Britain will be "militarily engaged" in Afghanistan for a further five years, the head of the Army has said.
General Sir David Richards told while on a visit to Helmand, that he expected the military conflict to "trail off in 2011".
But British troops will continue in training and support roles, he said.
He also warned that coalition troops could not afford to fail and said UK forces now "for the first time" had the resources they had wanted.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Paypal to resume its Indian services from Mar 3 ,2010
PayPal has finally resumed personal payment services in India. With the individual customers of PayPal will be able to withdraw funds into their local bank accounts. The personal fund withdrawal will start from March 3, 2010 (Wednesday).
However before receiving payments, PayPal customers need to fill "Export code". This code will have information related to nature of exports for which payment has been received from abroad. The customers who need to make payment overseas can continue to make payment.
However before receiving payments, PayPal customers need to fill "Export code". This code will have information related to nature of exports for which payment has been received from abroad. The customers who need to make payment overseas can continue to make payment.
Crew with Boat made of recycled materials to sail from California to Sydney
An explorer has come up with a sailboat known as 'Plastiki', which is constructed of more than 12,000 recycled plastic bottles.
According to a report in National Geographic News, the boat has been developed by David de Rothschild, who plans to sail the remarkable craft from California to Sydney, Australia.
Joining him will be a crew that includes skipper Jo Royle, co-skipper David Thomson, and Josian and Olav Heyerdahl.
According to a report in National Geographic News, the boat has been developed by David de Rothschild, who plans to sail the remarkable craft from California to Sydney, Australia.
Joining him will be a crew that includes skipper Jo Royle, co-skipper David Thomson, and Josian and Olav Heyerdahl.
MD of Adani grp arrested on tax evasion case
The managing director of the Ahmedabad-based Adani Group was arrested Saturday for allegedly evading customs duty of Rs.1.07 crore. Ten customs and central excise officials from Goa are also being probed in the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said.
'We arrested Rajesh Adani from Ahmedabad for causing a loss to the exchequer of Rs.1.07 crore,' a CBI spokesman said.
He was arrested after the CBI's Goa branch registered a case against him and 10 officials of Goa customs and central excise for cheating and criminal conspiracy. The case was registered April 25, 2008.
'We arrested Rajesh Adani from Ahmedabad for causing a loss to the exchequer of Rs.1.07 crore,' a CBI spokesman said.
He was arrested after the CBI's Goa branch registered a case against him and 10 officials of Goa customs and central excise for cheating and criminal conspiracy. The case was registered April 25, 2008.
9 Indians among those killed in Afghan terror attack
Nine Indians were among 18 people killed in a series of attacks by the Taliban in central Kabul on Friday.
The Indians are believed to have included an army officer working at the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul and Nawab Khan, a noted tabla player who was there for a cultural programme.
According to Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, “the deceased Indians include government officials.” Three Indians were reported missing.
The Indians are believed to have included an army officer working at the Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul and Nawab Khan, a noted tabla player who was there for a cultural programme.
According to Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, “the deceased Indians include government officials.” Three Indians were reported missing.
Britain to investigate on fradulent Passport use issue in Dubai
Investigators from Britain's Serious Organized Crimes Agency have arrived in Israel to interview dual nationals whose names were used on forged passports by the assassins of a Hamas commander in Dubai last month, the Independent reported on Saturday.
The British agency said Friday that arrangements were already being made to speak to the six British-Israeli dual nationals whose names were among those used by the alleged hit squad.
Hamas military commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was killed last month in his hotel room in what Dubai police have said they are near certain was a hit by Israel's Mossad spy agency. Police said the killers traveled to the Gulf Arab emirate using forged European and Australian passports.
The British agency said Friday that arrangements were already being made to speak to the six British-Israeli dual nationals whose names were among those used by the alleged hit squad.
Hamas military commander Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was killed last month in his hotel room in what Dubai police have said they are near certain was a hit by Israel's Mossad spy agency. Police said the killers traveled to the Gulf Arab emirate using forged European and Australian passports.
