गोमती सफाई पर केंद्र सरकार और प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा खर्च

January 26, 2015 by sagarmedia

me

Jan 25 at 3:04 PM

यूपी की राजधानी लखनऊ के सिटी मॉन्टेसरी स्कूल राजाजीपुरम शाखा की कक्षा
8 की छात्रा 13 वर्षीय ऐश्वर्या पाराशर की एक आरटीआई ने गोमती सफाई पर
सरकारी दिखावों की पोल खोल दी है . Download original RTI reply from
http://aishwarya-parashar.blogspot.in/2015/01/blog-post.html
दरअसल ऐश्वर्या ने साल 2013 के 25 अक्टूबर को सूबे के मुख्यमंत्री
कार्यालय  में एक आरटीआई दायर करके उत्तर प्रदेश के गठन से अब  तक गोमती
सफाई पर  केंद्र सरकार और प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा खर्च किये  गए  रुपयों की
जानकारी माँगी थी .  ऐश्वर्या ने गोमती में  कूड़ा- कचरा डालने से रोकने
के लिए प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा किये  गए  आदेशों  की जानकारी भी माँगी थी .
हालाँकि आरटीआई एक्ट में 30 दिनों में ही सूचना देने की अनिवार्यता है पर
सरकारी उदासीनता के चलते यह सूचना उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड
द्वारा  लगभग  1 साल  2 महीने बाद ऐश्वर्या को दी  गयी  है. उत्तर
प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड  द्वारा ऐश्वर्या को दी  गयी सूचना से
गोमती सफाई पर  सरकारी दिखावों की पोल स्वतः ही खुल रही है.
ऐश्वर्या को दी  गयी सूचना में उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड  ने
स्वीकारा है कि चाहें केंद्र की सरकार हो  या  प्रदेश की सरकार,  किसी ने
भी  गोमती नदी की सफाई के लिए उत्तर प्रदेश के गठन से अब  तक एक रुपया भी
खर्च नहीं  किया है. उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड  ने  यह भी
स्वीकारा है कि उनके पास गोमती में  कूड़ा- कचरा डालने से रोकने के लिए
प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा किये  गए  आदेशों  की जानकारी नहीं है और ये जानकारी
लेने के  लिए  ऐश्वर्या  को नगर  विकास विभाग से संपर्क करने को कहा है.
उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड  द्वारा दी  गयी सूचना से व्यथित
ऐश्वर्या सबाल करती है  कि जब केंद्र की सरकार  और प्रदेश की सरकार ने
गोमती नदी की सफाई के लिए उत्तर प्रदेश के गठन से अब  तक एक रुपया भी
खर्च नहीं  किया है  और उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के पास
गोमती में  कूड़ा- कचरा डालने से रोकने के लिए प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा किये
गए  आदेशों  की जानकारी  ही  नहीं है  तो आखिर गोमती नदी की सफाई होगी
कैसे  ?
गौरतलब है कि देश में ‘आरटीआई बाली लड़की’ के नाम से विख्यात ऐश्वर्या महज
8 साल की  उम्र में अपनी आरटीआई से सिटी मॉन्टेसरी स्कूल राजाजीपुरम शाखा
के सामने  से  कूड़ाघर हटवाकर पब्लिक  लाइब्रेरी बनबा चुकी हैं.
बापू नहीं ‘राष्ट्रपिता’ ,हॉकी नहीं ‘राष्ट्रीय खेल’, 26 जनवरी (गणतंत्र
दिवस), 15 अगस्त (स्वतंत्रता दिवस) और 2 अक्टूबर (गांधी जयंती)  नहीं
‘राष्ट्रीय अवकाश’  जैसे  कड़वे सच अपनी बिभिन्न आरटीआई से देश के सामने
उजागर करने बाली इस ‘आरटीआई गर्ल’ ऐश्वर्या ने गोमती नदी की सफाई की अपनी
इस मुहिम में सभी नागरिकों से सोयी सरकारों को  जगाने में सहयोग की अपील
की है और आने  बाले 15 फरवरी रविवार को राजधानी लखनऊ में गांधी पार्क
हज़रतगंज क्रासिंग के पास हस्ताक्षर अभियान आरम्भ करने की घोषणा भी की है.
—
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-Sincerely Yours,
Urvashi Sharma
Secretary – YAISHWARYAJ SEVA SANSTHAAN
101,Narayan Tower, Opposite F block Idgah
Rajajipuram,Lucknow-226017,Uttar Pradesh,India
Contact 9369613513
Right to Information Helpline 8081898081
Helpline Against Corruption  9455553838

