Saturday, November 1, 2014

News global

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Globe with Earthquake Location

quake of m6.0 – easter island region

Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude6.0
Date-Time
  • 1 Nov 2014 10:59:55 UTC
  • 1 Nov 2014 03:59:55 near epicenter
  • 1 Nov 2014 14:59:55 standard time in your timezone
Location31.823S 111.180W
Depth10 km
Distances
  • 544 km (337 mi) SSW of Hanga Roa, Chile
  • 3473 km (2153 mi) W of Lebu, Chile
  • 3482 km (2158 mi) W of Ancud, Chile
  • 3492 km (2165 mi) W of Chonchi, Chile
  • 1995 km (1236 mi) ESE of Adamstown, Pitcairn

UN: 4,000 people killed in Ukrainian conflict

Over 4,000 people have died in the bloody eastern Ukrainian conflict over half a year of fighting, according to the latest UN data. 300 people have been killed in the past 10 days alone. On October 21, the death toll was 3,724 people.

Topol-M ballistic missile tested from Plesetsk cosmodrome

Today at 9:20 am Moscow time, Russian Strategic Missile Troops (SMT) conducted a test launch of the silo-based intercontinental Topol-M (RT-2PM2) nuclear ballistic missile. The warhead hit the target at the Kuru range in the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Pacific region. The missile was launched from Plesetsk military cosmodrome in Mirny, in Russia’s northern Arkhangelsk region. The launch confirmed the exceptional precision and technical reliability of the missile, reported STM spokesman Col. Igor Yegorov.

3 girls killed in hit-and-run while trick-or-treating in California

A speeding car has hit and killed three girls, all 13 years old, while they were trick-or-treating in Santa Ana, California, according to local authorities, as quoted by CNN. Two of the girls were twins, they were wearing Halloween costumes and carrying bags of candy. A car struck them at a pedestrian crossing near an elementary school, and drove away. The girls were declared dead at the scene, CNN affiliate KABC reported. The driver was allegedly speeding, according to witnesses. The police are now looking for two male suspects, after discovering the car abandoned nearby.

2 buses crash head-on in Nepal:

A collision involving two commuter buses in Nepal’s Makwanpur District resulted in 10 deaths and 30 injuries, among them one Russian female tourist, Darya Mlochkova. Eight victims died on the spot and two died after medics had arrived at the scene. The wounded have been taken to a hospital in Biratnagar. Police say the crash occurred at 2 am, as reported in the Himalayan Times. A driver of one of the buses was speeding and lost control of the vehicle, causing the fatal crash. Soon after the incident, the culprit apparently fled the scene.

Burkina Faso  ‘military putsch’ as Lt. Col. Zida claims to be ‘in power’

A statement aired on Burkina Faso’s Omega Radio early Saturday claimed that Lieutenant Colonel Issac Zida has taken over the post of head of state, Reuters reported. “I assume the functions of head of state and I call on [West African regional bloc] ECOWAS and the international community to demonstrate their understanding and support the new authorities,” it said. If true, the statement reportedly announced by the man himself shows an apparent putsch against the country’s Army chief Gen. Honore Traore, who earlier said he assumes the power for the transitional period. It comes after reports of heavy gunfire coming from the presidential palace in the capital Ouagadougou in the early hours of Saturday morning, and follows the Friday resignation of President Blaise Compaore on his 27th year of rule.

Ukrainian President Poroshenko supports Yatsenyuk for new PM term

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko threw his support behind Arseny Yatsenyuk for a new term as prime minister on Friday. “I have proposed to the faction of the Poroshenko bloc that it submits Arseny Yatsenyuk as a candidate for prime minister,” Poroshenko said in a tweet. The move ends speculation that the president might seek to bring in his own candidate as head of the government, Reuters said.

12 miners trapped as Colombia mine flooded with water

Colombian officials have said that 12 miners trapped in a coal shaft are presumed dead after the mine was flooded with water, AFP said. The 12 men, aged between 23 and 55, became trapped on Thursday in a mine in Amaga in northwestern Colombia. Officials said that the water would be pumped out of the mine on Friday.

Public radio complex in Paris on fire, staff evacuated

A fire broke out at France’s public radio headquarters in Paris on Friday, forcing live programs off the air, Reuters said. Staff evacuated the vast complex. France Info said that building work had been underway recently at the building, where thousands of journalists and other staff work.

Burkina Faso president ‘no longer in power’

Burkina Faso’s embattled President Blaise Compaore has been ousted, AFP quoted an army official as saying on Friday. “Compaore is no longer in power,” Colonel Boureima Farta told tens of thousands of protesters in front of the army’s headquarters.

At least 5 killed by car bomb in NE Nigeria

A car bomb exploded in the northeastern Nigerian city of Gombe on Friday, killing five people and wounding 15 others, Reuters reported, citing a source in the emergency services. “It just happened, and our men and the security agencies are on the scene dealing with the fallout,” the source said. An AFP report said a triple bombing at a bus station killed at least eight people and wounded 34 others.

Protesters demand Burkina Faso leader’s resignation

Tens of thousands of protesters on Friday demanded the resignation of President Blaise Compaore, AFP reported. After a day of unrest that saw parliament set ablaze, opposition chief Zephirin Diabre urged supporters to “keep up the pressure by occupying public spaces.” Thousands of people took to the streets of the West African country on Thursday in protest at plans by the legislature to change the constitution. The move would have allowed Compaore to extend his 27-year rule.

Vnukovo airport service chief engineer charged in Falcon crash

The chief service engineer at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, Vladimir Ledenev, faces a criminal charge over the crash of a French jet Falcon, in which France’s energy giant Total CEO Christophe de Margerie died, TASS reported. Ledenev was charged with violation of jet operation rules that resulted in four people’s deaths through negligence, according to spokesman of the Russian Investigative Committee, Vladimir Markin. Ledenev, who was earlier questioned as a defendant, is now under arrest, Markin said.

