Timeline: Mumbai under attack

The attacks in Mumbai began during the evening of 26 November. Reports say the militants arrived on dinghies, possibly launched from an outlying vessel. Here is a list of subsequent events with approximate timings.

WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

2120 local time (1550 GMT): Gunfire starts at the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station when at least two gunmen storm the crowded terminal, firing indiscriminately. Many of the deaths and injuries occurred in this attack.

2120-2200: Gunmen raid the Cama and Albless Hospital, shooting indiscriminately. One attacker is captured here.

2120-2200: Gunmen seize control of the Nariman House business and residential complex. Police surround the complex, which houses the Jewish Chabad Lubavitch outreach centre.

2120-2200: Gunmen storm the Cafe Leopold and open fire on diners, causing numerous causalities.

2120-0100: Gunmen storm the Oberoi-Trident hotel, where about 380 people are staying.

2120-0100: At least seven gunmen enter the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, where about 450 people are staying, and begin firing. Large fire reported.

2250: Gunfire reported at Times of India offices.

THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER

0100-0400: Indian army in running battles with militants at the two hotels. Small groups of guests manage to escape.

0245: A group calling itself the “Deccan Mujahedeen” claims responsibility for the attacks.

0400: Standoff continues at the Jewish outreach centre.

1030: Army says it is doing room-by-room searches of Taj but explosions still heard at both hotels.

1630: The Indian navy says its forces have boarded a cargo vessel they believe to be linked to the attacks.

1630: Indian PM delivers speech to the nation saying the militants will not escape and blaming “external” elements.

1640: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari speaks of the need for strong measures to eradicate terrorism.

FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER

0230: Gunfire and loud explosions still being heard from the Taj and the Jewish centre, Nariman House.

0730: Commandos are dropped from helicopters on to Nariman House and begin a sweep through the building.

1100: Indian commandos take full control of the Oberoi hotel and release hostages.

1300: Indian commandos report 30 bodies in one Taj hall.

1500: Mumbai police report that five hostages inside the Jewish centre have been found shot dead.

1800: Indian security forces say they have secured the Jewish centre. Eight Israeli or dual Israeli-US citizens have been killed and two gunmen.

1830: Security operations still continue at the Taj although there is much less gunfire.

SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER

04:30: Renewed explosions and gunfire are heard from inside the Taj.

0730: Fire breaks out on the lower floors of the Taj. Shortly afterwards Indian television reports that the siege is over.

0850: Indian police declare the Taj Mahal siege over, with the deaths of three gunmen.

 

अब तक के प्रमुख अमरीकी राष्ट्रपति

बाईस फ़रवरी 1732 में वर्जिनिया में जन्मे जॉर्ज वाशिंगटन 1789 में अमरीका के पहले राष्ट्रपति चुने गए और 1797 तक राष्ट्रपति रहे.

अप्रैल 1743 में जन्मे थॉमस जेफ़रसन अमरीका के तीसरे राष्ट्रपति थे ( 1801-1809). ब्रितानी राज के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज़ उठाने वालों में वे प्रमुख थे. डेक्लेरेशन ऑफ़ इंडिपेन्डेंस का मसौदा लिखने वाले भी वे प्रमुख व्यक्ति थे. उनका निधन चार जुलाई 1826 को हुआ.

अमरीका के 16वें राष्ट्रपति बने अब्राहम लिंकन की गिनती विश्व के सर्वश्रेष्ठ नेताओं में होती है. उनका जन्म 12 फ़रवरी 1809 को एक ग़रीब परिवार में हुआ. वहाँ से उन्होंने राष्ट्रपति पद (1861-1865) तक का सफ़र तय किया. उनके कार्यकाल में अमरीकी गृह युद्ध का मुद्दा छाया रहा. उन्होंने ग़ुलामी प्रथा का विरोध किया था.1865 में उनकी हत्या कर दी गई थी और वे राष्ट्रीय एकता के प्रतीक बन गए.

हरबर्ट हूवर 1929 में उस समय अमरीका के राष्ट्रपति बने जब ग्रेट डिप्रेशन का दौर था. इससे मची आर्थिक उथल पुथल और समस्याओं से निपटने में असफल रहने के कारण रिपब्लिकन पार्टी को सत्ता से हाथ धोना पड़ा था. हूवर का कार्यकाल 1933 में समाप्त हो गया.

अमरीका के 32वें राष्ट्रपति फ़्रैकलिन रूज़वेल्ट डेमोक्रेटिक पार्टी की ओर से 1933 में उस समय राष्ट्रपति बने जब ग्रेट डिप्रेशन से पैदा हुआ संकट अपने चरम पर था. वे केवल दूसरे अमरीकी राष्ट्रपति हैं जिन्हें दो से ज़्यादा कार्यकाल मिले. 20वीं सदी में आर्थिक संकट और दूसरे विश्व युद्ध के दौरान वे विश्व के अहम नेताओं में से एक थे. चौथे कार्यकाल के दौरान 1945 में उनका निधन हो गया था.

वर्ष 1945 में अमरीका के तत्कालीन उपराष्ट्रपति रहे हैरी ट्रूमैन तब राष्ट्रपति बने जब कार्यकाल के दौरान रूज़वेल्ट का निधन हो गया. 1945 काफ़ी अहम साल था क्योंकि विश्व युद्ध के आख़िरी महीनों में जापान पर परमाणु बम गिराने का फ़ैसला किया गया. वे डेमोक्रेटिक पार्टी से थे और 1953 तक राष्ट्रपति रहे.

आईज़नहॉवर रिपब्लिकन पार्टी की ओर से 1953 से लेकर 1961 तक राष्ट्रपति थे. कोरियाई युद्ध में संघर्षविराम में उन्होंने भूमिका निभाई और शीत युद्ध के दौरान पूर्व सोवियत संघ पर दवाब बनाए रखा. 1959 में आज़ाद भारत का दौरा करने वाले वे पहले अमरीकी राष्ट्रपति थे.

अमरीका के 35वें राष्ट्रपति जॉन एफ़ कैनेडी या जेएफ़के अपने देश के उस समय तक के सबसे युवा राष्ट्रपति थे. 1961 में कार्यकाल शुरु करने वाले कैनेडी की 1963 में हत्या कर दी गई थी.

रिचर्ड निक्सन रिपब्लिकन पार्टी की ओर से 1969 में राष्ट्रपति बने. वाटरगेट स्कैंडल के बाद उन्हें 1974 में इस्तीफ़ा देना पड़ा था. वे एकमात्र ऐसे अमरीकी राष्ट्रपति हैं जिन्हें पद से इस्तीफ़ा देना पड़ा. (कैनेडी के साथ बहस में हिस्सा लेते निक्सन)

जिम्मी कार्टर 1977 में डेमोक्रेटिक पार्टी की ओर से राष्ट्रपति बने. 1980 में हुए चुनाव में वे रॉनल्ड रेगन से हार गए थे. उन्हें 2002 में शांति के नोबेल पुरस्कार से नवाज़ा गया.

