Sat, Mar 6 11:43 AM
Enlarge Photo Birds sit atop telecommunication towers in Hyderabad May 25, 2009. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has... Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has decided to scrap its tender for 93 million GSM lines worth $10 billion and invite fresh bids, newspapers reported on Saturday.
The move will have major ramifications for the telco's expansion plans because it had run out of cellular capacity in most circles nearly 18 months ago, the Economic Times reported.
The tender, first issued in early 2008, was the world's largest ever telecom equipment contract, but has been snarled ever since, preventing BSNL from placing orders with short-listed firms.
The short-listed firms were Sweden's Ericsson, Chinese network-gear maker Huawei and HCL infosystems, which bagged the HT component of the deal, the newspaper said.
Last November, BSNL had ordered 8 million 2G GSM lines from Huawei and that price negotiations were on with Ericsson, which had been shortlisted for providing some lines.
The move comes after a committee led by Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister on public information, infrastructure and innovation had endorsed the Central Vigilance Commission's report to scrap the tender, the paper said.
Mumbai, Mar 5 (PTI) After brickbats, it is now bouquets for cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar from Shiv Sena. Sachin's double-hundred against South Africa in Gwalior has not only silenced his critics, but clean bowled the Shiv Sena, which had taken on the iconic batsman over his "Mumbai for all" remark.
"Hundred crore people of this country have already crowned Sachin as Bharat Ratna," Sena chief Bal Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
"Shivaji Maharaj used to vanquish Moghuls on battlefield. Similarly, Sachin is a warrior on cricket battlefield. Such warriors are born only in Maharashtra," Thackeray said.
"Shivaji wielded the sword. Similarly, Sachin wields the bat," the editorial said. "Sachin does not need anyone's recommendation to be awarded Bharat Ratna. He is already one," it said.
The Shiv Sena leadership had last year questioned Tendulkar's loyalty to Maharashtra following his Mumbai for all remark.
Thu, Mar 4 07:23 PM
SEXUAL harassment of women in the Capital's workplaces has tripled though crimes against the fairer sex witnessed a decline.
A report released on Wednesday by the Delhi Commission for Women ( DCW) revealed that 32 cases of sexual harassment at workplace were reported between April 2009 and February 2010.
The number was only 12 between April 2008 and March 2009.
"We are concerned over the rising figures of sexual harassment at workplace. We continually remain in touch with the police and other monitoring agencies to curb this menace," said Barkha Singh, the DCW chairperson.
Out of the 1975 cases registered with the DCW during April 2009 to February 2010, 936 pertain to harassment by husband and in- laws.
But the number has come down from 1324 registered between April 2008 and March 2009. The number of murders, suicides and dowry deaths has also dropped to 27 compared to 37 in 2008- 09.
Cases of rape and molestation have declined to 37 from the 65 that was reported between April 2008 and March 2009.
The DCW said 'Gender Help Desk' would be set up to provide safety to women during the Commonwealth Games.
The much awaited Nissan small car has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. Boasting breakthrough packaging and small-car engineering, the all-new, fourth generation Nissan Micra is on course to create a whole new set of industry standards. A cute little city car with well rounded curves and a prominent waistline, the new Micra will be manufactured at Nissan's upcoming facility in Chennai. Sales of the new Micra will start in India in July.
According to the New York Times, John Patrick Bedell, who was killed by the officers in exchange of fire, "made copious and often rambling postings and recorded lectures on the Internet in the past few years."
"This organization, like so many murderous governments throughout history, would see the sacrifice of thousands of its citizens in an event such as the Sept. 11 attack as a small cost in order to perpetuate its barbaric control," he said in a Web recording.
"The true nature of such a regime would find its clearest expression in the satanic violence currently ongoing in Iraq," he added.
Friends say that Bedell, who was unmarried and a regular marijuana smoker, was living with his parents and he seemed to slide into a deep paranoia in the past couple of years.
"From what I gather from the family, he's been on a downhill spin for a while. And they were very, very concerned about him," Reb Monaco, 65, was quoted, as saying.
About a month ago, Bedell disappeared and his parents filed a missing-persons report with the authorities.
"To us, he was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. We may never know why he made this terrible decision. One thing is clear though: his actions were caused by an illness and not a defective character," his family said in a statement on Friday.
On Friday, the police here were trying to determine whether Bedell's views on the 1991 death of a Marine officer, Col. James E. Sabow, played a role in his attack.
Colonel Sabow's death, which was officially ruled a suicide, is the subject of numerous dark theories about military cover-ups, claiming that he was murdered because he was about to expose covert military operations in Central America involving drug smuggling.
Bedell wrote on the Web that he was "determined to see that justice is served" in the death of Colonel Sabow and that to uncover the truth behind the death would be "a step toward establishing the truth of events such as the Sept. 11 demolitions."
To facilitate the India-US nuclear deal the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2008 agreed to allow civil nuclear trade with India even though it doesn't allow comprehensive IAEA safeguards covering all of its nuclear facilities.
But the issue of the US-Indian deal and the broader India deal does get raised by countries in discussing obligations they need to assume and responsibility under the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), she said in an interview on the 40th anniversary of the NPT that entered into force on March 5, 1970.
'Yes. It gets raised frequently in NPT discussions, and our response is that it was seen as a way to bring India closer to the non-proliferation norm, to an agreement that would in the end bring more of their facilities under safeguards,' Burk said. 'That was the motivation. But it does come up frequently in discussions.'
Burk said in the interview that key challenges to the NPT include 'North Korea's withdrawal from the treaty and Iran's [nuclear] programme.'
But she also pointed to 'an improved atmosphere' that is 'very positive, in large part due to the United States' embrace of multilateral diplomacy in a very significant way, and also because of the disarmament proposals that the United States and President Obama have put forward. So I think we're in a good position.'
