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India, China vow to maintain peace along border
SAD moves EC against Tribune
SAD charge of ‘paid news’ absurd
Antony holds another meeting on OROP
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WHO: Antibiotic resistance a worldwide occurrence
Pawar set to revamp NCP after elections
Defamation suit
Rahul treats everyone equal: Priyanka
Sonia, Rahul have double standards on Lalu: Modi
Digvijay Singh admits to relationship with TV anchor
Ficci protests EU ban on import of fruits
BJP slams Pak over remark on Modi
ED files fresh case against Afroz Fatta
Hearing against Lt Gen Suhag postponed
Book branding BJP communal withdrawn BJP will get majority: Rajnath
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India, China vow to maintain peace along border
New Delhi, April 30 The Indian side at the meeting was led by Gautam Bambawale, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the External Affairs Ministry and included officials from the Defence and Home ministries as also members of the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Chinese delegation was headed by Ouyang Yujing, Director General at the department of Boundary in the Chinese Foreign Ministry and included officials of the National Defence. The sixth meeting of the working mechanism came just two weeks after Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh visited Beijing for the India-China strategic dialogue. A statement issued by the MEA said the talks were held in a cordial, constructive and forward looking manner at a time when the season was changing in the high attitude areas along the India-China border. Both sides agreed that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border was an important guarantor for the further development of bilateral relations. The two sides reviewed recent developments, particularly in the Western Sector of the boundary, implementation of the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA) that was signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Beijing in October last year and additional confidence building measures. An alternate route for the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra was also explored. The series of meetings between top officials of the two countries are taking place against the backdrop of reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping is keen to visit India in the second half of the year to establish personal contact with the new government in New Delhi. While receiving credentials of the new Indian Ambassador Ashok Kantha last month, Li had stated that furthering strategic partnership with India was his historic mission. Incursions discussed
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SAD moves EC against Tribune
Chandigarh, April 30 In a statement issued in this regard, SAD spokesman Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said that the series of news reports/articles appearing at the time of elections were intended to unduly influence the voters, denigrate the SAD and its leaders, specifically the family of Sukhbir Singh Badal. The SAD has urged the ECI to issue directions to treat the reports as surrogate advertisements/paid news by Capt Amarinder Singh and add the expenditure in his poll expenses.
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SAD charge of ‘paid news’ absurd
After accusing The Tribune of doing its investigative series on Punjab's first family under the influence of the Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal in a petition to the Election Commission has now made the preposterous charge that it was also 'paid news.'
The depth of research obvious in the reports on the business interests of the Badal, Majithia and Kairon families - which have members in the highest positions in the Punjab Government - would make it clear to even the most casual observer that these could only be the result
of diligent work by a professional organisation. To suggest that such reports had a monetary intent
or were sponsored by a political party is farcical to say the least. It should require no reiteration that a serious conflict between the interests of the ruling families referred to and the public becomes evident from the information revealed by The Tribune. Moreover, the SAD complaint does not point to any inaccuracies in the entirely factual reports, on which versions of the people referred to in them were published with due diligence. The SAD has also displayed utmost disregard for decorum in public life by accusing members of The Tribune Trust of being "aides" of a political leader. This newspaper of 133 years' unblemished standing takes pride in declaring that The Tribune Trustees are personalities who have attained the highest levels in the fields of public service they dedicated their lifetime to. The absolute absence of any personal gain for them in steering The Tribune makes any aspersions beyond the pale. It is this unique structure that enables The Tribune to be regarded as one of the most respected, unbiased and professional newspapers, which has public interest as the only guiding principle. While denying in entirety all allegations of favour, bias or 'paid news' made by the SAD, The Tribune will defend itself in any forum that questions its cherished ideals of truth, integrity and public service, always and every time. Raj Chengappa Editor-in-Chief The Tribune Group of Publications
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Antony holds another meeting on OROP
Even as retired armed forces personnel are on the lookout for any signs of the implementation of the much-awaited "one rank-one pension" scheme, announced in February, the wheels are quietly turning in South Block. Defence Minister AK Antony reportedly called a meeting in this regard last week and ordered the authorities concerned that the issue be finalised in three weeks. Directions have been issued to set up a committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), three Services and the Controller General of Defence Accounts. The committee has been tasked to hold regular meeting for firming up modalities of the scheme that would ensure same pension for same rank and same length of service. At present, there are disparities in pension of similarly placed personnel retiring at different times. On the other hand, sources in the armed forces claim they are yet to receive any communication on the convening of the said committee meeting. It remains to be seen whether Antony's deadline will be adhered to or not. ANZAC Day and its Indian connection
When the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Corps) Day is celebrated Down Under on the other side of the Equator, as also in some other parts of the world on April 25 to commemorate the contribution of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, particularly in the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War, it will also shed light on little known but vital role played by Indian troops in the operation. The Gallipoli Campaign was launched by the British against the Ottoman Empire to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies and to seize Constantinople. The Indian component of the British force comprised the 7th Indian Mountain Artillery Brigade, the Indian Mule Corps, a medical establishment, and the 29th Indian Infantry Brigade. The high point of the contingent's deployment was its conduct during the battle for Sari Bair when one of its battalions gained the crest of the mighty ridge. Total Indian casualties in the campaign were 4,130. Unfortunately, there are almost no records of the contingent's role, except for the fortuitous collection of letters passed down by the Indian censors in France or the accounts of a few British officers.
