India News

Ludhiana: The Punjab Agricultural University recently organized a workshop in Ludhiana, which focused on making the cooperative movement in the state effective in agriculture sector.

The cooperative sector in India is the largest in the world and it plays a pivotal role in employment generation, poverty alleviation and food security. There are more than 500,000 co-operative societies working to bring about a change in the country.

Through the workshop themed ‘Relevance of Cooperative Movement in Agriculture’, the Punjab Agricultural University aimed to help farmers adopt new technologies that they generated.

According to the officials, the role of cooperative sector is extremely important in agriculture sector, as it supplies agricultural credit and funds and has the potential to deliver goods and services in vital areas where state and private sectors have not been able to do very much.
 
In Punjab, cooperatives are playing a critical role in creating mass awareness too.

“Punjab is an agricultural state and our main focus during these days is to reduce the cost of production and enhance the per unit productivity level. It is only possible if we create the awareness among the masses that how we can reduce the cost of cultivation. Our second thrust area is to rationalize the use of resources available with us,” said M.S. Gill, Director of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University.

“At all the forums, we always cry that water table is declining, soil health is degraded, so with the cooperative department till date their main focus was to arrange the supply of the inputs which are considered very crucial for the agriculture sector,” Gill added.   
 
The cooperative movement in Punjab is on strong footing with 60,000 societies that have a total turn over of around four billion dollars.
 
Small and marginal farmers are able to take up new technologies and even go in for alternative farming, as credit is easily available at Cooperative Banks.
 
In Punjab, many educated unemployed youth too have benefited from self-employment schemes run by the cooperative societies.
 
“There is tremendous scope for employment. We need passion to improve the conditions in farming. About 300,000 farmers in Punjab have per capita five acres of land and they need our help. So there is no doubt that a number of people can get employment,” said Dr. Maninderjeet Singh, Chief Medical Officer.
 
Balmukand Sharma, Chief Manager of Markfed in Punjab, said: “Cooperatives are one of the biggest employers at the world level. Around 10 million people are already employed by it. So keeping that in mind we think there is a huge scope for the students of B. Sc. (Agriculture) and MBA in Agri Business Management in private and government sector,”

“They can get employment in cooperatives like Markfed, Milkfed, housing federation, cooperative banks and development banks because after the retirement of the old staff, new recruitments will take place, so it offers good employment opportunities,” he added.       

Dairy farming is one of the main thrust areas of economic development in Punjab, and cooperatives like Milkfed and the Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited have achieved impressive results posting massive gains since their inception in 1973.
 
In fact, provisions have been so made that small and landless rural families are able to supply their milk with convenience to the urban consumers with the help of cooperative Unions.
 
Agriculture continues to be an extremely important sector of India’s economy and the cooperative movement has a crucial role to play in bringing about its transformation.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Iran today expressed its reservation over the reintegration of Taliban in Afghanistan and rejected the idea of "Good Taliban and Bad Taliban".

Iran''s Ambassador to India, Seed Mehdi Nabizadeh, today said at a press conference here, that there is no "Good Taliban or Bad Taliban".

The Iranian viewpoint is in disconsonance with India which has been airing its apprehensions over engagement with "Good Taliban" in Afghanistan but, has altered its position during last month''s London conference on Afghanistan in which it grudgingly agreed to the possibility of engagement.

The reintegration of Taliban has been espoused by Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and was endorsed by sixty nations, including India.

Nabizadeh blamed foreign forces mainly the US and NATO for the quagmire in Afghanistan and said the government should
be run by its own countrymen.

He also expressed concern over the spillover effect of terrorist violence and fundamentalism from Afghanistan into neighboring countries.

Nabizadeh said neighboring countries could play a greater role in stabilizing Afghanistan.

The West is pushing India, Iran and Russia to create a regional institution or council for the stabilization of the war torn country.

Diplomatic sources said that India, Iran and Russia have withdrawn from the trilateral process and are dealing with the issue bilaterally.

The Iranian envoy also welcomed moves by India to have foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan and offered Iran''s support for the proposed initiative.

Nabizadeh said Iran always welcomed direct talks and was ready to help if needed.

On the proposed Iran-India-Pakistan gas pipeline, Nabizadeh said the doors are still open for India to join the project. But he added it would not be an indefinite offer.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Pro-environnment group Greenpeace on Tuesday welcomed Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh''s decision not to allow commercialisation of Bt Brinjal.

In a statement issued in response to Ramesh''s announcement, Greenpeace said: "The minister must now reassure the nation that the moratorium will not lead to a back door entry of Bt Brinjal or the 41 other food crops which are in different stages of trial in the country."

"Stringent monitoring measures should be immediately put in place to ensure that no releases of GM crops happen and a strong message be sent out by making GM developers liable for any accidental or illegal releases. The moratorium is a good step towards charting the path for sustainable agriculture and food security for our country," the statement added.

The reaction from Greenpeace came hours after Ramesh gave the thumbs down to the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal and imposed a moratorium on it till further study.

Ramesh said, “ It is my duty to adopt a cautious approach on Bt Brinjal.”

“Moratorium has been issued till the study confirms safety of the product,” he added.

The Centre was to make a formal announcement over the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal today.

Earlier, caught between pro and anti-Bt Brinjal groups, Ramesh said the decision by the Centre on commercial introduction would not be ‘easy’ but it would reflect the ‘people''s general sentiment’.

Ramesh had earlier said he did not expect anybody to be happy with the keenly awaited decision, even as Karnataka joined Uttarakhand in deciding to ban Bt Brinjal without waiting for the Centre to take a call on commercialisation of the genetically modified crop.

Farmers, NGO’s and members of various organisations had unanimously condemned the move to introduce Bt Brinjal, carrying placards with slogans like “we don’t need Bt Brinjal.”

They argued that its introduction would be unsafe, as research conducted in the field was still insufficient. Seed owners would not end up being farmers, but multinationals, they added.

