Sunday, February 28, 2010
Question of the Week
9 Indians killed in a blast in Kabul (Afghanistan) on Friday, Taliban accepted the responsibilty. in your openion was it a warning to india to role back from Afghanistan??
India: Last week ( 20- 26 Feb 2010)
National Summary:
The Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed reservation for Scheduled Cast Muslims and Christians recommended in the Ranganath Mishra Commission on reservation for minorities, party said this would be contrary to the religious teachings of the minorities. According to party stance, the Christian and Islamic faiths do not recognise the existence of caste in their communities. Party leaders described the move as a “conspiracy” to divide the country.
Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday formally took over as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, replacing senior BJP leader L K Advani.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared the women's reservation bill after a long wait of 14 years, according to which 33% of all seats in Parliament and state assemblies being reserved for women. All major parties in Parliament as the Congress, BJP and the Left have pledged support to it so it is now possible to make amendment in constitution to reserved women’ 33% share in legislature.
The Indian Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that wearing a burqa by a Muslim woman was a mere religious custom, and not an integral part of Islam. In its response to a special leave petition to restrain it from publishing photographs of veil clad Muslim women in the electoral rolls, the Commission said: “Article 25 of the Constitution does not confer unfettered rights to religious practice, but merely protects the essential or integral practice of any religion.”
The Shiv Sena has criticised new BJP chief Nitin Gadkari for asking Muslims to give the disputed plot of land for the Ram temple and promising to help build a mosque elsewhere. According to Sena seeking permission from Muslims is an insult to the hundreds of karsevaks who laid down their lives during the Ram Mandir agitation”.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Intellectual support to Maoists and Naxals along with lack of trained policemen cause difficulties in encountering insurgency. He said government wants 72 days ceasefire to negotiate with insurgents’ demands. Responding to Chidambaram’s proposal the Maoists offered a conditional ceasefire, asking the government to halt its offensive for 72 days and involve mediators for talks. Maoist leader Kishenji, in a statement to some regional TV channels in West Bengal, said if state and central police forces ceased operations against them, his group would reciprocate.
The pre-budget Economic Survey (2009-10), presented by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament predicted that India would be able to attain a high nine per cent growth in 2011-12 on the way to becoming world's fastest growing economy in four years. The document, which assesses the state of the economy, warned that high food prices would rise further over next few months.
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor denied the media reports of occupation" of Indian territory by Chinese troops. India and China will conduct their first-ever joint Air Force exercise in 2012. Air Chief Marshal P V Naik has said that initial planning for the war game has started but the venue for the exercise as well as its scope is yet undecided.
Indo-Pak foreign secretaries’ talks proved a failure as both countries did not show any leniency on their respective stands. India wanted to focus on terrorism while Pakistan was willing to bring Kashmir and water dispute on table. Pakistan wants to resume composite dialogue but India is not interested in this proposal yet.
At least nine Indians were among 17 people killed as Taliban suicide bombers carried out a series of attacks in the heart of Kabul, targeting Indian interests in Afghanistan. The Indians, who died in the incident, include two army officers, government officials, an ITBP. Five other army officers were also injured in the attack.
M.F. Husain a well known Indian artist, who has been under attack from Hindu fundamentalists for his paintings of Hindu goddesses and has been living in Dubai and London, has been given Qatar nationality.
The United Nations narcotics watchdog, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), has blamed India for the rising drug abuse in its neighbourhood, particularly in Bangladesh and Bhutan. Worse, the UN agency says India is the primary source of injectible drugs such as pethidine and morphine widely abused in these countries.
While India's robust growth over the past few years has helped it reduce the income gap with developed countries, the country still lags far behind in terms of its ranking in human development and gender development index. The Economic Survey has emphasised that much needs to be done to reduce disparities between men and women. Gender development index is currently at 0.594 with India ranking 114 out of 155 countries.
Regional Summary:
Punjab farmers are very enthusiastic to explore the vast barren tracts of land in Africa for agriculture prospects as some African countries opening up farming activities to Indian farmers, the peasants. The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Punjab Chapter, has recommended the state government for action. The report says there exist huge opportunities for farmers to adopt agriculture in Africa. It says Chinese farmers have been already showing interest in rice cultivation in that continent and India should also grab the opportunities. “Though Africa is considered politically volatile, there are nations like Tanzania, Ghana and Zimbabwe that are desperately looking for enterprising farmers who can help them cultivate their land for the rising demand of food.
Unresolved Telangana issue is a cause of continues tension in the region. Osmania University is now the epicenter of clashes and demonstrations. University Students are furious over delaying tactics of centre to resolve the issue.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray says land under irrigation in the state should be given only to Marathi people. Raj, who had been in the forefront of a campaign against North Indians last year, wants an Ordinance which will deny a non-Maharashtrian possession of any land under irrigation in the state. Citing example of neighbouring Karnataka, Raj said, "My party members would pursue the matter with the state government to pass an ordinance like the one in Karnataka."
