UK phone hacking: Probe may reach Murdoch door

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

LONDON: News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch may personally get embroiled in the probe into the scandal involving his now defunct British tabloid the News of the World if it emerges that he knew about emails showing several of its journalists hacking mobile phones and making payments to police officers.

Murdoch’s UK subsidiary, News International, handed over the 2007 emails to police last week. The key question now is whether Les Hinton, one of Murdoch’s closest colleagues for 50 years, was aware of the emails in 2007, as a section of British media suspect he was. If that’s borne out, then Australia-born American media magnate would have been sure to know also.

It also emerged on Monday that the tabloid purchased royal family members’ personal contact details from a police officer deployed for their protection. In effect, Queen Elizabeth’s security was allegedly compromised. This is a serious offence under the UK law and anyone who knew about this and took no action is liable to prosecution and if found guilty likely to be imprisoned. This is apart from the serious criminality of tapping phones.

The tabloid hacked cell phones of a number of celebrities, including film stars, politicians and sports figures. The emails revealed the extent of hacking and also that the tabloid’s operatives reportedly deleted messages from a 13-year-old murder victim’s phone giving her parents false hope that she was still alive.

This particularly fuelled outrage and led to advertizers withdrawing ads forcing the 168-year-old tabloid’s closure.

News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch’s son, James, too, is in danger of facing charges in the UK and the US under prevention of corruption laws. James Murdoch is News International’s executive chairman and Star TV head in Asia and is said to have authorized at least one settlement running into hundreds of thousands of pounds to a victim of phone interception in exchange for signing a gagging agreement.

Murdoch Sr is currently in London on a damage-control exercise. He is also attempting to hold on to his UK chief executive, Rebekah Brooks, even as British prime minister David Cameron also called for her resignation. Opposition leader Ed Miliband described News International’s inaction as a “cover up on a massive scale”. He also demanded that New International’s multi-billion bid to wholly own BSkyB, Britain’s leading DTH operator, from its current holding of 39%, be halted. He found support from the ruling coalition when deputy PM and Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg urged Murdoch to withdraw his proposal.

Even Cameron of the pro-Murdoch Conservative party was forced on to the defensive, as UK government referred Murdoch’s request to the independent regulator Ofcom for an opinion on whether News International can be a “fit and proper” 100% owner of BSkyB, with no time limit for a response. PM is somewhat embroiled in the scandal as he employed editor of the paper under whose watch many of wrongdoings occurred.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Boyden`s Latest Installment in Leadership Series Features Robert Reich

April 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Legendary US Cabinet Member Shares Perspective on Corporate Leadership, CEO
Compensation and Advantages of Women in the C-Suite -
NEW YORK–(Business Wire)–
Boyden, a global leader in executive search, today released a new installment of
its Boyden Leadership Series featuring an interview with legendary US cabinet
member Robert Reich. The Boyden Reich interview features a thoughtful exchange
on such timely issues as best practices in corporate leadership, CEO
compensation, the role of the Board, motivating global teams and the advantage
of a woman in the corner office.

Robert Reich, currently Professor of Public Policy at the University of
California at Berkeley, is a former US Secretary of Labor and also served
President-Elect Obama`s Transition Advisory Board. He has written twelve books
including his most recent work, Supercapitalism.

“We are very honored to feature Professor Reich in Boyden`s series and share his
perspective on what makes for successful leadership and global workforce
management,” said Trina Gordon, Chairman of Boyden World Corporation and
Managing Director, Boyden Chicago. “Professor Reich`s experience as a pioneering
economist, his experience as one of the ten most successful US cabinet
secretaries of the century and his unique global, multidimensional insight is
valuable to CEOs and aspiring leaders alike.”

In the Boyden interview, Reich discusses key facets of CEO success, including a
practical understanding of the global environment in which their companies
operate, employee motivation, geographical and gender diversity of company
leadership and the opportunity for innovation in the current environment.

