India News

Kopargaon (Shirdi): A major fire has occurred at a chemical factory in Kopargaon, 16 kilometre from popular religious center Shirdi, and has reportedly escalated to the nearby shops.

At least seven fire tenders have been rushed to the place of incident to control the flames and efforts are on to prevent further escalation of fire or damage to any other property near to it, said a private channel report.

Police personnel have cordoned off the area and efforts to control the flames are on.

The latest reports stated that more explosions are still taking place at the chemical factory.

The amount of loss caused to the properties could not be estimated initially.

Source ANI

Kathmandu: External Affairs minister S.M.Krishna on Sunday said India would not dabble in Nepal''s internal matters.

 

Krishna, who was on a three-day visit to the Himalyan Kingdom since Friday (January 15), said that India wanted a stable government in Nepal.

 

"We would not like to dabble in the internal political consultations, negotiations or whatever. All that we want is a stable government in Nepal. We want development in Nepal, we want peace process and we want constitution to be framed and India is willing to assist them," said Krishna.

 

On Saturday (January 16), Prime Minister of Nepal Madhav Kumar Nepal assured Krishna that his country''s land would not be allowed to be used for anti-India activities.

 

India and Nepal share a 1,400-kilometre open border, which has very few checkpoints.

 

The porous border between India and Nepal has become a source of worry to the authorities, with smugglers taking advantage of the difficult terrain.

 

Meanwhile, expressing his condolences on Communist patriarch Jyoti Basu, Krishna said: "Jyoti Basu has been one of the foremost public figures of India of post-Independent India. Jyoti babu has provided leadership to the Marxist movements in our country and also led the state of West Bengal with distinction for nearly three decades," added the minister.

Source ANI

New Delhi: President of National Akali Dal party Paramjit Singh Pamma on Sunday said his party would oppose the visit of any Australian delegation to India if attacks on its national Down Under did not end.

 

Paramjit Singh Pamma, president of India''s regional National Akali Dal party, says they would oppose the visit of any Australian delegation to India if attacks on its national down under, do not come to an end.

 

Raising slogans against the Australian authorities, National Akali Dal activists burnt a picture of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

 

Condemning the unabated attacks on Indians especially on Sikhs, the activists, led by party president Paramjit Singh Pamma, marched towards the Australian Embassy in Delhi. However, the police stopped them midway.

 

Activists demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should talk to the Australian authorities to put an end to such incidents.

 

"We will continue with our protest if anyone attacks any religious sites or Indians anywhere. The National Akali Dal will not keep quiet. With all due respect to Manmohan Singh, we ask him to hold talks with the Australian government to put an end to all these attacks and if it does not then we would prevent any Australian official or minister, from visiting India," said Singh.

 

In the latest incident, a cab driver was attacked in the early hours of Friday (January 15) by a group of passengers, who, as per the police reports, were drunk.

 

The perpetrators were later arrested by the Australian police.

 

Earlier this week, a gurdwara (Sikh temple), under construction in the southeastern suburb of Melbourne, was damaged in an overnight fire.

 

A 29-year-old Indian, Jaspreet Singh, was attacked and set alight while he was parking his car in Melbourne on January 09.

 

Earlier, an Indian student was stabbed to death.

 

Attacks against Indian students in 2009, mainly in the city of Melbourne prompted Julia Gillard, Australian Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Education and Social Inclusion, and other members of the Australian cabinet to visit India and give the assurance that steps were being taken to stop the attacks.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Thousands of people including activists of Communist Party of India (Marxist) turned out in Kolkata city on Sunday (January 17) to pay homage to veteran leader Jyoti Basu, the Communist patriarch. He was 95.

 

Basu died from multiple organ failure at a city hospital, where he was being treated for 15 days.

 

Basu’s death has caused a major grief across political parties.  

 

Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani said he would be present during the funeral procession of Basu on Tuesday.

 

"I asked these people to find out when the funeral will take place, and we came to know that it will be held on Tuesday, that is day after tomorrow. So I will be going for the funeral and it was also decided by the regional wing, that we will defer tomorrow''s programme," said Lal Krishna Advani.

 

A London-trained barrister, Basu debuted in politics as a union leader and later gained legendary status with his five unbroken 5-year terms as chief minister of West Bengal.

 

Basu retired from active politics a decade ago, but his towering stature retained its unifying influence among the leftist groups and he continued to play what often seemed the role of a crisis manager and political arbitrator.

 

Basu''s party and its allies, despite their long years in power, have often differed over policy issues such as acquiring farmland for industry.

 

It was his brand of liberal communism that ensured wide acceptability for Basu and he was offered the job of prime minister twice in 1996, but he had to decline because of opposition from within his party.

 

Basu described that decision as "historic blunder" in an open criticism of a section of his party''s dogmatic ideologues.

 

Born into a middleclass family of a doctor, Basu went to study law in the United Kingdom where he came in touch with the Communist Party of Great Britain.

 

The short, reticent politician, always seen in a white flowing shift and an Indian wraparound, began his political career as a leader of dock and railway workers in Kolkata.

 

His staid and sometimes brusque style earned him the sobriquet of "a field marshal in a gentleman''s garb".

Source ANI

Kolkata: Union Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram on Sunday said that private sector in higher education should not just become private business in higher education. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the valedictory function marking the 150 years of St. Xavier''s College at Kolkata on Sunday (January 17, Chidambaram said:

"Private sector in higher education ought not to be private business in higher education. No one should be allowed to profit for offering higher education."

 

He also voiced his concern that it was shocking that only 11 to 12 percent of school leaving students are able to get past the portals of colleges and appear for graduation through open universalities.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Congress president and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday condoled the death of veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu and said that he did not go gentle into good night.

In her condolence message to Basu’s son Chandan, Sonia Gandhi said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved father. Jyoti Basu did not go gentle into good night—he fought bravely until his last breath just he did throughout his life. And what a rich fulfilled and glorious life he had! He served this country with whole hearted dedication for over half a century.”

Sonia described Basu as a crusader against communalism and a patriot who always stood for the cause of the nation.

“He was a tireless crusader against communalism, fundamentalism, a warrior for social justice and equality and for the eradication of poverty, a true patriot who always put the national interest above all edge,” she stated in her condolence message.

She also stated: “Basu was a towering figure in our national life, whose noble vision, superb judgement and depth of experience we all valued greatly.

She also recalled Basu’s contribution in the formation of UPA government at the centre in 2004.

Source ANI

Kolkata: West Bengal Government on Sunday evening announced a three-day state mourning in respect of former Chief Minister and Communist patriarch Jyoti Basu who died in the morning here.

The National Flag will fly half-mast during the mourning period in West Bengal.  

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Left Front Chairman Biman Bose said here on Sunday that all arrangements were being made for the funeral of veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu.

