Indo-US civil nuclear deal is proceeding smoothly: Nirupama Rao,Stop terrorism or we will deal with you, India warns Pakistan.Muslims & Christians rally for govt job quota!Jairam Ramesh hopeful of early passage of National Green Tribunal!Rs.5 crore garland for Mayawati?Govt. to create a National Population Register!
Ambassador Roemer hopeful of Parliament's nod on N-liability BillOneindia - 21 hours ago For the UPA led Government, the Nuclear Liability Bill is vital for the implementation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. It is keen to have this cleared ... US hopes Parliament will pass N-deal bill India Today Mulayam to oppose N-liability Bill Indian Express 'There is no slowdown in Indo-US relations'Rediff - - 4 hours ago The civil nuclear deal embodies it, but the climate totally changed. That created a level playing field for us and now we can compete. ... Obama names Clinton as certification authority of Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear dealSify - Mar 11, 2010 The Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, known also as the Indo-US nuclear deal, refers to a bilateral accord on civil nuclear cooperation between the two ... Research and Markets: Joint-Venture Partnerships Set to Boost India's Nuclear ... Business Wire (press release) Menon briefs Cong leaders on benefits of nuke liability billHindustan Times - 42 minutes ago The bill is a key step for operationalisation of Indo-US nuclear deal. The bill, which provides for compensation in the event of a nuclear mishap and the ... Deepening bondDeccan Herald - 20 hours ago Russia has been competing for nuclear contracts in India. Though it was the Indo-US nuclear deal that opened the doors of India's nuclear business, ... Putin Steps Into the India BreachWall Street Journal - - Mar 14, 2010 Thanks to the arduous efforts of the Bush administration, which helped forge the historic Indo-US civilian nuclear accord, India can now engage in the ... Indo-Russian deal The Nation, Pakistan Left, BJP for ratification of important treaties by ParliamentDaily News & Analysis - Mar 12, 2010 PTI New Delhi: The Left parties, which had sought ratification of the Indo-US nuclear deal by Parliament two years ago, today pressed for such a provision ... BJP, Left demand parliamentary vetting of intl treaties Times of India Remaining steps of n-deal may be completed in few months: USThe Hindu - Feb 19, 2010 PTI Describing the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal as a game changer for bilateral ties, the Obama Administration has said the remaining steps of the historic ... Indo-US N-deal to boost economic ties: envoy Press Trust of India Adamant BJP to put UPA in troubleExpress Buzz - 8 hours ago ... committee," stated former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, thus making it difficult for the UPA Government to operationalise the Indo-US Nuclear deal. ... Stay up to date on these results: |
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| Play-safe govt pulls N-bill |
| OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT |
| New Delhi, March 15: A cautious Centre today stepped back to avoid fresh trouble in Parliament by deciding not to introduce a bill that sets a cap on nuclear liability despite mentioning it in the list of business. The primary reason for the embarrassing withdrawal in the Lok Sabha appears to be stiff opposition to the bill from the NDA and the Left in addition to doubts in the minds of principal ally Trinamul Congress. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Bill aims to lay down mechanisms and rules for liability claims and payments that might arise because of a nuclear incident and to pave the way for India to join an international liability regime. Although the government claimed the bill had not been introduced because some members questioned the competence of Parliament to enact such a legislation, the numerical uncertainty in the House did influence the decision. The government suspected that the Opposition might insist on a division as parleys to ensure introduction of the bill had drawn a muted response. This is not the first time that a bill has not been introduced after being listed. Parliamentary affairs minister Pawan Bansal and science and technology minister Prithviraj Chavan said the bill was not introduced as some members had misgivings about its provisions and questioned Parliament's legislative competence. The rules say a bill can be stopped at the introductory stage only on ground of legislative competence. Parliament's legislative competence is being questioned on the ground that no cap on compensation can be fixed for an accident when the extent of damage is not known. The Speaker had received around 14 notices in the morning objecting to the bill and some of them referred to legislative competence. Bansal said the bill was anyway supposed to be referred to the standing committee, which could not have taken it up because of its preoccupation with demands for grants during the recess. He asserted that the bill would be introduced after the break and sent to the standing committee, adding that the government did not press for it as there was no urgency. He denied Mamata Banerjee was opposed to the bill. Speculation was rife that the government might opt for an ordinance so that the Prime Minister could show movement on the issue before he embarked on a trip to the US in April. But government sources discounted such a possibility, insisting there was no link between the Prime Minister's US visit and the bill. When Speaker Meira Kumar announced the government's decision not to introduce the bill, L.K. Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Yashwant Sinha protested. The parliamentary affairs minister said it was solely the government's prerogative to choose the timing of introducing a bill. |
16 March, 2010
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Stop terrorism or we will deal with you, India warns Pakistan!