On the question of whether the May 3-28 NPT review conference will agree to a final document, Burk said 'I would have to say personally it would be very positive if we could agree on a statement, a forward-looking statement.'
'We are prepared to work very hard with our NPT partners to see what we can do on that. But we think we ought to be striving for quality, not quantity,' she said. Perhaps if we go for something brief and concise but specific, we might be able to be successful. But success can be defined in other ways as well.'
The Cabinet on Thursday approved an amendment to the Gratuity Act to raise the ceiling from Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The Bill to amend the Act will now go to Parliament, a government official told FE.
Every salaried person, who has completed five years of government or private sector service, is eligible for half a month's salary as gratuity for every completed year of service. But the gratuity pay of those with higher salaries is now limited at Rs 3.5 lakh. The proposed amendment raises this to Rs 10 lakh. Every employer with more than ten salaried workers is mandated to provide gratuity to the eligible employees. Many companies, however, do not keep the gratuity liability adequately funded. That is, they make provisions for future payment, but do not set aside funds towards the future payment. Listed companies are expected to disclose their gratuity liability.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a proposal of India Infrastructure Development Fund Ltd (Mauritius) to raise contributions from international investors and invest in the India Infrastructure Development Fund. The proposal, earlier approved by the FIPB, will result in FDI exceeding Rs 750 crore.
The Cabinet approved the proposal of the shipping ministry to declare Andaman and Nicobar set of ports as major port and establish the Andaman and Nicobar Port Trust with its headquarters at Port Blair.
The committee, which is looking into the demands for and views against separate Telangana state, will initiate the process of wide consultations next month.
Winding up a two-day preliminary visit to Hyderabad, Justice B.N. Srikrishna told reporters here that consultations with political parties, individuals and all stakeholders would begin early April.
'Whatever the terms of reference given, we are applying our mind to it. We are not saying give Telangana and we are not saying don't give Telangana. We are applying our mind to the problem,' the retired Supreme Court justice said.
'The first term of reference is specific. Other terms of reference are back-up to the first. At this stage, there is no question of prejudging various options. The committee is focussed on inquiry and investigation of the terms of reference,' he said to another query.
The first term of reference asks the committee 'to examine the situation in the State of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate state of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh.'
'I don't know. Only time will tell,' he said when asked if the committee would satisfy the emotions of people.
Srikrishna said it was not the duty of the committee to satisfy everybody emotionally, intellectually or otherwise.
'We will listen to everybody, examine the material and come up with whatever our talents prompt us to arrive at. We will then put it before the government of India and it is for the government of India to decide,' he said.
Asked to elaborate on his comment Thursday that the problem between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is like one between a husband and a wife, he said: 'All husbands want to live with their wives and wives want to live with their husbands. That is what I suppose but it is okay.'
Srikrishna, who was accompanied by four other members of the committee, said politics was not discussed during the meeting with leaders of all political parties at the dinner hosted by Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan Thursday.
'It was a friendly meeting with no political talk. The whole idea was to generate an atmosphere of goodwill, camaraderie and friendship so that when we actually meet for hard political issues we know each other, we have trust in each other and we have goodwill for each other,' he said.
This would start after completing the process of receiving representations, he said.
'It was only a preliminary tour just to make sure that infrastructure is in position when we take up discussions with stakeholders, things move smoothly and we are able to arrive at some kind of a solution within the mandate given to us.'
Committee member secretary V.K. Duggal said there would be no permanent office in Hyderabad but there was full support system available here with a nodal officer.
The committee, which was constituted by the government last month, plans to complete the process of consultations by July 31 and submit its report before its term ends on Dec 31.
Pak in 'overdrive' to convince international community to push India for composite talks
Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir held a meeting with all foreign ambassadors and high commissioners stationed in Islamabad to brief them about the recent foreign secretary level talks with India.
Sources privy to the meeting said that the meeting was part of the Pakistani game plan to gain more international support in pressurising New Delhi to resume the composite dialogue process sans any preconditions.
It may be noted that the February 25 foreign secretary level talks in New Delhi failed to yield the desired results, with India wanting all interaction to focus on prime the issue of terrorism, but Pakistan refused to step down from its stance, saying key issues of concern, including Kashmir, the water issue, and terrorism should be on the agenda of any future deliberations.
According to sources, during the meeting Bashir told the foreign diplomats that Pakistan is ready to resume a 'meaningful dialogue' with India without any delay, but it would not be part of any talks that are dominated by a one-point agenda.
He also urged the envoys to play their role in their respective capacities to convince India that its "stubbornness would jeopardise peace and stability in the entire region".
"Pakistan is ready to play its role for regional peace," sources quoted Bashir, as saying.
Insiders described the meeting as 'successful', and said that Pakistan's missions abroad would also arrange selective meetings and briefings to highlight the need of resumption of the Indo-Pak composite dialogue, The Daily Times reports.
According to Daniel Markey, a South Asia expert at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and a State Department official during the Bush administration, while Pakistan has romped up action against extremists breeding on its soil in the recent past, concerns regarding it playing a "double game" of supporting extremists behind the United States' back still remains.
"We are seeing things now that we had, in previous years, only hoped for," The USA Today quoted Markey, as saying.
Bruce Riedel, President Obama's key advisor on the revamped Af-Pak policy, also pointed out that the arrest of Afghan Taliban's second in-command Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and other top militant commanders is a significant move, particularly when Pakistan has maintained that there were no Taliban leaders in the country.
"He is a big fish. This is something the United States has been pressing Pakistan to do since the Bush administration," Riedel said.
Shuja Nawaz, an analyst with the Atlantic Council, also raised questions over Pakistan's efforts and said that the recent steps are "window dressing" designed to undermine the potential peace talks with the Taliban.
Nawaz and other analysts believed that the real test for Pakistan is whether it clamps down on the extremists flourishing inside its border who have, till now, remained untouched by the state.
One such extremist group is the Jalaluddin Haqqani network, which operates in the North Waziristan.
