Viswanathan Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship
Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand has won the World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh. The former world champion remained unbeaten through the tournament and came back strongly to bag the top position on a tie-break after a three-way tie with Russians Vladimir Fedoseev and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points from a possible 15. The Chennai ace then defeated Fedoseev 2-0 in a two-game tie-break to win the trophy yesterday. The 48-year-old Anand has thus claimed his first rapid world title since 2003.
After winning the title Anand said he entered the tournament in a “pessimistic” frame of mind but managed to surprise himself and the world with an unbeaten campaign. He described the win against Norway’s world champion Magnus Carlsen as the crucial moment in the tournament.
President Ram Nath Kovind has congratulated Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes Anand an inspiration for all. He said the country is proud of Viswanathan Anand.
Anand’s erstwhile rival, Russian great Garry Kasparov, hailed his triumph on Twitter, saying congratulations to the man from the sixties on his World Rapid title.
President Ram Nath Kovind has congratulated Viswanathan Anand for winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Kovind said such determined pursuit of excellence across decades makes Anand an inspiration for all.
He said the country is proud of Viswanathan Anand. Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has also congratulated Viswanathan Anand on winning the World Rapid Chess Championship. In a tweet, Mr Rathore said, Anand tenacity, mental fortitude and never-give-up attitude is an inspiration to not just chess players, but all sports persons.
CAG Report on Ganga Rejuvenation, discouraging
PM Modi,constituency is the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, the clean-up of the Ganges one of his key campaign promises in the 2014 general election.The face lift, the quality of water are so poor that the spiritual bathing is impossible task.The parallel drains running of sewer along Ganga with meadows,rights green plants, adopting of latest technologies to clean the Ganga river,plan with paving path of river with dredging is still distant dream with neat and clean Ghats with modern amenities in spiritual cities.
Government spent nearly quarter of the funds available for a programme to clean up the Ganges river over the last two years, CAG audit has found, citing lapses in planning and financial management of a flagship scheme.
Government used 20% of earmarked for the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programme between April 2015 and March 2017, according to the report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Further CAG reports water quality in eight of ten towns surveyed along the Ganges did not meet outdoor bathing standards.
“The performance audit revealed deficiencies in financial management, planning, implementation and monitoring, which led to delays in achievement of milestones,” the auditor said in its 160-page report which was presented to parliament last week.
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG
MoF Jaitley:India is 2nd fastest growing major economy in 2017 in the world
MoF Arun Jaitley today said despite the slowdown in 2016-17, as per the IMF, India was the fastest growing major economy in 2016 and second fastest growing major economy in 2017 in the world.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Mr Jaitley said the government has taken various initiatives to boost the growth of the economy which include fillip to manufacturing, concrete measures for transport and power sectors as well as other urban and rural infrastructure and special package for textile industry.
The minister said government had also announced various measures in the budget 2017-18 to promote growth in the economy which among others, include push to infrastructure development by giving infrastructure status to affordable housing, higher allocation to highway construction and focus on coastal connectivity.
Mr Jaitley informed the House that the government has launched a phased programme for bank recapitalization. He said this entails infusion of capital to the public sector banks that is expected to encourage banks to enhance lending.
Mr Jaitley said the other growth promotion measures include lower income tax for companies with annual turnover up to 50 crore rupees and further measures to improve the ease of doing business and a major push to digital economy.
The minister stressed that the introduction of GST has provided a significant opportunity to improve growth momentum by reducing barriers to trade, business and related economic activities.
The government today said there is no official estimation of the quantum of black money in circulation in the country and the amount stashed outside the country.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, the government, however, has taken a number of activities for eradicating and forfeiting black money.
Mr Jaitley said under direct taxes laws, such actions include searches, surveys, assessment of income, levy of tax, penalty and filing of prosecution complaints before criminal courts, wherever applicable.
He said from April to December 15, this year 15522 millions of currency notes printed in the country while it was 29,043 million in 2016-17.
