2013, സെപ്റ്റംബർ 6, വെള്ളിയാഴ്‌ച

Act on Syria only after full proof: India


St. Petersburg : In an implied rejection of US position on Syria, India says action on the West Asian country must not only be taken after conclusive proof from neutral inspectors on the use of chemicals weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime, but should also be under the auspices of the United Nations.


At a dinner late Wednesday hosted for G20 leaders by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his speech also said action against Syrian if approved at the UN should also not be aimed at a regime change, but to neutralise chemical weapons.

The remarks came after a detailed presentation to the forum by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation on the ground in the war-torn country. He said the report of inspectors appointed by him to scientifically look into the use of such weapons by Syria was expected soon and that it will be presented before the Security Council and the General Assembly for the action required.

Act on Syria only after full proof: India


St. Petersburg : In an implied rejection of US position on Syria, India says action on the West Asian country must not only be taken after conclusive proof from neutral inspectors on the use of chemicals weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime, but should also be under the auspices of the United Nations.


At a dinner late Wednesday hosted for G20 leaders by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his speech also said action against Syrian if approved at the UN should also not be aimed at a regime change, but to neutralise chemical weapons.

The remarks came after a detailed presentation to the forum by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation on the ground in the war-torn country. He said the report of inspectors appointed by him to scientifically look into the use of such weapons by Syria was expected soon and that it will be presented before the Security Council and the General Assembly for the action required.

20% inmates in jail are innocent: Jail DGP


Kannur: Jail DGP Dr Alexander Jacob said 20 % of jail inmates are innocent. They were only included due to circumstantial evidences and hadn't done any crime. Many are undergoing sentence due to lack of proper legal assistance. DGP was speaking after inaugurating the prize distribution ceremony to winners of short story poem competition for jail inmates organized by Alap , art and cultural association in Kannur. 

DGP added, 'some are those who own up the crime for others and for political parties. Looking at Mambaram Divakaran seated in the stage, DGP said Divakaran, who is now acting as jail advisory committee member, was also in jail. I know he was innocent and the government knows too. But he was in jail for a certain period,' said DGP. The government is trying to make considerable changes to improve the condition of jail inmates. Drama will be produced and presented by jail inmates, in association with Kerala Sanageetha Nataka academy. This will be presented in TV and Youtube. Those who are interested in film acting would be given opportunity and they have received invites. Music will be taught in jail and Chenda training already began in Thiruvananthapuram jail led by Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Programmes will be made for AIR. This is already on in Thiruvananthapuram women's jail and will start soon in Kannur. 

20% inmates in jail are innocent: Jail DGP


Kannur: Jail DGP Dr Alexander Jacob said 20 % of jail inmates are innocent. They were only included due to circumstantial evidences and hadn't done any crime. Many are undergoing sentence due to lack of proper legal assistance. DGP was speaking after inaugurating the prize distribution ceremony to winners of short story poem competition for jail inmates organized by Alap , art and cultural association in Kannur. 

DGP added, 'some are those who own up the crime for others and for political parties. Looking at Mambaram Divakaran seated in the stage, DGP said Divakaran, who is now acting as jail advisory committee member, was also in jail. I know he was innocent and the government knows too. But he was in jail for a certain period,' said DGP. The government is trying to make considerable changes to improve the condition of jail inmates. Drama will be produced and presented by jail inmates, in association with Kerala Sanageetha Nataka academy. This will be presented in TV and Youtube. Those who are interested in film acting would be given opportunity and they have received invites. Music will be taught in jail and Chenda training already began in Thiruvananthapuram jail led by Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Programmes will be made for AIR. This is already on in Thiruvananthapuram women's jail and will start soon in Kannur. 