9 Guards' golden jubilee
The 9th Battalion of the Brigade of The Guards, also known as the Heroes of Sylhet, turned 50 this month. Presently based in the deserts of Jaisalmer, the battalion was raised at Kota in 1964. The battalion was deployed on the Eastern Frontier during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where it captured the dominating enemy bastion of Sylhet that lay close to the border with Meghalaya and southern Assam. For its success, it was awarded the Battle Honour Sylhet and Theatre Honour East Pakistan. Several functions, including a special sainik sammelan, release of first-day cover and social events, were organised to commemorate the occasion.
Punjab's largest poll booth dedicated to soldiers
Here is an interesting bit of trivia concerning the 2014 General Election in Punjab. While an unprecedented number of serving armed forces personnel exercised their right to franchise, the largest polling booth in the state at Ferozepur, had been dedicated to armed forces personnel. According to Additional Chief Electoral Officer Raminder Singh, it catered to about 8,600 voters. (Vijay Mohan)
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WHO: Antibiotic resistance a worldwide occurrence
New Delhi, April 30 The report,
‘Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Report on Surveillance’ while
saying that the resistance is occurring across many different infectious
agents report focuses on antibiotic resistance in nine different
bacteria responsible for common, serious diseases such as bloodstream
infections (sepsis), diarrhoea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and
gonorrhoea. The results are cause for high concern, documenting
resistance to antibiotics, especially ‘last resort’ antibiotics, in
all regions of the world. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria
change so that antibiotics no longer work on patients who need them to
treat infections caused by the bacteria in question. Key findings from
the report say that resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, used as
treatment of last resort for life-threatening infections caused by a
common intestinal bacteria Klebsiella pneumonia, has spread to all
regions of the world, including India. K. pneumoniae is a major cause
of hospital-acquired infections like aspneumonia, bloodstream
infections, infections in newborns and intensive-care unit patients. In
some countries, because of the resistance, carbapenems would not work in
more than half of the people treated for K. pneumoniae infections, says
the report. It adds that resistance to one of the most widely used
antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by E.
coli - fluoroquinolones - is also very widespread. In the 1980s, when
these drugs were first introduced, resistance was virtually zero. Today,
there are countries where this treatment is now ineffective in more than
half of patients. Treatment failure to the last resort of treatment for
gonorrhea - third generation cephalosporins - has also been confirmed in
Austria, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Norway, South Africa,
Slovenia, Sweden and the UK. More than 1 million people are infected
with gonorrhoea around the world every day. The report says antibiotic
resistance causes people to be sick for longer period and increases the
risk of death. For example, people with the MRSA (methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus) are 64 per cent more likely to die than the
people with a non-resistant form of the infection. Resistance also
increases the cost of health care with lengthier stays in hospital and
requires more intensive care. The available data reveals that
antibiotic resistance is a burgeoning problem in WHO’s South-East Asia
Region, which is home to a quarter of the world’s population. The
report shows high levels of E. coli resistance to third generation
cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones - two important and commonly used
types of antibiotic - in the Region which includes India. Resistance to
third generation cephalosporins in K. pneumoniae is also high and
widespread. The options
How it happens
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change so that antibiotics no longer work on patients who need them to treat infections caused by the bacteria in
question.
