Consequently, the new government of BJP thrived to unite and strengthen
ties with neighboring countries of South East Asia inorder to boost
economic relations and expands its global role.
2014 turned out to be a turbulent one for South East Asia with two plane
tragedies and a coup hitting global headlines, even as India's ties
with the key region gained momentum with the new Indian government
turning the 'Look East' policy into an 'Act East' strategy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the East Asia Summit in Myanmar in
November to stress India's seriousness to advance India-ASEAN economic
relations, signalling a more action- oriented policy towards South East
Asia to boost economy and expand the country's global role.
“A new era of economic development, industrialisation and trade has
begun in India. Externally, India's 'Look East Policy' has become 'Act
East Policy'," Modi had said at the ASEAN-India Summit.
He highlighted specific recommendations to advance ASEAN- India economic
relations over the next few years, including establishing a special
purpose vehicle for project financing, building information highways,
and inviting ASEAN countries to participate in Indias ongoing economic
transformation.
Modi held productive meetings with individual Southeast Asian states,
including Singapore and Myanmar -- the only ASEAN country India shares a
land border with.
Modi and Burmese President Thein Sein both reviewed key ongoing joint
infrastructure projects such as the India- Myanmar-Thailand trilateral
highway and the Kaladan project.
During External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Myanmar to
India-ASEAN meeting, India said it would soon draft a five-year action
plan starting 2016 for enhancing connectivity and cooperation in diverse
areas.
But the year was not as good for the region as it saw two heart wrenching tragedies in the airline industry's history.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 239 people, including five Indians
aboard, disappeared mysteriously over the Indian Ocean en route to
Beijing, China.
After 131 days, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 17 was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 people aboard.
(MC 23.12)
K Balachander, a master filmmaker is no more
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 Updated on : 24-12-2014 12:54 AM
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Acclaimed
filmmaker K Balachander, who brought in a new wave of filmmaking in
Tamil cinema with bold themes and mentored talented actors like Kamal
Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi, died on Tuesday.
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The 84-year-old Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, who carved out a
niche for himself on the national stage with memorable films like
'Arangetram', 'Aval Oru Thodarkadhai', Rajini and Haasan-starrer
'Apoorva Raagangal', 'Avargal', 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' and 'Aaina', died of
heart attack following a brief illness.
Popularly known as KB, Kailasam Balachander broke away from the staple
Tamil films of that time in the early '70s by championing bold themes
and the cause of women and downtrodden in his films and was a
trend-setter.
He often courted controversies, the early one of which was portrayal of a
Brahmin girl as a prostitute that shook the community to which he
belonged.
Hailed as "Iyakunar Sigaram" (peak among directors), Balachander stood
out for experimenting with new faces like Saritha, Sujatha, Mohan,
Prakash Raj, comedian Vivek and character artiste Nazar.
A tough taskmaster, he brought out the best from his actors.
Balachander, who was hospitalised following age related ailments on
December 3, breathed his last at 7.02 pm on Tuesday, hospital
authorities said.
"He suffered a heart attack by 6.45 pm and he succumbed to it. His
infection too had intensified. Though the fever was under control there
was little that we could do given his age," a hospital spokesperson
said.
Balachander made his debut in cinema with Tamil film 'Neerkumizhi',
based on his play in 1965. Late comedian Nagesh had portrayed the
poignant role of a cancer patient in the film.
His 'Sindhu Bhairavi' was a brilliant portrayal of a yearning for
intellectual companionship by the protagonist and the intricate
relationship problems that came with it.
Born on July 9, 1930 at Nannilam in the then composite Thanjavur
District (now Thiruvarur), Balachander directed films in Tamil, Telugu,
Kannada and Hindi.
He wrote, directed and produced more than 100 films in his long career,
launching more than 65 actors, actresses and technicians in the Tamil
film industry.
His blockbuster movies include 'Aval Oru Thodarkathai', (Tamil) which
was remade as 'Anthulaney Katha' in Telugu, 'Maro Charitra' (Telugu)
remade as 'Ek Dhuje Ke Liye' in Hindi, and 'Thillu Mullu' (remake of
Golmaal in Hindi).
Several accolades came his way in his glittering career including
Dadasaheb Phalke award (2010), Padma Shri (1987), Kalaimamani Award
(Tamil Nadu) Nandi and Golden Nandi (Andhra Pradesh) besides nine
National film awards and Filmfare trophies.
"My father touched so many hearts and lives though his films. He
inspired the common man. His passing away is a terrible loss not only to
our family but also to the entire film industry," Pushpa Kandasamy,
daughter of the filmmaker said.
The funeral will take place on December 25. The body will be kept at
their residence on Warren Road in Mylapore here for people to pay
homage, she said. Balachander is survived by wife, son and daughter. His
other son, Kailasam died on August 15 this year.
He was surrounded by his family member at the time of his death, Puspha
said.
Beginning his life as a teacher, he became a superintendent in the
Accountant General's office, and entered Tamil filmdom by writing
dialogue for MGR's movie 'Dheiva Thaai'.
Even while working in the AG's office, he staged several dramas. His
successful play 'Server Sundaram' was later made into a Tamil film
(1964) and was directed by Krishnan Panju and produced by AVM.
Kavithalaya, and Min Bimbangal were his production houses that made films and television shows respectively.
When satellite television came to occupy a sizable entertainment space
among audience in early 1990s, he was quick to recognise its importance.
He produced several television mega serials including 'Rail Sneham' and 'Kai Alavu Manasu'.
Recently, he acted in 'Rettaisuzhi' which was produced by film director Shankar.
