Sunday, June 30, 2013

P. Sathasivam appointed as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI)

Justice P Sathasivam, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court, will be the next Chief Justice of India (CJI). Justice Sathasivam (64) will take over as the 40th CJI after the expiry of present CJI Altamas Kabir’s over nine-month tenure on July 19.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-29/india/40271167_1_chief-justice-cji-supreme-court

India's Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world

Taj Mahal ranked third among top landmarks in the world: Travellers from across the globe have ranked India's Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world, a leading travel website has announced.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/taj-mahal-ranked-third-among-top-landmarks-in-the-world/articleshow/20842765.cms

Anil Goswami - new Home Secretary.

11. Anil Goswami takes charge as new Home Secretary.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/anil-goswami-takes-charge-as-new-home-secretary/articleshow/20844285.cms

Air Marshal DC Kumaria to take over as IAF vice-chief

Air Marshal Arup Raha to take over as Indian Air Force Vice Chief, succeeding Air Marshal D CKumaria

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/air-marshal-dc-kumaria-to-take-over-as-iaf-vice-chief-214387

1st World Test Championship

ICC to hold its 1st World Test Championship in England in 2017

http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/icc-to-hold-its-1st-world-test-championship-in-england-in-2017_764286.html

Saturday, June 29, 2013

IRCTC goes mobile from 1st July

One of the world’s largest railway systems is going mobile. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) will be starting SMS-based ticketing services from 1st July that will link the mobile number with IRCTC and the bank for payment purposes.

for more :
http://realtime.rediff.com/news/Indian-Railways

Nano car enters Guinness World Records

Tata Motors’ small car Nano has entered into
the Guinness World Records for driving on a
longest journey by circumnavigatingthe entire
country. The expedition was complete in 10
days driving 10,218 km in a Tata Nano from
Kanyakumari in southern Tamil Nadu to
circumnavigate the country and return to
Bangalore. The car broke the previous record
of 8,046 km.

The expedition was accomplished by motoring
enthusiast Srikarunya Subrahmanyam and his
team.

for more info:'
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-26/india/40205755_1_tata-nano-guinness-world-records-small-car-nano

India's first dedicated navigation satellite IRNSS-1A

The 64-and-a-half-hour countdown for the launch of PSLV-C22, carrying India's first dedicated navigation satellite IRNSS-1A on July 1, began today at Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

for more info :http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/countdown-begins-for-pslv-c22-carrying-irnss-1a/articleshow/20829287.cms

WORLD'S 1st Talking Robot

Kirobo” : World’s first talking robot-
astronaut ready to take off

Japanese have developed the world’s first
robot-astronaut that can communicate with
humans. It will be launched to International
Space Station (ISS) from Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima
Space Center atop H-IIB rocket on August 4,2013.

for more info : http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/shortcuts/2013/jun/27/kirobo-talking-robot-creepy-space-companion

IMPORTANT VENUES OF SPORTS TOURNAMENTS

*************** ***************
* 2013 World Chess Championship -India

* 2014 Asian Games - Incheon (S. Korea)

* 2014 Commonwealth Games -Glagow
(Scotland)

* 2014 World Cup Football - Brazil

* 2013 Confederation Cup -Brazil

* 2016 - Euro Cup - France

* 2015 World Cup cricket -Australia & New zealand

* 2014 20 -20 world cup - Bangladesh

* 2016 Summer Olympics - Rio De Janeiro
(Brazil)

* 2014 Winter Olympics - Sochi (Russia)

* 2014 Youth Olympics - Nanjing (china)

* 2014 Hockey world Cup - Hague (Netherland)

INDIA hosting WORLD CUP T20 and 50 over

India to host 2016 World T20, 2023 World Cup

for more info :

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/341774/india-host-2016-world-t20.html

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

US warns Ecuador over Snowden case - Americas - Al Jazeera English

New Qatar emir gives first address - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Rubber coated steel bullets used in Brazil

Police in Brazil have used rubber coated steel bullets used in Brazil to disperse demonstrators, angered by billions spent on World cup preparation.

Amritsar located in North West Indian Punjab province is a major pilgrim centre of India.

visit India
contact for any guidance
kumar3410@gmail.com

" Soccer for Hope" cancelled

" Soccer for Hope" a charity event to be organised by FIFA was cancelled in view of Brazilian protest.