The field work of direct data collection is in progress and biographic details of more than 8.9 million persons and biometric details of more than 35 lakh have been collected, the reply revealed
"On the face of it, it does not appear to be a terror attack," he said, adding it was too early to say whether it was a terror attack. Infant said the CISF constable Jadhav who was on duty at the main gate, claimed he saw two persons moving around in a suspicious manner in khakhi uniform at 3.20 am.
He said Jadhav had claimed the duo opened fire towards ISRO main gate, after which he retaliated and fired eight rounds. Two other CISF personnel on duty were not at the spot during the alleged firing and came there later.
"Only six cartridges out of the eight rounds claimed to have been fired by Jadav were found while no empties were traced outside the compound," Infant said.
Rao, who is on a six-day official visit to Washington, addressed the meeting of USA-India High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG) meeting, hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the provocations we have faced constantly from terrorists whose linkages we have traced back to Pakistani soil, we have not abandoned the path of dialogue,' Rao said in an address Monday at the Woodrow Wilson Centre, a renowned Washington think tank.
Prefacing her remarks about Pakistan in more general terms Rao said like the US administration, 'India, too, is concerned at the terror infrastructure that has been allowed to be established, take root and be used as an instrument of state policy in our immediate neighbourhood.'
'Our heartland, our cities and our people, are exposed to the threat of terrorism in a constant and almost unremitting way in a manner that the United States well understands, given the similar threats that are directed against the American people,' she said.
India's approach has been to deal with the challenge of terrorism with restraint, Rao said. 'However, our restraint should not be confused with weakness or unwillingness to act against those that seek to harm our people, create insecurity, and hamper our developmental goals,' she said.
'We are a strong country and we possess the capacity to deal effectively with those that pursue destructive agendas against India and its people,' Rao warned.
'Despite the brazen and malignant nature of the threats we face, India has made several genuine efforts to restore trust and confidence,' she said.
'We have, time and again, made genuine attempts to address outstanding issues, most importantly, the issue of terrorism through dialogue with Pakistan,' Rao said referring to her recent meeting with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir as the latest such move.
At this meeting 'India's approach was to focus on our concerns regarding terrorism, pending humanitarian issues, and some bilateral visits that have been planned or spoken of, but have not taken place,' she said.
'But it continues to be our conviction that for this dialogue to really make progress, Pakistan should take meaningful steps to address our concerns on terrorism, and cease the encouragement of terrorism targeted against India.'
Recalling that India had resumed its Composite Dialogue with Islamabad after the then Pakistani leadership made such an assurance in January 2004, Rao noted: 'Today, Pakistan claims that it is in no position to give us such a guarantee that terrorism can be controlled by its authorities.'
'In such a situation, the people of India who are already bitterly affected by the series of terrorist attacks directed against them, can hardly be expected to support the resumption of a full-blown Composite Dialogue with Pakistan,' she said.
Referring to US military aid to Pakistan Rao said, it is 'also important that there are strict accountability criteria that apply to defence assistance rendered to Pakistan for operations against terrorists and insurgents on the border with Afghanistan'.
India's past experience regarding such assistance has taught it to be vigilant to the possibility of it being used for purposes that generate tension and hostile actions against India, she said.
India does 'not have aggressive designs against Pakistan and we want it to be a stable and prosperous country,' Rao said. 'But we will be vigilant about our security. That is our sovereign right,' she asserted.
Jairam Ramesh hopeful of early passage of National Green Tribunal
The Government had proposed to set up a National Green Tribunal for speedy and effective disposal of cases relating to environmental issues.
The National Green Tribunal Bill 2009 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
"I am hoping that in the next three to four months, after Parliament approves today in the Lok Sabha and tomorrow hopefully in the Rajya Sabha, we will have the structure of the National Green Tribunal will be in place and we will have this extensive network of judicial mechanism in order to ensure compliance and implementation of environment rules and regulations," Ramesh said, while speaking at the International Conference on Climate Change in New Delhi.
