Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

Rahul starts deliberations after string of poll reverses

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 31 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi has embarked on brainstorming sessions with senior Congress leaders to decide the future course for the party in the wake of a string of electoral debacles since the Lok Sabha polls in May.

As part of the exercise, the Congress vice-president held lengthy consultations on Friday with senior party leaders Sushilkumar Shinde, Amarinder Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Mukul Wasnik, Girija Vyas, Shashi Tharoor and Ajay Maken.

This was the third such interactive session held by him in the last few days, seen as an exercise by the leadership to assess the situation to decide the future course, Maken told reporters.

While the Antony Committee, which went into the debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, was the first step, the interactive sessions initiated by Gandhi is the second step in the plans to decide the future course and strengthen the organization.

Gandhi's exercise comes close on the heels of the party losing power in Maharashtra after 15 years and finishing third in Haryana in the assembly elections held recently.

The talk in the party is that the exercise initiated by Gandhi was akin to "mini Chintan shivirs" to generate fresh ideas for revival of the organization.

The Congress leadership has been talking about holding a 'Chintan shivir' ever since the defeat in the Lok Sabha polls in May which saw the party securing the lowest number of seats, 44, in the 543-member Lower House.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi meeting supporters after paying tribute to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 30th death anniversary at Shakti Sthal in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI Photo)

Reports had it that Gandhi has called leaders from across the country to Delhi to draw up a strategy to "revive" the party and stop the BJP's "upsurge" under Narendra Modi.

On Thursday, he chaired a meeting of party leaders, including Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Jaipal Reddy, Jairam Ramesh, Sachin Pilot and Meenakshi Natarajan, Mani Shankar Aiyer and Ashok Tanwar.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and others during remembrance ceremony of former PM Indira Gandhi to mark her death anniversary.(PTI Photo)
Party chief Sonia Gandhi is not participating in the "first of its kind" meeting — a signal that Rahul may play a more pro-active role in the party in the coming months.

An organizational revamp is long overdue in the party. The process of party polls has also been set in motion with Gandhi asking party leaders to utilize the exercise as an opportunity to revive and revitalize the organization

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Rahul Gandh,'Chintan shivir' Rahul on brainstorming sessions,"mini Chintan shivirs"

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Muslim cleric joins BJP in J&K

JAMMU: A Muslim cleric joined the state unit of BJP on Friday among others ahead of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Muslim cleric from Nowshera-Lam area, Imaam Ikhlaq Ahmed Nakshabani joined BJP at a function here which was attended by senior party leader and MLA Ashok Khajuria.

"It is after a very long that people have found a leader of high stature such as Narendra Modi and a party like BJP which has been attracting the masses for its sincere commitment for development and welfare of one and all".

"BJP did not work on region or religion lines but embraced every one, which is the reason for its growing popularity even among the Muslims," Nakshbandi said.

Addressing the gathering, Khajuria said, "BJP is a secular party. People have started realizing the false propaganda of Congress and other self-proclaimed secularists and are now coming closer to us."

Besides Nakshabani, state youth president of Shri Guru Ravidas Seva Samiti Narinder Kesar and state vice president Gujjar Bakerwal Welfare Association Mohammed Ayeb Chowdhary joined the party at the function organised to welcome them.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

CBI arrests BJD MLA Pravat tripathy, party suspends him

BHUBANESWAR: In a major embarrassment for the ruling BJD in Odisha, the CBI on Friday arrested senior MLA and former government chief whip Pravat Tripathy for alleged link with the Artha Tatwa Group, a ponzi company involved in the multi-crore chit fund scam.

"Tripathy, an MLA from Banki in Cuttack district, has been arrested in Artha Tatwa scam case on the charge of criminal conspiracy," sources in the CBI said adding the BJD MLA had allegedly received a huge sum from the AT Group.

Minutes after being arrested by the CBI, Tripathy was suspended from the BJD, party sources said.

Earlier, Tripathy was summoned to the CBI state headquarters here this afternoon and taken in custody after a brief interrogation by the investigating officer.

Tripathy was asked questions on how AT group chief Pradeep Sethy could get the best cooperator award in 2011 when he (Tripathy) was the president of the State Cooperative Society, sources said.

This apart, the CBI had also laid its hand on an audio CD containing certain conversation between Tripathy and Sethy, sources said.

This was the fourth time Tripathy was asked to appear before the CBI. On October 25, the last time he was at the CBI office, Tripathy was grilled for two and a half hours by the Central investigating agency.

This is Tripathy?s second appearance before the Central investigating agency after the Odisha High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea on October 20.

The court had earlier given him interim relief on September 30 for about 20 days preventing his arrest by the CBI.

Tripathy's house was also raided in August by the CBI in connection with its probe into the chit fund scam. The BJD MLA had moved the Orissa High Court seeking interim bail which was also rejected.

Tripathy is the first politician and sitting MLA in Odisha to have been arrested by the CBI in the chit fund scam.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Petrol price cut by Rs 2.41 per litre, diesel by Rs 2.25

NEW DELHI: Petrol price was on Friday cut by Rs 2.41 a litre, the sixth reduction since August, and diesel by Rs 2.25 per litre on back of falling international oil rates.

The reduction in rates of petrol and diesel, which was deregulated for the first time in more than a decade, will be effective from midnight tonight, Indian Oil Corp, the nation's largest fuel retailer, announced.

The Rs 2.41 a litre price cut in petrol and Rs 2.25 in diesel was after accounting for a 10-15 paise increase in commission paid to petrol pump dealers. The reduction should have been higher by 10-15 paise if the dealer commission had not been increased.

Petrol will cost Rs 64.25 a litre in Delhi from tomorrow as against Rs 66.65 currently. In Mumbai, the rate will be cut by Rs 2.55 a litre to Rs 71.91.

Since August, petrol price has been cumulatively cut by Rs 9.36 per litre.

Prices vary from state to state because of differential rate of local sales tax or VAT.

Diesel rates have been cut for the second time this month. The nation's most consumed fuel will now cost Rs 53.35 per litre in Delhi from tomorrow compared to Rs 55.60 a litre at present.

In Mumbai, diesel price has been reduced by Rs 2.50 to Rs 61.04.

The government had on October 18 freed diesel prices from its control, giving freedom to oil marketing companies to adjust rates in line with cost. On that day, rates were cut by Rs 3.37 per litre, the first reduction in price of diesel in over five years. The previous decline dates back to January 2009.

Simultaneously, the price of non-subsidised cooking gas (LPG) was cut by Rs 18.5 to Rs 865 per 14.2-kg cylinder.

Since August, this is the fourth reduction in rate of non-subsidised LPG which consumers buy after exhausting their quota of sub-market priced domestic cooking gas.

Non-subsidised LPG in Delhi was priced at Rs 922.50 in July and rates have in every subsequent month been reduced. The only exception being October 23 when prices went up by a marginal Rs 3 per cylinder following government raising the commission paid to LPG dealers/distributors.

BJP credits Modi government for reduction in petrol, diesel prices

BJP on Friday welcomed the reduction in petrol and diesel prices and hoped that it will help bring down inflation to make life easier for the common man.

Crediting the Narendra Modi government for having reduced the price of petrol six times and that of diesel twice after coming to power, the party attacked the previous Congress-led UPA dispensation, saying it was only raising the prices.

"The BJP-led government has reduced prices of petrol six times and that of diesel twice within the last three months. This shows the commitment of the Modi government towards the poor, the farmers and the common public," BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

The reduced diesel prices, he hoped, would bring relief to farmers and also further bring down inflation.

"While the Congress government continued to raise the prices of petrol and diesel that further raised inflation rates making lives of poor miserable, the Modi government is continuously reducing the prices of these items," he said.

The party leader said the government has taken a number of initiatives since it assumed office, including tough action against hoarders and limiting export prices of essential commodities like onion, rice and wheat.

Sharma said the government is committed to bringing inflation down and helping improve the state of the economy, which was left "in a shattered state by the previous Congress -led UPA government due to mismanagement, bad governance and corruption".

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=petrol price cut,Petrol price

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Are foreigners sexually abusing children in the name of providing education, asks Madras high court

MADURAI: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Friday impleaded the Union secretary of women and child development in a child abuse case and directed the assistant solicitor general (ASG) to obtain details of child abuses by foreigners in India.

The matter relates to the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old school boy in Tirunelveli district by Jonathan Robinson, a British national. The case is pending before the judicial magistrate court in Tirunelveli. The court has issued a summons to him.

Robinson filed a petition in the high court to get the case quashed.

In his interim order, Justice N Kirubakaran said since the interest of children was involved, it was appropriate to implead the Union's secretary of women and child development as a third respondent in the case.

The judge directed the ASG to get details from the secretary of the child abuses by foreigners in the country.

The judge wanted to know if foreigners are sexually abusing children in the guise of providing good education and adoption. He also wanted to know the steps taken by the government to prevent child abuses by foreigners.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=TIRUNELVELI,tamil nadu,Madras High Court,Jonathan Robinson,Child abuse

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Panneerselvam seeks Modi's help to save lives of five Indian prisoners in Sri Lanka

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 30 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to save the lives of five fishermen from Rameswaram who were sentenced to death by a Sri Lankan court on charges of smuggling narcotics.