Full-time subsidy only at Supplyco

Thiruvananthapuram: The govt has decided to distribute fulltime subsidy of essential items only through Supplyco. The decision was taken at a meeting eaded by the chief secretary. The govt has brought out a circular in this regard.
Subsidised provisions are generally provided at Horticorp, Consumerfed and HPCK during festive seasons. 
The items sold through Supplyco would be available at a maximum discount of 20 percent. A decision has been taken to revise the price list of essential items hat has to be distributed under subsidy. 

Full-time subsidy only at Supplyco

Thiruvananthapuram: The govt has decided to distribute fulltime subsidy of essential items only through Supplyco. The decision was taken at a meeting eaded by the chief secretary. The govt has brought out a circular in this regard.
Subsidised provisions are generally provided at Horticorp, Consumerfed and HPCK during festive seasons. 
The items sold through Supplyco would be available at a maximum discount of 20 percent. A decision has been taken to revise the price list of essential items hat has to be distributed under subsidy. 

Act on Syria only after full proof: India

St. Petersburg : In an implied rejection of US position on Syria, India says action on the West Asian country must not only be taken after conclusive proof from neutral inspectors on the use of chemicals weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime, but should also be under the auspices of the United Nations.

At a dinner late Wednesday hosted for G20 leaders by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his speech also said action against Syrian if approved at the UN should also not be aimed at a regime change, but to neutralise chemical weapons.

The remarks came after a detailed presentation to the forum by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation on the ground in the war-torn country. He said the report of inspectors appointed by him to scientifically look into the use of such weapons by Syria was expected soon and that it will be presented before the Security Council and the General Assembly for the action required.




The UN chief also said more than 100,000 people have died in the West Asian country, some 4.25 million have been displaced within and at least another two million are now refugees.
Briefing journalists on New Delhi's position on Syria, as articulated by the prime minister at the G20 dinner, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said India was totally opposed to the use of chemicals weapons and any stock pile must be destroyed.
But he equally made it clear that it was not in favour of unilateral action -- something the US has been threatening, much against the opposite views of several countries, notably Russia and China.

'The prime minister said we need to be certain about the facts, keeping in mind past experience we need to be certain it has happened, even if the probability indicates it has happened. So we need to see what the UN inspectors come up with,' Ahluwalia said.
'The prime minister said whatever action is taken must be within the UN auspices and not outside of it. He also said armed action must not be made for regime change.'
In fact UN secretary-general has already warned that any unilateral military strike against Syria without the world body's sanction would be illegal.
Ahead of the G20 Summit he had said that use of force is lawful only when in exercise of self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter or when the Security Council approves such action.

A team under a Swedish scientist appointed by him have already collected bio-medical and environmental samples from sites in Syria where chemical weapons were allegedly used Aug 21 and these have been dispatched to four unnamed laboratories in Europe for examination.

Act on Syria only after full proof: India

St. Petersburg : In an implied rejection of US position on Syria, India says action on the West Asian country must not only be taken after conclusive proof from neutral inspectors on the use of chemicals weapons by the Bashar al-Assad regime, but should also be under the auspices of the United Nations.

At a dinner late Wednesday hosted for G20 leaders by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his speech also said action against Syrian if approved at the UN should also not be aimed at a regime change, but to neutralise chemical weapons.

The remarks came after a detailed presentation to the forum by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation on the ground in the war-torn country. He said the report of inspectors appointed by him to scientifically look into the use of such weapons by Syria was expected soon and that it will be presented before the Security Council and the General Assembly for the action required.




The UN chief also said more than 100,000 people have died in the West Asian country, some 4.25 million have been displaced within and at least another two million are now refugees.
Briefing journalists on New Delhi's position on Syria, as articulated by the prime minister at the G20 dinner, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said India was totally opposed to the use of chemicals weapons and any stock pile must be destroyed.
But he equally made it clear that it was not in favour of unilateral action -- something the US has been threatening, much against the opposite views of several countries, notably Russia and China.

'The prime minister said we need to be certain about the facts, keeping in mind past experience we need to be certain it has happened, even if the probability indicates it has happened. So we need to see what the UN inspectors come up with,' Ahluwalia said.
'The prime minister said whatever action is taken must be within the UN auspices and not outside of it. He also said armed action must not be made for regime change.'
In fact UN secretary-general has already warned that any unilateral military strike against Syria without the world body's sanction would be illegal.
Ahead of the G20 Summit he had said that use of force is lawful only when in exercise of self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter or when the Security Council approves such action.

A team under a Swedish scientist appointed by him have already collected bio-medical and environmental samples from sites in Syria where chemical weapons were allegedly used Aug 21 and these have been dispatched to four unnamed laboratories in Europe for examination.

Hajj: Arrival in camps before 24 hours withdrawn

Karippur: The meeting of various Hajj agencies held at Karippur Hajj house evaluated the arrangements for Hajj pilgrimage. The clause in the previous year asking pilgrims to reach 24 hours prior to journey at Hajj camps has been withdrawn. Pilgrims who need to go in morning flight should reach the previous day evening between 6 pm and 8 pm. Those who travel in evening should reach by morning from 6 am to 8 am. Though Hajj camp will officially open on September 25, it will accommodate pilgrims from September 24. Panakakd Hyderali Shibab Thangal will inaugurate the camp on September 25 at 5 am. Union minister E Ahmed will flag off the first flight at 9 am. Pilgrims should contact their respective trainers for any kind of assistance. This year the Kerala hajj committee has prepared special stickers and this will be fixed in pilgrims bag. 

Hajj: Arrival in camps before 24 hours withdrawn

Karippur: The meeting of various Hajj agencies held at Karippur Hajj house evaluated the arrangements for Hajj pilgrimage. The clause in the previous year asking pilgrims to reach 24 hours prior to journey at Hajj camps has been withdrawn. Pilgrims who need to go in morning flight should reach the previous day evening between 6 pm and 8 pm. Those who travel in evening should reach by morning from 6 am to 8 am. Though Hajj camp will officially open on September 25, it will accommodate pilgrims from September 24. Panakakd Hyderali Shibab Thangal will inaugurate the camp on September 25 at 5 am. Union minister E Ahmed will flag off the first flight at 9 am. Pilgrims should contact their respective trainers for any kind of assistance. This year the Kerala hajj committee has prepared special stickers and this will be fixed in pilgrims bag. 

13 die in bus accident in Perinthalmanna

Malappuram: Thirteen persons died in a bus accident at Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district, on Friday. The mishap occurred when the driver lost control over the bus when trying overtake a vehicle at a curve on its way to Vettathur from Perinthalmanna.Nine people died at the Moulana Hospotal, while three persons were declared dead at the Al Shifa hospital. Around 25 people were injured and and admitted in hospitals. Those who suffered serious injuries have been taken to the Kozhikode Medical College.

13 die in bus accident in Perinthalmanna

Malappuram: Thirteen persons died in a bus accident at Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district, on Friday. The mishap occurred when the driver lost control over the bus when trying overtake a vehicle at a curve on its way to Vettathur from Perinthalmanna.Nine people died at the Moulana Hospotal, while three persons were declared dead at the Al Shifa hospital. Around 25 people were injured and and admitted in hospitals. Those who suffered serious injuries have been taken to the Kozhikode Medical College.

2013, സെപ്റ്റംബർ 5, വ്യാഴാഴ്‌ച

Five Malayalees killed in road mishap in Dindigal

Five Malayalees killed in road mishap in Dindigal

DIndigal: Five Malayalees were killed in a road mishap near Dindigal in Tamil Nadu. The deceased are Joseph, Jessy Joseph, Joy, Jomy and Sunil, all hailing from Kuruvilangad in Kottayam. The car in which they were travelling hit a bus from behind. All the five died on the spot.