Five deaths due to swine flu were reported from Gujarat.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has opposed reservation for Scheduled Cast Muslims and Christians recommended in the Ranganath Mishra Commission on reservation for minorities, party said this would be contrary to the religious teachings of the minorities. According to party stance, the Christian and Islamic faiths do not recognise the existence of caste in their communities. Party leaders described the move as a “conspiracy” to divide the country.
Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday formally took over as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, replacing senior BJP leader L K Advani.
The Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared the women's reservation bill after a long wait of 14 years, according to which 33% of all seats in Parliament and state assemblies being reserved for women. All major parties in Parliament as the Congress, BJP and the Left have pledged support to it so it is now possible to make amendment in constitution to reserved women’ 33% share in legislature.
The Indian Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that wearing a burqa by a Muslim woman was a mere religious custom, and not an integral part of Islam. In its response to a special leave petition to restrain it from publishing photographs of veil clad Muslim women in the electoral rolls, the Commission said: “Article 25 of the Constitution does not confer unfettered rights to religious practice, but merely protects the essential or integral practice of any religion.”
The Shiv Sena has criticised new BJP chief Nitin Gadkari for asking Muslims to give the disputed plot of land for the Ram temple and promising to help build a mosque elsewhere. According to Sena seeking permission from Muslims is an insult to the hundreds of karsevaks who laid down their lives during the Ram Mandir agitation”.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Intellectual support to Maoists and Naxals along with lack of trained policemen cause difficulties in encountering insurgency. He said government wants 72 days ceasefire to negotiate with insurgents’ demands. Responding to Chidambaram’s proposal the Maoists offered a conditional ceasefire, asking the government to halt its offensive for 72 days and involve mediators for talks. Maoist leader Kishenji, in a statement to some regional TV channels in West Bengal, said if state and central police forces ceased operations against them, his group would reciprocate.
The pre-budget Economic Survey (2009-10), presented by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in Parliament predicted that India would be able to attain a high nine per cent growth in 2011-12 on the way to becoming world's fastest growing economy in four years. The document, which assesses the state of the economy, warned that high food prices would rise further over next few months.
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor denied the media reports of occupation" of Indian territory by Chinese troops. India and China will conduct their first-ever joint Air Force exercise in 2012. Air Chief Marshal P V Naik has said that initial planning for the war game has started but the venue for the exercise as well as its scope is yet undecided.
Indo-Pak foreign secretaries’ talks proved a failure as both countries did not show any leniency on their respective stands. India wanted to focus on terrorism while Pakistan was willing to bring Kashmir and water dispute on table. Pakistan wants to resume composite dialogue but India is not interested in this proposal yet.
At least nine Indians were among 17 people killed as Taliban suicide bombers carried out a series of attacks in the heart of Kabul, targeting Indian interests in Afghanistan. The Indians, who died in the incident, include two army officers, government officials, an ITBP. Five other army officers were also injured in the attack.
M.F. Husain a well known Indian artist, who has been under attack from Hindu fundamentalists for his paintings of Hindu goddesses and has been living in Dubai and London, has been given Qatar nationality.
The United Nations narcotics watchdog, International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), has blamed India for the rising drug abuse in its neighbourhood, particularly in Bangladesh and Bhutan. Worse, the UN agency says India is the primary source of injectible drugs such as pethidine and morphine widely abused in these countries.
While India's robust growth over the past few years has helped it reduce the income gap with developed countries, the country still lags far behind in terms of its ranking in human development and gender development index. The Economic Survey has emphasised that much needs to be done to reduce disparities between men and women. Gender development index is currently at 0.594 with India ranking 114 out of 155 countries.
Regional Summary:
Punjab farmers are very enthusiastic to explore the vast barren tracts of land in Africa for agriculture prospects as some African countries opening up farming activities to Indian farmers, the peasants. The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Punjab Chapter, has recommended the state government for action. The report says there exist huge opportunities for farmers to adopt agriculture in Africa. It says Chinese farmers have been already showing interest in rice cultivation in that continent and India should also grab the opportunities. “Though Africa is considered politically volatile, there are nations like Tanzania, Ghana and Zimbabwe that are desperately looking for enterprising farmers who can help them cultivate their land for the rising demand of food.
Unresolved Telangana issue is a cause of continues tension in the region. Osmania University is now the epicenter of clashes and demonstrations. University Students are furious over delaying tactics of centre to resolve the issue.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray says land under irrigation in the state should be given only to Marathi people. Raj, who had been in the forefront of a campaign against North Indians last year, wants an Ordinance which will deny a non-Maharashtrian possession of any land under irrigation in the state. Citing example of neighbouring Karnataka, Raj said, "My party members would pursue the matter with the state government to pass an ordinance like the one in Karnataka."
Five deaths due to swine flu were reported from Gujarat.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Summary: Week # 107
BJP’s president Nitin Gadkari accused UPA government for rising inflation in the country. He demanded appointment of joint parliamentary committee to investigate who benefited from the trade and which politicians aided them. The Bharatiya Janata Party opposed an open-ended dialogue with Pakistan and feared the Manmohan Singh government policy dilutes India’s control over Kashmir. Party criticised Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram statement that Kashmiri youth who may have gone to PoK were “welcome” back if they are willing to give up militancy. He signalled a departure from the s controversial issues to those affecting the poorest sections of society. In his first address to the party’s National Council after his election as party president Mr. Gadkari indicated that he was ready to fight the Congress on what it may consider its home turf struggle for the poor and the downtrodden and take the country’s development forward. He put emphasis on welfare of the poorest, social equality and development with social justice in his speech instead of anti minority and Ram temple issues.
Muslim leadership of Andhra Pradesh decided to protest against court decision on reservation of 10% quota for Muslims and government’s lenient approach to handle the case.
VHP President Ashok Singhal said Political parties should not interfere in religious matters like the construction of Ram Temple and the decision on constructing a temple or mosque should be left to religious leaders, Singhal said. "Political leaders should not speak (about the temple issue) to seek more votes,"
Maoists killed atleast 20 Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) personnel in the biggest ever attack launched in West Bengal on sixteen February. In Bihar Maoists assassinated 12 civilian.
India would work for concluding the comprehensive trade opening pact or the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union by the end of the year. Both countries have made substantial progress on the trade, investment issues and other concerns and now looking at concrete issues to narrow down disagreements. The total food grains production for 2009-10 is expected to decline by 7.51 per cent to 216.85 million tonnes due to fall in the output of kharif rice, coarse cereals and sugarcane owing to drought. Despite government’s efforts inflation notched another 120 basis points (1.2 percentage points) and surged to 8.6 per cent in January setting a record high in the last 13 months and breaching the Reserve Bank’s estimates of 8.5 per cent inflation by March-end.
Indo-Pak talks become hot issue as contradictions in stance of both the countries is quite clear. India wants to stick on terrorism focused talk while Pakistan wants resumption of dialogue process that was halted after 26/11. Congress government is determined to resume talks even after Pune blasts while BJP criticises Congress initiative. India and Nepal are going to sign agreement to provide railway connectivity and expand existing lines between the two countries. Once constructed, these rail lines will provide India better access to the Madhes (Terai) region of the Himalayan country. The agreement is likely to be signed during the ongoing visit of Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav to India. Russia and India decided to firm up two major pacts on nuclear energy and a fifth generation fighter plane they also resolved to step up trade ties and develop closer cooperation in the energy sector.
At least nine people died and over 50 injured in a blast in German Bakery in upmarket Koregaon Park in Pune. Some analysts and politicians doubted the involvement of extremist Hindu outfits in the tragedy.
Regional Summary:
Violence erupted in some parts of the Darjeeling Hills on Thursday where life was hit due to a 24-hour strike by the students’ wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The strike, called by the Gorkha Janmukti Vidyarthi Morcha (GJVM), was to protest against the refusal of the authorities to allow its supporters to hold a pro-Gorkhaland rally in Siliguri and other parts of the Dooars earlier this month.
Nearly a week after setting up a five-member committee on the Telangana issue, the Union government announced the panel’s seven-point terms of reference. The committee, headed by the former Supreme Court judge, Justice B. N. Srikrishna, has been asked to examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a Telangana State as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh. The committee is requested to submit its report by December 31, 2010. Fourteen MLAs from the Telangana region handed over their resignation letters to Speaker N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on a call by the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) to protest against the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee. All 10 MLAs of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, two of the Congress and one each of the BJP and the Praja Rajyam Party handed over their letters.
Muslim leadership of Andhra Pradesh decided to protest against court decision on reservation of 10% quota for Muslims and government’s lenient approach to handle the case.
VHP President Ashok Singhal said Political parties should not interfere in religious matters like the construction of Ram Temple and the decision on constructing a temple or mosque should be left to religious leaders, Singhal said. "Political leaders should not speak (about the temple issue) to seek more votes,"
Maoists killed atleast 20 Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) personnel in the biggest ever attack launched in West Bengal on sixteen February. In Bihar Maoists assassinated 12 civilian.
India would work for concluding the comprehensive trade opening pact or the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union by the end of the year. Both countries have made substantial progress on the trade, investment issues and other concerns and now looking at concrete issues to narrow down disagreements. The total food grains production for 2009-10 is expected to decline by 7.51 per cent to 216.85 million tonnes due to fall in the output of kharif rice, coarse cereals and sugarcane owing to drought. Despite government’s efforts inflation notched another 120 basis points (1.2 percentage points) and surged to 8.6 per cent in January setting a record high in the last 13 months and breaching the Reserve Bank’s estimates of 8.5 per cent inflation by March-end.
Indo-Pak talks become hot issue as contradictions in stance of both the countries is quite clear. India wants to stick on terrorism focused talk while Pakistan wants resumption of dialogue process that was halted after 26/11. Congress government is determined to resume talks even after Pune blasts while BJP criticises Congress initiative. India and Nepal are going to sign agreement to provide railway connectivity and expand existing lines between the two countries. Once constructed, these rail lines will provide India better access to the Madhes (Terai) region of the Himalayan country. The agreement is likely to be signed during the ongoing visit of Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav to India. Russia and India decided to firm up two major pacts on nuclear energy and a fifth generation fighter plane they also resolved to step up trade ties and develop closer cooperation in the energy sector.
