PLO,Collegium_system,Pakistan,Court_rulings,Microsoft&India_Post

 

Dear all,
Welcome.

PLO: A proposal in regard to grant of Statehood to Palestine had fallen in UN Security Council voting. US & Australia had opposed it. Nine Countries support was essential. France, Russia, Argentina, Luxemburg, Jordan, Chad and Chile had voted in favour whereas US & Australia had oppposed. UK, Nigeria, S.Korea, Rwanda, and Lithuania had not voted.

Collegium system: After Constitutional amendment in appointment of Judges in Higher Courts by Collegium system, Judicial appointments commission would be replacing it. The NJAC bill was approved during past August and it is cleared by the President. Under the new law, a Commission would come into effect after Collegium system was widely criticized.

Pakistan: US is continuing aid to Pakistan and has assured for help worth 53 crore dollars. The new defence policy of US had granted loan worth 532 million dollars to Pakistan. After 9/11 attacks, Carry looger act 2010 had proposed 750 crore dollar aid out of which Pakistan had been granted 380 crore dollars so far. Whereas US President is coming to India on Republic day, US foreign minister is also engaged for such visit.

Court rulings:
1. IS: An IS trained terrorist who surrendered after coming back had been presented under MCOCA Spl. Court wherein after he was sent to Judicial remand uptil Jan. 14. He had requested for continuing of his studies.
2. Hooka Parlour: The removal of ban against Hooka Parlour is stated to be against PM's mission of drug free India. It is to note that such parlours had been declared illegal by Supreme Court Justice Bench after being banned by BMC during 2011. 
3. Delhi High Court had issued notice to Election Commission in matter related to illegal voters in Delhi. It is to note that complaints had been made by Congress & AAP party.

Microsoft: Software company had filed a case against C-cubed solutions alleging charges of providing technical help to consumers. It had petitioned before US California based Federal Court. It is charged of violating trademark agreement & adopting illegal trading. Besides, omnitech support, Anytime techies, & two others are also accused in other case matters. It is learnt that C-cubed is using Microsoft trademark for enhancing it's credibility in the market. 
With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Original_app_mssg(1) India Post

Things are fast progressing for India Post’s grand entry to banking industry. As the latest step, on Tuesday, the NDA-government amended the Post Office Savings Bank General Rules, 1981 to permit select offices of Department of Posts to issue ATM cards to savings bank account holders and issue account statements, instead of the traditional passbooks.

Presently, the service will be limited to only those post branches, which are under the core banking solution (CBS) network. To put it simple, CBS makes possible real time operation of a bank account across all branches connected through the network.

That is the reason why a customer can transact in their accounts in any bank branches. Most Indian commercial banks have covered their entire branches under CBS. The point to be noted here is with the permission to operate accounts through ATMs and issue account statements instead of a post office passbook, India post has already almost become a bank, albeit, in small scale, and if one exclude the credit operations business. A customer can keep their savings, draw statements, withdraw money from ATMs like in any other bank.For India Post, only 676 post offices are under the CBS network out of its total 1.55 lakh branches. Hence the ATM/account statement services will be initially limited to those branches. However, the department is currently undertaking a project to cover more number of branches under CBS as part of its IT-modernisation programme, besides
increasing its ATM network to 2,800 by 2015.

India Post already manages deposits worth ove Rs 6 lakh crore under its various deposit schemes.

To offer credit, however, the department needs to set up a formal bank.
Early this month, a task force, headed by former cabinet secretary, TSR Subramanian and comprising of experts that includes former Infosys board member TV Mohandas Pai, had mooted the creation of a full fledged post bank that can undertake all kind of business activities including credit like normal bank, focusing on the poorest segments of the country. But that process will take time, since such an avtar requires a fresh legislation and capital infusion from the government. The norms do not permit government entities to apply for a small bank licence.

But the postal department can certainly take the first step forward to realize the dream of ‘Post Bank of India’ by becoming a payments bank, permissible under recent RBI guidelines. The deadline to apply for payments bank is on January 16. Getting a payments bank licence will be cakewalk for
posts, since RBI is already is in favour of its candidature to become a bank.

India Post was among the 25 contenders for a full service banking licence last year but didn't get into the final list since the UPA government at the time wasn't keen on backing the move and refused to provide the department with the minimum capital required to set up a commercial bank.

RBI issued licences to only two from the 25--IDFC and Bandhan—for the full service operations but had observed that India Post can be given banking licences if government, technically the promoter of the proposed Post bank, gives its nod.

If financial inclusion is the topmost priority of the government, post bank’s entry into the banking can immensely benefit the poor, much more than the ongoing Jan Dhan Yojana, where state-run bankers are kept at gun point to meet the magical target numbers (Rs 10 crore in seven months), that in many cases has ended up in free distribution of duplicate bank accounts to existing account holders with loose KYC norms.

Force-feeding financial inclusion to the poor and unbanked has hardly worked in India in the past as is evident from large number of dormant accounts under the massive no-frills account opening drive under the RBI and previous UPA-government. Instead, preparing the ground, where poor is given easy access to the formal financial system, can work better if the intent is the real inclusion.

And no one knows the unbanked farmer, vegetable vender or daily laborer in the villages more than the postman. They KYC process is already done and the villager will trust the Postman to keep his small savings than a brand-new bank.

Of its total network, about 1,39,040 post offices are in rural areas. Going by a 2011 estimate of the postal department, about 6,000 people are covered on average by post-offices in rural areas and about 24,000 in urban areas.

Through its various saving schemes, Postal department handles deposits to the tune of Rs 6,00,000 crore. The department only needs to manage the fresh resources needed to undertake full-service banking operations; the infrastructure is already present. As *Firstpost *has noted several times before, the entry of post to the scene can change the game in banking. May be, that’s the best gift Modi can offer to India’s poor in 2015.

MDG,IS,Court_ruling,IAEA,26/11,China,Economy,Ship_wreck&Maoist

Dear all,
Welcome.
MDG: India had claimed to attain MDGs as proposed by United Nations in the areas of child mortality rate. By 2015, children aged upto 5 years would have to be brought upto 42 per 1000 childrens. Besides, child mortality rate is to be brought upto 28. National Health mission had made various States to take few steps. Under it, child birth is to be increased under the monitoring of health workers. To bring awareness regarding their care and imparting training to them & increasing
capability is to be done.
If mortality rate decline continues, India would be able to achieve the goals. During 2012, it was 52 for children aged less than five years. By 2015, it is to be brought to 140. Presently, it is 141.

IS: IS had killed 1,878 people in Syria as per Syrian monitoring organisation. It had killed 120 of its own group. Most of them are foreign volunteers who wanted to return. IS had captured a big part of
Iraq and Syria. During June, it had raised Khilafat & fought against Kurds and Iraqi forces.

Court ruling:
Bollywood actor, A.Kumar, found of stamping on 786 logo had not been summoned upon complaint rather the Andheri Court had ordered for sending it to related Police Station. It is to note that a film,
Khiladi, had been released during 2012 wherein he had been shown as such. The Court had asked for report by Mumbai Police uptil Feb.11. The complaint mentions about film producer.

IAEA: India would be making its way for getting Uranium from outside countries. All Civil nuclear reactors would be coming under the purview of IAEA. During upcoming Obama's visit to India during republic day, India would be completing its terms of making nuclear agreement. The Narora based nuclear electricity centre two reactors viz. Unit 1&2 would be coming under it.
Uptil now, 20 nuclear reactors had been made under IAEA security and purview. Tarapur unit 1&2, Rajasthan unit 1&2, Kudankullam unit 1&2, Kakrapar unit 1&2 are included in it. These are eligible for utilizingimported Uranium. Besides, Tarapur nuclear storage & separate fuel storage facility, Uranium oxide plant, Enriched Uranium fuel, Enriched Uranium oxide plant etc. including Hyderabad based nuclear fuel premises would come under IAEA security & purview.
All reactors with foreign collaboration would be directly coming under IAEA. It is an essential condition for Civil nuclear agreement along with US. By Dec.end, India had to hand over such civil nuclear reactors under IAEA purview. It would be able to use international fuel.