Some farmers, however, favoured the cultivation of Bt Brinjal, on grounds that a high yield would spell better economic stability and mitigate the financial problems of farmers.

Scientists stated that Bt Brinjal is still not ready for mass consumption. They said technology and research has to be fine-tuned.

Source ANI

Nagpur: A ten-wicket haul by South African fast bowler Dale Steyn helped his side thrash India by an innings and six runs on the fourth day of the Nagpur Test on Tuesday.

Trailing by 325 runs, Sachin Tendulkar’s masterly 46th Test century could not stop South Africa from bowling India out for 319.

Steyn’s seven-wicket haul in the first innings had forced India to follow-on, after his piercing line and length made sure that the home team was at some distance from the imposing South African total of 558-6 declared. 

Steyn took seven for 51 runs and three for 57 in the match.

Resuming the day at 66-2, Team India lost overnight batsman Murali Vijay (32) inside the first hour of play.

Tendulkar, who hit two successive centuries during India''s 2-0 Test win against Bangladesh, defied the South African attack for close to four and a half hours before being bowled off the pad by left-arm spinner Paul Harris. Harris took three wickets for 76.

The two teams now move to Kolkata for the second and final Test of the series to be played from February 14.

India’s number one Test ranking is in danger of being handed over to South Africa if they lose the series while a draw will see them retain the top spot.

Brief Scorecard:

South Africa: First Innings 558 for six declared (Amla 253 not out, Kallis 173, de Villiers 53).

India: First Innings 233 (Sehwag 109, Badrinath 56, Steyn 7-51)
Second Innings (follow-on) 319 (Tendulkar 100, Steyn 3-57, Harris 3-76)

Source ANI

Bangalore: Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday gave the thumbs down to the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal and imposed a moratorium on it till further study.

Ramesh said, “ It is my duty to adopt a cautious approach on Bt Brinjal.”

“Moratorium has been issued till the study confirms safety of the product,” he added.

The Centre was to make a formal announcement over the commercialisation of Bt Brinjal today.

Earlier, caught between pro and anti-Bt Brinjal groups, Ramesh said the decision by the Centre on commercial introduction would not be ‘easy’ but it would reflect the ‘people''s general sentiment’.

Ramesh had earlier said he did not expect anybody to be happy with the keenly awaited decision, even as Karnataka joined Uttarakhand in deciding to ban Bt Brinjal without waiting for the Centre to take a call on commercialisation of the genetically modified crop.

Farmers, NGO’s and members of various organisations had unanimously condemned the move to introduce Bt Brinjal, carrying placards with slogans like “we don’t need Bt Brinjal.”

They argued that its introduction would be unsafe, as research conducted in the field was still insufficient. Seed owners would not end up being farmers, but multinationals, they added.

Some farmers, however, favoured the cultivation of Bt Brinjal, on grounds that a high yield would spell better economic stability and mitigate the financial problems of farmers.

Scientists stated that Bt Brinjal is still not ready for mass consumption. They said technology and research has to be fine-tuned.

Source ANI

Patna: Over hundreds of students took to the streets here on Tuesday allegedly upset with the working of private coaching institutes.

The students, who were mainly students of Class 12, claimed that despite charging high fees, the coaching institutes are unable to complete the course on time.

The angry students pelted stones and ransacked the offices of the coaching institutes. They demanded that all the coaching institutes be shutdown as they are making money in the name of teaching.

The city police had to bring the situation under control and extra policemen have been deployed in the area at present to avoid any untoward incident.

Source ANI

Mumbai: The nine-day ongoing annual art festival here is drawing a good response with art lovers along with international tourists visiting in big numbers.

Having commenced on Feb.6, Kala Ghoda festival is showcasing vibrant forms of art forms scattered over the lanes and sidewalks of the Kala Ghoda street of Mumbai city.

Animal structures on the road, colourful hangings; like balls and bells from the tree, 3D paintings on the road and photography exhibited on the sidewalks mark the festival which has attracted enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

"The art in India is exceptional but it is also nice to see modern art as well. Often you get opportunity to see traditional art and that is fabulous and that is what we hope to see today. It''s been specially nice to be here and see some modern expression of art and see that they are also unique and socially relevant and have something to say," said Professor Jeniffer Kuster, a Canadian national, on Monday.

The festival, a brainchild of a voluntary organisation named ''Kala Ghoda'', is aimed to give a platform to the artistes to display their creative expression.

Indian artistes here have chosen to use this opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues.

"I want to give people a message that they should make efforts to save the earth, that is what my art says," said Sachin, an Indian artiste.

Apart from art, the vibrant street festival would also showcase dance, music, theatre, cinema, literature, lectures, seminars and workshops on various social issues.

Source ANI

Dhanbad (Jharkhand): Continuing with their violent form of agitation and aim to spread terror among the poor people, a group of Maoist rebels blew up a stretch of railway track near Dhanbad in Jharkhand state on Monday.

The latest incident of sabotaging train services is part of the 72-hour Bandh (shutdown) call given by the ultras in four states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.

The call for shutdown was given to register protest against the Central government''s ''Operation Green Hunt'' to track down Maoists.

Security personnel learnt about the blown up track near the railway station, just after dawn while doing their routine patrolling in the region.

The incident derailed a goods wagon. However, the track was restored by the railway authorities soon.

"A 1.5 metre railway track has been destroyed in the blast. The restoration work is almost finished. There have been a number of damages caused in the down line. Currently, we are letting Rajdhani (a super fast train) pass through the railway line." said Amarendra Das, Senior Public Relation Officer, Dhanbad Railway Station.

The Maoist movement that began four decades ago championing the cause of poor peasants in the Naxalbari area of West Bengal has now spread to different States of the country, with the rebels targeting police and government property in hit-and-run attacks.

The rebels have ignored repeated calls to renounce violence and negotiate, and have stepped up their attacks in recent months, prompting the government to go after them in a concerted strike.

