US apologises for Kalam frisking incident

http://www.timesnow.tv/US-apologises-for-Kalam-frisking-incident/videoshow/4388877.cms

The US has apologised to former President A P J Abdul Kalam who was twice subjected to frisking at New York airport by American security officials who even took his jacket and shoes to check for explosives, an incident that left India fuming. 

"We deeply regret the inconvenience that resulted for him (Kalam) as a result of the September 29 incident involving the security screening at JFK Airport in New York," a statement from the US Embassy here said, noting that it had the utmost respect for Kalam. 

80-year-old Kalam was frisked in New York on September 29 before boarding an Air India flight. 

Sources said that even after Kalam had taken his seat in the aircraft, the US security personnel forced the crew to open the door and took away the jacket and boots of the former president to check for explosives since they had forgotten to do so before his boarding. The items were later returned to Kalam. 

Outraged at the frisking incident, India today threatened retaliatory action against US dignitaries unless such 
"unacceptable" practices were stopped. 

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spoke to Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao and directed her to take up the matter in writing at the "highest level" with Washington. 

In its damage control exercise, the US came out with a written apology to Kalam and the Indian government, saying "appropriate procedure for expedited screening of dignitaries had not been followed". 

They also said that US was actively working to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. 

The US said that subsequent to the frisking incident, US Charge d' Affaires here Peter Burleigh personally hand delivered a letter from the US Transportation Security Administrator to Kalam and a similar letter was delivered to the government of India regretting the incident. 

Maintaining that it "deeply values and appreciates" the strong relationship and partnership with India, the US said, "We are confident that despite this regrettable incident, we will continue working closely with India in the many areas of our strategic partnership". 

MEA officials said Krishna has sought a detailed report from its mission on the incident which they said was 
"unacceptable". 

They further said that if this continues, there is a possibility of reciprocating as per diplomatic norms. 

Sources close to Kalam said he doesn't give much thought to such incidents and never complains about them. 

However, this time, his office informed the External Affairs ministry about the incident after he returned home. This is not the first time that Kalam has been frisked by US aviation officials. 

Kalam was frisked by officials of US airliner Continental Airlines in April, 2009 despite his name featuring in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's list of people exempt from security checks in India. 

A detailed report on the latest incident was prepared by Air India's Director (Security) S Mathur and sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry which in turn forwarded it to the External Affairs Ministry in October. 

"As the incident happened on American soil, I have been informed that US security agencies are investigating it. Such incidents should not happen," Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi said. 

An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said officials of both the countries were working on ways to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future, including preparing a common list of VIPs. 

BJP asked the government to take up the issue with the US saying this "cannot be tolerated". 

"The way former President Kalam was treated was an insult to him. Government must take it up with the US," BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters. 

Hussain said "such incidents are not happening for the first time. There are many such incidents. This cannot be tolerated."

Kalam not exempted from security screening: US 

India and the US are planning to hold talks on appropriate mechanisms for security screening of dignitaries in the backdrop of frisking of A P J Abdul Kalam at a New York airport with Washington informing New Delhi that the former President was not exempted from security checks. 

In a response to Kalam's frisking at JFK airport, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said it had immediately lodged a protest over the incident after which the US wrote to the former President regretting the episode and assured Indian government that it was taking corrective steps to prevent such events. 

Noting that Kalam was a regular visitor to USA and was returning home on September 29 by an Air India flight from New York, he said US authorities have explained that under existing US regulation, former President Abdul Kalam does not fall into the category of persons exempt from security screening. 

"However, US authorities extended usual courtesies to him at the airport, including escort and private screening," he said. 

After former President Kalam had entered the aircraft, US Transport Security Agency (TSA) agents requested Air India staff for President Kalam's jacket and shoes, reportedly as these had not been checked according to the prescribed procedure during the private screening, the spokesperson said. 

Air India staff then sought the consent of Kalam, who had by then removed his jacket and shoes and settled in his seat, to hand them over to TSA authorities, he said, adding these personal belongings of former President Kalam were returned shortly thereafter.

BJP's internal feud peaks? (over appointment of a general secretary)

He is someone that Narendra Modi has kept at arms length for a long time, fellow RSS Pracharak and BJP General Secretary Sanjay Joshi. Joshi, after an infamous exit from the party in 2005, has made a comeback two months back. Sources say this is enough to make Modi unhappy for he does not want his old detractor back on his home turf.
http://www.timesnow.tv/BJPs-internal-feud-peaks/videoshow/4388513.cms

Trinamool MPs meet Indian PM, not much headway over price hike.

More than 20 Members of Parliament met the Indian Prime Minister on November 08, 2011 to inform him about the concerns of a common man, hit by inflation. The PM informed them about global economics in the case but did not really promise any action in future. The government had its way, and Mamata Banerjee did not get the leverage she was hoping for.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/Trinamool-MPs-meet-PM-over-petrol-prices/videoshow/10656408.cms

With Navika Kumar in Delhi and Shamvit in Kolkata, my report from Delhi for Times Now.

NCW submits report on Bhatta Parsaul violence, confirms rape

New Delhi, Sep 20 (ANI): 

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday submitted its final report into the Bhatta-Parsaul violence in which it mentioned that police officials deployed in the twin villages of Uttar Pradesh had raped and beaten women during a farmers' agitation earlier this year.

The NCW submitted its report to Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath.

NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma said that women were scared and the police exerted pressure on them and therefore a committee of female members was set up to record their testimonies.

"Each woman spoke separately to Committee members and narrated the whole incident and how they were abused. The committee cross-questioned them as well and carried out a tally to match their accounts," said Sharma.

"After verifying the truth, we concluded the women were raped and the culprits were police officials," she added.

The final report contradicts the National Human Rights Commission's report, which stated no atrocities were reported, but validated Congress party General Secretary Rahul Gandhi's charge that women were indeed beaten and raped by policemen.

Meanwhile, NCW has assured that they would ensure that the perpetrators are punished.

"NCW will be involved in this matter until a case is filed and rapists punished. The official record states 22 people have been arrested during the farmers' agitation, but not one police official was taken into custody. This is grave injustice and we are trying our best to get the culprits punished," said Sharma.

The NCW spoke to seven women and a committee set up by the chairperson recorded detailed statements.

In its preliminary report, the commission's acting chairperson, Yasmin Abrar, had said that the women were molested.

In May this year, the twin villages of Bhatta-Parsaul witnessed violent clashes between the police and farmers, who protested against the land acquisition policies of the Uttar Pradesh Government. 

By Pooja Shali (ANI)

Israeli Tourism Minister terms Delhi HC blast 'terrible'

New Delhi, Sep.7 (ANI): Israel's Minister for Tourism Stas Misezhnikov on Wednesday said the bomb blast at Delhi High court was 'terrible' and both nations should learn to maintain strict safety measures while living in difficult neighbourhoods.

Misezhnikov is on his first official visit to India between September 5 and 9.

Expressing his concern over the blast that killed 12 and injured 60, Misezhnikov said such 'terrible' acts can prove fatal for international tourism

"We have a quite difficult neighbourhood and you have the same difficulty with your neighbourhood. This makes a strong bond with our country and so there is a deeper understanding of feelings during such times. It is a difficult job for the ministry of tourism to explain to the tourists that it is safe to travel to a country after it has suffered from such a terrible terrorist attack," said Misezhnikov.

Misezhnikov said both India and Israel must unite and understand each other better and continue with tourist interactions so that terror does not win.

Stas Misezhnikov

"We have today's attack on a judge court in New Delhi but you will see that the youngsters of Israel would continue to come to India and Israeli families will continue to come to India because if we will not do all this, this will be an award to the terrorists and none of us would want to give such a prize to the terrorists. We have to say that terror will not win but now it is more important to understand each other needs better," said Misezhnikov.

Misezhnikov has met his Indian counterpart, Subodh Kant Sahai and would be meeting Minister of Civil Aviation, Vayalar Ravi today. Misezhnikov, accompanied by senior officials from his ministry and a business delegation, will also conduct meetings and seminars with tourism and aviation business leaders in Mumbai city tomorrow.