China prepares elite army unit to help fight Ebola in Liberia

China will send an elite unit from the People’s Liberation Army to help Ebola-hit Liberia, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday. The PLA squad, which has experience from a 2002 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), will build a 100-bed treatment center in Liberia, Reuters reported. This is the first such facility in the three countries most impacted by Ebola to be constructed and run by a foreign country. Beijing made the decision responding to UN calls for a greater global effort to fight the deadly virus in West Africa.

Russia to resume gas supplies ‘48 hours after Ukraine repays 1st $1.45bn of debt’

Gazprom CEO Aleksey Miller said on Friday that Russian natural gas deliveries to Ukraine will resume 48 hours after Kiev repays the first $1.45 billion portion of its gas debt and makes an advance payment, TASS reported. The Russian government may sign a resolution on a $100 gas price discount for Ukraine on Friday, Miller told the Rossiya-24 TV Channel. The two states earlier signed an agreement on gas supplies.

Russia delivers humanitarian aid to Donetsk in E. Ukraine

A Russian Emergencies Ministry convoy delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region on Friday, TASS reported. About 50 trucks brought 500 tons of food and construction materials. The convoy earlier in the day crossed the border with Ukraine at the Donetsk-Izvarino checkpoint, and one part of it headed for Donetsk and the other for Luhansk. The regions will get a total of 1,000 tons of humanitarian supplies.

Burkina Faso president declares state of emergency

The president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, has declared a state of emergency due to violent riots in the country’s capital, local radio reports. People took to the streets of Ouagadougou, burning government buildings and storming the presidential residence, after Compaore announced plans to extend his 27-year rule in the West African country. The head of state has called on the opposition to end the protests and return home.

Burkina Faso protesters set parliament main chamber ablaze

Protesters, who stormed Burkina Faso’s parliament on Thursday, dragged furniture and computers onto the street and set the main chamber ablaze, AP said. The attackers wanted to block a vote in parliament that would have allowed President Blaise Compaore to run for a fifth time. The prime minister’s office issued a statement saying it was canceling the vote. The demonstrations are continuing in the West African country’s capital, Ouagadougou, and other places. Military leaders met on Thursday afternoon with the influential chief of the country’s largest ethnic group, the Mossi.

Hundreds evacuated in fire at central railway station in Helsinki

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the central railway station in Finland’s capital Helsinki on Thursday over a fire at a restaurant, TASS said. No one was injured, according to an STT report, which states police aren’t ruling out arson.

Berlin to ban anti-Islamist rally after Cologne riots

The German capital will ban a planned rally against Islamists by neo-Nazis and soccer fans after rioting in Cologne, Reuters reported. On Sunday, some 4,000 hooligans and neo-Nazis hurled objects at police who responded with pepper spray and water cannon. Police said 49 officers were injured. The organizers in Berlin plan to stage a protest against ultra-conservative Islamic Salafists at the Brandenburg Gate on November 15, a week after the capital celebrates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.9

Russian helicopter pilot captured last year by Afghanistan’s Taliban released

The pilot of an Mi-8 helicopter, who was captured by Taliban in Afghanistan in April 2013, has been released, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Petrenko was released on October 29 “as a result of concerted efforts,” the ministry said, as cited by TASS. The pilot had made an emergency landing in the Afghan province of Logar and has been held in captivity by the Taliban since April 2013. Petrenko is currently at the Russian embassy in Kabul and will soon return to Russia, the ministry said.

US forces stage airstrikes on ISIS targets near Kobani – Central Command

US forces have staged 10 airstrikes on Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) targets near the Syrian city of Kobani since Wednesday, Reuters reported, citing US Central Command. The raids in the Kobani area hit two small IS units and destroyed seven fighting positions and five buildings, and these airstrikes were among 12 in Syria by US fighters and bombers. The IS headquarters building near Deir Al-Zor and a security building near Raqqa were also damaged. Allies joined US forces in raids in Iraq that hit a small IS unit near Bayji and a checkpoint west of Ramadi.

Donetsk, Lugansk urge Russia, OSCE to make Ukraine fulfill Minsk agreements

Representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have called on Russia and the OSCE to take urgent steps and force Ukraine to fulfill the Minsk agreements. The two republics said that a law adopted by Kiev on the status of Donbass is judicially null and void, RIA Novosti reported. Ukraine isn’t implementing the agreed ceasefire, they said, adding that Ukrainian forces are shelling apartment buildings and enterprises in Donbass. The decentralization of power has not been achieved, as well as the agreement to free all hostages, they said.

UN panel urges Israel to halt settlement building

A UN panel of independent experts urged Israel to halt construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and take measures to withdraw all settlers, Reuters reported. The UN Human Rights Committee also said on Thursday that Israel should stop confiscating land for settlements’ expansion and prevent violence against Palestinians. The watchdog called on Israel to investigate all alleged violations committed by its forces during three recent wars in Gaza and ensure military commanders are brought to justice for any crimes.

Polish prosecutors question Polanski on US sex case, allow him to walk free

Polish prosecutors on Thursday questioned film director Roman Polanski on a US arrest warrant for sex offences, and then allowed him to walk free, AFP reported. “Prosecutors have decided it was not necessary to arrest Roman P.,” Boguslawa Marcinkowska, spokesperson for Krakow district prosecutors said. Polanski, who has been wanted by US police since 1978 for having sex with a 13-year-old girl, said he would cooperate with Polish authorities.

New Australia laws to prevent people fighting in overseas conflicts

Australia passed laws on Thursday aimed at preventing young people from going to fight in overseas conflicts such as those in Iraq and Syria, Reuters said. Prime Minister Tony Abbott told parliament at least 70 Australians were fighting in Iraq and Syria backed by about 100 Australia-based “facilitators.” The government has already canceled the passports of about 70 people, Abbott said.

Thousands of protesters storm Burkina Faso parliament – report

Thousands of protesters stormed Burkina Faso’s parliament building on Thursday, forcing police to withdraw, Reuters said, citing a witness. The parliament was due to vote on a motion to allow the president to stand for re-election.

China calls on Japan to stop scrambling jets, cites safety concerns

China called on Japan on Thursday to stop scrambling its jets against Chinese aircraft, Reuters reported. In recent months, the two states have accused the other of flying military aircraft too close to its own jets in a territorial dispute as both sides claim a string of Japanese-administered islets in the East China Sea. They are known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Last year, Beijing declared an air defense zone covering most of the East China Sea. Japan’s fighter jet scrambles against Chinese planes rose 29 percent to 103 in July-September, Beijing said.

Saudi Arabia reports 6 new MERS cases

Saudi Arabia has detected six new cases of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 24 hours. This is the biggest daily jump for months with officials blaming lax hospital procedures, Reuters reported. Two of the new cases announced by the health ministry were in medical personnel. The surge in cases, now numbering 32 since the start of October, is centered in Riyadh and the western city of Taif. However, it remains far less extensive than an outbreak in April and May that infected hundreds.

5 militants in Pakistan killed by US drone strike

A suspected US drone strike killed at least five militants in a Pakistani tribal region bordering Afghanistan on Thursday, Reuters reported. “We heard from local militants that there was a senior Arab commander but they didn’t mention his name,” one villager in South Waziristan said. A number of “foreign guests” were staying in the targeted house after fleeing a major military offensive in the tribal region of North Waziristan, according to another villager.

Russia launches Soyuz-2.1a rocket with Meridian satellite

Russia has successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia, according to Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Aleksei Zolotukhin. A Meridian communications satellite was aboard the rocket. The satellite has been designed to provide communication to ships and aircraft as well as ice reconnaissance on the Northern Sea route. The rocket was successfully launched at 4:43 a.m. Moscow time (01:43 GMT), Zolotukhin said, adding that the launch was carried out in the usual mode. Thursday’s launch marks the fourth time a Soyuz-2 rocket has taken off from Plesetsk space center this year. Soyuz-2 is able to carry 7,800 kilograms of cargo into the Earth’s orbit and 4,500 kilograms into higher orbits.

Bahrain rights activist Rajab to remain in prison over tweet

A Bahrain court decided to keep prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab in prison on Wednesday, as his comments on Twitter were viewed as insulting to public institutions, AFP reported. The judge set a new hearing date for Sunday, according to activists. Rajab was detained on October 1 after posting Twitter remarks which criticized the interior and defense ministries. One of the tweets said: “Many #Bahrain men who joined #terrorism & #ISIS came from security institutions and those institutions were the first ideological incubator.” Rajab is the head of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights and was one of the leaders of the 2011 protest movement which demanded reforms in the country. Bahrain is ruled by a Sunni monarchy, while over 75 percent of the population is Shia.

30 Sunni men lined up, shot dead by Islamic State in Iraq – official

Islamic State militants lined up 30 Sunni men in a town west of Baghdad and shot them dead, AP said, citing an Iraqi official. The killings took place on a main street in the town of Hit on Wednesday. Anbar provincial council chairman Sabah Karhout said the Sunnis killed were tribal fighters allied with the government. The group also reportedly included members of the security forces captured when the IS group overran the town, which is about 140km west of the Iraqi capital.

More than 100 believed to have been killed in Sri Lanka landslide

More than 100 people are believed to have been killed on Wednesday in a landslide in southern Sri Lanka, Reuters quoted Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera as saying. The disaster site was in the village of Haldummulla, 190km inland from the capital Colombo. Rescue operations will resume on Thursday because of darkness, bad weather and threat of further landslide.
Media agencies

Seventieth Anniversary Year of the UN launched in India

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UN_70_Launched_in_India
Dr. Kiran Bedi, former UN Police Adviser, Department of Peacekeeping Operations andMrs. Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman, Director, UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, in New Delhi, at a gala event organized by the UN Information Centre, Dr. Kiran Bedi inaugurated the seventieth anniversary year of the United Nations (31 October 2014 to 30 October 2015). In the presence of a large group of friends of the UN, she unveiled both the global logo of the observance and the campaign logo for India: yoUNng@70.

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New Haryana govt must wake up on verbal assaults on women freedom

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From: Media Cell AAP  Fri, 31 Oct ’14 6:03p
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Show full Headers
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) strongly condemns the sudden spurt in retrograde statements against women in Haryana by religious groups and Khaps, particularly since the BJP has won a majority in the state.

The AAP demands that the Haryana government should immediately ban the meeting of Hindu Mahasabha to be held on Sunday, in which it wants to declare a dress code for women and a ban on their carrying mobile phones.

It is shocking that the new BJP state government of Haryana is allowing such elements to give statements openly, which are in clear violation of law and breach all norms of the society.

Infact, the first shock had come in the form of views expressed by none other than the new chief minister of the state, Mr Manohar Lal Khattar during the election campaign itself, though he has desisted from speaking on the subject since he was sworn-in on Sunday.

Mr Khattar, in an interview during elections had advised girls to dress decently and their freedom must be bound by some limits. He had gone on to praise the khaps for promoting Indian culture.

Though he has not repeated these views again, but the ministers of his cabinet appear to have emboldened organizations like Hindu Mahasabha to spread regressive views in the society.

Haryana agriculture minister OP Dhankar, who is no stranger to controversies, is on a Khaps promoting spree and his utterances seem to be encouraging organizations which pose a danger to the society.

It is beyond any reasonable understanding that organizations like Hindu Mahasabha are advocating that women dress and behave in ways being ordered by them. It is trying to portray women as mere objects and the attempt is to find faults with the victims of sexual harassment while they excuse the predator and sexual harasser.
The AAP is of the view that such talk and diktats against women are a deliberate attempt to push back the efforts for women equality. It is an attempt to restrict women to private spaces and continue their exploitation. Such diktats justify the use of force and violence against women and need to be strongly resisted. (ENDS)
Regards.
AAP Media Cell




Myanmar to amend constitution barring Suu Kyi to contest

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Myanmar may amend constitution barring Suu Kyi from presidency
Myanmar’s parliament will consider amending the country’s constitution – which currently bars opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president – ahead of elections next year, an official said on Friday.
“They agreed to discuss the issue of amending the constitution in parliament, according to the law,” presidential spokesman Ye Htut told reporters after President Thein Sein held unprecedented talks with army top brass and political rivals including Suu Kyi.Suu Kyi is trying to change key sections of Myanmar’s constitution ahead of 2015 elections that are widely expected to be won by her National League for Democracy (NLD) – if they are free and fair.
The NLD has focused on altering a provision that currently ensures the military in the former junta-ruled nation has a veto on any amendment to the previous charter.
To alter the constitution there needs to be support from a majority of over 75 per cent of parliament.
As it stands, Suu Kyi is ineligible to become president because of a clause in the 2008 charter blocking anyone whose spouse or children are overseas citizens from leading the country. The Nobel laureate’s late husband was British, as are her two sons.




Pankaj Advani wins World Billiards Championship

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Pankaj Advani wins World Billiards Championship
India’s most celebrated cueist Pankaj Advani clinched the World Billiards Championship (time format) title to bag a record 12th world crown and also complete a rare ‘Grand Double’ post his third win in both the long and short formats in the same year.
Bangalore’s ‘Golden Boy’ set the green baize on fire as he humbled England’s rising star Robert Hall 1928-893 in a one-sided contest to hand his mother, Kajal, a perfect birthday gift on Wednesday. He had won the 150-up format last week after defeating Peter Gilchrist.
Hall, who had got past Advani’s citymate Balachandra Bhaskar in the semifinals, could not stand up to the Indian ace and the Englishman’s maiden final appearance ended on a disappointing note.
But it was all smiles for Advani, whose third grand double makes him the only billiards player to achieve this feat. Advani, 29, surpassed Mike Russell, who had won the double in 2010 and 2011.
Advani’s previous grand doubles were in Malta in 2005 and in his hometown in 2008.
Saving his best for the last, which is often synonymous with Advani, he led 746-485 with the help of a 185 break in the first session of the five-hour final.
On resumption, the Indian ace fired in breaks of 94, 182, 289 and 145, adding a whopping 1000 points in under two hours. Advani then went into overdrive making the match a foregone conclusion with over hour left on the clock.
On how he was able to turn things around in the second session, Advani said, “With a 260 lead in the first half, I knew I had things under control. But Hall has the ability to come back so I decided that I was going to score as much as possible on each visit. I spoke with my br
other Shree who was following the match online. A couple of tips from him did the trick too.” When asked about the multiple records, a thrilled Advani said, “I don’t know what to say. The way I feel makes words seem incapable of truly depicting it. I worked really hard on my game and fitness, both physical and mental before coming here (to Leeds) and it definitely paid off.
“I’m on my way to Sheffield today to get billiards out of my system and switch to snooker in order to prepare for the IBSF World Snooker Championship happening next month in Bengaluru.”
On winning his 12th world title on his mother’s birthday, he said, “This win is truly special. Apart from the dozen world titles and the third grand double, the main reason for it being so special is because it was won on my mother’s birthday. She is my rock. Happy birthday Mom! Hope you like your present.”




Sep 2014 fiscal deficit at around 83% of actuals to BEs

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Dear All,  



The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 82.6% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as compared to 76% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit significantly increased to 243% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as compared to 146.7% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year.

     Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space at the end of Sep 2014 vis-à-vis Sep 2013      (in %)
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India
Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month
The Data for January 2014, February 2014, March 2014 and January 2013, February 2013, March 2013 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
* indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The revenue receipts at the end of Sep 2014 of the central government stands at 35.1% of the actuals to budget estimates as compared with 36.9% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2013.

    Fiscal position for Sep FY2015 vis-à-vis Sep FY2014
Month
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2015*
% of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2014*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2013*
% of Actuals to Budgeted Estimates FY2012*
April
21.5
17.3
13.1
18.1
May
45.6
33.3
27.6
31.7
June
56.1
48.4
37.1
39.4
July
61.2
62.8
51.5
55.4
August
74.9
74.6
65.7
66.3
September
82.6
76.0
65.6
68
October

84.4
71.6
74.4
November

93.9
80.4
85.6
December

95.2
78.8
92.3
January

101.6
89.4
105.4
February

114.3
97.4
94.6
March

96.9^
94.1^
98.9^
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month
The Data for January 2014, February 2014, March 2014 and January 2013, February 2013, March 2013 pertains to actuals to revised estimates
^ indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates

The government’s market borrowing stands at 64% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as compared with 63% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2013. The domestic financing stands at 83% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as compared to 77% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2013. The external financing of the government stands at 55% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as against 8% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2013. The total financing of the central government stands at 83% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2014 as against 76% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of Sep 2013.

       Sources of financing the deficit                                                                                                                                (%)
  Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India
  Note: Data pertains to the end of Sep 2013 and Sep 2014




Winter Session of Parliament begins 24 Nov

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Winter Session of Parl to be held from 24 Nov to 23 Dec
The Winter Session of Parliament will be held from 24th November to 23rd December, it was officially announced on Friday.
“The Third Session of Sixteenth Lok Sabha will commence on Monday, the 24th November. Subject to exigencies of Government Business, the Session is likely to conclude on Tuesday, the 23rd December”, a Lok Sabha secretariat release said. Rajya Sabha has also been summoned to meet on 24th November for the Winter Session. It will conclude on 23rd December.

With an aim to restrict fiscal deficit to 4.1 per cent of GDP in 2014-15, the Finance Ministry has barred officials from holding meetings in 5-star hotels and put a freeze on fresh appointments and filling up posts lying vacant for over one year.
“While officers are entitled to various classes of air travel depending on seniority, utmost economy would need to be observed while exercising the choice keeping the limitations of budget in mind. However, there would no bookings in the First Class,” said the office memorandum.
The facility of Video Conferencing, it said, “may be used effectively”.
The Finance Ministry said purchase of new vehicles to meet operational requirement of defence forces, Paramilitary forces and security organisations are permitted but ban on purchase of any other vehicles would continue.
“Such measures are intended at promoting fiscal discipline, without restricting the operational efficiency of the government. In the context of the current fiscal situation, there is a need to continue to rationalise expenditure and optimise available resources,” it said.
The government proposes to lower the fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of GDP by 2016-17. The deficit which had touched a high of 5.7 per cent in 2011-12, was brought down to 4.8 per cent in 2012-13 and further to 4.5 per cent in 2013-14 by way of austerity measures.
“The task before me is very challenging because we need to revive growth, particularly in manufacturing sector and infrastructure,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said in his budget speech.
He added that choice has to be made whether or not to be victims of mere populism and wasteful expenditure.




