that overdrawing of power by states was neither the only nor the partial cause of what happened.

Firstly, preventive mechanisms like under frequency readers that could have prevented failure, were either not installed or had been tampered with. Can you confirm those newspaper reports? here are various other reasons. It is not just the overdrawing, it is overdrawing from the Northern Grid and overloading in the Western Grid that led to the collapse on two consecutive days the NRLDC Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre and the state load dispatch centres were well aware of rampant and persistent overdrawing by certain states but they did nothing beyond filing petitions with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. ? The difficulty is that the distribution system is with the state governments and if there is overdrawing, we cannot switch off. But the question is discipline has to be maintained and rules will have to be adhered to. You know the Central Grid, the national grid, has no control over the distribution system. More effective steps were not taken to deal with overdrawing which led to the crisis. The control rooms of these load dispatch centres were fully aware of what was going on and which states were posing a danger to the grid. But they failed to isolate these states from the grid and therefore they failed to prevent a grid collapse.' That clearly proves management failure. What measures do you propose to ensure grid discipline? in 2010, a decision was taken for auditing of the grid system but it was not implemented because the states said they did not have the money to do it. So now we have decided that the Centre will audit it. Then the National and regional load dispatch centres, in consultation with Central electricity authorities, will review the transfer capability of inter-regional links keeping in view the factors leading to grid disturbance. There should be appropriate matching with regard to the distribution system which is under the state control and the central trunk line. If the states do not do it, there will be collapse.in layman's language, all the mismatches between the trunk line and the distribution system must be removed and there should be matching systems, there should be no anomalies. shortfall between 10 and 12 per cent. Secondly, the target to build additional capacity were not met in the ninth, the tenth or the eleventh plan. India has missed every capacity addition target since 1951. ? the eleventh plan when we achieved 2.5 times of the achievement than any other five year plan. Twenty seven per cent of the power you generate is lost either because of theft or due to dissipation through the wires. It is five times the Chinese figure. As a result, the losses are Rs 1.8 lakh crore which is almost three per cent of the GDP. That is appalling management.? the national average is 27 per cent. The point is the state distribution systems are in a bad state. The Centre is working on it to ensure that all the distributions systems are revamped. The states too will have to do their bit. They will have to decide their tariffs. rom 27 per cent losses, we will bring it down

to less than 15 per cent. What about Rs 1.8 lakh crore losses? More than 75 per cent of these losses would be covered.

1st August, 2012 2100 HRS.

THE HEADLINES:

Power Minister Veerappa Moily assures that there will be no further grid failures of this kind; Says India has best power grid in Asia. National Human Rights Commission issues notice to Assam Government seeking detailed report on Kokrajhar violence. Government formally allows Foreign Direct Investments from Pakistan. At the London Olympics: P.Kashyap reaches quarterfinals in Badminton Singles. India lose 1-3 to New Zealand in their second group Hockey match. World Number One Archer Deepika Kumari crashes out. 8 Shuttlers disqualified from the Olympics for throwing their matches. <><><>

The Power Minister Veerappa Moily today said that power supply has been restored completely as the Grid is functioning normally now. The Minister said that a meeting of state chief secretaries and power secretaries has been called on the 6th of this month in the capital to discuss grid parity followed by a meeting of the Chief Ministers. Meanwhile, the Power Secretary P.Umashankar said that the committee set up to inquire into the cause of the grid failure met today. It is set to submit its report along with recommendations to avoid recurrence of such events in two weeks' time.

<><><> The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, today issued a notice to the Assam government and sought a detailed report in connection with the violence in Kokrajhar district of the State. According to an NHRC release, the Commission has asked the Assam Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report in this regard within three weeks. The Chief Secretary has been specifically asked to inform about the arrangements made for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people and the financial assistance given to the victims. The NHRC has also decided to send its own team to study the arrangements made by the state government for rehabilitation of the persons affected by the violence. The team will submit its report to the Commission in four weeks. <><><> Gogoi said that the situation has been improving in Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts. He also said that 14 relief camps have been closed by the administration as 12 thousand people have returned home so far. The Chief Minister said that security pickets are being set up at 104 vulnerable areas,beside involving local people, forming Village Defence Parties and deployment of police and homeguards. <><><> The Supreme Court today acquitted three persons sentenced to varying jail terms for tampering with evidence in the infamous 1999 BMW hit-and-run case, involving former Naval chief Admiral S M Nanda's grandson Sanjeev Nanda. A bench of Justices Deepak Verma and K S Radhakrishnan set aside the trial court and the Delhi High Court's concurring verdicts convicting businessman Rajeev Gupta and his two employees Bhola Nath and Shyam Singh. The apex court also pulled up the Delhi police for not properly investigating the tampering of evidence. <><><> India may allow cross examination of witnesses by a Pakistani Judicial Commission set up for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. <><><>

In a move to boost bilateral economic relations, India today decided to allow Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, from Pakistan. According to a release issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, after reviewing the Foreign Direct Investment Policy, the government has decided to permit a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan to make investments in India, under the government route. The FDI has been allowed in sectors or activities other than defence, space and atomic energy. <><><> Hit by slowdown in the Western markets, India's export growth declined 5.45 per cent in June for the second month in a row, to 25 billion US Dollars. <><><>

NEWS FROM THE LONDON OLYMPICS In London today, Parupalli Kashyap created history by becoming the first Indian men's player to qualify for the quarter-finals in an Olympic badminton tournament. In Archery, Deepika Kumari could not live up to the expectations as she lost 2-6 against Great Britain's Amy Oliver. The defeat also ended India's archery campaign at the Olympics. Indian women shooters Rahi Sarnobat and Annu Raj Singh also crashed out. . In another development, India lodged a formal protest with the Games organisers to probe if the women's doubles badminton match involving Japan and Chinese Taipei was played in the right spirit. This follows the elimination of the Indian doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa from the London Olympics competition. <><><> The Men's Doubles match involving Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan will also take place tonight. <><><> The growth of eight core sectors slipped to 3.6 per cent in June, weighed down by contraction in natural gas, fertiliser and steel output. The key infrastructure sectors had grown 5.6 per cent in the same month last year. The eight industries include crude oil, petroleum refinery products, coal, electricity, cement and finished steel and have a weight of 37.9 per cent in the overall Index of Industrial Production.

<><><> AUGUST 2, 2012 2100 HRS.

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister approves relaxation in government land transfer policy to speed up private-public partnership. Investigations in Pune serial blasts begin; Initial reports say a wrist watch triggered the blasts. U. N. General Assembly to meet late tonight to discuss Arab draft seeking resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad. United Nations' Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan resigns. And in London Olympics Saina Nehwal storms into semi-finals of women's singles in Badminton. Jai Bhagwan eliminated in men's 60 kilogram boxing; Ranjan Sodhi ousted in men's air pistol. <><><>

The Prime Minister today approved relaxation in policies relating to transfer of government land. The objective of the policy is to speed up private-public partnership in the country. An official release says that the decision will ensure that infrastructure projects are not held up for procedural delays. Ban on the transfer of all government owned land was imposed last year. This ban however excluded the cases where the land was to be transferred from one

government department to another. The release says that policy has also been relaxed for all land transfers from ministries to statutory authorities or PSUs. <><><> Official sources said in New Delhi that a wrist watch was used to trigger the explosives in the serial blasts. They said that the technique adopted in the blast is similar to the technique adopted by the terror outfit Indian Mujahideen which has links with terror groups in Pakistan. <><><> so far the Centre has released 12 crore rupees under National Calamity Fund to the State besides 75 crore rupees for drinking water purposes. "Karnataka is reeling under one of the worst drought conditions since the last 40 years. Due to deficient rainfall agriculture activities have been affected. The state government has therefore waived off loans of farmers upto 25,000 rupees incurring an expenditure of 3500 crore rupees. <><><> Amidst fierce fighting between Government forces and rebels in Aleppo, Syria, the United Nations General Assembly is meeting later tonight to of discuss the draft seeking resignation of Bashar Assad and transfer power to a transitional government. It also strongly condemns the Security Council for failing to take action against Damascus. Ahead of the UN General Assembly Session, Russia has reiterated that it will vote against the Saudi resolution. It said that the text of the draft resolution is unbalanced and biased. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a statement that the draft resolution attributes all responsibility for what is happening in the country uniquely on to the Syrian authorities and makes no request to the Syrian opposition. The resolutions at General Assembly are not binding unlike at Security Council. However there are no vetoes and it can be passed by a simple majority. Last time in the voting at UN General Assembly Russia,China, Iran and Iraq had voted against a resolution on Syria. In addition Russia and China have vetoed thrice the UN Security Council resolutions on Syria. The voting on the draft is expected tomorrow. <><><> Defence Minister AK Antony reviewed the progress on various steps taken to enhance the coastal security in the country in New Delhi today. Antony directed that the first phase of the Coastal Radar Network, on both the west and east coast should be completed in the next two months and that he would himself visit some locations very soon. The Coastal Radar Network is an important component of the coastal security mechanism which will ensure monitoring and identification of maritime traffic. The Minister emphasized that all the stakeholders should work with unified purpose and ensure that there are no gaps in the Coastal Security framework.

<><><> <><><> 3rd August , 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Cabinet sets minimum price of 14,000 crore rupees for spectrum auction. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, new leader of the House in the Lok Sabha. Centre to give 425 crore rupees to Gujarat for drought relief. Pakistan Supreme Court annuls the new law seeking to protect Prime Minister from disqualification. IN LONDON OLYMPICS:Vijay Kumar wins silver in 25 meter rapid fire pistol; Saina Nehwal loses Badminton semi-final. Men's Hockey team loses to Germany and out of medal reckoning. <><><>

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided to fix a reserve price at 14,000 crore rupees for 5 Mhz pan India in 1800 MHz band. The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of Empowered Group of Ministers for reserve price for 800 MHz band at 1.3 times that of 1800 MHz band. Existing slab rate system for Spectrum Usage Charges, as recommended by Empowered Group of Ministers has also been approved by the Cabinet. Briefing newsmen Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said, as recommended by the EGoM, the Cabinet decided to defer the issues related to pricing of spectrum pending outcome of the ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court in the Presidential Reference. <><><>

The CLB is a quasi-judicial body, exercising equitable jurisdiction, which was earlier being exercised by the High Court or the Central Government. The Board has powers to regulate its own procedures. The Company Law Board has framed Company Law Board Regulations 1991 prescribing the procedure for filing the applications/petitions before it.

The Company Law Board is an independent quasi-judicial body in India which has powers to overlook the behaviour of companies within the Company Law. It was constituted in its present form on May 31, 1991.Under Section 10E of the Companies Act, 1956

The Company Law Board has stayed the auction of Telecom giant - Uninor. The Board said the auction process started by the telecom firm's majority owner, Telenor of Norway is very clever. The Board was hearing an application filed by Unitech, which holds a minority 32.75 per cent stake in Uninor. Staying the August 1 auction notice issued by Uninor, the Company Law Board Chairman Justice D R Deshmukh said the Board will hear both the parties. He directed other respondents to file their reply by Monday. In the August 1 notice, Uninor set a minimum bid price of 4,000 crore rupees and sought bids by August 6. In case no bidder turns up, Telenor would pay 4,190 crore rupees for the company, the notice said. <><><> Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will be the new leader of the House in the Lok Sabha in place of Pranab Mukherjee who has now become President. 71-year-old Shinde is a senior Congress leader from Maharashtra who represents Sholapur Lok Sabha constituency in the state.He had also been Governor of Andhra Pradesh. He is the first Scheduled Caste person to
have become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Shinde contested the election for the post of VicePresident of Indiaagainst the National Democratic Alliance's candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and lost. He belonged to the Chamar scheduled caste

<><><> In Pune, investigations for serial blasts are in progress. It appears that a design flaw in the bomb placed in five separate places in Junglee Maharaj road prevented the shrapnel from flying around lessening damage and casualties. As the agencies are busy with investigating the leads, reports have merged citing that the minor blasts could have been part of a much bigger terror plot. The investigative officials came to this conclusion after studying the two unexploded IEDs that have recovered from the area. The Forensic Report is yet to receive however; analysis claimed that ammonium nitrate has been used in the bombs and that wrist watches used to trigger the blast. It is understood that the investigations are on fast track and the mystery will reveal soon. <><><>

Gujarat Government has demanded more than Rs.14 thousand crore assistance from the central team. Leader of the Central team and Union Agriculture Minister Mr.Sharad Pawar has suggested that state should chalk out its short term and long term planning with revised demand. He said that meeting of empowered group of minister on drought will be held in Delhi next week to finalise the central assistance to the state. Union Rural Development Minister Mr.Jayram Ramesh has assured that Rs.425 crore would be released immediately to supply drinking water in the rural areas. He said that centre is also considering to increase the employment of 100 days to 150 days under the NAREGA Scheme. Yogesh Pandya/AIR News/New Delhi <><><> Bihar Government has drawn up a contingency plan to tackle the drought-like situation in the state. Under the plan 200 crore rupees has been released to subsidise diesel. <><><> The Planning Commission says, deficient monsoon is likely to pull down the economic growth in the current fiscal to about six per cent. It was 6.5 per cent a year ago. The Reserve Bank has recently lowered the growth projection to 6.5 per cent from 7.3 per cent because of deficient monsoon and global economic problems. <><><> The MSP for Arhar or Tur has been fixed at 3850 rupees per quintal, an increase of 650 rupees and Moong at 4,400 rupees, up by 900 rupees per quintal.

<><><> Pakistan Supreme Court has annulled the new law seeking to protect the Prime Minister from disqualification. A five-member bench of the Court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry ruled that several sections of the new contempt law have violated the constitution.

The new contempt law apparently aimed at saving Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf from possible disqualification by the apex court for refusing to reopen corruption cases against President Zardari. President Zardari signed the new law on July 12 after it was passed by the two houses of Parliament. Today's judgement came five days before another bench takes up the case related to the apex court's order to the government to approach Swiss authorities to revive the graft cases against Zardari. <><><> The UN General Assembly is due to vote on a resolution that condemns the Security Council for failing to stop the violence in Syria. The resolution expresses grave concern at the escalation of violence in Syria and violations of human rights. The latest draft has dropped two demands calling for President Assad to step down and imposing sanctions on Syria. The revised resolution condemns the increasing use of heavy weapons, including tanks and helicopters by the Syrian regime. Ahead of the vote Russia has reiterated that it would vote against the Saudi resolution saying it was unbalanced and biased. China has also expressed reservations over the resolution. <><><> India Clinched their first silver at the London Olympics today. Ace Shooter , Vijay Kumar bagged the coveted medal in the 25 metre Rapid Fire Pistol event. .Gagan Narang had accounted for the country's first medal when he won a bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event. Saina Nehwal lost to World number one Wang Yihan of China in straight games in the semifinals . Saina still has a chance, when she competes in the playoff for the Bronze on Saturday. Earlier, Joydeep Karmakar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 50 metre rifle prone event after setting an Olympic record in the qualifying stage. In Boxing, Vikas Krishan will try to book a quarter final berth when he faces Errol Spence of the United States. <><><> Defence Minister A K Antony has asked the Navy and the Coast Guard to complete the first phase of the coastal radar network by October. This is to track the movement of suspicious vessels into Indian maritime boundary effectively.