In a letter to Modi, the chief minister said, "The people of Tamil Nadu are shocked and deeply grieved to learn of the judgment of the Colombo high court convicting and sentencing the fishermen from Tamil Nadu to death on charges of smuggling narcotics."

The fishermen -- Emerson, Agastas, Wilson, Prasath and Langlet -- set out from Rameswaram fishing base on November 28, 2011. They were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy on charges of possessing narcotics. The state consistently insisted that the fishermen were innocent and that the case had been foisted on them.

Raising serious doubts over the trial, Panneerselvam said it was the paramount duty of the Union government to protect the lives and liberty of the innocent fishermen. "I request you to take up the matter with the highest authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure that the lives of the five innocent Indian fishermen are saved and they are released to return home at the earliest," he said.

The chief minister said Indian high commission in Sri Lanka should set in motion the legal procedure for appeal within the statutory period in the appropriate appellate forum. The state government would continue to meet the entire legal costs of the case, he said.

He urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Indian high commission not to spare any effort to save the lives of the fishermen.

"Failure to take immediate decisive action in this case and secure justice for the five fishermen will greatly inflame the already bruised emotions among the people of Tamil Nadu," Panneerselvam said.

The state government has sanctioned special assistance to pay the legal fees for defending the fishermen, besides sanctioning a special livelihood assistance to their families.
READ ALSO: Rameswaram fishermen go on rampage after Sri Lankan court sentences five Indians to death

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Sri Lanka,Panneerselvam,Narendra Modi,Indians,Fishermen

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black money: We will go after offenders, SIT chief justice Shah says

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court-appointed SIT, looking into the black money cases, on Thursday said it will go after the offenders "big or small" and will submit its report by the first week of December.

It also made clear that confidentiality about account holders abroad will not be violated. The SIT said it was gathering more names other than the over 600 account holders in HSBC bank, Geneva, given by the government to Supreme Court on Wednesday, for investigation.

"The second report would be given to Supreme Court on December 3 or 4," Justice M B Shah told PTI after a meeting of SIT members here on Thursday. Its first report was submitted in August this year.

The panel said that everyone was equal before it and it would not spare any offender.

"Before us, nobody is big, nobody is small. Everybody is equal. Whoever has looted this country will be caught and will be punished, economically and otherwise also. That we assure," Vice-chairman justice Arijit Pasayat said.

Justice Shah said up till now they have decided a number of cases against the big personalities of the country. "We won't bother who is big. We will treat them equally with a poorest person of the country," he said. Both are retired judges of Supreme Court.

Amidst a raging debate over disclosure of names of foreign bank accounts holders that could threaten future cooperation with other countries, the SIT chairman said confidentiality agreement cannot be violated.

"Confidentiality clause is there and for the time being we have to respect it unless the other country (says) ...

"Confidentiality is an international agreement. You cannot violate the agreement. If you violate it, further information would not be given by them and confirmation by other country is necessary. There is a proof that man is having that account. That proof you won't get it," he said.

Justice Shah said the investigation against people accused of stashing money abroad is going on at "very fast" pace and necessary action will be taken against them.

"The investigation in all black money cases is going on at a very fast pace and all the agencies have their task clear. I am sure it will give us good results. I don't think the speed is slow as investigation of tax and other such cases involves procedures of law. The agencies are doing it and the SIT is seeing that," he said.

"Even if the order is passed, party approaches the court and obtain a stay order. So in that set of circumstances, it is difficult to say that department is not moving fast. The department is moving fast. They (department and officials) have taken action also," he said.

Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi had on Wednesday submitted a list of 627 names having accounts in HSBC bank, Geneva. These names were earlier shared with the SIT also.

Justice Shah said there will be more prosecution of people who have stashed black money "within the reasonable time". The SIT is also sharing data with other agencies to help it in speeding up its probe, he said.

Justice Shah said there is no problem in sharing of information among various members of the SIT. "There are some cases with the ED and CBI also and there is no problem of sharing. Everything that can be shared is being shared," he said.

To a question, the SIT chief did not rule out the possibility of black money being routed through foreign banks. "They must be... For the time being we are not having that information," he said.

The joint mecretary (Revenue) in the finance ministry is member secretary in the SIT. The JS (Revenue) is coordinating with all the agencies and there is no problem in sharing of information, official sources said.

The SIT, which was notified on May 29, has held its first meeting on June 2. The members of the SIT includes revenue secretary, deputy governor of Reserve Bank of India, directors of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Besides, chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), directors general of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and DRI, and Joint Secretary (Foreign Tax and Tax Research Division-I) are also members of the group. The SIT is responsible for investigating cases of black money stashed abroad through coordination of various members.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=SIT chief justice Shah,Justice M B Shah,black money cas,account holders in HSBC bank

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rs 5 lakh additional compensation each to kin of 1984 riot victims

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Rajnath Singh has approved a substantial hike in compensation awarded by the government to families of civilians killed in communal, terrorist and Naxal violence.

An amount of Rs 5 lakh, up from the existing Rs 3 lakh compensation, shall be given for each death or permanent incapacitation under the Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims of Terrorist, Communal and Naxal Violence.

The proposal for enhanced financial compensation under the 2008 scheme of the Union home ministry was approved by Singh on Thursday. The revised Rs 5 lakh relief to be given for each civilian death/permanent incapacitation on account of riots, terror attacks or Left-wing extremism violence, will be put in a fixed deposit account in a nationalized bank. As per the existing scheme, it would have a minimum lock-in period of 3 years, or if there are only minor children in the family, till the eldest child attains the agent of majority, whichever is later.

The interest on the compensation is credited directly by the bank to the beneficiary's saving account on a quarterly basis.

At the end of the lock-in period, the principal amount is transferred directly to the saving account of the beneficiary. In case the beneficiary dies or is permanently incapacitate, his or her next of kin gets to operate the account.

In case of permanent incapacitation, the victim himself becomes the beneficiary. He or she can declare a nominee to operate the account if not in a position to do so himself or herself.

The beneficiaries must be identified by a district level committee headed by district magistrate/collector or deputy commissioner. The committee is tasked with verifying the eligibility for assistance under the scheme after examining the police report/FIR, death-cum-postmortem certificate in the event of death and medical certificate in the event of permanent incapacitation, and the eligibility certificate issued by district SP in case of Naxal violence.

The district committee must send its recommendations to the Union home ministry, as far as possible, within a month of receipt of claim for assistance to victims or family of terrorist or communal violence. The district collector may also recommend assistance under the scheme on his own, with suitable justification.

As per the existing scheme, the MHA must process the claim within three weeks upon receipt of recommendations of the district committee. It may then issue the cheque in the name of the beneficiary and send it to the district magistrate concerned, with a letter of sanction.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Union Home Minister,ssistance to Civilian Victims of Terrorist,Rajnath Singh,Communal and Naxal Violence.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Coast Guard ships to rescue fishing boats from Cyclone Nilofar

AHMEDABAD: Taking precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Nilofar, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Thursday deployed its four ships at Porbandar coast to search and rescue fishing boats sailing along the Gujarat coast and to place them at the nearest safe harbours.

"Four Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships Vijit, Meerabehn, Rajratan and Amritkaur fully equipped with search and rescue (SAR) equipments have been pressed into service from Porbandar today for search and rescue operations as well as shepherding fishing boats operating along the Gujarat coast to the nearest safer harbour," a statement issued from Indian Coast Guard's Gandhinagar headquarters said in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

However, Cyclone Nilofar which was earlier described as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) over the west-central Arabian sea, is now expected to make its landfall near Naliya in Kutch tomorrow as a "depression", an MeT Department release said.

The Indian Coast Guard is also quipped with aircraft to tackle any eventuality.

"Two daily air sorties are flown in search and rescue (SAR) configuration, while two Dornier aircraft and two ALH helicopters are also on standby at Porbandar," the Coast Guard statement said.

The Coast Guard has kept a logistics and medical contingencies plan ready for an immediate response.

Coast Guard stations have also been equipped with a power back up and sufficient fuel for alternate power supply for unhindered response during the cyclonic phase, it said.

Regular advisory for mechanised sailing vessels and the fishermen community for safe berthing and discontinuation of sea operations are being passed through seven radar stations along the Gujarat coast, Coast Guard aircraft and ships on patrol, it said.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Information can't be disclosed outside specific proceedings: Swiss govt

NEW DELHI/BERNE: Amid a debate on disclosure of names of suspected black money holders, Switzerland on Thursday said information exchanged under Swiss-India tax treaty cannot be disclosed "in principle" to a court or any other body outside the proceedings of a 'specific and relevant' case.

The comments come at a time when a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team is probing alleged stashing of black money by Indians aboard, including Swiss banks.

Switzerland, long accused of being a safe haven for illicit funds, has promised to extend assistance to India and reply to requests for information in a "time-bound" manner on cases of alleged tax evasion and financial crimes, or provide a reason if no information can be shared.