अभिनेता से अपना सफ़र शुरु करने वाले रॉनल्ड रेगन दो कार्यकाल के लिए राष्ट्रपति चुने गए( 1981-1989). ( तत्कालीन ब्रितानी प्रधानमंत्री थैचर के साथ)

रॉनल्ड रेगन के बाद रिपब्लिकन पार्टी ने क़ब्ज़ा जमाए रखा और 1989 में जॉर्ज हरबर्ट वाकर बुश राष्ट्रपति बने. उनके कार्यकाल के दौरान खाड़ी युद्ध हुआ. वे 1993 तक राष्ट्रपति रहे.

वर्ष 1993 में लंबे अंतराल के बाद सत्ता डेमोक्रेटिक पार्टी को मिली जब बिल क्लिंटन राष्ट्रपति बने. फ़्रैंकलिन रूज़वेल्ट के बाद वे दूसरे डेमोक्रेटिक राष्ट्रपति थे जिन्हें दूसरा कार्यकाल मिला. लेकिन इसी दौरान वे मोनिका लिवेंस्की मामले में फँस गए और उन पर महाभियोग चलाया गया. फ़रवरी 1999 में सीनेट में उनके विरुद्ध मामला चला और फिर उन्हें बरी कर दिया गया और इस तरह वह कार्यकाल पूरा करने में सक्षम हुए.

जॉर्ज डब्ल्यू बुश वर्ष 2001 में रिपब्लिकन पार्टी की ओर से राष्ट्रपति बने और 2004 में उन्हें दूसरी बार चुना गया. इराक़ युद्ध उनके कार्यकाल के सबसे बड़े और विवादित फ़ैसलों में से एक है.

 

Raj Thackeray has been sent to judicial custody

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Terrorist group MNS Chief Raj Thackeray has been sent to judicial custody till November 4. Raj Thackeray’s bail plea was rejected by the Bandra Court. Although Raj got the bail in the Chetna College violence in Kherwadi after producing a bail bond of Rs. 15,000, he was denied the same in the Kalyan violence case. Raj was taken into custody by the Kalyan police. Since the Mumbai Police did not demand Raj’s custody, he was sent to judicial custody by the court. Raj Thackeray was charged with provoking violence under Section 153. He was also charged for “creating mischief”, “intent to cause riots” and “causing damage to property”. The court’s decision came as a major setback for Raj Thackeray and his supporters who expected Raj to be released on bail. Security has been beefed up in and around Mumbai, as the police anticipate more trouble after the rejection of Raj Thackeray’s bail plea.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray [Images], who was arrested early Tuesday morning, has been sent to two-week judicial custody by a court in suburban Bandra in Mumbai where he was produced around 2.50 pm. Two truckloads of Rapid Action Force personnel were stationed outside the court for security. Even before Raj Thackeray was produced in the Bandra court in Mumbai, over 2,000 slogan-raising supporters had gathered there, and the police resorted to a lathi-charge to bring the situation under control around Tuesday noon. MNS supporters resorted to stone-pelting at police vehicles outside the Bandra court. The supporters also stoned a police van carrying detained MNS activists. Reports from across Mumbai spoke of voluntary bandh at many places, and many schools shut down for the day anticipating trouble. Local trains reported a slight delay, while there was no disruption in road traffic on the main arteries. Violence erupted in several parts of Mumbai and Maharashtra following the arrest of MNS chief Raj Thackeray in the early hours of Tuesday from the Circuit House in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Angry activists of the MNS came out on the streets after the arrest of Raj Thackeray and attacked several taxis and autorickshaws at Mumbai Central, Parel, Borivali and other parts of the city. Incidents of arson were also reported from the Mulund check naka in the eastern suburbs. A mob of party workers have also blocked the Mumbai-Goa highway. The police said security has been beefed up across Mumbai to meet any eventuality in the wake of the arrest of Raj Thackeray. The State Reserve Police has also been deployed near Raj Thackeray’s residence in Dadar. Raj Thackeray was arrested under several Indian Penal Code sections, including assault, obstructing government officials from discharging their duty and giving provocating speeches. Raj Thackeray was arrested for Sunday’s brutal attack on north Indian railway exam candidates by MNS workers. A case was registered in this connection against Raj Thackeray and his supporters at the north-west Mumbai police station of Kherwadi, after MNS workers attacked 13 railway board examination centres in suburban Mumbai to protest against “inadequate representation” to locals. The arrest of the MNS chief comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the Maharashtra government to rein in Raj Thackeray and his activists. Earlier, a combative Raj Thackeray had justified Sunday’s attack on north Indians and warned the state that it will have to “regret” the consequences in the event of his arrest. “Arrest me and be ready to bear the consequences…. You will have to regret,” Raj Thackeray, who was attending a ceremony at Bahadursheikh Naka in Chiplun in the state on Monday, said. “If Raj is arrested, entire Maharashtra will be set on fire,” he threatened. Meanwhile, incidents of violence were reported across Mumbai allegedly by the MNS activists. Taxis parked at Tardeo in south Mumbai were damaged by some unknown miscreants who fled on motorcycles, the police said. Two separate incidents were reported in the north-west suburb of Borivali where miscreants attempted to burn trucks, they added. There were also reports of some unidentified men throwing stones at the suburban resident of Congress spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam. Meanwhile, schools in suburban Mumbai have been closed as a preventive measure following the arrest of MNS chief. Bsides, security has been beefed up in Mumbai to thwart any untoward incident, the police said. Reacting sharply to his leader’s arrest, MNS spokesperson Shirish Parkar said, “There was no substance in the allegations against Raj Thackeray. The state government was acting at the behest of the Centre.” Parkar described the arrest of Raj Thackeray as “vengeance” and political “conspiracy” by the Maharashtra government.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today demanded “stringent action” against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray , saying that arrest is not enough to deter him from spreading his campaign against north Indians. “Raj Thackeray is repeatedly organising attacks on North Indians. So by just arresting him is not enough and more stringent action should be taken against him,” Prasad told reporters one the sidelines of a railway seminar. Terming Thackeray as the leader of antisocial elements, Prasad said he is spreading “hatred and divisive campaign” against north Indians which is not good for a secular democracy. “Even Dalits were not spared and attacked by his men,” he added. Clubbing MNS with the Bajrang Dal, the Rashtriya Janata Dal chief reiterated his demand for banning both the organisations. “Like the Bajrang Dal, Thackeray’s party is also spearheading a hatred campaign and both should be banned,” he said. Prasad announced that those students who could not appear in the railway examination due to the disruption created by the MNS, would be allowed to appear again. A date for re-examination would be announced soon, said Prasad. Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh felt that Thackeray could be out on bail soon and non-Maharashtrians could be targeted again. Congress MP Priya Dutt said by arresting only Thackeray, attacks on north Indians could not be stopped. Paswan, Union minister for steel, chemicals and fertilisers, said, “Thackeray will be out on bail soon and again indulge in violent activities. The Centre should take steps like use of Article 355 or something similar to control the situation in Maharashtra.. The prevailing situation in the state was “dangerous” and the administration has “failed” to do anything, he said. SP general secretary Amar Singh described Thackeray’s arrest as a “reactionary” step by the Maharashtra government. “Raj Thackeray’s arrest by Mumbai police was a reactionary step and by afternoon he would be released, and no action will be taken against him,” he said. Accusing state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil of playing the “divide and rule” game, Singh said they will never benefit from it. “The state government is playing the divide and rule game even as Raj Thackeray and his goons have been on a rampage. He will be released from custody by afternoon and his men will again start attacking north Indians,” Singh said. He said Maharashtra is an integral part of the country and Maharashtrians are loved by everybody but now everybody hates Maharashtrians, just like people from other parts of the country. “Even President Pratibha Patil is from Maharashtra, and still this (attack on north Indians) is happening in the state,” he said. Congress MP Dutt, while reacting to the news of the MNS chief’s arrest, felt that despite this step, attacks on non-Maharastrians will not stop. “This is ongoing…such attacks will not stop. Today, north Indians are being targeted, tomorrow people from other regions could be attacked. Such types of incidents should not be allowed to take place, and leaders cutting across party lines have condemned such incidents.”