At least nine people died and over 50 injured in a blast in German Bakery in upmarket Koregaon Park in Pune. Some analysts and politicians doubted the involvement of extremist Hindu outfits in the tragedy.
Regional Summary:
Violence erupted in some parts of the Darjeeling Hills on Thursday where life was hit due to a 24-hour strike by the students’ wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The strike, called by the Gorkha Janmukti Vidyarthi Morcha (GJVM), was to protest against the refusal of the authorities to allow its supporters to hold a pro-Gorkhaland rally in Siliguri and other parts of the Dooars earlier this month.
Nearly a week after setting up a five-member committee on the Telangana issue, the Union government announced the panel’s seven-point terms of reference. The committee, headed by the former Supreme Court judge, Justice B. N. Srikrishna, has been asked to examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a Telangana State as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh. The committee is requested to submit its report by December 31, 2010. Fourteen MLAs from the Telangana region handed over their resignation letters to Speaker N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on a call by the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) to protest against the terms of reference of the Srikrishna committee. All 10 MLAs of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, two of the Congress and one each of the BJP and the Praja Rajyam Party handed over their letters.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Summary: Report # 106
National Summary:
Rahul Gandhi asked his supporters to oppose Shiv Sena’s violent politics through peaceful means of mobilizing masses against Sena policies and activities. The Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed the judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court invalidating State legislation on reservation for minorities. BJP considers it contradictory to Indian constitution to reserved quota for religious minorities.
The Left Front government in West Bengal has announced the implementation of the Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations by deciding to reserve 10 per cent of government jobs for the economically, educationally and socially backward sections among Muslims. The Andhra Pradesh High Court nullifies the four per cent reservation provided by the State government to selected sections of Muslims in education and public employment. High Court Declared the A.P. Reservation in favour of Socially Educationally Backward Classes of Muslims Act, 2007 “unsustainable,” the five judges said the Act “is religion-specific and potentially encourages religious conversions. Muslims want 10 per cent reservation in public recruitment and education, as recommended by the Ranganath Misra-headed National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
Jharkhand government does not consider the use of force to counter Maoist insurgents the only and effective option instead it believes that government can restore peace and security only by empowering the deprived sections of the society and providing them the basic needs of life. Maoists blasted railway tracks and train in Orissa and Bihar.
Despite of government claims that India stayed least effected in global economic crisis findings show poverty has increased in India. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UNDESA) data estimates that the number of India's poor was 33.6 million higher in 2009 than would have been the case if the growth rates of the years from 2004 to 2007 had been maintained. If inequality grew in India in 2009, the number of poor would be even higher than these projections. The UNDESA report attributes this increase in poverty to a combination of reduced household incomes, rising unemployment and pressure on public services. Job losses in India were primarily in export-oriented industries like textiles while employment levels in Indian firms catering to the domestic market were largely unaffected, the report says.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is hopeful that country would be able to achieve growth rate of 7.2 percent in 2010.
India has successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile, with a range of more than 3,000 km from the Orissa coast on Sunday. Pakistan has accepted India’s proposal for negotiations without any preconditions. Pakistan clarifies that talks should be productive and all major issues e.g. Kashmir and water issue will be on agenda.
BSF has accepted that its personnel had killed the Kashmiri youth that erupted protest in the valley.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) report India figures among the four countries that have seen a marked increase in systematic attacks on schools, students and teachers between 2006 and 2009. In India, nearly 300 schools were reportedly blown up by Maoists between 2006 and 2009. Naxalites/Maoists recruit children of 6 to 12 years age. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand are the most effected states.
Regional Summary:
Orissa government had refused to accept any financial assistance from the European Union for rehabilitation of victims of Kandhamal riot.
TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao condemned the terms of references (ToR) of the committee set up by the Centre on Telangana as a “betrayal” and asked all party MPs, MLAs and MLCs to resign in protest.
Rahul Gandhi asked his supporters to oppose Shiv Sena’s violent politics through peaceful means of mobilizing masses against Sena policies and activities. The Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed the judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court invalidating State legislation on reservation for minorities. BJP considers it contradictory to Indian constitution to reserved quota for religious minorities.
The Left Front government in West Bengal has announced the implementation of the Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations by deciding to reserve 10 per cent of government jobs for the economically, educationally and socially backward sections among Muslims. The Andhra Pradesh High Court nullifies the four per cent reservation provided by the State government to selected sections of Muslims in education and public employment. High Court Declared the A.P. Reservation in favour of Socially Educationally Backward Classes of Muslims Act, 2007 “unsustainable,” the five judges said the Act “is religion-specific and potentially encourages religious conversions. Muslims want 10 per cent reservation in public recruitment and education, as recommended by the Ranganath Misra-headed National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
Jharkhand government does not consider the use of force to counter Maoist insurgents the only and effective option instead it believes that government can restore peace and security only by empowering the deprived sections of the society and providing them the basic needs of life. Maoists blasted railway tracks and train in Orissa and Bihar.
