India and Pakistan's top diplomats met today for the nuclear neighbor's first formal talks since the Mumbai terror attack more than a year ago, a preliminary summit that resumed a basic dialogue but did not accomplish anything substantive.
Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, left, shakes hand with her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir before the start of a delegation level meeting, in New Delhi, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. India and Pakistan held high-level peace talks Thursday for the first time since the 2008 Mumbai attacks in an effort to rebuild confidence and reduce tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals.
(Manish Swarup/AP Photo)As expected the two countries brought two different agendas to the New Delhi meeting, with India focusing almost exclusively on terrorism and Pakistan looking for a wider dialogue that includes the disputed territory of Kashmir.
U.S. officials have encouraged India -- the somewhat less willing partner in this new dialogue -- to come to the table, hoping a thaw on Pakistan's eastern border would allow Pakistan's overstretched army to focus on Taliban safe havens near the Afghan border. The U.S. says it needs Pakistan to crack down on Taliban groups that use Pakistan as a safe haven if the U.S. surge in Afghanistan is going to be successful.
But the terrorism that India is most worried about involves a jihadi group called Lashkar-e-Taiba, which even Pakistan admits was responsible for the Mumbai attacks. The United States recently declared that Lashkar-e-Taiba was expanding its operations to include targets in Europe.
Indian officials accused Pakistan of failing to crack down on the group, pointing out that immediately after these talks were first discussed, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the supposed charity arm behind Lashkar-e-Taiba, reemerged in public.
The group sent out its first press releases in almost a year and held multiple rallies to mark a Pakistani holiday that celebrates solidarity with Muslim Kashmiris. Indian officials accuse Pakistan of unleashing the group into the public as a way to send a message to India that cross-border attacks -- which India says are state-sponsored -- were still possible.
Showing posts with label india. Show all posts
Showing posts with label india. Show all posts
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
India can become 3rd largest economy by 2012: PwC
NEW DELHI: The US financial crisis may have expedited a shift in global economic power. According to a report by global consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), India could become the world’s third largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP), overtaking Japan in 2012.
This would be almost 20 years ahead of Goldman Sachs' projection of 2032 in its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) report.
India is also expected to grow faster than China after 2020. China, which was projected to become the world’s largest economy by 2041, now looks set to achieve the distinction sometime around 2020, the PwC report said.
"While the exact date is open to doubt, it seems highly likely that, by 2030, China will clearly be the largest economy in the world on PPP," writes PwC head of macroeconomics John Hawksworth in the report.
This would be almost 20 years ahead of Goldman Sachs' projection of 2032 in its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) report.
India is also expected to grow faster than China after 2020. China, which was projected to become the world’s largest economy by 2041, now looks set to achieve the distinction sometime around 2020, the PwC report said.
"While the exact date is open to doubt, it seems highly likely that, by 2030, China will clearly be the largest economy in the world on PPP," writes PwC head of macroeconomics John Hawksworth in the report.
Friday, January 15, 2010
US mission alerts citizens about new Indian visa rules
Mumbai: The US Mission in India wishes to inform US citizens that the Government of India is implementing new regulations that affect visa holders, periods of authorized stay, and registration in India. The US Embassy and Consulates in India have received reports from individuals about inconsistent implementation of the new rules, which have not been widely publicized and are subject to change.
The revised regulations primarily affect travelers, who wish to enter India within two months of their last departure from India. To date, these changes have mostly affected tourist (T) visa holders, but the US Mission has also received reports pertaining to other visa types. Initial information from the Government of India indicated that revised visa regulations would primarily affect travelers with tourist visas, who had been in India for more than 90 days before travel abroad or more than 180 days in the past year. However, the US Mission has received confirmation that foreign passports are now stamped on exit to indicate that the bearer cannot re-enter India within two months of exit unless special permission is obtained from an Indian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission abroad, regardless of the validity of visa or length of stay in India. Travelers have reported being denied re-entry after exiting India for business or family emergencies, or for tourist travel to nearby countries, even if their initial visit to India was for only a few days. Prior guidance and procedures that allowed re-entry to India after stays of up to 180 days are no longer in effect.
Some Americans entering or re-entering India on tourist visas have been instructed at the port of entry to register with the local Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The procedures and requirements for registration can be complex. Travelers are advised to follow directions as stipulated on their visas regarding registration procedures, irrespective of their visa category.
Here are some examples of problems Americans have had trying to navigate the recent visa changes:
One American family, visiting India on ten-year, multiple entry tourist visas for several weeks, had to return briefly to the US to attend a funeral. They were not permitted to re-enter India. Another American family, taking a side trip to Sri Lanka from India, was told that they needed to apply for permission to re-enter India at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. An American on a business visa had plans for his children, who are attending a university in the US to visit him in India during their school holiday. His children entered on tourist visas, stayed three days in India, and were informed upon their departure for a side trip to Thailand that they would not be allowed to re-enter to continue the rest of their planned vacation with their family. One American in India on a business visa was informed that she would not be allowed to depart India until she had registered with the Foreign Registration Office (FRO), even though she had only been in India for seven days and her passport was stamped "Registration not required if stay is less than 14 days."
These new visa and registration regulations are being implemented inconsistently and are not finalized. American citizens traveling to, or departing from India are urged to review travel plans in light of these changing procedures and to contact the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate overseas (http://goidirectory. nic.in/missions.htm) or the nearest Foreigners Registra-tion Office in India (http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/) to determine proper procedures to follow.
US citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration Web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state .gov.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet Web site at http://travel. state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy’s Web site at
http://newdelhi.usembassy .gov, and also at http://travel .state.gov.
US citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:
— The US Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate .gov.
— The US Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata .usconsulate.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad .usconsulate.gov.
The revised regulations primarily affect travelers, who wish to enter India within two months of their last departure from India. To date, these changes have mostly affected tourist (T) visa holders, but the US Mission has also received reports pertaining to other visa types. Initial information from the Government of India indicated that revised visa regulations would primarily affect travelers with tourist visas, who had been in India for more than 90 days before travel abroad or more than 180 days in the past year. However, the US Mission has received confirmation that foreign passports are now stamped on exit to indicate that the bearer cannot re-enter India within two months of exit unless special permission is obtained from an Indian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission abroad, regardless of the validity of visa or length of stay in India. Travelers have reported being denied re-entry after exiting India for business or family emergencies, or for tourist travel to nearby countries, even if their initial visit to India was for only a few days. Prior guidance and procedures that allowed re-entry to India after stays of up to 180 days are no longer in effect.
Some Americans entering or re-entering India on tourist visas have been instructed at the port of entry to register with the local Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). The procedures and requirements for registration can be complex. Travelers are advised to follow directions as stipulated on their visas regarding registration procedures, irrespective of their visa category.
Here are some examples of problems Americans have had trying to navigate the recent visa changes:
One American family, visiting India on ten-year, multiple entry tourist visas for several weeks, had to return briefly to the US to attend a funeral. They were not permitted to re-enter India. Another American family, taking a side trip to Sri Lanka from India, was told that they needed to apply for permission to re-enter India at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. An American on a business visa had plans for his children, who are attending a university in the US to visit him in India during their school holiday. His children entered on tourist visas, stayed three days in India, and were informed upon their departure for a side trip to Thailand that they would not be allowed to re-enter to continue the rest of their planned vacation with their family. One American in India on a business visa was informed that she would not be allowed to depart India until she had registered with the Foreign Registration Office (FRO), even though she had only been in India for seven days and her passport was stamped "Registration not required if stay is less than 14 days."
These new visa and registration regulations are being implemented inconsistently and are not finalized. American citizens traveling to, or departing from India are urged to review travel plans in light of these changing procedures and to contact the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate overseas (http://goidirectory. nic.in/missions.htm) or the nearest Foreigners Registra-tion Office in India (http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/) to determine proper procedures to follow.
US citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration Web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state .gov.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet Web site at http://travel. state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except US federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy’s Web site at
http://newdelhi.usembassy .gov, and also at http://travel .state.gov.
US citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:
— The US Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate .gov.
— The US Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata .usconsulate.gov.
— The US Consulate General in Hyderabad is at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300. The Internet home page address is http://hyderabad .usconsulate.gov.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Indian-origin man set on fire in Melbourne
Melbourne : A 29-year-old Indian-origin man was set ablaze by a group of four attackers in Melbourne on Saturday, a week after a student from the country was stabbed to death amid a slew of assaults on the community in Australia.
The man, who suffered 15 per cent burns including on his arms, chest and face, was admitted to 'The Alfred' hospital after he was attacked shortly before 2 am local time (0730 HRS IST) in Melbourne's Essendon area.
The man, who was not identified, and his wife left a dinner party in Essendon, in the city's northwest, between 1.30 am and 2 am and drove to their nearby home in Grice Crescent. He dropped his wife at home and had gone to park his car when he was attacked, local media reported.
Police said that as he was getting out of the car, four men attacked him, pushing him back against the vehicle and pouring an unknown fluid on him. One of the men then ignited the fluid with a lighter before all the attackers fled.
The victim, who is now in a stable condition in the hospital, ran from the car while peeling off his clothes, 'The Age' reported.
The attack comes a week after the stabbing death of 21-year-old Indian graduate Nitin Garg in a Yarraville park while he was on his way to his part-time job in a restaurant.
The body of another Indian youth, 25-year-old Ranjodh Singh, was found beside Wilga Road in Willbriggie in the neighbouring state of New South Wales on December 29. The incident was reported earlier this week.
A police spokeswoman said investigators do not yet know any motive or circumstances surrounding today's Essendon attack.
"They don't believe it was racially motivated at this stage," she said.
The ABC reported that the man is of Indian origin but said police do not know whether he is an Australian citizen.
The incident is being investigated by the arson and explosives squad.
Police appealed for public assistance to locate the victim's clothes, which he shed as he fled the scene.
The man, who suffered 15 per cent burns including on his arms, chest and face, was admitted to 'The Alfred' hospital after he was attacked shortly before 2 am local time (0730 HRS IST) in Melbourne's Essendon area.
The man, who was not identified, and his wife left a dinner party in Essendon, in the city's northwest, between 1.30 am and 2 am and drove to their nearby home in Grice Crescent. He dropped his wife at home and had gone to park his car when he was attacked, local media reported.
Police said that as he was getting out of the car, four men attacked him, pushing him back against the vehicle and pouring an unknown fluid on him. One of the men then ignited the fluid with a lighter before all the attackers fled.
The victim, who is now in a stable condition in the hospital, ran from the car while peeling off his clothes, 'The Age' reported.
