Current World Affairs

Volkswagen Polo 1.6L launched in India

2010-09-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen India seems to be all roses and no guns as the company is expanding its presence in India like never before. The largest car manufacturer of Europe launched its powerful 1.6 l Polo variant today after the successful entry of 1.2 l Volkswagen Polo in the Indian subcontinent early this year. This hot hatchback has been priced at Rs. 6.16 lakhs, ex showroom New Delhi. The car would be available in an highline petrol version in India.

The company is all happy at this mega launch and Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. even said that with the introduction of this variant the Polo becomes even more exciting for the customers as it becomes more powerful and fun to drive while continuing to maintain all the features available in the 1.2 l Polo variant.

This all variant of Volkswagen Polo comes with a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine giving an output of 105PS @ 5250 rpm delivering a torque of 153NM @ 3750 rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box and has a fuel efficiency of 15.96 km/litre. On the exteriors, the Polo continues to sport the body colored bumpers, chrome strip in front grille, body coloured outside door handles and mirrors, a galvanized body with 6 years anti-corrosion warranty and 15 inch alloy wheels.

The designers at Volkswagen seem to have made no compromise with the interiors sporting attractive gear shift knobs, interior door handles finished in chrome, chrome interior trims, storage compartments for 1 litre bottles, 60/40 split folding rear seats and a superior ‘livon’ upholstery. With full regards to passenger safety, it is equipped with front disc brakes, ABS, front airbags for driver/co-driver and an electronic anti theft immobilizer.

When it comes to the Volkswagen stable comfort always gets a high priority as the new Polo offers multi function information display including door opening warning, height adjustable driving seats, adjustable power steering that improves drive comfort, rear de fogger and power locks with remote transmitters.

The all new Volkswagen Polo is manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Chakan, Pune and is available to customers on immediate bookings. Volkswagen, an established brand in the automobile sector sells its broad model range from the Fox to the Phaeton in more than 150 countries worldwide. The company currently offers the Jetta and Passat, assembled in Aurangabad for the Indian consumers. Also available is the iconic New Beetle, the powerful SUV Touareg, the luxurious Phaeton, the Polo and now the Vento.

Number of high-income households in India, increased

2010-08-05T06:34:00.001-07:00

A big news for the people of India, according to the reports of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), India has more rich people then poor. The number of high-income households in India has overlapped the number of low income. NCAER, released a report on Saturday named "How India Earns, Spends and Saves".

The report estimates that, inspite of the economic slowdown during last three consecutive years, the number of high income holders has reached 46.7 million by March 2010. It has overlapped the 41 million households counted as low-incomes. It is a remarkable achievement in this decade. The report of NCAER, figures out that the households earning between Rs 45,000 and Rs 1.8 lakh per annum reached sharply from 109.2 million to 140.7 million in just a decade. The savings rate of India is the highest in the world.

In addition to it, a fresh report says that the slowdown had its most effect on middle income households,in absolute terms the number of middle class households rose from 135.9 million in 2007-08 to 140.7 million by 2009-10.But, in marginally terms it fell from 62% to 61.6% in the same period.

RBI hikes short term rates to cope up with inflation

2010-07-28T05:10:00.000-07:00

To bring inflation to six percent by the month March 2011, The Reserve Bank of India has raised its borrowing and short-term lending rates by 0.50 percent and 0.25 per cent respectively.Though, this step is not going to pressurize the interest rates of banks.

However, RBI keeps its cash reserve ratio (CRR) in monetary review, it is the cash which banks need to keep with RBI. It remains unchanged. The Reserve Bank of India is looking forward for a growth in country's economy. As per it's projections, the economy will grow by 8.5 per cent, to tame inflation it has raised the inflation target from 5.5 per cent to six per cent this fiscal.

The increased short-term lending rate (repo) and short-term borrowing rate (reverse repo) would be 5.75 per cent and 4.5 per cent respectively. Since January, The Reserve Bank of India has hiked its key rates thrice to meet the pressure of Inflation.

First Gay marriage to take place in Argentina on August 13

2010-07-19T01:12:00.000-07:00

Gay marriage has become legal in Argentina. According to the officials of Argentina, the First gay marriage is going to take place on August 13th. A 61-year-old man and his 60-year-old partner will tie the knot. Argentina is the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage. The decision is based on a landmark Senate vote which created controversy in the majority Roman Catholic nation.

After 15 long hours of debate,the Gay Marriage law was finally initiated by the center-left government of President Cristina Kirchner. The voting ratio was 33:27, with three abstentions.

Maria Rachid, head of Argentine Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual Federation, is expecting around 100 same sex couples to tie a knot on the same day. Moreover,the first gay couple to wed in Argentina is offered by Mexico City authorities for a free honeymoon trip to the Mexican capital and a grand resort beach.

Kerela becoming 'Kerelam'

2010-07-15T23:11:00.000-07:00

Bombay has become Mumbai, Calcutta has become Kolkata, Madras has become Chennai, now Kerela is going to become 'Kerelam' means "land of Keras" (coconut trees). Kerala government is looking forward for changing the official spelling of Kerela to 'Keralam', it is a Malayalam word.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that the final decision would be taken after discussing the matter with experts. Various quarters of cabinet have been raising the demands to change the official spelling of the state to "Keralam", mainly the issue of change in spelling was raised by Babu M Palissery (CPI-M). Palissery added that colonial spelling of place like 'Trichur' has become Thrissur, so there is no point in delaying correcting the official spelling of Kerela into Kerelam.

Though, there is a committee headed by the Revenue Minister who deals the issues of changing the names of places. But the final decision is taken after the consent of experts and other members of the panel.

Hindus attack after a boy drinks from mosque cooler

2010-07-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Members of the minority Hindu community were attacked in Pakistan's southern Sindh province. Hindus residing in Sindh are going through many difficulties, they are compelled to leave their homes. About 400 Hindu families are being threatened to vacate the location.

It happened because a boy, who looks after chickens in a farm, drank water from a cooler outside a mosque.The people of the village started beating him brutally. A small incident broke out into a riot between the two communities. After the incident, Hindus residing in Sindh were attacked by 150 tribesmen. They injured seven people.

About 60 Hindu women , men and children were compelled to leave their places at Memon Goth in Karachi, the capital of Sindh. People are scared,they have taken refuge in a cattle pen.They are not going back their homes because of fear of being killed.

Mohan Lal, Sindh's Minority Affairs Minister, has assured full government protection to the Hindu community. Culprits would be tackled seriously.

Militants strike at three places in Jammu and Kashmir

2010-07-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking attacks by the Militants of Lashkar -E-Taiiba, three granades were hurled at a police convoy in the outskirts of Sopore city. The granades were followed by heavy firing. They struck at three places, in Sopore, North Kashmir. Curfew was maintained in the violence hit areas.

The second incident took place at main crossing of the city in Sopore, injured a Jawan of Indian Reserve Police. Third one was planned at Sopore-Baramulla road, terrorists fired upon police vehicles,it left one police driver injured.

Militants attack injured two policemen, Armies didn't go for their flag marches in Srinagar. The District Administration asked the force to remain in action in case of an emergency. On the occasion of Shab-e-Mehraj, a religious function and Friday prayers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah planned to give relaxation in the Curfew.

PM inaugurated new Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport

2010-07-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday at 10.40 am, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated new Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The inauguration was done at a function in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, (United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson accompanied by Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit chief minister of Delhi, K Rosaiah chief minister of Andhra Pradesh , Civil aviation minister Praful Patel and chairman of GMR group G M Rao.

The new Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport is the sixth largest terminal in the world after the countries Bangkok, Dubai,Beijing, Singapore and Mexico city. It is widely spread over 5.4 million square feet.

Terminal 3 has 92 automatic walkways and five-level baggage screening system that handles 12,800 bags per hour. There are 168 check-in counters and 78 aero-bridges. New terminal is based on advanced IT techniques with an eight-lane approach road from the city. The terminal has a high speed metro rail link that connects it to the city. It is an environmentally friendly terminal with multi-level car parking for around 4,300 cars.

Major Attack of suicide bombers in Pakistan 41 killed

2010-07-02T22:17:00.001-07:00

Another mishap took place resulted in killing of 41 innocent people three suicide bombers attacked a Sufi Shrine in Lahore the eastern city of Pakistan. It is the second major attack in the city in a month. As attackers were well versed of the fact that Muslim devotees visit shrines and mosques on Thursday Night and Friday (Jumme-Raat) both days are considered very divine.

There were hundreds of people visiting the shrine of the 11th century Persian Sufi saint, Syed Ali Hajwairi, popularly known as Data Gunj Bakhsh, shrine. This divine place is located in the heart of the city thats why it became a soft target for attackers. It has resulted into killing of 41 people and around 120 got injured. Divine prayers have converted into screaming and dead bodies are scattered everywhere.

It is really horrifying seeing people searching for their relatives and friends. Really an act that has raised a question that till how long the common people will be preys of these eagles? As one of the attackers blew himself at the gate of the sprawling marble shrine and the rest of the two attacks took place in the basement of the shrine the place where people wash for prayers.

It is important to mention here that Militants linked to Al Qaeda and Taliban have unleashed a wave of attacks across Pakistan as they are taking revenge for the military offensives.

Thousands march in Mexico's gay pride parade

2010-06-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Mexico city witnessed thousands of people taking part in a proud gay pride parade. A very different kind of Parade in itself where people took part with great interest.The gay pride parade was held to in order to celebrate Mexico City's historic decision that was taken six months ago.This decision let the people to tie a knot with same sex and Mexico became the first city in Latin America that legally allowed these marriages.

The oldest part of the city had throngs of jubilant demonstrators with convertibles and colourful floats and most of them were on foot.The parade continued for three long hours,one of the participant Orlando Garcia described his pleasure by saying "we are a city that doesn't support any kind of discrimination although we give equal respect to homosexuals.

It is important to mention here that on December 21 Mexico City's left-leaning legislature legally gave green flag to gay marriage consequently it opened all the doors of gay adoptions.On March 11 two Mexican women tied a knot very first in Mexico City on the other side this law has been contested by Calderon's administration in the country's Supreme Court, point of concern is that whether the constitution allows the gay marriage.

A new move to strengthen Indo -Pak relations

2010-06-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

It has been rightly said that 'where there is a will there is a way', a new way to strengthen the relations of two neighbouring countries, a fresh step to bridge the gap between the hearts, as Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is going to meet Salman Bashir, both the powers will make an agenda for a meeting of Foreign Ministers that is going to held in the next month.

Nirupama Rao is also going to meet Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at 2 p.m, andas every one is looking forward for the meeting and both the powers will try to strengthen the relations between the two countries, although the agenda is not yet clear.

As per the words of official sources the main focus would be on Terrorism, mainly Pakistan-based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashker-e-Taiba is going to get a top priority over other issues because India needs a satisfying answer from Pakistan to terminate the terror activities

The meeting is going to held on 15 July, and the main focus would be terrorism in order to build a new bridge of development between the two countries. As this meeting can add a new chapter of healthy relations between the two neighbouring countries.

North Korea identified as a criminal State by US

2010-06-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

US has identified North Korea as a criminal state, you may see it as strikingly odd but it is crystal clear that US has categorised North Korea as a "criminal state" , as American power has given its clear cut opinion that if there is a possibility of change then North Korea should put in serious efforts to improve its image if it is looking forward to have a relationship with America.

North Korea has not been following the international rules and it is trying to steal its way forward and at the same time it is following so many illegal means, State Department spokesman P J Crowley was giving his replies in answers as South Korea charged against North Korea for using illegally the World Cup broadcast.

He further added that North Korea could go for healthy relations inspite of it is paving its way through illegal means as it is trying to pirate and steal a World Cup signal, this behaviour of North Korea is really unbearable in fact it would be defined as belligerent, provocative and totally unacceptable. If North Korea wants to open up the knot in the relations it is suppose to prove its accountability.

United States trap $1 trillion mineral deposits in Afghanistan.

2010-06-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Untrapped mineral deposits have been found by United States in Afghanistan, another gift to mankind tat will definitely help to raise the bar of Afghan economy , these valuable mineral deposits consists of cobalt,huge veins of iron, gold, with crucial industrial metals like lithium , this huge discovery is going to prove as bane as these deposits are so big and can change the face of Afghanistan really.

It will definitely help in inctresting the pace of development and eventually it can turn Afghanistan into a hub of mining center as it can open many doors of trade and development of economy because these minerals are so essential for modern industry development, this huge bilk of minerals was found by small team of Pentagon officials along with some American officials.

As these mines could be really profitable, as there is great potential presently Afghanistan's gross production is about $12 billion. And this mineral discovery is going to have a double sided impact, as everything has its pros as well as cons the negative part bis that It lead Taliban to fight more fiercely to regain its country because of the temptation of these deposits.