"The Haqqani network is one of the most deadly organizations, especially for U.S. troops. A more robust effort to target them would be a very positive signal," said Lt. Gen. David Barno, a Pakistan expert at the National Defense University. (ANI)
Mon, Feb 15 12:20 PM
Mumbai, Feb. 14 -- As the dust settles on the Shah Rukh vs Shiv Sena episode, television channels are quick to proclaim Mumbai and Mumbaikars as having 'defeated' the Sena. If only the truth was that simple. The fact is, this is the first time in my 40 years of living in Mumbai that the law and order machinery of the state has done its job in the face of a threat. Seeing this, the Mumbaikar has been only too happy to go and watch My Name Is Khan. Had there been no security arrangements, I am certain that the halls would not have exhibited the film, and the few that would have would have run near-empty. This would have been in complete sync with the way the Mumbaikar has behaved in the past. We shrank into our one BHK when, in 1992, Muslims were being targeted by right-wing Hindu mobs; When greeting cards outlets were vandalised on Valentine's Day; when taxis were pelted with stones; when films were disrupted in multiplexes; when stores were broken because their signs were not displayed in Marathi. Clearly, Mumbai has yet to discover its collective soul, its moral compass. But there are signs of change. The first step was 26/11. Yes, the enemy was foreign, the state government did not have to calculate the political cost of condemning it, the cause was 'safe' - middle-class Mumbaikars could vent their anger without fear of angering any right-wing faction. Still, it was the first time we hit the streets. And now there's 12/2. (Mark the date. It might be the beginning of a new Mumbai, even Bombay, if we are lucky.) The Mumbaikar steps out again. We could very well have not believed the state Home Minister when he assured us of our safety. Given our past experiences who would have blamed us? So what worked this time? Well, definitely Shah Rukh for one. His charisma is not to be underestimated. Add to that a sense in the city that he was being unfairly targeted. Equally important, there's also a growing feeling of 'enough is enough'. We are beginning to be aware that if we don't assert ourselves, the two right-wing political parties will tear us apart. Third, I also believe that it is now clear to the central government that the battle for Mumbai goes right to the heart of the idea of a secular, democratic India. So what's the road ahead for the Mumbaikar? How can we build on this momentum? The answer lies in two questions. Will the state government activate 30 per cent of its police forces if you or me are under attack and livelihood is under threat? Second, what if the issue is not so black and white? What if it is a politically trickier problem, say, taxi drivers in Mumbai refusing to learn Marathi, arguing that, under the Constitution, knowing Hindi is enough, and the Centre backs them? What then? Do we have an assurance that the state government will never again base a decision on how it plays out politically? Do we have an assurance that no matter who we are, we can expect security arrangements of the scale as seen on Friday should we need it? (In all fairness, I would like to say this to our Chief Minister: thank you and please do this again and again, because I am sure it feels good for you too.)
You might be surprised at the response.
Obama vows to reduce nuclear weapons
 President Obama outlined his nuclear-free vision last year in Prague |
US President Barack Obama has pledged to cut the number and role of nuclear weapons in America's national security strategy.
Mr Obama, marking the 40th anniversary of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, said a policy review would go "beyond outdated Cold War thinking".
In a statement, he said he would also continue to seek ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Mr Obama will host a nuclear security summit in Washington next month.
His officials are also involved in talks with Russia on a replacement for the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start), which expired last December.
"The United States reaffirms our resolve to strengthen the non-proliferation regime to meet the challenges of the 21st century as we pursue our ultimate vision of a world without nuclear weapons," he said in the statement.
"In addition, we will seek to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and negotiate a treaty to end the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons."
The treaty, which bans all nuclear explosions, was adopted by the UN in 1996 but has not yet entered into force.
"Our forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review will move beyond outdated Cold War thinking and reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, even as we maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent," Mr Obama added.
President Obama laid out his vision for a nuclear-free world in a keynote speech last year in the Czech capital, Prague.
Officials have said that thousands of nuclear weapons could be cut, in many cases by retiring weapons that are now kept in storage.
 All numbers are estimates because exact numbers are top secret. Strategic nuclear warheads are designed to target cities, missile locations and military headquarters as part of a strategic plan. Israel Israeli authorities have never confirmed or denied the country has nuclear weapons. North Korea The highly secretive state claims it has nuclear weapons, but there is no information in the public domain that proves this. Iran The International Atomic Energy Agency reported in 2003 there had been covert nuclear activity to make fissile material and continues to monitor Tehran's nuclear programme. Syria US officials have claimed it is covertly seeking nuclear weapons. |
News feedsMOST POPULAR STORIES NOW
- SHARED
- READ
- WATCHED/LISTENED
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- DNA test 'may predict best diet'
- Bowel cancer 'hotspots' are found
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Starbucks wins Chinese logo case
- Probe may have found cosmic dust
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- Chile sacking over tsunami alert
- US to conduct Blackwater review
- US will not adopt 'genocide' bill
- Pakistan kidnaps a 'big business'
- Japan princess 'bullied by boys'
- In pictures: A journey along Central Asia's longest river
- Arrests in India guru sex scandal
Blackwater Iraq allegations prompt US review
 Robert Gates was said to share concerns about Blackwater |
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates is to review allegations of misconduct in Afghanistan by the security company formerly known as Blackwater.
The review comes a day after a leading Democrat said the Pentagon should consider barring it from applying for a contract to train Afghan police.
The Pentagon said it could not bar the company from applying for the billion-dollar police training contract.
A spokesman for company, now called Xe, said it welcomed the review.
A spokesman for the company, Mark Corallo, said Xe has an excellent record of training security personnel in Afghanistan.
However, in a letter to Mr Gates at the end of February, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Carl Levin cited allegations of misconduct against the firm made before the committee.
