'Morning for neighbourly engagement': Chinese Minister Wang Yi meets PM Narendra Modi, Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI:MMNN:13 Aug. 2016

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi to discuss "key issues of mutual interest."
Wang, who is on a three-day visit to India will hold talks with Swaraj on various issues of mutual interest, during which India's bid for membership of the NSG is understood to have figured among other regional and bilateral issues.
He called on Modi first and then held talks with Swaraj. His visit comes on the sidelines of increasing tensions between the two nations over key regional and bilateral issues. Putting the NSG issue behind them, leaders of the two nations will also engage in delegation-level talks.
China-India relations were soured earlier as Beijing blocked India's fervent bid to join the elite Nuclear Supplier's Group (NSG) in June, on the ground that it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, China's state-run media on Friday said that the door for India's admission into the NSG is "not tightly" closed and New Delhi should "fully comprehend" Beijing's concerns over the disputed South China Sea. The report came in ahead of Wang's New Delhi visit.
Terming that India and China are partners not rivals, a commentary by state-run Xinhua news agency said "as Beijing and New Delhi head into a season of intensive top-level diplomatic encounters that could well define the future of their partnership, the two need to work together to keep their disagreements in check".
"What should be noted above all else is that India has wrongly blamed China for blocking its entry into the NSG," it said.
"So far, there is no precedent for a non-Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) signatory to become a NSG member. Many inside the body that monitors the global flow of nuclear materials insist prudence in handing a membership card to any non-treaty party," it said in apparent reference to China's persistent demand that signing the NPT is a must for the entry of new members into the 48-member body which controls global nuclear commerce.
"However, New Delhi should not be downhearted as the door to the NSG is not tightly closed," it said in a first such reference by China in recent months since the two counties differed on the issue.
"But any future discussions need to be based on safeguarding an international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in which India itself has a huge stake," it said.
Wang on Friday met Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar to review the logistics and security arrangements for Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposed visit in October to the coastal state for the Brics summit.
However the commentary did not mention whether Wang will be carrying any new proposals to assuage India's disappointment over its failed bid to get NSG membership despite having majority support in the grouping.
The commentary also wanted India to understand China's concerns over the South China Sea, where Beijing is on the back foot specially after the verdict of the international tribunal striking down its expansive claims over the area.
The US, Australia and Japan besides the Philippines which won the case asked China to implement the verdict saying that it is binding.
Beijing, which boycotted the tribunal's proceeding however termed it as illegal and null and void.
Referring to the joint communique issued at the recent meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China (RIC) in Moscow, the commentary said "India agreed that the South China Sea issue should be addressed through talks between the parties concerned".
"Given that the South China Sea correlates with China's vital national interests, it is hoped that India would fully comprehend Beijing's concerns, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific," it said.
Wang's visit comes ahead of next month's G20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to take part.
An article in the state-run Global Times earlier said India should avoid getting "unnecessarily entangled" in the South China Sea (SCS) debate to prevent it becoming yet "another factor" to impact bilateral ties. China has been making the case that the G20 summit should avoid any references to the SCS asserting that it should be resolved directly by the parties concerned not by outsiders.
Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have counter claims over the area.
While Modi is due to attend the G20 meeting, President Xi Jinping is also scheduled to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) summit in Goa in October.
"Many believe the (Wang's) trip aims to help rasp off the rough edges of the relationship between the world's two leading developing countries, and build up consensus ahead of two important summits, the Group of 20 meeting in China and the BRICS gathering in India, to be held in the coming months," the Xinhua commentary said.
"China and India are partners, not rivals, and as long as they can properly handle their differences with sincerity and political dexterity, bilateral ties will grow stronger while the two become a force for good around the world," it said.
"At the same time, the world's two fastest-growing economies should maintain their positive momentum on bilateral ties that has been maintained in recent years, further deepen cooperation, especially in trade and commerce, and foster an even closer partnership.
"At a time of lacklustre global economic recovery, the two countries should team up to fend off trade protectionism, and make substantial efforts to bring the world's economic house in order at the two key summits and beyond," it said.
"As key emerging markets, the two nations, by standing together hand-in-hand can be a strong voice for the developing world, and render the global economic governance system fairer and more just.
"When it comes to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges such as climate change, the fight against terrorism and food security, the two most populous BRICS members share great potential to do even more," it said.

Policeman killed, another injured in Assam

New Delhi:MMNN:13 Aug. 2016

A policeman was killed and another injured when a fight broke out among the security men at Rongbongway police station in Karbi Anglong district, a senior police official said today.

The incident occurred last night when some police personnel of the 11th Battalion opened fire during a fight with each other at the kitchen of the police barrack, Superintendent of Police, Debajit Deuri, said.
While constable Ratul Gogoi was killed on the spot, Paban Jyoti Deka was seriously injured and admitted to a hospital in nearby Golaghat district, the SP said.
Contrary to media reports about KPLT militants attacking the police station and firing at it, the SP said primary investigations showed that firing followed after a fight broke out among the policemen there.

Kalikho Pul: Supporters hold protest, demand probe into 'unnatural' death

NEW DELHI:MMNN:9 Aug. 2016

Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress rebel Kalikho Pul, who stepped down from the top post last month after the Supreme Court ordered removal of his government, allegedly committed suicide today. As soon as the news of Pul's death spread, scores of his supporters gheraoed Chief Minister Pema Khandu's bungalow in Niti Bihar area and demanded a probe into Pul's "unnatural" death. They also set on fire an under-construction building of the Deputy chief minister and damaged two official bungalows.
A top police officer said that 47-year-old Pul allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his bedroom. One of his wives found him hanging at the Chief Minister's official residence which he was yet to vacate. According to the doctors, the death occurred between 7 and 7.30 am. Pul, who is survived by three wives and four children, had not met any outsider for the past seven days, according to his family.
Pul briefly served as the chief minister from February 19 replacing Nabam Tuki and remained in the post till July this year. Soon after the news of his death, Pul's supporters gheraoed Chief Minister Pema Khandu's bungalow area. They said they would not allow Pul's body to be taken out from his bungalow at ESS sector and demanded that he be buried inside the premises.
A coffin, which was brought from outside, was damaged and set on fire by the crowd before the assembled media. A section of the supporters headed towards the official residence of Deputy CM Chowna Mein, less than 100 metres away, damaged the outer wall and at least 10 vehicles parked in the premises.
An under-construction premises of the Deputy CM was also set on fire, police said, adding there were no casualties. Protestors also damaged the official bungalow of Industries Minister Tapang Taloh. A high-level cabinet meeting was on and police reinforcements, including state police and ITBP, were sent to the high-security VVIP zone where the ministers' residences were located. Pul's body will be kept at his bungalow to enable the public to pay respects, official sources said.
Pul had served as CM for a brief time with the Supreme Court last month reinstating Nabam Tuki who then made way for Pema Khandu who is presently the CM. Pul had led a group of dissident MLAs from Congress against Tuki early this year and was sworn-in as Chief Minister a few hours after President's Rule was revoked in the state on February 19.

Review all orders I didn't clear or face the music: Najeeb Jung

MMNN:9 Aug. 2016

Lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung's office on Monday directed all heads of departments to review orders and identify files for which approval was required but not taken by the AAP government. They all have been told to report on the matter to the LG's office by August 17.
The order issued by LG's secretary Vijay Kumar warns that all orders issued without the prior permission of LG suffer from "legal infirmities" and would have "consequential repercussions".
"All such cases may immediately be placed with appropriate proposal before the LG through proper channel and with the opinion of the law department, wherever required. It is also directed that no order in the future be issued without the approval of the competent authority," the order said.
The Delhi high court had on August 4 held that LG was the administrative head of Delhi and the AAP government's contention that he was bound to act on the advice of the council of ministers was without substance.
The LG office memorandum also cited relevant portions of the HC judgment to explain the rule position. "On a reading of Article 239AA of the Constitution together with the provisions of the NCT of Delhi, 1991 and the transaction of business rules, 1993, it becomes manifest that Delhi continues to be a Union territory even after the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1991 inserting Article 239AA making special provisions with respect to Delhi. Article 239 of the Constitution continues to be applicable to NCT of Delhi and insertion of Article 239AA has not diluted the application of Article 239 in any manner."
"It is therefore obvious that all such orders (where prior permission of LG has not been taken) suffer from "legal infirmities" and will have consequential repercussions," the order concludes.

India is strapped for diplomats: But if Shashi Tharoor's panel has its way, YOU could become one

NEW DELHI:MMNN:3 Aug. 2016

Do you harbour dreams of being India's emissary overseas?
Ever imagined yourself presenting your diplomatic credentials to a Head of State?
Maybe diplomatically anchoring a rescue mission of Indians in some other country?
If recommendation 19 of the Shashi Tharoor-helmed Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs's latest report (embedded at the end of this article) is adopted, you could be on your way to realising those dreams.
On Tuesday, the panel presented its 12th report, which was on the topic of 'Recruitment, structure and capacity-building of IFS Cadre, including need for a separate UPSC examination for cadre, mid-career entry and in-service training and orientation' and one of the key points stated:
The committee is concerned to note that the space for non-career ambassadors has considerably shrunk, as in the past there had been a number of highly illustrious ambassadors who were not drawn from the (Indian Foreign Service) and who served their posts with distinction. The committee is of the considered view that more eminent persons who have excelled in the field of community affairs, diaspora issues, foreign policy, area studies, literature, journalism etc should be considered for appointments as ambassadors/high commissioners.
If this recommendation is taken on board - even in part, if not in entirety - it will go some distance in changing the present image of India's ambassadorial circle as an elite club, to which, as retired diplomat Kishan S Rana points out, "appointments are almost exclusively from the Indian Foreign Service cadre".
However, while the issue of ambassadorial appointments is serious, far more pressing is the need to build the numbers, quality and capacity of India's diplomats. Numbers
With a grand total of 912 foreign service officers - among 2,700 members of the diplomatic corps, India doesn't fare all that badly in comparison to some countries.
While India's diplomatic strength is more than that of Brazil's (2,000), it lags behind countries like China (4,500), Japan (5,700), France (6,000) and obviously, the US (20,000) where one in every 16,000 or so citizens is a diplomat. Closer to home, the report points out that within India and in comparison to other All-India or Central Services, "IFS is one of the smallest in terms of cadre strength". However, it notes that the IFS has demonstrated "highest levels of efficiency and innovation" in managing MEA posts and at missions/posts abroad.
So what's the problem?
"The number of diplomats is an important factor in projecting and promoting a country's national interest and in pro-actively engaging all countries. Therefore, a diplomatic corps commensurate with foreign policy engagements and goals is the sine qua non for the realisation of our national interests"
To follow up on the sort of energetic programme of foreign outreach that the Narendra Modi government has undertaken over the past 26 months - and not let them devolve into one-off exercises, it's easy to see why India will require a larger diplomatic corps.
To address this need and apart from recruiting eminent non-IFS persons into the ambassadorial circle, the report suggests that the long-overdue cadre review be conducted immediately. Additionally, the report (recommendation 6) calls for "experts from academia and the private sector" to be enlisted and deployed across important divisions. Their role as consultants or advisors, it is believed, will not only add expertise, but also boost numbers.
Quality
The Civil Service Examination is best known for the sort of heightened stress levels it induces. Students take years out of their lives to study in a bid to prepare themselves for this nightmarish exam. And when it's all said and done, toppers are praised to the sky and those that didn't make the cut go back to the books. The problem, the report points out, is that the test in its present form fails to examine the aptitude of candidates for the foreign service. The report states that apart from the written exam and oral interviews, "it should be imperative that candidates are also assessed by parameters such as international aptitude, curiosity about the world, knowledge or demonstrated interest in foreign affairs, communication skills in English and foreign languages".

Curfew extended to more areas of Kashmir, body of youth found

New Delhi:MMNN:3 Aug. 2016

Curfew was extended to more areas of Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure even as body of a youth with pellet injuries was today found outside a hospital here, triggering protests.
Body of Reyaz Ahmad, with a big perforation in the abdomen, was found outside SMHS Hospital, a police official said.
He said initially it was not clear how the youth had been killed but X-ray of the body showed presence of pellets inside it. An autopsy was conducted on the body but the report will be out only after few days.
The death of the youth led to protests in Bagiyas and adjoining areas early this morning, he said.
The authorities extended curfew to more areas of the Valley for maintaining law and order in view of violent protests yesterday that led to death of a youth in Lethpora area of Pulwama district and injuries to several others.
Curfew remained in force in five police station area of old city and was extended to Batamaloo, Shaheedgunj, Soura, Zadibal, Qamarwari and Bemina areas of the city as a precautionary measure, the official said.
He said curfew was also imposed in Khanpora area of Baramulla district, Awanitpora and Pampore in Pulwama district while Anantnag town in south Kashmir also continued to remain under curfew.
"There are restrictions on the assembly of four or more people under Section 144 CrPC in rest of Kashmir," he added.
Normal life remained affected for the 26th consecutive day in the Valley due to the curbs imposed by the authorities and separatist sponsored strike against the killing of civilians in security forces action during clashes which erupted in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.
Schools, colleges, business establishments, banks and private offices remained closed while public transport remained off roads.
Attendance in government offices was also thin, the official said.
Mobile Internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks.
The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers.
The separatist camp has extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till August 5, calling for march to Hazratbal shrine on Friday.

Let's use technology to bring positive change in society: PM Modi

New Delhi:MMNN:11 May 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted then nation on National Technology Day and called on the citizens to use technology to bring a positive difference in the society.
"Greetings to our citizens on National Technology Day," the Prime Minister tweeted.
Posting a message on his Twitter page he extended his best wishes to all citizens, especially to the nation's scientists and technology enthusiasts.
"Let's further increase the use of technology in our daily lives and use technology to bring a positive difference in our society. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan! ", the Prime Minister said.
Later in the day, President Pranab Mukherjee will attend the National Technology day celebrations in New Delhi today where this year's theme is 'Technology enablers of Startup India'.
Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan will inaugurate the Science and Technology exhibition. Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Y.S. Chowdary would also be present during the event.
The National Technology Day is being celebrated every year on May 11 by the Ministry of Science and Technology to commemorate achievements of innovation and technology in the country.

US-India Defence Cooperation Act introduced in Senate

WASHINGTON:MMNN:11 May 2016

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit here next month, two top American senators have introduced a legislation which if passed by Congress would elevate the status of the Indo-US defence relationship on par with that of America's closest allies like NATO and Israel.
The US-India Defence Technology and Partnership Act was introduced in the Senate by Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn - co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus - yesterday.
The legislation has been sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for necessary action.
The legislation, a similar version of the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in March, institutionalises the US government's focus on the US-India security relationship while sending a powerful signal to India that the US is a reliable and dependable defence partner.
"This bill supports strengthening our bilateral relationship, particularly in defence, and bestows upon India the status it deserves as a partner in promoting security in Asia and around the world," Warner said in a statement issued by US India Business Council (USIBC) which applauded the bill.
As an important partner with a flourishing economy, India has huge potential as a market for US defence manufacturers, which support millions of American jobs, he said.
The bill puts India on par with America's closest defence partners, including NATO member states and Israel, for the purpose of congressional defence sales notifications.
For the US, it encourages the executive branch to designate an official to focus on US-India defence cooperation, facilitate the transfer of defence technology and maintain a special office in the Pentagon dedicated exclusively to the US-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
It urges the US government to enhance India's military capabilities in the context of combined military planning, and promote co-production and co-development opportunities.
For India, it encourages the government to authorise combined military planning with the US for missions of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, and maritime domain awareness.
"The commercial and security imperatives for a robust defence partnership between the US and India could not be clearer. Defence trade has risen from some USD 300 million to over USD 14 billion over the last 10 years and there is every reason to expect it to rise further. USIBC strongly supports this bill and encourages widespread support in the Senate," said USIBC president Mukesh Aghi.

India's Single Emergency Number '112' to Go Live on January 1

MMNN:9 May 2016

The single emergency number '112' will be operational throughout India from January 1 to help people reach immediate services of police, ambulance and fire department.
"Single emergency number '112' will be operational from January 1," a senior government official told.
Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has approved the provision of a single number for various emergency services that would be similar to the '911' all-in-one emergency service in the US.
The service will also be accessible even through those SIMs and landlines whose outgoing call facility has been stopped or temporarily suspended.
A person in distress will need to call only 112, which will direct the call to concerned departments immediately for help. All existing emergency numbers will be phased out within a year of rolling out 112, depending upon the awareness about this new facility.
In India, different emergency communication and response systems are in place - police (100), fire brigade (101), ambulance (102) and Emergency Disaster Management (108).
"Telecom operators have been asked to direct all emergency calls to 112. The process to direct calls made on to 112 to concerned departments is being worked out," the official said.
A user will be able to make communication even through SMS and the system will learn about the location of the caller that will be shared with the nearest help centre.
People will be able to feed '112' in panic button system which will also be available on all mobile phones from January 1 under law.
The panic button will enable users to make emergency call or send alerts to multiple numbers just by pressing a button.
Besides, in-built GPS navigation system would be mandatory for all phones a year later with effect from January 1, 2018.
The emergency service calls will also be supported through a call centre like facility, which will have representatives speaking in Hindi, English and the local language.
"At present, there are call centres which handle emergency number calls. They will be asked to handle calls on 112 as well. Besides, requirement of additional capacity is being worked out which will be in place by January 1," the official said.

Only peace can allow govt to resuscitate Jammu and Kashmir's economy: Mehbooba

SRINAGAR:MMNN:9 May 2016

People of Jammu and Kashmir become the first casualty of any hostile environment between India and Pakistan, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Sunday, underlining that only sustained peace in the region can allow her government to resuscitate the financial health of the state which has been caught in a "web of violence".
"The people of J-K become the first casualty of any hostile environment between India and Pakistan. Since partition, Kashmir, the paradise on earth, has been caught in a web of violence and this has adversely affected our economy and prevented our state from realising its full potential," Mehbooba said in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after jointly inaugurating the first-ever National Khadi Exhibition with Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar.
She said that only sustained peace in the region can allow her government to resuscitate the state's financial health by reviving core sectors of economy, including small-scale industries.
"The instability in the region has adversely impacted the economy of the state. It is with sustained peace that my government will be able to resuscitate the state's financial health," she said.
Mehbooba said her father and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had made a "historic beginning" in 2003 to bring Kashmir out of the "quagmire of violence".
"During his first tenure as Chief Minister, peace returned on borders, and India and Pakistan talked business for the very first time," she said.
"When the bus carrying visitors from across the LoC arrived at Srinagar from Muzaffarabad, people could not believe the unfolding of a new era of peace and stability in the region. Unfortunately, that peace initiative was not taken forward," she said.
Mehbooba said she chose to follow in the footsteps of her father by aligning with BJP as the party ruling at the Centre could revive the peace process in the region.
"I chose to follow the footsteps of my father, who had chosen the toughest option of aligning with BJP, which alone guarantees a representative government that respects the wishes and aspirations of people in all the three regions of the state and could revive the peace process in the region.
"With thaw in relations between the two neighbours, I am hopeful that dividends of peace will reach the people with dignity and honour," the Chief Minister said.
Mehbooba said efforts are being made to revive the cross-LoC trade at Chakan da Bagh, in Poonch, and Salamabad, in Uri, Baramulla, by shifting to the banking system of operation from barter trade.
She also spoke about broadening the scope of LoC commerce by incorporating more tradable items in the approved list as well as opening additional crossing points to boost travel across the LoC.
Referring to the huge potential of micro, small and medium enterprises in employment generation, the Chief Minister sought greater financial support and technical know-how from the Centre in revitalising the state's industrial sector.
"I seek the Centre's support in promotion of famed handicrafts of the state. I urge Mishra to pay special attention towards this sector, which has a huge export market overseas," she said.
The MSME Minister, in his address, said the Khadi exhibition would help young industrialists to find buyers for their products.
He said the central government would extend all possible help to the young entrepreneurs in the state and also referred to his meeting with the Chief Minister in which issues of skill development and promotion of MSME sector were discussed in detail.
During the month-long exhibition, over 200 stalls of Khadi and village products from J-K and outside would be showcased where people can buy wide array of products on affordable rates.

Terror suspects, mock drill? Here's what exactly happened at Hindon Air Force Station

Ghaziabad:MMNN:6 May 2016

After utter confusion over reports of three suspects entering Hindon Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district Thursday night, it was revealed that no terror suspect or any criminal had entered the crucial air base.
A person named Sonu, who is alleged to be mentally unstable, last night entered Hindon air base. However, he was apprehended by the security staff after a brief chase.
Though, there was no threat, the Air Force officials didn't wanted to take any chances and as a precautionary measure undertook combing operations of the entire premises.
Earlier, reports said that three unidentified men were seen entering Hindon Air Force Station. Security officials went into a tizzy and continued search operation whole night.
Though, no one has been held by the Air Force officials or the police, but the authorities have sealed the gates of the crucial air base and have asked all the staff to remain indoors.
In a precautionary measure, two Kendriya Vidyalayas in the premises were shut for the day.
Notably, three members of terrorist outfit JeM, who were arrested following multiple raids at several places in Delhi and adjoining areas, had reportedly planned to attack Hindon Air Base and malls in Delhi/NCR.
The three with alleged "ideological leaning" towards the banned JeM were arrested here Tuesday night.
The three identified as Sajid Ahmad, Sameer Ahmed and Shakir Ansari were arrested while fabricating an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), official sources said.
The security of all key installations and government buildings has been beefed up after the arrest of 12 JeM militants.

Supreme Court to hear Subrata Roy's parole plea at 2pm

MMNN:6 May 2016

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the plea of Sahara Chief Subrata Roy seeking parole to perform cremation rites of his mother who passed away in the wee hours this morning.
Roy has been in Tihar jail since March 4, 2014 on the orders of the apex court in relation with a long running dispute with market regulator SEBI.
A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said the matter would be taken up by the appropriate bench at 2 pm, after senior advocate Kapil Sibal sought parole for the beleaguered businessman.
Roy's mother Chhabi Roy, 95, passed away in Lucknow on Friday morning after a prolonged illness.
A Sahara group spokesperson said in a statement that Chhabi Roy has been the "guiding light of Sahara India Pariwar and departed for her heavenly abode at 1.34 am today".
"She has been critically ailing for last two years and was at a makeshift hospital at Sahara Shaher, Lucknow," the statement said.
She was born in Araria district of Bihar.