The Maoists contend that they are fighting for the rights of the poor and marginal farmers and landless laborers.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had described Maoists movement as one of the gravest domestic threat to India''s internal security.

Source ANI

Jaipur: Many cancer affected children had a pleasant time on Monday, as they got an opportunity to meet Bollywood actor Tushar Kapoor here in Rajasthan capital city.

Tushar spent about two hours in the company of kids and also danced with them during a function organised for the cancer-affected patients.

The Bollywood actor said he was glad to have come to the city, as the kids inspired him. He also said that their fight against cancer should be appreciated.

"See I am no one to give a message, they better know what they are going through, and since they are fighting against this incurable disease and succeeding, I think I should learn from them. I am here to just give them a little encouragement but I myself received a lot of motivation," said Tushar Kapoor.

Asked about the ongoing debate of Mumbai being meant for Mumbaikars only, Tushar said Mumbai is for everybody.

"I don''t understand why we take everything to a political level, Mumbai is for everybody.  In fact, every state is for everybody, our country is for Indians and we welcome foreigners as well. So why won''t we welcome our people," said Tushar Kapoor.

He also mentioned that Mumbai is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city and cricket and politics should not be mixed together.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to rescind the ban on the construction of Dalit memorial parks and statues in Lucknow, delivering a major setback to the Mayawati Government.

The apex court however, asked the Allahabad High Court to give its judgement on all pending cases against Mayawati within four months and permitted the State Government to continue with maintenance related works.

A two-judge bench comprising Justices J M Panchal and A K Patnaik said this would include removal of debris and cleaning of parks and memorials.

Mayawati has been accused of using taxpayers'' money to build these parks in memory of Dalit icons, including herself.

Some cases are being heard by the Allahabad High Court.

Mayawati had asked that all cases be clubbed together and heard in the Supreme Court.

The apex court had earlier reserved its order on all construction and maintenance activities at these sites.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Clarifying his stand on skipping Tuesday''s meeting convened by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to help the four Naxal-affected states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand counter the Naxal problem; Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that he had prior commitments and was not informed about the meeting in advance.

Kumar said, "I had prior commitments to fulfill today and the Home Minister did not discuss these issues while fixing the dates."

"I don''t think, we can solve these issues by applying force," added Kumar.

Kumar has sent Bihar Home Secretary for the meeting in his absence.

Official sources have said the meeting will review at length the strategy adopted to deal with Naxals in the three States and co-ordination among them as Naxals often from one State to another after committing a crime.
 
The discussion today will stress on the offensive that will be launched at the interstate junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand or Bihar-Jharkhand, as these areas are considered to be a breeding ground of the Naxalites.
 
Issues of development will also be discussed during the daylong meet.
 
Director General of Police (DGP)''s of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) will also attend the meeting along with the top police officials of the Naxal-affected four states.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who is on a six-day visit to India, was on Tuesday accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh were present on the occasion along with a host of other dignitaries.

Gul said, "My expectation from this visit is to have Turkey and India discover each other. In fact, the process has already started and we have to speed it up. Turkey and India have many similarities, both countries are secular and we have free market economy and our economies are booming."

During the visit of the Turkish President, the two countries are expected to hold talks on bilateral relations, economic and political ties.

The Civil nuclear cooperation will also be discussed between the two countries.

Source ANI

Canberra: Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith on Tuesday described the series of racially-motivated attacks against Indians, particularly students, in the country as inexcusable, and urged the government and all Australians to view the matter very seriously.

Addressing Parliament here, Smith said: "Recent contemptible attacks on Indian students and others of Indian origin in Australia have cast a long shadow, not only over our education links, but across our broader relationship and bilateral agenda.   These attacks are inexcusable. Australia needs to take this seriously and we are taking it very seriously." 

"We also need to accept and understand that it has considerably damaged Australia’s reputation in India and among the Indian people.  Indeed it has been widely noticed beyond India and South Asia. On behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian people, I again express publicly, as I have privately to my counterpart External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, my deep sympathy and condolences to those Indians who have had family members in Australia attacked and in some tragic cases, murdered," he added.

He said that police forces in Australia are investigating all incidents so that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.

"We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that the children Indian parents have entrusted into the care of the Australian community remain safe and come home with a first class education and a great Australian experience. We have zero tolerance for racism in this country. If any of these attacks have been racist in nature - and it seems clear some of them have - they will be punished with the full force of the law," Smith said.

"Let us be absolutely clear about this:  the Australian Government and Australian community condemn all such attacks, irrespective of nationality or ethnicity. The Australian Government and the Australian community unequivocally condemn any attack which is racially motivated.   Such attacks affront our values and are anathema to our view of the modern Australia. Australia and India are countries for which the rule of law is fundamental.  The rule of law means that we allow the processes of investigation, prosecution and sentencing to take their course.  That is what we are doing. Governments at all levels in Australia are working together to address this problem," Smith said. 

He informed that law enforcement agencies have brought perpetrators of attacks to justice in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. 

In Victoria alone some 45 people have been arrested for crimes against Indian students or nationals and perpetrators are being pursued with vigour, the foreign minister said. 

Smith said Indian citizens are welcome guests in Australia, and added that Indian-Australians make a most important contribution to the fabric of our multicultural society. 

"We want to ensure that international students, whether from India or elsewhere, obtain a quality education, can support themselves financially, and have a positive experience in Australia. The safety issue has revealed deficiencies in our education and visa arrangements for international students.   Australian Governments at all levels have moved to address those deficiencies," he said.

He said that he was in regular touch with Indian Foreign Minister Krishna and had informed of latest developments on issues arising from attacks on Indians in Australia.  Krishna, he said, would be informed this week by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and through the Indian High Commission in Canberra of further developments, he added.

"We need goodwill and consistent leadership on both sides to deal with the challenges this matter has identified," he concluded.

