India News: March 2006

Parliament to summon after Assembly polls
Friday, March 31, 2006 | MP

A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs headed by Prime Minister has decided that the Parliament will reconvene from May 10 after the Assembly elections. The session will then look into the controversial issue on office of profit and will bring in a comprehensive law on redefining office of profit after evaluating the views of the various parties on the issue. Many of the ministers and MLAs in the opposition too are facing the axe on the office of profit issue.

Intel announces PC platforms for rural India
Thursday, March 30, 2006 | MP

Global Chipmaker, Intel has announced its plans for developing ruggerized computer platform to meet the demands of the rural communities in India. The new PCs under the "Jaagruti" initiative will be able to withstand adverse weather conditions including high temperatures, dust and humidity and can be run on alternate power sources."This Intel-powered PC platform — which includes microprocessor, motherboard and software — is equipped to operate in a community setting," says IntelTechnology India's South Asian MD.

PM calls for focus on public health care
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 | MP

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for focused thought on the country's public health care system while launching the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), an initiative to significantly strengthen the public health system in the country. The move is a first of its kind in the health care sector by a public-private partnership. The project seeks to establish five public health institutes of world class standards and to provide training to large number of medical professionals every year.

Delhi ODI: India defeats Eng by 39 runs
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 | MP

India made a winning start in the 7 match ODI series against England defeating the opponents by 39 runs in the first one-day international held at Ferozeshah Kotla grounds at New Delhi today. India had early hiccups who were at 80/5 in 20 overs but managed to make a modest total of 203 runs. Chasing 204 for victory, England lost few early wickets and India made a strong comeback with spinner Harbajan Singh picking up 5 wickets coupled with Yuvraj Singh and Pathan. England was all out at 164 in the 39th over. Harbajan Singh who scored 37 runs and picked 5 wickets was chosen as the Man of the Match.

Silver prices shoots up
Monday, March 27, 2006 | MP

Prices of silver metal have reached new peaks with trade reaching a new high of Rs 16,000 per kilo. The rise in the price is attributed to the demand for the metal in the overseas markets. The metal rate has witnessed a 55 per cent jump hike in the past 1 year and this has resulted in an increased buying in the trade. Silver ready rose by Rs 400 to Rs.16,000 per kilo and weekly-based delivery shot up by Rs.750 at Rs.15,570 per kilo.

Prince Charles and wife in India on 6 day visit
Sunday, March 26, 2006 | MP

British royal couple Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker arrived in New Delhi today on a six-day visit to India. The couple during their stay in India would visit Punjab and Rajastan and would interact with farmers and business leaders. The visit would include the historic fort at Patiala, Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research at Mohali etc.

PM proposes peace treaty with Pak
Saturday, March 25, 2006 | MP

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for a treaty of peace, security and friendship with Pakistan at an inaugural meeting of the Punj-Aab Express bus service between Amritsar and Pakistan’s Nankana Sahib. He also said that India was not afraid of discussing Kashmir issues with Pakistan and added that both nations could reach a meaningful agreement on issues like Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek and Baglihar.

I think it is the right thing to do: Ms Gandhi
Friday, March 24, 2006 | MP

Though the opposition camp was taken by surprise with Sonia Gandhi's resignation as a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, the NDA claimed her exit as a political drama. "I have done this because I think it is the right thing to do," said Ms Gandhi while addressing the media and also added that she would contest again from her constituency at Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.

Office on profit ordinance face strong opposition
Thursday, March 23, 2006 | MP

After strong protest from the opposition over the 'offices of profit' ordinance which led to disruption of budget session of Parliament on Wednesday, CPI too came in opposing the move on redefining the ordinance. Meanwhile CPI(M) responded on the issue saying only Parliament was empowered to legislate on the matter. The ordinance is aimed at identifying 62 posts as offices of non-profit which also include that of Congress President Sonia Gandhi who is the Chairperson of the National Advisory Council which in turn is an office of profit.

Commonwealth Games: Shooters keep India high
Wednesday, March 22, 2006 | MP

The Indian shooters continued with their medal chase with Samresh Jung picking up his fourth gold medal in the 18th Commonwealth Games at Melbourne in Australia. India has so far won 11 gold medals, four silver and one bronze in the shooting events.In athletics event, India's Seema Antil bagged a silver in women's discus. With this India marks a total of 27 medals with 14 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals. India rallies third in the medal list with Australia and England grabbing the first two spots.