He said there was evidence of misconduct in a previous subcontract awarded to a Blackwater affiliate to conduct weapons training for the Afghan National Army.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said of Mr Gates' response: "He is looking into it and he takes it seriously. He shares [Mr Levin's] concerns."
But he said it was not possible to bar the company without following strict regulations.
Technical expertise
"You can't willy-nilly choose not to do business with a company," he said.
"There are strict criteria for pursuing debarment. They are afforded due process. They are afforded legal standards."
Mr Morrell also said that Blackwater has the necessary technical expertise.
"And they have a willingness to work in places that very few companies are willing to work. So they provide a much-needed service and the ability to do it well."
The Blackwater company began its work protecting US government personnel in Iraq following the invasion in 2003.
Anti-American sentiment in Iraq was stoked in December after a US judge threw out manslaughter charges against five Blackwater guards over the 2007 killing of 17 Iraqis in Baghdad.
The activities of foreign security firms in Iraq have been curbed since then.
About a month ago, Iraq ordered 250 former and current staff of Blackwater to leave within a week.
In January 2010, Xe finalised the settlement - for an undisclosed amount - of a number of lawsuits over the killings of Iraqi civilians.
The civil suits accused Blackwater's founder, Erik Prince, of cultivating a climate of recklessness.
The lawsuits sought compensation for deaths and injuries incurred in incidents including the 2007 killings.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version Print Sponsor
8143 Senior Jobs. Get a Premium Job with 15 Lakh+ CTC. Register Now!
Naukri.com
In a Virtual City ,with Real People From all over the World
www.Languagelab.com/offer
News feedsMOST POPULAR STORIES NOW
- SHARED
- READ
- WATCHED/LISTENED
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- DNA test 'may predict best diet'
- Bowel cancer 'hotspots' are found
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Starbucks wins Chinese logo case
- Probe may have found cosmic dust
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- Chile sacking over tsunami alert
- US to conduct Blackwater review
- US will not adopt 'genocide' bill
- Japan princess 'bullied by boys'
- Pakistan kidnaps a 'big business'
- Bulger claims 'extremely serious'
- In pictures: A journey along Central Asia's longest river
New amateur video of tsunami chaos- Chile tsunami video shows devastation
- Strong aftershock hits Chile
- DJ granny takes on Paris nightclubs
- One-minute World News
- Whale trainer's 911 call released
- Boeing 747 survives bomb test
- Britain's most powerful dimmer switch
- Chile residents living in fear
- Blue Peter presenter breaks record
| FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
| |
Indian diplomat Nirupama Rao visits Sri Lanka
| By Charles Haviland BBC News, Colombo, Sri Lanka |
 Bilateral projects may be discussed by Mrs Rao and Sri Lankan officials |
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is due to arrive in neighbouring Sri Lanka for a three-day visit involving talks with top officials.
Details have not been revealed, but the diplomats may discuss a political solution to the grievances of the Tamil minority in the island state.
Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been be vague about any plans for such a solution.
But many feel that Colombo could listen to gentle pressure from Delhi.
Last week Mrs Rao was struggling to rebuild a rapprochement with India's bitter rival, Pakistan.
Her visit to Sri Lanka will be an entirely different matter.
Despite historical baggage, such as an ill-fated Indian military intervention 20 years ago, India now regards its small southern neighbour as one of its very closest allies.
The feeling is mutual. Colombo bitterly rejected diplomatic pressure from Western countries when they criticised its tactics in its all-out military crushing of the Tamil Tiger rebels last year.
Chinese investment
Any pressure from India has been gentler and more acceptable to the government here.
Yet India does have its concerns. It is home to far more Tamils than Sri Lanka.
And its Foreign Minister, SM Krishna, said on Wednesday that India had "stressed" to its neighbour the need to reach a political settlement acceptable to all communities including the Tamils.
India does have another concern. It is lagging behind China in investing to help develop and rebuild infrastructure in post-war Sri Lanka.
So during these top-level diplomatic talks the two sides may start discussing further bilateral projects.
Print Sponsor
Book Sri Lanka Flights & Get Huge Discounts From Us. Save Now. Hurry!
MakeMyTrip.com/Sri-Lanka-Flights
Sri Lanka Experts - Lowest Prices Budget hotel, sightseeing, shopping
www.HolidayIQ.com/Singapore
Fun, adventure & relaxation at Club Mahindra. Pick your location now.
ClubMahindra.com/Fun-Family-Forever
LeaderlessOpposition outmanoeuvred following Fonseka arrest
History of the war in Sri Lanka
News feedsMOST POPULAR STORIES NOW
- SHARED
- READ
- WATCHED/LISTENED
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- DNA test 'may predict best diet'
- Bowel cancer 'hotspots' are found
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Starbucks wins Chinese logo case
- Probe may have found cosmic dust
- Woman murdered for Facebook photo
- Lost Jewish tribe 'found in Zimbabwe'
- Chile sacking over tsunami alert
- US to conduct Blackwater review
- US will not adopt 'genocide' bill
- Japan princess 'bullied by boys'
- Pakistan kidnaps a 'big business'
- Bulger claims 'extremely serious'
- In pictures: A journey along Central Asia's longest river
The most read story in Europe is: Chile sacking over tsunami alert
| Business |
|
Marketwatch ticker
World Business News - Buzz Up
- Share
Fri, Mar 5 12:29 PM
The family of AIIMS student Bal Mukund Bharti has alleged that he committed suicide after being harassed by teachers and students at the prestigious institute because of his caste . Bal Mukund, a final- year MBBS student at the AIIMS, had secured admission through the Scheduled Caste ( SC) quota in 2004. Soon after, he started telling his family he wanted to quit because he was being subjected to casterelated harassment.