Source ANI

Srinagar: Another army soldier was killed in a second avalanche on Tuesday, even as 13 out of the 14 already trapped, were rescued from an Army forward post in  Jammu and Kashmir Tangdhar District.

On Monday, at least 17 soldiers had lost their lives. Around 400 people mostly Armymen and porters were rescued.

The avalanche took place at 11 a.m. on Monday. The Army''''s High Altitude Warfare School at Gulmarg had established an advance camp at Gujjar Hut on Sunday, and 300 Army trainees, 100 trainers, 60 support staff and 50 civilians were present when the avalanche came down.

Army and police rescue teams reached the location and made all efforts possible to rescue all those trapped.

Snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) had issued an avalanche warning last evening and asked the people living in high altitude areas not to venture in the area, which has been receiving heavy snowfall for the past three days.

High danger prone areas include Sonamarg, Gagangir, Bhimbat, Drass, Batalic, Dhudi and S M Hills in Kargil district.
 
The areas where low danger avalanche warning has been issued include both sides of the Jawahar Tunnel and the adjoining areas on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren have decided to skip Tuesday''s meeting convened by Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to help the four Naxal-affected states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand to co-ordinate their campaign against Naxals.

Soren has sent his deputy Sudesh Mahato, while Nitish Kumar has sent the State Home Secretary for the meeting.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will attend today''s meeting and chalk out strategies to counter the Naxal threat.
 
Official sources have said the meeting will review at length the strategy adopted to deal with Naxals in the three States and co-ordination among them as Naxals often from one State to another after committing a crime.
 
The discussion today will stress on the offensive that will be launched at the interstate junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand or Bihar-Jharkhand, as these areas are considered to be a breeding ground of the Naxalites.
 
Issues of development will also be discussed during the daylong meet.
 
Director General of Police (DGP)''s of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) will also attend the meeting along with the top police officials of the Naxal-affected four states.

Source ANI

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Police arrested eleven Maoists including two members of the central committee of the banned Communist Party of India outfit.

"Chintan and Balraj, both members of the apex central committee of the CPI (Maoist), were among 11 Naxalite leaders arrested in a night raid at Allahabad, Gorakhpur and Kanpur," Karamveer Singh, police chief of Uttar Pradesh, told a news conference here on Monday.

Chintan, 64, has PhD and MPhil degrees from JNU. Balraj, 51, also known as BR and Arvind, is a science graduate.

The nine others arrested are Navin Prasad Singh, Ambreesh, Deepak Ram, Shivraj Singh, Rajendra Kumar Fulara, Kripa Shankar, Seema Azad, Viswavijay and Asha Munda.

According to literature seized from the leaders, the Maoists were planning to expand their organisation in Uttar (North) Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Maoists claim they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers, but are fast losing credibility after attacking schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects.

Source ANI

Islamabad: Pakistan is looking to adopt a tough stance over India’s offer to resume foreign secretary level talks, as it is worried about engaging New Delhi in ‘open-ended’ talks, diplomatic sources said.

According to sources, Islamabad might push for a “result-oriented dialogue” in order to work out a programme for resolving all outstanding issues,

Pakistan does not want ‘open-ended talks without any substantial results.

“We are not interested in just talks ... we are looking for a fruitful engagement that will result in the solution of real problems and help bring peace,” sources here said.

“We are expecting a candid exchange of views on all aspects of relations with India, including the agenda of the talks ... there are several issues, such as India’s refusal to resume the composite dialogue immediately,” they added.

During the proposed talks, Pakistan may also seek India’s assurance that New Delhi would not suspend the peace process in case of another terrorist attack by “non-state actors”.

The composite peace talks were suspended after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

While Pakistan has consistently been demanding the resumption of the peace talks, India has refused to come to the negotiation table until Islamabad brings 26/11 perpetrators to justice.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Despite the verbal battle between Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan and Shiv Sena activists coming to an end, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is taking no chances ahead of the release of his film ''My Name is Khan'' and has met Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan.

Johar has sought police security ahead of the film''s release, and told media that he has received assurances of full protection and that the film will be released on schedule.

The representatives of the film''s distributor, FOX Searchlight, are also meeting the top Mumbai cop along with multiplex owners.

Earlier, there were reports that posters of Bollywood flick ''My Name is Khan'' were being destroyed in Mumbai.

The entire team of the flick ''My Name is Khan'' is worried that theaters in Mumbai are not selling tickets and there are no advance bookings.

Earlier, the Shiv Sena was upset with Shahrukh''s statements that Pakistani cricketers should be allowed to play in the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Shiv Sena activists had warned theater owners in Mumbai not to screen Shahrukh''s upcoming flick releasing on Friday (February 12).

Source ANI

New Delhi: The charges against former Military Secretary Lt General (retired) Avadesh Prakash in connection with the Sukhna land scam are expected to be framed in Kolkata on Wednesday.

It has been reported that over a dozen army officials will be flying to Kolkata to testify as witnesses when the charges are read out.

The court martial proceedings are likely to begin after a summary of evidences is presented to the court.

The Armed Forces Tribunal had on Friday issued notice to the army to produce the findings of the Court of Inquiry (COI) in the Sukna land scam and raised a number of questions over the role of Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash in the case.

During the hearing by the two-member tribunal, Prakash''s counsel Jyoti Singh accused Lt Gen P K Rath, who is also facing a court martial in this case, of being the main culprit.

Prakash and three other Generals have been indicted by an Eastern Army Command Court of Inquiry for giving a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to a private realtor to construct an educational institute on a plot of land adjacent to the Sukhna Army base in Darjeeling.

The Court of Inquiry into the Sukhna land scam case, in which three other Army generals have been indicted, holds Lt General Prakash responsible for allegedly hiding information and taking undue interest in promoting the vested agenda of real estate developer and family friend Dilip Agarwal.

