The Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) provides for sanctions against persons, including foreign firms, who invest more than $20 million in Iran's energy sector in any 12-month period," the report said. Of the 41 firms named in the report, five are Indian. Besides ONGC and IOC, it names ONGC Videsh Ltd - the overseas investment arm of the state-run explorer, Oil India Ltd and Petronet LNG Ltd.
Indian government extended the ban on LTTE by another two years following intelligence reports that remnants of the Sri Lankan Tamil terror outfit were trying to re-group in Tamil Nadu.
Despite Pakistan’s protest India will organise a civilian mountaineering and trekking expedition to the forbidding Siachen Glacier for the fourth year in a row in October-November this year. The expedition, which has now become an annual affair, is meant to showcase to the global community that Indian troops hold the Siachen glacial heights and Pakistan is nowhere near the glacier. During this year's expedition, the Army plans to take along 35 civilians including women, journalists, scientists from the DRDO and other glacial studies institutes, and mountaineers from among civilian enthusiasts as well as military training establishments. The civilian Siachen expedition had run into a controversy when it began in 2007 after Pakistan lodged a strong protest, calling it "incongruous" to the ongoing peace efforts between the two countries.
Investigation of Malegaon, Ajmer and Hyderabad blasts cases clearly indicates the involvement of extremist Hindu groups and individuals in all incidents.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre said an incident of minor radioactive contamination was detected in one of its laboratories. The incident which happened on Monday involved minor contamination of the hands of a person, who was involved in the transfer of samples containing radioactive material in a sealed container from one laboratory to another for analysis.
Regional Summary:
The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced the poll schedule for the biennial election to 11 Rajya Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh. Eleven members of the Rajya Sabha from the state will retire on July 4.
Nearly 14 years after 21 dalits, mostly women, girls and two infants, were massacred by a private militia of landlords in Bhojpur district; a local court of Bihar awarded capital punishment to three convicts and life imprisonment to 20 others.
A faction of the Gujjars on Monday said it would launch a fresh agitation against the one per cent additional quota offered to the community by the government, saying it was not ready to settle for anything less than the 5 per cent separate reservation.
In a case of 'honour killing', a woman was murdered on Wednesday in Punjab's Tarn Taran district by her family for marrying against their wishes, police said. Her mother-in-law was also shot dead. Cases of honour killing are increasing in Punjab.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Shutdown, restrictions paralyze life in India-controlled Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India-controlled Kashmir, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Life across Muslim majority areas of India-controlled Kashmir including Srinagar city Monday came to a complete halt in response to a shutdown call and severe restrictions imposed by authorities, officials and locals said.
The shutdown call was given by Kashmir Bar Association, a fraternity of lawyers to protest what they call "the collapse of judiciary, maltreatment meted out to political prisoners in and outside jails and veiled attempts by New Delhi to change the demographic position and identity of India-controlled Kashmir."
However, authorities fearing clashes in the Srinagar city, the summer capital of India-controlled Kashmir deployed hundreds of paramilitary troopers and policemen to impose restrictions. These men have blocked roads by placing barricades and coils of concertina.
"The restrictions have been enforced to prevent clashes in the city and maintain law and order," said a police officer posted in the city.
Business, shops and government offices remained closed in Srinagar and traffic was off the roads. Similar reports were received from other districts of the region.
"There is heavy deployment outside on roads. The police and paramilitary troopers are checking the identity of the pedestrians since early morning," said Dilshad Ahmad, a downtown resident in a telephonic interview.
The shutdown call by Kashmir Bar Association was supported by both factions of Hurriyat Conference, a separatist alliance.
New Delhi is preparing for the biggest ever headcount or census 2010 across India including insurgency affected India-controlled Kashmir.
Last time, in 2001, separatists had asked people to stay away from the census or a decennial exercise, and militants had threatened officials too.
In 1991 census did not take place in Kashmir because of disturbed situation, and officials projected figures on the basis of 1981 census, which itself has been controversial and criticized by many Kashmir politicians. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/10/c_13286192.htm
The shutdown call was given by Kashmir Bar Association, a fraternity of lawyers to protest what they call "the collapse of judiciary, maltreatment meted out to political prisoners in and outside jails and veiled attempts by New Delhi to change the demographic position and identity of India-controlled Kashmir."
However, authorities fearing clashes in the Srinagar city, the summer capital of India-controlled Kashmir deployed hundreds of paramilitary troopers and policemen to impose restrictions. These men have blocked roads by placing barricades and coils of concertina.
"The restrictions have been enforced to prevent clashes in the city and maintain law and order," said a police officer posted in the city.
Business, shops and government offices remained closed in Srinagar and traffic was off the roads. Similar reports were received from other districts of the region.
"There is heavy deployment outside on roads. The police and paramilitary troopers are checking the identity of the pedestrians since early morning," said Dilshad Ahmad, a downtown resident in a telephonic interview.
The shutdown call by Kashmir Bar Association was supported by both factions of Hurriyat Conference, a separatist alliance.
New Delhi is preparing for the biggest ever headcount or census 2010 across India including insurgency affected India-controlled Kashmir.
Last time, in 2001, separatists had asked people to stay away from the census or a decennial exercise, and militants had threatened officials too.
In 1991 census did not take place in Kashmir because of disturbed situation, and officials projected figures on the basis of 1981 census, which itself has been controversial and criticized by many Kashmir politicians. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/10/c_13286192.htm
Sunday, May 9, 2010
India: Last Week
National Summary:
Politics:
UPA government wants to restore caste-based census but in the criticism from opposition force it to wait for consensus of all parties in parliament. Opposition does not want to change the decision of the framers of the Constitution and the first Cabinet after Independence which had leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar and Maulana Azad. They decided to do away with caste-based census which was seen as divisive. Caste-based census is considered logical as it would be helpful to implement Mandal commission recommendations for OBCs and minorities.
Insurgency Movements:
Maoists trigger at least three blasts at a government-run residential school for tribal girls at Dhepaguda in the district on Saturday while damaged rail track and set ablaze two buses to enforce their 48-hour north Bihar Bandh, which began on Thursday.
Economy:
The CII Business Outlook Survey based on response from 458 companies said that India Inc expects the economy to grow by 7.5 to 8.5 per cent during the current fiscal fuelled mainly by rising capital investment and expanding exports. The industry optimism was also expressed in the Business Confidence Index that rose to 67.6 points for April-September 2010-11, compared to 66.1 points during the second half of 2009-10, according to the survey.
The government said that the value of India's exports for 2009-10 may fall short of the previous year's figures on account of the global economic downturn, but will cross the USD 170 billion mark. The country's exports in 2008-09 had amounted to USD 185 billion.
India and EU are expected to sign FTA this October. Both are working to eliminate differences through negotiations. EU has concerns on Indian policy of market access liberalisation and environment.
Geostrategic/Foreign Relations:
India is most likely to get access to American Lashkar terrorist David Coleman Headley this month with the United States indicating that it will communicate the exact date latest by next week. But officials keeping a track on the probe do not seem to be optimistic about any favourable outcome of his questioning.
The number of Pakistanis coming to India in 2009 decreased by almost 50%. The total number of visas issued to Pakistanis by India in 2009 was 51,946, a sudden and sharp fall from the 95,112 issued in 2008. Sources attribute the decline to more stringent norms for issuance of visas to Pakistanis in the aftermath of 26/11.
Indian Ocuupied Kashmir:
Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Gilani was not allowed to lead a march to the United Nations office and authorities kept him under house arrest. However, the day saw youth taking to the streets and clashing with the police, closure of shops and disruption of traffic. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat faction, and senior leaders of the conglomerate were also placed under house arrest to prevent them from going to Anantnag district for a rally. Mr. Gilani had called a march to the office of the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan to submit a memorandum, seeking U.N. intervention to grant the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination.
Dr. Shah Faisal becomes the first from Kashmir to top the Union Public Service Commission 2009 examinations. Dr. Faisal chose Public Administration.
