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Govt may ban cola ads
Natwar praises Sonia, spits venom on PM
NDA seeks Kalam’s intervention on nuclear deal
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PM declares flood relief for AP, Maharashtra
Not allowed to speak in RS
US assisting Chhattisgarh, claim ultra Left groups
Panel on farm indebtedness
AP to extend ban on CPI(Maoist)
Double whammy
IoD fellowship
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Govt may ban cola ads
New Delhi, August 11 Coca Cola India today came out with a statement, asserting that there was “no detectable level of pesticides” in soft drinks manufactured by it in India when measured against the strict European Union standards. Battling actively for Pepsico and Coca Cola, FICCI and CII yesterday cautioned that “arbitrary decisions by state governments could affect the investment climate in the country”. The sales figures of fizzy drinks have taken a tumble of at least 10 per cent ever since the pesticide controversy was raised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Up in arms against soft drink multinationals, NGOs in Rajasthan today demanded a ban on such beverages in the state and threatened to hit the streets if the government did not act. Kerala has already imposed a complete ban on production and sale of soft drinks. Karnataka has joined Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in the ban on the sale of the two colas in educational institutions, government offices and hospitals. As far as the government is concerned, it is not taking any chances. Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had told the Rajya Sabha yesterday that the government was working on a comprehensive standard formula for testing pesticide contents in such beverages, besides contemplating banning cola advertisements. He said the government was discussing it with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on whether there is a provision to ban these. We have not taken any decision….We are just discussing it with the I&B Ministry,” Dr Ramadoss said. He also asserted that standards specified in India for soft drinks were on a par with those in other countries. Meanwhile, Coca Cola today questioned the ban slapped on it by state governments, saying that pesticide level in its products was well within the stringent European Union standards. It asserted that their soft drinks were regularly tested and evaluated by UK Government laboratory Central Science Laboratories (CSL). “All tests show that our soft drinks are below the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water,” Coke said in a statement issued for the first time since the controversy over pesticides began. The company also supported the move by the government to adopt a criteria for pesticide residues in soft drinks, which are based on scientifically validated testing methods. “We are working with relevant government bodies in India to develop and finalise the criteria along with their associated testing protocols for pesticide residues in soft drinks,” it said.
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CSE dares Coke
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) today dared Coca Cola to publish results of tests it claims to have conducted in the CSL laboratory as per the EU norms. Hitting back at Coca Cola’s claim, CSE Director Sunita Narain called it “ nothing but a cunning ploy to divert the attention from the real issue”.
“We demand that they publish results of tests they claim to have conducted on their products from this UK-based lab. The statement says that CFL tests show that soft drinks are below the EU criteria for pesticide residues in bottled water. We are not contending this point at all because the question here is not about bottled water but the final product which in this case is the soft drink.” “The company has not said anywhere in its statement that they are meeting the EU norms for soft drinks. Moreover, this entire business of going to a UK lab smacks of racism. Why do they not get their stuff tested in India. We feel that even if they have tested any of their products according to EU norms, it should be on the final product and not on bottled water or its other
ingredients," she said.
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Natwar praises Sonia, spits venom on PM
New Delhi, August 11 Sticking to his earlier description of Dr Singh as a “weak” Prime Minister, the suspended Congress leader declared that the “country needs a decisive, resolute and forceful leadership” He admitted
that he had sought an appointment with Dr. Singh but promptly clarified that it was “not to kneel before him” but to discuss larger foreign policy issues. While he was quick to deride the Prime Minister, the former external affairs minister was a picture of sycophancy when he spoke of Mrs Gandhi at a crowded Press conference at his residence after he was not allowed to make a personal statement in the Rajya Sabha. “In her generosity and greatness, she has not said anything against me till today. Neither will I say anything against her,” he said. Even as he stuck a conciliatory tone with regards to Mrs Gandhi, Mr Singh also demonstrated his potential to stir up trouble for the party and its leadership. His son Jagat Singh, who was by his side during the press conference, made a passing reference to the issue of corruption and Bofors while pointing out that the Pathak Authority report had failed to find any corruption case
against him or his father. Similarly, while giving details about the Congress delegation he led to Iraq in 2001, Mr Natwar Singh said he had briefed Mrs Gandhi about their political
discussions with the Iraqi authorities on his return, stating there was no
discussion about oil in their meetings in Baghdad. He also went on to add that he had written many letters dealing with national and international issues before his appointment as external affairs minister and that he always showed these to the Congress president.” Nothing, not even a leaf moves in the Congress without Mrs Gandhi’s knowledge,” he added. However, Mr Natwar Singh backed off when he was asked specifically about the three introductory letters he gave to Andaleeb Sehgal, which have been mentioned by the Pathak report to indict him for misusing his authority to facilitate oil deals for persons close to him. Fudging the issue, Mr Singh maintained that he had written many such recommendatory letters, stating specifically that he had not brought these to the notice of the Congress president. In any case, he said, there was no mention of oil or vouchers in these letters, adding that he was not responsible if anybody misused them. For the rest, Mr Natwar Singh said that the Pathak report had found him and his son blemishless and not found any case of financial impropriety against him or his
son, adding that no illegality had been committed by them. Raising questions about the Pathak Authority report, he said his deposition regarding Paul Volcker’s bias, had not been taken into consideration. He also admitted taht he felt aggrieved by the manner in which the party had suspended him and issued a show cause notice, stating that he will respond to it in great detail. When asked specifically if he would resign from the Congress, he responded with an emphatic “no” while describing
himself as a loyal soldier of the party.