(DPT- 23/12)
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Tendulkar named ambassador for 2015 ICC World Cup
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 Updated on : 22-12-2014 12:29 PM
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Indian
cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is the all-time leading run-getter
in World Cup history, was named the event's ambassador for the second
successive edition.
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"The International Cricket Council today announced Sachin Tendulkar as
the World Cup 2015 Ambassador. It will be the second successive time
that the India maestro will be the Ambassador of ICC's pinnacle
tournament, after he fulfilled the role in the previous event in 2011,"
the ICC said in a statement in Dubai on Monday.
In his role as ambassador, Tendulkar will promote and support a variety
of ICC initiatives to enhance the profile of the tournament, which is
the third biggest sporting event in the world and will take place in
Australia and New Zealand from 14th February to 29th March.
Tendulkar retired from international cricket last year after
representing India in 200 Tests, 463 One-Dayers and one Twenty20
International.
In a career spanning 24 years, the 41-year-old scored a total of 34,357 international runs and 100 centuries.
Tendulkar added the missing World Cup title to his long list of
achievements in his sixth attempt in 2011. He is the all-time leading
run-getter in World Cup history with 2,278 runs in 45 matches at an
average of 56.95.
For his 673 runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, he was awarded
player of the tournament as India finished runner-up to Australia.
"I am delighted and honoured to be appointed ICC Cricket World Cup
Ambassador for the second successive time. After playing in the last six
editions, the upcoming World Cup will be a different experience as I
will follow it from the sidelines. It could probably be comparable to
the ICC Cricket World Cup 1987 where I was a ball boy, enthusiastically
cheering every ball," Tendulkar said.
"The excitement of the World Cup grows with every new edition and this
year's host nations, Australia and New Zealand, are known for their
sporting culture, great cricket facilities and knowledgeable crowds.
Lifting the World Cup is every international cricketer's quest and the
tournament brings out the best of individuals and competing teams.
"The image of the champion team lifting the World Cup inspires many
youngsters around the world and gives them a dream to chase a dream
which I fulfilled after 22 years of relentless pursuit by being part of
the victorious Indian team in 2011," he added.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said Tendulkar is the perfect ambassador for the marquee event.
"The ICC is delighted to once again have Sachin as an Ambassador for its
biggest and most prestigious tournament. Sachin is not only an
inspiration to cricketers but to all sportspeople for his endurance,
perseverance, talent, personality and commitment to the game," he said.
The 11th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup will kick off in
Christchurch on 14th February when co-hosts New Zealand take on former
champion Sri Lanka.
On the same day at the picturesque Melbourne Cricket Ground, four-time
world champion Australia will square-off against England, which reached
the final the last time the event was staged in Australia/New Zealand in
1992.
A total of 49 matches will be played across 14 venues, seven in New
Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and
Wellington) and seven in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra,
Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney).
The format of the tournament is the same as the ICC Cricket World Cup
2011, i.e. two groups of seven sides each, quarter-finals, semi-finals
and final. All the knock-out stage matches will have reserve days.
Apart from the 10 Full Members, four qualifiers -- Afghanistan, Ireland,
Scotland and the United Arab Emirates -- will take part in the
tournament.
(DD-22.12)
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'The Lunchbox' named best first film by Toronto Film Critics
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 Updated on : 18-12-2014 08:41 PM
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Ritesh Batra's much lauded epistolary romance drama 'The Lunchbox' has been named best first feature by Toronto Film Critics.
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The
film, which won the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award at Cannes Film
Festival in 2013, tells the nostalgic love story between a lonely
housewife and an about to retire widower, who get connected through a
wrongly delivered lunchbox.
The Mumbai-set film starred Irrfan, Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in key roles.
Batra, who had made short films like 'The Morning Ritual', 'Gareeb
Nawaz's Taxi' and 'Cafe Cairo', was initially set to make a documentary
on the impeccable dabbawalla service in Mumbai, where only one delivery
in a million goes wrong.
'The Lunchbox' released in India on September 20, 2013.
(PT-18/12)
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Make in India to be highlighted at PBD; Around 3,000 diaspora to attend
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 Updated on : 22-12-2014 05:43 PM
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Government's
key programmes, including Make in India, would be highlighted during
the Jan 7-9 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) being held in Gandhinagar,
Gujarat, that is expected to see around 3,000 Indian diaspora attending.
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The annual PBD is being held in Gandhinagar to mark the centenary of the
return of the "sarva sreshtha pravasi Bharatiya" or foremost Indian
diaspora member, Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa, said
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who is also minister for
Overseas Indian Affairs.
An exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution to India's
independence would also be inaugurated besides other events to mark the
centenary of Gandhi's return to India.
Foreign Minister of South Africa Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has also been
invited, but her confirmation is awaited, said Sushma Swaraj.
The chief guest of the 13th PBD would be Guyana President Donald Ramotar.
PBD is the world's largest annual gathering of people of Indian origin
aimed at enhancing networking and reinforcing commercial linkages. There
are 25 million people of Indian origin residing outside India.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas would be "different" from earlier PBDs, stressed Sushma Swaraj.
The PBD would be hosting some special events, including a special
session for the diaspora youth and also four special sessions. These are
- to deal with the concerns of diaspora living in the Gulf countries,
for those living in Francophone countries, a session for countries where
the descendants of Indian indentured labour live and another session to
address concerns of the associations of Indian diaspora, she said.
Gujarat is the partner country for the event. Ten Indian states,
including the non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) states of Uttar Pradesh,
Kerala and Nagaland, are participating.