The attack comes a week after the stabbing death of 21-year-old Indian graduate Nitin Garg in a Yarraville park while he was on his way to his part-time job in a restaurant.
The body of another Indian youth, 25-year-old Ranjodh Singh, was found beside Wilga Road in Willbriggie in the neighbouring state of New South Wales on December 29. The incident was reported earlier this week.
A police spokeswoman said investigators do not yet know any motive or circumstances surrounding today's Essendon attack.
"They don't believe it was racially motivated at this stage," she said.
The ABC reported that the man is of Indian origin but said police do not know whether he is an Australian citizen.
The incident is being investigated by the arson and explosives squad.
Police appealed for public assistance to locate the victim's clothes, which he shed as he fled the scene.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Indians Top Foreign Student Group
For the eighth consecutive year, India sent the largest number of foreign students to the United States, topping 100,000 for the first time for any country, according to the 2009 annual report of the Institute of International Education Open Doors.
Texas (11,987) has the largest Indian student population, followed by California (11,462) and New York (10,716). However, the proportion of Indians in the foreign student body is highest in Connecticut (30%), followed by New Jersey (24%) and Alabama (23%). Indians are the leading foreign student group in 17 states and the second largest group in 14 others. Indeed, they are among the top 5 foreign student groups in all but four states (West Virginia, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska).
The institute does not report country breakdowns for individual universities, but the University of Southern California had the largest number of foreign students (7,482), followed by New York University and Columbia University.
There is little reciprocal interest in Indian education in the United States. India ranks as the 17th most popular choice among U.S. students studying abroad. Even though India experienced the greatest growth in U.S. student enrollment (20 percent) between 2007 to 2008, just 1.2 percent of the U.S. students in study abroad programs headed to India, a quarter those selecting China. The United Kingdom, Italy and Spain are the most popular destinations for U.S. students, according to Open Doors.
Texas (11,987) has the largest Indian student population, followed by California (11,462) and New York (10,716). However, the proportion of Indians in the foreign student body is highest in Connecticut (30%), followed by New Jersey (24%) and Alabama (23%). Indians are the leading foreign student group in 17 states and the second largest group in 14 others. Indeed, they are among the top 5 foreign student groups in all but four states (West Virginia, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska).
The institute does not report country breakdowns for individual universities, but the University of Southern California had the largest number of foreign students (7,482), followed by New York University and Columbia University.
There is little reciprocal interest in Indian education in the United States. India ranks as the 17th most popular choice among U.S. students studying abroad. Even though India experienced the greatest growth in U.S. student enrollment (20 percent) between 2007 to 2008, just 1.2 percent of the U.S. students in study abroad programs headed to India, a quarter those selecting China. The United Kingdom, Italy and Spain are the most popular destinations for U.S. students, according to Open Doors.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Popular Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan passes away
Popular Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan died of cardiac arrest in Mysore in the wee hours on Wednesday. He was 59. Vishnuvardhan, whom his fans had fondly awarded the title "sahasa simha" (a valour lion), developed breathing problems at about 0230 hours and he was immediately taken to a private hospital where he breathed his last, sources said. According to hospital sources, he died at around 0300 hrs.
His actress wife Bharathi and son-in-law Anirudh were by his side when the Kannada star died. Sources said the body of the actor, who has acted in 197 films, has been brought here.
Vishnuvardhan, a versatile actor, made his debut into the ’Sandalwood’ through "Vamsharukha", an art film directed by Janapeetha awardee Girish Karnad. He was launched into fame for his role ‘Ramachargi’, a wayward and rebellious student in "Nagarahaavu", a film directed by acclaimed director Puttanna Kanagal. Vishnuvardhan did not look back since then and went on to win seven state honours and five film fare awards.
The last film in which Vishnuvardhan acted is ‘Aaptha Rakshaka’ which is yet be released and his latest film to hit the screen is "Bellary Naaga". The death of Vishnuvardhan has come as a shock to Kannada film industry as it came a day after a well known composer and singer C Ashwath passed away.
Expressing grief over the actor’s death, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the star would be cremated with full state honours. He also visited the actor’s residence and placed a wreath on the body. The Chief Minister, who is a film buff, described Vishnuvardhan as a towering personality of the Kannada film industry. "Vishnuvardhan, is a abhinava bhargava (born actor), Karnataka has become poor in his death", he said, urging the actor’s fans to maintain calm and peace.
Thousands of fans thronged the actor’s residence to have a glimpse of the body. Ministers Katta Subramanya Naidu, R Ashok and Suresh Kumar and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, also a film producer, paid tributes to the actor. As a mark of respect to the actor, the state government declared a holiday in schools and colleges today.
His actress wife Bharathi and son-in-law Anirudh were by his side when the Kannada star died. Sources said the body of the actor, who has acted in 197 films, has been brought here.
Vishnuvardhan, a versatile actor, made his debut into the ’Sandalwood’ through "Vamsharukha", an art film directed by Janapeetha awardee Girish Karnad. He was launched into fame for his role ‘Ramachargi’, a wayward and rebellious student in "Nagarahaavu", a film directed by acclaimed director Puttanna Kanagal. Vishnuvardhan did not look back since then and went on to win seven state honours and five film fare awards.
