Thursday, May 31, 2012

Save Livestock from parasitic diseases in the summer season-GADVASU Expert

Ludhiana 30, May-2012



Change of climate during spring season leads to a conducive environment for the parasitic infections. Following summer season acts as a paradise for parasites and parasitic diseases. This season is most favourable for vector-borne diseases transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies to livestock. Dr. L.D. Singla, Head Department of Veterinary Parasitology said that the tick borne haematozoan diseases like theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis are increased during this season as tick population flares up. So the control of ticks is very important to manage these tick borne diseases. Regular and repeated application of newer generation of acaricides can serve the purpose. Dr.Singla said that these problems affect the health of animal badly and also decline the production which turns into economic losses.



Experts from the Department of Veterinary Parasitology, GADVASU, Ludhiana advise three time application of acaricides at ten days interval to control ticks and tick borne haemotozoa in consultation with Veterinary Officer of the nearest civil Veterinary hospital. Never allow the animals to lick the spray once an acaricidal application has been done. Let it dry on the animal itself for proper control of arthropod vectors. The double strength of the acaricide should be sprayed in the animal sheds for the proper control of ticks. The experts emphasized that crevices and cracks in the walls and floor are the major hideouts for ticks. Hence it is important that chemical should be sprayed on these spots. Farmers are also advised to get the floor, walls and roof of dairy farm cemented to control the tick population. Never use a single acarcide for a longer period of time, as it results into the development of resistance. Livestock owners are advised to get the blood samples of their animals checked from a good diagnostic laboratory in case there are signs of fever, haemoglobinurea, enlarged lymph glands, nervous sings and jaundice etc. in the animals.


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TRAINING FOR FARM WOMEN, RURAL YOUTH AND TREE GROWERS AT PAU

LUDHIANA, MAY 30:-----



A two-day training course on "Methods for Control of Household Pests" began here today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The course, organized by the PAU Directorate of Extension Education, involves the participation of farm women and rural youth.



Giving details, Dr M.S. Gill, Director of Extension Education, said that the PAU experts of Family Resource Management, Entomology and Clothing and Textiles will impart eco-friendly anti-pests tips for pest free home in addition to the tips for safe use of commercial pesticides. Besides, the trainees will be apprised of management of insect-pests of stored grains, natural way of disinfecting clothes and accessories and preparation of eco-friendly home cleaners. He told that an interactive session will also take place wherein all the queries of the participants will be responded by the experts.



Meanwhile, a training camp for the PAU Tree Growers Association will be held on May 30 at Farmers' Service Centre of the university, informed Dr Gill. During the camp, the PAU subject-matter specialists of Forestry and Natural Resources will dwell upon the care of forest trees during the summer season. Apart from this, the review of activities of last month meeting will also be discussed. Dr Gill said that the registration for the camp will take place at 10.00 a.m. at the scheduled place.
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DELEGATES FROM USA AND KENYA VISIT PAU FOR TRILATERAL PARTNERSHIP

LUDHIANA, MAY 29:-----



A four-member delegation from Ohio State University (OSU), USA and Egerton University (EU), Kenya, visited the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today to identify and discuss the opportunities of trilateral partnership. The delegation members comprised J. Mark Erbaugh, Director, International Programmes in Agriculture, OSU, David O. Hansen, Senior Fellow, Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, USA, Susan Waage, International Agricultural Development Specialist, US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Services and Prof. Alexander K. Kahi, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, EU. They held a meeting with Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, senior officers, deans, directors, heads and faculty of various departments of the university.



Interacting with the delegates, Dr Dhillon said that the joint venture with the international universities for the student-faculty exchange and collaborative research would help in deepening the synergy. He stated that a concrete proposal and modalities need to be worked out for entering into cooperation in the mutually beneficial areas. Apprising the delegation of transfer technology programmes, Dr Dhillon highlighted that the PAU is having excellent linkages with the farming community who utilize the expertise and the technical guidance of the university scientists from time to time. Numerous training programmes are organized by the PAU, on various aspects of agriculture, for the benefit of the farmers. He added that the tie-ups with the foreign varsities would broaden the horizon of the students, faculty and the researchers.



The delegation member, J. M. Erbaugh said that the trilateral partnership aims at strengthening the relations with the PAU in terms of student-faculty exchange with focus on teaching, learning and training.



David O. Hansen said that once the priority areas are identified, then the long-term collaboration can be explored. The basic objective is to identify methodology on how to continue collaboration in the identified areas, he added.



Prof. Kahi explained about the five identified areas for collaborative venture which include value chain analysis (cereals, wheat, food commodities, etc.), curriculum development (new teaching methodology), linkages with private sector (agro-based industries) as well as farmers, agricultural research and training in different subject-matter.



The Director of Extension Education, Dr M.S. Gill, deliberating on agrarian challenges confronting the country, said that the thrust is on enhancing the farm productivity and making best use of soil and water resources through eco-friendly technologies.



The Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Dr Gursharan Singh shed light on the organization set-up and academic programmes of the PAU. Besides, he familiarized the visiting delegation with the on-going international collaborations of the PAU.



Earlier, Dr P.K. Khanna, Technical Advisor to the PAU Vice- Chancellor-cum Additional Director Research (Food Science, Nutrition and Engineering) welcomed the dignitaries and the delegates. Highlighting the PAU's contribution to the national food grain pool, he said that the university is laying special emphasis on resource conservation technologies, agro-forestry, value addition and processing, crop diversification, plant health management, crop residue management and development of farm machinery. During the interaction, Dr H.S. Sehgal, Liaison Officer of PAU and Dr Allah Rang, Head, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics also briefed the delegates about their respective activities.


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TRAINING COURSE ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE BEGINS AT PAU

LUDHIANA, MAY 30:-----



An advance course on "Conservation Agriculture: Gateway for Productive and Sustainable Cropping Systems" began here today. The course has been jointly organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Cereal System Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), Punjab Hub and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The participants from across the globe including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh and India are attending the course which will culminate on June 9.



Inaugurating the programme, the chief guest Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that India's agricultural production has jumped to 253 million tones in 2011. The cropping intensity which was 126% in 1996 has risen to nearly 190% presently, he disclosed. Although wheat and rice productivity has augmented in Punjab, yet the predominant cropping system is posing challenges of depleting underground water table, multi-nutrient deficiencies in crops, soil health degradation and exploitation of natural resources. Dr Dhillon emphasised the need to adopt conservation agriculture practices for efficient use of water and nutrients and preservation of natural resources. In order to meet the national food requirements, technology innovations in farm sector and their proper dissemination to the farming community is vital, he stressed. Lauding the progress of PAU in conservation agriculture, he advised the farmers to adopt university designed techniques such as Laser Land Leveler and Happy Seeder for productivity enhancement and resource conservation.



In his remarks, the guest of honour, Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture, said that conservation agriculture is the need of hour. In view of nearly 98% irrigated area of the Punjab state and assured minimum support price (MSP) for rice-wheat, there is a great stress on natural resources due to their over-exploitation. The farmers continue to indulge in illegal practice of paddy and wheat straw burning unmindful of the consequences, noted Dr Cheema, while underlining the need to advocate change through new cropping systems.



Dr M.L. Jat, Senior Cropping System Agronomist, CIMMYT (India), presenting an overview of the course, said that trainees from varied spheres including agronomy, soil science, engineering, plant breeding and plant pathology are participating in the programme. Dr Jat added that the conservation agriculture acts as a vehicle for change for sustainable natural resources and crop management. The major emphasis will be on imparting hands-on-training to the participants, in addition, to operation of farm machinery, crop diversification, and management of water, pest, weed, residue, soil and irrigation, he highlighted.

Earlier, Dr H.S. Sidhu, Senior Agriculture Engineer, Borlaug Institute for South Asia, Ludhiana, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. He said that apart from laying emphasis on climate change and new tools and techniques in nutrient management, the course will put thrust on field training on laser leveling, tractor mounted sensors and applications, spray techniques and raised bed planting. Dr Yadvendra Singh, Consulting Senior Soil Scientist, CIMMYT, proposed the vote of thanks.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

TRAINING COURSE ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE BEGINS AT PAU

LUDHIANA, MAY 30:-----



An advance course on "Conservation Agriculture: Gateway for Productive and Sustainable Cropping Systems" began here today. The course has been jointly organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), Cereal System Initiative for South Asia (CSISA), Punjab Hub and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The participants from across the globe including countries like Iran, Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh and India are attending the course which will culminate on June 9.



Inaugurating the programme, the chief guest Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that India's agricultural production has jumped to 253 million tones in 2011. The cropping intensity which was 126% in 1996 has risen to nearly 190% presently, he disclosed. Although wheat and rice productivity has augmented in Punjab, yet the predominant cropping system is posing challenges of depleting underground water table, multi-nutrient deficiencies in crops, soil health degradation and exploitation of natural resources. Dr Dhillon emphasised the need to adopt conservation agriculture practices for efficient use of water and nutrients and preservation of natural resources. In order to meet the national food requirements, technology innovations in farm sector and their proper dissemination to the farming community is vital, he stressed. Lauding the progress of PAU in conservation agriculture, he advised the farmers to adopt university designed techniques such as Laser Land Leveler and Happy Seeder for productivity enhancement and resource conservation.



In his remarks, the guest of honour, Dr D.S. Cheema, Dean, College of Agriculture, said that conservation agriculture is the need of hour. In view of nearly 98% irrigated area of the Punjab state and assured minimum support price (MSP) for rice-wheat, there is a great stress on natural resources due to their over-exploitation. The farmers continue to indulge in illegal practice of paddy and wheat straw burning unmindful of the consequences, noted Dr Cheema, while underlining the need to advocate change through new cropping systems.