Outlining the funeral arrangements, Bose said, Jyoti Basu’s body would be moved from his home to Communist Party of India (Marxist) headquarters at around 9.30 a.m on

Monday, where it will be kept for the public to pay last respects.

Biman Bose also informed media that Basu’s body will be donated to the hospital.

He informed that on Monday at around 4.30 p.m, Basu’s body will be take to Vidhan Sabha Bhavan. The last journey will start from Vidhan Sabha Bhavan on Tuesday.

Bose said, leaders of different parties, and representatives and delegates from different countries are also expected to arrive to Kolkata.

Meanwhile, in a conference, West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee described Basu as “a guardian of the State and also the Left movement in the country”.

CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said: “Jyoti Basu stood for the struggle of the working class. He has left us bereft because there will be none like him.”

Source ANI

New Delhi: A pall of gloom has descend on political circles of the country with the passing away of Communist patriarch and former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu who left for heavenly abode on Sunday morning at a private hospital following multi-organ failure at the age of 95.

 

Political leaders cutting across party line looked deeply moved by the death of Basu, who was described as ‘the architect of first UPA government” and a “people’s leader” whose death is being widely seen as “an end of an era” by politicians.

 

"I was fortunate that I could work with him. I was fortunate to receive his leadership, his love. He was my guide. He not only led the Communist party but also ruled the people’s hearts," said former Lok Sabha Speaker and Communist leader Somnath Chatterjee.

 

“Jyoti Basu taught us to relate to people……I called him “People’s leader”,” Chatterjee added.  .

 

"A sort of a father figure, a figure who has brought all of us in, and in the most difficult circumstances also... He was also immense inspiration for all of us. There were times when the party''s decision will always be sacrosanct for him, whatever his individual opinion. And I think this a very enduring lesson for all of us. And I think even in his death he''s lived a life of a person who fights. Even for 15 days when he was in the hospital the way he was fighting, it was only the motto of his life, never say give up," said Sitaram Yechury, Politburo member, Communist Party of India (Marxist).

 

CPI General Secretary A.B. Bardhan described, Basu’s death as “a major setback for the party and the nation.”

 

"Jyoti Basu was indeed one of the tallest leaders of contemporary India. He was a stalwart in Indian politics. He was committed to the cause of the weaker sections of the society and throughout his life he stood by those values. He was committed to his ideology and to a sense of idealism and it was this, that gave him the credibility and stature of a tall contemporary leader who played a very long innings both as a chief minister and also in public life," said Arun Jaitely

 

Union Agriculture minister and National Congress Party chief Pawar in his condolence message said: “The demise of Shri Jyoti Basu has left an unbridgeable void in Indian polity. Among the architects of modern India his contribution is incomparable. As the longest serving Chief Minister of India, Shri Basu’s commitment to the cause of the common man and the welfare of the down trodden was a hallmark of his administration.”

 

Pawar said Basu’s passing away marks the end of an era of idealism and personal courage.

 

“The nation today has lost a veteran mentor and I deeply mourn the personal loss of a dear and trusted colleague,” Pawar added.

 

Congress leader Digvijay Singh said: "He had a different kind of personality and we can say that we will not be able to see a second Jyoti Basu."

 

Former Railways Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal President Lalu Prasad Yadav said: “Jyoti Basu was the most respected leader.”

 

Samajwadi Party chief Mulyam Singh Yadav described Basu’s death as “a national loss.”

 

“Central Government should complete Jyoti Basu’s work,” said veteran Bollywood and Bangla actor Mithun Chakraborty

 

Basu died at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

 

He was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav on Sunday accepted the resignation of party General Secretary Amar Singh.

 

“I accept Amar Singh’s resignation with a heavy heart,” Mulayam Singh Yadav was quoted by NDTV as saying.

 

Earlier, Amar Singh resigned from all the positions he held in the party citing ‘health reasons’.

 

It is well-known Amar Singh had been finding it difficult to stay back in the party after developing a difficult relation with party chief Mulayam Singh’s brother Ram Gopal Yadav recently. 

 

In the first week of this month Mulayam Singh had refused to accept the resignation of Amar Singh from party posts and expressed the hope that the matter would be settled.

 

“I have not accepted Amar Singh’s resignation. I have a deep relationship with him. Everything will be fine and settled,” Yadav had stated earlier.

 

Party’s another general secretary and Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt also followed Amar Singh’s footsteps and resigned from the party.

 

With the acceptance of Amar Singh’s resignation it is expected that Rajya Sabha member Jaya Bachhan, and Lok Sabha member Jaya Prada will also quit the party as they are considered close to Singh.

 

Singh alleged that the party is becoming Mulayam Singh Yadav’s family property.

 

Party’s many leaders and  MLAs from Uttar Pradesh had also sent their resignation to party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

 

Earlier, the Kshatriya Samaj to which Amar Singh belongs to, announced that it will support him if he plans to launch a new political party.

Source ANI

Srinagar: Due to the scarcity of fresh vegetables during the winter, sale of dry vegetables or “Hokh-suen” has picked up in Kashmir.

Out of the indigenously dried and preserved vegetables are: Alae Hache (dried bottle gourds), Ruvangan Hache (dry tomatoes), Vangan Hache (dry brinjals), Hoch meethi (dry fenugreek), Hoch Palak (dry spinach), Gogji arae (dry turnip), Gogji Mus (small dry turnip with leaves), Bumb (a wild herb) and Hand (a wild herb) are a few of the commonly found dried vegetables.

"It is Kashmir''''s old tradition. In Summers the vegetables are dried and are sold during winters when there is severe scarcity of fresh vegetables," said Gulam Rasool, a trader.

Earlier "Hokh-suen" were domestically produced and consumed, but from past several years, it has emerged as a full-fledged business with shops selling dry vegetables during winter season.

"There is a lot of demand, these vegetables are also taken form here to Jammu and Delhi. People also buy dry fish," said Mohammad Latif, a shopkeeper.

Kashmiris have a great weakness for "Hokh-suen" and the centuries old practice is coming handy during winters when the supply of fresh vegetables from rest of the parts of the country gets blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Besides taste, Kashmiris prefer eating dry vegetables during severe cold winter in the belief that it generates heat in the body.

That is why, despite availability of modern dehydrated and processed vegetables in the market, "Hokh-shun" still finds a place on the Kashmiri platter.

Source ANI

Agartala: The very word ''festival'' often reminds people of delicious food, as celebration of any festive occasion looks incomplete unless and until rich food is distributed among near and dear ones. The festival of Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival, celebrated all around India is no exception.

 

There was a time when a lot of special dishes were prepared on this day and since Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival so most of the delicacies were made of the new rice coming out of the paddy.

 

In the eastern parts of the country, a popular delicacy is “Pitha” or, home made cake. It’s a traditional food item, particularly prepared during the festival of Makar Sankrant.