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NDA seeks Kalam’s intervention on nuclear deal
New Delhi, August 11 In a three-page memorandum submitted to the President this evening, the NDA listed 10 parameters and insisted that unless these were met with, this nuclear deal would be wholly biased against national interest and it asymmetrical and totally detrimental to India's scientific endeavours and interests. The delegation was led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and comprised among others Leaders of Opposition L.K. Advani and Jaswant Singh, NDA convener George Fernandes and BJP president Rajnath Singh. Stating that India's nuclear programme, including its strategic programme, had always been backed by a strong national consensus, the memorandum said the nuclear deal with the US could not be acceptable to India unless it ensured the following: a) it must involve full civil nuclear cooperation with India b) it must accord India the same rights and benefits as the other nuclear-weapons states c) under it, India will undertake only such obligations as adopted by the other nuclear-weapons states d) at any stage Indian action will only be reciprocal and e) India will accept international inspections on its civil facilities or any other binding obligation only after "all restrictions on India have been lifted". In addition, any civil nuclear cooperation agreement must provide for, a) uninterrupted and unconditional supply of nuclear fuel to India, b) a permanent waiver of relevant US domestic laws without annual review and certification, c) IAEA inspection of our civil nuclear facilities only while the deal hold, d) complete freedom to India's strategic and foreign policy options and e) an explicitly stated right to India to terminate the agreement on national security grounds. Pointing to the Bills passed by the US House of Representative and the Senate on the issue recently, the NDA memorandum said, "these two Bills hold serious implications for the autonomy of our decision making, for the independence of our foreign policy, the integrity and reliability of our strategic options and the future of our scientific research and progress." "The national consensus (on nuclear issue) was breached for the first time in July last year, when our Prime Minister agreed to a nuclear cooperation deal with the US. Even at that time, we had pointed out that the US objective was to bring India within the fold of the discriminatory non-proliferation framework which we have resisted all along," it said. Further it said "the difference between the understanding of the Government of India, on the one hand, and the US administration, on the other, of this deal soon came to light when the Prime Minister of India said one thing in our Parliament and the US officials said exactly the opposite while briefing the US Congress." "We pointed out these discrepancies to the government in Parliament, but unfortunately it fell on deaf ears. The veil has completely lifted now," it said, urging the President to give due and urgent consideration to the views and concerns expressed by the NDA leaders.
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PM declares flood relief for AP, Maharashtra
Mumbai/Hyderabad, August 11 Dr Singh arrived at Nanded, the worst-hit district in the region, this afternoon and met with the affected people put up at relief camps. He later reviewed the flood situation with Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and top bureaucrats. Manmohan Singh also made an aerial survey of the flood-affected Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. He told the media at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad that this contingency fund was in addition to an equal amount earlier extended by the Centre from the National Calamity Relief Fund. The Prime Minister also announced Rs 1 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the torrential rains that ravaged coastal Andhra and parts of Telangana. A Central team would also visit the state shortly to assess the damage and further assistance would be provided on the basis of the report, Mr Singh, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, said. Mr Singh’s visit comes close on the heels of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's whirlwind tour of the flood-affected areas in the state on Wednesday last. The Chief Minister submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking Rs 1,022 crore for strengthening of embankments and other preventive measures against flash floods. Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at the Begumpet Airport by Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameswar Thakur and other officials. Dr Singh immediately left for an aerial survey of the flooded areas of Adilabad.