 

Sachin Tendulkar broke Brian Lara’s record

Sachin Tendulkar broke Brian Lara’s record of scoring the highest number of runs in Test cricket in the Mohali Test.

Sachin Tendulkar became the highest scorer in Test Cricket by bettering Brian Lara’s total aggregate of 11, 953 Test runs. Before Mohali Test, Sachin has played 151 Tests (246 innings) and had a career average of 54.02. Sachin has carried the burden of Indian cricket for almost a decade and if there is anyone who desrves to get to this record, it has to be Sachin. His contribution to Indian cricket is beyond mere statistics. Even the greatest of them all Sir Don Bradman had mentioned that Sachin reminded him of his own playing style. This perhaps is the ultimate statement that describes the phenomenon called Sachin Tendulkar. President congratulates Tendulkar President Pratibha Patil congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for becoming the highest Test run-getter in the world. “You have given joy to countless Indians with your batting,” the President said in her congratulatory message to the master batsman. Tendulkar surpassed former West Indian captain Brian Lara’s record of 11,953 runs on the opening day of the second cricket Test against Australia in Mohali.

 

Jet Airways

Jet Airways has decided to take back all sacked employees with immediate effect. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal held a press conference and announced this decision. “I apologise for all agony you went through. You are like my family. And, my conscience does not allow me to sack you”, said Naresh Goyal to his employees. “My management made the decision to sack employees because of financial woes. But I have reversed it. My management may not like my decision, but I made it. I feel mentally disturbed with the recent events. I do not look at economies, I go with my conscience” said Naresh Goyal. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal firmly said that he did not act under pressure. He even denied of having meeting any political leaders. As the news of cancellation of retrenchment in Jet Airways flashed on the TV channels, the fired employees erupted into joy and celebrations. They termed it as a major victory and distributed sweets to each other. Naresh Goyal confirmed that there would not be any retrenchment or lay offs in Jet Airways. However, he stressed on the need of cutting costs by every possible means. He also urged the government to come forward to bail out the sick aviation industry and loss-making airlines. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel termed Jet Airways’ decision to take back all sacked employees as a welcome step.