Social Issues:
The radiation-related death of a scrap metal worker has raised concerns over nuclear safety in India, at a time when the Asian power is wooing foreign players to its $150 billion civilian nuclear market. Authorities have launched a probe into the unauthorised disposal of a disused machine from the chemistry department of Delhi University, which contained the radioactive material cobalt-60 and ended up in a scrap metal hub in the capital. A man died in hospital from exposure last week, in a case a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was quoted as saying was the most serious worldwide since 2006. Safety standards are a sensitive issue in India, where a gas leak in a Union Carbide factory killed thousands a quarter of a century ago in one of the world's worst industrial accidents.
According to noted economist Nancy Birdsall’s (president of the Center for Global Development) new definition of the middle class for developing countries, the middle class in the developing world to include people with an income above $10 day. By this definition, India even urban India alone has no middle class; everyone at over $10 a day is in the top 5% of the country. This is a combination both of the depth of India's poverty and its inequality. Birdsall defines middle class in monetary terms, the broader concept of what a middle class really is, as opposed to merely counting the middle third of a country.
The Special Sessions Court on Thursday sentenced to death Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving gunman of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Kasab was given the death penalty on five counts: murder, abetment to murder, waging war, criminal conspiracy and committing terrorist acts. He was also awarded life imprisonment on five counts: attempt to murder in furtherance of a common intention, kidnapping and abducting in order to murder, conspiracy to wage war, collecting arms with the intention of waging war and causing explosion thus endangering life and property.
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindi Heartland:
The BJP on Saturday agreed to pleas made by JMM leaders and let Shibu Soren continue as Chief Minister of Jharkhand for some more time, putting on hold a decision on the transfer of power for now. After a marathon meeting of BJP leaders Nitin Gadkari, former president Rajnath Singh and party general secretary Ananth Kumar, with Soren’s son Hemant and other JMM leaders as well as allies like JD(U) and AJSU, it was decided that the “consultation process, amongst the allies, would continue”.
Eastern States:
Alleging that the Congress is “providing oxygen to a dying Communist Party of India (Marxist)” by breaking the electoral alliance for the coming civic polls in the State, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday that “there is no alliance in West Bengal.” “We were in favour of an alliance…but they [the Congress] did not want it,” She also ruled out the possibility of “friendly contests” with the Congress, as there was no such thing in politics. She determines to contest election with full force against CPM.
Holding the Congress responsible for the break-up of its alliance with the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming polls to civic bodies across the State including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Subrata Mukherjee, one of the working presidents of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), is all set to re-join the Trinamool Congress.
Western States:
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ashok Chavan, on Monday signed an MoU to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for two river interlinking projects to facilitate inter-basin transfer of water to benefit both the states. Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Bansal on Monday signed the tripartite MoU between the Government of India, Maharashtra and Gujarat in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the preparation of DPRs of Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada link projects.
A new census in Gir forests has revealed that the population of the Asiatic lion has risen by 52 to reach the figure of 411.
Politics:
UPA government wants to restore caste-based census but in the criticism from opposition force it to wait for consensus of all parties in parliament. Opposition does not want to change the decision of the framers of the Constitution and the first Cabinet after Independence which had leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, B R Ambedkar and Maulana Azad. They decided to do away with caste-based census which was seen as divisive. Caste-based census is considered logical as it would be helpful to implement Mandal commission recommendations for OBCs and minorities.
Insurgency Movements:
Maoists trigger at least three blasts at a government-run residential school for tribal girls at Dhepaguda in the district on Saturday while damaged rail track and set ablaze two buses to enforce their 48-hour north Bihar Bandh, which began on Thursday.
Economy:
The CII Business Outlook Survey based on response from 458 companies said that India Inc expects the economy to grow by 7.5 to 8.5 per cent during the current fiscal fuelled mainly by rising capital investment and expanding exports. The industry optimism was also expressed in the Business Confidence Index that rose to 67.6 points for April-September 2010-11, compared to 66.1 points during the second half of 2009-10, according to the survey.
The government said that the value of India's exports for 2009-10 may fall short of the previous year's figures on account of the global economic downturn, but will cross the USD 170 billion mark. The country's exports in 2008-09 had amounted to USD 185 billion.
India and EU are expected to sign FTA this October. Both are working to eliminate differences through negotiations. EU has concerns on Indian policy of market access liberalisation and environment.
Geostrategic/Foreign Relations:
India is most likely to get access to American Lashkar terrorist David Coleman Headley this month with the United States indicating that it will communicate the exact date latest by next week. But officials keeping a track on the probe do not seem to be optimistic about any favourable outcome of his questioning.
The number of Pakistanis coming to India in 2009 decreased by almost 50%. The total number of visas issued to Pakistanis by India in 2009 was 51,946, a sudden and sharp fall from the 95,112 issued in 2008. Sources attribute the decline to more stringent norms for issuance of visas to Pakistanis in the aftermath of 26/11.
Indian Ocuupied Kashmir:
Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Gilani was not allowed to lead a march to the United Nations office and authorities kept him under house arrest. However, the day saw youth taking to the streets and clashing with the police, closure of shops and disruption of traffic. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat faction, and senior leaders of the conglomerate were also placed under house arrest to prevent them from going to Anantnag district for a rally. Mr. Gilani had called a march to the office of the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan to submit a memorandum, seeking U.N. intervention to grant the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination.
Dr. Shah Faisal becomes the first from Kashmir to top the Union Public Service Commission 2009 examinations. Dr. Faisal chose Public Administration.
Social Issues:
The radiation-related death of a scrap metal worker has raised concerns over nuclear safety in India, at a time when the Asian power is wooing foreign players to its $150 billion civilian nuclear market. Authorities have launched a probe into the unauthorised disposal of a disused machine from the chemistry department of Delhi University, which contained the radioactive material cobalt-60 and ended up in a scrap metal hub in the capital. A man died in hospital from exposure last week, in a case a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was quoted as saying was the most serious worldwide since 2006. Safety standards are a sensitive issue in India, where a gas leak in a Union Carbide factory killed thousands a quarter of a century ago in one of the world's worst industrial accidents.
According to noted economist Nancy Birdsall’s (president of the Center for Global Development) new definition of the middle class for developing countries, the middle class in the developing world to include people with an income above $10 day. By this definition, India even urban India alone has no middle class; everyone at over $10 a day is in the top 5% of the country. This is a combination both of the depth of India's poverty and its inequality. Birdsall defines middle class in monetary terms, the broader concept of what a middle class really is, as opposed to merely counting the middle third of a country.
The Special Sessions Court on Thursday sentenced to death Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving gunman of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Kasab was given the death penalty on five counts: murder, abetment to murder, waging war, criminal conspiracy and committing terrorist acts. He was also awarded life imprisonment on five counts: attempt to murder in furtherance of a common intention, kidnapping and abducting in order to murder, conspiracy to wage war, collecting arms with the intention of waging war and causing explosion thus endangering life and property.
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindi Heartland:
The BJP on Saturday agreed to pleas made by JMM leaders and let Shibu Soren continue as Chief Minister of Jharkhand for some more time, putting on hold a decision on the transfer of power for now. After a marathon meeting of BJP leaders Nitin Gadkari, former president Rajnath Singh and party general secretary Ananth Kumar, with Soren’s son Hemant and other JMM leaders as well as allies like JD(U) and AJSU, it was decided that the “consultation process, amongst the allies, would continue”.
Eastern States:
Alleging that the Congress is “providing oxygen to a dying Communist Party of India (Marxist)” by breaking the electoral alliance for the coming civic polls in the State, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday that “there is no alliance in West Bengal.” “We were in favour of an alliance…but they [the Congress] did not want it,” She also ruled out the possibility of “friendly contests” with the Congress, as there was no such thing in politics. She determines to contest election with full force against CPM.
Holding the Congress responsible for the break-up of its alliance with the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming polls to civic bodies across the State including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Subrata Mukherjee, one of the working presidents of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC), is all set to re-join the Trinamool Congress.
Western States:
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ashok Chavan, on Monday signed an MoU to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for two river interlinking projects to facilitate inter-basin transfer of water to benefit both the states. Union Water Resources Minister Pawan Bansal on Monday signed the tripartite MoU between the Government of India, Maharashtra and Gujarat in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the preparation of DPRs of Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada link projects.