Earthquake measuring 8.8 hits Chile - triggers Tsunami warning for 53 countries
A massive earthquake has hit the coast of Chile, killing dozens of people, flattening buildings and triggering a tsunami.
The 8.8-magnitude quake, the country’s largest in 25 years, shook the capital Santiago for a minute and half at 3:34am (6:34am GMT) today.
A tsunami warning has been extended across 53 countries, including most of Central and South America and as far as Australia, Hawaii and Antarctica.
The wave has already caused serious damage to the sparsely populated Juan Fernandez islands, off the Santiago coast, and is now travelling across the ocean at several hundred km per hour.
The 8.8-magnitude quake, the country’s largest in 25 years, shook the capital Santiago for a minute and half at 3:34am (6:34am GMT) today.
A tsunami warning has been extended across 53 countries, including most of Central and South America and as far as Australia, Hawaii and Antarctica.
The wave has already caused serious damage to the sparsely populated Juan Fernandez islands, off the Santiago coast, and is now travelling across the ocean at several hundred km per hour.
3G to become a realty by Sep 2010
Mobile phone users will finally be able to access advanced data transfer and high-speed internet on their handsets through 3G technology and broadband wireless access (BWA), post-September 2010. The department of telecom (DoT) has set September as the timeline when successful bidders will be allowed to use the allotted airwaves for commercial operation.
The government on Thursday issued the notice inviting bids from private telecom players to participate in the auction of 3G airwaves, allowing three private players each in 17 circles, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and four in the remaining five circles including Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar. The number of slots up for auction excludes those already allotted to the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL). It has also invited bids for BWA auction, which is scheduled to happen two days after the 3G auction closes.
The government on Thursday issued the notice inviting bids from private telecom players to participate in the auction of 3G airwaves, allowing three private players each in 17 circles, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and four in the remaining five circles including Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar. The number of slots up for auction excludes those already allotted to the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL). It has also invited bids for BWA auction, which is scheduled to happen two days after the 3G auction closes.
Spectrum license fee increased - telecom cos hit with fear
In a development that would hit telecom operators' profits, the government today announced an up to 50 per cent increase in spectrum
charges for all GSM and CDMA technology based service providers.
The increased spectrum charges would be effective April, this year, according to an official order/notification.
Telecom service providers have to pay a percentage of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the government as spectrum usage charge. This charge depends on the quantity of spectrum allotted.
charges for all GSM and CDMA technology based service providers.
The increased spectrum charges would be effective April, this year, according to an official order/notification.
Telecom service providers have to pay a percentage of their adjusted gross revenue (AGR) to the government as spectrum usage charge. This charge depends on the quantity of spectrum allotted.
Cong. allies TMC & DMK demands roll back fuel price hike
The raise in customs and excise duties in the Union Budget presented on Friday led to a hike in petrol and diesel prices from midnight Friday.
Any decision which may cause more hardship to common people and poor should be reversed or put on hold, said Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhayay.
"Rolling back is not something new. We hope good sense will prevail," Bandopadhayay said in Kolkata on Saturday.
Trinamool Congress took to streets protest on Saturday in Kolkata against the fuel price hike.
Any decision which may cause more hardship to common people and poor should be reversed or put on hold, said Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhayay.
"Rolling back is not something new. We hope good sense will prevail," Bandopadhayay said in Kolkata on Saturday.
Trinamool Congress took to streets protest on Saturday in Kolkata against the fuel price hike.
BSNL launches WiMax in Kerala - First operator to do launch WiMax
BSNL today commercially launched the country's first mobile broadband fourth generation Internet access network--Mobile WiMAX in Kerala.
Union minister of state for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas, launched the facility at a function here today.
BSNL is also the first operator in the country to launch the service, for which technology has been provided by AVIAT, formerly Harris Stratex.
Union minister of state for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas, launched the facility at a function here today.