<><><> 4th August , 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Twenty-six people washed away in flash floods in Uttar Kashi; major rivers in UP and Jammu and Kashmir in spat. Investigtion in the Pune serial blasts in crucial stage; Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde visits the blast sites. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel resigns from Bhartiya Janata Party. To float a new party tomorrow. Jaipur Foot famous D R Mehta to get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. In Syria, 48 Iranian pilgrims kidnaped; fresh fighting in Damascus and Aleppo. Saina Nehwal wins bronze in Women Badminton in London Olympics; Devendro Singh enters boxing quarter finals. India set a target of 295 for Sri Lanka in the final Cricket one dayer. <><><>

In Uttarakhand, 26 people have been washed away in flash floods triggered by heavy rain in Uttar Kashi. The Water level of the Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers is on the rise. Relief and rescue work are being undertaken by ITBP and Army. In eastern Uttar Pradesh, major rivers - Ghaghra, Rapti and Saryu - are in spate following continuous heavy rain in the mountains of Uttarakhand and Nepal. In Ayodhya, the Saryu river is flowing 92 points above the danger level and in Barabanki about 2000 people were rendered homeless due to the flood. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed for traffic today due to landslides. In Himachal Pradesh, flash flood in the Beas river triggered by a cloud burst has claimed one life and damaged property worth crores of rupees in Manali. <><><> The CCTV cameras at two of the blast sites have found to be non-functional. This has been seen as a major loss in the investigation process. However, various leads have been examined thoroughly and all possibilities have been tapped. Pune

<><><> In Jharkhand, security personnel have seized 130 landmines planted on either side of a road near Palna dam in neighbouring Seraikela-Kharswan district. The land mines were seized in one of the biggest anti-Maoist operations in the state. Meanwhile, Security forces today launched an operation on the Jharkhand-Chhatisgarh border to flush out Maoists. <><><> Sudan and South Sudan have reached a reasonable deal over oil. After the breakthrough in their talks in Ethiopia, Sudanese officials said in Khartoum today that other disputes are also expected to be resolved <><><> D R Mehta, famous for popularising the Jaipur Foot has been selected for the 20th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. The Award, which carries a citation and a cash award of five lakh rupees, is being given to him for his outstanding contribution towards promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill. Mehta is the founder and chief patron of an organisation that popularised the Jaipur Foot. He is also a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. <><><> Saina clinched the Bronze when her rival Xin Wang of China retired hurt after the first game due to knee inury. Saina is first ever Indian badminton player to win a medal in the Olympic Games. Her medal is India's third in the London Olympics after Vijay Kumar's Silver and Gagan Narang's Bronze. There was good news from the boxing arena too with L.Devendro Singh booking a place in the quarter-finals of the Men's Light Flyweight 49 kg. category. Meanwhile, Indian boxing team today lodged a protest against International Boxing Association's decision overturning Boxer Vikas Krishnan's win against American Errol Spence in the 69 kg. category. And in Women'sTennis, American Serena Williams clinched the Gold by beating Russian Maria Sharapova in the final in straight sets 6-0, 6-1. <><><>

In West Bengal, the swearing in ceremony of the newly elected members to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration was held in Darjeeling today amidst heavy security. <><><> The government could go for the first public offer of its 30 thousand crore rupees disinvestment programme next month. This was stated by Disinvestment Secretary Haleem Khan in New Delhi today. He was replying to a query on when the first issue would come out in the current market conditions. He, however, did not disclose which Public Sector company will go for disinvestment. Last month, the initial public offer of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd was deferred by the government due to weak market conditions. <><><> Celebrations began in northern Karnataka today over the news that the Union Cabinet SubCommittee on Political Affairs has recommended to amend article 371 to provide special status to their region. The special status to the six backward districts of North Karnataka, known as Hyderabad-Karnataka region, is expected to provide reservation in the employment and education sectors, apart from receiving special grants from the Centre for its development. Leaders of different political parties have welcomed the decision. <><><> 5 th August , 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Curfew re-imposed in Chirang district of Assam following fresh violence and recovery of four dead bodies. Major rivers in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh continue to flow above the danger mark; relief and rescue operations on. Reserve Bank of India says Government must focus more on manufacturing, to achieve GDP growth above 6.5 per cent. Afghan President Hamid Karzai accepts parliament decision to dismiss his two top security ministers. In London Olympics,M. C. Mary Kom storms into the quarterfinals of 51 kg category of Women's Boxing.

Indian Hockey team loses to South Korea 1-4. Star American Swimmer Michael Phelps retires after winning 22 Medals in four Olympics. <><><>

In Assam, district administration re imposed indefinite curfew in Chirang district this afternoon as a precautionary measure after mob attacked public bus on National Highway number 31 C. State Home department sources in Guwahati said that people blocked the National Highway at Bartola under Dhaligaon Police Station to know the whereabouts of the two missing persons. Unidentified miscreants torched a few houses in Kokrajhar district last night. Security forces have intensified patrolling in the violence hit areas. <><><> In Uttrakhand, water levels in Alaknanda and Yamuna have reached the danger mark. However, the level in Bagirathi has started receeding. Asiganga and Uplatakwar area has been cut off. Efforts are on to restore power supply which has been cut off due to damage to hydel projects. . River Ghaghra is flowing 57 centimetres above the danger mark in Barabanki, Faizabad and Basti. Our Correspondent reports that river Sharda is swollen due to additional release of water from Banbasa barrage in Pilibhit district. In Himachal Pradesh, traffic has been partially restored on Manali-Leh national highway which was damaged by flash flood in Beas river near Palchaan on Friday night. However, the river is still flowing above the danger mark and heavy vehicles going from Kullu to Manali are not allowed to take the right side of river bank. In Haryana, the water level at Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar has come down, as nearby hills recorded no rainfall today. In Odisha, major rivers like Mahanadi, Indarvati, Baitarani and Kolab including a number of rivulets are swelling following incessant rain. A report from our Correspondent <><><> Union Power Minister Veerapa Moily has called a meeting of eight states tomorrow to discuss issues related to electricity transmission and distribution. These States are-Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,Rajasthan and Delhi. Northern, Eastern and North-Eastern grids had collapsed on Tuesday afternoon hitting power

supply to 21 states. These three grids collapsed within 24 hours of the Northern Grid getting restored following a failure on Monday The Power Ministry has set up a three-member panel, headed by Central Electricity Authority Chairperson A S Bakshi to look into the tripping of grids. The committee is expected to submit its report in a fortnight. <><><> Reserve Bank of India has said that the Government needs to focus more on manufacturing in order to achieve GDP growth more than 6.5 per cent. India's economic growth rate slipped to 5.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2011-12, the lowest in nearly nine years, following poor performance of the manufacturing and farm sectors. <><><> A meeting of select envoys of the Palestinian Committee on Non-Aligned Movement due to convene in the West Bank City of Ramallah today has been cancelled. The step was taken by the organizing committee after Israel denied visa to four countries with whom it doesnt have diplomatic relations. These include Malaysia, Indonesia, Cuba and Bangladesh. <><><> Keeping India s medal hopes alive, India s star boxer Mary Kom entered the quarterfinals today when she beat her polish rival in the 51 kg womens category. In shooting, Trap Shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu, commenced his campaign in the two day Mens trap event. In other events, in Badminton China s Dan Lin clinched the gold medal in Mens Singles by beating Chong Lee of Malaysia 15-21, 21-10 and 21-19. Star American swimmer Michael Phelps ended his Olympic career after winning a gold in 4 X 100 metres medley relay. Phelps has a total of 22 medals from 4 Olympics including 18 golds. , Britain's Andy Murray has won the Men's Singles Olympic Tennis Tournament beating Roger Fedrer 6-2,6-1 and 6-4. <><><> AUGUST 6, 2012 2100 HRS.

THE HEADLINES:

Government to modify tax policies to gain investors' confidence, says Finance Minister. NASA's nuclear powered Rover, Curiosity, lands on Mars to explore life on the planet. Former US Army Soldier identified as suspect in Wisconsin Gurudwara shoot out incident. Sensex gains 215 points to close at 17,413; Rupee appreciates by 23 paise to 55.52 against dollar. IN THE LONDON OLYMPICS: Mary Kom assures India of at least a bronze medal by entering the semifinals of 51 kilogram Women's Boxing. Vikas Gowda qualifies for final round of Men's Discus Throw. <><><>

The Finance Minister P. Chidambaram today said that government will modify the tax policies to regain investor confidence. he said that his ministry will review tax provisions that have retrospective effect. He said, supply side constraints will be removed to achieve price stability and existing food stocks will be used to moderate prices. He said that his ministry will work with Reserve Bank of India to moderate inflation in medium term and take action to ease interest burden on consumers. Stressing the need to focus on large projects as well as infrastructure projects, the minister said an Investment Tracking System for projects with an outlay of One thousand crore or more has been put in place. Proposals pending with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board will be processed and decisions will be taken expeditiously. Some sectors are under stressed for example petroleum, electricity and textiles. We intend to find practical solutions to the problems that in peak. Mr. Chidambaram said, a roadmap to boost investments and economy by fine-tuning policies will be put in place soon. He said, steps will be taken to attract more people to invest in mutual funds, insurance policies and others. <><><> The US space agency, NASA today successfully landed a new robot rover on Mars to explore life on the planet. The one-tonne vehicle, known as Curiosity, was reported to have landed in a deep crater near the planet's equator at 05:32 GMT. After the landing, the flight director reported that Curiosity had hit the surface of Mars at a gentle 0.6 metres per second. A signal confirming the rover was on the ground safely was relayed to Earth via Nasa's Odyssey satellite, which is in orbit around the Red Planet. The success was greeted with a roar of approval at

mission control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. It will now embark on a mission of at least two years to look for evidence that Mars may once have supported life. <><><> Prime accused in Delhi High Court blast case Amir Ali is among two terrorists killed in an encounter with Army in Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir. Defence PRO said in Jammu that Rashtriya Rifle Troops cordoned off the area after it received information about the presence of terrorists in Trothil forest area. The militants were killed after three hours long gun battle. <><><> Union Minister of Power, Veerappa Moily today said that independent audit of protection systems of transmission grids would be carried out soon. Mr. Moily said, the meeting has resolved that there would be third party audit of the protection systems for power grids within one month and the process would be monitored by regional power committees. <><><> In Syria, the Omar Ghalawanji, one of the deputy Prime Ministers has been appointed to lead a temporary caretaker Government. The move was announced by the Syrian Television after the President Bashar Al Assad sacked the incumbent Prime Minister Riyad Hijab. Reports from Amman suggest the sacked Prime Minister has defected with his family to Jordan. <><><> At the London Olympics today, India were assured of at least a Bronze medal when the fivetime world champion M C Mary Kom qualified for the semi-finals in 51kg flyweight category of women's boxing event. Known as 'Magnificent Mary' the Indian pugilist dominated the proceedings from the start, and outclassed her Tunisian opponent Maroua Rahali with a 15-6 verdict. In the Track and Field events, India's top discus thrower Vikas Gowda threw the 2 kg discus to a distance of 65.20 metres in his second attempt to book an automatic berth in the finals. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbritration of Sports has rejected India's appeal on boxer Vikas Krishnan's ouster from Olympics. The decision on his winning the pre-quarter final in 69 kilogram category was reversed last week after the appeal by a U.S. boxer. With S <><><> A Parliamentary Panel has asked the Railways to give utmost priority to Passenger safety and security. The Committee headed by MP T.R. Balu noted with concern that several incidents of

fire have taken place involving trains in the Indian Railways and said that the Indian Railways should make use of the latest technological advances to prevent loss of precious lives. The Panel said, every effort should be made to ensure that tragic incidents such as the one that happened with the Tamil Nadu Express do not recur. <><><> 7th August , 2012

THE HEADLINES:

UPA nominee Hamid Ansari re-elected Vice President of India. Monsoon session of Parliament begins tomorrow. West Bengal Government moves Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court order which struck down the Singur Land Act. Syed Naseem Ahmed Zaidi takes over as an Election Commissioner. Sensex gains 189 points; Rupee strengthens 45 paise against dollar. Vikas Gowda to compete in the finals of Men's Discus Throw event tonight. And in the lone T20 cricket match, India sets a target of 156 runs for Sri Lanka. <><><>

UPA nominee, Mohammad Hamid Ansari has been re-elected as the Vice President of India. Mr.Ansari got 490 votes against 238 secured by his NDA backed opponent Mr.Jaswant Singh. Mr. Ansari whose term expires on Friday, has been elected to serve for a second consecutive term as the 14th Vice President. Briefing the media, Returning officer for the Vice Presidential polls and Secretary General, Lok Sabha, T.K Vishwanathan said, out of the 787 strong electoral college, 736 had cast their votes, while eight votes were invalid. <><><> In an initiative to boost international trade, the Prime Minister's office has facilitated round the clock Customs operations at four major airports and four sea-ports begining from the 25th of this month. An offical release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, said 24x7 customs clearance and other facilities would initially be made operational at the airports of Delhi,

Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. The round the clock services would also be made available at the sea ports of Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla and JNPT, Mumbai. <><><> In Assam, the district administration clamped indefinite curfew in the entire Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts this morning. State Law and Order IGP said that unidentified miscreants shot dead three people last night at Raaniguli in Kokrajhar district while an angry mob blocked National Highway number 31 at Beltali in Dhubri district in protest against the killings <><><> Dr. Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi today took over as an Election Commissioner. He is a 1976 batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. He fills the vacancy in the Election Commission of India which was caused by the assumption of charge by Mr. V.S. Sampath as the Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding Dr. S.Y. Quraishi. Dr. Zaidi had superannuated as Civil Aviation Secretary last month. <><><> According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Malnad and Dakshina Kannada region bore the brunt, recording 360 percent and 152 percent surplus rainfall respectively. In Dakshin Kannada district, incessant rainfall has affected road transport. Kodagu district too has received heavy downpour resulting in flooding of low lying areas. <><><> In Madhya Pradesh, All 13 gates of Tawa Dam in Hoshangabad District have been opened due to the rising water level in the dam. Army has been deployed for the rescue operation in the Bavai Tehsil of the district. <><><> The Minister for Labour & Employment Mallikarjun Kharge chaired the 200th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation in the capital today. Talking to reporters after attending the meeting, Mr.Kharge said that the Central board of Trustees discussed launching a facility in which individuals can register, view and print their passbooks without having to go through their employers besides other issues. <><><> Pioneering astronomer and physicist Sir Bernard Lovell has passed away. He was 98. <><><>

In athletics, Triple-Jumper Renjith Maheshwary disappointed <><><> 8th August , 2012

THE HEADLINES:

Lok Sabha rejects BJP's adjournment motion on Assam violence;Home Minister says, all possible assistance being provided to the state government to deal with the situation. Lok Sabha disrupted twice over BJP leader Advani's remarks on UPA Government; PM calls the comments disgraceful and unfortunate. Finance Minister Chidambaram says, CAG report on allocation of Coal blocks will be tabled in the current session of Parliament. Death toll in Meghalaya bus accident rises to 31, twenty seven injured in critical condition. Mary Kom wins a Bronze for India, loses to Britain's Nicola Adams in the Semis. Tintu Luka qualifies for the semi finals of Women's 800 metres race. Devendro Singh to face Paddy Barnes of Ireland in the 49 kilogram Boxing quarterfinal. <><><>

. The leaders of both the communities have been requested to intervene in the matters of restoring of normalcy in the area The Home Minister said that a Comprehensive plan has been devised for the security of the people. The Army remains on standby and conducted flag marches along with the state police to instill confidence among the affected people. Senior officers from the centre and the state government have been deployed to supervise the relief operations.

Earlier initiating the motion, Mr Advani said that infiltration of people from Bangladesh was leading to demographic changes which causes a fear psychosis in the local people:

The root cause behind all this is not any ethnic problem or communal problem. The main problem is the infiltration from Bangladesh, because of it, people feel that they'll lose their land, be reduced to minority, and there are many examples of such demographic changes. <><><> , the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Mr Pawan Singh Ghatowar said one lakh people were displaced due to violence have been sent back to their homes. He said border fencing has been erected and 108 police pickets have been provided to ensure security.