Explaining the treaty provisions about disclosure of such 'secret' information, a Swiss finance ministry spokesperson told PTI from Berne that authorities from the two countries are having "regular contacts on bilateral tax matters" but refused to comment on particular cases.



Justice MB Shah, head of the Special Investigation Team.

The government on Wednesday gave to the Supreme Court a list of 627 Indians with accounts in a Swiss branch of HSBC bank, on which probe for suspected black money is underway.

While this list was given in 'sealed envelopes', three other names were made public a day earlier as prosecution had been launched against those persons.

There has been a debate on whether disclosure of names, without prosecution, could violate tax treaties under which these names and other details are shared by foreign countries.


Replying to queries in this regard, the Swiss federal department of finance spokesperson said that the protocol to Swiss-Indian DTA (Double Taxation Agreement) states that any information received "by a contracting state shall be treated as 'secret' in the same manner as information obtained under the domestic laws of that state..."
The treaty further provides that any such information "shall be disclosed only to persons or authorities (including courts and administrative bodies) concerned with the assessment or collection of (information), the enforcement or prosecution in respect of, or the determination of appeals in relation to the taxes ... or the oversight of the above."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Switzerland,Swiss Federal Department,HSBC Bank,HSBC,black money probe

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cyclone Nilopher to bring heavy rains in three districts of western Rajasthan: Met

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 29 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

JAIPUR: The countdown for cyclone Nilopher in Naliya (Gujarat) which will also bring rains in western Rajasthan has began on Wednesday. Jaipur Met office on Wednesday has officially announced that as an impact of Nilofer cyclone heavy rainfall will be witnessed in Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur in the next 48 hours from Friday onwards.

BN Bishnoi, Director, Jaipur Met office, taking to TOI on Wednesday, said, "The cyclone NIOPHER is merely 880 kms away from Gujarat. Its speed has though curtailed and has come to 90 kms/hour still there is a possibility that it will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in western Rajasthan including Jaisalmer, Jalore and Barmer district of the state."

The climatic pattern also changed in Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jalore also changed on Wednesday as cloudy conditions prevailed in these districts. Likewise many parts in the state including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Sirohi and Chittorgarh had a hazy day.

Though the state will get a impact as rainfall the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 Rescue and Relief Teams comprising more than 550 Rescuers with boats and other flood rescue equipment as proactive measures to mitigate the situation during cyclonic storm 'Nilofar' in Gujarat. "Two additional teams are deployed in Jodhpur on Wednesday to meet any emergency in Barmer and Jaisalmer while majorly they are working in Gujarat including Surat, Kutch and Bhuj," said an officer of NDRF on Wednesday.

IMD officials down scaled down the intensity as the speed of the cyclone which was initially 120 kms/hour has reduced to 90 kms/hour but said it will bring mild to moderate showers in western Rajasthan. "There is also a possibility of heavy dust storms in the western Rajasthan," said an officer.

BSF has already kept its men on high alert to foil any attempt of intrusion."We are ready to foil any kind of intrusion attempt by Pakistan," said a senior officer of BSF.

Sources said that its impact will also be seen on some parts in the eastern Rajasthan as cloudy conditions will prevail in the cities including Jaipur, Dausa, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Jalore, Bhilwara, Jodhpur and other parts of the state.

Officials have evacuated a few of the hamlets which had witnessed floods in Barmer district in August, 2006 in Kewas and Malva areas. "Since there is a hard soil with covering gysum refusing the water to pass through, we have also arranged for the water pumps to pump out at other safer places after the heavy rainfall," said a senior officer.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saradha scam: ED attaches assets worth Rs 60 crore

NEW DELHI: Moving ahead in the multi-crore Saradha chit funds scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday attached assets, including a school, a cement factory and few resorts, worth Rs 60 crore in West Bengal in connection with its money laundering probe.

The agency, while issuing its seventh attachment of properties order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seized an operational school called Linclon High School, a cement factory by the name Landmark Cement Factory and a number of flats and resorts spread in various places in West Bengal.

The attachment order issued by the Kolkata office of the agency said the total conservative value of these assets is about Rs 60 crore but the actual market price of these immovable assets would be three-four times higher that the official valuation.

"A resort in Lataguri, residential flats in Siliguri, several tracts of land in Malda and South 24 Parganas district and accounts of East Bengal and United Mohun Bagan have been attached under PMLA laws," ED sources said.


Saradha CEO Sudipta Sen.
A flat in Odisha's Cuttack and several other real estate properties associated directly or indirectly with jailed Saradha group chairman Sudipta Sen and his associates have been attached, they said.

The sources said the ED found these assets to be largely under 'benami' heads which have been procured through multi-layered financial transactions by Sen and his associates which gave suspicion of money laundering.

The ED has already attached assets worth Rs 400 crore in this ponzi scheme case which is alleged to have duped numerous investors in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha.

Saradha director Debjani Mukhopadhyay.
The agency issued the order after its Eastern Zone special director Yogesh Gupta met the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money in Delhi recently which appreciated the agency's probe in this case and reviewed its attachment orders issued till now.

An attachment order under PMLA is meant to deprive the accused from the benefits of his or her illegally acquired assets.


Kunal Ghosh who was an employee of the Saradha group.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Saradha scam,Saradha chit funds scam case,Prevention of Money Laundering Act,Enforcement Directorate,ED attaches assets

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Actor Raghava Lawrence to build temple for his mother

CHENNAI: Actor-filmmaker Raghava Lawrence, who is currently busy with Tamil films "Muni 3" and "Oru Ticketil Rendu Cinema", has decided to build a temple for his mother in his father's hometown Poovirundhavali in Tamil Nadu.

The work on the temple has started and will be completed by next year.

"It's been my dream to build a temple for my mother Kanmani while she's alive. I'm in this world because of my mother. I dedicate this temple to all mothers, who have sacrificed their life for their kids," Lawrence told IANS.

"My mother's statue is being made in Rajasthan. The temple should be completed by next year and I plan to have a grand opening ceremony," he added.

Lawrence also plans to write a book about his upbringing by his mother, who struggled to make ends meet.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Raghava Lawrence,actor-filmmaker

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tamil actor Raghava Lawrence to build temple for his mother

CHENNAI: Actor-filmmaker Raghava Lawrence, who is currently busy with Tamil films "Muni 3" and "Oru Ticketil Rendu Cinema", has decided to build a temple for his mother in his father's hometown Poovirundhavali in Tamil Nadu.

The work on the temple has started and will be completed by next year.

"It's been my dream to build a temple for my mother Kanmani while she's alive. I'm in this world because of my mother. I dedicate this temple to all mothers, who have sacrificed their life for their kids," Lawrence told IANS.

"My mother's statue is being made in Rajasthan. The temple should be completed by next year and I plan to have a grand opening ceremony," he added.

Lawrence also plans to write a book about his upbringing by his mother, who struggled to make ends meet.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Raghava Lawrence,actor-filmmaker

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Central government offices to shut down early on Thursday

NEW DELHI: After Delhi government offices remained closed on Wednesday in view of the holiday declared on Chhath, it is now the turn of some key Central government offices to shut down early on Thursday. As the government organizes a 'Run for Unity' from Vijay Chowk to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31, it has ordered closure of offices housed in South Block, North Block, Rail Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan, among others, from 2 pm on October 30 to 9.30 am on October 31.

Government officers located in Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House will also remain closed from 10 PM on October 30 till 9.30 am on October 31. Another set of buildings including RBI, Yojna Bhawan, Sardar Patel Bhawan, Nirvachan Sadan and Sanchar Bhawan, will stay shut between 2 pm on October 30 and 8.00 am on October 31.

The early closure of these Central government offices was ordered by the ministry of personnel as part of security arrangements for the 'Run for Unity', to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Vijay Chowk on Friday.

Among the buildings which will remain closed from 2 pm on Thursday till 9.30 am on Friday are DRDO Bhawan, Sena Bhawan, Vayu Bhawan, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, National Museum, Archaelogical Survey of India building, Raksha Bhawan, Baroda House, National Gallery of Modern Art, CSIR Building, National Archives, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, National Media Centre, Hutment (MoD office) at Dalhousie Raod and Krishna Menon Marg, Coast Guard Headquarters and CCA (ministry of agriculture office at Akbar Road).

The list of government buildings ordered shut from 2 pm on Thursday to 8 am on Friday include Transport Bhawan, Akashvani Bhawan, Dak Bhawan, Jeevan Tara Building, Jeevan Deep Building, Jeevan Vihar Building, SBI Building and Punjab National Bank Building at Patel Chowk.

The instructions/information regarding early closure of the aforesaid offices have been circulated to all ministries and departments of the government of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan secretariat UPSC, CVC, EC, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Rajya Sabha secratriat, Supreme Court, High Court, CAT, Planning Commission and NDMC.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black money: Govt will submit list to Supreme Court tomorrow

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 28 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

NEW DELHI: The government will give the names of all the Indians who hold foreign bank accounts, given by foreign countries, to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, finance minister Arun Jaitley said and emphasized that no one will be protected.

The list will be given to the Supreme Court in a sealed envelope, he said, but did not say if the government was open to making the list public.