“The one benefit from this terrible recession is that it gives top managers the
opportunity to try fundamentally new things,” said Professor Reich in the Boyden
Leadership Series. “Leadership is the art of creating a fabulous team of people
who can come up with innovative solutions and spot new problems and
opportunities quickly, and no individual can do this alone.”

The full interview with Professor Reich is available at www.boyden.com. In
addition, previous issues of Boyden`s Leadership Series including interviews
with David Gergen, Director of Harvard`s Center for Public Leadership and a
former presidential advisor, and James Lillie, President and Chief Operating
Officer of Jarden Corporation, are available on Boyden`s website.

For direct inquiries to Professor Reich, please contact Rebecca Boles at tel: +1
510 642-0560 or rboles@berkeley.edu.

About the Series

The Boyden Leadership Series is a continuing publication that highlights the
views of well-known business leaders on issues relevant to leadership,
management and talent acquisition. The editors of this series conduct interviews
with heads of corporations and other key organizations across the globe to
further growth and idea exchange.

About Boyden World Corporation

Boyden is a global leader in the executive search industry with more than 70
offices in over 40 countries. Founded in 1946, Boyden specializes in high level
executive search, Interim Management and Human Capital consulting across a broad
spectrum of industries. For further information, visit the firm`s website at
www.boyden.com.

Dan Margolis for Boyden
e. dan.margolis@fd.com
t. +1 213 452-6472

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , ,

Northwest Pipe Appoints Richard A. Roman Chief Executive Officer; Brian W. Dunham Continues as President

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

VANCOUVER, WA, Apr 02 (MARKET WIRE) —
Northwest Pipe Company (NASDAQ: NWPX) today announced that the Board of
Directors has accepted Brian Dunham’s resignation as Chief Executive
Officer, and appointed Richard A. Roman to serve as Chief Executive
Officer of the Company. Mr. Roman has been a member of the Company’s
Board of Directors since 2003, and remains on the Board. Mr. Dunham will
continue to serve as President and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Roman joins the Company from Columbia Ventures Corporation (CVC),
where he has been President since 2002. CVC is a private investment
company with significant holdings in the United States and Europe. During
more than 17 years at CVC, Mr. Roman has served in a variety of
capacities including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to joining CVC in 1992, Mr. Roman was a partner at the independent
accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand.

Mr. Roman has served on the Audit Committee of the Board, which, as has
been previously disclosed, is conducting, with the assistance of
independent professionals, an ongoing internal investigation of certain
accounting matters, including certain revenue recognition practices. As
CEO, Mr. Roman’s initial primary focus will be on achieving a resolution
of these issues.

“I believe this change is in the best interests of the Company as we
continue through our investigation of accounting matters,” said William
R. Tagmyer, Chairman of the Board. “This investigation has placed
significant demands on the Company and Rich Roman’s addition will help
bring these issues to resolution. It is important during this period to
maintain and strengthen our focus on our operations and opportunities. As
President, Brian Dunham’s time and energy will be concentrated on the day
to day operations of the Company.”

About Northwest Pipe Company

Northwest Pipe Company manufactures welded steel pipe and other products
in two business groups. Its Water Transmission Group is the leading
supplier of large diameter, high-pressure steel pipe products that are
used primarily for water infrastructure in North America. Its Tubular
Products Group manufactures smaller diameter steel pipe for a wide range
of applications including construction, agricultural, energy, traffic and
other commercial and industrial uses. The Company is headquartered in
Vancouver, Washington and has manufacturing operations in the United
States, Mexico, and Indonesia.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking” statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words
such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, sees, estimates
and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect
management’s current views and estimates of future economic and market
circumstances, industry conditions, Company performance and financial
results. Actual results could vary materially from the description
contained herein due to many factors, including the completion of the
Audit Committee’s investigation, the completion of any additional
accounting work required as a result of the Audit Committee’s
investigation, the completion of the Company’s consolidated financial
statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and for the year
ended December 31, 2009, the completion of the quarterly review and
annual audit, respectively, of such financial statements by the Company’s
independent registered public accountants, the risks related to the
continuation of the Company’s inability to file required reports with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, continued poor or further weakened
domestic or international economic conditions, risks related to project
delays, risks related to changes in bidding activity, market demand,
operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw materials,
availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing,
competitive environment, and other risks described from time to time in
the Company’s reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
forward-looking statements we make today speak only as of today and we do
not undertake any obligation to update any such statements to reflect
events or circumstances occurring after today.