><><> The police has so far arrested 170 miscreants for indulging in violent activities . A CBI team is visiting the violence affected areas tomorrow to inquire about the incidents. Around three lakh 50 thousand people are being sheltered in 245 camps. A State group of Ministers also visited the relief camps in Dhubri and Chirang districts.

<><><> Finance Minister P. Chidambaram today said, the CAG reports on allocation of Coal bloc without bidding and the Delhi Airport concession given to GMR will be tabled in the current session of Parliament. <><><> The government today said the delay in implementation of General Anti Avoidance Rules (GAAR) will not impact the drive against black money and tax evasion. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the delay in implementation of GAAR would not have a significant impact on the efficacy of measures being taken against proliferation of black money and checking tax evasion. Introduction of GAAR, which was proposed in the Budget 2012-13 to check tax evasion, had triggered strong opposition by foreign investors following which its implementation was postponed till April 2013. <><><>

The Centre today said that it has constituted an expert committee to review the issue of minimum pension. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Labour Minister M Mallikarjun Kharge said that the panel will review Employees Pension Scheme, 1995. It will also go through the recommendations of Pension Implementation Committee, PIC which suggested increasing the minimum monthly pension to 1,000 rupees. <><><> At the London Olympics today, India's M.C. Mary Kom had to settle for a Bronze medal in the women's Flyweight (51 kg.) category boxing event. Mary Kom's dreams of clinching a bigger medal were dashed when Great Britain's Nicola Adams outclassed the Indian pugilist in the semi-finals with a 11-6 verdict. Mary Kom had won several medals in the 46 and 48kg categories but never in the 51 kg division. She was forced to shift to this cagegory and gain weight two years ago after the world body, AIBA, decided to allow women's boxing in only three weight catgories - the lowest one being 51 kg. Tintu Luka qualifying for the semifinals of women's 800 metres scheduled for tomorrow.

<><><> 9th August , 2012

THE HEADLINES:

CBI team begins inquiry into incidents of violence in Assam's Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts. Government frames five pronged strategy to bring back blackmoney stashed abroad. Constitutional Amendment Bill for reservation in promotion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Government jobs to be introduced in Lok Sabha on 22nd of this month.

Centre seeks further four-months extension of the August 31st deadline from Supreme Court to complete 2G spectrum auction. Sahana Kumari fails to qualify for the finals of women's high jump; Geeta Phogat stays in contention for Bronze despite losing in pre-quarterfinals of the Women's 55 kilogram Freestyle event; Tintu Luka to compete in women's 800 metres semifinal tonight. []<><><>[]

A CBI team headed by a special Director today began a probe into the incidents of violence in Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Chirang districts of Assam. A team of Human Rights Commission has completed a three day visit to the affected areas. The CBI team met state DGP and senior officials of the Home department regarding the cases related to the violence in Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Chirang district. Assam government has already formed a Special Investigative Team to enquire into six cases. Police and security forces also have intensified efforts to seize illegal arms in violence hit areas. Night curfew continues in Kokrajhar and Chirang district as a precautionary measure. Earlier, the Leader of Opposition, Mr Arun Jaitley asked the government to address the issue on an urgent basis. I would only urged the government not to treat this case as a case where a simple crime has been committed. Please go into the root cause why this problem is taking place and if this problem gets repeated the consequences not only in the state of Assam but on India as a nation, our national identity, our personality even our geography are going to be severe. <><><> The government has framed a comprehensive five pronged strategy to bring back the black money stashed abroad. these include joining the global crusade against black money, creating an appropriate legislative frame work and setting up institutions for dealing with the illicit funds. The Minister said that the Income Tax department has taken several punitive and deterrent steps to unearth unaccounted money and curb tax evasion. The Minister said that necessary action is being taken as and when any credible information regarding any undisclosed transaction is received so as to bring back the untaxed amount. Mr. Palanimanickam however, said that no time frame can be fixed to bring back black money stashed abroad as the drive against tax evasion is an ongoing and continuous process. <><><>

Around 27 villages of Narmada and Bharuch districts in Gujarat have been put on alert after water from the overflowing Narmada dam resulted in the river breaching the danger mark at Golden Bridge. Narmada district administration has set up an Emergency Response Centre and real-time data is being collected to maintain vigil over the water levels in Narmada river. <><><> The industrial production has declined by 1.8 per cent in June mainly due to a poor show by the manufacturing and capital goods sectors. The manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 75 per cent of the index, witnessed a slump in output by a dismal 3.2 per cent in June against a growth of 11.1 per cent in the same month a year ago. <><><> P. Chidambaram said that it is important to focus on the critical sectors, remove bottlenecks and give a fillip to production. He said production will revive if there are new investments in the demand creating industries. <><><> A Parliamentary panel today recommended a thorough probe by independent scientists and environmentalists into the entire Bt Brinjal issue, from approval stage to imposition of moratorium on its commercial cultivation. It has also suggested expeditious evaluation of research reports on Bt brinjal by a public sector agency.The committee made various recommendations after placing their report in the Lok Sabha today. <><><> The European Union is to hold urgent talks tomorrow over the diplomatic row between Belarus and Sweden. Belarus effectively expelled Swedish diplomats after a Swedish PR firm parachuted toy bears bearing pro-democracy messages over its territory. Sweden responded by taking action against diplomats from Belarus, one of Europe's most authoritarian states. It is thought that new EU sanctions may be discussed in Brussels tomorrow. <><><> Syrian rebel commanders say they have lost control of the strategic Salah al-Din district in the northern city of Aleppo after a government offensive. The fighting comes as Iran is hosting its own international meeting on the Syrian crisis. State media reported the army was now in full control of the district, saying it had inflicted heavy losses on hundreds of terrorist mercenaries .

<><><> Members in both the Houses of Parliament today paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the Quit India Movement in 1942. <><><> Tintu, trained by the Payoli Express P. T. Usha clocked 2 minutes, 1.75 seconds to enter the semifinal round. Meanwhile, India's lone high jumper Sahana Kumari could not qualify for the finals of women's high jump event. In Wrestling, India made a rather disappointing start as their lone woman wrestler Geeta Phogat lost []<><><>[] 10th August , 2012

THE HEADLINES:

Mumbai terror attack handler Abu Jundal tells court that he wants to confess his role in 26/11 attacks. Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gives its nod to load nuclear fuel at Kudankulam nuclear plant in Tamil Nadu. Day curfew lifted in all violence hit areas of Assam; CBI team probing the violence visited the worst affected Kokrajhar district today. Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna being celebrated with devotion across the country. In Sports, BCCI announces Indian Team for test series against New Zealand and T-20 Championship to be played in Sri Lanka; Yuvraj Singh stages a comeback. In London Olympics, India's male grappler Amit Kumar gets another chance in Repechage round after losing in quarterfinals; Narsingh Yadav knocked out in the opening round of 74 kg category. <><><>

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has given its approval for loading fuel at the 1000-MW Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. <><><> Centre has told the Supreme Court that it would not be possible to delete names of 40 lakh doubtful voters in Assam on the basis of their religious or linguistic profile as it would be unconstitutional. The Centre rejected the allegation of an NGO that leveled the charges about doubtful voters. In an affidavit placed before a bench of justices P. Sathasivam and Ranjan Gogoi on Thursday, the Centre, however, assured the court that it was committed to weed out illegal migrants from the state. <><><> Kerala is heading towards zero-population growth rate which will lead to scarcity of labour. According to the State Urbanisation Report, with a very low fertility rate and stabilising death rate, Kerala is expected to achieve zero population growth rate in 25 to 30 years. The report, prepared by the Department of Town and Country Planning, found that migration from the state and decline in fertility is a cause for low population growth. <><><> Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad have gathered in Mathura to celebrate the birth date of Lord Krishna. The main temples Dwarkadheesh temple, Banke Bihari temple, Krishan temple and Iskon temple are filled with devotees who have come from across the country to seek blessings. <><><> London Olympic bronze medalist M C Mary Kom will be given a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees by the Tribal Affairs Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. The award will be given to her at a public reception to be organised by the Ministry where Tribal Affairs Minister K C Deo will felicitate the Olympian. <><><> The West Bengal Government is planning to start second phase of joint operations with Jharkhand Government to tackle Maoist menace in the Jungle Mahal area of the State. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has offered a government job to the Maoists who will surrender before the administration to return main stream of life. <><><>

11-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

In a major bus accident in Himachal Pradesh 51 people killed and 46 injured in Chamba . Prime Minister is confident of India's GDP crossing 6.5 per cent growth rate. In Mumbai, two persons died and 14 others were injured with a protest against Assam riots turning violent. Assam government announces judicial enquiry into the Bodoland Territorial Area District violence. Mohammad Hamid Ansari sworn in as Vice President of India for the second term. In London Olympics :Indian Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt loses 60 kilogram free style bout ; to compete in repechage round. <><><>

Atleast 51 people were killed and 46 others were injured in a major bus accident in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh today. The 42 seater bus was on its way to Chamba from Dulera. The tragedy occurred, when the overcrowded bus carrying about 100 passengers veered off the road and fell into a 250 feet deep gorge near Rajera, 8 kms off Chamba's district headquarter. A large number of the passengers were travelling on the roof of the vehicle. A Magisterial inquiry has been instituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. Overloading is reported to be the main cause of accident as the 42 seater bus was carrying 97 passengers with several of them sitting on the roof and some even clinging from behind. The crowd agitated over administrations failure to prevent overloading damaged the car of local MLA. <><><> Assam government has announced a judicial enquiry into the Bodoland Territorial Area District violence. Meanwhile, the Co-Ordination committee for Communal harmony, consisting of 24 organizations belonging to various communities, organised a meeting today in Kokrajhar. A team of Minority Commission today visited relief camps in Kokrajhar district and took stock of the relief measures. The Commission will submit a report to the government on the condition of the people who are staying in camps. <><><>

Our Corrpondent reports that Mohammad Hamid Ansari has created history by winning a second term for Vice Presidentship after Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. <><><> Two strong earthquakes hit northwest Iran in quick succession today injuring an unknown number of people. <><><> The United States Department said Syria's state oil company, Sytrol, is being sanctioned for its role in providing gasoline to Iran, a key supporter of the Assad Government. <><><> The government has appointed former IMF chief economist and currently Chicago University professor Raghuram G Rajan as Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry. Rajan, known for his frank views, was also honorary economic advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He is also highly acclaimed for predicting the 2008 global financial crisis. The position of the CEA has been lying vacant since Kaushik Basu's term ended on July 31. <><><> The London Olympics:Yogeshwar will now compete in the repechage round against Franklin Matos of Puerto Rico keeping alive the hopes of a Bronze. Grappler Sushil Kumar will take the field tomorrow in the 66 kg category of Free style wrestling. In Athletics, Indias Basanta Bahadur Rana managed to finish only at the 36th position in Mens 50 kilometre race walk event. In the process, he set a new national record by completing the endurance race race in 3 hours 56 minutes and 48 seconds. <><><> State owned Oil and Natural Gas Commission - ONGC says, it has made a huge oil discovery off the West coast. In a statement today , ONGC said the new discovery was made in the currently producing D1 oilfield. The find will catapult D1 to become the third largest field in western offshore after prolific Mumbai High and Heera. D1 is currently producing 12,500 barrels per day and its out put could go up to 60,000 barrels a day or three million tonnes a year. It is situated about 200 km west of Mumbai city in Deep Continental Shelf at a water depth of 85 to 90 metres. The first well in D1-4 block was drilled in the year 1976. <><><>

Delhites can travel now in metro and its feeder bus services cashless with a Common Mobility Card. The scheme was launched by Chairman of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation - DMRC Sudhir Krishna today. Krishna said, in the first phase, the card will be applicable only in metro services network and its parking areas.

Armed forces should avoid 'wasteful expenditure': Antony

Every rupee that we get from the Indian Tax payer we must utilise it properly effectively and as per the priority. That is why I feel it is a very timely initiative by Indian Navy. It will help entire nation even at least entire government if we can follow this initiative with all the departments of the Government of India. FIS is another step in the series of measures to bring about more probity, accountability and transparency in our public dealings and financial transactions, The Financial Information System (Navy) is built on SAP Enterprise Resource Planning tools and has been custom configured and developed by M/s Wipro for the Indian Navy. the FIS cost the navy about $6 million to create

The FIS, a comprehensive financial information system, will facilitate effective planning, allotment, expenditure and monitoring of the Naval Budget. The system links the New Delhi based Naval Headquarters with the three Command Headquarters and various ships and establishments located far and wide across the country force-wide automated Financial Information System (FIS) that is expected to simplify decisionmaking and enhance transparency in its monetary dealings. FIS will help manage the $13 billion the Indian Navy has been been allocated in the budget for 2012-13.. The system will deal only with public funds and would simplify fund allocation, expenditure and monitoring and reduce timelines in the procurement process," The FIS will replace the legacy system of budget

management that happened predominantly manually and took nearly 45 days of every year in preparing for the processes of allocation and utilisation. With the Indian Navy buying new equipment - for which nearly $5 billion was allocated this year - annually, the FIS is expected to not only help allocate funds, but also monitor the payment schedule to the sellers. FIS will be based on the navy's intranet and hence would be free of the threat of cyber attacks. The Indian Navy, being entrusted with the responsibility of securing Indian maritime interests and safeguarding a 7,500-km coastline and the exclusive economic zone, has to maintain a large fleet and supporting units, apart from modernising and upgrading its platforms and equipment. <><><> 12th August , 2012

THE HEADLINES:

Twenty three people arrested for violence in Mumbai; Situation normal now. Government asks public sector banks to open one account for each family in the country. Relief operations in full swing in earthquake affected areas of Iran; over 250 people killed in the calamity. In London Olympics: India's Sushil Kumar wins silver in the 66 kg Freestyle wrestling; Becomes first Indian to win medals over two consecutive Olympics. Curtains come down tonight on the 17 day sports extravaganza.

<><><> In Assam, the situation in violence hit Bodoland Territorial Area District, BTAD, has improved as no untoward incident has been reported. Security personnel have also been deployed at 104 fixed pickets. District administrations have closed 101 camps so far. Assam government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the BTAD and Dhubri district violence. CBI is also investigating seven cases. Meanwhile, Kokrajhar district administration has taken family photographs in all the relief camps for identification of camp inmates. <><><>

The government has asked state-owned banks to ensure one account per family to facilitate direct transfer of subsidy under 32 central schemes. In a communication to the public sector banks, the Finance Ministry has asked them to use the latest voter list as a reference for verifying that every household has a bank account. As per 2011 census, out of the 24.69 crore households, 14.48 crore were reportedly availing banking services. Nearly 10 crore households were not availing the services. Under Swabhimaan scheme of the government, over 3.25 crore bank accounts in rural areas were opened. <><><> In Bangladesh, a special court of the Border Guard Bangladesh today sentenced 329 soldiers to different jail terms ranging from four months to seven years in a case related to the February 2009 mutiny of the force which was then called as Bangladesh Rifles. A three-member Special Court led by Brigadier General Mohammed Nasiruddin Ahmad sentenced 37 of the 329 found guilty to the maximum punishment of seven years jail term. The court also acquitted seven out of the 336 soldiers who were charged. A total of 74 people were killed in the BDR mutiny of February 2009. <><><> On the final day of the spectacular sporting extravaganza, Indian sports lovers had the satisfaction of recording their best ever medal haul in the Olympics. The total number of medals in London - Two Silver and Four Bronze - has overhauled the earlier record of One Gold and two bronze set in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. India had hoped to add a gold to their kitty when Sushil Kumar reached the finals but his Japanese rival, Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu, an Asian Games champion prevailed with his stout defence. Nevertheless, Sushil recorded his name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first ever Indian to win back to back individual Olympic medals . Sushil, the flag bearer of the Indian Contingent at the opening ceremony , had earlier won a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olymypics. He also became India's third wrestling medal winner after K. D. Jadhav and Yogeshwar Dutt. <><><> Saudi Arabia is planning to build a city exclusively for women in a bid to encourage career oriented females within its strict Sharia law. According to a Saudi media report, the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (Modon) has been asked to bring the country at par with the rest of the modern world by building the all women city, with construction to begin next year. The new city will allow women's desire to work without defying the country's strict Islamic laws. Although Saudi Sharia law does not prohibit women to work, figures show that only 15 per cent of women are represented in the workforce. The plan coincides with the government's ambitions to get women to play a more active part in the development of the country. Among the stated objectives are to create jobs, particularly for younger women.Last September, King Abdullah announced that women will be able to vote and run in the 2015 local elections.