26/11 mastermind: Pakistan High Court had suspended notification in regard to arrest of Mumbai blast accused after he had got bail from Pak.ATC court. After sharp criticism, it had arrested uner MPO but after approaching High Court, his arrest is suspended. It is to note that earlier Islamabad Court had granted him bail.
His name had figured after arresting Kasab who had mentioned him in the statement, the only live terrorist during Feb.2009 Mumbai attacks. He was hanged on Nov.21, 2012.

China: Indian security agencies had found nearabout 50 chinese study centres and maths at Nepal & Bhutan border, who are engaged in campaigning. SSB had prepared a report wherein 22 such centres are run at Nepal border. These are learnt to be spreadin chinese culture, tradition, education and economy. The report mentions about such programs being run in tarai region especially Jhapa and Ilam areas.
These districts have strong relations with India economically & commercially. The Chinese Study centre had stated that their aim is to help people learn chinese language and culture.

Economy: Govt. priority is to create environment for investment so as to increase its pace. During past seven years, it had taken such steps. Action against black money would be taken. The service sector is exhibiting better. Cash flow is to be increased with encouragement in the market. The irrigation project are to be invested. The slow pace in manufacturing sector is to be increased.
The govt. is focusing on reforms. Commerce minister would be addressing a workshop on "Make in India".
The parallel economy due to black money is posing threat & it is to be curbed. The black money would be diverted towards mainstream. It could give additional resources in the economy.

Ship wreck: A passenger ship with 478 passengers aboard moving from Greek to Italy caught fire nar Korfu island. Due to heavy wind and sea turbulence, rescue operation is suspended. Helicopter and rescue ships are trying to reach near the ship. Eight cargo ships are being used as windshield. It caught fire at garage where 220 cars had been sheltered.

With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Maoist

An alarming increase in the activity of Naxals has been detected by security agencies recently in Kerala where the Left Wing Extremists have started perpetrating violent acts by espousing the cause of tribals.

Officials said security agencies have found that the Western Ghats Special Zonal Committee of the CPI (Maoist) have launched a "series of actions" in the southern state, beginning with vandalising forest department establishments in Wayanad and Palakkad districts recently.

There are ten identified Naxal violence-affected states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Maharashtra. "The red extremists are raising issues of alleged environmental pollution due to mining and other quarrying activities and the high-handedness of police and forest department officials, which leads to the displacement of tribals from these areas. They are trying to take up cudgels on behalf of tribals and their rights," they said.
They said these developments are alarming as "Kerala has never seen such incidents occurring with so much stead in the recent past". There had been some reports of Naxal activities in the state in the
period between 1960-70s. The agencies have specifically found that the Maoists, through their local communication channels, are trying to highlight the alleged "misreable" condition of the tribals of Manjeeri area of Malappuram district.
"They are spreading the message that the tribals' plight in the state and in these specific areas is because of the indifference of forest and tribal welfare departments and alleged inaction by the state
police," they said.- PTI

Egypt,Russia,Mann_ki_baat,Court_rulings,Modi_govt.,Saradha_scam&Maoist/CRPF

Dear all,
Welcome.
Times person of the year: Times magazine had selected Ebola virus treatment making doctor as the Times person of the year. After online poll, eight finalists had been selected. The magazine had stated that when govt. had not been willing to fight disease, initiative was taken by doctor and nurses. It is to note that eight finalists are Taylor Swift, Vladimir putin, Ferguson protestors, Tim Cook, Alibaba founder, NFL Commissioner an Kurdish leader.

 

Egypt: Egypt had translated Indian Constitution draft for its contribution towards maintaining democratic institutions. It's first ever Arabic translation had been issued by League of Arab States Secretariat and Indian Embassy.
Arab had praised for making such constitutin, who caters to all sections of society. It depicts religious and caste diversity which had been praised by organisers and persons present there.

Russia: After Russian premiere's visit to India, US had stated that it is not the right time to have general business. Around 20 trade agreements had been made in oil and gas including defence sector. US foreign dept. spokesman had stated that such news are seen. However, no information is available. But, it is stated before all allies that it is not the right time to have agreements.
Cremian head had also visited along with Russian premiere, which had dismayed US. It is awkward situation for US. New Delhi also didn't knew it. India had been asked to clarify in this regard.Ukraine had also criticized India.

 

Mann ki baat: PM would be talking on AIR tomorrow at 11 am on youths becoming drug addicts. He had stated that he is waiting for it. During past program, addiction was stated to be next topic. Many people had suggested, and kept their experiences and comments on the issue. They are eye opener and supporting to him.

 

Court rulings:
1. MSP: Supreme Court had heard petition for MSP yesterday wherein Central govt. had asked for four weeks time which was accepted by Bench. Duing past hearing, Supreme Court had asked govt. for presenting its program for implementation of farmers commission recommendations in phased manner. National farmers commission had submitted report during 2006 wherein crops MSP was fixed 50% more. During 2007, National farmers policy was announced and it had asked for implementation of recommendation. Later PM headed working group was formed which had given report during Dec. 2010. The working group had given new formula for fixing Minimum support price. The petitioner had claimed that those recommendations are not made effective. It had been included in BJP manifesto.
2. Sahara: Sahara had been permitted to sell its domestic assets against which it had received 1,211 crore INR for sale of 185 acres of Gurgaon land to M3M India. It is to note that the sale was permitted to collect fund for release of its three directors. They had also asked for junior loan for sale of its three hotels at London, Newyork. But it was not permitted till oversee of escrow agreement by SEBI.

 

Modi govt. It had issued 18 new rules stating that official should be responsible towards lower strata of society. DoPT had issued notification for Central Civil services (code of conduct) third amendment rules, 2014. It is made compulsory that selection should be based upon merit and recommendations made through. The amended rule states that govt. servant has to maintain honesty and political impartiality. He should be polite to public. Constitution and democratic rules should be properly committed.
The govt. had made it clear that no official should oblige any institute which affects its official responsibility. All officials should maintain secrecy esp. for information which affects sovereign integrity. The said code of conduct is applicable for IAS, IPS and IFS officials.

 

Saradha scam: West Bengal CM had stateed that they would oppose during the parliamentary session against arrest of TMC MP. Chief metropolitant magistrate had rejected bail petition of Mitra and ordered for his CBI custody uptil Dec.16. Mamata had made it clear that she would not oust him from ministry and would oversee his work. West Bengal govt.would not tolerate such insult. His family is not such poor that he would take such money and run his family. He was called for interrogationa nd after phone call he had been arrested.
With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Maoist/CRPF

A very grim tale of a complete failure of command within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) during the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh on December 1 has emerged that resulted in the death of its 14 personnel.
Sources in the CRPF have revealed that over 200 troops were kept waiting for more than an hour and a half in a Maoist stronghold by their commander after he was summoned for a meeting by CRPF’s Inspector-General (Operations) in Chhattisgarh, HS Sidhu, who was camping 400 metres away.
When the Maoists attacked, the troops of the CRPF’s 223 Battalion were without command that led to utter chaos among them. What is more intriguing is that although the IG was present in such close proximity with 250 troops, he chose not to come to the rescue of his men.

The CRPF troops were on a SADO (Search and Destroy Operation) and had started at 06.30 am from Hill number 406 in Sukma district where they had camped for the night. As the party, comprising of over 100 troops of the 223 Battalion, 100 commandos of the CRPF’s CoBRA force and 1 policeman,
under the command of Sanad Kamal, commandant of 223 Battalion, approached Kasalpada village, they were asked to halt there while Kamal went away to meet the IG. This is the same area from where a chopper of the Indian Air Force was fired at by Maoists on November 21.