"The government shall place the list before the court because the government has already given (the list) to the court constituted special investigating team (on June 27). The government is keen that by whatever procedure in accordance with law we must get to the root of the matter.

"... the government has no difficulty in placing the entire list and the same will be placed before the court tomorrow," Jaitley told reporters here.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the government for seeking a modification of its order on disclosure of names of blackmoney holders abroad. It directed the Centre to place before it names of all such account holders by tomorrow.

Jaitley said the government was keen to punish all illicit foreign account holders and would do everything to bring back the black money.

"The truth about these names and also these accounts must come out so that penal action can be taken against the people and the money lying there can be brought back to India. The government has no difficulty whatsoever with any agency investigating this matter because there is nobody the government wants to protect in this case so that those whose names have come must really be investigated and punished according to law," he said.

He, however did not reply to a question on whether the government would make the list public.

Jaitley said the government is also keen that the procedure followed must be such that the reciprocating countries continue to cooperate with India.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Supreme Court Order on Black Money,Supreme Court,List of Indians Holding Foreign Bank Accounts,Black Money,Arun Jaitley

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

No Chinese incursion, troops trespass into each other's territory by mistake: India

ITANAGAR: Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday denied any incursion by China's People's Liberation Army in Taksing area of Arunachal Pradesh in recent times.

"It is a natural phenomenon as troops from both the sides usually trespass into each other's territory by mistake as there is no definite demarcation of the border.

"Even Chinese army sometime claim incursion by Indian Army," Rijiju told reporters at Raj Bhawan helipad here before his departure to New Delhi.

When his attention was drawn to the alleged incursion at Taksing area in Upper Subansiri district about three months ago, Rijiju said that troops from both the countries accidentally trespass into each other's territories during routine patrolling.

"Patrolling teams from both the countries trespass into each other territories and sometime confrontations are reported ... Incursion along the border takes place only where there is no permanent structure. Since there is no boundary demarcation, such type of ingress will continue."

"Our troupes are being instructed to be more vigilant and not to allow Chinese to cross our periphery," he said.

Rijiju, however, conceded that Arunachal Pradesh had lost a portion of land to China earlier because of less patrolling but hastened to say: "We have not conceded any inch of our territory to China after NDA came to power at the Centre."

He said ITBP had recently arrested three persons of Tibetan origin from Lemeking area of Upper Subansiri district. Their interrogation was on to unearth the truth but language barrier had become an impediment.

"I had a meeting with the DG and IG of ITBP this morning and directed them to get the identity and motive of the three people," he added.

Asked to comment Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki told newsmen that the incursion by PLA was not officially reported to him.

"Since the issue is a subject of the external affairs ministry the state government has no say over it," he quipped.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Taksing Area Incursion,Line of Actual Control,Kiren Rijiju,Chinese Incursions in Indian Territory,Chinese Incursion in Arunachal Pradesh

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

No Chinese incursion, troops trespass into each other's territory by mistake: Rijiju

ITANAGAR: Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday denied any incursion by China's People's Liberation Army in Taksing area of Arunachal Pradesh in recent times.

"It is a natural phenomenon as troops from both the sides usually trespass into each other's territory by mistake as there is no definite demarcation of the border.

"Even Chinese army sometime claim incursion by Indian Army," Rijiju told reporters at Raj Bhawan helipad here before his departure to New Delhi.

When his attention was drawn to the alleged incursion at Taksing area in Upper Subansiri district about three months ago, Rijiju said that troops from both the countries accidentally trespass into each other's territories during routine patrolling.

"Patrolling teams from both the countries trespass into each other territories and sometime confrontations are reported ... Incursion along the border takes place only where there is no permanent structure. Since there is no boundary demarcation, such type of ingress will continue."

"Our troupes are being instructed to be more vigilant and not to allow Chinese to cross our periphery," he said.

Rijiju, however, conceded that Arunachal Pradesh had lost a portion of land to China earlier because of less patrolling but hastened to say: "We have not conceded any inch of our territory to China after NDA came to power at the Centre."

He said ITBP had recently arrested three persons of Tibetan origin from Lemeking area of Upper Subansiri district. Their interrogation was on to unearth the truth but language barrier had become an impediment.

"I had a meeting with the DG and IG of ITBP this morning and directed them to get the identity and motive of the three people," he added.

Asked to comment Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki told newsmen that the incursion by PLA was not officially reported to him.

"Since the issue is a subject of the external affairs ministry the state government has no say over it," he quipped.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Taksing Area Incursion,Line of Actual Control,Kiren Rijiju,Chinese Incursions in Indian Territory,Chinese Incursion in Arunachal Pradesh

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nilofar to weaken closer to Gujarat coast, but will bring heavy rains on Friday-Saturday

NEW DELHI: The cyclonic storm Nilofar, developed in Arabian Sea, on Tuesday turned "very severe" while approaching Oman coast, but the system will gradually weaken close to Gujarat coast on Friday. Still, it will bring heavy to very heavy rainfall along coastal districts of the state on Friday and Saturday.

The Nilofar, which will gradually start turning towards north Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast from early Wednesday morning aftrer hitting Oman coast, may also cause some trouble in Rajasthan's border districts of Barmer, Jalore and Jodhpur.

As a precaution, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday suggested "total suspension of fishing operations" at sea along and off Gujarat coast and advised people in affected areas to "remain indoors around landfall time" between October 31 night and November 1 forenoon.

Referring to possible track of the Nilofar, the country's national weather forecaster said, "As the system would come closer to Gujarat coast, it will weaken and cross the coast as a cyclonic storm (not as "severe" or "very severe" cyclonic storm)".

Issuing a warning, it said the system would bring heavy to very heavy rainfall along coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from October 31 (Friday) night.

"Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph would commence along and off Gujarat coast from October 31 night and would become 80-90 kmph gusting at the time of landfall. Sea condition along and off Gujarat will be rough to very rough From October 31 night and would become high from November 1 morning", said the IMD.

It also predicted that the Nilofar would cause damage to thatched roofs and huts. "Minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of trees and breaking of tree branches" is also expected.

Keeping the prediction and warnings in mind, the cabinet secretary Ajit Seth chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) here to review the preparedness of central and state agencies to face any challenge arising out of the approaching cyclonic storm.

In a video conferencing with the chief secretary and other senior officials of the state, Seth took stock of all the steps taken by the Gujarat government to deal with the cyclone.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is, meanwhile, fully geared up for rescue operations and has alerted its three battalions. It has pre-positioned seven rescue and relief teams at different places in Gujarat. Nine of its teams are on standby for deployment at short notice.

The Centre has even asked all telecom operators in Gujarat to share infrastructure through intra-circle roaming arrangements for 15 days, issuing an advisory for restoring communication facilities in the event of the state being hit by cyclone.

The department of telecommunication (DoT) said, "All access providers are directed to take steps for immediate maintenance and restoration of telecommunication facilities in these areas and to facilitate the knowledge of wellbeing of relatives in these areas."

The telecom operators have also been asked to transmit messages or advisories through SMS from government/NDMA and Meteorology Department to all subscribers in the state.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black money: Arun Jaitley non-committal on making list public after Supreme Court pulls up Centre

NEW DELHI: The government will give the names of all the Indians who hold foreign bank accounts, given by foreign countries, to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, finance minister Arun Jaitley said and emphasized that no one will be protected.

The list will be given to the Supreme Court in a sealed envelope, he said, but did not say if the government was open to make the list public.

"The government shall place the list before the court because the government has already given (the list) to the court constituted special investigating team (on June 27). The government is keen that by whatever procedure in accordance with law we must get to the root of the matter.

"... the government has no difficulty in placing the entire list and the same will be placed before the court tomorrow," Jaitley told reporters here.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up the government for seeking a modification of its order on disclosure of names of black money holders abroad. It directed the Centre to place before it names of all such account holders by Wednesday.


The Supreme Court of India.

Jaitley said the government was keen to punish all illicit foreign account holders and would do everything to bring back the black money.

"The truth about these names and also these accounts must come out so that penal action can be taken against the people and the money lying there can be brought back to India. The government has no difficulty whatsoever with any agency investigating this matter because there is nobody the government wants to protect in this case so that those whose names have come must really be investigated and punished according to law," he said.

He, however did not reply to a question on whether the government would make the list public.

Jaitley said the government is also keen that the procedure followed must be such that the reciprocating countries continue to cooperate with India.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Supreme Court Order on Black Money,Supreme Court,List of Indians Holding Foreign Bank Accounts,Black Money,Arun Jaitley

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

ECI to issue poll notification for RS biennial polls on November 3

Written By Unknown on Senin, 27 Oktober 2014 | 22.45

LUCKNOW: The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the itinerary of the biennial elections to Rajya Sabha on 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh. The tenure of 10 members of Parliament is ending on November 25. The MPs are: Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta (BSP), Amar Singh (independent), Avatar Singh Karimpuri (BSP), Kusum Rai (BJP), Brijlal Khabri (BSP), Brijesh Pathak (BSP), Rajaram (BSP), Prof Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Veer Singh (BSP) and Mohammed Adeeb (independent). The tenure of senior BJP MP from Uttarakhand Bhagat Singh Koshiyari is also ending on November 25.