Dr M.L. Jat, Senior Cropping System Agronomist, CIMMYT (India), presenting an overview of the course, said that trainees from varied spheres including agronomy, soil science, engineering, plant breeding and plant pathology are participating in the programme. Dr Jat added that the conservation agriculture acts as a vehicle for change for sustainable natural resources and crop management. The major emphasis will be on imparting hands-on-training to the participants, in addition, to operation of farm machinery, crop diversification, and management of water, pest, weed, residue, soil and irrigation, he highlighted.



Earlier, Dr H.S. Sidhu, Senior Agriculture Engineer, Borlaug Institute for South Asia, Ludhiana, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. He said that apart from laying emphasis on climate change and new tools and techniques in nutrient management, the course will put thrust on field training on laser leveling, tractor mounted sensors and applications, spray techniques and raised bed planting. Dr Yadvendra Singh, Consulting Senior Soil Scientist, CIMMYT, proposed the vote of thanks.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Kareena Kapoor, the busy bee, all set to groove with ‘Dabangg’ Salman

Mumbai: May 30, 2012

Kareena Kapoor has come a long way when it comes to being a thorough professional and how. Just a look at her work schedule is enough to prove that the lady is walking that extra mile to deliver her professional commitments without any hiccups.





Reports say that Bebo has been picked up to perform an item number in 'Dabangg 2'. The song will be composed by Sajid-Wajid and it is revealed that it is going to be more westernised than the popular number 'Munni'.



For that matter, Kareena, on her part is already prepping up well for the day when she will actually be shooting for the song on the sets of the movie with none other than Salman Khan. A source says that the industrious actress has been taking out time out of an already jam-packed schedule to diligently rehearse.



Kareena will complete a hat trick post doing this item number. Her earlier item performances include 'Yeh Mera Dil' (Don, 2006) and 'It's Rocking' (Kya Love Story Hai, 2007).



This 'heroine' is undeniably going through a very demanding yet rewarding phase of her acting career. And with the right 'moves', we are sure that she will continue to rule the hearts of millions nationwide
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Akshay Kumar gets rowdy with Rowdy Rathore

New Delhi, May 30, 2012

After tickling audiences\' funny bones for almost seven years, Bollywood\'s original Khiladi Akshay Kumar returns to what he is best at - action. He will be seen packing some hardcore kicks and punches in Prabhu Deva directed Rowdy Rathore when it releases Friday. Made with a budget of





approximately Rs.40 crore, the film is a remake of Telugu film Vikramarkudu. It is co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ronnie Screwvala. The film will be released in 2,300 screens in India and around 400 screens overseas.

The film revolves around Shiva (Akshay), who is a small-time conman. He is head-over-heels in love with Priya (Sonakshi Sinha), a pretty girl whom he met at a wedding he wasn\'t invited to. The picture perfect world of Shiva turns upside down with the entry of six-year-old girl Neha, who believes he is her father.



Shiva also becomes the victim of a series of life threatening attacks by a gang of deadly criminals, who seem to know something he doesn\'t. In the quest to save his life and love, Shiva stumbles upon a deadly secret, something which takes him to a small town in Bihar. That town is ruled by a ruthless MLA and the mafia he controls. The inhabitants of the small town find a saviour in Shiva.



Akshay is said to have learned combat karate for his role in the film. He is seen sporting a rugged look in the film. The movie bosses had launched an online hunt for Akshay\'s look for Rowdy Rathore.



The cast and crew of the film had a tough time shooting in Karnataka\'s temple town of Hampi. The shoot was disrupted after activists alleged that the makers didn\'t use the minimum number of local dancers that they had promised.



Sonakshi\'s red sari act in the song Chhammak Challo Chail Chabeeli has compelled people to draw comparisons with Kareena Kapoor\'s Chhammak Chhallo\" in RA.One. However, the actor brushes it off as mere co-incidence and insists the two songs should not be compared.



Filmmakers have been coming up with innovative ways of promoting a film or launching the music and Rowdy Rathore too tried a new trick. The film\'s music was launched in a chawl in Mumbai.



This will be Sonakshi\'s second release after blockbuster Dabangg.



After this, Akshay and Sonakshi will appear together in Joker and strike a hattrick with Once Upon A Time Again.



Two of the film\'s songs have a slew of Southern and Hindi film actors making a special appearance. While Chinta Ta Chita has Tamil star Vijay, Kareena Kapoor, Rajesh Hamal and Prabhu Deva himself, Aa Re Pritam Pyaare has Maryam Zakaria, Shakti Mohan, Mumaith Khan and Amit Kumar
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Webcam spying convict Dharun Ravi says sorry

NEW YORK, May 30, 2012

India-born student Dharun Ravi, convicted of spying on his gay roommate who later committed suicide, has publicly apologised for the first time for his "insensitive and immature" actions, saying he will surrender this week to begin his month-long jail term.



Ravi said he regretted his "stupid and childish" choices when he set up a webcam to view the sexual encounter of his roommate Tyler Clementi with another man on two occasions in September 2010 but said he did not act out of hatred.



"I accept responsibility for and regret my thoughtless, insensitive, immature, stupid and childish choices... My behaviour and actions, which at no time were motivated by hate, bigotry, prejudice or desire to hurt, humiliate or embarrass anyone, were nonetheless the wrong choices and decisions.



"I apologise to everyone affected by those choices," 20-year-old Ravi said in a statement released by his lawyer Steven Altman on Tuesday.



The apology by Ravi is the first time the former Rutgers University student has publicly said sorry for his actions.



Ravi had come under sharp criticism for not apologising during his trial for spying on Clementi and then inviting his other friends to view the sexual encounter through a webcam.



Judge Glenn Berman of the New Brunswick court, who had sentenced him, had admonished Ravi for not showing any remorse for his "colossal insensitivity".



During sentencing, judge Berman had said, "I heard this jury say, 'guilty' 288 times — 24 questions, 12 jurors. That's the multiplication. I haven't heard you apologise once."



Clementi's parents too had said expressed sadness that Ravi did not seem apologetic for his actions that led their son to commit suicide.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Romney clinches GOP nomination with Texas win

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2012

Mitt Romney clinched the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday with a win in the Texas primary, a triumph of endurance for a candidate who fought hard to win over sceptical conservative voters he must now fire up for the campaign against President Barack Obama.



According to the Associated Press count, Mr. Romney surpassed the 1,144 delegates needed to win the nomination by winning at least 88 delegates in the Texas primary.



Mr. Romney, who came up short in the Republican presidential race four years ago, outlasted a carousel of Republican rivals who dropped out of the State-by-State primary contest. None of his former rivals actively campaigned in Texas.



The former Massachusetts Governor has reached the nomination milestone with a steady message of concern about the U.S. economy, a campaign organisation that dwarfed those of his Republican foes and a fundraising operation second only to that of Mr. Obama, his Democratic opponent in the general election.



Mr. Romney must now energise conservatives who still doubt him, while persuading undecided voters that he can do a better job fixing the nation's struggling economy than Mr. Obama.



"I am honoured that Americans across the country have given their support to my candidacy and I am humbled to have won enough delegates to become the Republican Party's 2012 presidential nominee," Mr. Romney said in a statement.



"Our party has come together with the goal of putting the failures of the last three and a half years behind us," Mr. Romney said. "I have no illusions about the difficulties of the task before us. But whatever challenges lie ahead, we will settle for nothing less than getting America back on the path to full employment and prosperity."



In Mr. Obama, he will face a well-funded candidate with a proven campaign team in an election that will be heavily influenced by the economy.



One issue that has drawn backing from some of the most conservative Republicans the question of Mr. Obama's citizenship resurfaced again on Tuesday.



Mr. Romney spent Tuesday evening at a Las Vegas fundraiser with celebrity real estate mogul Donald Trump, who has been renewing discredited suggestions that Mr. Obama wasn't born in the United States. Mr. Romney says he believes Mr. Obama was born in the U.S. but has yet to condemn Mr. Trump's repeated insinuations to the contrary.



The Obama campaign released a video on Tuesday criticising Mr. Romney's unwillingness to stand up to Mr. Trump and the more extreme elements in his party.



"If Mitt Romney lacks the backbone to stand up to a charlatan like Donald Trump because he's so concerned about lining his campaign's pockets, what does that say about the kind of president he would be?" Mr. Obama's deputy campaign manager, Stephanie Cutter, said in a statement.



Asked on Monday about Mr. Trump's contentions, Mr. Romney said: "I don't agree with all the people who support me. And my guess is they don't all agree with everything I believe in." He added: "But I need to get 50.1 percent or more. And I'm appreciative to have the help of a lot of good people."



Mr. Trump told CNN in an interview on Tuesday that he and Mr. Romney talk about other issues jobs, China, oil and more and not about the place of Mr. Obama's birth or the validity of his birth certificate. Asked how he viewed Mr. Romney's position that the President was indeed born in the U.S., Mr. Trump said: "He's entitled to his opinion, and I think that's wonderful. I don't happen to share that opinion and that's wonderful also."



Republicans won't officially nominate Mr. Romney until late August at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.



Mr. Romney, 65, is clinching the presidential nomination later in the calendar than any recent Republican candidate but not quite as late as Mr. Obama in 2008. Mr. Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3, 2008, at the end of an epic primary battle with Hillary Rodham Clinton. Four years ago, John McCain reached the threshold on March 4 after Mr. Romney had dropped out of the race about a month earlier.



Several other Republican contenders including Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania earlier dropped out of the race as Mr. Romney's well-financed campaign gained momentum.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Iran admits ‘Flame’ virus caused substantial damage

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2012



Iran has admitted that a data-mining virus dubbed 'Flame' had caused substantial damage and massive amounts of data had been lost in what may be most destructive cyber attack on the nation.



The virus also damaged centrifuges operating at its uranium enrichment facility at Nantaz as reports said that even computers of high-ranking officials had been penetrated.