The BJP states are Gujarat, Goa, AMadhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra.
Asked if West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is at
loggerheads with the BJP, was invited, Sushma Swaraj said that she had
sent letters of invitation to all chief ministers, and so far 10 had
confirmed they would be attending.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitey and Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
would be addressing the session between the 10 chief ministers and NRI
businesspersons, she said.
The officials looking after the Make in India, Swachch Bharat, Skill
India, Clean Ganga projects and Tourism would tell the diaspora about
the schemes and invite investments from the diaspora.
Sushma Swaraj also denied that the decision to host the event in Gujarat
this time was taken after the new government came into power.
She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had four years ago, while he
was chief minister of Gujarat, proposed hosting PBD in Gujarat in 2015
and had written about it to the then prime minister Manmohan Singh.
To another question, she said that the ministry is working to merge the
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards with the Person of Indian
Origin (PIO) cards and ensure lifelong visa to the holders.
On a proposal to grant voting rights to NRIs, Sushma Swaraj said that
they are examining several suggestions, including having Electronic
Voting Machines placed in embassies during elections, allowing proxy
voting or having the diaspora member to come home to vote.
"There is no decision yet, we are thinking of a solution," she said.
To criticism that the PBD events end up becoming places for the
businesspersons to interact, she said that this time they have "tried to
balance the aam admi and the businessperson" and cited the special
events being held for the diaspora to address their concerns.
The Indian ambassadors of six Gulf countries have been invited to
address the special session on diaspora living in those countries.
The event would kick off Jan 7 with a Youth PBD where the children of
Indian diaspora would participate and be given an insight into the
culture and heritage of India as well as its achievements, including in
space and IT.
On Jan 8, Prime Minster Modi would Ainaugurate the main session and Jan
9, President Pranab Mukherjee would give away the Pravasi Bharatiya
Sammans to 15 eminent diaspora members.
@BJ-22.12
HI today is 26 December 2014 and on the DD news
PM Modi greets Vajpayee, visits his residence
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 Updated on : 25-12-2014 11:59 AM
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Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee on his 90th birthday and said there is no bigger tribute
to him than celebrating it as 'Good Governance Day'.
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Modi
visited Vajpayee at his residence this morning to personally wish him
on his birthday. "Warm birthday wishes to our one and only Atal ji," he
said in his message.
"There is no bigger tribute to Atal ji than
celebrating his birthday as 'Good Governance Day' and pledging to
devote ourselves to this cause. "Development and good governance are the
only ways ahead.
Together, let us make a positive impact in
people's lives and create a developed India," the Prime Minister said.
He also paid tributes to Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya on his birth
anniversary. "A man ahead of his time, he devoted himself to nationalism
and education," the Prime Minister said.
(AB-25/12)
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PM Modi vows to deliver open, accountable administration
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 Updated on : 25-12-2014 11:42 AM
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On
'Good Governance Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said
efforts are being made for "re-engineering" of government processes as
part of the promise to provide an "open and accountable administration".
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He
said his government has worked over the last seven months with the
mantra of 'Citizen-First' and it is committed to providing a transparent
and accountable administration which works for the welfare of the
common citizens.
"An open and accountable administration is what
we had promised to deliver and we will do so.... I assure you, my
countrymen that we will not let you down," Modi said in a message on
'Good Governance Day' being celebrated on the 90th birthday of former
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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Vajpayee, Malviya chosen for Bharat Ratna
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 Updated on : 25-12-2014 09:38 AM
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Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and educationist Madan Mohan
Malviya were on Wednesday chosen for the country's highest civilian
award Bharat Ratna.
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The announcement came ahead of Vajpayee's 90th birthday
tomorrow. "The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to
Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya (posthumously) and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee," a
press communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
One of India's most charismatic leaders, Vajpayee is lauded as a
statesman and has been often described as the moderate face of BJP.
Vajpayee, who has been ailing for sometime, has been credited for taking
bold initiatives, notable being the attempt to bridge Indo-Pak
differences.
India's longest serving prime minister outside of Congress party,
Vajpayee's detractors called him "mask" of the RSS. Several BJP leaders
and MPs, including Murli Manohar Joshi, have demanded that the top
honour be awarded to Vajpayee.
NDA partner Shiv Sena too came out in support of conferring Bharat Ratna to the first BJP Prime Minister.
An educationist with a vision, Malviya's main achievement was the
establishment of the Banaras Hindu University. Born on December 25,
1861, Malviya was catapulted into the political arena immediately after
his first moving speech at the second Congress session held in Kolkata
in 1886.
He was President of INC in 1909 and 1918. Malviya is also remembered for
his stellar role in the Independence movement and his espousal of Hindu
nationalism. He was one of the initial leaders of the right-wing Hindu
Mahasabha.
The recommendation for Bharat Ratna is made by the Prime Minister
himself to the President. No formal recommendation for this is
necessary.
Last year, when the UPA government had announced Bharat Ratna for former
cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao, BJP had criticised
Congress for ignoring Vajpayee's contribution to the nation.
(PT-24/12)
Tackling NDFB Assam: Govt seeks Bhutan’s co- operation
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 Updated on : 25-12-2014 01:13 PM
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In
the aftermath of the massacre of Assam tribals at the hands of the
banned militant outfit NDFB, the govt has geared up in action in the
last two days.
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External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, after being asked by Home Minister
Rajnath Singh, is due to turn to Bhutan to seek co- operation in
tackling the nefarious NDFB.
