India News: June 2006

India's GSLV launch in July likely
Friday, June 30, 2006 | MP

India is preparing for the major launch Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) that will put INSAT 4C into the geo synchronous orbit which is likely to take place in the second week of July. The rocket will be launched from the Satish Dawan Space Center at Sriharikota. GSLV is 2,000 kg and 49metre tall and has been assembled at the Vehicle Assembly Building of the second launch pad at Sriharikota.India's GSLV launch that carry Insat 4c,the advanced telecommunication satellite would augment direct-to-home technology in the country.

S Y Quraishi named new EC
Thursday, June 29, 2006 | MP

S Y Quraishi ,Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary was appointed as new Election Commissioner in the three member Election Commission panel.The Center announced on Quraishi's appointment as EC for a five-year term on Thursday. Quraishi will replace the vacancy created by N Gopalaswami who had taken over as the Chief Election Commissioner from B B Tandon whose term expired on June 29th. Quraishi has served as Director General of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), DG of Doordarshan and also as DG of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. Navin Chawla is the other EC.

N-deal gets US House Commitee approval
Wednesday, June 28, 2006 | MP

A 50 member panel of the US House Committee has given approval for changes in US law to go with the Indo-US nuclear deal.The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for debate and vote for its implementation. The House International committee approved by a vote of 37 to 5 the legislation designed to make exemptions in the 1954 Atomic Energy Act, a proposed nuclear agreement for coorperation between US and India that would allow US sell nuke energy and technology in return for non-proliferation and safeguard commitments from India.

India condemns Lankan terrorist attack
Tuesday, June 27, 2006 | MP

India strongly condemned the Monday bomb attack by terrorists near Colombo which led to the tragic killing of Sri Lankan army general Maj Gen Parami Kulathunga. Indian exteral affairs ministry remarked on the incident as 'latest in a series of recent terrorist attacks which are aimed at undermining the ceasefire and vitiate the environment for a political dialogue.' "The Government of India unreservedly condemns the terrorist bombing outside Colombo", said external Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna on Monday evening and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Third Test: WI lead by 332 runs on day 4
Monday, June 26, 2006 | MP

At the end of fourth day of the third Test cricket match between India and West India played at St Kitts, the hosts were 113 for 4 in their second innings with a total lead of 332 runs. Earlier India witnessed a middle order collapse and VVS Laxman's century and some fight from the lower order helped India reach a score of 362. Still India was short of 19 runs to avoid the follow on. But WI captain decided to bat and in a bid to score a huge total lost 4 wickets including that of captain, Lara.

India's economy to witness 5.6% CAGR growth
Sunday, June 25, 2006 | MP

A recent survey by the by Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) has indicated that Indian economy would witness a 5.6% compounded annual growth rate till 2020. "The next 15 years will see significant outpacing by Asia and particularly the powerhouses of India and China of the rest of the world in gross domestic product (GDP), wages and consuming power.", says the survey. It also brings out that Indian economy would serve 12.2% of the global economy in the next 15 years. "By 2020 India as a trading nation will record the biggest jump in world ranking-from 24th to 10th. Propelled by fast growth in India and China, Asia will increase its slice of the world's GDP from 35 per cent in 2005 to 43 per cent by 2020 and India's share in the global GDP will rise from 6.2 per cent in 2005 to 8.8 per cent in 2020.", points out the survey.

Govt plans to tap funds from pvt sector
Saturday, June 24, 2006 | MP

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed the government's interest in tapping funds from private sector for the various infrastructure development projects across the country."Our experience with the Public-Private Partnership has been very encouraging. We are quite confident that we will generate adequate public and private resources for this vast enterprise", said Mr Singh while in a function on laying the foundation stone on the multi corridor project in Bangalore. Stressing on the need for funds he said that the government was set on constructing national highways and other development projects for public infrastructure.

Air Sahara back to operations on own
Friday, June 23, 2006 | MP

With the Jet Airways - Air Saharal merger deal falling off, Air Sahara hss taken back the Airlines operations. Since April it was being handled by Jet Airways and with the deal deadline for Rs 2,300 crore acquisition expiring, Sahara was back to a stand alone basis. "We have resumed charge and have started operating the airline from midnight last night," said a Sahara Group official.Meanwhile the two airlines are going on with legal consultations to go forward with the cases filed by the them in Mumbai and Lucknow courts.

Hockey: India take on Netherlands in Semis
Friday, June 23, 2006 | MP

India will take on Netherlands in the semi finals match in the 15th Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament to be held on Friday in Kuala Lampur.Earlier with the draw between New Zealand and the Netherlands put Pakistan out of the last four."In the knock-out phase, it all depends on how well you play on the day and not so much your previous performance," said Indian coach Baskaran. India is riding high on confidence and if makes it into the final, India will be reaching the finals for the first time in 11 years after the 1995 win.

Jet Airways - Air Sahara deal hangs in balance
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 | MP

With Jet Airways demanding a 10-20% cut in the value in the deal,and the agreement deadline expiring on June 21st, the merger of the two airlines hangs in balance. Jet Airways is on stance that deal which was fixed at Rs 2300 crore is overvalued as Sahara is on heavy losses. Besides it is also known that the non clearance of Jet Airways chairman by the government is also a reason for the airline holding back from the deal.The deal was signed about six months ago.

India has reasonable prospect for success: Tharoor
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 | MP

India's UN Secretary General post nominee Shashi Tharoor claimed that India has a reasonable prospect for winning the UN top post. Tharoor was in India on a 3 day visit during which he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, diplomats and political leaders from various streams seeking support of his candidature. "We would not have been in this race if we didn't believe there is a reasonable prospect for success", said Tharoor adressing the media reporters. He also said that his candidature to the UN chief post will no way affect India's chances for permanant seat bid at the UN Security Council. "Secretary Generalship is a matter of immediate future whereas permanent membership is a long-term issue. And my candidature will not affect India's chances at all," he said.

India,China to resume border trade at Nathu La Pass
Monday, June 19, 2006 | MP

India and China has agreed to resume border trade via the Nathu La Pass from next month onwards.The agreement holds significance with the reopening of border trade seen to promote the bilateral trade and improved relations between the two fast emerging economies of the world. After being closed for 44 years due to border conficts Nathu La Pass will be reopened from July 6th for trade of items including food grains,agricultural products, blankets, beverages and other food products etc.

Amarnath yatra resumes from Baltal route
Sunday, June 18, 2006 | MP

The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine at Srinagar which was stopped due to bad weather conditions has been resumed from the Baltal route on Saturday. Meanwhile the yatra via the Pahalgham route is still not opened due to inclement weather at Mahagunus pass.The two month long yatra was twice suspended due to heavy rains and snow falls trigerring land slides making the trek route to the cave shrine entirely difficut.Authorities say that all pilgrims camping at various places enroute to the cave were safe and they are keeping a watch on the situation.

Few docs turning AIIMS to a political hub: Minister
Saturday, June 17, 2006 | MP

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss came strongly at the doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi claiming that a few doctors of AIIMS was converting the prestigious institution into a political hub. "A handful of doctors of AIIMS are converting the institution of world repute into a 'political hub' rather than letting it remain a 'medical hub'," he said. He also warned of taking action against those causing problems at the institute. This came in wake of the doctors charging Ramadoss for interfering with the internal institute affairs.Dr Ramadoss is also the president of AIIMS. The minister was in Chennai to attend a medical seminar and said that he would sort our the issues opon his return to Delhi.

Shasi Tharoor is India's choice for UN chief post
Thursday, June 15, 2006 | MP

India has annonced the nomination of Shasi Tharoor, currently the UN Under Secretary General for Communications and Public Information, for the most coveted post of UN secretary general. As per the geographical rotation system its Asia's turn to take up the chief slot after Kofi Annan whose term ends on December this year. Also a well-known writer, Tharoor has been working with the UN since 1978. If elected, the 50 year old Tharoor will be the youngest candidate to adorn the post. The other heavy weight Asian candidates competing for the post are Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirthai, South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon and Sri Lanka's Jayantha Dhanapala.