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UNSC denies international port access to four North Korean ships
UN Security Council has denied international port access to four North Korean ships suspected of carrying transported goods banned under international sanctions targeting Pyongyang.
Diplomats said, the ban of the four vessels was requested by the United States along with measures targeting ships registered in other countries. But China agreed only to target the four North Korean ships, diplomats said, as part of international efforts to curb Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programmes. One diplomat said, the procedure remains open to include other vessels in the future.
The list submitted by the US in December had also included ships flying flags from Belize, China, Hong Kong, Palau and Panama. In 2017, the Security Council has slapped three sets of sanctions on North Korea. Blocking suspected vessels from ports except in the case of humanitarian need, is provided for in the August resolution.
New York:Bronx apartment fire
New York, at least 12 people were killed and four critically injured when a fire tore through an apartment building in Bronx late last night.
Officials said the cause of the blaze was not immediately clear, but it began on the first floor and spread rapidly to the third floor. They said, four other people were critically injured and fighting for their lives.
Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters at the scene after the blaze was extinguished that there could be more casualties.
The fire-alarm fire broke out in the building in the city’s northernmost borough at around 7:00 pm on a bitterly cold night, with temperatures well below freezing.
George Weah win Liberia’s president election
George Weah has been announced as the winner of Liberia’s presidential run-off, beating Vice President Joseph Boakai in the first democratic transfer of power in decades following two devastating civil wars. Weah is set to replace incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who took over at the helm of Africa’s oldest republic in 2006.
My fellow Liberians, I deeply feel the emotion of all the nation. I measure the importance and the responsibility of the immense task which I embrace today. Change is on.
George Weah of Liberia joins Marshal Kim Jong-Un as second FIFA player of the year to become head of a national government.
The National Election Commission (NEC) said Weah had won an insurmountable 61.5 per cent of Tuesday’s vote, which was delayed several weeks after a legal challenge from Boakai. The NEC said that with 98.1 percent of all votes counted, Boakai had secured only 38.5 percent support.
Putin:Armed criminals to be liquidated
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that armed criminals could be liquidated on the spot. Speaking at a function in Moscow today, Mr Putin said, he had ordered the nation’s security services to act decisively and liquidate bandits on the spot if armed terrorists put up resistance. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters later that the Russian leader was referring to all those who harbour plans to carry out acts of terror in Russia.
Russian President said, yesterday’s blast that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket and injured 14 people was an act of
terror. Mr Putin’s 2015 decision to intervene in Syria militarily on
the side of Bashar al-Assad has made Russia a priority target
for the Islamic State terrorist group.
Russian President said, yesterday’s blast that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket and injured 14 people was an act of
terror. Mr Putin’s 2015 decision to intervene in Syria militarily on
the side of Bashar al-Assad has made Russia a priority target
for the Islamic State terrorist group.
Italy General Elections on 4March
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved Parliament as the country prepares for knife-edge general elections in March next year. The elections are scheduled to be held on March 4 and are expected to mark a new era of uncertainty for the country.
However, the next parliament could be left without a clear majority as the vote is predicted to be split between the right, centre-left and the populist Five Star movement. But instability is nothing new for the country that has seen 64 governments since 1946.
Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni is the third leader of the parliament that was elected in 2013. He is likely to stay in office until the creation of the new government following elections.
CMVijay rolls out his cabinet
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani allotted portfolios to the 19 newly inducted ministers last night.
AIR correspondent reports that an official list of portfolios was released after the cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar late last evening.
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel has been alloted Road and Building, Health, Medical Education while finance has been given to Saurabh Patel, who will also handle Energy.
Lone woman minister Vibhavariben Patel has been made MoS for Women and Child Development and Primary and Secondary Education.
Besides, many previous ministers have been given the same portfolios. The BJP government was sworn-in for the sixth time in Gujarat on Tuesday.