After the meeting with the IG, Kamal, as instructed, joined another party of troops belonging to 74 Battalion. But this was not communicated to his troops who kept waiting for him. In fact, according to sources, his deputy, BS Verma kept on asking him if they could move away from the open area, but was asked to “hold ground”.

Eyewitnesses have told *The Hindu* that after a while, the troops became too relaxed and broke into small groups. Some began to prepare Maggi noodles while a few ventured too close to the village. At 10.30 am, a group of 50-60 Maoists, hiding in the village, opened fire on them. They had put snipers atop trees who shot at the CRPF personnel with accuracy.

The deputy commandant of the 223 Battalion, BS Verma, was badly injured in the first round of fire. Eyewitnesses say, despite receiving a burst of fire on his right foot, he stood behind a tree on his other foot and kept on firing at the Maoists. But he collapsed soon afterwards, most probably due to excessive blood loss. The assistant commandant, Rajesh Kapooria, was also killed very early in the attack.

With nobody in command, the troops, according to CRPF sources, turned hysterical and began firing indiscriminately in all directions. It was so indiscriminate that the men are believed to have fired about 7,000 rounds of bullets in response to a few hundred rounds fired by the Maoists. With
their ammunition exhausted, and several of their colleagues dead, many troops just stood motionless in a daze, revealed eyewitnesses.

They were ultimately saved by CoBRA commandos who pulled them out and offered first aid to the injured among them.

The IG finally reached the spot at 2.30 pm, according to sources, followed by commandant Kamal.

In Delhi, CRPF’s IG (Operations), Zulfiquar Hasan, said a high-level inquiry had been initiated. “We are taking it seriously and lapses, if found, will be dealt with severely,” he said.

Times,Egypt,Court_ruling,Spectrum,Coal_mines,Basel III,STP,Anti-Sikh_riots,Russia&GSAT16

Dear all,
Welcome.
Times person of the year: Times magazine had selected Ebola virus treatment making doctor as the Times person of the year.

Egypt: Egypt had translated Indian Constitution draft for its contribution towards maintaining democratic institutions. It's first ever Arabic translation had been issued by League of Arab States
Secretariat and Indian Embassy.
Arab had praised for making such constitution, who caters to all sections of society. It depicts religious and caste diversity which had been praised by organisers and persons prsent there.

Court ruling:
Nursery admission: Delhi High Court had put stay on abolishion of point system for nursery admission. The Justice Bench had cited that children aged three years have no doubts regarding discrimination and autonomy.
The next hearing is scheduled on January 15. It is to note that earlier HC single member bench had ruled onNov. 28 for cancellation of point system. Also, more autonomy was advocated for private schools.
The private schools were asked for making their own rules. The Delhi's Education ministry and NGO had gone against stated order.

Spectrum: Mobile services might go costlier as it is in demand by companies. TRAI had recommended for 23% increase in spectrum price.
The telecom. commission had fixed base price for 900 MHZ as 3,693 crore INR. CDMA for 800 MHZ is reserved price for 3646 crore INR. It is 17% more. During 2013, CDMA spectrum was not sold.

Coal mines: Central govt. had stated that it is not going to privatise coal mines. The Spl. provision bill 2014 seeks to re-auction coal blocks which had been cancelled by Supreme coal for allocation. It
would also improve coal sector. It would be replacing the ordinance made after Supreme Court's order for cancellation of allocation of 204 mines. TMC had opposed it uner rule 72(1) as it would pave the way for privatisation.
It is to note that 42 coal blocks which are in operation would have allocation cancelled on March 31, 2015. The Bank loans given to the private companies is under threat of getting converted into NPAs.

Basel III: The PSU banks would have lesser govt. stake but it could not be less than 52% against earlier stated 58%. The Banks would be able to raise capital for meeting Basel III norms. All Banks had been told to reduce stakes in phased manner. It would help banks get 1,60,825 crore INR. Central govt. would contribute 78,895 crore INR.

STP: Central govt. had asked States to set up Sewage treatment plants away from Ganges river. Under any rural plan, such permission would not be granted by Central govt. Water resources minister had visited many cities and aken this step. STPs located near rivers discharge their effluents without treatment thereby causing pollution. Also, report on 38 Sewage treatment plants had been sought.

Anti-Sikh riots: Modi govt. had decided to grant compensation of five lakh INR to 3325 victims of Anti-Sikh riots during 1984. The compensation would be additional. It would cost 166 crore INR.
It is to note that earlier Election Commission had sought clarification in this regard prior to elections citing Model Code of Conduct. HOme minister had clarified that decision had been pending.
It is being implemented after third stage of elections.
Earlier, UPA govt. had announced package of 717 crore INR to them during 2006. It included 3.5 lakh INR with financial support to loosers. A total of 517 crore was disbursed while 200 crore was
disputed amount.
With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Russia
After formation of new govt. Russian premiere's visit to India for annual summit today is expected to have discussions on many projects including strategic ones. The agenda is wide and it could include
Civil nuclear cooperation, space tech, hydrocarbons, new fighter planes (5G), synthetic rubber production etc.
A delegation level talk would be held prior to signing of agreement. Around 15 agreements are expected. World diamond conference is also likely to be jointly inaugrated. Some features:
1. Civil nuclear deal for 25 plants by both countries.
2. Sukhoi super jet 100 and MS21 planes
3. Russian navigation satellite glossnas based
4. Komov 226 helicopter supply and production incl. tractors too.
5. Smart cities
6. Siberian Oil gas sector cooperation
7. oil export worth 30-50 lakh tonnes

Original_app_mssg(2) GSAT16

The communication Satellite was launched from French Kourou on Monday after its launch being suspended twice earlier. The LAM was started after it getting into orbit. It was run for 6081 secon. It was established at 36,000 kms away from earth in Geo Stationary orbit. The LAM would be started thrice for increasing it's path. The transponders had been switched ON. The minimum height is of 16,005 kms.

Original_app_mssg(3) Economy
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The global economy will grow by more than 3 percent in 2015 and 2016, the United Nations predicted Wednesday, but that growth will be uneven in some regions.

The U.N.'s annual economic report says growth edged up in 2014 at an estimated 2.6 percent.

The U.N. is forecasting 3.1 percent economic growth in 2015 and 3.3 percent growth in 2016.

The World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report says business investment will be a major driver in the United States, growth in the world's least developed economies will exceed the global average, and strong household consumption will keep East Asia the world's fastest growing region.

But troubles in the eurozone, including high unemployment, continue to hold back Western Europe; China's growth becomes more moderate; and Russia's economic activity is flat after it "came to a standstill" amid tensions over Ukraine.

Long-term unemployment remains a problem in many regions recovering from the Great Recession, the report says.

While "unexpected shocks" like the rise of the Islamic State group in the Middle East have hurt global recovery, the report says the effects so far have been limited because the global oil markets have remained stable. "Any actual or feared conflict-related decline in oil supplies(has been) offset by oil production increases, notably in the United States," the report says.

Among developed economies, the report says the United States will see 2.8 percent growth in 2015 and 3.1 percent in 2016. The European Union will edge up 1.7 percent in 2015 and 2 percent in 2016. Japan, hurt by lower private consumption caused by a higher consumption tax, will see just 1.2 percent growth in 2015 and 1.1 percent in 2016.

Among developing countries, the U.N. report says China will see 7.0 percent growth in 2015 and 6.8 percent in 2016. India will continue to drive the South Asian region with 5.9 percent growth in 2015 and 6.3 percent in 2016.
Large public investment projects are expected to help Latin American countries, with Brazil expected to grow 1.5 percent in 2015 and 2.4 percent in 2016. Mexico will see 3.4 percent growth in 2015 and 3.8 percent in 2016.

"Near-zero growth" is forecast for Russia in 2015, at just 0.2 percent, with 1.2 percent expected in 2016.

