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Passport refused to footballer due tohis father’s link with militants

September 17, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Srinagar, Sep 16 (ANI): The regional passport authorities of Jammu and Kashmir have denied passport to a Kashmiri youth, sighting the reason of his father’s involvement with militants in the valley.

A Nineteen-year -old youth, Basharat Bashir, was all set to fly to Spain for the soccer training, but the news of denial of passport has crushed his dreams.

“They were (passport authorities) only telling me that your case has not been recommended by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and FRO from police. I know they have denied me to give the passport because my father was a militant,” said Ahmad.

Bashir was among the 11 players selected by International Sports Academy Trust (ISAT) for training in Spain, but was dropped at the last moment because of non availablitiy of passport.

When contacted, the passport office authorities refused to talk about it.

Former Indian football captain Abdul Majeed Kakroo said it was injustice to Bashir and demanded the intervention of state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the matter.

“His father was into wrong things but now he has improved. Now, why should his son suffer for that? Why should he be denied the passport, and hurdles put in his way? On behalf of all the football players I would request the chief minister to help him,” Kakroo said.

Bashir also said that he was a year-and-a-half old when his father was arrested and was later released.

“He had become militant even before my birth,” Bashir said. By Parvez Butt (ANI)

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Ambika Soni reaffirms commitment to Public Service Broadcasting Trust

September 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sept 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has renewed its commitment of financial support to the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a Delhi-based NGO.

Under the plan scheme component for production of documentaries through NGOs, the Films Division would grant funds to the PSBT, which has been short-listed for production of documentaries for the current financial year.

In the past also, the Doordarshan and the PSBT have had a successful public-private partnership.

Over the past nine years, a large number of documentary films have been funded by the Doordarshan.

Among the National Non-Feature Film Awards-2007, at least four of such joint productions of the Prasar Bharati and the PSBT have won accolades.

Speaking on the occasion of ‘Commemorating 50 years of Public Television In India’, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni invited suggestions from the luminaries of PSBT Trustees for making the Public Service Broadcaster-Doordarshan more vibrant and interesting while retaining its commitment for healthy entertainment suitable for family viewing.

Soni also reiterated that her Ministry would continue to strive to encourage creative skills so long as they honour the sensibilities of all single television viewing families.

The Minister exhorted the young filmmakers – particularly those who are the beneficiaries of the PSBT-Ministry fellowships, to take up the challenge of making relevant programmes for particularly the marginalized strata of society.

“The Doordarshan is the only channel with the widest terrestrial reach which caters to the remotest and border areas often neglected by the commercial interests of other channels,” she added.

She also invited stalwarts like Shyam Benegal (a PSBT Trustee), who had made the memorable ‘Bharat ek khoj’ serial for Doordarshan in the past, to contribute meaningfully to Doordarshan again.

Adoor Gopalkrishnan (Chairman PSBT)’s new film “Oru Pennum Randaanum”, funded by Doordarshan was screened on the occasion. (ANI)

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Adopt new, transparent selection process for police forces: Chidambaram

September 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday asked the State Governments to adopt new, time bound and transparent selection process for the state police forces on the lines of the Central Police Force selection procedure.

Addressing the three-day long conference of the Directors Generals and Inspectors Generals of state police forces organized by Intelligence Bureau, Chidambaram said: “Revamp the recruitment procedures and make them quick, time bound and transparent. We have introduced a new recruitment procedure in the CPMFs that is based on technology, objective assessment and transparency. I would take this opportunity to urge State Governments to immediately adopt the new procedure.”

Chidambaram expressed concern over the way police officers are treated and asked states to constitute the police establishment boards as the earliest.

“Constitute a Police Establishment Board that would decide on transfers and postings. It is a matter of deep regret that many police officers have been reduced to a football, to be kicked here and there, from one post to another, without regard to the damage done to the job as well as the officer,” he said.

Expressing concern over the non providing of funds to the police forces by some of the states, Chidambaram said: “I am also concerned about the attitude of some State Governments to providing funds for the police. Let me remind you that Police and Public Order are State subjects. States are right in zealously guarding their turf. The Central Government has no desire to encroach upon the jurisdiction of the State Governments. Given the Constitutional responsibility, State Governments must provide adequate funds for the State Police. “

The Home Minister appealed to the state governments to change the practice of allotting the residue – after providing funds for other Plan and Non-Plan Schemes to the head of Police.