Despite of government claims that India stayed least effected in global economic crisis findings show poverty has increased in India. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UNDESA) data estimates that the number of India's poor was 33.6 million higher in 2009 than would have been the case if the growth rates of the years from 2004 to 2007 had been maintained. If inequality grew in India in 2009, the number of poor would be even higher than these projections. The UNDESA report attributes this increase in poverty to a combination of reduced household incomes, rising unemployment and pressure on public services. Job losses in India were primarily in export-oriented industries like textiles while employment levels in Indian firms catering to the domestic market were largely unaffected, the report says.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is hopeful that country would be able to achieve growth rate of 7.2 percent in 2010.
India has successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Agni-III ballistic missile, with a range of more than 3,000 km from the Orissa coast on Sunday. Pakistan has accepted India’s proposal for negotiations without any preconditions. Pakistan clarifies that talks should be productive and all major issues e.g. Kashmir and water issue will be on agenda.
BSF has accepted that its personnel had killed the Kashmiri youth that erupted protest in the valley.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) report India figures among the four countries that have seen a marked increase in systematic attacks on schools, students and teachers between 2006 and 2009. In India, nearly 300 schools were reportedly blown up by Maoists between 2006 and 2009. Naxalites/Maoists recruit children of 6 to 12 years age. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand are the most effected states.
Regional Summary:
Orissa government had refused to accept any financial assistance from the European Union for rehabilitation of victims of Kandhamal riot.
TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao condemned the terms of references (ToR) of the committee set up by the Centre on Telangana as a “betrayal” and asked all party MPs, MLAs and MLCs to resign in protest.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
India announces long-range nuclear-capable missile test
India will test a nuclear-capable missile with a range of over 5,000 kilometres (3,000 miles) within a year, its top military scientist said Wednesday, risking a rise in regional tensions.
"The next series of missiles is Agni-V, which has left the drawing board and is moving toward the first flight trial within the year," the country's chief military scientist, V.K. Saraswat, told a news conference in New Delhi.
India's current longest-range nuclear-capable missile, Agni-III, can travel a maximum of 3,500 kilometres and is now ready for use by the military, Saraswat said.
"The missile system will be fully inducted into the armed forces," Saraswat said. "It is the full deterrence that the country needs."
The Indian-built Agni-III -- Agni means fire in Sanskrit -- was first tested in 2006 and brings major Chinese cities such as Shanghai within striking distance, defence analysts say.
India kicked off its guided missile project in 1983 and has developed an array of weapons systems, including the Prithvi, which means "earth" and Agni-I, which is meant for possible use against neighbouring Pakistan.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan, with which India has fought three wars since their partition and independence six decades ago, has said India's missile development programme could trigger a new arms race in the region.
India, which fought a brief, bloody war with China in 1962, has unresolved border issues with its giant neighbour.
The Agni-III is "a real mobile system and hence it has a strategic advantage," Saraswat said.
Avinash Chander, who heads India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, said both Agni-III and Agni-V would be able to carry 1.5-ton conventional or nuclear warheads.
The government scientists said Agni-III was declared operational after three flight tests and numerous computer-simulated trials.
The most recent test was held Sunday, when the missile was fired from Wheeler Island, off the coast of the eastern Indian state of Orissa.
Chander said the Agni-III, which he called a "100-percent indigenous system," hit its "target with pinpoint accuracy and met all mission objectives".
"This is the weapon which provides us a platform with an anti-satellite capability," Chander added, referring to India's quest to develop a missile system which can target orbiting satellites.
India has said it may develop an intercontinental ballistic missile but Saraswat said Indian scientists were not engaged in developing such a project at the moment.
Global consultancy KPMG said India is among the top 10 military spenders with an annual defence budget last year of 1,420 billion rupees (31.55 billion dollars). (AFP)
"The next series of missiles is Agni-V, which has left the drawing board and is moving toward the first flight trial within the year," the country's chief military scientist, V.K. Saraswat, told a news conference in New Delhi.
India's current longest-range nuclear-capable missile, Agni-III, can travel a maximum of 3,500 kilometres and is now ready for use by the military, Saraswat said.
"The missile system will be fully inducted into the armed forces," Saraswat said. "It is the full deterrence that the country needs."
The Indian-built Agni-III -- Agni means fire in Sanskrit -- was first tested in 2006 and brings major Chinese cities such as Shanghai within striking distance, defence analysts say.
India kicked off its guided missile project in 1983 and has developed an array of weapons systems, including the Prithvi, which means "earth" and Agni-I, which is meant for possible use against neighbouring Pakistan.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan, with which India has fought three wars since their partition and independence six decades ago, has said India's missile development programme could trigger a new arms race in the region.
India, which fought a brief, bloody war with China in 1962, has unresolved border issues with its giant neighbour.
The Agni-III is "a real mobile system and hence it has a strategic advantage," Saraswat said.
Avinash Chander, who heads India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, said both Agni-III and Agni-V would be able to carry 1.5-ton conventional or nuclear warheads.
The government scientists said Agni-III was declared operational after three flight tests and numerous computer-simulated trials.