Blast on railway track in Tamil Nadu

2010-06-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning witnessed another mishap, and a miraculous escape, the actual story was that Chennai-bound Rockfort Express was on the way as per the routine immediately the driver stopped the train, as he got the warning of a blast on the track very near the station of Perani, fortunately passengers had a narrow escape , just imagine what could have had happened.

If the driver would not have had stopped the train on the time, as per the words of Police officials the blast made damage of three feets of the tracks and has caused also a four feet crater, it is just the result of driver's consciousness as so many lives were saved because the driver stopped the train just before the 200 feet of the damaged spot.

The Railway officials at Chennai and Trichy were informed on the respective moment, and the officers including Railway Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Pon Manickavel had a quick and immediate rush to the spot, now every thing is under control and the repair work is going on in order to make the frequent movement of trains, as the trains that were coming from southern districts to Chennai got delayed.

The trains named Pearl City Express, Mumbai-Madurai Express ,Rockfort Express, Kanyakumari Express had to stopped in the mid of their way.

Displaced SL Tamils will get 5ok homes by India

2010-06-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

A major ops for Sri Lanka as India has announced a programme in that thee are around 50,000 houses will be constructed for those who are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in the province of east and north, President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a meeting with Indian PM Manmohan Singh, these two powers met as they were in strong opposition of terrorism.

Both the powers signed the agreements those were based on strengthening the legal structure and to provide security in order to achieve smooth bilateral relationship, President Mahinda Rajapaksa showed his gratitude as India offered $800 million, to enhance the railway projects in Sri Lanka. Meeting also consisted a treaty based on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh, showed his consent in the need of taking the urgent and crucial steps to make the settlement of remaining IDPs, even he insisted Sri Lanka to follow speedy and necessary steps in northern and eastern region, the two powers were agree on developing the environmentally friendly technologies, and to provide the necessary infrastructure support.

US Midwest tornado killed seven people

2010-06-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

A devastating tornado killed seven people in northwestern Ohio, as per the official reports of state emergency management.The tornado was very strong a and made Seven people killed, he added that the tornado touched down in Wood County at southeast of Toledo, in Ohio.

According to the data of US National Weather Service, there is an occurrence of seven tornadoes in northwestern Ohio.

Really has made the life of people very hard, people are looking for survival,a five year old child was among the dead people, milibury is badly affected by heavy storm winds, on around 11p.m Saturday there was occurrence of main twister,it destroyed businesses,homes along with walls and the roofs,has left the people in great suffering as they are fighting for their lives, this tornado caused a tore of a seven-mile long corridor of devastation.

The area affected was 100 yards, resulted in the hospitalization of dozen of people, as the storm was not confined only to Ohio, in Michigan it injured 11 people along with 17 hospitalized in Illinois. Midwest tornado led a damage of wall of nuclear power plant, that made an automatic shut down,such a great havoc.

Terrorists trying to obtain nuke, biological material: Russia

2010-06-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

As per the reports of Russia Top officials, terrorists have new plans to get nuclear stuff, as they as active in post-Soviet nations, are putting their so many efforts to get chemical, nuclear and biological material for more terror strikes, they are putting all of their endeavours to have a fluent access over the nuclear stuff, as these was the comments of FSB security chief Gen Alexander Bortnikov .

He further give stress when he was in front of CIS security agencies' conference in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg , as they have been constantly paying attention to these kinds of problems, he expressed that there were so many attacks that were foiled in the former Soviet republics,this was the result of joint inter-agency
operation, presently they are members of Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS).

In Moscow last year the security agencies handled to intercept a supply channel of 15 kilogrammes along with hexogen, an agent was also came in the scenario as he was detained because of carrying out of 12 terrorist attacks, in the capital of Russia well that agent was a strong string to carry out so many other terror attacks.Now the security agencies have become more vigilant.

180 people lost their lives in Central America by Tropical storm Agatha

2010-06-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

In Central America, a tropical storm called Agatha took a toll of 180 lives, people became the victims of landslides, the officials in Guatemala's capital made their hard efforts to cope with a vast sinkhole that targeted to a clothing factory.

This cruel act of nature has made thousands of people homeless, and dozens are still missing, to provide basic amenities like food and water rescue teams are making all possible efforts.

They are trying to reach to that isolated communities those who have been through typical conditions for survival, people are struggling for their lives, teams are doing hard efforts to overcome this tragedy, the landslides have buried rural Indian communities.It has reated a hole that is 66 feet (20 meters) wide and nearly 100 feet
(30 meters) deep.

Agatha made people evacuated their places in Guatemala. And around 95 percent of roads are effected by landslides and 179 bridges have been wrecked, in Honduras the school resumed , as the tropical storm Agatha led winds up to 45 mph (75 kph) it caused a landfall near the Guatemala-Mexico border the day was Saturday, there was also an eruption of volcano near the capital.

It made rescue operations more complicated, as the areas were completely blanketed with ash.

Threat To the Life of Sri Sri Ravi Shanker

2010-05-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

Founder of Art of Living (AOL) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar fortunately escaped from an attack, this spiritual leader said that he is having threat to his life, he stressed that there are some people who really want to attack him, but he also expressed his view that before he didn't want security to be in between him and his devotees, he addressed Media.

He was in front of Media People, as he was speaking to them from his Asharam in Bangalore, although he said that he has forgiven his attacker and this spiritual Guru didn't forget to add that if the attacker would have had spent some time he would come out as a changed man. Sri Sri Ravi Shanker had no rivalries with anyone.

After the incident he still believes that only truth and non violence can help to overcome, the safety of devotees is very crucial and he ensure every one not to get afraid of these kind of attacks, the incident was that an unidentified gunman shot at his car after he was returning back from delivering a discourse, and he escaped
fortunately. The mishap took place at 6.15 p.m on Sunday.

Sri Sri Ravi Shanker is performing his morning prayers as usual, Police is actively investigating taking help of forensic experts and sniffer dogs, as one of his devotees has got minor injury as the bullet brushed past on his thighs.

Dependency on foreign oil threatens US' economy and security, economy

2010-05-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

President, Barack Obama has marked on the security and economy of The
United States' fir its dependency on foreign oil. In the speech on the
security and economy in California Obama said that there have been
continuous talks regarding gas shortages in fact from decades,we have
been facing the shortages since 1970's, the prices we are paying, is
more a wastage than usage.

Obama forms a view that the continuous change in the climate has
brought a threat to the US way of life, and the dependency of oil also
endangers the economy and security of nation, he gave stress to find
out the alternative resources of fuel as the occurrence of the spill
in the Gulf was a heartbreaking incident, as the oil companies are
continuously and haphazardly hitting the grounds.

The cost is increasing day by day, and if the usage wont be checked
the planet cannot sustain the fossil fuels. He said that the
competitors are in front of us like India and China, think about the
situation when the consumers start using the fuel there like us,so the
need of an hour is to switch in a fundamental way.

He also marked that US competitors , from China to Germany are
developing new ways to find new energy technologies, they have
recognised the need of clean economy leads to the path of clean global
economy, and if we not make efforts in this direction then we will lag
far behind.

Arya Samaj another shocker for lovers, after Khaps

2010-05-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

A Famous adage is that marriages are fixed in the heaven but celebrated on the Earth, this divine knot has now got a challenge by Arya Samaj, after Khaps now it is Arya Samaj that is going to ban marriages that are going to take place without the consent of parents as well as villagers, this step has been taken by a section of the sect in Chandigarh.

As it is evident that Arya Samaj temples were the main destination of couples who decide to commit without the consent of their parents and relatives and thy could come here and tie a divine knot but now the scenario has changed the Haryana Arya Samaj Pratinidhi Sabha led by Acharya Baldev has now formed a serious view to stop these kind of marriages.
,
They are deciding to impose ban on the marriages in Sabha Temples, even now the marriages are not allowed within the same gotra and same village, the section think is that these marriages violate the settles norms of society, there are strong restrictions on marriages related to bhaichara (brotherhood).

Arya Samaj people says that they are not against love marriages but now the couples are suppose to take the consent of parents then only the marriages would be allowed, only in that condition the wedding ceremony could take place in Arya samaj Temples, this step is taken to make the youngsters understand that the basis of marriage is nature and qualities not beauty. Although other section somehow disagrees.

Mangalore crash DNA experts from Hyderabad have turned up to help identify bodies

2010-05-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

On the mishap that occurred in MANGALORE, Sunday morning witnessed the arrival of the team of experts from Hyderabad to conduct DNA tests to identify the bodies, as the people lost their lives in the plane crash of Air India Express. Around 115 bodies have been identified.

This was unfortunately country's worst disaster in a whole decade where very innocent 158 people lost their lives, it happened when the Mangalore-bound Boeing 737-800 flight that was from Dubai, over shot the runway and broke out in to the flames this incident took place at the Bajpe airport.Only 8 persons are survived.

Dead bodies were recovered previous night, all near and dear are looking for their young ones and gathered at Wenlock Hospital, a special team of investigators has arrived to check out the situation at runway and they are trying to inspect it as well.Those who survived become they jumped down on right time.

The plane hit a concrete localiser instrument and a navigation aid and fell down into ravine that was 200 to 300 metres deep.

8 People met with death by a man in China

2010-05-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Its really shocking to know that eight people stabbed by a man tom death, this happened in eastern China,among eight there were three family members, the police quoted, every one is shocked,such a mishap has shaken the lives, the man who is behind his name is Zhou Yezhong was caught by the police very soon, currently he is under is being investigated by the cops.

Zhou Yezhong bitterly killed his daughter, mother and wife, they were the family members along with them the neighbours became the victim four neighbours with one migrant worker, the killing was done with a knife on Saturday in the village Chengyuan, Badu Township,the province is Jiangxi. As per the news reports.There are alert preventive being carried on.

In china the people have become very cautious due to these attacks, on April 30 a farmer was armed with hammer caused injury to five children along with a teacher at primary school, this mishap happened in the eastern province of Shandong, another attack was done by a jobless man who slashed 29 children along with three adults.

China who had been enjoying lower violent crime rates than the West has raised a question mark on the safety of common man and children , one of the main reason is behind these kind of attacks is the people have been through mental disorders and this results in the increment of crime rate, as per the study 173 million adults in China have been facing some type of Mental Disorder.

Kasab Held Guilty for 26/11, 2 Indians got free

2010-05-05T23:45:00.000-07:00

The most awaited verdict finally arises, Indian Judiciary finally announced Kasab Guilty on Mumbai Terror attacks, but two Indians Sabahuddin Ahmed and Faheem Ansari got free ,Special trial judge M L Tahaliyani pointed in front of packed court on monday that the terror attacks on Mumbai was not merely killing and murder, it was a result of a continuous war against India which doesn't seems to come to an end after numerous efforts.

Ajmal Amir Kasab, the only survivor among pakistani terrorists, a gunman was sitting his had hung low,he had no words to utter and really his cocky smile was almost lost.The final sentence of Judge was ".Aapne jang chheda, jang chhedne ki saazish ki, CST mein 52 logon ka khoon kiya, aap guilty paaye gaye ho."Kasab didnot react at all,almost sad with his face all blank.

Kasab's death sentence is a victory of Mumbai police, but the misfortune is that the Indian duo Sabauddin Shaikh and Faheem Ansari's bail is not at all satisfactory, the cops are embarrassed, as the court made them free of all the charges regarding the conspiracies of Mumbai Attack.The judge find all the charges regarding these Indian duo highly doubtful. AS far as kasab's case is concerned he has found guilty of 86 criminal charges .

For the conspiracy along with the harsh murder of very innocent 166 persons in this three day killing drama, there was direct killing o seven persons, our Hounoured and Brave heart cop Tukaram Ombale, lost his life being part of the conspiracy and the sacrifice of top cops Ashok Kamte, Hemant Karkare and Vijay Salaskar .These charges have been placed on Kasab. Kasab sand his other nine companions were officially trained for an open war against India and thy were asked to fight till death.

Another Warning of terror attacks, Alert Delhi

2010-05-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Another warning has knocked down the ears of people, as terror has horrifies the soul of every one but there is no chance visible for its termination or full stop in fact it has made its roots very strong all the efforts that are going to control it somehow seems to be failed. As New Delhi has got a warning of terror attack, as it is the capital of India, that's why it has become a new target of terrorists.

A cop saw a suspected foreign tourist passing through the security check point in the area of old head quarters, on Saturday a warning came from Australia and United States that now New Delhi could be the next target for terrorists attacks this time as whole of the world is witnessing the evil effects of terrorism, these countries have warned to be more attentive and vigilant.

The target could be the crowded areas like popular and big Shopping Centres in New Delhi, as there were alerts in the last month also, the crowded markets . U.S. advisory points the plannings and indications of terrorists for their imminent attacks in the crowded places of New Delhi, specifically those who are mostly visited by foreigners very frequently.