Tehran's reaction came a day after Russia-based Internet security company Kaspersky Lab uncovered the virus 'Flame' which it said attacked computers in Iran and elsewhere in Middle East and may have been designed to collect and delete sensitive information.



Iran's MAHER Center, which is part of the Islamic Republic's Communication ministry, said that the virus "has caused substantial damage" and that "massive amounts of data have been lost," Ynetnews reported.



Iranian authorities admitted that the malicious software 'Flame' has attacked its computer and systems and instructed to run an urgent inspection of all cyber systems in the country.



New York Times said the computers of high-ranking Iranian officials appear to have been penetrated in what it said may be the most destructive cyber-attack on Iran since the notorious Stuxnet virus, an Iranian cyber-defence organisation had confirmed.



In a message posted on its Web site, Iran's Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center warned that the virus was dangerous.



An expert at the organisation said that it was potentially more harmful than the 2010 Stuxnet virus, which destroyed several centrifuges used for Iran's nuclear enrichment programme.



In contrast to Stuxnet, the newly identified virus is designed not to do damage but to collect information secretly from a wide variety of sources.



'Flame', which experts say could be as much as five years old, was discovered by Iranian computer experts.



Kaspersky Lab, a Russian producer of antivirus software, said in a statement that "the complexity and functionality of the newly discovered malicious program exceed those of all other cyber menaces known to date."



The virus bears special encryption hallmarks that an Iranian cyber-defence official said have strong similarities to previous Israeli malware.



"Its encryption has a special pattern which you only see coming from Israel," said Kamran Napelian, an official with Iran's Computer Emergency Response Team.



"Unfortunately, they are very powerful in the field of IT".



But Iran's telecommunications ministry also claimed that it had developed software to clean this malware.



Israel avoids comments on such matters, its involvement was hinted at by top officials there.



"Anyone who sees the Iranian threat as a significant threat — it's reasonable that he will take various steps, including these, to harm it," said the vice prime minister and strategic affairs minister, Moshe Yaalon, in a widely quoted interview with Israel's Army Radio yesterday.



Mr. Napelian said that 'Flame' seemed designed to mine data from personal computers and that it was distributed through USB sticks rather than the Internet, meaning that a USB has to be inserted manually into at least one computer in a network.



"This virus copies what you enter on your keyboard; it monitors what you see on your computer screen," Mr. Napelian said.



That includes collecting passwords, recording sounds if the computer is connected to a microphone, scanning disks for specific files and monitoring Skype.



"Those controlling the virus can direct it from a distance," he said.



"Flame is no ordinary product. This was designed to monitor selected computers."



Mr. Napelian guessed the virus had been active for the past six months and was responsible for a "massive" data loss. Iran says it has developed antivirus software to combat 'Flame', something that international antivirus companies have yet to do, since they have just become aware of its existence.



"One of the most alarming facts is that the 'Flame' cyber-attack campaign is currently in its active phase, and its operator is consistently surveiling infected systems, collecting information and targeting new systems to accomplish its unknown goals," Alexander Gostev, chief security expert at Kaspersky Lab, said on the company's Web site.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Team Anna seeks independent probe into charges against PM

NEW DELHI, May 30, 2012

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declaring that he will quit public life if corruption allegations are proved against him, Team Anna on Wednesday demanded an independent probe into he charges, saying they will be most happy if these are proved wrong.



Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said it was not they who came up with charges against him but it was in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on coal bloc allocations.



"We will be most happy if the allegations levelled against the Prime Minister, is found false. But how will it be proved? For that we need to have an independent investigating agency to probe it," he told reporters.



"The Prime Minister has said that the allegations levelled against him were baseless, unfortunate and irresponsible. We want to tell him that it was not we who levelled these allegations but the CAG, which is a Constitutional body," he said.



Mr. Kejriwal said he would like to ask the Prime Minister whether he considered "irresponsible" the CAG report which is pegging a loss of Rs. 1.80 lakh crore to the exchequer in the allocation of coal blocs.



Team Anna's reaction came following Dr. Singh's remarks that he will quit public life if corruption allegations are proved against him.



"If there is even an iota of truth in it, then I will give up my public career and the country can give me any punishment," the Prime Minister had said, adding his public life has been an open book.



Another Team Anna member Justice Santosh Hegde said it is "extremely difficult" to believe that allegations raised by Team Anna against Dr. Singh could exist but demanded an inquiry if there are documents to suggest that some wrongdoing was done.



"It is extremely difficult for me to believe, having seen the Prime Minister all these years, to say that such an allegation could exist. But at the same time, if somebody has said it is in documentary form, I think an inquiry should be held," he said.



In his comments, Mr. Hegde said, "if there are materials that are there, I think an inquiry should be held."



However, he said, he had not seen any of the documents Team Anna had sent to Dr. Singh seeking inquiry. "With regards to the charges made by Team Anna, I don't have the facts with me," he said.



On Dr. Singh's remarks that the public should make up its mind whether Team Anna's kind of politics will rule the roost in India, Mr. Kejriwal said they do not do politics.



"We are just common people who are affected by corruption and price rise. We oppose the kind of politics prevailing in the country. Today's politics is snatching the food from the children, forcing farmers to commit suicide when some ministers are given permission to indulge in scams and get more richer," he said.



Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, however, attacked Team Anna claiming that they had accused Dr. Singh of corruption and want him to be prosecuted but alleged that they have not specified under which section of Prevention of Corruption Act is he prima facie guilty.



He asked Anna Hazare to leave the group which is in the grip of "Naxalite-minded crazies" and join him and Ramdev in the fight against corruption.



Mr. Kejriwal refused to respond to Dr. Swamy's allegations saying they will not reply to such remarks.



Mr. Bhushan said Dr. Singh should have gone through the documents accompanying the 'charge sheet' before terming them as "irresponsible allegations...He should respond to them on a point-by-point basis, fact by fact basis."



Another Team Anna member Kiran Bedi said, "PM is first among equals. If his equals are under a cloud as a leader of the team it is good leadership to set up an SIT to know the truth. If PM is clean, he can come out clean. Please submit to investigation. It shall be the lawful way to disprove CAG's deductions," she said.




News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Team Anna seeks independent probe into charges against PM

NEW DELHI, May 30, 2012

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declaring that he will quit public life if corruption allegations are proved against him, Team Anna on Wednesday demanded an independent probe into he charges, saying they will be most happy if these are proved wrong.



Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal said it was not they who came up with charges against him but it was in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on coal bloc allocations.



"We will be most happy if the allegations levelled against the Prime Minister, is found false. But how will it be proved? For that we need to have an independent investigating agency to probe it," he told reporters.



"The Prime Minister has said that the allegations levelled against him were baseless, unfortunate and irresponsible. We want to tell him that it was not we who levelled these allegations but the CAG, which is a Constitutional body," he said.



Mr. Kejriwal said he would like to ask the Prime Minister whether he considered "irresponsible" the CAG report which is pegging a loss of Rs. 1.80 lakh crore to the exchequer in the allocation of coal blocs.



Team Anna's reaction came following Dr. Singh's remarks that he will quit public life if corruption allegations are proved against him.



"If there is even an iota of truth in it, then I will give up my public career and the country can give me any punishment," the Prime Minister had said, adding his public life has been an open book.



Another Team Anna member Justice Santosh Hegde said it is "extremely difficult" to believe that allegations raised by Team Anna against Dr. Singh could exist but demanded an inquiry if there are documents to suggest that some wrongdoing was done.



"It is extremely difficult for me to believe, having seen the Prime Minister all these years, to say that such an allegation could exist. But at the same time, if somebody has said it is in documentary form, I think an inquiry should be held," he said.



In his comments, Mr. Hegde said, "if there are materials that are there, I think an inquiry should be held."



However, he said, he had not seen any of the documents Team Anna had sent to Dr. Singh seeking inquiry. "With regards to the charges made by Team Anna, I don't have the facts with me," he said.



On Dr. Singh's remarks that the public should make up its mind whether Team Anna's kind of politics will rule the roost in India, Mr. Kejriwal said they do not do politics.



"We are just common people who are affected by corruption and price rise. We oppose the kind of politics prevailing in the country. Today's politics is snatching the food from the children, forcing farmers to commit suicide when some ministers are given permission to indulge in scams and get more richer," he said.



Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, however, attacked Team Anna claiming that they had accused Dr. Singh of corruption and want him to be prosecuted but alleged that they have not specified under which section of Prevention of Corruption Act is he prima facie guilty.



He asked Anna Hazare to leave the group which is in the grip of "Naxalite-minded crazies" and join him and Ramdev in the fight against corruption.



Mr. Kejriwal refused to respond to Dr. Swamy's allegations saying they will not reply to such remarks.



Mr. Bhushan said Dr. Singh should have gone through the documents accompanying the 'charge sheet' before terming them as "irresponsible allegations...He should respond to them on a point-by-point basis, fact by fact basis."



Another Team Anna member Kiran Bedi said, "PM is first among equals. If his equals are under a cloud as a leader of the team it is good leadership to set up an SIT to know the truth. If PM is clean, he can come out clean. Please submit to investigation. It shall be the lawful way to disprove CAG's deductions," she said.
News From: http://www.7StarNews.com

Ready to quit public life if charges are proved: PM

ON BOARD PM\'S AIRCRAFT, May 30, 2012



'My long public career has been an open book\'

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday that he was ready to give up his public career if there was even an "iota" of truth in the allegations of graft made against him by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his team.



Earlier this week, Team Anna levelled charges of corruption against Dr. Singh and 13 Ministers, issuing a "charge sheet" against them, and demanding the setting up of a special investigation team to probe the charges.



The allegations against Dr. Singh related to the allocation of coal blocks when he was looking after the Coal Ministry.



