with the Agni-III intermediate range ballistic missile scoring a hat trick of successes and now cleared for induction, a buoyed up DRDO, India's premier defence research organisation, is lining up tests of the Agni-V, an inter-continental ballistic missile.
The first test is likely to take place in a year's time, senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said Wednesday.
"Agni-V is a 5,000 km plus missile in the ICBM category and we are planning to carry out its first test within a year," Dr VK Saraswat, director general of DRDO, and also scientific advisor to the defence minister.
The Agni-V will leave no targets immune from an Indian strike in China. Pakistani targets are already covered adequately by the Agni-I and II missiles.
"After Agni-III and Agni-V, as far as cities in China and Pakistan are concerned, there will be no target that we want to hit but can't hit," Dr Saraswat said.
Commenting on the Agni-V, the DRDO chief said the "missile was already out of the drawing boards." According to Dr Saraswat, the Agni-V was currently undergoing technical evaluations of its sub-systems.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Google to test its Ulatrafast Broadband in limited markets.
Google announced plans yesterday to test out ultrafast gigabit broadband in limited markets. However, that doesn't mean Google is entering yet another highly competitive industry (at least not yet). The intended audiences for the tests are the broadband providers and their subscribers.
Google plans to test out gigabit broadband in select markets.The goal is for Google to demonstrate what is possible. By choosing some test markets and implementing broadband 100 times faster than that being delivered by most broadband providers currently, Google can prove that it's possible, and back it up with real-world results and project costs.
In theory, broadband providers like Comcast and AT&T are already aware of what is possible. But, broadband providers are interested in what's profitable more than what's possible. At the end of the day, Comcast and AT&T executives answer to shareholders more than customers, and they don't answer to Google at all.
As it is, Comcast and AT&T don't just deliver the fastest possible speeds to all customers. Each offers a range of service plans, with varying download and upload speeds, that all work over the same wires with the same hardware. If you want the maximum speed, you are going to have to pay--a lot--for that maximum speed.
Google plans to test out gigabit broadband in select markets.The goal is for Google to demonstrate what is possible. By choosing some test markets and implementing broadband 100 times faster than that being delivered by most broadband providers currently, Google can prove that it's possible, and back it up with real-world results and project costs.
In theory, broadband providers like Comcast and AT&T are already aware of what is possible. But, broadband providers are interested in what's profitable more than what's possible. At the end of the day, Comcast and AT&T executives answer to shareholders more than customers, and they don't answer to Google at all.
As it is, Comcast and AT&T don't just deliver the fastest possible speeds to all customers. Each offers a range of service plans, with varying download and upload speeds, that all work over the same wires with the same hardware. If you want the maximum speed, you are going to have to pay--a lot--for that maximum speed.
India & UK signs civil nuke pact
India today signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the UK, which became the eighth country to enter into such pact with New Delhi since the lifting of atomic trade embargo in 2008.
The agreement was signed by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee and British High Commissioner Richard Stagg here.
"It is a general umbrella agreement on civil nuclear cooperation," a Department of Atomic Energy official said.
The pact is expected to provide a legal framework for British companies to export components and products and be part of the supply chain for reactor design in India.
Britain and India had finalised the agreement earlier this month during Commerce Minister Anand Sharma's visit to London for the UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee meet.
UK Trade and Investment, the British government's trade arm, had said that British companies were keen to collaborate with Indian partners in civil nuclear technology.
According to the Nuclear Industry Association of the UK, 185 British companies in the island nation which include the nuclear plant operators, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.
The British nuclear industry exports nuclear goods and equipment worth over 1.11 billion dollars and can supply 70-80 per cent parts of a new nuclear reactor.
The agreement was signed by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee and British High Commissioner Richard Stagg here.
"It is a general umbrella agreement on civil nuclear cooperation," a Department of Atomic Energy official said.
The pact is expected to provide a legal framework for British companies to export components and products and be part of the supply chain for reactor design in India.
Britain and India had finalised the agreement earlier this month during Commerce Minister Anand Sharma's visit to London for the UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee meet.
UK Trade and Investment, the British government's trade arm, had said that British companies were keen to collaborate with Indian partners in civil nuclear technology.
According to the Nuclear Industry Association of the UK, 185 British companies in the island nation which include the nuclear plant operators, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.
The British nuclear industry exports nuclear goods and equipment worth over 1.11 billion dollars and can supply 70-80 per cent parts of a new nuclear reactor.