Further, Ramesh said that steps to set up a National Environment Protection Agency modelled on the US Environment Protection Agency are underway.
"We are taking steps to establish a National Environment Protection Authority and the NEPA, the National Environment Protection Agency, would be the executive counterpoint to the National Green Tribunal, which is really a judicial organ," he said.
"The National Environment Protection Agency is broadly - I stressed the word 'broadly' because systems are different - National Environment Protection Agency is broadly modelled according to the US Environment Protection Agency, and the main mandate of NEPA would be to ensure compliance, would be to ensure that the standards and stipulation under which we grant environmental approvals and environmental clearances are actually being adhered to," Ramesh added.
The National Green Tribunal would act as a check on industrial pollution, and allow aggrieved persons to approach the tribunal to claim civil damages for non-implementation of environmental laws.
In fact, no one noticed the Rs.1,000 currency notes with which the giant garland was created until these were identified by a local photographer when he zoomed in.
Earlier, while Mayawati was being garlanded, mediapersons could make out from a distance that it was not a run-of-the-mill garland. But beholders perceived it as one made of some exquisite imported flowers.
However, the mystery was unravelled no sooner than the still pictures were promptly lifted and beamed by TV channels.
Those present on the dais, however, feigned ignorance about the unique garland in which some 50,000 currency notes of Rs.1,000 each were believed to have been used.
The garland was specially crafted and brought by Mayawati's party functionaries all the way from Bangalore for Monday's mega rally organised by her to mark the Bahujan Samaj Party's silver jubilee celebrations, which coincided with the 76th birth anniversary of party founder and her political mentor Kanshi Ram.
LeT has 20 terror targets in India: US lawmaker
Mon, Mar 15 10:36 AM
Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Toiba has identified as many as 320 targets across the globe, 20 of which are in India, a top US lawmaker has said.
"In the wake of the (26/11) Mumbai attack, investigators uncovered in controller records and e-mail accounts a list of 320 locations worldwide deemed by the LeT as possible targets for attack. Only 20 of the targets were located within India," Congressman Gary Ackerman said before a Congressional hearing last week.
"The LeT has been attacking US forces in Afghanistan almost from day one and their forces are present throughout Afghanistan. The LeT has been slaughtering Indians by the score for decades. The LeT has put the world on notice that they intend to escalate the carnage and spread it worldwide," he said.
"This group of savages needs to be crushed. Not starting in a month, not in a year, not when the situation stabilises in Afghanistan, not when things are under control in Pakistan, now, today and everyday going forward. We're not doing it, and we're not effectively leading a global effort to do it. And we are going to regret this mistake. We're going to regret it bitterly," Ackerman said.
Noting that it would be unfair and wrong to suggest that the LeT problem is strictly confined to Pakistan and Middle East, he said, adding in fact, one of the key facilitators of the Mumbai attack was an American of Pakistani extraction, referring to David Coleman Headley.
"Unfortunately, the LeT enjoys a substantial global network stretching from the Philippines to the United Kingdom," Ackerman said.
According to Ackerman, though after 9/11, Pakistan officially banned the LeT, the reality is that like other Islamist terrorist groups, LeT maintains a clear public presence and a vast recruiting network by providing extremely useful charitable and social services to millions of impoverished people in that country.
"Public estimates suggest LeT operates some 2,000 offices in towns and villages throughout Pakistan, as well as maintaining ties with the Pakistani military. There is, in fact, no reason to doubt that Pakistan's military is likely paying compensation to the families of the terrorists killed in the Mumbai attacks. These are our allies in the war on terror," he said.
"Operational funding for the LeT comes from charitable fundraising amongst the general population in Pakistan, but also depends heavily upon contributions by Pakistani businessmen living abroad and other wealthy individuals from the Persian Gulf. Let us note too, these states are also our allies in the war on terror," Ackerman said.
Tue, Mar 16 03:06 PM
Thousands of Muslims and Christians took to the streets in the Capital on Monday, demanding quota in government jobs. Warning the UPA government, the protesters thronged Parliament Street and sought the implementation of the Ranganath Misra committee report, which recommended reservation for the two communities.
Muslim and Christian organisations, including the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, the National Council of Dalit Christians, the Jamia Teachers' Association and the Popular Front of India, held three different rallies. The gatherings were addressed by Islam and Christian clerics, along with leaders of various political parties.