His father, Gulab Singh Bharti, said, " He used to tell us that he was neglected by his teachers and fellows at the institute. He often requested his professors for extra lessons to improve his weak subjects but they refused to help him." Bal Mukund's cousin Shailendra Kumar added, " Because he was an SC category student, he faced constant discrimination by his teachers." Bal Mukund's body was found in room number 22 of hostel- II in the AIIMS campus on Wednesday. He used an internet connection wire to hang himself. No suicide note was found.
The AIIMS administration has refused to comment on the issue.
Reproduced From Mail Today. Copyright 2010. MTNPL. All rights reserved.
- Email Story
- IM Story
- Printable View
Recommend It:
Number of Votes (27)
- Unruly fliers give AI a tough time HT - 12:40 PM
- Tourism Malaysia rates Indians as biggest spenders HT - 12:40 PM
- From May, dial a taxi HT - 12:40 PM
- Portion of Dadar hotel demolished HT - 12:40 PM
- Fire department serves notice to commercial centre for flouting rules HT - 12:40 PM
National News
Jobs You Can Do In Paradise
Live where you'd most love to be, working as anything from a mountain guide to a sommelier or a ski photographer.
- The man who shares Sachin's record-breaking feat - on Twitter Y! India News
- Chandrayaan data reveals water on moon equator too India Today
- Sachin is already a ''Bharat Ratna'', says Thackeray PTI
- Gratuity ceiling raised to Rs 10L FE
- Delhi girls not safe in offices India Today
Most Viewed National News
Inside News
Editor's picks
-
National News
-
IT National News
Add to My Yahoo!/RSS
Primary Navigation
| Copyright © Yahoo India Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. Questions or Comments Privacy Policy -Terms of Service - Copyright Notice |
- Police delays killed my husband, says Kiwi-Indian liquor store owner's widow ANI - 12:25 PM
- Car bomb rocks Shi'ite holy city before Iraq poll Reuters - 12:19 PM
- Shilpa Shetty ,Amir Khan, Meera Syal, line up to save BBC Asian Network ANI - 12:10 PM
- Kiwi-Indian liquor store owner's murderer had a sex violence plagued upbringing ANI - 12:10 PM
- Indian toddler Gurshan Singh's father has no idea about his tragic death ANI - 12:10 PM
WORLD
Here's a look at the aerial shots of 9/11 attacks
WORLD
Top 10 top holiday destinations for year 2010
WORLD
Here are some magical moments of Grammy Awards
WORLD
Take a look at the world's most beautiful cities
WORLD
Here's a look at the Obama's journey to the White ...
WORLD
Factors that made Haiti quake worst-case scenario
WORLD
Here's a look at the aerial shots of 9/11 attacks
WORLD
Top 10 top holiday destinations for year 2010
General
- Pentagon gunman believed that US Govt. staged 9/11ANI - 12:25 PM
Washington, Mar. 6 (ANI): The 36-year-old gunman, who shot at two Pentagon police officers while trying to enter the complex on Thursday evening, might have been suffering from a mental illness that led him into believing that the federal government orchestrated the Sept. 11 attacks.
- Chad prime minister resigns - statementReuters - Fri, Mar 5
Chadian Prime Minister Youssouf Saleh Abbas, whose government has been rocked by embezzlement scandals, has resigned, the presidency said on Friday.
- Villagers bury Uganda mudslide victimsReuters - Fri, Mar 5
From a hill overlooking Nametsi, all that is visible of the village in eastern Uganda are crumpled tin roofs protruding in a field of mud.
- Pak disappointed with India, wants to return to dialogue processANI - Fri, Mar 5
Pakistan on Thursday expressed disappointment at India's reluctance to restart the composite dialogue that was snapped off after the attacks on Mumbai in 2008, and also wants India to return to dialogue process.
- Three-year-old Indian boy's autopsy fails to reveal cause of death: Victoria PoliceANI - Fri, Mar 5
Melbourne, Mar 5(ANI): Victoria Police has said that an autopsy of three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh, who was found dead after vanishing from his Melbourne home on Thursday has not been determined.
US
- India nuclear deal has not complicated non-proliferation efforts: USIANS - 11:17 AM
Washington, March 6 (IANS) The landmark India-US civil nuclear deal has not complicated efforts to achieve universalisation of the Additional Protocol for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards as a condition for nuclear supply, according to a top aide of President Barack Obama.
- US hunts for citizens training with Al Qaeda, other terrorist groupsANI - 11:15 AM
Los Angeles, Mar 6 (ANI): The Obama Administration has no count of Americans training overseas with Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups, but is gathering information with Pakistan and other governments to identify and locate people holding US passports who are receiving terrorist training then legally returning to commit violent acts, according to a top US diplomat.
- Hindus and Jews ask Pope to uphold 'Christian values' on Roma 'apartheid' in EuropeANI - 11:15 AM
Nevada (US), March 6 (ANI): Hindus and Jews have portrayed His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as 'un-Christian' for not strongly supporting the cause of the Roma who face 'apartheid" conditions in Europe.
- Women of India outdo men in philanthropyANI - 11:15 AM
Nevada (US), March 6 (ANI): Women of India have outperformed Indian men in philanthropy.Latest list of Forbes Asia of "48 Heroes of Philanthropy" contains only four Indians and all of them are women.
- 'US hopes to find more common ground with growing world power India'IANS - 09:36 AM
Washington, March 6 (IANS) With national interests converging, the US hopes to find more common ground with India, a growing world power that has a significant role to play on virtually all major challenges of the century, says a senior US official.
Europe
- Iraq War was right: Brown at InquiryIE - 05:17 AM
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown told an official Iraq War inquiry on Friday that joining the 2003 US-led invasion had been the right decision and that he had provided the necessary funding for military action.
- EU asked to set up larger embassies in India, PakistanIANS - 12:42 AM
Brussels, March 6 (IANS) Britain and Sweden have asked the European Union to set up larger diplomatic offices in India, Pakistan, China, Indonesia and Brazil with a view to 'deepen and broaden' relationship with these countries.