BJP wants J&K CM to stop implementing his surrender policy in the state
Criticising Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah's surrender policy for militants held across the LoC, state BJP today said the step will promote gun culture in the state.
"The state is already in the grip of militancy with both local and foreign militants carrying out their subversive activities and bringing militants from across the border under pretext of surrender would prove counter productive for the security of the state and nation," BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.
He urged the chief minister to abandon the idea as it will prove dangerous for the nation and also for J&K.
"The state is already in the grip of militancy with both local and foreign militants carrying out their subversive activities and bringing militants from across the border under pretext of surrender would prove counter productive for the security of the state and nation," BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.
He urged the chief minister to abandon the idea as it will prove dangerous for the nation and also for J&K.
Indian envoy to Oz explained about the measures to prevent racist attack on Indians.
India's High Commissioner to Australia Sujatha Singh on Thursday apprised External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and senior ministry officials about the Indians' security Down Under and the steps Australian authorities have taken to prevent attacks on members of the community.
"She met the minister for about 15-20 minutes. She was called by the government for consultations on issues relating to continuing assaults on Indians," said a ministry official.
Ahead of her visit to New Delhi, the envoy had met Victoria Premier John Brumby, who apprised her of the measures put in place to improve law and order and the safety of foreign students in the state.
The meeting followed Brumby's request after Sujatha Singh made strong remarks against his government, saying Victoria was in "a state of denial".
Earlier this week, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith admitted that some of the attacks on Indians in his country were indeed racist in nature and pressed the need to build strong ties with New Delhi.
"She met the minister for about 15-20 minutes. She was called by the government for consultations on issues relating to continuing assaults on Indians," said a ministry official.
Ahead of her visit to New Delhi, the envoy had met Victoria Premier John Brumby, who apprised her of the measures put in place to improve law and order and the safety of foreign students in the state.
The meeting followed Brumby's request after Sujatha Singh made strong remarks against his government, saying Victoria was in "a state of denial".
Earlier this week, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith admitted that some of the attacks on Indians in his country were indeed racist in nature and pressed the need to build strong ties with New Delhi.
Infosys to recruit 15,000 as a part of its campus recruitment
Infy management said " they will start recruiting as many as 15,000 in campus recruitment programs".
The company have already hiked the salary of its present work force upto 9% in avg. across India & the pricing has been flat. The next cycle of hike will be in april.
The company sources said " they are looking for aquisition across Europe, US & in non- english speaking countries as well. The companies from India will have to invest in China for long term to make their presence a fruitful."
The company have already hiked the salary of its present work force upto 9% in avg. across India & the pricing has been flat. The next cycle of hike will be in april.
The company sources said " they are looking for aquisition across Europe, US & in non- english speaking countries as well. The companies from India will have to invest in China for long term to make their presence a fruitful."
Wipro in acquisition mood..
Wipro is likely to restructure its telecom segment & is also to set up new campuses at four places for its IT services.
The company is said to acquire even small cos for expanding its bubsiness areas and is about to call 7,500 candidates who have received offer letters in the second quarter.
The company is said to acquire even small cos for expanding its bubsiness areas and is about to call 7,500 candidates who have received offer letters in the second quarter.
Google's Buzz areas of concern.
Google Buzz continues to make waves as the Gmail- and mobile device-based social networking platform reaches the masses this week.
Buzz takes one part Facebook, one part Twitter, one part YouTube and one part Flickr and blends it for a social networking platform lodged directly into Gmail. So far, Google Buzz has been receiving mixed praise. As with any new platform where people share information, however, privacy is a huge question. People post personal information, photos and other content to share with friends, not with the world. It's up to Google Buzz to keep that information to its intended recipients.
Early on, Google Buzz has come under scrutiny for lacking some fundamental privacy and security. Here are three areas Google Buzz needs to tighten up before users will be confident enough to make it their single social networking service:
1. Google Buzz automatically imports contacts and shows them as friends. One of Google Buzz's biggest selling points is its auto-follow feature, which automatically makes Buzz users friends with the people they communicate with most through Gmail -- if those people are also using Buzz, of course. Essentially, Buzz starts following those people and makes that list public, meaning strangers get a look at who Buzz users are in contact with. "Imagine ... a wife discovering that her husband e-mails and chats with an old girlfriend," "Imagine a boss discovers a subordinate e-mails with executives at a competitor." In Google's defense, Buzz users can turn that feature off, though it is set as a default. Also, it only shares that information with other Buzz users who have set up profiles.