 

Though different types of Pithas are made during the whole year but winter is considered to be the best season for making and having Pitha. It is because during this season molasses of date-palm is available. Other ingredients necessary for making pitha are powder of Atap (unboiled) rice, coconut, banana, oil etc. The procedure is slightly elaborate and time-consuming but could be easily prepared.

 

Some of popular varieties of Pitha are—Chitoi, Vapa-pitha, Patishapta-pitha, Puli-pitha, and Malpoa.

 

On different ceremonies, village girls and women used to make different shapes and designs of Pitha, which is called ‘Nakshi Pitha’ and it was a common tradition of village areas. But where tradition meets urbanity the story is quite different.

 

In modern urban society, it looks most of the people are not just losing faith in old customs and traditions but also losing small moments of cherishable and mouth watering food items.

 

India is one of the few countries in the world that can boast of people from different backgrounds and different religions living together and enjoying and celebrating festivals but also enjoy the traditional delicacies that have been passed on from generations to generations.

 

Each and every festival brings with it the joy of the festival and ceremonious food that is awaited for all year long. These special recipes not only provide a opportunity to discover and taste the delicacies of others but also help us to forget about problem and enjoy the festival to the fullest. In fact these traditional delicacies are added attractions to the festivals.

 

“Now there is very less number of people in families and so instead of making traditional foods buy it from shops. There is no more the enjoyment that we had during our time,” said Bani Bhattacharjee, an elderly tradition food maker.

 

“Now we no more celebrate our festivals with traditional food items as we do not have time since we are engaged with children’s school, tuition, singing etc. Still now we prepare some traditional food items during festivals but it will be totally lost in the coming days. During Makar Sankranti celebration now people bye food items from shops as it is easily available. The new generation is more attracted towards fast food so I think the traditional foods will get lost in the coming days,” said Tapashi Bhattacharjee, traditional food maker.

 

The city people also like traditional food like Pithas and it is proved from the rush in different traditional food item shops opened in the cities during different fairs especially.

 

“This is very tasty to eat and it is not prepared in our house and we get it only during some fairs and so I have eaten many of them,” said Romario Debbarma, a traditional food lover.

Source ANI

New Delhi: India and Myanmar are holding secretary level talks in Myanmar capital Nay Pyi Taw from Tuesday.

 

Union Home Secretary G K Pillai is leading the Indian delegation for the three-day talks.

 

Pillai is likely to hold an extensive interaction on cooperation in counter-terrorism and curbing transnational crimes. Other issues of mutual interest are likely to be taken up with the Myanmar leadership.

 

Both India and Myanmar are expected to exchange views on sharing intelligence.

 

The fencing of the entire Indo-Myanmar border which had got delayed due to the lack of a clearly demarcated boundary line is also expected tobe taken up during Pillai’s visit.

 

The Myanmar delegation will be headed by Brigadier General Phone Swe.

Source ANI

Jammu: Border Security Force personnel on Sunday gunned down an intruder along the India-Pakistan border while he was trying to infiltrate into Indian territory.

 

The intruder, identified as a Pakistani national, was killed around 2.45 (local time) in the early morning hours in the vicinity of the Chowni border out post (BOP) Arnia sub-Sector in RS Pura, 43 kilometers off Jammu.

 

"I saw this man coming from the other side; several other were hiding. He was earlier walking along the zero line; then he started to come towards the Indian territory. I fired in air and asked my superiors who told me to shoot him. I fired one shot, he fell down. Later I fired another shot in which he was killed," said Vijay Kumar Yadav, a BSF personnel.

 

This is sixth infiltration bid during the January 2010 along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu.

 

The infiltration bids have become recurring events despite a ceasefire between the two armies and a three-metre (yard) high barbed wire security-fence along most of the 742 kilometers (460-miles) long Line of Control (LoC).

Source ANI

Imphal: Students in Manipur have once again started going to schools after the  long impasse between the government and student bodies was resolved.

Things have returned to normal in schools. Classes have resumed in Manipur after a gap of four months.

The Manipur Government repeated requested the student’s bodies to give up the class boycott campaign, so that students can go to their respective schools, as soon as possible.

And now they all have agreed to back their boycott call.

This forced break was a nightmare for parents, as it posed a serious threat to the future of the children.
 
But with the resumption of classes the parents are heaving a sigh of relief.

The students lost vulnerable time in last few months due to this boycott. This might affect the competitive ability of students.

The deadlock between the government and student bodies took nearly 4 months and five rounds of discussions before it was resolved.
 
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government and Apunba Lup, a civil body representing nearly 20 different organizations including All Manipur Student Union, Manipur Student Federation, Kangleipak Student Association.
 
These student bodies have withdrawn their demand for the resignation of the Chief Minister over an alleged encounter killing of a youth on July 23, 2009 in Khwairamband Bazar.
 
The investigation for that case has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“The main demand is for giving up of the class boycott campaign, so that students can go to their respective schools, as soon as possible. The Apunba Lup, others and we have agreed to that demand,” said K T Raheman of Apunba Lup.

The School boycott campaign was a nightmare for the parents and schools.
 
Some schools that tried resuming classes earlier faced the wrath of protesters, and nearly a dozen schools were torched, forcing them to shut down.

The career of thousands of students was jeopardized by this campaign.

And along with students, teachers, non-teaching staff and other members who are dependent on the education system were left jobless for many months.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Venu Srinivasan on Sunday said the nation has lost one of the tallest leaders in the demise of former West bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

Conveying his condolences, Srinivasan said that with the passing away of Basu, the nation has lost a visionary and a leader of stature.  

“India''s longest serving Chief Minister, Shri Jyoti Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal between 1977-2000. During his tenure as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, the state has made significant progress towards inclusive growth and development,” Srinivasan said.

“During his tenure, West Bengal played host to the maiden edition of Partnership Summit in 1995, CII’s flagship programme on building linkages across the globe. We had one more edition during his tenure and Shri Basu played a pivotal role in both these editions,” he added.

Mukul Somany, Chairman, CII – Eastern Region said West Bengal has lost a towering icon as also a wonderful human being, who has devoted himself for the well being of the people of West Bengal.

Somany placed on record the unstinted support of the Government of West Bengal under Basu’s dynamic leadership, for various CII initiatives.

He described Basu as a visionary leader and added that he would always be remembered not only as an able politician, but also as great statesman.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, on Sunday condoled the passing away of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

In her condolence message, Patil said: “Shri Jyoti Basu earned the unique distinction of being the longest serving Chief Minister of any state from the late seventies to the year 2000."

"During his political career he displayed his abilities as a leader of the people, an able administrator and an eminent statesman. In the years after he relinquished the Chief Ministership, he continued to be looked upon as an elder statesman, whose advice was sought by many political leaders in the state," she added.