Begum Khaleda Zia in India
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 | MP

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is in India on her first visit to the country after becoming Prime Minister in 2001. Her visit is expected to rebuild strength and confidence between relationships of India and Bangladesh. The talks during the visit would focus on trade, terrorism, and on resolving disputes in the region that would lead to better relations between the two countries. She would also discuss on sharing of river waters and border disputes.

Vashundhara Das in Bollywood
Saturday, March 18, 2006 | AY

Singer/Actor Vashundhara Das did not do too many Hindi films as the roles either were not meaty or they did not have substance. She has been on the Hindi music circuit giving hits like Chale Jaise Hawayein from Main Hoon Na. She recently delivered the title track for Darna Zaroori Hai. She will now be seen acting in a few Hindi films. She is playing the role of a wise, honest and inspiring Income Tax officer Akansha Verma in debutante director Shekhar Jha's film Eik Dastak. The film is about the unpleasant experiences of IT officials when they get head on with the mighty. She is working with Rekha and Mahima Chaudhary in a film called Kudiyon Ka Hai Zamana directed by Amar Bhutala. It is a woman-oriented film.

India enters TT quarterfinals
Saturday, March 18, 2006 | AY

India on Saturday entered the quarterfinals of the table tennis event at the Commonwealth Games with both their men's and women's teams making it to the last eight with victories over Ghana and Mauritius respectively. The male paddlers extended their winning streak with a 3-0 verdict over Ghana in their last league match to keep their all-win record. They topped the pool with 10 points, ahead of Australia who beat Northern Ireland 3-0 to finish second and also make the quarterfinals. Indian women defeated Mauritius 3-0 and thus qualified for the quarterfinals by finishing second in their pool behind Malaysia, who won all their matches.

India makes nuclear export restrictions tighter
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 | MP

India made stricter restrictions on the export of nuclear equipment and technology. As per the new guidelines the export can be approved only when "the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguard-arrangements are made or assured by the recipient country." Besides this the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) should be contented that the transfers would not contribute to the development of nuclear weapons or be diverted to acts of nuclear terrorism. It also requires the India governments permission for any retransfer of exported nuclear items or related technology.

India-China delegates optimistic on border talks
Monday, March 13, 2006 | MP

Both Indian and Chinese delgations were optimistic on the talks on border disputes between the two nations. The conditions were better for resolving the boundary issue. However a final decision on border delineation will be taken only after the next two-three rounds of talks. Indian side is led by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan while Chinese team is headed by Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo.

Anil Kumble make it to the elite 500 club
Sunday, March 12, 2006 | MP

India’s top spinner, Anil Kumble becomes the first Indian and the fifth bowler in history to enter the exclusive club of 500 mark in wicket taking in Test cricket. His 500th wicket came when he dismissed England’s Steve Harmison on the third test match in Mohali on Sunday. On getting to 500 wickets, Kumble reacted saying that it was a great feeling to achieve the mile stone, especially with only four other bowlers have made it to the 500 mark and being the first Indian to do so.

Post Office Savings rate to remain at 8.2%
Saturday, March 11, 2006 | MP

The Union Government announced that there will be no change in the post office savings rate which will remain at 8.2%. With the inflation rate falling between 4-4.5 the 8.2% interest rate of the small savings scheme on the Post office Monthly Income Account seemed very attractive, stated Finance Minister P Chidambaram. He also added that according to the new policy there would be no bonuses for deposits made in accounts opened on or after February 13, 2006. Also there will be a deduction in the penalty on withdrawal of deposits with effect from Feb 10th.

BJP to hold nation wide rath yatras from April 6
Friday, March 10, 2006 | MP

Coinciding with the Assembly elections in the 5 states, BJP leaders including BJP chief Rajnath Singh and Opposition leader, L.K. Advani will hold nation wide rath yatras from April 6th. The two will hold seperate National Integration yatras seeking support for the party and to keep the unity and integrity of the nation. The BJP chief said that party will target on the appeasement policies of the Congress and the Left.

Indian docs in UK to require work permit from July
Thursday, March 9, 2006 | MP

Indian doctors seeking employment in the UK need to require a work permit from their employers now on. This is applicable to all international doctors going to that country and will come into effect from July this year. This was announced by the British Health Minister according to which any National Health Service (NHS) Trust wishing to employ a doctor from outside the EU need to prove that an actual job vacancy exist which cannot be filled by the resident workers. The new rule is said to bring down the illegal immigrants but also would put a tab on the doctors who otherwise go through a permit free training programmes in the UK medical schools.

