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260 injured in China metro train crash

Over 260 passengers were injured, many seriously, after two high-speed metro trains on Tuesday collided in Shanghai due to signal failure, which was also blamed for the deadly bullet train crash in China two months ago that claimed 40 lives. The accident occurred when a metro train smashed into the rear of another one after the signal system went haywire, sending the busy suburban network in China's largest metropolis and commercial hub into a spin, state-run CCTV reported. Four foreigners, including two Japanese, one each from Canada and the Philippines also suffered minor injuries.

Network of Radars to monitor India's coastline: Antony

Defence Minister A K Antony has said that all efforts are being made to secure the country’s vast coastline with a network of Radars. Addressing the 30th Annual Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on Tuesday he informed that 36 such radars will be installed in the mainland in the first phase that would be completed by 2012. Coast Guard might be the youngest of the Forces under the Defence Ministry, he said that it is the fastest growing force.The Minister said, on the infrastructure front, the establishment of District Headquarters at Kavaratti and commissioning of three stations at Minicoy, Ratnagiri and Mundra has taken place since last year. The total number of Coast Guard stations now stands at 31. There are plans to establish Regional Headquarters (North-East), along with a station at Kolkata. Three more stations at Dahanu, Androth and Krishnapatnam are planned to be established soon. On the aviation front, Mr. Antony said there is a need to establish more air stations and air enclaves on a priority basis. He added that 156 boats are being built at various shipyards, both public and private, while the Coast Guard will get 12 more Donier aircrafts soon.

Strengthen Collaboration Between UN-HABITAT-India

Mr. Joan Clos, Executive Director, UN-HABITAT today called on the Minister of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture Kumari Selja in New Delhi. During their 40 minutes meeting, both Kumari Selja and Mr. Joan Clos discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between UN-HABITAT and the Government of India and also explored possibilities of new areas of cooperation. Referring to the fast urbanization in India, Kumari Selja said, the Government of India has taken several initiatives to meet the challenges of the urbanization through schemes such as JNNURM and Rajiv Awas Yojana. She said, UN-HABITAT can cooperate with India with its expertise and technical knowhow in urban planning and design to plan inclusive cities. The Minister said, the UN-HABITAT and the Government of India can jointly workout the best models of urban planning in context of India. Both sides agreed that the UN-HABITAT should have more engagement with Government of India. On its part, the Minister made a commitment to enhance the contribution from Government of India to UN-HABITAT, which currently stands at $80,000 (US Dollar) per annum. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. This apart, UN-HABITAT has been actively involved in a number of projects in India at the national, state, district and local levels. Over the years, several activities of UN-HABITAT have been organized in close collaboration with Government of India. India is a founding member of UN-HABITAT and has been playing a leading role by actively participating in its deliberations. The World Urban Forum (WUF) was established by the United Nations to examine one of the most pressing problems facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change and policies. Since the first meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in 2002, the Forum has grown in size and stature as it travelled to Barcelona in 2004, Vancouver 2006, and Nanjing in 2008. India has been represented by delegation led by Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister (a) as a sovereign country in the 4th WUF, (b) as chair of the 21st Governing Council of UN-Habitat; and (c) as the member of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Housing and Human Development (APMCHUD) *** AD/DB (Release ID

Saudi Arabia gives women right to vote

Saudi Arabia's king  announced that women will be given the right to vote and stand in elections, a bold shift in the ultra-conservative absolute monarchy as pressure for social and democratic reform sweeps the Middle East. Official correspondent reports that it is by far the biggest change in Saudi Arabia's tightly-controlled society yet ordered by the 88-year-old Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

Chidambaram involved in telecom scam: Anna

 NEW DELHI: The social activist Anna Hazare said home minister P Chidambaram would have been behind bars had the Jan Lokpal legislation been in existence.

Talking to media, Anna Hazare said "Had there been a Jan Lokpal now, Chidambaram would have been in jail."

He said that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in his report also accused Chidambaram of latter's involvement

Yemen's capital Sanaa rocked by explosions

North of Yemen's capital Sanaa has been rocked by explosions and shelling, leaving at least 13 dead.

Reports said forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh clashed with armed men opposed to his rule. The violence came as Mr Saleh returned from Saudi Arabia three months after surviving an assassination attempt. His office called for a ceasefire to stop violence which has claimed about 100 lives already this week, mainly of unarmed anti-government protesters.

At least 40 people were injured in the clashes in the capital's Hasaba district on Friday. President Saleh, who has been in power for more than 30 years, has faced months of protests urging him to quit. Activists have been camped out in another area of Sanaa, dubbed Change Square, since January, demanding an end to President Saleh's rule.

