Crude bomb found in Ahmedabad

US House backs India nuclear deal

The deal would give India access to US civilian nuclear technology The US House of Representatives has voted in favour of a landmark nuclear deal between India and the US. The agreement now goes to the Senate for final approval, before President George W Bush signs it into law. India PM Manmohan Singh, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly, has said India is close to securing a “new status” in the world nuclear order. India says the agreement is vital for it to meet its energy demands. Critics say it creates a dangerous precedent. They say the deal allows India to expand its nuclear power industry without requiring it to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as other nations must. Under its terms, India would get access to US civilian nuclear technology and fuel. In return, Delhi would open its civilian nuclear facilities to inspection – but its nuclear weapons sites would remain off-limits. Race against time The House passed by the agreement 298-117 votes. Reports say it is likely to go for a final approval to the Senate this week. “I am happy that one hurdle has been crossed, but it is not the end of the Congressional process and we need to wait for the final outcome,” Manmohan Singh told reporters. US President George W Bush urged the Senate to “quickly” vote on the deal before it adjourns before October. “Signing this bipartisan bill will help strengthen our partnership with India,” he said in a statement. The US restricted nuclear co-operation with India after it tested a nuclear weapon in 1974. “India will be liberated from the constraints of technology denial of 34 years,” Mr Singh was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office. “The civilian nuclear cooperation is in the interest of India, in the interest of the US and in the interest of the world at large,” he said. Correspondents say it will be a race against time if the two sides sign the deal – first agreed three years ago – and regarded as a key foreign policy priority for both the Indian and US governments. Earlier this month, the Nuclear Suppliers Group lifted a ban that had stopped India from getting access to the global nuclear market.

Filmstar Saif Ali Khan finds himself in deep trouble after the General Railway Police of Punjab filed an assault case against him and two others in Patiala. Saif and his security guards allegedly beat up the photojournalist Pawan Sharma, when he tried to click the photographs of the actor, who was on a shooting. Saif’s security guards not only beat up the photojournalist, but also took away his camera. The incident sparked off protests in Patiala and other parts of the state, as mediapersons demanded immediate action against Saif Ali Khan and his security guards. The journalists later withdrew their stir, after getting assurance from government representatives. A case has been registered against Saif and two line directors. Saif is likely to be arrested today.

Terror returns to Ahmedabad, as 17 crude bombs found in dustbins in Ahmedabad this morning. The bomb disposal squad defused the bombs immediately. The bombs were recovered from Kalupur Darwaza. Panic has gripped the city, as nine-day-long Navaratri Festival will begin tomorrow in Gujarat. Any such developments during the festival, may lead to a communal flare-up. The Gujarat police have been put on high alert in the wake of recovery of crude bombs in Ahmedabad. Metal detectors have been installed at all entry gates of all Navaratri functions. Security has been beefed up in all sensitive places in the state.

In a shocking development, a German tourist in Chandigarh alleged that she was kidnapped from Hotel Taj Palace on Saturday night and was molested by a group of people. The incident occurred in Sector-17, Chandigarh. The 20-year-old German lady had come to Chandigarh to attend a friend’s marriage. The police have registered a case against unknown persons and the lady has been taken to hospital for medical test.

Our Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh made a sensational statement when he met US President George W. Bush at the White House. Dr. Singh said that Indians loved George Bush deeply. The world was stunned at this statement. Everyone knows that George Bush do not even enjoy the support of 25% American because of failed policies and stubborn attitude. In India, Bush is seen as a villain because of his hegemonistic attitude and attack on Iraq without a proper reason. But our PM believes otherwise. It is not known how many leaders from his own Congress Party support his view. Whatever, the statement made by our PM made us a laughing stock before the world. Let Indian people decided whether they really deeply loved George Bush or not. Feel free to post your comments here.

Leander Paes (India) and Lukas Dlouhy (Czech Republic) won their first ATP Doubles title this season, after beating American pair of Scott Lipsky and David Martin in the final of Thailand Open. Paes and Dlouhy won in straight sets 6-4, 7-6. It was Leander’s 40th ATP career title.

Faridabad has been put on high alert after a bomb scare in Sector-15 market in the city. An anonymous SMS sent to Faridabad Police this morning warned of a bomb blast in Sector-15 market, Faridabad. The SMS dared the police and administration to prevent the bomb blast if they can. The Sector-15 market has been evacuated with immediate effect. Security personnel and bomb disposal squad have been rushed to the spot. Although there is substantial evidence to prove the validity of the SMS, the Faridabad police do not want take any chance. Latest reports suggest that it was a hoax SMS and police have arrested two Engineering students who allegedly sent the threat SMS.