He noted that strict security measures have helped Israel against possible terror acts and it is better to be on the safe side with regard to security.

"When there are complaints of certain Indian groups that they have to wait at the entrance of our country for too long due to checking and double checking, the explanation to that is we want to guarantee you safety at the entrance and when you leave Israel. It is always better to be on the safe side of security," said Misezhnikov.

The blast outside the court, seen as a high profile but soft target, comes at a time when the judiciary is in sharp focus for nudging the government to act on issues ranging from corruption to environment.

In May, a low-intensity blast outside the same court triggered panic but no one was injured.

Several bomb attacks in large Indian cities in recent years have been tied to the Indian Mujahideen, said to have support from Pakistan-based militants fighting Indian rule in Kashmir.  

By Pooja Shali(ANI)

http://in.news.yahoo.com/israeli-tourism-minister-terms-delhi-hc-blast-terrible-102920327.html

Pak child receives gift from Indian doctors on Eid

New Delhi, Aug 31 (ANI): 

Reflecting the current spirit of cooperation between two Asian neighbours, doctors at Gurgoan's Medanta Midicity Hospital successfully operated a nine-year-old Pakistani boy, suffering from a chronic liver disease, and discharged today on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Ali Shaheer Malik, who hails from Pakistan's Lahore city, was suffering from Familial Cholestasis and went into a state of semi-coma.

He was brought to the Medanta Medicity Hospital here in a critical condition.

The boy's uncle Kashif Malik decided to donate a part of his liver that led to a successful surgery a few weeks ago and the ailed was kept under observation during the post-operative period.

 

The occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr has brought double celebrations for the family, as doctors announced Ali could leave the hospital premises after successfully recuperating from the surgery.

 

Now, the hail and hearty boy would be heading to Lahore along with his mother and uncle in the next few daysn extremely delighted Ali's mother thanked the team of Indian doctors for gifting her child a new life.

 

"I feel like my son has got a new life here and he has been taken care of very well. When we came here he was quite sick and very critical and the doctors at the hospital did whatever they could. I am very thankful to both the doctors and Medanta Hospital for taking good care of my son," said Zanobia, Ali's mother.

 

"Now, he can sit and he can walk. I hope he can now have a good life," she added.

 

An elated Ali feels this to be his best Eid gift and now plans to undertake fun activities back home.

 

"I can stand now and I will also run very soon. I will climb the stairs of my home and do other things as well. This is my best Eid gift," said Ali.

 

Experts at the Delhi Hospital feel they had a huge responsibility with the boy, as doctors in Pakistan failed to detect causes of the disease.

 

"Ali has a birth defect, which is called Familial Cholestasis. It is a genetic defect. In Pakistan, the doctors could not point out the cause of it and here in India, we did not have enough time to cue the reason because the boy reached us in a state of coma," said Dr. Neelam Mohan, Director, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Medanta.

 

"Our first priority was to reverse the process and prepare the boy for surgery," she added.

 

The Indian High Commission had granted the visa within two days of the request and the family members were able to reach the hospital on time for further treatment.

 

This collaborative effort has brought forth more hope of enhanced relations between the two countries, which have fought three wars in the past. By Pooja Shali (ANI)

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/238255

Hazare's health poor, but firm spirit keeping medical situation in control: Dr. Trehan

New Delhi, Aug.24 (ANI):

Civil society activist Anna Hazare's health is poor, but his spirit is keeping his medical situation under control, said Dr. Naresh Trehan, the head of Gurgaon's Medicity Hospital and the leader of medical team monitoring his health on a round-the-clock basis.

"Mr. Hazare's sugar level has reached 102 and he again has refused to be put on a drip today morning. His condition needs medical attention, but his firm spirit has kept the situation in control till now," said Dr Trehan.

The anti-graft crusadet has lost six kilograms in weight since he began his fast on August 16. Traces of ketone have also been found in his blood.