The Saudi Industrial Property Authority (Modon) has been asked to bring the country at par with the rest of the modern world by building the all-women city, with construction to begin next year,

<><><>

13-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

CBI names a sitting minister and two senior officers of Andhra Pradesh in it latest chargesheet against Kadappa MP Jagan Mohan Reddy in disproportionate assets case. Government allocates 195 coal blocks to various public and private sector companies. Opposition disrupts proceedings of Both the houses of Parliament over Black Money and Mumbai violence. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visit violence hit areas of Assam; Express satisfaction over relief arrangements and assure full security to the victims. <><><>

The government has allocated a total of 195 coal blocks to various public and private sector companies. Out of the allocated coal blocks, 30 coal blocks have started production. they are in various stages of obtaining statutory clearances and mining lease, preparing mining plan, acquisition of land, procuring machinery and equipment for both mining as well as end-use project. The Minister said that the development of coal blocks involves a gestation period of 3 to 5 years for reaching the production stage and another two to three years for reaching the optimal production capacity. <><><> Both the houses of Parliament witnessed uproarious scenes on the issue of Black Money stashed abroad. BJP members demanded a time- frame for bringing back the black money stashed abroad. Following noisy scenes, the Vice Chairman, Prof. P J Kurien adjourned the House till 2 PM.

Later the Rajya Sabha today passed the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Bill, 2010. The Bill seeks to declare the Bangalore-based hospital as an Institution of National Importance. <><><>

The London Olympics has concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony. It has been a phenomenal run at the London Olympics, even though India failed to win a Gold. The sportspersons made India proud by winning Six medals - which is the biggest ever medal haul by India in the Olympics. The shooters and wrestlers gave the country four medals - two silver and two bronze, while boxing and badminton provided a medal each. India's tally of Six medals in the current Games equalled the total of Six medals they won in the last four Olympics held from 1996 to 2008. Sushil Kumar's historic feat of winning individual medals in two successive Olympic Games on the very last day, undoubtedly turned out to be the high point of the country's campaign. Yogeshwar's bronze medal was also a stupendous feat. The unheralded Vijay Kumar emerged as the hero with his silver medal in the men's 25 metre rapid fire pistol, while Narang bagged a bronze in the men's 10 metre air rifle event. The 29-year old Mary Kom was the saving grace for the contingent as she clinched a historic bronze in women's boxing that was introduced in the Olympics for the first time. Saina Nehwal gave India its first ever Olympic medal in badminton. In men's section, Parupalli Kashyap also made a markby by becoming the first Indian to reach the quarterfinal stage of the Olympics. In Tennis, when it was time to perform, the Indians came up with a disappointing show. The archers too were major let downs. The much-hyped men's hockey players finishd 12th and last, the worst performance in the history of the Games. In track and field events,it was the first timem three Indian athletes finished among top ten in their respective events. The Indian Olympic Association has rightly hailed the 'pathbreaking peformance' of its contingent saying it will give tremendous boost to sports in the country. <><><>

14-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

President disapproves assault on democratic institutions in the garb of opposing corruption; Addressing the Nation on the eve of Independence Day, Mr Pranab Mukherjee expresses pain over violence in Assam and asks for solace, understanding and protection for minorities from aggression. Union Minister and Former maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh passes away; Cremation to take place tomorrow at his native place in Maharashtra. 892 police and paramilitary personnel selected for service medals. Inflation declines to 32 month low of 6.87 per cent in July. Sensex gains 95 points to a five-month closing high of 17,728.

<><><> though at times, people lose their patience against this plague that is eroding the capability and potential of the Nation, it can not become an excuse for an assault on pillars of Constitution. . Institutions are the visible pillars of our Constitution and if they crack then the idealism of our Constitution cannot hold. Our minorities need solace, understanding and protection from aggression. Violence is not an option; violence is an invitation to greater violence. . Talking of terrorism, Mr. Mukherjee observed that given the geopolitical environment, SAARC should be a major instrument in the common war against terrorim. He said all SAARC nations must cooperate to bring to justice those who believe in mayhem against innocent people. Calling for a second freedom struggle to ensure that India is free forever from hunger, disease and poverty, he also alerted that education and health services have to reach the last man at the earliest, so that the young India could avail the opportunity and achieve the goal. Quoting Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, he said, economic progress is one of the tests of democracy. He strongly recommended that the Green revolution has to be extended to the eastern region of the country and creation of high quality infrastructure has to be fast tracked. <><><> A total of 892 police and paramilitary personnel have been awarded various service medals on the eve of Independence Day. While the President's Police Medal for gallantry has been awarded to 13 personnel, Police Medals for gallantry have been awarded to 113 personnel, President's Police Medal for distinguished service to 84 personnel and Police Medals for meritorious service have been awarded to 682 personnel. Two CRPF personnel have also been awarded the Ashoka Chakra. <><><> India will share its experience with Russia, of successfully relocating tigers and increasing their population. Speaking to AIR, National Tiger Conservation Authority DIG S P Yadav said Panna Madhya Pradesh and Sariska Rajasthan tiger reserves are the successful examples of tiger relocation. After facing near extinction of tigers few years back, Panna and Sariska now have enough number of tigers. Yadav further said, there are many countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, with very low density of tigers and they will also be benefited from India's experience of tiger conservation. <><><> Inflation has declined to a 32-month low of 6.87 per cent in July helped by a decline in vegetable prices. But food inflation stayed in double digits, and manufactured items remained under price pressure. Inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, had stood at 7.25 percent in June this year, and 9.36 per cent in July last year.

Inflation for vegetables eased to 24 per cent in July, from 49 per cent in the June. Food inflation stood at 10.06 per cent in July, easing from June's 10.81 per cent, as per official data released today. Manufacturing, or core inflation rose to 5.58 per cent in July, from 5 per cent in June. Commenting on inflation numbers, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the dip is welcome, but inflation is still above the comfort level. <><><> Iran today said it now welcomes foreign aid for victims of the deadly twin earthquakes that hit the country's northwest last weekend. The remarks indicate authorities were still struggling to cope with the quakes' aftermath amid growing criticism that they failed to react timely and help the region along the borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia, where the 6.4 and 6.3 magnitude quakes Saturday killed 306 and injured more than 3,000 people. Iran's government said it has provided shelter for about 50,000 people who lost their homes during the quakes, which have been followed by scores of aftershocks. <><><> According to a research, making sure you get enough exercise in midlife will help protect your heart. The study of over 4,000 people suggests, even those who make the switch in their late 40s and 50s can still benefit. Experts say it need not be hard toil in a gym - gardening and brisk walks count towards the required 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week. In the study, which is published in the journal Circulation, people who did the recommended 2.5 hours of exercise a week had the lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. Experts say inflammatory markers are important because high levels have been linked to increased heart risk. <><><> 15-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister says lack of political consensus hampering economic growth; Assures period of difficulties would not last long. PM announces setting up of a National Skill Development Authority to impart skills to eight crore people. Rajiv Housing Loan Scheme to be launched in urban areas to provide housing for economically weaker sections and to give them relief on interest for housing loans. Pakistan frees 55 Indian fishermen as a goodwill gesture on Independence Day. Mortal remains of Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh consigned to flames. A Pakistani anti-terrorism court issues arrest warrant against former President Pervez Musharraf in a murder case.

<><><> The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today called for speeding up economic growth and creation of more job opportunities. He said, the country has not been able to create a conducive environment for achieving rapid economic growth because of a lack of political consensus on many issues. Time has now come to view the issues which affect our development processes as matters of national security." He added that new investments should be encouraged and livelihood security of the common man and energy security should be ensured. Expressing the hope that the country will achieve more that 6.5 per cent economic growth rate, Dr. Singh said that he believed the period of difficulties would not last long. "In districts where there has been a deficit of 50 percent or more in the rainfall, diesel subsidy is being provided to farmers by the Government. Seed subsidy has been enhanced. Funds available under the Central scheme for fodder have been increased." expanding the National Health Scheme and electrification of all households in the country in the next five years. The Prime Minister said that after the success of the National Rural Health Mission, NRHM, the government will expand it to urban areas also. The scheme will be converted into a National Health Mission to cover all the villages and towns in the country. The Prime Minister also announced setting up of a National Skill Development Authority for imparting skills to eight crore people over the next five years. Dr. Singh said that it is his Government's endeavour to ensure that banking services reach out to all households in the country in the next two years. The Prime Minister said that the Government will soon launch the Rajiv Housing Loan Scheme in urban areas to provide housing for economically weaker sections and giving them relief on interest for housing loans of less than five lakh rupees. On the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and other weaker sections the Prime Minister said that the special needs of tribal and backward districts are being met through programmes such as the Integrated Action Plan, Backward Regions Grant Fund and Tribal Sub Plan.

The Prime Minister said the Government has initiated new development schemes for areas affected by Naxal violence to address the grievances of the people. <><><> Independence Day was also celebrated at Nathula, Indo-China Border with much fanfare. At a height of 14140 feet, the Indian army celebrated the Independence Day in a unique way. At the flag hoisting, a special border personnel meeting was held between the Indian and Chinese armies. The armies of both the countries meet on this day since 1995 to boost confidence building measures. <><><> Border Security Forces, BSF troopers and Pakistani Rangers today greeted each other and exchanged sweets along the border in Jammu sector on the occasion of India's 66th Independence Day. Pakistani Rangers walked up to the Zero Line, 45-km from Jammu, to greet their counterparts from the BSF. <><><> Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia has urged the Government not to lose sight of the concept of judicial independence while bringing laws. Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations in the Supreme Court, he said that the government may make law for making judges accountable but it should not tinker with the independence of the judiciary. <><><> The government will set up 14 more Income Tax Overseas Units (ITOUs) to deal with the menace of black money and keep a tab on illegal routing of funds from abroad and parking money in foreign countries. India has already established ten Income Tax Overseas Units in its missions at Cyprus, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, the UAE, the UK, the USA, Mauritius and Singapore. The countries where these new Income Tax Overseas Units would be set up include Switzerland. <><><> 16-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Calls upon all political parties to work together to give confidence to the people of North-eastern region; Says peace to be maintained at any cost. Calcutta High Court seeks authenticity of reports on West Bengal Chief Minister's statement on judiciary; Contempt petition against Mamata Banerjee filed in Supreme Court. A Delhi Court issues non-bailable warrant against former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda in Geetika Sharma suicide case. Ecuador grants political asylum to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Sensex falls 71 points to close at 17,657; Rupee depreciates 10 paise to a two-week low of 55.75 against the dollar. <><><>

The Chief Minister of Assam Tarun Gogoi today appealed to students and people from the state living in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh not to panic. Gogoi said that unidentified forces are fomenting violence in lower Assam and trying to destabilize the central and state governments. <><><> Mamata Banerjee today clarified that her comments were on the value based judiciary, electoral reforms and functioning of the media. She said in Kolkata that she pointed out the lacuna in these areas and not personally attacked anyone. <><><> The Securities and Exchange Board of India - SEBI will soon introduce electronic bidding for Initial Public Offer - IPO. The procedure for e-IPO was approved by SEBIs board during its meeting in Mumbai today. To begin with, the option of e-IPOs will be available at over 1000 points for electronic bidding in public offers. SEBI has also decided that a minimum lot of shares would be assured to retail investors in IPOs. The market regulator today also issued new guidelines for mutual fund industry. <><><> India is gearing up to bag atleast 25 medals in the 2020 Olympics with the government assuring to provide the best coaches, infrastructure and more foreign exposure to the sportspersons.

The Government has decided to set up a National Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicines in Delhi in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and also Sports Coaches Training Institute in NIS, Patiala. So, for this, the money also is being allocated in 12th plan and EFC clearance also has been obtained and we are going to cabinet very soon to take a final approval and as soon as we are able to set up these two centres, I think the performance of our players is going to improve. <><><> The Steel Authority of India, SAIL will sponsor all medal winners of the London Olympics for the next Olympics to be held in 2016 at Rio De Janeiro. <><><> Ecuador today said that it had decided to grant political asylum to Julian Assange. Mr. Assange has been holed up for two months in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. The announcement was made by the Ecuadorean foreign minister, Ricardo Patio, at a news conference in Quito. Britain has rejected the request, saying it has a legal obligation to extradite Mr. Assange to Sweden, where is wanted to face questioning about allegations of sexual misbehavior. The minister said his government had taken the decision after the authorities in Britain, Sweden and the United States had refused to give guarantees that, if Mr. Assange were extradited to Sweden, he would not then be sent on to America to face other charges. <><><> As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan has repatriated 55 Indian fishermen via Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post in Amritsar, today. The fishermen belong to Gujarat and were happy to be freed by Pakistan on India's Independence Day, yesterday. They reached to the Joint Check Post, today for final repatriation. <><><> 17-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

Government refutes the audit objections raised by CAG in its three reports on coal blocks allocation, Delhi IGI Airport and ultra mega power projects tabled in Parliament today;

Parliament appeals to the North-East people to come back to their places of work; Six arrested in Karnataka for spreading rumours through text messages; Centre bans bulk SMS and MMS for 15 days throughout the country. Supreme Court disapproves resumption of mining activities in Karnataka till statutory compliance in place. Delhi High Court dismisses anticipatory bail plea of former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda in the Geetika Sharma suicide case. <><><>

Comptroller and Auditor General, CAG, today submitted three reports to Parliament on allocation of coal blocks, Delhi IGI Airport and the Ultra Mega power project. In coal block allocation report the auditor pointed out a loss of 1.86 lakh crore rupees to the exchequer and recommended immediate coal block auction as well as a single window clearance. The CAG in its IGI Airport report said that the Development Fees being charged at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, was not as per provisions of law. The CAG said that the Civil Aviation Ministry's February, 2009 order allowing the promoters DIAL to levy Development Fees amounting to over 3,415 crore rupees was in contravention of the Agreement and laws governing civil aviation. In the Ultra Mega Power Project report the CAG said that Reliance Power Limited (RPL) could have gained over 29,000 crore rupees with a net present value of 11,852 crore rupees due to the difference in tariff for the three power projects it was given contract for. The government dismissed the Comptroller and Auditor General, CAG report estimating 1.86 lakh crore rupees gain to private firms in allocation of coal blocks as misplaced. Addressing a Press Conference in New Delhi today Union Coal Minister Sriprakash said the policy followed was transparent and not faulty. He said his Ministry was not in agreement with all aspects of the CAG report, adding the assessment done by the auditor was based on only a few aspects of coal allocation. The Minister said that the assessment of loss is misplaced as only one of the 57 blocks mentioned in the report, is operational. He said, most blocks could not be operationalised due to administrative hurdles. Mr. Jaiswal said that the government will take severe action against the guilty.