2. Google Buzz grabs photos without a user uploading them. It "appears to grab photos off the Android phone that have never uploaded. Let that be a warning to Buzz users that photos stored on their Android devices may very well be broadcast to friends and contacts, whether they like it or not.
3. Google Buzz can pinpoint and broadcast your exact location. Yes, Google Buzz is designed to keep friends and contacts connected and let them share content. But do users really want all of those contacts to know exactly where they are at all times, right down to the street number? With Buzz for mobile devices, it can do just that. When users visit the mobile app via Android, they are asked whether they want to share their location or not. That location can also be saved and remembered as a preference if users want.
Buzz takes one part Facebook, one part Twitter, one part YouTube and one part Flickr and blends it for a social networking platform lodged directly into Gmail. So far, Google Buzz has been receiving mixed praise. As with any new platform where people share information, however, privacy is a huge question. People post personal information, photos and other content to share with friends, not with the world. It's up to Google Buzz to keep that information to its intended recipients.
Early on, Google Buzz has come under scrutiny for lacking some fundamental privacy and security. Here are three areas Google Buzz needs to tighten up before users will be confident enough to make it their single social networking service:
1. Google Buzz automatically imports contacts and shows them as friends. One of Google Buzz's biggest selling points is its auto-follow feature, which automatically makes Buzz users friends with the people they communicate with most through Gmail -- if those people are also using Buzz, of course. Essentially, Buzz starts following those people and makes that list public, meaning strangers get a look at who Buzz users are in contact with. "Imagine ... a wife discovering that her husband e-mails and chats with an old girlfriend," "Imagine a boss discovers a subordinate e-mails with executives at a competitor." In Google's defense, Buzz users can turn that feature off, though it is set as a default. Also, it only shares that information with other Buzz users who have set up profiles.
2. Google Buzz grabs photos without a user uploading them. It "appears to grab photos off the Android phone that have never uploaded. Let that be a warning to Buzz users that photos stored on their Android devices may very well be broadcast to friends and contacts, whether they like it or not.
3. Google Buzz can pinpoint and broadcast your exact location. Yes, Google Buzz is designed to keep friends and contacts connected and let them share content. But do users really want all of those contacts to know exactly where they are at all times, right down to the street number? With Buzz for mobile devices, it can do just that. When users visit the mobile app via Android, they are asked whether they want to share their location or not. That location can also be saved and remembered as a preference if users want.
India's cheapest 3G phone Nokia 2730
Nokia has launched its most affordable 3G handset, Nokia 2730 classic, in the Indian market.
The device is equipped with Nokia’s Ovi Mail, Nokia Messaging, Nokia Life Tools and browsing. The phone also comes with an integrated Opera mini browser.
Vineet Taneja, Director Marketing Nokia India said, “Nokia has always had a holistic approach towards driving the adoption of 3G in India, both at the infrastructure and at the handset level.
Available in black and dark magenta colours, the handset measures 109.6 mm x 46.9 mm x 14.4 mm and weighs 87.7 grams.
The battery life offers maximum of 7.4 hours talktime and 16.5 days standby time. The handset is priced at Rs 4,499.
The device is equipped with Nokia’s Ovi Mail, Nokia Messaging, Nokia Life Tools and browsing. The phone also comes with an integrated Opera mini browser.
Vineet Taneja, Director Marketing Nokia India said, “Nokia has always had a holistic approach towards driving the adoption of 3G in India, both at the infrastructure and at the handset level.
Available in black and dark magenta colours, the handset measures 109.6 mm x 46.9 mm x 14.4 mm and weighs 87.7 grams.
The battery life offers maximum of 7.4 hours talktime and 16.5 days standby time. The handset is priced at Rs 4,499.
Kashmiris moved to PoK are welcome if they return- Chidhambaram
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party today welcomed the statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on the Kashmiris who had gone to PoK, saying it was endorsement of the policy being propagated by the party.
"The statement of Union Home Minister is a welcome change. We hope that other demands like revocation of draconian law, Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), and demilitarization would also be fulfilled to normalize situation in the state," PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said.
"Keeping in view the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, there was a dire need to take some more steps to heel wounds of the people," Mufti said.