Doctors have warned that his condition will worsen if he continues to refuse to be put on an IV drip.

Last evening, Hazare, 74, refused to be taken to hospital or be put on IV drip. In fact, Anna told his supporters to form a human chain in case government officials tried to take him away forcefully from the Ramlila grounds.

Meanwhile, members of Team Anna are having a second meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and other senior UPA ministers, though not much headway has been made at present.

"The three main sticky issues were the Citizen's Charter, the inclusion of lower bureaucracy and the setting up of state Lokayuktas," said Arvind Kejriwal.

The government is expected to respond to Team Anna in the next few hours over all issues.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Varun Gandhi and social activist Aruna Roy have met Hazare and interacted with his supporters at the Ramlila grounds.

"I am here to support this cause as a citizen of this country," said Varun Gandhi.

Security continues to remain tight at the grounds, as tens of thousands of people continue to pour in to express support for Hazare.

Hazare's campaign has found resonance with millions of Indians, particularly the middle class, which is tired of endemic bribery and a series of corruption scandals that has the top politicians and businessmen embroiled in it.

Supporters are demanding for the swift passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill (civil society's version of Ombudsman bill) in the Parliament for which Hazare has been crusading since April this year.

The federal government had appointed the joint drafting committee of the Lokpal Bill (Ombudsman bill) in April 2011, after Hazare had gone on an anti-graft hunger strike in New Delhi, drawing support from millions of Indians.

Though the legislation was presented before the Parliament in early August, civil society activists slammed the draft version as 'toothless' as the Prime Minister, judges and the lawmakers were kept out of its ambit.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/hazares-health-poor-firm-spirit-keeping-medical-situation-065854192.html

Post-traumatic stress disorder affecting women in Leh

http://in.news.yahoo.com/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-affecting-women-leh-095252437.html

Leh (Ladakh), June 26 (ANI): Even after almost a year, women in Leh district feel haunted by memories of the cloudburst and are struggling to move on in life while depending on medicines provided at occasional health camps.

Overwhelming stories of endurance are emerging out of Leh as they approach the same date in coming weeks, reminding them of a disaster that claimed lives of more than 190 persons and rendered thousands homeless.

Psychological trauma of struggling to save life and homes have taken a toll on the peaceful population in Leh as they recount the horror faced on the intervening night of 5-6 August 2010.

Dichen Palmo's two-year-old son Tenzing Gafir went missing during the flash floods and was rescued by her, engulfed in mud.

She says her family's life is slowly returning to normal and now has put all her efforts into building a better life for her 'miracle baby'.

"He was washed away with me in the floods. I stopped near some debris that had collected in another village and I saw him crying near by, almost drowning in the mud. I took him out. I still cannot forget what happened that day but yes slowly we are able to move on. I thank God for saving my child," said a teary eyed Dichen Palmo.

Unlike Palmo, some women were not so lucky. Konchok Dolma works as a tailor and does odd jobs at a beauty parlour near her village. She has stopped visiting the old shop because it reminds her of a life that she feels holds no meaning after the disaster.

Dolma's 17-year-old daughter was washed away in floods in front of her eyes and now she struggles to cope up with sleepless nights.

"I woke my children up from sleep when the downpour began. That is all I remember. Within minutes, the area was filled with water. The younger child was saved but the older one got washed away with floodwater. Both my daughters were students in Chandigarh. I do not trust life anymore. I rarely sleep at night and stay up till late 3 a.m. or 4 a..m."

The aftermath has brought medical complications like depression, body pain and insomnia affecting especially women and children.

Indo Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) organised a medical camp recently at a shelter home and interacted with many victims who needed desperate medical attention especially for psychological trauma.

"People are still in depression due to that cloudburst. Many people lost their close ones and they are not out of that trauma till now. We help them little bit through medication but mainly behavioural therapy is what we use for their treatment," said Dr Vijay Pal, Assistant Commandant, medical officer, 24 Battalion, ITBP.

The August 6 flash floods triggered by a cloudburst devastated large parts of Ladakh claimed lives of hundreds including 35 army men, 18 Nepalese and Tibetan workers, three French, one Spanish and one Italian tourists.