Indian Police Officers are taking this warning very seriously as common wealth games are going to be held in the month of October 2010, they are trying to find out most sensitive areas and trying to increase the security there.The first major attack was witnessed by Mumbai in 2008 it killed 166 people.

Cricket World is Shaked by A Tax enquiry

2010-04-28T02:34:00.000-07:00

Whatever the result of the glamorous game I.P.L, a very wide and successful professional empire of the cricket that hold thousands of fan following got its final winning team on Sunday. The end of the game convert the man into a big looser who actually created this mesmerising journey, Lalit Kumar Modi,who has been found deeply involved in the scandal, regarding the in low and outflow of cash during these three seasons of I.P.L .

He is the person who add glamour and money to cricket and made , $4 billion-a-year industry, I.P.L's media success relied on Modi itself. But the scandal has revealed and led an end of Modi's empire, in fact it might break all his "so called high aspirations" to make it single largest league of the world, now tax authorites are very keen to knowthe actual financial position on this league, and trying to find out what were the allocations of money.

Before Shashi Tharoor, a former top United Nations diplomat insisted to resign his post , it happened after Modi exposed that a group of businessmen who were advised by Mr. Tharoor, prepared a winning $333 million bid for a new cricket league franchise, that was suppose to be given to his female friend Sunanda Pushkar,although Mr. Tharoor denied all this .Income tax officers have searched I.P.L.’s headquarters, along with a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai work[place of Mr. Modi.

All the offices og th eight teams are also part of this investigation. Mr Modi is not ready to disclose all documents I.P.L, and consequently he may faces long interrogations by Income Tax officers.

Poison Gas on School Girls by Taliban

2010-04-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

Another question rises on the security of girls, in Northern Afghanistan more that 80 school girls have become victim of such hrashness. They have fallen ill after a suspected attack of poison gas attack. Local authorities say that this is Taliban is responsible for this incident, as Taliban really opposes girl's education, this diaappoining incident took place in Kunduz.

This case took place on 12th April when around twelve girls fell ill at school, and there are 47 people who are suffering from nausea and dizziness, last wedenes day there is a news of sickness of 23 people, the illness is not serious at all. Kunduz provincial spokesman Mahbobullah Sayedi has really blamed Taliban for all this, as they are the real enemies and dont want the to avail the fruits of good education.

A 12 year girl Sumaila, who suffered alleged attack says that when she was in the class, she felt a smell like flower and after that she saw her friends and teacher collapsed in front of her, and when she opened her eyes he found herself in the hospital. As it is very important to mention that Taliban is not at all in the favour of Girl and Women education, from 1996 to 2001, it had banned the education of girls.

Afghanistan is also facing similar attacks, in some villages the schools were shut , teachers ere threatened and some girls had been attacked with acid.

Pakistan may slips Nuclear Weapons to Taliban against India

2010-04-23T02:30:00.000-07:00

Another addition in the line of unending conspiracy's by Pakistan against India, a non-proliferation US commission has said that to create more tensions between the two neighbours Pakistan will slip over nuclear weapons to Taliban and that could be probably used against India.That all has been done to reignite the tensions between India and Pakistan.

Bob Graham, head of US Commission to questions from anxious lawmakers who really concerned about the safety and security of from Nuclear Weapons that Pakistan may provide Tli8ban with destroying Nuclear weapons and that would be used against India he stressed. Graham was answering at a hearing that was convened by the House Homeland Security Committee.

Pakistan is now taking a shoulder of Taliban to access its evil and destroying thoughts. Bob Graham, also adds they had some recommendations to work out with Pakistan and India in fostering some fail-safe procedures. He clearly points out, they do not want ot allow any misstep to ignite the feelings and war between India and Pakistan fot that they set e red phone in the Oval Office along with whole protocol.

They are developing the protocols for the development of world's benefit, for their own benefit and to make balanced relations of India and Pakistan, he was really encouraged with the meet of Indo China to accelerate some of those fail-safe procedures.He is looking forward to have a balanced action between India and Pakistan.

IPL's mystery of missing papers

2010-04-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Another expected twist in IPL'S mystery of missing papers, the Income Tax who0 have been constantly searching for IPL's papers still not able to dig out two significant documents. The root cause of Shashi Tharoor and Lalit Modi's battle is the bid papers of the Videocon and Adani Groups, they failed to grab the teams for Ahmedabad and Pune.

I.T people are making their efforts from head to toe but the result is still null , Gautam Adani heads Adani Group that is a $5-billion Gujarat-based conglomerate where as videocon belongs to Venugopal Dhoot a $4-billion diversified group. The unavailability of documents has really left a crucial hole, as it is very important to document to figure out the fairness of bidding process.

Missing files could provide a way to the widespread perception of the first round of bidding that was held on 7th of March Mumbai for two new IPL teams, that to favour Adani and Dhoot .

The conditions of bidding were so stiff as bank guarantees worth $100 million and to facilitate these two big players its net worth of $1 billion and to ignore small players as it left no chances for them to move ahead, Shashank Manohar chief of BCCI wanted to have fresh round of bidding it took place on March 21 and went wrong for these big players.

Volcanic Ash closed Europe Airspace

2010-04-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

Volcanic Ash is creating more difficulties or travellers as it has closed Europe's most of the airspace, there is big confusion in the minds of travellers. Almost three fourths of the flights have been cancelled as the ash is spreading continuously from Iceland, the flights have extended up to monday. Around 20 countries have closed their airspace, to check out the situation two airlines have carried out their test flies to figure out the safety.

The volcanic ash contains the mixture of sand, glass, rock particles and it seriously can damage the engines of aircrafts, as there are no recent chances of catching the flights the travellers now searching for other mean of transport like buses, trains and ferries, the trains are over crowded and fully packed till Monday. Due to cancellation of flight of U.S president Barack Obama Won't be able to attend the funeral of Polish president.

As far as the health is concerned, British Health Officials form the view that the effects of this ash would not remain for long it is short term. As from wednesday Southern Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull volcano started erupting and it doesn't seem to come to an end. The weather experts say that the clouds are forming and they wont move far until a week.
To prevent the aircraft from being damaged they were being inspected, after the completion of Inspection process airlines will take permission from aviation authorities to restart the operations.

Indian Student victim of Racial attack in Australia

2010-04-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

Another example of brutality came out with a racial attack on Indian student in Melbourne and the height of brutality he was left with damaged eye, sore ribs and a broken nose. As per the reports of Australian daily The Age . Neeraj Bhardwaj, whose age is 23 was very harshly attacked and robbed at 4am on Easter Monday, he became a victim of racial attacks.

He was waiting for the tram to come suddenly two people who were drunk came and asking for his wallet, he denied obviously and one of them punched him several times that made him unconscious, they screamed with the words " Go Back To your Country". The Age says that Neeraj Bhardwaj's eye is damaged upto 90% and would never recover, he is not able to work even now he afraid of coming out of the home, this city has disappointed him as he had com here having the dreams of bright future in his eyes.

No they are shattered totally, how safe our students are there this question has still got no answer, before on April 11Dharmendra Singh of Punjab was found dead in Sydney, why would they come here o study on the cost of their lives, as the police is not giving any assurance regarding safety of the students.
Gautam Gupta, secretary Federation of Indian Students in Australia (FISA) has pointed out that the parents are really scared about the safety of their children who is responsible for the well being of them, there is a drop of 50% in the number of students of India.

Simon Overland Victoria’s chief commissioner of police state that Indian students who have been studying here should maintain a very low profile, they look as poor as they can. at present this is most apt way presently to come out of the problem.

Five Taliban militants lost their lives in fresh US drone strike in North Waziristan

2010-04-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

A breaking news has arrived that five Taliban Militants have been killed in fresh US drone strike taking place at North Waziristan, later there was an addition of two injured, this took place in Islamabad, on late Monday night. As per the reports clarify it was an un named aircraft that came out firing two missiles their target was a compound in Boya village. This village is located 20 kilometres away from Miramshah.

That comprises the main town of North Waziristan. The news reports have figure out that the compound is being owned by Tariq Khan who is a local Taliban commander. The missile attack was a revert as Pakistani security forces killed killed 39 militants in a big fight of Orakzai, the place where quite intense military offensive is being carried out since last two weeks.

Taliban and Al Qaeda commanders are main and routine target of US drone attack, covering tribal regions of Pakistan with Afghanistan border. North Waziristan is witnessing a big frequency of missile attacks, that were followed with a bomb attack in Afghanistan on CIA camp, resulted in killing of seven top US intelligence officials.Pakistan although opposing the attacks , it is very crucial to mention killing of 830 people in 90 US strikes in Pakistan from August 2008.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits Washington

2010-04-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

Another step to strengthen the economy by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he arrived in Washington for a four day visit. He is going to attend Nuclear Security Summit tomorrow, and he will meet President Barack Obama with some other leaders. This very important Nuclear Summit is going to be attend by leaders of 46 countries, PM is expected to talk on challenges of rapid increase and easy access of terrorists over atomic stuff.

He is going to have a word over securing nuclear material and for that he needs global support and initiative. Global Measures to stop mass destruction, the main point would be raising the concerns by India on an easy access of nuclear material in Pakistan by terrorists. On that P.M is looking forward for firm responses as well. He wants to give stress on the public faith to achieve high standards of Security, in order to benefit nuclear science.

To establish global peace and ensure very high standards of security, to maintain good harmony, he pointed out about India's continuous effort to make universal global nuclear disarmament. He is also going to present his view on the potential of India and to set up an International Nuclear Safety Centre . He will highlight in getting International co-operation and to stabilise the use of Nuclear Energy in most creation not destruction.

Sri Lanka's ruling party is leading the Polls

2010-04-09T02:12:00.000-07:00

Ruling party of SriLanka has made its leading position in the polls, as per the latest results and updates. The parliamentary elections are going to return the country's lowest ever turnout. The good news is polling around as the ruling party is far ahead of the fractured opposition . United People's Freedom Alliance that belongs to the President Mahinda Rajapakse's cleared six positions out of the seven.

As per the information of department of elections the results of seven polling divisions declared followed by Thursday's legislative polls, there is still counting to be done for another 195 polling divisions and the results form the view that the ruling party is making its strong position and leading in most of the areas . It is a crystal clear indication that Government could be formed having smooth and comfortable majority.

The result of Thursday's ballot is going to be expected from 50 to 55 per cent of 14 million voters of the country. In fact this time it has come out with very lowest voter participation. Previously it was also low with 63 per cent as elections of 1989 witnessed the killing of dozens of candidates, along with election officials and supporters. Rajapakse the president won re election in January probably expected to consolidate his power with the vote for 225-member national parliament.

Bishakha Datta First Indian on Wikimedia Board

2010-04-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

This is a sign of India's growing acknowledgement in World Affairs as Indian journalist, ,non-profit practitioner and film-maker Bishakha Datta, has been announced as newest member in foundation board of trustees of Wikimedia. As Bishalka has the perfect potential and very right person to be there to take this very much honouring responsibility. Bishakha Datta has the outstanding and tremendous experience and she has done a lot of hard work in supporting the non profit organizations across the globe.

In India, she has done hard efforts in helping non profit orgnisations for social welfare , gained a vast experience in this field presently Bishakha Datta is running a Mumbai Based non profit organisation called Point of View all her contributions made her right candidate for the place in Board of Trustees. Wikimedia is a San Francisco Based non-profit organization,.

It is funded initially through grants and donations in fact it operates Wikipedia that is free encyclopedia. It is great opportunity that Bishakha Datta has got her place in foundation board of trustees. Interestingly the pojects handled by Wikimedia get more than 364 million unique visitors per month it contributes making it making it most famous 5th web property worldwide according to (January 2010).

Wikipedia has 14 million articles amazingly in more than 270 languages, contributed by more than 100,000 people.

President Barack Obama pleased common man.

2010-04-05T02:44:00.000-07:00

Every cloud has a silver lining really this adage is very apt in this regard, U.S these past years have witnessed great typical times due to recession, these unexpected circumstances changed so many lives there were millions of people who lost their jobs, just imagine the situation of the families that had been going through this typical times, as the costs of stuffs are rising but there is no financial incoming.

Now its time to move on because there is an arrival of good times, the sign of positivity as there were 162,000 new jobs created in March according to job reports, thanks to President Obama Recovery Act, that has brought in new job opportunities and new chances to excel, in fact the smiles have come back due to President of common man Barack Obama. As there is a substantial increase in Jobs in U.S

Presidents Administration is going to work for day and night to gain the position back and to rebuild the economy, David Axelrod, Senior Advisor to the President said that. The situation have brought up to a balance as before many experts warned about another Great Depression, to overcome this, it bacame the President's top most priority to provide equal job opportunities and to set new industries to pull out America from the hands of recession. That's why he signed Recovery Act to break the back of recession.

