Send Communal violence Bill draft-Mayawati

Send Communal violence Bill draft, then seek views: Mayawati;Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati criticised the Centre for seeking views of the state government on the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill without providing a draft of the bill to it. "It is important to tell that the Centre has not sent the proposed communal violence bill to the state government. Hence it is not the opportune moment to comment on the Bill," Mayawati said in a written speech read out at the National Integration Council meeting.
She said reports appearing in the media are creating confusion in the minds of the people about the bill.

"It will be appropriate if the Centre forwards the draft bill to the state governments and then seek their views on it," she said.

Pointing out that the state government had demanded 642 companies of central forces after the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi decision but only 52 companies were provided, she said, "Still communal harmony prevailed in the state due to smart police arrangement in the state".

Mayawati said the state government is running a number of schemes for uplift of the minority community in the state by protecting their fundamental rights and taking care of their educational, cultural, economical requirements.

"The state has enacted the UP Minority Commission amendment Act 2007 to protect rights of minority community. The state is also helping in modernisation of 'madarasas' enabling them to impart education in modern subjects in addition to religious education".

She said a number of schemes are being launched in the state to protect the interests of the marginalised group.

Indo-US ties serve to advance peace in Asia, world: Obama

Indo-US strategic partnership as a "defining and indispensable" collaboration for the 21st century, President Barack Obama has said the two countries share a dynamic and broad relationship that serves to advance peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.Obama conveyed this to new Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, at a ceremony at the White House last evening during which she presented her credentials."President Obama described the India-US global strategic partnership as a defining and indispensable collaboration for the 21st Century," the Indian embassy said in a statement after the ceremony that took place at the Oval Office of the White House.

"He said the two countries enjoy a natural friendship and that the India-US partnership has proven to be dynamic and broad and serves to advance peace and prosperity in Asia and the world," according to the statement.

During the ceremony, Obama warmly welcomed Rao to Washington and wished her every success in her high responsibilities as India's new ambassador to the US.

Rao, in her remarks to Obama, conveyed warm greetings from the President and Prime Minister of India to him and First Lady Michelle Obama, adding that India was greatly encouraged by his strong personal commitment to take the bilateral strategic partnership forward.

Another Win for Health Reform

Another Win for Health Reform

Posted by Stephanie Cutter on September 8, 2011 at 3:05 PM EDT

Today, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed two challenges to the Affordable Care Act. This decision is another victory for the Affordable Care Act and the tens of millions of Americans already benefiting from this landmark law, including parents with a child with a preexisting condition, women getting mammograms with no out of pocket cost, seniors saving thousands of dollars on their prescription drugs and young adults now getting covered on their parent’s plan. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, when fully implemented, insurance companies will never be able to deny millions of Americans coverage for a pre-existing condition, never drop them if they get sick, and never bill them into bankruptcy because of an illness or injury.
Today’s decision marks the second victory for health reform in a federal appeals court. Previously, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals found the Affordable Care Act constitutional.
In today’s ruling, the 4th Circuit determined that lawsuits filed by Liberty University and the Virginia Attorney General must be dismissed for jurisdictional reasons. Importantly, two judges -- Judge Davis and Judge Wynn – wrote that if the lawsuits were not dismissed, they would rule in favor of the Affordable Care Act.  Judge Wynn wrote:

...I would uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act…

And Judge Davis wrote:

Reaching the merits, I would hold that the challenged provisions of the Act are a proper exercise of Congress’s authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate the interstate markets for health services and health insurance.

In the weeks ahead, the legal process regarding the Affordable Care Act will continue. When it ends, we are confident we will prevail.

Stephanie Cutter is Assistant to the President and Deputy Senior Advisor

Home Minister’s Statement on Bomb Blast Near Delhi High Court

Home Minister’s Statement on Bomb Blast Near Delhi High Court


The following is the text of the statement made in the Lok Sabha today by the Union Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram on the blast near the Delhi High Court :



“It is with profound sorrow and regret that I inform the House of a bomb blast that took place this morning in Delhi.



At about 10.14 a.m., a high intensity blast occurred between gate no.4 and gate no.5 of the Delhi High Court. There is a reception centre between the two gates where passes are issued. The bomb blast took place just outside the reception centre. It is suspected that the bomb was placed in a briefcase.



According to last reports, 9 people have died and 47 have been injured. Most of the injured have been removed to Dr. RML Hospital. Some have been removed to AIIMS and other nearby hospitals. Some of the injured have suffered serious injuries. A few others with minor injuries are being treated at the dispensary of the High Court.



The scene of the incident was cordoned off immediately. Ambulances reached the scene and removed the injured within 20 minutes.



A CFSL team is at the place of the incident. Teams from the NIA and NSG are also at the place of the incident. A post blast investigation team of the Delhi Police is also carrying out investigations.



Delhi is a target of terrorist groups. When Parliament is in session and during certain other times of the year Delhi is placed on high alert. Intelligence agencies constantly share intelligence inputs with Delhi Police. Intelligence pertaining to threats emanating from certain groups was shared with Delhi Police in July, 2011. At this stage it is not possible to identify the group that caused the bomb blast today.



In the last few years, several measures have been taken to strengthen Delhi Police. Despite the capacity that has been built and despite Delhi Police remaining on high alert, the tragic incident occurred today.



The objective of terrorist groups is to strike fear and to destabilise the country. We are clear in our mind that there is no cause that will justify terrorist acts. Government unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack that took place today. The investigation of the case will be entrusted to the NIA.



On behalf of the Government, I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I offer my sympathies to those who have been injured and I assure the House that we will extend the best medical treatment to the injured.



At this point of time, I appeal to the House and to the people of the country that we must remain resolute and united. We must not show any vacillation. We shall never be intimidated by terrorist groups. We are determined to track down the perpetrators of this horrific crime and bring them to justice.”

Libya rebels talks for loyalist town fails

Negotiations over the surrender of one of Muammar Gaddafi's remaining strongholds have collapsed, and Libyan rebels were waiting for orders to launch their final attack on the besieged town of Bani Walid.

Rebel negotiator Abdullah Kanshil said on Sunday the talks had broken down after Moussa Ibrahim, Gaddafi's chief spokesman and a top aide, had insisted the rebels put down their weapons before entering the town, some 90 miles (140 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli.Rebel forces control most of the oil-rich North African nation and are already setting up a new government, but Gaddafi and his staunchest allies remain on the run and enjoy support in several central and southern areas, including Bani Walid and the fugitive leader's hometown of Sirte.The rebels have said the hard-core loyalists are a small minority inside the town, but are heavily armed and stoking fear to keep other residents from surrendering.

"We feel sorry for the people of Bani Walid," said Kanshil, himself a native of the town, speaking to reporters at a rebel checkpoint about 70 kilometers to the north. "We hope for the best for our town."

The rebels have extended to Saturday a deadline for the surrender of Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte and other loyalist areas but some have warned they could attack Bani Walid sooner because many of the most prominent former regime officials were believed to be inside.There has been speculation that Gaddafi himself along with his son Seif al-Islam had been there at some point, and the apparent presence of Ibrahim indicates that the town was a haven for high-level Gadhafi aides.

Pizza Home Delivery Leader - Domino’s Pizza, opens in Colombo

Pizza Home Delivery Leader - Domino’s Pizza, opens in Colombo !

Jubilant FoodWorks launches operations in Sri Lanka

 

New Delhi, September 3, 2011: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL), master franchisee of Domino’s Pizza announced its entry in Sri Lanka with the opening of first Domino’s Pizza store in Colombo . With the beginning of this new journey in Sri Lanka, Domino’s Pizza continues to expand its global footprint, winning more and more customer hearts across countries through its tasty Pizza offerings, unmatched Delivery promise and warm customer service approach. Domino’s Pizza in Sri Lanka would focus on Pizza home delivery but would also offer all day dine-in option to consumers at the store.

 

  

Commenting on the entry into the new market, Mr.Ajay Kaul, CEO, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “We are delighted about taking the world’s loved Pizza brand to Sri Lanka . We strongly believe that Domino’s Pizza brand is extremely relevant for the Sri Lankan market because of the brand’s strong mass & popular appeal in terms of its affordability and value, great taste & innovative products, unmatched delivery promise and passionate customer service.  Domino’s constantly tries to provide new and localized recipes and has the food and delivery expertise which will be leveraged to delight our consumers in Sri Lanka .  We will provide an excellent all-day home delivery and dine in option to our patrons there”.

 

Speaking further Mr. Ajay Kaul, added “Expansion to Sri Lanka is an integral part of our regional growth plans. Sri Lanka presents a good growth opportunity for our brand. We are especially delighted that we are entering this country at an opportune moment when peace and prosperity prevails and Sri Lankans are ready to patronize a world-class brand like Domino’s. With a deep understanding of the consumer in this region, solid operational expertise and best-in-class marketing, we are confident of delivering on our goal to take Domino’s Pizza to more people in the region.”

 

Domino’s Pizza is an iconic brand which was established in 1960 and today with operations in more then 60 countries the brand has 9064 outlets worldwide. Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. operates 392 Domino’s stores (as of June, 2011) and it is the leading Food Services brand in the country. Domino’s delivery promise of 30 mins or free has been a USP of the brand which is unmatched and unrivalled in the region. It’s the unique combination of delicious taste, convenience and great value that has made Domino’s Pizza such a successful brand.  

The brand apart from the famous hot n piping pizzas has a wide range of delicious food items in its menu -   like lip smacking Pastas in red & white sauce, Garlic bread, Chicken Wings and Choc Lava Cake

The first store opened in Dehiwala and is receiving tremendous response.

About Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd

JFL was incorporated in 1995 and initiated operations in 1996. JFL is India ’s largest and fastest growing food service company, with a network of 392 stores (as of 30 June, 2011). JFL & its subsidiary operates Domino’s Pizza brand with the exclusive rights for India , Nepal , Bangladesh and Sri Lanka . The Company is the market leader in the organized pizza market in India with a 50% market share and 70% share in the Pizza home delivery segment. The Company has now also strengthened its portfolio by entering into an alliance with Dunkin’ Donuts, for developing the Dunkin’ Donuts brand and operating restaurants in India .

MTS launches 9.8-Mbps CDMA broadband service news

New-Delhi:Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd (SSTL), a joint venture between Sistema of Russia and India's Shyam group,under the MTS brand, has launched faster broadband service, offering internet speeds of up to 9.8 megabytes per second (Mbps)."We have introduced the world's first CDMA EV-DO Rev.B Phase II network to India," said Vsevolod Rozanov, president and CEO, MTS India. "This will redefine the way customers experience mobile broadband as we roll out MBlaze Ultra across India."
Initially, the fast broadband service to be available in Jaipur,would gradually be rolled out in all the metros plus 25 cities in the country.Rozanov,said the new technology enhances the mobile tower capacity, spectrum efficiency and peak rate, achieving speeds as high as 4.9 Mbps in single frequency carrier and 9.8 Mbps in two frequency carrier bundle, enhancing the mobile broadband experience for users.MTS brand,of a faster version of its broadband service 'MBlaze', priced at Rs 2499 offering speed of up to 9.8 Mbps.CDMA EVDO Revision B is latest technology conjoins multiple channels to increase the speeds.

CDMA operators were the first to introduce 3G services in India, though they did not brand them as 3G fearing lawsuits from GSM operators. The Broadband+ and Photon+ services were launched more than two years ago.
MTS India President and CEO, Vsevolod Rozanov said, "I feel extremely proud to announce the coming in of the world's first CDMA EV-DO Rev.B Phase II network to India. This historic launch will redefine the way customers experience mobile broadband as we roll out MBlaze Ultra across India".