Africa has some of the strongest growth numbers, helped by investment and private consumption. Nigeria should see 6.1 percent in 2015 and 5.9 in 2016, and the continent overall is expected to see 4.6 percent in 2015 and 4.9 in 2016.

But the Ebola outbreak that has crushed economies in West Africa's Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

Mumbai_attack,PI8,Court_ruling,Bhopal_gas_tragedy,SAARC&Death_sentence

Dear all,
Welcome.
Mumbai attack: India is observing the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that shook the entire nation in 2008 when gunmen stormed prime hotels and city landmarks killing more than 160 people and wounding many more. In Mumbai, six years after the 2008 terror attacks that left the entire nation devastated, residents now say they are ready to face any hurdle. Many were gathered outside Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India to light candles and commemorate those who lost their lives in the attacks. Meanwhile, politicos stated that the government had taken a lot of effort to step up security after 2008. Meanwhile family members of the martyrs and politicians together paid homage at the Police Memorial in Mumbai.

Sea patrol plane: Ever remember PI-8 plane being deployed for search of missing Malaysian airplane {flight MH370}. India had made contract along with Boeing for purchase of such eight planes out of which five had been supplied. By 2015, remaining two planes with one being handed over recently would fulfill the contract. The planes had been fitted with Indian built systems to suit to Indian conditions for sea patrolling.

Court ruling:
Sahara: Against Contempt of Court charges, jailed Sahara chief had sought permission from Supreme Court to go abroad for sale of it's three hotels. SEBI had alleged that it is not the intention of Sahara to sell the Newyork & London based hotels. A petition of SEBI was heard along with which Sahara's counsel had petitioned as above. He had stated that his health is not normal and needs treatment from BP etc. As per him, contract deal for sale has beenmade for which post dated cheques had been given by purchasers. SEBI should be directed to accept those cheques. Also against SEBI's pleam reply is furnished stating that charges framed are not correct.

Bhopal gas tragedy: Ever remember biggest chemical hazard of all times, it is MIC gas leakage at Union Carbide, Bhopal. It is learnt that it was to be acquired by Dow Chemicals.
The victims had gone to Higher US court after Lower Court's decision went against them. The matter is petitioned before US Court of appeals. The victims include those whose underground water in wells had become poisonous. They had petitioned that UCC plant is responsible for design, availability, certification and management of entire plant besides handling of hazardous wastes. Manager had expressed clearly that he was working for UCC & not for Indian ancillary unit. The operation part was with ancillary. However, Federal trial judge had ruled that UCC didn't have much role in plant activities.

SAARC:Just an hour after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for a close integration between the South Asian nations, Pakistan stalled the SAARC summit by blocking the key proposals that India had put forth - to integrate energy grids and free up road and rail movement, which Modi said could improve cross-border trade between SAARC nations.
Pakistan stalled the inking of SAARC connectivity agreements, including motor vehicle pact, saying it was yet to complete its "internal process". However, Sharif and NSA Sartaj Aziz refused to answer questioned put up by the media person if Pakistan was trying to block agreements in SAARC.
Indian PM, Modi, had stated that it is a day to confirm an end to such dangerous act and fight againt terrorism. During the Mumbai attacks, ATS personnel Karkare, Salaskar and Kamte like Police officials got killed. In retaliatory action, nine terrorists were killed whereas Ajmal Kasab pa

Death sentence: India had voted against United Nations proposal seeking fixation of legal system under which death penalty has to be limited for those above 18 years and excluding pregnant womens, mentally retarded people. The third committee of UN has put proposed draft. 114 votes went in favour with 34 being absent. It is to note that third committee discusses social and cultural issues. India had stated that every country has right to fix it's own legal system.
With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya

2G_scam&AAP/PMANE

Dear all,
Welcome.
2G scam: A Spl. Court had taken cognizance of CBI chargesheet in regard to AirCel Maxis deal and kept its verdict safe for Oct.29. Ex-telecom.minister, Maran, & others are made accused. They are Malaysian industrialist, Anand Krishnan, Malaysian citizen, Ralph Marshal, & four companies viz. Sun direct TV , Maxis comm., Astro all asia network Plc., and South Asia Entertainment holding ltd. The charges are framed under Act 120 (B) Prevention of Corruption act. In its 72 pages chargesheet, CBI had mentioned about 151 witnesses & 655 documents.
CBI had told Court that Dayanidhi had pressurised telecom.promoter and durin 2006, Aircel and two other companies stakes were sold to Maxis group.CBI had stated that Ex-telecom. minister had kept his matter pending and not taken any decision about them. After Maxis group had purchased all companies of promoter, Maran had settled pending matters. 
With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) AAP/PMANE
Tirunlveli: Noted anti-KKNPP activist S.P. Udayakumar has quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as he does not want to help a national party that is insensitive to the problems of Tamils, to set foot in Tamil Nadu.

He alleged that the AAP lacks clarity on the nuclear policy of the nation. He joined the party amidst strong criticism from scores of his supporters on February 12 this year.

Replying to his critics, Mr Udayakumar said though he was aware of the ignorance of AAP on the unique problems of Tamils, he and his friends had hoped to make the AAP high command understand the issues.

He had joined the AAP on the condition that its Tamil Nadu unit be christened in Tamil and there would be autonomy to the unit to deal with Tamil Nadu issues, especially like the Tamil fishermen’s problem, Sri Lankan Tamil issue, beach mineral sand mining, anti-people’s projects, social justice and minority issues.

“As the AAP high command failed to fulfil its assurance, I have decided to quit the party,” Mr Udayakumar told DC.

He continues to maintain cordial relationship with the AAP and its leaders. He said, “Though the AAP has done nothing to identify itself with the Tamils, it is the only party to take on the BJP and the Congress.”

He is also reported to be in the process of reviving his Green Party of India, launched in 2001, inspired by the principles of American environmentalist Ralph Nader, for whom he had worked in the American presidential election in 2000.

e-rickshaw,JBT_Scam,MP_Model_Village,Cyclone_Hudhud&SEBI/Sahara

Dear all,

Welcome & pl. read on app. mssgs.

e-rickshaw: In accordance with court rulings, Central govt. had issued notification for operation of e-rickshaw for which there would be compulsory license for driver with maximum speed limit of 25 kmph. Central motor vehicle act (16th amendment) 2014 was notified making way for batter operated vehicles. It shall have maximum weigh towing of 40 kgs along with four passengers & driver (max.wt 310 kgs). The license shall be valid for three years and fitness certificate of vehicle has to be taken & renewed accordingly.

It is to note that earlier Delhi High Court had put stay on it's operation after which e-rickshaw was defined under Special purpose battery operated vehicles.

With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya

Original_app_mssg(1) JBT Scam

Hours before his surrender in Tihar jail, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Om Prakash Chautala on Saturday accused the ruling BJP at Centre for framing him by pressurising the the premier investigating agency, CBI.The former Haryana Chief Minister told ANI, "BJP is pressurising CBI and trying to frame me." Earlier, the Chautala, son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, was making similar accusations against the Congress government in Haryana and at Centre.Chautala's statement could be considered as a ploy to tarnish its biggest rival BJP's chances in the ongoing poll campaign season in Haryana. Notably, the BJP is projected to emerge as single largest party in October 15 polls in the state and by accusing the saffron party he is trying to generate sympathy wave.

The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered former Haryana Chief Minister to surrender on Saturday in Tihar jail for misusing bail conditions by campaigning for assembly polls, saying he cannot "take the court for a ride".The High Court made it clear that it would not entertain any plea on extension of time for surrender. "Let him surrender tomorrow and let's not bargain over this," it said.