Americans are gratified and even they know the situation very well thats why they have prepared themselves to work hard and continuously to regain the position, they are of some additional bumps in the road ahead, well this is very positive sign and Barack Obama in real terms is a President of common man.

Direct appeal by Obama to Hu Jintao Chinese President to co-operate on the Iranian nuclear issue.

2010-04-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

An hour long conversation between US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao took place to seek co operation on the Iranian nuclear issue. As two big powers are looking forward to maintain healthy and stable relations, Obama appealed China to live up its obligations. Taiwan and importance of implementing G20 agreements to accelerate and develop economic growth was also a part conversation.

These big powers have some high-profile disagreements over Taiwan ,Trade and Tibet. As Obama wanted to see nresh Un sanctions on Iran, and Chiuns passed its reluctance to see the fresh sanctions for Iran, because it has strong ties with Iran. US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice said now China is ready to have a serious and genuine talk with US over new resolution. As Western powers hold a view that Iran seeks nuclear weapons for that a charge Tehran denies.

China's foreign minister is looking forward for the solution of this matter through negotiations. As their would become a strain in relations, because of the diagreements between the US and China on Taiwan and Tibet. A ministery statement favours ensuring the healthy and stable development of Sino-US relations, for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Required steps are being taken to make relations more healthy and prosper. There is an issue on which US and China holds same view where China and US need to bring North Korea back to negotiating table and discuss the plans to bring an end to its nuclear programmes.

Two female Suicide Bombers took 37 lives

2010-03-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Moscow witnessed huge explosions by two female suicide bombers on March 29, 2010. It was a normal day life was going on like it daily runs, Suddenly it comes to a halt as 37 people were killed in two subway stations in the morning time, these explosions were set off by female suicide bombers in central Moscow.

First attack at the Lubyanka station, near headquarters of the F.S.B that is successor to the Soviet-era K.G.B, the passengers were counting on for train suddenly that crowded place witnessed huge explosions. Unfortunately, 23 people were killed in the first explosion, at the Lubyanka station second attack was at the Park Kultury station 40 minutes later and took lives of 12 people. Experts form the view that it is the work done by Muslim insurgency in southern Russia, who had once injured more than 100 people.

People are shattered mentally and physically, as it has spread panic every where. People are searching for their missing relatives, near and dear ones. As this subway system, called Metro is most managed and extensive, around 10 million people used to travel.

Close the Paki terrorists camps, says Chidambaram

2010-03-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Home Minister P Chidambaram has said that the United States of America and United Kingdom should persuade Pakistan to close it's terrorist camp. Mr. Chidambaram appeared in an interview with BBC and said that the Pakistani civilian government has not moved towards reining in the ISI and likened terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba to al-Qaeda.

According to the Indian home minister, the things can be better only if there is a truly civilian government in Pakistan which can rein in the ISI and direct the army and the ISI to move in and dismantle their terror infrastructure. Mr. Chidambaram also, very strictly, said that the camps must be closed at Pakistan and the this kind of terrorist training must come to an end.

The Indian home minister also said that so far no such action has been taken in Pakistan. He also said that both US as well as UK know that how can pakistan be persuaded on this issue. According to him India has not been able to persuade Pakistan. It is Pakistan's friends, mutual friends, who would have to bring pressure on Pakistan.

India's gain from Headley's plea

2010-03-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier it was feared that the Americans would let off Headley lightly. But now the agreement between Headley and US authorities (in which the accused had pleaded guilty) has abated this fear.

David Coleman Headley is the Chicago based Pakistani American who conspired the Mumbai attacks of November 2008, that is, the 26/11 attacks.

When David pleaded guilty in the case, his dodging the death sentence and no extradition to India were seen as the fear that he will be dealt lightly by the American officers. But something happened just the other way round. The whole thing has marked a big boost to the efforts of India exposing the Pakistani propaganda to project Lashkar as a group focused on J

Indian Relief Work Continues in Afghanistan

2010-03-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Vanishing any kind of doubt over India's involvement in Afghanistan in the face of rising threat perception, Shivshankar Menon, the Indian national security adviser, said that the relief work as well as the reconstruction programmes from the Indian side will continue in Afghanistan. According to Menon what India is doing in Afghanistan is in respose to what the Afghani people want.

Indian efforts are just to keep up the hope and aspiration of Afghanistan. As per the words of the national security adviser India will continue it's efforts to restore economy and democracy in Afganistan and will help the Afghan people to live normal lives.

India will try to find out the ways for the same objectives in Afghanistan. All these important and helpful information was given by Mr Menon while releasing the book called India's National Security Annual Review 2009 by Satish Kumar.

Carlos Roca kidnapped

2010-03-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

In an astonishing incident, Carlos Roca, the news chief of Venezuelen Televisa de Zulia television channel was kidnapped on 15th March. The hooded and the armed men kidnapped the person near the entrance of the main TV studios.

The Televisa de Zulia television channel is situated in the northeastern Venezuelan state of Zulia. According to the authorities in Maracaibo, Carlos was forcefully sent inside the vehicle. “The vehicle was later found abandoned”, said Odalis Caldera, Zulia's public safety secretary. Calixto Roca, the father of Carlos has asked the kidnappers to make their demands known as soon as possible to the family and security agencies.

According to the law agencies, it has not yet been determined that whether that criminal group acted for political motives or for purely criminal reasons. The state police and the federal police are doing everything possible to find and rescue Roca.

IPL Season Three – Entertainment Tax?

2010-03-13T00:51:00.000-08:00

IPL Season Three is back and thankfully this time it has been held in India. The great event has started in Mumbai and will close at the same place. Maharashtra is entitled to host around 14 matches this time, out of the total sixty IPL matches. It is indeed surprising to know that the government of Maharashtra has given up on charging the entertainment tax on this multi-crore extravagance called IPL.

After deciding to levy a twenty five percent entertainment tax on IPL ticket sales, the Maharashtra government has not moved any further for enforcing the tax. On the other hand, the Delhi and Punjab governments had charged entertainment tax on IPL matches. The reason behind is that the IPL is not only a sports event but it is also a commercial and entertainment venture.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra says that some states have charged this tax and some have not and so the Maharashtrian government says that it will first check out that whether doing so is productive or counter productive.

Mumbai Taxi Union to move the high court

2010-01-21T03:10:00.000-08:00

Taxi unions are now contemplating various moves following the Maharashtra government’s directive to for Mumbai cabbies to be living in the state and have knowledge of Marathi. The Mumbai Taximen’s Union (MTU) was consulting lawyers and said it would move the Bombay High Court to challenge the government’s move. The decision is being termed “undemocratic and discriminating” and totally unacceptable to Mumbai’s taxi drivers. The leaders are threatening to mass agitations like shutting down taxi services in the city.

Defending the move, State Transport Commissioner Dilip Jadhav said the government was merely implementing existing clauses in the Motor Vehicles Act. On Wednesday the Maharashtra government had made it compulsory for new applicants for taxi driver permits to be domiciled in the state and be able to read, write and speak Marathi. The decision would affect 24,000 fresh permits that will be issued over the next six years.

Suicide bomb blast in Peshwar

2009-12-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

At least three people were killed and several injured in a suicide bomb blast outside the Press Club in Peshwar today. There are some media persons in the injured. A large number of media persons and other people were present at the time of suicide bomb attack.

Meanwhile, no terrorist group has taken the responsibility of the suicide attack outside the Press Club premise. A provincial minister was scheduled to address a news conference in the Club later in the afternoon. Several cars parked outside the Club were also damaged. According to the local media reports, the bomber blew himself when he was stopped by the police man who was deputed outside the Press Club gate to prevent strangers. The policeman also became the victim of the blast. Hundreds of people were killed and injured in the recent attacks in Pakistan.

Hundreds of train passengers trapped in English Channel

2009-12-19T03:40:00.001-08:00

Four passenger trains were forced to stop in undersea Channel Tunnel which links Britain and France on Saturday. Around 2,000 passengers are feared to be stuck in the Tunnel. According to rail operator Eurostar, four trains broke down on account of bad weather conditions. The problem occurred due to technical problems created by the temperature difference inside the Channel Tunnel and freezing condition outside. A spokesman of Eurostar quoted by saying that it was snowing in northern France thereby weather condition are worse. The passengers are left with no water, food and power. The spokesman said a rescue locomotive and a shuttle train were used to move passengers out of the 51 km (32 mile) tunnel, the longest undersea subway in the world which conveys about 40,000 people a day between Britain and continental Europe. Passengers accused Eurostar of doing little to help them.

Heavy snowfalls across southeastern England on Friday had already brought chaos to road, rail and air passengers. London's Gatwick and Luton Airports were closed for many hours while flights were cancelled at Heathrow and Stansted, the capital's two other major airports.

Volkswagen Beetle to be launched on Friday in India

2009-12-03T00:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular small luxury car of the world, Volkswagen Beetle, is all set to introduce in India. The day for the launch is Friday, 4th December, 2009. Volkswagen will launch one more vehicle on the same day that is Volkswagen Touareg- a SUV. The compact car, Volkswagen Beetle, might be priced at Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). The car will be costliest small car around the world and India. The yet-to-launch car is already attracted Indian car lovers and 160 units of the car have been booked so far. On the other hand, the German company is not expecting more from India but 500 Volkswagen Beetle next year.

The small luxury car comes loaded with 2 litre petrol engine with 6-speed automatic gear box. The car is expected to give 13-14 kmpl on Indian roads. The Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with multiple air bags, anti-lock braking system and conventional 15” alloy wheels. The list of upcoming cars in India is full of new, small, luxury and people's cars.

The luxury car is expected to have upgraded interior and exterior features. Volkaswagen Beetle features includes acoustic rear parking sensors, cruise control and rain sensors. The interiors is in dual tone finish. Volkswagen Beetle is blessed with six-speaker stereo and indash CD player which is capable to read via the MP3 format. The car has most advanced dashboard in dual tone with stunning graphics. The luxury car also boasts of climate control air conditioning system, heater and AC vents that jointly promise great riding experience. The tilt steering wheel has leather covering and mounted audio controls

Two pak journalists arrested on account of tracing Kasab address

2009-11-13T04:43:00.000-08:00

Pakistan police has arrested two Pakistani scribes, Javed Kanwal Chandru and Rab Nawaz Joya, on account of misusing Depalpur Press Club funds. On the other hand, the arrested reporters told media that the Pak police arrested them due to their support to find Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the Mumbai terror attacks, address and they want to teach them a lesson for that. Joya and Chandru are the president and general secretary of the Depalpur Press Club.

They were recently arrested on charges of allegedly misappropriating the Press Club's funds and attempting to steal a car. Islamabad had initially denied that Kasab was a Pakistani national. However, the government formally acknowledged his nationality after the Pakistani and foreign media traced Kasab's family in Faridkot.

Around 600 non-Afghan staff to be relocated: UN

2009-11-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

Around 600 non-Afghan foreign staff will be temporarily relocated from Afghanistan. This move is carried out to ensure safety of the UN staff. UN spokesperson, Dan McNorton, said that the move is caused by a deadly attack on a guesthouse for UN workers. He added that only essential staff will be there in Afghanistan. Dan McNorton said that the move is temporary and it will be reviewed regularly.

It is to be mentioned that eight days after a Taliban attack on a hostel in Kabul in which five UN workers were killed. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, held talks with security advisors in Kabul earlier this week in the wake of the attack at the Bekhtar guesthouse. Ban said the United Nations would not be deterred from its work in the war-torn nation by acts of violence, he was speaking in the Afghan capital on Monday. Ban added, "There has been speculation that the United Nations will evacuate Afghanistan... We will not be deterred, cannot be deterred and must not be deterred and the work of the United Nations will continue."

List of upcoming Yamaha bikes in 2010

2009-10-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Yamaha has released the list of its best selling bikes which is going to be revamped and relaunched in the year 2010. The sexy images and silent features of the bikes are reveled. The best selling bikes of Yamaha, which is to be upgraded, are Yamaha YZF-R6, Yamaha R1 Rossi Edition, Yamaha FZ6R, Yamaha FZ1 and Yamaha Vmax.

Yamaha R1 Rossi Edition:

Unlike the previous Rossi Limited Edition (LE) that broke cover in 2006, the coming year's R1 will not get any mechanical upgrades like Onlins suspension or Marchesini light weight alloys. What you see is what you get here-the fiat Yamaha-Rossi-46 livery mash up that has been made famous by the Italian virtuoso. For added authenticity, his signature graces the rear of the fuel tank, to This exclusivity comes for Rs. 1026800.

Yamaha YZF-R6:

Noise restrictions had detrimentally affected the performance of the present R6, For the 2010 R6, Yamaha has revised the ECU while the exhaust muffler has been made 100mm longer for reduced noise and excellent power characteristics. Bizarrely, no specific improvements are claimed in the performance department yet. The new R6 is priced at Rs 743100.