The Lankan government believes that the quarter-century old militant movement of the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam is in its last phase. The Sri Lanka [Images]n army is merely 1.2 miles away from Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s headquarters in northern Sri Lanka. According to Colonel R Hariharan, a retired military intelligence specialist who served as the head of intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka from 1987-90, “Six divisions of the Sri Lankan army have gheraoed Kilinochchi.The rains and the dense tall vegetation make airstrikes very difficult. The situation is critical for both sides.” The Sri Lankan defence ministry claims that the army has killed 7,553 rebels since Sri Lanka pulled out of a Norwegian-backed truce in January, while 748 soldiers have died in the clashes. By all accounts the situation is a turning point in Sri Lanka’s blood-soaked ethnic history. President Mahinda Rajapakase has waged a decisive battle against the LTTE and seems to be winning it so far. His critics allege that he is looking for a military solution and not for a political dialogue. The Pesident’s supporters claim that he had offered an olive branch to Prabhakaran, when he came to power. Rajapkse had offered to have a structured dialogue but the LTTE did not respond, so he was left with no option but to go for an armed offensive. As the LTTE is pushed to the wall, allegations of the sufferings and misery of the Lankan Tamils have been reported, particularly due to heavy air strikes. Even some Europe-based experts on Sri Lanka have started saying that government’s “attitude and actions are that of an invading country in an enemy’s territory.” The use of air power against its own people is severely objected to by critics of Sri Lankan government. B Raman, rediff.com columnist and a Chennai-based expert on security matters said, ” The continuing use of indiscriminate air strikes by the Rajapakse government against the Tamil civilian population in order to intimidate it into stop supporting the LTTE has come in for strong criticism.” Sri Lanka is more confident than ever that it will get rid of the LTTE menace because it has been able to get all manner of help from China, Pakistan, Iran and the United States. In geo-strategic terms the Lankans are better consolidated than ever, with China building a port south of Colombo, India and Pakistan training the Sri Lankan army on a regular basis and the US and Iran supporting government in terms of resources and materials. The Sri Lankan economy is also stable and sturdy. Some weeks ago, a senior officer of Sri Lanka had said “We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel after 25 long years of struggle. We have had significant success in the operation against the LTTE. It is on run, they are running with full pockets.” While showing maps of 2006 and 2008, the officer said that 75 percent of thearea has been recaptured and the fighting capacity of the LTTE had been seriously eroded. The Sri Lankan government had been able to hold elections in the estern province too, he said. The Lankan government’s assessment is that LTTE chief Prabhakaran has been pushed into his hide-out with 3,000-4,000 cadres at most. As the battle become decisive in the Kilinochchi, pressure is building up within Tamil Nadu, where politicians are guessing that the LTTE is cornered. The question on everyones lips seems to be what effect the fall of LTTE chief Prabhakaran will have on the region. The Tamil politicians are completely divided and the nuance is lost, the divide complete. Those who are speaking for the plight of the Sri Lankans Tamils because they are also being killed with LTTE militants are being silenced by the critics of LTTE. While those who speak for the LTTE have a weak case due to India’s current sufferings due to terrorism and also because the politics over the Sri Lankan issue is more complex with Prabhakaran and his deputy Pottu Amman, being prime accused in the Rajiv Gandhi murder case. India wants them tried in Indian courts. It is not possible for India to unconditionally start or participate in any dialogue with these two Tamil-militant leaders. Hawkish Tamil leaders like Vaiko want to break diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka while Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has told PM Manmohan Singh to implore Rajapakse to find a political solution and not resort to brute force. Under Karunanidhi’s leadership a resolution has been passed to create pressure on government to get Sri Lanka to declare a ceasefire. J Jayalalitha has targeted Karunanidhi, “If India interferes with the internal affairs of Sri Lanka there is a possibility that our neighbouring countries could begin interfering with our internal affairs. It will create trouble for India’s sovereignty. The countries in the world will not accept India interfering with the affairs of another country.” Jayalalitha further says, “The important thing was to prevent the Indian Army from providing training to the Sri Lankan Army and to stop the military offensive against the Sri Lankan Tamils. But Karunanidhi is not making any efforts in this regard.” The editorial column written by Malini Parthasarathy in The Hindu titled The dangers of Tamil chauvinism strongly argued that, ” The latest campaign in Tamil Nadu masterminded by a desperate LTTE must not be allowed to undermine the sound policy decision upheld by successive Indian governments since 1991 to stay out of Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.” Hariharan points out that recently The New Indian Express carried a survey that reflected the complexities of the matter. Hariharan said, “51 percent of respondents have said that India should lift the ban on the LTTE. But, only 30 percent have said that they are freedom fighters. 31 percent have said that India should send troops if Prabhakaran is cornered. While 40 percent of people have said they would like to donate for the cause of a Tamil Eelam. Do not equate public sympathy for Tamil rights with support for the LTTE.” Many critics of LTTE think “the game plan of the LTTE and its supporters is to rally the Tamil chauvinist sentiment” so that the siege around Kilinochchi can be relaxed. Raman disagrees that Tamil politicians are trying to bail-out Prabhakaran. “The LTTE is not using Tamil politicians. The case of Vaiko is different but one can’t say same thing about parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kaghazham and the Congress. The people are genuinely concerned about the hawkish statements made by Sri Lankan army chief Lt.Gen.Sarath Fonseka and Gothbaya, brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is also causing tension. There will be repercussions if Parabhakaran is killed. Tamil politicians would like to prevent the tension spreading in the state,” Raman said. In his interview to the Canadian daily National Post, General Fonseka said “I strongly believe that this country belongs to the Sinhalese but there are minority communities and we treat them like our people�being the majority of the country we will never give in and we have the right to protect our country�We are also a strong nation . They(minorities) can live in this country with us, but they must not try to, under the pretext of being a minority, demand undue things.” An All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhgham leader speaking off the record told rediff.com, “We dislike the LTTE and do not support it but no way it should stop us from raising the voice against butchering of Tamils in Sri Lanka.” Raman points out that it’s not only issue of Sri Lankan Tamils rights alone that is hurting psyche of people. He says, “There has been a perceptible disenchantment in Tamil Nadu over what is seen as the lack of interest shown by Manmohan Singh in the problems of the Sri Lankan Tamils. He is being compared unfavourably with Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who took a keen interest in the problems of the Tamils and did not hesitate to take up the matter strongly with the governments in power in Colombo.” Raman says that this disenchantment has turned into shock following reports of two Indian radar technicians being injured when two planes of the LTTE’s air wing bombed a Sri Lankan military base in Vavuniya in September.” Hariharan says, “I don’t see what Indian government can do beyond a point. The two warring sides don’t want Indian help. They may be asking for Indian help but, at least they have not quantified it, so far.” Interestingly, no Tamil party has spelled out , in practical terms how much India can influence the Sri Lankan government who are fighting most important battle on their land. Hariharan puts forward a few conditions before India can increase its involvement in the issue. He says, “India can interfere only if there is a chance of peace. We cannot get into a ‘1987 type’ situation. We must take into account the trade between two countries at $4 billion. Any miscalculation can directly impact it. We are facing a strategic challenge in Sri Lanka because Iran, Pakistan and China are helping Rajpakasa. It’s the leverage he has. The Sri Lankan parliament has 42 Tamil-speaking MPs who should also put pressure on the government.” Interestingly, a vocal supporter of the LTTE in Chennai told rediff.com, “The siege of Kilinochchi will prove to be the siege of Leningrad. Hitler’s army besieged the city for 872 days but still could not oust the Russians, who put up a heroic struggle. The LTTE will also win the battle of Kilinochchi using the same tactics as the Russians. You can expect a surprise.” Even if the Sri Lankan government wins the battle, will their win bring peace to the island nation is the moot question. They will have to start a reconciliation process, says Rajapakse supporters. Raman says, “Very few in Tamil Nadu take seriously the assurances of Rajapaksa that after neutralising the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, his government will initiate political measures for meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil people.”

While the economic recession has spelt doom for many, this could be a bit of good news. Oil prices, which were zooming to all-time highs have crashed. Oil prices have hit a 13-month low of $68.50 a barrel. Oil prices had crossed the $100-mark for the first time in 2008. The prices further zoomed to $147 in July. There were even predictions that oil would hit the $200 mark! The surge in oil prices was alarming…the fall in the dollar rates was one of reasons for the rise in oil prices. A weaker American currency tends to increase the demand for dollar-denominated oil as it becomes cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies. Oil prices also rose as investors saw it as a safe investment amid fears of rising inflation and a US recession. However, demand started slowing down drastically in the wake of the recession in developing countries. The downslide began…

In a major breakthrough the Orissa police on Thursday claimed that the mastermind behind Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Laxamananda Saraswati’s killing had been identified as a group had hired the Maoists to execute the crime. “Maoists were given money to train certain youth of a particular community to eliminate Saraswati,” inspector general of police, crime branch, Arun Ray told PTI asserting the mastermind of the killings had been identified. Stating the mastermind had fled Orissa, the IG said “we will trace them soon.” The plan to eliminate Saraswati was made immediately after the December, 2007 communal violence in Kandhamal, he added. Elaborating the probe by the crime branch, Ray said investigations also showed that a group had collected money from some villages in Kandhamal which was given to the Maoist group to train their youth for the purpose. At least 60 youth were given arms training by the Maoists, the IG said dwelling on the inputs from the three arrested persons. Ray said members of a particular community were unhappy with Saraswati and held him responsible for the riots which took place during Christmas in 2007. They requested a Maoist group to assist them in killing Saraswati, he said. Confirming that six Telugu-speaking persons fired at Saraswati and others, the crime branch investigation revealed that the trained group were guarding the ashram at Jalespeta in Kandhamal during the incident. Refusing to divulge identity and religion of the mastermind behind the killing which sparked communal violence in Kandhamal, The IG said the Maoists only executed the crime.