According to the statement issued by the Election Commission of India, notification for the biennial elections would be issued on November 3, while the last date of nominations is November 10. Scrutiny of nominations would take place on November 11, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 13. Polling would be held on November 20 (from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm), while counting of votes would be done on November 20 (at 5.00 pm). The poll process would be over by November 22.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

12,000 ITBP personnel to be deployed along China border

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of over 300 transgressions by the Chinese army along the line of actual control till August this year, the government has given an in-principle approval for induction of nearly 12,000 personnel in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, a force which guards the 3,488km-long India-China border.

The 12 new battalions (12,000 personnel) will be recruited mainly for deployment at 54 new border outposts (BoPs) that will be set along LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, official sources said here.

The setting up of new posts, announced by home minister Rajnath Singh on Friday last, will bolster the presence of ITBP along the strategic frontier in Arunachal Pradesh which has witnessed incursion attempts from Chinese side because of large gaps between two border posts.

Terming the incursion as "transgression", the government had informed Rajya Sabha in August this year that Chinese army has transgressed the border 334 times this year and a total of 1,278 times between 2010-13.


A Chinese soldier taking photo of Indian soldiers at Bum La border crossing in Arunachal Pradesh. (TOI file photo)

Chinese army transgressed the border 334 times till August 4, this year. The number of such incidents stood at 411 in 2013, 426 in 2012 and 213 in 2011, Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju had said on the floor of the House.

The sources now said an in-principle approval has been granted by the Union home ministry after the ITBP had submitted a detailed plan that it would require to raise additional 12 battalions to man these new locations.

The present strength of the ITBP is 62 battalions and 58 of them are deployed along the India-China border and remaining four in Naxalite-hit areas.


Home minister Rajnath Singh takes the salute from ITBP personnel during a march past on the 53rd Raising Day of the force, on October 24, 2014. (PTI photo)

"An in-principle approval has been made in this regard," a senior home ministry official said and added that after a final approval, large scale recruitment will be carried out in a phased manner over a period of five years.

Apart from setting up of 54 new border outposts, the home minister had also announced a Rs 175 crore package for beefing up infrastructure along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=New Indian Border Outposts,ITBP,Indo-Tibetan Border Police,Home Ministry

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

As China flexes its muscles, Vietnam seeks India’s ‘active support’ on South China Sea row

NEW DELHI: As disputed South China Sea witnesses increased Chinese influence, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Monday pitched for India's "active support" to peacefully resolve all disputes and sought its greater linkages across the region.

Tan, who will hold talks on a range of issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, also made it clear that Vietnam has and will continue to allow ships from India. The remarks came a month after an Indian naval ship INS Airavat was asked to exit Chinese waters as it was approaching a Vietnamese port.

"The proper settlement of disputes in the East Sea for peace, stability, maritime security and safety and freedom of navigation in the region is in the common interest of countries in the region and beyond.

"In that spirit, Vietnam hopes that India, as a major power in the region and the world, will actively support the parties concerned to peacefully resolve all disputes, refrain from actions that may further complicate the situation, thus contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, maritime security and safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea," the Vietnamese prime minister told PTI in an interview.


Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his wife Kiem wave after his arrival at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, October 27, 2014. (Reuters photo)

Noting that Vietnam always attaches great importance to the friendship and cooperation with all countries including China, Tan said, "Accordingly, Vietnam supports India to increase multidimensional linkages with South East Asia. For the purpose of friendship and exchange, we have and will continue to allow ships from other countries including India to visit Vietnam."

"Vietnam hopes that India, with its increasingly important role, will make positive and responsible contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability and the region and the world," he said.

The remarks may not go down well with China, which has been objecting to Indian presence in the disputed South China Sea in oil exploration projects. Last month, China had asked Indian naval assault vessel, INS Airavat, which was on a routine call at a Vietnam port and was travelling in open international waters in the South China Sea, to leave the waters terming them as "Chinese waters".

Making clear its position on the East Sea issue, Tan said Vietnam and other Asean countries have consistently underlined the importance of complying with international law, the 1982 UNCLOS and maintaining peace, stability, maritime security and safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea.


This picture taken on May 14, 2014 from a Vietnamese coast guard ship shows Chinese coast guard vessels sailing near China's oil drilling rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea. (Getty Images photo)

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve both island and maritime claims among seven sovereign states within the region -Brunei, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Asked whether Vietnam would like to settle the dispute with China bilaterally or will it act based on international law, the Vietnamese Prime Minister said his country always holds in high regard the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China and indicated that it would like the dispute to be settled in compliance with international law.

"However, Vietnam is determined to protect its sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as well as its sovereign rights and jurisdiction rights in these waters.

"With the tradition of amity and consistent foreign policy, Vietnam always perseveres with resolving all disputes through peaceful means, without resort to the use or threat of force, on the basis of exercising self-constraints and refraining from actions that may further complicate the situation, in compliance with international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and efforts toward a code of conduct (COC)," he said.

He said Vietnam always takes a proactive approach in its conduct in keeping with international law and takes advantage of every opportunity to reduce tension, restore trust, promote friendly cooperation, pursue dialogue to seek a fundamental and long-term solution to the East Sea issue.


Itu Aba Island, also known as Taiping Island, is one of many disputed islands in the South China Sea. (Getty Images photo)

On India-Vietnam deciding to further military cooperation and if it could be considered to be aimed at China? Ton said, "The foreign policy of Vietnam is consistent. We do not join any military alliance against another country."

Asked if Vietnam would be able to ensure the interests of foreign oil and gas companies currently active in the East Sea, he said, "Vietnam welcomes and is committed to creating every favourable condition for normal economic cooperation activities between Vietnamese oil and gas companies and their foreign partners, including Indian companies, in the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of Vietnam in keeping with the Vietnamese law and international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS."

Ton's visit is seen by Indian side as an opportunity to increase economic engagement even as the government was examining the Vietnamese offer of additional oil blocks for exploration in the South China Sea.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

India should refrain from complicating boundary issue: China

BEIJING: With India announcing the construction of 54 new border posts in Arunachal Pradesh, China on Monday cautioned India to refrain from taking any action that may "complicate or exaggerate" the boundary issue.

"China's position on China-India boundary question is consistent and clear. We are committed to finding a solution to the boundary question with the Indian side through friendly negotiation as soon as possible and working together to safeguard peace and tranquillity along the border," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

"Pending the final settlement of the boundary question, we hope that the Indian side could refrain from taking any action that may complicate or exaggerate the question," Hua said in an email response to a query about 54 new Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force border outposts to be built along the Arunachal Pradesh border.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as southern Tibet.

China's reaction is a trifle different from its reaction on October 15 to the plans announced by Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju to build new roads along the boundary from Mago-Thingbu in Tawang to Vijaynagar in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh to match China's infrastructure development.

"There is a dispute about the east part of the China- India border. Before final settlement is reached we hope that India will not take any action that may further complicate the situation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said earlier while reacting to the road proposal.

"We should jointly safeguard the peace and tranquility of the border area and create favourable conditions for the final settlement of the border issue," he had said.

Subsequently, officials from India and China held the working mechanism for consultation and coordination (WMCC) meeting in New Delhi during which the two sides discussed a host of issues relating to the management of the boundary and maintaining of peace and tranquility along the borders.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Southern Tibet,india-china border issue,boundary issue,Arunachal Pradesh

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pakistan Hindu urge Jatha leaders to take ashes of their dear ones to immerse in Ganga

AMRITSAR: Hindu families living in Pakistan have sought help from Jatha's visiting Pakistan on various religious occasions to either help them in getting visa's to visit Haridwar in India so they could immerse ashes of their dear ones in Ganga or themselves take the ashes kept in urns to India and perform their last rites.

Banarsi Lal, a resident of Zafarwal village in Narowal district of Pakistan is one such Hindu who have kept ashes of his brother Kunti Lal in an urn waiting to get visa to India so he could visit Haridwar to immerse his ashes in Ganga for eternal transformation of his brother.

"My brother had died 15 days ago , as par his last wishes I had applied for visa to visit Haridwar in India to perform his last rites there, but I haven't heard anything so far from Indian high commission , I think , like other thousands of Hindu's who have applied for visa to visit Haridwara, I also wouldn't get one and have to wait endlessly" said Banarsi Lal while talking to TOI over phone from Zafarwal on Monday.

Lal's family had migrated to Pakistan during Indo Pak partition in 1947 however some of his relatives refused to migrate and are still living in Gurdaspur district.

He said there were thousands of Hindu families who had kept urns filled with ashes of their dear ones hoping to get visa some day to visit Haridwar.

He said he had contacted president of Nankana Sahib Sikh Yatree Jatha, Swaran Singh to help them get visa to travel to Haridwar. "We have contacted many Jatha leaders but haven received any help so far, neither we are getting any help from our government" he said.

When contacted Swaran Singh confirmed having received request from Banarasi Lal. "It's a very sentimental issue , after his request we held a meeting and decided to bring ashes of Hindu's from Pakistan and immerse them in Ganga in Haridwara" he said . A video clippings of the last rites of the deceased one would also be sent to the concerned persons in Pakistan for their satisfaction, he added.