The Central Government increased over Rs.13, 000 crore in the budget of the current fiscal to strengthening the CPFs, and for Modernization of Police Force, CCTNS, Strengthening of Fire and Emergency Services, Scheme of ICP, etc.

Chidambaram called on the conference to mark the beginning of a process of reinventing the security system in the country.

“We must learn from our past mistakes. We must also learn from the experience of other countries. It is the neglect of tried and tested methods that has led us to a situation where we seemed unequal to the challenges that face the internal security of the country,” he said.It is not enough to walk with firm steps on the path that is known. We must also lay out a path forward that will draw heavily upon technology and innovation,” Chidambaram added.

He said once the ambitious projects of CCTN and NATGRID are fully rolled out and implemented, it would mark a quantum jump in our ability to counter the challenges that we face.

Chidambaram also stressed on the creation of a first rate National Counter Terrorism Centre.

“It is also my desire that once the Police Mission submits its report, we should implement the recommendations in a time-bound manner. There is the need to enact a “Model Police Act”. Mega-city policing is a new requirement, and there is much to learn from the experiences of other mega-cities,” Chidambaram said.

Chidambaram also asked the state police chiefs to sharply upgrade our Forensic Science Laboratories and make them among the best in the world. (ANI)

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50,000 American Muslims to attend prayer meeting on Washington Mall on Sep.25

September 14, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Washington, Sep.13 (ANI): At least 50,000 American Muslims will participate in a national prayer gathering for September 25 in Washington, D.C.

According to a report filed by The Star-Ledger, the gathering is taking place in the city’s National Mall area and is being organised by representatives of a mosque in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

The paper quoted Hassen Abdellah, president of the Dar-ul-Islam mosque and an event organizer, as saying: “Most of the time, when Muslims go to Washington, D.C., they go there to protest some type of event…This is not a protest. Never has the Islamic community prayed on Capitol Hill for the soul of America. We’re Americans. We need to change the face of Islam so people don’t feel every Muslim believes America is ‘the great Satan,’ because we love America.”

The Star-Ledger reports that “A permit from the Capitol Hill police, granted July 28, allows access to the area by the West Front of the Capitol building from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. on September 25, but the main gathering will occur at 1 p.m., for the Friday prayer service.

Abdellah said he expects 50,000 people to attend, from mosques around the country, though non-Muslims are welcome, too.”

Abdellah stated the idea germinated after President Obama’s inaugural speech, and was reinforced by this summer’s Cairo address: “For the first time in my lifetime,”

Abdellah said, “I heard someone of his stature speaking about Islam and Muslims not in an adversarial sense, but in the sense of being welcome and acknowledging we are integral citizens in the society-that we’re gainfully employed, we’re educated.”(ANI)

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Centre creates “Invest India” company to promote foreign investment in the country

September 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the formation of a company ‘Invest India’ for the promotion of foreign investments under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Announcing the formation of ‘Invest India,’ Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said “The company will be a joint venture between the Government of India, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the State Governments will be responsible for promoting foreign investments into the country in a more focused, comprehensive and structured manner.”

The new company is expected to assist the government in its efforts towards projecting India as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors. The company will also assist foreign investors in identifying and realizing investment opportunities in India.

“The unique feature of this company is the partnership between the private sector organization and the Government of India and the State Governments. This is, unlike anywhere else in the world and seeks both to leverage the synergies of all three as well as address their investment priorities,” Sharma added.

Sharma informed that “The Board of Directors of the Invest India comprises of six members from Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and six members from FICCI.”

“Secretary DIPP will be its Non Executive Chairman. The Board of Directors will appoint a Managing Director and FICCI will provide the administrative, personnel and management support for day to day functioning,” Sharma said.

The authorized capital of the company will be Rs 10crore and the initial paid up capital Rs. one crore. While FICCI will have 51percent share in the equity, DIPP will have 49 percent share to begin with. DIPP’s share will be reduced overtime to 35 percent of paid up capital with induction of fresh equity by the State Governments.

The company will act as the first reference point for any investor interested in India and will also facilitate in setting up business within the country, by making available sector wise consultants and coordinating with the state government on feasible measures, Sharma said. (ANI)

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White supremacist who planned to bomb Asians and blacks in Britain jailed indefinitely

September 10, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Sep. 9 (ANI): A white supremacist was given an indefinite jail term by a British court after being found guilty of planning a bomb attack on Asians and blacks.