World number two Roger Federer has surpassed Pete Sampras to become the all-time leader in career prize money earnings in men’s tennis, the ATP said on Thursday. The five-times US Open champion took his career earnings to over US $ 43.3 million at the Madrid Masters this week. Federer toasts US Open high five American Sampras earned $ 43,280,489 in a glittering career that included 14 Grand Slam titles. Federer is one behind that record too with 13. “Obviously it’s nice to have records. I didn’t play tennis because of money, that was never my drive but I have been very successful,” Federer said after beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday. “I’ve had an incredible run in Slams lately that racks up the money and also the Masters Cup, there is a lot of money involved there. “I guess this is also the moment when you can thank the all-time greats from back in the day when it was still amateur to have brought the game to where it is today. They have created the platform for us players today.” Federer meets Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the last eight of the Madrid Masters on Friday.

After a 52-day nightmare , Kiran D’Souza who was on the ill-fated cargo ship hijacked by Somalian pirates is finally back home. The 28-year old seaman finally reached home on Thursday. Kiran who landed in Mangalore this morning was received by all his family members who were obviously emotional on seeing him after such a long time which was filled with anxiety and unlimited waiting. Kiran was one of the seamen working in the ship, Iran Deynat which was hijacked by Somalian pirates on August 21, 2008. After much deliberation and negotiation, Kiran is finally back at home. Sounding tired yet relieved, Kiran took a few moments off to share his nightmarish experience of 52 days in captivity with rediff.com.

 

News: 15 October

The crisis within the Jet Airways has just begun, it seems. Jet Airways CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schaeur revealed that his airlines will terminate 1,900 out of a total of 13,000 employees in a phased manner. According to Jet CEO, those employees were hired as part of the expansion plan, but it was held back for some reason. He also said that 800 employees have already been served termination notice and 1,100 more will soon get the boot. Mr. Wolfgang Prock-Schaeur termed the process of termination of employees as completely legal and maintained that adequate compensation will be given to sacked employees as per the contract. He also said that decision to fire the employees had nothing to with the alliance with Kingfisher Airlines. “It was a tough decision, but we had to take it. We have sacked employees for the first time in 15 years”, said Mr. Wolfgang Prock-Schaeur.

The current turmoil within the Jet Airways, has taken an interesting turn with MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) chief Raj Thackeray deciding to support the sacked Jet Airways employees. Jet Airways has sacked around 1,000 employees today, who were on probation and were supposed to get their confirmation letter on November 1. After getting a snub from Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, the sacked Jet Airways employees decided to approach MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who in return echoed their sentiments. Raj Thackeray warned the Jet Airways of dire consequences if the sacked employees are not reinstated with immediate effect. “No Jet Airways flight will be allowed to take off from Mumbai if needed”, thundered Raj Thackeray. A MNS delegation will meet Jet Airways management tomorrow to discuss the issue.

As the Jet Airways sacked around 1,000 employees without giving any prior notice, the sacked staff went on a rampage outside the Jet Airways office in Mumbai. All sacked employees were on probation and they were supposed to get their confirmation letter on November 1, but they never expected a sudden termination letter as ‘Diwali Gifts’. The employees are now considering legal options, as Jet Airways did not keep its promise of one month termination notice to its employees. The sacked Jet Airways employees included the cabin crew and customer service officers. They are in a state of shock at this latest development. The Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal defended the decision to lay off around 1,000 staff saying they were non-permanent and unconfirmed employees. He also said that his company would do everything possible to reduce costs. The Jet Airways also decided to reduce its flights by 10-12 percent during the coming winter. According to latest reports, Jet Airways will sack more employees in the categories of cabin cockpit crew and management. Kingfisher Airlines also said that it would soon fire a sizable number of employees to reduce costs. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has refused the government intervention on this matter, saying the companies reserve the right to hire/fire their staff. The sacked Jet Airways employees have decided to approach MNS chief Raj Thackeray for his support to their cause.

Alibaba.com is the official website of the Alibaba Group, which is considered as the world’s largest B2B marketing website. Alibaba.com is a big name in the field of B2B e-commerce. Jack Ma, a former English teacher from the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou founded Alibaba.com in 1999 along with 18 other founder members. Today, Alibaba.com has over 32 million registered users from over 240 countries and regions. Alibaba.com has offices in over 30 cities across China as well as in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe and the US. The company has around 7,000 full-time employees today. Alibaba.com connects millions of buyers and suppliers through three marketplaces – http://www.alibaba.com/, http://www.alibaba.com.cn/ and http://www.alibaba.com.jp/. Alibaba.com is a certified B2B marketing website is considered as the most trusted among all available e-commerce websites.

Captain GR Gopinath, vice chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, is planning to buy back Air Deccan. He is reportedly unhappy over the alliance between Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways struck a couple of days ago. Gopinath is planning to offer a package to buy back Air Deccan from Kingfisher Airlines. Currently, UB Group Chairman Vijay Mallya has 65% share in Kingfisher Airlines, while Captain Gopinath has only 5.58% stake.

In a shocking development, Father Chellan, the lone eyewitness in the sensational nun rape case in Kandhamal, Orissa, refused to cooperate in the investigation, saying he did not have faith in the system. Father Chellan’s refusal to help the Orissa Police, came as a shocker for all and it provided ammo to critics who have already raised questions on the alleged rape of the nun. In 1999, a similar incident occurred in Baripada, where a nun alleged that she was raped by Hindu extremists. But the later the allegations turned out to be false. Although the state police have arrested eight persons in connections with the nun rape case in Kandhamal, Father Chellan’s refusal to cooperate with the police, raised several questions that remain unanswered.

The Jet Airways has decided to lay off over 800 employees citing reasons of ill health and cost-cutting measures. Jet Airways’ decision to fire over 800 employees sent a panic across the aviation industry. The cabin crew and customer service officials will be fired as part of a cost-cutting exercise. According to sources, Kingfisher Airlines is also planning to lay off a sizeable number of staff soon. According to major Ailrlines in the country, the aviation sector is in a bad shape and it requires a bailout package to move up. Airlines across the world are suffering huge losses due to the steep rise in jet fuel. Aviation Minister Prafulla Patel has expressed concerns over the latest deveopment and assured that he would take up the case with the Finance Minister.