Singh is leading a Sikh jatha to Pakistan on November 4th to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

250 temple devotees rescued from Tamil Nadu forest

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 26 Oktober 2014 | 22.45

MADURAI: About 250 people, who were returning from the Sundara Mahalingam temple near Saptur in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, were stranded in a forest after heavy rain brought flash floods in a stream on Sunday. All of them were rescued by fire service, police and forest department personnel.

The devotees went to the temple, situated in the forest near Rajapalayam, on Sunday morning. On their return, they were shocked to see that the forest stream, which had just ankle-deep water in the morning, was flooded. They could not cross the stream.

The devotees raised an alarm, and fire service personnel accompanied by the forest department and police rescued them by tying a rope across the stream.

Rains were continuing in many southern districts in the state, and flash floods were occurring in the forest regions.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Temple,tamil nadu,Sundara Mahalingam temple,flash floods,Devotees

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cyclone Nilofar to bring heavy rainfall in Kutch region

NEW DELHI: After Hudhud that hit India's eastern coast, it's now turn of another cyclonic storm 'Nilofar' to keep country's weather forecaster on toes. Its impact is likely to be felt mid-week in Kutch area of Gujarat.

The new cyclonic storm, formed in Arabian Sea, will however not be as intense as Hudhud. Nilofar is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rains in Kutch area of north Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast on Wednesday-Thursday.

The Indian meteorological department (IMD) on Sunday predicted that the 'Nilofar' will intensify further into a "severe" cyclonic storm during next 24 hours.

It will turn into a "very severe" cyclonic storm on Tuesday night with touching the peak with wind speed of 145 kilometer per hour (kmph). The similar situation and wind speed will persist till Wednesday.

In its 'pre-cyclone watch for north Gujarat coast' bulletin, the IMD said, "The deep depression over westcentral and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea moved slightly northwards, intensified into a cyclonic storm, Nilofar".

On Sunday afternoon, the Nilofar centred around about 1270km west-southwest of Mumbai and 910km east-southeast of Salalah (Oman).


"It would move initially north-northwestwards during next 48 hours and then recurve (after reaching Oman coast) northeastwards towards north Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast during subsequent 72 hours", the country's weather forecaster said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Indian Meteorological Department,cyclonic storm,Cyclone Nilofar,'Nilofar'

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

Maharashtra BJP MLAs to meet on October 28 to elect leader

MUMBAI: Maharashtra BJP legislature party will meet on Tuesday to elect their leader, paving the way for him to meet governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and stake claim to form the government.

The meeting to elect the legislature party leader and the chief minister designate will be held at 11 am at Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday (October 28), senior BJP leader Eknath Khadse told reporters here on Sunday.

Earlier, Khadse, Maharashtra BJP president Devendra Fadnavis and senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde had met to discuss preparations for government formation.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh and BJP in charge of Maharashtra JP Nadda would attend Tuesday's meeting as observers.

The BJP legislature party leader would meet Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao to stake claim to form the state government, he said.


Maharashtra BJP president Devendra Fadnavis (right) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"We will prove our majority in the house if the governor desires," he said.

BJP, which has emerged as the single largest party in the elections held for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, winning 122 seats, has already been offered unconditional outside support by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) which won 41 seats.

With its 63 MLAs, Shiv Sena is the second largest party in the assembly.


BJP supporters celebrate the party's victory in Maharashtra.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Maharashtra Government Formation,Maharashtra Chief Minister,Maharashtra BJP MLAs' Meeting,Devendra Fadnavis,2014 Maharashtra Assembly Election

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

Asset rise: Railway minister rubbishes claims of Election Watch body

MANGALORE: Union Railway minister DV Sadananda Gowda on Sunday rubbished claims of National Election Watch and Association of Democratic Reforms that his assets had seen the highest increase after he took office five months ago.

In the declaration of assets and liabilities by the Union council of ministers to the PMO recently, Gowda had declared Rs 20.35 crore, an increase of Rs 10.46 crore compared to Rs 9.88 crore in the April-May 2014 Lok Sabha polls, according to a joint statement by the NEW and ADR.

Gowda clarified, "I had purchased a property from a third person and given it on rental to MS Ramaiah group of Institutions. During the process of filing nominations for polls, the said property and building was not with me. As soon as the property was registered in my name, I submitted all details to PMO's office. This included Rs 2 crore rental advance and Rs 8 crore Federal bank loan details. This property is not acquired illegally or by misusing my ministerial position. It is all done within the framework of law and in a transparent manner."

Also, a statement released by Federal Bank, Mangalore stated Gowda had availed of rent securitisation of Rs 8 crore against the rent receivables from MS Ramaiah Foundation. The limit was sanctioned on November 20, 2013 and further revalidated on May 23, 2014. The limits were disbursed on May 23, 2014, the same day the property was registered in Gowda's name and was mortgaged to us.

Gowda who appeared to have been battered by the recent tragedies, including his mother's loss and his son Karthik's indiscretions, refused to take any questions on his son or on the railways.

"It is wrong for public to assume that a people's representative's assets should not increase just because he is in public life. I have made some business decisions that saw my assets increase. These are purely done without misuse of my power since I became an MLA 25 years back," he said.

The property which saw his assets increase is a three storey building of 36,000 square feet bought from from K V Naidu. It is located at on New BEL Road, MS Ramaiah Nagar. He said that he has a loan of Rs 15 crore availed from Canara Bank, Corporation Bank and Federal Bank in Mangalore and from Apex Bank in Bangalore.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

401 Lok Sabha members yet to declare asset details

NEW DELHI: Over 400 Lok Sabha members including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Lal Krishna Advani and Rajnath Singh have not declared their assets and liability details to the House secretariat as on September 26, according to an RTI reply.

Lok Sabha Secretariat said in reply to an RTI query that the asset details of 401 members were awaited as on September 26.

According to the members of the Lok Sabha Declaration of Assets Rules 2004, a member is required to declare his assets within 90 days of taking oath.

Lok Sabha MPs who had not submitted the details by that date included Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti, Nitin Gadkari, and SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Lok Sabha Secretariat said no communication in this regard was sent to the members until September 26, when the RTI reply was received.

According to the RTI reply, the members included BJP (209), Congress (31), TMC (27), BJD (18), Shiv Sena (15), TDP (14), AIADMK (9) and TRS (8). Seven members were from YSR Congress, six from Lok Janshakti Party and four each from NCP, CPI (M) and SP, three each from Akali Dal, RJD, and AAP, and two each from JD(U) and Apna Dal among others.

Action against the members not submitting their asset details are taken under the Assets and Liability Declaration Rules 2004, Provisions 5 and 6, and the Representation of the People Act 1951, Section 75 (A).

Other MPs who had not yet submitted their details by that date included Harsh Vardhan, Radha Mohan Singh, Anant Geete, Anant Kumar, Ram Vilas Paswan, Amarinder Singh, M Veerappa Moily, Mehbooba Mufti, Upendra Kushwaha, Kiren Rijiju and Supriya Sule.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=MPs'asset details,Assets and Liability Declaration Rules

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.45 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nitin Gadkari, Union transport and highways minister, rides scooter without helmet

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 25 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

NAGPUR: Union transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday rode into a controversy when he was caught on camera entering RSS headquarters here on his scooter without wearing a helmet in violation of traffic rules.

TV channels showed the 58-year-old BJP MP from Nagpur riding his white-coloured scooter to the Sangh headquarters in Mahal area of the city to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat amid efforts by the party to form government in Maharashtra.

When pointed out by journalists about him having violated the rules, Gadkari refused to comment and entered the premises with a man riding pillion and another scooter in tow.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh strongly reacted to Gadkari's action, saying it reflected the "attitude of the leader and the party".


Nitin Gadkari seen riding a white scooter without wearing a helmet to RSS headquarters in Nagpur, on October 25, 2014. (TOI photo)

"It is a very small thing and for anyone else it wouldn't have mattered ... for the transport minister of the government of India, who is violating the law which he had to be enforcing, then it does make a difference," he said. "This reflects the attitude of the leader and the party, whether they believe in following the rules or not," he added.

One of the TV news channels claimed the former BJP chief was earlier caught on camera riding a scooter without wearing helmet in December last year when he was not a Cabinet minister.

With the shoe on the other foot now, it was not immediately known if Nagpur Police was contemplating booking the Union minister for violating traffic rules.

According to Nagpur traffic police website, wearing helmet is compulsory and violators will be charged Rs 100 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.


In this July 17, 2013 TOI file photo, Nitin Gadkari is seen riding a scooter without wearing a helmet on his way to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur.


In this February 16, 2014 TOI file photo, Nitin Gadkari is seen riding a scooter without wearing a helmet after casting vote for municipal elections in Nagpur.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rs 80,000 crore worth defence projects cleared, 6 submarines to be built in India

NEW DELHI: Defence projects worth a whopping Rs 80,000 crore were on Saturday cleared by the government which decided that six submarines will be made indigenously and over 8,000 Israeli antitank guided missiles and 12 upgraded Dornier surveillance aircraft will be purchased.