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Pawar set to revamp NCP after elections
Mumbai, April 30 Among those present included senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal and former Deputy Chief Minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil who are contesting the Lok Sabha election. Pawar sought feedback from the leaders most of who were given specific responsibilities in various constituencies. Senior party leaders are believed to have told the NCP strongman that the party would bag between eight and 12 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. The NCP had won eight seats in the 2009 elections. Observers say Pawar is expecting the present elections to throw up a hung parliament in which case the role of the smaller parties would become very important in government formation. Confirming the meeting Tribal Affairs Minister Madhukar Pichad told mediapersons that Pawar wanted to take stock of the situation in the state. During its meeting in May, the NCP will chart out its moves for the assembly elections due in October, according to party sources.
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Gadkari withdraws case as Tewari apologises
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 30 “I state that in future, I will never put you in disrepute by making any comments with regard to the Adarsh Society,” Tewari said in a written submission made in the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Mumbai, a statement issued by the BJP said. Tewari, in his submission before the court also said: “I understand that, by such statements you have to suffer huge disrepute and have to face uncomfortable situation within your party and the society. Therefore, by this communication, I tender my unconditional apology for the allegations made against you.” The Congress leader also requested Gadkari to withdraw the case filed in the local magistrate’s court. Gadkari filed the case in December, 2010 when as Congress spokesperson Tewari had accused him of holding a benami flat in the scam-tainted Adarsh Society here. He had contended in the complaint that this was false and defamatory and Tewari be tried for criminal defamation under the Indian Penal Code. The local court had last month taken cognizance of Gadkari’s complaint and had issued process against Tewari, the BJP said. Adarsh scam charge
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Rahul treats everyone equal: Priyanka
Amethi, April 30 During her marathon roadshow covering 130 km in Amethi, which goes to the polls in a week, Priyanka spoke to voters about the "relationship of love" they had with the Gandhis and cautioned them about the intentions of other candidates "who come only during elections". She enumerated the development work carried out in the constituency by her family members, including her father Rajiv Gandhi, and even admitted that more needs to be done. "His (Rahul's) politics is not opaque, it is liberal. He looks at all as equals and wants that everyone is benefited and stays united," she said. She said that the people have supported her family for generations because they have seen them work for the development of the area. "Many candidates are coming to your area. There are many types of campaigns going on. There is criticism as well that development work has not been undertaken. "Main jaanti hoon ki aap samajhte hai...jo sahi niyat se aapke saamne aata hai, jo kaam karta hai, aap use achi tarah se pehchante hai. To aap niyat samjh le inki ki kisliye aye hai yahan. (I know you understand those who have come with the right intentions in front of you. You recognise those who work. So you understand their intentions, why they have come here)," she said at a rally here. She said that these candidates only come here because it is the constituency of Rahul Gandhi. She said that neither do they have any love and concern for this area or its people nor do they have any relationship. She maintained that if they had to undertake any development work for the area, they would only be able to utilise the MP fund of Rs 5 crore and will only be able to construct 5 km of roads with that amount in one year.
- PTI
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Sonia, Rahul have double standards on Lalu: Modi
Ujiarpur (Bihar), April 30 The Congress, he alleged, helped Lalu walk out of jail and indulged in all sorts of backroom deals with him but refrained from acknowledging the relation in public as they feared it would dent their votes outside. "Is it not a fact that mother and son helped Lalu to get out of jail (on bail after being convicted for five years in the fodder scam)?" the BJP prime ministerial candidate asked at an election meeting here. "Having got Lalu released from jail, why cannot they share a stage with him at a rally?" he asked. "Does not this maa-beta have an alliance with Lalu? Did not they help him come out of jail? Then why do they refuse to sit with him... They tell him: Don't sit with us or we will be wiped out of the country. Isn't it a deception, a sin?" he said as he urged voters to teach them a lesson. He said "None can save the maa-beta (mother and son) from certain defeat.” Reaching out to the electorate in the crucial state, where BJP aims to make big gains to realise its dream of capturing power at the Centre, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said Bihar was blessed with the goddess of knowledge which Gujarat lacked. "Wherever we go, we find IAS, IPS officers from Bihar. But the goddess of wealth is yet to come here. She does not come without the lotus," he said, referring to his party's symbol which is also associated with the goddess of wealth.