The “Devil’s Advocate” program on CNN-IBN tonight will feature Archbishop of Delhi, Vincent M Concessao. Vincent is also the President of National United Christian Forum. Karan Thappar will grill the Archbishop on the issue of conversion and communal violence. The program will be shown at 8.30 PM on Sunday, September 28. According to CNN-IBN, Archbishop Vincent M Concessao has demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal and VHP and also accused BJP of colluding with them. He also held Naveen Patnaik government in Orissa responsible for the attacks on Christians and Churches. The Archbishop denounced the concept of “Hindutva” and said “Hindutva has its ideology from the West, from Hitler and Nazism. It has no roots in India, not in Hinduism.” When Karan Thappar further asked the Archbishop if in the interest of India’s integrity and unity, the Church could agree on a moratorium on conversion for 10-15 years, the Archbishop said that would deny freedom to people to exercise their right to convert. He also denied any association with “Satyadarshini”, which distributed literature denouncing and ridiculing Hindu Gods. Watch the complete interview at Devil’s Advocate on CNN-IBN at 8.30 PM on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

After getting a thumbs up from the US House of Representatives on the Indo-US Nuclear deal, a jubilant Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in France on a three-day state visit. Dr. Manmohan Singh will participate in the ninth India-EU summit in Marseilles on Monday. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to France is aimed at bringing India closer to European Union and sign a nuclear agreement with France. French President Nicolas Sarkozy will host a lunch in honour of Dr. Singh. Nicolas Sarkozy and Dr. Manmohan Singh will discuss several bilateral issues including civil nuclear cooperation, defence, space, and business.

After the Armed Forces expressed huge disappointment over the Sixth Pay Commission report and rejected it outright, the PMO intervened and formed a 3-member committee to look into their grievances. After consulting with the PM, who is away on a foreign visit, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee formed a committee with two other members Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Defence Minister A K Antony. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee will head the committee. The committee will look into objections raised by armed forces over the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations. Defence Minister AK Antony expressed hope that armed forces will get their pay in new scales by Diwali. He also assured that all anomalies in the pay will be duly addressed. The Defence Services have decided to accept the revised pay scales and submit the salary bills to the ministry until the committee submits its report the cabinet. President Dr. Pratibha Patil took note of the concerns of the armed forces and gave her sanction to the order for ad-hoc payment of arrears, which will help the defence personnel to manage their Diwali expenses.

The US House of Representatives approved the Indo-US nuclear deal, giving a much needed breather to Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh and US President George W. Bush. The US House passed the bill by a vote of 298-117. While the House Republicans voted 178-10, the Democrats voted 120-107. It could be recalled that Democrats control the US Senate. PM Dr. Manmohan Singh thanked US President George Bush. The bill will now go to the US Senate within a few days. It is expected to get the green signal from the Senate although the mandate is likely to be a split one.

Veteran singer Mahendra Kapoor died in Mumbai. He was 74. Mahendra Kapoor has been regarded at par with Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Manna De and Kishore Kumar. He had a unique voice, which could not be copied by anyone. Mahendra Kapoor was inspired by Mohammed Rafi. Some of the super hit films where he lent his voice were Dhool Ka Phool, Gumrah, Waqt, Hamraaz, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim etc. He also received National Fim Award for ‘Upkar’ in 1968. Mahendra Kapoor’s famous songs Neele Gagan Ke Tale (Hamraaz), Chalo Ek Baar Chalo (Gumrah), Kisi Pathar Ki Moorat Se (Hamraaz), Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale (Kismat), Mere Desh Ki Dharti (Upkar), Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon (Purab Aur Pascchim), Mera Pyar Woh Hai (Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi) still bewitch the audience whenever they are being played. Mahendra Kapoor will remain in every Indian heart forever. Long live Mahendra Kapoor!

 

Russia to upgrade nuclear systems

Russia to upgrade nuclear systems

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has announced plans to build a “guaranteed nuclear deterrent system”, to be in place by 2020.

He said he wanted military chiefs to submit plans by December.

He called for a programme to build new nuclear submarines as well as “a system of aerospace defence”.

The announcement comes just weeks after Russia accused America of starting a new arms race by siting part of its missile defence shield in Poland.

“We must guarantee nuclear deterrence under various political and military conditions by 2020,” Mr Medvedev told military commanders.

He said it was necessary to build “new types of armaments”, and to “achieve dominance in airspace”, according to quotes carried by the Itar-Tass news agency.

“We plan to start serial production of warships, primarily nuclear-powered submarines carrying cruise missiles and multifunctional submarines,” Mr Medvedev said.

“We will develop an aerospace defence system, as well,” he added.

Moscow has repeatedly criticised the US for going ahead with plans for a missile defence shield, using rockets based in Poland and radar in the Czech Republic, saying it destabilises the strategic balance and builds “a ring of steel” around Russia.

Russia warned it would be “forced to react”.

This, it seems, is Russia is showing its own determination to bolster its nuclear deterrent, says the BBC’s defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt.