NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) must step up internal vigilance to prevent India from becoming another “happy hunting ground” for Israeli intelligence, a strategic affairs think tank has advised.
In a report following the arrest of Stewart David Nozette on charges of espionage, the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) has drawn attention to the U.S. space scientist’s “top secret” security clearance when he was associated with ISRO’s Chandrayaan project.
‘Inquiry would clear the air’
While his association “may not have resulted in the siphoning off of classified information,” the IPCS feels an inquiry could clear the air of what transpired during the course of his interaction with Indian space scientists as well as about the nature and type of data Dr. Nozette could have extracted.
Dr. Nozette was the “co-investigator” of the Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (MiniSAR), one of the two American payloads onboard Chandrayaan-1. MiniSAR designed to look for signs of water in the polar regions of the moon was a NASA payload built by the Applied Physics Laboratory of the John Hopkins University and the Naval Warfare Centre, U.S.
‘Internal matter’
ISRO sources have made it clear that the arrest of Dr. Nozette was an internal NASA matter and ISRO security has not been compromised in any way.
Dr. Nozette visited the Bangalore-based Satellite Centre, the lead agency for Chandrayaan-1 mission, twice and interacted with Indian space scientists. ISRO has said Dr. Nozette was not taken around any critical installations and facilities.
With India having agreed to expand cooperation with the U.S. in several high tech areas, ISRO should exercise a higher level of caution while interacting with visiting American scientists, recommends IPCS which noted that for a long time, the U.S. has remained a favourite playground of Israeli spies and espionage agents.
Sandeep Dikshit
NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) must step up internal vigilance to prevent India from becoming another “happy hunting ground” for Israeli intelligence, a strategic affairs think tank has advised.
In a report following the arrest of Stewart David Nozette on charges of espionage, the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) has drawn attention to the U.S. space scientist’s “top secret” security clearance when he was associated with ISRO’s Chandrayaan project.
‘Inquiry would clear the air’
While his association “may not have resulted in the siphoning off of classified information,” the IPCS feels an inquiry could clear the air of what transpired during the course of his interaction with Indian space scientists as well as about the nature and type of data Dr. Nozette could have extracted.
Dr. Nozette was the “co-investigator” of the Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (MiniSAR), one of the two American payloads onboard Chandrayaan-1. MiniSAR designed to look for signs of water in the polar regions of the moon was a NASA payload built by the Applied Physics Laboratory of the John Hopkins University and the Naval Warfare Centre, U.S.
‘Internal matter’
ISRO sources have made it clear that the arrest of Dr. Nozette was an internal NASA matter and ISRO security has not been compromised in any way.
Dr. Nozette visited the Bangalore-based Satellite Centre, the lead agency for Chandrayaan-1 mission, twice and interacted with Indian space scientists. ISRO has said Dr. Nozette was not taken around any critical installations and facilities.
With India having agreed to expand cooperation with the U.S. in several high tech areas, ISRO should exercise a higher level of caution while interacting with visiting American scientists, recommends IPCS which noted that for a long time, the U.S. has remained a favourite playground of Israeli spies and espionage agents.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2009 in Babina, India What is it? The exercise Yudh Abhyas is a regularly-scheduled Indian Army/U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) co-sponsored bilateral exercise hosted by the Indian army. The exercise is designed to promote cooperation among the two militaries while sharing training, cultural exchanges and improving partnership readiness. This year the exercise will include a multi-echelon, full-spectrum combined operation focusing on a United Nations Peace Keeping Operation scenario, while executing a maneuver live-fire exercise. Seventeen Stryker fighting vehicles from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii are scheduled to participate in the only U.S. bi-lateral exercise with the Indian Army, in Babina, India, Oct. 12-29. What has the Army done? Yudh Abhyas 2009 (YA09) is the 6th annual U.S./Indian exercise, promoting regional stability and security. In past exercises, staff exchanges and command post exercises developed joint operating skills. YA09 differs as the exercise constitutes the largest troop exchange since the YA partnership exercise commenced in 2004. Like any other Theater Security Cooperation Program, YA also allows the participants from both armies to train together, share tactics, techniques and procedures and enjoy an enriched appreciation for each other's culture and professional traditions. What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future? Exercise Yudh Abhyas is an exercise with one of our joint partners in the Pacific area of responsibility. The relationship between U.S. Army Pacific and the Indian military grows stronger with each annual event. Yudh Abhyas will continue to be one of our premier exercises in the Pacific for many years to come and the plans for the 2010 staff exercise are already being finalized. Why is this important to the Army? Routine bilateral dialogues establish strategic and operational guidance for future defense cooperation. Additionally, this exercise provides a valuable opportunity for U.S. Army Pacific to train with our Indian army counterparts to improve joint operation skills of our forces while building personal relationships.
India and Argentina Tuesday signed 10 agreements, including one for civil nuclear energy cooperation, and pledged to triple their bilateral trade to $3 billion by 2012.
This was the first visit to India by a head of state from the South American nation in 15 years,
Ten agreements were signed by the two sides after the official meeting, which included one for cooperation in civil nuclear energy.
The joint statement said that both countries with a 'long tradition in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, have reiterated their intention to develop, promote and cooperate in this field in accordance with their respective international obligations and commitments'.
Addressing a meeting of Argentine and Indian business leaders, Kirchner said that her country had probably the best developed nuclear energy sector in South America.
'Our state agency is producing reactors for countries like Algeria, Egypt and now there is a good possibility to bag orders in the Netherlands, where we are competing with French companies,' she said.
The joint statement hoped that 'they will make use of the synergies existing between the two countries and the vast experience of their nuclear scientists and technologists.'
'The two leaders shared the view that civil nuclear energy can play an important role as a safe, sustainable and non-polluting source of energy in meeting rising global demands for energy,' said Kirchner.
After coming back into the nuclear mainstream in 2008, India has signed agreements with several countries for increasing production for nuclear energy in the country.
Besides, both countries also expressed their interest in furthering trade ties which have grown exponentially in recent years, from $694 million in 2003 to $1.3 million in 2008.
'The two sides agreed that the bilateral trade target should be $3 billion by 2012,' said the joint statement. The visiting leader added that she was sure this target would be 'surpassed'.
The two key areas that Kirchner termed as ripe for cooperation were food and energy. On the agriculture front, Argentina has seen triple figure growth, with one of the highest productivity in oilseeds. In fact, oilseeds form 70 percent of India's imports from Argentina.
'In the context of encouraging greater trade between the two countries, both leaders agreed that efforts should be made to facilitate the entry of Argentine agricultural and agro-industrial products into India and the entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into Argentina,' said the joint statement.
Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju pointed out to Kirchner at the business meet that Indian pharmaceutical companies faced a lot of difficulty in exporting completed products. 'This is despite the fact that Argentine pharma companies import most of their raw materials from India,' he said.
On the political front, both countries agreed to work towards a 'strategic partnership' which will cover global issues of common concern.
'In order to achieve concrete results flowing from their dialogue the leaders directed their foreign ministries to energise their consultations and work out a plan of action,' he said.
Later in the evening, Kirchner attended an official banquet in her honour hosted by President Pratibha Patil at Rashtrapati Bhawan. She also met other senior leaders, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani, during the day.
Home Minister says the Government is committed to ending militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, by finding a unique political solution; Chidambaram says, there is no place for violence despite differences in political outlook in the state.
India objects to Chinese engagement in projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir; Asks Beijing to cease such activities in view of its long term relations with New Delhi.
India’s Home Minister P Chidambaram has made it plain that security forces would engage Naxalite groups till they abjure violence and surrender arms. Without divulging details of the proposed plan to involve the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the operations against Naxal hideouts in the states of Chattisagarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal along with the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the state police forces, Chidambaram said that IAF would take counter measures if Naxalites open fire upon its helicopters. Currently, IAF choppers are deployed for either para-dropping security personnel in Naxalite-infested areas or evacuating those injured during the ground operations.
In light of the recent attack on an IAF chopper by the Naxalites in Chhattisagarh, resulting in the death of an IAF personnel, the IAF chief Air Chief Marshal PV Naik sought permission from the Defence Ministry to open fire in self defence if the IAF helicopters or crew operating in the Naxalite dominated areas come under attack. Security experts have hinted at the possibility of collateral damage in the event of IAF’s stepped up involvement in anti-Naxalite operations. This could add further to disaffection against the government and strengthen the Naxalite movement. IndianDefence Minister AK Antony has said that the question of expanding the role of IAF in anti-Naxalite operations is being examined.
The gruesome murder of Jharkhand police official Francis Induwar in early October followed by the gunning down of 18 policemen in the forest stretches of Gadchhiroli in Maharashtra by Naxalites has firmed up the resolve of the Indian Home Ministry to invigorate the offensive against Naxalites. Even as there is a widespread recognition of the need to improve the socio-economic conditions of the areas under the spell of Naxalite movement, the government of India is under tremendous pressure to intensify its operations against the Naxalites.
Meanwhile, a report carried in a leading multi edition English daily quoting Union Home Secretary GK Pillai pointed out that IAF will fine tune its offensive strategy against Naxal hideouts by making use of satellite data to be made available by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This proposal, if given a practical shape, would involve the deployment of India’s first all weather microwave imaging satellite RISAT-II to pinpoint the support bases and movement of Naxal groups in the depths of the forests. RISAT-2 equipped with an X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and launched this year in April is capable of providing high quality images even under the cover of darkness, cloud and haze.
ISRO describes RISAT as a satellite meant for monitoring floods, land slides, cyclones and agriculture-related activities. However, military analysts point out that this satellite realized by ISRO in association with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) would help Indian defence forces and security agencies heighten their vigil against terrorist activities and troop movements along India’s border with Pakistan and China. Designed for a lifespan of two years, RISAT-II will be in a position to revisit an area in about 4-5 days. This quick revisiting capability is critical to intelligence gathering and surveillance. Moreover, the highly agile RISAT-II can be manoeuvred to change its viewing angles as per the requirements of the users. From a strategic perspective it implies that the satellite is ideal for monitoring human movement with high degree of precision. RISAT-II, therefore, could prove really beneficial in zeroing in on Naxalite hideouts in the depths of forests and carrying operations with minimum collateral damage.
Incidentally, the Special Task Force (STF) set up to capture the notorious forest brigand Veerappan, who from his hideout in the forest stretches on Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border was killing elephants and felling sandalwood trees with abandon, had made use of the data from the IRS earth observation spacecraft of ISRO. But the proposal to use satellite data and air power against Naxalite groups could have wider political ramifications .A section of politicians have already questioned the propriety of using the “country’s defence forces against its own people”.
Keeping in mind that majority of the tribals and rural poor are drawn towards Naxalism not out of ideological compulsion but as a means to express their resentment against their continued victimisation, experts have underscored the immediate need to step up developmental activities in the areas prone to Naxalite influence. Clearly and apparently, the powers that be are yet to realise that the threat posed by the Naxalites is political, social and economic in its nature. And the use of armed forces to tackle this manifestation of the socio-economic unrest could prove to be counter-productive. More importantly, the government agencies involved in anti-Naxal operations should give wide publicity to the fact that a section of Naxalite leadership has been indulging in loot and extortion to sustain its ”well heeled luxurious lifestyle” than out of sympathy for the “poor, downtrodden and exploited.” “While the cadres are forced to face the bullets, the top level Naxalite leadership indulges in all the material comforts that money can buy,” should be the refrain of this campaign.
Jerusalem, Oct 11(ANI): Amid growing tensions with Iran, the United States and Israel will reportedly conduct a joint missile defense exercise this week in order to simulate a response in the event of war between Israel, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.
The 'Juniper Cobra exercise' will begin on Monday and conclude on Friday and more than 1,000 American troops from theEuropean Command in Germany have been deployed in Israel for the whole process, The Jerusalem Post reports. The U. S. have also deployed some 15 missile ships, with some of them carrying the Aegis ballistic missile defense system. Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, commander of the US Navy's Sixth Fleet, will oversee the exercise alongside senior officers from EUCOM and the US Missile Defense Agency. While on the Israeli side, Air Defence Division's Brigadier General Doron Gavish will command the exercise. According to reports, the exercise will include the Arrow missile defense system as well as three American systems - the THAAD, Aegis and PAC-3 - that will all be deployed in Israel for the duration of the exercise. The purpose of the exercise was to ensure that if there were a need, the Israeli Arrow 2 ballistic missile defense system would be capable of working with American systems that might be deployed here to bolster Israeli defenses. Earlier, Mojtaba Zolnour, an aide to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had said that if the US or Israel attacks Iran, Teheran would retaliate and "blow up the heart of Israel". Zolnour had threatened that "Even if one American or Zionist missile hits our country, before the dust settles, Iranian missiles will blow up the heart of Israel'. (ANI)
नई दिल्ली। भारत व रूस के संयुक्त प्रयास से बनने वाली ब्रह्मोस-2 क्रूज मिसाइल का परीक्षण दिसंबर में किया जाएगा। पनडुब्बी से मार करने वाली ब्रह्मोस-2290 किमी तक मार करने में सक्षम है। रक्षा मंत्रालय के सूत्रों की मानें तो परीक्षण से भारत व रूस के संयुक्त उपक्रम से बनी ब्रह्मोस की क्षमताओं का आकलन किया जाएगा। पानी के भीतर से मार करने वाली हथियार प्रणाली को जवाबी कार्रवाई के लिए सबसे बेहतर माना जाता है। विशेषज्ञों की राय में ब्रह्माोस को इस प्रणाली में शामिल करने से भारत की 'पहले वार नहीं' करने की नीति और अधिक मजबूत होगी। हाल ही में भारत ने स्वदेश निर्मित परमाणु पनडुब्बी 'आईएनएस अरिहंत' को पानी के अंदर मार करने वाले हथियारों में शामिल किया था। इस साल की शुरुआत में भारत 700 किमी तक मार करने वाली और परमाणु हथियार ले जाने में सक्षम के-15 शौर्य मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण कर चुका है। ब्रह्माोस को थल सेना और नौसेना अपने बेड़े में पहले ही शामिल कर चुकी हैं, जबकि वायु सेना इसे अपने लड़ाकू विमान सुखोई-30 एमकेआई से जोड़ने पर काम कर रही है।
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 4-5 October 2009. Dr. Shashi Tharoor was received by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain 5th October, 2009. The Prime Minister reiterated that both countries enjoy relations deep-rooted in history and that Bahrain recognises India’s growing importance. The Indian expatriates working in Bahrain are an integral part of Bahrain. Dr. Shashi Tharoor thanked the Prime Minister for being host to hundreds of thousands of Indian expatriates working here and stated that in addition to existing elements of bilateral relations, both sides need to work towards strengthening the relations by enhancing trade and investment.
MOS held discussions with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom, H.E. Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, on 4th October, 2009. During the bilateral discussions Bahrain position that, India’s Permanent Membership in the UNSC would be a stabilising influence in the whole region was reiterated. It would also support India’s candidature for a Non-Permanent seat in the UNSC for 2011-12. India committed its support for Bahrain’s candidature for a Non-Permanent Seat in the UNSC in 2026-27.
It was agreed that both sides would work for realising the visit of H.M. King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa to India at the earliest possible mutually convenient dates. It was also agreed to work towards enhancing the pace of negotiations for concluding Indo-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The existing mechanisms of Foreign Office Consultations as well as Joint Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation will be activated at the earliest.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor was also received by H.E. Mr. Hasan Abdullah Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E. Dr. Majeed Al Alawi, Minister of Labour, H.E. Dr. Fatima Al Balooshi, Minister of Social Development and H.E. Dr. Nizar Al Baharna, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and discussed various issues of mutual interest.
SHRI BHAGWANT SINGH BISHNOI (IFS: 1983), presently Deputy Chief of Mission in Bangkok has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Ethiopia in succession to Shri Gurjit Singh.
2. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.
Noted literary critic Dr M Thomas Mathew has been selected for the prestigious Vayalar Rama Varma literary award for this year.
Mathew was chosen for the honour for his work "Marar-lavanyathinte yukthisilpam", a study on the contributions of eminent litterateur Kuttikrishna Marar. This was announced by Vayalar Ramavarma Trust president Prof M K Sanu at a news conference in Thiruvananthapuram today.
The award, instituted in memory of eminent poet and lyricist Vayalar Rama Varma, carries 25,000 rupees in cash, a citation and a memento.
IT czar Satyanarayan Gangarm Pitroda akaSam Pitroda [ Images ] has been appointed advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] on infrastructure, innovation and information. Pitroda, 60, who was appointed to the new post on Tuesday, will have the rank of a Cabinet minister. Pitroda, who is also the chairman of National Knowledge Commission, will advise Singh on integrating information communication technology in the sectors of infrastructure, health, justice and information. "I was appointed yesterday. We look at organising integration of national knowledge network and broadband connectivity for better service delivery to the citizens," Pitroda told PTI. He said he would work for the promotion of ICT in all social sectors and in infrastructure. "We will develop an action plan for the next decade which will be a decade for innovation and infrastructure," he said. Pitroda's appointment is the second high-profile appointment made by the prime minister after roping in former Infosys [ Get Quote ] co-chairman Nandan Nilekani to head the Unique Identification Authority of India. Not many of us know that Pitroda, architect of telecom revolution in India, first used a telephone only after moving to the US. By emphasising on accessibility rather than density, Pitroda succeded in introducing telephone to some of the remotest corners of India. Pitroda is not only a technocrat but a visionary as well and has made strong case for food, clean water, and adequate shelter for the unprivileged section of the society. Pitroda is the chairman and CEO of World-Tel Limited, an International Telecom Union. He is also the chairman of National Knowledge Commission, chairman and founder of Sevend high-technology, founding chairman of a non-profit Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions in India. Pitroda holds over 50 patents. As head of the NKC, Pitroda had submitted a series of reports for reforms in higher education, elementary education, health, agriculture, traditional medicine and ICT. Government is considering most of his recommendations. As recommended by NKC, the government has also started an innovative project, a National Knowledge Network, for giving broadband connectivity to about 100 science laboratories and research institutions. Pitroda was awarded the Padma Bhushan this year for his contribution to Science and Engineering. He is also a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi [ Images ] 'Global Indian' award. Born in Titlagarh, Orissa, Pitroda did his schooling at Anand Vallabh Vidyalaya in Gujarat and Masters in physics and electronics in Baroda. In 1964, he went to the US and did his Masters in electrical engineering in Chicago. Thereafter, he worked at GTE and formed Wescom Switching, Inc. In 1984, Pitroda was invited to return to India by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi [ Images ]. On his return, he started the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous telecom R&D organisation. In 1987, he became advisor to Gandhi's successor, Rajiv Gandhi. Pitroda lives in Chicago, Illinois, with his wife Anu, son Salil and daughter Rajal. Image: Sam Pitroda
WASHINGTON: The world Muslim population stands at 1.57 billion, meaning that nearly one in four people on the globe practises Islam, according to a study. India has the third-largest population of the community, whose figure of 160.94 million was only next to that in Indonesia (202.86 million) and Pakistan (174 million).
The study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, which covered more than 200 countries, found that Muslims of all ages living in the world today represent 23 per cent of the world population of 6.8 billion. “While Muslims are found on all five inhabited continents, more than 60 per cent of the global Muslim population is in Asia and about 20 per cent is in the Middle East and North Africa.”
More than 300 million Muslims, live in countries where Islam is not the majority religion
Guru Dutt, one of the greatest icons of Indian cinema is being remembered in New York with a film festival which offers a retrospective of his best works including 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', 'Pyaasa' and 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Eight films that cover Dutt's work as a director, writer, actor and producer will be screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center till 11th of this month. Speaking ahead of the screenings, the filmmaker's son Arun Dutt gave a rare glimpse into the professional and personal life of his father, noting that though his films were commercial successes, he did not receive his due acclaim from his peers and the media during his career. He was not really recognized during his lifetime," Dutt said, in an interview on the New York Public Radio. The first film screened at the festival was the masterpiece 'Pyaasa', featuring Dutt opposite his protégé and rumoured lover, Waheeda Rehman, depicting the relationship between a struggling poet and his muse. The film is included in the Time magazine's 100 best films of all times along with 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', which was the first film in India to be shot in CinemaScope.
भोपाल में ४९वीं ओपन नेशनल एथलेटिक्स चैम्पियनशिप में पुरूषों की चार सौ मीटर बाधा दौड़ और महिलाओं की पोल वाल्ट स्पर्धा में नेशनल मीट रिकार्ड बने। पुरूषों की चार सौ मीटर बाधा दौड़ को रेलवे के जोसफ जी इब्राहम ने पचास दशमलव दो छह सेकेण्ड्स में पूरा कर रिकार्ड बनाया, महिलाओं की पोलवाल्ट स्पर्धा में रेलवे की वी एस सुरेखा ने चार मीटर की कूद लगाकर तीन दशमलव आठ पांच मीटर के अपने ही मीट रिकार्ड को तोड़ दिया। चार सौ मीटर बाधा दौड़ में रेलवे की हरप्रीत कौर पहले नम्बर पर रही। ऊंची कूद में झारखंड की काव्या मुत्थन्ना ने स्वर्ण, जीता। चार सौ मीटर दौड़ में पंजाब की मंजीत कौर पहले नम्बर पर रहीं। महिलाओं की बीस किलोमीटर पैदल चाल उत्तरप्रदेश की रानी यादव ने जीती।
In Pakistan, thirty people killed in a bomb blast in Peshawar.
Pakistan's ISI comes under the scanner for yesterday’s attack outside the Indian embassy in Kabul ; Foriegn seceratary Nirupama Rao arrives in Kabul in wake of the bomb explosion.
Top militant of the Hizbul mujahideen outfit killed in an encounter in Pulwama District: 30 Kgs of RDX recovered.
Star campaigners hit the election trail in poll bound states; Congress expells a total of 16 rebels, NCP expulsions rise to 51.
Floods wreaks havoc in a large number of villages in Lakimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.
In the National Athletics Championship at Bhopal, Surinder Singh of services win's 10,000 mts men's gold while Kavita Rout of Maharashtra claim gold in the women category of the same event.
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In Pakistan, at least 30 people have been killed in a bomb blast near a market in the north-western city of Peshawar today. Nearly one hundred people have been injured in the blast. Officials said that a vehicle laden with explosives was detonated and destroyed near Peshawar's Khyber Bazaar. Pak police official, Muhammad Khan told news agencies that one of the vehicles damaged in the explosion was a bus. TV footage showed a number of cars and motorbikes have also been destroyed. Today's explosion is the latest in a series of recent bombings across north-western Pakistan.
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Pakistan-based groups and its intelligence agency the ISI has come under scanner again for yesterday’s suicide car bomb explosion outside the Indian embassy in Kabul. The blast killed 17 people and injured more than sixty others. An Afghan foreign ministry spokesman said in Kabul that the attack was definitely planned outside Afghanistan, pointing to bordering areas of Pakistan which act as safe haven for the terrorists. Afghan ambassador to the US, Mr. Said Jawad told a TV programme that they are pointing the finger at the Pakistan intelligence agency, based on the evidence on the ground and similar attacks taking place in Afghanistan.
The ambassador said the target shows the international connections of the Taliban and al Qaeda and how closely they work with each other. Mr. Haroun Mir, the director of the AfghanistanCenter for Research and Policy Studies said some rogue elements in the ISI are very upset about India's activities in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Secretary Mrs. Nirupama Roa has arrived in Kabul today in wake of yesterday's bomb explosion outside the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, the Army and the police has averted a big tragedy by killing a top foreign militant of the Hizbul mujahideen outfit at Gusu village of South Kashmir's Pulwama District. Air correspondent reports the slain militant has been identified as Abu Maya, a Pakistani national. 30 kg RDX was recovered from the militant.
In a major brake through, on specific information police and security forces have cordoned off one residential house at gusu village of Pulwama district during intervening night. According to SP operation, Pulwama one militant hiding in the house opened fire on search party which was retaliated triggering a brief gun battle in which the foreign militant Umer mavia got killed. SP told Akashwani that the killed militant was carrying the RDX to Srinagar for fidayeen attack. One AK 47 rifle, two hand grinades one detonator and mobile phone was recovered from possession of the said militant. SP said this militant was operating in valley from last five years.
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In Maharashtra, the last rights of the 17 slain policemen killed in yesterday's Naxal attack in Bamragad Tehsil will be performed today with full state honours. The bodies were brought to the District Headquarters late last night where the postmortom was conducted. Intense combing operations by the BSF and the Special State Police force is continuing to nab the Naxals responsible for the killing. Senior Police and District officials have rushed to the site to review the situation.
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In Bihar, the Police have sounded an alert across the state in the wake of the proposed bandh call given by maoists. The Additional Director General of Police, Neelmani said a massive manhunt has been launched in naxal infested districts of the state to monitor the movements of Maoists. The outlawed CPI Maoists have called for a two day Bihar and Jharkhand bandh from the 12th of this month in protest against the Centre's effort to browbeat and subdue its revolutionary movement through use of para-military forces and the India Air Force. The announcement was made by the spokesman of Bihar- Jharkhand - Orissa- Chattisgarh Special Area Committee in a press release. Air correspondent reports the press release said that the banned outfits are already in the midst of observing a protest week which started on 7th of this month and will end on the 13th.
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In Jharkhand, Naxals injured two policemen and fled with their pistols last night. The incident took place last night when acting on a tip-off that some members of People's Liberation Front have taken shelter at Laxminagar area, Latehar police station in-charge Ravikant Prasad and constable Sunil Kumar reached there to capture them. The DIG Mr. Raj Kumar Mallick said that, in the grappling between the police and the Naxals, the pistols of the security personnel fell down and the rebels picked up the weapons and fled, firing in the air.
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In Assam, a high-level security review meeting by the Union Home Ministry began at Guwahati this morning. Presided over by the Joint Secretary in the Union Home Ministry Mr. Navin Verma, the meeting is attended by the DGPs, IGPs and top administrative officials of the North Eastern states.
In keeping with the decision to set up a joint intelligence sharing mechanism, the Ministry of Home Affairs has convened the meeting to facilitate coordination between the North Eastern states in dealing with militants besides formulating an effective counter insurgency mechanism.
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Campaigning has entered its last lap for the Assembly Elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh. The three states goes to poll on Tuesday.
In Maharashtra electioneering laden with all kinds of promises, is going on at every corner. Star campaigners of various parties are campaigning in different parts of the state today.Election Commissioner Navin Chawla has said that sufficient number of Electronic Voting Machines are available in the state along with video cameras to ensure transparency during voting.
Meanwhile, the Congress in Maharashtra suspended 16 rebels. Minister of State for Finance, Sunil Deshmukh, contesting against Rajendra Shekhawat, from Amravati and sitting MLA Rajiv Rajale who is in the fray as rebel from Shegaon in Ahmednagart district, were among the 16 rebels suspended. NCP has expelled total of 51 rebels.
High decibel campaigning is being heard all over Maharashtra with top leaders of various political parties making promises to woo voters. The government is taking all possible measures to ensure a good voter turnout for the assembly elections .The state government has already declared a paid holiday for eligible voters employed in shops and establishments on polling day. After appeals to come out and vote by the election commission, the government and the political parties students have now voluntarily come forward to urge voters to exercise their vote .Residents associations across Mumbai have come up with plans to help voters and ensure a high voter turnout .NGOs like action for good governance and networking in India and the association for democratic reforms have already come up with a helpline which will provide criminal records and assets of candidates in fray. NGOs are also organizing street plays at a number of places to motivate voters to come out and vote .Meanwhile Maharashtra's Chief Minister has said that the government will not be cowed down by the Naxal attacks and all security measures are in place for the polls.
In Western Maharashtra, air Correspondent reports that voters are concerned more with local isses in the polls.
Where as political parties are involved in putting charges on each other, the voter is only concerned with his local issues. This can be asserted at least from western Maharashtra voters, who gives turn not only state politics but also national politics if need arises. In Pune out 21 assembly seats eight fall in circumference of city area, where the problem is of proper transport facility and blockade of roads. Who stands on the criteria of the public will be disclosed on 22nd October .However campaigning is going on its pick. With Srikant Srivastava I am Mahesh Iyengar AIR News, Pune.
