My Circles All My Circles
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014
13 th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas on 7 -9 th Jan in Gujarat
23122014
The Mega event of non-resident Indian , namely 13 th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, will take place on 7 -9 th Jan, in Gujarat. MEA Sushma Swaraj explained the new initiatives for this glossy event.This is centenary celebration of national iconic Mahatama Gandhi, the NRI return to Gujarat on 8 June, 1915 from South Africa.
A national fervour on this occasion is government prioity.
A national fervour on this occasion is government prioity.
The Minister interacted with media and answered their Qs effectively putting government intention to make the national event a true success. Gujarat CM explained her readiness for this event.
Curtain raising ceremony was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Gen (retd) VK Singh.
Curtain raising ceremony was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Gen (retd) VK Singh.
Ten Chief Ministers of States including Uttar Pardesh, Nagaland and Kerala beside the Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states have confirmed their participation.
Thirteenth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be held from 7th to 9th of next month at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. It will celebrate 100 years of Mahatama Gandhi’s return from South Africa to India.
Two new sessions will form part of the celebrations. These are; Know India and Recognize India. Addressing a press conference, External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Mrs Sushma Swaraj said in New Delhi that four special sessions will be held for different sections of the diaspora, including PIO countries, Gulf Countries and French speaking diaspora.
There will be programme for PBD youth which will be organised by four universities of Gujarat specializing in Petroleum, Law, Information and Technology and Entrepreneurship development.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Ben Patel who was also present in the press conference said children drawn from slums of the city will organize a cultural evening at Kakadia Lake as part of celebrations. About three thousand Pravasis are expected to participate in the event.
Further 7th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015 will be held between 11th -13th January, 2015 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate and address the Summit.
Arjun Atwal wins inaugural Dubai Open Golf title
23122014
Dec 22
India’s Arjun Atwal has won the Inaugural edition of Dubai Open Golf Championship title. Displaying a steely nerve, he holed an up-and-down for a birdie on the 72nd hole to clinch the title at Dubai Sports City yesterday.
India’s Arjun Atwal has won the Inaugural edition of Dubai Open Golf Championship title. Displaying a steely nerve, he holed an up-and-down for a birdie on the 72nd hole to clinch the title at Dubai Sports City yesterday.
Korea’s Wang Jeung-hun came second. Among other Indian golfers, Shiv Kapur was placed a joint 11th with Gaganjeet Bhullar. Jeev Milkha Singh, was tied 31st place while Daniel Chopra finished at 35th position in the overall standings.
Maharashtra CM Bowing to Builder Lobby,
23122014
Maharashtra CM Bowing to Builder Lobby, Ignoring Rights of Basti Dwellers
Mumbai: 22nd December: The day Mr. Devendra Fadnavis was appointed as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, concerned citizens as well as politicians beyond party lines felt relieved to get a knowingly non-corrupt chief minister. This was based on his bright and active career as MLA in the assembly when he raised a number of scams and scandals based on CAG reports and otherwise. The secular forces and parties, in spite of having concern about the chief minister coming from RSS/Jansangh fold and family too vocalized expectations to have a rule of law. However, others did raise a question as to whether he would face the same problem and similar barriers as by Mr. Prithiviraj Chavan, former CM, who too was non-corrupt but encircled by many a corrupt minister.
The statements made by new CM arouse serious questions, even if it’s granted that he has not got adequate time and the very first assembly is yet to be over.
The first and the foremost, new CM visited the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) within the shortest time since his take over. He asked the officials and probably a few builders-developers as investors not whether law and rules are perfectly followed by them but rather expressed his concern about the projects left halfway and to give a push asked why they could not complete those? The builders, we came to know from reports, have already started visiting the CM. Former CM, Mr. Chavan was known to have kept them out but he too, under pressure and through biased bureaucrats, couldn’t bring out the full truth, through full enquiry.
NAPM has disclosed, over last few years a number of frauds and irregularities in Mumbai’s projects such as 3k project at Golibar, Khar, however, the enquiry has not concluded the truth; and not only the project but people are kept hanging either at their original land or in the transit camps while a few hundreds are resettled but that too on the land belonging to the defense ministry. Will the CM have his own non-partisan, non-corrupt investigative team for Mumbai’s real estate projects hearing those (even if in minority at some places) who have questioned illegalities?
The Lavasa, Adarsh and Hiranandani are the projects with frauds in land deals which have helped the politicians-bureaucrats nexus of investors earn crores but at the cost of the poor- Law income groups to middle class people in urban areas, farmers in the rural (western ghats) as well as the families of the martyrs. Will the new government go by the statements which have arisen to confuse the new leadership such as in the case of ‘Adarsh’ land? If there are documents to prove that the land was actually purchased by the owners of the flats or the society, has came there were not supplied to NAPM, when we reached all documents under RTI Act? Was the information provided fraudulent or the latest disclosure a backdated creation of proof ? Hiranandani case as well as Lavasa’s is before the Hon’ble High Court, however, the illegal construction and manipulations continue as the culprits wish to prove that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. Will the new government show courage and confidence to take all corrupt politicians by horns?
Housing of slum dwellers is an issue, deciding the fate of not just Mumbai but also the politicians and their party in this financial capital of India. Passing a notification, through legislatures, with all party support, the cut-off-date for slum protection got changed from 1995 to 2000, just before the Loksabha elections, however, there is no implementation thereafter. Rajiv Awas Yojna was on the banners of the former ruling party during election propaganda for Loksabha but the new government is quite about the same. Lakhs of poor people who build and clean houses, roads; produce and distribute goods and series, but have no secure place to live expect that the ruling parties don’t wait till the upcoming elections for MCGB but take a position on the RAY at the earliest.
On education, Marathi schools have been neglected and grants went to the Education mafias not to Jeevansahalas in the Narmada valley and Health sector is left to the increasing extent, to private profiteers. Land acquisition Act of 1989 got changed towards inclusive developments, in 2013, only after long struggles by farmers to fishworkers in Maharashtra and all over. Will the new CM, with the legislations and hard earned labour laws too, we ask.
Outside the legislature and beyond electoral politics, dialogue with people and people’s movements would not just help the new CM know the facts also provide solutions and alternatives provided the new team neither compromises nor enter into deals!
Medha Patkar, Prerna Gaikwad, Poonam Kanujiya, Santosh Throat
Global news
23122014
About 20 killed by blast at bus stop in NE Nigeria
About 20 people were killed after an explosion in the city of Gombe in northeastern Nigeria, TASS reported. The terrorist act was carried out when the bus stop was crowded by people, according to Red Cross representatives. Officials have blamed the Boko Haram sect for similar attacks in the past.
Sydney siege gunman Monis’ body released for burial
The body of siege gunman Man Haron Monis has been released for his next of kin to bury, after the coroner performed an autopsy, the Sydney Morning Herald reported Monday. A burial order was made on Monday afternoon, according to a Department of Justice. “If no one comes forward to claim his body, a destitute burial will be organized through NSW Health,” a department spokeswoman said. The coroner has not finalized any autopsy results and will not be releasing any more information before an inquest, the paper said. Monis’ partner Amirah Droudis will not be able to collect his body after she was taken into custody on Monday afternoon, her bail having been revoked on a charge of the murder of Monis’ ex-wife.
China to send 700 troops to S. Sudan, 1st infantry UN mission
China will send 700 troops to South Sudan as part of the country’s first infantry battalion to participate in a UN peacekeeping mission, AP said. Next month, 180 of the troops will fly to South Sudan followed by the rest of the battalion in March, according to a Xinhua report. The battalion has drones, armored infantry carriers, anti-tank missiles, mortars and other weapons for self-defense purposes. More than 2,000 Chinese peacekeepers are posted in conflict zones around the world.