The family were on their way to Dindigal to pick up Jessy, a nursing student. They met with the accident when they were on their way back. Jessy, her father Joseph, Joseph's brother Joy, neighbour Jomy and car driver Sunil died in the mishap. The relatives who came to know about the mishap have rushed to DIndigal. The reason for the mishap is not known.

Five Malayalees killed in road mishap in Dindigal

Five Malayalees killed in road mishap in Dindigal

DIndigal: Five Malayalees were killed in a road mishap near Dindigal in Tamil Nadu. The deceased are Joseph, Jessy Joseph, Joy, Jomy and Sunil, all hailing from Kuruvilangad in Kottayam. The car in which they were travelling hit a bus from behind. All the five died on the spot.

The family were on their way to Dindigal to pick up Jessy, a nursing student. They met with the accident when they were on their way back. Jessy, her father Joseph, Joseph's brother Joy, neighbour Jomy and car driver Sunil died in the mishap. The relatives who came to know about the mishap have rushed to DIndigal. The reason for the mishap is not known.

Samsung rolls out watch-like wearable device

Samsung rolls out watch-like wearable device

  Seoul:Samsung Electronics has rolled out a first-generation watch-like wearable device that allows users to call and send messages hands-free. A user leaving a grocery store with both hands full would still be able to make a call without touching the screen. The Galaxy Gear was launched at the Berlin trade show Thursday, reported Xinhua. The Galaxy Gear smart watch, which will be on display at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin for six days till Sep 11, will be worn on the wrist to serve as a companion device to Samsung's newest version of phablet Galaxy Note 3, the company said in a statement. 

The voice-controlled smart watch will allow users to track hands-free call and messages.
Samsung said a user leaving the grocery store whose hands are full with shopping bags, could still make a call by speaking into the Galaxy Gear without touching the screen.
The Galaxy Gear with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display has a 1.9 megapixel built-in camera that allows users to shoot videos and take pictures with the slightest gesture and transmit them via Bluetooth to other mobile devices such as the Galaxy Note 3.The latest version of phablet, or a hybrid of smartphone and tablet PC, has enhanced hardware features.

The screen size of the Galaxy Note 3 rose from its predecessor's 5.3 inches to 5.7 inches, but it became slimmer and lighter with 8.3mm in thickness and 168 grams in weight.
The device is powered by both Quad-Core processor running at 2.3 GHz and Octa-Core processor at 1.9 GHz. It has dual cameras with a 13 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front one.

Samsung rolls out watch-like wearable device

Samsung rolls out watch-like wearable device

  Seoul:Samsung Electronics has rolled out a first-generation watch-like wearable device that allows users to call and send messages hands-free. A user leaving a grocery store with both hands full would still be able to make a call without touching the screen. The Galaxy Gear was launched at the Berlin trade show Thursday, reported Xinhua. The Galaxy Gear smart watch, which will be on display at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin for six days till Sep 11, will be worn on the wrist to serve as a companion device to Samsung's newest version of phablet Galaxy Note 3, the company said in a statement. 

The voice-controlled smart watch will allow users to track hands-free call and messages.
Samsung said a user leaving the grocery store whose hands are full with shopping bags, could still make a call by speaking into the Galaxy Gear without touching the screen.
The Galaxy Gear with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display has a 1.9 megapixel built-in camera that allows users to shoot videos and take pictures with the slightest gesture and transmit them via Bluetooth to other mobile devices such as the Galaxy Note 3.The latest version of phablet, or a hybrid of smartphone and tablet PC, has enhanced hardware features.

The screen size of the Galaxy Note 3 rose from its predecessor's 5.3 inches to 5.7 inches, but it became slimmer and lighter with 8.3mm in thickness and 168 grams in weight.
The device is powered by both Quad-Core processor running at 2.3 GHz and Octa-Core processor at 1.9 GHz. It has dual cameras with a 13 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front one.