Campaign for the 46 Assembly segments in the eight districts of Marathwda region has intensified .
AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi today addressed an election rally in Kalamnoori town of Hingoli district. While addressing the gathering Mr.Gandhi said the UPA government has always strived for betterment of common man. Meamwhile, many leaders including Lal Krishna Advani, BJP President Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address election rallies in Nanded and Hingoli districts. Leader of Republican Democratic Left Front, Ramdas Athawale will be campigning in Parbhani and nanded districts. Senior CPM leader Vrunda Karad will address public meetings in Parbhnai today.
Maharastra Home Minister Jayant Patil has said that the naxal attack in Gadchiroli district yesterday would have no effect on the assembly elections scheduled for Tuesday. Addressing a press conference in Gadchirli, a short while ago, he said that the moral of the police forces was high despite the set back and that there were adequate companies of security forces in the region to ensure peaceful polling.
In Haryana, leaders from various political parties are engaged in their last minute efforts to garner votes for the assembly elections.
Air correspondent saysvoters are demanding development in lieu of their vote.
Meham is the same constituency which gave a bad name not only to INLD President Om Parkash Chautala in the early 90’s due to unprecedented poll violence which claimed one life also, even the constituency became popular as Mayhem means havoc.
From here the main contest is between Chautala’s betenoire and INC candidate Anand Singh Dangi and INLD candidate Balbir Singh. Although people seem to be not in the favour of Dangi this time but the Chief Minister Hooda can play a role here. Shamsher Singh Kharkare, an Independent candidate can play a spoil sport for both Cong. and INLD candidates. The only women candidate from here is BSP candidate Raj Rani Sharma. As always, overall development of the constituency is once again the main issue here. Uchana Kalan constituency in Jind will see a tough contest between Finance Minister Birender Singh and Om Prakash Chautala. Although Cong candidate Birender Singh is the choice of his ancestral place but Chautala’s presence now cannot be ignored. Besides some other developmental works, water and power shortage, three of the major issues here are roads, no factory and unemployment. A single women candidate Suman of Rashtriya Sahara Party is also in the fray from here. Ellanabad of Sirsa distt. is the second constituency from where Om Prakash Chautala is hopeful against the Bharat Singh Beniwal of Congress and Devi Lal Beniwal of Haryana Janhit Congress. It was a reserved constituency earlier.
The main long pending issue of this area is salty drinking water. Many residents are purchasing better drinking water from market. As most of the candidates of the main stream parties are old war horses, financially they are sound. Campaigning at these places is now mostly in the hands of younger generation. They themselves and also along with the candidate are going door-to-door asking for votes besides organising road shows. Technology is also playing a major role in campaigning through SMS, Voice SMS and Cable Networks.
In Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu faces allegations from political parties that he was sponsoring some candidates. However, Khandu has rubbished the allegations and said it was being used as a ploy to woo voters by the other parties. Meanwhile, campaigning has been badly hit in the state by incessant rain and dense fog. A report from air correspondent on some of the key constituencies:
Congress candidate and Speaker Setong Sena is having a straight fight against independent candidate Tosham Mossang in Nampong constituency under Changlang district. Moshang, a former businessman is a first timer. Road connectivity and tourism are serious issues in the constituency which is just 23 kms from the Actual Line of Control with Myanmar . People are unhappy that the area has been taken off from the tourism circuit of the state.
Pakke-Kessang constituency in East Kameng district will also see a straight fight between Youth Affairs minister Atum Welly and sitting MLA Techi Hemu who is fighting on NCP ticket. A tough fight in on the cards between them. Electorates in the constituency want better border and flood management, road connectivity, education and health infrastructure.
Home Minister Jarbom Gamlin is up against Bai Gadi of the BJP in a one to one in Liromoba constituency under West Siang district. The constituency has the best record of coverage under the Prime Minister’s Gramin Sadak Yojna. BJP is making under development of the area the poll plank. But local issues outweight the promises of the candidates.
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In Uttar Pradesh several villages in Lukhimpur Kheri district were inundated as a breach has developed at the embankment of SharadRiver at Phulbehat area. Air correspondent reports that at least four persons have lost their lives in the flash floods that also destroyed crops spread over thousand acres of land in the area.
In Uttar Pradesh death toll has reached to at least 45 as fresh casualties are reported from Lakhimpur Khiri and Gonda districts. Hundreds of villages are marooned in flash flood due to discharge of flood water in Sharada river by Nepal through Banbasa barrage In Faizabad,Bahraich, Gonda, Basti, Shahjahanpur and Lakhimpur Kheri districts. In Bahraich, as many as 150 villages of Mahesi, Nanpara and Kaiserganj tehsils were under the grip of floods. Railway traffic between Pallia and Gonda stations was suspended.In Faizabad district river Sarayu is flowing above danger mark at Ayodhya and its its water has inundated several villages. In Gonda River Ghagra was overflowing at Elgin bridge, while Saryu was above the mark in Tarabganj tehsil.