CBI on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to Chautala in the JBT teachers recruitment scam case.The agency wants Chautala's date of surrender to be brought forward from October 17 and moved High Court seeking an urgent hearing by saying that Chautala violated bail conditions. The Court also lashed out at the investigating agency for not informing the court about alleged violations of bail conditions by Chautala earlier.The INLD leader was granted bail on medical grounds, but he has been campaigning for the Haryana assembly elections which is a violation of the bail conditions.Chautala had on September 26 volunteered to surrender after which the court asked him to surrender on October 17, two days after the polls.The CBI has also sought a direction to Gurgaon-based Medanta hospital to explain as to how an 'ailing' Chautala has been allowed take part in election campaign.Earlier, the High Court had issued notice to CBI and Om prakash Chautala after senior advocate Vivek Tankha, who appeared for the petitioner, contended that Chautala intends to "misuse the grace period of 17 days given to him to surrender" by planning to campaign during that period.

Original_app_mssg(2) MP Model Village

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive here next week on a two-day visit, during which he would discuss the plan of adopting a village from his constituency under the MP Model Village Scheme, besides inaugurating a trauma centre at the Banaras Hindu University.

"Narendra Modi will be arriving in his parliamentary constituency at around 10 AM on October 14. He is scheduled to be on a two-day visit to the city," BJP state president, Laxmikant Bajpai told PTI over phone from Haryana, where he is convassing for his party for the assembly elections there due on Oct. 15.

"I myself would be reaching Varanasi by tomorrow evening to look after the preparations ahead of the PM's visit," Bajpai said.

"PM Modi on Oct. 14 will inaugurate BHU's Trauma Centre here," said, Sanjay Bhardwaj, media in-charge of Modi's constituency as well as of Poorvanchal (Eastern UP) region.

Modi during his visit will also "discuss and choose" a village from his constituency to adopt it under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), Bhardwaj said.

With an intent of developing rural India, Modi today launched the ambitious scheme under which he asked each of around 800 MPs to develop physical and institutional infrastructure of three villages by 2019.

Under the 'Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana' (MP Model Village Scheme), announced by Modi in his Independence Day address, an MP will be free to choose any village but it should not be his or her own village or that of his in-laws.

In his address he (Modi) said he will choose a village in Varanasi, his Parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

High-level meetings are being conducted by the officials of the state government in Lucknow for providing a full-proof security cover to Modi during his visit.

Additional District Magistrate (City), M P Singh said," All security arrangements are being made and additional sub- divisional magistrates along with security forces from adjoining districts will also be deployed here."

"A brief schedule of PM Modi from PMO to the district administration here is still awaited and it may arrive soon," Singh said.

Original_app_mssg(3) Cyclone Hudhud
(Reuters) - About 150,000 people were evacuated on India's eastern seaboard on Saturday as cyclone Hudhud bore down and grew in sheer force, threatening to devastate farmland and fishing villages when it hits the coast on Sunday morning.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) rated Hudhud as a very severe cyclonic storm that could pack gusts of 195 km/h and dump more than 24.5 cm of rain when it makes landfall.

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), run by the United Nations and the European Commission, forecast even higher peak wind speeds of 212 km/h. That would make Hudhud a Category 4 storm capable of inflicting "catastrophic" damage.

Around 150,000 people have been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh to high-rise buildings, shelters and relief centres, said senior disaster management official Hymabati. A further 50,000 may still be moved to safety, she added.

Authorities further north in Odisha said they were monitoring the situation and would, if necessary, move 300,000 people most at risk to nearby shelters.

"We have already shifted about 10,000 people from low-lying areas and plan to evacuate 14,000 more," N. Yubaraj, administrative chief of the coastal district of Visakhapatnam, told Reuters.

Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh and hosts a major Indian naval base.

In Pudimadaka, a coastal village where many are fishermen, locals have been reluctant to leave.

"People are adamant. They are not willing to go. For the past three days we have been convincing them. Thank God. Now they agreed," Vasantha Rayudu, a local administrative officer, said while supervising the evacuation work.

"We convinced the people after holding a series of discussions with the village elders," said Rayudu, sitting in a small room with dozens of officials and policemen as huge waves crashed on the coast few metres away.

As a man beat a small drum and urged people by a loudspeaker to board nearby buses, tea seller V. Varalakshmi said she had packed her bags, but did not want to go.

"For the past 14 years, I have been selling tea here, the sea has never caused any harm to us," the 52-year-old woman said as she served a customer.

In New Delhi, the Crisis Management Committee met to review readiness for the onslaught from Hudhud.

"All the central agencies are fully geared up to provide necessary assistance," the government said in a statement, adding that 39 National Disaster Response Force teams had been deployed to the two states.

Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are common at this time of year. These often cause deaths, mass evacuations of coastal villages, disruption of power and phone services as well as damage to crops and property in eastern India and Bangladesh.

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

Hudhud was tracking west-northwest, 250 km southeast of Vizag at 2:30 pm on Saturday afternoon (1000 GMT), the IMD said.

The cyclone was strong enough to have a "high humanitarian impact" on more than 7 million people, the GDACS said in an updated bulletin.

The system also forecast a storm surge of 1.7 metres. The IMD said this could result in flooding of low-lying coastal areas around Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam.

The evacuation effort was comparable in scale to the one that preceded Cyclone Phailin exactly a year ago, and which was credited with minimising the fatalities to 53. When a huge storm hit the same area 15 years ago, 10,000 people died.

"Hudhud is now the size of Phailin, though not yet as strong," said Eric Holthaus, a U.S.-based meteorologist at online magazine Slate.

"It's strengthened overnight, and most computer models are intent on bringing it up to nearly the same strength as Phailin was at landfall.

"It's worrying that international agencies are rating Hudhud's current strength higher than IMD's peak forecast, but we can only hope that the evacuations under way are sufficient to protect those in the storm's path," Holthaus said.

Authorities have been stocking cyclone shelters with dry rations, water purification tablets and generators. They have opened up 24-hour emergency control rooms and dispatched satellite phones to officials in charge of vulnerable districts.

Original_app_mssg(4) SEBI/Sahara

The Supreme Court today declined to give an urgent hearing to the plea of jailed Sahara chief Subrata Roy seeking bail to attend the cremation and perform rituals relating to the death of his aunt.

The application was mentioned by Roy’s advocates at the residence of Chief Justice H L Dattu who said that there is no urgency in the matter and it will come for hearing in the regular court.

Official sources said that Roy had sought relief for 15 days.

His aunt, who was staying with the Sahara chief’s family, had died yesterday in Lucknow at the age of 90.

On Wednesday, Roy was sent back to his cell in Tihar jail at the end of the period granted by the Supreme Court to stay at an air conditioned facility in the complex to negotiate sale of his overseas luxury hotels.

The court had extended Roy’s stay at the Tihar Jail conference room by 15 days on September 8 for him to sell the properties to raise Rs 10,000 crore to be deposited with SEBI for his bail.

The Supreme Court, on August 1 had allowed Roy and two of his group directors to use the fully air-conditioned conference room in Tihar jail complex for 10 days from August 5, within a given time lot of 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

The meetings held by the group under the surveillance of CCTV cameras.

Roy, 65, was using the conference room with services like Wi-Fi and video-conferencing. He was allowed two laptops, two desktops, landline phones with STD/ISD facilities and a mobile phone.

Two secretarial and one technical person were also allowed to assist him. Roy has been lodged in Tihar Jail since March 4 this year.

AAP&Dissent

Dear all,
Welcome.

Voh katl bhi karte hain, toh charcha nahi hota
Hum uff bhi karte hain, ho jaate hain badnaam
(Even when they kill, not a word is said, and if we so much as sigh, we earn a bad name)

Nothing can explain the predicament of the Aam Aadmi Party better than this couplet. AAP is a two-year-old party, struggling to carve a niche for itself amongst the sharks of politics. Normally, underdogs are favourites in any battle; they get the benefit of doubt and sympathy, but it's different with AAP. Even a minor aberration becomes big news; rumour mongers have a field day; and political pundits starts predicting the fall of a party that has roused hope among voters.