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Not allowed to speak in RS
New Delhi, August 11 The former External Affairs Minister stood up during the zero hour to seek permission of the Chair to make his submission when the members were expressing their concern over “targeting of Muslim community in Mumbai in the police investigation into the recent blasts.” However, Deputy Chairman K. Rehman Khan said Mr Natwar Singh's notice for making a personal explanation was under consideration of the Chairman. He said it was improper for members to raise an issue when matter under consideration had not been completed. Members from the BJP, the SP, the TDP and the AIADMK were on their feet saying that Mr Natwar Singh had a right to make a personal explanation and the Chair should permit him.
The Opposition shouting slogans trooped into the well of the House following which the House was adjourned till 2 pm.
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US assisting Chhattisgarh, claim ultra Left groups
New Delhi, August 11 The statement said, “As part of the direct intervention, US officers have themselves been training the Royal Nepal Army and even entering every sphere of society to subvert the on-going anti-monarchial movement.” It claimed that the two parties were united in their commitment to the spirit of proletarian internationalism and the tactical questions were the sole concern of the parties operating in their respective regions. Meanwhile the USA said today that it was working with India to curb terrorism. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Mr David Kennedy, the spokesman of the embassy in New Delhi, said: “We already have an excellent cooperation with the Government of India on defeating terrorism and want to do a really good job in getting the terrorists and keeping our citizens safe.” Mr Kennedy was speaking to ANI after the US Embassy released a travel advisory cautioning American citizens in New Delhi and Mumbai against probable terror strikes between August 11-16. When asked to comment on the security measures being adapted in India, he said: “I am not directly involved in it, but I have already read a lot about it. I would encourage people to contact the airlines and understand the additional precautions also in place, and probably get to the airport early.”
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Panel on farm indebtedness
New Delhi, August 11 The other members of the Panel will be P V Shenoy, former Agriculture Secretary, NABARD Chairman Y S P Thorat and Kanta Kumar, former Chairman of Syndicate Bank. Making this announcement in the Lok Sabha today, Finance Minister said the government was concerned about the increasing incidents of farm suicides and farm indebtedness. The panel will study in-depth the problem and will make necessary recommendations. Replying to a debate on supplementary demands, he said inflation would be contained at about 4.5 per cent. “Given the current market condition and the brisk pace of economic growth, headline inflation is expected to remain at about 4.5 per cent,” he said Later the House passed the Supplementary demands for Grants amounting to Rs 47868.97 crore with a net cash outgo aggregating to Rs 8,667.95 crore, by a voice vote. Mr P. Chidambaram Finance Minister, assured the members that food and fertiliser subsidies in the country would not be reduced. He, however, said prices of wheat, pulses and sugar were a matter of concern and steps were being taken to ensure their availability at affordable prices. There was shortage of other essential commodities, he said. |
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AP to extend ban on CPI(Maoist)
Hyderabad, August 11 Virasam (Revolutionary Writers association; Association), which was included last year, has been exempted from the list this time. The ban on the CPI(Maoist) and its frontal organisations was imposed on August 18 last year, following the breakdown of “peace talks” with the underground militants. The Cabinet has also decided to provide 80 per cent subsidy on purchase of ISI mark motors, foot valves and pipes to farmers. The government had been insisting on quality pumps and other accessories in view of the free power enjoyed by the farmers. The Congress government, which had earlier fixed the year 2008 as the deadline for fixing the accessories, has announced the subsidy to encourage the farmers to install them without delay.
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Double whammy
New Delhi, August 11 The External Affairs Ministry was informed by a relative of the deceased about the fatal mishap. The ministry advised the Indian Embassy in Tehran to contact the shipping company and ask them to arrange to have the body sent to India. However, when the body was brought here,the family was flabbergasted to learn that the body sent was not that of Subodh but of an unidentified woman.
— UNI
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IoD fellowship
New Delhi, August 11 Mr Sakaralingam has been honoured by the institute for his valuable contribution to the Indian power sector-spanning more than 30 years. Other prominent persons awarded fellowship are Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Chairman, TRAI and CMDs of BHEL and IOC. |
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