Yamaha FZ6R:

For all those Yamaha sport bike enthusiasts who do not want at bike as track focused and edgy as the R6, there is always the new FZ6R with new colours and graphics, Like the rest of the 10 bikes, the mechianicals remain unchanged, nonetheless, it is an affordable option to the sharper R6 at only Rs 3,60,000.

Yamaha VMax:

The mighty VMax gets a new colour scheme in vibrant red but no mechanical changes. Not that it really need one-if 200 bhp is not sufficient for you, we really don't know what is. The 2010 model comes for Rs 9,47,000, but we feel that gragantuan tyre bills are what you should be really bothered about, not the initial price. The model has also been introduced in India with a price tag of Rs 20 lakh.

Yamaha FZ1

The 2010 FZ1 gets new colours and revised ECU mapping for improved throttle response in the low to mid rpm range. The suspension, powertrain and chassis remain unchanged and the new version will be available from February 2010 at a list price of Rs 4,99,000 in the US market.

Yamaha bikes in India:

Yamaha also launched some powerful bikes in India. The newly launched models of Yamaha are Yamaha Vmax, Yamaha Fazer, Yamaha FZS, Yamaha FZ 16, Yamaha YZF R15, Yamaha Gladiator, Yamaha G5, Yamaha Alba and Yamaha Crux. Recently, Yamaha launched limited edition of FZ series in India. Royal Enfield is also set to unveil Royal Enfield Bullet Classic in India.

Tata Motors unveils Manza

2009-10-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

Tata Motors, the leading auto manufacturer of the country, has launched its much awaited and ambitious Tata Manza in Mumbai. This launch is the new model of Tata Indigo. Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata unveiled the festival gift for the customers. The entry-level sedan has been launched in four variants- Aura (ABS), Aqua, Aura and Aura plus. The base petrol version is priced between Rs 4.8 lakh and the high end diesel version has a price tag of Rs 6.75 lakh. It comes in seven stunning shades.

Tata Motors officials informed the reporters at the launch that existing variants of Tata Indigo, Tata Indigo Marina, Tata Indigo XL and Tata Indigo CS, would be sold side by side. Tata Indigo, launched in December 2002, has seen a great success in the entry-level sedan segment till 2008. Since launch, 275,000 units of the Tata Indigo were sold. Tata Manza is developed on the Tata Indica Vista platform and the company has invested Rs 2,000 crore to make the platform. Company officials denied the idea of developing electric version of the new launch. Tata Manza is available with a 2 years or 75,000 kms, whatever completes first. The sedan is powered by Fiat's 90 hp Quadrajet diesel and saffire

petrol enginges. The length, width and wheelbase are- 4.4m, 1.7m and 2,520mm, respectively.

Chevrolet Cruze comes in India

2009-10-12T03:04:00.000-07:00

The most awaited launches of the festival season is finally done on 12th October. General Motors has introduced its luxury sedan, Chevrolet Cruze, to spark up the competition in D-segment.General Motors already launched the car in other nations before India launch. GM launched two model of the car. Though both are powered by 2.0 litre diesel engine. The company will launch its 1.8 petrol mill model in a few months.

The luxury sedan is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 12.45 lakh in Delhi. This car, Chevrolet Cruze, would give 18.3 kmpl of fuel efficiency. The Chevrolet Cruze is pitted against Skoda Octavia, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The company also informed that a mini car would be introduced by the end of the current year. The yet-to-launch small car is christened as Chevrolet Beat and developed on the same platform. This mini car would be having a price tag of Rs 4 lakh. Apart from this, General Motors small car Chevrolet Spark with a 800cc petrol mill would be launched in 2010.

According to news reports, over 1100 units of the sedan already booked across the nation. GM India had also said that it would go ahead with the launch of its long-expected mini car, named and developed on 'Chevrolet Beat' platform by end of this year. The car is expected to be priced around Rs 4 lakh. Besides, GM India has also geared up to introduce its small car Chevrolet Spark with a 800cc petrol engine in the next year. Tata Motors is also going to launch its festival offering, Tata Manza, after two days.

National Day holiday's popular for weddings in China

2009-10-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

A good number of wedding take place in China during the National Day holidays. There are eight days of holidays on account of National Day in China. Interestingly, in the biggest provincial of the country, Chongqing, wedding will be welcomed but divorce. According to the China Daily, the marriage department will work voluntarily during the holidays and register marriages but divorce cases would not be entertained. In charge of the several Marriage and Adoption Registration Centres in the provincial reported to work in the holiday but would not process divorce cases.

The newspaper, China Daily, reported that there seemed to be support on the streets not to issue divorces, although some people questioned the rationale. 25-year-old Yuan Baoying said, “Marriage and divorce are both serious decisions affecting people’s lives. Priority should not be measured by the number of applications but by the degree of urgency.” China considers the anniversary celebrations one of the highlights of the year — a chance to trumpet the achievements of the last 60 years of communist rule.

World Bank approved four projects worth $4.3bn to India

2009-09-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

In order to support the Indian infrastructure sector and to boost its economic stimulus programme, the World Bank has approved four projects worth $4.3 billion. The World bank said in a statement that out of $4.3 billion, $2 billion will be used to help banking sector support loan. In addition to this, the loan will also support to maintain credit growth levels, employment growth, social banking and help the economic recovery ahead. $1.2 billion loan is aimed to support the India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd.

(IIFCL) to catalyze private financing for public-private partnerships in (PPPs) infrastructure and stimulate the development of a long-term local currency debt financing market, the Bank said. the Bank approved $150 million for the Andhra Pradesh Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project, aimed at improving water supply and sanitation services in 2,600 villages across six districts of the State. The World Bank also approved another $1 billion loan to the Power Grid Corporation of India for the Fifth Power System Development Project. It is designed to help address India's acute deficit of power, the bank said.

Charity turns scarifies in Pak, 18 killed

2009-09-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

A charity work turned in scarifies when 18 women and children killed during this in Pakistan on Monday. According to the police, at that time flour was being distributed among the needy ones. Karachi city police chief Wasim Ahmed told media persons that they spoke to the hospital persons where the injured were admitted. They confirmed about 18 deaths. Several others have been seriously injured. The reason for the incident is suffocation and the stampede in Khori Garden that is a congested area of Karachi. The conductor of the charity, Chaudhry Iftikhar, has been arrested.

The charity was being done in the name of Ramadan, the holy month of Ramadan. Muslim-majority Pakistan is observing the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, when believers fast from dawn to dusk. Injured women and children lay on beds in a crowded hospital, where panicked relatives rushed around trying to find their loved ones and dead bodies lay covered in white sheets, television footage showed. Officials said the stampede happened when a girl fell down the stairs as women left the gathering that was organised by Dawat-i-Islami, a moderate Sunni Muslim party, at its Faizan-e-Madina mosque in the city's eastern district.

Five meetings were arranged between Nawaz and Osama

2009-09-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

In a shocking discloser, an ex-ISI official claimed to arrange at least five meetings between former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif and al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. The former ISI official and now chairman Defence of Human Rights organisation Khalid Khwaja also proposed to provide evidence about the meetings. He was quoted as saying by ARY News today. He was interviewed in a programme named 'Eleventh Hour'. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has denied the allegation and termed it as baseless.

He said hopefully Nawaz Sharif would not "tell a lie" in this regard. He said he had met the al-Qaida chief more than a hundred times "but not after the 9/11 incident". However, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has termed the claims of the head of Defence of Human Rights organisation as baseless. The claims by Khalid Khwaja regarding the meetings between Nawaz Sharif and Osama bin Laden were "meaningless", the party's information secretary Ahsan Iqbal told ARY news.

King of pop buried more than two months later

2009-09-04T03:54:00.000-07:00

As the life of King of pop, Michael Jackson, spent in controversies, the same was the case when he died. It takes more than two months to decide over his last rituals. He was buried at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, five miles from Hollywood on Friday. It may be recalled that MJ died on June 25 this year at the age of 50. His family members and others claimed that he was given overdoses of drugs.

Postmortem was done a couple of times to ascertain the reason of his death. However, officially it was ruled as homicide by prosecutors after a long investigation. The funeral ceremony was full of celebrities. These includes MJ's family including his mother Katherine and father Joe, his brothers and sisters, and his children Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket. Among the others who attended the ceremony, there were Elizabeth Taylor, MaCaulay Culkin, his girlfriend Mila Kunis and actor Chris Tucker.

MJ's close friend Taylor, devastated by his sudden death, had earlier refused to participate in the public memorial service, saying she did not want to be part of the 'whoopla', but had agreed to attend the private ceremony.

Skorea launched first rocket at last

2009-08-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

South Korea has launched its first rocket into space today after several launch attempts due to various reasons. The country had postponed its launch last week just before the fixed blast off on account of some technical failure. Just after the launch, North Korea said that the country will keep a close eye on the international response to Seoul launch. The rocket lifted off from the country's space center on Oenaro Island, about 290 miles (465 kilometers) south of Seoul, around 5 p.m. (0800 GMT, 4 a.m. EDT). It is South Korea's first launch of a rocket from its own territory. Since 1992, it has launched 11 satellites, all on foreign-made rockets sent from overseas sites.

The rocket, built with Russian help, was carrying a domestically built satellite aimed at observing the atmosphere and ocean. South Korean officials hope the rocket will boost the country's aim to become a regional space power, along with China, Japan and India. North Korea, however, has warned it would ``closely watch'' how the U.S. and other neighboring countries respond to the South's launch. In April, the North claimed it launched a multistage rocket it said was mounted with a satellite. The U.S., Japan and other nations condemned the launch as a test of ballistic missile technology since the same rocket can be mounted with a warhead.

The U.N. Security Council subsequently slapped Pyongyang with sanctions, calling the launch a violation of resolutions banning it from conducting missile-related activity. In recent weeks, the North has significantly softened its stance toward the South, freeing a South Korean worker held there for more than four months, agreeing to lift restrictions on border crossings and pledging to resume joint projects and the reunion of families separated during the Korean War.

Afghan Prez house attacked

2009-08-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

KABUL: After Saturday's attack in Kabul, terrorists fired rockets on the house of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday morning hours. The main police headquarters was also targeted in the same attack. However, no causality was reported so far in the attack. News agency Reuters reported that two rockets were launched at palace compound in the city centre and main police headquarters.

The motive of the attack was to disrupt the process of election in the country. The terrorists had attacked in February this year. On the other hand, this was claimed the third attack by terrorists. According to a SMS sent to Reuters by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, four rockets were launched by terrorists at the capital.

However, he didn't provide further details about the attack. On Saturday, militants launched the biggest attack in Kabul since February, when a suicide car bomber struck the headquarters of Western troops, killing seven Afghans and wounding scores.

MJ used Depo Provera to cool his sexual appetite towards young boys

2009-08-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

LONDON: The spokesman of Dr Alimorad Farshchian, pop star's physician between 2001 to 2003, has confirmed that Michael Jackson used to has Depo Provera, a chemical castration drug to cool his sexual appetite towards young boys.

This surprising fact was reveled after the death of the legend. Mirror reported online that the doctor was trying to help MJ. MJ was in controversy for molesting children twice. According to the reports, his doctor started giving Depo Provera in the view of Jackson's behaviour towards young boys.

This news was also confirmed by MJ's official photographer, Ian Barkley, for four years. He reported to say that pop king began using the drugs at doctor's prescription. "As a responsible doctor, Dr Farshchian thought these tendencies were something Michael might address. He didn't necessarily think there was abuse going on, but he was concerned there were inappropriate feelings towards minors which could be addressed, Barkley said.

Omer was like a son to Jackson

2009-07-28T04:54:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Omer Bhatti, budding singer from Norway, has said that pop king Michael Jackson was not his father. There is no need to conduct a DNA test. It may be noted that rumors was in the air that Jackson had a one night stand with Omer's mother Pia Bhatti in 1983.

Omer quoted as saying in Sun online that pop star was his best friend. The rumors got weight when Omer was spotted sitting in the front row alongside Jackson's brothers and sisters at his memorial. Omer Bhatti had been with Jackson for eight years in his Neverlands ranch.

"Michael always used to say I was like a son to him," he told the friend. "But my true parents are here in Norway. The reason I was asked to sit with his family at the memorial service is because I was Michael's closest friend, not because I am his son," Bhatti added.

First report on Indo-US nuclear deal by Obama

2009-07-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: A much-awaited report on Indo-US nuclear deal has been submitted to the Congress today by US President Barack Obama. The deal was signed up between India and US in October, 2008. However, report details are still not disclosed.

Obama said that the report include the development between the two nations from October 4, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The report includes each and every update on US-India civil nuclear cooperation and developments that relate to India's nuclear-related activities. The US President wrote to chairman and ranking members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: "Classified information associated with these issues has been provided in a separate classified annex."