Asked about this at an interaction with the media on his flight back from Myanmar, a disturbed Dr. Singh first read out a prepared statement, in which he said the government would put out a "detailed factual response" once it had received the CAG\'s report on which the allegations are based.



Until then, he said, "uninformed discussions based on leaked drafts are unfortunate." Reading from the statement, he also said irresponsible allegations were being made against his Cabinet colleagues "without confirming the facts."



But when a second question was asked on the same issue, Dr. Singh responded spontaneously in Hindi, and with much feeling:



"I will say this much for sure: the people of the country will decide what wrong has the Prime Minister committed that such harsh words are being used for him.



"If I have done anything dishonest…my whole public life, whether as Finance Minister, or in the Rajya Sabha, or [as] Leader of the Opposition, or Prime Minister, it is an open book," he said.



Without naming anyone, he added: "If anyone makes an allegation, he must prove it. If there is even an iota of truth in the allegations, I am willing to give up my public career…the country can give me any punishment…but to use such harsh words, without rhyme or reason, I think the public in India should decide whether this sort of politics is the politics that should rule the roost in this country."



Earlier, asked about the rupee crash, Dr. Singh said the depreciation was a cause for concern, but not unduly so, because countries around the world were facing the same problem because of the Eurozone crisis.



"The Eurozone crisis has made FII and FDI investors hesitant to go out, especially to emerging markets. But I believe this phenomenon is not going to last very long," he said, but dismissed the suggestion that the country was heading to a near 1991-like situation. "We are nowhere near the 1991 situation. I do concede that it is worrying but other countries like South Africa are also facing a similar situation." he said.



Countries were coming to terms with the situation, Dr. Singh said, and the G20 meeting in Mexico would discuss how to better manage the problem.



Asked about Army Chief V.K. Singh\'s allegations about the goings-on in the Army and the Defence Ministry, and the government\'s silence, he was ready with a one-liner: "Sometimes, silence is golden."



Dr. Singh also had another one-liner when asked whether he would want to be the President of India, a post for which his name has done the rounds: "I am happy where I am."
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Petrol price hike: Karunanidhi issues veiled threat to Centre

CHENNAI, May 30, 2012

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi, a constituent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, issued a veiled threat to the Centre, saying that his party would not compromise on its core principles and in the past it had walked out of coalition to uphold its principles.



Addressing a demonstration organised by his party against the hike in the price of petrol, Mr. Karunanidhi said though the DMK was part of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, the party had to ensure that "any decision that would cause pain to the people" was avoided.



He said the DMK had certain principles and policies and would not compromise on its core ideology, pointing out that it had always stood for its principles, even when his party was part of the National Front government led by V.P. Singh and and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance.



"Whenever its core ideology is under threat we will urge the Centre to right the wrong. When our pleas were not heeded, we had chosen to walk out," he said amidst raising of slogans by partymen against the Congress.



They were heard shouting "come out of Congress alliance." Mr. Karunanidhi made a pause for a few seconds till the crowd vent its anger on the Congress, before resuming his speech.



He said it was the responsibility of the Centre to ensure that the DMK was allowed to retain its core principles.



Recalling the reported remarks of Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony against petrol price, Mr. Karunanidhi said even if the Prime Minister had disregarded the views of alliance partners like him, he could not afford to ignore the voice of his Cabinet colleague.



Urging the Centre to roll back the hike in the petrol price and the State government to bring down the increase in milk price, electricity tariff and bus fare, he threatened to launch a series of agitations if his demand was not met with positive response.
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BJD rebel has ‘no plans to topple Patnaik govt.’

BHUBANESWAR, May 30,2012

A day after triggering speculation of cracks in the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Odisha by holding a meeting of a group of MLAs, party MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra on Wednesday ruled out any threat to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and said he had no plan to topple the government.



"There is absolutely no threat to Naveen Patnaik from me. He is completely safe as Chief Minister as he is the leader of the BJD," Mr. Mohapatra, who is regarded as chief adviser and strategist of the ruling party, told reporters in Bhubaneswar.



Claiming that he had no aspiration to become Chief Minister, Mr. Mohapatra said there was no move at all to topple the government headed by Mr. Patnaik. "Had I wanted to become Chief Minister I could have tried long ago instead of waiting for so many years... I could have tried in 2009 also," the former bureaucrat-turned-Rajya Sabha MP said.



He said the Chief Minister had called him on Tuesday night from abroad and enquired about several legislators gathering at his house and he explained to Mr. Patnaik that there was no formal meeting and that some MLAs had visited his house only to discuss their grievances and party matters.



Referring to the Chief Minister's remark deploring Tuesday's developments, he said Mr. Patnaik's comment was a result of "misleading" information given to him by some party leaders, who also held a meeting at Naveen Niwas as a "panic reaction" late Tuesday.



Mr. Patnaik had last night deplored the attempts to divide the party.



"I understand that in my absence an MP of my party is stirring trouble against my state government. And also trying to divide the Biju Janata Dal. This is deplorable," Mr. Patnaik had told PTI in London.



However, Mr. Mohapatra admitted he had differences with Mr. Patnaik as he felt that the State government was gradually "losing control due to arrogance of bureaucrats".



"I had drawn the attention of the Chief Minister to this trend but little action has been taken. As a result arrogance of bureaucrats is increasing day by day," he claimed.
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BJP ups the ante against Gujarat Governor

NEW DELHI, May 30, 2012



A BJP delegation, led by party chief Nitin Gadkari, on Wednesday met President Pratibha Patil to demand the removal of Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal, alleging that she had grabbed agricultural land worth Rs. 600 crore in Rajasthan.



The BJP delegation submitted documents to Ms. Patil and drew her attention to an order of the Office of Cooperative Registrar, Jaipur issued on May 2.



"The Cooperative Registrar, who also has quasi-judicial powers, has said political influence was used to grab the Rajasthan government land worth Rs. 1,000 crore. The Gujarat Governor has occupied part of this land illegally and it should be taken back," Mr. Gadkari told reporters.



The BJP leaders asked the President to intervene in the matter and either ask Ms. Beniwal to resign or remove her.



"A criminal case cannot be registered against Ms. Beniwal by the Rajasthan government as long as she is a Governor. BJP has appealed to the President to withdraw her pleasure and direct Kamla Beniwal to step down as Gujarat Governor pending thorough investigations into the entire land grab scandal," Mr. Gadkari said.



BJP has also demanded that the Rajasthan government be asked to explain why no action has been taken in the matter.



Mr. Gadkari said Ms. Beniwal's claim to the Registrar that she and other members of the society did 16 hours farm labour work for the last 58 years is unbelievable. "The Registrar has said in his order that it is a blatant lie," he said.



Interestingly, senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and others did not form part of the BJP delegation. Their absence has come at a time when there are murmurs of differences between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and some of the senior BJP leaders.



The relatively small BJP delegation comprised of party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman, MPs Balbir Punj, Bhupendra Yadav and Arjun Meghwal and party secretary Kirit Somaiya among others.



The land allegedly grabbed by Ms. Beniwal and some other "highly influential persons" is located at the outskirts of Jaipur. BJP has charged that this land was grabbed through fraudulent means.



This is not the first time that BJP has attacked Ms. Beniwal, who is not on the best of terms with Mr. Modi. The matter was raised in both Houses of Parliament in the Budget session, with the BJP even forcing an adjournment.



"People are expecting a satisfactory response from Kamla Beniwal. But she is maintaining a studied silence. The Rajasthan government too is refusing to take any serious cognisance of the scandal," Mr. Gadkari said.



The opposition party maintained that after the serious strictures passed by the Cooperative Registrar, Ms. Beniwal's continuance in office has become untenable.



"Constitutional propriety also demands that she must relinquish the high office of Governor forthwith," the party said.



Asked about the President's response, Mr. Gadkari said she gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that she would look into the matter.



"We do not want to do any politics on this issue. We have placed all the facts and evidence on record," Mr. Gadkari said.
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Julian Assange loses extradition appeal

LONDON, May 30, 2012



Britain's Supreme Court has endorsed the extradition of WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange to Sweden, an important turning point in the Internet activist's controversial career.



Assange, 40, has spent the better part of two years fighting attempts to send him to the Scandinavian nation, where he is accused of sex crimes. The U.K. end of that struggle appeared to come to a messy conclusion on Wednesday, with the nation's highest court ruling five to two that the warrant seeking his arrest was properly issued and Assange's lawyer arguing that the case should be reopened.



Supreme Court President Nicholas Phillips, speaking for the majority, acknowledged that Assange's case "has not been simple to resolve," but that the court had concluded that "the request for Mr. Assange's extradition has been lawfully made and his appeal against extradition is accordingly dismissed."



Assange won't be extradited immediately no matter what happens. His lawyer, Dinah Rose, stood up after the verdict to say that the decision was based on evidence that was not argued during the appeal and requested time to study the verdict further with an eye toward trying to reopen the case.



Phillips said he would give Rose two weeks to make her move.



Even if the Supreme Court refuses to reopen the case, Assange could appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, although extradition experts have said that route wasn't likely to block his removal to Sweden in the long run.



Assange is best known for revealing hundreds of thousands of secret U.S. documents, including a hard-to-watch video that captured U.S. forces gunning down a crowd of Iraqi civilians and journalists that they'd mistaken for insurgents. His release of a quarter—million classified State Department cables outraged Washington and destabilized American diplomacy worldwide.



But his secret-spilling work came under a cloud after two Swedish women accused him of molestation and rape following a visit to the country in mid—2010. Assange denies wrongdoing, saying the sex was consensual, but has refused to go to Sweden, claiming he doesn't believe he'll get a fair trial there.



Swedish lawyer Claes Borgstrom, who represents the two women who accuse Assange of sex crimes, expressed relief at the Supreme Court's decision, but said the British judicial system should have dealt with the case more quickly.