CBI takes over Kerala women trafficking probe

CBI takes over Kerala women trafficking probe

New Delhi, Sep 6, 2013: CBI has registered four fresh cases in connection with an international human trafficking racket being run in Kerala after it probe agency took over the probe from the state police. The agency has booked a number of police officials and others in connection with the racket in which women from the state were being trafficked to locations in Sharjah, Muscat and Dubai. 'The first case has been registered against eight persons, including a civil police officer and a police sub-inspector. It was alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained passport in the name of a woman and later forged it to go to Muscat with the connivance of a sub-inspector of immigration wing, Nedumbassery, Kochi international airport, who was the officer on duty at the counter. 'The alleged human trafficking through Kochi airport to Gulf countries involves involvement of various immigration officers, travel agents and private persons,' a CBI pokesperson said.

The second case has been registered against seven persons, including a CPO and a police sub-inspector; and the third case has been registered against five private persons. 'The accused entered into criminal conspiracy and offered poor women job in foreign countries with monthly salary of Rs 20,000-25,000. They took them through illegal means from Nedumbassery and Trivandrum to Muscat and Sharjah and further to Dubai and Ajman. The victims were subjected to physical torture and sexual assault,' the spokesperson said. The fourth case has been registered against five accused, including two CPOs and a sub-inspector. 'The then CPO Nedumbassery police station allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy and used a copy of the passport of the complainant without his knowledge and obtained a mobile connection and used it for illegal activities at the airport.
'Further, he opened a bank account in the name of his father and received bribe in the above account from various travel agents for facilitating human trafficking from Kochi airport to Gulf countries,' the spokesperson said.

CBI takes over Kerala women trafficking probe

CBI takes over Kerala women trafficking probe

New Delhi, Sep 6, 2013: CBI has registered four fresh cases in connection with an international human trafficking racket being run in Kerala after it probe agency took over the probe from the state police. The agency has booked a number of police officials and others in connection with the racket in which women from the state were being trafficked to locations in Sharjah, Muscat and Dubai. 'The first case has been registered against eight persons, including a civil police officer and a police sub-inspector. It was alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained passport in the name of a woman and later forged it to go to Muscat with the connivance of a sub-inspector of immigration wing, Nedumbassery, Kochi international airport, who was the officer on duty at the counter. 'The alleged human trafficking through Kochi airport to Gulf countries involves involvement of various immigration officers, travel agents and private persons,' a CBI pokesperson said.

The second case has been registered against seven persons, including a CPO and a police sub-inspector; and the third case has been registered against five private persons. 'The accused entered into criminal conspiracy and offered poor women job in foreign countries with monthly salary of Rs 20,000-25,000. They took them through illegal means from Nedumbassery and Trivandrum to Muscat and Sharjah and further to Dubai and Ajman. The victims were subjected to physical torture and sexual assault,' the spokesperson said. The fourth case has been registered against five accused, including two CPOs and a sub-inspector. 'The then CPO Nedumbassery police station allegedly entered into a criminal conspiracy and used a copy of the passport of the complainant without his knowledge and obtained a mobile connection and used it for illegal activities at the airport.
'Further, he opened a bank account in the name of his father and received bribe in the above account from various travel agents for facilitating human trafficking from Kochi airport to Gulf countries,' the spokesperson said.

Russia accuses US of avoiding direct contacts over Syria

Russia accuses US of avoiding direct contacts over Syria
Moscow: Russian Foreign Ministry Wednesday accused the US of steadily avoiding direct contacts with Moscow over developments involving Syria.
'Commencing Saturday, Aug 31, the US State Department repeatedly requested phone call with (Russian foreign minister) Sergei Lavrov. Although we have constantly confirmed it, the US side every time informed us there was no possibility to get through to the secretary of state,' ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said, Xinhua reported.