Per a Home Ministry official deposition, Singh requested Swaraj last
night to immediately consult with the authorities in the Himalayan
nation for ancillary support in fighting the outfit.
NDFB has been long suspected of nesting in and operating from a few bases along the Indo-Bhutan border.
As per officials, the Indian security forces are impeded in their
offensives against the NDFB, since the militants infiltrate into the
Bhutanese territory after launching attacks.
As a case in point, Bhutan had effected a colossal anti- militant
operation against the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) militants
in 2003-04, completely wiping out their bases from Bhutan.
The Bhutanese Army exterminated a large chunk of the outfit, making them flee.
On Tuesday, heavily armed NDFB(S) militants had attacked remote Adivasi
villages of three Assam districts killing 72 people including 21 women
and 18 children.
This had called for a backfire from the aggrieved tribals, and in the ensuing police action, three more tribals ended up dead.
(SB 25.12)
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ED summons on Majithia: Punjab CM rules out seeking his resignation
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 Updated on : 24-12-2014 12:59 AM
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With
opposition parties mounting pressure, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash
Singh Badal on Monday ruled out asking Revenue Minister Bikram Singh
Majithia to resign after the Enforcement Directorate served summons on
him in connection with the international drug racket case.
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Cong's Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil appointed LoP in Maharashtra Assembly
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 Updated on : 24-12-2014 01:12 AM
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Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of the Congress has been appointed as Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
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Speaker Haribhau Bagde in a suo moto statement made the announcement in the Lower House and installed Patil as LoP.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena group leader and Minister
Eknath Shinde, NCP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar
and senior most Member Ganparao Deshmukh escorted Vikhe Patil to his
Chair.
The Speaker while making the announcement said, he had received letter
from Pradesh Congress President Manikrao Thakre and Vikhe Patil himself
claiming the post.
Similarly NCP State President, Sunil Tatkare and Pawar had recommended
the name of former Home Minister R R Patil but the Speaker, after
soliciting legal opinion from experts and also from the Advocate General
of Maharashtra, came to the conclusion of naming Vikhe Patil as LoP.
The announcement was greeted by thumping of desks from both treasury and opposition benches.
Fadnavis while extending compliments and congratulating Vikhe Patil said
in a democratic set up, the post of LoP was important and he hoped that
Vikhe Patil will perform his duties in an efficient manner.
Jayant Patil (NCP) and Ganpatrao Deshmukh (PWP) also congratulated the LoP.
In his reply, Vikhe Patil assured to live up to the expectations of the
members and the House. His opposition will not be for the sake of
opposition, he told the House.
Speaker also complimented Vikhe Patil for his elevation and said he (Speaker) was happy to hear Vikhe Patil's views.
(AKS-23/12)
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Celebs remember Mohammed Rafi on 90th birth anniversary
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 Updated on : 24-12-2014 04:03 PM
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On
the 90th birth anniversary of Mohammed Rafi, several Bollywood
personalities led by Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar, paid tribute to the
legendary playback singer.
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Mangeshkar,
85, who has sung several hit duets with Rafi like 'Humko Tumse Ho Gaya
Hai Pyar', 'Kitna Pyara Wada Hai', 'Chadti Jawani Meri Chaal Mastani',
remembered the late singer.
"Today is the 90th birth anniversary
of famous and popular singer Mohammed Rafi. The work that he has done
in his lifetime it will be loved by people for the thousands of years,"
Mangeshkar posted along with the link of her favourite Rafi song 'Dil Ka
Bhanwar Kare Pukar'.
Singer Mika Singh said, "Wish the legend Mohammed Rafi Sahab was alive today, it would have been his 90th birthday."
Ace
Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan tweeted, "On this pious day when a
great legend took birth I remember you Mohd Rafi Sahab and two of my
favourite songs- 'Mera Prem Devta' and 'Nav Kalpana Nav Roop Se'. Happy
Birthday."
Rafi, born on December 24, 1924, is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the Hindi film music industry ever.
The
multiple award winner died at the young age of 56, but in a career
spanning four decades he sang around 34,000 songs like 'Chaudhvin ka
chand', 'Jo wada kia vo', and 'Kya hua tera wada'.
He sang in
many languages, including Hindi, Konkani, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Punjabi,
Bengali, Marathi, Sindhi, Kannada, Gujarati, Maghi, Mathili and Telugu.
Rafi is best known for his romantic and duet songs.
He could mould his voice according to the characters of the actor on the screen.
(PT-24/12)
Emma Watson named feminist of the year
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 Updated on : 20-12-2014 03:39 PM
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In a new Hollywood poll, actress Emma Watson was named feminist of the year today.
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Contactmusic
reported that the actress turned a star feminist after she made a
moving gender equality speech while at the launch of the #HeForShe
campaign at the United Nations earlier this year, in September.
The 24-year-old Harry Potter actress impressed feminists the world over
with her speech championing for equality in rights and salary
compensation, and won much adulation from her Hollywood peers and fans
alike, for the impactive delivery.
On the fashion website's top ladies list compiled by ForWomen.org.,
Watson has beaten US newswoman Rachel Maddow, Beyonce and Cher in the
battle to the top slot.
(SB 20.12)
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New teaser of 'Game of Thrones' season five released
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 Updated on : 23-12-2014 09:04 AM
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A new teaser of popular fantasy drama 'Game of Thrones' season five has
been released, which shows character Tyrion Lannister, played by actor
Peter Dinklage, in a new look.
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The 45-year-old actor will be sporting a beard in the series to conceal
himself after having escaped from the castle and it also shows Masise
Williams who plays the role of Arya Stark, who has landed on the shores
of Braavos, reported media.