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The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Andhra Pradesh today. A report; People call it a historic flood as there was no precedence of flood of this magnitude in the history of Andhra Pradesh during last 100 years. The Prime Minister is coming to the state in a short while. He will personally see the damage and take stock of the situation in the aftermath of floods. Dr Manmohan Singh will witness the trail of destruction left by floods in Krishna and Guntur districts through an aerial survey this afternoon and reach Hyderabad in the evening to hold a review meeting with the administration. He will leave for Karnataka tomorrow morning and enroute he is scheduled to witness the damage in Kurnool and Mehaboobnagar distrists. The state government expects that the Prime Minister’s visit would help to seek more central assistance to tide over the situation.
In Philippines, more than ninety people have been killed in floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain in the northern part of the country. Reports that some of the latest landslides were caused by water that was released from the dams in the wake of Typhoon Parma. Typhoon Ketsana left at least 300 people dead and hundreds of thousands stranded, while Typhoon Parma caused further damage just over a week later. The Benguet provincial governor Mr. Nestor Fongwan said 69 people across five districts in the province were killed.
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A Delhi court today reserved for the 24th of this month its order on the plea of an advocate opposing CBI's move to withdraw the two-decade-old Bofors pay-off case against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi. The decision was taken by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja after the CBI submitted that a private party has no locus standi in the case. The CBI had submitted before the court that "Publicity and politics" have no role to play in such matters and the plea of a private party against the probe agency's move to close the case should be rejected.
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President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil arrived in Jammu this morning on her day-long visit to the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The President was received at the Airport by Governor, Sh. N.N.Vohra, Chief Minister, Sh. Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister, Sh.Tara Chand and other Cabinet Ministers besides senior civil, police and army officers. Soon after her arrival, the President left for Rajouri where she visited some forward areas and took stock of the situation prevailing along the Line of Control following recent infiltration attempts made by militants from across the border.
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The rupee came under pressure today after a five-day strong rally and fell marginally by five paisa to 46.39 against the greenback on dollar buying by importers. The rupee had surged by 3.66 per cent to 46.34 in the last five days. The local unit resumed steady at 46.35 a dollar against its previous close and later fell to a low of 46.50 before being quoted at 46.39 a dollar in late morning deals.
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The Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange today added nearly 120 points in opening trade extending yesterday's gains. The 30-share BSE Sensex was up by 119.54 points to 16,963 points in opening trade The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty was also up by 30 points at 5,032 points. Firming trends on other Asian markets and overnight gains in US stocks also buoyed the trading sentiments.
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Japanese share prices opened higher today. The benchmark Nikkei-225 index have risen 0.6 percent to 9,893.63 in the first minutes of trading.
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The Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit today said the Commonwealth Games delegation that visited the sporting facilities in New Delhi to take stock of the work for the 2010 Games has gone back happy. Mrs Dikshit told reporters on the sidelines of a function in the national capital that the delegation members had their doubts cleared with the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games and also the Delhi Government. Amid concerns over the pace of preparations, Commonwealth Games Federation President Michael Fennell and other members of the delegation yesterday inspected the venues and facilities for the Games, exactly a year away.
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In the 49th Open National Athletics Championship being held in Bhopal, Surinder Singh of services bagged gold in the men’s ten thousand meters while Kavita Rout of Maharashtra finished first in women's category of the same event.
Surinder Singh covered distance in 29 minutes 19.40 seconds. Sandeep of railways bagged silver and B C Tilak of services bronze in men’s 10 thousand meter event. Kavita covered the distance in 33 minutes 57.49 seconds. Preeti L Rao of railways won silver and Latila Babar bronze in women’s 10 thousand meter. In men’s triple jump Renjith Maheshwary of railways set a new meet record of 16.68 meter.
Amarjeet Singh of railways bagged silver and Saurabh Singh of police bronze. Kiran Tiwari of railways won women’s 3000 meter steeplechase while Elam Singh of services won men’s event. In men’s hammer throw Madhu Kumar of railways bagged gold, Harvinder Singh of Uttar Pradesh silver and Nirbhay Singh of services bronze.
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The Planning Commission today said it will soon set up a separate Independent Evaluation Office to assess the extent to which the government's flagship schemes are benefiting the poor. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia told reporters that the Plan panel is working towards the establishment of an Independent Evaluation Office for strengthening our evaluation system.
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India is all set to become first country in Asia to have a UNESCO category institute. It will be named Mahatma Gandhi Institue of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development. Official sources said that executive board of the world body has approved India's proposal to set up a category one institute. It was also ratified by the UNESCO's general conference held in Paris.