Serial bomb blasts in the temple town of Varanasi
Wednesday, March 8, 2006 | MP

The two attacks at the Sankat Mochan temple and the Cantonment railway station in Varanasi last night killed over 20 people and injuring 50 others. Initial investigation shows that the explosives were planted in pressure cookers. Intelligence officials also suspect the use of RDX in the blasts, however the nature of the explosives used would be known only after the forensic tests.

India, Aus to talk on uranium issue
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 | MP

With Australia saying no to India's uranium request, India had asked Australia to reconsider its ban on the uranium supplies to its reactors. However the Aussie PM has said that he would hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and would want to get more details on the Indo-US deal. "We have no current intention of selling uranium to countries who have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)," said Howard while adressing media. The two countries signed as many as six agreements, including a defence deal that is envisioned on setting up of a Joint Working Group. Howard also announced a 25 million Australian dollar research assistance to India for advance cooperation in science and technology.

Australian PM, John Howard in India
Monday, March 6, 2006 | MP

Australian Prime Minister John Howard arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a four day visit to India. During his India visit along with a 20-member trade delegation, Mr Howard will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh focusing on issues concerning to bilateral, regional and international subjects of mutual interest. This will include signing of agreements on defence, trade, science and air services.

Tourism Ministry to intensify tourism in Northeast
Sunday, March 5, 2006 | MP

The Tourism Ministry is making all efforts for intensifying tourism in the Northeastern regions of India. The Ministry has come up with procedures for easing travel restrictions in the region and this move is expected to attract lot of international tourists from the bordering China and other Southeast Asian nations. Initiatives like Visa on arrival and visas for destination areas are also on consideration. "There are other ministries as well that are giving greater emphasis and incentives on infrastructure in the northeast, including hotels, tourist destinations and roads," said Tourism Minister Ambika Soni. Besides a Northeast Tourism Development Council is also being setup by the North Eastern Council to promote tourism in the region.

Indo-US nuke deal gets world leaders support
Saturday, March 4, 2006 | MP

Leaders from the global community including Britain and France came in praise with support to the Indo-US nuclear deal. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that the agreement would have a net gain for the non proliferation regime. French President Jacques Chirac said that the deal would help India achieve its increasing energy needs and also access to civilian nuclear technology. Japan also supported the nuke deal. Australian foreign minister considered the deal as a good step forward while China reacted saying that it would meet the global non-proliferation regime’s parameters while seeking an early accession by “non-signatory” nations to the NPT.

Bush clears US consulate in Hyderabad
Friday, March 3, 2006 | MP

The long term request for establishing a US consulate in Andhra Pradesh was finally answered with the visiting US President George W. Bush agreeing for setting up the same in Hyderabad. Both the Indian and US government has agreed up on opening up the office. Chennai is the only place in South India which has got a US consulate now. The new US consulate in Hyderabad would bring great relief to the people from Andhra seeking US visas which according to reports mark 40% of the visa applications reaching the Chennai office.

Poll dates for 5 assemblies announced
Thursday, March 2, 2006 | MP

The Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon has announced the timetable for the awaiting elections in the 5 assemblies. According to this, a multi phase polling will be held in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Pondicherry, while will have a single day polling. The Left party ruled Wet Bengal will witness a 5 phase polling scheduled for April 17, 22, 27, May 3 and May 8. Similarly Kerala will have a three phased polling scheme dated for April 22, 29 and May5. State of Assam will follow the elections on April 3 and April 10. Single day polling is scheduled for Tamil Nadu on May 8. Uunion territory of Pondicherry, will have elections in two phases. The 27 constituencies here will have polls on May 8. While in Mahe, Yamam and Palloor the elections will be on May 3rd.

Growth oriented budget, says industry
Wednesday, March 1, 2006 | MP

The Indian industry and investment bankers welcomed the budget proposals presented by Finance minister, P Chidambaram and hailed the government for presenting a 'growth oriented budget.' The industry leaders termed it as a very balanced, responsible and mature budget. The industry lauded the minister for taking measures to bring in fiscal deficit cut. Besides the reduction in customs duty and with no new taxes was a big plus for the industry.