India continued their dominance on the third day of the Commonwealth Youth Games on Tuesday and consolidated their position atop the standings, taking their medals tally to seven golds, five silver and four bronze. England closely follow the hosts with six golds, one silver and two bronze. India bagged four golds, four silvers and four bronze at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Balewadi on Tuesday to add to their Mondays tally of three golds and one silver. Meanwhile in girls’ badminton event, Beijing quarter-finalist Saina Nehwal eased past Deborah Godfrey of South Africa to 21-7 21-4 to storm into the pre-quarterfinals, while national champion Guru Sai Dutt beat Joel Debel of Seychelles 21-04 21-02 to move into third round. Not considered as India’s forte, athletics however earned India a gold through Maharashtra’s Dheeraj Mishra who leapt 15.42m to emerge on top in the triple jump. England’s Benjamin Williams (15.41m) finished second, while Boipelo Molahatlhego of South Africa secured the bronze with a distance of 15.20m. Indians also bagged two silver and three bronze medals in athletics. Though the hosts missed a gold in the men’s hammer-throw which was topped by Peter Smith of England with a distance of 68.38m, Indian duo of Narayan Chandrodaya (68.38m) and Ejaj Ahmed (64.97m) took the silver and bronze respectively. The other silver came from Gayathri Govindharaj, who with a timing of 14.00s finished second in 100m hurdles. Kierre Beckles (Barbados) and Australia’s Brianna Beahan took the gold and bronze respectively. The other two bronze medals came through Jasdeep Singh (shot put) and Poonam Rani (women’s javelin). Meanwhile, India shooters continued to shine for the second day in succession with Hyderabad’s Kynan Darius Chenai bagging a gold in the boys trap event and Ankush Bharadwaj clinching his second medal, a bronze in 10m Air Pistol event. Mistake-ridden Darius, however, had a nervous final round where he shot 17, while the eventual bronze medalist Michael McNabb of Australia shot 19. But his earlier rounds scores of 111 was enough for the Hyderabad sharp shooter to finish on top with 128. Having shot a poor 106 in the earlier rounds, Australian McNabb’s splendid comeback in the final round took his tally to 106 and thus a bronze. Malta’s Ryan Bugeja, who shot on par with the Indian with the final round score of 17, had to settle for the silver medal after finishing one point shy of Darius. Monday’s gold medalist in 50m pistol event, Bhardwaj added a bronze to his tally after firing 94.9 in the final round to finish with a total of 645.9. Gold went to James Hendry Matthews of Canada with a final score of 96.1 and a total of 653.1. Singapore’s Chen Christopher finished with the silver with a total score of 650.7 and in the final he shot 95.7. Loss of concentration due to a lighting problem cost Rushad Damania of India a medal, who missed the bronze by a margin of less than two points in the boys 50m rifle prone event. Bad light forced Rushad to change his place and he shot 97.3 in the final to take his total to 679.3. But Rory McAlpine of Scotland with a final round score of 99.4 took his tally to 681.4 en route to a silver, while James Huckle took the gold with 687.6. India had a poor fifth place finish in the girls 50m rifle prone event with Aparajita Tivary totalling 579. Kay Copland (Scotland) clinched the gold with 585, while Nurfarah Afiqah of Malaysia took the silver totalling 582. Sheree Cox of England had to contend with the bronze, finishing one point adrift of the Malaysian. Monday saw shooting earn two gold for India with Bhardwaj emerging winner in a two-way race in the 50m pistol and Rahi Sarnobat in the girls 25m pistol. Taking advantage of the thin participation, India also bagged two gold medals in wrestling event. Ajit Patil opened the medal account in wrestling for the hosts when he emerged on top in the 39- 42kg category which saw representation from four countries. In his first round bout, the Kolhapur lad beat Pakistan’s Salamat Ali 8-0 to ensure a medal for India and then knocked out England’s Jack Longthrone 6-1 in the second bout to finish on top in the round robin. In the gold medal bout, the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) grappler pinned down Jonathan Babulall of Canada to pocket the gold. In the 46kg category, which saw a three-way race, Delhi’s Deepak Kumar emerged on top. Trained under his father Ramnath, the gold on Tuesday was his third international medal. He has a gold in a Russian meet in 2007, while in Uzbekistan last year he had bagged a bronze. Yukar Sibi and Laxmi N fetched two silvers for India in the men’s 62kg and women’s 53kg categories of weightlifting. The Army Sports Institute’s (ASI) girl Sibi lifted 112kg in snatch and 147kg in the clean and jerk category to finish with a total of 259kg and settle for a silver behind Aricco Jumitih of Malaysia. Uganda’s Charles Ssekyaaya took the bronze. Laxmi, who trains in SAI Bangalore, lifted 149kg (snatch 67kg, jerk 82kg) to finish with 149kg for the silver. Zoe Smith of England took the gold, while Bangladesh’s Fayema Akther had to settle for the bronze. The top two seeded paddlers Neha Aggarwal and Soumi Mondal also maintained their winning streak to make the last eight of the table tennis event.

In one of the largest layoffs in Indian aviation sector, Jet Airways hands in the pink slip to more than 800 cabin crew and customer care executives. Earlier CNBC-TV18 had reported that Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines had announced a cost-cutting collaboration on Monday October 13. Meanwhile, sources say that Kingfisher Airlines is also likely to lay off employees. Sources further reported that Jet and Kingfisher would meet to discuss route rationalization in the next two to three days. Here is a verbatim transcript of Karma Paljor’s comments on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video. Q: Explain the likely quantum of attrition from a Kingfisher perspective and how important is the alliance factor, considering small players are meeting to form an alliance, which is similar to the Jet Kingfisher pact? A: Yes, this is in line with what the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) have been talking about. Jet Airways said that they were would lay off some 800 odd staff and this is not the confirmed staff, this is the staff which was on probation, which was taken for expansion plan. Sources said that those on probation, those who are taken to fly the new routes that they are going to charter may be dismisses. The US operations has been suspended, due to which a sizeable chunk of around 800 staff would be asked to go off, which means that they will not be confirmed. These staff were essential for expansion. All the experienced staff is going to move to international operations to fly to Europe now.. So as far as Kingfisher is concerned we are expecting the same. The aviation industry is expected to incur a loss of over Rs 4,000 crore. It is a very difficult time for them right now. The CEOs are meeting to discuss this issue with the Aviation Minister in Hyderabad. Q: There are also newspaper reports that Captain Gopinath may be actually vying a Deccan buyback with support from some PE players and that he is unhappy over the Jet alliance and he also looking at meeting Vijay Mallya today. Did you pick up anything from your sources? A: Captain Gopinath said he was going to meet Vijay Mallya, where the Kingfisher Airlines chairman would try and explain the model that they working out with Jet Airways. But he may be very clear that should Vijay Mallya and Naresh Goyal plan to kill the low cost model of Air Deccan or Kingfisher Red which they call it now, then he would certainly try and combat and buy Kingfisher Red back from Vijay Mallya, so that would be a significant move. But the clause being that Captain Gopinath would need the funds to do that and since he has made this Air Deccan dream come true a lot of people would love to back him at this point. Q: Getting back to the labour issue considering that assurances were given to employees post the pact. Do you see a lot of trouble brewing in right now that this news of lay off has come in? A: I don’t think so. As far as the Jet Airways and Kingfisher are concerned, most of the employees that they are going to lay off were on probation and Jet Airways made this statement that they were laying off probationers. So I don’t think there will be any problems. They said that they would give them good compensations. Q: Are you also picking up any news on the small players now forming an alliance of their own, which includes Indigo? A: Possible at this point but we will really have to see how they can get together. The aircraft, fleet size and the make will have to match Boeing. If SpiceJet is flying all Boeing fleets then Indigo would be flying then all the Airbus fleets. So all these factors will have to be taken in to see how they can really come together.