A new census in Gir forests has revealed that the population of the Asiatic lion has risen by 52 to reach the figure of 411.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
India Last Week
National Summary:
Politics:
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor resigned after meeting PM Manmohan Singh. He was under severe criticism for his alleged involvement in the Kochi IPL cricket franchise bid. He said his decision to quit the Cabinet was “in the high moral traditions of our democratic system and in keeping with the standards”. Opposition parties criticise the IPL for misusing Indian cricket passion. Opposition demands a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe covering the full range of irregularities in the control and management of the money-spinning T-20 cricket tournament.
The BJP is criticizing the UPA for rising prices, attributing it to the “wrong economic policies” of the government and “bad management and corruption”. Charging the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government with failure to check the unprecedented price rise and protect the interests of the common man and the poor, the BJP came down with massive show of power on Wednesday, 21 April.
Despite their cut motions being defeated in the Lok Sabha, the Opposition parties on Tuesday claimed moral victory, saying that they were successful in pressuring the UPA over price rise. The SP and the RJD did not support the cut motion.
Government is under criticism for phone tapping issue. Opposition parties declare it intolerable and against the spirit of democratic norms.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor resigned after meeting PM Manmohan Singh. He was under severe criticism for his alleged involvement in the Kochi IPL cricket franchise bid. He said his decision to quit the Cabinet was “in the high moral traditions of our democratic system and in keeping with the standards”. Opposition parties criticise the IPL for misusing Indian cricket passion. Opposition demands a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe covering the full range of irregularities in the control and management of the money-spinning T-20 cricket tournament.
The BJP is criticizing the UPA for rising prices, attributing it to the “wrong economic policies” of the government and “bad management and corruption”. Charging the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government with failure to check the unprecedented price rise and protect the interests of the common man and the poor, the BJP came down with massive show of power on Wednesday, 21 April.
Despite their cut motions being defeated in the Lok Sabha, the Opposition parties on Tuesday claimed moral victory, saying that they were successful in pressuring the UPA over price rise. The SP and the RJD did not support the cut motion.
Government is under criticism for phone tapping issue. Opposition parties declare it intolerable and against the spirit of democratic norms.
Minorities' Issues:
The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has sought an independent, high-level inquiry into bomb blasts of all kinds, fake encounters and confinement of Muslim youth, to nail the lie that Muslims are involved in acts of terrorism. He asserted that “99 per cent of Muslims arrested on accusations of terrorism are innocent.”
The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has sought an independent, high-level inquiry into bomb blasts of all kinds, fake encounters and confinement of Muslim youth, to nail the lie that Muslims are involved in acts of terrorism. He asserted that “99 per cent of Muslims arrested on accusations of terrorism are innocent.”
Hindu Fundamentalism:
BJP President Nitin Gadkari said his party is not against the Muslim community but was unfortunately caught in an image warp. At the same time, he said there was nothing to be apologetic about Hindutva or the core issues of the BJP, including uniform civil code and Ram temple at Ayodhya.
BJP President Nitin Gadkari said his party is not against the Muslim community but was unfortunately caught in an image warp. At the same time, he said there was nothing to be apologetic about Hindutva or the core issues of the BJP, including uniform civil code and Ram temple at Ayodhya.
Insurgency Movements:
The West Bengal government said it may introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for reconnaissance in Maoist strongholds, if the experience elsewhere proves successful.
There will be no census exercise in several hundred villages in Chhattisgarh which have been rendered out of bounds for government officials by Naxalite groups. District administrations of Jagdalpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Kanker, all part of undivided Bastar which was once one of the largest districts in the country, have informed senior officials in Raipur that it will be difficult for them to carry out the census exercise; counting of people, collection of biometric data for preparation of the National Population Register in many areas in view of the Naxal threat.
The West Bengal government said it may introduce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for reconnaissance in Maoist strongholds, if the experience elsewhere proves successful.
There will be no census exercise in several hundred villages in Chhattisgarh which have been rendered out of bounds for government officials by Naxalite groups. District administrations of Jagdalpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur and Kanker, all part of undivided Bastar which was once one of the largest districts in the country, have informed senior officials in Raipur that it will be difficult for them to carry out the census exercise; counting of people, collection of biometric data for preparation of the National Population Register in many areas in view of the Naxal threat.
Economy:
Analysts expect food inflation to soften on arrival of the Rabi crop harvest in markets by the middle of next month and in case the Meteorological Department happens to forecast a normal monsoon in its initial projections to be unveiled. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the tightening of monetary policy by India is an 'appropriate' step, as the country is faced with high inflation and needs to consolidate the fiscal measures initiated during the slowdown. With the prices of certain essential items such as rice, milk, fruits and vegetables continuing to rule high, food inflation crept up further to 17.65 per cent for the week ended April 10 from 17.22 per cent in the previous week.
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China on Thursday demanded the commitment to reform the Bretton Woods financial institutions that the advanced economies made at Pittsburgh during the G-20 summit be completed by this year itself. The BRIC document calls for an open and merit-based selection method, irrespective of nationality, for the heading positions of the IMF and the World Bank.
Analysts expect food inflation to soften on arrival of the Rabi crop harvest in markets by the middle of next month and in case the Meteorological Department happens to forecast a normal monsoon in its initial projections to be unveiled. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the tightening of monetary policy by India is an 'appropriate' step, as the country is faced with high inflation and needs to consolidate the fiscal measures initiated during the slowdown. With the prices of certain essential items such as rice, milk, fruits and vegetables continuing to rule high, food inflation crept up further to 17.65 per cent for the week ended April 10 from 17.22 per cent in the previous week.
The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China on Thursday demanded the commitment to reform the Bretton Woods financial institutions that the advanced economies made at Pittsburgh during the G-20 summit be completed by this year itself. The BRIC document calls for an open and merit-based selection method, irrespective of nationality, for the heading positions of the IMF and the World Bank.
Geostrategic:
China has said the dam being built by it on river Brahmaputra will have no impact on the downstream flow of the river into India, Chinese foreign minister assured that it is a small project which will not have any impact on the river's downstream flow into North-east India.
A junior diplomat (Madhuri Gupta) in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been arrested by the special cell of the Delhi police on the charge of leaking sensitive national secrets to Pakistani intelligence agencies.
India and Pakistan ended a diplomatic stalemate on Thursday by resuming dialogue at the foreign-minister level, as part of an agreement worked out by PM Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in Thimphu.
China has said the dam being built by it on river Brahmaputra will have no impact on the downstream flow of the river into India, Chinese foreign minister assured that it is a small project which will not have any impact on the river's downstream flow into North-east India.
A junior diplomat (Madhuri Gupta) in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has been arrested by the special cell of the Delhi police on the charge of leaking sensitive national secrets to Pakistani intelligence agencies.
India and Pakistan ended a diplomatic stalemate on Thursday by resuming dialogue at the foreign-minister level, as part of an agreement worked out by PM Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in Thimphu.
Social Issues:
For purposes of food security, the Planning Commission finally accepted that the number of people living below the poverty line in India is 37.2 per cent of the total population. The 37.2 per cent poverty line (that works out to 40.71 crore for 2004-05) is based on the methodology recommended by the Suresh Tendulkar committee that submitted its report to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in December 2009. The number of poor in 2004-05, as per the Plan panel’s own estimate released in March 2007, was estimated at 30.17 crore or 27.5 per cent of the total population. Were this number to be accepted as the BPL population, only 6.5 crore families would have got access to food security. But with the Plan panel accepting the Tendulkar report, about 10 crore families will benefit.
The government stepped up efforts to get to the bottom of alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with officials from the income tax department visiting the Mumbai offices of World Sports Group (WSG) and Multi Screen Media (MSM) in Mumbai. WSG holds all audio and video rights for IPL, while MSM is the broadcast-rights holder. Media reports had said that MSM had paid a ‘facilitation fee’ of $80 million to WSG to secure the rights. IPL commissioner Lalit Modi is also under pressure for alleged corruption.