This is the first report submitted by the US President to the Congress as required by the United-States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Non-proliferation Enhancement Act of 2008. The Act requires President to give several determinations to the Congress on the progress in implementation of the Act, the activities of India with regard to non-proliferation.

MJ's funeral delayed due to brain!

2009-07-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

LONDON: The family of pop king Michael Jackson is delaying the funeral. The reason is MJ's brain that is retained by the Coroner office. The Mirror online reported, "As soon as we are done with the brain, we will return it. There is a whole series of tests that will be done. The last I heard, they are not burying the body yet," Los Angeles Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said.

Jackson's brain was retained for tests by the Los Angeles coroner's office following an autopsy. The tests could show whether Jackson had a fatal drug overdose and if he had a history of drug problems. It is still not known where Jackson will be buried, but his golden casket, which took centre stage at the Jackson memorial in Los Angeles on Tuesday is said to be at a top secret location.

Reports suggest the pop star's remains have been returned to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, where family members staged a private service before the public memorial at the Staples Center. A burial permit has reportedly been filed by the family in Los Angeles County.

Another autopsy demanded by MJ's father

2009-07-06T01:58:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Another autopsy has been demanded over Michael Jackon's body which reportedly angered his family. This autopsy is demanded by MJ's father who believes that his son died of poisoning. However, earlier two autopsies has proved that no foul play in MJ's death. On the other hand, MJ's mother and his sons are upset over this demand. The reason is his father's, Joe Jackson, negative attitude towards Michael since he grown up.

The Jackson patriarch who has been excluded from his son's will which names his mother, Katherine Jackson and his three young children as the beneficiaries, has angered his family members by demanding a third autopsy, reported Contactmusic. Joe, who was publicly accused of abuse by the 'Thriller' legend has been attempting to take control of the late star's funeral thereby infuriating the family. "Jermaine, La Toya and his wife Katherine all told him he had no control over the clan any more. But he does not want to let go," a source close to the family said.

Joe, 81 had earlier said that he suspected foul play in his son's death, a claim which has been ruled out by both the earlier autopsies. This is not the first time that Joe has angered his family since the death of Jackson of a suspected cardiac arrest. The late singer's siblings were astounded when Joe used the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards show to promote his new records label rather than remember his late son.

Bomb exploded in northwest Pak

2009-07-02T02:51:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: A fresh terrorist attack in Pakistan claimed two police officers lives on Thursday. The bomb was exploded near a vehicle carrying police in northwest Pakistan. It killed at least two police officers and wounding five others. However, any terrorist group has claimed responsibility so far.

It is largely believed that Taliban militants may have carried out the attack. Senior police official Ghayoor Afridi said the Thursday attack happened on the outskirts of the city and that the victims have been transported to a hospital.

India concern: US aid not to be used in anti-india activities

2009-06-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON: India raised its concern over the aid by United States to Pakistan. The message was conveyed to Obama administration by a delegation of Indian parliamentarians led by Congress MP Abishek Manu Singhvi.

He told reporters here that India told it clearly at several meetings that the Af-Pak policy must necessarily have an inbuilt safeguard component to prevent the direct or indirect diversion of enormous US aid for potentially anti-India activities by Pakistan. The MPs team had attended the 3rd India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme. The MPs told the US officials and lawmakers that their aid to Pakistan was welcome, but they need to make sure that it is not used against India.

During their week-long trip, the MPs attended classes by top Yale faculty and met senior officials of the Obama administration, including those at the State Department, senior Congressmen and think-tank. "We also conveyed the huge Indian concern about the continued non-reduction of aggregate carbon emissions from the US," Singhvi said.

Advantage to Pak: US Senate passed Kerry-Lugar bill

2009-06-24T23:56:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: The main hurdle to make monetary assistance to Pakistan for 10 years is out of way. The US Senate passed the Kerry-Lugar Bill which triples America's civilian assistance to Pakistan to $7.5 billion in the next five years and advocates an equal amount for another five years-$15 billion in 10 years. Now, US president is to sign the bill which will enable it to be law. Unlike the House version of the bill, which was voted against by the Republican members, the Kerry-Lugar Bill, which is called Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act (S962), received bi-partisan support from Senators and is supported by the Obama administration.

The Obama administration had expressed its reservations over the House version of the bill -- the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009 (HR 1886), which imposes strict conditions on Pakistan. HR 1886 was passed by the House on June 11.
Since there are differences in the two bills -- HR 1886 and S962 the House of Representatives and the Senate would now hold a conference to arrive at a consensus to merge the two documents into one, before it is sent to the US President for signing it into law.

"I look forward to working with our House colleagues to get this important bill to the White House for the President's signature," said Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, after the passage of the bill.

Pak bags international assistance to combat terror

2009-06-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Pakistan need immediate assistance to combat terror. This line is from Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari's write up published in The Washington Post on Monday. He wrote that the country lost more than US and NATO in the anti-terror war. He also wanted to indicate that Pakistan and world community can't afford defeat in the war against terror.

In this context, he noted that US President Barack Obama's administration had recognised that only an economically viable Pakistan could contain the threat of terrorism and had committed $1.5 billion a year for five years to help stabilise Pakistan's economy.
"Now, the rest of the world must step up and match the US effort," Zardari wrote, adding: "Pakistan needs a robust assistance package so that we can deliver for the people and defeat the militants."

He also called for international assistance in helping Pakistan deal with the millions of people displaced by the military's anti-Taliban operations in the country's restive northwest.
Some three million civilians have been displaced by the operations in three districts of the North West Frontier Province that entered their 57th day on Monday.
To go by military figures, close to 1,500 Taliban have been killed in the fighting in the Swat, Buner and Lower Dir districts of NWFP. There is, however, no independent confirmation of this as the media has been barred from the battle zone.
The fighting has now spread to South Waziristan in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the border with Afghanistan.

South Waziristan is the headquarters of Baitullah Mehsud, who heads the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the umbrella group of various Taliban groups operating in the country.
Mehsud is also accused of having a hand in the Dec 27, 2007, gun and bomb attack that killed former prime minister Benazir Bhutto as she left a political rally in the garrison town of Rawalpindi adjacent to Islamabad.

Missile attack towards Hawaii by NKorea between July 4-8

2009-06-18T01:54:00.000-07:00

TOKYO: A Japanese newspaper reported that a missile attack may be executed toward Hawaii between July 4 and 8. The Japan's leading newspaper Yomiuri daily claimed that this long-range missile Taepodong-2 would be launched from Dongchang-ni site in North Korea. The report is based on the analysis of Japanese Defence Ministry and intelligence reports collected by US reconnaissance satellites. It noted North Korea had fired the Taepodong-2 missile on July 4, 1996. Also July 8 is the anniversary of the 1994 death of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung.

A spokesman for the Japanese Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report. Officials from South Korea's Defense Ministry and the National Intelligence Service the country's main spy agency said they could not confirm it. While the Yomiuri speculated the Taepodong-2 could fly over Japan and toward Hawaii, it said the missile would not be able to hit the main islands of Hawaii. Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of US, said on Tuesday that it would take at least three to five years for North Korea to pose a real threat to the West Coast of the United States.

North Korea has claimed its nuclear bombs are a deterrent against the United States and accuses Washington of plotting with Seoul to topple its secretive regime _ led by the unpredictable dictator Kim Jong Il who is reportedly preparing to hand over power to his 26-year-old youngest son, Jong Un.

Second plane sinks in water, two passenger dead

2009-06-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

SCOTIA: After the crash of Air France flight in Atlantic Ocean this month, another plane of sank into the Mohawk River in eastern New York with three people aboard. At least two people were found dead in the mishap. The exact reason of the crash is still unknown. The Piper Cherokee went down near Scotia around 2:30 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, shortly after taking off from the nearby Mohawk Valley Airport, FAA spokesman Jim Peters said. Scotia is about 32 kilometers northwest of Albany.

The third person's condition wasn't immediately known. Mr. Peters said divers were searching to see whether anyone else was aboard. A skydiving instructor at Mohawk Valley Airport said he and others who were in the small airstrip's restaurant heard the crash, ran down the airstrip and jumped into the river to help a fisherman drop an anchor to help rescuers find the downed plane. "There's nothing we wanted to do more than get into that plane," said Michael McGuire.

The aircraft was registered to Kolath Airlines LLC of Bear, Delaware, Peters said. A woman who identified herself as Kolath's registered agent said she didn't know about the crash and had been unable to contact anyone with the company. FAA records show the plane, a Pennsylvania-28R-180 model, was manufactured in 1969.

Pak at war, asks people to voice support (for world affair blog)

2009-06-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is at war and people of the country should support the anti-Taliban drive. This is the message the Pak government wants to give to the public. The message read that people are well aware of the aims of the terrorists in the name of Islam.

The militants, meanwhile, appeared unwilling to let up: Dozens attacked three army bases in a tribal region where Pakistan's Taliban commander is based, triggering a shootout that left 20 insurgents and three soldiers dead early Thursday, intelligence officials said. The clashes in South Waziristan raised the odds that Pakistan would launch an offensive there, something U.S. officials would like to see.

Past offensives against Islamist militants have resulted in backlashes as many Pakistanis concluded the only way to end the bloodshed and destruction was for the weak central government to strike a deal with the extremists which it did as recently as this past spring in the Swat Valley, only to have an emboldened Taliban violate the agreement by seizing an adjacent district. The army has since launched a major offensive in Swat again, to generally broad public support that the government wants to bolster.

North West Frontier Province senior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour Bilour told reporters Wednesday that this is a kind of war against the country and the people of this country will not bow to the cowardly acts of terrorists. Tuesday's attack on the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar killed at least nine people, a week after the Taliban threatened major attacks in large cities to avenge an army offensive to reclaim Swat.

Young MP's to learn leadership tips in America

2009-06-08T00:32:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: The young Member of Parliament will attend classes of leadership, international relations and management in America from June 21 to 26 as part of India-Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme. The group of young leadres will join classes at the Yale University, New Haven Connecticut.

The programme launched in 2007 in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and India-US Forum of Parliamentarians is aimed at providing insight and perspective to young leaders by giving them the exposure of different fields and ideas. Singhvi, member of Rajya Sabha (upper house), is the current chair of the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians.

Though the list is yet to be finalised, former Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy of Janata Dal-Secular; Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar; besides BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar and his party MP from Himachal Pradesh Anurag Singh Thakur are among those expected to attend the programme.

Black boxes search on, No bodies found yet

2009-06-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

SAO PAULO/PARIS: After struggling with bad weather and exact place of fall of Air France Jet, no bodies or survivors found by Brazil's air force. However, new debris and a long oil trace was searched by the air force in the crash region about 1,200 km north-east of Brazil's mainland. Moreover, the task will be regarded unsuccessful without the two black boxes. Brazil's defense minister Nelson Jobim said on Wednesday evening at a press conference in Brasilia that it is seen as next to impossible that any of the passengers or crew survived the crash, even as experts raised the possibility the Airbus A220-200 had disintegrated in mid-air.

After the Brazilian air force searched Tuesday and Wednesday over tens of thousands of square kilometres of ocean, the Brazilian Navy was expected to concentrate Thursday on a 230 sq km defined zone near the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Islets, a small, uninhabited archipelago that is home to a Brazilian Navy scientific station. "There is no doubt that the crash site is in this place," Jobim said. French President Nicolas Sarkozy joined other dignitaries on Wednesday at a multi-denominational service at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris commemorating the victims. Paris was the destination of the ill-fated flight.

The most urgent focus of the search was finding the two black boxes mandatory on every large plane: a flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder, which are essential in helping investigators in the painstaking search for the cause of a plane crash. "We have to find the black boxes," said Paul-Louis Arslanian, director of France's Office of Accident Investigations and Analyses (BEA), in Paris. The BEA is leading the investigation. US accident inspectors will also get involved since the engine was built by General Electric and some of the instruments were made by Honeywell, according to US media reports.

We deplore and condemn attacks on Indian students: Ausi PM

2009-06-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

MELBOURNE: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that they deplore and condemn the attacks on Indian students. The PM also assured his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh that his government will take action against the culprits and termed it a matter of urgency. He said the students complaints were being taken up seriously.

Mr Rudd told the Parliament that he has spoken to his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh about the attacks that saw hundreds of students take to the streets in Melbourne.“I said to Prime Minister Singh that the more than 90,000 Indian students in Australia are welcome guests in our country'' he said, adding government will work closely with the states and territories “as a matter of urgency'' to work on ways to help international students feel safer. Meanwhile, opposition leader Mr Malcolm Turnbull described the attacks as “profoundly un-Australian”.

“These students are guests in our country and this recent violent behaviour has the potential to do great damage to the reputation of Australia as a destination of choice,'' he said. Commenting on the issue, Trade Minister Mr Simon Crean also said Indian authorities raised concerns about students being targeted more than a year ago.