Earlier in the day, Chidambaram said in Delhi that the government was ready to "welcome" Kashmiris who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if they were ready to return after giving up militancy.
"The statement of Union Home Minister is a welcome change. We hope that other demands like revocation of draconian law, Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), and demilitarization would also be fulfilled to normalize situation in the state," PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said.
"Keeping in view the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, there was a dire need to take some more steps to heel wounds of the people," Mufti said.
Earlier in the day, Chidambaram said in Delhi that the government was ready to "welcome" Kashmiris who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if they were ready to return after giving up militancy.
Arunachal hostel fire death toll may rise..
Ten children, all under 7 years, were burnt alive after their hostel in an Arunachal Pradesh town caught fire on Wednesday night. Four others sustained serious burn injuries while four more were missing, presumably reduced to ashes.
The hostel, made of bamboo in typical tribal style, housed 62 children. They studied in the adjoining Don Bosco School, the most preferred educational institution in Kurung Kumey district’s Palin town, 230 km north of State capital Itanagar.
The news reached district headquarters Koloriang, 80 km north of Palin, in the morning after circle officials traveled all the way. Reason: the Palin area has had no electricity and telephone or mobile connectivity for the past three days.
Kurung Kumey district borders Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese occupation.
Eyewitnesses said the hostel caught fire around 8.30 pm. A group of locals and CRPF personnel from a camp nearby helped fight the fire and drag most of the children out. The fire was brought under control around 10.30 pm, but it had already claimed the children and left widowed hostel owner Biri Nyari (35) with over 70 per cent burns.
Palin, like most small hill towns across the Northeast, has no fire brigade.
“Ten children, three of them girls, are confirmed dead. We have identified them from their assigned beds and belongings,” Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Remo Kamki. “Family members have taken the survivors back to villages nearby.”
Officials said the toll could go up with four of the injured children in critical condition. Along with Nyari, they are battling for life in the Ram Krishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar.
Besides, there’s no trace of four more children missing after the fire. “It’s possible they are dead, burnt beyond recognition,” a police officer said.
The hostel, made of bamboo in typical tribal style, housed 62 children. They studied in the adjoining Don Bosco School, the most preferred educational institution in Kurung Kumey district’s Palin town, 230 km north of State capital Itanagar.
The news reached district headquarters Koloriang, 80 km north of Palin, in the morning after circle officials traveled all the way. Reason: the Palin area has had no electricity and telephone or mobile connectivity for the past three days.
Kurung Kumey district borders Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese occupation.
Eyewitnesses said the hostel caught fire around 8.30 pm. A group of locals and CRPF personnel from a camp nearby helped fight the fire and drag most of the children out. The fire was brought under control around 10.30 pm, but it had already claimed the children and left widowed hostel owner Biri Nyari (35) with over 70 per cent burns.
Palin, like most small hill towns across the Northeast, has no fire brigade.
“Ten children, three of them girls, are confirmed dead. We have identified them from their assigned beds and belongings,” Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Remo Kamki. “Family members have taken the survivors back to villages nearby.”
Officials said the toll could go up with four of the injured children in critical condition. Along with Nyari, they are battling for life in the Ram Krishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar.
Besides, there’s no trace of four more children missing after the fire. “It’s possible they are dead, burnt beyond recognition,” a police officer said.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
SA deserves NO.1 spot in tests ????????
Smith said they deserved the Test numero uno status more than any side as they had won around the world and not in their own backyard only.
"The reason we probably can say we deserve number one ranking more than any one else is we have traveled and won around the world in a short period of time. We have not only played at home and won. We have won in England, in Australia, come here and won a Test in 2008 and now here. Number one team deserves to be number one. We want to earn that and be there for a long time," he said
"The reason we probably can say we deserve number one ranking more than any one else is we have traveled and won around the world in a short period of time. We have not only played at home and won. We have won in England, in Australia, come here and won a Test in 2008 and now here. Number one team deserves to be number one. We want to earn that and be there for a long time," he said
NCP strikes Cong for the price rise issue
NCP says-"By fixing responsibility on individual ministers, we will be making a mockery of the principle of collective responsibility of the Cabinet system.
Responsible spokesman like Manish Tewari should not make statements that agriculture, food, PDS and consumer affairs minister Sharad Pawar is responsible for price rise of food items".
Responsible spokesman like Manish Tewari should not make statements that agriculture, food, PDS and consumer affairs minister Sharad Pawar is responsible for price rise of food items".