Amritsar, city of Golden Temple in India

visit India
contact for guidance kumar3410@gmail.com

Nelson Mandela critically ill

Nelson Mandela continues to be critically ill. President of South Africa Jacob Juma has cancelled his trip to Mozambique.

visit India . contact for guidance kumar3410@gmail.com

Morsi: Unspecified ' Enemies of Egypt' trying to sabotage democracy

Morsi said that unspecified ' Enemies of Egypt' are trying to sabotage democracy and the country it could plunge the nation into chaos.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

US Army to cut 80,000 troops by 2017 - The Hindu

Putin against extraditing Snowden - The Hindu

Taliban carries out audacious strike on Kabul’s high-security zone - The Hindu

Musharraf chargesheeted in Benazir case - The Hindu

China hits out at U.S. accusations on Snowden - The Hindu

Will CBI’s long overdue autonomy finally come true? - The Hindu

Why China might be a better superpower - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Obama plan promises greener future - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Presidential polls open in Mongolia - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Who is Ahmed al-Assir? - Features - Al Jazeera English

Snowden 'in Moscow airport transit zone' - Americas - Al Jazeera English

President's promises fail to calm Brazil - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Why Ecuador is courting problem with US

Why Ecuador is courting problem with US - is not easy to answer.Ecuador exports fresh cut roses and frozen broccoli to US.In recent months, President Rafael Correa's government has been lobbying with US for Ecuadorean products, which can help their economy.

Is Mr Correa is wanting to donn the mantle of anti- imperialist leader of Latin America ? Is Ecuador prepare for for any punitive strike ? How far can US go to get Snowden ? These are some of the question , that will be answered in coming days.

About Flags of countries

1. Which country's flag has an AK-47 rifle on it
# Mozambique

2. What county has its map on its flag
# Cyprus

3. Which is the only country in the world to have a square flag
# Switzerland

4. Which country's flag is the oldest in the world
# Denmark (since 1219)

5. What country's flag uses a record 12 colors and the mahogany, which is their national tree
# Belize

6. What country's flag has only one colour
# Libya

7. What two countries have the same flag
# Monaco and Indonesia

8. Which is the only country without a rectangular or square national flag
# Nepal

9. What is the name of the British flag
# Union Jack

10. The Chakra on the Indian Flag is in what colour
# Navy Blue

Putin confirms Snowden presence in International transit area of a Moscow airport.

President Putin has confirmed that Snowden was present in International transit area of a Moscow airport.He further confirmed that Russian special security services are not engaged with Snowden and will not be engaged with him. Snowden is a free man and he has not broken any law on the territory of Russian Federation .Russia has no extradition treaty with US.

MI-17 V5 Helicopter

MI-17 V5 Helicopter is of a Russian origin .India had ordered 80 of them from Russia in 2012. Armed model of the helicpter - gunship version are being used in operation against Maoists

MI-17 Crashed in Uttarakhand

19 security forces persons aboard an IAF helicopter MI-17 V5 are feared killed, when the helicopter crashed while on a mission in Uttarakhand. The helicopter was on its third sortie of the day and was returning from Kedarnath.

Musharraf's trouble are deepening day by day

Musharraf's trouble are deepening day by day as Nawaz Sharif has said that Musharraf should face trial for treason, as his actions comes under purview of high treason.

Musharraf had overthrown elected government in 1999. He also sacked judges and imprisoned them. caretaker government had refused to try him saying that it was beyond mandate of an interim government and new government could take up the issue, once elected.

Kabul Presidential Palace Compound Attacked

In a broad day light attack, Taliban suicide bomber came in a Land Cruiser carrying arms and explosives. This fortified area also includes US Embassy and NATO Headquarters for Coalition forces CIA's Afghan station is also in the vicinity.

Taliban claimed the responsibility and said all eight of its fighters died in the gunbattle.

Kabul presidential compound attackers killed - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Brazil to spend $25bn on public transport - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Dilma proposes to spend $ 25 billion for public transport

Sensing the public mood , Brazil has decided to invest a hefty amount of $ 25 Billion on public transport. Government has also decided to crack down on corruption and carry out reforms.

Confederation Cup Football Tournament

Confederation Cup Football Tournament is being held in six Brazilian cities . Hosting of tournaments is a dry rehearsal for World cup 2014.

Snowden's whereabout not known

Hongkon to Russia to Ecuador to Havana ???

Read http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2013/06/20136257657129945.html

Monday, June 24, 2013

Lebanese army storms mosque as clashes spread - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Snowden healthy and safe, says Assange - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Catch xx if you can

US authorities are struggling frantically to catch Snowden. When Hong Kong authorities were being asked to detain and send Snowden to US, Snowden has managed to board a flight for Russia.

Witch hunting for Snowden

Witch hunting for Snowden is on. Wikileaks in its own might is helping Snowden to plan his further move.