CBI enquiry began two three months ago. If any irregularities found to have occurred during allocation, whosoever is found guilty will be severely punished. The Minister informed that the allocation of coal blocks through competitive bidding will begin in the next one to three months. He said that during the consultations with the state governments, Chhattisgargh, West Bengal and Rajasthan did not agree with the proposed changes.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has refuted the loss figures and other allegations made in the report of the CAG on the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. The Ministry in its statement said calculation of presumptive gain from the commercial use of land at the Delhi Airport is totally erroneous and misleading as it simply adds the nominal value of the projected revenue, without taking the net present value. On the issue of lease of Airport land, the Ministry clarified that the land has not been given to DIAL on rental basis. On the Mega Power Project report, Union Power Minister Veerappa Moily said the process of allocation of coal mines for Reliance Power for its Madhya Pradesh project was transparent. Mr. Moily told reporters in New Delhi that there was no illegality in coal block allocation and it is an open book. <><><> Mr Arun Jaitley said, by not following the competitive bidding process, the private players were allowed to have a windfall. <><><> The Supreme Court today said it would not allow resumption of mining activities of iron ore in Karnataka unless there is a statutory compliance and full implementation of reclamation and rehabilitation measures. <><><> The Government has banned bulk SMSes and MMSes for 15 days across the country from today to check spread of rumours which has led to the exodus of north eastern people from certain states. . From today onwards, no one will be able to send more than five SMSes in one go and more than 20 KB of data through mobile phones during the ban period. <><><> In Karnataka, six people were arrested and a few others detained by police for intimidating and sending threatening text messages to people from the north east region. Meanwhile, to instill confidence among them, Six Companies of Rapid Action Force will hold a flag march in sensitive areas. The Members of the Muslim community and North East have resolved to work together to overcome fear. In a joint Press Conference of both the communities, the members decided to celebrated the EID festival together.

Food packets and water was distributed to the passengers in the railway station. Community leaders interacted with people from their region to remove fear and infuse confidence. The police sources said that they are checking on objectionable rumours sent through SMS, email and facebook. A warning has been issued against those responsible for spreading rumours. <><><> The National Commission for Minorities, NCM says the violence in Assam was a result of clashes between Bodos and resident Muslims and not Bangladeshi immigrants. While recommending the setting up of a SIT to probe major incidents of violence in Assam, the NCM Chairperson Wajahat Habibullah said that the Commission has sent the report on the clashes to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. <><><> A Minor explosion occurred at Dange Chowk in Pimpri - Chinchwad area near Pune city today. The explosion occurred at around 4 pm at Laxmi Tara Complex in which a five year old boy has been injured. Investigations are on and security has been tightened in the area. <><><> Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, PMEAC today said that poor monsoon is likely to pull down farm sector growth rate to 0.5 per cent in the current financial year. This projection is even lower than in 2009-10 when monsoon was the worst in 28 years. The growth in the agriculture sector that year was one per cent. The farm sector had expanded at a rate of 2.8 per cent in the last fiscal. PMEAC Chairman C Rangarajan while releasing the Economic Outlook for 2012-13, said that Monsoon this year is deficient by 10 per cent. As per the Indian Meteorological Department forecast, August rainfall is likely to be normal but September rains may be low due to El Nino effects in the Pacific. The PMEAC also suggested that the government should make a determined move to dismantle the system of agriculture subsidies without causing disarray. <><><> The Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of 'Navroj', which marks the beginning of Parsi New Year. In his message he said that Navroj is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety and fosters the spirit of harmony and brotherhood that marks our composite culture. He wished that the occasion may bring amity, prosperity and happiness in lives of people.

<><><> 18-08-2012

THE HEADLINES:

Finance Minister suggests cut in interest rates and lower EMIs to revive economy; announces rescheduling of farm loans in drought hit areas and easy Educational loans. Government to expand higher technical educational facilities. Karnataka Police arrests 16 people for sending threatening SMSs to people from North-east in Bangalore.

CBI announces one lakh rupees cash reward for information on perpetrators of Assam violence. Delhi court remands former Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda to 7-day police custody in the Geetika Sharma suicide case. Stylish batsman V V S Laxman retires from international cricket. <><><>

Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has asked the banks to cut interest rates, aggressively expand their operations and extend credit to vital sectors to revive economic growth. Briefing the media after meeting the Chief Executives of Public Sector Banks and Financial institutions in New Delhi, Chidambaram urged the banks to lower the EMIs of loans to encourage sale of consumer durables to restart the engine of manufacturing. Finance Minister also announced rescheduling of farm loans in drought affected states. Credit will be provided to farmers for fodder and to maintain their cattle, assistance will also be given to raise alternate crops. 11.5 crore Kissan debit cards are also being replaced by Debit - cum ATM cards. EMIs must be kept at an affordable level so that people will buy two wheelers, buy cars, buy refrigerators, washing machines, whatever, whatever. That is what will keep the engine of manufacturing going. And if the large industries continue to produce these goods, these suppliers of parts and accessories and the small and medium industries will also continue to do business. I think its very important that we support the consumer durable industry. I think the point has been well taken by the banks. Chidambaram also announced that procedures will be revised for easy sanction of education loans to students. Business houses, industries, which are sitting in piles of cash are not investing. Reviving investment is the way out of our present challenge. Infact most of our problems will be addressed if we revive investment. Chidambaram said, the banks have been advised to double the number of 63000 ATM's in the country and also convert them into cash accepting machines as well. <><><> The Prime Minister Reiterating Pt. Jawaharlal Nehrus vision of IITs, he said these institutes were set up to provide scientists and technologists of the highest caliber to take the nation towards self reliance. But, India still lags behind many other countries in research and development due to a dearth of quality institutes of higher education.

At the Golden Jubilee convocation the special Degree of Doctor of Science - Honoris Causa was conferred upon noted industrialist and Chairman of Wipro Ltd. Azim Premji. <><><> Earlier Speaking at the closing function of 150 years of the Bombay High Court celebrations Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the government stands committed to working with the judiciary to improve the justice delivery system. <><><> The Madhya Pradesh Government will provide twenty two crore rupees grant for distribution of subsidised Iodised salt in tribal dominated blocks of the state. The card holders of Above poverty line, Below poverty line and Antyoday category are being provided Iodised salt on concessional rate of rupees one per kilogram on each ration card at present. This scheme is already providing benefit to twenty five lack seventy five thousand families every month now. <><><> The Minister of Culture, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja will arrive in Colombo by a special aircraft tomorrow morning with the sacred Kapilavastu relics for an exposition in Sri Lanka . After 34 years the sacred Kapilvastu relics are travelling to Sri Lanka again to enable the Buddhists in the country to pay their homage . Discovered 113 years ago by the first director of the Archaeological Survey of India, Alexander Cunningham, the Kapilavastu relics are believed to contain Gautam Buddhas remains. The relics were found during excavations at Piprahwa in present day Bihar. India agreed to make the Sacred Relics available for veneration by Sri Lankans in response to a request by the Sri Lankan President to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to commemorate the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi year. <><><> In Pakistan, six members of a Taliban faction were killed in a US drone strike in the restive North Waziristan tribal region today. Two more persons were injured when the drone targeted a compound and a vehicle in Shawal area. <><><> The ninety third anniversary of Afghanistans independence was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotism across the country.

<><><> The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, the Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have greeted the people on the occasion of Navroz, the Parsi New Year Day being celebrated today. In his message, the President said, Navroz celebrations symbolize the composite culture of the country. <><><> 19th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Congress President Sonia Gandhi calls upon the Centre and the states to come together to fight elements responsible for Assam violence. Home Minister expresses concern to his Pakistani counterpart over the misuse of social media in Pakistan to whip up communal sentiments in India. Flash floods claim six lives in Jammu and Kashmir; Incessant rains disrupt normal life in Himachal Pradesh. Air crash in Sudan kills all 31 aboard including the country's Religion Minister. Shooter Vijay Kumar and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt to get Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award; Twenty five sportspersons selected for Arjuna awards. India to clash with Pakistan in the quarter final of the ICC Under 19 world cup, tomorrow; S Badrinath replaces V V S Laxman for the test series against New Zealand. <><><>

20th Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhawana Award presentation ceremony. The incident of violence which occurred in Assam, are a matter of grave concern. Perpetrators of such incidents should be severely punished at the earliest, also we should take a firm stand against the threats being made to people of North East India who are residing in various parts of the country. The award was conferred on D.R.Mehta founder and Chief Patron of the organisation that popularised the Jaipur Foot.. I have always believed that NGOs and the government could work together to strengthen the roots of brotherhood in the country. To fulfill the needs and hopes of the people in a vast

country like India, there is a need for the government and NGOs to fully co-operate with each other. . <><><> social media-networking sites being misused by elements based in Pakistan to circulate false pictures and stories so as to whip up communal sentiments in India. He has sought Pakistans full cooperation in checking and neutralizing such elements. The Interior Minister of Pakistan briefly spoke of the pending issues between the two Ministries and re-iterated his commitment to bring the masterminds and perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attack to justice. He assured full mutual cooperation in this matter. Mr. Rehman Malik also invited Mr. Shinde to visit Pakistan to sign the revised Visa agreement which has now been agreed to by both sides. <><><> The Mumbai -It also informed the court that since hammers, knives, empty cans, and a pistol were seized from the spot after the violence, it is suspected that the violence was pre-planned. Two youths were killed and 52, including 44 policemen, injured when a rally called to protest atrocities in Assam and Myanmar, turned violent near Azad Maidan in Mumbai on the 11th of August.<><><> All 31 people aboard a plane, including Sudan's Religion Minister, have been killed in a crash. State television said, the civilian aircraft carrying an official delegation to Sudan's war-torn South Kordofan state for a function marking the Eid holiday, came down in the Nuba Mountains. <><><> A suicide bomber blew himself up at the funeral for a policeman in southern Russia, killing at least seven other policemen and badly wounding 12 others. The funeral was being held at the home of an officer who had been shot dead the previous night, by militants in Ingushetia, one of the predominantly Muslim Republics in Russia's restive North Caucasus region. The attack took place in the morning as Muslims in Russia and around the world prepared for the feast that marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan. <><><> In China, protests broke out in at least six cities today after Japanese nationalists raised Japan's flag on an island claimed by both countries. The state media reported that a number of Chinese

cities witnessed protest demonstrations denouncing Japanese landing on the Diaoyu islands, called Senkaku islands by the Japanese nationalist activists . China has officially lodged protest with Japan for Japanese groups landing on the island asserting that it is a violation of its territory.

China's energy demands are ferocious and growing rapidly Official Chinese estimates of unproven oil reserves range from 70 billion barrels to 160bn barrels for the entire East China Sea, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The administration said foreign estimates fell at about 100bn barrels.

South China Sea "One Chinese estimate suggests potential oil resources (in the South China Sea) as high as 213bn barrels." And the gas reserves are bigger, thought to account for about 70 per cent of hydrocarbon deposits in the South China Sea

<><><> International Troops in Afghanistan have confirmed killing of senior Taliban leaders, Maulwi Nur Mohammad and Atiqullah during a joint clearance operation by Afghan and the NATO-coalition forces in eastern Afghanistan yesterday. A press release issued by the Joint Command of International Force in Kabul today said, the two Taliban leaders and dozens of heavily armed insurgents were killed in a precision airstrike in remote Chapah Darah district in Kunar province of Afghanistan. <><><> The founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange has made his first public appearance in two months. He was speaking from a balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London where he has been holed up to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault allegations. Mr. Assange thanked Ecuador for granting him asylum. He also criticized the United States saying Washington must promise not to prosecute him for leaking confidential documents. <><><> The United Nations Observers Mission in Syria winds up its operations as its term comes to an end at midnight tonight. The Head of the departing UN Observer mission in Syria, Lt. General Babacar Gaye told in Damascus that both the Syrian army and the rebels did not respect the obligations under international laws to make sure that civilians are protected. He however said that UN remains committed to resolve the conflict and to move from violence to dialogue. The 300 strong unarmed UN observer mission was sent to Syria in April to monitor and implement the ceasefire in the country as a part of six point UN peace plan. a political liasioning office will continue in Damascus with military, humanitarian and political experts to carry forward the process of dialogue to resolve the 17 month long crisis in the country.

<><><> An earthquake of moderate intensity rocked the entire north eastern region today. The earthquake having a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale, shook the region for more than 10 seconds at 2:55 pm with its epicentre being 35 km underneath the earth at Tezpur in Assam, officials at the Regional Seismological Centre said in Shillong. The tremor was felt in Guwahati, Shillong, Itanagar, Agartala, Aizawl and Kohima. However, there was no loss of life or damage to property.

<><><> The country's highest sporting award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna will be conferred this year upon Olympic medallists, shooter Vijay Kumar and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt. Apart from this, 25

sportspersons will be conferred with Arjuna awards this year. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, after recovering from a rare germ cell cancer is among the list of 25 Arjuna awardee sportspersons.
Germ cell tumours most often develop in the ovary or testicle, as that is where most germ cells are. But they can develop anywhere there are germ cells. The most common germ cell tumours are teratomas or seminomas of the testicle in men. Women can develop ovarian germ cell tumours. Many of these are non cancerous (benign). But some are cancerous. Only about 1 or 2% of cancers of the ovary are this type. Most ovarian germ cell tumours occur in teenagers or young women, although they also occur in women in their 60's. Cancers that develop from germ cells in other parts of the body are rare. They may grow in a part of the chest called the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the area between the lungs, which contains the heart. Germ cell cancers may also start in the brain, or at the back of the abdomen. This is called retroperitoneal cancer (which just means behind the abdomen). Doctors usually remove germ cell cancers with surgery and this may be all the treatment you need if the cancer is small and easy to remove. If there is a chance of the cancer coming back, you may have chemotherapy after surgery. Germ cell tumours generally respond very well to chemotherapy and most people are cured. Even cancers that have spread are still very treatable with chemotherapy.

<><><> In Kerala, Muslims celebrated Id-Ul-Fitr today, marking the culmination of month long fasting and prayers. The faithful thronged mosques and Idgahs in the morning to offer prayers and listen to sermons by religious scholars through out the state. Joint eid gahs were arranged in several parts of Malapuram , Kozhikode, kannur and Kasargod ditricts of north Kerala. The celebrations were marked with prayers and listening to clerics' sermons at the Eid gahs. In the rest of the country, Eid is being celebrated tomorrow. <><><> 20th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Government orders blocking of 250 websites to check hate campaign from Pakistan. A Central team to visit Assam tomorrow to assess relief measures in violence affected areas.

Measures to unearth black money intensified. Eid- Ul-Fitr, celebrated across the nation with fervor and gaiety. Nation remembers today late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 68th birth anniversary. India defeats Pakistan to enter Under 19 Cricket World Cup semifinal. []<><><>[]

The government has ordered blocking of more than 250 websites for uploading morphed pictures emanated from Pakistan to create communal hatred. Stepping up its drive against erring portals, more than 130 websites have been blocked till now while the rest will be blocked shortly. A Pakistan-based hardline group is suspected to have been involved in doctoring images and spreading them across social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to create scare among people of the northeastern region living across India. This has turned out to be the biggest instance of cyber warfare on India in recent times. The government is also planning to take up the international forum, the Computer Emergency Response Team-India's findings on the issue. Most of the online content started getting posted from 13th of last month and fake profiles were created for spreading morphed pictures. Social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube have informed the government that inflammatory contents uploaded on their pages originated from Pakistan. In a statement, Department of Electronics and Information Technology said the initial response from international social networking sites indicates that such contents have been hosted from outside the country and to a large extent from a neighbouring country Pakistan. The response of these websites came after the government ordered ban of more than 250 websites. Home Secretary R K Singh said India will share with Pakistan evidences on involvement of elements of that country in uploading morphed images. Talking to reporters in New Delhi today, he said that during the conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde conveyed that New Delhi will share with Islamabad all evidences over the issue. Malik had said yesterday that New Delhi has not yet shared any evidence which suggested involvement of Pakistani elements in the cyber attack. Asked about these elements having any link with ISI, Singh said it is difficult to say at this stage who were behind it but some photographs have names of one or two organisations of Pakistan. The probe was on. The Home

Secretary also said that the technical investigation has come to the conclusion that many images were uploaded in these websites in Pakistan. <><> A central team of seven senior officials is visiting Assam tomorrow to assess relief and rehabilitation requirements of violence-affected people. The inter-ministerial delegation of joint secretaries will visit Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Chirang and Baksa districts and see the steps being taken for relief and rehabilitation of those affected during the recent violence between Bodos and immigrant minorities. despite the violence in Bodoland Territorial Area Districts and Dhubri and departure of thousands of people from other states, spirits of Id-Ul-Fitr were not dampened. . In the violence hit areas people from Assamese, Bodo, Bengali and Rabha communities made arrangements for their Muslim brothers. <><><> Government has intensified measures to unearth black money. Trade transactions by a number of export and import firms have come under the scanner following alleged money laundering and tax evasion. Sources said, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials have found details of suspicious trade transactions by some of the firms said to be based in major industrial hubs including Mumbai, Delhi, Surat and Ludhiana. Among the dubious transactions, over 100 are suspected trade dealings in Middle East, the US and Britain. Last month, the DRI had claimed to have busted over 1,000 crore Rupee hawala racket in Punjab involving certain international syndicates and Delhi-based businessmen. <><><> Disinvestment process is being speeded up to meet the target of 30 thousand crore rupees this year. The government last month deferred the initial public offer-IPO-of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd due to weak stock market conditions.

