New Delhi removed pressure on Islamabad

NEW DELHI: The Opposition parties on Friday said the government’s stand that it took forward the Atal Bihari Vajpayee legacy vis-À-vis Pakistan was to cover up its “monumental lapse,” even as External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna reiterated that New Delhi pursued an independent foreign policy. Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the working of his Ministry, Mr. Krishna emphasised that no progress in dialogue with Pakistan was possible in an atmosphere vitiated by violence or threat to use violence. The India-Pakistan joint statement, he said, encapsulated this view. The Minister disagreed with the BJP’s charge that New Delhi removed pressure on Islamabad to act against terror. “While opposing the government, let us not give more credence to what others say over what the Prime Minister and our own government have formally stated. We are not here to question each others’ motives. We are united against terrorism period,” he said. In his nearly 50-minute response, Mr. Krishna outlined the contours of the foreign policy, engagement with India’s neighbours, different groupings and regions, the Look-East policy, view on the Israel-Palestine issue, and specific issues, including steps being taken by Australia to address the students attacks problem. Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said, “In an exercise to aim damage control, an argument has now been advanced that it is a continuation of the line followed by [the former Prime Minister] Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Now it is sought to be used to cover up their own lapse.”

For futher details visit as : www.hindu.com/2009/08/01/stories/2009080161021000.htm

Reports of scaling down of security cover to BSP

New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) Reports of scaling down of security cover to BSP supremo Mayawati today created a storm in the Rajya Sabha which witnessed two adjournments over the issue. The matter was resolved when the government assured the members that there would be no reduction in the security to four leaders including the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The House plunged into turmoil as soon as it met for the day with agitated BSP members storming the well to register their protest leading to disruption of the Question Hour. Before adjourning the House till noon, an upset Chairman Hamid Ansari said "this is an extraordinary example of indiscipline in the House. The rights of members are being violated." When the House reassembled, Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan assured the members that security cover of leaders mentioned in their notice would not be reduced.


Source : http:ptinews.com/news/189561_No-reduction-in-security-to-leaders--says-govt

Hillary clinton signs a Asean treaty on amity

PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters) - The United States will signal its renewed interest in Southeast Asia on Wednesday when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signs a treaty that could assuage concerns in the region about China's growing influence. Clinton, who arrives in the Thai resort of Phuket later on Wednesday, will also hold separate meetings with foreign ministers from regional countries to try to find ways to persuade North Korea to end its nuclear programme. Speaking in Bangkok on Tuesday, Clinton said she would sign the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Cooperation when she meets foreign ministers from the Association of South East Asian Nations. Other countries, including China, have acceded to the treaty, a document that underpins the 10-member grouping and which commits signatories to the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in domestic affairs. "I want to send a very clear message that the United States is back, that we are fully engaged and committed to our relationships in Southeast Asia," Clinton said. Her talks on Wednesday come ahead of Asia's biggest annual security gathering, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which takes place on Thursday. U.S. officials have said Clinton wanted to stress Washington's interest in ASEAN, a region home to 570 million people and with combined economic output of $1.1 trillion.

for further details visit as : in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-41221420090722

Us secretary meet Indian top leaders

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is meeting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other top leaders, as part of her visit to the country. Indian relations with Pakistan are thought to be high on the agenda, along with education and technology. The countries are also expected to sign deals on arms sales and the building of US-funded nuclear plants. Correspondents say the visit aims to show the US is committed to Delhi, and to broaden ties between the countries.

Addressing students at Delhi University ahead of the talks, Mrs Clinton said the US wanted to "deepen our strategic understanding" with India and find more common ground. As well as Mr Singh, Mrs Clinton is holding talks with her Indian counterpart, SM Krishna, the head of the ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, and the leader of the opposition, Lal Krishna Advani.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas, who is travelling with Mrs Clinton, says the secretary of state hopes to come away with tangible agreements on trade between the US and India. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (r) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in Egypt on 16 July Diplomatic test for Clinton in India.


For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8158489.stm

Pakistan government to tackle terrorism-Hillary clinton

New Delhi (PTI): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today said there has been "real will" on the part of Pakistan to tackle terrorism and that her country will enlist the help of India in fighting the menace. "I have seen a real will on the part of Pakistan government to tackle terrorism...It is their government which is being attacked and people who are being mistreated," said Clinton while addressing students of Delhi University here. She also said, "We have to look for ways to support those who oppose terror". Emphasising that combating terrorism is the "number one" challenge, Ms. Clinton said the US will enlist the help of everyone including India. Acknowledging India's growing stature, she said the world is now wanting to know where it is headed to. "Military strength does not define greatness of nation... Soft powers are more appealing," she said. Ms. Clinton also noted that the relationship between India and the US was growing day by day and wanted to use diplomatic tools to seek common ground.

Source : www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200907201142.htm

BSP is behind the burning of Joshi's house in retaliation

LUCKNOW : The war between the BSP and Congress has intensified with BSP chief and Chief Minister Mayawati 'rewarding' the person who was allegedly behind torching of UPCC chief Rita Joshi's house in Lucknow, according to media reports. Sources said, BSP MP Intezar Abdi has been given the Deputy Chairmanship of the UP Sugar Corporation.

The Congress Party, which is demanding a CBI inquiry into the arson incident says, Intezar's promotion has proved beyond doubt that BSP is behind the burning of Joshi's house in retaliation against her speech. On Sunday, Rita Joshi rejected Uttar Pradesh government's CB-CID probe into the incident and reiterated her demand for a CBI inquiry. “I demand that the CBI probe what happened at my house in Lucknow. My party also wants this, because what happened is a state-sponsored crime,” said Joshi, whose house in Lucknow was set on fire on Wednesday night by a group of alleged BSP workers for her speech against Chief Minister Mayawati.
Joshi was given interim bail after being arrested on Thursday.


For further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Lucknow-Mayawati-defiant-rewards-man-behind-Joshi-house-arson/articleshow/4797717.cms

Bridge collapsed in south delhi-taking the issue in the lok sabha

New Delhi: In yet another accident at the Delhi Metro rail construction site in south Delhi at least three cranes trying to lift an iron girder came crashing down at the buildings and slum clusters nearby. Earlier on Sunday, at around 0500 hrs IST a Delhi Metro bridge collapsed at this site killing six and injuring 11.

Taking the issue in the Lok Sabha, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy called the accidents unfortunate and said that there won't be any compromise on the Delhi Metro project in view of the Commonwealth Games 2010.
After the Sunday accident, a panel was set up to probe into the matter. The panel constitutes of Prof Nagal from IIT, Prof BR Bose Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), Steve Lorie and Rajen Katharia from DMRC.
Reddy said that the panel will summit its report in another 10 days. "The report will be submitted in another 10 days i.e likely by July 22.



For further details visit as : ibnlive.in.com/news/delhi-metro-site-accident-minister-promises-action/97000-3.html

Railway Budget News Presented by Railway minister

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee presented Railway Budget in Parliament on Friday without any hike in fares and freight charges. The other pro-people proposals include cheaper tatkal tickets, 12 non-stop trains between big cities under the name Duronto, air conditioned double-decker intercity trains and low cost air-conditioned Yuva trains for rural youth and low income groups.

Mamata also announced that rail tickets would also be sold through 5,000 post offices across the country, through automatic vending machines in 200 stations and also through 50 mobile ticketing vans.
The Minister also proposed the Izzat scheme with special passes for unorganised sector workers, new schemes for railway employees and relaxation in rules for student concessions.
CNN-IBN discussed Mamata's Railway Budget with senior Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Atul Anjan, former railway minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ram Naik and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O' Brien.
While some proposals are being applauded, others are being criticized as being unrealistic.
Mamata and former railway minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Lalu Prasad also had a spat during the Budget speech. Mamata also criticised, in a veiled manner, her predecessor's tenure as she said that Railways had incurred a loss in the last financial year.