"In his passing away, the nation has lost a veteran and an eminent public figure,” the statement concluded.

Source ANI

Kathmandu: External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna on Sunday expressed his deep condolences and anguish at the demise of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

He described Basu as a great stalwart and tall leader.

An outstanding ideologue and able administrator, Krishna said Basu shaped national and state politics for over six decades.

"His demise has left a deep void which would be hard to fill," Krishna said.

The minister offered heart felt condolences to the rank and file of CPM, people of West Bengal and the friends of family of Mr. Basu.

Source ANI

New Delhi: A thick blinding fog paralysed New Delhi on Sunday, hitting air and rail services badly.

Around 10 international and domestic flights as well as nearly 42 trains were affected because of poor visibility, leaving scores stranded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the three main railway stations in the capital.

The fog started forming around midnight and became dense in the morning.

Road traffic was equally chaotic as arterial and small roads jammed with snail-paced vehicles away. The situation got from bad to worse during peak office hours.

While the rest of the northern region too continued to reel under the intense cold wave, with the mercury dipping much below the normal at several places in eastern and northern India.

Death toll in the region due to severe cold has risen to 408 this season. All the 23 fresh deaths were reported from Uttar Pradesh, which alone accounted for 379 casualties so far.

Source ANI

Kolkata:  As veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu breathed his last on Sunday here at the AMRI Hospital at 11.47 a.m. after a multiple-organ failure, the nation lost one of its finest political leaders and a man of masses in him.

The grief of Jyoti Basu’s demise overwhelmed the entire political fraternity, as leaders expressed their heartfelt condolences as their last tribute to the Communist patriarch. He will always be remembered not just as the longest serving chief minister of West Bengal but also a leader who always stood by ethics in all seasons of his political career.

Union Finance Minister and head of West Bengal State Congress Pranab Mukherjee said: “He was architect of first United Progressive Alliance government. The nation lost a great Parliamentarian in him.”

Basu remained chief minister of West Bengal for 24 years in his long political career. He held Chief Minister’s post for five times.

Expressing her grief on the passing away of Jyoti Basu, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, “Basu was a leader of stature. I always admired him for his worth ethics.”

Conveying his condolence to Jyoti Basu, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitely said: “We have learnt a lot from him. He was such a tall political personality who worked for the poor in his lifetime.”

Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari described Jyoti Basu as “a leader who did politics of principles.”

An aggrieved Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who wanted Jyoti Basu to occupy Prime Minister’s post as the head of coalition, said: “ In Jyoti Basu’s death, a great era has come to its end.”

Communist Party of India leader D.Raja described Basu as “the finest Communist leader”.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his condolence letter to the departed leader’s son Chandan Basu, described his father as a legendary leader of the country.

“I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of your father  Jyoti Basu. The passing away of Basu from the scene marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics. In a political career spanning more than six decades, the veteran communist leader steered his party to power in West Bengal , leaving a legacy of uninterrupted rule by the Left Front that he forged through his leadership and legendary skills in building consensus,” Dr. Singh said.

“During his more than 20 years at the helm of affairs in West Bengal, he proved himself to be one of the most able administrators and politicians of independent India . He was a powerful regional voice in the national political scene and helped to strengthen Indian federalism,” he added.

Dr.Singh said he had the opportunity to work with Basu and had always turned to him for his sagacious advice on all matters, whether they related to West Bengal or to issues of national importance.

“His advice was statesmanlike but always pragmatic and based on unshakable values that he championed throughout his political career,” he said.

Union Home Minister P.Chidambaram, on this occasion said: “It is a sad day for us as we remember the great son of India. He has served for many decades, not only the people of West Bengal, but India...he dedicated his entire life to the nation. He was a great patriot, great democrat and a great human.”

“He suffered a lot for the last fortnight. I am deeply sad and offer my sincere condolences to the people and government of West Bengal,” he added.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad said: “Jyoti Babu was not only one of the longest serving Chief Ministers in the country but also an extremely popular mass leader. He was among the leading lights of the left movement in the country. In his death we have lost one of our tallest national leader and an ideological sage who always worked for the downtrodden.”

In his condolence message, Vice-President Hamid Ansari said that Basu made significant contributions to public life, and especially to the development of West Bengal.

“I have learnt with great shock and deep anguish the unfortunate passing away of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu. His demise is deeply mourned by the vast numbers of his friends and admirers in the country,” Ansari said.

“His demise leaves a void, which will be very difficult to fill. My wife joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and wide circles of friends and admirers and pray to give them strength to withstand this loss,” he added.

Jyoti Basu breathed his last at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

He was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

On Friday, doctors at the hospital said in a medical bulletin that his condition was very critical and hope for his survival was receding.

Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 24 years from 1977 to 2000.

Source ANI

Kolkata: The remains of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu will be moved from the hospital where he died on Sunday to a mortuary in central Kolkata for a day.

CPI-M sources were quoted as saying that Basu’s body would lie in state at the CPI-M headquarters in the city from Monday.

The West Bengal Government is yet to announce the period of mourning for the departed leader.

Basu died at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

He was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

On Friday, doctors at the hospital said in a medical bulletin that his condition was very critical and hope for his survival was receding.

Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 24 years from 1977 to 2000.

Source ANI

Arnia (Jammu): A Pakistani intruder was shot dead by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Sunday morning after he refused to surrender in the Arnia sector of R.S.Pura in Jammu.

Firing started on the International Border (IB) at the Chowni Border Out Post (BoP) area of Arnia sub-Sector in R.S.Pura, 43 kilometers from here around 2.45 a.m. on Sunday.

The security personnel noticed a group of suspected militants moving near the zero line from Harnawali Post of Pakistan.

BSF officials said the intruder sneaked 30 meters into the Indian territory from Harnawali Post of Pakistan, just three kilometers from Arnia village, and was asked by the force to surrender.

However, when he refused to do so, the BSF opened fire, killing him on the spot. However, an accomplice, who was hiding in the grass, managed to escape back into Pakistan.

BSF soldier Vijay Kumar said: “ I saw the man moving towards us and a group was hiding behind. First I tracked him, and then I let him come as he was moving on the Zero Line. At first, I took him to be a Pakistani Ranger, but when he crossed to the Indian side, I aimed at him, and after taking permission from my company commander, I fired at him.”

This is the sixth infiltration bid during January along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu.
 
The infiltration bids are taking place despite a ceasefire between the two armies and a three-metre (yard) high barbed wire security-fence along most of the 742-km (460-mile) LoC 202 –km IB.

Pakistan has consistently denied its involvement in abetting the anti-India insurgency movement that has killed over 47,000 people.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Prime Minster, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday condoled the death of veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu, saying the demise of the colossal leader marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics.

In his condolence letter to the departed leader’s son Chandan Basu, Dr. Singh described his father as a legendary leader of the country.