There are fears that if the violence continues, the country could slip into civil war. Clashes in the capital have recently intensified as elite Republican Guards, led by President Saleh's son Ahmed, fight running battles with army units that have defected to the opposition and tribal fighters who support the protesters.

Weather Satellite racing down towards Earth

 

An amateur astronomer has recorded images of the doomed NASA satellite as it tumbles back to Earth and is expected to crash on or around 24th September.  Astrophotographer Thierry Legault's footage shows the six-tonne, 20-year-old Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), appearing as a beaming mass of light as it plummets to Earth. NASA said very little probability of some remains reaching the earth surface. Though scientists still cannot predict precisely when or where it will strike, NASA said UARS could land anywhere between 57 degrees north and 57 degrees south of the equator -- most of the populated world. However, there is a one in 3,200 chance that it could hit someone, the US space agency said. Although it's expected that most of the satellite will break or burn up before reaching Earth, scientists said they have identified 26 separate pieces that could survive the fall through the atmosphere. This debris could rain across an area 400-500km (250-310 miles) wide. Robust, spherical satellite components such as fuel tanks are often most likely to survive the fiery plunge to Earth, they said. The "productive scientific life" of the USD 750-million satellite, which was launched in 1991 to study the ozone layer and the Earth's upper atmosphere to better understand their role in the planet's climate, ended in 2005 when it ran out of fuel. According to NASA, scientists would only be able to make accurate predictions about where the satellite might land two hours before it enters the Earth's atmosphere.

Swamy's allegation against PC

Congress on Thursday rejected the opposition demand for the resignation of Home Minister P Chidambaram on 2G spectrum allocation issue, saying "we do not, in any manner, accept" the allegation made by Subramanian Swamy against him. "The party does not doubt his integrity. This precise issue has been raised by Dr Swamy in the apex court and is sub judice. "Without waiting for the proceedings to be completed, it is highly objectionable and inappropriate for Dr Swamy or anyone else to pass premature judgement on the very same issue on which he is seeking relief", party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said. He said the "mischievous attempt" to create a rift between different constitutional functionaries is highly regrettable and ought not to be repeated. His reaction came after Swamy submitted to the Supreme Court a Finance Ministry document which said the Telecom Ministry could have gone in for auction of 2G spectrum licenses had the then Finance Minister P Chidambaram insisted on it.

Sikkim Earthquake update Today

Earthquake update Today  The Number of deaths as reported by the State Government of Sikkim is 57. This may increase further as rescue and release teams reach further into interior areas. The break-up of death toll is as follows- East District- 12, North District-40, West District -04 and South District-01. 58 persons are injured.

 A total of 700 houses have reportedly collapsed. About 500 houses have been reported to be substantially damaged. In other areas also, extensive damage to houses has been reported. The State Govt will be able to give the exact the number after ascertaining the damage through physical verification.

 About 40 foreigners are reported to be stranded in North Sikkim.

 The State Govt. has opened relief camps in each district. 2700 and 550 people have been provided shelter into Army camps and ITBP camp (Pengong) respectively.

 A total of 5500 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operation. 60 villages have been physically covered by the team of Army Jawans in their search and rescue operation. 2 teams of 30 Army Jawans each with RMOs are located in Mangan and Chungthan.

 30 sorties have been done by helicopters provided by the Ministry of Defence for airdropping and reconnaissance.

 Food packets have been airdropped in the northern part of North district at a place called Myang. Another supply of food packets is being dropped today An aerial survey of affected was carried out by officers of the State Govt and NDRF on 20th Sept, 2011 to identify and list the affected villages.

 The road between Mangan and Chungthan (16 landslides ) has been opened upto 12 kilometer further north of Mangan.

 The Border Roads Organization and Army Engineers are working for restoration of different roads.

 Sikkim has 15 sub-stations of 66 kilowatt, out of which 6 were down. 3 however, have been restored.

 All the transmission lines and sub-stations of power grid have been restored.

 Power supply is normal except in the northern part of North district.

 Landline and microwave links are operational. The present status of mobile towers/BTS is as follows, Vodafone-53(167), Reliance-12(54), Idea-08(42), Aircell-21(55), Airtel-15(69), BSNL-24(122).

 Sufficient stock of essential commodities such as foodgrains, petroleum products and LPG are available in the State.

 1000 nos. of blankets, 400 nos. of extendable tents and 200 nos. of arctic tents are being dispatched to the affected areas.