[]><><><[]

Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional gaiety across the country today. Mosques and Eidgahs overflowed with the devotees offering special prayers, handing out alms and exchanging gifts and greetings. . Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered prayers at the Hazratbal Shrine. In violence-hit Assam, celebrations passed off peacefully amid tight security. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi hoped that Eid will bring lasting peace and amity in the state. In Uttar Pradesh, thousands of devotees prayed at several Mosques, Eidgah and shrines.
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam, Eidgah or Idgah is an open-air mosque usually outside the city (or at the outskirts) to perform the Salat al Eid (Eid prayers) for Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha A shrine is a holy or sacred place, which is dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon or similar figure of awe and respect, at which they are venerated or worshipped.

In Hyderabad, hundreds of devout Muslims dressed in their best attended the special prayer at Mecca Masjid near the historic Charminar. . Special 'duas' for the Muslims of Assam and Myanmar marked the namaz this time. <><><< Transsexual persons can now enroll as voters in a hassle-free manner following modified guidelines issued by the Election Commission to chief electoral officers of the states. For the first time, the Commission has recognised transsexuals and modified the Form of Oath or Affirmation for the applicants by incorporating the words "chela" meaning disciple and guru or teacher at relevant places. A senior official said in Hyderabad that if Transsexuals are not accepted in some families even a Guru or a teacher can endorse the applicant for registration as a voter. This will facilitate registration of transsexuals in the electoral rolls. The communication by the Election Commission has been circulated to the district collectors and district election officers for implementation. <><><> Taking a stern decision to control the female foeticide cases, the registration of 17 abortion centers in adjacent Thane district of Maharashtra was cancelled by the health department. More from our correspondent

the health department had inspected more than 553 abortion centers recently. The report also informed that a total of 174 sonography centers were also inspected and 13 found with irregularities had been sealed.
Diagnostic sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. Obstetric sonographyis commonly used during pregnancy and is widely recognized by the public. In physics, the term "ultrasound" applies to all sound waves with a frequency above the audible range of normal human hearing, about 20 kHz. The frequencies used in diagnostic ultrasound are typically between 2 and 18 MHz. In India, lack of social security and consequent preference for a male child has popularized the use of ultrasound technology to identify and abort female fetuses. India's Antenatal(US: Prenatal) Diagnostic [24] Techniques act makes use of ultrasound for sex selection illegal, but unscrupulous Indian doctors and would-be parents continue to discriminate against the female child.

<><><> Gu Kailai, wife of a disgraced top Chinese communist party leader Bo Xilai, has been given suspended death sentence by a court for the murder of a British national. State-run Xinhua news agency reported that with the suspended sentence, which after two years could be converted into a life imprisonment, 54-year-old Gu, was also deprived of political rights for life. British businessman, Neil Heywood was administered cyanide on November 13. Besides, four top police officials of the city were sentenced with varied sentences for helping Gu to cover up the murder. The murder took place in Chongqing city headed by Bo. <><><> The Turkish Foreign Minister says, his country is struggling to cope with the influx of refugees from Syria. The minister has again proposed the establishment of United Nations buffer zone inside Syria to house those fleeing the conflict. UN observers ended their mission to Syria yesterday after the Security Council agreed instead to support a new UN civilian office in Syria's capital, Damascus. The head of the new office, Lakhdar Brahimi, said his task was no longer to prevent a civil war but to end one. <><><> In Manipur, the 96-hour total bandh called by the United Naga Council in Naga areas of the state from Monday midnight has been called off. The decision to call-off the bandh was taken in an emergency meeting of the Naga body this afternoon after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs assured the council to hold tripartite talks in the last week of this month. <><><>

21st August, 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Government says it is ready for any discussion on CAG report on Coal block allocation. Opposition stalls proceedings on the issue; Both Houses adjourned for the day. Prime Minister seeks political parties suggestions for arriving at a legally sustainable solution for reservation in promotions. Supreme Court agrees to hear the Centre's plea for four month extension of its 31st August deadline to complete the process of fresh auctioning of 2G licenses. Eight people killed and 39 injured in a road accident in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Sensex gains 194 points to reach a five month high of 17,885. Season's heaviest rainfall hits Delhi. In Sports ,Dronacharya awards to be conferred to six coaches for their outstanding contribution. <><><>

Mr. Sibal said that coal producing states including Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand had opposed allocation of coal mines to private firms through competitive bidding or auction. Union Law Minister, Salman Khurshid said that there was ample transparency in the coal block allocation process. He said that state governments recommendations formed the basis of allocation of these blocks. "Houses should not be stalled like this, discussion should be held, whatever, the opposition feels that the government has done wrong whether it is a coal report or the Airport report. So whatever you want to discuss, discuss. It is too bad that Parliament is not allowed to function." The Comptroller and Auditor General in its report last week stated that coal blocks allocated since 2004 to private firms for captive usage without bidding amounted to extending undue financial bid of about 1.86 lakh crore rupees. The Prime Minister held the coal portfolio for most of the duration. <><><>

"Between 2006 to 2010, as many as 146 blocks were allocated. I think, this massive allocation of blocks by itself is an indication, there is a scam." <><><> The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sought suggestions of the political parties so that a legally sustainable solution may be arrived at regarding reservation in promotions for SC and ST. Dr Singh said that the meeting was called to discuss the issue of reservation in promotion specifically in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. vs. Rajesh Kumar & Ors. wherein the Court has struck down provision of reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in the State of UP. Saying that the Government had always been committed to protect the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and on certain occasions did not hesitate even to bring constitutional amendments,he reminded the leaders that earlier four Constitutional amendments were made by his government in to protect the interests of the backward classes including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The validity of all these four Amendments were challenged before the Supreme Court through various writ petitions mainly on the ground that these altered the basic structure of the Constitution. <><><> The Supreme Court today agreed to hear the Centre's plea for additional four-month extension of its August 31 deadline for the government to complete the process of fresh auctioning of 2G spectrum licences, cancelled by the court in February. <><><> The UPA co-ordiantion committee meeting will be held in the national capital tomorrow. The meeting is expected to discuss the some key issues like Foreign Direct Investment, in retail, forward contract regulation Act amendment Bill and pension Bill. <><><> In Manipur, United Naga Council (UNC) which had imposed a 96 hour economic blockade on national highways from yesterday midnight called off the blockade with immediate effect. The UNC had called the economic blockade to press their demand for an alternative arrangement for Nagas in Manipur as they wanted to dissociate itself from the Manipur Government. <><><>

Six top coaches of the country, including London Olympic Games bronze medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt's mentor Yashvir Singh, were today recommended for the prestigious Dronacharya Award. Besides Yashvir, the other five who have been recommended by the 15-member committee for the award were: India's boxing coach from Cuba B I Fernandez, athletics coach Virender Poonia, Sunil Davas (kabbadi), Dr Satyapal (parathletics) and Harinder Singh (hockey). The awards will be presented by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29, the National Sports Day. <><><> South Africa has replaced England as the Worlds Number One Cricket team. The feat was achieved after its 2-0 victory over England in the three match series which ended at Lords Cricket Ground in London on Monday. England had been the top team in the ICC Test Cricket Championship table since August 2011 when it dethroned India. The Proteans have assumed the number one spot for the first time since November 2009. In the latest ICC test rankings released today, South Africa is at the top with 120 points. It is followed by England, Australia and Pakistan. India has been pushed to fifth position not having test series for quite some time. <><><> Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned the West not to take unilateral action on Syria, saying that Russia and China agree that violations of international law and the United Nations charter are impermissible,. in some of his strongest language yet, said U.S. forces could move against President Bashar al-Assad if he deploys chemical weapons against rebels <><><> Centre has sought the Supreme Court's permission to review existing guidelines for conservation of tigers in the wake of its order banning tourism in core areas of tiger reserves across the country. Citing concerns expressed by the States, Centre's affidavit virtually urged the apex court to review its July 24 interim order banning tourism in the core areas of the wild cats until final orders. <><><> 22-08-2012

THE HEADLINES

Opposition stalls Parliament proceedings for the second day on CAG report on coal blocks allocation. BJP members walkout from the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2G telecom issue; Committee Chairman P. C. Chacko says, there was no reason for the action. Services in the public sector banks seriously affected as employees opposing banking sector reforms go on two-day nationwide strike. Government issues ultimatum to Twitter to block nearly 30 of its webpages continuing to host inflammatory content or face punitive action. Russia formally joins WTO. in Sports:In Nehru Cup Football tournament India was leading 1-0 against Syria when reports last came in . First Cricket Test between India and New Zealand begins in Hyderabad tomorrow; Under 19 team also take on the Kiwis in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Townsville, Australia. <><><>

The government today said that the opposition is scared of a debate in Parliament on CAG report on coal blocks allocation."They are trying to point fingers on the Prime Minister. Dr. Singh was a Cabinet Minister during that time. It was his responsibility to meet the country's coal requirements, increase power generation and give boost to industrialisation and growth of the country. And the 8 plus growth of the country at that time was just because of Dr. Singh's decisions and actions." Mr Jaiswal said that the UPA government was the first to think about a bidding process of Coal blocks in 2004. <><><> BJP has failed in discharging its role as a successful opposition party. He said that Parliament is meant for debates and not for creating uproar and chaos, Mr Alvi added that the government is ready for a debate on any issue. Prakash Javadekar said, the Congress party should not use debate as a tool for delaying action. He accused the Congress of not fulfilling its earlier promises made during the debates in Parliament. He also criticized the Congress for attacking the CAG, which is a Constitutional body.. "This is a case where the Prime Minister was the Coal Minister. And then for the Government to put on a brave face or a bravado and say we are ready for a debate, what do you require a debate for. Two facts are absolutely clear, that at much less than the market price, coal blocks have been allocated. They were allocated to private parties. There's a huge loss which has been suffered. And the allocation was taking place when the government had otherwise decided that the Coal allocation policy is competitive bidding."

<><><> The CPIM -discussions will help in fixing the responsibility on the matter. discussion is the only way to unearth the truth. <><><> BJP members today walked out of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, JPC, meeting on 2G spectrum allocation alleging use of foul language by the Congress members. The JPC Chairman P.C. Chacko however denied use of any foul language and said that there was no reason for the walkout. That walkout was without any provocation. They explained all their viewpoints on this matter in detail and they did not wait to hear the reply of the Chairman, nor the decision. They knew that final decision would not be announced today. Of course it was a pre-determined walkout and nobody could have helped that. <><><> A seven member central team led by Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North-East), Ministry of Home Affairs, today visited Kokrajhar to assess the situation in the relief camps in the district. He added that 122 pickets station have been installed at certain locations in villages. <><><> Maharashtra government will make arrangements for chartered aircraft to bring students of Northeast back to educational institutions in Pune or Mumbai from Guwahati. <><><> The Government has issued an ultimatum to social networking site, Twitter to block nearly 30 of its webpages which continue to host morphed and inflammatory content or face punitive action. The move comes after Union Home Secretary R K Singh asked the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEIT) to serve the ultimatum on Twitter as it failed to comply with the government order to block 28 webpages on its site. Mr. Singh told DEIT to take appropriate action if the offending webpages are not blocked immediately by Twitter. The Government has already ordered blocking of 310 webpages where inflammatory content was uploaded with the aim to incite violence. <><><>

Kapil Sibal said, there are difficulties in identifying people using websites to spread communal hatred. He said some social networking websites have agreed to share user information with the government but there were some procedural issues involved. "If criminal acts are being committed due to misuse of technology, we should definitely punish the wrong doers. So we will have to work with social networking sites to prepare an institutional mechanism so that misuse of technology is prevented." <><><> The Supreme Court has extended the ban on tourism activities in the core areas of tiger reserves. A bench of Justices A K Patnaik and Swatanter Kumar put some searching questions to the Centre as it made a fresh plea for the review of the apex court's July 24 order banning tourism in the core areas of tiger reserves. The ban extended today would remain in place at least till next hearing on August 29. <><><> Russia formally became a member of the World Trade Organisation today after 18 years of negotiations. Russia agreed to reduce import tariffs on goods, including food and cars and to relax controls on overseas companies entering its financial and telecom sectors. Russia will be the 156th member of the WTO. WTO requires that any country that seeks to benefit from it must apply the same trade rules to all member countries. Russia negotiated for membership for 18 years, beginning when the WTO was called the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. WTO is the only

global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the worlds trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business. The organization officially commenced on January
1, 1995 under the Marrakech Agreement, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which commenced in 1948. Most of the issues that the WTO focuses on derive from previous trade negotiations, especially from the Uruguay Round (19861994). The organization is attempting to complete negotiations on the Doha Development Round, which was launched in 2001

<><><>

In the opening match of the Nehru Cup football tournament, now under way at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India were leading two-nil against Syria when reports last came in. Sunil Chhetri gave India the lead just before half-time. In all, five teams are taking part in the 15th edition of the tournament. The three other teams are Nepal, Maldives and Cameroon.

<><><> 23rd August, 2012 THE HEADLINES:

Proceedings in Parliament disrupted for the third day today leading to adjournments of both the Houses on Coal block allocation issue. Centre approves 1250 crore rupee worth FDI proposals. CBI files fresh case against Suresh Kalmadi in the EKS Consultancy Contract scam of the Commonwealth Games. Government asks its departments not to post confidential and unverified information on social networking sites. Banking service severely affected on the second day due to nationwide strike by PSU bank employees. Gold jumps to an all time high of more than 31,000 rupees per ten grams in Delhi; Rupee hits two week high of 55.26 against the Dollar. AND IN CRICKET: India 307 for five in their first innings against New Zealand on the opening day of the first Test in Hyderabad. <><><>

We condemn this attitude of BJP, this is not democratic. If they want to have the politics of logic and conscience, then they should come forward for discussion in Parliament. Party leader, Yashwant Sinha charged Congress members of using foul language in JPC meeting yesterday. Mr. Sinha demanded that Prime Minister and Finance Minister should depose before the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2 G spectrum allocation. <><><> The government has approved 10 proposal of Foreign Direct Invesment-FDI amounting to over 1250 crore rupees. According to an official release, the decison to this effect was taken on the basis of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, FIPB. The proposals which have been cleared include entertainment major Walt Disney's FDI proposal of 1,000 crore rupees to expand its operations in India. Of the 16 proposals on which FIPB deferred its decision, half of them were related to pharmaceuticals and medical sector. <><><> The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA today approved a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme titled "National Mission on Food Processing - NMFP. The decision to this effect was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The new scheme will start in co-operation with the State Governments during this fiscal.