“I was deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of your father  Jyoti Basu. The passing away of Basu from the scene marks the end of an era in the annals of Indian politics. In a political career spanning more than six decades, the veteran communist leader steered his party to power in West Bengal , leaving a legacy of uninterrupted rule by the Left Front that he forged through his leadership and legendary skills in building consensus,” Dr. Singh said.

“During his more than 20 years at the helm of affairs in West Bengal, he proved himself to be one of the most able administrators and politicians of independent India . He was a powerful regional voice in the national political scene and helped to strengthen Indian federalism,” he added.

Dr.Singh said he had the opportunity to work with Basu and had always turned to him for his sagacious advice on all matters, whether they related to West Bengal or to issues of national importance.

“His advice was statesmanlike but always pragmatic and based on unshakable values that he championed throughout his political career,” he said.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu.

In a message, Azad said: “Jyoti Babu was not only one of the longest serving Chief Ministers in the country but also an extremely popular mass leader. He was among the leading lights of the left movement in the country. In his death we have lost one of our tallest national leader and an ideological sage who always worked for the downtrodden.”

Source ANI

New Delhi: Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Sunday deeply condoled the demise of veteran leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, saying that his sagacity and leadership at both the State and the national level have been a source of inspiration and guidance, and his demise leaves a void which will be very difficult to fill.

In his condolence message Ansari said that Basu made significant contributions to public life, and especially to the development of West Bengal.

“I have learnt with great shock and deep anguish the unfortunate passing away of veteran leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu. His demise is deeply mourned by the vast numbers of his friends and admirers in the country,” Ansari said.

“His demise leaves a void, which will be very difficult to fill. My wife joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and wide circles of friends and admirers and pray to give them strength to withstand this loss,” he added.

Basu died at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

He was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

On Friday, doctors at the hospital said in a medical bulletin that his condition was very critical and hope for his survival was receding.

Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 24 years from 1977 to 2000.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday deeply condoled the demise of former West Bengal Chief Minister and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Jyoti Basu, who died at the AMRI Hospital in Kolkata of multiple-organ failure.

“It is a sad day for us as we remember the great son of India. He has served for many decades, not only the people of West Bengal, but India...he dedicated his entire life to the nation. He was a great patriot, great democrat and a great human,” Chidambaram said.

“He suffered a lot for the last fortnight. I am deeply sad and offer my sincere condolences to the people and government of West Bengal,” he added.

Basu was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

On Friday, doctors at the hospital said in a medical bulletin that his condition was very critical and hope for his survival was receding.

Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 24 years from 1977 to 2000.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Jyoti Basu was born on July 8, 1914 as Jyoti Kiran Basu into an upper middle-class Bengali family in Kolkata (previously known as Calcutta).

*His father, Nishikanta Basu, was a doctor from the village of Bardi in Dhaka District, East Bengal (now in Bangladesh), while his mother Hemalata Basu was a housewife.

*Basu’s schooling started at Loreto School at Dharmatala, Kolkata, in 1920. It was there where his father shortened his name and he became Jyoti Basu. However he was moved to St. Xavier’s School in 1925.

*He completed his undergraduate education and received honours in English from the Hindu.

*After completing his undergraduate studies in 1935, Basu set out for England for higher studies in Law. It is said that Basu attended lectures of Harold Laski in late 1930. It was in England that Basu was introduced to the activities of politics through the Communist Party of Great Britain.

*During his stay in England, he was actively associated with the India League and the Federation of Indian Students in England.

In England he was inspired by noted Communist Philosopher and prolific writer Rajani Palme Dutt.

*In 1940, he completed his studies and qualified as a Barrister at the Middle Temple. In the same year, he returned to India.

*In 1944, Basu became involved in trade union activities when CPI delegated him to work amongst the railway labourers. When B.N. Railway Workers Union and B.D. Rail Road Workers Union merged, Basu became the general secretary of the union.

*He was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly for the first time in 1946.

*After partition, he was a member of the Assembly but was arrested when the Communist Party of India was banned following a call for open revolt. He was released on the orders of the High Court and was a Legislative Assembly Member between 1952 and 1972.

*In the 1950s, Basu and Parmode Das Gupta became joint leaders of the West Bengal Communists.

*He was state party secretary and led the parliamentary tactics of the CPI in Bengal against the Congress.

*The anti-Congress nature of Bengal Communism led Basu to align with the Communist Party of India (CPI(M)) following the division of the Communist Party of India in 1964.

*In 1967, Basu became Deputy Chief Minister in a coalition United Front government in Bengal in which the CPI (M) was one of the leading parties. This coalition collapsed after eight months.

*Fresh elections were held in February 1969 in which the CPI (M) emerged as the largest party. Basu was again Deputy Chief Minister in a United Front government that lasted until 1971.

*In 1977 Basu was elected to the Parliament from Satgachia and became West Bengal Chief Minister. Under his leadership the CPI (M) has won five successive elections since (1982, 1987, 1992, 1996). It is the largest democratically elected Communist movement in the world.

*Basu was a member of the CPI (M)''s Politburo since 1964. He was influential in shaping the party''s domestic and international policies. Of particular importance, since 1991, was the tactical support given to parties and groupings opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party. This brought the CPI (M) closer to Congress, but the party avoided an outright coalition.

*Basu was recognized as a clever tactician who used parliamentarism to create conditions for the success of Communism in West Bengal.

*He acquired a high reputation as a political leader and, following the national elections to parliament (1996), was considered a possible candidate for Prime Minister.

*Basu seemed all set to be the consensus leader of the United Front for the post of Prime Minister, but the CPI (M) Politburo decided not to participate in the government, a decision that he later termed a historic blunder.

* He resigned from the West Bengal Chief Ministership in 2000 due to health reasons, and was succeeded by fellow CPI (M) politician Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

*Basu holds the record for being the longest-serving Chief Minister in Indian political history.

*The 18th congress of CPI (M), held in the national capital in 2005, re-elected Basu to its Politburo, although he had asked to be allowed to retire from it.

*On September 13, 2006, Basu entreated the CPI (M) to allow his retirement due to his age, but was turned down. General Secretary Prakash Karat said that the party wanted Basu to continue until its 2008 congress, at which point it would reconsider.

*At the 19th congress in early April 2008, Basu was not included on the Politburo, although he remained a member of the Central Committee and was designated as Special Invitee to the Politburo

*The veteran leader was admitted to the AMRI hospital in Kolkata on January 1, 2010, following a severe chest infection. The doctors after conducting a proper check-up had detected that he was suffering from slight pneumonia.

*On January 15, 2010, haemo-dialysis was done to remove toxins from Basu’s body, as there was a further deterioration in his cardiac and renal functions.

*On January 16, 2010, his health condition became extremely critical and he was suffering from multiple organ failure.
   