CONTACT:
Stephanie Welty, Chief Financial Officer
360-397-6323

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flint Telecom Group Announces Second Fiscal Quarter Results

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

OVERLAND PARK, KS, Apr 02 (MARKET WIRE) —
Flint Telecom Group, Inc. (OTCBB: FLTT) announces the filing of its SEC
Form 10Q for the second quarter ending December 31, 2009.

The key highlights of the quarter are:

Revenues decreased from the previous fiscal quarter due to management’s
focus on margin and bottom line performance. Although the year on year
revenue increased significantly, the Company reported $10.9 million of
revenue for the 3 months ending December 31, 2009 as compared to $14.5
million for the three months ending September 30, 2009, a 25% decrease.
This reduction in revenue from the previous quarter reflects a greater
focus on gross margins and tighter credit management for the period. The
Company continues to focus on adding new customers and new partners to
drive revenues in the core higher margin businesses that management is
focused on building after the operational restructuring.

Gross margins increased 29% — The gross margin percentage increased from
the previous quarter to 6.3% in the three months ending December 31, 2009
as compared to 4.9% for the three months ending September 30, 2009, and
gross margins were up from a negative 32% for the same period last year.
For the six months ended December 31, 2009, gross margins increased by
over $2.643 million (210%) year on year, moving from negative to
positive. These improvements reflect the successful implementation of
management’s previously stated key objectives for the period.

EBITDA loss narrows — EBITDA losses narrowed to $584,896 for the quarter
ending December 31, 2009, down from $1.202 million for the previous
quarter ending September 30, 2009. Year on year EBITDA improved by over
$4.2 million for the 3 months ending December 31, 2009 as compared to
December 31, 2008. EBITDA improved by $3.8 million for the six months
ending December 31, 2009 as compared to the six months ending December
31, 2008.

Reduction in cash required for operations — Cash required for
operations, before debt servicing and capital spending, reduced to
$220,713 from $839,699 the previous quarter on the back of improved
margins and lower operating costs.

Restructuring and cost cutting completed — the reduction in costs from
the operational restructuring completed in the quarter ending March 31,
2010 is not reflected in the financial statements ending December 31,
2009. However, the Company has taken an $8.1 million impairment of
goodwill and other costs for discontinued operations in the quarter ended
December 31, 2009 relating to this restructuring. Before this impairment
charge, net losses reduced to $1.9 million for the quarter ending
December 31, 2009 as compared to net losses of $3.1 million the previous
quarter and $6.0 million for quarter ending December 31, 2008.

Vincent Browne, Flint Chairman and CEO, commented, “Clearly we are very
pleased that our operational results continue to improve and reflect our
successful strategy and our move to positive trading performance.
However, even though we have made expected progress at the operational
level, we now have to resolve our debt position. Unfortunately we are
currently in default with our unsecured note holders as expected funding
initiatives did not materialize last year due to the economic challenges.
We continue to work with these groups and are hopeful that we can reach
positive outcomes with most if not all of our debt holders shortly to
cure the defaults, restructure the balance sheet and allow the stock to
better reflect the underlying value in our business.”

“Management remains focused on growing our higher margin businesses,
keeping a tight rein on costs, and building the consolidated operations
to a positive EBITDA which we are tracking to as shown in our recent
results. We will also put greater efforts in communicating our strategy,
achievements and vision to our existing shareholders, note holders and
prospective new investors as we move forward,” Mr. Browne concluded.