India celebrates 66th Republic Day

26 01 2015

In presence of Chief Guest Barack Obama, First lady of US Michelle Obama the meticulous planned Republic Day parade one of India’s prestigious pageant showcasing the multiple culture and discipline army bests actions. Chief Guest Barack Obama signaled thumps-up when he saw the Poster, “WE LOVE OBAMA”  at tableau and in crowd thus Thanks giving by people of India showed exemplary love to the leader.
India produced global best exhibition of its military prowess & cultural diversity showcased on Rajpath to mark Republic Day celebrations. However West Bengal was missing from today’s Republic Day parade.
Reports say that the central government rejected Bengal’s tableau theme, ‘Kanyashree’, which is a pet project of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
The rejection did not go down well with the Trinamool Congress as Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Kanyashree’ program is being projected as a major achievement of the Bengal government.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O Brien tweeted: ‘Bengal Tableaux for Republic Day depicting path-breaking Kanyashree initiative was not allowed.’
India celebrates its 66th Republic Day today with gaiety and enthusiasm. President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the national flag at Rajpath in the presence of Chief Guest Barack Obama, First lady of US Michelle Obama, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
After unfurling the tricolour, the National Anthem was played with 21-gun salute. The Republic Day ceremony commenced at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath. Before commencement of parade President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the highest peacetime gallantry Award Ashok Chakra posthumously to Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh and Major Mukund Varadarajan who laid their life during anti-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir .The award was received by the wives of the martyrs.Chief Guest of this year’s Republic day function US president Barack Obama arrived at Rajpath along with his wife Michelle Obama.
President Obama was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst thunderous applause. The inclement weather conditions failed to dampen the spirits of Delhites, who turned out in unprecedented numbers, to be part of the 66th Republic Day celebrations.
Obama is the first US president to be chief guest at the Republic Day and the first US president to visit India twice while in office.
This was followed by the President’s Bodyguards escorting President Pranab Mukherjee’s cavalcade down Raisina Hill marking the beginning of the 66th Republic Day Celebration.
Rajpath reverberated with the tunes of ” swagatam shubha swagatam,” as President’s cavalcade arrived escorted by the President’s Guards.
At sharp 10.10am, the Republic Day parade began from Vijay Chowk marching towards the saluting base on Rajpath, towards India Gate.
The parade was commanded by Lt. General Subroto Mitra, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area while Major General Abhay Krishna, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area was Second-in-Command.
India showed its military might on Rajpath. Surface-to-air missile system, weapon locating radar among DRDO equipment rolled down Rajpath.
The Brigade of the Guards, the Grenadiers, the Jat Regiment, the Sikh Regiment, the Kumaon Regiment, the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, 14 Gorkha Training Centre and the Territorial Army (Punjab) were the other marching contingents that took part in the Republic Day parade.
The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force.
With women’s Empowerment being the theme of this year’s parade, for the first time all-women’s contingent of the armed forces marched down the Rajpath. The parade displayed indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile ‘Akash’, multi barrel rocket launcher ‘Pinaka’, laser-guided missile capable T-90 Bheeshma tank, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II Sarath and T-72 with Trawl. The indigenously built stealth destroyer INS Kolkata was also displayed which was inducted in the Indian Navy in July last year.
The main attraction of the parade was sparkling show of air power, fascinating tableaux depicting the diverse culture and dance by colorfully dressed school children. 24 children who have been awarded with the National Bravery Award also participated in the parade.
A total of 25 tableaux participated in the parade,with 16 of them belonging to states and the union territories. A giant mechanised lion symbolic of Make in India policy, huge mock-up of Karnataka’s famed wooden toys, scale model of Sardar Patel’s Statue of Unity, bullet train and safety and education of girl child were some of the attractions.
Furthermore Reports of Republic Day celebrations are pouring in from different States and Union Territories across the country. Governors and Chief Ministers unfurled the national flag. The Governors also took salute at the march past by contingents of police and armed forces. Various cultural programmes and tableaux were presented to mark the celebrations.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the main function of Republic Day celebrations was held in the winter capital city of Jammu today. The function was organised at M.A. Stadium where the State Governor N.N.Vohra hoisted the Tricolour. In the Kashmir Valley, the Republic Day was also celebrated amidst unprecedented security arrangements. The function was held at Bakshi stadium, where Kashmir Divisional Commissioner unfurled the national flag. For the first time since 2005, the mobile phone and mobile Internet services were not disrupted in Kashmir Valley as part of the security drill for Republic Day celebrations.
In Leh in Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, Mr Rigzin Spalbar hoisted the national flag.
In Assam, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi unfurled the tricolor at Khanapara in Guwahati. Referring to the massacre of 23rd of last month in his speech, the Chief Minister said that violence will not solve any problem. Gogoi said that the government is committed to take strict action against the terrorists. He also appealed all militant groups to shun violence.
In Chhatisgarh, Governor Balramji Das Tandon unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the Republic Day parade held in state capital Raipur. AIR Correspondent has reported that Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the tri-colour at Maoist affected Bastar divisional headquarter Jagdalpur.
In Andhra Pradesh, Governor E.S.L Narasimhan paid tributes to Pingali Venkaiah, who had designed the national flag.
There are similar reports of Republic Day celebrations from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra and several other states.
Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh, the two army personnel who laid down their lives combating militants in Kashmir Valley, were today awarded posthumously the highest peacetime military honour, the Ashok Chakra, by President Pranab Mukherjee.
The awards were received by their wives at the 66th Republic Day celebrations. Both the army men laid down their lives while battling groups of militants in separate operations in Shopian and Kupwara districts of Kashmir.
Major Varadarajan, who was an officer in the Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army, killed three terrorists in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in April last while Naik Neeraj Singh leading a search operation in general area Gurdaji of Kupwara district in August came under heavy fire from terrorists.
Media agencies

Dainik Bhaskar

29 mins · 

पिता से जल्द आने का वादा करके भारत आईं थीं सोनिया, जानें अनजानी बातें...

http://www.bhaskar.com/…/RAJ-JAI-the-red-saree-most-famous-…

Naresh Kumar Sagar

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Indo-US Nuclear-Deal, Okay Dokey,

25 01 2015 

Indo-US Nuclear -Deal, Okay Dokey,

US withdraws tracking clause

United States and India have managed to overcome a standoff, which was preventing civil nuclear trade between the two countries, according to Indian media reports cited by Reuters. US President Barack Obama is currently in New Delhi for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reports say that America has dropped its demand to be able to track nuclear materials supplied to India, while differences concerning the liability of suppliers to India in the event of a nuclear accident have also been settled.

Obama at Hyderabad House lawns

PM’s Top Ministers Break for Lunch at Famous Dhaba

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now holding expanded delegation level talks. Earlier, both the leaders held restricted talks over lunch at Hyderabad house.
The US President was given a guard of honour with a 21 gun salute at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan soon after his arrival. Mr Obama was introduced to Indian cabinet Ministers and Senior Leaders there. Barack Obama said, he is grateful for the extraordinary hospitality which is a great honour for him. Accompanied by the First Lady Michelle Obama, Mr Obama arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit this morning. Breaking normal protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly received the United States President and the First Lady. President Obama’s National Security Council in a tweet said, Jai Hind. It said, Mr Obama is honored to be back in India to celebrate Republic Day and begin a new chapter in the US-India partnership.
Mr. Obama also visited Rajghat and laid wreath at the Samadhi of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and planted a sapling there.