Pro-Nazi Neil Lewington, 43, was branded as “a dangerous man who exhibits emotional coldness and detachment”, The Sun reports.

Racist fanatic Lewington will have to serve a minimum of six years before even being considered for release.

Judge Peter Thornton said: “I accept that in ordinary language, you are an oddball – eccentric, dysfunctional and sometimes immature. But I do not accept you are no more than a pest. My assessment is that you are a dangerous man.”

Lewington was on the verge of launching a bomb blitz on those he considered “non-Britons” when he was arrested by chance for being drunk on a railway station.

Cops found two homemade firebombs in the jobless electrician’s bag.

And when they searched the home he shared with his parents in Reading, Berks, they discovered a bomb factory in his bedroom and plans to make shrapnel grenades from tennis balls and nuts.

They also found a notebook entitled “Waffen SS UK members’ handbook”.

Lewington wrote a chapter in it headed “Targeting or attacking Pakis.”

Lewington’s bedroom contained fascist propaganda including videos of Right-wing terrorists such as London nail bomber David Copeland and Oklahoma fiend Timothy McVeigh.

He was found guilty of five terrorism and two explosives charges at an earlier Old Bailey trial.

His parents, who were present in court, revealed that he had not spoken to his father for a decade. (ANI)

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Orissa tribals adopt beekeeping business

September 8, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Koraput (Orrisa), Sep 8 (ANI): Tribals in Orissa’s Kaoraput district take to apiculture to earn a living. A non- governmental organization called ‘Sarvodaya Committee’ initiated the honey collection in 1955, aided by Orissa Khadi and Village industry board.

The beekeepers collect the honeybees and keep them in a box hive and wait for at least three months for the bees to produce honey.

“At first we catch the queen bee from the jungle and keep it in a safe place. Then all the other bees come searching for the queen bee and we catch them. This is how we collect the bees and keep them in a box hive,” Ugresan Guntha, a honey collector.

“The Koraput area is a cold region due to which the cultivation of the Italian bee known as Melifera Mexica is very profitable. The honey produced by the normal Indian bee is around fifteen kilograms of in a year but the honey produced by the Italian bee known as the Malifera Mexica is around 40-45 kilograms,” said Krushna Dalei, a beekeeper.

He also said that the months from December to April are very good season for the collection of honeybees.

The demand for the honey produced in these beekeeping fields is very high.

The beekeepers have to check the honeybees every ten days and look after their needs.

The five kinds of honey bee that are found in Orissa are called Rock bee, Apis bee, Apis Melipa, Apis Maila, and Apis Melifera, which is the most profitable. (ANI)

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Malaysian Indian Congress working committee has two Punjabis candidates

September 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Kuala Lumpur, Sep. 7 (ANI): In an unprecedented move, the Malaysian Indian Congress has kept two Punjabi hopefuls on the preferred list of candidates for the party’s central working committee (CWC).

MIC President S. Samy Vellu has endorsed J. Randhir Singh from Johor and G. Jaspal Singh from Selangor among 27 candidates, who will be part of party’s decision making body.

According to a part source, one of the two was being groomed by Samy Vellu to fill the vacancy left by former vice president K.S. Nijhar.

“But it will be an uphill task since both are newcomers and are going for the same allocation. And there are only a few north Indian delegates,” the New Strait Times quoted him, as saying.

“There are many candidates vying for the 23 CWC seats and these two are newcomers. They have so little time and the delegates want to get to know them more. They will have to work hard in whatever little time they have,” said another source.

Though popular in their own states, the two candidates are relatively unknown at the national level.

But Randhir is not letting that hamper his chances. He is leveraging on his father Jasbir Singh’s popularity, who has been the Pontian division chairman for the past 45 years.

“I am using the picture with my father because many people recognise my father for his long service to the party. I want to tell them that I am the second generation who will continue what he has been doing for the community,” Randhir said of an appeal in newspapers which shows him along with his father.

Being a non-Tamil speaking candidate in a predominantly Tamil speaking party is a non-issue, as far as he is concerned.