About Flint Telecom Group, Inc.
Flint Telecom Group Inc. (“FLTT”) is a
U.S. holding company headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. Through its
subsidiaries, the Company provides an extensive portfolio of next
generation IP communication solutions that include hosted digital phone,
voice and data termination, wireless, advanced broadband and prepaid
calling card products. The Company was founded by telecom and technology
entrepreneurs with a proven track record in building global technology
companies. Flint Telecom has grown both organically and through corporate
M&A and is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol
FLTT.OB. Additional information may be found at www.FlintTel.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made
pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “intends,”
“believes,” and similar expressions reflecting something other than
historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but
are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These
forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with
economic conditions in the telecommunications industry, the timely
development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the
ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce
operating expenses, the ability of the Company to control operating costs
and maintain satisfactory relationships with existing and potential debt
holders and vendors, and other factors described in the Company’s filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the
Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement
due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation
to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect
events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Investor Relations Contact:
Steve Keaveney
Email Contact
404.254.6980

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UPDATE 1-China steel body looks to restrict iron ore imports

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

* CISA aims to eliminate small traders from iron ore market

Basic Materials

* Chairman urges traders to boycott big-three “monopoly” (Adds detail, calls for boycott)

BEIJING, April 2 (Reuters) – The China Iron and Steel Association is drawing up measures to reduce the number of traders allowed to import iron ore, an industry source said on Friday.

“CISA is currently discussing the measures with the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (CCCMC) and details will emerge later,” a source at CCCMC said.

CISA will also implement an “agent system” aimed at making sure that import volumes are in accordance with the actual needs of steel mills and preventing traders from engaging in reselling. A new “auditing system” will also allow ports to refuse entry for low-quality imported ores.

At the Friday meeting, CISA chairman Shan Shanghua urged licensed importers to boycott the big three iron ore miners in the next two months in order to fight back against their “monopoly behaviour”, according to a report by the 21st Century Business Herald.

He said that China’s domestic ore production would be enough to keep China’s mills running for two months, and port stockpiles could also be used.

According to the China Securities Journal, the association plans to tear up the import licenses of trading companies that imported less than 1 million tonnes of iron ore in 2009.

An inspection of stockpiles building up at major Chinese ports got underway earlier this month to check quality and ascertain which traders were buying merely to speculate on soaring prices.

After its long struggle to impose “discipline” on China’s wayward iron and steel sector last year, it remains unclear how CISA will enforce the new measures, which are described as “sectoral” and therefore unlikely to involve the government.

CISA, which was not immediately available to comment, has previously blamed small traders for undermining its position in benchmark price talks with foreign miners last year.

It claims their imports of vast quantities of ore made it difficult for the association to improve China’s position during the negotiations and persuade Rio Tinto (RIO.AX), BHP Billiton (BHP.AX) and Vale (VALE5.SA) to give a favourable price to Chinese customers.

Since last year, CISA has vowed to substantially reduce the number of licensed importers and impose strict “guidance prices” for iron ore, but it has not had the clout to implement its plans.

A trader based in east China’s Zhejiang province said even if they were fully implemented, the new measures were unlikely to have much of an impact on the market.

“There are very few traders who import less than 1 million tonnes anyway,” he said, adding that many traders in the industry were already operating without licenses. (Reporting by David Stanway, Editing by Michael Urquhart)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tim Paine is heir-apparent to Haddin, says Harrison

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Sep 18 (ANI): Tasmanian Cricket Association chairman Tony Harrison has said that Tim Paine’s match-winning one-day century for Australia against England should make all cricket followers aware of his class and potential.

“Wicketkeeper batsman Tim Paine’s first international one-day century scored against England overnight and his outstanding form behind the stumps have clearly stamped him as the heir-apparent Australian wicketkeeper,” Harrison said.

“Tim has easily fitted into international cricket and looks extremely comfortable in the Australian team,” he said.

Harrison said Paine was now clearly Australia’s second wicketkeeper behind Test incumbent Brad Haddin.

“But I am confident he can and will take the next step,” The Australian quoted Harrison, as saying.

Paine scored 111 runs giving Australia a 111-run victory over England in the penultimate match of their one-day series at Trent Bridge.