The India Meteorological Department on Friday issued its first-stage, long-range forecast for the Southwest Monsoon. It is likely to be “normal,” with a precipitation of 98 per cent of the long-period average (LPA), with a model error of plus or minus five per cent. In other words, the rainfall during the four-month season, from June to September, is likely to be between 93 per cent and 103 per cent of the LPA. (The LPA is the average of the rainfall over 50 years from 1941 to 1990 and it comes to 89 cm).
The Supreme Court has held that pre-marital sex is not a statutory offence and criminal law cannot punish individuals merely for expressing "unpopular views" justifying such acts as it would violate freedom of speech and expression. A three judge bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishna and justices Deepak Verma and B S Chauhan passed the judgment while quashing the criminal cases filed against popular south Indian actress Khushboo for her views on "pre-maritial sex".
Regional Summary:
For purposes of food security, the Planning Commission finally accepted that the number of people living below the poverty line in India is 37.2 per cent of the total population. The 37.2 per cent poverty line (that works out to 40.71 crore for 2004-05) is based on the methodology recommended by the Suresh Tendulkar committee that submitted its report to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in December 2009. The number of poor in 2004-05, as per the Plan panel’s own estimate released in March 2007, was estimated at 30.17 crore or 27.5 per cent of the total population. Were this number to be accepted as the BPL population, only 6.5 crore families would have got access to food security. But with the Plan panel accepting the Tendulkar report, about 10 crore families will benefit.
The government stepped up efforts to get to the bottom of alleged financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with officials from the income tax department visiting the Mumbai offices of World Sports Group (WSG) and Multi Screen Media (MSM) in Mumbai. WSG holds all audio and video rights for IPL, while MSM is the broadcast-rights holder. Media reports had said that MSM had paid a ‘facilitation fee’ of $80 million to WSG to secure the rights. IPL commissioner Lalit Modi is also under pressure for alleged corruption.
The India Meteorological Department on Friday issued its first-stage, long-range forecast for the Southwest Monsoon. It is likely to be “normal,” with a precipitation of 98 per cent of the long-period average (LPA), with a model error of plus or minus five per cent. In other words, the rainfall during the four-month season, from June to September, is likely to be between 93 per cent and 103 per cent of the LPA. (The LPA is the average of the rainfall over 50 years from 1941 to 1990 and it comes to 89 cm).
The Supreme Court has held that pre-marital sex is not a statutory offence and criminal law cannot punish individuals merely for expressing "unpopular views" justifying such acts as it would violate freedom of speech and expression. A three judge bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishna and justices Deepak Verma and B S Chauhan passed the judgment while quashing the criminal cases filed against popular south Indian actress Khushboo for her views on "pre-maritial sex".
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindiheartland:
Congress wants Shibu Soren to resign as chief minister first before making a move in Jharkhand where BJP-JMM partnership collapsed under the weight of the voting on cut motion on Tuesday, while ruling out any support to the veteran tribal leader. Congress is categorical that it will not back a CM from outside, ruling out support to Soren a la BJP.
In the backdrop of concerns regarding the dwindling number of tigers in the country, the ongoing tiger census has brought some more alarming news from Bihar. At the Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bihar’s only national park — only three adult tigers have been caught by the trap cameras so far. The census is set to wrap up in June. While the reserve, spread over 880 sq km, including 340 sq km core area in West Champaran along the Nepal border, boasted of 63 tigers in 1990, the number had fallen to 13 in the last tiger census in 2006
Congress wants Shibu Soren to resign as chief minister first before making a move in Jharkhand where BJP-JMM partnership collapsed under the weight of the voting on cut motion on Tuesday, while ruling out any support to the veteran tribal leader. Congress is categorical that it will not back a CM from outside, ruling out support to Soren a la BJP.
In the backdrop of concerns regarding the dwindling number of tigers in the country, the ongoing tiger census has brought some more alarming news from Bihar. At the Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bihar’s only national park — only three adult tigers have been caught by the trap cameras so far. The census is set to wrap up in June. While the reserve, spread over 880 sq km, including 340 sq km core area in West Champaran along the Nepal border, boasted of 63 tigers in 1990, the number had fallen to 13 in the last tiger census in 2006
Eastrn States:
To seek the rural votes, the Left Front government has decided to amend the existing Land Reforms Act. Earlier, the Act enabled an encroacher to have the ownership of the land provided one had the possession from 1974 or before. Now, the government has decided to bring down the cut-off year to 2009. In other words, any squatter on a piece of land not more than five cottahs in a rural area, who has been there since last year will now be given the right over the land.
The 12-hour Bharat Bandh called by the ruling Left Front in West Bengal will cost the state close to Rs 500 crore what with an estimated production loss of 61-62 per cent.
To seek the rural votes, the Left Front government has decided to amend the existing Land Reforms Act. Earlier, the Act enabled an encroacher to have the ownership of the land provided one had the possession from 1974 or before. Now, the government has decided to bring down the cut-off year to 2009. In other words, any squatter on a piece of land not more than five cottahs in a rural area, who has been there since last year will now be given the right over the land.
The 12-hour Bharat Bandh called by the ruling Left Front in West Bengal will cost the state close to Rs 500 crore what with an estimated production loss of 61-62 per cent.
Southern India:
Nearly 65% of class V students in rural areas of Tamil Nadu can’t read even a class II textbook in their mother tongue, 45% don’t know subtraction and nearly 81% can’t read simple English sentences, the Annual Status of Education Report for 2009, compiled by Delhi-based NGO Pratham Foundation, has revealed. The findings of the survey, which had a sample size of 33,000 students in both private and government schools, showed that while 19.4% of class V students could read words and 7.2% could only identify letters, 3.7% could read nothing
Nearly 65% of class V students in rural areas of Tamil Nadu can’t read even a class II textbook in their mother tongue, 45% don’t know subtraction and nearly 81% can’t read simple English sentences, the Annual Status of Education Report for 2009, compiled by Delhi-based NGO Pratham Foundation, has revealed. The findings of the survey, which had a sample size of 33,000 students in both private and government schools, showed that while 19.4% of class V students could read words and 7.2% could only identify letters, 3.7% could read nothing
Thursday, April 22, 2010
India Last Week
National Summary:
Politcs:
Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Gadkari blamed the Congress-led Centre for the price rise and unemployment and the DMK-led State government for the power and water crises in Tamil Nadu. According to him Congress government at the Centre is appeasing the minorities and terrorist organisations for political gain and for vote-bank politics which he said, would endanger the country's unity and integrity. Criticising the Congress and other secular political parties for describing the BJP as a communal party, Mr. Gadkari said the party was for justice for all irrespective of caste and creed.
Chief Election Commissioner Naveen Chawla expressed concern that roughly 700 out of 1,000 registered political parties do not contest polls but said the Election Commission has no power to de-register them.
The involvement of Tharoor in the IPL franchise for, the Kochi team has raised concerns among political circles and even in his own party. Left parties demanded his resignation as, for them, its highly inappropriate for a minister in the Union government to be part of such activities.
Minorities' Isuues:
Muslim groups in Rajasthan have alleged that over a dozen persons accused of carrying out and conspiring in the May 2008 serial blasts in Jaipur were being kept at the Central Jail without basic facilities and forced to make fresh confession despite the completion of investigation.
Hindu Fundamentalism:
Senior BJP leader L K Advani emphasized that the party needs to work to explain to the people that Hindutva and Indian secularism are synonymous. The BJP leader quoted Supreme Court judgment on Hindutva in which the court had observed, “Hindutva is a way of life or state of mind and cannot be understood as religious Hindu fundamentalism.”
Insurgency Movements:
After the government came under opposition attack on the handling of Naxal violence, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the state governments have the primary responsibility to fight the Maoist menace and the Centre was ready to assist them.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has said there are no Maoists in West Bengal. Banerjee claimed there are about 200 camps of the Communist Party India (Marxist), which have unleashed violence across the state. Criticising the so-called Operation Green Hunt of the government, Banerjee said the operation is being carried out to suppress or kill rural folk in the area.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles successfully flew over the forests of Bastar in the first trial run for anti-naxal operations. The trials, which assumed urgency after the Dantewada massacre in which 76 security personnel were killed by Maoists, were aimed at generating real-time intelligence information to help ground forces in any offensive. The first trial involved an American UAV.