Ind-WI 2nd Cricket Test drawn
Thursday, June 15, 2006 | MP

With the fourth day's play abandoned by rain coupled with West Indian Captain Brian Lara's disciplined century took away India's hopes of winning the second Test played at St Lucia on the final day of the second cricket test match. The test ended at draw. WI who trailed by 373 runs in the first innings made 294 for 7 at the end of the fifth day. Virender Sewag who scored 180 for India was declared the Man of the Match. The third Test between India and West Indies will be played at St Kitts from June 22nd.

Share markets dips to six months low
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 | MP

The share markets dipped on Tuesday with the benchmark index closing at a six-month low. The BSE Sensex was down by 413 points to end the day at 9062 levels. It slipped even below the 9K mark to a low of 8993 levels in intra-day trade. Nifty index closed at 2,663.30 down 114 points. The rupee traded at 46.03 to the dollar. The weaker global markets extended the losses but market analysts believes that the markets would bounce back in a matter of time.

E-passports for all Indians by 2013: Minister
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 | MP

The Union Minstry is planning to provide e-passports for all Indian citizens by 2013. Union Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed said that this will be implemented in multi stages and would be first introduced for diplomats and officials.The new e-passports as small as an ATM card would contain facial image and carry a microchip with personal details of the card holder. This would replace the present day booklet passports and would provide more security and safeguard agaist tampering with the passports.

Indian scientists test fires Prithvi missile
Monday, June 12, 2006 | MP

Indian scientists has test fired the surface-to-surface Prithvi missile on Sunday at the Chandipur-on sea test area of Orissa.The missile of strike range of 150 km or more is under test trials for its induction into the armed forces and scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) who conducted the tests has claimed it as a 'user trial'. The 8.56-metre long Prithvi missile is part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme besides other missiles like Agni, Akash, Trishul and Nag.

Test 2:Sewag's knock puts India on command
Sunday, June 11, 2006 | MP

India's openers gave a fantastic start to the Indian Innings with Virendar Sewag scoring a brilliant knock of 180 from just 190 balls in the batting favoured pitch on the first day of the Second test against West Indies at St Lucia on Saturday.India lost the wickets of Wasim Jaffer at 43, Laxman for 0 and Yuvraj Singh at 2. Pedro Collins of West Indies claimed all the 4 wickets. On the close of day one, India were 361 for four at stumps. Captain Rahul Dravid remains on 95 along with Mohammad Kaif on 18.

India announce Rs 1,000cr aid package to Nepal
Saturday, June 10, 2006 | MP

India has announced an economic aid package of Rs 1,000 crore towards Nepal's reconstruction and its developmental projects. India which promised on stabilising Nepal's economy announced on the economic aid package at the end of the Nepal Prime Minister G P Koirala's 4 day visit to India. This will include India providing an immediate budgetary support of Rs 100 crore and a fund of Rs 4.5 cr for execution of infrastructure development projects in Nepal. India also decided on waivering the dues owed by the Nepal government on account of purchases of defence materials.

President makes history by flying a Su-30 jet
Friday, June 9, 2006 | MP

President A P Abdul Kalam made history on Thursday by becoming the first President to fly a Sukoi-30jet. "It was a dream of mine since 1958, when I became an engineer, to fly in a fighter aircraft," said 75 year old Kalam after his 30 minute successful flight sortie along with Wing Commander Ajay Rathore, the commanding officer on the IAF's Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft at the Lohegaon Airforce Station near Pune. During the flight President piloted the supersonic Sukhoi-30 jet by taking control of the Sukhoi in the air for three minutes.