Season five is expected to go on air in 2015. It is being said that
character of Arya Stark would get a costume makeover to reflect her
location change and show her as a young woman.
(MC- 23.12)
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Indian trade policies delayed American export to India: USITC
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 Updated on : 23-12-2014 09:18 AM
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India’s restrictive trade policies have been affecting America’s export and investment in India.
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Restrictive Indian trade policies have delayed American export and
investment to India, a USITC report has said with the US lawmakers
asking the Narendra Modi government to address these significant areas
of concern as both countries work to strengthen economic relations.
"US exports to and investment in India would be significantly higher if
not for Indian policy barriers," the US International Trade Commission
(USITC) said in its report "Trade, Investment, and Industrial Policies
in India: Effects on the US Economy."
Prepared at the request of lawmakers, the report provides information on
the effects of a wide range of Indian policies that limit US exports to
and investment in India.
"We urge the Indian government to address these significant areas of
concern as the United States and India work to strengthen our economic
relationship," the American lawmakers said.
If tariff and investment restrictions were fully eliminated and
standards of IP protection were made comparable to US and Western
European levels, Commission model results indicate that US exports to
India would rise by two-thirds, and US investment in India would roughly
double, the report said.
(MC-23.12)
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Govt approves Ordinance to hike FDI in insurance to 49%
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 Updated on : 24-12-2014 01:23 PM
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Government
on Wednesday approved promulgation of an Ordinance to hike Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) cap in the insurance sector to 49 per cent from
26 per cent, as the legislation could not be passed in the Parliament
session that ended on Tuesday.
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"The
Cabinet has cleared the Ordinance on insurance sector," sources said
after the meeting of the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.
The Insurance Bill, which has been pending since 2008 in
the Rajya Sabha, seeks to increase the composite foreign investment
limit in insurance companies to 49 per cent from current level of 26 per
cent.
The 49 per cent cap would include both FDI and foreign
portfolio investments. The proposed hike in foreign investment limit to
49 per cent in the insurance sector has potential to attract up to USD
7-8 billion (about Rs 50,000 crore) from overseas investors, giving a
major boost to the segment.
The total capital deployed in the private life insurance sector is close to Rs 35,000 crore.
At FDI at 26 per cent, foreign equity is close to Rs 8,700 crore.
The
Insurance Laws Amendment Bill, 2008 could not be taken up for
discussion despite being approved by the Select Committee of the Upper
House because of the uproar by opposition parties over the conversion
and other issues.
The government has blamed political
obstructionism for the disruption of Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA
does not have a majority.
There are 52 insurance companies
operating in India, of which 24 are in the life insurance business and
28 in general insurance business. In addition, GIC is the sole national
reinsurer.
(PT-24/12)
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Indian men & women win World Cup Kabaddi titles; PM congratulates
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 Updated on : 22-12-2014 12:27 PM
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The Indian men's team continued their winning streak by clinching the
fifth Kabaddi World Cup title, while the women's side bagged the crown
for the fourth consecutive time.
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At a grand finale held at Guru Gobind Singh Multipurpose Stadium,
the Indian men's team defeated Pakistan 45-42 for the fourth time, while
the women team beat New Zealand 36-27 for the second time in a row.
History repeated itself as both teams in the men and women sections had
clashed during the finals of Fourth Kabaddi World Cup at Ludhiana last
year and in both the matches, India had emerged victorious.
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It was raiders Sandeep Singh Surakhpur (16) and Sandeep Luddar (10) who
were the top scorers, while stopper Yadwinder Singh Yada "Surakhpur"
also registered 5 points and Gopi secured 3 points respectively to help
India's cause.
Plant extract can help smokers quit smoking
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 Updated on : 25-12-2014 06:42 PM
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"A plant extract commonly used in Eastern Europe to help smokers kick
the habit, appears to work much better than nicotine replacement patches
and gums" Scientists say.
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'Cytisine' is an alkaloid extract from the laburnum or golden rain tree (Laburnum anagyroides), which grows all over Europe.
It works by blocking nicotine's access to the brain's pleasure receptors.
Like nicotine, cytisine is toxic when ingested in large amounts but is safe at low doses.
It is produced commercially in Bulgaria and Poland and has been used as a
quitting aid in eastern European countries since the 1960s.
Researchers in New Zealand have conducted a fresh trial of cytisine.
They recruited 1,310 smokers who intended to quit and gave exactly half
of them cytisine as a course of tablets, taken daily in diminishing
doses for 25 days.
The other half received standard Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) -
either as patches, gums or lozenges - for two months, 'New Scientist'
reported.
The researchers noted the number of people who managed to abstain from
smoking at one week, one month, two months and six months into the
trial.
Throughout, they found that people taking cytisine were less likely to have smoked than those using NRT.
After six months, 143 of the 655 cytisine recipients were still not smoking as compared with 100 in the NRT group.
People who received cytisine were slightly more likely to experience
side effects, including nausea, vomiting and sleep disturbance, but
these were never serious, according to a study by the leader, Natalie
Walker of the University of Auckland's National Institute for Health
Innovation.
Walker also said cytisine is more affordable than other quitting aids.
(MM – 25/12)
Hi Good morning to all -----------today is 29th December 2014
and on the DD news
India created space history in 2014
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 Updated on : 27-12-2014 11:49 AM
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With ISRO succeeding in its first inter-planetary Mars Orbiter Mission
making India the only country to achieve this feat in its maiden
attempt, 2014 was not only momentous but a very busy year for the space
sector.