Naresh Kumar Sagar

ModiObama to deepen defence & security cooperation 

India and the United States have decided to further deepen defence and security cooperation. The two countries also achieved a breakthrough on advancement of the civil nuclear deal. In his media statement after the delegation level talks with visiting US President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the two countries have agreed in-principle to pursue co-development and co-production of specific advanced defence projects. The Prime Minister said, this will help upgrade India's domestic defence industry and expand the manufacturing sector in India. Mr Modi said, the two countries will also explore cooperation in other areas of advanced defence technologies. He said, India and the US renewed Defence Framework Agreement and will deepen cooperation on maritime security.

Saying that terrorism remains a principal global threat, Mr Modi said, the two countries agreed to have a comprehensive global strategy to combat it. He said there should be no distinction between terrorist groups. He said, every country must fulfil its commitment to eliminate terrorist safe heavens and bring them to justice. Mr Modi said, India and the US will deepen bilateral security cooperation against terrorist groups and further enhance counter terrorism capabilities, including in the area of technology. The Prime Minister said, Mr Obama assured of strong US efforts in support of India's full membership of the four multilateral export control regimes at the earliest. Prime Minister Modi said, collaboration will be further deepen in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, health, education and skills.

 US President Barack Obama said deepening ties with India will remain a top foreign policy priority for his administration. He also thanked Prime Minister Modi for his continued efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon.">"Mera Pyar Bhara Namaskar (Greetings with love)," President Obama said as he addressed the media with PM Modi this afternoon.

He borrowed PM Modi's phrase as he said, "Thanks for hosting me at chai pe charcha. We need more of those at the White House."

After the meeting, officials announced a breakthrough in the nuclear deal stuck since 2008.
 Barack Obama was given a guard of honour with a 21 gun salute at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan soon after his arrival. Mr Obama was introduced to Indian Cabinet Ministers and Senior Leaders there. After inspecting the guard of honour and meeting the dignitaries, Barack Obama said, he is grateful for the extraordinary hospitality which is a great honour for him.

Greece's - snap general election

A legislative election will take place in Greece on 25 January 2015 to elect all 300 members to the Hellenic Parliament in accordance with the constitution. The election will be held earlier than scheduled due to the failure of the Greek parliament to elect a new president on 29 December 2014.
 Greece voting on an election likely to bring in a government led by the left-wing Syriza party, which has promised to take on international lenders and roll back painful austerity measures imposed during years of economic crisis.The victory for Syriza, led opinion polls for months, would produce the first government in the eurozone openly committed to cancelling the austerity terms of its EU and IMF-backed bailout programme.
Greece has endured tough budget cuts in return for its bailout, negotiated with the European Union, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and European Central Bank (ECB).
The economy has shrunk drastically since the 2008 global financial crisis, and increasing unemployment has thrown many Greeks into poverty.

A Syriza win is turning point for Europe after last week's announcement by the European Central Bank of a massive injection of cash into the bloc's flagging economy after years of trying to clamp down on budgets and pushing countries to pass structural reforms.

Polls are due to close at 1700GMT with the first exit poll expected immediately after voting ends.
Greeks 9.8 millions are registered to vote in the election.

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Ministry Of Railways posted a Resource

Addressing VIP Quota/Culture - Whitepaper

Dear Railway Circle Members:

Thanks for everyone's inputs on the various aspects of VIP Quota/Culture in Railways. The whitepaper is available at:

http://tinyurl.com/Emergency-VIP-Quota
... More>>

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Naresh Sagar

Regarding VIP quota the commuter must not suffer on any account and the VIP quota if not availed must come to... More>>

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Nazmul Hasan

What is VIP when they are Jan Sweak

1 hour(s) ago

SAMPATH KRISHNASWAMY (president, ordnance factories pensioners association)

Vip quota's are finalisid inthe last minute It is wellknown that railway unions play a bigrole in managing the so called vip... More>>

16 minute(s) ago

Lungu wins Zambia presidential election

January 25, 2015 by sagarmedia

25 01 2015

Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu of the Patriotic Front won by a 48.3%, as per latest update released by Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Justice Ireen Mambilima at 23 Hours using 111 consolidated constituency results, PF’s Edgar Lungu is still reducing with 670,397 representing 48.87 percent of the vote.
Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND is close in second place with 641,343 representing 46.75 percent of the vote.
Edith Nawakwi of the FDD has leapfrogged Dr Nevers Mumba of the MMD to occupy third position with 11,260 representing 0.82 percent of the vote.
Media agencies

Across Globe

25 01 2015

Thousands of Yemenis protest against Houthi rebels

About 20,000 mostly Sunni Yemenis marched through capital Sanaa in protest against the Shia Houthi rebels, who have controlled the capital of the Middle Eastern country since September last year. As well as chanting anti-Houthi slogans, the crowd denounced their alleged backers – Iran and Al Qaeda. The demonstrators converged outside the house of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who was forced to resign earlier this week, after being placed under virtual house arrest by the rebels.

Ukrainian Court prolongs arrest of anti-Maidan protesters in Odessa fire case

A court in Odessa, southern Ukraine, has prolonged the arrests of 21 people probed in anti-Maidan protests in the city last May by two months. The detained are accused of instigating mass clashes between the supporters of new authorities in Kiev and their opponents. According to the Court, the suspects could affect the investigation if released. Ten of them are being kept in prison and eleven more are being held under house arrest.

Spanish police arrest 4 suspected

Spain’s police have arrested four people in Ceuta, in the Spanish area in Northern Africa bordering with Morrocco, who are suspected of belonging to a militant Islamist group capable of plotting an attack in the country. According to Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz, they are two pairs of brothers, highly radicalized and highly trained. El Pais newspaper reports one of them posted a video online urging others to wage jihad. Spain stepped up its security after the terror attacks in Paris. Earlier, the national police and Moroccan police arrested seven people in a joint operation to prevent recruitment of people to join militants in Syria.