No roll back in fuel price hike: Govt
Thursday, June 8, 2006 | MP

Government has maintained that there would be no roll back in the fuel prices hike which came into effect from Tuesday. Many of the political parties including the Congress party had protested against the recent fuel hike of Rs 4 per litre hike in price of petrol and Rs 2 in diesel.And this had put pressure on the government and there were speculations that the govt would reconsider for a partial roll back atleast.But later Petroleum Minister Murli Deora had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who have discussed on the circumstances regarding the fuel price hike. "There will be no roll-back. We will face it," said PM. The Ministry is also understood to start an advertisement campaign to make people aware of the reasons behind the price hike.

Rahul kept in police custody
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 | MP

Rahul Mahajan, who is accused of consuming drugs was sent to police custody on a two day remand for more interrogations. Earlier Rahul who admitted at the Delhi Appollo Hospital was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and was taken away amidst tight security to the court at Patiala House. Meanwhile the forensic reports confirmed presence of heroin in Rahul's blood sample. He is booked on charges of NDPS act and the degree of punishment would depend of the quantity of the banned product seized from the accused.

Petrol, diesel prices up by Rs 4 and Rs 2
Tuesday, June 6, 2006 | MP

Following the decision by the Union Government,Petrol and diesel prices has been hiked by Rs 4 and Rs 2 respectively which has come in effect from Monday night. However LPG and kerosene are spared from any hike for Public Distribution System. The increase in prices are in view with the rise in global fuel prices,said Petroleum Minister Murli Deora.

WI - Ind Test: Jaffer's century puts India steady
Monday, June 5, 2006 | MP

After being outplayed for the first two days, India made a fight back on the third day with India's Wassim Jaffer hitting a century. Earlier WI made a total of 371 in the first innings. India who started the second innings were 215 for two at the wicket on the end of the third day in the first Test against West Indies at Antigua on Sunday. India is at a 85 runs lead now. Jaffer is unbeaten on 113 along with Rahul Dravid at 21. India lost Sehwag for 41 and V V S Laxman for 31.

Rahul's condition improves; Drugs test negative
Sunday, June 4, 2006 | MP

Son of late Pramod Mahajan's son, Rahul Mahajan who has been admitted to the Appollo Hospital in Delhi is said to have significantly improving with his health condition and doctors said that he is out of danger now and could be discharged within a couple of days time. At the same time the hospital officials are yet to find out the exact cause of his illness. The Appollo hospital authorities has said that the toxicology report of tests conducted on Rahul was tested negative for all of the 14 identifiable drugs. "We are unable to identify what caused the clinical situation," said Apollo Hospital Director Anupam Sibal.

Rahul Mahajan's condition serious
Saturday, June 3, 2006 | MP

Late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan's son Rahul Mahajan's health condition remains critical at New Delhi's Apollo hospital. He was admitted at the hospital due to suspected poison intake after a late night party.He has been put on ventilator and under medical supervision by a team of doctors. Doctors say his condition is critical but stable. Meanwhile Pramod Mahajan's secretary Vivek Moitra who was also brought to the hospital along Rahul was declared dead on arrival by the hospital authorities.

Terrorists bid on RSS HQ in Nagpur foiled
Friday, June 2, 2006 | MP

The RSS headquarters in Nagpur on Thursday was targetted by a group of militants who tried to break into the building complex but the attempt was eventually foiled by the security policemen.The incident took place very close to the RSS head quarters when three of the attackers spotted in police uniforms when challenged by the police, opened fire with their AK56 weapons. The three were shot dead by the police. Following the incident security has been tightened at the RSS and VHP office localities in Delhi.

Govt to go ahead with the Office Of Profit Bill
Thursday, June 1, 2006 | MP

Even after the President refusing to pass the Office of Profit bill, the UPA Government indicated that it would go ahead with the Bill. The Bill seeks exemption of as many as 40 MPs in the UPA govt who face disqualification on holding offices of profit posts. Meanwhile the Law Ministry has said that it would respectfully reconsider the bill as it was returned by the President.The Bill is likely to be represented during the mansoon session in the Parliament. On Tuesday Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met President who is said to have discussed the issues concerning the matter with Mr.Kalam.