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill 2017
Saffron has made a mark in its history by adopting the bill to combat a social evil in society to mal- treat the wedlock partner in lurch after narrating three words order.
Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill 2017 making instant triple talaq illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband.
The bill introduced in the Lok Sabha yesterday, was passed after the House rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members.
Replying to a debate on the bill, Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad rejected opposition charge that the bill has been brought in a haste. He also ruled out any political motive behind the legislation.
Earlier moving the Bill, Mr Prasad had said the practice of triple talaq has been curbed and regulated even in many Islamic countries and a secular country like India will have to ensure justice to Muslim women.
While seeking the support of all parties for its passage, Mr Prasad said the bill should not be seen through an eye of religion, politics or vote bank.
The Law minister said the government has to bring a bill because the practice of instant triple talaq has continued despite the Supreme Court order terming it illegal.
He said the proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or ‘talaq-e-biddat’ and give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking subsistence allowance for herself and minor children. The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children.
Participating in the debate, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said, the bill has been brought to end the fear among the Muslim women folk from the constant threat in the name of talaq.
He said, the spirit of Quran does not only give women their right but more than that. He also questioned the credibility of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, saying who have given them authority to speak on behalf of the entire Muslim community.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill 2017 bill seeks to make instant triple talaq in any form spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp as bad or illegal and void.
According to the proposed law, giving instant talaq would attract the jail term of three years and a fine. It would be a non-bailable offence.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge while favouring the Bill said, enough time should be given to elicit public opinion on the subject and the Bill should be sent to standing committee to look into various aspects of the Bill.
Participating in the debate Sushmita Deb of Congress also urged that the Bill be sent to the Standing Committee of the House. She said the Bill has many lacunae which should be removed.
Ms Deb criticized the government for making civil offence a criminal act. She suggested a provision of corpus for providing maintenance to divorced Muslim women in case their husbands failed to give subsistence allowance.
Meenakshi Lekhi of BJP demanded codification of Sharia Law. She said Talaq-e-biddat is a customary practice which has nothing to do with any religion. Ms. Lekhi accused the opposition leaders of speaking the language of Personal Law Board.
She also made it clear that the proposed legislation is not against any existing law but it is an addition to them for the empowerment of Muslim women.
The bill will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for passage before it is forwarded to the President for signing it into law.
BJP President Amit Shah has congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire government for the successful passing of Triple Talaq Bill in the Lok Sabha.
In a tweet, Mr Shah said, this bill is a historic step towards ensuring dignity for Muslim women. He also thanked all Parliamentarians who have supported this bill, which will bring a new era of hope and respect in the lives of Muslim women.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar today appealed to all political parties in the Rajya Sabha to support the government to ensure the smooth passage of Triple Talaq bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday.
Talking to media outside Parliament, he said the government is in touch with the political parties in this regard. He said, everyone should help the government to end the age-old tradition of triple talaq in the country.
Mr Kumar said, the government wants the empowerment of Muslim women and give them equal rights in the society.
Mumba fire in Kamala Mills
Mumbai, at least 14 people were killed including ten women and about 20 injured in a massive fire in Kamala Mills Compound in Lower Parel locality.
BMC Control room has confirmed that the fire broke out after midnight in a pub on the third floor of the building on Senapati Bapat Road in Central Mumbai. The building houses commercial establishments including hotels.
The injured have been admitted to KEM, Bhatia and Airoli hospitals. Six fire tenders were rushed into service. AIR correspondent reports that according to fire Control department, the fire is now under control.
Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly: PM @narendramodi
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the incident of Kamala Mill compound blaze killing 14 people.
In his tweets today the Chief Minister said that he has directed the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the incident and take action against the erring officials.
Fire safety clearances and other permissions given to the pub and resto-bars in the Trade Centre building are now in question.
Mumbai Police have registered an FIR regarding the Kamala Mill fire tragedy.