"I think they should have resolved this earlier," Borgstrom told The Associated Press, adding that the long wait had been stressful for his clients.
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No misunderstanding with Defence Ministry: Army Chief

PUNE, May 30, 2012

A day prior to his retirement, Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh on Wednesday said there is "no misunderstanding" between him and the Defence Ministry.



He also said Defence Minister A.K. Antony was "very clear headed" in supporting the armed forces.



"There is no misunderstanding between the Ministry of Defence and us. Army is part of the government. We are one. Whatever we say is listened to.



"The procedures are there. Sometimes you probably think that things are getting delayed because nobody is listening. That is not true and that is not the case," he said in Pune ahead of his retirement on Thursday.



Referring to Mr. Antony, he said, "We have a Raksha Mantri who is very clear headed in supporting the armed forces."



Asked about the controversies surrounding him, he said, "Certain controversies were created... Certain controversies erupted. Certain controversies can be ascribed to my dear media friends who have great imagination to see a ghost behind every bush.



"I would say it has not concerned me at all. Somebody told me a lot of people throw insults at you. You actually deserve those insults is you react to them. If you are not concerned with those insults, don't react to them," Gen. Singh said.



On his charge that Lt. Gen (Retd.) Tejinder Singh had offered him a bribe of Rs. 14 crore for clearing a "substandard" truck deal, the Army Chief said, "I don't want to comment on what Tejinder Singh has done. Those of us who know him well enough know what kind of things he tries, what he has been trying and what he has been doing.



"This is not a forum to castigate him or do anything else. He is most welcome to slide into any depths that he wants to."



Lt. Gen. Tejinder Singh has denied all allegation made against him by the Army Chief.
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Pranab hints at steps to quell rupee volatility

NEW DELHI, May 29, 2012

Even as the rupee has been slipping to new lows against the dollar in recent weeks owing to a combination of negatives factors at home and abroad, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, on Tuesday, said the government was taking a series of steps to contain the volatility in the foreign exchange market and the Reserve Bank of India would step in to intervene as and when necessary.



"The government is taking a series of steps. However, managing [the] rupee is market-related ...There is a lot of volatility. As and when the RBI will consider necessary, it will intervene. It depends on the market forces and market forces are uncertain," Mr. Mukherjee told the media here.



The Finance Minister was responding to all-round concern over the rupee breaching the psychological 55-mark against the greenback following a sustained pull-out by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) from emerging markets, including India, as part of their global risk aversion strategy and seeking safer havens in the U.S.



Aggravating the situation for India further has been a widening trade and current account deficit (CAD), a high fiscal deficit coupled with rising inflation and concerns over tax on foreign investors. Not without reason, therefore, that the rupee slumped to a new low of 55.47 during the day\'s trade and closed marginally higher at 55.39 against the dollar.



Such has been the demand for the U.S. currency from importers, especially oil refiners, that the Indian rupee has turned out to be one of the worst performers among other Asian currencies, touching fresh lows in the last couple of weeks. And this has been despite interventions by the RBI to contain the extreme volatility in the forex market.



In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on the causes for the free fall of the rupee and its impact on the economy, Mr. Mukherjee sought to pin the blame on the global slowdown owing to the eurozone crisis and assured the House that steps were being taken to tackle the situation.



"Global slowdown due to unfolding of eurozone sovereign debt crisis has, inter-alia, impacted the Indian economy," he said.
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Rupee yet again breaches 56 level against dollar

MUMBAI, May 30, 2012

Continuing fall for the third day in a row, the rupee on Wednesday again fell past the psychological level of Rs. 56 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on heavy demand for the American currency from importers amid concerns over eurozone worries.



Dealers said besides strong month-end demand from importers, particularly oil refiners, the euro's weakness against the American currency on persistent eurozone worries, kept pressure on the Indian currency.



At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the domestic unit opened lower at Rs. 56 and continued its downward journey to trade at Rs. 56.16, down 49 paise against its Tuesday's close of Rs. 55.67.
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Sensex down 113 points on profit-booking, weak rupee

MUMBAI, May 30, 2012

The BSE benchmark index Sensex on Wednesday declined by over 113 points in early trade as funds and retail investors booked profits after two sessions of gains amid weakness in the rupee, breaching the Rs. 56 level against dollar.



Also, subdued trends on the other Asian bourses also dampened the trading sentiments here.



The 30-share index, which had gained over 220 points in the past two sessions, fell by 113.55 points, or 0.69 per cent, to 16,325.03, with stocks of auto, banking and consumer durable sectors succumbing to profit-booking.



Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty shed 32.20 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 4,957.90.



Brokers said besides profit-booking by speculators after recent gains, weakness in the rupee, which again breached Rs. 56 level against the U.S. dollar also cast its shadow on the trading sentiments, triggering selling.



A weakening trend on the other Asian bourses and tomorrow's expiry in the derivatives segment also attributed fall in stock prices, they said.



Shares of Tata Motors plunged 8.16 per cent to Rs. 253.40 despite the company's Q4 consolidated net profits soared over two-fold to Rs. 6,234 crore.



In the Asian region, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 1.50 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei Index shed 0.98 per cent in the morning trade.
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Monday, May 28, 2012

Tony Blair appears at media ethics inquiry

LONDON, May 28, 2012

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was questioned Monday by an inquiry into media ethics set up to deal with the fallout from the phone hacking scandal at Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. media empire.



Mr. Blair, who served as prime minister between 1997 and 2007, is godfather to one of the powerful tycoon's children and his former Labour government has been described by several colleagues as being too close to Murdoch and his media empire.



Mr. Blair testified that there was "inevitably" going to be "close interaction" between top politicians and senior media figures. "That has always been the case and that will always be the case."



Mr. Blair's appearance kicks off an important week at the judge-led inquiry.



Several senior politicians have appeared at the investigation set up last year in the wake of a phone hacking scandal when it emerged that reporters at the Murdoch-owned News of the World tabloid had routinely hacked into the phones of public figure and crime victims.



Lord Justice Brian Leveson is examining whether British politicians failed to curb the activities of the rogue newspaper because they were too close or too scared to cross the country's media.



Current ministers including culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, education minister Michael Gove and home secretary Theresa May will also appear this week.
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Trade ties with India growing at steady pace: Indonesian Ambassador

BHOPAL, May 28, 2012



The Indonesian Ambassador, Andi M. Ghalib said here on Saturday that the trade ties between his country and India were growing at a steady pace and could reach $45 billion mark by 2015.



"I hope that the volume of business between the two countries would reach $45 billion by 2015," the Ambassador who had come here for an event told mediapersons.



The volume of trade between the two countries last year was about $14 billion.



Mr. Ghalib said that an indication of the warm ties between the two countries came when the Indonesian President was invited to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade two years back.



He said a lot of work was done to encourage Hinduism in his country and pointed out that Indonesia's national airline is known as Garuda Airlines.



The Ambassador said that more than 30 MoUs had been signed between India and Indonesia against only five to seven MoUs signed by other countries.



He said that the economic growth rate of both India and Indonesia was almost similar.
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Things in India need to be in black and white

May 28, 2012

FDI is the only source that can mitigate the country\'s current account deficit

The economy is going through a rough patch. Growth has slowed dramatically after a tight-fisted monetary policy for nearly two years dented consumer spending, while delays in approvals held up several large projects and hurt productive investments.



New Delhi\'s penchant for populism and inability to push the much-needed economic reforms are now coming home to roost. With trade and current account deficits ballooning to multi-year highs, the rupee is under enormous strain having plunged to record lows for days together.



Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and other policy-makers blame global factors, especially the Greek debt crisis, for India\'s economic problems. However, it would be foolhardy to ignore that many of the issues hurting India are self-inflicted, or domestic factors. In an interview with Oommen A. Ninan, Deepak S. Parekh, a management guru and Chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation whose sage advice is often sought by top honchos and the government, says India\'s political class needs to pull up its socks. Excerpts:



You have been a trouble-shooter in the financial world. The great job you did to rescue scandal-tainted Satyam was appreciated by all. The economy is in big trouble. The current account deficit has jumped to the most since 1980 and the rupee plunged to record lows. What are the problems and what needs to be done to retrieve the situation?



India has a problem. A holistic approach will have to be taken. We have to convince the political bosses of numerous hues how today\'s situation is hurting our country. It is hurting our youth and it is hurting our future.



The government has not been able to push reforms because of ideological differences between coalition partners. The cohesiveness required in the ruling party, which was there in UPA-I, has deteriorated in the last few years, particularly in the last one year. While one coalition partner opposes increase in FDI (foreign direct investment), another opposes the increase in petroleum product prices.



We have got to get our act together. FDI is the only source that can mitigate the country\'s current account deficit. Without capital inflows, the rupee is going to collapse and inflation is going to increase.



We can\'t boast that India is having a demographic dividend. Half of our population is under the age of 25, and 60 per cent is under the age of 30. Where are they going to work, if you don\'t set up manufacturing units? Who is going to give them job? Educated youth with no employment is the worst thing that can happen in any country.



It is the start of a disaster. It is the start of a civil strife. We must set aside differences, individual whims and fancies of political parties and ensure we don\'t go down that path. Politicians must recognise that something needs to be done in the interest of the country and the economy and the future of our youth.



Otherwise, if we continue like this, we will go downhill faster in the next two years.



Foreign funds had poured about $9 billion into stocks and debts between January 1 and March 15; the budget was a huge disappointment — it had no reforms and came up with controversial tax proposals which spooked business sentiment, particularly foreign investment. What went wrong? What are your thoughts, especially on FDI?



Foreign investors have lost confidence due to some of the provisions introduced by the government in the budget. The chairman of a big sovereign fund said, "We are not going to go away. We are always interested in India. But till you put your house in order we are not going to invest."