Economy:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India was poised to achieve 9-10 per cent economic growth but for this it required protection-free international climate. During the meeting with President Barack Obama, Singh said, there was a need to "rewrite" the architecture of global economic system in which the G-20 could play an important role. Referring to the global economic crisis, Singh referred to role of US in strengthening growth impulses in world economy particularly in developing countries in period after World War II and stressed that that experience should be repeated.
According to the 'ING Investor Dashboard Survey' Investor sentiment in India has been the highest among the Asian economies in the January-March period of 2010 because of robust domestic consumption and expectations of increased stock market activity. The India index, which provides market insights into investor attitude and outlook, has jumped to 174 for the first quarter of 2010, from 169 in the immediate previous quarter. The survey found that a majority of Indian investors (91 per cent) believe the economic situation will improve in the next quarter, signaling continued confidence in the local economy. Also investors are willing to take more risk as the economic outlook turns bullish.
Geo-strategic Developments:
US President Barack Obama has hoped that the controversial nuclear liability bill will be concluded "expeditiously" by the Indian Parliament. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, introduction of which was deferred by the government on March 15, figured in the talks Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with Obama on Sunday. The bill that seeks to limit the liability of a nuclear power plant operator at Rs 500 crore in case of an accident has generated criticism from opposition parties.
India seeks access to David Coleman Headley under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), 2005, which binds India and the US to share information and material while pursuing criminal cases.
The Obama Administration has asked the Congress to double its anti-terrorism budget to India to USD 4.5 million for the fiscal 2011.
Social Issues:
s:A Freak storm preceded by hurricane-force winds killed nearly a hundred people in four blocks of North Dinajpur district in West Bengal and Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj districts of Bihar around midnight on Tuesday. While 31 people were killed and more than 50 injured in West Bengal, the toll was around 65 in Bihar. The figure is likely to rise as rescuers are still clearing debris of flattened houses in both states
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindi Heart Land
Congress and BSP are struggling hard to gain Dalit’s vote bank in UP. Both parties have announced different programmes to celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and UP chief minister Mayawati are the main contester in vote bank politics.
Northern States:
Rajasthan government extended a fresh invitation for talks to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, who is spearheading a protest demanding five per cent quota for the community in state jobs. Hundreds of Gujjars led by Bainsla have been marching to Jaipur since April 11 to press for their demand.
Eastern States:
Muslim religious leaders publicly voiced their support for Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee and criticised the CPM for not helping the Muslims in Bengal.
Southern States:
Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for a project of constructing roads of international standard in 11 cities, including Madurai. Discussions were taking place at various levels to build the roads, which would have good lighting facility, footpath, and sign boards, an official release said.
Western States:
The number of suicides in Gujarat has risen by 10.5 per cent in 2008, as compared to 2007, with housewives constituting the highest percentage, according to a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. The recently published report titled 'Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India-2008' said the number of suicides in Gujarat has increased to 6,165 in 2008 from 5580 registered in 2007, an increase of 10.5 per cent. The all-India average was recorded at 2.2 per cent. Out of the 6,165 suicides in 2008 in Gujarat, 1,744 (28.3 percent) were housewives. Gujarat, where 4.9 per cent of the total suicides in the country took place in 2008, stands eighth in the list of state after West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, where high suicide rates were recorded.
Politcs:
Bharatiya Janata Party national president Nitin Gadkari blamed the Congress-led Centre for the price rise and unemployment and the DMK-led State government for the power and water crises in Tamil Nadu. According to him Congress government at the Centre is appeasing the minorities and terrorist organisations for political gain and for vote-bank politics which he said, would endanger the country's unity and integrity. Criticising the Congress and other secular political parties for describing the BJP as a communal party, Mr. Gadkari said the party was for justice for all irrespective of caste and creed.
Chief Election Commissioner Naveen Chawla expressed concern that roughly 700 out of 1,000 registered political parties do not contest polls but said the Election Commission has no power to de-register them.
The involvement of Tharoor in the IPL franchise for, the Kochi team has raised concerns among political circles and even in his own party. Left parties demanded his resignation as, for them, its highly inappropriate for a minister in the Union government to be part of such activities.
Minorities' Isuues:
Muslim groups in Rajasthan have alleged that over a dozen persons accused of carrying out and conspiring in the May 2008 serial blasts in Jaipur were being kept at the Central Jail without basic facilities and forced to make fresh confession despite the completion of investigation.
Hindu Fundamentalism:
Senior BJP leader L K Advani emphasized that the party needs to work to explain to the people that Hindutva and Indian secularism are synonymous. The BJP leader quoted Supreme Court judgment on Hindutva in which the court had observed, “Hindutva is a way of life or state of mind and cannot be understood as religious Hindu fundamentalism.”
Insurgency Movements:
After the government came under opposition attack on the handling of Naxal violence, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the state governments have the primary responsibility to fight the Maoist menace and the Centre was ready to assist them.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has said there are no Maoists in West Bengal. Banerjee claimed there are about 200 camps of the Communist Party India (Marxist), which have unleashed violence across the state. Criticising the so-called Operation Green Hunt of the government, Banerjee said the operation is being carried out to suppress or kill rural folk in the area.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles successfully flew over the forests of Bastar in the first trial run for anti-naxal operations. The trials, which assumed urgency after the Dantewada massacre in which 76 security personnel were killed by Maoists, were aimed at generating real-time intelligence information to help ground forces in any offensive. The first trial involved an American UAV.
Economy:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India was poised to achieve 9-10 per cent economic growth but for this it required protection-free international climate. During the meeting with President Barack Obama, Singh said, there was a need to "rewrite" the architecture of global economic system in which the G-20 could play an important role. Referring to the global economic crisis, Singh referred to role of US in strengthening growth impulses in world economy particularly in developing countries in period after World War II and stressed that that experience should be repeated.
According to the 'ING Investor Dashboard Survey' Investor sentiment in India has been the highest among the Asian economies in the January-March period of 2010 because of robust domestic consumption and expectations of increased stock market activity. The India index, which provides market insights into investor attitude and outlook, has jumped to 174 for the first quarter of 2010, from 169 in the immediate previous quarter. The survey found that a majority of Indian investors (91 per cent) believe the economic situation will improve in the next quarter, signaling continued confidence in the local economy. Also investors are willing to take more risk as the economic outlook turns bullish.
Geo-strategic Developments:
US President Barack Obama has hoped that the controversial nuclear liability bill will be concluded "expeditiously" by the Indian Parliament. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill, introduction of which was deferred by the government on March 15, figured in the talks Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with Obama on Sunday. The bill that seeks to limit the liability of a nuclear power plant operator at Rs 500 crore in case of an accident has generated criticism from opposition parties.
India seeks access to David Coleman Headley under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), 2005, which binds India and the US to share information and material while pursuing criminal cases.
The Obama Administration has asked the Congress to double its anti-terrorism budget to India to USD 4.5 million for the fiscal 2011.
Social Issues:
s:A Freak storm preceded by hurricane-force winds killed nearly a hundred people in four blocks of North Dinajpur district in West Bengal and Araria, Purnea and Kishanganj districts of Bihar around midnight on Tuesday. While 31 people were killed and more than 50 injured in West Bengal, the toll was around 65 in Bihar. The figure is likely to rise as rescuers are still clearing debris of flattened houses in both states
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindi Heart Land
Congress and BSP are struggling hard to gain Dalit’s vote bank in UP. Both parties have announced different programmes to celebrate the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and UP chief minister Mayawati are the main contester in vote bank politics.
Northern States:
Rajasthan government extended a fresh invitation for talks to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, who is spearheading a protest demanding five per cent quota for the community in state jobs. Hundreds of Gujjars led by Bainsla have been marching to Jaipur since April 11 to press for their demand.
Eastern States:
Muslim religious leaders publicly voiced their support for Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee and criticised the CPM for not helping the Muslims in Bengal.
Southern States:
Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for a project of constructing roads of international standard in 11 cities, including Madurai. Discussions were taking place at various levels to build the roads, which would have good lighting facility, footpath, and sign boards, an official release said.