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The year saw two successful launches of GSLVs and five foreign
satellites in the orbit. The country's space agency also tested the
atmospheric re-entry of a crew module towards realising its ambition to
send humans into space.
At the start of the year, ISRO launched GSLV-D5 through use of
indigenous cryogenic technology and injected GSAT-14 communication
satellite into the intended orbit, announcing India's entry into the
heavy satellite launch market.
Launching a GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic engine has been a major
challenge for ISRO since 2001 after multiple unsuccessful attempts. Only
two of a total of seven attempts succeeded, four were a failure and
another partial success.
In April, it successfully launched its IRNSS 1B, its second navigational satellite, onboard PSLV-C24 from Sriharikota.
IRNSS-1B, the second of the seven satellites planned under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
In June, ISRO launched five foreign satellites for four countries on
board PSLV-C23 rocket which placed them in orbit, an achievement
described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an 'endorsement' of the
country's space capabilities.
Besides its primary payload of 714 kg French Earth Observation Satellite
SPOT-7, the rocket carried and placed in orbit 14 kg AISAT of Germany,
NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) and NLS7.2 (CAN-X5) of Canada, each weighing 15 kg, and
the 7 kg VELOX-1 of Singapore.
However, its biggest feat came in September when the Mars Orbiter Mission was successfully inserted in the red planet's orbit.
On December 18, taking its baby steps towards realising India's ambition
to send humans into space, the Department of Space tested the
atmospheric re-entry of a crew module after its heaviest launch vehicle
GSLV Mk-III-capable of carrying heavier payloads up to four tonnes-
blasted off from Sriharikota.
At the international level, India and China agreed to cooperate on
research and development of scientific experiment, remote sensing
satellites and communication satellites.
In October, India and Mexico formally agreed on cooperation in areas
related to the peaceful use of the outer space, such as remote sensing
and satellite communication.
(MC-27.12)
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Raghubar Das sworn-in as CM of Jharkhand
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 10:02 PM
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BJP
leader Raghubar Das was on Sunday sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of
Jharkhand, becoming the first non-tribal leader to rule the state.
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Governor Syed Ahmed administered the oath of office and secrecy to Das at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi.
Nilkanth Singh Munda, Chandreswar Prasad Singh, Louis Marandi (all BJP)
and Chandraprakash Choudhary (Ajsu party) were also sworn-in as cabinet
ministers.
Jharkhand has a maximum limit of 12 ministers, including the chief minister.
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Swaraj in South Korea; holds talks with Trade Minister
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 10:03 PM
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External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday held talks with South Korea's
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and discussed collaboration in
vital areas like co-production of LNG tankers while making a strong
pitch for the 'Make in India' campaign
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In
pursuance of the government's "Act East" policy, Swaraj arrived on
Sunday on a three-day visit to co-chair the 8th Joint Commission meeting
on Monday with her South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se which will
take stock of an entire gamut of the bilateral relationship besides
focusing on ways to enhance ties in a range of areas.
Following her arrival, Swaraj met South Korea's Minister of Trade,
Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick, to seek Korean support for India's
flagship 'Make in India' programme.
Amongst the specific issues discussed was the possibility of Korean
co-production of LNG tankers with Indian shipyards, official sources
said.
Given the projected growth in Indian need for LNG, and that much of it
will be imported, the government is considering both outright purchase
as well as co-production of LNG tankers.
Swaraj made a strong pitch for South Korea's partnership in this vital area of projected growth in Indian requirements.
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Air Asia flight missing after losing contact with ATC
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 02:18 PM
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An
AirAsia flight with 162 people aboard went missing en route from
Indonesia to Singapore on Sunday after losing contact with air traffic
controllers.
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A transport official said Flight QZ8501 lost contact with Jakarta air traffic control just after 07:24am local time.
The aircraft was in the Indonesian Flight Information Region (FIR), more
than 200 nm southeast of the Singapore- Jakarta FIR boundary, when
contact was lost, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said.
Contact with the plane was lost 42 minutes after takeoff. An Indonesian
transport official confirmed that seven crew and 155 passengers were on
board.
The plane took off from Surabaya (Indonesia) at 5.20 am local time and
was scheduled to land at Singapore's Changi Airport at 8.30 am.
A statement on AirAsia's Facebook page said: "AirAsia Indonesia regrets
to confirm that flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has lost
contact with air traffic control at 0724hrs this morning."
"At the present time we unfortunately have no further information
regarding the status of the passengers and crew members on board, but we
will keep all parties informed as more information becomes available,"
the Malaysia-based carrier said in a statement.
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-200 with the registration number PK-AXC.
(DD-28.12)
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Situation in Assam returning to normal
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 10:03 PM
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Assam
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has directed the DGP to step up confidence
building measures and undertake strategic deployment of forces so that
displaced people can return home as soon as possible.
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Tarun Gogoi on Sunday held a review meeting with senior officials in Guwahati.
Chief Executive Officer of Disaster Management P K Tiwari said that no
untoward incident has been reported during last 24 hours.
Mr. Tiwari said over 1 lakh 76 thousand people are taking shelter in 136 relief camps.
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Govt. hospitals in Delhi put on alert
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 Updated on : 27-12-2014 09:51 AM
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All government hospitals in Delhi have been put on alert by the Delhi Government's health department.
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Hospitals have been asked to take appropriate measures to treat swine
flu cases. Delhi had recorded 1,511 cases and 16 deaths in 2013. More
than 40 people have died of the disease, caused by the H1N1 virus,
across India this year.