Another chairman said: "It is not possible to work with the present government and it is not possible to work with the difficult tax regime in the country. So, 'Sayonara\' to India for the moment."



There is no justification for the government to hold up plans to allow foreign carriers to invest up to 49 per cent in domestic airlines. We need to open up the aviation sector, which is bleeding and dying.



Why is the government so sentimental, so emotional? It is a sector that needs foreign capital, and majority ownership would still be in Indian hands. There is a major problem with the industry and believe me even other airlines will be forced to close down. I know how precarious their positions are; many are delaying payments to staff as well as for purchases and to airport authorities.



The government must encourage FDI, which is more permanent capital than fickle foreign portfolio inflows.



But Pranab Mukherjee said in the Parliament that no one needs to think that India is a tax haven?



No one is saying that India needs to be a tax haven, but things in India need to be in black and white. Everything today seems to be in grey.



There is uncertainty about how laws will be interpreted; there is uncertainty when you start a project whether you\'ll get all approvals. Foreign investors think it is difficult to do business in India; even Indian entrepreneurs think so.



In fact, the top 10 entrepreneurs have said that it is easier to buy a company abroad and work. No one knows why government approvals take such a long time; and whether they will be given at all, particularly in sectors such as energy, mining, coal and cement. The growth last year has suffered in these areas. Energy is critical to achieve higher growth.



What are your thoughts on reforms and growth?



We can\'t just do nothing and expect growth will happen. We need agriculture reforms to begin with.



Unless we increase our foodgrain productivity significantly and the efficiency of the distribution system is improved, we will not be able to feed the Indian population.



In agriculture, the cost of distribution in India is the highest. I agree we are a large country and there are pockets where foodgrains are grown. The global average of the distribution cost is one-third of the final price, while the farmer gets 66 per cent. In India, this is reversed because of middle-men, vested interest, wastage and inadequate warehousing facilities.



We did a survey in rural India, while health and education for their family are the top two concerns, the other issue was storage and not housing or anything, We have no place to keep our foodgrains. Until the Food Corporation of India man comes, we have no storage place and we have to keep it outside.



So storage and distribution are the main issues. Lack of proper warehouses is a huge concern.



The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is a good programme. We don\'t have a national social security system, so the government is giving some money in a small amount to unemployed people. Remember recipients use 90 per cent of the money they get to buy foodgrains for feeding their family. So the demand for food goes up significantly.



Even for people with larger disposable income, the first priority is to provide proper food for the family. As consumption increases, inefficiency in logistics and distribution are exposed. This is fueling inflation and will not come down unless production and infrastructure are improved.
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Sensex ends 200 points higher on stronger rupee

MUMBAI, May 28, 2012

The BSE benchmark index Sensex on Monday rose by nearly 200 points on heavy buying in fundamentally strong stocks led by financials and power, driven by a stronger rupee amid a firming trend in the global markets.



The 30-share barometer, which ended almost flat in the previous session, closed 199.02 points or 1.23 per cent higher at 16,416.84 after touching the day's high of 16,439.97.



The 50-share National Stock Exchange index Nifty also moved up by 65.25 points, or 1.33 per cent to 4,985.65, inching towards the crucial 5,000 mark. It had touched a high of 4,994.95 during the session.



Brokers said besides a stabilising rupee, which recovered for the third straight day on Monday, a firming trend in the global markets after concerns eased over Greece's possible exit from Eurozone helped Indian markets close with gains.



Covering-up of short positions ahead of Thursday's monthly expiry in the derivatives segment, also helped the trading sentiment, dealers said.



Stock market participants said the market mood was helped by global rating agency Moody's comment that the sliding rupee will not impact India's sovereign ratings. After closing at 55.37 a dollar on Friday, the rupee on Monday opened at 55.20 and was last trading at 55.25.



State Bank of India (SBI) led the Sensex gainers on Monday with 4.76 per cent gain, followed by BHEL (4.17 pc), Tata Power (3.81 pc), Hindalco (2.82 pc) and Tata Motors (2.69 pc).



Index heavyweight Reliance Industries ended higher by 1.33 per cent at Rs 701.20 largely buoyed by its ongoing buy-back issue, while another influential stock, Infosys ended 0.66 per cent at Rs 2,387.65.



Amongst indices, the BSE-Bankex gained the most by adding 2.42 per cent to 11,162.95 points. It was followed by BSE-Power (2.33 p.c.), BSE-Consumer Durables (2.20 p.c.) and BSE-Capital goods (1.85 p.c.).
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Two Akash missiles test-fired

HYDERABAD, May 28, 2012

Two surface-to-air Akash missiles were test-fired in a quick succession from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast on Monday with one of them failing to hit the target and falling into the sea.



Both the post-production tests were carried out as part of regular user exercises by Indian Air Force personnel in which the missiles were fired from road mobile launchers.



In the first test conducted at around 10.30 a.m, the indigenously-developed missile veered off its flight path within a few seconds of its launch after reaching a height of a few hundred metres. The details for its failure would be analysed to find out the exact cause, official sources told The Hindu.



In the second trial, the 5.8 metre long missile and its ground system worked perfectly and met all the mission objectives which included interception of the target and a "pitch-up manoeuvre".



The live warhead of the missile was disabled as it was close to interception of the target, a flying Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA), 'Lakshya, apparently to ensure that the latter was not destroyed. About 45 seconds later the missile moved to a higher altitude and the warhead self-destructed itself as pre-programmed.



The purpose of second mission was to ensure that the missile moved to a higher altitude and the warhead self-destructed itself in case it missed the target instead of falling nearby the launch area in a real war scenario.



Earlier during two separate trials last week, Akash missile failed to hit the target on Saturday, while it homed on to 'Lakshya' successfully on May 24.



Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IDMDP), the medium range Akash surface air-to-missile has been already inducted into the Army and Air Force. With a strike range of 27 km, the missile can carry a 60 kg warhead and simultaneously engage several targets with 'Rajendra' radar developed by the Bharat Electronics and Radar Development Establishment.



Two more tests would be conducted later this week as part of revalidating the operational efficacy of the missile.
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Jagan remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody

HYDERABAD, May 28, 2012

After being produced before the special CBI court here on Monday, YSR Congress president Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy was remanded to judicial custody till June 11 for 14 days



YSR Congress President Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy was remanded to judicial custody till June 11 for 14 days.



Earlier the YSR Congress president Y.S.Jaganmohan Reddy was produced before the special CBI court here on Monday, a day after he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday



The Principal Judge for CBI Court A. Pullaiah, however, dismissed the plea for CBI's custody of Mr. Jagan for further interrogation. The YSR Cong president was arrested by CBI ion Sunday evening in the disproportionate assets case.



Judge Pullaiah in his order said: "It is quite clear that the accused has stature and position to influence the witnesses and to tamper with evidences. He needs to be sent to judicial remand under section 309 of CrPC." The Kadapa MP would be shifted to Chanchalguda jail after the court formalities are completed.



Earlier, Mr.Jagan spoke for few minutes in the courthall. Addressing the judge, he said: "I do not know why these cases have been booked against me and why I was arrested. I am leading a political party, which is contesting bye-elections to 18 Assembly and one Lok Sabha constituency and the whole country is looking at these bye-elections."



He further pointed out that the CBI had asked him to appear before it. "I left my campaign and cooperated with them till they arrested me. Whatever questions they have asked I answered. You can see the case diary. You can see the case diary. May be I have not answered in the way, they wanted me to do," he remarked.



Referring to the Sakshi shares, he said each share of Rs. 10 face value was sold at Rs. 350. "Has Sakshi no value at all," he asked. He noted that Sakshi was the eight largest circulated daily in the country.



Keywords: Jagan arrest, YSR Congress, Y.S. J
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Saturday, May 26, 2012

U.S. airports to ease screening for elderly travellers

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2012

Travellers aged 75 and older will soon have an easy passage through U.S. airports, with the government rolling out new rules to ease airport screening process for them.



The elderly will no longer have to doff shoes, belts and jackets as they pass through tough screening checks at the country's three major airports — John F Kennedy, La—Guardia and Newark — all located close to New York City, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said.



The relaxation in the tough screening for the elderly comes after a spate of several high profile incidents last year in which older women at JFK International airport complained they were "strip searched" by officers.



The easing of procedures, Ms. Dankers said, was part of a pilot programme that will also allow older passengers to pass through metal detectors or body scanners more than once to resolve security issues if an alarm goes off, Los Angeles Times reported.



"People in that population and age group pose a lower risk to security," she said, adding "We're trying to reduce the number of pat-downs."



Ms. Dankers said the shift is part of the TSA's promise to move away from one-size-fits-all security screenings to a model that focuses on high-risk travellers.



The programme, from next week, will also begin at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and airports at Denver, Portland and Orlando.



Asked how would the TSA officers know who is 75 and who isn't? The spokeswoman said, "We are not going to card people. Officers will make visual assessment on who qualifies for the relaxed screening."
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Buddhist encyclopaedia published in Russia

MOSCOW, May 26, 2012

The first encyclopaedia of Buddhist philosophy has been brought out in Russia where Buddhism has seen a revival after the collapse of Communism.



The encyclopaedia analyses the philosophical aspects of Buddhism in the context of different civilisations, cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.



Releasing the book at a function held at the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences India's Ambassador Ajai Malhotra said that the philosophy of Lord Buddha was a relevant today as ever and would continue to inspire future generations across the world.



Dr. Marietta Stepanyants, head of the chair of Eastern philosophies, who edited the encyclopaedia, thanked the Indian Embassy for continued support through the funding of the Mahatma Gandhi Chair at the Institute of Philosophy and the award of scholarships to the best Russian students of Indian philosophy.