The leaders urged the Centre to implement the Misra report, which according to them, would end the miseries of "backward" Muslims and Christians. "We demand Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims. We are against reservation on the basis of religion. But this will fight discriminatory policies of the UPA government," leader of Pasmanda Muslims and Rajya Sabha MP Ali Anwar Ansari said.
Trying to connect the issue of women's reservation with that of minorities, the Muslim leaders said quota for the latter was also a "crucial issue". MPs from the SP, JD(U), CPM and the Trinamool Congress addressed the gatherings. CPM leader Brinda Karat said her party backed implementation of Misra panel's report. "West Bengal has already implemented reservation. The report should be discussed in Parliament. The Centre should start measures for the implementation of the report's recommendations," she said.
JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, who addressed two rallies, said the UPA government had double standards on women's reservation and minority reservation.
"The women's Bill is against the interests of minorities, but the government is in a hurry to pass it in Parliament. The demand for reservation for Muslims and Christians is very old, but the Centre has not moved an inch on the issue," Yadav said.
Deputy minister of tourism and Trinamool Congress leader Sultan Ahmed, who also attended two rallies, said his party will oppose the women's Bill in its present form. He asked the UPA leadership to model Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments in providing quota for Muslims. Interestingly, there were only a handful of women in all the rallies.
"Muslims are not asking for any favour. We are demanding a constitutional right," read placards carried by the rallyists.
They also asked when the Sachar committee had proved that Muslims were most backward, why were they denied reservation? Popular Front of India chairman E. M. Abdul Rahiman said the Misra commission had prescribed the remedy for Muslim backwardness by recommending 10 per cent reservation for all Muslims in government services.
"If the (Indo-US) nuclear deal can be signed without the consent of Parliament, why is the Prime Minister seeking a national consensus on Muslim reservation? How can a secular government wait for consent from the communal BJP and its allies?" he said, adding that the Congress manifesto had promised reservation for them.
Students and teachers of the Jamia Millia Islamia, a central university, also held protest marches demanding minority status for their institution.
The Misra panel had recommended minority status for the university. "At least 50 per cent seats in all courses of Jamia should be reserved for students belonging to the under-privileged Muslim community," they demanded. "We are trying to exert maximum pressure on the Centre," convenor of the National Council of Dalit Christians V. J. George said.
Reproduced From Mail Today. Copyright 2010. MTNPL. All rights reserved.
Benazir violated 'deal' between us : Musharraf
Tue, Mar 16 06:50 PM
Washington, Mar.16 (ANI): Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has revealed that he and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had entered a deal, according to which, all cases against her were to be dropped in return for which she had agreed to not to return to Pakistan before the elections.
Talking to reporters after addressing a gathering of 300 Pakistani Americans in Seattle, Musharraf said it was also decided that the restriction on becoming the Prime Minister for the third term would also be withdrawn, but Bhutto violated the deal and returned to Pakistan ahead of the elections in 2007.
"But she returned to Pakistan before elections and it was a violation of what we had agreed," The News quoted Musharraf, as saying.
When asked to comment on the possible role of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif, Musharraf said: "A person who I call a closet Taliban. I feel he'll be a bigger disaster. And also, he has a tendency of can't function with anyone."
Later, talking to an audience of hundreds of people, largely Pakistani Americans, in Bellevue, Musharraf said the Taliban's brand of Islamic extremism poses a serious threat to the nation.
"We need to ask ourselves, do we or don't we want a Taliban and Al Qaeda culture in Pakistan ... because every action then flows from that decision," Musharraf said.
Responding to a question, the former general said he would return to Pakistan only when he garners enough people support.
Reports regarding Musharraf, who is currently living in London on an 'unannounced' exile, coming back to Pakistan have been doing the rounds for the past year or so with the former general saying he would return if the country wants him to do so.
Musharraf, however, has not set a date for his return to Pakistan.
Some believe that he may never come back as he fears being prosecuted for imposing emergency in the state through unconstitutional steps in 2007. (ANI)
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Tue, Mar 16 07:36 PM
I love beginnings, whether it is a book, movie or a trip. They are so full of promise, and so much more fun than endings. My trip to Kashmir also begins on a wonderful note, but this time I love the ending too. But let's leave that for later.