For further details visit as : ibnlive.in.com/news/face-the-budget-time-for-mamata-to-walk-the-budget-talk/96319-7.html

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday admitted that the situation in Baramullah was “fragile”

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday admitted that the situation in Baramullah was “fragile” and favoured giving more responsibilities to the State police to maintain law and order. The Minister said Jammu and Kashmir was a place where “there are many people with different objectives” and the situation had to be handled with “great care.” He assured Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the Centre’s full support in bringing the situation under control by taking administrative and political measures. “Even a small incident can be blown up into a major incident. The incident like the one in Baramulla, based on reports I got, should be tackled through administrative and political measures. One thing led to another and stone throwing, firing and curfew followed. The situation is fragile. The Chief Minister telephoned me and he did well in taking steps to control the situation. We have to support this young Chief Minister in his efforts,” Mr. Chidambaram told reporters here. He pointed out that during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 11-12, a decision was taken to redraw the lines of responsibility among the Army, paramilitary forces and police. “We encourage the police to take over more responsibilities concerning law and order.”

for further details visit as : www.hindu.com/2009/07/02/stories/2009070257801000.htm

The textile industry in Bangladesh employs more than two million people.

Thousands of textile workers in Bangladesh have clashed with police for a third consecutive day in a protest over pay and conditions.

Police fired live bullets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who have set fire to at least one factory and forced the closure of many more.
Two people were killed during fierce confrontations with police over the weekend around the capital, Dhaka.
The textile industry in Bangladesh employs more than two million people.
The BBC's Mark Dummett, in Dhaka, says strikes and protests frequently disrupt the industry, which produce clothes for some of the world's biggest brands.
Police said that hundreds of workers attacked factories and blocked roads in a garment zone on the outskirts of Dhaka over the weekend.
The workers have said they were also protesting against the deaths of two colleagues over the weekend.
Bangladesh has more than 4,000 factories and ready-made garments account for most of the country's export earnings.
The minimum wage in Bangladesh is less than $25 (£15) per month.




Source : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8123659.stm

Ingushetia has been wounded in an assassination attempt

The president of the southern Russian republic of Ingushetia has been wounded in an assassination attempt.
Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has been taken to hospital and his condition is unclear. Three bodyguards are reported to have been killed.
An explosion hit their convoy near the city of Nazran, officials say. No group has said it carried out the attack.
Ingushetia, which neighbours Chechnya, has seen an increase in violence in recent years.
Monday's attack is the third to hit the republic in as many weeks.
The North Caucasus region, which also includes Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia, is regarded as a major security challenge for the Kremlin.


For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8112109.stm

Australia's political leaders have traded furious accusations in parliament

SYDNEY (AFP) — Australia's political leaders have traded furious accusations in parliament over a scandal that could cost both of them their jobs, as an email at the centre of the row was reported as a fake.

Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull repeated his claim that Treasurer Wayne Swan had lied over the so-called "Utegate" affair, prompting an angry rebuttal from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Turnbull says Rudd and Swan helped a car-dealer friend seeking government funds, basing his claim on an email printed in weekend newspapers which supposedly came from the Treasury.
But public broadcaster ABC, without citing sources, reported that the email was a fake and a senior Treasury official whose testimony prompted the row was being interviewed by police.
Police told AFP they were conducting investigations as a result of a referral from the attorney-general's department, but would not give further comment.
If the email is a forgery, it will torpedo Turnbull's argument and give weight to the prime minister's repeated calls for the opposition leader to quit.
On Monday, Rudd dismissed the correspondence as a forgery and claimed that Turnbull's "fingerprints are all over this email, and he knows it."
"This fraudulent email was the rock on which the leader of the opposition has constructed his case against me and the Treasurer," Rudd said.
"This rock has now disintegrated into sand... these facts demonstrate beyond all reasonable doubt that the leader of the opposition has been fundamentally untruthful with the Australian people."


For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5glTfrlV5_Flr2x9kEKr7WfrteZ2g