Pakistan Army Chief cautions India of unbearable cost of war September 07, 2015 14:00
Raheel Sharif, Pakistan's Army Chief, has warned India of 'Unbearable Cost' of War, both short and long, and described Kashmir as the "unfinished agenda of the Partition" while speaking at an event on Sunday at Rawalpindi. General Sharif said, "Let me reiterate that our armed forces stand fully capable to defeat all sorts of external aggression."Sharif’s comments come as a direct response to comments by Dalbir Singh Suhaag, Indian Army Chief, last week who said that India has to be prepared for ‘swift, short nature of future wars’, due to Pak’s frequent ceasefire violations and its methods to constantly keep J&K on the boil. Raheel Sharif said, "If the enemy ever resorts to any misadventure, regardless of its size and scale - short or long - it will have to pay an unbearable cost." "Enduring peace is not possible without a just resolution of Kashmir. The issue can no longer be put on the backburner," he said, who stressed that the time had come for Kashmir to be resolved "in line with UN resolutions." Speaking at an event, Sharif was to mark the 1965 war with India, while at an event in Delhi the Indian Army chief commemorated the same war. "We are acutely aware that the swift, short nature of future wars are likely to offer limited warning time - this calls for maintaining very high levels of operational preparedness at all times," said General Singh in the wake of heightened tensions over cross-border firing between the rival troops. Last month, National Security Level talks on terror between Pakistan and India were cancelled at the eleventh hour. Major disagreement behind the talks was over the agenda. India wanted to discuss on attacks and violation by Pak-based terrorists, while Pakistan insisted to raise Kashmir. -Sumana
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Government announces OROP with revision every five years September 05, 2015 16:42
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced on Saturday that the government has taken the decision to implement the One Rank One Pension (OROP) with revision every five years. OROP benefit will be given by the Government effective 1 July 2014. This is a day immediately next to the day when current Government assumed office last year. OROP arrears would be paid in four installments within two years, while arrears for widows, including war widows, will be cleared in one installment. On the basis of calendar year 2013, OROP would be fixed. For all pensioners retiring in same service length and same rank, pension will be re-fixed. A consideration from the Government is there for the appointment of a committee under a judge to check the equalization issue of pension. Major Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh said that it is good for what government has announced and said that they are satisfied. However, the veterans sought clarifications on several issues including averaging of pension and pre-mature retirement benefits. The government has accepted only one of their seven demands, Singh added. Ex-servicemen also disapproved of setting up judicial committee of one member as they feel that it should be under Defence minister. "We do not accept the decision not to give OROP benefits to those who have taken voluntary retirement," Mr. Singh said. -Sumana
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Highlights Of President Pranab Mukherjee's Class! September 04, 2015 14:50
President Pranab Mukherjee has turned teacher today and became the first sitting Indian President to do so. On the eve of the Teachers' Day, Indian President taught Government school students in Delhi. Teachers' Day is celebrated in memory of birth anniversary of former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Students of Class XI and XII of Dr Rajendra Prasad Sarvodhya Vidhalaya were lucky to attend President Pranab Mukherjee's class. The school is located in the Presidential Estate. The idea was from none other than Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister, and Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister. As the President liked the idea, he gave his consent. Even the Government of Delhi has been advertising about the class from a long time. Interesting quotes from ‘Pranab Mukherjee Sir’ during his class: “93% of expenses come from India's own pockets. Not from borrowed resources”- President Pranab Mukherjee “If you feel bored, please feel free to tell me. I am not Minister or President today. I am your Mukherjee sir. I will be very happy if you call me that." - President Pranab Mukherjee “A teacher gives himself to the students and the job of a student is to draw from him as much as possible.” - President Pranab Mukherjee Points mentioned by ‘Pranab Mukherjee Sir’ during his class on the political history of India: • To draft the constitution, it took three years. • The first job of the constituent assembly is to elect a President. • 'We the people of India..’, is how the constitution starts. • In 1975, through 44th amendment, two words secular and socialist were added. • As per the constitution, Indian people have the power to make their own laws. Highlights during interaction with the students in his class, ‘Pranab Mukherjee Sir’ • I was an average student from a backward area. • I was a naughty boy. • I did not want to go to school because I had to walk five kms every day. -Sumana
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Greenpeace India Can No More Accept Foreign Donations September 04, 2015 12:45
The NGO, Greenpeace India, has claimed in a statement that the Government has cancelled its FCRA licence that means it will no more able to accept foreign donations. The home ministry also confirmed the NGO’s claim. According to the NGO statement, "The Greenpeace legal team has learnt that the Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Delhi high court that Greenpeace's FCRA registration has been cancelled. This news comes just a day before a scheduled hearing at the Delhi high court that was examining the merits of MHA's arbitrary action.” Vinuta Gopal, Greenpeace India’s Interim co-executive director, said in a statement that Greenpeace will continue to campaign undeterred and will run a new creative campaign to emphasize on the nationwide onslaught on civil liberties. Gopal said that the cancellation of its FCRA registration is the latest move by the government in an onslaught that is relentless against the rights of the community to dissent. He described it as another attempt to calm down campaigns that are actually intended for a sustainable future besides creating transparency in public processes. "Cutting access to our foreign funding may be a desperate attempt to get us to cease our work, but the MHA probably didn't count on our having an amazing network of volunteers and supporters who have helped us continue our work despite the government crackdown. Since the majority of our funding comes from Indian citizens, most of our work can indeed continue,” Gopal added. “We are responding to this latest melodrama by launching a new creative online campaign and are confident that people will show they are ready to fight back in style, and send a clear message to those in power: you just can't muzzle dissent in a democracy.” The banks accounts of Greenpeace were frozen by MHA and a show-cause notice was issued on April 9. -Sumana
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Indian People's Natural Calamity Trust Now Closed September 03, 2015 18:16
The Indian People's Natural Calamity Trust (IPNCT) was created by former Jaipur ruler in 1900 with an intention to offer relief to people of India during famine. The IPNCT is now closed and the Rs 91 lakhs corpus fund is now transferred to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The move from the Government was taken for the better utilization of the funds. The decision was taken by the government after taking consent from the representative of the former Jaipur ruler. Previously the IPNCT was administered under the Agriculture Minister’s chairmanship. And the trust used to include 27 nominated members besides two officers. At present, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Ministry of Home Affairs is handling disaster management. NDMA has enough budgets along with infrastructure.An Official statement was released by the agriculture ministry, which said, "With the passage of time, the Trust seems to have outlived its utility. Since its last meeting held in August 1995, the Trust has no significant activity except giving donations through PM Relief Fund in case of natural disasters.” Announcing the transfer, the statement released on Thursday said, "With the consent of the representative of the former ruler of Jaipur and opinion of Ministry of Law & Justice, it has been decided to wind up the Trust and Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh decided to transfer the balance fund of nearly Rs 91 lakhs in its corpus to Prime Minister's Relief Fund.”-Sumana
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US Supports Deployment Of Solar Energy Across World, Even India September 03, 2015 10:08
American Trade Representative Official, Andrew Bates, has said that the US supports rapid deployment of solar energy across the world and even India, besides continuing work to make sure the availability of best products and technologies to customers across the globe, irrespective of the country from which it originates.Spokesman of US Trade Representatives, Bates told PTI that, "In line with the numerous actions President Obama has taken to advocate for clean energy at home and abroad, the US strongly supports the rapid deployment of solar energy around the world, including in India."The US earlier lodged a case against India based on "discriminatory policies" in the solar energy sector citing protection for local crystalline silicon and thin-film solar cells. As per multiple media reports, World Trade Organisation (WTO) reportedly ruled against India's solar policy on complaints by America. However, the official said that the outcome of the enforcement case was not yet given by WTO.Also read: WTO rules against India in US solar disputeMichael Froman, US Trade Representative told reporters then, that, "These domestic content requirements discriminate against US exports by requiring solar power developers to use India- manufactured equipment instead of US equipment. These unfair requirements are against WTO rules, and we are standing up today for the rights of American workers and businesses.” -Sumana
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Internet Blocked At Manipur As Curfew Continues September 02, 2015 16:34
Curfew is still on in Manipur, while due to the current violence the death toll in Churachandpur district rose to eight. The state is heavily armed while the streets are being patrolled by the central forces personnel. On Tuesday night, the law and order situation was reviewed by the cabinet. In the Chief Minister, O.Ibobi Singh’s office, a meeting of the unified command was conducted. Due to the indefinite blockade by the kuki students, legalized border trade is continuing to be paralyzed.It is known that from Tuesday 9:00 pm, Internet services were blocked in several parts of Manipur, as a move to stop the misuse of social media. The government wanted to avoid communal flare up on burning issues through the internet and the bloackage is expected to be continued for an indefinite period.The protesters who felt let down by the lawmakers began the agitation. They claimed that the lawmakers failed to oppose the bills in the assembly.A youth leader spearheading the protests was quoted by NDTV (http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/curfew-across-manipur-2-more-die-as-mob-targets-police-station-in-churachandpur-1213154) as saying that, "The Constitution's Article 371 protects the rights of tribals in Manipur. But the state's new land reform law has made tribals venerable to encroachment and interference by non-tribals, who are now free to buy land in this area,""We are fighting for our rights... These MLAs have failed to protect our own indigenous rights." -Sumana
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Major Developments In Sheena Bora Murder Case August 31, 2015 17:49
On Monday, a Mumbai magistrate’s court remanded Indrani Mukherjea, Sanjeev Khanna, Indrani’s former husband and her driver Shyamvar Rai to police custody till 5 September concerning Sheena Bora murder case.Also read: Sheena Bora Murder: Focus On Forensic ReportTop developments of the Sheena Bora murder case include:1. Indrani Mukherjea charged with attempt to murder2. Police custody ended, trio was produced to court.3. Ms. Mukherjea felt dizzy during hearing.4. Vidhie Mukherjea was at court and broke down.5. Police will slap fresh charges of attempt to murder against the three for trying to kill Mikhail Bora.6. Earlier Mikhail told police that Indrani tried to kill him three times.7. Investigators said Indrani and Sanjeev had called Mikhail to Mumbai in the April last week in 2012.8. Mikhail said Indrani allegedly drugged him before she and Sanjeev met Sheena on 24 April, while he managed to escape.9. Police on Sunday seized a suitcase from premises surrounding residence of Indrani and Peter Mukerjea in Mumbai’s Worli area.10. This has lent credence to Mikhail’s claim about her plan to kill him. -Sumana
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Death Penalty Abolishment, Except For Terror - Law Commission Recommends August 31, 2015 17:32
The Law Commission of India has recommended the abolition of death penalty in all cases except for cases of terror and in cases of waging war against India. The Law Commission says that the 'rarest of rare' Principle cannot be operated free of arbitrariness.Former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice A. P. Shah, has presented Report No. 262 - The Death Penalty. The reported was supported by six members, while three Law Commission members, including two government representatives, have argued and dissented for the retention of death sentence.Important takeaways include- Parliament should debate on death for terrorism, abolition in the case of terrorism is not immediately recommended by Law Commission.- Law Commission notes with respect to death penalty that deterrence is a myth, retributive justice should not turn into vengeance.- Principle of 'rarest of rare' cannot be operated free of arbitrariness, is constitutionally unsustainable. - Sumana
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Instant Refunds To Customers From Flipkart August 31, 2015 16:34
Flipkart, an E-commerce major, has launched instant refund mechanism facility to its customers for hassle-free refund experience. With the current move, Flipkart customers will be able to get refunds within as early as 24 hours of returning back the product.Earlier refund process used to take three to five business days. Immediate Payments System (IMPS) transfers will be leveraged to make instant refunds. The company also said that the CoD IMPS return facility is active at present for banks with IMPS transaction capability. Moreover, regular notifications would be sent through SMS and emails to entitled customers about the status of their refund. Flipkart said in a statement that, "Continuing the innovation journey by announcing this newly launched payment mechanism, Flipkart aims to ensure that refunds for Cash on Delivery (Flipkart customers) orders are credited back to customers instantly, as soon as the product reaches the Flipkart hub.”Punit Soni, Flipkart chief product officer, said, "Our return procedure is already one of the fastest in the country. In the last two months, we have extended this further by piloting the IMPS refunds programme, which has seen positive adoption and traction from our end users.”Soni added that this is going to be a breakthrough to offer a hassle-free and instant refund experience along with consistent and precise communication to the customer.Dilip Asbe, COO of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), said, "We strongly feel that enabling our fast-growing product IMPS with Flipkart's quicker refund strategy will create a benchmark experience to customers.”Different channels like PCs, NUUP, mobile phones, ATM and bank branches facilitate the access and initiation of transactions on IMPS. -Sumana
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HC Order On Jain Custom Of Santhara Voluntary Fast-Unto-Death Stayed By SC August 31, 2015 14:47
The Supreme Court has stayed the Rajasthan High Court’s order that earlier declared a Jain custom of embracing voluntary death, Santhara as illegal. On 10 August 2015, the High Court declared the Jain practice as illegal in a judgment. The tradition that involves voluntary fast-unto-death was declared a punishable act under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).A Bench comprising Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy said, ‘Issue notice. Leave granted’, staying the High Court’s order and issuing notices to Rajasthan, the Centre, and others. A batch of petitions was heard by the Bench. The petitions were filed against the HC order on Santhara by several bodies of Jain community members who sought a stay on the High Court judgment. They claimed that the judgment was passed without appreciating Jain religion’s basic philosophy and tenets.What is SantharaThe Jain custom Santhara involves practitioners taking an ‘oath to stop eating until they die of starvation’. Jains believe that Santhara is a way to cleanse bad 'karma' and attain ‘moksha’.Jain Community’s claims about SantharaAccording to practitioners, Santhara is a practice built-in to a person’s ethical choice to live with self-esteem until death and is not an exercise of achieving ‘unnatural death’. The ritual act of purification is done after consulting a guru, following many detailed procedures. Religious texts permit Santhara as an integral part of Jainism.Rajasthan High Court’s order on SantharaRajasthan High Court dismisses any dignity in the act of fasting and thus, no freedom to practice Santhara as per Article 21.“We do not find in any of the scriptures, preachings, articles or practices followed by the Jain ascetics, the Santhara…has been treated as an essential religious practice, nor is necessarily required for the pursuit of immortality or moksha.” - Court said. -Sumana
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Sheena Bora Murder: Focus On Forensic Report August 29, 2015 14:58
The high-profile Sheena Bora murder case has become the talk of the town now and the focus is now on the forensic analysis of the skeletal remains of Sheen’s body dumped allegedly in Raigad district three years back.A police official said, "We have sent the bones and other skeletal remains for forensic analysis and are awaiting report.” Khar police were handed over a few bones by JJ Hospital that received from Raigad Police in 2012.In the mean time, son of Indrani Mukerjea, Mikhail Bora was moved from Bandra police station to undisclosed place in connection with the April 2012 Sheena Bora murder case.Police are probing claim from Mikhail Bora that hours before Indrani and Sanjeev Khanna met Sheena Bora on April 24, 2012, he was allegedly drugged. Then Sheena was taken her for what would be the last drive of her life. By the time they returned allegedly killing Sheena, the suspicious, groggy Mikhail had fled."We interrogated the third accused (Khanna) and he has confessed to complicity in the crime. We have also recovered her (Sheena's) passport from Dehradun, which negates the theory that Sheena Bora went to the US," Maria said. -Sumana
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