India’s Arvind Adiga created history by winning the Man Booker Prize 2008 for his much-publicized debut novel “The White Tiger”. Arvind Adiga’s book “The White Tiger” is all about the poverty in India and the wealth gap between the rich and the poor. The Chairman of the judges described Arvind Adiga’s “The White Tiger” as a revelation of “the dark side of India”. The Booker Awards ceremony was held in London’s Guildhall. “The White Tiger” narrates the story of a village boy Balram Halwai, who became an entrepreneur through villainous means. According to Arvind Adiga, most of the poor people in India can make it to the top either through crime or politics. It’s a dream came true for Arvind Adiga, who beat five other competitors including India’s Amitabh Ghosh (Sea of Poppies), Steve Toltz of Australia (A Fraction of the Whole), Sebastian Barry of Ireland (The Secret Scripture), and British writers Linda Grant (The Clothes on Their Backs), and Philip Hensher (The Northern Clemency). Arvind Adiga is the third writer to win the prestigious Man Booker Prize on debut after Arundhati Roy (1997) and DBC Pierer (2003). He is the fifth Indian-origin writer to win the coveted award after V.S. Naipul, Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy and Kiran Desai. Arvind Adiga, who was born in Chennai, dedicated his award to New Delhi, where he has lived for many years.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has decided to take heads on Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati. Sonia defied the prohibitory orders (Section 144) imposed by Mayawati government and entered Rae Bareli amid a huge welcome crowd. People defied Section 144 to welcome Sonia Gandhi and shouted slogans against Mayawati. “Rai Bareli is my Karmabhoomi. No one can stop me from coming to my home. I am ready to go to jail on this issue if required”, thundered Sonia Gandhi. Earlier Sonia Gandhi had cancelled her public rally in the wake of prohibitory orders imposed in the area. Although Mayawati had diverted Sonia Gandhi’s route to Rae Bareli, a defiant Sonia took the same route and snubbed Mayawati and her administration. The UP police was pain to explain why they could not stop Sonia from entering Rae Bareli and meeting with the public despite the prohibitory orders. Sonia did not comment on the cancellation of land allotment for the Rail Coach Factory, terming it “sub-judice”. Meanwhile, Congress legislator Ashok Singh and eight of his supporters were booked by the UP government for vandalism against the state government. Manuwadi Sonia breaks the law so every indian can break law as pr their comfort.

 

Mamata apprise PM on Singur situation

SP General Secretary Amar Singh along with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banjeree met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday and apprised them of how farmers faced a tough time in Singur due to anti-farmer policies of the West Bengal government.

“I met the PM and President on behalf of SP and TC along with Banerjee and apprised them of how farmers in Singur and common man suffered due to failure of the state government and Tatas to honour an agreement brokered by West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi on return of farmers’ land,” Singh said.

Banerjee and her party were not anti-industry but only wanted return cultivable land to farmers, as per the terms of the agreement signed between her and the state government.

Accusing the Tatas of ditching people of West Bengal, especially Singur, over their failure to honour the terms of the agreement and leaving the state for Gujarat, Singh wondered whether Ratan Tata wants to be industrialist or a politician.

“Ratan Tata spoke about Good M (Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi) and Bad M (Mamata Banerjee). On what basis did he make this comment. Mamata Banerjee only wanted the surplus land of farmers to be given back to them, while we all know how ‘good’ Modi is.

“We want Tata’s reply by this evening whether he wants to remain an industrialist or a politician,” Singh said.

The SP general secretary, who had last month shared the dais with Mamata when she was agitating in Singur against Tatas Nano Car project, had said at that time that “they (Tatas) have acquired 1,000 acres. Trinamool Congress has only asked them to return the excess land to farmers”.

Singh said that both PM and President gave them a patient hearing and promised to take action in the matter within the purview of Constitution.

Pointing out that the TC leader has always fought for the rights of farmers, the SP leader said she will also agitate in Noida for the rights of farmers there who have lost their lands because of SEZ projects.

“I have met and told Commerce Minister Kamal Nath and Finance Minister P Chidambaram that the government should review its SEZ policy, as this SEZ is more of a Social Exploitation Zone, which is affecting the farmers,” he said.

Banerjee who was also present alongside Singh told reporters that they have “requested the President and PM to take action under Article 355 in West Bengal over the failure of the state government to honour the agreement which was brokered by Governor.”

Attacking the Left Front government in West Bengal, Banerjee said, “the Left parties had withdrawn support to the UPA government over the nuclear deal while they themselves failed to honour salient features of the agreement they signed with us over returning excess land to farmers in Singur.”

She wondered why the state government did not think of investing in infrastructure during its three decade long rule in the state.

Banerjee also criticised Tatas who she said “have money to publicise against us and there seems to be some politics behind their exit from the state”. She further emphasised that she only wanted a fair deal for the farmers.