India & Pakistan to frame agenda for the talks to be resumed
India and Pakistan began framing the agenda for their renewed dialogue with some diplomatic push and shove. Indian officials sought to put terrorism on the top of the agenda. Their Pakistani counterparts insisted on a discussion on all “outstanding issues” — a reference to Kashmir and Balochistan.
Both sides sought to placate their domestic audiences. India, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Multan on Sunday, “has come to us and sought talks. We never kneeled before them and did not bow to their pressure.” He claimed New Delhi had come under “domestic pressure” to resume dialogue.
Indian officials preferred to stress the caution underlying the dialogue. They note they are working on a “limited mandate” and, “as of now”, there was nothing on the calendar beyond the proposed foreign-secretary level talks. “Terrorism is the issue of most concern to us. So it’s expected to be one of the leading issues for the discussion,” a source said. Pakistan may be keen on reviving the composite dialogue, but that formula “hasn’t done much” in addressing terrorism.
Both sides sought to placate their domestic audiences. India, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Multan on Sunday, “has come to us and sought talks. We never kneeled before them and did not bow to their pressure.” He claimed New Delhi had come under “domestic pressure” to resume dialogue.
Indian officials preferred to stress the caution underlying the dialogue. They note they are working on a “limited mandate” and, “as of now”, there was nothing on the calendar beyond the proposed foreign-secretary level talks. “Terrorism is the issue of most concern to us. So it’s expected to be one of the leading issues for the discussion,” a source said. Pakistan may be keen on reviving the composite dialogue, but that formula “hasn’t done much” in addressing terrorism.
Team India shuffled for Second test @ Kolkata
After losing the first test against SA, the Indian team selectors made changes in the squad to play for the next test at kolkata.
The seamers sudeep tyagi & mithun were dropped & the reserve keeper saha was dropped.
The selectors picked Dinesh karthik, Sreesanth & Raina to play in the next test..
The seamers sudeep tyagi & mithun were dropped & the reserve keeper saha was dropped.
The selectors picked Dinesh karthik, Sreesanth & Raina to play in the next test..
Squad: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Dinesh Kartik, Suresh Raina.
Fonseka arrested under Army Act- Srilankan Army
Retired Gen. Sarath Fonseka, who ran against President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January, was arrested Monday at his Colombo offices by heavily-armed military officials.
Lakshman Hulugalle, director general of the Media Center for National Security, told reporters Tuesday Fonseka faces a number of charges including creating divisions in the military, divulging military secrets to opposition parties, attempting to overthrow the government and involvement in an alleged attempt to assassinate Rajapaksa.
Lakshman Hulugalle, director general of the Media Center for National Security, told reporters Tuesday Fonseka faces a number of charges including creating divisions in the military, divulging military secrets to opposition parties, attempting to overthrow the government and involvement in an alleged attempt to assassinate Rajapaksa.
Fonseka was arrested under the Army Act, a law which has provisions making officers who commit crimes liable up to six months after their retirement, Hulugalle said.
Indian Students are returning to India from Aus.
Australian Govt admits that some of the attacks that Indians faced were 'Racial'.
Indian students aren't waiting. Several are packing their bags and heading home for good. That's despite incurring a loss ranging from Rs 12-20 lakh per student.
The primary reasons are lack of safe living conditions and absence of job security.
The cost of returning is high. On average, undergraduate courses cost AUD $20,000 to $30,000, or Rs 8 to 12 lakh for a year. For skill-based courses such as cookery, hair dressing, plumbing etc, the fees are around AUD $10,000-$20,000 a year. That works out to Rs 4 to 8 lakh per annum.
Housing rent bonds, insurance cover and living expenditure amount to another AUD $1000 to $1500 per month --- Rs 40,000 to 60,000 a month, between Rs 5 and Rs 7 lakh per year. "If a student does not complete the course, he loses both degree and money"
Indian students aren't waiting. Several are packing their bags and heading home for good. That's despite incurring a loss ranging from Rs 12-20 lakh per student.
The primary reasons are lack of safe living conditions and absence of job security.
The cost of returning is high. On average, undergraduate courses cost AUD $20,000 to $30,000, or Rs 8 to 12 lakh for a year. For skill-based courses such as cookery, hair dressing, plumbing etc, the fees are around AUD $10,000-$20,000 a year. That works out to Rs 4 to 8 lakh per annum.