“My father doesn’t speak Tamil as well and he has been division chairman for 45 years. Language is not a barrier. What is important is your ability and willingness to work for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Being on Samy Vellu’s list of endorsed candidates showed that the president recognises the work of non-governmental organisations, he said. (ANI)

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Malaysian Indian Congress working committee has two Punjabis candidates

September 7, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

MIC President S. Samy Vellu has endorsed J. Randhir Singh from Johor and G. Jaspal Singh from Selangor among 27 candidates, who will be part of party’s decision making body.

According to a part source, one of the two was being groomed by Samy Vellu to fill the vacancy left by former vice president K.S. Nijhar.

“But it will be an uphill task since both are newcomers and are going for the same allocation. And there are only a few north Indian delegates,” the New Strait Times quoted him, as saying.

Though popular in their own states, the two candidates are relatively unknown at the national level.

But Randhir is not letting that hamper his chances. He is leveraging on his father Jasbir Singh’s popularity, who has been the Pontian division chairman for the past 45 years.

Being a non-Tamil speaking candidate in a predominantly Tamil speaking party is a non-issue, as far as he is concerned.

“My father doesn’t speak Tamil as well and he has been division chairman for 45 years.

Language is not a barrier. What is important is your ability and willingness to work for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Being on Samy Vellu’s list of endorsed candidates showed that the president recognises the work of non-governmental organisations, he said. (ANI)

Oz Deputy PM opens International Centre for Muslim-non-Muslim Understanding

September 2, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Sep.2 (ANI): Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, today announced in New Delhi that the International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding, located at the University of South Australia, will step up its cooperation with Indian partners.

Inspired by former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, the new research centre was announced at the University of South Australia (UniSA) in 2008 at a special ceremony attended by the former PM.

The Centre is dedicated to research that seeks to define, understand and transcend the divide between Muslim and non-Muslim cultures and has already attracted $10 million (Rs40 crore) in funding support from the Australian Government and the South Australian State Government.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the launch of the Centre in India would help to encourage more of the world’s top researchers and thinkers to engage with its important research agenda.

Ms Gillard said “faith and culture have been paramount in the development of India; one of the world’s largest and most linguistically and culturally diverse democracies. Holding the international launch of the Centre here in Delhi is appropriate because India is a nation that lives with difference on a grand scale and thrives.”

She said “There is expertise here and in many countries across the Asian region that we can learn from. The goal is to build a worldwide community of outstanding scholars with a commitment to understanding and exploring the cultural and sociological factors that influence Muslim and non-Muslim relationships,”

She said the Centre would emphasise international engagement, with an international Advisory Board and a Council of Distinguished Scholars (including Indian representatives). Former Australian PM the Honourable Bob Hawke is an ex-officio member of the board.

UNESCO Chair in Transnational Diasporas and Reconciliation Studies and UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice President for Education Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, who is leading the foundation of the Centre, said the research agenda goes far beyond religious differences.

“We also want to build the Centre as a place of engagement, so that the work we do is accessible to governments and societies. This supports a guiding principle of the research Centre – to analyse effective rapprochement between Muslim and non-Muslim communities informed by principles of social justice and reconciliation.”

Ahluwalia said the 10 international PhD scholarships, worth more than Australian dollars 26, 000 (Rs10 lakh) each plus relocation expenses would help to attract some of the brightest minds to the Centre.

“I am hoping to welcome strong applications from India that can build long lasting bilateral research relationships between Australia and India in this vital area.”

Ms Gillard is also Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion. (ANI)

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No leadership role likely for ‘lateral entrants’ in BJP

September 1, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Aug.31 (ANI): ‘Lateral entrants’, a term coined for non-RSS workers, are in for tough days ahead in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In the wake of recent wrangling in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) followed by the exit of senior leader Jaswant Singh and L.K. Advani’s aide Sudheendra Kulkarni, the party has decided to clip the feathers of ‘lateral’ entrants. It literally implies that the members, who are non-swayamsewaks, will no more be able to enjoy the power and clout they used to till recent past.

A senior leader, seeking anonymity, said, ” BJP has decided that the next BJP President will be a swayamsewak and will not be a ‘ lateral entry’. This will further strengthen the chances of hardcore RSS workers-Arun Jaitley, Bal Apte and Narendra Modi-being appointed as the new bosses of the organisation and put to rest speculations about Sushma Swaraj becoming the new President of the party after Rajnath Singh’s three-year term comes to its end by the end of this year.