The most recent test was held Sunday, when the missile was fired from Wheeler Island, off the coast of the eastern Indian state of Orissa.
Chander said the Agni-III, which he called a "100-percent indigenous system," hit its "target with pinpoint accuracy and met all mission objectives".
"This is the weapon which provides us a platform with an anti-satellite capability," Chander added, referring to India's quest to develop a missile system which can target orbiting satellites.
India has said it may develop an intercontinental ballistic missile but Saraswat said Indian scientists were not engaged in developing such a project at the moment.
Global consultancy KPMG said India is among the top 10 military spenders with an annual defence budget last year of 1,420 billion rupees (31.55 billion dollars). (AFP)
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Young India Wants Change???????
Rahul Gandhi, after coming to Maharashtra, stated that Mumbai belongs to all Indians and not only Maharashtrians, as does any part of India. This led to Bal Thackeray making vengeful comments against Rahul Gandhi.
Even Sachin Tendulkar, who said the very same thing, was attacked by Bal Thackeray. Shah Rukh Khan merely stated that he wished more Pakistani cricketers would join the IPL as he thought they play well. Bal Thackeray responded by talking down to all Pakistanis in general and by saying Pakistani players shouldn’t be taken because Pakistan is responsible for the 26/11attacks.
Why accuse an entire nation when only a few of the people were involved in the Mumbai attacks? In fact, he also seems to be biased against most Muslims. In 2008, he wrote, “Islamic terrorism is growing and Hindu terrorism is the only way to counter it. We need suicide bomber squads to protect India and Hindus.”
This sort of a comment will only provoke more and more people and create conflict. We do NOT want to wage war against Pakistan, but the more the fiery comments, the more the relations between the two countries will be strained.
In India, since there are so many castes, sub-castes, creeds, religions and interdependent communities living together, making inflammatory statements like these are going to disturb the peace and harmony in the nation.
It also seems like Thackeray has a problem with Biharis, even making remarks like ‘Ek Bihari, sau bimari’ (one Bihari, a hundred diseases) and stating that they are an unwanted lot in Maharashtra.
In some sort of way, Bal Thackeray has a problem with India as a whole and wants only pure Maharashtrians to be in Maharashtra. This sort of parochial thinking is extremely harmful for our nation and may lead to civil unrest and riots like it earlier did, leading to the destruction of the Babri Masjid by Shiv Sena and BJP members in 1992.
This one man with regionalist thoughts and agendas is capable of causing severe unrest amongst Indian communities. Therefore, it is necessary that one must think nationally before thinking of one’s state or religion and not be biased about any particular ethnicity. This way, people will not be bothered about whether Punjab has more Punjabis than Hindus, or whether Maharashtra has more Maharashtrians than North Indians, or anything like that.
The more the people are unaware of the dangers of regionalist thinking, the more it will affect the common people of India as a whole.http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_the-nation-must-come-first_1344245
Even Sachin Tendulkar, who said the very same thing, was attacked by Bal Thackeray. Shah Rukh Khan merely stated that he wished more Pakistani cricketers would join the IPL as he thought they play well. Bal Thackeray responded by talking down to all Pakistanis in general and by saying Pakistani players shouldn’t be taken because Pakistan is responsible for the 26/11attacks.
Why accuse an entire nation when only a few of the people were involved in the Mumbai attacks? In fact, he also seems to be biased against most Muslims. In 2008, he wrote, “Islamic terrorism is growing and Hindu terrorism is the only way to counter it. We need suicide bomber squads to protect India and Hindus.”
This sort of a comment will only provoke more and more people and create conflict. We do NOT want to wage war against Pakistan, but the more the fiery comments, the more the relations between the two countries will be strained.
In India, since there are so many castes, sub-castes, creeds, religions and interdependent communities living together, making inflammatory statements like these are going to disturb the peace and harmony in the nation.
It also seems like Thackeray has a problem with Biharis, even making remarks like ‘Ek Bihari, sau bimari’ (one Bihari, a hundred diseases) and stating that they are an unwanted lot in Maharashtra.
In some sort of way, Bal Thackeray has a problem with India as a whole and wants only pure Maharashtrians to be in Maharashtra. This sort of parochial thinking is extremely harmful for our nation and may lead to civil unrest and riots like it earlier did, leading to the destruction of the Babri Masjid by Shiv Sena and BJP members in 1992.
This one man with regionalist thoughts and agendas is capable of causing severe unrest amongst Indian communities. Therefore, it is necessary that one must think nationally before thinking of one’s state or religion and not be biased about any particular ethnicity. This way, people will not be bothered about whether Punjab has more Punjabis than Hindus, or whether Maharashtra has more Maharashtrians than North Indians, or anything like that.
The more the people are unaware of the dangers of regionalist thinking, the more it will affect the common people of India as a whole.http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_the-nation-must-come-first_1344245
'Blood for blood' chants mark funeral in Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India -- Thousands of people chanted "Blood for blood" and "We want freedom" at a funeral Saturday for the second teenager in a week whose death has been blamed on police and government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir's main city.
Widespread protests have rocked the disputed Himalayan region for six days, and thousands of armed troops patrolled the city warning residents to stay indoors.