 The Centre has constituted an inter-Ministerial team to visit the affected places in the State and give its recommendations for assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund.

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Roll back of the hike in petrol prices

Many political parties including the BJP and the Left parties and UPA Allies the Trinamool Congress and DMK have demanded a roll back of the hike in petrol prices saying that it would hit the common man hard.

The BJP spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said in New Delhi that the hike will further increase the hardship of the common man. CPI (M) leader Brinda Karat criticised the government for raising the petrol prices. CPI said in a statement that the reason for the increase does not satisfy anybody.

The Trinamool Congress demanding the roll back in the hike in prices said, their opinion was never sought before implementing the decision. Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi told newspersons in New Delhi that common man needs relief and not burden.

DMK party spokesman T K S Elangovan said in Chennai that the hike in petrol prices will have a cascading effects and will affect the lower and middle income groups and the poor.

The Congress has expressed concerns over the petrol price hike. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party spokesman Rashid Alvi said the government must find out a way to reduce common man's miseries.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said, the decision to raise the price was taken by oil marketing firms as petrol has been deregulated.

A meeting of the empowered Group of Ministers headed by Mr. Mukherjee on the subsidy on LPG which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Friday was postponed. Official sources said, the meeting was deferred due to non-availability of some members of the Empowered Group. No new date was announced for holding the meeting.

In Jammu and Kashmir, The supporters of various political parties including, the main opposition party in the State PDP and the BJP on Friday held protests in the Jammu city over the increase in petrol prices. The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party also held demonstrations at different places. The Shiv Sena activists took out a rally on bullock carts, cycles and horse buggies and demanded immediate rollback in the petrol prices.

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Merkel rejects calls for 'orderly insolvency' of Greece

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has rejected calls for the "orderly insolvency" of debt-stricken Greece she tried to calm financial markets and defuse a crisis that threatens to tear apart her Centre-Right coalition government.

Resolving the crisis will require a "very long and step-by-step process" involving budget restructuring, restoring confidence in financial markets, improving competitiveness and other measures, she said on Tuesday after a meeting with Finland Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen in Berlin.

She was referring to demands by some of her coalition partners, especially Philipp Roesler, Minister for Economic Affairs and Chairman of the Free Democratic Party, who proposed that Greece needed an "orderly insolvency" and said forcing the country out of the euro zone should be considered as the last step to protect the rest of the 17-nation group.

His comments unleashed a massive sell-off of shares and stock market indices plunged across Europe on Monday, but they recouped most of their losses on Tuesday.

Without mentioning Roesler, the chancellor urged her coalition partners to exercise great caution in voicing their views on Greece and to be aware of the consequences of their actions.

"Otherwise, they will be putting the euro zone in a grave situation," she said.

She said in a radio interview earlier that an uncontrolled bankruptcy of Greece, which could have a domino effect on other countries, must be prevented at any cost.

Therefore, everybody must be very careful in their choice of words.

"What we don't want is further turbulence in the financial markets," she said.

In spite of Merkel's criticism, Roesler on Tuesday renewed his call for an "orderly default" by Greece.

Germany wants Greece to remain in the euro zone, but that will be possible only when its economic efficiency is restored, Roesler told journalists in Berlin.

Roesler was supported by Wolfgang Bosbach, the parliamentary leader of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who said he did not rule out the possibility of a Greek debt default, even though that is not a political goal.

In a TV interview, he also criticised Merkel's handling of the euro zone debt crisis.

Merkel's coalition partner Horst Seehofer, the leader of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU), has also spoken in favour of an orderly Greek insolvency.

The split in Merkel's coalition over handling of the Greek debt crisis comes as she has been mobilising support from her coalition partners for a crucial parliamentary vote on expanding the EU's bail-out fund for euro zone nations at the end of this month.

Several MPs of her ruling coalition have threatened to vote against a bill endorsing a decision by the euro zone leaders on July 21 to expand the bail-out fund.

A trial vote last week showed that the coalition was still short of more than 20 votes from its own ranks for the Bill to pass and if that happens during the upcoming vote in the Bundestag, the government will be forced to step down and call a re-election two years before its current term expires.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble rejected calls for forcing Greece to leave the euro zone and urged the government in Athens to contribute to the stability of the common currency by fulfilling its commitments when it received a 110 billion euro bailout in May last year.

FIBA Asia Basketball Championship in China

Basketball team tip-off their campaign at 2011 FIBA Asia Basketball Championship in China

DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011: Led by Coach Kenny Natt, India’s Senior Men’s team kicks off its 26th FIBA Asia Basketball Championship (ABC) campaign tomorrow with a game against Lebanon at Hongshan. Pitting 16 of Asia’s top basketball playing nations against each other, the 26th FIBA ABC will be held in the city of Wuhan in China from September 15-25, 2011.