According to a top BJP source, the cadres of the party are deeply pained by the recent statements made by Jaswant Singh and Advani’s aide Sudheendra Kulkarni who left the party citing that he has fundamental differences with BJP’s ideology.

Party believes that cadres across the country are deeply anguished by the conduct of ‘lateral’ entrants who enjoyed enormous power and were aspirants of holding top jobs if party had won. But they defected after the party lost in the elections.

According to sources, although party will downsize the clout of non-swayamsewaks in party affairs, it will not bar their entry into the party.

Source told ANI that BJP would welcome lateral entrants into the party in future on the basis of their professional ability and capacity.

It is learnt that RSS chief in his recent meetings with the BJP leadership had suggested that they should trim the role of lateral entrants in the BJP and promote swayamsewaks in the party.

Taking a dig at the so called intellectuals, who form the major chunk of ‘lateral entrants’ in the party, top source also said: “We have competent cadres who can speak good English and also write a book.”

Admitting that the generational change in the party is imminent, party sources also indicated that Advani will continue to guide the party with his experience and moral authority even after he steps down as the leader of Opposition. By Naveen Kapoor(ANI)

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Scientific community wanted more tests, says Santhanam

August 27, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): Top defence scientist Dr.K. Santhanam said on Thursday that the scientific community in India had felt after the May 1998 nuclear tests that there should be another test to complete the research.

Speaking to ANI after controversially revealing that Pokhran II tests were not entirely successful Santhanam said: “The Science and Technology Community as a whole wanted to have some more tests.”

“…but conducting a nuclear test is a highly political decision, and no matter the wish of scientific community may be, the political leadership of the country will have its say,” he added.

Santhanam also clarified that he had at no stage said the tests were a complete failure.

“I didn’t say it was a failure but partially successful,” Santhanam added.

He also said that in the reports given to the government, the scientists had mentioned the outcome of their experiments.

“The scientific community placed its reports about the out come of the tests. They are highly classified and the political leadership of the country is aware about that,” he said.

Maintaining his stand to go for more tests before signing CTBT or NPT Santhanam said, “Many people in the administration knew that India is in need of another test.”

“The energy released after the blast were measured and the energy release was much lower than what was expected by the designers. It was not a surprise to me,” Santhanam recalled.

India tested five nuclear devices including two-sub kilo category of thermo nuclear devices code named “Operation Shakti,” on May 11 and 13, 1998 at Pokhran in Rajasthan.

Countering Santhanam’s views, former National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra said: “When they (scientists) said about the success of the tests in 1998, May 11 and 13, we asked whether they want to go for another test, but they (scientists) said No, and were satisfied by the tests.”

“It was very clear that based on their report only, we have announced it to the world. We have not lied to any one,” Mishra said adding it was only then that plans developed to discuss civil nuclear co-operation with the United States.

” In the entire scientific history, no country has gained 100 percent success in its first test of thermo nuclear device…if we get a chance, India should go for another test, especially of a thermonuclear device.” Santhanam said.

He, however, cautioned the country’s political leadership against signing either Comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT) or Non – proliferation treaty (NPT).

The NPT is a highly discriminative treaty and divides the whole world into a nuclear haves and have nots, “Santhanam claimed.

Santhanam said the new Indo- US nuclear deal does not come in the way of going for more tests.

“There is one clause in the Indo- US nuclear deal that if the security scenario around the country changes, then we can go for a test, and the country’s leadership should take a decision to go for a test taking confidence of all the factors involved,” Santhanam said. By Shreeraj Gudi(ANI)

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Mumbai TV actress accused of child abuse gets bail

August 22, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Aug.22 (ANI): A local court here on Saturday granted bail to Mumbai-based TV actress Urvashi Dhanorkar, who has been booked under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Child Labour Act, for allegedly physically abusing her 10-year-old housemaid Rameshwari.

She was produced before the Bandra Holiday Court.

Dhanorkar’s lawyer, Nitin S. Satpute, contended the black marks and swelling on the child’s face were created by bee stings and the burn scars on her forearms were caused by boiling water fallen on her.

“Under the Juvenile Act, my client was arrested. She was produced in the court. Police asked for her remand but the court rejected the police plea and granted her judicial custody. Later, the court granted her bail,” said Satpute.