Diplomats and Law Enforcement Agencies of America warns Latin American Countries

Diplomats and Law Enforcement Agencies of America warned Latin American Countries not to harbour Snowden and not allow him transit through their countries.

Kerry arrives in India on three-day visit - The Hindu

Fighting rages after Doha meeting on Syria - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Anti-corruption protests continue in Brazil - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Now Snowden looks for asylum in Ecuador

After Wikileaks founder, Julian Asange taking asylum in Ecuador's embassy in London, Snowden has applied for asylum in Ecuador.

Wikileaks has said that Snowden is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from Wikileaks, while he is on his way to Republic of Ecuador via a safe route for asylum.

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said that army will not stand by and allow army to fall into a dark tunnel of conflict. the strong worded statement came when opposition is planning to stage a protest on June 30, one year of Morsi rule. Opposition is demanding Morsi's resignation who is first democratically elected president of Egypt.

source http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/06/201362315346769935.html

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi , commissioned in Mechanised Infantry 1977, is chief of staff of Egyptian army . He replaced General Mohamed Hussein Tantawi in 2012, who was longtime Mubarak's defence chief and country's interim ruler in transition period. He is also Minister of Defence and Military Production.

Snowden left for a third country

There are reports that Snowden might be heading for Russia on an Aeroflot flight. Probably, he is on his way to third country via Russia.

Shenzhou-10

Shenzhou-10 is fifth manned space mission of China. It has successfully completed manual docking with orbiting Tiangong-1 space module. The three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-10 entered the space module. Shenzhou-10 was launched from Gobi desert on 11 June.

also see http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-06/23/c_132478719.htm

Pir Panjal tunnel

Pir Panjal tunnel is 11.17 Km long railway tunnel , Longest in India and Asia's second longest .

also read http://freepresskashmir.com/qazigund-banihal-train-in-kashmir-gets-railway-board-nod-073222/

Edward Snowden: Shooting the messenger? - Listening Post - Al Jazeera English

Nanga Parbat

Nanga Parbat, 8126 Meters, is nith highest mountain in the world. It is locate in Gilgit- Baltistan region.

Nanga Parbat is in the news when gunmen stormed the base camp and killed nine tourist and one Pakistani guide. Five Ukranian, three Chines and one Russian tourist were among the killed.

read http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/06/20136234309866467.html

Rescue work in Uttarakhand

Rescue work in Uttarakhand
read http://www.indianexpress.com/news/uttarakhand-floods-rescue-work-resumes-as-weather-improves/1132713/

Rescue operations resume after brief suspension due to rain - The Hindu

The Sea of Innocence

The Sea of Innocence is a book by Kishwar Desai.

Bihar's child prodigy clear IIT-JEE AT 13

Satyam Kumar, Bihar's child prodigy has passed IIT-JEE AT 13 years of age. Satyam has become the youngest to clear the most prestigious and fiercely competitive Indian Institute of Technology- Joint Entrance Examination. Satyam is from Bhojpur District and belongs to a farmer family.

Himalayan Tsunami

Himalayan Tsunami in Uttarakhand

read http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130623/nation.htm#1

Hizbul Mujahideen

Hizbul Mujahideen is a kashmiri militant group located in Pakistan. Hizbul Mujahideen means party of holy warriors.

They have claimed responsibility for killing two police persons in heart of Srinagar city. Policemen were shot around 2 p.m. at a point blank range from silencer fitted pistols.

Prime Minister is visiting the city on 25 th June.

India - US Strategic Dialogue

James Kerry is coming to Delhi today to attend fourth India - US Strategic Dialogue.Bilateral trade, defence and security cooperation, energy and higher education will be on agenda.

John Kerry on a whirlwind tour

John Kerry is on a whirlwind tour. From Qatar to Oman, where he meets James dobbin, US Special representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan and then he comes to India.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Scores detained in Turkey police swoop - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Turkish protesters accused of terror links - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Brazil president unveils series of reforms - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Dilma bows and unveils a series of reforms

Dilma felt the pulse of public and rolled back the increase in transport fare hikes and unveiled a series of reforms..

Brazilian protest by mostly youngster and without clear leadership is an eye opener for all the governments across the world to be sensitive to their people's demand and not wait until the situation goes out of your control.

Dilma deserves kudos for the timely action !

US: Tough road ahead with Taliban talks - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Friends of Syria pledge to arm rebels - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Friends of Syria

Friends of Syria, a group of Arab and western countries( 11 countries) have agreed to give urgent military aid to Syrian rebels. The aid will be channeled through western backed rebel military command. Group's ministers incl John Kerry met at Qatar.

The battle lines are drawn, it seems !

Super 30:Pride of Bihar

"Super 30" located in Patna, Biharprovides free of cost coaching to deprived children of society for India's top most enginerring entrance examination. It was established in 2002 and is a brainchild of noted mathematician Anand Kumar from Bihar. The students are also provided free food and lodging .

Carrying forward its legacy, 28 out of super 30 students have cleared IIT-JEE (Advanced) in the results declared on 20 June 2013.
In 2012, 27 students out of 30 have cracked the IIT-JEE Entance Examination.

The World Heritage Committee

The World Heritage Committee in its 37 th meeting at Phnom Penh , Cambodia has granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO for six Rajasthan forts.

Arvind Subramnainm assesses that Renminbi will eclipse US Dollar in 10-15 years

A US based Indian economist , Arvind Subramnainm has assessesdthat Renminbi will eclipse US Dollar in in global trading 10-15 years.

US should their power to China in Internationa Monetary Fund and world Bank

" US should their power to China in Internationa Monetary Fund and world Bank "said Arvind Subramaniam , as Europe is becoming a debtor. He was delivering a talk on " US - China Partnership and Global Economic Order : Implications for India.

Arvind Subrmaniam

Arvind Subrmaniam is named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the top 100 global thinker in 2011. He is a US based Indian economist . He is a Dennis weatherstone senior fellow of Peterson institute for International economics and Senior fellow, Centre for Global Development.

Operation Rahat

Operation Rahat is Indian Air Force relief operation in Uttarakhand. IAF had dedicated 33 aircraft ( to include MI-26, the world's largest helicopter). Other aircrafts/ helicopters pressed in service are C-130 J, AN-32, Avro, MI-8, MI-17, Dhruv and Cheeta.

Operation Surya Hope

Operation Surya Hope aims to provide humanitarian and logistical aid in Badrinath, hemkund and Kedarnath regions. In phase one, air reconnaissance and evacuation in area Badrinath- hemkund was conducted. In phase two, army will concentrate in Kedarnath region.
read
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1851110/report-lt-gen-anil-chait-briefs-about-surya-hope
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-20/allahabad/40092668_1_kedarnath-badrinath-army-teams

"We will rescue all those who are stranded" Lt Gen Anil Chait

Lt Gen Anil Chait , central Army Commander said"We will rescue all those who are stranded" he firther said that best officers are deployed and army is involved in making bridges, providing transportation, medical and logistical support.

Armed forces of India , we are proud of you !

Friday, June 21, 2013

UNESCO World Heritage Status for India's Hill Forts

Six hill forts-Chittaurgarh, Kumbalgarh, Ranthambore, Jaisalmer. Amber and Gagron have got world heritage site status from UNESCO. The forts located on Aravali range and showcases military hill architecture of Rajputs.

Doubt cast on Snowden's background check - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Brazil government rolls back transit hike - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Breaking down Brazil's burgeoning protests - Features - Al Jazeera English

Thousands attend support rally for Morsi - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

More than one million join Brazil protests - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Syrian rebels 'receive' new types of weapons - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Sopranos actor James Gandolfini dies due heartattack.

James Gandolfini has acted as mob boss in TV serial Sopranos. Big B also rumourored to take the lead role ( which was played by James Gandolfini) of the remake of the serial in Hindi.

Gandolfini died at 51. He had won three Emmy awards

Actor James Gandolfini dies at 51 - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Brazilian Protest

Brazilian Protest is becoming more and more tougher for the government to handle. Dilma has cancelled her trip abroad ( to Japan). About 8 lakh people participate in the protest on 20 June. The protest started a few days ago over high cost of public transport. The protest was largest in 20 years. In Rio only 3 lakh marched in protest. quality of public services and high cost of staging the world cup is become the rallying point.

Russian base lease in Kyrgyzstan

Russian air base lease in Kyrgyzstan has been extended till 2032 last year.

Closure of US Base in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz legislature has voted to close US airbase at Manas Airport, Bishkek, the capital city by 11 July 2014.

US has been using the base since 2001 as major supply route for anti-Taliban operations in Afghanistan. 1500 troops are operating round the clock with transport aircrafts to haul thousands of troops and hundreds of tonnages of cargo every month.

Supreme Court directs Centre and Uttarakhand Government

Supreme Court has directed the governmnent to deploy sufficient number of helicopters for rescue operations in Uttarakhand. A bench of Justices A K Patnaik and Ranjan Gogoi has also said that no discrimination should be made among the affected people for relief and rehabilitation

National Disaster response force ( NDRF)

National Disaster response force ( NDRF) is a specialised force, created under home ministry , in 2009 in India. At present, 10 Battalions are located in various parts of country . They are trained and equipped to combat natural and four can combat nuclear, biological and chemical disaster.

NDRF is in the news. They are deployed in various flood affected areas of Uttarakhand.

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA)

Formed in 1994, as a consequence of 1993 Oslo Accords in 1993 between PLO( Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel, as Palestinian Authority. It has renamed itself to The Palestinian National Authority (PNA).

PNA is in the news after it has said that it will redefine its relations with israel if Kerry's peace effort fails.

Magnitsky Act

Magnitsky Act. a bill signed by US in 2012, which included a visa blacklist of russian officials allegedly connected with death a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky in Russian prison in 2009.

2013 Trafficking in Persons report

2013 Trafficking in Persons report , published by the US State Department, in which Russia has been given lowest grade in terms of combating human trafficking.

Russia has slammed it as malicious and has said that it is going in line of unfriendly act such as Magnitsky Act.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Two Brazil cities revoke transit fare hike - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Gun battle at UN compound in Mogadishu ends - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Flood death toll rises in Indian hilly states - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Beauty Behind Bars

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/witness/2013/06/2013616124725850582.html
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/galleries/2007/10/17/beauty-behind-bars.html#slide0

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is the name of the office opened by Taliban in Qatar. This is exactly the formal name of Taliban's government from 1996-2001 and attempt to portray itself as a government in exile.

US is not recognising the name 'Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'

Karzai to Boycott Doha Talks

Afghan President has said that he would boycott any talks with Taliban, unless it is led by his Government

Direct talks with Armed Group

US had announced that it would in direct talks with armed groups. Taliban has opened a new office in Doha, Qatar. the talk was scheduled for 20 June 2013.

The High Peace Council

A body set up by Karzai in 2010, to seek a negotiated peace with Taliban.

Confusion over planned US-Taliban talks - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Nuclear Security Summit

President Obama has said that before 2016( completing his presidential tenure ), he will hold a Nuclear Security Summit to address the international flow of nuclear weapons and material.

Ich bin ein Berliner

Ich bin ein Berliner ( I am a Berliner)is a famous speech by John F Kennedy ( 26 June 1963),after USSR supported East Germany erected Berlin Wall to stop mass emigration to West Germany.

All free men were compared to citizens of Berlin. Obama is visiting Germany 50 years after famous Kennedy's speech.

Obama visits Germany

This is first visit of Obama, since he was a presidential candidate in 2008. Five years ago he was treated very warmly, when he was a senator.

START(Strategic Arms Reduction Talks)

Under, START(Strategic Arms Reduction Talks) both US and Russia had agreed to reduce 30% of nuclear warheads by 2020.

Killing by Afghan Police Officer

Taliban has claimed responsibility of attack on Afghan police which killed five policemen and said that the infiltrator was from their cadre who had infiltrated into ranks of Afghan police.

After NATO handing over the responsibility of security to Afghan Police and Army, there has been a rise in violence.

Mein Kampf ( My Struggle)

Mein Kampf ( My Struggle) was written in 1924 by Adolf Hitler, when he was in prison in Bavaria. It is a memoir and also full of prejudices against Jews ( Antisemitism)

Mein Kampf

King Jong Un has given a copy of ' Mein Lampf' ( By Adolf Hitler) to sudy as a leadership skills manual.
read http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kim-jongun-urges-north-korean-officials-to-study-hitlers-leadership-skills/1131048/

Warwick Prize

Indian author Amitav Ghosh has been nominated for Warwick Prize for his novel 'River of Smoke ' Warwick prize has a cash incentive of 25,000 pounds.

Colour Coding of Auto s in Delhi

Once completed , autos will not refuse passengers heading for that zone after sunset.

Flood death toll in Indian hilly states climb - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Afghan women wary of post-handover phase - Asia - Al Jazeera English

Afghanistan suspends security talks with US - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Bagram attack on US Base

Bagram is the biggest US Military base in Afghanistan, just north of Kabul.Two rocket attacks on Bagram air base has killed four US persons. This has happened immediately after US has said that its official will meet the insurgents for talks.

NATO has transferred the responsibility for security of Afghanistan to Afghan army and police.

Taliban has opened an office in Qatar to open dialogue with the world.

Serena Williams comments on rape case in interview - Hindustan Times

A year on, Assange stays put in Ecuadorean Embassy | The Hindu

Taliban claim responsibility for Bagram attack | The Hindu

Russia blocks call for Assad ouster at G8 | The Hindu

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper view on G 8

Stephen Harper has hinted that G 8 should be called G 7 plus 1 ( referring to Russia's as odd one out when it comes to Syria).

read http://rt.com/news/canada-harper-g8-putin-836/

SC to hear PIL on US surveillance of Internet data | The Hindu

PM, Sonia to visit Kedarnath to assess damage | The Hindu

The Chardham Yatra in Uttrakhand

The Chardham Yatra in Uttrakhand is visit to holy shrines of Yamunotri, gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
read http://www.chardham-tours.com/the-chardham-yatra/

Chamoli District

Chamoli District is the second largest district of Uttarakhand, which has borders with Tibet region of China. Many places of tourist attration like- Badrinath , hemkund Sahab and Valley of Flowers are located in the district.
Chamoli is in news as thousands of pilgrims are stranded due to unprecedented flash floods.

The raging Mandakini river in Chamoli district on Tuesday. — PTI

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Right place, wrong arrangement | The Hindu

Hasan Rouhani's Nuclear Stance

It appears that on its nuclear policy, Rouhani is keeping the same line as was maintained by Ahmadinejad" Neither threats nor sanctions will yield results".
Rouhani is a moderate cleric and world is looking upto him for solving standoff on nuclear issues which he says would only be settled through negotiations.

Probably Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenai is in charge and not the President.

China rejects claim that snowden was their agent

Chinese spokesman has described claims as 'sheer nonsense' that Snowden was an agent of China. Former US Vice President Dick Chenny has expressed suspicion that Snowden chose Hongkong because he was an agent of China.

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is a militant organisation, formed in Pakistan in 1996. The organisation has claimed responsibility for targetting a university bus in Pakistan which killed 24 people including 14 girls. A female suicide bomber has attacked women university bus in Quetta.

G-8 Summit at LOUGH ERNE, Northern Ireland, UK

Leaders of G-8 met at Lough Erne for the second day.Taxation , transparency and terrorism are key items on agenda.
read http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-06/18/c_132465218.htm

ISAF changes role from combat to support

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said that now onwards ISAF will be in support role in Afghanistan. Presently 97,000 troops from NATO and its partners are stationed. NATO has announced that by 2014 end, it will withdraw all troops from Central Asia. Only a small number of troops on a new mission will be left. goal of the new mission would be to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad summoned to criminal Court

Outgoing President is going to feel the heat ! A criminal court in Teheran has summoned him to answer unspecified charges. He had two presidential term from 2005-9 and 2009-13.

Fastest Monsoon since 1961

By mid June Monsoon has covered all parts of India. A full one month lead than usual !

Amol Rajan

Amol Rajan is Kolkata born, 29 year first non-white editor of UK based daily , The Independent.

National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)

National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), called Aajeevika,was launched by Ministry of rural Development in 2011.Partly, aided by the World Bank, the mission aims at increasing house hold income and economic indicators of 7 crore BPL household

http://www.aajeevika.gov.in/

BrahMos

It is only supersonic cruise missile and a symbol of India's military prowess. As per A Sivathanu Pillai, BrahMos is uninterceptible for the next 20 years.

The missile has a range of 290 km and a speed of 2.8-3 Mach, is a stealth cruise missile.

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Gallipoli Campaign

The Gallipoli campaign was a campaign during world war I , in which attempt to capture Constantinople( Istanbul ) by joint British and French operation failed after eight months.

India and Australia fought together in this campaign and it is a part of shared military history between the two countries.

Defence Minister's Australia Visit

Defence Minister A K Antony's visit to Australia was the first ever visit to Australia any defence minister. He held talks with his counterpart Stephen Smith on maritime security and defence ties.

Both sides have agreed to hold regular annual naval exercise.

Defence Minister visits China

Defence Minister A K Antony visits China for four days , starting from 4 th July.

Article 370

Article 370 grants special status to state of J&K. After exit of Nitish Kumar from NDA on secular-communal differences, BJP may go back to its old agenda of Hindutva, abolition of article 370 etc. India has a large Hindu population ( 80 % plus of its total population)

Mandakini River

Mandakini River originates from Chorabari glacier near Kedarnath in Uttarkhand.Mandakini joins Alaknanda at Rudraprayag, which joins Bhagirathi at Devprayag to form Ganga river.

Mandakini has been in the news, as torrential downpours over last few days because of overflowing of water. A bridge across Mandikini is also damaged near Kedarnath.

AFSPA Rollback Dangerous

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Northern Command, Lt Gen K T Parnaik has said the army would not be able to against militants effectively if Armed Forces Special Power Act is revoked.National Conference Government of J&K has been pushing hard for revocation of AFSPA.

Chinese troops were forced to go back in Daulat Beg Oldie

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Northern Command, Lt Gen K T Parnaik said that Chinese troops were forced to go back to the pre-April 15 position along the LAC after talks between two countries at various level. he also said that no comprise was made and no structure in Chumur was dismantled.

Kaoboys of Research and Analysis Wing: down Memory Lane

Kaoboys of Research and Analysis Wing: down Memory Lane is a memoir written by B Raman.
Research and Analysis Wing ( RAW) is India's external intelligence wing.

B Raman

died at 77. He was one of the founder of RAW,

the National Telecom Policy 2012

the National Telecom Policy 2012 aims to abolish roaming charges throughout the country. TRAI has lowered the roaming charges wef 01 July but free roaming is still not implemented.

Allepo

Allepo is the largest city of Syria and located 310 km from Damascus. It is one of the oldest city and it was third largest city of Ottoman empire after Istanbul and Cairo.
Allepo is in news , when a car bomb with 6 tons of explosives has killed 60 persons loyal to the Government.

G-20

G-20 is in the news. In 2009. foreign politician and official's computers were monitored and calls were intercepted in London. the revelations were made by whistle blower Snowden to the Guardian.

G-20

The G20 cpmprises of the following countries:-

Argentina

Australia

Brazil

Canada

China

France

Germany

India Indonesia

Italy

Japan

South Korea

Mexico

Russia

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

Turkey

the UK

the US

the European Union.

At G-8 meet, the big test for U.S.-Russia relations | The Hindu

Iran’s golden moment | The Hindu

RBI keeps key policy rates, CRR unchanged | Business Standard

'Monsoon covers India a month ahead' | Business Standard

Turkey unions strike over crackdown - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Syria crisis set to dominate G8 summit - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Sunday, June 16, 2013

US prepared to 'engage Iran directly' - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Iran celebrates Rouhani's presidential win - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

BJP JDU split

A split in NDA is a major political event which will shape results of 2014 parliamentary elections.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

India ranked 141 on GPI among 162 nations

Having lost more than two lives a day , India is at the bottom of the GPI. with Pakistan ( traditional rival ) close by, India ranked 141 on GPI among 162 nations.
read http://www.hindustantimes.com/editorial-views-on/Edits/Govern-better-to-ensure-peace/Article1-1076516.aspx

Global Peace Index (GPI)

Global Peace Index (GPI) is a global think tank , which works on 22 indicators to find relation between business , economics and peace. GPI is working since 2007.

Facebook and Microsoft reveal data requests - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Moderate Hasan Rowhani

Moderate Hasan Rowhani is man of the hour in Iran. He is heading for an outright victory in Iran's presidential election.
In a poll, where 80 % voters turned out to cast their votes, success would be on the side of the candidate , who has been favoured by the women voters.

Rowhani has talked about equal pay and equal rights of women, releasing political prisoners, lifting sanctions and government not interfering in private lines.

Iran is facing severe sanction by US on nuclear issue. May be a moderates win , reverse the fundamentalist trend and bring peace and progress for the country !

read http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/06/201361522643286979.html

Prime Minister's Visit to Thailand: May 2013

Though it was first visit of Manmohan Singh a Prime Minister , Yingluk Sinawatra visited India twice during last two years. during the visit, following MOUs were signed:-
1. Anti money laundering programme.
2. Establishment of Thailand-India exchange.
3. Cooperation on geoinformatics.
4. Cooperation on on geospatial technology.
5. Cooperation on space issues.
6. Treaty on extradition.
7. ICCR Chair for Hindi Language at Thammasat University

read http://www.indianembassy.in.th/pages.php?id=188888895

Women cadre in Naxals

While government is still mulling over role of women in combat duties, Naxals are already employing them in deadly ambushes. recent attack on a train in Bihar , about 15-20 women cadre of Maoists attacked the train.
What are the reasons for women getting motivated to join the ranks of insurgents, should be introspected and necessary remedial measure to be taken at the earliest.

World's Population Prospect: The 2012 Revision

World's Population Prospect: The 2012 Revision is a UN report launched on 14 June 213.As per the report the current world population of 7.2 Billion is projected to increase up to 9.6 billion in 2050.
India's population was merely 35 Crores at independence ( 1947) will surpass China's population around 2028. India's current population is 1.21 billion ( 17% of world's population) will cross 1.45 billion in 2028.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Chalo Assembly Rally

Chalo Assembly Rally ( March to Assembly rally) demanding separate statehood for Telangana was foiled by police. Demand for Telangana is being pressed for a long time and Osmania University , Hyderabad has been a hotbed of agitation.

Prince William

Prince William, second in line to become Britain's future king, is in the news. William has proven Indian ancestry. A doomed relationship of William's Indian great-great-great-great-great grandmother Eliza Kewrk who was housekeepr to Prince William's great grandfather Theodore Forbes has given the clue.Forbes worked for the East India Company in Surat, Gujrat,India

Pakistan needs Power from India

India can help Pakistan with 500 MW power. Pakistan is facing energy crisis and looking from help from India.
India has installed capacity of about 2,11,000 MW power. By 2017, 88000 MW more power is likely to be added.

Indian is in the process of setting up nuclear power plants.
India's import of oil and gas by pipelines from Iran and Central Asian countries passes through Pakistan. cooperation in find of energy may facilitate coming up of these projects in future smoothly.

Pakistan mulls importing electricity from India - Hindustan Times

Maoist Attack in Bihar

Read http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Patna/Maoists-staged-big-attack-to-regain-influence-and-earnings/Article1-1076524.aspx

India to be world's most populous nation by '28: UN | Business Standard

93,000 killed in Syrian conflict, says U.N. | The Hindu

After Snowden revelations, China calls for cyber security regulations | The Hindu

Sharif for immediate import of power | The Hindu

Airlines warned not to fly Snowden to UK | The Hindu

Turkish PM to delay Istanbul park project - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Syria and Russia slam US over weapons charge - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama has hinted that his successor may be a female as woman have all the qualities needed in leaders.

Musharraf sent to 14 days of Judicial Custody

Former President of Pakistan has been arrested and sent to 14 days judicial custody in case of 2006 killing Baloch national leader Akbar Bugti. Musharraf was presented before anti-terrorism court where the remand was ordered. Musharraf was then President and Army Chief.

Akbar Bugti

Akbar Bugti was a popular Baluchi leader, who headed an armed insurgency demanding provincial autonomy and greater share for Balochistan. He was killed in August, 2006 in a military operation ordered by Musharraf. The killing had triggerred angry protest.

Hacking Allegations

Now , it is China's turn ! China has attacked US with double standards and alleged that US has been conducting hacking attacks on China for years.

read http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130614/world.htm#1

David headley was nabbed through Internet Spying

David Headley, a Mumbai terrorist attack convict was nabbed through Internet Spying as per gen Keith Alexander, NSA Director - PTI

Director of NSA defends snooping

Gen Keith Alexander, Commander of the US Cyber Commander and director of the National Security Agency, told senators during a congressional hearing that Obama's Internet Spying Programme has helped abort several terrorist plots and saved thousands of lives.

First Post Monarch Elections in Nepal

First Post Monarchy Elections in Nepal will be held on 19 November to elect a 491-member constituent assembly , which will also double as parliament.

Khil Raj Regmi, Nepal's Chief Justice is the present head of Interim Unity Government.

read http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/06/13/nepal-elections-idINDEE95C0DH20130613

Planning Tool for Resource Integration, Synchronisation, and Management (PRISM)

read http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130614/edit.htm

Indians Losing Jobs in Kuwait

After implementation of Nitaqat Law in Saudi Arabia( reserving posts for Saudi Nationals in Private companies), Kuwait is taking a drive to reduce the number of expatriates , which form 69 % of 3.5 million population . Indian population of over 7 lakhs is the largest group affected. Most of the Indians are there with improper visa, i.e. they on on a different visa and doing different category of job.Kuwait has a 30 billion Dinar plan for developing airport terminal, oil refinery and hospitals.

Defence Minister Antony's Visit to China

Defence Minister Antony's Visit to China is likely to be rescheduled in August , as Chinese Defence Minister is not available in May-June. Dates for 16 th rounds of talks between special representatives is also being worked out.

Border Sefence Cooperation Agreement ( BDCA)

Border Sefence Cooperation Agreement ( BDCA) is a draft proposal which India has send to China on May 10. Earlier China has send its draft proposal to India on March 4. India is still waiting for a response.

IRNSS-1A :India's First Navigation Satellite

IRNSS-1A( The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite system 1 A) , sheduled to be launched on 01 July 2013, is an independent regional navigation satellite system. The launch would be on board PSLV-22C( Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.It is similar to Global Posioning System ( GPS).

Once operational, it would provide position accurace of better than 10 Meters, over India and 1500 km around the country. It will provide a real time, all weather, 24x7 service on real time position, Navigation and Time( PNT) to a variety of platforms.1425 Kg IRNSS-1A has a life span of 10 years. ISRO has planned a constellation of seven satellites by 2014-15. Apart from use in disaster management, it would have many military uses and will help security forces in operations against insurgents and terrorists.