Recently, my friend Rajesh Garg, who was elected as a Delhi legislator, has advocated the non-dissolution of the Delhi Assembly on his Facebook page. He has said that AAP should not hesitate to sit in the opposition if the BJP were to form the government in the capital. A few days ago, two senior members of the party from Maharashtra Anjali Damania and Preeti Menon Sharma - announced their resignations from their respective posts. The Delhi air was even then abuzz with the sadistic speculations that a division in AAP was on the cards. Friends in the media did not even bother to check that Garg had been saying the same thing since the day Arvind Kejriwal resigned as Chief Minister, and that Ms Damania and Ms Preeti in their letters had requested the media not to speculate about their motives as they have full faith in AAP, its ideology and leadership. The fact is that they resigned because they say their children are growing up and need full-time attention.

Every difference of opinion within AAP is certified as a revolt against the party leadership, especially Arvind. Be it an interview given by Kumar Vishwas to an English news-channels or a long letter written by Yogendra Yadav. On both occasions, the rumour mill was confident that both these senior members were about to leave party as they could not tolerate Arvind's "dictatorship". Both of them are still active in the party and helping to strategise how to win elections as and when they happen.

As a student of political history, I can say with confidence that every difference of opinion does not necessarily lead to revolt and crisis. During the freedom struggle, there were many streams of thoughts. All ideas and ideologies coexisted and intellectually enriched the great freedom movement with their vitality. If there were non-violent Gandhians, there was also a long list of supporters of Subhash Chandra Bose who believed in a violent overthrow. If there were Hindutva forces led by Vallabh Bhai Patel, rightists by C. Rajagopalachary, then there were socialists and JP was their natural leader. There were radical communists and also Ambedkarites. Bapu was the balancer among them. Except the English, no one was under the illusion that difference of opinions was a weakness and that the Congress would crack into many pieces.

After independence, Nehru's cabinet had stalwarts like the Left-oriented Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, Hindutwadi Shyama Prasad Mukherji. There was Murarji Desai who used to openly advocate a free-market economy. Nehru had serious differences with the then Home Minister Vallabh Bhai Patel and later with President Rajendra Prasad.

Even as recent as 13 September 2013, when Narendra Modi was made the prime ministerial candidate of BJP, the party's tallest leader and father figure L. K. Advani wrote a nasty letter to then party president Rajnath Singh and declared that the party was no longer following the path shown by D. D. Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, but was promoting the personal agenda of a few. It was termed the sharpest attack on Modi but even then nobody dared to call this a division in the party or say that the party would collapse.

In this context, it is pertinent to ask any voice of dissent should be construed as a revolt against Arvind Kejriwal followed by serious discussions to prove that the party will disintegrate sooner rather than later. I can see a few reasons. Firstly, AAP has created more enemies than friends because it has challenged the basic foundations of a deeply entrenched corrupt system called 'the establishment'. Any attempt to change this will invite sharp reactions from those who are directly obliged by the system. These elements are very powerful and they will go to any extent to preserve this system.

Secondly, the establishment has its own logic and resources. Propaganda is their main weapon. In the present situation, propaganda is more powerful than arms. Those who run this propaganda mill have their own vested interest to protect the system, promote innuendoes, conjectures and half-truths as the real truth in their endeavour to destroy their enemy.

Thirdly, any new initiative will have to go through a rigorous process of scrutiny to attain legitimacy and new heights. AAP is a toddler in the field of politics. And the new kid on the block will have to face the hostility of an entire class before admitted as one amongst them.

There is no denying the fact that AAP has set new bench marks, new moral standards for clean politics. There will be initial stumbling blocks. But as the idea gains currency, the ridicule by adversaries will turn into respect. It will not happen overnight.

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

Volcano,Modi&Maoist

Dear all,
Welcome.
Volcano eruption: A volcano eruption at Central Japan had resulted in 40 people left injured with seven missing. Around 250 people got stuck due to it in hilly areas. The rescue team had been unable to reach affected area.
The disaster management official had stated that it happened at around 12 noon in Mt. Ontake situated near to Nagano city. Along with explosion, smoke & dust had arosen to southern sides of 3,067 m long hill. Many mountain trackers are also stuck up at high altitudes. The Fire prevention officials had stated that few flights had to change routes. However, Japan airlines and Hanoda airport officials had denied any such change in route.
With regards,

M.K.Pachraiya
Original_app_mssg(1) Modi

NEW YORK—Madison Square Garden thundered with applause as thousands rose to their feet and chanted the name of an unlikely celebrity: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The grand reception on Sunday, filled with dance and Bollywood tunes, was a reflection of the mood among much of the Indian-American community that sees Mr. Modi as a once-in-a-generation leader who can at last fix the entrenched problems that have held India back while other Asian nations have sped ahead.

"I live thousands of miles away, but I know the things that bother you," Mr. Modi said to them in colloquial Hindi. "I will make the India of your dreams."

Elected in a landslide victory in May, Mr. Modi has vowed to kick-start economic growth and modernize India by building much-needed infrastructure and removing bureaucratic hurdles to business. His message has stirred hope among large numbers of Indian-Americans and expatriates, from entrepreneurs belonging to Mr. Modi's Gujarati community to students and young professionals, many of whom watched from afar with frustration as India's economy slowed and corruption scandals dominated the headlines.

This group understands India's potential because they have been so successful abroad. Indians are among the best-educated and highest-paid group of migrants in the U.S.

To them, Mr. Modi is an embodiment of how they want India to be seen: ambitious and resourceful.

"Modi can set India on a completely new path, truly bring India into the 21st century," said Pradeep Khosla, the Indian-American chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, who moved to the U.S. over three decades ago.

Mr. Khosla lamented that the "India story" had fizzled out, saying, "It's not a good feeling when you're not proud of your country."

The event marked a dramatic personal moment for the Indian leader, who was banned from traveling to the U.S. in 2005, a few weeks before he was to arrive in Florida to address a much smaller gathering of Indian-American hoteliers.

His visa was revoked over allegations that he didn't do enough to stop deadly riots in the state of Gujarat in 2002 when he was chief minister there, which he denies. The riots left at least 1,000 people, the majority of them Muslim, dead. A court last year said there wasn't sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr. Modi.

The prime minister's Hindu nationalist credentials have made him an unpopular figure among some Indian-Americans who see him as a religious strongman and a threat to India's multiculturalism.

Protesters outside Madison Square Garden said they wanted to draw attention to the Hindu nationalist groups that back Mr. Modi's party and their fundamentalist agenda.

"We want to make sure everyone knows that those celebrating Modi do not represent the entire Indian-American community," said Shaik Ubaid, a 52-year-old neurologist who is part of a group called the Alliance for Justice and Accountability.

There are more than three million Indian-Americans in the U.S. and among their ranks are heads of big businesses, entrepreneurs, acclaimed artists and scholars.

In a more than one-hour-long speech, Mr. Modi asked them to participate in India's development, saying their contribution was part of his vision for a "people's movement for development," modeled, he said, on Mahatma Gandhi's mass movement for freedom from British rule.

Mr. Modi is hoping to tap the diaspora to propel his economic agenda. He was set to address a large gathering of Indian-American businesses in Washington later this week.

Outlining his image of India, he promised to fix the things that have long frustrated Indians living abroad, from unclean streets to unending official paperwork. He announced eased visa regulations that will allow members of the community to travel to India more easily.

"India was seen as a country of snake charmers. You have changed that," he said.

The event Sunday was a big show of force by the community. Organized by 400 groups under the umbrella of the Indian American Community Foundation, it cost $1.5 million dollars. Over two dozen U.S. elected officials turned up, and were seated alongside a cast of prominent Indian-Americans.

The event was "a tribute to the Indian-American community and their profound contributions," said Cory Booker, a senator from New Jersey, which has one of the largest populations of Indians in the U.S. "It is a day of pride for the Indian-American community, but also for Americans."