People back home advise me to reach the airport early to take the window seat, for what I would see would be a view to remember. I'm glad I listened to them. Just a few minutes after leaving Delhi I spot a line of white in the horizon. Confusing the Pir Panjal range with clouds I go on to read my book. But a stray glance outside, and I realise we are already over the grand snow-covered mountains. From top the snow seems absolutely clear, clean and whiter than froth. I'm not going to forget this spectacular sight for a lifetime.
This isn't my first visit to Kashmir, but this time I'm looking forward to spending a White Christmas in Gulmarg. Before I know it we are whizzing across the highway that would take us to our destination. At first it is strange to see that the winter has robbed the tall pines of all their clothes. The bare branches seem as if they are waiting for someone to come and dress them up and make them look appealing. This is not the kind of Kashmir I had visited a decade ago. Yet it has a stark beauty. It seems nothing can ever take away its charm.
Barely ten minutes after the hill drive I catch a glimpse of the snow and soon all I can see around me are white mountains. I'm as excited as a child on seeing his favourite toy. Gulmarg makes the prettiest of all pictures with all the meadows covered with a two-feet thick blanket of snow. Getting used to the cold is a tough task, but the hot saffron-flavoured kahwa served at the Royal Park Hotel helps me warm up slightly.
That night is my tryst with the bone-chilling winds of Gulmarg. I'm at the ice skating rink for the inauguration of the Kashmir Snow Festival. The line-up for the evening is, quite obviously, skating and night skiing. I watch in awe as skaters glide effortlessly on ice while I can't even think of standing straight without wondering if I'm getting frostbite. I dig deeper into my pockets, searching for warmth. The skaters, boys of all age groups, sway to wonderful songs. The only thing that keeps me going, besides the kahwa of course, is thinking about my cosy room back at the hotel.
Before heading back, however, I have one more thing to do-go and watch skiers slide down the slope. Night skiing has been introduced recently in Gulmarg-the only place in the country to do so. The sight of people skiing gracefully down white slopes under the light of a few lampposts is splendid. For a city bird like me, skiing is a challenging task in the day itself, so I could only imagine how tough it would be at night. These thrilling events make my Christmas Eve memorable.
Christmas mornings are always special, but this one is more so. It's my first White Christmas and I'm in one of the most stunning places in the country. The sun is out in all its glory as I make my way to Gulmarg Golf Club, the highest in the country, where the official launch of the snow festival is to take place.
The day is packed with sweet surprises. As soon as I reach there I spot three snowmen. This is the first time I'm seeing one, and I rush to take pictures. No matter what age you are, a snowman will always delight you. I make my way to a group huddled around a sculpture, and when I reach there I just stop and stare in amazement. It is a snow sculpture of Santa Claus. What more can I ask for on Christmas?
Plenty, it seems. Instead of Santa's sledge there is a snow scooter and I hop on for a ride-a ride to remember. It's not the easiest thing to do, but I clutch onto the driver and we zoom ahead climbing the slope to reach the top. Getting up is no big deal but getting down seems like a deadly task. As we come down, gaining speed every second I scream at the thought that I may fall down. But then I calm myself and close my eyes, letting the driver do his task. As the ice cold wind kisses my cheek, I feel the speed and adrenalin rush even though I'm a pillion rider. Being ahead would have an altogether different experience.
But this isn't the most thrilling part of the festival. I watch as people play unique games like snow baseball and rugby. The snow cycling competition, with special mountain cycles, is equally enthralling.
At lunch my craving of tucking into Kashmiri cuisine is fulfilled and I relish the mouth-watering gushtaba and rista. Gushtaba is pounded meat balls dipped in subtly flavoured yogurt. Rista is small lamb balls in a spicy sauce. Both the dishes are so soft that they just melt in the mouth.
Going on the gondola is next in line. This is the main attraction for tourists coming to Gulmarg and for obvious reasons-it is one of the highest gondola rides in the world. The gondola terrain is divided into two sections. The first one is till Kongdoor, but the second section till Apharwat peak, which opened last year, takes you to the dizzying height of 13,800 ft. Luckily it is a clear day and I can see right up to the mighty Pir Panjal range, with the imposing Nanga Parwat standing grandly in front.
Getting off at Apharwat, it seems as if the world has lost all colours besides the blue of the sky and the white on the peaks. The clear, crisp, chilly air makes me shiver. But it is a sight to behold. With the sky almost within touching distance, the peaks in the backdrop and nothing but whiteness all around I truly believe that I'm in paradise. Many skiers come up till Apharwat and sashay down the slopes all the way to Gulmarg, and on my way down I spot a couple of them joyfully on their way.