Western States:
The number of suicides in Gujarat has risen by 10.5 per cent in 2008, as compared to 2007, with housewives constituting the highest percentage, according to a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. The recently published report titled 'Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India-2008' said the number of suicides in Gujarat has increased to 6,165 in 2008 from 5580 registered in 2007, an increase of 10.5 per cent. The all-India average was recorded at 2.2 per cent. Out of the 6,165 suicides in 2008 in Gujarat, 1,744 (28.3 percent) were housewives. Gujarat, where 4.9 per cent of the total suicides in the country took place in 2008, stands eighth in the list of state after West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, where high suicide rates were recorded.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
An India- Pakistan love story
Indian and Pakistani men cannot see beyond their male pride in the love story of a Pakistani cricketer and Indian tennis champ, writes Aijaz Zaka Syed*
Ah, to be young and in love! And when you are young and in love, you seldom see beyond your nose -- or that of your sweetheart's. If Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik was foolish to exchange vows over the telephone with an Indian girl in distant Hyderabad eight years ago without ever having met her, he is down right stupid to fly to India to meet tennis champ Sania Mirza, his new love, in the face of a brewing storm of global proportions.
But then what love is -- madness. And as someone said, when love is not madness, it is not love.
The affair between Pakistan's former cricket captain and the hot Muslim tennis champion of India reads like a Bollywood love story.
It has all the elements that make for a juicy, heady potboiler, and the Bollywood dream merchants are drooling over it: love, the seat-edge suspense, conspiracy of circumstances and resistance from zalim samaj (society), the villainous other woman, and two telegenic and famous faces at the heart of all the emotional circus. This India-Pakistan love saga is far more arresting than anything the most gifted of Bollywood storytellers could come up with.
No wonder the media in India and Pakistan, especially its over-the-top television news networks, is hungrily lapping it up, producing the same chewed and overchewed, long regurgitated crap 24/7.
My youngest holds her pretty head in her tiny hands when she sees me tune in to Zee News to watch for a zillionth time the latest on the Shoaib-Sania affair. Which is not much different from what you saw five minutes back -- or five hours ago.
This affair seems to have cast a spell on the entire South Asia and beyond. The faces of Indo-Pak sports celebrities and lovers are permanently plastered on television screens. The two of them are torn apart by the bespectacled image of the beady, bleary-eyed Ayesha Siddiqui, the girl who claims to have married Shoaib in 2002. Shoaib, who is in trouble now, what with the Hyderabad police filing a criminal case against him and seizing his passport after hours of interrogation, says Sania and her family know "the truth" about his first marriage.
But whatever the truth and the suspicious circumstances in which this marriage was performed, a marriage is a marriage.
Besides, whether Shoaib divorces Ayesha and marries Sania or not, this whole episode has made a mockery of Islamic Sharia and the institution of marriage that plays such a critical role in Muslim and South Asian society.
I can't bear to watch Islamic scholars, dazed by the blinding lights and all the paraphernalia of a television studio, hopelessly try to explain Shoaib's actions in the light of Sharia even as their hosts bend over backwards to suggest all Muslim males are like Shoaib and this happens all the time to poor women in Muslim society.
But what has it got to do with Sharia or Islam? No religious teachings can explain or justify the recklessness or pure idiocy that love seems to bring out in the Shoaibs of this world.
After the damning revelations made by Ayesha's parents in a globally telecast press conference, Shoaib flew down to Hyderabad like a gallant, cavalier hero in true filmy fashion to woo back his disturbed heroine and reassure her obviously concerned parents. But in doing so, he may have provided a heaven-sent opportunity to the scorned Siddiquis, the media and the mob, of course.
Hopelessly bedazzled by love, Shoaib seems to have walked into a minefield from which I am not sure how he is going to walk out alive or at least without egg on his face.
True to the sub-continent's time-honoured traditions, this crossborder love story has turned into an ever-widening mudslinging match between India and Pakistan. Soon after Sania's family revealed her plans to tie the knot with Shoaib, there was all-round jubilation in Pakistan with many Pakistanis patting Shoaib's back -- and their own --- for his "Indian conquest".
After years of Bollywood movies that always show Pakistani girls falling for Indian men, the revenge couldn't have been sweeter for Pakistanis. Predictably, this was greeted by loud condemnations on the other side of the border, with many of my fellow Indians seeing in Sania's love for Shoaib the ultimate betrayal of mother India.
The irrepressible Bal Thackeray, again hopping mad over the fact that Sania's heart beats for a Pakistani, as usual implies all Indian Muslims are traitors and Pakistani agents.
And it is not just the Hindu groups that are upset. There has been total bedlam online here in the Gulf. A fellow Hyderabadi based in Saudi Arabia sparked the free-for-all by thrashing the tennis sensation in earthy Deccani Urdu for picking a Pakistani. Suggesting he cannot now face his Pakistani colleagues and neighbours, he moaned: Main munh pe kapda daalke ghoom rhhaun aajkal because of her (I have to cover my face because of her).
This started a virtual cacophony with some, including yours truly, defending the lovers' right to find their love wherever they please and others interpreting it as a "surrender" to Pakistan. Some were upset that this could spark another vicious campaign against Indian Muslims by militant Hindu groups.
Remarkably, all of those who see in this harmless love affair a catastrophic sellout to Pakistan are Muslims and come from the city of pearls and Charminar like Sania does. The city that some in India see as being allegedly soft on Pakistan with the police regularly rounding up young Muslims as ISI agents.
But clearly this has little to do with patriotic fervour and more to do with male chauvinistic pride being hurt by the fact that one of their girls has fallen for someone from across the border. The same pride that forced pre-Islamic pagan Arabs and some communities in Rajasthan, India to kill their daughters right after birth.
If this is how Indian Muslims think, imagine the heartburn this whole thing must have caused our sensitive friends in the Hindutva brigade. Let's face it. In our hearts, we are all Male Chauvinistic Pigs no matter how much progress we have made in terms of education and economic growth. Also at play are double standards and rank hypocrisy that seem to come naturally to us.
We take immense pride in some of our distant relatives making it to the West, flaunting their Western passports. We get hysterical even at the suggestion of Sania settling down in Pakistan or embracing her prospective husband's nationality. And what's wrong if it's the other way round and Shoaib settles down in India?
We were after all one people and one country, for God's sake! Until only six decades ago. We do not just share culture, language, religion, literature, music and sports. We share this great land. Whether we like it or not, we inseparable from each other. Let's learn to live with each other. And, yes, let's give Shoaib and Sania a break. It's their life after all. This India-Pakistan love story should bring the two nations and people together, not tear them further apart.
* The writer is opinion editor of Khaleej Times.
But then what love is -- madness. And as someone said, when love is not madness, it is not love.
The affair between Pakistan's former cricket captain and the hot Muslim tennis champion of India reads like a Bollywood love story.
It has all the elements that make for a juicy, heady potboiler, and the Bollywood dream merchants are drooling over it: love, the seat-edge suspense, conspiracy of circumstances and resistance from zalim samaj (society), the villainous other woman, and two telegenic and famous faces at the heart of all the emotional circus. This India-Pakistan love saga is far more arresting than anything the most gifted of Bollywood storytellers could come up with.
No wonder the media in India and Pakistan, especially its over-the-top television news networks, is hungrily lapping it up, producing the same chewed and overchewed, long regurgitated crap 24/7.
My youngest holds her pretty head in her tiny hands when she sees me tune in to Zee News to watch for a zillionth time the latest on the Shoaib-Sania affair. Which is not much different from what you saw five minutes back -- or five hours ago.
This affair seems to have cast a spell on the entire South Asia and beyond. The faces of Indo-Pak sports celebrities and lovers are permanently plastered on television screens. The two of them are torn apart by the bespectacled image of the beady, bleary-eyed Ayesha Siddiqui, the girl who claims to have married Shoaib in 2002. Shoaib, who is in trouble now, what with the Hyderabad police filing a criminal case against him and seizing his passport after hours of interrogation, says Sania and her family know "the truth" about his first marriage.
But whatever the truth and the suspicious circumstances in which this marriage was performed, a marriage is a marriage.
Besides, whether Shoaib divorces Ayesha and marries Sania or not, this whole episode has made a mockery of Islamic Sharia and the institution of marriage that plays such a critical role in Muslim and South Asian society.