On Friday, paramilitary soldiers charged at a group of people gathered on a playground in Srinagar and began firing as the people fled, killing 17-year-old Zahid Farooq Shah, according to a friend, Mushtaq Ahmed, who said he witnessed the shooting.
Hemant Lohia, a top police officer, confirmed Shah died from a bullet wound but said the other details about Shah's death still were being investigated.
Last Sunday, a 14-year-old boy died after he was struck in the head by a police tear gas shell as an anti-Indian protest had ended. The police officer who fired the shell was suspended and police called it "a callous and irresponsible action."
Clashes between rock-throwing protesters and government forces since then have injured at least 93 protesters and 33 troops in the region, and another 80 protesters have been arrested.
Kashmir, which is predominantly Muslim, is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the Himalayan region, where more than a dozen rebel groups have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or its merger with Pakistan since 1989.
More than 68,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the uprising and the subsequent Indian crackdown.
"Incidents of unprovoked and innocent killings will not be tolerated, and whosoever is involved in such killings will be brought to book and doled out exemplary punishment so that it becomes a lesson and deterrent for others as well," Omar Abdullah, the top elected official of the region, said in a statement.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a top separatist leader, called for more protests and dismissed the government probe into Shah's death. "First they kill an innocent youth and then order useless inquiries. It is shame for the government," he said.
Shops, businesses and government offices were closed for a fifth day on Saturday in most parts of Kashmir. Public transport also stayed off the roads.
Police officer Lohia said the government had banned the assembly of more than four people in Srinagar in an attempt to suppress protests. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/06/AR2010020600571.html
question # 3 Insurgency movements in India
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said on Monday, Thirty-three districts remained seriously affected by naxal violence and Maoists were present in 50 others. “There are areas where the writ of civil administration does not run. The security forces are there only to re-establish the authority of the civilian government.” http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/02/stories/2010020259561000.htm
strong rebellious movemnts in east, central, north and south India pose a reall threat to state sovereignty, do you think India would be able to counter this challenge?????
strong rebellious movemnts in east, central, north and south India pose a reall threat to state sovereignty, do you think India would be able to counter this challenge?????
QUESTION # 2
INDIA PROPOSED FOR PAKISTAN TO RESUME DIALOGUE AFTER ONE YEAR HAULT (AFTER THE MUMBAI ATTACKS 26/11/2008). IN YOUR OPENION PAKISTAN SHOULD ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL OR REFUSE IT AS DIALOGUE COULD NOT BRING POSSITIVE RESULTS IN PAST?
Question
Rahul Gandhi is under severe criticism of Extremist shiv sena for his statement "mumbai for all indians". do you think such kind of regional hatred/biases going to harm indian territorial integrety?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
report summary 105
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Mumbai and his statement Mumbai for all Indians provokes Shiv Sena as Bal Thackeray has asked Sena workers to show black flags to Rahul during his visit to the city. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s visit to the family of an alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative, and accused it for "vote bank politics".
The Hindutva activists damaged minority worship places and institutions in Kumpala. They threw stones on Mosques, Church and an orphanage. The Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s planned visit to Azamgarh a UP town caused tensions as the Ulema Council opposing the Congress leader visit to Sanjarpur to meet the families of those accused in terror attacks. The pro-Hindu outfits also slammed Singh’s trip as an attempt to secure Muslim votes.
"The Sangh Parivar has asked its volunteers in Maharashtra to try to prevent the spread of anti-north Indian and anti-Hindi feelings. RSS leader Ram Madhav said RSS was opposed to discrimination on the basis of language and demanded steps to check disturbances on the sensitive issue. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is under severe criticism of Shiv Sena for his sympathetic support to Pakistani cricketers against the IPL decision of their exclusion from the league.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said the paramilitary forces are not engaged in any “battle” in the naxal-affected States, and “The Centre sends paramilitary forces at the request of the State governments, which remain under the control of the State governments” he further stated that thirty-three districts remained seriously affected by naxal violence and Maoists were present in 50 others. In there areas the writ of civil administration does not run.
India Inc's hiring activity has increased considerably since September last year and the current recruitment level is one of the highest globally, says a survey by international recruitment firm Antal. The survey stated that Indian firms plan on increasing their hiring activity even more, with 78 per cent expecting to hire managerial staff over the next three months. Rising food inflation is still a concern for India as it is a hurdle in a smooth progress of the economy.
India proposed Pakistan to resume talks while Pakistan seeks clarity of the content of the talks. Pakistan foreign office clarifies that it seeks a result oriented talks over all disputes including water issue and Kashmir dispute.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) K G Balakrishnan said there is an urgent need to ban websites that circulate pornography and hate speeches and emphasized the need for cyber law enforcement in India. The terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26, 2008 could have been guided by an Indian handler whose true identity was yet to be ascertained, home minister P Chidambaram has said. Mumbai police investigators also came to conclusion that Indian national played a key role in 26/11 incident.
India and Germany wants to enhance bilateral relations further and in this regard they are working to finalize accord for the cooperation in different fields.