The Indian squad arrived in China on September 8^th and has since been participating in practice matches.

This championship will be the biggest challenge so far for India’s new American basketball coach Kenny Natt, formerly a head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Upon his departure, Natt said “I expect the Indian team to be competitive every night. We will concentrate on one game at a time. I know that we will be a well prepared squad and I aim that, through our performances, we can earn the respect of our opponents.”

India’s 12-player squad includes 15 year old basketball prodigy, Satnam Singh Bhamara, India’s youngest team member. Satnam, an IMG Reliance Scholar, trains at the IMG Basketball Academy in Florida, USA and made his debut with India’s senior team in the Middle Asia Zone Qualifying Round in July.

Mr. Harish Sharma, the CEO of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition. “The FIBA Asia Basketball Championship is always the biggest international challenge in the calendar for India’s senior side. We are confident that, led by our new coach, India will work hard in each game at the tournament against Asia’s best sides.”

India, who finished 13th in the previous FIBA ABC (held in 2009), qualified for this year’s tournament after winning the Middle Asia Zone Qualifying Round against SAARC teams in mid-July in New Delhi. India are ranked 50th in the FIBA World Rankings for Men.

India has been placed in Group A at the championship, along with 2007 runners-up Lebanon, Malaysia, and Korea. Other teams participating in the tournament are: Qatar, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, reigning champions Iran, Japan, Indonesia, Syria, Jordan, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and hosts China.

The Indian contingent will also consist of a coach, a trainer, and two FIBA referees for the tournament.

Preliminary Round Schedule for India:

-          15 Sep 2011, Thursday, 8 PM local (5:30 PM IST) : India vs. Lebanon

-          16 Sep 2011, Friday, 6 PM local (3:30 PM IST): India vs. Malaysia

-          17 Sep 2011, Saturday, 1:30 PM local (11:00 AM IST): India vs. Korea

The second round of the tournament is scheduled to begin on September 19^th, Monday, and the final round will be held from September 23^rd-25^th, 2011.

This is the roster that will represent India at the 26th FIBA Asia Basketball Championship:

Amrit Pal Singh (Punjab)

Amjyot Singh (Punjab)

Dishant Vipul Shah (Gujarat)

Hareesh Koroth (Tamil Nadu)

Jagdeep Singh Bains (Punjab)

Narender Grewal (Services)

Prakash Mishra (Indian Railways)

Satnam Singh Bhamara (IMG Academy / Punjab)

Talwinderjit Singh Sahi (Punjab)

Trideep Rai (Uttarakhand)

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (Indian Railways)

Yadwinder Singh (Indian Railways)

Head Coach: Kenny Natt

Coach: Rajinder Singh

Trainer: Pawan Kumar

FIBA Referee: Amarjot Singh Mavi

FIBA Referee: Raj Narayan Patro

The contingent will be accompanied by Manager/Chef-de-Mission Mr. Om Prakash and Delegate Mr. Shakti Sinh Gohil

The tournament can be followed via the official website of Wuhan 2011 < http://wuhan2011.fibaasia.net/Default.aspx> and will be broadcast online on FIBA TV < http://www.fibatv.com/asia?WT.mc_id=oc_topbanner>

About 26th FIBA Asia Championship

Chirac faces corruption charges

Former French President Jacques Chirac and former Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin received an estimated USD 20 million in illegal cash from West African leaders, a lawyer who claimed to be the go-between said today. Lawyer Robert Bourgi said he handed over suitcases filled with cash between 1995 and 2005, including USD 10 million from the leaders of Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Republic of Congo for Chirac's 2002 presidential campaign. Both Villepin and Chirac's lawyers denounced the claims. The explosive allegations come as Chirac is on trial for unconnected corruption charges related to his years as Paris mayor, and as the campaign for next year's French presidential elections is heating up. The claims revived uncomfortable questions about France's cozy relations with autocratic regimes in its former African colonies.
In an interview today on Europe-1 radio, Bourgi said "the entirety of (France's) political class knew there was hidden financing." >Chirac's attorney, Jean Veil, has said the former French leader is going to press defamation charges against Bourgi, calling the timing of the claims is "at the very least suspicious, if not scandalChirac is already on trial on charges that fake Paris City Hall jobs were used to fund Chirac's conservative party during his tenure as Paris mayor.

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".