Australian selector David Boon today said that Paine was staking a claim for selection as Australia’s wicketkeeper for the domestic summer.

“It will be very important for him to continue to show this form and confidence through to the last game in England and then in the Champions Trophy,” Boon told ABC radio.

“Who knows? If he comes back to Australia and has a strong start to the domestic season his future is in his hands basically.” (ANI)

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Kalmadi confident about Commonwealth Games 2010 being held

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep.16 (ANI): Indian Olympic Association (IOC) President Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday expressed confidence about the Commonwealth Games being held successfully in 2010.

Addressing a press conference here, Kalmadi, who is the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Commitee, said: “Sports Minister M S Gill, Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit are working as a team to deliver a great Game.”

“We have hired many international experts to ensure there are no slip-ups,” he added.

He also brushed aside Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell’s criticism on New Delhi’s ability to successfully hold the 2010 Commonwealth Games, adding that Fennell’s doubts would be cleared next month.

Fennell had written to Kalmadi criticising New Delhi’s preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and said that a meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, may be required to sort out all preparatory-related issues.

Union Sports Minister M S Gill on Tuesday summoned Kalmadi to take stock of the situation. IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh was also present at the meeting.

Gill has met Dikshit to discuss the Games and the progress being made. (ANI)

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‘Austerity drive may be extended to MPs after an all party meet’

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep. 16 (ANI): The UPA Government’s austerity drive is expected to be extended to all Members of Parliament (MPs) following an all party meeting, according to sources.

Vice President Hamid Ansari will call an all-party meeting to decide on the issue once Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar’s returns from Rome, inside sources said.

Following the top party leaders’ much publicized economy class flights and train rides, the UPA had requested Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha chairpersons to convince all MPs to join the austerity drive.

The Chairman of the Rajya Sahba and the Lok Sabha Speaker are expected to hold a discussion on the austerity drive.

The move is to promote the austerity comes in the wake of the country experiencing a crippling draught.

The Congress party has already advised its ministers and lawmakers to donate 20 percent of their salary towards draught relief.

They have also been told to travel economy class and not hold press conferences in five-star hotels. (ANI)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coming soon: Harry Potter theme park

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sep 16 (ANI): Harry Potter fans can soon experience the thrills of the adventures of the hugely popular boy wizard, for a new theme park based on the hit franchise is set to open next year.

The theme park, called ‘The Wizarding Worlds of Harry Potter’, is set to open in spring 2010 at Universal Studios, the Orlando resort has announced.he park is being developed in coordination with J.K. Rowling, the author of the immensely successful books, which have been adapted into films.

Recreating the fabled Hogwarts school that Potter and his friends attend, as well as the nearby village of Hogsmeade, the theme park promises a “completely immersive environment” for visitors.

“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” the Telegraph quoted Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks and Resorts, as saying.

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth,” he added.

In fact, visitors at a replica of the Three Broomsticks, one of Hogsmeade’s popular pubs, will be treated to traditional British fare and have the chance to sip on Butterbeer – Potter’s tipple of choice.

The park will also feature theme rides, including the ‘Flight of the Hippogriff’, which will simulate a training flight on the magical, quick-to-offend creature.

Those who lobed the fast-paced wizard sport Quidditch, will also have a chance to participate in a simulated Triwizard Tournament, as well as examine Quidditch equipment and even the elusive Golden Snitch at several Hogsmeade shops.

“Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products. (ANI)

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‘Two for one’ breast boosting technique not as viable as it seems

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sep 16 (ANI): A technology that was claimed as the ultimate solution to give a boost to women’s breasts by using fat removed from thighs is not viable as it seems, say experts.

Mel Graham, chairman of the Harley Medical Group, recently claimed that the “two for one” procedure could extract excess fat from where it was not wanted – the belly, hips or thighs – and relocate it to the bust.

However, rival cosmetic surgeons criticised the “hype” surrounding the new operation, insisting that it was “premature”.