How Mr. Modi and India are seen in the U.S. has a big impact on the Indian community, said Khyati Joshi, a second-generation Indian-American who has written a book about Asian migration.

If the news coming out of India is upbeat, and if U.S.-India relations are seemingly important, Ms. Joshi said, that shapes how diaspora Indians see themselves. If the news is centered on rape, corruption and bad roads, it affects their self-esteem and sense of identity, she said.

"Whether they are first generation or second, Indian-Americans are seen as Indian at some level, even if they want to identify as American," Ms. Joshi said. "Whether they like it or not, their racial and ethnic identity hits them in the face."

Munjal Shroff, a 40-year-old Indian-American psychiatrist in Atlanta, who watched Mr. Modi's speech from home, said the Indian elections this spring had garnered a good deal of coverage in the U.S. and piqued the interest of his American friends and colleagues. Mr. Modi's visit, he said, is doing the same.

"The American government at the highest levels engaging with the Indian government puts out powerful images," Mr. Shroff said. "It makes the Indian-American community feel more comfortable, more confident."

Part of Mr. Modi's appeal among overseas Indians is his meritocratic rise through politics and his noncorrupt image. His supporters point to his beginnings as a tea-seller at a railway station, and admire his discipline and work ethic, virtues also associated with the American dream.

Mr. Modi also enjoys a frenzied fan following among devout Hindus in the U.S.

Lalji Goswami, a 39-year-old IT consultant in Tampa, Florida who left India 13 years ago to look for better opportunities in the U.S., said he disliked India's "pseudo secular" politics that he said had "made Hindus reluctant to even say they are Hindus."

"Modi isn't shy or embarrassed by his culture and religion," Mr. Goswami said.

Original_app_mssg(2) Maoist

The CRPF has sent a large unit of its specialised anti-Naxal force CoBRA into the dense forests of Abujmaad in south Chhattisgarh searching for the rebels, following intelligence inputs that the banned CPI(Maoist) was holding its much-delayed 10th congress near Orchha in their so-called “liberated zone”.

The 10th congress, if the reports were to be believed, was scheduled from September 10 to September 21.

Sources said the security forces had strong intelligent inputs about the organisation of the event and the movement of Maoists from across the country as well as abroad to the designated place.

The operation has been planned to trap the participants as the suspected gathering was seen as a big opportunity to strike a major blow to the Reds.

It has been gathered that the idea was to allow the delegates to converge at their venue and then encircle the location to prevent them from escaping.

CoBRA or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action has been chosen for the operation as it is one of the few units of the CRPF which is specifically trained in guerilla warfare.

The security personnel have moved in from different directions and penetrated deep into the forests in a carefully planned manoeuvre. Till Wednesday, no report of any major action have come barring a skirmish with a group of Naxals somewhere in Narayanpur along the border with Maharashtra.

It also has been learnt that the security forces were equipped with sophisticated gadgets, including drones, and had carefully zeroed in on the places where they had planned to make advancements.

With no action reported for the last three days after the possible conclusion of the Maoists’ congress, there were doubts that the event had taken place. The last congress was held in 2007 and the 10th had been waiting due to security operations launched in 2009 under Operation Green Hunt.

ADG (anti-Naxal operation), Chhattisgarh, R K Vij while talking to The Indian Express confirmed that they had inputs about a large gathering following which an operation was launched from three sides, but nothing substantial has happened. The operation is likely to end in two-three days.

Coalgate_scam

Dear all,

Welcome & pl. read on app. mssg.

Welcoming the Supreme Court's decision to quash allocation of 214 coal blocks which were alloted to various companies since 1993, the AAP today said it vinidcates the party's stand the allocations had been done in "lieu of huge pay offs".

Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Gopal Rai had observed a fast from July 26, 2012 to August 3, 2012 demanding investigation into the coal scam. The party had also carried out a protest at the residences of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

"The judgment will have long lasting impact and would discourage unscrupulous corporates and politicians, who abuse their position of power to plunder the natural resources of the country. These precious resources belong to the people of the country and not politicians and corporates. "The judgment vindicates Aam Aadmi Party's stand from day one that the allocations had been done in lieu of huge pay offs and not for country's growth and development, as claimed by successive governments led by the BJP and the Congress," the party said in a statement.

Commended its leader and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan for pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court, the party said it will felicitate Bhushan at a function tomorrow. "It was his tireless crusade for two years that brought the case to the logical end today," the party said.

The statement added that the Supreme Court has also accepted the finding of the Comptroller and Auditor General that the loss incurred by the government exchequer due the scam was Rs 295 per tonne.
With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

MoM,Afghanistan,Transparency, Fiji&Media

Dear all,
Welcome.
MoM: The fourth Trajectory Correction manouevre (TCM) on Sept.24 & testing of space ship's liquid engine would be done for which it is being readied. The 440 N liquid apogee motor (LAM) had been in idle mode since past 300 days. It would be tested for 4 sec. It's testing would be encouraging for the mission. The engine testing would need 0.567 kg of fuel for 3.968 sec. at 2.142 m per sec. If any problem comes, plan B would be initiated. Under it, eight propellants would be sent for long term which would consumre more fuel & force vehicle to enter into the orbit. It is the first interplanetary mission of ISRO. It had been launched from Sriharikota on Nov.5, 2013 via PSLV C-25.

Afghanistan: The new President would be Ashraf Ghani who would share power along with CEO nominated by Abdullah Abdullah for which agreement had been made. A new post would be created hitherto. United Nations did make an effort so as not to have civil war like that during 1990s. The outgoing President had congratulated both of them. His spokesman had told that he would be sworn in within a week's time. His first job would be to sign an agreement under which foreign troops would be allowed to retain in Afghanistan even after 2014, though in small force. It is to note that by year end, US troops would be vacating Afghanistan.

Court ruling:
1. Transparency: Madras High Court had ruled that RTI applicants would have to mention the purpose of information sought at any cost as it would help registration office for knowing contents written in the file. Justice Bench had stated that the purpose of getting information must be told besides satisfying that it's purpose is as per law. Such information could create problems. But the decision is criticized by law specialists and social workers.
There is a separate clause Act 6(2) wherein it is stated that no reason is needed for getting information. High Court's order had not mentioned about it. Bhushan had told the ruling as illegal. It is against intention of RTI Act 2005. It is self imposed order prohibiting administrative transparency.

Fiji: The leader who had usurped power eight years prior in Fiji had self proclaimed himself to be country's PM. He had also promised for bringing real democracy. However, the election results are not completed. Initially, his party seems to have gained victory. The Ex-Army personnel had stated that at 88% of polling booths, they had got 59.1% votes. It could render them around 32 out of 50 parliamentary seats.

Media: Goa's CM had attacked media stating that transparency is better but media should be refrained from decision making as it creates confusion. The decision making should be done in closed rooms.
Speaking at "Knowledge connect project", he had stated that there are limits to transparency. Media should be apprised of only final decision. People simply say before media as they have to showcase. But later, they feel they had not put up their ideas. The actual conclusion is not made as participants dance to the tunes of media. Such churning should be in closed doors. He had also told about 75% of attendance compulsory for appearing in the exams.

With regards,

 

M.K.Pachraiya

HIndi_day&Modi

 

Dear all,

Welcome.

Ever since he spoke to lakhs of children on Teacher's Day, many are suddenly seeing reflections of Jawaharlal Nehru in Narendra Modi.

One of the reasons being that like Nehru, Modi was able to connect with the children all over the country. After his initial remarks, he suddenly came to life interacting with them, shedding fatigue, smiling, laughing — a visage not seen often — talking like a friend, philosopher and guide about a whole host of issues, including his pranks, bringing to fore a "cool" side (in the words of a child) of Modi.