— PTI
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Digvijay Singh admits to relationship with TV anchor
New Delhi, April 30 Digvijay Singh in a tweet following the leak accepted he was in a
relationship with a TV anchor and planned to marry her soon. The video, which attracted disparaging comments on Facebook and Twitter, surfaced on the social media this
morning. Digvijay in his tweet said: “I have no hesitation in accepting my relationship with Amrita
Rai. She and her husband have already filed a mutual consent divorce
case. He separately tweeted: “Once that is decided we would formalise it. But I do condemn encroachment in our private
life.” Rai alleged that her computer had been hacked and said she had separated from her husband (a senior professor at IIMC Delhi) and had filed for a mutual consent divorce papers. “I have decided to marry Digvijaya Singh after I get a divorce,” she
tweeted. Digvijay’ wife Asha Singh had died in February last year after battling cancer for many years. His son Jai Vardhan Singh won from Raghoghat Assembly segment in the MP state elections last year. His brother Laxman Singh is pitted against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj from Vidisha parliamenary constituency in Madhya Pradesh.
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Ficci protests EU ban on import of fruits
New Delhi, April 30 Ficci President Sidharth Birla said, "This is an unfortunate development. The way it has happened leaves open the question if this is the only measure or some more could be expected." He said the move would hurt farmers in India and impact trade. "We understand that this matter was under discussion for some time and it is, therefore, surprising that the EU side has taken such a decision unilaterally. This defies the spirit of cooperation that one would expect. This move would have a bearing on the farmers and exporters from India as well as impact trade and consumers in the UK and other countries in the
EU," he added. The entire ecosystem for exports in India was well-geared to meet the quality and safety requirements of countries across the world, he added. "Our farmers, packers and exporters supply
agri-commodities to different countries. There may have been a few isolated cases in the past, but the way to deal with such a situation is through discussion. We would have arrived at a constructive solution. What we have got now is a punitive solution that does not bode well for the larger economic relations between the two sides," Birla said.
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BJP slams Pak over remark on Modi
New Delhi, April 30 BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said Modi had never talked about attacking Pakistan and was instead questioning Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde's public statement regarding the government’s efforts to bring back the 1993 Mumbai blasts accused. The PM had claimed that
Modi, if elected India's Prime Minister, would “destabilise” regional peace. "We will tell Islamabad to mend their ways, the manner in which they have been functioning and trying to work with India will not work," Lekhi said. The BJP said the Pakistani Minister had no business to react to Modi’s statement considering he was referring to a compatriot. India did not interfere in electoral politics or internal affairs of other countries and expected the same from them, she added. The BJP leader said Khan’s statement was an admission to the presence of the fugitive underworld don in Pakistan. “When a person of the Opposition party and the incumbent PM is making some remarks about the internal working of the country, how is Pakistan affected with that,” she said.
War of words
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ED files fresh case against Afroz Fatta
New Delhi, April 30 Sources said Fatta, who was summoned by the ED, appeared
before officials in Surat yesterday. He has again been called later for
further investigations. They said the Surat-based trader has not been
cooperative in the investigations and no clean chit has been given to
him by the ED. Fatta was arrested in Surat on Mar 21 on the charge of
transferring money outside India on fake bills of importing diamonds.
Earlier, the ED had registered a case under Foreign Exchange Management
Act. Now another FIR has been filed under the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act. — PTI
BJP notice to Cong
Ahmedabad: The BJP has sent a legal notice to Congress secretary Union Minister Kapil Sibal and party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala over allegations regarding BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's proximity to alleged hawala operator Afroz
Fatta. PTI
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Hearing against Lt Gen Suhag postponed
New Delhi, April 30 The case filed by Phijam Manikumar, whose brother was allegedly killed in an encounter in Dimapur (Nagaland) in March 2010, was listed for today. Three suspected militants from Manipur were killed after being apprehended allegedly by personnel of the Army's Rangapahar-based 3rd Corps' intelligence and surveillance unit in March 2010. Sources in the MoD said Lt Gen Suhag was posted in Delhi at that time, but the petitioner chose to blame him for the killings that occurred under the area of the Dimapur-based 3 Corps. Former Army Chief General VK Singh was posted as the Eastern Army Commander at that time.
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Even as retired armed forces personnel are on the lookout for any signs of the implementation of the much-awaited "one rank-one pension" scheme, announced in February, the wheels are quietly turning in South Block.
After a video featuring senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s intimacy with a TV anchor went viral on the social media, the party distanced itself from the development saying the privacy of the two individuals should be
respected. Digvijay Singh in a tweet following the leak accepted he was in a
relationship with a TV anchor and planned to marry her soon. The video, which attracted disparaging comments on Facebook and Twitter, surfaced on the social media this
morning.