“(This) is setting consumers up for disappointment and there are many reasons for vigilance,” the Independent quoted Dai Davies, of Plastic Surgery Partners in Harley Street, as saying.

He said that doctors have long been experimenting with innumerable aids to give women larger busts, including using body fat as a procedure.

The technique of removing fat by liposuction, and then injecting it into the chest has been tried for almost 20 years but with limited success, said Davies.

“Where you are injecting small amounts of fat into the face, which has a good blood supply, there is good evidence that it works. Most plastic surgeons would agree there is a place for it. But this involves injecting a large blob of fat into the breast area. Fat consists of living cells and living cells must have a blood supply, otherwise they die,” he explained.

In a Japanese study last year, 230 women underwent fat transfer, and it was found that, on average, half the fat injected was lost and all the women needed a second procedure after a year.

There are also fears that dying fat cells could cause micro-calcification in the breast leading to difficulties in breast screening and an increase in biopsies – an invasive procedure to remove tissue to check for cancer.

“I don’t think we should be a testing ground for all these techniques. You are feeding on a susceptible group of people. There should be controls but, sadly, the Government has decided it won’t implement regulation,” said Davies.

Professor David Sharpe, a plastic surgeon in Yorkshire and the founding chairman of the breast special interest group of BAAPS, said: “This sounds like another example of creative marketing. Breast implants are a well-tried and tested method. At the moment, I would stick with that.”

Mel Braham, chairman of the Harley Medical Group, said results of a US trial to be presented next month would demonstrate the success of the operation.

“The results will be assessed by our medical board and, if approved, the operation will be introduced next year. I don’t take risks with patients. I am confident this is a safe procedure,” he said. (ANI)

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Nirupama Rao discusses India, Nepal ties in Kathmandu

September 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kathmandu, Sep 15 (ANI): Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao met Nepal Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and discussed various bilateral issues including greater sharing of vital information between the two countries.

According to Nepalnews, both the leaders also discussed electricity import from India, signing of extradition treaty and the agreements reached during Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s visit to India last month.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Koirala said that the discussion basically revolved around building greater cooperation between India and Nepal, Constitution drafting and the peace process.

“India was keen on providing more assistance to help develop Nepal’s poor infrastructures, building transmission lines for the import of electricity from India, signing of the new extradition treaty and address other trade issues,” Koirala added.

Earlier Nirupama Rao met her Nepalis counterpart Gyan Chandra Acharya and discussed joint strategy for implementation of the 34-point agreement signed between the two countries last month.

During the meeting, she assured substantial amount of Indian investment in Nepal if peace is established in the country.

She also called on former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala at his residence and suggested that Koirala has a great role to play in the days ahead to end the political impasse in Nepal.

She also met CPN UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal and extended an invitation to visit India on behalf of the government of India. During her meeting she advised Khanal to seek a practical solution on rehabilitation and integration of former Maoist combatants.

Nirupama Rao also met Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Chief of Army Staff Chatra Mansingh Gurung and Maoist leader Babu Ram Bhattrai New Delhi is sending a high-level official to Nepal at a time when the constitution-drafting and peace process has been stalled due to differences among major political parties.

This is Nirupama Rao’s first visit to Nepal after being appointed Foreign Secretary on July 31.

She will also visit Pashupatinath temple and offer her prayers later today. (ANI)

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Delhi CM says preparations for Commonwealth Games on schedule

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep.14 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday rebutted criticism of her government’s efforts on preparations for the Commonwealth Games to be held in the national capitalext year.

Reacting to Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Mike Fennell’s concerns about the organizing committee’s ability to deliver, Dikshit said that she had not received or read Fennell’s letter to Suresh Kalmadi, but was confident that the games preparations are going as per schedule.

Dikshit’s reaction came a day after Fennell sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s intervention to expedite preparations for the 2010 event.

In his letter to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (CWOGC), a furious Fennell asked Kalmadi to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Singh next month.