Delhi's first Swine Flu Death: Woman dies of Multiple Organ Failure
A 51-year-old woman died of swine flu at a private hospital in Delhi,
doctors said on Friday. The deceased was a resident of East Model Town
in Ghaziabad.
The woman, Sushila Goyal, was from Ghaziabad and admitted to a hospital
there for fever and cold. When her condition deteriorated, she was moved
to Delhi's Ganga Ram hospital on Sunday.
She was bought in a critical state with both lungs damaged, said the hospital in a statement.
She reportedly tested positive for swine flu and her condition worsened rapidly.
The health department has provided the Tamiflu vaccine to anyone who was
in contact with the woman, including the hospital staff and her family
members.
Two cases of swine flu have been reported in Delhi till now.
There have been three swine flu deaths in Hyderabad this month.
(PD/ST-26/12)
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PM rules out privatisation of the railways
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 12:36 PM
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On
a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency on "Good Governance day", Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday ruled out privatisation of the
railways but asked people not to be wary of foreign and private capital
being utilised for improving infrastructure of the national transporter.
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"There is a misunderstanding that the railways is being privatised.
However, I want to make it clear that we are not privatising the
railways. We cannot go in this direction. You don't have to worry. It is
neither our wish nor thinking," he said, asking the unions not to pay
heed to "rumours" in this regard.
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UN chief asks Pakistan to end executions
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 Updated on : 28-12-2014 01:00 PM
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UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Pakistan government
to bring an end to the executions of convicts and re-impose a moratorium
on the death penalty.
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Ban's appeal follows Pakistan's recent decision to lift a six-year
moratorium on the use of the death penalty following this month's
terrorist attack on a school in Peshawar which claimed the lives of 150
people, mostly children.
Ban spoke over the phone with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on
December 25 and reiterated his condolences to the people, government and
communities affected by the school attack, according to readout of the
call provided by Ban's spokesperson on Friday.
"While fully recognising the difficult circumstances, the
Secretary-General urged the Government of Pakistan to stop the
executions of convicts and re-impose the moratorium on the death
penalty," the readout said.
The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister "noted the importance of
democracy, rule of law as well as the need for an independent judiciary
and the respect for the sentiments of the people of Pakistan," it said
adding that Ban welcomed the Sharif's assurance that all legal norms
would be respected.
Earlier this week, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al
Hussein had also condemned Pakistan's decision, particularly at a time
when the international community is increasingly turning away from the
use of the death penalty.
Zeid warned that "no judiciary, anywhere, can be infallible" and
stressed that "no justice system, no matter how robust, can guarantee
against wrongful convictions".
(MC-27.12)
Hi to all this 30 Dec 2014
and on the DD news
Cabinet approves land acquisition amendment ordinance
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 Updated on : 30-12-2014 01:31 AM
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Union Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to promulgate an ordinance
on Land Acquisition Act to strike a balance between farmers' interest
and industrial growth.
The decision to amend the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in
Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act was taken at a
Cabinet meeting in New Delhi.
NATO mission ends in Afghanistan
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 Updated on : 29-12-2014 01:26 PM
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NATO has officially ended its combat mission in Afghanistan marking the end of 13-year-old war against the Taliban regime.
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A ceremony was held in Kabul on Sunday on this occasion. This ceremony marked the end of longest war in American history.
The withdrawal was formally announced at a low-key ceremony in Kabul by International Security Assistance Force.
The combat mission started in 2001 --- a month after New York's world trade towers were downed in a terror strike.
NATO forces joined hands to dislodge the Taliban rule which had turned Afghanistan into a safe haven for terrorists.
Around 130,000 troops from 50 nations were present in the mission during its peak in 2011.
Close to 3500 soldiers lost their lives in the 13-year-long conflict that devastated the core Al-Qaeda leadership.
Afghanistan acknowledged the efforts of the international force on this occasion.
"On behalf of President Ghani and the people of Afghanistan I would like
to express our deepest gratitude for the NATO coalition's efforts and
sacrifices in Afghanistan since 2001, the cost of our struggle has been
enormous."
More than 2000 US soldiers were among the military casualties in Afghanistan.
Remembering the sacrifice of his country's soldiers, US president Barack Obama called the ceremony a milestone for America.
However, he warned that Afghanistan remains a dangerous place, and the
Afghan people and their security forces continue to make tremendous
sacrifices in defense of their country.
Despite the formal exit of NATO forces, there will be US military presence in Afghanistan for few more years.
The US will leave a residual force of close to 12,000 troops behind to help provide support to Afghan security forces.
The soldiers will be part of a mission named 'Resolute Support' which
will focus on training Afghan security forces as the country still
remains in a perilous position.
It is not necessarily a mission accomplished for the US but more a mission continued in the war-torn country.
(AKS-29/12)
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Hi this is 31 Dec 2104
and On the DD news
Delhi Police to annually induct 160 people from NE states
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 Updated on : 30-12-2014 07:40 PM
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Delhi
Police will induct 160 youth from the northeastern states of the
country every year to make it better equipped to deal with crime against
people from these states in the national capital.
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Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju made the announcement
here at Delhi Police headquarters while holding a meeting on problems
faced by people of the northeastern states in Delhi with senior Delhi
Police officials on Tuesday.
The Minister said that 10 male and 10 female personnel will be inducted
in Delhi Police every year from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
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For this, Rijiju has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of all
these eight states to recruit the youth as per their recruitment policy
and procedure while keeping the Delhi Police in loop.