Source ANI

Ranchi/ Patna: Ahead of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram''s meeting in Kolkata to discuss strategies to counter Maoists threat, in an audacious strike, the Naxals blew up a stretch of the railway tracks in Jharkhand''s Giridih district on the third day of the 72-hour shutdown call given by them on Sunday across the four states of Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.

Police sources said the tracks were blown up under Nimiaghat police station in the district, adding that the trains on this section have been stopped on both up and down lines.

There are reports that the Naxals blasted the Howrah-Delhi line at the Narganjo railway station in Bihar. Earlier on Sunday, a railway official was killed and a railway track was blown up at the same place.

A government middle school in Khunti district of Jharkhand has also been blown up by the Naxalites.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram will on Tuesday chair a meeting here that has been called by the Centre to help four Naxal-affected states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand to co-ordinate their campaign against the Naxals.
 
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren will attend today''s meeting and chalk out strategies to counter the Naxal threat.
 
Official sources have said the meeting will review at length the strategy adopted to deal with Naxals in the three States and co-ordination among them as Naxals often from one State to another after committing a crime.
 
The discussion today will stress on the offensive that will be launched at the interstate junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand or Bihar-Jharkhand, as these areas are considered to be a breeding ground of the Naxalites.
 
Issues of development will also be discussed during the daylong meet.
 
Director General of Police (DGP)''s of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) will also attend the meeting along with the top police officials of the Naxal-affected four states.

Describing Naxalism as a grave threat, Chidambaram had on Sunday said that the Centre had announced that it would encourage the State governments to talk to Naxalites if they abjured violence, but they have spurned the offer.

Source ANI

Mumbai: The ongoing 11th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) has provided a platform for the filmmakers from country''s insurgency hit northeastern states to showcase their hidden talents behind and in front of the camera.

The event being organized in collaboration of the Maharashtra Government will be screening a number of short films, documentaries and animation films from the region of the Seven Sisters.

The film festival, which was inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on February 3, will conclude today (February 9).

When asked about the criteria for the selection of the films for the event, Chanoba Thiyam, a northeast based filmmaker whose film ‘Eye for an I’ is being screened, said: “I don''t know, may be because people liked it. That''s why they selected 10 films in the festival. For that I don''t have a specific reason, why they choose that kind of films. May be we are kind of making good films.”

The films have impressed people, who have appreciated them in terms of the varied subjects and treatment.

The variety of the films also reflects the heterogeneous cultures of the northeast.

“We don''t know that area at all, so it was through the MIFF. The MIFF is giving us a platform through documentaries. The filmmakers come here. They are coming from Sikkim, they are coming from Imphal, they are coming from Arunachal Pradesh and they are coming from Mizoram and they are bringing some lovely movies,” said Nita Vajpayee, a movie-goer at the MIFF.

The filmmakers of the trouble torn northeastern region of India have toiled against assorted odds to screen their creative and subjective projects at this festival.

Northeastern region is home to several tribes projecting the most colourful cultural and musical heritage of India despite separatist revolts over the past couple of decades demanding autonomous rule among others.

Amidst this scenario, filmmakers of the region have taken great pain to continue their passion for filmmaking.

Source ANI

Mumbai: Shiv Sena activists on Tuesday vandalized a cinema hall in Mumbai which will be screening Shah Rukh Khan’s forthcoming film ‘My Name is Khan’.

The activists targeted Mehul Cinema, which has erected posters of the film, and broke the glass showcases heralding the movie.

It may be recalled that Shah Rukh Khan, who is also the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the teams competing in the ensuing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), had said that the participant teams should have considered the players from Pakistan.

The comment has invited the wrath of the Shiv Sena, who have threatened to halt the screening of the film in Mumbai.

After the Shiv Sainiks indulged in reckless vandalism, the manger of the theatre spoke to the media persons and he seemed to be scared of the tirade launched by the Shiv Sena against Shah Rukh Khan.

“They did not beat anybody. They just broke all the glasses, and asked us to close the theatre. They also asked us to stop the films being shown after which all the public went out. At least 40 percent of our capacity was in the theatre,” said Gulab Shinde, Manager of Mehul Cinema.
 
“I have registered a police complaint, but they could not arrest anyone as the activists ran away before the police arrived. It all happened because of the posters of ‘My Name is Khan’. They came in and saw all these posters,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had assured security to the release and screening of Shah Rukh Khan’s film.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Nitin Gadkari was elected as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s President for a three-year term in the national capital on Tuesday.

Gadkari, former Maharashtra BJP unit chief, succeeded Rajnath Singh at the end of latter’s tenure.

He was nominated as the new BJP chief by the party''s parliamentary board in December last year.

Gadkari’s election to the post of BJP chief would be ratified at the national executive and national council convention to be held in Indore later this month.

On Tuesday, General Secretary of the party and the Returning Officer for the elections Thawar Chand Gehlot declared this after the conclusion of the elections in the national capital.

“I make announcement of the result. Nitin Gadkari has been elected as the national President of the Bharatiya Janata Party and I invite Nitin Gadkari to come and accept the certificate of his election,” Gehlot said.

Gadkari''s nomination came in the wake of BJP''s defeat in the last general polls.

The defeat in the 2009 May elections sparked months of infighting and a leadership struggle in the BJP.

Source ANI

New Delhi: India and Turkey on Tuesday held delegation level talks in the capital in which the two sides discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

   

Prime Minister Dr. Singh on this occasion told visiting Turkish President Abdullah Gul that his visit to India, so soon after the visit of Prime Minister Erdogan in November 2008, was an important milestone “to review the state of our bilateral relations and to chart a forward-looking agenda for advancing our multi-faceted cooperation.”

 

“We believe that our relations stand on their own footing, and should be progressed in that spirit,” the PM said and pointed out that despite having several frameworks and mechanisms for bilateral cooperation and two-way trade crossing US $3 billion in 2008, the relations are far below their true potential and that we are ready for a much deeper and robust partnership with Turkey.