*On January 17, 2010, Basu died at the age of 95.

Source ANI

Kathmandu: India and Nepal on Sunday agreed that recent meetings of bilateral institutional mechanisms had reinvigorated the bilateral relationship in key areas.

A joint statement issued by the governments of the two countries after the conclusion of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna’s three-day visit to Nepal from January 15 to 17, said that all decisions taken in the framework of these mechanisms should be implemented in a timely manner.

They also decided that other institutional mechanisms should meet as soon as possible.

The statement said that Krishna had paid an official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Sujata Koirala.

During his visit, Krishna called on Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal.

The joint statement said that he conveyed to them the greetings of the Indian leadership and reiterated that India attaches the highest priority to its relations with Nepal.

He also said that a warm welcome awaits the President of Nepal during his forthcoming visit to India.

The Prime Minister of Nepal expressed his deep appreciation for India’s consistent support and assistance to Nepal and at the progress made on the decisions taken during his visit to India in August 2009. He reiterated his invitation to the Prime Minister of India to visit Nepal at an early date.

Krishna also called on Subas Chandra Nembang, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and held an interactive discussion with parliamentarians representing the different political parties in the Constituent Assembly. He also met senior political leaders representing various political parties of Nepal.

During his visit, Krishna held official talks with his Nepalese counterpart Sujata Koirala on all aspects of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

13. Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote bilateral cooperation in the hydro-power sector so as to create a win-win situation for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The two ministers discussed security concerns of their respective countries and agreed that terrorism and extremism were a threat to both countries.

They agreed to cooperate closely to end this menace. The two Ministers also discussed ways to enhance bilateral security cooperation to control cross border crimes such as smuggling of fake Indian currency, human trafficking and arms smuggling.

Krishna conveyed the assurance that India was willing to provide all possible assistance to Nepalese security agencies as per the request of the Government of Nepal.

The two Ministers agreed to expedite the finalization of MoU for the construction of the Nepal Police Academy at Panauti with Government of India assistance.

Koirala reiterated Nepal’s commitment that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India.

Both sides agreed to take all necessary action to preserve law and order and maintain peace and tranquility along the India-Nepal border.

The two ministers directed their respective foreign secretaries to discuss and review the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with a view to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Indian side reiterated its commitment to assist Nepal for strengthening peace, stability and democratic institutions and for economic development of Nepal.

The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the growing commercial relations between the two countries and agreed on the need for early conclusion of the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

Krishna pointed out that concerns remain about the business environment in Nepal affecting Indian investment and joint ventures. He requested that these issues be addressed urgently and effectively.

Krishna visited the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and met with the Indian priests who represent an age-old religious and cultural tradition that links the Nepalese and Indian peoples.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal hosted a banquet in honour of Krishna.

Talks were held in an atmosphere of utmost cordiality and warmth.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Veteran Marxist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu died at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

"Jyoti Basu is no more," said party state secretary Biman Bose.

Basu was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

Born on July 8, 1914, Jyoti Kiran Basu''s name was shortened by his father to Jyoti.

In 1996, Basu seemed all set to become the first Communist Prime Minister of India. However, the CPI (M) Politburo decided not to participate in the government, a decision that Basu later termed as a historic blunder.

Basu was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1946, contesting the Railway constituency. He served as Leader of Opposition for a long time when Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy was the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Basu''s admirable eloquence both as an M.L.A and the Leader of Opposition drew the attention of Dr. B. C. Roy, who had a strong affection for this young leader though his stand was completely against the policies of the then State Government.

He led several agitations against the State Government and earned an enviable reputation as a politician, particularly among students and youth.

Beside organising the movements of railway labourers, he led a historical movement of teachers who were protesting against their meagre salary.

Between 1967 and 1969, Basu was the Deputy Chief Minister of West Bengal in the United Front governments. He worked under Chief Minister Ajay Mukhopadhay.

When the Congress returned to power in West Bengal in 1972 under Siddhartha Shankar Ray, Basu faced defeat in the Baranagar Assembly Constituency and complained about unprecedented rigging. His Party CPI (M), decided to boycott the Assembly till a fresh election was conducted in 1977.

From June 21, 1977 to November 6, 2000, Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal of various Left Front governments. In 1996, Basu almost became of Prime Minister of India.

Basu resigned as Chief Minister of West Bengal in 2000 for health reasons, and was succeeded by fellow CPI (M) politician Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

The 18th Congress of CPI (M), held in Delhi in 2005, re-elected Basu to its Politburo, although he had asked to be allowed to retire from it. On September 13, 2006, Basu entreated the CPI (M) to allow his retirement due to his age, but the resign was turned down.

At the 19th Congress in early April 2008, Basu was not included in the Politburo, although he remained a member of the Central Committee and was designated as Special Invitee to the Politburo.

Source ANI

NOIDA (Uttar Pradesh): Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday conferred an honorary doctorate degree on renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev.

Over 6,900 students received graduate, post-graduate and doctorate degrees as well.

Baba Ramdev was honored with “Degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa” by Dr. Ashok K Chauhan- Founder President, Amity University and Dr. (Mrs.)Amita Chauhan- Chairperson, Amity International Schools.

Baba Ramdev narrated how he studied in shoddy government schools being deprived of the lavish infrastructure and facilities provided by public schools.

“In my entire life’s I have not even spent Rs.1, 000 on my education.” revealed Baba.

He called upon all the graduating students to realize how much money their parents have spent to provide them best of the education and facilities and now, it is on them to fulfill the long cherished dreams of their parents.

He remarked that Indian talent is recognized and applauded worldwide. In International Universities, Indian students are doing great and have been successful in bringing laurels to the nation.

“Every human being is blessed with a bounty of immense potential, energy and talent, all he has to do is realize these gifts, nurture them and utilize them to the fullest to achieve success in life. We can change our luck with our own mental and physical effort”, cited Baba Ramdev.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Kenyan sprinter Dennis Ndisso won the seventh Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM) held here this morning while Bining Lyngkhoi stood first among Indian runners in the 42-km event.

Ndisso completed the marathon in 2 hours and 12 minutes while Lyngkhoi completed in 2.20 hrs.

Sandeep Kumar bagged the Half Marathon. Hele Kebebush of Ethiopia became the winner in the foreign women''s category of the SCMM.

Indian Aki Irappa was adjudged winner of the 21 km long Half Marathon in the women''s category.
 
Over 38,000 participants were running Asia''s largest marathon this year.

Celebrities have come out in large numbers as every year to celebrate the spirit of Mumbai.

This year''s race saw runners traverse the newly-opened symbol of Mumbai, the sea link between Worli and Bandra.

The prize money this year for the full marathon is close to 1.5 crore rupees.

Source ANI

Jalpaiguri (WB): Three specially abled youths from West Bengal began a tour across the country on Saturday to spread awareness among the physically disabled on their abilities.