Early mornings in Gulmarg are a sight to behold, and since it is my last morning I decide to take a walk till the local market. At 8.30a.m. the shops are just opening and the locals are busy keeping themselves warm by sipping piping hot tea and munching on bread. None of them take their hands out of the long phirans. One of them is after me to go for sledging, promising a good rate, but I escape saying I have to head back.
I make my way to Prince Vaishno Dhaba yearning for my morning cuppa. While the shop owner is preparing the tea I get talking to him and he shares his tales of woe and wonder. The conversation ranges from terrorism to tourism. As I sip ginger tea I realise how much the people value their land. I'm about to pay him, but he refuses to take money for it, saying "friendship mein chai pila di madam." I feel goosebumpy with this experience.
On the way back to the hotel, I hear music on the road. Some Kashmiri folk singers break out in random dancing on the street and ask me to join in, but I refuse. I stand there and stare at them and then became a little envious. Envious of the fact that they stay here, and envious because they are carefree (at least they seemed to be). But shaking off these negative emotions, I bid farewell to this glorious place and head to Srinagar
After a typical day of sightseeing in Srinagar-Nishat Bagh, Jama Masjid and Hazratbal shrine-it is time for a shikara ride on Dal Lake. The sun is about to retire for the day, but does its usual play with colours before going. The shikaras and the lake look gorgeous bathed in the orange glow. To me Srinagar has never looked prettier than it does on my last evening there.
They say everything ends but there are always new beginnings, and I truly believe that. My trip to Kashmir is ending, but it leaves me with a desire and determination of coming back soon to experience another fascinating season in paradise, when the mountains will turn a lush green. I'm returning home with a million memories, and the hope of a new beginning.
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Nigeria presidential vote set for Jan 22 or April 23
Reuters - 06:45 PMNigeria's presidential vote will be held on Jan. 22, 2011 or April 23 depending on the outcome of electoral reforms before parliament, the West African country's electoral body said on Tuesday.
- Nigeria says most militants on board with amnesty Reuters - 05:23 PM
The majority of militants who took part in an amnesty last year in the restive Niger Delta region are still behind the peace plans despite a resurgence in attacks, the Nigerian oil minister told Reuters on Tuesday.
- Indo-US trade has been impressive despite recession: Nirupama Rao ANI - 04:30 PM
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, who is on a six-day official visit to the USA said that India-US trade has progressed impressively despite economic slowdown on the global front.
- Old media still a dominant source for information, news for Aussies: Survey ANI - 03:30 PM
Devotees celebrate New Year in Varanasi|National[General news{Varanasi, Mar. 16 (ANI): Hindu devotees welcomed the traditional New Year by performing early morning prayers and rituals on the banks of the River Ganga in Varanasi on Tuesday.
- Nigeria to announce two possible election timetables Reuters - 02:45 PM
Nigeria's election commission will on Tuesday announce two possible timetables for presidential, parliamentary and state polls pending the outcome of electoral reforms before parliament, officials said.
- American Muslim groups protest use of unIslamic full body scanners at airports ANI - 11:50 AM
Washington, Mar.16 (ANI): Two American Muslim groups have objected to the us of full body scanners at airports in the United States, stating that the devices are inconsistent with the tenets of Islam. he full body scanners made their debut at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Monday and the two Islamic groups claim the technology is too invasive.
- Cyclone Tomas forces Fiji to declare state of disaster ANI - 11:00 AM
Suva (Fiji), Mar. 16 (ANI): Fiji's National Disaster Council has declared a state of disaster as the worst cyclone in decades leaves a trail of destruction through the Pacific Ocean archipelago.
- Explosions hit amnesty talks in Nigeria's oil delta Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Nigerian militants detonated two car bombs outside a government building in the southern oil city of Warri on Monday where talks were being held about implementing an amnesty programme.
- Explosions hit talks venue in Nigeria's oil delta Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Two explosions shook the state governor's office in Nigeria's southern oil city of Warri on Monday where amnesty talks were due to be held, minutes after a bomb threat from the region's main militant group.
- Climate report shows Australia getting warmer Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Australia's top scientists on Monday released a "State of the Climate" report at a time of growing scepticism over climate change as a result of revelations of errors in some global scientific reports.