I can't bear to watch Islamic scholars, dazed by the blinding lights and all the paraphernalia of a television studio, hopelessly try to explain Shoaib's actions in the light of Sharia even as their hosts bend over backwards to suggest all Muslim males are like Shoaib and this happens all the time to poor women in Muslim society.
But what has it got to do with Sharia or Islam? No religious teachings can explain or justify the recklessness or pure idiocy that love seems to bring out in the Shoaibs of this world.
After the damning revelations made by Ayesha's parents in a globally telecast press conference, Shoaib flew down to Hyderabad like a gallant, cavalier hero in true filmy fashion to woo back his disturbed heroine and reassure her obviously concerned parents. But in doing so, he may have provided a heaven-sent opportunity to the scorned Siddiquis, the media and the mob, of course.
Hopelessly bedazzled by love, Shoaib seems to have walked into a minefield from which I am not sure how he is going to walk out alive or at least without egg on his face.
True to the sub-continent's time-honoured traditions, this crossborder love story has turned into an ever-widening mudslinging match between India and Pakistan. Soon after Sania's family revealed her plans to tie the knot with Shoaib, there was all-round jubilation in Pakistan with many Pakistanis patting Shoaib's back -- and their own --- for his "Indian conquest".
After years of Bollywood movies that always show Pakistani girls falling for Indian men, the revenge couldn't have been sweeter for Pakistanis. Predictably, this was greeted by loud condemnations on the other side of the border, with many of my fellow Indians seeing in Sania's love for Shoaib the ultimate betrayal of mother India.
The irrepressible Bal Thackeray, again hopping mad over the fact that Sania's heart beats for a Pakistani, as usual implies all Indian Muslims are traitors and Pakistani agents.
And it is not just the Hindu groups that are upset. There has been total bedlam online here in the Gulf. A fellow Hyderabadi based in Saudi Arabia sparked the free-for-all by thrashing the tennis sensation in earthy Deccani Urdu for picking a Pakistani. Suggesting he cannot now face his Pakistani colleagues and neighbours, he moaned: Main munh pe kapda daalke ghoom rhhaun aajkal because of her (I have to cover my face because of her).
This started a virtual cacophony with some, including yours truly, defending the lovers' right to find their love wherever they please and others interpreting it as a "surrender" to Pakistan. Some were upset that this could spark another vicious campaign against Indian Muslims by militant Hindu groups.
Remarkably, all of those who see in this harmless love affair a catastrophic sellout to Pakistan are Muslims and come from the city of pearls and Charminar like Sania does. The city that some in India see as being allegedly soft on Pakistan with the police regularly rounding up young Muslims as ISI agents.
But clearly this has little to do with patriotic fervour and more to do with male chauvinistic pride being hurt by the fact that one of their girls has fallen for someone from across the border. The same pride that forced pre-Islamic pagan Arabs and some communities in Rajasthan, India to kill their daughters right after birth.
If this is how Indian Muslims think, imagine the heartburn this whole thing must have caused our sensitive friends in the Hindutva brigade. Let's face it. In our hearts, we are all Male Chauvinistic Pigs no matter how much progress we have made in terms of education and economic growth. Also at play are double standards and rank hypocrisy that seem to come naturally to us.
We take immense pride in some of our distant relatives making it to the West, flaunting their Western passports. We get hysterical even at the suggestion of Sania settling down in Pakistan or embracing her prospective husband's nationality. And what's wrong if it's the other way round and Shoaib settles down in India?
We were after all one people and one country, for God's sake! Until only six decades ago. We do not just share culture, language, religion, literature, music and sports. We share this great land. Whether we like it or not, we inseparable from each other. Let's learn to live with each other. And, yes, let's give Shoaib and Sania a break. It's their life after all. This India-Pakistan love story should bring the two nations and people together, not tear them further apart.
* The writer is opinion editor of Khaleej Times.
India: Last Week Summary
National Summary:
Politics
BJP is not happy with government’s policies to improve minorities’ status in the country as BJP president Nitin Gadkari criticized the Congress for its "minority appeasement" policy saying this is a threat to the country's unity and will create a divide between the so called majority and minority. The BJP leader also hit out at the Congress for "sheltering" infiltrators from neighboring Bangladesh rising inflation.
The SP and the RJD are committed to oppose the Women's Reservation Bill in its present form at an all-party meeting convened by the government and stick to their demand for quota for Muslim women and backward classes.
Home minister P Chidambaram accepted "full responsibility" for the Dantewada massacre of a CRPF contingent by Naxalites, while all political parties condemned the incident and killing.
BJP is not happy with government’s policies to improve minorities’ status in the country as BJP president Nitin Gadkari criticized the Congress for its "minority appeasement" policy saying this is a threat to the country's unity and will create a divide between the so called majority and minority. The BJP leader also hit out at the Congress for "sheltering" infiltrators from neighboring Bangladesh rising inflation.
The SP and the RJD are committed to oppose the Women's Reservation Bill in its present form at an all-party meeting convened by the government and stick to their demand for quota for Muslim women and backward classes.
Home minister P Chidambaram accepted "full responsibility" for the Dantewada massacre of a CRPF contingent by Naxalites, while all political parties condemned the incident and killing.
Hindu Fundamentalism
The VHP once again wants to disturb communal harmony by raising Ram temple issue as the verdict is expected by year-end from the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court in the main title deed case related to the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex. Muslim community is not interested in any clash and determined to accept the court verdict.
The VHP once again wants to disturb communal harmony by raising Ram temple issue as the verdict is expected by year-end from the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court in the main title deed case related to the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex. Muslim community is not interested in any clash and determined to accept the court verdict.
Insurgency Movements
Maoist rebels killed 74 members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two policemen from the Chhattisgarh police, and destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Dantewada district. The attack took place in the Mukrana forest, about 540 km southeast of the State (Chhattisgarh) capital Raipur when the force was returning to base camp after a three-day area domination exercise.
It is revealed by Special Investigation Team interrogation of suspected Naxalites in Gujarat that international Maoist groups are involved in the arms training of Indian Mao rebels and one such session was held in the forests of Kerala. Surat Range IGP A K Singh told that interrogation of Bharat Puwar and Sulat Puwar, who were allegedly involved in Naxal activity in Dangs district, has revealed that members of the Communist Party of Philippines (CPP) had trained a batch of 25 tribals from various parts of the country in guerrilla warfare and the use of arms, ammunition and explosives.
Maoist rebels killed 74 members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two policemen from the Chhattisgarh police, and destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Dantewada district. The attack took place in the Mukrana forest, about 540 km southeast of the State (Chhattisgarh) capital Raipur when the force was returning to base camp after a three-day area domination exercise.
It is revealed by Special Investigation Team interrogation of suspected Naxalites in Gujarat that international Maoist groups are involved in the arms training of Indian Mao rebels and one such session was held in the forests of Kerala. Surat Range IGP A K Singh told that interrogation of Bharat Puwar and Sulat Puwar, who were allegedly involved in Naxal activity in Dangs district, has revealed that members of the Communist Party of Philippines (CPP) had trained a batch of 25 tribals from various parts of the country in guerrilla warfare and the use of arms, ammunition and explosives.
Economy
Qatar is interested to invest in Indian energy sector. According to the report, a delegation from India will soon visit Qatar to discuss prospects for investment.
Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for Corporate and Minority Affairs has said reverse brain drain to country has begun and it is a great sign of the world's confidence in India and its recognition of India's potential. Many second-generation Indians are coming back to the country. Top multinationals are sending their top Indian minds to head their companies in India.
Qatar is interested to invest in Indian energy sector. According to the report, a delegation from India will soon visit Qatar to discuss prospects for investment.
Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for Corporate and Minority Affairs has said reverse brain drain to country has begun and it is a great sign of the world's confidence in India and its recognition of India's potential. Many second-generation Indians are coming back to the country. Top multinationals are sending their top Indian minds to head their companies in India.