BSNL is also the first operator in the country to launch the service, for which technology has been provided by AVIAT, formerly Harris Stratex.
India to make yougsters play in the last ODI against SA
A revamped Indian outfit will clash with a wounded South African side in the third and final One- day International at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Motera, on the outskirts of the city, on Saturday.
With the series already in the bag, India have opted to test their bench strength ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies in April- May. The youngsters will be up against a charged up Proteas side, which insists it is not lacking in motivation. The hurt of defeat is writ large on the usually jovial faces in the team, and the players will be keen to win back their pride.
With the series already in the bag, India have opted to test their bench strength ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in West Indies in April- May. The youngsters will be up against a charged up Proteas side, which insists it is not lacking in motivation. The hurt of defeat is writ large on the usually jovial faces in the team, and the players will be keen to win back their pride.
Tobbaco products to cost more - FM increases Cess on Tobacco products
Cigarettes and gutka are going to cost you dear, and not just in terms of health. The FM — who often struck a debonair pose with his pipes —having kicked the habit, on Friday announced dramatic structural changes in excise duties on tobacco products, along with increases in rates, that will burn a hole in your pocket if you are in the "unhealthy habit".
Although the move was not entirely unexpected, the quantum of the hike — about 17%— came as a shock to companies. Analysts say the manufacturers are likely to pass on a substantial part of the additional costs to consumers.
Although the move was not entirely unexpected, the quantum of the hike — about 17%— came as a shock to companies. Analysts say the manufacturers are likely to pass on a substantial part of the additional costs to consumers.
Jaguar & Land rover makes profit in the Third quarter for Tatas
The turnaround of Jaguar Land Rover helped Tata Motors report a consolidated net profit of Rs 650.26 crore for the third quarter ending December 31, 2009 against a loss of Rs 2,732.59 crore for the corresponding period a year ago. The revenue grew by 47 per cent to Rs 26,774 crore for the period against Rs 18,247 for the year-ago period.
The market gave a big thumps up to Tata Motors consolidated results as its stock moved up 6.33 per cent to Rs 711.05 on BSE on Friday.
The market gave a big thumps up to Tata Motors consolidated results as its stock moved up 6.33 per cent to Rs 711.05 on BSE on Friday.
Private Bks to be Operational soon - RBI discusses the matter
No sooner had the finance minister announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will consider banking licences for applicants from private sector and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), the market started speculating on probable candidates.
The buzz was justified since the RBI will consider applications from private sector players for banking licences after a gap of 10 years. The last time RBI had issued banking licence to private players was in 2000, when Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank received regulatory nod.
The buzz was justified since the RBI will consider applications from private sector players for banking licences after a gap of 10 years. The last time RBI had issued banking licence to private players was in 2000, when Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank received regulatory nod.
FM Pranab reduces tax for personal income
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was not really expected to do much on the personal tax front this Budget. Largely because he had already signalled a move towards a new Direct Tax Code (DTC) from next year. But perhaps given the difficult times we live in and given the high rate of inflation and an almost zero increment year for salaried employees. He has decided to give Rs 50,000 worth of extra money through tax savings for those earning above Rs 5 lakh per annum.
The gain is much lesser for those below the Rs 5 lakh per annum level, but there is still something on the table. Add to this a new section that allows a deduction of upto Rs 20,000 on investments in infrastructure bonds, though it still remains to be seen what their tenure and returns structure would be, and would they be attractive for citizens. He could have simply given tax sops to infrastructure sector dedicated funds that would have also brought much needed equity money into this sector, but he has chosen not to.
The gain is much lesser for those below the Rs 5 lakh per annum level, but there is still something on the table. Add to this a new section that allows a deduction of upto Rs 20,000 on investments in infrastructure bonds, though it still remains to be seen what their tenure and returns structure would be, and would they be attractive for citizens. He could have simply given tax sops to infrastructure sector dedicated funds that would have also brought much needed equity money into this sector, but he has chosen not to.