The youths from the Doars tea gardens of Jalpaiguri district will be travelling on wheel chairs.

All these three youths Ram Swarup Mahali, Binod Hautal and Sumit Mahali, being disabled, are on a mission to show the world that despite having huge handicap in their life, they have succeeded in winning all hurdles.

The locals of the region gave them a warm farewell.

"Through this tour across the country, I want to make the physically disabled aware of their abilities and assure them that even they are like normal human beings and have the right to live like them. I want to spread this message that no physically disabled should consider himself as helpless or weak. If they have the spirit to do something, they will definitely become successful." said Ramswarup Mahali, one of the volunteers.

World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. India has also ratified the Convention.

According to the Indian Census 2001, 21.9 million persons of the country''s total population of over a billion people are disabled, and that 7 million of these are in the age group of 0-19 years.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Veteran Marxist leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu died at the AMRI Hospital of multiple-organ failure at 11.47 a.m. on Sunday. He was 95.

Basu was admitted to the hospital on January 1 with acute respiratory failure bordering on pneumonia. He was also undergoing treatment at the hospital for age-related ailments.

On Friday, doctors at the hospital said in a medical bulletin that his condition was very critical and hope for his survival was receding.

Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for 24 years from 1977 to 2000.

Born on July 8, 1914, Jyoti Kiran Basu’s name was shortened by his father to Jyoti.

In 1996, Basu seemed all set to become the first Communist Prime Minister of India. However, the CPI (M) Politburo decided not to participate in the government, a decision that Basu later termed as a historic blunder.

Source ANI

New Delhi: K S Money, IAS, on promotion to the post of Secretary to the Government of India, has joined  as Secretary General, National Human Rights Commission.

Money is a 1976 batch I A S officer of Rajasthan cadre.

Prior to his appointment in the NHRC, he was holding the post of Member, National Highways Authority of India.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Balazs arrived here on a five-day visit on Sunday.

His visit is part of the high-level visits that have regularly taken place between India and Hungary over the recent years.

Balazs will be paying a visit to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on Monday.
He will meet his Indian counterpart SM Krishna on Tuesday.

India''s relations with Hungary have been close and friendly, multi-faceted, and have survived the vicissitudes of political and economic changes particularly in Hungary and reorientation of foreign policy in the post-cold war period. Hungary is an important partner in Central Europe for India.

The relations between India and Hungary have been on upswing, with the bilateral trade registering impressive growth rate, going upto almost half a billion dollars last year.

Besides commercial and economic, the two countries have been having strengthening relations in the fields of science and technology, education and culture.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Obama administration has assured the Indian Government that it has no intention of playing a mediatory role in issues concerning India and Pakistan, said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

During an interview with Karan Thapar on the CNN-IBN Devil’s Advocate programme, Rao said: “The United States is fully sensitised to our concerns. They consulted us closely in the run up to the AFPAK strategy’s formulation and we continue to remain in close touch with our American interlocutors on this.”

“America is well aware of India’s approach to these issues, our concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistan, our desire to see a secure and stable Afghanistan; and that will involve tackling the sources of terrorism in our region. And America understands that Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to a number of terrorists operating in our region,” she added.

“President Obama and the American Administration have told us over and over again that they have no desire to play a mediatory role on issues concerning India and Pakistan,” Rao said.

She also said that the relationship between India and the United States is a strategic, global partnership.

“There is confidence, there is trust in this communication that India and the United States have. And the United States is well aware of our position on this,” Rao said.

She also ruled out the possibility of the relationship between India and Pakistan being re-hyphenated either because of the way the Obama Administration views South Asia or because of the way events are playing out.

“Our relationship with the United States is a mature relationship. It is one of the defining partnerships of the times as President Obama said so eloquently during our Prime Minister’s visit,” she said.

Source ANI

Gurgaon (Haryana): Global technology leader Panasonic on Saturday inked a deal with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to promote the game across the country.

Praful Patel, President of AIFF, signed the deal worth Rupees 47.5 million.

"We have to see that football is built from the sub junior to junior level and then of course to the national level. We have qualified after 24 years for the Asia Cup. That is why it is a great moment," said Patel.

As part of the deal, Panasonic will support the national team''s preparations and will take up marketing and promotional activities for the next three years.

Patel and Bollywood actress Dia Mirza unveiled the national team''s jersey.

Qatar capital Doha will host the 2011 Asian Cup.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Australian Government is aware of the Indian Government''s concerns on the issue of attacks on Indians in Australia, said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.

“The Australian Government has been sensitised to our concerns and we have impressed upon them that they need to do more to address the cause of this violence and to bring the perpetrators to book because you need to restore the climate of confidence and security among Indians living in Australia,” Rao told Karan Thapar, the host of the CNN-IBN Devil’s Advocate programme.

The Australian Government has engaged with us closely in the wake of the attacks and there has been a continuing dialogue and communication. We have a good relationship with Australia. From the Australian side it is often defined as excellent, and we have shared that assessment. But we must not let these events cast a shadow on the relationship,” Rao added.

Referring to Minister for Overseas Affairs Vayalar Ravi’s statement that the Australians are not doing enough to prosecute the offenders, Rao said: “The Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs has expressed that legitimate sense of concern that we feel.”

When asked whether a racist angle could be attributed to the attacks, Rao said: “ Let us look at the situation. You have had one community targeted. You have had persons belonging to one community targeted. And these attacks have kept occurring. There has been a certain pattern of these attacks. What the Australians tell us is that you could attribute this to urban violence, opportunistic violence, but that racism could also be an element in this. So, let us see. The investigations are going on. But we are concerned that it is just this one community that has been targeted.”

While acknowledging the concerns of the Indians and Indian media on the issue, Rao cautioned that every reaction made, should be assessed in the larger context.

“There is a very large number of Indians who live in Australia, who have made Australia their home over the decades. And, you must ensure that while you must report without fear or favour, your responses, your assessments have to be calibrated and measured to the extent possible,” Rao said.

The media, she said, must keep things in context.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has said that the Pakistan Government has to and can do more to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil, and prevent the continuous targetting of innocent Indian citizens.

"The whole phenomenon of cross-border terrorism, as it affects us today has not diminished in any manner. All the events you have seen over the last few days basically point to the basic and undeniable fact that the infrastructure of terrorism, which operates out of Pakistan and territory under Pakistan control has not been dismantled and it continues to be directed against the Indian people. It affects ordinary people. Terrorism affects people like you and me, “ Rao said in an interview with Karan Thapar, the host of CNN-IBN''s Devil’s Advocate program.

When asked whether the Pakistan Government is extending some sort of support, Rao said: “I think the experience over the last two decades would make it very clear to us that this has been an instrument of state policy which has been pursued by agencies within Pakistan.”