September core infra grows at 1.9%

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The core infrastructure grows to 1.9% (Y-O-Y) in September 2014 as compared to 5.8% (Y-O-Y) in August 2014. The combined index of Eight Core Industries stands at 160.6 in September 2014 with a growth rate of 1.9% in September 2014 as compared to 9.0% in September 2013. Crude oil and Natural gas registered a growth rate of (-) 1.1% and (-) 6.2% respectively in the month of September 2014.

   Sector wise trend in monthly production                                                           (% growth)
SectorWeight in IIPSeptember’14August’14
Crude Oil5.22(-)1.1(-)4.9
Natural Gas1.71(-)6.2(-)8.3
Petroleum Refinery Products5.94(-)2.5(-)4.3
Coal4.387.213.4
Fertilizer1.25(-)11.6(-)4.3
Electricity10.323.812.6
Cement2.413.210.3
Steel6.684.09.1
Overall37.901.95.8
Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the economic advisor to the Govt. of India

In cumulative terms, core infrastructure industries registered a growth of 4.0% during April-September 2014-15 as against 5.0% during the corresponding period of the previous year.

     Sector wise trend in production                                                                         (% growth)  
SectorWeightApr-Sept 2014-15Apr- Sept 2013-14
Crude Oil5.22(-)1.2(-)1.3
Natural Gas1.71(-)5.9(-)16.5
Petroleum Refinery Products5.94(-)2.65.1
Coal4.387.22.2
Fertilizer1.250.02.5
Electricity10.3210.05.8
Cement2.419.74.5
Steel6.682.312.9
Overall37.904.05.0

Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from the office of the economic advisor to the Govt. of India

Electricity generation grew by 10.0% during Apr–September 2014-15 as against 5.8% growth during Apr– September 2013-14, while steel production grew by 2.3% during Apr– September 2014-15 as against 12.9% during Apr- September 2013-14. The production in crude oil grew by (-)1.2% during Apr– September 2014-15 as compared to its growth at (-) 1.3% during Apr– September 2013-14, whereas petroleum refinery production registered a growth of (-)2.6% during Apr– September 2014-15 as compared to 5.1% during Apr– September 2013-14. Fertilizer production grew by 0.0% during Apr– September 2014-15 compared to its growth at 2.5% during Apr– September 2013-14 and cement production grew by 9.7% during Apr– September 2014-15 compared to its growth at 4.5% during Apr– September 2013-14.





BFI: St. Edmunds make merry of home conditions

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  • Boys and girls team from the host side register comfortable wins


Jaipur, October 30, 2014: Boys and girls from St. Edmunds hardly broke a sweat beating their opponents Neeraja Modi and Anslem Pink City respectively on Day 2 of the Challenger League of Indian School Basketball League organized by Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in collaboration with IMG-Reliance (IMG-R) at St. Edmunds School, Jaipur on Thursday.

The boys team from St. Edmunds beat Neeraja Modi 36-13 thanks to Rahul’s 23 points. In the match before this one, Anslem Pink City beat Army Public School 41-27. Subodh beat SJ Public 21-10 while Seedling School beat Candlewick 34-32 in a thriller.

Highlight of the day happened when Subodh School’s girls team beat Seedling School 20-0. Hosts’ girls team beat Anslem Pink City 31-16 while Neeraja Modi & Sanskar got walkovers as their opponents Seedling School and St. Wilfred respectively didn’t turn up.


Venue: St Edmunds
Boys
Anslem Pink City beat Army Public School 41-27; St Edmunds beat Neeraja Modi 36-13; Subodh beat S.J. Public 21-10; Anslem North City beat Anslem Pink City 47-17; Seedling School beat Candlewick 34-32

Girls
Anslem Pink City lost to St. Sophia 14-39; Seedling School lost to Subodh 0-20; St. Edmunds beat Anslem Pink City 31-16; Neeraja Modi W/O Seedling School; Sanskar W/O St. Wilfred


About the Basketball Federation of India
The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honor of Arjuna Award. More information at www.indiabasketball.org

About IMG Reliance
IMG Reliance Pvt Ltd., is an equal joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest and most recognized private sector company, and IMG Worldwide (IMG), the world’s leading sports marketing and management company. The joint venture company will develop market and manage sports and entertainment in India. Its current assets include India’s premier fashion event, Lakmé Fashion Week and South Asia’s only ATP World Tour event, the Aircel Chennai Open. IMG Reliance has entered agreements with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to create a new professional basketball league and manage all aspects of the commercial rights to the game in India and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to improve, popularize and promote the game of football throughout India, from the grassroots to the professional level. IMG Reliance has also created a scholarship program to identify and train talented young Indians from sports including – basketball, soccer and tennis at IMG’s world-class sports training facilities at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.

For further information, please contact our team-
WordsWork




Mothers PS to meet Govt Boys in finals

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  • Hosts beat DAV Public School 53-39 in the semifinals

Bhubhaneshwar, October 30, 2014: Mothers Public School put up a dominant performance on Day 9 of the Challenger League of Indian School Basketball League organized by Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in collaboration with IMG-Reliance (IMG-R) at Mother’s Public School, Bhubhaneshwar on Thursday.

The hosts brushed aside any challenge from DAV Public School in the first semifinal to beat them 53-39 in front of their home crowd. Their final opponents Government Boys School – Unit 9 beat DAV Public School from Chandrashekharpur 46-24 in the second semifinal.

But the girls from DAV Public School, Chandrashekharpur gave the school something to cheer up as they beat KISS School to enter the finals. Lipsa’s 13 points helped DAV beat KISS by 29-18. In the other semifinal, Government Girls High School – Unit 4 beat SAI International 45-12 in a one sided fixture.

Semifinals
Venue: Mother’s Public School
Boys
Mothers Public School (Bikash 18) beat DAV Public School, Pokhariput (Rahul 11) 53-39; Government Boys High School  (Asim Bada 25) beat DAV Public School Chandrashekharpur (Sreeram 9) 46-24

Girls
Govt Girls High School (Saraswati 14) beat SAI International (Siddhi 10) 45-12; DAV Public School Chandrashekharpur (Lipsa 13) beat KISS School (Tajvrt 10) 29-18


About the Basketball Federation of India
The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honor of Arjuna Award. More information at www.indiabasketball.org

About IMG Reliance
IMG Reliance Pvt Ltd., is an equal joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), India’s largest and most recognized private sector company, and IMG Worldwide (IMG), the world’s leading sports marketing and management company. The joint venture company will develop market and manage sports and entertainment in India. Its current assets include India’s premier fashion event, Lakmé Fashion Week and South Asia’s only ATP World Tour event, the Aircel Chennai Open. IMG Reliance has entered agreements with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to create a new professional basketball league and manage all aspects of the commercial rights to the game in India and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to improve, popularize and promote the game of football throughout India, from the grassroots to the professional level. IMG Reliance has also created a scholarship program to identify and train talented young Indians from sports including – basketball, soccer and tennis at IMG’s world-class sports training facilities at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.

For further information, please contact our team-
WordsWork
Gautam Sheth – +91 – 98692 33393 (Mumbai)
Anu Sharma – +91 – 99990 69511 (Delhi)
Ankit Rana – +91– 97174 44620 (Delhi)




“United Action is the need of the hour”

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“United Action is the need of the hour” say senior activists Aruna Roy, Medha Patkar and Anil Sadgopal.People’s movement should come together to challenge the neo-liberal communal onslaught.People’s Movements to fight dilution of hard won legislations like MNREGA, Land Acquisition Act, Forest Right and Environmental Rules

10th biennial convention of NAPM on the theme of “Politics of development and Social Justice Today” was inaugurated by eminent social activists Aruna Roy, Anil Sadgopal and Medha Patkar and eminent communist leader and ex-minister Vinoy Viswam at the Rashtra Seva Dal campus, Pune.  More than five hundred activists representing social movements from fifteen states are attending the convention. Various political and organisational issues will be discussed at length in the convention.

The statues of Savitri Bai Phule and Mahatma Jotiba Phule were garlanded by a representative group including Medha Patkar, Sister, Celia, Vidya Tai Bal, Shyamala Vanarase, Subhas Vare, Suresh Khopde, Nitin Pawar, B.D Sharma and others to mark the start of the convention. Mahatma Phule is a symbol of the legacy of social reforms, caste, gender, education and economic reforms.

Addressing the gathering, NAPM’s National Advisor Medha Patkar discussed the role of NAPM in transformative politics and developments in last two decades and underlined the contribution of people’s movements in resisting the neo liberal onslaught on the right of community over natural resources. She recalled how people have fought against coke plant in Plachimada and Enron in Maharashtra, which brought forth the need for community role in local planning.

Veteran educationist Anil Sadgopal delivered the keynote address and said that public land is being taken away in the name of education. Government Schools are being shut down in thousands so that private corporations can benefit.

Aruna Roy, eminent social activist known all over the world for her contribution to the Right to Information Movement and MNREGA and member of advisory committee of NAPM chaired the inaugural session and said that people’s movement should connect with the youth of the country and bring them to the leadership of movement like NAPM. She also remarked that Youth are being fooled in the name of Jobs but where are the Jobs?

A compendium “NAPM @ 20 : Alliance in struggle and reconstruction” illustrating the various struggles of people’s movement all across the country  was released by eminent tribal rights activist B.D Sharma.

Eminent supporter and activists of people’s movement namely BD Sharma, Bhai Vaidya, Pushpa Bhave, Samar Bagchi, Bhau Bhuskute, Vikas Amte, Vinoy Viswam,  Anna Hazare,(in Absentia) Justice Sacchar (in Absentia) were felicitated at the convention for their contribution in strengthening social movements.
The session started with songs and cultural programmes by Charul, Vinay (Loknad, Gujarat), Shakar (Odisha) and children of SalSabeel Green School (kerela). Various exhibitions and stalls reflecting the constructive side of various people’s movements were at display at the venue.

Activists discussed various issues confronting the nation. Fifteen thematic groups in parallel sessions were held on subjects ranging from Control Over Natural Resources and Community Rights, strengthening Secular Forces for communal Harmony, Electoral Reforms, Farmers and Workers in Agrarian Economy, Rights of unorganised sector workers, to Energy Crisis etc. Outcome of these sessions will be presented in Plenary session on 1st October.

A public meeting is scheduled in the evening on the topic of “Social Justice, Developmental Policy and Future of India”.  Former Minister of Kerela Benoy Biswam, social activists Dayamanyi Barla from Jharkhand, eminent socialist Yogendar Yadav, Pushpa Bhave, Srinivas Khandewal, Khaleel Deshmukh and Vilas Bhongade spoke on the occasion and Kamayani Swami, a trade union activist from Bihar moderated the session.


Medha Patkar – Narmada Bachao Andolan and the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM); Prafulla Samantara – Lok Shakti Abhiyan, NAPM, Odisha; Dr. Sunilam, Aradhna Bhargava – Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM, MP; Gautam Bandopadhyay – Nadi Ghati Morcha, NAPM, Chhattisgarh; Suniti SR, Suhas Kolhekar, Prasad Bagwe – NAPM, Maharashtra; Gabriel Dietrich, Geetha Ramakrishnan – Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN; C R Neelakandan – NAPM Kerala;Saraswati Kavula, P Chennaiah – NAPM Andhra Pradesh,  B S Rawat – Jan Sangharsh Vahini, Rajendra Ravi, Sunita Rani – NAPM, Delhi; Arundhati Dhuru, Richa Singh - NAPM, UP; Sister Celia – Domestic Workers Union, NAPM, Karnataka; Sumit Wanjale – Ghar Bachao, Ghar Banao Andolan, NAPM, Mumbai; Manish Gupta – Jan Kalyan Upbhokta Samiti, NAPM, UP; Vimal Bhai – Matu Jan sangathan, NAPM, Uttarakhand; Vilas Bhongade – Gosikhurd Prakalpgrast Sangharsh Samiti, NAPM, Maharashtra; Ramashray Singh – Ghatwar Adivasi Mahasabha, Jharkhand; Anand Mazhgaonkar, Krishnakant -Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat; Kamayani Swami, Ashish Ranjan – Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan, NAPM Bihar; Mahendra Yadav – Kosi Navnirman Manch, NAPM Bihar
For details contact : Madhuresh Kumar 9818905316 | email : napmindia@gmail.com




AAP minority wing public meeting on Saturday :

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The Aam Aadmi Party Minorities Wing (AAPMW) is organizing a public meeting in the memory of Sikhs who lost their lives in 1984 anti-Sikh riots, on Saturday (1 November) at 5 PM at DDA Market Jail Road, behind Fateh Nagar Bus Stop, Hari Nagar (West Delhi).
Former Delhi chief minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal will address the gathering along with several prominent activists and political figures associated with this movement.
The aim of the public meeting is to encourage the participation of citizens to secure justice for the victims and their families.
We invite you to attend the meeting and be part of our campaign to secure justice for the victims and their families.
(For more information regarding the meeting, please contact:  Gaurav Dixit, Media Prabhari, AAP Hari Nagar, Mobile No: 9990352467)




1984 riots : Delay to set-up SIT for probing the riots is shameful

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From: Media Cell AAP  Fri, 31 Oct ’14 4:27p
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Show full Headers
  • AAP demands the central govt should immediately notify a SIT to probe 1984 riots.
  • Rioters and conspirators of worst riots in national capital can’t roam freely
  • Victims and their families have been running for justice since three decades
  • AAP minority wing public meeting on Saturday to remind the Centre about the SIT

November 1 (Saturday) is recalled as one of the darkest days in the history of India’s capital. It was on this day, three decades ago that following the assassination of former Prime Minister, late Mrs Indira Gandhi, communal riots were triggered in Delhi and other parts of the country, in which the Sikh community was targeted by murderous mobs.
According to the Ahuja Committee Report, atleast 2733 persons were killed in Delhi alone in the anti-Sikh riots that began on November 1, 1984. It is shocking that even after 30 years, the rioters and those who conspired to instigate worst riots in the national capital have virtually escaped scot free.
On Thursday, the BJP’s central government has announced an additional compensation of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of the 1984 riot victims. This is a good step, but the harsh fact is that helpless families and relatives of riot victims have been endlessly waiting for justice.
The Aam Aadmi Party government of Delhi had recommended setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Delhi cabinet had sent its decision to the Lieutenant Governor on January 30. Nine months have passed and it is surprising that the decision is still pending.
The AAP demands that if the BJP and its allies are serious is providing justice to the 1984 riot victims, their central government must notify the SIT without any further delay.
There is huge resentment among the people of Delhi that innocent citizens were killed in broad daylight on the streets of the capital city, and the guilty are roaming unpunished. This has sent a wrong message to the society at large that criminals who commit large scale murders of innocents can go scot free.
A total of 587 FIRs were registered by the Delhi Police for the murders, arson and other offences committed during the riots. Even out of these 587 FIRs, 241 were closed by the police as untraced. Out of the cases which were closed, four cases were reopened and reinvestigated on the recommendations of the Nanavati Commission and the reinvestigation was conducted between 2006-2009.
Of these four cases, sufficient material to prosecute the guilty was found in three cases and chargesheets were filed in courts. It was revealed during the reinvestigation by the CBI that these cases had in fact been wrongly closed by the police and that it had been party in the cover-up as well as in the killings.

Given the background that 237 cases wrongly closed by the Delhi Police still remained untouched, following a representation by various organizations and individuals, including senior advocate Mr HS Phoolka, who has been fighting for the victims since decades, the AAP government had decided to set-up a SIT with the following terms of reference :
1) To re-investigate the FIRs pertaining to the 1984anti-Sikh riots, which have been closed as untraced.
2)  To register fresh FIRs, if any, which had not been registered pertaining to the incidents which occurred during the Riots of 1984.
3) To enquire into allegations of destruction of evidence, register appropriate cases and investigate the same.
4)  To finalize and file the chargesheets in courts wherever enough evidence is available, after following the due process of law.
It was proposed that the SIT be directed to complete the task within a period of two years.
The AAP government had proposed that the SIT should be headed by an officer of credibility from outside the Delhi Police, considering the fact that time and again the Commission of Enquiry and Courts have found active connivance of the Delhi police.

Regards
AAP Media Cell




Ex-Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson no more

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Ex-Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson passes away
Former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson, wanted in India in connection with the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which claimed over 3,000 lives in one of the world’s most lethal industrial accidents, has died in the US state of Florida aged 92.
Anderson, a Brooklyn carpenter’s son who ascended to the top of the Union Carbide Corporation, died on September 29 at a nursing home in Vero Beach, Florida but his death was not announced by his family and was confirmed from public records, the New York Times reported.The Indian government made multiple requests to extradite him, and officially labeled him a fugitive.A judge also called him an “absconder”.Anderson reached Bhopal four days after the accident, where he was immediately arrested.But after quickly paying bail, he never returned to face trial.
The Bhopal horror began around midnight on December 2-3, 1984, when a chemical reaction in a plant that made insecticides caused a leak of toxic gases that swept through the surrounding community.
The Madhya Pradesh government confirmed 3,787 deaths as a result.
Unofficial estimates said the death toll had exceeded 10,000.
More than a half-million people were injured, with many dying from illnesses including lung cancer, kidney failure and liver disease.
In 1989, Union Carbide paid USD 470 million to the Indian government to settle litigation stemming from the disaster.
“With the support of the United States government, he escaped extradition.
And he eluded subpoenas in civil cases by living quietly and migrating between his homes in Vero Beach, Greenwich, Connecticut and Bridgehampton, New York,” the Times said.