Investigation on War Crimes during Gaza war demanded
The General Assembly renewed its demand on Friday that Israel and the Palestinians conduct credible, independent investigations into possible war crimes during the Gaza war, to be completed within five months. The Goldstone report, issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council last fall, said there was evidence that both sides, but Israel in particular, committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the three-week war in the winter of 2008-09. The resolution, which passed 98 to 7 with 31 abstentions, echoed a similar demand passed last November. Riyad Mansour, the ambassador representing the Palestinian Authority, which sponsored the resolution, said the vote indicated that “the great majority of humanity is asking for the Goldstone report to be implemented.” But other ambassadors suggested that repeated resolutions with little effect was more likely to be a sign of the report’s slow, bureaucratic death.
Strong earthquake hits Japan - Meteorological agency issues Tsunami warning
The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.3 magnitude quake struck at 5:31 a.m. on Saturday (2031 GMT on Friday) 52 miles east of the island's capital of Naha, a city of about 320,000 about 1,600 km (1,000 miles) south of Tokyo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency, which put the magnitude at 6.9, warned residents near the coast to evacuate to high ground, but the tsunami warning was later lifted.
Okinawa prefectural police official Noritomi Kikuzato told there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
The Japan Meteorological Agency, which put the magnitude at 6.9, warned residents near the coast to evacuate to high ground, but the tsunami warning was later lifted.
Okinawa prefectural police official Noritomi Kikuzato told there were no reports of injuries or major damage.
Infra industry gets a Boost in Union budget 2010
If there’s one industry, which received adequate emphasis in Budget 2010, it’s the infrastructure sector. The government has increased the allocation to 46 per cent of the total outlay to Rs 1.73 lakh crore. Besides, the finance minister also announced building of 20 km of national highways per day, apart from increasing the allocation for road construction by 13 per cent.
“The increase in allocation of 13 per cent to Rs 19,894 crore on development of roads augurs well for the sector,” said T V Sandeep Reddy, Managing Director, Gayatri Projects Ltd. He added that the initiative to develop 20 km of roads per day will provide fillip to the industry.
“The increase in allocation of 13 per cent to Rs 19,894 crore on development of roads augurs well for the sector,” said T V Sandeep Reddy, Managing Director, Gayatri Projects Ltd. He added that the initiative to develop 20 km of roads per day will provide fillip to the industry.
India sends aircraft to bring back dead & injured from Afghan
India on Saturday sent a special aircraft to Afghanistan to bring the back the bodies of its nationals, including army officials, who were killed in suicide attacks in Kabul.
A Boeing 737-200 aircraft from the Palam-based Communication squadron took off from New Delhi on Saturday morning to bring back all dead bodies and those injured, IAF officials said in the Capital. The aircraft is carrying a team of medical officers and medicines.
A Boeing 737-200 aircraft from the Palam-based Communication squadron took off from New Delhi on Saturday morning to bring back all dead bodies and those injured, IAF officials said in the Capital. The aircraft is carrying a team of medical officers and medicines.
Nuclear deal to power up Pak households not in the agenda now - US officials
The US has categorically told Pakistan that it would not get any atomic power plant or civilian nuclear deal on the lines of the one signed with India.
"The United States is working closely with Pakistan to help meet its growing needs. Nuclear power is not currently part of our discussions," a senior Administration official told.
"The United States is working closely with Pakistan to help meet its growing needs. Nuclear power is not currently part of our discussions," a senior Administration official told.
J & K political parties battling each other using modern era tools
All's not well in Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties are caught up in battle over a poster that features three generations of the Abdullah family. The National Conference has blamed the PDP for the smear campaign.