The actress was arrested on Saturday morning after medical reports confirmed that Rameshwari was physically abused.

Rameshwari was allegedly punched in her eye and was left with black and bruised marks, besides burns on her forearms.

The girl was rescued by her neighbours on Friday (Aug 21) night, when she was playing the children of her employer in the garden.

“When I saw this child her hands were burnt, eyes were red. She was scared. Residents gathered and took her to hospital. After examining, the doctor said it was marks of beating up. Secondly, according to the child labour (laws), hiring any child as a domestic help is a crime. We phoned police and it came for our help,” said Bindu Bhosle, Chairperson of Mahan Shakti a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and neighbour of Rameshwari. (ANI)

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Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan named Best War Film Of All Time

August 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

London, Aug 20 (ANI): Steven Spielberg’s flick Saving Private Ryan, starring Tom Hanks and Matt Damon, has topped the list of all time best war movies.

More than 3,000 members of the online DVD and games rental service, Lovefilm, took part in the poll. The survey was conducted to mark the release of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

Saving Private Ryan is an Oscar-winning epic about the D-Day landings and it pipped Steve McQueen starrer The Great Escape to land the honour.

The 1998 Spielberg classic received 21 per cent of the fans’ votes.

The Great Escape got 11 percent of votes, and it pipped another Spielberg movie, Schindler’s List, to grab the second spot.

Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, based on Josef Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness, was ranked fourth with nine per cent of the votes.

The Vietnam War inspired Full Metal Jacket by director Stanley Kubrick and Oliver Stone’s Platoon, came fifth and sixth.

Mel Gibson starrer Braveheart claimed the seventh spot, Back Hawk Down, a tale of American troops in Somalia, came eighth.

Michael Cimino’s haunting The Deer Hunter was positioned at number 10.

Wolfgang Peterson’s German U-Boat drama Das Boot was the only non-English language film to make it in to the top 10 in ninth place.

The Telegraph quoted Darren Bignell, Lovefilm’s communications manager, as saying: “Having polarised opinion at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, Inglourious Basterds marks the comeback of one of modern cinema’s most revered directors.

“Tarantino fans have been chomping at the bit for his latest offering and we’ll soon discover whether it hits the mark with cinema-goers.”

The Top 10 War Films Ever:

1 Saving Private Ryan (1998) 21 percent

2 The Great Escape (1963) 11 percent

3 Schindler’s List (1993) 10 percent

4 Apocalypse Now (1979) 9 percent

5 Full Metal Jacket (1987) 7 percent

6 Platoon (1986) 6 percent

7 Braveheart (1995) 5 percent

8 Black Hawk Down (2001) 4 percent

9 Das Boot (2006) 2 percent

10 The Deer Hunter (2078) 1 percent (others 24 percent) (ANI)

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Indian NGOs want Malay Govt. to save Indian Studies Dept at University of Malaya

August 18, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Aug 18(ANI): A group of India-based Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have expressed their wish for the Malaysian Government to intervene in the controversy surrounding the Indian Studies Department (ISD) at the University of Malaya, to solve the issues immediately.

According to reports, a meeting was also organised by the Tamil Foundation in Kuala Lumpur to talk about means to save the department.

Spokesperson for the group, S. Arumugam said that their goal is to ensure that the department remained intact, and not be absorbed into another newly formed department, The Star online reports.

The ISD has been tangled in a leadership crisis of late, and in a recent scandal misconduct was found in the marking of PhD thesis papers where several undeserving students were awarded with first class honours degrees.

Earlier, a heated argument was also reported among the teaching staff, citing appointment of a non-Indian head of the department. (ANI)

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28-year-old swine flu patient critical in Mumbai

August 9, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Mumbai, Aug. 9 (ANI): Condition of a 28-year-old swine flu patient admitted to Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai was reported to be critical on Sunday.

“Sandeep Gaikwad, a resident of Chandivili is still critical and put on ventilator, but is stable. He is being treated as per doctors’ advise from Kasturba Hospital,” said Manish Joshi, Manager of Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Sunday said that government is considering a proposal to allow private hospitals to treat swine flu cases.

“A decision on the issue would be taken in two days after a meeting with private hospital managements. Those private hospitals who are willing to set up isolated wards and follow Government of India’s guidelines would be considered,” Chavan said.

Chavan also urged people to restrict themselves from unnecessary outings.