The last film in which Vishnuvardhan acted is ‘Aaptha Rakshaka’ which is yet be released and his latest film to hit the screen is "Bellary Naaga". The death of Vishnuvardhan has come as a shock to Kannada film industry as it came a day after a well known composer and singer C Ashwath passed away.
Expressing grief over the actor’s death, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the star would be cremated with full state honours. He also visited the actor’s residence and placed a wreath on the body. The Chief Minister, who is a film buff, described Vishnuvardhan as a towering personality of the Kannada film industry. "Vishnuvardhan, is a abhinava bhargava (born actor), Karnataka has become poor in his death", he said, urging the actor’s fans to maintain calm and peace.
Thousands of fans thronged the actor’s residence to have a glimpse of the body. Ministers Katta Subramanya Naidu, R Ashok and Suresh Kumar and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, also a film producer, paid tributes to the actor. As a mark of respect to the actor, the state government declared a holiday in schools and colleges today.
Britney will ring in the New Year in Kerala
BANGALORE: Pop sensation Britney Spears will spend the last two nights of 2009 on a luxury houseboat in the backwaters of God's Own Country. She will spend a day and two nights on a specially equipped houseboat that will float on the placid waters of Kumarakom. "She likes India, and Kerala is a new-found love for her. She will be accompanied by a friend. She will ring in the New Year while on the cruise," said a source who is aware of the preparations.
Britney's holiday organizer, a leisure water tourism player based in Allapuzha, has been asked to keep mum about her Kerala tour. "She is very particular about privacy during her holidays. She wants no media, no public glare. She wants to be with herself in a serene, romantic environment," said the source.
After her holidays, Spears will shoot for her new album in various locations in Kerala. The Kathakali dance and a herd of temple elephants are expected to be part of her new album.
The US-born Spears is a songwriter, producer, dancer, actress and entertainer. She has sold around 100 million records of her albums across the world so far. Spears was ranked the 13th most powerful celebrity and second highest earning young musician of 2009 by Forbes. She has reported earnings of over $35 million dollars in the year. The diva is believed to have visited India last year in December to meet dancer Sandip Soparrkar.
Britney's holiday organizer, a leisure water tourism player based in Allapuzha, has been asked to keep mum about her Kerala tour. "She is very particular about privacy during her holidays. She wants no media, no public glare. She wants to be with herself in a serene, romantic environment," said the source.
After her holidays, Spears will shoot for her new album in various locations in Kerala. The Kathakali dance and a herd of temple elephants are expected to be part of her new album.
The US-born Spears is a songwriter, producer, dancer, actress and entertainer. She has sold around 100 million records of her albums across the world so far. Spears was ranked the 13th most powerful celebrity and second highest earning young musician of 2009 by Forbes. She has reported earnings of over $35 million dollars in the year. The diva is believed to have visited India last year in December to meet dancer Sandip Soparrkar.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Japan offers nuke technology to India
Taking Indo-Japan economic ties to newer heights, Japan on Monday offered its nuclear technology to India to enable the economy to meet its energy needs. Japan's offer to share its nuclear technology with India was made by the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama during his interactions with the captains of industry. At a meeting with the leading figures of Indian industry here the Japanese premier said his country was keen on offering nuclear technology to India.
"During the meeting, the visiting dignitary indicated that the Japanese are interested in providing nuclear technology to India," Harsh Pati Singhania, president of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry told newspersons here. However, the Japanese side also indicated that they would like to resolve all the pending issues related to the use of nuclear technology. "The Japanese firms are interested in providing nuclear technology to India. But their government wants all the pending issues to be sorted out," he said. "Hatoyama said that Japan is the only country where atomic attacks had taken place. So the Japanese are sensitive to nuclear issues," Singhania said.
"During the meeting, the visiting dignitary indicated that the Japanese are interested in providing nuclear technology to India," Harsh Pati Singhania, president of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry told newspersons here. However, the Japanese side also indicated that they would like to resolve all the pending issues related to the use of nuclear technology. "The Japanese firms are interested in providing nuclear technology to India. But their government wants all the pending issues to be sorted out," he said. "Hatoyama said that Japan is the only country where atomic attacks had taken place. So the Japanese are sensitive to nuclear issues," Singhania said.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Manmohan urged to start Telangana process by Monday
HYDERABAD: Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to announce the commencement of the constitutional process for the formation of a Telangana State by Monday evening, failing which an indefinite bandh would be called from December 29. He served this ultimatum at a meeting of the newly formed Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) here, but its leaders felt that a holistic view, including the likely inconvenience to the public, should be taken.
Moreover, they should elicit the cooperation of the Telugu Desam Party, which refused to join the JAC after attending its maiden meeting on Thursday. JAC convener C. Kondaram told The Hindu that a final decision on the bandh would be taken in a day or two.
Talking to journalists, the TRS president demanded that Chief Minister K. Rosaiah step down as he had lost the moral right to continue after the resignation of Ministers from Telangana. He accused TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu of hatching a conspiracy to set up obstacles to the creation of Telangana and of misleading his own partymen by blaming the TRS for the attack on Nagam Janardhan Reddy, a senior MLA, on the Osmania University campus.
Congress MP Madhu Yaskhi, referring to The Hindu's editorial on Friday, "Way out in Andhra Pradesh," asked the JAC to engage the newspaper's editorial team in a dialogue over its content. He said the struggle for a separate Telangana was not over development or backwardness but it was one for self-respect. "Our region may be backward but not our thinking," he said.
Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao intervened to say that Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu N. Ram was his personal friend and regretted the JAC did not have a resource group to impress upon Editors and the media the merits of the agitation. He called for setting up a group of intellectuals to talk to Editors by Monday.
Meanwhile, in a fresh problem for the government, all 13 Ministers from Telangana announced their decision to resign to pressure the Centre. Twelve Ministers faxed 'a joint letter of resignation' to AICC president Sonia Gandhi stating that the Centre's latest stand virtually putting the statehood on hold caused confusion and anguish.
Moreover, they should elicit the cooperation of the Telugu Desam Party, which refused to join the JAC after attending its maiden meeting on Thursday. JAC convener C. Kondaram told The Hindu that a final decision on the bandh would be taken in a day or two.
Talking to journalists, the TRS president demanded that Chief Minister K. Rosaiah step down as he had lost the moral right to continue after the resignation of Ministers from Telangana. He accused TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu of hatching a conspiracy to set up obstacles to the creation of Telangana and of misleading his own partymen by blaming the TRS for the attack on Nagam Janardhan Reddy, a senior MLA, on the Osmania University campus.
Congress MP Madhu Yaskhi, referring to The Hindu's editorial on Friday, "Way out in Andhra Pradesh," asked the JAC to engage the newspaper's editorial team in a dialogue over its content. He said the struggle for a separate Telangana was not over development or backwardness but it was one for self-respect. "Our region may be backward but not our thinking," he said.
Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao intervened to say that Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu N. Ram was his personal friend and regretted the JAC did not have a resource group to impress upon Editors and the media the merits of the agitation. He called for setting up a group of intellectuals to talk to Editors by Monday.
Meanwhile, in a fresh problem for the government, all 13 Ministers from Telangana announced their decision to resign to pressure the Centre. Twelve Ministers faxed 'a joint letter of resignation' to AICC president Sonia Gandhi stating that the Centre's latest stand virtually putting the statehood on hold caused confusion and anguish.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
India in top 10 for online piracy
India is among the top ten countries in the world with highest number of online piracy cases, which pose a big threat to the country's film and television industry, according to a research commissioned by the Motion Picture Distributors Association (MPDA). The first report by Internet company DtecNet, based on tracking of downloading IP addresses on P2P networks, showed that from April to September 2009, India was among the top ten countries in the world with the largest number of illegal P2P activities.
Similar results were found by Envisional, another Internet company which stated that online piracy of film and television content in India is mainly through the file sharing networks and cyberlockers, or web based file hosts such. "Video streaming sites are also popular, though their usage is lower," said Michael Ellis, President and Managing Director Motion Picture Distributors Association.
According to the study, the major international BitTorrent portals were heavily used by Indians. India was the fourth largest downloader behind US, Britain and Canada. Hindi films are widely available domestic Indian content with most downloaders in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. 'Kaminey' is estimated to have been downloaded over 350,000 times on BitTorrent with around two-thirds of those downloaders located in India. The study stated that about 80 per cent of Tamil films and 88 per cent for Telugu films were downloaded by Indians.
Similar results were found by Envisional, another Internet company which stated that online piracy of film and television content in India is mainly through the file sharing networks and cyberlockers, or web based file hosts such. "Video streaming sites are also popular, though their usage is lower," said Michael Ellis, President and Managing Director Motion Picture Distributors Association.
According to the study, the major international BitTorrent portals were heavily used by Indians. India was the fourth largest downloader behind US, Britain and Canada. Hindi films are widely available domestic Indian content with most downloaders in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. 'Kaminey' is estimated to have been downloaded over 350,000 times on BitTorrent with around two-thirds of those downloaders located in India. The study stated that about 80 per cent of Tamil films and 88 per cent for Telugu films were downloaded by Indians.
India's first commercial solar power plant
India inaugurated Azure Power's 2-megawatt photovoltaic plant in the state of Punjab, the first privately owned, utility-scale power plant on the Asian subcontinent. Built under a 30-year power purchase agreement with the Punjab State Electricity Board, the plant will help power 4,000 rural homes for 20,000 people. Farooq Abdullah, minister of new and renewable energy, said the plant showcases India's pledge to generate 20,000 megawatts from solar power by 2022 under the country's national solar mission.
Azure Power is India's first independent power producer in solar energy. It built the plant, situated on 13 acres of farmland in the village of Awan, in a record six months, Inderpreet Wadhwa founded Azure Power two years ago after a 15-year career in the United States that most recently included software giant Oracle Corp. The 37-year-old native of Amritsar city in Punjab said he wanted to return home and do something for rural areas in India, where millions of people don't have reliable electricity.
Azure Power received initial venture-capital funding from Helion Ventures and Foundation Capital. Wadhwa encountered a number of bureaucratic hurdles in the project, including obtaining signatures from 152 local officials in Punjab, The Wall Street Journal reports. And he ended up paying more than double the market rate for the land, about $420 per acre a year. Yet Wadhwa is pressing on. His company has also inked agreements with local Indian governments of Gujarat and Harayana to build facilities that can produce a total of 22 megawatts. It is also coordinating with the state governments of Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan for another 30 megawatts. "My aim is to be a leading solar power generator in India by offering viable and socially responsible alternatives to conventional sources of energy," he told the India Business Standard.
About 8 percent of India's energy comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydropower. Solar power, experts say, has great potential because it can work almost anywhere in India. But growth in the sector has been hampered somewhat by the high costs of the technology and inability of power companies to obtain sizeable tracts of land for the solar panels. To encourage more investment in the solar sector, the Indian government is increasing subsidies for solar projects and mandating that state utilities purchase solar power. But some experts say government support won't help as long as solar technology remains expensive.
Azure Power is India's first independent power producer in solar energy. It built the plant, situated on 13 acres of farmland in the village of Awan, in a record six months, Inderpreet Wadhwa founded Azure Power two years ago after a 15-year career in the United States that most recently included software giant Oracle Corp. The 37-year-old native of Amritsar city in Punjab said he wanted to return home and do something for rural areas in India, where millions of people don't have reliable electricity.
Azure Power received initial venture-capital funding from Helion Ventures and Foundation Capital. Wadhwa encountered a number of bureaucratic hurdles in the project, including obtaining signatures from 152 local officials in Punjab, The Wall Street Journal reports. And he ended up paying more than double the market rate for the land, about $420 per acre a year. Yet Wadhwa is pressing on. His company has also inked agreements with local Indian governments of Gujarat and Harayana to build facilities that can produce a total of 22 megawatts. It is also coordinating with the state governments of Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan for another 30 megawatts. "My aim is to be a leading solar power generator in India by offering viable and socially responsible alternatives to conventional sources of energy," he told the India Business Standard.
About 8 percent of India's energy comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydropower. Solar power, experts say, has great potential because it can work almost anywhere in India. But growth in the sector has been hampered somewhat by the high costs of the technology and inability of power companies to obtain sizeable tracts of land for the solar panels. To encourage more investment in the solar sector, the Indian government is increasing subsidies for solar projects and mandating that state utilities purchase solar power. But some experts say government support won't help as long as solar technology remains expensive.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Visa rules for US tourists to change
Visa regulations for American tourists wishing to visit India may soon be changed requiring them to take a 60-day break between each exit from India and re-entry. Indian security agencies are said to have pushed for the break following revelations about the activities of David Headley, the US citizen with alleged links with the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, who was arrested in October. Investigations have shown that Headley was in and out of India repeatedly using tourist visas for two years before the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai last year, during which he reconnoitered many of the spots attacked by the terrorists on 26/11. Details of precisely which categories of tourists will be affected, when and how, are not yet clear.
A message from the United States Mission in India to American citizens in the country on Wednesday, said: "The government of India is reviewing its regulations pertaining to the entry of American citizens holding long-term Indian tourist visas. To date, these new regulations are not finalized and are being implemented inconsistently. ...It is clear that the rules will only affect those who wish to enter India on a tourist visa within two months of their last departure from India," it added.
A message from the United States Mission in India to American citizens in the country on Wednesday, said: "The government of India is reviewing its regulations pertaining to the entry of American citizens holding long-term Indian tourist visas. To date, these new regulations are not finalized and are being implemented inconsistently. ...It is clear that the rules will only affect those who wish to enter India on a tourist visa within two months of their last departure from India," it added.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Lata Mangeshkar conferred highest French honour
The 'Nightingale of India', Lata Mangeshkar has been conferred France's highest civilian award, the Insignia of 'Officier de la Legion d'Honneur' (Officer of the Legion of Honour).The award which has earlier been conferred on Oscar winning Indian director Satyajit Ray as well as megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be bestowed on the 80-year-old singer during an official ceremony in Mumbai hosted by Jerome Bonnafont, Ambassador of France to India, on December 2.Other famous personalities who have been awarded this honour include Steven Spielberg and actor Gerard Depardieu. The legendary singer who first broke onto the music scene with 'Aayega Aanewaala' in Mahal (1949), is considered the greatest playback singer in Indian cinema having sung more than 30,000 songs in a career spanning six decades.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
India-US sign six MoUs on counter-terrorism
India and the US have signed an MoU on counter-terrorism and five other agreements as they agreed to chart their ties as "one of the defining relations" in the 21st century in which New Delhi will have a leadership role in the region and the world. Besides the Memorandum of Understanding on 'Advancing Global Security and Countering Terrorism', the two countries signed pacts covering education and development, health cooperation, economic trade and agriculture, and green partnerships.
The pacts were signed after Prime Minister and US President Barack Obama held talks in Washington at the White House. PM Manmohan Singh is the first foreign leader to be hosted as the State Guest under the 10-month-old Obama Administration. They affirmed their commitment to work together to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction- and missile-related technology and to realise their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Earlier, at a joint press conference, Obama said US-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
"India today is a rising and responsible global power. So I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama said.
With an aim of enhancing US-India cooperation on education and development, the two sides launched the Singh-Obama 21st Century Knowledge Initiative which will provide USD 10 million in combined funding to increase university linkages and support junior faculty development between US and Indian universities.
The two sides also launched "Green Partnership" to strengthen US-India cooperation on clean energy, climate change, and food security, reflecting their commitment to taking vigorous action to fight climate change.
They also announced launch of an Indo-US Clean Energy Research and Deployment Initiative, which is supported by US and Indian government funding and private sector assistance.
This new Initiative will include a Joint Research Center operating in both the United States and India to foster innovation and joint efforts to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies. The Initiative will facilitate joint research, scientific exchanges, and sharing of proven innovation and deployment policies.