 

Zardari on the way of china

Asif Ali Zardari, the president-elect of Pakistan, will visit China next week to negotiate a nuclear deal similar to the one between India and the US, an official said on Monday. “Pakistan is already in touch with China for the nuclear deal to meet its energy crisis and the talks would start during Zardari’s visit,” an official said on condition of anonymity. Zardari, who was elected president on Saturday, will be sworn in Tuesday and has already announced that his first foreign visit will be to China. The official said that under the proposed deal, China will supply nuclear material to Pakistan to meet its energy crisis. “This has nothing to do with the US-India deal but that has certainly provided us a way out to meet our energy crisis,” he said. For the last many years, Pakistan has failed to meet its growing energy needs and the situation has worsened since November 2007, with the country facing massive power cuts and adopting summer time to benefit the most from daylight and save energy. “Of course it will take time to finalise the deal after going through its details but the initial talks would start during Zardari’s visit and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) may be signed for reaching an agreement,” said the official. Zardari’s visit will coincide with the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games on September 17. “Zardari will participate in the closing ceremony as well,” said the official. Pakistan and China have a long history of close cooperation that started in early 50s and saw stronger ties during former prime minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s era. As foreign minister in military dictator Ayub Khan’s government, Bhutto played an active role in bringing Pakistan and China closer when the US was distancing itself from Pakistan in the mid 1960s. In the last three years, there have been 10 state visits by Pakistani officials to China. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was the last top official to visit China last month. In April, former president Pervez Musharraf has also visited the country.

 

On The Eve of Independence Day

`We must stand united against threats emanating from terrorism`

President Pratibha Patil addressing the nation on eve of Independence Day urged the people to work unitedly to realise their full strength and potential. She said that India is a conglomeration of a diversity of cultures, languages and religions but running through this is a unity which has given to us resilience and strength. “We must stand united against the threats emanating from terrorism. Terrorists, with their disruptive agenda, will never succeed in discouraging us from our resolve to build a strong India, or from working with our neighbours to eliminate this menace from our region, or from our commitment to forge co-operative relations with other countries across the world,” the 73-year-old President said. “The ideologues of terrorism have little respect for human life. They incite violence and mindless destruction,” she said. The President said she was confident that the concept of India that is functioning in unison in a milieu of a vast diversity will continue to define the country’s identity. “We should pause and reflect on how our conduct and our actions are promoting unity. We must ask ourselves whether our actions are contributing to strengthening of the national fabric and bringing about tolerant thinking. “We should demonstrate our ability to listen to each other to understand each other and if perceptions do not agree, give to the others the freedom to hold their views,” she said. Reminding the people that they have duties towards the country, society and family, said in discharging them there was “an obligation to act responsibly.” Patil also touched upon energy security in her speech and said “as a developing country our demands for energy are growing. We cannot let lack of energy become a constraint on our ability to deliver high levels of growth. “With the challenges of increased oil prices and climate change, the question of energy security confronts us. We need to look at energy mixes that are sustainable in the long run and are cleaner sources of energy, gradually making deliberate shift to renewable energy,” the President said. She said it should be country’s national mission to begin exploring ways in which new sources of energy can be harnessed viably. “Technologies increasing efficiency in energy-intensive sectors need to be developed…any contribution to save energy is a step towards environment protection and in saving the wide diversity of flora and fauna on the planet,” she said. Patil said due to the government’s efforts and perseverance many achievements have been made by the country in different. “But there are several tasks that await completion and new challenges that need to be addressed. A nation’s work never ends,” she said. Referring to the government’s flagship programmes for improving the lives of the people, the President said those involved in the implementation of development and social welfare schemes must work with dedication and zeal and without causing delays. “Implementation done in a transparent and accountable manner will ensure that welfare schemes reach the genuine beneficiaries in a timely manner. Thus, preventing corruption in our system and enhancing efficiency in governance,” she said. Advocating special attention for the development of agriculture and rural areas, Patil said no one should forget that the food security of the country is dependent on the growth of its agriculture. “Seventy per cent of our population lives in villages and is dependent on agriculture. Therefore, the development of India will not be comprehensive or complete unless there is development in the rural areas and increased agriculture productivity,” she added. The President said social evils like dowry, female feoticide, discrimination against girl child, domestic violence, tobacco, drugs and alcohol were blocking the country from becoming a progressive nation. “We must look at a nationwide addiction focussed eradication programme. Eliminating addiction and fighting social evils can be a slow process as it involves changing attitudes,” she added. Stressing for inclusion of women in development programmes, the President said “real development cannot take root if it bypasses women, who represent the very pivot around which social change takes shape.”

 

Concern over French nuclear leaks

Concern over French nuclear leaks A French nuclear monitoring body has expressed concern at the number of leaks from French nuclear power stations in recent weeks. The director of Criirad, an independent body, said the organisation was worried by the numbers of people contaminated by four separate incidents. In the most recent leaks, about 100 staff at Tricastin, in southern France, were exposed to low doses of radiation. It came two weeks after a leak forced the temporary closure of a reactor. There has also been a 10-fold increase in the number of incidents reported by people working in the French nuclear power industry, Criirad director Corinne Castanier said. “This type of contamination is a recurring problem. But that many people in such a short period of time, this worries us,” she said, adding that most incidents rated fairly low on a scale used to judge the potential danger of nuclear incidents. Ms Castanier linked the high number of incidents to an increased pressure to deliver energy quickly and suggested that working conditions were getting worse at power facilities. ‘No health problem’ Electricite de France says Wednesday’s incident at Tricastin – a huge nuclear complex near the town of Avignon – was not connected to the earlier uranium leak at the plant. The Tricastin nuclear site contains a power plant and a treatment facility The staff at Tricastin were “slightly contaminated” by radioactive particles that escaped from a pipe at a reactor complex, an EDF spokeswoman said. The company says sensors detected a rise in the radiation level while maintenance work was being carried out at a reactor that had been shut since 12 July. The rise in radiation prompted 97 EDF and maintenance subcontractors to be evacuated and sent for medical tests. “Seventy of them show low traces of radioelements, below one 40th of the authorised limit,” EDF said, adding that the incident would not affect people’s health or the environment. “What concerns us is less the level of the people contaminated than the number of people contaminated,” EDF spokeswoman Caroline Muller told the Associated Press news agency. Safety concerns Two weeks ago, the authorities had to issue a ban on fishing and water sports in two local rivers after 30 cubic metres of liquid containing unenriched uranium leaked from a broken underground pipe onto the ground and into the water. The environment minister has since ordered tests of all France’s nuclear power plants to ensure such leaks have not gone undetected elsewhere. On Friday, energy company Areva said liquid containing slightly enriched uranium leaked at another of its sites in south-east France. The same day, 15 EDF workers were exposed to what the company called “non-harmful” traces of radioactive elements at the Saint-Alban plant in the Alpine Isere region. The incidents have raised questions about the state-run nuclear industry, at a time when some countries are considering nuclear energy because of the soaring price of oil, correspondents say. France derives more than 75% of its electricity from its 59 nuclear power plants, and President Nicolas Sarkozy has recently announced plans to expand the nuclear programme. Here is The Tricastin nuclear site contains a power plant and a treatment facility

Source: BBC