- Mon, Mar 15
Lahore, Mar. 15 (ANI): Pakistan intelligence have been placed under severe terrorist threat following indications that Taliban fighters may attempt to hijack aircrafts in the near future.
- "Red shirt" protesters march on Thai military base Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Cheering, blaring horns and waving flags, thousands of protesters started to move on Monday towards a military base in Bangkok where the premier has his crisis headquarters, putting pressure on him to call elections.
- "Red shirt" protesters to target Thai military base Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Thousands of anti-government protesters in Bangkok plan to march to a military base on Monday to step up pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections.
- Give an Afghan your vote, activists urge Britons Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Activist group, Egality, is inviting British voters to give their right to vote to someone in one of three developing countries which, it says, are "directly affected by UK policies on war, climate and poverty".
- Pope stresses Christian unity at Lutheran church Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Pope Benedict told Rome's Lutheran congregation on Sunday that Protestants and Roman Catholics should be thankful for all the unity achieved among Christians rather than complain about the slow pace of dialogue.
- Sarkozy faces heavy loss in French regional poll Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
French President Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP party was beaten by the Socialists in the first round of regional elections on Sunday, according to early results which also showed a resurgence for the far-right.
- EU's Ashton says she can win over critics Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
The European Union's new foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, voiced dismay on Sunday at the criticism that has been heaped on her performance but said she was confident she could succeed in the job.
- Kremlin ruling party's support slides in local polls Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
Support for Russia's ruling party fell sharply in regional elections on Sunday amid growing anger at price rises and high unemployment after the global economic crisis halted years of rapid growth.
- Yemen says air raid kills two top al Qaeda militants Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
An air strike on an al Qaeda position in southern Yemen on Sunday killed two top militants planning attacks, a Yemeni security official said.
- U.N. chief urges donors to keep Haiti funds flowing Reuters - Mon, Mar 15
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon vowed on Sunday to work to keep donor funds flowing for Haiti's recovery and reconstruction following the devastating January earthquake in the poor Caribbean state.
Politics News
Gadkari unveils new BJP team, a mix of old and young
IANS - 07:29 PMNew Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday unveiled new president Nitin Gadkari's leadership team, a mix of the young and the old with a view to win the next Lok Sabha battle.
- Rights group questions Goa housing project IANS - 07:14 PM
Panaji, March 16 (IANS) A leading civic rights group Tuesday alleged irregularities in granting permissions to a mega housing project promoted by Delhi-based infrastructure firm DLF and has called the role of Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in the deal as 'extremely suspicious'.
- Gorkha Janamukti Morcha demands setting up of a regional council ANI - 06:50 PM
Darjeeling, Mar. 16 (ANI): The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) on Tuesday proposed the central government to establish a regional council till Gorkhaland state is created.
- One killed, five wounded in Srinagar attack Reuters - 06:39 PM
A pedestrian was killed and five others wounded on Tuesday in a second militant attack on security forces in the heart of Srinagar in three days, raising fears of more such strikes, police said.
- BJP's Himachal Rajya Sabha poll nominee files papers IANS - 06:32 PM
Shimla, March 16 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee for the election to the Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal Pradesh, falling vacant next month, filed nomination papers Tuesday.
- Ramdev hints at joining politics ANI - 06:10 PM
Lucknow, Mar 16 (ANI): Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev on Tuesday hinted at entering politics, saying that he would join with the objective of cleansing the system.
- Mayawati doing business instead of politics: Ramdev ANI - 06:10 PM
Lucknow, Mar 16 (ANI): Commenting on the giant currency garland controversy, Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev on Tuesday criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati of doing business through politics.
- Maya's big fat birthday bash for BSP India Today - 06:05 PM
Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party ( BSP) chief Mayawati pulled out all stops to celebrate her party's 25th foundation day on Monday with a rally that the Opposition alleged cost Rs 200 crore.
- Baba Ramdev's body to contest elections IANS - 06:02 PM
New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) Yoga guru Baba Ramdev Tuesday said that his 'Bharat Swabhiman Andolan' would contest the next Lok Sabha election in a bid to build a corruption free India.
- Mayawati declines to meet with US ambassador IANS - 05:59 PM
Lucknow, March 16 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has declined to meet US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer, who arrived here Tuesday on a two-day visit to the state, citing her 'busy political schedule'.