Fourteen people including ten women died in the massive fire in a building in Kamala Mill compound in Lower Parel locality of central Mumbai area in the early hours today.
20 people who sustained injuries are admitted to KEM, Bhatia and Airoli burns hospitals.
Meanwhile, the KEM hospital officials have confirmed that the death in the tragedy was due to suffocation in the crammed place engulfed in smoke and fire. Two of the injured are in critical conditioned.
The broadcasts from two TV channels, TV NINE (Marathi and Hindi), operating from the premises of Trade Centre building and the adjacent buildings have been affected.
CAIT CONFEDERATION on agitation
28th December, 2017
The Confederation of All India Traders strongly condemn the silence being kept by political leadership of all shades on brutal sealing of shops which is uprooting the trade in Delhi. It is highly regretted that so far no steps have been taken by either Government to began talks with the traders who have been made scapegoat in this burning issue. The brunt of the failure of the Govt is being faced by the Government.
It is further unfortunate that both Govts and MCD are tight lipped over gross violation of MCD Act by MCD official himself as no notice is being served on traders. It is more unfortunate that even orders of Supreme Court for giving 48 hours notice is also being violated and no politician has courage to raise the voice.
If Government does not want trade to be conducted and developed in Delhi, the traders are prepared to shut down the shutters of the shops and willing to handover keys to Govt. The manner in which sealing is conducted and traders are humiliated is beyond tolerance. If things are not taken seriously by both the Govenmentd then once again Delhi can go on agitation as it was done in 2006 and 2007.
9 Families Rs.16,81,540 Cr Loans > All Farmers & MSMEs
December28, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
Fortune In500 reported Unbelievable Fact that just 9 Families in India had borrowed Rs.16,81,540 Cr which is much more thanAgriculture [Rs.9,81,000 Cr] and MSMEs [Rs.4,52,500 Cr]together.
These 9 Families report Rs.19,88,147 Cr Revenue – compared to Rs.75,02,274 Cr or 26.4% for all Fortune In500 Companies.Rest of Fortune In500 contribute 73.6% of Rev.
9 Families – India Wages 1% of GDP & Net Value Add 8% GDP
9 Families Adv 57% Credit – Contribute22% Rev in India [26.4%] and 21.24% of Fortune In500 Profits without Labor Arbitrage. [TCS, TM & TS + Have Foreign Revenue]
RBI latest credit data show that all Large Industry was advancedRs.21,46,600 Cr and entire Services credit was Rs.17,33,600 Crthis together add up to Rs.38,82,000 @ 75% of it advanced to Fortune In500 – Rs.29,11,500 Cr – but Borrowings of 9 Familiesare Rs.16,81,540 Cr – around 57% of the Bank Credit for Large Industry & Services Advanced to 9 Families only.
Net Profit contributed by 9 Families is Rs.1,26,291 Cr but even this includes TCS, Tech-Mahindra and L&T Infotech plus few more smaller IT Companies which contributes say Rs.30,000 Cr – [TCS Rs.26,289 Cr and Tech-Mahindra Rs.2,812 Cr] which are Labor Arbitrage – Rs.96,291 Cr or 21.24% of Fortune In500.
But most AMAZING – 9 Families had INVESTED Rs.6,68,421 Cr in other Companies or Business – $104b Families Venture Fund.
ü At Least Rs.10,00,000 Cr EXCESS BORROWINGS by 9 Families.
ü 8 Are Registered in Mumbai & One in Ahmedabad of 9 Families.
ü SEBI make direct 9 Families to Shed Equity through Public Auction – Max Equity Limit 10% for Capital Intensive Projects Steel, Power, Cement, 20% for Engineering Industries, 40% for High-Tech Industries.Generate Rs.20,00,000 Cr Resource.
ü CAG Investigation into Biggest Scams – Regular Monitoring.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857
Ravinder Singh* is a WIPO awarded inventor specializing in Power, Transportation,
Smart Cities, Water, Energy Saving, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technologies and Projects