The NMFP scheme would help the States in maintaining requisite synergy between agriculture plans of States and Development of food processing sector, which in turn would help in increasing in farm productivity thereby increasing in farmers' income also. <><><> The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Research and Education for the establishment of Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology-IIAB at Ranchi in Jharkhand. The institute will be estabilished at a cost of over 287 crore rupees during the 12th Five year plan. It will be established as a deemed University. <><><> The government today issued guidelines for its departments using social media networks asking them not to post confidential information and unverified facts. The Ministry of Information Technology issued guidelines today. The guidelines asked persons handling social media for all government agencies including public sector undertakings not to comment and respond unless authorised to do so especially in the matters that are sub-judice, draft legislations or relating to other individuals. The guidelines said personal comments for or against any individual or agencies should not be made and professional discussions should not be politicised. <><><> unions are protesting against reform measures such as the Banking Sector Laws Amendment Bill which seeks to remove restrictions on voting rights of foreign shareholders and increase voting rights of private investors in the PSBs. <><><> Ms. Banerjee said she raised the issue of rise in price of fertilizers affecting farmers in her state and urged the Finance Minister to take serious decisions in this regard. <><><> RBI today released its annual report for 2011-12 fiscal that ended on June 30. Attributing economic slowdown to a combination of domestic and global factors, the report says that the investment climate has worsened due to structural impediments, policy uncertainties, inflation persistence and rising interest rates. In the report RBI has said in order to step up public capital expenditures, the government needs to cut expenditure on subsidies.

<><><> Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Hooda today announced promotion of athlete Seema Antil and Boxer Jai Bhagwan as Inspectors of Police. He said that the Police Department would give 51 lakh rupees to wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, who has won bronze medal in the recent Olympic Games and 11 lakh rupees each to six other players of the Police Department. <><><>

24-08-2012

THE HEADLINES

Government says the presumptive loss reported by CAG on coal block allocation is flawed, appeals to Opposition to allow Parliament to function. Proceedings in Parliament disrupted for the fourth consecutive day today on the issue. Supreme Court dismisses plea for probe against Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G spectrum case. Gold rises to a record high of 31,115 rupees per ten grams. Anders Behring Breivik gets 21 years imprisonment in Norway massacre case. In the U.S. nine injured in Empire State building shootout in New York; Gunmen shot dead. IN CRICKET,Pujara's 159 run knock puts India in firm position against New Zealand on Day Two of the first Test Match at Hyderabad.

<><><> The government today said that the presumptive loss shown by the CAG is flawed as the coal has not been actually mined. loss can arise only if the coal is taken out and sold at some price.

To disrupt the house like this to halt the democratic process of the country, I believe this is a conspiracy to malign the government and to tarnish the image of few honest and sincere leaders of the country. <><><> The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea for making Finance Minister P Chidambaram a coaccused in the 2G spectrum case. The court said that there is no prima facie material against him of any criminal conspiracy or procuring of any pecuniary gain. A two judge bench said criminal conspiracy cannot be inferred merely on the suspicion that there was a meeting for taking decision between the officials of the department of telecom and two ministers--Raja and Chidambaram. <><><> The Enforcement Directorate has issued a show cause notice against a firm related to Yoga guru Ramdev's close aide Balkrishna for alleged violations of foreign exchange rules. Balkrishna, who has been booked under the criminal provisions of money laundering recently by the agency, is a co-director in a food firm which has been alleged to have contravened the Foreign Exchange Management Act, FEMA. He has also been charged by the CBI for alleged violations of the Passport Act. <><><> The government today said that only those social media accounts which have posted objectionable and inflammatory content, are being blocked. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde assured that there is no need for others to be concerned as the government will not level charges unnecessarily on them, be it SMS or Facebook or Twitter. The government is not doing any censorship. Only those sites and pictures from foreign countries were blocked which were harmful to the communal harmony of the country. I assure the press and the people of the country that nothing like that is being done. <><><> The Government today clarified that it is not targeting individual accounts or websites and does not want restrictions on genuine users. <><><> The much-awaited AC double-decker train, between Delhi and Jaipur, chugged off from Sarai Rohilla station in Delhi, this evening. The train will cover the distance between the national capital and the pink city in four and half hours.

the 8-coach train has a seating capacity of 120 passengers per coach. The operation of a double decker train is not new for the Railways. In 2010, former Railway Minister, Ms. Mamta Banerjee had flagged off an airconditioned double decker service between Dhanbad and Howrah. <><><> An Oslo court today found Anders Behring Breivik guilty of acts of terror and sentenced him to 21 years in prison for his killing spree last year that left 77 people dead Breivik killed eight people in an Oslo blast and took 69 more lives, mostly teenagers, in a shooting frenzy at an island summer camp on the 22nd of July, 2011. Norway's penal code does not have the death penalty or life in prison, and the maximum prison term for Breivik's charges is 21 years.

<><><>

<><><> 25th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

Indefinite curfew clamped in Chirang district of Assam following killing of five persons. NAM Summit next week in Tehran; Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to meet Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. India successfully conducts nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile trial at Chandipur, off Odisha coast. Centre announces a 250 crore rupee package for Uttarakhand to boost textile, horticulture and other sectors. In Sports: New Zealand forced to follow-on in the Hyderabad Cricket Test against India, 41 for one in their second knock when rain stops play. India record their second consecutive win, beating Maldives in the Nehru Cup Football tournament at New Delhi.

<><><> In Assam, indefinite curfew was clamped in Chirang district this evening after unidentified miscreants killed five persons. Meanwhile, Karnataka government has assured security to the people of North-East including Assam, once they return He said that a total of 3 lakh 50 thousand people from north-east are staying in Karnataka.. The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the professionals and students, who have already left the state, are willing to return. North East Frontier Railway will run special trains from September the First to meet the requirement of passengers. The Deputy Chief Minister said that he would come personally to Bangalore Railway station to receive the brothers and sisters of Assam. <><><> Food security, energy issues and sustainable development are among the major issues to be discussed during the sixteenth Non-Aligned Movement meet to be held at Iranian capital, Tehran, next week.

During this meeting, Prime Minister will raise all issues important in India-Iran bilateral relations. Peace and security is indeed our primary concern, for the very large number of Indian citizens who live in that region and for the Indian economy, both in terms of our oil imports and our exports. The Foreign Secretary said, trade relations between the two countries are improving in last few years. Bi-lateral trade between India and Iran during 2011-12 is 15.9 billion US dollar. Balance of trade is still decisively in favour of Iran because of the large scale oil purchases and relatively small Indian exports. We have emphasized again and again that we formally accepts only sanctions which are implemented by the United Nations but there are a number of sanctions which have been introduced by other countries. They have had an impact particularly in the level of oil imports from Iran. Ahead of the NAM Summit, India, Iran and Afghanistan will hold a strategic trilateral meet tomorrow in Tehran. Our correspondent reports that key issues including regional security and economic situation and best utilisation of Chabahar Port, a significant commercial venture, will be discussed. Located in South East Iran, Chabahar port offers tremendous opportunities for trade and commerce for India in Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, which blocks the country's land routes. The trilateral meet is likely to set up an expert's group to study the IPA report and other modalities to develop the port. The issue of security and stability in Afghanistan is also likely to figure in the meet given the fact that Iran is not in favour of presence of NATO forces in Afghanistan. <><><> The meeting is significant in the wake of sanctions on Iran by the western nations, the developments in Syria, Palestine, countering the menace of terrorism and promoting southsouth co-operation. <><><> India today successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur-on-Sea in Balasore district, off Odisha coast, as part of a user trial by the Army. The surface-to-surface missile with a range of 350 km was fired at 1107 hours this morning. Prithvi is India's first indigenously built ballistic missile. It is one of the five missiles being developed under the country's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The missile, with a flight duration of 483 seconds reaching a peak altitude of 43.5 km, has the capability to carry a 500 kg warhead. <><><>

The Centre has announced a 250 crore rupee package for Uttarakhand. The package includes a textile park, two spice parks and infrastructure facilities for boosting horticulture sector. The Centre would provide Rs. 1 crore assistance for Sheep and Wool Improvement Schemes in Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag for breed improvement, immunization, health and medicine for about one lakh sheep. High-tech machines would be introduced for wool processing and spinning. Mr. Sharma also assured the state for considering the proposal for setting up of International Trade and Convention Centre at Pantnagar under PPP mode, in which Central Government, State Government and Private sector would have joint stake. <><><> The BJP today criticized the government for zero loss theory in the allocation of coal blocks. Arun Jaitley said, once the coal blocks are allotted, the right to mining rests with the private firms and not with the government. <><><> Monsoon rain lashed many parts of northern states today, claiming six lives in rain-related incidents in Jammu. <><<< A gas explosion at Venezuela's biggest oil refinery has killed at least 24 people and halted production for two days. <><><> India have recorded their second straight victory in the on-going Nehru Cup football tournament. At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi today, they beat Maldives ThreeNil. Captain Sunil Chhetri netted twice in the 45th and 69th minutes. The other goal was scored by Syed Rahim Nabi in the 53rd minute. India now top the five-team competition with six points with two wins in as many encounters. <><><> []<><><>[]26th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

India, Iran and Afghanistan agree to expand trade and transit co-operation through Iran's Chabahar port; Preparatory meeting for the 16th NAM Summit gets underway in Tehran.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi asks security forces to take stern action against miscreants indulging in violence; Indefinite curfew continues in Chirang district. Heavy rain claims five lives in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Powerful typhoon Bolaven hits southern Japanese island of Okinawa with a wind speed of 252 kilometres per hour. Veteran actor AK Hangal cremated in Mumbai. In Cricket: India lift ICC Under-19 World Cup beating defending champion Australia by 6 wickets; they also beat New Zealand by an innings and 115 runs in the first Test at Hydrabad. <><><>

India, Iran and Afghanistan have agreed to work for expanding trade and transit co-operation through Chabahar port in Iran. The representatives of the three countries will meet over the next months to expedite the process. The move was finalized at a trilateral meeting of the top officials from the three sides. India was represented by Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. Located in South East Iran, Chabahar port offers great opportunities in trade and commerce for India in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Earlier in the morning, the preparatory meeting in the run up to the 16 th NAM Summit got underway at IRIB
Conference Center in Teheran.

"The preparatory meeting in the run up to 16th NAM Summit got underway with Iran assuming the rotating Chairmanship of the movement from Egypt for the next three years. In his inaugural address, the Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi mentioned several important issues ranging from the concerns over its nuclear program, Arab Spring, Palestine, countering terrorism, human rights, reforms at United Nations and sustainable development. <><><> .They urged all to maintain peace and harmony and assured to provide full securities as angry mob blocked National Highway number 31 to protest the killing of five persons. <><><> Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka visited Imphal as a good will mission this afternoon to instill confidence of safety and security of North-East people including students in the state. Later, he interacted with students along with their guardians and employees who have recently left Karnataka fearing of an Assam like violent situation in the state. He appealed to all the

Manipuris who have left the state to come back to Karnataka. The Deputy Chief Minister also assured that all precautionary measures have been taken up by the state government to create a safe and secure environment for the people of North-East in the state. He also said that 22 people have been arrested and 17 cases have been registered so far in connection with spreading rumours of communal hatred. <><><> Heavy rain lashed north India and claimed five lives in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Incessant rain continued to lash several parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh today. "The rivers Rapti, Saryu and Ghaghra are in spate and have inundated several more areas in terai and eastern districts. The rivers Ghaghra has started falling in Barabanki but is still above the danger mark. The river is 27 centimetres above the red mark in Ballia where the river Ganga is also in spate. The population in Do-aab area has been shifted to safer places.

Water level in Yamuna river stands about a metre below the danger mark. Delhi Flood Control Department said, all arrangements are in place to meet any emergency in case of more rain. <><><> Powerful typhoon Bolaven has hit Okinawa in South Japan. It's meteorological agency has warned that it can bring record rain and wind to the southern region and waves of up to 13 metres. The Met agency said, typhoon Bolaven with a wind speed of upto 252 kilometres per hour, is some 90 kilometres east of Okinawa's capital Naha and slowly moving north-northwest. Local media said, the atmospheric pressure of the typhoon indicated it will be one of the strongest since the weather agency started taking records about 60 years ago.

Residents of Naha city are being advised to stay indoors as public broadcaster NHK showed footage of deserted streets lined with trees felled by strong winds. NTV reported that some 300

residents evacuated to municipal offices and other public facilities, fearing that their homes may be submerged in heavy rains. <><><> India won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup beating hosts and defending champion Australia by 6 wickets in the final at Townsville.. Skipper Unmukt Chand was the highest scorer with 111 runs not out, while Smit Patel scored an unbeaten 62. For India, medium pacer Sandeep Sharma bagged 4 wickets. , Dr Singh described them as the sports stars of tomorrow. <><><> Worlds first Golden Hour Rescue Services project will start its trial run from September 15 on Amritsar-Pathankot national highway. The Central Government sponsored project will provide timely relief and treatment to road accident victims.

<><><> 27th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

Prime Minister says, allegations of impropriety in coal blocks allocation are baseless; Calls CAG report on the issue disputable. BJP demands cancellation of 142 coal blocks allocated between 2004 and 2010; Government dismisses the demand; Parliament adjourns on the issue for the fifth day. Supreme Court extends 2G spectrum auction deadline till January next year. Gold rises by 100 rupees to touch another record high of 31,400 rupees per ten grams; Sensex loses 104 points to close at 17,679.

<><><> the UPA-1 government which for the first time conceived the idea of making allocation through competitive bidding in June, 2004. He said, the policy followed had existed since 1993 and previous governments also allocated coal blocks in precisely the same way that the CAG has now criticized. He said, the States of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Rajasthan had strongly opposed a switch over to competitive bidding. Dr. Singh said, the Ministry of Power also felt that auctioning of coal could lead to enhanced cost of producing energy. He said the government had initiated action to cancel the allocations of allottees who did not take adequate follow up action to commence production. Dr. Singh said that the CBI inquiry is separately investigating the allegations of mal-practices and action will be taken against wrongdoers, if any. The observation of the CAG are disputable and they will be challenged when the matter comes before Parliamentary Accounts Committee. <><><> The BJP said that these coal blocks should be allocated after competitive bidding. They alleged that the policy of competitive bidding made in 2004, was not implemented till 2012. <><><> The Left parties today demanded a thorough probe into the allocation of coal blocks in the country. the Prime Minister's statement in both the Houses of Parliament, is distortion of facts and defensive. What we are now asking is a proper discussion be held on the basis of the fact of cancellation of these licenses that CBI inquiry which is going on , that inquiry must be enlarged to include all the people who have been involved in this decision making or lack of decision making process. CPI also criticized the Prime Minister for attacking the CAG, which is a Constitutional body. Mr Dasgupta also demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting Judge of the Supreme Court. <><><> The government has dismissed the demand of the opposition for cancellation of 142 licences in coal block allocation,,Chidambaram took strong exception to the BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's comment that the government made hefty gains in allocating coal blocks to private parties. Chidambaram said everyday debates outside the Parliament weaken democracy.