US has evidence of Pak nuke arsenal, has 60 nuke bomb

2009-05-28T01:18:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a Congressional hearing on May 14 had confirmed that the US has "evidence" that Pakistan is expanding its nuclear arsenal. Also, a similar report was published in 'The New York Times' early this month. Pakistan stores its warheads unassembled with the fissile core separate from non-nuclear explosives, and these are stored separately from their delivery vehicles, it said. Moreover, a US Congressional report had said that Pak has about 60 nuclear warheads.

The arsenal is to be used against India. The report says that the country is continuing production of fissile material for weapons. The latest report by Congressional Research Service (CRS) - a research wing of the US Congress which prepares reports for Congressmen - has confirmed the recent statements and media reports that Pakistan was expanding its nuclear arsenal.

It continues fissile material production for weapons, and is adding to its weapons production facilities and delivery vehicles," said the report "Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons: Proliferation and Security issues", which was issued today for media.

2009-05-25T04:33:00.000-07:00

KATHMANDU: The three-week long political crisis was over on Monday in Nepal. The new government is going to frame the nation's fate with new Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. Nepal was sworn in with two cabinet ministers. The two other leaders include CPN-UML leader Vidya Bhandari and Surendra Pandey.

The President Ram Baran Yadav lead them to take oath at the Sheetal Niwas here. Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and former Prime Minister Prachanda didn't attend the oathe ceremony. There were several rumours about their absence. However, sources informed Koirala could not make it to the function as he is unwell. The new government is expected to expand the cabinet within a few days. Major alliance in the new government- Nepali Congress and Madhesi People's Rights Forum- are yet to declare the names of the candidate for the cabinet. Earlier, Nepal was elected unopposed as the Prime Minister by the constituent assembly on Saturday.

Madhav Nepal was clad in the national dress of Daura Suruwal (Nepali shirt and trouser), grey coat and black Nepali cap during the ceremony. Last year, breaking the tradition, Maoist chief Prachanda took oath of office wearing tie, suit and a cap. Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and former Prime Minister Prachanda were conspicuous by their absence at the ceremony. Sources said Koirala could not make it to the function as he is unwell.

Sajjil-2 launched successfully, Israel & Europe in range

2009-05-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

TEHRAN: In spite of announcement of dialogue process with Iran, it launched its advanced missile on Wednesday. The missile has a rage of about 1,200 miles. In this way, the easy target include Israel and southeatern Europe.

The missile was launched from Semnan and it landed precisely on the set experimental target. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad quoted as saying that the defence minister, Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, had reported him about the successful launch of the Sajjil-2 missile. The president spoke during a visit to the city of Semnan, 125 miles east of the capital Tehran, where Iran’s space program is centered.

The announcement will not reassure the US government, coming just two days after President Barack Obama declared a readiness to seek deeper international sanctions against Iran if it shunned US attempts to open negotiations on its nuclear program. Obama said he expected a positive response to his outreach for opening a dialogue with Iran by the end of the year.

Prabhakaran's heir killed with other top LTTE leaders

2009-05-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

COLOMBO: After a long time, Sri Lankan forces succeed to kill top leaders of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eleam. On Monday, the forces killed LTTE chief's son and heir Charles Anthony. Seven other rebel leaders were among the killed.

The army believes that its special forces have encircled Prabhakaran, Tigers' intelligence head Pottu Aman and Sea Tigers' chief Soosai who are boxed into a 100m x 100m area, north of Vellamullivaikkal and they would be ringed in soon. The body of 24-yea r-old Anthony, chief of LTTE's air wing, was found during mop operations in the last rebel-held territory in the no-fire zone this morning, the Defence Ministry said. The bodies of LTTE political head B Nadesan, LTTE peace Secretariat chief Pulidevan and Tigers' special forces military leader Ramesh were found in the war zone, it said.

Troops also recovered the bodies of Tigers' police wing chief Ilango along with senior rebel leaders Sundaram and Kapil Amman. However, there was no word on the fate of the outfit’s supremo Prabhakaran about whom there have been lot of speculative reports in the last two days that he is dead. The deaths of the top LTTE leaders came a day after Tamil Tigers conceded defeat saying the decades-old battle has reached its “bitter end” and they have decided to “silence” their guns.

Three more countries under swine flu attack

2009-05-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK: Swine flu cases are coming up everyday in newer countries. The new conuntries who are affected with the H1N1 virus are Cuba, Finland and Thailand. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has informed the names of the new conutries who confirmed cases of H1Ni virus.

These are Cuba, Finland and Thailand. The WHO said that 33 countries have reported 5,728 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu. Mexico, where the desease outbreak, has has confirmed 2,059 laboratory human cases of infection, including 56 deaths, while the United States has indentified 3,009 cases, including three deaths. At present, Cuba, Finland and Thailand also joined the unwanted list of countries that have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths. Dr Sylvie Briand of WHO's Global Influenza Programme made it clear to reporters that a majority of things about the virus are already known, including that the virus transmits easily and that most of the cases are mild and don't require treatment.

"However, we know also that there will be severe cases in people with underlying conditions, but also probably in young, healthy adults," she added. "What we are trying to do at the moment is gather as much information as possible on the virus and to provide this information to countries so that they can assess their level of vulnerability and then put in place interventions that are needed to fight this disease," Briand stated.

Taliban is creation of ISI & CIA: Pak Prez

2009-05-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: In a surprise move, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari claimed that Taliban was the brainchild of the CIA of the United States and his country's ISI together. Asif Ali Zardari told the NBC news channel in an exclusive interview that "I think it was part of your past and our past, and the ISI and CIA created them together."

The interview was taken on May 7. Zardari also alleged the US of supporting the military rule of Pervez Musharraf who was alleged to be taking sides of the Taliban.He also denied about the general belief in the US that Pak militray and intelligent services still having faith and sympathies for the Taliban. "I think General Musharraf may have had a mindset to run head and hand with the hound but certainly not on our watch. We don't have a tough process at all," Zardari said.Zardari also claimed that the military is now in his control contrary to the previous government's tenure which give birth to military rule."

The Parliament has final say. It's the Parliament form of government, and I am a product of the Parliament," he said.Before a couple of days he cleared in an interview that Pak has understand that the countries foe is not India but Tablian. Zardari added that Pakistan had moved some of its forces from its Indian border to western frontier to eliminate Taliban in its tribal belt.

Pak assured to move army from Indian to Afgan border

2009-05-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Pakistan has assured to the United States that it is all prepared to move its troops from Indian border to Afghan border to fight the Taliban and al-Qaida. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari told in a show that If it is needed to move Pak's troops, the country will move them from the Indian border to its western frontier to fight the Taliban and al-Qaida militants.

The statement came from Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari who is under pressure of the United States. Zardari told the popular Charlie Rose Show on PBS on Saturday when asked about the US request in this regard. US President Barak Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai was also present on the show. For a long time United States was asking Paksitan to draw back its army from eastern border but owing to fear of India,

The country was not ready to ease the area. US President Barack Obama was trying to convince Pakistan that such a belief is "misguided" and that the terrorists inside the country pose the most serious threat to its security and safety than India. Zardari informed in chat that they had moved some more troops from the border and when required, it will move more.

Fourth branch of PNB launched in Birmingham

2009-05-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

LONDON: After branches in Southall, Leicester and London, the Punjab National Bank has started its another branch in Britain. This shows that the bank is unaffected by global downturn. This is the fourth branch outside India, located at Soho Road in Birmingham. The bank is to open more branches this year in Wolver Hampton, Manchester and London. After these new branches the total number of outside branches will be seven.

The new Birmingham branch was inaugurated by Councillor Mr Mike Whitby, Leader of the Birmingham City Council in an opening timed to coincide with the festival of Vaisakhi. Mr K C Chakrabarty, CMD of PNB, said at the opening: “The UK market represents an excellent opportunity for the PNB and Birmingham being the second largest city of UK, with its large Asian population, made it an ideal location for the opening of our branch.

UN to assure vaccines for H1N1 virus on May 19

2009-05-07T05:06:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK: United Nations has called a meeting of heads of companies manufacturing antiviral Swine flu drugs on May 19 to assure proper approach to an inoculation once it is developed in developing nations. World Health Organisation Director-General Margaret Chan and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will have arranged a meeting in Geneva on May 19 to ensure developing countries have fair access to an inoculation against the new flu strain once it is developed.

Kieny said that it would be a high-level discussion with manufacturers, appealing to corporate responsibility and to working together toward increased equitable access. She said discussions have already began with individual manufacturers for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) agencies to quickly buy vaccines “as they come off the production line” for people in the most affected parts of the developing world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that 23 countries had reported 1,658 cases of infection and 30 deaths as of yesterday. Mexico, where the outbreak first started, tops the list with 946 laboratory confirmed human cases.

Cambridge to start study on Harappan civilisation

2009-05-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

LONDON: 90 students from 32 countries will study the reason, particularly environmental changes, behind the end of the Harappan civilisation. There were over 6,500 applications received for the scholarship for the study. Six scholars, who won the prestigious Gates scholarship, out of 90 students are from India. The other 84 new Gates scholars include the first to be selected from Bangladesh, Belarus, Mongolia, Montenegro, Slovakia and Venezuela. All students are provided with prestigious Gates scholarships and they will start studies in a couple of months.

The scholarship programme, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation enables postgraduates with a strong interest in social leadership and responsibility to study at the University of Cambridge. They students include are: Anjali Bhardwaj Datta, a lecturer at Delhi University; Yama Dixit, an environmental scientist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi; Mathew Madhavacheril who is studying physics at Delhi University; Pritika Pradhan of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi, who will complete her undergraduate studies in English; Kiran Rachuri, a masters student from the Indian Institute of Technology - Chennai; and Anish Vanaik, a history student at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Yama Dixit will do a PhD in Earth Sciences at Cambridge, looking at whether environmental change was behind the collapse of the Harappan Civilisation and whether her findings can shed light on links between climate and civilisational activities.

If pak not safe than how come India: PCB

2009-05-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: If Pakistan is not safe venue for having 2011 World Cup matches than how India is safe. This question was put up in International Cricket Council's (ICC) recent Dubai meeting by PCB's Javed Miandad and governing council member Shakil Sheikh. The insiders told that the duo alleged that the present situation is not safe either in India or in Bangladesh. Further, there is no guarantee that security will be foolproof. Former Pak team captain Javad Miandad is now a director-general of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

They also mark a question mark over India hosting the hockey World Cup or Commonwealth Games in 2010. ICC President David Morgan and CEO Haroon Lorgat told the PCB delegation, led by president Ejaj Butt, that not only the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore but also financial reasons played its part in the decision to shift the 2011 World Cup matches from Pak. They made it clear that the ICC had already suffered financial losses due to the late relocation of the Champions Trophy from Pak.

The source reveled that Morgan and Lorgat had told the PCB members that any of the executive board member was not willing to play in Pakistan on account of the attack on the Sri Lankan team. The source said that such an attack on a sports team never happened in any country and it was a big setback for Pakistan cricket. They insisted the attack had changed the views of many ICC member boards who earlier were undecided about playing in Pakistan.

HK confirmed frist positive case of flu

2009-05-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG: After a week since swine flu outbreak in Mexico, first person tested positive for A(H1N1) flu virus in Asia. Health experts confirmed the case. Hong Kong authorities said that a traveller who arrived from Mexico, via Shanghai, confirmed positive. Meanwhile, the health experts said that the world community is better equipped to fight an epidemic now than a few years back.

They expected that a vaccine is to come in hands soon. In 2003, this was the centre of the SARS crisis and after the news spread in the area, Beijing decided to suspend flights from Mexico to Shanghai. Meanwhile, South Korea today reported its first confirmed case of swine flu, according to Yonhap news agency.

A 51-year-old nun, who has been quarantined since Tuesday after returning from Mexico, has the disease, an official at the health ministry told Yonhap. She had been the nation's first “probable'' case of the new flu virus.

America to move antiviral flu drugs to Mexico

2009-04-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: The United States of America will move less than one per cent antiviral flu drugs to Mexico in line to help it to fight swine flu. The US will send 4 lakh antiviral treatments. It is learnt that the work has started already. America planned to buy an additional 13 million antiviral flu drugs. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said yesterday in a statement that by getting the 13 million additional drugs, the country can protect the country to stay healthy. However, sending of 4 lakh was started to Mexico.

The 4 lakh treatment is less than one per cent of the total Strategic National Stockpile. She said The $ 251-million purchase is to take place 11 million treatment courses the government has already offered to US states and buys an additional two million courses. The move ensures the United States re-supplies and boosts its approximately 50 million courses of antiviral drugs in the Strategic National Stockpile.

Talibani law in Lahore women college!

2009-04-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: With the entry of Taliban in Swat valley and other parts of Pakistan, rest of the area is in fear and now they are following Talibani rules theirself. A fresh development reported by a newspaper said that a Lahore women college has banned jeans and tight dresses. Now, students have to attend college in shalwar kameezes or loose trousers. Kinnaird College, in which the rule imposed, is Lahore's oldest educational institutions. Apart from it, wearing a dupatta is necessary.