Foreign Relations/Geostrategic Developments
After the February 25 fruitless Foreign Secretary-level talks, India is willing to have the second round of talks but is yet to get any response from Pakistan’s side. Water issue is getting critical as India refused to accept that it is violating Indus Water Treaty by constructing illegal water reservoirs on Pakistan’s share of water resources. Indian authorities claim that fault lies with Pakistan’s poor management of water resources as it has very short water storage dams and reservoirs.
India wants to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as it is an important regional organization. The government had asked the missions in four central Asian countries, Russia and China to explore the nature of rule changes for joining the SCO that are under way. India's inclination comes amid the SCO's plan to take into its fold more countries from the near neighbourhood, including Pakistan and possibly Iran.
India seeks China’s support for permanent membership of Security Council. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna’s visit to China is focused on two issues; China’s investment in Azad Kashmir and improvement of ties with China to increase cooperation in different fields.
After the February 25 fruitless Foreign Secretary-level talks, India is willing to have the second round of talks but is yet to get any response from Pakistan’s side. Water issue is getting critical as India refused to accept that it is violating Indus Water Treaty by constructing illegal water reservoirs on Pakistan’s share of water resources. Indian authorities claim that fault lies with Pakistan’s poor management of water resources as it has very short water storage dams and reservoirs.
India wants to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as it is an important regional organization. The government had asked the missions in four central Asian countries, Russia and China to explore the nature of rule changes for joining the SCO that are under way. India's inclination comes amid the SCO's plan to take into its fold more countries from the near neighbourhood, including Pakistan and possibly Iran.
India seeks China’s support for permanent membership of Security Council. External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna’s visit to China is focused on two issues; China’s investment in Azad Kashmir and improvement of ties with China to increase cooperation in different fields.
Indian Held Kashmir
A railway track was blown up in Indian held Kashmir. . An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was triggered, probably using a remote-control device, which left a three-foot crater on the tracks, police said.
Separatist leaders of Indian held Kashmir advised people to participate in census. In a shift from their past stand, separatists have not asked people to boycott the Census. On the contrary, they have asked them to actively participate in the exercise. The reason for this shift is the separatists’ concern that the Muslim majority status of J&K is being eroded. Chairman of Hurriyat’s hard-line faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani hinted he wasn’t opposed to the exercise by saying, “There are concerted efforts under a pre-planned conspiracy to reduce the Muslim majority status of the state. The Census is being carried out by the employees from outside the state and they have been tasked to erode the Muslim majority status of the state.” Geelani said Muslims were 85 per cent of J&K’s population before 1947 “but in the subsequent censuses of 1961 and 1981, it (Muslim population) was put at 69 per cent and 64.5 per cent respectively.”
A railway track was blown up in Indian held Kashmir. . An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was triggered, probably using a remote-control device, which left a three-foot crater on the tracks, police said.
Separatist leaders of Indian held Kashmir advised people to participate in census. In a shift from their past stand, separatists have not asked people to boycott the Census. On the contrary, they have asked them to actively participate in the exercise. The reason for this shift is the separatists’ concern that the Muslim majority status of J&K is being eroded. Chairman of Hurriyat’s hard-line faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani hinted he wasn’t opposed to the exercise by saying, “There are concerted efforts under a pre-planned conspiracy to reduce the Muslim majority status of the state. The Census is being carried out by the employees from outside the state and they have been tasked to erode the Muslim majority status of the state.” Geelani said Muslims were 85 per cent of J&K’s population before 1947 “but in the subsequent censuses of 1961 and 1981, it (Muslim population) was put at 69 per cent and 64.5 per cent respectively.”
Social Front
According to the Annual Flow Report released by the US Department of Homeland Security the number of Indians receiving the coveted Green Card or the Legal Permanent Residency status in the US has experienced a considerable decline in the past three years. Latest official figures released showed that the number of Indians being granted the Green Card has declined each year since 2007. In 2009, as many as 57,309 Indians received the Green Card, while in 2008 the figure was 63,352 and the previous year in 2007 as many as 65,353 Indians had received the Legal Permanent Residency Status. India was, however, among the top five countries who provided the maximum number of LPRs to the US in 2009.
Regional Summary:
According to the Annual Flow Report released by the US Department of Homeland Security the number of Indians receiving the coveted Green Card or the Legal Permanent Residency status in the US has experienced a considerable decline in the past three years. Latest official figures released showed that the number of Indians being granted the Green Card has declined each year since 2007. In 2009, as many as 57,309 Indians received the Green Card, while in 2008 the figure was 63,352 and the previous year in 2007 as many as 65,353 Indians had received the Legal Permanent Residency Status. India was, however, among the top five countries who provided the maximum number of LPRs to the US in 2009.
Regional Summary:
Central India/Hindi Heartland
Opposition parties included Congress held protest in Chhattisgarh on Thursday against the massacre of 76 troopers by Maoist guerrillas. The shutdown hit life in the five districts- Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar and Kanker. Schools remained closed across the state while shopkeepers downed their shutters as a mark of protest. Chhattisgarh state Congress president Dhanendra Sahu told reporters here that the strike was called to protest the flawed policies of the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) that resulted in the the killing of 76 troopers Tuesday in the biggest ever attack carried by Maoists.
Opposition parties included Congress held protest in Chhattisgarh on Thursday against the massacre of 76 troopers by Maoist guerrillas. The shutdown hit life in the five districts- Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Bastar and Kanker. Schools remained closed across the state while shopkeepers downed their shutters as a mark of protest. Chhattisgarh state Congress president Dhanendra Sahu told reporters here that the strike was called to protest the flawed policies of the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) that resulted in the the killing of 76 troopers Tuesday in the biggest ever attack carried by Maoists.
Eastern States
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee announced that the state government will implement 10 per cent Muslim reservation in government jobs at the earliest. He argued that if Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can be provided with reservation, why Muslims can’t be provided the same as they are equally backward. Stressing on the overall minority development, the CM also announced that in 12 districts of the state, Rs 500 crore would be spent as Multi-Sectoral Development Fund for the overall development of minorities.
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee announced that the state government will implement 10 per cent Muslim reservation in government jobs at the earliest. He argued that if Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes can be provided with reservation, why Muslims can’t be provided the same as they are equally backward. Stressing on the overall minority development, the CM also announced that in 12 districts of the state, Rs 500 crore would be spent as Multi-Sectoral Development Fund for the overall development of minorities.
Southern States
The World Bank is ready to give a massive grant to the tune of Rs. 1,000 crore to develop the city traffic and public transportation infrastructure. World Bank team identifyied measures necessary to improve road network, signages, public transport, pedestrian facilities, multi-level parking et al, senior civic officials concluded that a whopping Rs. 4,128 crore was required for the same. The large-scale perspective plan was prepared for seeking funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Kerala has decided to seek Rs 165 crore as assistance from the Centre to tackle drought conditions. According to Revenue Minister K P Rajendran, the state wanted central support of Rs 115.69 crore for maintaining water supply through short-term schemes in drought-hit areas.
The World Bank is ready to give a massive grant to the tune of Rs. 1,000 crore to develop the city traffic and public transportation infrastructure. World Bank team identifyied measures necessary to improve road network, signages, public transport, pedestrian facilities, multi-level parking et al, senior civic officials concluded that a whopping Rs. 4,128 crore was required for the same. The large-scale perspective plan was prepared for seeking funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Kerala has decided to seek Rs 165 crore as assistance from the Centre to tackle drought conditions. According to Revenue Minister K P Rajendran, the state wanted central support of Rs 115.69 crore for maintaining water supply through short-term schemes in drought-hit areas.
Western States
Sudhir Mungantiwar was unanimously elected Maharashtra BJP president at the party's State convention, which began at Jalgaon on Friday.
The relocation of slums from the riverfront development area spanning from Subhash Bridge to Sardar Bridge is expected to adversely impact attendance in at least 10 municipal schools. Nearly 4,000 children will feel the pinch from the coming academic session.
Sudhir Mungantiwar was unanimously elected Maharashtra BJP president at the party's State convention, which began at Jalgaon on Friday.
The relocation of slums from the riverfront development area spanning from Subhash Bridge to Sardar Bridge is expected to adversely impact attendance in at least 10 municipal schools. Nearly 4,000 children will feel the pinch from the coming academic session.
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