 

Dr. Singh in this context referred to the Joint Study Group for a Compressive Free Trade Agreement that held its first meeting in New Delhi in January 2010.

 

Hailing the increased participation of Turkish companies in infrastructural projects in India, Dr. Singh called for expanding cooperation in areas such as science & technology, culture, education and tourism.

 

While President Abdullah Gul on this occasion said that the two countries were rediscovering each other and that the frequent high-level exchanges, including his own visit, was a reflection of the political will to work closely with India on political, economic, science & technology and cultural fronts.

 

President Gul underlined that the special relationship between Turkey and Pakistan did not, in any way, create obstructions for Turkey-India relations, which Turkey intends to carry forward.

 

The two sides discussed recent developments relating to Afghanistan.

 

President Gul recognized that India’s contribution to Afghanistan is very important and expressed the desire to work together with India in bringing stability to that country.

 

Gul wished to avoid any misunderstanding relating to a recent meeting in Istanbul on Afghanistan, which emerged from a trilateral format involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey.

 

He said that Turkey would have liked India to be there and hoped that India would be able to participate in yet another meeting relating to developments in Afghanistan that would be hosted in Turkey later this year.

 

During detailed discussions on enhancing cooperation in different areas, the two sides agreed on a Joint Declaration on Terrorism and a Joint Declaration on Science & Technology Cooperation.

 

Both sides also agreed to continue to work together in G-20 and other international fora including the United Nations.

 

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was assisted by Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna, Minister of Road, Surface Transport & Highways Kamal Nath, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Murli Deora, Minister of Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma, Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju and the Principal Secretary to PM, T.K.A. Nair, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon, and other senior officials.

 

Turkish President Abullah Gul, accompanied by wife Hayrunnisa Gul, is on a State visit to India from 7^th to 11th February, 2010. 

 

Members of his delegation include Mehmet Aydin, State Minister and co-Chairman of the Joint Economic Commission, Prof. Dr. Recep Akdag, Minister of Health and Binali Yildirim, Minister of Transportation, Members of Parliament, senior Government officials and over a hundred business persons.

Source ANI

New Delhi: The Union Government has arranged to bring Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi back to India by a special aircraft with the required medical support on board and is expected to reach Chennai on Wednesday midnight from Abidjan, Ivory Cost.

Ravi, who had met with a road accident on February 4 at Monrovia in Liberia, received initial treatment at the John F. Kennedy Hospital, and was later air lifted to Abidjan for further treatment at PISAM Hospital.

The Liberian Government, on the request of the Consul General of India in Liberia, had arranged to air-lift Ravi from Monrovia in Liberia to Abidjan.

The Minister, who had a miraculous escape, is stable and is recovering well.

Ravi has expressed his gratitude to the Indian community and other people who have assisted in his recovery and has also thanked the large number of people including the top leadership of India, who had in the last few days expressed their concern and wished him speedy recovery.

The Union Minister has thanked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A. K. Antony for making arrangements for his return by a special aircraft.

He also thanked Congress President Sonia Gandhi for her good wishes.

Source ANI

New Delhi: In a major step towards enhancing joint fighting capabilities, Indian Armed Forces on Tuesday promulgated three joint operational doctrines.

The doctrines, namely Joint Doctrine for Sub Conventional Operations, Joint Doctrine for Electronic Warfare and Joint doctrine for Maritime Air Operations, were released by Chief of the Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor, who is also the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The joint doctrines collectively aver that it may be more appropriate to call the battlefield of future as battle space, since wars would be fought not only in air, on land and sea but also in cyberspace, on electronic fronts, along information highways and media fronts.

Success in such a battle space depends on joint teamwork by maritime, ground and air forces operating effectively, individually and together in support of shared military objectives.

Considering the prevailing security environment in the country and its neighbourhood, it is mandatory to ensure that thrust of all agencies involved in combating terrorism is focussed towards the common enemy and the synergised endeavour produces best results.

Taking the lead from the operational imperatives, these doctrines would fundamentally shape the way Armed Forces plan, think and train for military operations Indian Armed Forces are one of the few militaries in the world which have joint operational Doctrines for optimising their capabilities.

The doctrines have been formulated by the Doctrine Directorate of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff to create the requisite synergy between the three services, thereby contributing to their overall operational efficiency.

Source ANI

Bikaner: A camel safari expedition from Bikaner to Jaisalmer by 323 Air Defence Regiment was flagged off from Bikaner Army Cantonment on Monday by Major General Y.N. Sharma, AAD of South Western Command.

Captain Sanjeet Mahapatra along with two junior commissioned officers and ten other ranks commenced the 350 km arduous trek on six camels across the mighty Thar Desert.

The expedition will culminate at Jaisalmer Military Station on February 22.

The expedition has been under taken by the unit under the aegis of Army Adventure Wing and was conducted as a prelude to the silver jubilee celebrations of the unit.

The unit was raised on March 27, 1985 and has in a short span, created a niche for itself in the fraternity of Army Air Defence by its stellar performances in the field of operations, sports and adventure activities.

The aim of the Camel Safari Expedition is to inculcate the spirit of adventure sports amongst the troops and as also to give an impetus to the image of the Army amongst the locals of the area.

Source ANI

Kolkata: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday asserted that the Government will reclaim the areas presently dominated by Maoists and asked them to abjure violence, saying it is the only option for initiating dialogues with the Government.

Addressing the media after a meeting called by the Centre to help the four Naxal-affected states of West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand to co-ordinate their campaign against the rebels, Chidambaram said that the Maoists must halt violence.

“If you abjure violence, that is, if you say halt to violence, we are not asking you to do anything more, if you halt violence, we are prepared to talk to you, on any matter there is a concern. But the condition is you must halt violence,” Chidambaram said.

Chidambaram said the progress of operations against the Maoists was steady and slow, but the Government will continue to make further progress.