Obama departs India early to visit mourning Saudi Arabia

President Barack Obama will cut short a formal visit on Tuesday to India and head to Riyadh to pay respects following the death of King Abdullah, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement. Obama, together with the First Lady, will meet the new King Salman. Vice President Joe Biden, previously scheduled to make the trip to Saudi Arabia, “will remain in Washington” the statement said. The Saudi king’s funeral was held early Friday in accordance with Islamic tradition, and the kingdom will remain in mourning for three days. The sudden change of plans means Obama will miss a visit to the Taj Mahal, Pradeep Bhatnagar, a leading state official based in the city of Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located, told The Associated Press.

Indonesian search fuselage of crashed AirAsia flight

Four more bodies were recovered and an operation was begun to raise the fuselage of the AirAsia Flight 8501 wreckage from the bottom of the Java Sea on Saturday. The start of the operation comes a day after recovery crews were able to enter the main section of the plane, which crashed on December 28. Bad weather prevented them from entering it earlier in January when it was first spotted. “We have begun the operation today to lift the main body and we hope we can float it today,” one official with the rescue agency told AFP. The authorities blame bad weather on the crash, which took place on a short flight from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore. It has also been established this week that shortly before the plunge, the plane had started a climb at an abnormally high speed. The tragedy claimed 162 lives.

Modi-Obama’s Joint Radio Address special with MyGov

25 01 2015

Having trouble reading this email? View it on your mobile and web browser

Let us make PM Narendra Modi and President Obama’s Joint Radio Address special with MyGov This month’s Mann Ki Baat Radio Programme will be a memorable one as our Republic Day Guest President Barack Obama will join Prime Minister Narendra Modi and share their thoughts together. MyGov gives you the unique opportunity to share your questions for the radio programme which will be aired on 27th January. Post your questions to the Open Forum on MyGov by 25th January and be a part of this momentous address. Click here Connect with the PM Interact with the PM National Portal of India OGD Platform India

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This message was sent to nksagar_1@yahoo.com from MyGov through

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Categories : Business

Chikkarangappa, Angad Cheema & Abhijit Singh Chadha earn their maiden Asian Tour cards

25 01 2015

Himmat Singh Rai regains his card
Hua Hin, Thailand, January 24, 2015: Indian youngsters Chikkarangappa, Angad Cheema and Abhijit Singh Chadha finished inside the top-40 after the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage and thus earned their maiden Asian Tour cards. Himmat Singh Rai, a former winner on the Asian Tour, also regained his card after finishing inside the top-40.

Chikkarangappa (66-66-76-68), a winner on the Asian Development Tour in 2014, finished as the highest-placed Indian at the event as he claimed fourth position at nine-under-276. The Bangalorean, who shot a creditable three-under-68 on Saturday, finished six shots behind the winner Daniel Chopra of Sweden.
Chikka, who finished second on the PGTI';s Rolex Rankings in 2013 and 2014, made four birdies and a bogey in his final round.
Chandigarh lad Angad Cheema (69-71-68-72) earned his place in Asia';s premier tour after a tied 12th finish at five-under-280 along with Delhi-based Himmat Singh Rai (70-67-71-72)
Abhijit Singh Chadha (71-69-73-71), another Chandigarh golfer, also managed to progress to the Asian Tour thanks to his tied 37th finish at one-under-284. The top 47 players earned their full cards for the 2015 Asian Tour season as 11 players were in tied 37th after the final round.

Interestingly, India';s three new entrants on the Asian Tour, Chikka, Cheema and Chadha, are all below the age of 25. The three golfers are also tournament winners on the PGTI.

The three Indians who finished outside the top-40 and thus missed their cards were Amardip Sinh Malik (two-over-287) in tied 62nd place, Khalin Joshi (four-over-289) in tied 77th and C Muniyappa (five-over-290) in tied 84th place.

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Categories : sports

Welcomed President Barack Obama & Michelle Obama to India.

25 01 2015

Narendra Modi

 

Welcomed President Barack Obama & Michelle Obama to India.
With a break to protocol, US President & First lady was greeted at the airport by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.PM Modi receives US President Barack Obama with a warm hug at the Palam airport a pleasing moment. by Nks

Naresh Kumar Sagar

NDTV

 

PM ‪#‎Modi‬ Greets ‪#‎Obama‬ With Hug
Watch full video: http://goo.gl/v9CQaf
‪#‎NamastePOTUS‬

00:20

Naresh Kumar Sagar

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Categories : Politics, world News

Hollande ask corporate leaders to join global fight against terror

24 01 2015

Hollande ask corporate leaders to join global fight against terror

Jan 24
Calling for a shared response against extremism, French President Francois Hollande on Friday asked corporate leaders to join the global fight against terror. He also urged the international community to resolve existing conflicts.
Addressing participants at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet, weeks after his country witnessed one of the worst terror attacks, Hollande said there should be a shared response by both governments and businesses to terrorism. Hollande said, corporate leaders are the lifeblood of the economic world. He asked the biggest bosses of companies around the world, not only to be watchful but to also get involved. Hollande called on the financial system to ensure that the sources of financing for terrorists are dried up.
The French leader also urged “major digital corporations to play their role, to identify illegal content and to make them inaccessible and to establish clear rules, because they are also stakeholders”. The corporate world cannot have prosperity without security. According to him, the international community needs to do more to resolve existing conflicts and stabilise simmering global hotspots.
“Every time the world lets a conflict linger, terrorism flourishes. France will always be present. Whenever it can act, it will,” Hollande said.