Ambassador Malhotra recalled that the Embassy of India had also cooperated in the publication in Russian in 2009 of the "Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophy" and suggested as a next step that the Institute of Philosophy may like to bring out an Encyclopedia of Jain Philosophy in the Russian language. He offered the Embassy's help for this project.



Buddhism has been on the upsurge in Russia in recent years, along with Christianity and Islam. Dozens of temples have come up in predominantly Buddhist regions of Buryatia, Kalmykia and Tuva. Buddha's birthday has been made a national holiday in Kalmykia this year and a 15-metre statue of Buddha, the biggest in Russia, is being set up in Tuva.
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End drone attacks, says Bilawal

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2012

Arguing strongly against what he called the "carpet bombing" of Pakistan, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said U.S. drone attacks were turning out to be counter-productive due to the civilian toll they take.



The leader-in-waiting of Pakistan's ruling party called for an end to the U.S. drone attacks, which he said were a violation of his country's sovereignty and international law.



"The continuous carpet bombing of Pakistan by drones is not only counterproductive on the war on terror, it's also an egregious violation of our sovereignty and must end," Mr. Bilawal Bhutto told the MSNBC news in an interview.



"It's a violation of the US War Powers Act as well as international law. America was supposed to be that city on a hill, setting an example to the world. I do hope it returns to that status soon," said the son of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, and slain former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto.



Mr., Bilawal refuted the American argument that drone attacks were an important tool in the war against terrorism.



"No, I actually completely disagree. The drone attacks have not caught any big boys. They've been counterproductive with the amount of civilian casualties that they've had," he argued.



"You can ask your own (US) military, they admit, barring Osama bin Laden, Pakistan, when provided actionable intelligence, has caught, captured or killed more al Qaeda operatives than any other nation on earth," he told the MSNBC.



Mr. Bilawal said both Pakistan and the United States, were working to resolve their differences.



"And I'm hopeful that they will resolve their differences because we have a common goal and we can only achieve it together," he said.
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As CBI grills Jagan, MLA gives Cong. the jitters

HYDERABAD, May 26, 2012

The ruling party suffered another setback on Saturday when Congress MLA from Bobbilli, Sujay Ranga Rao, gave strong indications of switching loyalties to the YSR Congress party.



Mr. Ranga Rao, a legistator for the third term, called on honorary president of YSR Congress Mrs. Vijayamma at her Lotus Pond residence here to express solidarity with Mr. Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy whose arrest seemed imminent.



The Congress MLA flew in here from Visakhapatnam to call on Mr. Jagan but he was intercepted at the Hyderabad airport by Minister for Medical Education Kondru Murali Mohan and an aide of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy. They tried hard to prevail upon him to drop plans to meet YSR Congress leaders and even made him speak to the Chief Minister.



Mr. Ranga Rao was, however, unwilling to oblige and reportedly stated that he was given a short shrift by the Congress leadership in spite of being a senior MLA. His association with YSR Congress leaders comes as a big embarrassment to APCC president Botcha Satyanarayana as Mr. Ranga Rao hails from his native Vizianagaram district.



On Friday, a Congress MP Sabbam Hari and an MLA, Alla Nani, had accompanied Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy to Dilkusha Guest House where the latter was summoned for examination by the CBI. They joined him again today. Caught off guard by these developments, the APCC Screening and Enquiry Committee chairman K. Satyanarayana Raju met the APCC chief and later announced that a show cause notice would be served on Mr. Alla Nani on Monday and suitable disciplinary action recommended to the Congress high command against the MP.



Meanwhile, Mr. Sabbam Hari claimed that two or three MLAs would join the YSR Congress party before the end of the day on Saturday. He told reporters that some more legislators would defect in the coming few days.



Before leaving for Dilkusha Guest House, Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy told a television channel that he was getting feelers from Congress and TDP MLAs about their willingness to join his party. But, he would be choosy about whom to admit. At the same time, he did not foresee any threat to the stability of the Kiran Kumar Reddy Government as he was sure that the Telugu Desam would extend support to it.



Jagan appears before CBI



For the second consecutive day, Mr. Jaganmohan Reddy appeared before the CBI for interrogation over his role in allotment of land to Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Ports and Industrial Corridor (VANPIC). Mr. Jagan is the prime accused in the disproportionate assets case in which the CBI has alleged that several investors put money in his companies as a quid pro quo for largesse doled out to them by the then YSR Government.
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Insurgents choosing path to peace in Assam: Sonia

GUWAHATI, May 26, 2012

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday expressed confidence that insurgent outfits who have not come forward for talks so far will realise the futility of violence and join the peace process.



"I am happy to note that UPA and Congress led-Assam government's efforts to end insurgency through dialogue have been positive as most insurgent outfits have announced their decision to abjure violence," Ms. Gandhi said at the official celebration of Congress government's completion of first year of its third consecutive term in the state.



"Most insurgent outfits have realised violence cannot solve any problem and have left this path for peace. The government will take all measures to establish peace and fulfil their aspirations," she said.



The Congress president said that today was a day of celebration for the party. "But at the same time we realise the huge responsibility the people of Assam has reposed in us and we renew our pledge to serve them better to take them on the path of peace, development and prosperity."



Ms. Gandhi said when Tarun Gogoi assumed power in the state 11 years ago its condition was "pathetic". "Assam was in a state of chaos and disarray ... Insurgency was at its height, the treasury was empty, government employees were not paid salaries, development was at an all-time low, industries and industrialists were fleeing."



The people of Assam joined hands with the Congress to change the situation and take the state forward on the road of development, she added.



Ms. Gandhi said Assam's strength is in its diversity and the people of the state have realised that it is Congress that will take all sections of society into consideration in the development process.



"Rajiv Gandhi had realised this 27 years ago when he signed the historic Assam Accord and we are working according to its provisions," she added.



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has represented Assam in Rajya Sabha for 20 years, takes a personal interest in its development and the Centre along with the state government has initiated several schemes specifically for the state.



She said four new bridges would be built on Brahmaputra river, which is the lifeline of the state and an integral part of its cultural identity.



There has been a marked improvement in the condition of roads while there has been increased investment in the power sector and eight lakh BPL families have been provided with electricity under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, she said.



Several new schemes have been undertaken for empowering women like strengthening of self-help groups and under Panchayati Raj and reservation of 50 per cent seats for them.



As a part of the development of all sections of society including SC/STs, backward castes, indigenous communities, the government has set up eight autonomous councils and 18 development councils.



Assam has also taken full advantages of National Rural Health Mission. "I have been told that the people are receiving much better health care and facilities," she added.
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Team Anna wants Manmohan, Pranab probed

NEW DELHI, May 26, 2012

Team Anna on Saturday clubbed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee with 13 other Cabinet Ministers, whom they accused of corruption, which the Congress dismissed as "unsubstantiated averments" that need not be responded to.



The anti-graft group, which has threatened to launch an indefinite fast from July 25, has picked up portions of a draft CAG report to make charges against Dr. Singh when Coal Ministry was with him. They had never made allegations against the Prime Minister before.



Besides Dr. Singh and Mr. Mukherjee, the ministers against whom the Team Anna has demanded probe by an independent Special Investigation Team include P.Chidambaram, Sharad Pawar, S.M. Krishna, Kamal Nath, Praful Patel, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Virbhadra Singh, Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid, G.K. Vasan, Farooq Abdullah, M.Alagiri and Sushil Kumar Shinde.



Dismissing allegations levelled by Team Anna members Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan, Shanti Bhushan and Kiran Bedi at a press conference, Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said, "I do not need to give an answer to unsubstantiated averments."



He said this is not the first time such things have been said and answered. "It is not necessary that every unsubstantiated averment needs to be responded to."



Mr. Tiwari also referred to a report in a newspaper that Ms. Bedi has written to Mr. Hazare complaining against NGO led by Mr. Kejriwal not using funds properly.



The Team, some of whose members have been accused of financial misconduct, denied the report.



Mr. Hazare and his close aides sent a letter to Dr. Singh seeking setting up of an independent Special Investigation Team with three retired judges as it members to probe the charges.



They suggested that the government could select the judges from a panel of Justices Sudarshan Reddy, A K Ganguly, A P Shah, Kuldeep Singh, J S Verma and M N Venkatachellaiah.



In the letter, they said the SIT should investigate charges against the 15 "corrupt" ministers as well as those against party chiefs Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad and Jayalalithaa.



They also said that the SIT can investigate charges against Team Anna.



"We will wait till July 24. If the government does not take steps to (set up SIT), we will go on an indefinite fast from July 25," activist Arvind Kejriwal told reporters.
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Mamata hits Kolkata streets to protest petrol price hike

KOLKATA, May 26, 2012

After slamming the Centre for the steep hike in petrol price, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit the streets in metropolis leading a massive protest march to put pressure on the UPA government for rollback.



Ms. Banerjee, who was accompanied by Railway Minister Mukul Roy, party functionaries and thousands of Trinamool Congress workers, marched from Jadavpur to Hazra crossing, a distance of five km in south Kolkata.



This was the first time that Ms. Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chief, hit the streets as Chief Minister to protest the Centre's decision.



Trinamool Congress workers carried posters demanding that the hike in petrol price be rolled back.



Ms. Banerjee has expressed strong displeasure against the "unilateral and unjust decision" by the Centre and demanded its rollback as it was unacceptable.



"It is unjust, unilateral and not right. We cannot support a decision which will put a huge additional burden on the common man. It is unacceptable," she said shortly after the petrol price hike was announced on Wednesday.



Trinamool's ally Congress, meanwhile, urged the state government to consider a partial reduction in taxes on petrol in the state to provide some relief to consumers affected by the hike in price.