“Progress is steady and slow but we will continue to make progress,” he said.

Chidambaram added that the Government would continue with its anti-Maoist operations to reclaim the areas dominated by them.

Defending the operations, the Home Minister said the operations’ objective was not to kill anyone, but to establish civil authority.

While describing the operation as measured, caliberated and carefully controlled operation, Chidambaram said: “We will reclaim the areas which are now dominated by the Maoists.”

“Contrary to what sections of the media and NGO’s propagated a few moths ago, that there will be a massive carnage, no such thing has happened. In fact our forces both central and state, have acted with great restraint,” he further stated.

“We have made it very clear that the purpose of these operations is not to kill anyone these are our own people, we care for them, we care for their lives, object is not to kill anyone, object is to re-establish civil administration,” he added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the meeting, but Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren did not turn up.

The meeting reviewed the strategy adopted to deal with Naxals in the three States and co-ordination among them, as Naxals often travel from one State to another after committing a crime.
 
The discussion stressed on the offensive that will be launched at the interstate junctions of West Bengal-Jharkhand or Bihar-Jharkhand, as these areas are considered to be a breeding ground of the Naxalites.
 
Issues of development were also discussed during the daylong meet.
 
Director General of Police (DGP)''s of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF) also attended the meeting along with the top police officials of the Naxal-affected four states.

Source ANI

New Delhi: India and Turkey on Tuesday denounced terrorism and mutually agreed to the need to recognize the threat being posed to global peace and security by terrorism besides approving that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

On the occasion of the visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, to India, a join statement issued today in New Delhi stated:

It recognised that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and security while noting that the forces of terrorism are nourished by extremist ideologies. 

The statement laid emphasis that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and further recognised that terrorism seeks to weaken, in particular, democratic societies and polities that are based on the rule of law and committed to inclusive growth.

The joint statement has denounced those who sponsor, abet and instigate terrorism and provide them safe havens. 

India and Turkey, in the joint statement, have affirmed their common commitment to fight terrorism and recognising that their counter-terrorism efforts constitute an important part of the international community''s efforts to eradicate terrorism. 

Both the countries have called upon the international community to comply with all the provisions of international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols as well as other related international instruments and strengthen international cooperation in this regard. 

The joint statement has recognised the need for the conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as a vital component of the international legal framework in the global struggle against terrorism; calling on the international community to conclude the Convention without further delay.

Also, both the countries have decided to enhance their cooperation in this field. 

For which, Indian and Turkish officials have been tasked to work towards developing an action plan with timelines and specific measures. For this purpose, the officials will take into account the existing structures of cooperation such as the Joint Working Group against Terrorism;

The joint statement mentions that both the countries have agreed to work together and with other like-minded States for the finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the earliest.

Source ANI

New Delhi: India and Turkey on Tuesday desired to develop and expand cooperation in science and technology and in other areas of common interest and launched an Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue, besides offering to actively study the possibilities of working together in mutually identified projects in areas such as telecommunications, computerization, non-technology space research, bio-technology and environmental technology and convene a joint workshop in 2010. 

On the occasion of the visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gul, to India, a joint statement was issued here in which both sides:

Considering the importance of science and technology for the economic and social development of both the countries have desired to develop and expand cooperation in the field of science and technology in areas of common interest besides noting that together with economic and commercial relations, cooperation in science and technology offer great potential as a driver of bilateral relations. 

The joint statement has recognized that cooperation in science and technology will not only advance the state of science and technology to the benefit of both countries but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between people of both countries.

The statement also reaffirmed the Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of India signed on 17 September 2003,

It also declared that the two countries launch an Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue, which will strive to promote the maximum use of the opportunities that have risen for mutually beneficial interaction in the field of science and technology, which would add to the strength of the two national economies, and to the welfare and prosperity of the people of both the countries. 

The dialogue will also strengthen this interaction with special emphasis on high-technology and frontier areas of research and application and will encourage and support broadened and expanded relations between the scientific and technological communities in both countries by creating favorable conditions for cooperation. 

Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue will also encourage cooperation through exchange of ideas, information, skills and technologies; exchange of scientists and technical experts; the convening of joint seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings; training and enhancing the skills of scientists and technical experts; the conduct of joint research projects and studies and other forms of scientific and technological cooperation as may be mutually agreed upon,

India and Turkey will actively study the possibilities of working together in mutually identified projects in areas such as telecommunication, computerisation, information technology, space research, biotechnology and environmental technology.

Both sides will actively explore the possibilities for joint research and development activities making use of best practices in this field and encourage, facilitate and support the development of direct contacts and cooperation between government agencies and organizations, universities, science and research centers, institutes and institutions, private sector firms and other entities of the two countries.

“We also agree, therefore, that Turkey and India convene a joint workshop in 2010 among designated representatives to elaborate and bring into being the Advanced Science and Technology Dialogue in accordance with this Joint Declaration,” the joint statement stated.

Source ANI

Nagpur: South African skipper Graeme Smith on Tuesday praised his team for crushing India by an innings and six runs in the first Test played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur.

The win, despite a fighting century by master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, gave the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

“It has been an outstanding performance from the guys. To win here, you need lots of discipline and the guys have showed it. There were a few special individual performances, but it was a good team effort,” Smith said.

Smith also emphasized fast bowler Dale Steyn’s ten-wicket haul in the match as crucial to bowl out India for 319 after being forced to follow-on.

“Its nice to have someone like Steyn. To run in like that and bowl as he did… It all happened so quickly even for us, it was great to watch,” he said.

The emphatic win was set up by Hashim Amla, adjudged man of the match for his 253, and Jacques Kallis (173) who helped South Africa post an imposing first innings score of 558 for six declared.