- Abuse at pope's brother's choir, more German schoolsReuters - Fri, Mar 5
Germany's Roman Catholic Church revealed charges of priests beating and sexually abusing boys in at least three schools in Pope Benedict's native Bavaria on Friday, one linked to a renowned choir once led by his brother.
- Street clashes as Greek parliament approves austerityReuters - Fri, Mar 5
Greek police clashed in front of parliament with stone-throwing youths protesting against austerity measures on Friday but lawmakers still passed the bill in an emergency vote.
- European leaders see no need to bail out GreeceReuters - Fri, Mar 5
European leaders expressed confidence on Friday that new austerity measures planned by Greece would be enough to pull the country out of its debt crisis and make any bailout unnecessary.
Middle-East
- Top UN official to visit India, NepalIANS - 08:09 AM
United Nations, March 6 (IANS) A top UN official will visit India and Nepal next week to discuss regional and international issues with officials and political parties in both the countries.
- Two killed in Pakistan blastIANS - Fri, Mar 5
Islamabad, March 5 (IANS) Two people were killed and 11 wounded Friday when a suicide attacker struck near a petrol pump in northwest Pakistan, police said.
- INTERVIEW - Hamas: Abbas must resign after failing to deliverReuters - Thu, Mar 4
Hamas on Thursday called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to resign, accusing him of selling the Palestinians "illusions" by moving to resume peace talks with Israel.
- 12 killed, 27 injured in Iraq attacksIANS - Thu, Mar 4
Baghdad, March 4 (DPA) At least 12 people were killed and 27 injured Thursday in separate attacks in Iraq, amid a spike in violence ahead of country's March 7 parliamentary elections.
- Five killed in Baghdad attack as voting beginsIE - Thu, Mar 4
Five people were killed and at least 10 wounded in a rocket or bomb attack near a polling station in a northern district of the Iraqi capital today, security officials said.
International
- Oz Indian community urged to remain calm after death of Gurshan SinghANI - 11:15 AM
Melbourne, Mar 6(ANI): Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Victorian Premier John Brumby have urged the Indian community to remain calm and not link three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh's death to attacks on Indian students and taxi drivers in Melbourne.
- Three-year-old Indian boy's death mystery deepens in MelbourneANI - 11:15 AM
Melbourne, Mar 6(ANI): The mystery behind the death of three-year-old Indian boy Gurshan Singh has deepened despite in depth police interviews lasting several hours with parents and relatives of the toddler.
- Obama to meet Haitian leader next week at White HouseReuters - Fri, Mar 5
President Barack Obama plans to meet next week with Haitian President Rene Preval in their first face-to-face talks since an earthquake devastated Haiti in January.
- For young Moscow, vodka has lost its buzzHT - Fri, Mar 5
Tatiana Sizotkina moves around traffic-packed roads in a chauffeur-driven Audi that?s her dad?s. The new Russia further reflects in her D&G boots and Armani handbag.
- Oz Indian leaders urge calm on death of Gurshan Singh in MelbourneANI - Fri, Mar 5
Melbourne, Mar 5(ANI): Indian community leaders in Australia have pleaded for calm during the murder investigation into death of three-year-old boy Gurshan Singh Kaurchanna in Melbourne.
Asia
- Pak-Afghan border region 'critical' for success in war on terror: MullenANI - 12:10 PM
Washington, Mar.5 (ANI): The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Armed Forces, Admiral Mike Mullen has described the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan as 'critical' for the ongoing offensive against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and other extremist groups in Afghanistan and for the larger war against extremism.
- Resolving Kashmir, water issues with India imperative for peace: BashirIE - 11:46 AM
Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir has once again raked up the Kashmir issue, and said peace and stability in South Asia is not possible unless the long pending disputes between India and Pakistan are resolved.
- Top Pak Taliban commanders among 30 extremists reportedly killed in FATAIE - 11:46 AM
At least 30 extremists, including top Taliban commanders Maulana Faqir Mohammad, Qari Ziarur Rehman and Fateh Mohammad were reportedly killed as helicopter gunships pounded a suspected militant hideout in Mohmand Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
- U.S. repudiates U.N. council remarks on Mideast clashReuters - 11:25 AM
A U.S. official denied on Friday that Washington had consented to a U.N. Security Council statement to reporters voicing concern about the fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinians.
- Eighth Indian dossier on Saeed's 26/11 role reaches PakIE - 11:22 AM
The eighth Indian dossier containing more details on the Mumbai terror attacks has reached Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
Business News
CSE index up 301 points in weekly trade
Kolkata, Mar 6 (PTI) The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE) gained sharply during the week where all trading sessions gained ground.
- China wants yuan in SDR in 2015 - Japanese daily Reuters - 11:32 AM
- Days of "special" yuan policy numbered - China c.banker Reuters - 11:24 AM
- China calls U.S. duties on paper, salts unfair Reuters - 10:19 AM
- GM to pay vice chairman Girsky $5 mln Reuters - 10:12 AM
- China's exports need 2-3 years to recover - minister Reuters - 09:55 AM
BUSINESS
BMW launches limited edition of Gran Turismo
BUSINESS
Yamaha launches the 2010 version of YZF-R1
BUSINESS
Check out some of the most talked about Green cars
BUSINESS
Shokda Yeti - maximum functionality of arrangement...
BUSINESS
Take a look at the Concept cars at Auto Expo 2010
BUSINESS
A look at the Vintage cars at Auto Expo 2010
BUSINESS
BMW launches limited edition of Gran Turismo
BUSINESS
Yamaha launches the 2010 version of YZF-R1
General
- Cigarette price rise inevitable: ITCPTI - 12:13 PM
Kolkata, Mar 6 (PTI) ITC Ltd today said that hike in cigarette prices was inevitable due to imposition of excise duty on tobacco in the Union Budget for 2010-11.