When the parliament is not working and huge money is getting wasted and this money belongs to public money who should be blame for that wastage. <><><> The Supreme Court today directed the Government to complete fresh auction of cancelled 122 2G spectrum licenses by January 11, 2013. The Apex Court said that failure to meet the deadline would invite contempt action against erring officials with exemplary cost. The Bench, which expressed its displeasure against the Centre for not mentioning the "outer limit" for completing the auction process, said that unless the outer limit is fixed the auction process will never happen. <><><> The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today sought to find effective ways and means to improve energy efficiency and limit environmental pollution in the steel industry even as steel production has increased. Speaking at an award function in New Delhi, he urged the steel industry to ensure that the latest energy efficient technologies are adopted in modernization and expansion programmes. He said the Government has launched the Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency. Dr.Singh also gave away the Prime Ministers Trophy for the best integrated steel plant in India to Bhilai Steel Plant of SAIL Chhattisgarh for 2009-10 and TATA Steel Limited for 2008-09. <><><> India and China have set up a joint working group to address all their trade related issues to strengthen economic relationship. The visiting Minister said that during the time of global economic crisis, there was a need for strengthening India-China economic relationship. He also expressed hope of achieving 100 billion US Dollars bilateral trade target by 2013. <><><> In a bid to restore peace and amity, an all party delegation headed by former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Bhumidhar Barman today visited Bongaigaon and Chirang districts.and took stock of the situation. <><><> NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF BUSINESS

The securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) today launched no-frills demat accounts for individual retail investors. There will be no annual maintenance charges of deposits of up to 50,000 rupees, while deposits between 50,001 rupees and 200,000 rupees will be 100 rupees. <><><> 28th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

Standoff continues in Parliament for the sixth-day over coal blocks allocation. Government approves complete ban on child labour below 14 years of age. One person killed and thirty others injured in renewed violence at Barpetha road in Assam; Indefinite curfew imposed in Barpetha, Howli, Nowgaon and Tejpur. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh says Non-Alligned Movement should help in tackling global, political and economic challenges. Finance Minister expresses confidence that the target of Indirect taxes of over 5.5Lakh crore rupees will be achieved this fiscal. In the Nehru Cup Football, the match between India and Nepal is in progress. <><><>

Amidst the uproar, both the Houses transacted some listed business today. In the Rajyasabha, the Health and Family Welfare Minister laid his statement in response to a Calling Attention Notice on the alleged cases of removal of uterus in Bihar. Meanwhile, the government has ruled out adjourning the monsoon session of Parliament sine die. BJP leader Prakash Javdekar said, there was no mining in even a single coal block out of the 70 allocated between 2006-09, showing the decision was not made to push economic development. Samajwadi party leader Mohan Singh wanted the CAG Report to be cross examined by the Public Accounts Committee within a month, before being taken up for discussion in Parliament.

CPI Leader Sitaram Yechuri sought the cancellation of all licenses and a thorough investigation in to Coal Block allocation. Mr Yechury said it was a matter of great regret that Parliament was not functioning smoothly. <><><> The Comptroller and Auditor General, CAG today said it will not join any public debate on its findings on the coal blocks allocation. In an official statement issued in New Delhi CAG said that the auditing body would clarify on the report at the appropriate forum when required. <><><> The Government today cleared a proposal to put a complete ban on employment of children up to the age of 14 both in hazardous and non-hazardous work by amending an anti-child labour Act. The Union Cabinet, which met in New Delhi today, approved bringing amendment to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, which has also penal provisions for non compliance. As per the existing Act, children below 14 years of age are allowed to work in industries not considered to be hazardous. Officials said, Children between 14-18 years will also be defined as "adolescents" in the amended Act. The amendment will also fulfill the mandate of Right to Education to free and compulsory education for children in the age group of 6-15 years. It will also bring labour laws in the country in line with International Labour Organisation norms. The Cabinet today, also referred the Land Acquisition Bill, to a Group of Ministers (GoM). <><><> The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan has reached tonight on a four day visit to attend 16th NAM Summit inTehran. He was accorded a warm reception at the Mehrabad air port. NAM should help in tackling key political and economic challenges, including worsening situation in Syria and a persistent global economic slowdown. Dr.Singh lamented the outdated structures of global governance have not been able to keep pace with contemporary political and economic challenges. The Prime Minister's remarks come in the backdrop of questions being raised over the relevance of 120-nation NAM. Dr. Singh said he will hold bilateral meetings with the Iranian leadership and other leaders of NAM countries participating in the summit. Dr.Singh said that he is looking forward to opportunity to review bilateral relations with these countries and exchange views on regional and global issues. Ahead of the summit, the Prime Minister has a busy schedule in Teheran on Wednesday. He will be meeting Iran President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and the Supreme leader Ayatollah

Khamnei. Another important likely meeting of the Prime Minister on the sidelines of NAM Summit is with the Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. This will be the first meeting of the Prime Minister with the Egyptian President after he assumed power. In the run up to the summit, the Foreign Minister's from the 120 member bloc of nations began discussions on the theme Lasting peace through Joint Global Governance. The talks focussed on the role of non aligned movement in promoting global peace and development. <><><> Chidambrm has expressed confidence that the target of Indirect taxes of 5 Lakh fifty thousand 44 crore rupees will be achieved this year. The Minister said the direct tax code needs a fresh look. The Finance Minister said that the government is a considering decentralization of power as far as tax administration is concerned. Mr. Chidambaram said that the Goods and Services Tax draft bill will be finalized by the end of this fiscal year. <><><> 29th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

Special Ahmedabad court convicts 32 people in Naroda Patiya riot case in which 97 persons were killed. Supreme Court upholds death sentence for Mohammed Ajmal Kasab in 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Assam government bans all kinds of bandh and other protest demonstrations in the state. Sensex down for the fourth consecutive day; loses 141 points to close at 17,491. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award conferred on Olympic medallists Vijay Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt ; 25 sportspersons given Arjuna awards. England Test Captain Andrew Strauss announces retirement from cricket. <><><

The Supreme Court today upheld the death sentence of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks convict Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab. It said that waging war against the country was the primary and foremost offence committed by the Pakistani terrorist. We have a due process of Law. The Law has taken its own course. Supreme Court has upheld the High Court's Verdict.

Government should follow legal process with full responsibility as the final verdict has been given. Now he should be executed quickly. <><><> S M Krishna, who is in Tehran for the Non-Aligned Movement's ministerial conference, asserted that the issue of terrorism was of concern to the international community. India has already made a clear distinction between the Mumbai terror attacks and Samjhauta train blasts, saying the two were very different and at some stage Islamabad needs to come clean on this. Dr. Singh will be meeting the Iran President Mahmud Ahmedinejad and the Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei later tonight. The bilateral, regional and international issues along with the challenges before NAM are likely to figure prominently in the talks. Dr. Singh today met the Indian community in Tehran. <><><> India and Bangladesh have decided to increase the number of border haats or markets to boost local trade and commerce among them. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Ms Sheikh Hasina agreed on this during delegation level talks between them at Teheran this evening on the sidelines of the NAM summit. both the leaders reviewed the progress on trade, security and power sector. India has converted the credit line of 200 million US dollar into grant out of the one billion US dollar line of credit given to Bangladesh. During the meeting India reiterated its stand for ratification of land and border treaty between the two neighbouring countries. <><><> The Punjab Cabinet has approved the levying of property tax in urban areas on unit area basis. This revenue will go to the Local Bodies Department and not the State Treasury. <><><> rainfall is expected to be better next month as monsoon is unlikely to be influenced by the El Nino weather pattern. better rainfall in September will help in retaining soil moisture and support sowing of rabi crops. On Kharif crops situation, the crop health looks better and the gap in sowing area has been made up due to the recent spell of rain.

<><><> The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee presented the national sports awards at a glittering ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi today. The awards include, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Dronacharya awards. London Olympic medal winners, shooter Vijay Kumar and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt were given the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award this year for their outstanding performance. 25 sportspersons, including Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Hockey Player Sardar Singh, Weight Lifter Sonia Chanu, Paralympic Athletic Deepa Kumari and Shuttlers P.P. Kashyap and Aswini Ponnapa were awarded the Arjuna Awards, eight outstanding coaches were given the Dronacharya awards. National Wrestling Coach Yashvir Singh and the first ever Foreign Coach B.I. Fernandez are among them. Four people got Tenzing Norge National Adventure Awards. Four former players also got Dhyan Chand Awards while four Organisations were awarded National Sports Promotion Awards. The Awards are given on the occasion of Sports Day, which is celebrated on the Birth Day of Hockey Maestro Major Dhyan Chand. <><><> The Paralympic games begin in London tonight with an opening ceremony involving 7,000 athletes and performers. It is expected to be the best attended paralympic games ever. The torch is being carried in a relay to the Olympic Stadium in east London from Stoke Mandeville Hospital which staged the first recognised sports events for people with disabilities. <><><> 30th August, 2012 THE HEADLINES

Prime Minister asks Non Aligned movement to coordinate global actions against international terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction; Addressing NAM Summit Dr. Manmohan Singh calls for reforms in the UN Security Council and Global Financial Institutions. Stalemate continues in Parliament over coal block allocation issue; Both Houses adjourned for the seventh day today. Eleven suspected LeT and HUJI militants arrested in Karnataka. Government withdraws ban on bulk SMS and MMS. Sensex gains 51 points after four days of loss. In Cricket: 2nd test between India and New Zealand begins tomorrow at Bangalore. <><><>

The Prime Minister today strongly pitched for global action against international terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Addressing the NAM Summit in Tehran today, Dr.Singh asked the Non-Aligned Movement to take a lead in this direction. He also called upon them to take a stand based on universally accepted principles on Syria. Voicing India's opposition to external intervention in the war-torn country, Dr. Singh called for an inclusive resolution of the crisis. Our moment should take a stand on the issue in keeping with universally accepted principles. We should urge all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizen. Underlining the need for new instruments of global governance to confront cross cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global actions, Dr. Singh stressed the need to deal with the menace of maritime piracy, growing threat of cyber security and challenge of pursuing ecologically sustainable development. He called for reforms in the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. Dr Singh said NAM should take the lead in building global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective. The Prime Minister said todays structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past and have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises. Dr. Singh said developing countries need to have a greater say on matters of global trade, finance and investment. The Prime minister said excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level. Dr Singh said NAM should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development. Even as our members have different views on different issues, our sense of common destiny and solidarity unite us and gives us the common sense of purpose. I am certain that our deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic moment to its rightful place on the international stake. <><><> .In the midst of the noisy scenes by the BJP members, the House passed two bills without discussion. One bill is related to the beginning of the academic session in all the six newly started AIIMS like institutes in the country. The other was the Chemical Weapons (Amendment) Bill.

<><><>

The Congress today asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to spell out the methodology it used in the calculation of losses suffered by the exchequer in the coal blocks allocation. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party spokesman Manish Tewari also wanted to know how the audit body has arrived at the conclusion that private companies had the windfall in the allocation. The Law and Justice Minister Mr Salman Khursheed, who was also present at the press conference, said the issue should be discussed in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) without any delay. <><><> Sonia Gandhi was addressing a public meeting while inaugurating Barmer lift canal project at Barmer in Rajasthan.The Barmer lift drinking water project will provide drinking water to 691 villages apart from Barmer town . <><><> In Karnataka, Police arrested eleven suspected militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba and HUJI terrorist groups from Bangalore and Hubli. <><><>

Babbar Khalsa International's terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara today pleaded guilty in a Delhi court along with four others of their roles in the 2005 twin blasts at Satyam and Liberty cinema halls in the Capital. With Hawara, the assassin of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and his four accomplices admitting their guilts, Additional Sessions Judge sentenced them to jail terms already undergone by them during adjudication of the twin blast case. <><><> The National Human Rights Commission today sought a report from Odisha government following allegations that 13 Dalit families are facing social ostracisation for more than two years in Ganjam district. Taking cognisance of media reports the Commission asked the state Chief Secretary to submit a report within four weeks in this regard. The NHRC also issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government about the allegations that children of Dalit families in Madurai district have been barred from admission to the government middle school by the dominant caste. The commission also served notice to the West Bengal Government on the alleged death of three persons due to hunger in absence of any help in Jalpaiguri district. <><><>

The government today made it clear that no further extension will be given to the mandatory cable digitilisation by 31st of October in the four metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. <><><> The Centre today told the Supreme Court that the Italian marines who killed two Indian fishermen in February this year did not enjoy any diplomatic immunity and are liable to be prosecuted in the country under Indian penal laws.They have been charged with killing two Indian fishermen in February this year. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Italian government and its two marines, challenging the May 29 order of the Kerala High Court, which had held that the duo - Chief Sargent Massimiliano Lattore and Sargent Salvatore Girone were liable to be tried by an Indian court. <><><> A bag carrying diplomatic mail from India has been found on Mont Blanc in the French Alps, close to where an Air India plane crashed 46 years ago. The jute bag was recovered by a mountain rescue worker and his neighbour after some tourists spotted it on a glacier last week. <><><> 31-08-2012

THE HEADLINES

All convicts in Naroda Patiya massacre case including former Gujarat Minister Maya Kodnani sentenced to life imprisonment. Prime Minister rules out his resignation over coal block allocation issue; Dr. Manmohan Singh returns to New Delhi after attending the NAM summit in Tehran. Massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on richter scale rocks Philippines; Tsunami warning issued in the region. Sensex loses 161 points; Rupee gains 11 paise against the dollar. AND IN SPORTS: New Zealand were 328 for 6 at stumps against India in the Bangalore cricket test. <><><>

The Supreme Court today said that an absconding accused who has also been declared a proclaimed offender, cannot be accorded the benefit of anticipatory bail. <><><> The Rajasthan High Court has declared the election to Nathdwara Assembly seat, null and void. In the election held on this seat in December, 2008, the then Congress candidate and presently, Union Minister for Surface Transport, CP Joshi was defeated by his rival Kalyan Singh, by merely one vote. Dr. Joshi filed a writ against the election in the Rajasthan High Court in January 2009. <><><> A tsunami warning has been issued for the Philippines, Indonesia and Palau after a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck off the coast of the Philippines. It was located off the Philippines island of Samar. Warnings were also initially issued for Taiwan, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Yap, but were later lifted. Philippine officials said, residents on the eastern coast of the island were being advised to move to higher ground. <><><> The new Electro magnetic radiation level norms set by the Department of Telecom for mobile phone handsets and Mobile Towers will come into effect from tomorrow. This was disclosed by Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal in New Delhi today. He said, the handsets sold in the country shall strictly comply with the Specific Absorption Rate, SAR values of 1.6 Watts per Kilogram averaged over 1 gram of human tissue. The SAR is an indication of the amount of radiation that is absorbed into a head while using a cellular phone. Imported handsets are also required to comply with the new SAR value norms of the DoT.

<><><> Economic growth declined to 5.5 per cent in the April-June quarter this fiscal due to poor performance of manufacturing, mining and farm sectors. <><><> In a major setback to the Sahara Group, the Supreme Court today directed two of its companies to refund around 17,400 crore rupees to their investors within three months with 15 per cent interest. A bench of justices KS Radhakrishnan and JS Khehar directed SEBI to take action against Sahara India Real Estate Corporation and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation, if they fail to refund the money. The apex court allowed the regulatory body to attach properties and freeze bank accounts of these two companies if they did not comply with its order. <><><> Jet fuel price has been hiked by a steep 7.6 per cent, the biggest ever increase that took its price to all-time high of 72,282 rupees per kilolitre. The price of aviation turbine fuel, ATF or jet fuel, in Delhi was hiked by 5,146.16 rupees per kilolitre, or 7.6 per cent, to 72,281.92 rupees per kilolitre with effect from midnight tonight. The increase in price comes on the back of firming international oil rates and dip in rupee value against the US dollar. <><><> The Press Information Bureau, PIB, has launched a mobile version of its website to make its content easily accessible to mobile users. The website is pib.gov.in/mobile. The mobile site has been customized in a way to display the latest press releases on the home screen and offers links to other matter available on it. <><><> Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh today assured Sports Minister Ajay Maken that all possible help will be provided to India's U-19 cricket captain Unmukt Chand, who has been denied an admit card for the annual examination due to low attendance. Mr. Singh, while responding to Mr.Maken's letter, said that they have asked the St Stephen's College Principal to forward them all the necessary papers so that they could help Chand, who led India to an U-19 World Cup win. <><><>