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Categories : world News

President Obama leaves for New Delhi today

24 01 2015

Jan 24
US President Barack Obama will leave for a three-day trip to India later today.  White House said that Obama will be accompanied by the First Lady Michelle Obama, and a delegation that will include several top officials. He is expected to touch down in Delhi at 10 am tomorrow at the Air Force Station, Palam.
On his arrival, the US President will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thereafter, he will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat and participate in a tree planting event there.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, in the afternoon, Obama will join Modi for a restricted working lunch at the Hyderabad House, after which the two leaders will have a delegation level meeting.
Later in the evening, Obama is scheduled to meet embassy personnel and families. He will then drive down to the Rashtrapati Bhawan to attend the state dinner with Mr Pranab Mukherjee.
On Monday, the US President will participate in the Republic Day celebrations with the First Lady. In the afternoon, Obama and Modi will participate in a CEO forum round table and deliver remarks at a US-India Business Summit.
On Tuesday, Modi and Obama will jointly address the nation from All India Radio in the programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The US President will also give an address at the Siri Fort Auditorium.

NBC News

 

Obama will skip the Taj Mahal and fly to Saudi Arabia to pay respects to its new king.

Obama Cuts Short India Trip to Visit Mourning Saudi Arabia

President Barack Obama and the First Lady will travel to Saudi Arabia to pay respects following the death of King Abdullah, the White House said.

nbcnews.to

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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, world News

Ravinder Tavel wins PGTI Qualifying School 2015

24 01 2015

Ravinder Tavel wins PGTI Qualifying School 2015 after playoff victory over Trishul Chinappa

Thirty-eight players earn full cards for 2015 season

Eagleton – The Golf Resort, Bangalore, January 23, 2015: Ravinder Tavel (69-72-69-70) of Chandimandir, Haryana, prevailed in a playoff against Bangalore’s Trishul Chinappa (75-69-69-67) to win the PGTI’s Final Qualifying Stage for the 2015 season being held at Eagleton – The Golf Resort near Bangalore. Tavel defeated Chinappa on the second playoff hole after the two golfers ended the regulation 72 holes with matching totals of eight-under-280.

At the end of round four, the top 38 players earned their cards for the 2015 PGTI season as five players were tied in 34^th place at seven-over-295.

Ravinder Tavel, who started the day two shots off the lead in joint second, emerged a major contender for the title after a solid front-nine where he made three birdies and a lone bogey. The 21-year-old from the SEPTA Golf Course in Chandimandir, a town on the outskirts of Chandigarh, then had a mixed back-nine as he made three birdies and an equal number of bogeys. Tavel finally sealed the affair against Trishul Chinappa, who shot the day’s best of 67, on the second playoff hole. Ravinder sank a seven feet par putt to win the event even as Chinappa missed a short par putt.

Tavel, who played his first full season on the PGTI in 2014, said, “I had a good start with some long conversions on the front-nine. However, the back-nine wasn’t that great as I missed some short putts to drop bogeys. I was quite confident going into the playoff even though Trishul had shot a much better score than me in regulation play. I held my nerve to hole a tricky par putt on the second playoff hole to seal the win.”

He added, “I’m delighted with this effort. It gives me the self-belief to do well in the 2015 PGTI season. Now that I’m in the top 100 of the tour, I will get more playing opportunities and can thus improve my game. I’ve worked really hard to get here. I would like to thank my coach Mr. Rampal for helping me with my game and Maj. Gen. Jagmohan Singh Sidhu and Col. Alok Sood for supporting me when I needed it the most.”

Udayan Mane of the Eagleton Golf Resort, Bangalore, finished third at seven-under-281.

Chandigarh’s K Raghav Bhandari and Delhi’s Anirudh Goyal shared fourth place at three-under-285.

Delhi golfer Siddharth Semwal, who fired a 68 on Friday, claimed sixth place at one-under-287.

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Categories : sports

Debate on the proposed 6000 MW Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant

24 01 2015

Press Release: We want fair and open discussion on the proposed 6000 MW Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant before taking any decision on the project – Open Letter sent to Narendra Modi & Barack Obama by Sarpanches of affected villages
From: napm india  Sat, 24 Jan ’15 8:54a
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
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Let us have fair and open discussion on the proposed 6000 MW Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant before taking any decision on the project – Open Letter sent to Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India & Mr. Barack Obama, President of USA by the Sarpanches of Mithi Virdi, Jaspara, Mandva and Khadarpar.
On 23 January 2015 one day fast observed against Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant by more than 300 villagers.
Fax & Email
Date: 22 January 2015
To,
Mr. Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi
Mr. Barack Obama
The President of United State of America
The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
Subject: Need for public discussion and debate on the proposed 6000 MW Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant
Dear Sirs,
We are the villagers of the Mithi Virdi area of District Bhavnagar, Gujarat State, where the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), a Government of India company, seeks to install six 1000 MW (AP 1000) nuclear reactors with the joint support of the American company, Westinghouse Electric Corporation. We wish to put on record our viewpoint regarding this proposed nuclear power plant.
We are deeply concerned that NPCIL has nominated an environmental consulting firm (Engineers India Limited) lacking necessary accreditation to conduct the environmental impact assessment for Nuclear Power Plants. In fact, no agency in India is accredited to assess nuclear power projects by the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training.
In all, 152 villages with a population of more than 200,000 in 30 km radius of the proposed nuclear power plant will be “adversely affected” by the project. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture. The rich alluvial soil here supports crops like groundnut, wheat, bajra, and cotton, and fruits like mango, chikoos and coconut. The area also grows and supplies vegetables like onion, brinjal, gourd, tomatoes, and drumsticks on a regular basis to other parts of the state, and the climate and the soil are suitable for cashew nuts. This rich agriculture is threatened by the proposed nuclear plant. Moreover, the site of the project is about 5 km from top lignite mining site, while Asia’s biggest ship-breaking yard Alang is only a stones throw away, posing additional threats to public safety.
Moreover, the governing leadership of the village does not sanction this plant. On 9 March 2013 the gram Panchayats of four most-affected villages – Jaspara, Mithi Virdi, Mandva, and Khadarpar – passed a resolution declaring the entire Mithi Virdi-Jaspara region as nuclear free zone. Yet, a state official (Taluka Development Officer) unconstitutionally ordered the elected village head (Sarpanch) of Jaspara to grant approval for the state government transfer of forest land to the NPCIL in a letter dated July 15, 2013.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has asked NPCIL to “revise” and “resubmit” its Environment Impact Assessment report of the project, as it lacks clarity on a large number of issues. The panel, simultaneously, criticized the NPCIL for a three year delay in the proposal for environmental clearance following “site clearance” of the project by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, and noted key coastal regulatory clearances to be missing.
Pointing towards major shortcomings in the environment impact report, the Ministry of Environment and Forests noted: the absence of “base-line radioactivity data for milk samples;” the absence of the “impact of two hills near the site on atmospheric dispersion;” only eight water samples were collected and the need to “collect data for three seasons and submit;” the location of the Near Surface Disposal Facilities (NSDF) for radioactive waste was not clear; unclear “impact on land and groundwater;” absence of current status and a detailed study of “effect of historical tsunamis;” and no copy of the no-objection certificate (NOC) from the state irrigation department “since the project is located in a command area”.
This casual approach to clearing a Nuclear Power Plant can lead to a major Nuclear disaster. Agriculture forms the backbone for human survival, and this project strikes on a very important asset of our country – the prime agricultural lands.
It is not that we are against electricity generation. But no serious thought has been given to the available sustainable alternatives for electricity generation. The solar and wind power have equal and more sustainable potential to produce electricity and that too in a decentralised manner.
Keeping in mind above facts to reiterate again, the said agency, the EIL does not have necessary accreditation to conduct EIA for Nuclear Power Plants and also other anomalies bear serious reconsideration, therefore demand the following:

1. The concerned authority should immediately reject the present EIA of Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant of NPCIL prepared by EIL.
2. Let us have fair and open discussion on the proposed 6000 MW Mithi Virdi Nuclear Power Plant Project before taking any decision on the project.
3. Consider other environmentally sustainable and non-hazardous technologies for electricity production, which can co-exist without disturbing the agricultural livelihoods.

We request you to give us date and time to explain in detail our above-mentioned points and other related points in the interest of justice.
Expecting your positive response.
Yours Faithfully,
Shaktisinh H. Gohil – Sarpanch, Jaspara village
Samuben Hirabhai Dabhi – Sarpanch, Mithi Virdi village
Vilasba Dharmendrasinh Gohil – Sarpanch, Mandva village
Pruthvirajsinh.M. Gohil – Sarpanch, Khadarpar village

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Categories : Energy, Environment, Law, Legal, Media, Opinion, Politics, Science

Hollande ask corporate leaders to join global fight against terror

Jan 24
Calling for a shared response against extremism, French President Francois Hollande on Friday asked corporate leaders to join the global fight against terror. He also urged the international community to resolve existing conflicts.

Addressing participants at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet, weeks after his country witnessed one of the worst terror attacks, Hollande said there should be a shared response by both governments and businesses to terrorism. Hollande said, corporate leaders are the lifeblood of the economic world. He asked the biggest bosses of companies around the world, not only to be watchful but to also get involved. Hollande called on the financial system to ensure that the sources of financing for terrorists are dried up.

The French leader also urged "major digital corporations to play their role, to identify illegal content and to make them inaccessible and to establish clear rules, because they are also stakeholders". The corporate world cannot have prosperity without security. According to him, the international community needs to do more to resolve existing conflicts and stabilise simmering global hotspots.

"Every time the world lets a conflict linger, terrorism flourishes. France will always be present. Whenever it can act, it will," Hollande said.

Today at 12:42 PM

Bedi, Modi, Raghuram, Jaitley Conductors Not Drivers of India
January24, 2015 (C) Ravinder Singh ravinderinvent@gmail.com

Kiran Bedi dullard grade Worse Than Shiela Dikshit made most STUPID
comments already ‘No Water Power Subsidy, Like Pick Pocket of One &
Pay Other.’ You can’t be charging same Tariff for Low Average Use and
High Consumption. Several petitions were made since 2002 to Lt.
Governor – A Domestic Consumer consuming 200 units a month consumes
electricity 24x365 hour basis but Shops / Commercial Establishments
operating 8AM to 9PM including unauthorized use. Rich consumers too
have Huge Geyser and AC Loads which is seasonal and operated at PEAK
LOAD – when ‘Electricity is Traded at Highest Rate’ whereas Small
Domestic Consumers use power when ‘Traded Rate is Lowest or Even
Free’.

What is the Logic of Charging High Rate for Contaminated Hard
Tube-well Water Supplied at Zero Pressure; Consumers had to install
Storage Tanks, Separate Plumbing, Booster Pumps and Water Treatment
Units – can be supplied free?

Just 2% electorate voted for AAP because Kejriwal didn’t disclose
AAP’s economic agenda which is a total mystery, like Congress and BJP.
Many of his comments are as foolish as that of BJP and Congress. Had
he pledged ‘Say 50% More Tax Collection’ and Promised Free Education &
Healthcare To Families Earning Less Than Rs.20,000 per month, improved
public services’ would have won clear majority in state assembly, 20%
Votes over 100 seats in Lok Sabha.

But to make India Truly Great ‘Sabka Bharat Mission 2019’ is absolute
must. Kejriwal is better qualified to deliver Basic Services than
Kiran Bedi.

Shanti Bhushan has ‘Unfairly equated Kejriwal and Bedi’. Kejriwal may
not be Volvo Driver to smoothly run nations economy or Airliner Pilot
to take India in to the Cloud of developed countries but Bedi, Modi,
Raghuram and Jaitley are like DTC Bus Conductors their job is to issue
tickets and blow whistle to Start or Stop the bus in Indian Economy.
Jaitley has Advocated FOOD SUBSIDY CUT to Poor.

Inventors, Engineers, Farmers, Workers, Doctors, Architects and
Managers are DRIVERS; Moneylenders, Traders, Bankers, Investors,
Businessmen etc are CONDUCTORS of Economy.