- GM offers to keep 661 of rejected U.S. dealersReuters - 07:38 AM
General Motors Co has offered to keep open 661 of its U.S. dealers once targeted for closure as it tries to shore up sales after emerging from bankruptcy last year.
- China says it will move cautiously on currency, ASAP - 06:31 AM
BEIJING (AP) China's central bank governor acknowledged Saturday that Beijing is using its controversial exchange-rate controls to cope with the global economic crisis and said it will be cautious about retreating from the policy.
- Wall St Week Ahead: Bulls may extend rally from March 2009 lowsReuters - 05:40 AM
Bulls may get more room to run next week on the anniversary of the March 2009 lows -- if U.S. stock investors see more signs of stability after Friday's rally on smaller-than-expected job losses.
- Google takes aim at Microsoft with acquisitionReuters - 05:32 AM
Google Inc stepped up its assault on Microsoft Corp's productivity software business with the acquisition of a small start-up company that allows Microsoft users to edit and share their documents on the Web.
India
- Industrialist G.P. Birla deadIANS - 09:43 AM
Kolkata, March 6 (IANS) Noted industrialist G.P. Birla died late Friday night after a prolonged illness, a source close to the family said here Saturday. He was 86.
- Schneider to buy Zicom's security system businessIE - 05:17 AM
Schneider Electric has entered an agreement with Zicom Electronic Security Systems Limited to acquire the latter's electronic security systems integration business, namely the Building Solutions Group and the Special Projects Group, for about Rs 224.7 crore.
- Govt seeks to increase public expenditure by Rs 31,780 crIE - 05:17 AM
Placing the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2009-2010 in Parliament today, the government sought a gross additional expenditure of Rs 14,43,532.93 crore including 69 grants and three appropriations.
- Aligning with new dynamicsIE - 05:17 AM
From complete obscurity to one of the most highly-hyped north Indian growth corridor, to overheating and back to the top slot in India's most lucrative residential real estate investment hotspots - when it comes to market status updates, Gurgaon has its own significance.
- Reserve Bank puts off roll out of base rate by three monthsIE - 05:17 AM
The proposed base rate — the new reference rate for determining lending rates for banks — will be implemented three months later than earlier planned.
International
- Dollar still reigns supreme - China c.bank governorReuters - 08:54 AM
The dollar is still the most important currency in the world, China's central bank governor said on Saturday at a press conference on the sidelines of the country's annual parliament.
- Resounding "No" expected in Iceland referendumReuters - 07:01 AM
Icelanders vote in a referendum on Saturday on a $5 billion deal to repay Anglo-Dutch loans, with an expected resounding "No" set to further delay foreign aid and hopes for economic recovery.
- U.S. House panel - Toyota shows no proof yet of studyReuters - 06:54 AM
Toyota Motor Corp has failed to support statements of top executives that the automaker has rigorously evaluated electronic throttles in its vehicles, Democratic leaders of a congressional committee said on Friday.
- Google to insert automated captions on YouTubeIANS - 04:17 AM
San Francisco, March 6 (DPA) Google is to add automatic captions to the tens of millions of English-language videos it hosts on YouTube, the web search giant said Friday.
- U.S. payrolls data buoy job creation hopesReuters - 03:00 AM
U.S. employers cut fewer jobs than expected during snow-battered February and the unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent, bolstering views the economy was on the brink of creating jobs.
Personal-Finance
- Sensex ends flatIANS - Fri, Mar 5
Mumbai, March 5 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities ended flat Friday on what was a largely lacklustre trading day.
- Sensex pares losses, closes 44 points downIANS - Thu, Mar 4
Mumbai, March 4 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities markets Thursday made up some of the intra-day losses and closed 44 points lower than its previous close.
- Prudential can't add Tata AIG stake, rules IRDAHT - Thu, Mar 4
The insurance regulator told Hindustan Times on Wednesday that if Britain?s Prudential Plc?s purchase of the Asian operations of bankrupt US-based American International Group (AIG) included the Indian stake in Tata AIG, it would amount to a regulatory violation.
- In the family wayY! India News - Wed, Mar 3
The economy may not have spurted to full recovery, but the uptrend has been enough for the ubiquitous Indian family to consider taking a vacation.
- Sensex closes 2.09 percent higher, auto, metals gainIANS - Tue, Mar 2
Mumbai, March 2 (IANS) A benchmark index for Indian equities closed 2.09 percent higher Tuesday, backed by gains in auto and metal stocks.
Markets
- U.S. regulators close banks in four statesReuters - 08:34 AM
U.S. bank regulators closed four banks in as many states on Friday, bringing the number of failures so far this year to 26 as deteriorating loans continued taking a toll on financial institutions.
- AIG's Greenberg says cannot be chargedReuters - 06:05 AM
Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, the former chief executive of American International Group Inc, believes he no longer faces possible criminal charges over a sham transaction involving the insurer and a unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
- AIG-Pru deal set $231 mln breakup fee, other payoutsReuters - 04:40 AM
Britain's Prudential Plc, under its $35.5 billion deal for AIG's Asian life unit, has agreed to payments of as much as $104 million per month if the deal does not close by Aug. 31 and a 153 million pound ($231 million) termination fee.
- World stocks, oil rally on U.S. jobs dataReuters - 03:31 AM
World equities and oil jumped on Friday on signs of revived consumer spending and after fears a stormy February would worsen the U.S. jobs picture proved false, boosting sentiment about the pivotal labour market.
- Wall St rallies on U.S. jobs data, consumer creditReuters - 03:14 AM
U.S. stocks jumped and the Nasdaq hit an 18-month closing high on Friday as U.S. employers cut fewer jobs than expected last month and consumers showed signs of shedding their penny-pinching ways.
National News
Tibetans exiles take out candlelight march in Dharamsala against China
Dharamsala, Mar 6 (ANI): Scores of Tibetan exiles and monks took out candlelight vigil here to condemn the sentences given to Tibetans in Lhasa by China.