The decisions were taken following a meeting of the defence acquisition council, chaired by defence minister Arun Jaitley, that lasted for over two hours with defence secretary, the chiefs of all three services, DRDO chief and other senior officials attending it.

The bulk of the decisions went in favour of the Navy that was in dire need of up-gradation and capability enhancement.

The big ticket step was the decision to build six submarines in India at a cost of about Rs 50,000 crore rather than source it from outside.

The other major decision was to purchase 8,356 antitank guided missile of Israel worth Rs 3,200 crore rather than the US' Javelin missile for the Indian Army. The Army will also purchase 321 launchers for the missile.

Another 12 Dornier surveillance aircraft with enhanced sensors will also be bought from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at a cost of Rs 1,850 crore.


A Dornier surveillance aircraft deployed by the Indian Coast Guard. (Photo: Getty Images)

The DAC also decided to buy 362 infantry fighting vehicle from the ordinance factory board, Medak in West Bengal for Rs 662 crore.

Giving details of the decision to make the six submarines in the country, official sources said a committee will now be formed by the defence ministry which will study both public and private shipyards over the next 6-8 weeks.

Following this, the ministry will issue request for proposal (RFP) to specific port that will be identified on the basis of the study which will look into whether they have the capacity and manpower to build six submarines in the same port only besides other parametres.


Spike Missile.

The submarines will be air independent propulsion (AIP) capable that will enable them to stay underwater for longer than a conventional submarine besides having enhanced stealth features.

The Navy currently has 13 operational submarines and the target set in 1999 was to have 24 by 2030.

The previous UPA government had gone in for six Scorpene submarines and the first is likely to be delivered only in 2016.

The decision to manufacture the submarines in India is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' pitch.


PM Narendra Modi with defence minister Arun Jaitley, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan and Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag during the Combined Commanders' Conference in New Delhi on October 17. (PTI Photo)

The submarines will have the capacity to be equipped with land attack cruise missiles.

The DAC also decided to buy 1,761 units of five spoke 7.5 tonne radio containers at the cost of Rs 662 crore besides acquiring 1,768 critical rolling stock — open and closed wagons for transport of military equipment at a cost of Rs 740 crore.

Both will go to domestic vendors. During his address to those attending the meeting, Jaitley said national security was paramount concern for the government.

He added that all hurdles and bottlenecks in the procurement process should be addressed expeditiously so that the pace of the acquisition is not stymied.

The DAC also approved the purchase of equipment for special operations for the Navy which remained classified.


A Scorpene-type submarine under construction at the DCN Shipyard in Cherbourg. The previous UPA government had gone in for six Scorpene submarines and the first is likely to be delivered only in 2016. (Getty Images photo)

Sources said it is basically for the elite Naval commandos Marcos.

The decision for the purchase of torpedos for the scorpene submarines and heavy calibre guns were put off today on technical grounds, sources said,adding that they are likely to be cleared soon.

The DAC was set up in 2001 as part of the post-Kargil reforms in defence sector.

The council approves the long-term integrated perspective plan for the forces, accords acceptance of necessity ( AON) to begin acquisition proposals, and has to grant its approval to all major deals through all their important phases.

It also has the power to approve any deviations in an acquisition, and recommends all big purchases for approval of the Cabinet committee on security.

In a recent conference of top commanders of the armed forces, Jaitley had said that the process of military acquisitions, which had slowed down due to "some controversies", will be speeded up with at least one meeting per month of DAC.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Submarines,Israeli anti-tank guided missiles,Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd,Dornier surveillance aircraft,Defence projects

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rs 80,000cr worth defence projects cleared, 6 submarines to be built in India

NEW DELHI: Defence projects worth a whopping Rs 80,000 crore were on Saturday cleared by the government which decided that six submarines will be made indigenously and over 8,000 Israeli antitank guided missiles and 12 upgraded Dornier surveillance aircraft will be purchased.

The decisions were taken following a meeting of the defence acquisition council, chaired by defence minister Arun Jaitley, that lasted for over two hours with defence secretary, the chiefs of all three services, DRDO chief and other senior officials attending it.

The bulk of the decisions went in favour of the Navy that was in dire need of up-gradation and capability enhancement.

The big ticket step was the decision to build six submarines in India at a cost of about Rs 50,000 crore rather than source it from outside.

The other major decision was to purchase 8,356 antitank guided missile of Israel worth Rs 3,200 crore rather than the US' Javelin missile for the Indian Army. The Army will also purchase 321 launchers for the missile.

Another 12 Dornier surveillance aircraft with enhanced sensors will also be bought from the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at a cost of Rs 1,850 crore.


A Dornier surveillance aircraft deployed by the Indian Coast Guard. (Photo: Getty Images)

The DAC also decided to buy 362 infantry fighting vehicle from the ordinance factory board, Medak in West Bengal for Rs 662 crore.

Giving details of the decision to make the six submarines in the country, official sources said a committee will now be formed by the defence ministry which will study both public and private shipyards over the next 6-8 weeks.

Following this, the ministry will issue request for proposal (RFP) to specific port that will be identified on the basis of the study which will look into whether they have the capacity and manpower to build six submarines in the same port only besides other parametres.


Spike Missile.

The submarines will be air independent propulsion (AIP) capable that will enable them to stay underwater for longer than a conventional submarine besides having enhanced stealth features.

The Navy currently has 13 operational submarines and the target set in 1999 was to have 24 by 2030.

The previous UPA government had gone in for six Scorpene submarines and the first is likely to be delivered only in 2016.

The decision to manufacture the submarines in India is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' pitch.


PM Narendra Modi with defence minister Arun Jaitley, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan and Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag during the Combined Commanders' Conference in New Delhi on October 17. (PTI Photo)

The submarines will have the capacity to be equipped with land attack cruise missiles.

The DAC also decided to buy 1,761 units of five spoke 7.5 tonne radio containers at the cost of Rs 662 crore besides acquiring 1,768 critical rolling stock — open and closed wagons for transport of military equipment at a cost of Rs 740 crore.

Both will go to domestic vendors. During his address to those attending the meeting, Jaitley said national security was paramount concern for the government.

He added that all hurdles and bottlenecks in the procurement process should be addressed expeditiously so that the pace of the acquisition is not stymied.

The DAC also approved the purchase of equipment for special operations for the Navy which remained classified.


A Scorpene-type submarine under construction at the DCN Shipyard in Cherbourg. The previous UPA government had gone in for six Scorpene submarines and the first is likely to be delivered only in 2016. (Getty Images photo)

Sources said it is basically for the elite Naval commandos Marcos.

The decision for the purchase of torpedos for the scorpene submarines and heavy calibre guns were put off today on technical grounds, sources said,adding that they are likely to be cleared soon.

The DAC was set up in 2001 as part of the post-Kargil reforms in defence sector.

The council approves the long-term integrated perspective plan for the forces, accords acceptance of necessity ( AON) to begin acquisition proposals, and has to grant its approval to all major deals through all their important phases.

It also has the power to approve any deviations in an acquisition, and recommends all big purchases for approval of the Cabinet committee on security.

In a recent conference of top commanders of the armed forces, Jaitley had said that the process of military acquisitions, which had slowed down due to "some controversies", will be speeded up with at least one meeting per month of DAC.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Submarines,Israeli anti-tank guided missiles,Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd,Dornier surveillance aircraft,Defence projects

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

PM inaugurates Reliance Foundation Hospital

MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the revamped Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai.

Located in south Mumbai, the hospital in its 90th year was rebuilt by the Reliance Foundation, led by its chairperson Nita Ambani, into a modern 19-storey tower with two heritage wings, the foundation said in a statement.

Nita Ambani termed it "a historic day" in the life of the hospital which was re-dedicated to the people of Mumbai.

"Narendra bhai, we assure that this hospital will become a centre of good health and global levels of health care, respect for life, modern technology combined with love and compassion, with dignity to all," Nita Ambani said.

"This will not be just a hospital but an institution of care," she said, adding that words like religion, caste, social strata, age and gender will not interfere with the kind of treatment patients receive.

"We won't just treat health, we will also respect life," and at this institution quality will meet affordability, she added.

Founded in 1925 as Mumbai's first general hospital, it has a rich heritage — it saw the freedom struggle and the Second World War, and Mahatma Gandhi was among its frequent visitors.

The hospital celebrated its silver jubilee with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as its chief guest and the golden jubilee celebrations were graced by Jayaprakash Narayan.

Now in its 90th year, the prime minister is inaugurating its new avatar, the foundation said.

The hospital has collaborations with Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Southern California. It is also equipped with robotic surgery and online video conferencing facility for global consultations.

The hospital's outreach programme currently covers over 310,000 individuals providing preventive and primary healthcare on a digital platform virtually free of cost. It has also initiated steps to adopt nearby areas as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

It has also adopted water recycling and rainwater harvesting programmes, making it one of the greenest health care facilities of its size in the country.

The 345-bed, multi-specialty tertiary care hospital has six thrust areas: cardiac sciences, nephro-urology, neuro sciences, oncology, orthopaedics and spine, and women and child health.