Centre to approach states for amendments in APMC Act
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 Updated on : 30-12-2014 05:33 PM
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Food
Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday said the Centre will approach
states to bring amendments to APMC Act for delisting fruits and
vegetables from the ambit of this law so that farmers get freedom to
sell their produce.
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The
amendment in Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act would
facilitate free movement of agriculture products in the country, he
said.
The present "Mandi System" has put restriction on farmers to sell their products, he added.
Under the APMC Act, mandis are established at different places within
the state and farmers can sell their produce through auction at these
mandis only.
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Evacuation of bodies and wreckage from Air Asia crash begins
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 Updated on : 31-12-2014 09:35 AM
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The evacuation of floating bodies and wreckage of the AirAsia aircraft
found in the Java Sea has begun on Wednesday as Indonesian search and
rescue team's scanning entered its fourth day.
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The floating bodies and wreckage of the ill-fated aircraft were spotted
in the Karimata Strait on Tuesday but only three bodies were retrieved
as bad weather and high waves impeded the search and rescue operation.
The Air Asia flight QZ8501, with 162 people on board, is believed to
have crashed into the Java Sea on Sunday morning while flying from
Surabaya in East Java to Singapore.
Wednesday’s search - supported by a multi-national expertise, ships and
craft - will be focused on 4 sectors of 28 by 56 nautical miles, media
reports cited Malaysia Chief of Navy Abdul Aziz Jaafar as saying.
The Malaysian naval team has joined Indonesia in the search and location
process along with Singapore, South Korean and the US.
President Joko Widodo has ordered the National Search and Rescue Agency
(Basarnas) to hold joint search operations with the focus on tracking
down the passengers of the missing flight.
"We will first focus on finding the passengers and crew of the
aircraft," the Indonesian national news agency Antara quoted the
President as saying.
Widodo inspected the assumed crash location from the C-130 Hercules
aircraft and added the location was foggy and that there were strong
waves.
He said several ships and helicopters will hold massive search operations on Wednesday morning.
"I have ordered the Basarnas to hold joint operations to find the
fuselage, as well as the passengers and crew members," said Widodo, who
expressed his appreciation of the efforts of search and rescue teams as
well as fishermen for their support.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent condolences to his
Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo on the Air Asia tragedy.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also said he was deeply saddened to learn of the fate of AirAsia flight.
(MC-31.12)
Dhoni retires from Tests, Kohli to lead India in Sydney
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 Updated on : 30-12-2014 03:27 PM
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In
a shocking turn of events, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni
on Tuesday retired from Test cricket with immediate effect, citing
strain of playing all formats, after his team lost the Border-Gavaskar
Trophy to Australia in Melbourne.
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"One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India
became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to
retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of
Cricket," the BCCI said in a statement on Tuesday.
"M S Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect
in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats. BCCI while respecting
the decision of M S Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank
him for his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that
he has brought to India," it added.
India, trailing 0-2 in the four-match series after Tuesday’s draw, would
be led by Virat Kohli in the fourth and final match in Sydney.
"Virat Kohli will be the captain of the Indian Team for the Fourth and
Final Test against Australia to be played in Sydney from the 6th of
January 2015," the BCCI stated.
The 33-year-old, who led India to an unprecedented two World Cup titles
(2007 Twenty20 World Championships and the 2011 ODI World Cup), had been
drawing flak for India's poor run in overseas Tests.
The team had been whitewashed 0-4 in England (2011) and Australia (2011-12) under his leadership.
Besides the team also suffered defeats in South Africa and New Zealand and had been beaten by England yet again this summer.
Yet the wicketkeeper-batsman remains one of the most successful captains
ever for India, having led the side to the top of ICC rankings in Tests
and ODIs.
He was in the eye of storm recently when it was insinuated that his name
was there in the Mudgal Commission report on the IPL 6 spot-fixing
scandal.
(DD-30.12)
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Noted journalist B G Verghese passes away
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 Updated on : 31-12-2014 01:01 PM
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Eminent journalist B G Verghese, a Ramon Magsaysay award winner and
former editor of leading dailies Hindustan Times and Indian Express,
passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87 after brief illness.
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Verghese was diagnosed for dengue a month back and was suffering from
low-grade fever and weakness for last couple of weeks. He was survived
by his wife Jamila and sons Vijay and Rahul.
Verghese, who authored many books, was editor of Hindustan Times from
1969 to 1975 and The Indian Express from 1982 to 1986. He was also
information adviser to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1966 to 1969
but was critical of her for imposing the Emergency in 1975.
A crusader for civil rights, Verghese has long worked on problems of
development. He was part of the Editors Guild of India Fact Finding
Mission after the Gujarat riots in 2002.
His books include Waters of hope, India's North East, Fourth Estate
(2005) and his autobiography First Draft: Witness to Making of Modern
India.
Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash said demise of Verghese was a
big loss and recalled his fight for media rights during Emergency
imposed by the then Indira Ganshi government in 1975.
]
"We have lost a great journalist and valliant fighter for media freedom.
We can never forget his contribution to restoration of media rights
during and after the Emergency in mid-70s," he told media.
The Editors Guild of India tonight said the passing away of B G
Verghese, a veteran journalist and a "sensitive chronicler" of
post-Independence India's triumphs and travails, is a grievous loss to
the world of journalism and to public and humanistic causes in general.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described eminent journalist B G Verghese,
who passed away on Tuesday, as an "accomplished writer and an insightful
thinker."
Condoling the death of Verghese, Modi said "may his soul rest in peace".
(MC-31.12)
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