India and the US also launched a new Agriculture Dialogue and agreed on a MoU on Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security that will set a pathway to robust cooperation between the governments.
Under this, the two sides will cooperate in crop forecasting, management and market information; regional and global food security through the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative; science, technology, and education; nutrition; and expanding private sector investment in agriculture.
The United States and India expect cooperation under the agreement to expand access to knowledge to improve productivity, safety, and nutritional quality of food crops; to strengthen market institutions and foster growth of agribusiness investment and improve food security and access to adequate quantities and quality of food, particularly for women and young children.
Renewed bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property through a MoU between the Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The memorandum and action plan will focus on human resource development, capacity building and public awareness programmes in intellectual property protection and enforcement.
The pacts were signed after Prime Minister and US President Barack Obama held talks in Washington at the White House. PM Manmohan Singh is the first foreign leader to be hosted as the State Guest under the 10-month-old Obama Administration. They affirmed their commitment to work together to prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction- and missile-related technology and to realise their shared vision of a world free of nuclear weapons.
Earlier, at a joint press conference, Obama said US-India relationship will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
"India today is a rising and responsible global power. So I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Obama said.
With an aim of enhancing US-India cooperation on education and development, the two sides launched the Singh-Obama 21st Century Knowledge Initiative which will provide USD 10 million in combined funding to increase university linkages and support junior faculty development between US and Indian universities.
The two sides also launched "Green Partnership" to strengthen US-India cooperation on clean energy, climate change, and food security, reflecting their commitment to taking vigorous action to fight climate change.
They also announced launch of an Indo-US Clean Energy Research and Deployment Initiative, which is supported by US and Indian government funding and private sector assistance.
This new Initiative will include a Joint Research Center operating in both the United States and India to foster innovation and joint efforts to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies. The Initiative will facilitate joint research, scientific exchanges, and sharing of proven innovation and deployment policies.
India and the US also launched a new Agriculture Dialogue and agreed on a MoU on Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security that will set a pathway to robust cooperation between the governments.
Under this, the two sides will cooperate in crop forecasting, management and market information; regional and global food security through the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative; science, technology, and education; nutrition; and expanding private sector investment in agriculture.
The United States and India expect cooperation under the agreement to expand access to knowledge to improve productivity, safety, and nutritional quality of food crops; to strengthen market institutions and foster growth of agribusiness investment and improve food security and access to adequate quantities and quality of food, particularly for women and young children.
Renewed bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property through a MoU between the Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The memorandum and action plan will focus on human resource development, capacity building and public awareness programmes in intellectual property protection and enforcement.
Obama hails 'friendship between a President and a PM'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday night arrived at the White House to attend the state dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
This is the first state dinner hosted by Obama since his inauguration in office in January. Obama, along with his wife Michelle, warmly welcomed the PM and his wife Gursharan Kaur. Obama surprised the PM and the other invitees by welcoming them in Hindi, saying, "Aapka swagat hai (You are welcome)"
"Many of you were here when I was honored to become the first President to help celebrate Diwali -- the Festival of Lights. Some of you were here for the first White House celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism -- Guru Nanak. Tonight, we gather again, for the first state dinner of my presidency -- with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Gursharan Kaur, as we celebrate the great and growing partnership between the United States and India ," Obama told the high-profile gathering.
"Mr Prime Minister, today we worked to fulfill our duty --bring our countries closer together than ever before. Tonight, under the stars, we celebrate the spirit that will sustain our partnership -- the bonds of friendship between our people. It's a bond that includes more than two million Indian Americans who enrich every corner of our great nation. And it's the bond of friendship between a President and a Prime Minister who are bound by the same unshakable spirit of possibility and brotherhood that transformed both our nations," he said.
Obama also quoted India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his speech, saying, " Nehru's words speak to our hopes tonight: 'The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the great triumphs and achievements that await us. The past is over and it is the future that beckons us now.'"
At the end of his speech, Obama lightheartedly enquired if Dr Singh had a glass for the toast, and quipped, "Just logistically, we want to make sure the prime minister has a glass here".
Dr Singh started the state dinner with a short speech, in which he thanked President Obama and also stressed on the importance of Indo-US ties.
"I feel privileged to be invited to this first state banquet, Mr President, under your distinguished presidency. You do us and the people of India great honor by this wonderful gesture on your part. We are overwhelmed by the warmth of your hospitality, the courtesy you have extended to us personally, and the grace and charm of the First Lady," he said.
Mentioning Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr Singh said, "We warmly applaud the recognition of the Nobel Committee of the healing touch that you have provided and the power of your idealism and vision. Your leadership of this nation coincides with profound changes in the world".
Batting for stronger Indo-US ties, the PM said, "We need to find new pathways of international cooperation that respond more effectively to the grave challenges caused by the growing interdependence of nations. As two leading democracies, India and the United States must play a leading role in building a shared destiny for all humankind. A strong and sustained engagement between our two countries is good for our people and, equally, it is highly important for the world as a whole."
Wishing President Obama and the American people a happy thanksgiving, Dr Singh said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I invite you to join me in a toast to the health and happiness of President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Mrs. Obama, the friendly people of the United States of America, and stronger and stronger friendship between India and the United States of America".
Besides several Senators and Congressmen, the high-profile guest list included CBS news anchor Katie Couric, actor Kal Pen, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and film-maker Steven Spielberg.