Earlier, Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita and other family members welcomed Modi near the entrance to the hospital, along with Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao.

Present at the inauguration were Kokilaben Ambani, Amitabh Bachchan, Gulzar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Paresh Rawal, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Praful Patel, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Sonali Bendre, union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Vinod Tawde and other celebrities.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Reliance Foundation Hospital,PM inaugurates hospital,Narendra Modi,Modi inaugurates Reliance hospital

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Amit Shah to address Madhya Pradesh BJP meet on Thursday

BHOPAL: BJP national president Amit Shah will be in Bhopal on Thursday to inaugurate the two-day "Sankalp Adhiveshan (pledge convention)" of state party workers to be held at the Dussehra Maidan in BHEL area. Madhya Pradesh BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chouhan said that 23,000 BJP workers will gather for the convention to get guidance from central and state leaders before the urban civic body polls scheduled for November.

"This will be a unique convention with our workers and office bearers before the municipal corporation, municipality and nagar parishad elections," the state BJP chief said. The BJP has 2,500 town centre offices from where 5,000 office bearers will reach Bhopal for the meeting. There will also be 17,000 polling booth heads of the party who will join the convention. In addition all MLAs, MPs, district office bearers and state leaders have been invited for the conference.

"Giving the whole event a family gathering atmosphere will be 12,000 BJP homes in the state capital. Families of BJP leaders and workers in Bhopal will play host and lodge the invitees in their residences. The municipal ward offices of the party will turn into control rooms and help in making the arrangements," Nandkumar Singh Chouhan said. "The present ward councillors have been given the responsibility of working out the lodging arrangements. Staying for two days in a BJP house will send a strong family bonding message to our workers," he added.

While Amit Shah will give the inaugural speech, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will give the valedictory address on Friday and conclude the meeting. Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu, Narendra Singh Tomar and Thavar Chand Gehlot have agreed to address the meet. Newly appointed state party in-charge Vinay Sahastrabuddhe will be unable to attend because of prior engagements abroad.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pakistan sends Diwali sweets to President and Prime Minister

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 24 Oktober 2014 | 22.44

NEW DELHI: Despite the bitterness in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan has sent 'Diwali sweets' to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The sweets, by Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit and his wife, were also sent to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.

According to sources, Basit sent the boxes to the Prime Minister's Office for Modi apart from the President and the external affairs minister and seemed an "initiative" taken totally at the high commission level.

Significantly, Indian forces have not offered sweets to their Pakistani counterparts on Diwali in the wake of repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir did not exchange sweets and greetings, a goodwill gesture carried out during major occasions, especially festivals like Diwali and Eid.

"In the light of present scenario with Pakistan, this time India has decided not to offer sweets to Pakistan on Diwali," Jalandhar-based BSF IG, Punjab Frontier, Ashok Kumar told over phone.

There were repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan along LoC as well as International Border in Jammu and Kashmir recently, he said, adding, therefore, offering of sweets to Pakistani counterparts was "totally out of question".

"This Diwali we did not exchange sweets with the Pakistani side following the heightened tension along the International Border," a senior BSF officer said in Jammu.

The Army also did not hold any function along the Line of Control and no sweets were exchanged with the Pakistani troops.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=prime minister Narendra Modi,President Pranab Mukherjee,Pak sends Diwali sweets,'Diwali sweets'

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

French filmmakers make secret documentary on Andaman’s Jarawa tribe, FIR filed

PORT BLAIR: Two French filmmakers have been booked on the charge of trespassing into the protected Jarawa tribal reserve in the Andaman islands and filming a documentary on the threatened aboriginal tribe.

"We have filed an FIR against French director Alexandre Dereims and producer Claire Beilvert for violating the law of the land. Entering the Jarawa area is banned and so are making any contact with them or shooting any photo or video," the Union territory's tribal welfare secretary Theva Neethi Dhas told PTI on Friday.

"The police are investigating the matter and gathering evidences against them. If the charges are proved, it could lead to three years of imprisonment, besides a fine," the secretary said.

He said two local inhabitants have been arrested for allegedly helping the filmmakers to enter the Jarawa area.

The case was registered on October 19 while the incident is said to have happened during March-April.


Two young Jarawas girls, their heads and necks encircled by flower decorations. (Getty Images file photo)

The matter came to light only when the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) reported the matter to the administration.

Dhas said they had already sent notices to the filmmakers, who have returned to their homeland, asking them to restrain from releasing any visual related to the Jarawas.

The administration will also ask the ministry of external affairs to take up the matter with the French government, he said.

Charges against the two French filmakers include violation of Protection of the Aboriginal Tribes (Amendment) Act 2012, Foreigners Amendment Act 2004, and Information Technology Act.


A Jarawa man uses a bow and arrow to fish in low tide in the Indian Ocean. (Getty Images file photo)

Under post-production stage now, the film "Organic Jarawa" is about Utchu, a two-year-old Jarawa boy, his family and friends.

In a Facebook post, the filmmakers defended their action, saying they took the permission of the Jarawa tribe and will show people their reality, beauty, smartness, kindness, happiness to be free and happy in spite of poachers, despite of police and tourists.

"We did not meet the Jarawas to take some pictures on the fly, we made a documentary where the Jarawa speak for the first time," they wrote.


One of the warnings posted by authorities along the Andaman Trunk Road going along the Jarawas' territory. (Getty Images file photo)

Declining in number, the 400-strong Jarawa tribe is extremely vulnerable to diseases. Till 1998, the nomadic hunter-gatherers had hardly any contact with the outside world.

Dhas said the filmmakers gave the tribals rice, cooking oil and biscuits to make them cooperate during the shooting.

"We have spoken with the Jarawas who have confirmed all this. They are very vulnerable to infections from the outside world and this can be dangerous for their health," he said.

Jarawas, among the four major tribes including Great Andamanese, Onge and Sentinelese, are believed to have lived in their Indian Ocean home for up to 55,000 years.


A young Jarawa man with a spear. (Getty Images file photo)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Secret Film on Jarawa tribe,Organic Jarawa,Jarawa Tribe,Claire Beilvert,Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

Black money scandal a broken BJP promise, says Trinamool

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress on Friday blamed the BJP-ruled Centre for playing the politics of blackmail on the black money scandal. "Who is the Government trying to protect in the black money scandal? Is it playing politics to blackmail the culprits? BJP ministers not being transparent," Trinamool Congress said in a statement.

Trinamool demanded, "BJP Government must come clean on black money and reveal names in one go. The selective leaking, rumour mongering and innuendo will not do." Claming that the black money scandal is another one in the long list of promises made by BJP and now broken, it alleged, "So, finally... the cat is out of the bag. Looks like the BJP is petrified about belling 'the black money cat'."

Earlier the Trinamool Congress had dubbed the alleged BJP u-turn on the blackmoney scandal as shocking. It said, "Betrayal of anti-UPA corruption sentiment. Shows BJP and Congress are part of same cosy Delhi nexus. Legalistic arguments about black money by Government are a cop-out. What concrete steps has BJP taken? Setting up toothless Committee not enough."

On October 17, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had targeted the BJP for raising the infiltration bogey, "Infiltration is a central subject. It is not our responsibility. Borders are manned by central agencies like Border Security Force or Seema Suraksha Bal — they are responsible for infiltration," Mamata told reporters. "How much fencing has been completed on the borders? I personally remember that I had to write to Centre for a SSB guard at Pashupati market along the Bengal-Nepal border," she added. "It is the Centre's responsibility to check illegal migration. If any infiltration has taken place, it is their responsibility," she said. Admitting that "some infiltration" has indeed taken place, she explained that the state government would take action whenever "we are informed", but "they do not inform".

The other issues on which Mamata had critised the Centre are:

1) 33,000 blocks country-wide which benefitted from the 100-day work scheme is being cut down to 2,000 odd. Why?

2) Rs 900-crore of NREGA funds is yet to be given to us.

3) JNNURM projects are non-functional for the want of a new name? Do we suffer due to it?

4) The land acquisition act was passed by the UPA-2; but the BJP government hasn't framed rules. So land acquisition even for rehabilitation and railway work is stopped.

5) IAS-IPS officers are being given extension at Central posting without the state in loop.

6) The Centre has scrapped all UN-bound all-parry delegation even without informing the parliament.

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More

NDA ally PMK alleges 'Hindi imposition' in radio

CHENNAI: PMK, a partner of NDA from Tamil Nadu, on Friday accused the Union government of trying to "impose Hindi" through local radio broadcast and asked the Centre to give up the proposed initiative. "The Centre has planned to impose Hindi through local broadcast by regional radio stations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the name of commercial broadcast," PMK founder leader S Ramadoss, alleged, in a statement here.

Claiming that the duration of such broadcast in Hindi had been fixed for four hours a day, effective October 26, he said, local stations have been asked to re-broadcast Hindi content.

"Though All India Radio officials say that the move is to cut cost and increase revenue from advertisement, the true intention is to propagate Hindi in all the states," he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=All INdia radio,"impose Hindi"

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.


22.44 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger