Thursday, October 31, 2013

SC asks Centre, States to give fixed tenure to bureaucrats | Business Standard

SC asks Centre, States to give fixed tenure to bureaucrats | Business Standard

Bhubaneswar, Imphal airports get international status - The Hindu

Bhubaneswar, Imphal airports get international status - The Hindu

'NSA broke into Yahoo, Google data centers' - The Hindu

'NSA broke into Yahoo, Google data centers' - The Hindu

Maldives Elections

Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is located 400 Km south west of India. Maldives is a presidential republic where after adopting new constitution in 2008, election takes place every five year.

The current president Mohammed Waheed Hassan has taken over in 2012, when the then President  Mohammed Nasheed resigned or ousted in disputed circumstances ( or forced to resign amid violent protests and a mutiny by senior police officers, in disputed manner. some say that Nasheed resigned last year after weeks of public protests against his order to arrest a senior judge he perceived as corrupt and partial.)
As per the Maldives constitution the winning candidate in the presidential election must secure 50 % of votes. Nasheed led that Sept. 7 election with more than 45 percent of the vote against 5% for current President Mohamed Waheed and thus failed to secure a majority for an outright win. But on top of this the Supreme Court earlier  annulled the results of the election , agreeing with a losing candidate that the voters' list had made-up names and names of dead people.

Maldives electoral officials have now set new dates for a presidential poll amid a growing row over the delayed vote.The first round of the elections will now be held on 9 November, and a run-off - if required - on 16 November. The country's constitution requires a president to be elected by 11 November, and it is not clear who would be in power in the interim if a second round is needed. Nasheed's election rivals will be Yaamin Abdul Gayoom, brother of Maldives' longtime autocratic ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and tourist resort owner Qasim Ibrahim.

The Maldives held its first multiparty election in 2008, with Nasheed defeating the country's 30-year autocratic ruler, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Mohammed Waheed Hassan, who was Nasheed's deputy, took over presidency. Nasheed has since accused Hassan of helping to orchestrate a coup.

Lets us hope that ( November election brings a lasting peace in this Indian Ocean archipelago, which has has seen much upheaval in the five years it has been a democracy and once again becomes a  luxurious vacation destination, which it was !




Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Navi Pillay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has criticised the Maldives Supreme Court for “excessively” interfering in the country’s Presidential election process.

The Maldives’ Supreme Court had nullified the first round of the Presidential election held on September 7 on the basis of alleged irregularities in the process.

UN Human Rights chief criticises Maldives Supreme Court - The Hindu

UN Human Rights chief criticises Maldives Supreme Court - The Hindu

Nrityaroopa

Nrityaroopa. "Nrityaroopa", a fusion of six classical dances. Hamid Ansari,  inaugurated ' Festival of India'  in Havana. The festival began Nrityaroopa which was greeted with applause.

India's relation with cuba

Vice-President Hamid Ansari’s visit by any Indian VVIP to Cuba, during which the two countries also inked an agreement on cooperation in broadcasting.
Despite the two countries working closely in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), there was never any bilateral state visit from India to Cuba in the past six decades.

Ansari meets Castro

Vice-President Hamid Ansari called on legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro on 30 October.  Mr. Castro is old  has not been keeping well. The meeting was a high point of Ansari's Cuba visit and an  appreciation of India’s special relations with Cuba.

Castro is a Cuban communist revolutionary  and politician  unparalleled in the history of Cuba. He was Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976,  President from 1976 to 2008 and  the Commander in Chief of the country’s armed forces from 1959 to 2008.

Raúl Castro, present President of Cuba is his brother.

Hamid Ansari meets Fidel Castro - The Hindu

Hamid Ansari meets Fidel Castro - The Hindu

India's Mars Mission

Countdown for Mars Mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiates a dry run of the Mars Orbital Mission on board the PSLV C25 today. Mars Mission is scheduled for lift-off from the Launchpad 1, spaceport, Srihaikota  on November 5.The dry run will simulate the entire command sequence based on which  the Launch Authorisation Board will take the final call oncountdown,  leading to lift-off at 2.38pm on November 5. ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said the mission had the scope for course correction at three stages — when the satellite leaves earth and enters Mars’ sphere of influence, a heliocentric middle phase that lasts 300 days and when the satellite is inserted into Martian orbit.

The XL variant of the four-stage PSLV — second and fourth featuring liquid propellants — is designed to first inject the spacecraft into an elliptical path around the earth in a geocentric phase, then a heliocentric phase, where the flight path is roughly one half an ellipse around the sun.

Mars exploration opportunities come once every 26 months. Such a rare trajectory — that occurs when the Earth, Mars and the Sun form an angle of 44 degrees — can offer substantial minimum energy opportunities and occur only at intervals of about 780 days, with the next window possible in January 2016 and then in May 2018.

On December 1, the satellite would be injected into trans-Martian orbit and begin a long cruise of 300 days. The ISRO will also depend on antennae-mounted ships Nalanda and Yamuna to track the spacecraft’s trajectory from locations on the South Pacific Ocean, when ground stations would briefly lose signal from the spacecraft for about 10 minutes after the fourth stage propulsion, burnout and separation of the satellite.

Once the satellite is  injected  into Martian orbit, the ISRO will go in for scientific observations that include investigating the Martian atmosphere for traces of methane to determine signs of life. One of the main objectives the first Indian mission to Mars is to develop the technologies required for design, planning, management and operations of an interplanetary mission

 PSLV  is the XL variant of the four-stage— second and fourth featuring liquid propellants which  has been designed to first inject the spacecraft into an elliptical path around the earth in a geocentric phase, then a heliocentric phase, where the flight path is roughly one half an ellipse around the sun. 

Launchpad 1 in Sriharikota is now fully ready for the mission and PSLV-25 is fully integrated for its 25 th flight of whose  the lift off  mass is 1340 Kg. Mission is costing approximately Rs 450 crore. U.S., Russia and the European Union consortium has send 51 missions in the past with less than 50 % success rate.

Overall, it is a bold attempt of scientific exploration for India and I wish the mission and ISRO Best of luck!

Capitol Hill lights up for Diwali festival - The Hindu

Capitol Hill lights up for Diwali festival - The Hindu

Spying on allies is two-way street, says US intelligence chief - The Hindu

Spying on allies is two-way street, says US intelligence chief - The Hindu

Spike in ceasefire violations has Pak support: Antony - The Hindu

Spike in ceasefire violations has Pak support: Antony - The Hindu

India' s richest woman is new Haryana Minister - The Hindu

India' s richest woman is new Haryana Minister - The Hindu

Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood's deputy leader - The Hindu

Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood's deputy leader - The Hindu

Syria dismisses deputy PM after US talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Syria dismisses deputy PM after US talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Jubilant crowds welcome Palestinian prisoners - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Jubilant crowds welcome Palestinian prisoners - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

India-Peru Pacts

India-Peru Pacts. India and Peru have signed four agreements  to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, culture and defence and to set up a joint commission to diversify relations.

First. The pact on education encourages an exchange of research material, teaching aides, organisation of joint conferences, training programmes, setting up chairs on contemporary studies and providing scholarships for higher education.

Second. Agreement on defence cooperation.  It aims at enhancing cooperation in the prevention of spread of weapons of mass destruction and tackling non-conventional threats like drugs and piracy; exchange of training expertise and personnel for military courses and collaboration in the spheres of defence equipment exports for mutual benefit.

Third. Joint commission to diversify relations. It will be an inter-governmental consultation mechanism at the Foreign Ministerial level, to promote, strengthen and diversify bilateral relations.

Fourth. Culture. It  aims to create specific cooperation programmes for the exchange of experiences and training of specialists in the museum sector, organising temporary international exhibitions for the dissemination of information on cultural heritage of both countries.

Repo Rate

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today hiked repo rate by 25 basis points or 0.25 per cent to 7.75 %. This is  likely to make home, auto and consumer loans costlier.

Repo rate is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India  lends money to commercial banks. This acts as a disincentive for banks to borrow money  from the RBI. This ultimately reduces the money supply in the economy and thus helps in arresting inflation.

Repo rate has been  used by monetary authorities to control inflation.RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has continued on the lines of his predecessor, D Subbarao to hike rates to fight inflation.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The CHOGM connection | Business Standard

The CHOGM connection | Business Standard

FISA

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act( FISA) is a 35 year old act in United States which prescribes procedures for collection of intelligence and surveillance on powers and citizens suspected to be connected with espionage or terrorism.

The head of the National Security Agency, Gen. Keith Alexander, while deposing before a a House committee reviewing the agency's surveillance activities, denied  that the United States collected telephone and e-mail records directly from European citizens. He called reports based on leaks by Edward Snowden "completely false."
"To be perfectly clear, this is not information that we collected on European citizens. It represents information that we, and our NATO allies, have collected in defense of our countries and in support of military operations,"  the NSA director told the  House committee .

Alexander  claimed that  intelligence gathering activities has saved lives in US, Europe  and around the world."

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

23rd CHOGM, the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting () is an  organisation of former British colonies. it is  due in  from November 15 to 17. 

Monday, October 28, 2013

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution ( MAVEN)

Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution ( MAVEN) . It is a NASA's spacecraft and due to be launched on November 18 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and reach Mars on September 22, 2014. MOM is arriving there one day before.

MAVEN will focus on Mars' thin atmosphere, but rather than hunting methane, it is designed to help scientists figure out how the planet lost an atmosphere that at one time was believed to be thicker than Earth's.

MAVEN is going to explore  the history of the atmosphere of Mars . whst it  has been, how the climate has changed through time and how that has influenced the evolution of the surface and the potential habitability of any life or at least by microbes on Mars.

MAVEN will join two NASA rovers, two NASA orbiters and a European Space Agency satellite already studying Mars.

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INCHAM

INCHAM. Indian  Chambers of Commerce (INCHAM) was launched by vice President Hamid Ansari at a special function jointly organised by the Embassy of India in Peru and INCHAM.

INCHAM will seek to increase awareness of either country's business opportunities in the other. It will offer information and advisory services. It will  also provide the important bridge between businesses and governments.India-Peru bilateral trade is increasing very quickly and has gone up by 7 times in the last 5 years.

 India and Peru are hoping to start negotiations soon for a Free Trade Agreement.  Peru is very rich in minerals . It is also  the fastest growing country in Latin America.

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'Festival of India' in Peru




LIMA:Vice-President Hamid Ansari inaugurated 'Festival of India' in Peru a Latin American country on  Oct 27, 2013.The festival is also being held simultaneously in Cuba, the next stop of the Vice-President. Ansari's Peruvian counterpart is  Marisol Espinoza. She  was also present at the inaugural ceremony which saw the staging of "Nrityarupa" which was a mosaic of six Indian dances — Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathakali and Chhau.

Hamid Ansari was on a three-day official visit.  'Festival of India' comprises a film festival, a dance festival and a literary festival.Several old and new Indian movies, classics as also potboilers, ranging from Dadasaheb Phalke's 'Raja Harischandra' to Raj Kapoor's 'Bobby' and Aamir Khan's 'Taare Zameen Par' are being shown at the festival.  Satyajit Ray's 'Ghare-Baire', Shahrukh Khan's 'Kabhi Haan, Kabhi Naa', Govind Nihlani's 'Ardh Satya' and Neeraj Pande's 'A Wednesday' were also included included in the list of films to be screened.
see http://www.ddinews.gov.in/Home%20-%20Headlines/PublishingImages/ansari_peru20131027.jpg


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Peru

Peru. It is a western south American country , located between Chile and Ecuador. It is bordering the South Pacific Ocean. Lima is its capital.

The Most distant Galaxy

Dr. Vithal Tilvi. Dr. Vithal Tilvi an Indian, born in Goa and attended Goa University. He is currently at the Texas A&M University.He, along with a team of astrologers, has discovered the most distant galaxy in the universe ever found which is said to be 13 billion light years away from the Earth.

Because of its extremely large distance of 13 billion light years, this galaxy is seen as it was 13 billion years ago or  when it was only 700 million years old. The current age of the universe is about 13.7 billion years.

The scientists discovered that this galaxy is forming stars tremendously, roughly about 300 Sun-like stars every year, compared to only about one Sun-like star produced in our own Milkyway galaxy. It is possible that when the Universe was young, galaxies were more active then they are now.

The results of the latest findings of Dr Vithal and others have been published in the most prestigious international journal ‘the Nature’.

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Thirty Meter Telescope

Thirty Meter Telescope . It is a ground based telescope being set up at Hawai and is a planned ground-based large segmented mirror reflecting telescope. It is much larger than existing telescopes.India is also a partner in the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. When completed, this will be the largest telescope in the world.

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Thirty Meter Telescope

Thirty Meter Telescope . It is a ground based telescope being set up at Hawai and is a planned ground-based large segmented mirror reflecting telescope. It is much larger than existing telescopes.India is also a partner in the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. When completed, this will be the largest telescope in the world.

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Gian Magellan telescope

Giant Magellan Telescope . It is a ground-based extremely large telescope, with a light gathering capacity of 5-10 times more than existing telescopes. It  planned for completion in 2020 and it will be located at the site of Magellan telescope.

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Astronomers’ team in US discovers most distant galaxy - The Hindu

Astronomers’ team in US discovers most distant galaxy - The Hindu

AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board)

AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board). They are the regulatory authority who permit and limit power production capability of nuclear power plants.

INDRA 2013

INDRA 2013. The joint training exercise between India and Russia is aimed at improving bilateral defence cooperation between both the armies and enhancing their ability to operate as an integrated force within the framework of UN peace keeping operations.

Presently contingents of mechanised forces are practising in Mahajan Field Firing ranges in Rajsthan.

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP)

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). KNPP is India's first pressurised water reactor belonging to the light water reactor type.

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL)

Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) . Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) generated 160 MW power at its first unit in Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). Unit 1 was synchronised with the power grid on 22 Oct. The first unit attained criticality for the first time in July 2013. Criticality is the beginning of the fission process.

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Supplying arms to Nepa

India has decided to end eight-year-old ban and start supplying arms to Nepal. The ban was imposed in 2005, when King Gyanendra had assumed executive powers.

Over 360 vehicles, including 25 mine-protected vehicles, have already reached Nepal ,while arms and ammunition are in the pipeline and will be despatched soon.

During the tenth meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues in April, India had agreed to provide these equipment.

Nepal has 62,000 thousand troops and equipment will help these troops to provide security for elections

Nepal has recently amended its constitution to allow the army to be mobilized to ensure free and fair polls.

In Nepal's 2008 elections of the first Constituent Assembly , there were a total of 485 political and election-related violent incidents like murder, kidnapping etc.

Elections of the second Constituent Assembly is scheduled for November 19 , and there is all possibility that this election would be no less violent.

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Manna Day

Legendary singer Manna Day, 94, passed away. Recepient of Dada Sahab Falke award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shree awards, he had recorded more than 4000 songs.

National Security Agency

NSA Modus Operandi. National Security Agency has come under lot of criticism for carrying out surveillance of 35 world leaders Angela  Merkel.

International communications being transmitted through undersea cables is intercepted by NSA who have tied up with a few telecom companies to get access. NSA also monitor root servers, majority of whom are located in the United States.

NSA keeps a tab on near and dears of their target. Osama bin laden never used a cell phone some of his wives, servants and couriers did use cellphones. And as they say, the rest is history !

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Self governing institutions of Ancient era in India

Self governing institutions of Ancient era- ( Circa 3000-1000BC). 
1. Sabha- A smaller and select body of elders, like upper house in modern legislatures i.e. Rajya Sabha and Vidhan Parishad.
2. Samiti- General assembly or house of the people like Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha.
3. These institutions are mentioned in Rigveda.
4. They can be said to contain rudiments of modern Parliament.
5. There are evidences in Vedic texts that the two bodies exercised authority, influence and prestige.
6. Free discussion and decision by majority was practised.
7. Fundamental principle of ancient Indian society was that no single person should conduct the affairs of the government.
8. Vedic political theory recognised Dharma as a true sovereign which meant Rule of Law and religion as is commonly interpreted these days.
9. Dharma or Rule of Law was upheld and enforced by the king.
10. Powers of the king were limited by the will of people, custom, usages and injunctions of Dharmashastras.
11 King was required to take oath of loyalty to law and constitution of the realm and to hold in trust the material and moral welfare of his people.
12. elective kingships and democratic institutions were found to be built in monarchical system.
13. Republic in Pos-Vedic history. Aitareya Brahaman, Panini's Ashtadhyayi, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Mahabharata , inscriptons on Ashoka's pillars, writings of contemporary Greek historians , Buddhist and Jain scholars and the Manusmriti give many examplesof functioning republics in post-vsdic history period. the republics were known as Sangha or Ganrajya and soverignty in these republics was vested in large assembly. these large assembly elected members of the Executives and military leaders.the assembly exercised control over the Executive and decided issues of peace and war and controlled foreign affairs.The assembly had its speaker called Vinadharma and whip called Ganapuraka who had sufficient knowledge of parliamentary procedures, resolutions , quorum, vote by majority . Purity freedom , frankness and fairness were practised in discussion. Complicated and serious matters were often referred to Special Committee elected from among the members of assembly.
14. Administration of Local Affairs. regional Councils ( janapadas) , City Councils( Paura Sabhas) and village assemblies ( Gram Sabhas) adminstered local affairs with complete freedom. arthshastra, Mahabharata and Manusmriti contain many examples references to the existing Gram Sabhas. Elective local bodies like Gram Sabhas, Gram Sanghas or Gram Panchayats wre common features of Indian polity in those days. Even after Sabha and Samitis disappeared gram Sanghas, Gram Sabhas , Gram Panchayts survived through rule of many Hindu and Muslim dynasties and fuctioned and flourished. Some survived even till the advent of British rule in some form or the other.( ref- Local Government in ancient India, Oxford, 1920)

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Gadgil-Mukherjee formula

Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.DR Gadgil and Dr Pranab Mukherjee have been Deputy Chairman of planning commission. The formula was adopted in 1991 by the National Development Council (NDC). This formula was made for devolution of central assistance for state plans.

As per the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula , 30 per cent of the total funds are earmarked for Special Category States.

As against the composition of Central assistance of 30 per cent grant and 70 per cent loan for major states, special category states receive 90 per cent plan assistance as grant and just 10 per cent as loan.

Raghuram Rajan's panel has suggested to replace Gadgil-Mukherjee formula with Rajan Committee’s Multi Dimensial Index (MDI) for allocation funds to states.

also read http://www.arthapedia.in/index.php?title=Gadgil-Mukherjee_Formula

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Raghuram Rajan Committee

Raghuram Rajan Committee. Raghuram Rajan ( now RBI governor) is former Chief Economic Advisor. He submitted his report on the the criteria for granting special category status to states, on 26 september 2013.
The Committee has recommended a fresh approach and not the earlier practice of the ‘Special Category’ classification for states with high funding needs.Special status category states include the seven Northeastern states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura), Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The special category status is given depending on their resources and geography. Some of the features are Low Population density, Hilly and difficult terrain , Location of states, Economic and Infrastructural backwardness and Non viable nature of state finances .

According to the report depending upon their Multi Dimensional Index (MDI) scores 28 states should be divided into three categories.
• Least developed
• Less developed
• Relatively developed

According the criteria given by the report Goa and Kerala are most developed states and Odisha, Bihar least developed states.

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"Virgin Earth Golden Feather Environment Award"

"Virgin Earth Golden Feather Environment Award" Part of Solar Panel Scam in Kerala, where several prominent persons were given this award to gain media coverage.

Solar Panel Scam

Solar Panel Scam. A scam in Kerala, in which The Team Solar Energy Company (Team Solar) collected huge advances from gullible persons . One lady actor was used as a' brand ambassador' to lure people . The scam collected crores of Rupees. Team Solar used two women to create political contact and even with Chief Minister's Office. This was all in the guise of installing alternate sources of energy. Team Solar failed to deliver the goods.

Oommen Chandy

Oommen Chandy. Oommen Chandy’s condition is stable . He was attacked by mob who were protesting against solar panel scam.Oommen Chandy is chief Minister of Kerala.

One more suspect arrested - The Hindu

One more suspect arrested - The Hindu

Oommen Chandy’s condition stable - The Hindu

Oommen Chandy’s condition stable - The Hindu

Egypt tunnel closure costs Gaza millions - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Egypt tunnel closure costs Gaza millions - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Saudi women defy driving ban across country - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Saudi women defy driving ban across country - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Palestine's Mandela - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Palestine's Mandela - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Israel to attend UN Human Rights Council - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Israel to attend UN Human Rights Council - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Syrian rebels reject Geneva peace talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Syrian rebels reject Geneva peace talks - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Wave of attacks kills scores in Iraq - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Wave of attacks kills scores in Iraq - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

UK braces for massive hurricane-force storm - Europe - Al Jazeera English

UK braces for massive hurricane-force storm - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Argentina's Kirchner suffers election blow - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Argentina's Kirchner suffers election blow - Americas - Al Jazeera English

UN: Refugee numbers at highest in 19 years - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

UN: Refugee numbers at highest in 19 years - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Who is the real threat: Iran or Israel? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Who is the real threat: Iran or Israel? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Germany and Brazil seek UN privacy resolution - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Germany and Brazil seek UN privacy resolution - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Lawyers appeal to Obama on CIA secrets - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Lawyers appeal to Obama on CIA secrets - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Clashes on Iran's South Eastern Border with Pakistan

Iran's 17 guards were killed early today in clashes with "armed bandits" on their southeastern boundary with Pakistan i.e. Sistan-Baluchistan province, probably fighting drug traffickers. As per other sources a group Jaish Ul Adl, or 'Party of Justice',  was responsible for the violence. The area has Sunni majority on Iran's side  which has complains against Shia rulers of Iran.

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Iran guards killed on Pakistan border - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Iran guards killed on Pakistan border - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Subir Roy: Innovate a technology policy | Business Standard

Subir Roy: Innovate a technology policy | Business Standard

Jyoti Mukul: Should Aadhaar be made mandatory? | Business Standard

Jyoti Mukul: Should Aadhaar be made mandatory? | Business Standard

Israel considers threat from iran



Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding increase in  pressure on  Iran, so that Iran halts all enrichment of uranium. Enrichment of Uranium is  a key step in producing a nuclear weapon.
Iran must  remove its stockpile of enriched uranium from the country; it must  close suspicious enrichment facilities and shut down  a facility that could produce plutonium. Plutonium is  another potential gateway to production of  nuclear arms. Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran a threat to its very survival. 

Iran's Nuclear Programme

Iran is consistently insisting that her neclear  program is purely  for peaceful purposes.But  Prime Minister   is convinced that  Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons and they are trying to trick the West into easing economic sanctions while still pushing forward with their nuclear program at the same time. 

Signs of rift between Israel and US over Iran | Business Standard

Signs of rift between Israel and US over Iran | Business Standard

Iran urges reforms at United Nations | Business Standard

Iran urges reforms at United Nations | Business Standard

India, China set to sign landmark pact on border cooperation | Business Standard

India, China set to sign landmark pact on border cooperation | Business Standard

Russia to propose India's inclusion in key conference on Syria | Business Standard

Russia to propose India's inclusion in key conference on Syria | Business Standard

ISRO fixes Nov 5 for Mars mission | Business Standard

ISRO fixes Nov 5 for Mars mission | Business Standard

Govt plans three-phase exploration strategy on shale gas | Business Standard

Govt plans three-phase exploration strategy on shale gas | Business Standard

Maldives sets new presidential election for Nov. 9 - The Hindu

Maldives sets new presidential election for Nov. 9 - The Hindu

Afghanistan disqualifies 16 from presidential race - The Hindu

Afghanistan disqualifies 16 from presidential race - The Hindu

DGMOs talk hotline even as ceasefire violations continue - The Hindu

DGMOs talk hotline even as ceasefire violations continue - The Hindu

Hafiz Saeed could be behind spike in infiltration bids: Shinde - The Hindu

Hafiz Saeed could be behind spike in infiltration bids: Shinde - The Hindu

Is Libya on the brink of a new civil war? - Inside Story - Al Jazeera English

Is Libya on the brink of a new civil war? - Inside Story - Al Jazeera English

Eyeing God's gold in India - Features - Al Jazeera English

Eyeing God's gold in India - Features - Al Jazeera English

US drone strikes condemned in rights reports - Americas - Al Jazeera English

US drone strikes condemned in rights reports - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Sixteen Afghan election hopefuls disqualified - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Sixteen Afghan election hopefuls disqualified - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Diplomats meet in UK to discuss Syria crisis - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Diplomats meet in UK to discuss Syria crisis - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

US Congress votes to end government shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

US Congress votes to end government shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

PM Singh's visit to deepen strategic ties: China - Hindustan Times

PM Singh's visit to deepen strategic ties: China - Hindustan Times

Disarray in US House as debt-ceiling bills falter - Hindustan Times

Disarray in US House as debt-ceiling bills falter - Hindustan Times

'Coolest thing' about being president is everyone takes your calls: Obama - Hindustan Times

'Coolest thing' about being president is everyone takes your calls: Obama - Hindustan Times

Iraq: bomb kills 12, war-related deaths near 500,000 - Hindustan Times

Iraq: bomb kills 12, war-related deaths near 500,000 - Hindustan Times

S Korea introduces 'Gangnam Style' tourist police - Hindustan Times

S Korea introduces 'Gangnam Style' tourist police - Hindustan Times

US applauds India for successful Phailin evacuations - Hindustan Times

US applauds India for successful Phailin evacuations - Hindustan Times

21 killed as truck hit by blast in south Syria - Hindustan Times

21 killed as truck hit by blast in south Syria - Hindustan Times

US shutdown looms as Fitch warns of credit rating cut - Hindustan Times

US shutdown looms as Fitch warns of credit rating cut - Hindustan Times

A K Bhattacharya: Mr Modi's five mantras | Business Standard

A K Bhattacharya: Mr Modi's five mantras | Business Standard

Supreme Court verdict on negative voting - The Hindu

Supreme Court verdict on negative voting - The Hindu

US House plan crumbles on budget, debt - The Hindu

US House plan crumbles on budget, debt - The Hindu

India, Brazil team-up to fight online snooping - The Hindu

India, Brazil team-up to fight online snooping - The Hindu

Kudankulam n-plant power generation delayed again - The Hindu

Kudankulam n-plant power generation delayed again - The Hindu

Ex-secretary points finger at PM; BJP demands probe - The Hindu

Ex-secretary points finger at PM; BJP demands probe - The Hindu

Is the Horn of Africa facing another collapsing state? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Is the Horn of Africa facing another collapsing state? - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

Libyan al-Qaeda suspect pleads not guilty - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Libyan al-Qaeda suspect pleads not guilty - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Deadly typhoon lashes Japan's east coast - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Deadly typhoon lashes Japan's east coast - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Cautious optimism over Iran nuclear offer - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Cautious optimism over Iran nuclear offer - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

House vote delayed as US debt deadline nears - Americas - Al Jazeera English

House vote delayed as US debt deadline nears - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Scores dead in 'calamitous' Philippine quake - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Scores dead in 'calamitous' Philippine quake - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Asaram’s empire | Frontline

Asaram’s empire | Frontline

For a dispossessed population | Frontline

For a dispossessed population | Frontline

Drums of war | Frontline

Drums of war | Frontline

For a few votes more | Frontline

For a few votes more | Frontline

A pat on the back | Frontline

A pat on the back | Frontline

Nosy neighbour | Frontline

Nosy neighbour | Frontline

The Russian grandmaster | Frontline

The Russian grandmaster | Frontline

LARR Bill: salient features | Frontline

LARR Bill: salient features | Frontline

New trails of discovery | Frontline

New trails of discovery | Frontline

Arvind Subramanian: Emerging markets and the world | Business Standard

Arvind Subramanian: Emerging markets and the world | Business Standard

T N Ninan: The Elwin question again | Business Standard

T N Ninan: The Elwin question again | Business Standard

The Jwala Gutta case | Business Standard

The Jwala Gutta case | Business Standard

Harsh V Pant: India turns to the East | Business Standard

Harsh V Pant: India turns to the East | Business Standard

Sreelatha Menon: How MGNREGS can help education | Business Standard

Sreelatha Menon: How MGNREGS can help education | Business Standard

Varad Pande: Changing the climate of the India-US strategic partnership | Business Standard

Varad Pande: Changing the climate of the India-US strategic partnership | Business Standard

IMD vindicated over Phailin prediction, proves foreign agencies wrong | Business Standard

IMD vindicated over Phailin prediction, proves foreign agencies wrong | Business Standard

The master of thrillers bids adieu | Business Standard

The master of thrillers bids adieu | Business Standard

Cyclone Phailin's trail of destruction

Ratangarh Temple Stampede

Datia(MP). It is 50 km from Gwalior. 115 pilgrims, including 30 children died and more than 100 injured in a stampede on narrow bridge on Sindh River , on way  to the historic Ratangarh temple in Datia district. . Similar tragedy happened in 2006 tragedy at the same site when 50 pilgrims were washed away.

Over one lakh devotees from Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring UP  had gathered to visit the temple on auspicious Navami day.

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Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). ISRO has announced that  Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) will be launched on 28 October as  scheduled. ISRO further  dismissed  suggestions that NASA may not be in a position to offer it deep space network support following government shutdown in the U.S.

 NASA has announced that it is going ahead with its own MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, slated for launch as early as November 18 which  means that NASA would have to keep its DSN operational.  DSN is an international network of antennas that track interplanetary spacecraft missions.

 October 28 is the first day of the launch window which remains open till November 19.

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India’s October 28 Mars mission on schedule: ISRO - The Hindu

India’s October 28 Mars mission on schedule: ISRO - The Hindu

Higgs, Englert get Physics Nobel for God particle research - The Hindu

Higgs, Englert get Physics Nobel for God particle research - The Hindu

Standard model of particle physics validated - The Hindu

Standard model of particle physics validated - The Hindu

The next Rushdie? - The Hindu

The next Rushdie? - The Hindu

ONGC Videsh wins two oil blocks in Myanmar - The Hindu

ONGC Videsh wins two oil blocks in Myanmar - The Hindu

Migrant deaths prompt calls for EU action - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Migrant deaths prompt calls for EU action - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Kerry fails to seal security deal with Karzai - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Kerry fails to seal security deal with Karzai - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

India assesses Cyclone Phailin damage - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

India assesses Cyclone Phailin damage - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Scores dead in India temple stampede - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Scores dead in India temple stampede - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the Indonesian President . PM Manmohan Singh met him in Jakarta, capital on 11 October 2013 at Merdeka Palace.

Mee Seva

Mee Seva. This is service provided through computerised post offices in Andhra Pradesh, where 127 types of services offered by 42 government departments can be availed through the post offices. These include income certificates, caste certificates, revenue certificates etc by charging a small amount of Rs 25-30.

Asheervachanam schem

Asheervachanam scheme. The scheme is being implemented in Tirupati temple where the donor will get 'Akshatalu' and a photograph of Sri Venkateswara through post. Other major temples are also likely to get this facility thorugh postal department.

Is there a flight of capital from India? - The Hindu

Is there a flight of capital from India? - The Hindu

Message behind the Peace Nobel - The Hindu

Message behind the Peace Nobel - The Hindu

Thousands bid farewell to Gen. Giap - The Hindu

Thousands bid farewell to Gen. Giap - The Hindu

Phailin leaves trail of destruction in coastal Odisha, A.P. - The Hindu

Phailin leaves trail of destruction in coastal Odisha, A.P. - The Hindu

Pakistan's Malala wins EU human rights prize - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Pakistan's Malala wins EU human rights prize - Europe - Al Jazeera English

UN to boost Syria chemical-weapons team - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

UN to boost Syria chemical-weapons team - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

The persecution of Jwala - The Hindu

The persecution of Jwala - The Hindu

U.S. President meets Malala at the Oval Office - The Hindu

U.S. President meets Malala at the Oval Office - The Hindu

Phailin strongest cyclone to hit India in 14 years - The Hindu

Phailin strongest cyclone to hit India in 14 years - The Hindu

US forces capture Pakistani Taliban commander - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

US forces capture Pakistani Taliban commander - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Powerful storm approaches India's east coast - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Powerful storm approaches India's east coast - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Friday, October 11, 2013

Lakhs of people evacuated - The Hindu

Lakhs of people evacuated - The Hindu

Whistleblower Award

The Sam Adams Award for Integrity in Intelligence. Also called whistleblowers award. Former CIA analyst Edward Snowden was given an American whistleblowers’ award for exposing massive U.S. surveillance snooping. The award  was presented to Mr. Snowden by four former U.S. intelligence officials at a secret meeting in Moscow.
Snowden is presently living in asylum in Russia, which has strained US-Russia relationship to a great extent.

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CIA whistleblower award for Snowden - The Hindu

CIA whistleblower award for Snowden - The Hindu

Standing shoulder to shoulder in sea of trouble - The Hindu

Standing shoulder to shoulder in sea of trouble - The Hindu

Disaster on doorstep of AP, Odisha - The Hindu

Disaster on doorstep of AP, Odisha - The Hindu

Nobel Peace Prize 2013

 Nobel Peace Prize 2013.  Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons( OPCW) based in The Hague, Netherlands has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013. The OPCW was formed in 1997 to enforce the Chemical Weapons Convention. The  Chemical Weapons Convention is  the first international treaty to outlaw chemical weapons.

The organization has 189 member states and Syria has officially joined it just a couple of days before.  OPCW inspectors are on a highly risky United Nations—backed disarmament mission  in Syria to verify and destroy Syria’s  store of poison gas and nerve agents arsenals, in face of  civil war, which is taking its toll on a daily basis.

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Phailin: Cyclone

 Phailin. It is a  very severe cyclonic storm, which is hitting  east central Bay of Bengal and moving west-northwestwards with a speed of 15 kmph. It is lying  centred about 520km south-southeast of Paradip and 530km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha.

Phailin's wind speed is now upgraded 205-215 kmph on 11 October.
The Phailin may have similar devastating impact on coastal Odisha as was experienced in 1999 Super Cyclone.

 Super Cyclone killed about 8000 people in the Odisha in 1999.Massive evacuation is being  undertaken by district administrations of Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Jagatsinghpur of Odisha, which are likely to be hit by severe cyclonic storm Phailin.

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Odisha on high alert as Phailin gains strength - The Hindu

Odisha on high alert as Phailin gains strength - The Hindu

Odisha on high alert as Phailin gains strength - The Hindu

Odisha on high alert as Phailin gains strength - The Hindu

2013 Nobel prize in literature

2013 Nobel  prize in literature. Canada's Alice Munro,82 has won the Nobel literature prize . She has won the award for her short stories that focus on the frailties of the human condition. She is  the first Canadian to win the prestigious award ( instituted in 1901 ) and has also  become  the 13th woman to win Nobel prize in literature.

Hailed as  "master of the contemporary short story", her story revolves around small town environments, where the struggle for a socially acceptable existence often results in strained relationships and moral conflicts.
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Nalanda University

The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill . Nalanda is a seat of ancient learniong. The bill is before a parliamentary committee. the bill seeks to have five EAS(East Asia Summit) countries members on the board to give the university a truly international character. The Nalanda University flourished between 5 th and 12 th century. India is the largest financier of this venture. China, Singapore and Australia and several other countries have also pledged money for the university.

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has mentored the Nalanda University project since 2007. His is the current Chancellor, Nalanda University.

also read http://nalandauniv.edu.in/

ASEAN, China vow to maintain peace, stability in S China Sea - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

ASEAN, China vow to maintain peace, stability in S China Sea - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

8th East Asia Summit opens in Brunei - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

8th East Asia Summit opens in Brunei - Headlines, features, photo and videos from ecns.cn|china|news|chinanews|ecns|cns

8th East Asia Summit

8th East Asia Summit. The summit opened at Brunei today.Leaders of ASEAN and eight dialogue partners gathered to discuss strategic issues of relevance to the region. The eight dialogue partners include China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

Obama and Putin are not attending the summit and are being represented by their foreign ministers. Established  in 2005, the EAS has served as a forum for dialogue on broad strategic issues of relevance to East Asia as well as other regional and global issues, with the focus on areas such as energy, infectious diseases, sustainable development, poverty reduction and environment.

Separate mission for ASEAN.

Separate mission for ASEAN. India has decided to open a seprate mission for ASEAN and PM may make announcement shortly. Presently,  India’s diplomatic mission in Indonesia handles all  the ASEAN-related work. It is pertinent to mention that  the ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta. 

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is agroup of 10 countries located in South east Asia. It was established on 8 August 1967.  Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand were founding members. Later, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam were included. . ASEAN aims at accelerating economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members and  protection of regional peace and stability.

This years ASEAN meet is being held at Brunei from 9 oct. PM Nabmohan Singh is attending the meet. Obama has to drop at the last moment due to financial crisis in US. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is also attending the summit.

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Libyan PM kidnapped by armed men - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Libyan PM kidnapped by armed men - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Brunei

Brunei. Brunei's  official name is  the Nation of Brunei meanig' the Abode of Peace'  It is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Its Capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. It is governed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the absolute monarch.  Malay is its Language.

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ASEAN summit gets under way in Brunei - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

ASEAN summit gets under way in Brunei - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

India to open a separate diplomatic mission for ASEAN - The Hindu

India to open a separate diplomatic mission for ASEAN - The Hindu

Ready for short term increase in debt ceiling: Obama - The Hindu

Ready for short term increase in debt ceiling: Obama - The Hindu

Manmohan meeting Tony Abbott - The Hindu

Manmohan meeting Tony Abbott - The Hindu

Life sentence for ex-BNP Minister for war crimes - The Hindu

Life sentence for ex-BNP Minister for war crimes - The Hindu

Odisha raises warning level, Cyclone Phailin intensifies - The Hindu

Odisha raises warning level, Cyclone Phailin intensifies - The Hindu

Fencing at Manipur-Myanmar border continues despite opposition - The Hindu

Fencing at Manipur-Myanmar border continues despite opposition - The Hindu

Curfew relaxed in Vizianagaram - The Hindu

Curfew relaxed in Vizianagaram - The Hindu

Egypt sets November trial date for Morsi - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Egypt sets November trial date for Morsi - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Libya: A safe haven for al-Qaeda? - Inside Story - Al Jazeera English

Libya: A safe haven for al-Qaeda? - Inside Story - Al Jazeera English

Iran says it owns more uranium than needed - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Iran says it owns more uranium than needed - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Chemical watchdog: Syria goal can be reached - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Chemical watchdog: Syria goal can be reached - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

US withholds military aid to Egypt - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

US withholds military aid to Egypt - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Monday, October 7, 2013

Prithvi-II missile test fired - The Hindu

Prithvi-II missile test fired - The Hindu

Bopanna-Edouard pair lifts Japan Open

Bopanna-Edouard pair lifts Japan Open

Prithvi-II

Prithivi-II. India today successfully test-fired Prithvi-II missile with a strike range of 350 km . It is  indigenously developed nuclear-capable missile capable of carrying 500kg to 1000kg of warheads from Chandipur  test range in Odisha.The missile is  thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory.

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India will facilitate meeting of fishermen's associations very soon: Khurshid - The Hindu

India will facilitate meeting of fishermen's associations very soon: Khurshid - The Hindu

Rohan Bopanna

 Rohan Bopanna.  Rohan Bopanna  with French partner Edouard Roger-Vasselinx lifted the Japan Open trophy, defeared Briton-Australian combo Jamie Murray and John Peers on Sunday.

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World Habitat Day

World Habitat Day. 7 October was celebrated as World habitat Day. Urban Mobility to encourage people to shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation was the theme of the World Habitat Day 2013 .

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Russia's Putin battles for his Eurasian dream - Features - Al Jazeera English

Russia's Putin battles for his Eurasian dream - Features - Al Jazeera English

US credits Syria for chemical arms progress - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

US credits Syria for chemical arms progress - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Israelis, Palestinians meet amid scepticism - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Israelis, Palestinians meet amid scepticism - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Scores killed as Egypt marks war anniversary - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Scores killed as Egypt marks war anniversary - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Security forces attacked in northern Egypt - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Security forces attacked in northern Egypt - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Prithivi-II successfully test-fired | Business Standard

Prithivi-II successfully test-fired | Business Standard

Congress trapped in its own Telangana game plan | Business Standard

Congress trapped in its own Telangana game plan | Business Standard

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Deadline looms for Afghan presidential race - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Deadline looms for Afghan presidential race - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Tunisia deal to bring end to Islamist rule - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Tunisia deal to bring end to Islamist rule - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Ladakh

Ladakh. Ladakh means ' Land of Passes'. It is also known by many other names like 'roof of the world', 'Kanchanpa meaning land of snow' ' Land of Gompas' . it also large number of Buddhists monasteries called Gompa.
Ladakh became a part of India in 1947. It is a part of J&K , which has three completely different regions-Vale of Kashmir( predominantly Muslims) , Jammu regions with Hindu majority and Ladakh with a majority of Buddhist population. Ladakh is completely barren and mostly inaccessible. a large network of black top and all weather/ fair weather roads have come up after Independence, mostly to cater for  requirement of maintaining lines of communication for army.. Pir Panjal ranges divide the valley form the plains/ hills of Jammu.

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Al-Qaeda figure seized in US raids in Africa - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Al-Qaeda figure seized in US raids in Africa - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Vietnam army general Giap dies at 102 - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Vietnam army general Giap dies at 102 - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Assad: Turkey will pay for backing rebels - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Assad: Turkey will pay for backing rebels - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Ecuador allows drilling in UNESCO reserve - The Hindu

Ecuador allows drilling in UNESCO reserve - The Hindu

India, Russia close to clearing liability hurdle - The Hindu

India, Russia close to clearing liability hurdle - The Hindu

Looking ahead on Telangana - The Hindu

Looking ahead on Telangana - The Hindu

Two states and the Godavari - The Hindu

Two states and the Godavari - The Hindu

No end in sight to U.S. shutdown crisis - The Hindu

No end in sight to U.S. shutdown crisis - The Hindu

White House says shutdown impedes sanctions - Americas - Al Jazeera English

White House says shutdown impedes sanctions - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Four militants killed in Keran sector - The Hindu

Four militants killed in Keran sector - The Hindu

Seemandhra bandh enters second day; normal life hit - The Hindu

Seemandhra bandh enters second day; normal life hit - The Hindu

Somali group says 'Westerners' attacked base - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Somali group says 'Westerners' attacked base - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Abdullah Abdullah to contest - The Hindu

Abdullah Abdullah to contest - The Hindu

American diplomats ordered to be expelled from Venezuella

 Nicolas Maduro , Venezuelan President,on Monday ordered to have three American diplomats expelled for allegedly plotting with the Venezuelan opposition to stir up violence in the country.

Maduro has  said that there would be no "cordial ties" with the United States until they respects Venezuelan sovereignty.

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Israel won’t let Iran get nuclear arms: Netanyahu - The Hindu

Israel won’t let Iran get nuclear arms: Netanyahu - The Hindu

Israel won’t let Iran get nuclear arms: Netanyahu - The Hindu

Israel won’t let Iran get nuclear arms: Netanyahu - The Hindu

Egypt anti-coup rally held in Tahrir Square - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

Egypt anti-coup rally held in Tahrir Square - Middle East - Al Jazeera English

US generals fired for Afghan security breach - Americas - Al Jazeera English

US generals fired for Afghan security breach - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Israeli PM urges world not to 'trust' Rouhani - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Israeli PM urges world not to 'trust' Rouhani - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Obama rejects GOP offer to ease shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

Obama rejects GOP offer to ease shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

India's nuclear accord with Canada

Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Lynne Yelich in Ottawa announced that the India-Canada civil nuclear cooperation agreement has come into force.

India and Canada had signed the civil nuclear accord in June 2010 during Prime Minister's visit to Canada. After India conducted the nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974, the relationship between the two countries had taken a nosedive in the field of nuclear cooperation.
Now  two countries have signed the Appropriate Arrangement pursuant to the India-Canada nuclear cooperation agreement on April 8, 2013.
The civil nuclear accord and the supporting Appropriate Arrangement will permit Canadian companies to export nuclear wares to India.

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Myanmar rioters attack Muslims and burn homes - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

Myanmar rioters attack Muslims and burn homes - Asia-Pacific - Al Jazeera English

US concerned over Turkey-China missile deal - Europe - Al Jazeera English

US concerned over Turkey-China missile deal - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Bosnia holds first post-war census - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Bosnia holds first post-war census - Europe - Al Jazeera English

Bangladesh MP sentenced to death - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

Bangladesh MP sentenced to death - Central & South Asia - Al Jazeera English

US government orders partial shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

US government orders partial shutdown - Americas - Al Jazeera English

BDCA (Border Defence Cooperation Agreement)

BDCA (Border Defence Cooperation Agreement) The accord is being finalised between China and India and likely to be signed in PM's forthcoming visit to China. BDCA focusses on maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control(LAC)

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