Five villages, Saboo, Phyang, Nimoo, Choglamsar and Shapoo were the worst hit. Old Leh city was also among the worst affected. (ANI)

Almost a year after cloudburst, funds yet to reach many Leh residents

http://onespot.wsj.com/india-news/2011/06/25/c7a20/almost-a-year-after-cloudburst-funds-yet

Leh, June 25(ANI): Almost a year after cloudburst hit Jammu and Kashmir's Leh district killing over 190 persons, funds are yet to reach many victims while residents are struggling to rehabilitate their homes and lives.

Hundreds went missing and several thousands were rendered homeless on the intervening night of August 5-6, after the flash floods triggered by the cloudburst flattened their homes.

According to official records, 158 families have been rehabilitated with a new house and basic amenities to begin life anew.

Nevertheless, funds have still not found their way into homes of many victims though the District Commissioner assures 'technical hassles' would soon be solved.

"At present, 783 families have received the first installment of 1,00,000 rupees and the reason that some have not received the compensation is because names of many local residents were misspelt on the relief case list.

Each victim was asked to open a bank account and the money would directly go into the payee account," said T. Angchok, District Commisioner, Ladakh.

"The names on the bank list did not match to that mentioned on relief list. For example, Tsering was written as Chhering on some lists. As a result, the poor beneficiary fails to match his name and does not get the amount. This is being rectified, corrected and now victims will soon avail the amount," he addedbout 665 houses were completely destroyed and victims were promised two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, while one lakh rupees was promised to the ones, who suffered partial destruction of their houses.

Leh Hill Council has already sent a project proposal of 133 crore rupees to the Central Government for permanent restoration of the region but the funds are yet to be released.

These funds were to be used for road infrastructure and electricity that suffered heavy damage.

Flashfloods and mudslides swept the road links and bridges in the area. The deluge damaged hospitals, schools, government buildings, bus terminals, radio station transmitter, telephone exchange and mobile-phone towers.

Meanwhile, families living in Saboo village, the epicenter of flash floods, feel grateful that at least their homes received enough support to build new homes within a year, but added that the government could do much more to help rebuild lives.

"In August, we thought it was impossible to stay in the village after the floods and it would take decades to rebuild the village again. We had begun to feel hopeless, but the government came to our rescue. The civilians put up a brave front in the aftermath and within the next few days of the disaster, some roads were cleared, temporary bridges were built," said Tsering Uru, head, Saboo Village.

"At least we got an option to travel from one village to another for sometime. But I hope this support continues because still a lot of construction work needs to be completed around here," he added.

Five villages, Saboo, Phyang, Nimoo, Choglamsar and Shapoo were the worst hit. Old Leh city was also among the worst affected.

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army was at the forefront of rescue attempts after floods and continues to help rehabilitate residents with government support in areas devastated by the natural disaster. By Pooja Shali (ANI)

Exiled Tibetan Government ready for talks with China on Tibet's future

http://www.sify.com/news/exiled-tibetan-government-ready-for-talks-with-china-on-tibet-s-future-news-national-lfmtagdhhgf.html

Newly-elected Tibetan Prime Minister in-Exile Lobsang Sangay said Thursday that his government is ready to negotiate with China 'anytime, anywhere' on the issue of Tibet's future, provided their core demand of genuine autonomy is addressed.

Sangay, who was elected prime minister last month, was in Delhi to lend his support to Tibetan exiles who are observing a hunger strike for the past 18 days over a demand for the withdrawal of Chinese troops from the Kirti Monastery in Tibet.

Sangay, who had earlier hinted that he could move beyond the Dalai Lama's "middle way" policy of negotiating for autonomy for Tibet from China, is expected to bring in a more radical government-in-exile to challenge China after the Dalai Lama moved to relinquish his political role.

  "From our side, our stand has been very clear. We are willing to negotiate with the Chinese Government anytime, anywhere. And what the stated policy of the Tibetan government in exile is genuine autonomy within China. Now, after (sic) all the changes will be made as far as exile constitution is concerned, then we will wait and see how the Chinese Government reacts. From our side, we are willing to negotiate anytime, anywhere," said Sangay.