Referring to a recent terrorist strike in Srinagar, Kashmir, Rao said militancy and violence in Kashmir is a longstanding phenomenon.

“We have seen it happen over and over again for many many years now. And this has been accompanied by rhetoric, rhetoric directed against India, all forms and means of propaganda that comes across from the Pakistan side. So, rhetoric, militancy and violence, together they make a very combustible combination,” she said.

Rhetoric, she added, was always unhelpful in situations such as these.

She also expressed the view that the AFPAK strategy announced by President Barack Obama in December, suggested that Washington the United States has been sensitised to New Delhi’s concerns about terrorism that “operates from areas contiguous to our border with Pakistan.”

“Terrorism and violence within Pakistan, and you have seen a rise in levels of both terrorism and violence within Pakistan, clearly reverberate beyond Pakistan’s borders. We have said over and over again that we would like a secure, a stable, a peaceful Pakistan. Obviously violence and terrorism in Pakistan and manifestations of what you referred to as instability, concern all of us,” the foreign secretary said.

The concern over cross-border terrorism notwithstanding, Rao said that the Indian Government continue to deal with the Government of Pakistan.

“Obviously we have a diplomatic relationship with Pakistan. We are in touch with representatives of the Pakistan Government. For whatever reason, over and over again we are in contact. There are issues, humanitarian issues that exist between the two countries. So, that relationship continues to be transacted. The levels of dialogue obviously are much diminished after the Mumbai attacks,” she said.

She also said that India is consistently and closely monitoring developments in Pakistan.

“It is our neighbour. It is a country that is next door to us. And as I said, events, developments in Pakistan are of relevance to the entire region. And obviously the growth of civil society, the strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan is good for our future,” Rao said.

However, she refused to comment on Pakistan’s internal affairs, saying that it would not be advisable.

“Dialogue between India and Pakistan is obviously the way forward for normalisation of relations and to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries. We in India have never turned our back on dialogue with Pakistan. But let me also add that terrorism is a standalone phenomenon, and terrorism affects the climate of dialogue. It affects the progress of this dialogue,” the foreign secretary said.

Pakistan, she said, can clearly do more on dealing with the issue of terrorism to convince India.

“India’s attitude is for dialogue and to promote a peaceful resolution of problems with Pakistan. But, Karan, for all of us who have grown up against the background of what has happened in this relationship, I think there is a sense of déjà vu. And I feel a sense of sadness also that people, ordinary people in Pakistan, are being misled by propaganda of this sort,” she said.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Hundreds of school children participated in a campaign to create awareness about water conservation in Mumbai on Saturday.

Organized by the NGO called ''I Love Mumbai'', the event saw hundreds of school children taking a pledge to save water.

The organization is working on the belief that if children are involved in the campaign, their parents and family members would also participate and lend support to the cause.

"Around 3.5 ...litres of water is less in the ponds throughout the country. There has been a reduction of 15 percent of water supply in the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation supplies 1000 litres of water for just rupees 3.5, but one litre of packaged drinking water costs up to rupees 15. Out of the water supplied to the houses, 30 percent it is used for cooking and 70 percent for washing and other purposes. So, in this campaign we are encouraging the youth to save that 70 percent of water," said Sunil Diggikar, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

" BMC has plans to start programmes in which students will be rewarded for encouraging their family members and neighbors to change their water consumption habits," he added.
According to the trustee of ''I Love Mumbai'' organization, Shaina N C, children can be the torchbearers of this campaign.

"I think the youth is not the face of the future but the present. When a young mind pledges to save water, then not only he but also his entire family is encouraged to save water," she added.

The authorities have been trying to educate people about the need to conserve water; filtered and chlorinated water in particular.

There have been campaigns in which the Government educates people of saving drinking water and not using it for purposes like washing dishes and clothes.

Source ANI

Bangalore: Caricatures of cartoonists from various parts of the world are on display at an exhibition here.

The Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC) has organised an eight-day exhibition to display over  625 caricatures and cartoons. The cartoonists participated in the ''International Manmohan Singh- Sonia Gandhi Caricature contest'' organized by the IIC.

State Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj inaugurated the exhibition and appreciated the work done by the artists.

"So much effort has been put by artists and it''s quite interesting to watch. It all shows the contribution made by these two great personalities in the Indian... that people have taken so much interest other wise nobody draws the attention of cartoonists and artists so much," he said.

The caricatures by cartoonists from across the world surprised many viewers.
"I am surprised by the number of entries it has received specially from other countries like china and Russian countries are there. So, the exhibition is excellent," said Subhash Aggarwal, a visitor.

Iranian cartoonists Vahid Jafari and Salam Mohammadi received the first and second prizes for their Manmohan Singh illustrations in the Contest whereas the third prize was granted to Sandeep Adhwaryu from India. B.N. Biswal from Nagpur has bagged the best caricature prize for his Sonia Gandhi drawing.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Former West Bengal Chief Minister and senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Jyoti Basu, who has suffered multi-organ failure, was given a temporary pacemaker early on Sunday morning.

Doctors at the AMRI Hospital have stated that his heartbeat has dropped below 50 when the normal is 60 and a temporary pacemaker has been installed.

"His condition is pretty bad. Before the rate of his heartbeat dropped, his blood pressure also declined when he was on Slow Low Efficiency Daily Dialysis (SLEDD), Dr Susruth Banerjee, told media.

The SLEDD, which was to be underway for eight hours, was stopped after seven-and-a-half hours because of the drop in blood pressure.

On Thursday Basu''s lung congestion had reduced, while his pulse rate and blood pressure was stable.

The veteran leader was admitted to the AMRI hospital on January 1 following a severe chest infection.

Doctors there said he was suffering from slight pneumonia.

Basu was last admitted to the hospital in July 2009complaining of discomfort in the abdomen and of disturbed sleep.

Source ANI

Surat: Kin of Indian diamond traders detained in China on charges of smuggling diamonds are praying for their early release.

Kin, accompanied by the local diamond fraternity, queued up at a local temple here to pray for their wellness.

They weighed an idol of the Swami Narayan Lord on a weighing scale with precious stones and diamonds of 4,200 carats put on the other scale.

" We always wanted to offer diamonds in such a way to the Lord. Diamond exporters have taken a good step forward in the progress of the nation. We have knowledge that few of our diamond exporters are stuck in China and are in deep trouble. So by doing this, we have prayed to the Lord for their happiness and peace," said Vishwa Vallabh Kothari, a priest.

The Indian authorities have asked Beijing Indian Embassy officials to inquire into the matter. Indian consular officials have been granted access to the detained Indian nationals.

The arrests by Beijing has come in the wake of three Chinese engineers detained by India in Chhattisgarh in connection with a chimney crash at the BALCO (Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd) plant in Korba, where around 41 were workers were killed in September last year.

Source ANI