Devendra Fadnavis first BJP CM of Maharashtra

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Devendra Fadnavis sworn in as first BJP CM of Maha
Devendra Fadnavis was on Friday sworn in as Chief Minister of the first BJP govt in Maharashtra at a grand ceremony where Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray made a last-minute appearance, raising the possibility of a rapprochement between the saffron parties. Fadnavis, at 44, a fourth time MLA and the second Brahmin to occupy the top post in the state, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor C Vidyasagar Rao at the Wankhede Stadium in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, several Union ministers and veterans L K Advani and MM Joshi among others.
Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states including Vasundhara Raje (Rajasthan), Anandiben Patel (Gujarat), Manohar Parrikar (Goa), Raman Singh (Chhattisgarh) and Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana) and those governed by allies including Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) and Parkash Singh Badal (Punjab) also attended the event.
Top industrialists along with other eminent personalities, including from Bollywood, and Fadnavis’ banker wife Amruta were present at the packed venue when seven Cabinet Ministers and two Ministers of State also took oath.
Former ally Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party had decided to boycott the event citing “constant humiliation” by BJP ahead of government formation, attended the event along with his wife after a last-minute call by BJP President Amit Shah.
Thackeray’s presence indicated a possible rapprochement between the two estranged Hindutva parties which fell apart just ahead of the Assembly polls following failure of seat sharing talks.
All eyes were on Modi and Uddhav, who shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
With 121 BJP MLAs in a House of 288, Fadnavis is heading a minority government that has been asked to prove majority in two weeks.
Sharad Pawar’s NCP with 41 MLAs has already declared unconditional outside support to the new government.
Cabinet Ministers who were sworn in are Eknath Khadse, Sudhir Mungantiwar, Vinod Tawde, Pankaja Munde — all members of the BJP’s state Core Committee–, Prakash Mehta, Chandrakant Patil and Vishnu Savara.
The Ministers of State are Dilip Kamble and Vidya Thakur.
Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, M Venkaiah Naidu, Ravishanker Prasad, Prakash Javadekar and Radhamohan Singh were present on the occasion.
Fadnavis is only the second Brahmin Chief Minister after Shiv Sena’s Manohar Joshi in the state dominated by Maratha politicians.
Groomed in RSS tradition and handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis has become the 27th Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the 18th person to hold the post. He is the fourth politician from Vidarbha region to become CM.
He helmed the BJP in the state when it posted emphatic victories in Lok Sabha and state Assembly polls.
Uddhav Thackeray, who sat beside Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, remained silent and broody through the proceedings, but was seen smiling, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Modi after the ceremony got over.
“Uddhavji attended the swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis after BJP president Amit Shah called him up to extend invitation,” Sena MP Vinayak Raut said.
“Amit Shah also assured Uddhavji of a positive decision on participation of Shiv Sena in the new government and we are hopeful there will be a positive outcome when talks are held,” he said.
It was, however, not yet clear when talks between the two parties will resume to arrive at a mutually acceptable power-sharing arrangement.
Governor Rao has given Fadnavis 15 days from the day of being sworn in to prove his majority in the Assembly.
BJP’s strength in the House has come down to 121 after the death of its MLA Govind Rathod, but it has claimed support of all seven independents and some from smaller parties.
NCP has said it will abstain from voting during the floor test if Sena were to sit in the opposition.
This will help the Fadnavis government to sail through. However, taking 63-member Sena on board is still the best option available to Fadnavis to reach the magic figure of 145.




Standing Committee on Railways invites suggestions on Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2014

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Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways has invited suggestions/comments/views from the public, NGOs, experts and stakeholders on ‘The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2014 has been proposed to amend the Railways Act, 1989 and seeks to prevent the filing of larger number of duplicate cases of compensation claims in different benches of Railways Claims Tribunals and to exclude the liability of Railways in accidental falling from the ambit of untoward incident and categorise it separately.

The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee headed by Mr. Shri Dinesh Trivedi by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha.

All those interested in submitting written memoranda/suggestion to the Committee may send two copies of the same either in English or Hindi to: Additional Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No.618, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-110001. The same can be mailed on: comrail@sansad.nic.in and standingcommitteeonrailways@gmail.com.

The text of the Bill as introduced in the Lok Sabha is available on the web-link:http://164.100.24.219/BillsTexts/asintroduced/91_2014_En-LS.pdf

The memoranda/suggestions submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as Confidential and would enjoy the privileges of the Committee.

Those who wish to appear before the Committee, besides submitting Memoranda, may indicate so and the Committee’s decision in this regard shall be final.




BCCI slaps Rs 250 crore damages claim on WICB

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BCCI slaps Rs 250 crore damages claim on WICB
Left fuming by the West Indian cricketers’ mid-series pullout due to a pay dispute with their Board, the BCCI has slapped a damages claim to the tune of Rs 250 crore (USD 42 million) on the WICB.
West Indies cricket plunged into an unprecedented crisis following the decision of the team to not go ahead with the tour of India following the fourth ODI in Dharamsala and the BCCI’s damages claim could bring the bankrupt West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), which is going through its worst internal crisis, down to its knees.
“I have sent a letter to the WICB claiming damages to the tune of Rs 250 crore (USD 42 million). I have already sent them the letter demanding the compensation for pulling out of the bilateral series despite repeated requests and assurances of helping them out,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel told media persons on Saturday.
After the incomplete five-match ODI series, the visitors were scheduled to play in a one-off T20 match at Cuttack followed by Tests at Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. It has been learnt that the BCCI has given WICB about two weeks time to come up with a compensation plan failing which the Caribbean Board will have lawsuit.
“The BCCI calls upon the WICB to formally inform the BCCI, in writing, of the steps it intends to take to compensate the BCCI towards the losses quantified above as well as those losses yet to be quantified by the BCCI in relation to the cancelled WICB tour,” said the letter, signed by Patel.
It added: “In the event the BCCI does not receive such a proposal in acceptable terms, within a period of 15 days from receipt of this letter, please note that the BCCI has peremptorily instructed its attorneys to initiate steps for recovery of the losses by filing appropriate legal proceedings against the WICB in the appropriate Indian court and you may treat this notice as a formal demand in that regard.”
Patel has sent the letter to WICB president Dave Cameron.
Asked if the WICB, which is virtually bankrupt and is currently one of the poorest cricket boards among the Test playing nations, will be be able to cough up the humongous amount, Patel said, “This is not BCCI or my lookout to see how the WICB arranges the amount. They have to pay up the amount. Period.”

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