  Sangay said he would try to walk on the path shown by the Dalai Lama and remain committed to fulfilling his vision and expectations.

  

"His Holiness made a magnanimous decision to devolve his political powers through elected leaders. It is not a question of replacing him. He is irreplaceable. He has led us brilliantly for the last 50 years and he will be a great source of inspiration for all of us. What he expects from the elected leaders is to live up to his vision of a secular democratic society and fulfill his expectation to be the spokesperson and to be the political face of the Tibetan people. I am committed to fulfilling his vision and expectation," said Sangay.

The handover of power will give the prime minister's role greater clout as the region seeks autonomy from China and could stave off a possible crisis of leadership in the event of the Dalai Lama's death.

Sangay added that his priorities as the newly elected prime minister were to garner support for the Tibetan cause and help the Dalai Lama reach his homeland.

"Number one priority for any Kalon Tripa, head of the administration, is to restore freedom in Tibet and to have His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to his rightful place in Lhasa, that is the capital of Tibet. Then other priorities include-to create awareness at the international level and to seek the support and, most important, support will always be of India and Indian people," said Sangay.

As a student in Delhi, Sangay was a leader of the Tibetan Youth Congress, which demanded complete independence. Born in a refugee settlement in India in 1968, Sangay won a Fulbright scholarship to Harvard where he earned a doctorate in law.

He appealed to the members of the Tibetan Youth Congress, on a hunger strike to show their solidarity with the monks at the Kirti Monastery to break their fast as it was putting their health in danger.

  "On the one hand, what they are experiencing, by putting themselves at risk, pales in comparison to Tibetans who are suffering inside Tibet. Having said that, to go through days and days, it is the 18th day; without food, is a tremendous risk that one is putting himself (at). So, I am here to show my solidarity and say thank you on behalf of the Tibetan people and also to tell them we are with them," said Sangay.

The Tibetans have been demanding the withdrawal of Chinese troops from the monastery. They allege the monastery, a sanctuary for practice of Buddhism and teachings of peace, has been converted into a prison and garrison by China.

Reportedly, the Chinese authorities conducted a raid on the Kirti Monastery in Tibet's Ngaba region between March 16 to April 12, resulting in the death of at least two elderly persons and the arrest of over 300 monks.

According to media reports, Phuntsok, a 20-year-old monk, committed self-immolation on March 16 to protest Chinese troop occupation of the monastery.

Tibet has been under Chinese occupation since 1950.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans and the Dalai Lama arrived in India in 1959 after failing to get rid of the Chinese.

By Pooja Shali (ANI)

No special favors for Kalmadi in Tihar: Delhi Police

http://in.news.yahoo.com/no-special-favors-kalmadi-tihar-delhi-police-125141191.html


New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The former chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi, now imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail, is not receiving any special treatment, police officials here said.

Presently lodged in Jail Number 4, Kalmadi spent the night in a separate cell in the dormitory surrounded by other accused, including Olympic Committee Joint Director General (Sport) A.S.V Prasad and Deputy Director General (Procurement) Surjit Lal

According to prison officials, Kalmadi has not been provided with any additional facilities like an air conditioner or a bed. He has also not put forth any special demands.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Tihar Prisons) R. N Sharma said Kalmadi is keeping to his normal routine by eating simple food and performing everyday chores at the prison but is facing medical problems.

    "Mr. Kalamdi came yesterday. He has not put forth any special demand. He stayed at his cell during the night. It is a small cell of 10X12 measurements. There is a small toilet attached to it. We have provided a television set to him. He is facing some medical problems because he is highly diabetic. He is receiving his regular treatment. There is no shortage for his regular treatment. He has been provided with food from within the premises. There has been no special demand from his side to us," said Sharma.

Meanwhile, Kalmadi is keeping a low profile and has not attracted any special attention by other regular inmates.