This poster of the film '3 Idiots' on Facebook, morphed to spoof the first family of politics in Jammu and Kashmir - the Abdullahs - has left the National Conference fuming. It features founder Sheikh Abdullah, his son and former Chief Minister of the sate Farooq Abdullah and grandson, sitting Chief Minister Omar, calling them the betrayers of Kashmir. The ruling party alleges Opposition leader and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti sent out an SMS promoting the poster.
This poster of the film '3 Idiots' on Facebook, morphed to spoof the first family of politics in Jammu and Kashmir - the Abdullahs - has left the National Conference fuming. It features founder Sheikh Abdullah, his son and former Chief Minister of the sate Farooq Abdullah and grandson, sitting Chief Minister Omar, calling them the betrayers of Kashmir. The ruling party alleges Opposition leader and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti sent out an SMS promoting the poster.
Musharaff says militancy in Kashmir region is nurtured in Pak since 1989
Former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf has admitted that militancy in Kashmir was actually fathered in Pakistan way back in 1989 and the process of fanning insurgency in the region was still continuing.
Addressing a meeting on the subject of 'Leadership' at the House of Lords committee here earlier this week, Musharraf said Kashmiri Mujahideen groups, that first came to the scene twenty years ago, enjoyed great support in Pakistan and the case is similar even now.
Addressing a meeting on the subject of 'Leadership' at the House of Lords committee here earlier this week, Musharraf said Kashmiri Mujahideen groups, that first came to the scene twenty years ago, enjoyed great support in Pakistan and the case is similar even now.
Union budget has more fund to reduce the shortage in Medical manpower
The acute shortage of trained medical manpower has finally received some attention. The finance minister increased allocation for human resources in health from Rs 62 crore in 2009-10 to Rs 323 crore in 2010-11. India is short by six lakh doctors, 10 lakh nurses and two lakh dental surgeons.
The overall allocation for the health ministry increased by 14% — from Rs 19,534 crore to Rs 22,300 crore for 2010-11. Programmes to combat cancer, diabetes, mental health and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) also received a major push. While allocation for cancer research increased from Rs 77 crore to Rs 155 crore, the mental health programme has nearly doubled, to over Rs 103 crore. Cancer kills 50 people in India every hour while 7% of the country's adult population is estimated to be suffering from mental health problems.
The overall allocation for the health ministry increased by 14% — from Rs 19,534 crore to Rs 22,300 crore for 2010-11. Programmes to combat cancer, diabetes, mental health and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) also received a major push. While allocation for cancer research increased from Rs 77 crore to Rs 155 crore, the mental health programme has nearly doubled, to over Rs 103 crore. Cancer kills 50 people in India every hour while 7% of the country's adult population is estimated to be suffering from mental health problems.
M F Husain accepts quatar citizenship
After living in self-imposed exile for four years following a spate of litigation against him for his paintings of Hindu goddesses, India’s iconic artist M.F. Husain has accepted the offer by Qatar to confer its nationality on him.
“He has accepted Qatar’s offer for citizenship and the formalities are under process,” Owais Husain, the legendary artist’s son living in Dubai
“He has accepted Qatar’s offer for citizenship and the formalities are under process,” Owais Husain, the legendary artist’s son living in Dubai
NLC GM arrested on bribery charges
CBI's anti-corruption wing on Thursday arrested the general manager of Neyveli Lignite Corporation while taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a Chennai-based contractor.
The Chennai CBI court remanded P Kirupanandan in judicial custody till March 12 and sent him to Puzhal jail.
Kirupanandan was caught red-handed in his office while taking the bribe. CBI sleuths raided two houses owned by Kirupanandan and seized several incriminating documents and unaccounted assets worth Rs 1 crore, including Rs 22 lakh in cash, sources said.
The Chennai CBI court remanded P Kirupanandan in judicial custody till March 12 and sent him to Puzhal jail.
Kirupanandan was caught red-handed in his office while taking the bribe. CBI sleuths raided two houses owned by Kirupanandan and seized several incriminating documents and unaccounted assets worth Rs 1 crore, including Rs 22 lakh in cash, sources said.
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