And telling a Manipuri child who asked him how he could become prime minister — that he should prepare for 2024, for there was no chance till then, as Modi saw no threat to himself!
 

Nehru's connect with children earned him the title of Chacha Nehru. Soon after he became prime minister, he opened the doors of Teen Murti House, his residence, to children, giving explicit instructions that they be allowed to use the spaces there to play. Even APJ Abdul Kalam used to encourage visits by children to Rashtrapati Bhavan during his presidency.

Catch 'em Young
 

When Nehru talked to youngsters, he would invariably use the occasion to educate.

So also seems to be the case with Modi, and some have questioned whether being a teacher is a role a prime minister should play when he has his plate more than  full. Others saw it as a far-reaching political move by the new PM. The senior amongst the children he addressed, and this is now going to be a yearly event, would become voters in 3-4 years time and are an important catchment area,
particularly for a prime minister who has already declared that he is looking at a 10-year term, at least!

I still remember, as a child, when Nehru had come to our school in Delhi to speak on our Founder's Day, and he had chosen to speak on the country's foreign policy.

Most children are unlikely to forget an interaction with the prime minister, though the children in the south had problems understanding Modi's conversation conducted in Hindi, and it might have
 been better had parts of it been translated into English, particularly when Modi would like to avoid a north-south divide, and his protege, now BJP president Amit Shah is under understood to be learning Tamil and Bengali!

Whether it was through the red and green turban he sported at Red Fort on Independence Day or his confident step on Japan's soil, Modi has given early signs of exuding a consciousness that he leads over a billion people today. Nehru, it is well known and documented, strode the Indian — and world — stage like a colossus for several decades.

 

Foreign Affairs

The other similarity between the two that has invited comment is about both taking charge of foreign policy. Nehru was his own foreign minister for all the 17 years that he was PM. It is early days for Modi, but many have been surprised at the ease with which he has taken to foreign policy issues, and the direction he is giving them, from the day he took over.

This was reflected in his decision to invite Saarc leaders, including the Pakistan PM to his swearing in, and this entailed a risk. Had Nawaz Sharif turned down his invite, it would have been seen as a snub by the hardliners in his own ranks — and therefore a less-than-confident start to his premiership.

Nehru's world view had been fashioned right through the days of the national movement, which was also a period between the two world wars, and he had acquired an international perspective through his travels to countries of Europe, the then Soviet Union, China and the US in the '30s and '40s. From the beginning he saw Indian independence in the larger context of an "Asian resurgence", and he
more than others in the Congress, came to fashion the policy non-alignment as the best way to go forward for a poor, yet large, country like India to acquire its rightful place globally , rather than to align with either of the two blocs.

Modi on the other hand has come to South Block from a regional capital with experience of running only one state of India. People expected him to take time to transit from a chief minister to a PM, particularly on foreign affairs. But Modi has taken to foreign policy, like duck to water.

Foreign policy is a continuum and does not change with a change of government. Just as Nehru left
his stamp on it, there are early indications of a nuanced shift being made by Modi. Unlike the UPA's America-centric focus, he has given primacy to the neighbourhood — his early visits to Bhutan and Nepal and his invite to Saarc leaders bear this out — then to Asia, Japan first and then to China, with which the relationship is more complex; and then to the West and America where he will meet Barack Obama.

The reason why the world is looking at India and Modi with new eyes is the transformed situation in the country. It is the clear mandate the people of India have given Modi, giving his own party a majority after 30 years of coalitional governance, and the political stability that it connotes, which is making world leaders beat a path to India's doors.

Dismantling Nehru's Legacy

The Nehru-Modi comparisons, however, are only at the superficial level. Both represent two contending ideas of India, though the Congress is too demoralized today — and at one level also confused on some of the ideological issues — to go to town on what it stands for.

If anything, Modi has hardly shown an enthusiasm for Nehru, and the BJP and RSS have an aversion to anything Nehruvian.

The PM did not even take Nehru's name during his first I-Day speech. He struck statesman-like notes when he talked of all governments having contributed to the development of the country and during the course of his speech referred to many a leader — Gandhi, Patel, JP, Lohia — who had taken the country to great heights. But he left out Nehru. Agree or disagree with him, Nehru was among the builders of modern India.

Because of opposition to Nehru, the PM may have chosen to speak on Teachers' Day, and not on Bal Divas, which might have been a more natural occasion. But then using November 14, which is celebrated as Children's Day because it is Nehru's birthday, would have made the exercise a continuation of the Nehruvian convention.

The Planning Commission is not part of the BJP's scheme of things but the decision to "scrap" it was essentially because it was a Nehruvian relic. After all, if the country has to go for bullet trains, and smart cities, industrial corridors and new infrastructure, that cannot happen without planning.

The government proposes to create an alternative structure. But reforming an existing one is always easier than reinventing the wheel. By opting to do away with it, Modi was clearly making a political point about bring down another edifice of the Nehruvian period.

Many prime ministers have been their foreign ministers, whether or not they held the portfolio themselves. Like Narasimha Rao. He fashioned India's foreign policy in the crucial years following the breakup of  the Soviet Union when India opted to globalize in a world which had become unipolar, and moved from multilateralism to bilateralism, to a greater focus on economic relations in foreign affairs, and a "Look East" policy. Even the "weak" Manmohan Singh enhanced the relationship with the US with the Indo-American civil nuclear deal on which he staked his government.

Modi is not cast in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee mould.Vajpayee was the moderate face of the BJP, Modi is its hawkish face. Modi is hands on. Vajpayee used to leave most decisions to his principal secretary
Brajesh Mishra.
 

The Original Iron Lady

If Modi can be likened to a PM, in his style of functioning, it is not so much to Nehru or Vajpayee as to Indira Gandhi.  She may have started off as "gungi gudiya" but Indira came to be described as the "only man in the cabinet".

In just over three months, Modi is not just the "first amongst equals" that a prime minister in our scheme of things is supposed to be, but is already head and shoulders above his other cabinet colleagues. The home minister, for instance, was not allowed to have the secretary of his choice.
 

If reports — which have not been rebutted — are to be believed, the home minister is out of the process to decide the appointments as a member of the Cabinet Committee on Appointments, but is now informed about it afterwards, when the PM has decided. The PM undertook a highly successful visit to Japan which upgraded the relations between the two countries, but strangely Sushma Swaraj,
the foreign minister was not part of it, whatever the reason. This has raised questions whether we are functioning in a presidential form of government or a cabinet system.

 Like Modi, Indira was also a polarizing personality. Like Indira, Modi too has a style which likes to control. Like her, Modi too went over the head of the party to create a direct connect with the masses. Like Modi — who has bought his trusted people from Gujarat into the PMO — she used to preside over an all powerful PMO, that decided all major decisions, whether it was to do with bureaucratic  appointments, intelligence gathering, or the judiciary. There are early signs of all major decisions getting routed through Modi's PMO. Like Indira, Modi too has  a less-than comfortable relationship with the media.

One of the early but visible signs of change is a drying up of information sources. In the past, whether during the UPA or the NDA rule, BJP leaders were easily accessible and forthcoming about the goings on in government and the party. Today they give media persons a wide berth, unless authorized by the powers that be to talk to the media. The PM has been taking only the official media as part of his team when he has gone abroad.

 During Indira's time, or even in the first two years of the 415-MP-backed Rajiv Gandhi government, reporters had to hang around the Congress office for the one sentence that a leader coming out might utter about the goings on inside! In Indira's case, when the courts disqualified her from parliament in 1975, she went to the extent of imposing an internal emergency, leading to media censorship, and abridgement of basic freedoms. Ironically, it is coalition governments, and the "leaks"they encouraged, which increased media's access to information.

Every prime minister's style of functioning is bound to find some resonance in the past, by way of comparisons to his predecessors. But at the end of the day, Modi — as were Nehru, Indira or the others — is his own person.
With regards, 

 

M.K.Pachraiya