He added that Russian attempts to set up an exact time for a phone conversation with John Kerry have also been left unanswered.In a separate statement, the foreign ministry said that US intentions to carry out a military strike against Syria would contradict the core of international law. 'Response of the international community and separate states on chemical weapons use must fit the strict legal frames. Any reaction must be backed by the results of a thorough independent investigation,' it said.Moscow said if Damascus actually used chemical weapons, it could be qualified as violation of the international law.

Russia accuses US of avoiding direct contacts over Syria

Russia accuses US of avoiding direct contacts over Syria
Moscow: Russian Foreign Ministry Wednesday accused the US of steadily avoiding direct contacts with Moscow over developments involving Syria.
'Commencing Saturday, Aug 31, the US State Department repeatedly requested phone call with (Russian foreign minister) Sergei Lavrov. Although we have constantly confirmed it, the US side every time informed us there was no possibility to get through to the secretary of state,' ministry spokesperson Alexander Lukashevich said, Xinhua reported.

He added that Russian attempts to set up an exact time for a phone conversation with John Kerry have also been left unanswered.In a separate statement, the foreign ministry said that US intentions to carry out a military strike against Syria would contradict the core of international law. 'Response of the international community and separate states on chemical weapons use must fit the strict legal frames. Any reaction must be backed by the results of a thorough independent investigation,' it said.Moscow said if Damascus actually used chemical weapons, it could be qualified as violation of the international law.

Iran orders release of Indian tanker

New Delhi: Iran today ordered release of anIndian tanker detained by it for the 
past 24 days at its Bandar Abbas port after being seized in Persian Gulf while carrying crude from Basrah in Iraq. The development follows hectic parleys between the two
countries with India strongly objecting to the detention, saying it was a 'colourable' exercise in transgression of UN convention on the laws of the sea and warning of serious ramifications. 'Iran has ordered release of the Indian oil tanker,'
a source in the Ministry of External Affairs said. Meanwhile, the Shipping Ministry also indicated the possibility of positive developments and were awaiting the confirmation on the actual release of the vessel MT Desh Shanti.
'We are waiting to see such an order,' a Shipping
Corporation of India (SCI) official said.

The tanker belonging to India's largest ocean liner SCI
was seized by Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on
August 12 citing environmental and pollution concerns.
India, however, strongly objected to pollution charges
saying the vessel on a 'innocent passage' from Basrah to
Visakhapatnam was not voluntarily destined at any Iranian
ports, and was 'forcibly diverted' to Iranian waters and then
subject to PSC inspection.
In a strong-worded letter to Iran, India had made it clear
that Port State Control (PSC) is a legitimate mechanism to be
utilised prudently and 'any arbitrary enforcement of this
well-established regime can have serious ramifications on the
smooth conduct of international maritime transport and may
send alarming messages to the shipping community..

Iran orders release of Indian tanker

New Delhi: Iran today ordered release of anIndian tanker detained by it for the 
past 24 days at its Bandar Abbas port after being seized in Persian Gulf while carrying crude from Basrah in Iraq. The development follows hectic parleys between the two
countries with India strongly objecting to the detention, saying it was a 'colourable' exercise in transgression of UN convention on the laws of the sea and warning of serious ramifications. 'Iran has ordered release of the Indian oil tanker,'
a source in the Ministry of External Affairs said. Meanwhile, the Shipping Ministry also indicated the possibility of positive developments and were awaiting the confirmation on the actual release of the vessel MT Desh Shanti.
'We are waiting to see such an order,' a Shipping
Corporation of India (SCI) official said.

The tanker belonging to India's largest ocean liner SCI
was seized by Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on
August 12 citing environmental and pollution concerns.
India, however, strongly objected to pollution charges
saying the vessel on a 'innocent passage' from Basrah to
Visakhapatnam was not voluntarily destined at any Iranian
ports, and was 'forcibly diverted' to Iranian waters and then
subject to PSC inspection.
In a strong-worded letter to Iran, India had made it clear
that Port State Control (PSC) is a legitimate mechanism to be
utilised prudently and 'any arbitrary enforcement of this
well-established regime can have serious ramifications on the
smooth conduct of international maritime transport and may
send alarming messages to the shipping community..