    "No reaction so far. In other jails also, we have such high profile inmates. So, there has been no special reaction from any inmate. They (high-profile inmates) have been kept in safe and secure custody, kept separately from hardened criminals. That is all," said Sharma.

The routine followed by Kalamdi is said to be basic like that meant for others. The menu includes roti, dal twice a day and a biscuit with tea in evening.

    "At 6 a.m, each inmates come out from their dormitories for roll call, to assure the count of prisoners is exact to the ones lodged last night. The next one hour is for morning prayer and exercise. At 7 a.m. he gets breakfast, which has tea, bread and vegetable. Then at 7-8 a.m. all those prisoners who are supposed to go the court, they are sent in cars. They are escorted by the police to different (respective) courts," Sunil Gupta, law officer and spokesperson, Tihar Prisons.

Gupta said inmates including Kalmadi are required to attend moral teaching classes held every evening.

    "At 12-3 p.m. is time to take rest. They are shut in their dormitories where they can watch television or read. At 3.30 p.m., the prisoners get tea and biscuit that is called afternoon tea. From 4-6 p.m. moral teaching classes are held," said Gupta.

Kalmadi met his wife and son this morning, a day after he was sent to 14-day judicial custody along with his aides.

Kalmadi, Prasad and Lal were arrested by the CBI on April 25 for allegedly awarding an illegal contract to a Swiss firm for the timing-scoring-result system of CWG last year, causing a loss of Rs 95 crore to the exchequer.

होली है.!

बस की पांचवी सीट पर गुमसुम बैठी मैं लाल बत्ती को देख रही थी. 

बायें मुड़ी तो सड़क पर खड़े वो अपनी भोली-भाली-सी आँखों से मुझे देखने लगा. 

मैंने देखा. 
उसने देखा. 
इससे पहले कि मैं वापिस मुड़ पाती... उसने अपने दायाँ हाथ उठाया और...
 दे छपाक.! 
गुब्बारे का दर्द क्या होता है, बड़े दिनों बाद पता लगा. 

Agriculture sector needs to improve: CII Chairman

CII Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal speaks to Pooja Shali/ANI and says India needs to take agriculture to the next level. 

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal has said that it is essential for the agriculture sector to move forward to combat food inflation.

"Agriculture needs to move to the next level and if the Prime Minister is talking about the secondary green revolution, if we are look at feeding more people in India as the population grows, if we feel more food is required because there are people who are moving above the BPL (Below Poverty Line) and getting to have a second meal in a day, if we believe that young demographic India is changing from a supply-led to a demand-led agriculture, all in all we need to take agriculture to the next level," said Mittal in an exclusive interview to Asian News International (ANI) on Thursday.

Mittal further said the involvement of private sector would contribute in better research, which would contribute in the economy of the country.

"One area, which I also believe needs to be looked at is the involvement of the private sector. I think while the government of India, the state government has put in regulations and statutory laws to protect the small and marginal farmers, my belief is that the same work in benefit of those farmers," said Mittal.

"There is no worthwhile research which has happened. Extension services are almost insignificant and they are nil; the public sectors or the universities have failed on that part. So clearly, this is an area where private sector can come in, on the research, on extension services," he added.

Mittal insisted the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act allows farmers of all states to sell their products only in government-regulated markets as it would benefit common people.

"The farmers should be given the flexibility to sell directly to the food processors, to the retailers, and to the aggregators and consolidators. This will in turn ensure that the wastages reduce. It will also ensure better terms and better returns for the farmers because they don''t have to go and wait at the mandis (wholesale vegetable markets). They are at the mercy of the middleman," said Mittal.

"They can have their terms and conditions and contracts signed, they get right payment, they get right price because prices are available everyday. So they get a better return. I think we don''t really realize that ultimately it is the consumer who is suffering the most," he added.

Food inflation has dropped to 15.52 per cent for the week ended January 8 from 16.91 per cent recorded in the previous week on the back of high vegetable prices.

Link - http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/5/2011012120110121194240251ea13643b/Agriculture-sector-needs-to-improve-CII-Chairman.html