Four persons have succumbed to swine flu. Earlier, a 43-year-old non – resident Indian (NRI) died of swine flu at the City Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

On Saturday, 53-year-old Fahmida Panwala from Mumbai and 42-year-old teacher Sanjay Tukaram Kokre from Pune had died of swine flu.

On August 3, a 14-year-old schoolgirl Reeda Shaikh had died in Pune. (ANI)

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Manmohan Singh speaks with Azad over swine flu outbreak

August 9, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

New Delhi, Aug 9 (ANI): Taking a serious view of the swine flu outbreak in the country, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today spoke with Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and reviewed the situation.

During the conversation, Dr. Singh asked Azad to inform him about any aggravation in the H1N1 virus outbreak. He also asked him to appoint a panel of doctors to remove the false impression about the virus and make the public more aware of the disease.

Dr Singh also asked the Health Ministry to make sure that only doctors in the panel and not health ministry officials be allowed to brief the media over the swine flu situation in the country.

Meanwhile, with three of the country’s four swine flu deaths occurring in Maharashtra, the state government is considering a proposal to restrict movement of people in public places.

The move was discussed at a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.

According to sources, the Maharashtra Government is considering the adoption of the ‘Mexican Model’, which endorses restrictions on access to public places.

Under the Mexican Model, schools and colleges are closed down for a specific period of time.

Earlier talking to reporters, Azad had defended the UPA Government’s actions on curbing the spread of the disease. Azad said: “Swine flu has been spreading across the world since April… it came into India later. We have contained the (H1N1) A virus to a big extent.”

“We took steps which other nations didn’t. We screened people coming into India at airports and sea ports,” Azad added. Earlier, a 43-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) died of swine flu at the City Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

With this, the country has seen four deaths from swine flu and the number of infected cases rising to 782.

On Saturday, 53-year-old Fahmida Panwala from Mumbai and 42-year-old teacher Sanjay Tukaram Kokre from Pune had died of swine flu.

Earlier on August 3, a 14-year-old schoolgirl Reeda Shaikh had died in Pune. (ANI)

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Without customary bad boys of NAM, summit lacks excitement

July 16, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), July 16 (ANI): Without the presence of 21st century enfant terrible of the Middle East Mohammad Ahmadinejad, the towering personality of Fidel Castro or the biting wit of Venezuelian President Hugo Chavez, the 15th Non-Aligned Movement Summit meet lacks the glamour element.

The media room has journalists wondering which world leader to chase for bites. Ultimately the general consensus is that it can only be India-Pakistan talks, whether they happen or not, that can really be the only ‘story’.
Even the once flamboyant Muammar Gaddafi seems like an aged lion dressed in orange robes and purple turban. All he could say was “We are the world” referring to the over 100 heads of government of mostly developing nations who have gathered here in Sharm-el-Sheikh.

Gaddafi called for reforms of the United Nations, which he said should better, represent developing countries’ interests. “We are facing new challenges and we need to reconsider, reevaluate the international situation in order for the world to benefit from this huge gathering,” he said.
Iranian President still smarting from the election fiasco gave this summit a miss. Iran is a member of NAM and the chair of the coming summit in 2012. However, Egypt’s relations with Iran are lukewarm as Egypt opposes what it considers Iran’s interference in the Arab affairs.

So when the Egyptian President extended the invitation to Ahmadinejad, it was accepted initially but later it was declined and Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki came instead. But he too suddenly left Egypt for Iran Tuesday afternoon after the 15th ministerial meeting of the NAM leading to speculation that Ahmadinejad might suddenly turn up today. But it did not happen.

Hugo Chavez is made for television. Even Obama couldn’t resist his charm or else as cynics say, his huge oil deposits. Though Chavez did not attend the meet, Venezuela’ rebel status got quite a fillip at the ministerial level meet.

The foreign ministers included its support of the constitutional government of President Hugo Chavez and its support to the people of Venezuela to elect their own form of government and determine the economic, social and political system without foreign intervention.

The NAM also added their concern for the growing intelligence activity against Venezuela and Cuba and condemned the attempts and recent conspiracies aimed at assassination plots against President Hugo Chavez.

From the time of the 7th summit in New Delhi, when Fidel Castro gave Prime Minister Indira Gandhi a bear hug and called her his sister, Castro has been the hero for the Indian media.