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee showcases his bohemian collection at LIFW ANI - 12:25 PM
- Pratapgarh stampede: Initial report blames local authorities, ashram for incident ANI - 12:10 PM
- Uttar Pradesh can't pay to Pratapgarh stampede victims: Mayawati ANI - 12:10 PM
- Youngest Indian ready to Mount Everest HT - 12:05 PM
- More than 7,000 Kashmiris take exams to join police IANS - 12:01 PM
NATIONAL
Chronology of events when Sainiks created ruckus
NATIONAL
Advani blames Nehru for festering sores of Kashmir
NATIONAL
India pays homage to Gandhi on Martyrs' Day
NATIONAL
Gujarat is now looking at online and SMS voting
NATIONAL
Take a look at the events that marked 2009
NATIONAL
Taj Mahal a favourite landmark for global tourists
NATIONAL
Chronology of events when Sainiks created ruckus
NATIONAL
Advani blames Nehru for festering sores of Kashmir
General
- NRHM-like urban health mission: SoniaHT - 12:00 PM
The UPA government would soon unveil an urban health mission on the lines of National Rural Health Mission. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi stated this on the outskirts of Meghalaya capital Shillong on Friday.
- Assam Opposition MLAs barricade SpeakerHT - 12:00 PM
Some 50 Opposition legislators prevented Assam Assembly Speaker Tanka Bahadur Rai from entering the House for close to an hour on Friday.
- Five Maoists held in ChhattisgarhIANS - 11:51 AM
Raipur, March 6 (IANS) Five Maoist guerrillas, for whose capture the police had announced bounties, were arrested in Chhattisgarh Saturday.
- Bt cotton fails pest resistance test in GujaratHT - 11:50 AM
This cotton variety was genetically modified only to enable it to protect itself against pests, and it failed. The stunning disclosure has swerved the spotlight back on the debate over the efficacy and sustainability of GM crops.
- BSNL scraps $10 bln GSM tender - reportReuters - 11:43 AM
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has decided to scrap its tender for 93 million GSM lines worth $10 billion and invite fresh bids, newspapers reported on Saturday.
Politics
- PM confident women's quota bill will be passedIANS - 11:47 AM
New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday said he was confident that the women's reservation bill that seeks to provide 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies will be passed in parliament.
- UP can't pay to Pratapgarh stampede victims: MayawatiIE - 11:46 AM
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati claimed that the state was facing an "acute financial crisis" and was not in a position to give any monetary compensation to the families of those killed or injured in Thursday's Pratapgarh stampede.
- BJP demotes Keshubhai PatelIANS - 11:20 AM
Ahmedabad, March 6 (IANS) Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel has been relegated from the post of chairman to a member in the state advisory committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has announced 14 new faces in the party's new list of 20 office bearers.
- Thackeray targets Maharashtra Governor over 'Mumbai for all' remarkIE - 11:10 AM
After batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan is the latest to face the Shiv Sena ire for saying that Mumbai belongs to all.
- A new Manmohan Singh takes a bowIANS - 08:19 AM
The man who seemed incapable of raising his voice has changed. The soft-spoken Manmohan Singh is no longer as mild-mannered as before. Behind the amiable exterior, a hint of steel is now visible, as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) leader L.K. Advani learnt to his cost in the Lok Sabha Wednesday.
Features
- Harrelson, Mo'Nique win early Spirit AwardsReuters - 10:26 AM
Oscar nominees Woody Harrelson and Mo'Nique took home early prizes on Friday at the Spirit Awards, the independent film world's version of the Oscars.
- Wheels worth the waitHT - Fri, Mar 5
It may hark back to the License Raj days and limited production when consumers had to wait for a decade after booking a Bajaj Chetak, but even today some cars and two-wheelers command a waiting period.
- Budget drama on TV shows mixed verdictHT - Fri, Mar 5
It is almost like a game in which the winner depends on who the umpire is. The budget day last week saw CNBC TV18 emerging as a leader according to TAM data, while overnight TV monitoring service aMap?s figures showed Bloomberg UTV at the top.
- Microwave makers bake a growth strategyHT - Fri, Mar 5
The microwave oven market, which at present is very small at 1.4 million units, is expected to grow by 30 per cent in India this year.
- Pranab's daughter comes out with own wishlist on Budget evePTI - Thu, Mar 4
Vying for his attention like every other Indian does around Budget time, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmistha has written an open letter asking him to exempt artistes like herself from income tax and instead tax up to 95 per cent of the income of eve-teasers
Crime
- Dwarka burgled againHT - 11:05 AM
In Dwarka, burglars struck again on Thursday and escaped with cash and valuables worth Rs 10 lakh. The six targeted apartments are in the same complex?four of them on the same floor. All this within a span of just three hours.
- Cops see pattern in Mayur Vihar theftsHT - 11:05 AM
Continuing their free run despite iron doors, bolts and other security measures, burglars have managed to break into a number of apartments in the Hindustan Times Apartments in Mayur Vihar, phase I.
- Man stages abduction, heldHT - Fri, Mar 5
The Gurgaon Police on Thursday arrested a 27-year old stock broking firm employee for staging his own abduction to extort money from his father.
- Delhi girls not safe in officesIndia Today - Thu, Mar 4
Sexual harassment of women in the Capital's workplaces has tripled though crimes against the fairer sex witnessed a decline.
- Kathua excise officials seize narcotics worth 15 million rupeesANI - Thu, Mar 4
Lakhanpur (Jammu and Kashmir), Mar 4 (ANI): Excise and Taxation Department officials in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua District, have seized over 140 kilograms of drugs and 20 quintals of opium straw powder, which is worth around 15 million rupees in the international market.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ET SlideShow
News, Business, Stocks & more via 58888 
--
Palash Biswas
Pl Read:
http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment