NEW DELHI : Notwithstanding the refusal of an Italian court to provide CBI with an authenticated copy of the charge sheet on the helicopter scam, government today said the doors are “never closed” as it will explore various legal options to get the required information.
“No, no, doors are never closed as long as the last court of the land does not say no to you, doors are never closed. And if you go by some of our jurisprudence, even if the last decision is given, there are still opportunities for review,” External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters outside Parliament House.
He said the government will examine “every possibility that is legally available” to secure the information which allows it to make “defaulting persons accountable.”
Khurshid was responding to a question on whether the ‘doors were closed’ for the country in securing the required information from Italy.
The Minister also said that “we will have to proceed according to their (Italian) courts’ procedures and we will try and get whatever relief we could through proper procedure.”
He said India respects the law of the land of any country and it expects them to respect the law of the land of this country.
“I think particularly with Italy we made it very clear to them when the marines…That our courts are autonomous and independent and you have to proceed to the systems of our courts which is what they did, I think to their satisfaction. I imagine we may have to do the same thing ourselves,” he said.
On reports that Maldives has accepted Indian mediation on the issue of former President Nasheed, Khurshid said a team from New Delhi was in that country to hold discussions. “When we get some information, I should speak on the issue only after that. If an information reaches us through media, we do examine it but do not reach at any conclusion.” (AGENCIES)
Choppergate:Govt to explore all options to get info from Italy
Pak should desist from acts contributing to trust deficit:Prez
NEW DELHI : Against the backdrop of the beheading of an Indian soldier on the LoC, President Pranab Mukherjee today said Pakistan should desist from acts that contribute to “trust deficit”.
In his address to the joint sitting of Parliament, he said, “With Pakistan, we have made progress towards normalisation of relations, strengthening mechanism for bilateral trade and facilitating greater people-to-people contact”.
The President said while India remains committed to taking the process forward, “it is also important that Pakistan abides by its commitments and desists from acts that contribute to a trust deficit”.
Pakistan Army regulars had infiltrated inside Indian territory in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir and killed and mutilated the bodies of Lance Naiks Sudhakar Singh and Hemraj on January eight.
The President prefaced his remarks by saying that India continues to seek peace, stability, cooperation and economic development in the sub-continent. “We attach the highest priority to relations with our immediate neighbours”.
He also made it clear that as Afghanistan prepares for a political and security transition in 2014 and beyond, “we will continue to help Afghanistan evolve peacefully and fight terrorism and extremism”.
On China, the President said his government intends to work with the new Chinese leadership to reinforce the positive direction of the bilateral relationship.
“My government’s foreign policy continues to be driven by the objectives of creating an enabling environment for our national development, ensuring the security of the nation and fulfilling our international responsibilities”, he said.
As regards to Sri Lanka, he said, “We are making efforts in our engagement with Sri Lanka, including in our efforts to resettle and rehabilitate the internally displaced persons there and to ensure a life of peace, dignity and equality for the Tamil people”.
As regards Bangladesh, the President said government proposes to introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament to give effect to provisions of the Land Boundary Agreement with the neighbouring country and its 2011 Protocol, which will strengthen border management and the country’s security.
Noting that the Strategic Partnership with the US has deepened with progress across all areas of the relationship, he said, “We look forward to intensifying this engagement during the second term of President Obama”.
He said India’s multi-faceted relationship with Japan, which is also a major partner in the country’s infrastructure development efforts, is making good progress.
The “privileged and strategic” partnership India has built with Russia received a further boost during the visit of President Vladimir Putin in December last year.
Mukherjee said India’s traditionally strong relations with Europe will continue to develop. “The visit of President Francois Hollande to Delhi in Feb 2013, his first Asian destination as President, will further strengthen our friendship and broad-based strategic cooperation with France”.
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during the last two years, India played an important role in the Council’s efforts to promote international peace and security.
“We intensified efforts to generate momentum for early reform of the U N Security Council. We are also seeking concerted international action against piracy”, he said, adding that a Piracy bill was introduced in Parliament last year for prosecution in India of persons committing piracy.
Noting that India also remained constructively engaged in global multilateral diplomacy, he said New Delhi hosted the fourth BRICS Summit in March last year and the ministerial meet of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation in October last year. (PTI)
Credible action needed to meet economic challenges: PM
NEW DELHI : Seeking cooperation of all sections ahead of Parliament session, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said “credible action” is needed from all to ensure that the country is least affected by the “formidable challenges” posed by the global economic slowdown.
Singh said Parliament was meeting against the backdrop of global slowdown of economic activity which has also affected the country.
“It is now a challenge for all of us to take credible action to ensure that we are least affected by this global slowdown,” he told reporters ahead of the start of the Budget Session.
“In this context, the way we conduct the financial business now before Parliament will be a crucial determinant of our country’s ability to cope with the formidable challenges our country faces,” Singh said.
The Prime Minister said he looked forward to cooperation of all sections of the House. His remarks came against the backdrop of Opposition parties preparing to target the government on chopper scam, price rise, crimes against women and a host of other issues.
“On our part, we wish to engage constructively, productively with all sections of the House in the expectation that there would be responsible dialogue, debate among members of Parliament,” he said.
“We are looking forward for a very productive, constructive session of Parliament. That is what our country’s people expect Parliament to do,” Singh said. (AGENCIES)
Thursday 21 Feb 2013
Aries : Today, you may get to share your ideas and opinions with like-minded people. Ganesha says you may finally have a heart-to-heart chat with your beloved, and express your deep commitment. You may even talk of your long cherished dreams.
Taurus : Logic may be your forte today, but in the game of life, sometimes the heart wins and sometimes the head. Your analytical skills will help you understand things better, in turn, making you wiser. You may feel an urge to spend on music cassettes, CDs and electronic gadgets.
Gemini : You will witness a marked improvement in your emotional quotient, says Ganesha. This change may either come through watching a film, listening to a song or just a simple insight. At the workplace, people will be lavishing praise on you for your excellent performance.
Cancer : You know how to make money, and you are even better in putting it to good use. Today, you will have your one eye on the developments in the stock market, and the other on brochures of tourism companies. Yes, you may plan to spend some money on leisure, entertainment and getting closer to your family. What better investment than the one made on strengthening the family bond.
Leo : It may be that the best daffodils bloom early in the morning, but good ideas can come any time of the day, says Ganesha. So spruce up your management skills, as you shall need them to help organise and cash in on the multitude of ideas that will bombard you today. Remember, says Ganesha, a good idea can change your life, just the way a good poem can help you win a wife! So, if it is some love that you are fishing for, then express yourself without inhibitions today.
Virgo : A la Sisyphus, you may realise the futility of your efforts and constant failure in achieving success. But do not despair, says Ganesha. Recharge your imagination, inquisitiveness and intelligence and focus on your long-term goals, says Ganesha.
Libra : Some days you get the carrot, while on others, it is the stick! Today is going to be one of those ‘stick’ days when it comes to dealing with your seniors, foresees Ganesha. It would be wise to delay auction bids or sealed tenders. Sometimes, waiting patiently is the best policy, especially if you are a job aspirant. Do not expect immediate success. Take abundant precautions in all matters today, warns Ganesha.
Scorpio : There is a big black hole in your pocket, and it’s high time you looked for remedies there. Loved ones will make use of your money as suntan cream – liberally and carelessly. You are most likely to burn the holes larger by spending lavishly, especially to impress a member of the opposite sex. Ganesha advises you to keep in mind that time is money and time never returns.
Sagittarius : Get ready to rule hearts today. Your thoughtful insights into other people’s psyche might just help you write a book on it! In the battleground of love, you will win over your sweetheart all over again, probably with a nice, slow dance coupled with a fantastic candlelit dinner.
Capricorn : Like you weren’t already overworked, new responsibilities will keep you occupied throughout the day, says Ganesha. The excitement with which you work every day will weaken, and eventually die down by the end of the day. This is mainly because you will burn your energy and resources in helping others. But there is a good side to this too. Your social standing will improve dramatically because of your kind nature.
Aquarius : You have your head on your shoulders and feet on the ground. Congratulations! You’ve covered the first step to success. Step two, says Ganesha, involves an inquisitive mind and a questioning attitude. Later, you may resort to shortcuts and compromise a tad in quality.
Pisces : Your fount of creativity spouts everyday like there is no tomorrow. However, you need to be organised and in position to implement all those revolutionary ideas that occur to you in a jiffy, that lesser mortals take aeons to dream up. Your oratory will win you many admirers today, so let go of your inhibitions, says Ganesha.
OBCs ignored
Sir,
One of the downtrodden section of society called OBCs seem to be ignored by the Government and especially by the parties who always claim to be championing the cause of this community.
The Apex court’s judgment of 1992 with regard to OBCs could not be implemented in this State due to apathetic attitude of the Government. In the monsoon session of Parliament 2012, BSP spoke for only SCs or STs and not for OBCs which form a major chunk of BSP vote bank.
We request the BSP to have a special programme for the OBCs and alleviate their sufferings.
Yours etc….
Prof Kali Dass
General Secretary
AIBCU
ReTs plea to Education Minister
Sir,
As per the provisions of ReT scheme, ReTs were supposed to render 5 years of satisfactory service for their regularization and thereafter 2 years mandatory service for their transfer. In short, they were supposed to do seven years service at a particular place of posting. But later on, these provisions were amended and as per amended provision ReTs cannot be transferred unless and unless they go promoted to Master grade.
This move has made the life of married women ReTs very difficult. It has impinged upon their domestic and professional life. They have to reside in their parental houses till they get transferred.
Numerous divorce cases have come to fore as a result of this move. This has also affected their children who are subjected to pulls and pressures from both sides-parental and maternal.
In view of a miserable condition of these teachers, it is requested to the Education Minister to look into this aspect of their life.
Yours etc….
Prem Nath Sharma
Rajouri
Vanishing wildlife
Sir,
Refer news item “Sambhar Stag found dead” D.E 16 Feb. 2013.
This is not for the first time such incident has happened in our tehsil. A few months earlier on Dec 31, 2012, another Sambhar Stag was also hunted and then too Wildlife Department remained a silent spectator. It was first found injured by the people of the locality, but there was no one of the Wildlife department to look after it as a result it didn’t survive. For the entire day none other than the local villagers looked after it. As far as general public is concerned, it does not even know whether this Wildlife Department has its office located at our tehsil and who are the employees to be reported and informed. The bullets which were used for hunting are of special type and only few people in our tehsil hold licences for them. There are several paths that lead to the solution but it seems that this department is also infected with the viral of corruption, as their officials tend to do nothing other than completing formalities.
It is hereby requested to the State Wildlife Authorities to kindly take notice of this matter and punish the culprits as a stern action is needed, so that the wildlife may feel secure and prosper in a calm surrounding.
Yours etc….
Himanshu Goswami
Village Bhaddu
Kathua
Prioritise defence preparation
Sir,
Col. J.P. Singh’s article on “Indo Afghan concern” in DE 6/2/2013 is elaborate, lucid, timely and eye opener, as usual. Earlier too, other columnists have forewarned of dangers well ahead of us, upon withdrawal of US and allied troops from Afghanistan in 2014, as scheduled. Hence, the said article is yet another alarm bell of dark clouds hovering over the sky so far as security of our country is concerned. Infact, the nefarious designs and deeds of the neighbouring country is no more a hidden agenda. As the Jehadi groups in Afghanistan will have a free run to work on their strategies, there are cent percent chances to create heightened tension in our border state with aim to separate Kashmir from rest of India, to begin with. It is high time to prioritise defense preparation and keep the country in a State of preparedness at all costs, without compromising any cut in defense expenditure budget and other necessary diplomatic measures. Any miscalculation or under-estimation of events to come should be deemed as act of self-sabotage.
Let us set our house in order by focusing attention on building capabilities to win the war (even by declaring emergency, if required) instead of engaging time and energy on insignificant matters and get rid of the “taken for granted mind-set and adopting knee-jerk policy” which is prevailing under our nose for a long time now, both on internal and external fronts.
Yours etc….
P.K. Mam
Shanker Vihar Talab Tillo
Jammu
Russia asks: How do you stop space objects hitting Earth?
MOSCOW/VIENNA, Feb 20: What can man do to prevent Earth being hit by meteorites and asteroids? Russia has found, to its cost, that it has no answers. But U.S. And European experts may be able to help with a few ideas that at first glance seem straight out of science fiction, including smashing spacecraft into asteroids, using the sun’s rays to vaporize them, or blasting them with nuclear bombs.
Naked men turn out to see…”Naked Men”
VIENNA, Feb 20: The exhibit in Vienna’s Leopold Museum is entitled “Naked Men”, so a group of nudists and naturalists took the curators at their word and showed up to see it on Monday in the buff. “It is good to be free, I am seeing this exhibition for the second time now and it is perfect to see ‘Naked Men’ as a naked man,” said one of the visitors who called himself Max and who on his previous visit wore his clothes. (agencies)