Speaking about the knock, Amla said: “I came to the crease at a crucial time…Everybody feels a bit of pressure and I am just grateful that I got an opportunity to put the team in a good position. I have had a few good partnerships with Jacques; once we both got in we complemented each other .. when I wasn''t scoring he was and vice versa.”

Amla rode his luck and remained unbeaten on 253 off 473 deliveries with the help of 22 boundaries. His previous best score was 176 against New Zealand at Johannesburg in 2007, and now has the record for the highest score ever by a South African against India, beating A.B. de Villiers''s 217.

Source ANI

Nagpur: Team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday admitted that his team was completely outplayed by South Africans, as they crashed to an innings and six runs defeat on the fourth day of the Nagpur Test.

“We were completely outplayed. We are on the back foot, they can’t lose the series now. So, we are under pressure, but this is India, we are always under pressure. The last time they came, they were ahead and in the same position,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni also appreciated South African fast bowler Dale Steyn’s ten-wicket haul, and said that the Indian batsman had no answer to his outstanding spells.

“Seven of the 14 dismissals were out to great deliveries ... the ball was changed in the tea break on Monday and we lost five quick wickets. It changed everything,” he said.

Steyn’s seven-wicket haul in the first innings had forced India to follow-on, as it had made sure that the home team was at some distance from the imposing South African total of 558-6 declared. 

Trailing by 325 runs, Sachin Tendulkar’s masterly 46th Test century could not stop South Africa from bowling India out for 319.

Steyn took seven for 51 runs and three for 57 in the match.

The two teams now move to Kolkata for the second and final Test of the series to be played from February 14.

India’s number one Test ranking is in danger of being handed over to South Africa if they lose the series while a draw will see them retain the top spot.

Source ANI

NOIDA (Uttar Pradesh): Solar energy can be used to combat climate change, scientists from India and Australia said during an Indo-Australian Solar Energy Workshop held here on Tuesday.

This view was expressed at the Amity Institute of Renewable and Alternative Energy-sponsored two-day workshop, which is being attended by speakers and delegates from IIT’s located in Chennai, Kanpur, Guwahati and Mumbai.

Dr. Lachan Strahan, Deputy High Commissioner, Australia inaugurated the workshop.

Dr. C.K. Prahlada, Chief Controller, DRDO; A K Sood – Advisor, International Program , DST, Ministry of Science and Technology; Dr. Igor Skryabin, Australian National University; Dr. Ashok K Chauhan- Founder President, Amity Universe and Ajay Chauhan- Trustee, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation were among the others present at the inauguration.

Dr. Chauhan promised that the projects developed out of the discussions and deliberations during the workshop would be commercially utilized. He also announced the launch of the “Amity Indo-Australian Commerce Science and Technology Foundation”, which will work in the areas of commerce, science and technology.

Thanking Amity University for agreeing to host the workshop, Dr.Strahan said: "The kind of work you scientists have been doing goes very much to the heart of this fundamental challenge before us. I agree that IT has opened up wonderful new ways of communication but there is no substitute for coming together and meeting each other face to face."

"The challenges confronted by all the nations are same. It’s been two months that Copenhagen Conference took place where the world community grappled with the challenge of climate change. We all acknowledge that it was a difficult conference and agreement to so many issues was not reached," he added.

"We must find ways of developing cleaner sources of energy. Solar energy must be a part of that solution; I know that there are fairly difficult challenges in converting solar energy’s enormous potential into an energy source which can make contribution to our societies. What we need to do is to find ways to make solar energy more efficient and less costly," Dr. Strahan said.

He said that both India and Australia have recognized the fundamental importance of solar energy.

"India has its own solar energy mission; it has sets its ambitious targets for solar power generation. Australian Government has set its own renewable energy targets i.e. 20 percent by 2020. This conference will strengthen the expanding relationship between India and Australia,” he said.

Dr. Prahlada said: “such workshops need to have global perspective in the background but at the same time there should be local consideration and local concern. Solar energy is the mother of energy .Solar power should be cost effective and affordable for common man."

"The need of the hour is low cost, low weight solar batteries made of plastic or polymer. DRDO is encouraging institutes and students to carry on research in this area and in next ten years lot of opportunities exist for this in the solar energy sector,” he added.

Dr.Igor Skryabin, a scientist and Australian coordinator of the workshop, said: “The workshop endeavors to identify the collaborations in the area of research between the two countries. Australia has a long history of solar research and other related technologies. What we want to do is come up here and talk, discuss and make you aware of the technologies that we have and understand the technologies that you are working on as well."

Numerous speakers from the industry and academics would present their views during the two day workshop that concludes on Wednesday.

Source ANI

New Delhi: Having launched its iconic sports car the 370Z last month, Nissan is promoting the car across India through a tour in which the car will be showcased at dealerships and malls across 10 cities in the country.

 

The first leg of the tour, Gran Tour De Nissan 370Z was flagged off from Mumbai city on Tuesday by Abhijit Pandit, Vice President of Operations, Hover Automotive India Limited, Nissan''s strategic alliance partners for Sales and Marketing in India.

 

The car will travel to other cities like Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Ahmedabad.

 

According to Abhijit Pandit, 370Z being a sports car may not be a car for everyone but through this tour, everybody can at least see and experience it once.

 

"This is an absolutely iconic model in the Nissan line up, which was launched way back in 1969. The earlier model and since then we have sold more than 1.5 million cars. This car being a sports car is obviously not a car for everybody. However we felt that this car should be seen, felt and touched by people at large even if they don''t buy the car. So we said we will give everybody a scenic opportunity by Gran Tour De Nissan 370Z as we call it. So we decided to take the car to all the metropolitan cities, B class cities, about ten cities all over the country," said Abhijit Pandit.

 

The Gran Tour will showcase the stunning Nissan 370Z at company dealerships and key malls in ten cities across the country, giving customers and car buffs an opportunity to look at and experience the car closely.

 

Launched in India in January, the Nissan 370Z is the sports car for the country''s discerning motorists.

Source ANI