Regional Summary:
The BJP in Madhya Pradesh has elected 100 Muslim representatives in urban local bodies, 82 Muslims, including 36 burqa-clad women, were elected on the BJP symbol in the recent elections to 268 urban bodies. Samajwadi Party expelled Amar Singh and Jayaprada from the party on the charges of indulging in anti party activities and damaging its political interests and image.
The Trinamool Congress opposed increase in the prices of LPG and other petroleum products recommended by an expert panel headed by former Planning Commission member Kirti Parikh, saying a new burden of raised prices would hit the common people hard. Dispute over formation of the new state of Gorkhaland disrupted the law and order situation in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Protests and demonstrations hurt the peace and security of the region.
A Report on Nutritional Crisis in Maharashtra’, prepared by Pune-based NGO Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SATHI) found that 45,000 children dying each year due to malnutrition in Maharashtra. The state government spends just 0.08% of its gross domestic product on the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)
The Hindutva activists damaged minority worship places and institutions in Kumpala. They threw stones on Mosques, Church and an orphanage. The Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s planned visit to Azamgarh a UP town caused tensions as the Ulema Council opposing the Congress leader visit to Sanjarpur to meet the families of those accused in terror attacks. The pro-Hindu outfits also slammed Singh’s trip as an attempt to secure Muslim votes.
"The Sangh Parivar has asked its volunteers in Maharashtra to try to prevent the spread of anti-north Indian and anti-Hindi feelings. RSS leader Ram Madhav said RSS was opposed to discrimination on the basis of language and demanded steps to check disturbances on the sensitive issue. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is under severe criticism of Shiv Sena for his sympathetic support to Pakistani cricketers against the IPL decision of their exclusion from the league.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said the paramilitary forces are not engaged in any “battle” in the naxal-affected States, and “The Centre sends paramilitary forces at the request of the State governments, which remain under the control of the State governments” he further stated that thirty-three districts remained seriously affected by naxal violence and Maoists were present in 50 others. In there areas the writ of civil administration does not run.
India Inc's hiring activity has increased considerably since September last year and the current recruitment level is one of the highest globally, says a survey by international recruitment firm Antal. The survey stated that Indian firms plan on increasing their hiring activity even more, with 78 per cent expecting to hire managerial staff over the next three months. Rising food inflation is still a concern for India as it is a hurdle in a smooth progress of the economy.
India proposed Pakistan to resume talks while Pakistan seeks clarity of the content of the talks. Pakistan foreign office clarifies that it seeks a result oriented talks over all disputes including water issue and Kashmir dispute.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) K G Balakrishnan said there is an urgent need to ban websites that circulate pornography and hate speeches and emphasized the need for cyber law enforcement in India. The terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26, 2008 could have been guided by an Indian handler whose true identity was yet to be ascertained, home minister P Chidambaram has said. Mumbai police investigators also came to conclusion that Indian national played a key role in 26/11 incident.
India and Germany wants to enhance bilateral relations further and in this regard they are working to finalize accord for the cooperation in different fields.
Regional Summary:
The BJP in Madhya Pradesh has elected 100 Muslim representatives in urban local bodies, 82 Muslims, including 36 burqa-clad women, were elected on the BJP symbol in the recent elections to 268 urban bodies. Samajwadi Party expelled Amar Singh and Jayaprada from the party on the charges of indulging in anti party activities and damaging its political interests and image.
The Trinamool Congress opposed increase in the prices of LPG and other petroleum products recommended by an expert panel headed by former Planning Commission member Kirti Parikh, saying a new burden of raised prices would hit the common people hard. Dispute over formation of the new state of Gorkhaland disrupted the law and order situation in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Protests and demonstrations hurt the peace and security of the region.
A Report on Nutritional Crisis in Maharashtra’, prepared by Pune-based NGO Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives (SATHI) found that 45,000 children dying each year due to malnutrition in Maharashtra. The state government spends just 0.08% of its gross domestic product on the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
India Summary for Week # 104
TRS enforced centre to take quick action to solve Telangana issue. BJP president Nitin Gadkari says he has the full support of and cooperation from senior leaders and is not a “puppet” of any of them. He said party consults RSS in every important issue but does not take dictation from it. Gujarat Chief minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to apply compulsory voting in
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said
Maoist killed four citizens in an attack in Orissa while blow up railway track in
Security was on high alert during republic day celebrations in
Omer Abdullah invites freedom fighters for dialogue to resolve the dispute.
The rate of gender base discrimination decrease in last decades and state capital is on top of the list in providing equal political and economic opportunities to women.
The
Kateekal Sankaranarayanan was sworn in as Governor of Maharashtra on Friday. Shiv Sena defeated SP leader Abu Azmi’s son Farhan in a closely-contested by-election. The Sena tally in the 288-member Assembly went up to 45 with this victory, just one less than ally BJP. Sena candidate Rupesh Mhatre won the triangular fight with a margin of 1,676 votes. Mhatre secured 35,376 votes while Farhan got 33,700 votes.
Despite tall talk of progress and development, the practice of untouchability is still prevalent in rural areas of
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