The college's Vice Principal Nikhat Khan told the Daily Times newspaper that the notification is issued in accordance with a government notice. There was nothing like threat of terrorist or Talibani. Khan said jeans and tight dresses were banned at the college several years ago but the new principal was unaware of the ban and girls were using this to their advantage. However, students said there was an "atmosphere of fear" after the introduction of the rules.

Stop anti-Talilban coverage in Swat: Taliban

2009-04-29T00:31:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: After capturing Swat valley of Pakistan, Talibani's are forwarding in other surrounding areas of Pakistan. Moreover, Taliban now targeting media who is giving coverage against them. Pamphlets were seen at the offices of several media groups which said not to give anti-Taliban coverage. The pamphlets, written in Urdu, stated that it seemed as if all the media was working in the pressure of West. The coverage aimed to project Taliban as terrorist and foes of peace.

It further claimed that through coverage West was informed indirectly. If this doesn't end, serious consequences will be there for media persons and groups. Feared by the pamphlets a couple of media houses reported to close their coverage or edition in the area. The editor of a local daily, Shumal, Ghulam Farooq said that there is no option besides to give up. Another media person Fayyaz Zafar said that the Taliban were annoyed with aggressive government-media campaign against them.

Fatima Bhutto asked world community not to fund Pak

2009-04-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Now the citizens of Pakistan has understand that their country is not going in the right way. After militry rule it is the turn of terrorism. This time former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto's niece Ms Fatima Bhutto wrote in an article, published in thedailybeast.com., asked the world community to 'stop funding my failing state'. She had mentioned solid reasons behind her thought. She wrote that Pakistan received billions of dollars in aid from countries like America but could not stop terrorism and now itself became the slave of terror groups. Pakistan Taliban is emerged in the country. She rebuked Pak president Mr Asif Zardari for his weak step in connection of Swat valley. Fatima explained, in her writing, that how Taliban captured Swat valley and progressed towards the capital.

In view of the US President Mr Barack Obama and Mr Zardari's meeting, she wrote that the most important question that would come from Pakistan, however, was a familiar one: Could we have some more please? Money, that was not Taliban. She added that it might may surprise some Americans that even in the midst of this recession, billions of their tax dollars are given directly to the thievery corporation that is Pakistan's government, never to be seen again.

Swine flu: US president is safe, says White House

2009-04-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: United States' President Mr Barack Obama is safe from swine flu. He was reported to come in contact with a person in Mexico who died later due to swine flu. White House spokesman Mr Robert Gibbs told media persons that the president's health had never affected by swine flu. The doctors also confirmed that there was no danger due to swine flu and after medical examination no positive symptoms found.

Mr president had not travelled with anybody affected with the flu, he clarified. It may be recalled that Mr Obama was in Mexico from April 16 to 17. At that time the swine flu outbroke in Mexico. A section of media reported that he came in contact of Felipe Solis, Director of Mexico's National Museum of Anthropology, who died the day after due to flu later. Either the White House the Government of Mexico later cleared officially that Solis didn't died due to swine flu and he dies a week later due to cardiac arrest.

Military operations conclude, rescue to continue: Lanka

2009-04-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan military will not use COLOMBO: Sri Lankan military will not use heavy explosive and aerial fire in the northern parts of the island as the operation is concluded. The government said on Monday that their security forces are ordered not to use heavy calibre guns, combat aircraft and aerial fire which could cause civilian casualties. A statement from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Office said that now forces will rescue civilians who are held hostage.

The priority will be given to saving the hostages. It may be recalled that Sri Lankan government decided to remove LTTE from the northern parts of the island. International pressure was there on Sri Lanka to ceasefire but the country continued to fight with LTTE. Demonstrations were being held at different places in the world to save the Tamils who were staying in the LTTE occupied areas in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, LTTE was ready to ceasefire but Lanka wanted LTTE to surrender. and aerial fire in the northern parts of the island as the operation is concluded. The government said on Monday that their security forces are ordered not to use heavy calibre guns, combat aircraft and aerial fire which could cause civilian casualties. A statement from the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Office said that now forces will rescue civilians who are held hostage.

The priority will be given to saving the hostages. It may be recalled that Sri Lankan government decided to remove LTTE from the northern parts of the island. International pressure was there on Sri Lanka to ceasefire but the country continued to fight with LTTE. Demonstrations were being held at different places in the world to save the Tamils who were staying in the LTTE occupied areas in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, LTTE was ready to ceasefire but Lanka wanted LTTE to surrender.

Millions watch KKR & RC's match

2009-04-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Around 8.3 million viewers watched the Indian Premier League's II match played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. It made a Television history as the match attracted more viewers in the first 10 matches in IPL II compared to the first 10 matches IPL I. According to Audience Measurement & Analytics (aMap), overnight ratings agency, it also recorded the highest average time spent of 54 minutes by the viewers on SET MAX.

The new rule of 'Super Overs' was also took place for the first time in the IPL II. This rule comes into effect when scores are tied during the fixed overs. However, by using this rule the match's timing went into four hours and 35 minutes which is 60 minutes more than general.
This match also had the highest on-air advertising time on SET MAX with over 25 brands consuming about 45 minutes of on-air advertising, more than double a regular Twenty20 cricket match.

The match delivered a TVR (television ratings) of 4.5, the second highest in IPL2 so far. IPL II is proved more beneficial for all who connected with this. Contradictory to the expectations, a large number of advertisers flooded with ads on air. So is the viewers on and off stadiums. Vijay Narayan, vice president, marketing and communications, Havell's India, said that the tournament has a great success so far. The company is spending over Rs 25 crore on ads on SET MAX.

Wax statue of Sachin: First Indian sportsman & worlds third cricketer

2009-04-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

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LONDON: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar became the first Indian sportsman whose life-size wax statue was installed in Madame Tussauds wax museum. The wax statue was inaugurated on Sachin's 36 birthday on Friday. He is the third cricketer to make the grade and joins cricket legends Brian Lara and Shane Warne. However, the statue was formally launched by Tendulkar in Mumbai on April 13 but officially it was inaugurated in London's wax museum on Friday.

In fact, Sachin is busy in Indian Premier League II in South Africa. He celebrated his birthday with his Mumbai Indians teammates. There are a lot of wax statue of Bollywood actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Some important political figures like former Indian Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao statues are also there in the wax museum.

Liz Edwards, PR manager at Madame Tussauds London, who accompanied the wax figure from London to Mumbai and back said that Sachin himself praised the wax statue and said if it would breathe. He claimed that there are a lot of fans of Sachin so the statue will attracts a huge crowd. Sachin will come to see it here very soon.

Australia withdraws of Davis Cup

2009-04-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY: After much talks and series of correspondence, Tennis Australia (TA) opted to withdraw its participation from Davis Cup tie against India, in Chennai, next month due to security concerns. TA declared on Saturday, the team will not leave for Chennai. According to rules, TA will have to face one year suspension, if doesn't participate.

The decision followed the International Tennis Federation Board's rejection of TA's appeal to shift the tie out of India. Earlier, TA sought to change the venue after the attack on Sri Lanken cricket team in Lahore and terror attacks in India last year. According to a release a couple of days back All India Tennis Association had been advised by the ITF that Tennis Australia has officially appealed against the decision of the Davis Cup Committee to the ITF Board regarding confirmation of the Davis Cup venue as Chennai.

AITA was assured that the tie would be held in Chennai from May 8 to 10. Moreover, arrangements were on for the Asia/Oceania Group I tie.

Is LTTE chief in Lanka?

2009-04-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

KILLINOCHI: Sri Lankan forces has been trying to catch Libration Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) chief V Prabhakarn for a long time. The forces are very near to his permanent hiding place. But the question arises is that he is there or not. He must have fled from that area. Brigadier Shavendra Desilva, the General-Officer-Commanding 58 Divison said that he must have left using a submarine from the no-fire zone along with his son Charles Anthony, Tigers' intelligence chief Pottu Amman and Sea Tiger chief Soosai.

He added that the information was shared by LTTE's former spokesman Daya Master, who surrendered to the army this week. Meanwhile, a naval blockade was put around northern Mullaittivu close to the areas where LTTE cadres still had access to the sea. Desilva told to media persons that now LTTE chief is alone and only supported by Amman and Soosai. The rest are waiting for a chance to fled. Daya Master told the army that though V Prabhakaran says he would not leave the area, the Tamil Tigers' chief would run away at the first given opportunity. Brig Desilva said army was very close to V Prabhakaran but the LTTE leader fled just two days before troops captured the area where he was hiding in the no-fire zone on March 31.

He said 15 soldiers have been killed and 75 others injured in the clashes with the Tigers in the last two days. The army official said the military operation may slow down because 15,000 civilians are still under the LTTE control in no-fire zone. Government has instructed soldiers not to use heavy gun because of the presence of civilians in the area, he added.

Gilani on hit list of three terror groups: Intelligence agencies

2009-04-23T02:28:00.000-07:00

"title="Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327817699247746466" />ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is on the hit list of three terror groups. Intelligence agencies warned that he may be targeted in suicide bombings in Islambabad, Lahore or in his hometown of Multan.

It is widely believed that terror groups are not happy with the steps taken by the government to curb the terrorists activities in the country. Moreover, the groups wanted Pakistan to work against United States who is making drone attacks in the tribal areas. The intelligence agencies said the the terrorist group may target him in similar attack to the one the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team and the Manawan police training centre last month.

The report which was submitted the government and the Interior Ministry said that three teams of terrorists were reported to be working simultaneously at Islamabad, Lahore and Multan. Sources in the government indicated that seeing the report, security of VVIPs and sensitive establishments of the city has been tighten. The Northern Area Scouts, a paramilitary force under the army's command, has been called in to aid the civil administration in countering terrorist threats to Islamabad.

India is not Pak's enemy No.1?

2009-04-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Who is Pakistan's enemy No.1? No, you are wrong. It is not India but Islamic extremism. A United States Senator said that Pakistan's enemy No.1 is it's Islamic extremism only. The country have to understand it.

Senator Joseph Lieberman in his interaction at the Council on Foreign Relations, an American think-tank, said in an answer to a question. Lieberman, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, said it is a tough task to make understand the Pakistani outfits. Answering to questions, Senator Lieberman suggested that financial help to Pak must be conditional. Before giving an aid, the agency should know its success in the fight against terrorism.

He said that he thought they were trying to come to a point where they essentially -- it's another one of those more for more exchanges. They would help you more -- including financially -- if you would do more to increase the capacity of your government to deliver for your people, to break continuing ties between ISI and the Taliban.

Pak will be motherland of next generation of terrorists: report

2009-04-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is a hot favourite place for bringing up and training militants, according to the news reports published in media. It will be graded more than this, if Taliban continues to over take Pakistan's areas.

An American think tank said in a report, the 17-page report said, If present trends persisted, the next generation of the world's most sophisticated terrorists would be born, indoctrinated, and trained in a nuclear-armed Pakistan. The report, 'From AfPak to PakAf: A Response to the New US Strategy for South Asia', is prepared by the Council on Foreign Relations.

The report said that al-Qaeda's top leadership must based in Pakistan, along with top Taliban chiefs, both Afghan and Pakistani. The report specially talks about the the "Talibanisation" of Pakistan's Pashtun belt is gradually moving eastward into settled districts, creating new terrorist safe havens in once-tranquil locales such as the Swat valley.

Pakistan's non-Pashtun extremist and sectarian groups, some of which were historically nurtured by the State as a means to project influence into India and Afghanistan, also have the potential to prove deeply destabilising," said the report authored by Daniel Markey.

Happy returns of the day!, Queen Elizabeth II

2009-04-21T00:07:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth's II 83rd birthday is on Tuesday. She will celebrate it with no pump and show. The official spokesman of the Buckingham Palace said that she will work on this very important day as ever. The Queen has not planned anything special today. But she is likely to go through the stack of official papers or any public engagements scheduled. However, a royal salute will be held at noon in Hyde Park in central London to mark the occasion by the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery.

It is to be mentioned that in UK the queen's birthday is celebrated twice a year. An formal celebration is held in June and a similar function is arranged on her actual birthday. This year the official national celebration will fall on June 13 marked by a parade known as the “Trooping of the Colour”. Interestingly British monarchs have been publicly celebrating their birthdays in the month of June since the 18th century. It doesn't matter that when they were actually born. A royal salute will be fired at noon in Hyde Park in central London to mark the occasion by the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery.

The queen's birthday is celebrated twice a year _ once privately, on her actual birthday, and again with an official national celebration in June. This year, the celebration falls on June 13. Since the 18th century, British monarchs have been publicly celebrating their birthdays in June, no matter when they were actually born, in hope of good weather for public events.