Inventors, Engineers, Farmers, Workers, Doctors, Architects and
Factory Managers Generate GDP of India.

Bedi, Modi, Raghuram and Jaitley don’t understand a thing are RUBBER
STAMPS are MISLED and are INCAPABLE OF TAKING PERFECT AND INDEPENDENT
DECISIONS.

Kejriwal may be HALF GOOD but Bedi, Modi, Raghuram and Jaitley are not
even 10% Good and make 90% Bad Decisions on Wrong Advise.

Indian economy in DEEP CRISIS needs INVENTOR LED PERFECT GOVERNMENT.

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, India. Ph; 091- 9718280435, 9650421857

With Rahul Gandhi: Today is National Girl Child Day

24 01 2015

 

 With RG

Today is National Girl Child Day and let’s vow to fight against all prejudices that the girl child faces from womb to world.

‪#‎SaveGirlChild‬

Naresh Kumar Sagar

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Categories : Business, CSR, culture, Education, election

BCCI issues ultimatum to WICB

24 01 2015

Jan 24,
The BCCI has issued an ultimatum to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) demanding it to furnish around 42 million US dollars damages caused by the Caribbean team’s mid-tour pull-out last year. In a fresh letter to WICB, the BCCI has demanded that the compensation be paid at the earliest. The Indian Board has threatened legal action in case the WICB fails to respond to the letter within a week.
The West Indian team had pulled out of the tour of India last year owing to a pay dispute with its Board. It had forced the hosts to arrange a series against Sri Lanka at the eleventh hour.

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Categories : Business, Legal, Media, sports

FM hints at not raising tax rates

24 01 2015

  FM  providing incentives to manufacturing sector in budget

Jan 24
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has hinted at not raising tax rates and providing incentives to manufacturing sector in the coming budget. He promised a stable tax regime that will not come up with unreasonable demand and charge taxes retrospectively.
Mr. Jaitley was addressing a session on ‘India’s Next Decade’ at the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday. The Finance Minister said, he is not in favour of raising the rates of taxation as that could become counter productive. While referring to various revenue sources, Mr. Jaitley said, as economic activities picks up the government capacity to raise revenue will also increase.
Talking about subsidies, he said a scheme has now been started under which leakages will be plugged in the first place. Mr. Jaitley said, there is a need to take a series of reforms as the last 10 years got lost because of unnecessary debates.

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Categories : Business, Finnance, Funds

Terrorists operating with impunity in Pakistan: US

24 01 2015

Jan 24
The White House on Friday said, a number of terror groups are functioning with impunity in parts of Pakistan. It stated that the US values counter-terrorism co-operation with India.
Hours before President Barack Obama’s departure to India, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest expressed concern over the continued presence of terror safe havens in Pakistan even though the Pakistan Army has taken steps against them in recent months.

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Categories : Media, Politics

India’s foreign exchange reserves hit all-time high at $322.14 billion

24 01 2015

Jan 24
India’s foreign exchange reserves touched an all time high of 322.135 billion US Dollars for the week ended January 16. RBI data shows that the reserves jumped by 2.66 billion US Dollars to reach 322.135 billion dollars during the week. Strong FII inflows and reduction in import burden due to a record fall in oil prices have led to accumulation of the record forex reserves.
Ever since the Narendra Modi government came to power in May-end, foreign funds had been pumping more and more dollars into Indian equities. According to the data, overseas investors have pumped in 3,442.29 million US Dollars into Indian market markets in this month so far. Analysts also attributed the rise in the reserves to the likely buying of dollars by the RBI.

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Categories : Business, Finnance

UP Legislative Council biennial polls SP wins 8 seats

24 01 2015

Jan 24,
​  Uttar Pradesh, the ruling Samajwadi Party has strengthened its position in Vidhan Parishad as it won eight out of 12 seats of UP Legislative Council biennial polls in Lucknow yesterday. The Bahujan Samaj Party secured three seats while BJP could get only one. The Congress had supported the Samajwadi Party candidate and RLD had extended support to BSP. Those prominent among winning candidates are Ahamad Hasan and Ashok Bajpai of SP and Nasimuddin Siddiqui of BSP. Congress did not field any candidate.
​ The Bharatiya Janata Party suffered another setback yesterday when its second candidate was defeated in the Vidhan Parishad elections. BJP had also to suffer drubbing in recent Cantonment Board polls in Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Bareilly and Mathura which were held barely eight months after the party had scored a landslide victory bagging 71 of the 80 seats in UP in the May 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile the ruling Samajwadi Party is bubbling with enthusiasm as it has come out as a clear winner in Vidhan Parishad polls.

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Categories : election

News across globe

24 01 2015

Russia bans 5 Ukrainian radical groups, including Right Sector

Russia’s Supreme Court ruled to ban the activities of five Ukrainian radical organizations on Russia’s territory, according to a Ministry of Justice published on Friday. Among them are Pravy Sektor (Right Sector) , UNA-UNSO, Bratstvo, as well as the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Stepan Bandera union Tryzub. In July last year the International Criminal Police Organization put Right Sector leader Dmitry Yarosh on its wanted list. Right Sector was formed as a coalition of nationalist and neo-Nazi organizations during the Maidan protests in Kiev at the end of 2013.

18:35

French charity worker kidnapped in CAR released

A French charity worker who was abducted in the Central African Republic (CAR) has been released and is in good health, the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in statement Friday, Reuters reports. The 67-year old woman had been working for a charity providing health and education support to villages in the country.

Activists claim at least 32 killed by Syrian air strike near Damascus

Activists say a Syrian government air strike in a suburb of the capital has killed at least 32 people and wounded many others, AP reported, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The air raid occurred after Friday prayers in the Damascus suburb of Hamouriyeh, striking an area near a popular market, according to one witness. The Local Coordination Committees said the air strike hit people leaving a mosque, killing 35.