“Our main concern relates to the capacity of the Organising Committee to deliver operationally. Preparations for the Games are significantly behind, so much so that the Commonwealth Games Federation is extremely worried about the Organising Committee’s ability to deliver the games to any comparable standard to that of the last two editions of the Games in Manchester and Melbourne,” Fennell wrote in his letter

Fennell claimed that the vast majority of functional areas were considerably behind schedule and that an overhaul in the management culture and operation of the organising committee was needed, else the Games “will fail from an operational perspective”.

“With only a year to run until the Games, I feel I must personally brief the Prime Minister of India on the lack of preparations and to seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan. I have asked the Chairman of the Organising Committee to facilitate such a meeting on my return to Delhi in early October for our General Assembly,” he said. (ANI)

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Chidambaram says Maoists seeking alliance with north-east insurgent groups

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said that Maoists are seeking an alliance with northeast insurgent groups.

Addressing the inaugural session of a two-day conference on internal security threats, Chidambaram said the Maoists have been sought alliances with secessionists and insurgentse also said that terrorist groups, including the LeT and the JeM, are persisting with their endeavours to launch terror attacks.

“The Communist Party of India-Maoist besides targeting inimical forces was laying a greater emphasis on targeting infrastructure like roads, bridges,” he added

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the conference on Tuesday. He will also present police medals for meritorious services.

The conference provides an interactive platform for senior police professionals and security administrators to freely discuss and debate diverse national security related issues, as also the various operational, infrastructural and welfare related problems faced by them.

Its deliberations would also include formulation and sharing of professional practices and processes in tackling challenges relating to crime control and law and order management.

The conference offers opportunities for generation and exchange of new ideas on capacity building for the police in respect of manpower, training, logistics and advanced technology.

The Intelligence Bureau organised the first ever conference of IGPs in India in 1920 and since then, these conferences have been held regularly at New Delhi in the post-independence period. The first conference was organised in 1950.

To begin with, it was a biennial event, but after 1973, it became an annual meeting for the Heads of Police Organisations in the States/Union Territories and of the Central Police Organisations. Director, Intelligence Bureau, is the ex-officio Chairman of the conference. (ANI)

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DGPS/IGPs conference to deliberate on major internal security issues

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will inaugurate the DGPs/IGPs Confernce-2009 here today.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the conference on the second day and also present police medals for meritorious services.

The conference is expected to deliberate on major internal security threats, including left wing extremism, terrorism, coastal security, insurgency in the north-east and circulation of fake currency notes in the country.

The agenda also includes presentations on important policing issues such as the National Police Mission, corporate fraud and security arrangements being planned for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The conference provides an interactive platform for senior police professionals and security administrators to freely discuss and debate diverse national security related issues, as also the various operational, infrastructural and welfare related problems faced by them.

Its deliberations would also include formulation and sharing of professional practices and processes in tackling challenges relating to crime control and law and order management.

The conference offers opportunities for generation and exchange of new ideas on capacity building for the police in respect of manpower, training, logistics and advanced technology.

The intelligence Bureau organised the first ever conference of IGPs in India in 1920 and since then, these conferences have been held regularly at New Delhi in the post-independence period. The first conference was organised in 1950.

To begin with, it was a biennial event, but after 1973, it became an annual meeting for the Heads of Police Organisations in the States/Union Territories and of the Central Police Organisations. Director, Intelligence Bureau, is the ex-officio Chairman of the conference. (ANI)

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Congress to decide over alliance with NCP on Sunday

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 12 (ANI): Union Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said that the decision on alliance with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls would be taken by Sunday.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Deshmukh said the party will take a decision on the continuation of alliance by Sunday.

On Friday the Congress High Command appointed Deshmukh as the chairman of party’s poll management committee and Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde as the chairman of campaign committee for the Maharashtra polls.

Both Deshmukh and Shinde held an hour-long meeting with the party’s central leadership.

He said, Sonia Gandhi had asked him to coordinate party’s election work by taking everyone into confidence.