Housing rent bonds, insurance cover and living expenditure amount to another AUD $1000 to $1500 per month --- Rs 40,000 to 60,000 a month, between Rs 5 and Rs 7 lakh per year. "If a student does not complete the course, he loses both degree and money"
Govt rejects BT Brinjal in India
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said more studies were needed to ensure genetically modified aubergines were safe for consumers and the environment.
The GM vegetable has undergone field trials since 2008 and received approval from government scientists in 2009.
But there has been a heated public row over the cultivation of the GM crop.
The GM vegetable has undergone field trials since 2008 and received approval from government scientists in 2009.
But there has been a heated public row over the cultivation of the GM crop.
Monday, February 8, 2010
upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington
Former BJP leader L K Advani on Monday asked aloud if the government's decision to start foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan was the "upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington".
"The question people have been asking in a more straightforward manner is ... is its (India's) latest U-turn on dialogue the upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington?" the former deputy prime minister wrote in his blog.
The offer of dialogue, he pointed out, came despite the government's earlier insistence on "steadfastly refusing to resume talks with Pakistan until Islamabad brings those behind the Mumbai attacks to justice."
"New Delhi's sudden announcement last week that India was willing to hold foreign secretary level parleys with Pakistan has naturally made many political analysts in the country ask: is this the consequence of (Barack) Obama's assertion being put into action?" writes Advani.
Advani, an advocate of tough posture towards Pakistan, was alluding to an pre-election interview by Obama in which he hinted at appointing a special envoy for the Kashmir issue to resolve the India-Pakistan tensions.
During the presidential campaign in 2008, Obama had said that "working with Pakistan and India to try to resolve the Kashmir crisis in a serious way" would be among the critical tasks of his administration if he was elected.
Advani contended that India's change of stand had led to gloating in Pakistan. He referred to Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's remarks boasting "gleefully that it was international pressure that had forced India to return to the negotiating table!"
He reminded the government of the February 22, 1994 parliament resolution on Jammu and Kashmir that condemned Pakistan's support to subversive activities in the state.
"The country, the government as well as the world would do well to keep the above resolution in mind," Advani said.
Making Politics everything either its good for the country or the bad one.
No 2 authority in Maha says CM Chavan
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Monday disapproved of Union Minister Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray making it clear that his government was “competent enough” to give adequate security to IPL matches.
“I do not think there is need to take permission from any other authority in the State... There cannot be an extra-constitutional authority,” Mr. Chavan told reporters. “…The government is competent, it is the authority and there cannot be two authorities in State,” he added
(Reports said Mr. Pawar, who is also president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, requested Mr. Thackeray to withdraw his threat against Australian cricketers’ participation in the IPL cricket tourney.)
Mr. Chavan, however, refused to comment on why Mr. Pawar met Mr. Thackeray on the issue.
“Don’t ask me. It will be better you ask Pawar, who is a senior leader, about his motive behind meeting Thackeray,” Mr. Chavan said adding that a “democratically elected” government will perform its duty “as expected.”
In a strong message to the Shiv Sena, the Chief Minister said all security will be provided and “any body who will try to take law in hands, try to perpetrate any violent incident, state government will take stern view and initiate legal action.”
To a question on VHP threatening to hold the release of Sharukh Khan’s latest movie My Name is Khan, Mr. Chavan said “nobody can take law in hands. We will take action if somebody is giving such threats. Law will take its course, let them say whatever they want.”
“I will also go to see the movie along with my family members,” he added.
About his meeting with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Chavan said he discussed the “problems of Mumbai” with him.
“I met the Prime Minister and discussed the problems of Mumbai. To expedite desalination process, Central grant should be given to our state as it is being given to other States. I requested the Prime Minister to help my State,” he said.
NCP justifies Pawar-Thackeray meeting
Meanwhile, the NCP on Monday justified its chief’s discussion with Mr. Thackeray contending that in a democracy dialogue and discussion are important.
NCP spokesman D.P. Tripathi said Mr. Pawar had met Mr. Thackeray along with BCCI chief Shashank Manohar to convince the Sena supremo about holding of the IPL matches in Mumbai and there was no political import to the meeting.
“In democracy we persuade people through discussion and dialogue,” Mr. Tripathi said.
At the same time he agreed with Mr. Chavan that there was no extra-constitutional authority.
Mr. Tripathi also insisted that persuasion is far more important than coercion in a democratic state.
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