Rossiya Segodnya unveils memorial plaque
In honor of journalist Stenin, killed in Ukraine
Rossiya Segodnya international information agency on Monday unveiled a memorial plaque in honor of Andrey Stenin, the photojournalist who was killed in eastern Ukraine in August. He disappeared while working on August 5. The agency confirmed his death on September 3.
Spanish court to try Princess Cristina on tax fraud charges
Princess Cristina de Borbon, sister of Spain’s King Felipe VI, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of tax fraud, Reuters reported, citing the High Court of the Balearic Islands. The charges were brought as part of an investigation into the business dealings of Cristina’s husband, Inaki Urdangarin. A former Olympic handball player, he is accused of embezzling millions in public funds through his non-profit Noos Foundation. The case marks the first time a member of the Spanish royal family will stand trial.
5 militants killed in clashes with Egypt police
Five members of Egypt’s militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis were killed on Sunday in clashes with police, AFP reported. The militants of the country’s deadliest group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL), opened fire after security forces stormed a farm where they were hiding and preparing bombs, the interior ministry said. An exchange of gunfire caused “the deaths of five members of the terrorist cell while a police officer was injured,” according to police.
Queensland govt agrees to demolish house
The house where an Australian mother allegedly killed eight children, most of them her own, will likely be demolished, Reuters quoted a government official as saying on Monday. The move is in keeping with indigenous culture to make way for a memorial. The Queensland government agreed to the demolition of because of the horrific nature of the killings, according to Queensland MP Gavin King. A judge denied a request to transfer the murder case against 37-year-old Raina Mersane Ina Thaiday to Queensland state’s Mental Health Court.
Tunisia’s Marzouki refuses to concede defeat as Essebsi declares win in election
Beji Caid Essebsi declared victory in Tunisia’s presidential run-off vote held on Sunday. His rival, the incumbent president, Moncef Marzouki, refused to concede defeat, Reuters said. Essebsi, 88, former parliament speaker under Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, announced that he had won by a clear margin. The election is seen as last step in Tunisia’s shift to full democracy four years after an uprising ousted Ben Ali.
China opposes cyber-attacks, stops short of condemning Sony hacking
Beijing has said it opposes all forms of cyber-attacks, but Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stopped short of directly condemning the hacking of Sony Pictures, Reuters said. In a conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday, the minister reaffirmed China’s “relevant position, emphasizing China opposes all forms of cyber-attacks and cyber terrorism.” Beijing opposes any country or individual “using other countries’ domestic facilities to conduct cyber-attacks on third-party nations,” Wang Yi said.
3 injured in US Navy helicopter crash in Kuwait
Three people have been injured after a US Navy helicopter crashed Sunday while carrying out a training flight at an American army post in northwestern Kuwait, US officials said. “All six personnel aboard the helicopter survived the crash and were transported to nearby medical facilities for evaluation,” US Naval Forces Central Command said in a brief statement. The Navy ruled out hostile activity, but did not announce the cause of the crash.
Health minister to become Haiti’s new interim PM
Haiti’s Health Minister Florence Duperval Guillaume is to become the interim prime minister, replacing Laurent Lamothe who has resigned following several weeks of protest, Reuters reports. The announcement is part of a wider effort to stop the country from sliding into political crisis over long delayed election, as Haiti teeters on the brink of political chaos.
200 Gazans flood into Egypt as Rafah crossing temporarily reopened
Some 200 Palestinians crossed into the Egyptian Sinai through the Rafah crossing on Sunday. Egypt reopened the crossing for two days in order to allow sick Gaza residents to seek medical treatment and foreign nationals to leave. This is the first time the crossing has been open in nearly two months since Cairo shut it down in October after a suicide bomber killed thirty soldiers in northern Sinai. Rafah is Gaza’s only entry point to the outside world not bordering Israel.
200 Gazans flood into Egypt as Rafah crossing temporarily reopened
Some 200 Palestinians crossed into the Egyptian Sinai through the Rafah crossing on Sunday. Egypt reopened the crossing for two days in order to allow sick Gaza residents to seek medical treatment and foreign nationals to leave. This is the first time the crossing has been open in nearly two months since Cairo shut it down in October after a suicide bomber killed thirty soldiers in northern Sinai. Rafah is Gaza’s only entry point to the outside world not bordering Israel.
Australian PM reshuffles cabinet amidst sliding public support
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott wants more focus on the economy and job creation after he introduced a Cabinet reshuffle after 14 months in charge of the country. He promoted Scott Morrison to the position of Social Services Minister, Reuters reports. Morrison, who was the former Immigration minister, had been behind the controversial program of turning back boats carrying thousands of asylum seekers looking to enter Australia. Meanwhile, Defense Minister David Johnston lost his job following a series of public gaffes. Abbott also appointed a second woman to his cabinet. Susan Ley was promoted to minister for health and minister for sport. The other woman in the Cabinet is Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
Janata family holds rally in Delhi against govt
23122014
The regrouped Janata family today protested against the Centre over the issues of black money, unemployment and betraying farmers over minimum support price at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, JD(U) leaders Nitish Kumar, and Sharad Yadav, RJD chief Lalu Prasad, H D Deve Gowda of JD(S) and other leaders took part in the protest.
Addressing the dharna, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav accused BJP of cheating the nation. He also blamed that BJP is trying to spread the wave of conversions across the country. Mr Yadav also took on the ruling party on the issue of black money saying the government failed to do anything in bringing back illegal wealth stashed abroad.
JDU leader Nitish Kumar raised a question about Narendra Modi’s poll promise of bringing back black money. He said country’s youth is still unemployed and farmer suicides still continue. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said Mr Modi promised good days and employment which have not yet been fulfilled. He said that the Janata Parivar is now united under Mulayam Singh’s leadership.
Tunisia’s Prez candidate Beji Caid Essebsi claims victory
23122014
Dec 22
In Tunisia, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Beji Caid Essebsi’s campaign team has claimed victory after the voting.
In Tunisia, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, Beji Caid Essebsi’s campaign team has claimed victory after the voting.
They said initial results showed he had won yesterday’s run-off election by a clear margin over rival Moncef Marzouki. Preliminary Official results are yet to be declared by the election commission in Tunisia.
But Essebi’s campaign manager Mohsen Marzouk said there are indications that Essebsi had won the first free presidential election since the country’s 2011 uprising.
Run off elections were held in Tunisia because none of the two candidates could muster more than 50 percent votes in the first round of elections.
Newsletter
23122014
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Climate Concerns Rise
23122014
|
Genius launches new mini Wi-Fi camera
23122014
Genius launches new mini Wi-Fi camera – the Life-Shot FHD300
~click richer images with this attachable & stunning, portable camera~
Genius, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of computer peripherals and smart phone accessories, has announced the launch of its new mini Wi-Fi camera– the Life-Shot FHD300. This “attach it, wear it” camera lets you take videos, photos and create a time-lapse video while you are walking, running, riding a bike, in the rain, and underwater! Multi- tasking at it’s best!
The camera has a built-in Wi-Fi feature that lets you connect to your smartphone to transfer videos and photos. Just download the Genius Life-Shot App to your Android or iOS smartphone and you’re ready to go. Featuring an 8MP Sony sensor, the Life-Shot FHD 300 lets you take richer and vibrant images. The camera comes with a bike mount, tripod mount, clip strap, USB charging cable and IPX8 certification waterproof case
Commenting on the launch, Mr Gaurav Mathur, Country Head India, Genius,said, ““At Genius, it is our constant endeavor to make the everyday lives of our customers easy, through cutting edge R&D in technology and product design. The all new Life-Shot FHD300 from Genius, is a truly versatile and easy to use smart camera, that lets you capture moments you love, on the go, while seamlessly sharing with your smartphone, through its in-built Wi-Fi feature. Attachable and portable, this stunning camera is available for both iOS and Android devices and is a great every day companion.”
No comments:
Post a Comment