Attributing the petrol price hike to the steep fall in rupee and international crude price, the ally also appealed to the Centre to take suitable measures to stabilise the rupee and review the petrol price to explore the possibility of lowering it as done earlier.
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ISRAELI FARM TECHNOLOGY HAS RELEVANCE TO PUNJAB AGRICULTURE: PANGLI

LUDHIANA, MAY 25:-----



New innovations in farm techniques, especially for conserving fertilizers and water, developed in Israel have been recognized almost everywhere, said Mr. Pavittar Pal Singh Pangli, President PAU Kisan Club, after returning from an educational tour to Israel. He led a farmers group of ten members of PKC to Tel Aviv, Israel that participated in 18th agri-tech event there, organized by Israeli Extension Education Service.



Sharing his experience, Mr. Pangli said that in view of less rain (120 mm in winter months) received in Israel, their focus remained on developing fertigation and water management technologies for different crops including cantaloupes, tomato, cucumbers, leafy vegetables, etc. Highlighting the new methods of using wheat silage for dairy, cow dung based permanent bedding in dairy, use of mini-sized tensiometers (8-16\") in vegetable crops, etc., Mr. Pangli said that scientifically advanced technologies of gathering useful data on milch animals with the help of computerized micro-chip, orchard canopy management by providing designer sunlight penetration windows, providing ground covers with ornamental blooming shrubs of varied hues, etc. have relevance to Punjab agriculture. Pangli said that he will submit a feedback note to the Director of Research, PAU for considering research on similar lines. Unlike in Punjab, cooperative farming system is working well in Israel, he said adding that, the group visited the world\'s largest cooperative farming system at Kibbutz, Israel. Besides, educational farming related activities, the group visited places of historical and social significance.
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TANTUJA 2012, A DESIGNER COLLECTION SHOW HELD AT PAU

LUDHIANA, MAY 25:-----



The College of Home Science, PAU, organized an annual event Tantuja, 2012 A Designer Collection Show, where the budding designers of B.Sc. Fashion Designing final year showcased their theme based collections on themes like Halloween, Olympic fever, Vandemataram, Antariksh, Junk to Funk, Bollywood Tadka, etc. Ms Gurleen Kaur got the best designer award for her collection Junk to Funk in which she had utilized the waste products to create beautiful dresses. The Dean, College of Home Science, Dr. Neelam Grewal, congratulated the participants and appreciated their creativity. She mentioned that in the present scenario Fashion Designing is one of the most promising careers. She motivated the students and the faculty of the college to create an awareness about this course of Fashion Designing which is a four year degree programme and also B Sc Home Science for which the last date for applying is June 18.


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DISCOURAGE USE OF PLASTIC, SAY PAU HOME SCIENTISTS

LUDHIANA, MAY 25:-----



"Plastic has moulded the modern world and transformed the quality of life. It is used to manufacture thousand of household articles such as boxes, bottles, containers, tumblers, chairs, tables and many more. It is, in some way or the other, a part of electrical equipments, automobile, aircraft parts, kids' toys and everyday articles. However, plastic pollutes air, water and land and causes serious damage to environment during its production and disposal." These views were expressed by the home scientists of the Department of Family Resource Management of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). They said that the major chemicals that go into the making of plastic (ethylene oxide, benzene and xylenes) are highly toxic and pose serious threat to living beings of all species on earth. Plastic wastes clog the drains and thus hit, especially, urban sewage systems. Disclosing that plastic bags take 15 to 1000 years to degrade, they observed that by using/reusable cloth bags, one can save upto six plastic bags a week that translate into 24 bags a month and 288 bags a year.



Pointing out the causes of plastic pollution, Dr Usha Jindal said that urbanization has added to the plastic pollution in concentrated form in cities. Plastic thrown on land can enter into drainage lines and choke them, resulting into floods in local areas in cities. Saying that plastic is used because it is cheap and can be discarded easily, she noted that it does not decompose and requires high energy ultra-violet light to breakdown.



Providing tips to minimize the plastic pollution, Dr Arshwinder Kaur advised the public to avoid accepting plastic bags and instead, carry a jute bag for shopping. To save environment, one should try BYOB means i.e. "bring your own bag" policy, she suggested. Stressing on avoiding disposing of plastic along with organic wastes, she urged the people not to throw waste food in plastic bags or containers. Use glass/ceramic instead of plastic in microwave. Replace plastic travel mugs with stainless steel for hot beverages, she advised. Asking to avoid the use of plastic chairs or tables, Dr Kaur suggested the public to use wood/metal instead.



The scientists emphasized on keeping plastic articles and toys away from the reach of little children. Always supervise kids when they are working with such potential plastic articles, they added. There is no better way to avoid plastic than to buy food that has never seen plastic. Underlining the need to minimize the use of plastic in day-to-day life, the home scientists stressed "say no to plastic" and buy reusable bags.


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Students of College of Dairy Science and Technology bring laurels in 17th AIEEA-PG Examination

Ludhiana-25-May, 2012

Two students of the College of Dairy Science and Technology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University got cleared in ICAR- JRF examination, 2012. Both the students' secured high ranks in prestigious All India Entrance Examination for Admission to Post Graduate Programme which is also known as ICAR- JRF Examination conducted every year by ICAR, New Delhi. Ms. Alka Parmar who secured 13th rank in Dairy Science discipline was elated over the achievement. She wants to pursue M. Tech. in Dairy Microbiology from NDRI, Karnal whereas another student, Mr. Gursharn Singh who secured 15th rank in Dairy Technology discipline is interested in pursuing M. Tech. in Dairy Engineering from the same institute. Dr. V.K. Taneja, Vice- Chancellor, GADVASU congratulated the students and faculty of the college and appreciated their endeavour. Dr. S.P.S. Sangha, Dean of the college expressed his happiness on the achievement of the students. He said that though the College of Dairy Science and Technology is a new college which was established in the year 2008, students of the college are bringing laurels to the college not only in academics but also in sports and cultural events at national level. Currently, the college is having two academic programmes namely, B. Tech. (Dairy Technology) and M. Tech. (Dairy Technology). Besides going for post graduation in various specialised disciplines of dairy science; dairy technology graduates are also getting job opportunity in dairy and food industry, co-operative dairy plants and dairy development department of the government.


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COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA Tel: 2428488 Date: 24.05.2012 PRESS RELEASE The Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI (M) held a protest demonstration and rally in front of Mini Secretariat today against the highest ever rise in prices of Petrol by Rs.7.50 and thereby all essential commodities. They termed it as bolt from the blue for the common man already reeling under difficulties due to exorbitant increase in prices of essential items. Various speakers said that the parties had warned in the beginning that deregulation of prices of oil in the country will give free hand to the companies to raise prices at will and hit the common man hard. They demanded immediate roll back of the increase in prices of petrol. They also demanded at the Punjab government should waive off the tax on petrol which is highest in the country in our state. This rise coupled with highest ever devaluation of rupee has thoroughly exposed the bankruptcy of the economic policies of neo liberalism. The statement by the Finance Minister Prab Mukhrjee that the government has no control on the companies now further exposes the mockery of the government with the people. The speakers said that due to the rise in prices of petrol and diesel every time, the prices of essential eatables and other items increase automatically, which hits the common mans budget. Citing the condition of common man as a result of the price rise they said the common people have cut their kitchen budget and this has affected their quality food intake. They further said that during the UPA 1 government the left parties forced the central government not to raise the prices of petrol and diesel, but during the UPA 2 the central government has got a free hand and has raised the prices of petrol. The left parties had also suggested to create a reserve fund at the level of the government to adjust the increase/decrease the prices of crude oil in the international market, which fell on the deaf ears of the central government. They demanded immediate roll back of the petrol prices and creation of the reserve fund. Those who addressed the rally include Com Kartar Singh Bowani-Distrtict Secretary CPI, Com Sukhminder Singh Sekhon – Distt. Sec. CPI (M al, Com D I Mobile: 9417000360

Date: 26.05.2012

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and CPI (M) held a protest demonstration and rally in front of Mini Secretariat today against the highest ever rise in prices of Petrol by Rs.7.50 and thereby all essential commodities. They termed it as bolt from the blue for the common man already reeling under difficulties due to exorbitant increase in prices of essential items. Various speakers said that the parties had warned in the beginning that deregulation of prices of oil in the country will give free hand to the companies to raise prices at will and hit the common man hard. They demanded immediate roll back of the increase in prices of petrol. They also demanded at the Punjab government should waive off the tax on petrol which is highest in the country in our state. This rise coupled with highest ever devaluation of rupee has thoroughly exposed the bankruptcy of the economic policies of neo liberalism. The statement by the Finance Minister Prab Mukhrjee that the government has no control on the companies now further exposes the mockery of the government with the people.







The speakers said that due to the rise in prices of petrol and diesel every time, the prices of essential eatables and other items increase automatically, which hits the common mans budget. Citing the condition of common man as a result of the price rise they said the common people have cut their kitchen budget and this has affected their quality food intake. They further said that during the UPA 1 government the left parties forced the central government not to raise the prices of petrol and diesel, but during the UPA 2 the central government has got a free hand and has raised the prices of petrol. The left parties had also suggested to create a reserve fund at the level of the government to adjust the increase/decrease the prices of crude oil in the international market, which fell on the deaf ears of the central government. They demanded immediate roll back of the petrol prices and creation of the reserve fund.







Those who addressed the rally include Com Kartar Singh Bowani-Distrtict Secretary CPI, Com Sukhminder Singh Sekhon – Distt. Sec. CPI (M), Com Ramesh Rattan, Dr.Arun Mitra, Com Sukhminder Lotey, Com Jagdish Chand, Com Raghbir Benipal, Com D P Maur, Com O P Mehta – City Secretary, Com. Vijay Kumar, Com Gurnam Sidhu, Com Gurnam Gill and Com Kewal Singh Banwait, Com Randhir Singh, Com Naval Chibber Advocate, Com Jatinder Singh, Com Ramadhar, Com Devraj, Com Surinder.












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