- Expanding BJP's base will be priority, says Nadda IANS - 05:45 PM
Shimla, March 16 (IANS) Expanding the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) support base to bring it back to power is the main priority, said Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister J.P. Nadda said, after being named a party general secretary.
- Talks start with Meghalaya militant outfit IANS - 05:32 PM
Shillong, March 16 (IANS) The first official-level talks between the central government and the separatist outfit Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) began in the Meghalaya capital Tuesday, officials here said.
- Tampering of law student's marks rocks Kerala assembly IANS - 05:07 PM
Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 (IANS) The Kerala assembly Tuesday witnessed uproarious scenes and a walkout by the opposition over the alleged tampering of marks of law students, details of which are said to have been leaked by a Kerala University official who is the wife of the deputy leader of opposition.
- Bishnoi's party to drag police to court for assault IANS - 05:02 PM
Chandigarh, March 16 (IANS) Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) chief Kuldeep Bishnoi Tuesday said his party plans to file a criminal case against Chandigarh police in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for assaulting party workers and damaging their vehicles during a rally here March 5.
- 04:47 PM
Former Sri Lankan army chief Sarath Fonseka appeared before a military court on Tuesday on charges of engaging in politics while in uniform, officials said, as hundreds of his supporters protested near the capital.
- Rahul Gandhi likely to visit Trichy Wednesday IANS - 04:32 PM
Chennai, March 16 (IANS) Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) in Tamil Nadu Wednesday to oversee the ongoing Youth Congress elections in the state.
- British boy kidnapped in Pakistan freed unharmed Reuters - 04:23 PM
A British boy kidnapped 12 days ago while on vacation in Pakistan was freed unharmed by his abductors on Tuesday, police said, ending a high-profile ordeal.
- Lok Sabha adjourned over Mayawati's money garland IANS - 04:20 PM
New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was Tuesday put on the mat over a multi-crore money garland given to its leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati with Samajwadi Party, Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members questioning the extravagance in the Lok Sabha. The continuous uproar led to the house being adjourned for the day.
- BJP demands discussion on opening of foreign university campuses in India ANI - 03:55 PM
New Delhi, Mar. 16 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday demanded discussion on the cabinet's proposal to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in the country.
- BSP targeted in parliament for money garland, Bareilly violence IANS - 03:52 PM
New Delhi, March 16 (IANS) The BSP came under attack in both houses of parliament Tuesday with the SP, Congress and the BJP condemning the multi-crore money garland given to its chief Mayawati and the Uttar Pradesh government's failure to bring about normalcy in violence-hit Bareilly.
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ET SlideShow
Mystery of missing Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng deepens
| By Michael Bristow BBC News, Beijing |
 Lawyer Gao Zhisheng disappeared more than a year ago |
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Chinese rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng continues following comments from China's foreign minister.
Yang Jiechi said the well-known lawyer had been sentenced after being charged with subverting state power.
But it was not immediately clear whether that referred to an old charge, or a new one brought against Mr Gao.
There has been growing international concern about the activist, who disappeared more than a year ago.
Mr Yang was speaking at a news conference in Beijing, held with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who is currently visiting China.
No clarification
Mr Yang said: "Gao Zhisheng has been sentenced on the charge of subverting state power."
The Chinese foreign minister denied a suggestion that Mr Gao had been tortured, saying that his rights had been protected.
 |  We are willing to have human rights dialogue with the UK and other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs  Yang Jiechi Chinese Foreign Minister  |
He said he hoped foreigners would respect China's judicial system.
"We are willing to have human rights dialogue with the UK and other countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Mr Yang added.
Mr Miliband said that he had raised the lawyer's case with the Chinese government.
Mr Gao was given a three-year prison sentence - suspended for five years - for inciting subversion in 2006, but Mr Yang's comment did not make it clear if new charges had since been brought.
After Mr Yang spoke, the foreign ministry declined to clarify the comments.
Rare case
Mr Gao went missing at the beginning of last year. He was believed to be in police custody, but no-one knows for sure.
His case is unusual because there has been little official word on what has happened to him - apart from several contradictory comments from Chinese officials.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said earlier this year that Mr Gao was "where he should be".
Last month, China's embassy in Washington told a US-based human rights group, the Dui Hua Foundation, said Mr Gao was working in Urumqi, a city in the far west of the country.
Audio slideshow60 years of propaganda and culture in Communist China
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