NATO’s Stoltenberg ready to meet Russian FM Lavrov in February

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said he is ready to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov next month in Munich. He cited a “substantial increase in Russian heavy equipment” in eastern Ukraine, Reuters reported. Moscow denies sending troops to Ukraine. Stoltenberg also said the alliance was considering a request from Iraq to help “enhance their defense capacity” to fight the Islamic State.

Egyptian student killed in clash

An Egyptian student was killed on Friday during clashes between Muslim Brotherhood protesters and local residents in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, Reuters reported. The Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the outlawed Brotherhood, identified the dead woman as 17-year-old Sondos Rida Abu Bakr. The student was shot dead by security forces during a demonstration, according to the party. Several people were wounded on Friday in clashes between protesters and local residents in the city, a security official said, who denied that security forces had opened fire to disperse demonstrators.

Leader of Libya’s Ansar al-Sharia dies of wounds – reports

Mohamed al-Zahawi, leader of the Libyan Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia, has died from wounds suffered when fighting pro-government troops several months ago, Reuters said. Zahawi founded an Ansar al-Sharia brigade in Benghazi after helping with his fighters to oust Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. He had been in hospital for treatment since he was seriously wounded in battle, his family said.

Miss Lebanon won’t be stripped of title over Israel selfie

Saly Greige, Miss Lebanon, won’t be stripped of her title or be punished over a selfie with Miss Israel during a Miss Universe event in Miami, the Daily Star quoted Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon as saying on Friday. “According to the information we obtained, Miss Lebanon didn’t have bad intentions,” Pharaon said. “Miss Lebanon has been the subject of a racist and random campaign,” Pharaon added. Greige said that Miss Israel photobombed a picture she was taking with Miss Slovenia and Miss Japan, and later posted it on social media.

Mubarak sons free by Egypt court order

Two sons of Egypt’s ousted President Hosni Mubarak were freed from prison early on Friday pending a graft retrial, AFP said. Alaa and Gamal Mubarak left jail after a court ordered their release because they had served the maximum pretrial detention. The charges included embezzling at least $16 million earmarked for the maintenance of presidential palaces. The retrial of the former leader and his two sons was ordered this month. Media reports said there had been no signs of the former president himself leaving the hospital.

Thailand bans ousted PM Yingluck from politics

Thai authorities have banned ousted Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from politics for five years and are proceeding with criminal charges for negligence, Reuters said. The attorney general’s Office said on Friday that Yingluck will face criminal charges in the Supreme Court and if found guilty faces up to 10 years in jail. Yingluck vowed to fight the charges.

Sierra Leone authorities lift Ebola quarantines

Sierra Leone on Friday lifted nationwide restrictions on movement put in place over the Ebola crisis amid signs that the epidemic was retreating, AFP said. “Restrictions on movement will be eased to support economic activity,” President Ernest Bai Koroma said. Travel in the West African nation has been restricted for around half its population since announcing a state of emergency in July. The outbreak has killed more than 3,000 Sierra Leoneans.

France’s highest court rules to denaturalize ‘jihadist’ Franco-Moroccan

France’s Constitutional Council, the highest court, approved a request by prosecutors on Friday to denaturalize a Franco-Moroccan over ‘jihadist’ activities. The man was stripped of his French nationality after he was convicted in 2010 for being part of a network recruiting people to go to Iraq. The move could set a precedent and likely affect the situation for dual-national ‘foreign fighters,’ KUNA news agency said.

Israeli minister warns Hezbollah, Syria not to launch attacks

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon warned Hezbollah and Damascus on Friday not to launch any attack on the Jewish state, Naharnet website reported. “Israel will consider governments, regimes and organizations beyond its northern border responsible for any attack from their territories,” the minister said in a statement. Yaalon also reportedly expressed hope that the region avoids reprisals for an alleged Israeli air strike that killed a high-ranking Iranian commander and six Hezbollah fighters.

Saudi Arabia’s new king:

Saudi Arabia’s new king, Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, has promised to continue to the policies of his predecessors. He made the comments in a televised speech on Friday. “We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” the Daily Star quoted King Salman as saying. He took power in the Sunni kingdom following King Abdullah’s death on Friday at the age of 90, after nearly two decades in power.

3 gunmen killed in attack on Lebanese army near Syria border

At least three gunmen were killed in clashes with Lebanese soldiers close to the border with Syria on Friday, Reuters quoted a Lebanese security source as saying. The gunmen attacked soldiers outside the village of Ras Baalbek near the eastern frontier. The army responded with artillery, according to the source. It was not immediately clear to which group the attackers belonged. In recent months, Syria-based jihadist groups, including Al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front and the Islamic State have attacked Lebanon.

121 arrested after foreign-owned shops looted in S. Africa

South African police have arrested 121 people after mobs went on a looting spree of grocery stores owned by foreign nationals in Johannesburg’s Soweto township, AFP said. The violence erupted after a foreign shopkeeper shot dead a teenager who allegedly tried to rob him on Monday night. At least 80 shops, most of them owned by Somalis, have been looted over the past few days.

UNSC condemns killing of civilians in Donetsk shelling

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has “condemned in the strongest terms” the shelling of civilians at a trolleybus stop in Donetsk, Ukraine, which killed up to 15 people and injured over 20 others on Thursday, according to the statement. The UNSC has also called for an independent investigation into the incident. “The members of the Security Council underlined the need to conduct an objective investigation and bring perpetrators of this reprehensible act to justice,” the statement said. The trolleybus stop was hit by two shells, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine said on Thursday. The Security Council also stressed the importance of adhering to the Minsk agreements on the ceasefire amid intensified military operations in eastern Ukraine.

​US pulls staff at Yemeni embassy

The United States has removed more staff from its embassy in Yemen following news that the country’s government has collapsed and its president has resigned, Reuters reported. Yemen has been a key ally of America in terms of combating terrorism, and the US said it intends to keep the embassy open to signal resolve in the face of uncertainty, though counter-terror operations would be limited. This week, Shia Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, stormed the capitol and surrounded the president’s residence, sparking denunciations from Gulf states who described the event as a “coup.”
Media agencies

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