The menu at the dinner included potato and egg plant salad, red lentil soup with fresh cheese, roasted potato dumpling with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra or green curry prawns and coconut and basmati rice. The dessert platter comprised pumpkin pie tart, pear tatin, whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The hottest social event at the White House since Obama assumed office in January this year will also dish out a rich cultural fiesta featuring Oscar winning Indian musician A R Rehman and American singer Jennifer Hudson.
White House Meal Heavy on Veggies
The first state dinner held at the White House under President Obama veered away from the old-school American menu of meat and potatoes. That's because the Tuesday night dinner was held to honor India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a vegetarian. Actually the potato part didn't go away. For their first course, the 338 guests could choose a potato and eggplant salad. And for the third (main) course, one choice was roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney, chick peas and okra.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
The other main course selection was curry prawns with caramelized salsify, smoked collard greens and coconut aged basmati. Other appetizer choices included arugula from the White House garden with onion seed vinaigrette and red lentil soup with fresh cheese. American guests could be forgiven if they didn't know what they were eating. And all the guests probably appreciated the fact that the cheese served with the soup was fresh. The dessert menu had a slightly more American flavor: pumpkin pie tart and pear tatin with whipped cream and caramel sauce, petit fours and coffee, cashew brittle, pecan pralines, passion fruit with vanilla gelee and finally chocolate dipped fruit.
The Obamas chose a New York City chef to put together the menu, Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit.
Obamas welcome PM Manmohan Singh at White House
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was given a rousing welcome at the White House where he was received by President Barack Obama before they sat down for bilateral talks during which the two countries are expected to take their strategic ties to a new level. Obama and First Lady Michelle personally welcomed Singh, the first State guest of the Obama Administration, and his wife Gursharan Kaur at the White House.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. National Anthems of both India and the US were also played during the ceremony. Singh's visit is the first state visit hosted by the administration, the highest honor extended to a foreign dignitary, and the two would discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan during their one-on-one meeting.
Though the two leaders met in April on sidelines of the G-20 Summit in London and briefly at Pittsburgh's G-20 Summit, this would be for the first time they would discuss bilateral issues and possibilities of cooperation on key global issues like climate change. The two leaders are understood to have exchanged views on a range of issues, including terrorism, situation in the region, climate change, economic and business ties, agriculture and education. We can build up partnership based on principles and pragmatism, says the Prime Minister.
This is Singh's second State Visit to the US; he has also met with former President George W Bush in 2005.
The Prime Minister is also expected to have registered India's concerns over diversion of US aid by Pakistan and press for ensuring accountability to prevent misuse of funds and equipment.
After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.
The two countries will sign a number of pacts, including an MoU on Counter-Terrorism to provide a legal framework for stepped up cooperation against the menace, and discuss the problem of climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Summit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he would seek a "more liberal" US technology transfer to India and an early implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal.
The most anticipated part of the entire trip however has been the State Dinner, when Obama and Michell host the first black-tie dinner for the Prime Minister.
An invitation to the dinner is believed to be the hottest ticket in Washington this week. While no official list has been announced so far, media reports say that some 400 people have been invited to the dinner, which would have the President and the First Lady's personal touch, including on the menu and entertainment. Grammy and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will entertain the black-tie crowd, sources said.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tata's successor may be an expatriate
Industry leader Ratan Tata has said that his successor could be from outside India.
The 71-year-old chairman of Tata Group, which makes nearly everything from salt to steel to luxury cars, told the US daily Wall Street Journal in an interview that his successor could be an expatriate. Tata's tenure is till 2012. It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 per cent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now that we are a company that has global reach and global presence, Tata said to a question on how he was conducting the search for his successor.
The 71-year-old chairman of Tata Group, which makes nearly everything from salt to steel to luxury cars, told the US daily Wall Street Journal in an interview that his successor could be an expatriate. Tata's tenure is till 2012. It would certainly be easier if that candidate were an Indian national. But now that 65 per cent of our revenues come from overseas, it could also be an expatriate sitting in that position with justification now that we are a company that has global reach and global presence, Tata said to a question on how he was conducting the search for his successor.
Mukesh Ambani tops India's rich list
The head of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani, is once again the wealthiest person in India. His net worth is put at 32 billion dollars, an increase of 54 per cent from nearly 21 billion dollars last year, according to the latest Forbes’ India Rich List. Trailing behind him are Lakshmi Mittal with a net worth of 30 billion dollars, up 46 per cent from 20.5 billion dollars, and Mukesh’s estranged brother, Anil, whose net worth of 17.5 billion dollars, 40 per cent, higher than before, put him in the third place. A rebounding stock market that gained two-thirds in the past year and an economy growing at 6% have boosted the net worth of India’s richest people, according to the Forbes’ India.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A.R. Rahman wants to make poverty history
Oscar winner musician A. R. Rahman's ‘A. R. Rahman Foundation’ wants to make poverty history. As a first step towards achieving the vision of "strive towards making poverty history", the Foundation will set up educational institutions and provide world class, state-of-the-art infrastructure and education to underprivileged children who do not have the means to access & fund their education. This will equip them with knowledge and skill sets to pursue specialized higher studies that will provide them career opportunities to build a secure future for themselves and their families, Foundation states. Rahman is giving live ‘Jai Ho’ concert in Kolkata (India) on November 14 in support of the Foundation.
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