Earlier, the Congress Party asked the Sharad Pawar led NCP to accept new ground realities during seat sharing. (ANI)

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Pakistan to play Australia at Headingly and Lords in 2010

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, Sep.11 (ANI): Pakistan will take on Australia in a two-Test series in England in 2010.

The matches will be played at Headingley and Lord’s.

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clark said that the selection of the two venues was made keeping the expatriate Pakistani population in mind. He said that England’s first test against Bangladesh would be shifted to Old Trafford. (ANI)

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DGPS/IGPs conference to deliberate on major internal security issues

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 11 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will inaugurate the DGPs/IGPs Confernce-2009 on September 14.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the conference on the second day and also present police medals for meritorious services.

The conference is expected to deliberate on major internal security threats, including left wing extremism , terrorism, coastal security, insurgency in the north-east and circulation of fake currency notes in the country.

The agenda also includes presentations on important policing issues such as the National Police Mission, corporate fraud and security arrangements being planned for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The conference provides an interactive platform for senior police professionals and security administrators to freely discuss and debate diverse national security related issues, as also the various operational, infrastructural and welfare related problems faced by them.

Its deliberations would also include formulation and sharing of professional practices and processes in tackling challenges relating to crime control and law and order management.

The conference offers opportunities for generation and exchange of new ideas on capacity building for the police in respect of manpower, training, logistics and advanced technology.

The intelligence Bureau organised the first ever conference of IGPs in India in 1920 and since then, these conferences have been held regularly at New Delhi in the post-independence period. The first conference was organised in 1950.

To begin with, it was a biennial event, but after 1973, it became an annual meeting for the Heads of Police Organisations in the States/Union Territories and of the Central Police Organisations. Director, Intelligence Bureau, is the ex-officio Chairman of the conference. (ANI)

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Biocon limited, Amylin pharmaceuticals enter global development agreement

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Bangalore/ California Sep 11(ANI/Business Wire India): Biocon, Limited (NSE: BIOCON) and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMLN) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive agreement to jointly develop, commercialize and manufacture a novel peptide therapeutic for the potential treatment of diabetes.

Amylin and Biocon will collaborate to develop the therapeutic potential of the compound and share development costs. Research will center on Amylin’s “phybrid” technology. A phybrid is a peptide hybrid molecule that combines the pharmacological effects of two peptide hormones into a single molecular entity.

Under the terms of the Development and Commercialization Agreement, Amylin will provide expertise in peptide hormone development, particularly in the area of phybrid technology, as well as metabolic disease therapeutics. Biocon will utilize its expertise in recombinant microbial expression to manufacture the compound and also leverage its experience in pre-clinical and clinical development of diabetes products.

“This agreement fully leverages the synergistic capabilities of the two companies,” said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon, Ltd. “Amylin’s knowledge of peptide therapeutics and their leadership in the diabetes market, paired with Biocon’s capabilities in process development, manufacturing and clinical development, provides this global program with the potential to effectively bring a novel therapy to patients living with diabetes.”

“This program could unleash the potential of cutting-edge peptide science to transform the lives of patients with diabetes,” said Daniel M. Bradbury, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amylin Pharmaceuticals. “We are pleased to work with Biocon, a biologics innovator and world-class manufacturing expert, and look forward to collaborating with them on this exciting program.”

Amylin Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving lives through the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative medicines. (ANI)

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Top Brit doc backs call to ban alcohol ads

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

London, September 11 (ANI): A leading British doctor is in full support of the BMA’s call to ban alcohol advertising, as he feels that such publicity campaigns do have damaging effects on young people.

“(It is) a logical recommendation to attempt to reverse the all embracing pro-alcohol culture that has grown up in a period of deregulation and liberalisation over the last quarter of a century,” says to Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance.

Writing an editorial for bmj.com, he has even stressed the need for more public conversation about people’s attitudes to alcohol as a society.

“The problem is not just about drunk, misbehaving adolescents. We can no longer ignore the many millions of people in the UK who are quietly over-consuming cheap, readily available, and heavily promoted alcohol, storing up major problems for the future,” he concludes. (ANI)

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