The octogenarian who is battling poor health was the towering figure of many a NAM summit meet. He swept into power more than 50 years ago and though his detractors are many his admirers in Cuba and rest of the world are a legion to themselves.

Watching him thump his hand in the air in his military fatigues while calling the US names gladdened many a liberal heart in the sixties and seventies.

In today’s world, not many can have that effect on crowds. Most world leaders are slaves to teleprompter or Ivy League speech writers. Or worse, bureaucrats from the stable. By Smita Prakash (ANI)

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Gilani regurgates Kashmir, spoils chances of a rapproachment

July 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), July 15 (ANI): Barely into the second paragraph of his speech at the 15th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement at Sharm-el-Sheikh, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani brought up the topic of Kashmir by saying “long standing unresolved disputes” were putting stress on international systems.

And, as if this hint was not enough, Gilani later in his speech said: “Durable peace in South Asia is achievable” and that it could only be “facilitated by the resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir.” his was not a soundbite or an off the cuff remark, which a Zardari or a Musharraf might have made. It is a well thought out and planned statement made by the Paksitani Prime MInister,knowing fully well what the repurcussions would be.

He is well aware that relations between India and Pakistan are just about limping towards a restart and to use the ‘K’ word in such a situation is nothing short of twisting of the arm like the one seen during the Agra summit of 2001.

At that time, President General Musharraf came with all his bluster and confidence that he could convince the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee to put into the joint declaration that Kashmir was a disputed territory.

The then Pakistani delegation was all but convinced that they had been able to soften the Indian Prime Minister and even his powerful aide, Brajesh Mishra. And then, all hell broke loose when India apparently made clear to the Pakistani side that Musharraf was mistaken in making this assumption.

While most people on either side of the border believe that the “unknown hand” that worked to scuttle the Agra talks, was the then home minister L.K.Advani, it is still unclear who managed to withstand the enormous international pressure and tell Pakistan where to get off.

In the past two days, it has become apparent that the war of words over how and in what format India and Pakistan should begin talking is what is vexing both sides. Pakistan hasn’t forgotten the rap on the knuckles delivered by Prime Minister Singh to President Zardari at Yekatarinburg last month, when he said in the presence of the media that his mandate was to tell Pakistan not to allow its soil to be used by terrorists to wage war on India.

It was uncharacteristic of the Indian Prime Minister to make such a stringent remark, and sure enough, within a few weeks, the reasonable Dr Singh said: “Let me say that what I had said to Zardari Sahib, I had not intended to say that in the presence of the media. I simply forgot that the media were present there. It was not my intention to hurt Zardari Sahib’s feelings.”

But that kind of grace is not visible here at Sharm-el-Sheikh. Gilani is scheduled to meet the Indian Prime Minister for the first time tomorrow morning and a reasonable attitude could have furthered the cause of a fruitful dialogue at the very top.

But this speech of Gilani is a spoiler for sure. With the Pakistani press already saying that Foreign Secretary-level talks have hit a deadlock over the format for resumption of India-Pakistan talks, it is unclear what Gilani meant in his speech when he said, “There has recently been some forward movement in our relations with India. We hope to sustain this momentum and move towards comprehensive engagement.” By Smita Prakash (ANI)

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Manmohan Singh reminds the world not to forget Africa in the race for development

July 15, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), July 15 (ANI): India today reminded the world that in decision-making bodies, in global economic processes and political emancipation of nations, nobody should forget that Africa is lagging behind.

Speaking on the first day of the XVth Non-Aligned Movement Summit here, the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said: “Nowhere are the challenges that humankind faces more pressing than in the continent of Africa. NAM should work to give Africa’s problems and equally its prospects, preeminence in the global development agenda.”

Many African nations have looked upon India to voice their concerns in the global polity, and the Non-Aligned Nations platform has been one such forum.

“Making Africa an active participant in global economic processes is a moral imperative”, he said. And like a marketing guru, throwing a bait, he added: “It also makes good economic sense.” r. Singh also spoke about India’s role in furthering the African continent’s concerns about being neglected by International bodies.

He said: “India is committed to develop a comprehensive partnership with Africa. As a first step, we held the first India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in 2008. We are ready to work with other NAM countries to enhance our partnership in areas that are of priority to Africa.” By Smita Prakash (ANI)

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