2013, സെപ്റ്റംബർ 4, ബുധനാഴ്‌ച

Obama says world 'cannot be silent' on Syria

 STOCKHOLM: US President Barack Obama said in Stockholm on Wednesday that the international community 'cannot be silent' following Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons against its own people.'I discussed our assessment and (Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt) and I are in an agreement that in the face of such barbarism the international community cannot be silent,' he said.



'Failing to respond to this attack would only increase the risk of more attacks and that possibility that other countries would use these weapons, as well,' he told a press conference in Sweden on the first day of a two-day visit.Obama said he would not repeat mistakes made in Iraq as his country mulls military action in Syria, adding he believed he would get Congressional backing for strikes.
'I'm somebody who opposed the war in Iraq. And I am not interested in repeating mistakes of us basing decisions on faulty intelligence,' he told a briefing in the Swedish capital.




The US leader also added that he hoped Russian President Vladimir Putin would change direction on a military intervention in Syria.
'I'm always hopeful ... Ultimately, we can end deaths much more rapidly if Russia takes a different approach to these problems,' he said.
Reinfeldt said at the same press conference that Sweden 'condemns the use of chemical weapons in Syria and the strongest possible terms.'
'It's a clear violation of international law. Those responsible should be held accountable,' he said.

Obama says world 'cannot be silent' on Syria

 STOCKHOLM: US President Barack Obama said in Stockholm on Wednesday that the international community 'cannot be silent' following Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons against its own people.'I discussed our assessment and (Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt) and I are in an agreement that in the face of such barbarism the international community cannot be silent,' he said.



'Failing to respond to this attack would only increase the risk of more attacks and that possibility that other countries would use these weapons, as well,' he told a press conference in Sweden on the first day of a two-day visit.Obama said he would not repeat mistakes made in Iraq as his country mulls military action in Syria, adding he believed he would get Congressional backing for strikes.
'I'm somebody who opposed the war in Iraq. And I am not interested in repeating mistakes of us basing decisions on faulty intelligence,' he told a briefing in the Swedish capital.




The US leader also added that he hoped Russian President Vladimir Putin would change direction on a military intervention in Syria.
'I'm always hopeful ... Ultimately, we can end deaths much more rapidly if Russia takes a different approach to these problems,' he said.
Reinfeldt said at the same press conference that Sweden 'condemns the use of chemical weapons in Syria and the strongest possible terms.'
'It's a clear violation of international law. Those responsible should be held accountable,' he said.

India slips to 60th rank on competitiveness;Switzerland on top




India has slipped to 60th position in terms of its competitiveness globally, while witzerland has retained its top rank.
This is India's lowest ever rank and also 31 places below its peer emerging market China.
Releasing the annual Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014, Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) today said highly innovative countries with strong institutions continue to top the rankings.
While Switzerland is on top for fifth year in a row, United States has reversed its four-year downward trend to occupy 5th position and Japan has risen to ninth place.

 
Singapore and Finland remain in second and third positions respectively, while Germany moves up two places (4th).
Two other Asian economies, Hong Kong SAR (7th) and Japan (9th), also feature in the top ten of the rankings of 148 economies.
On India, the report said the country continues to be 'penalised' for its very disappointing performance in the basic drivers underpinning competitiveness, the very ones that matter the most.
'The country's supply of transport, Information and Communications Technology (ICTs), and energy infrastructure remains largely insufficient and ill-adapted to the needs of the economy,' it said.
The WEF report further noted that 'notwithstanding improvements across the board over the past few years, very poor public health and education levels remain a prime cause of India's low productivity'.
Meanwhile, among Asia's developing nations, Malaysia is the most competitive (24th). At 29th, China remains by far the best of the four largest emerging market economies, ahead of South Africa (53rd), Brazil (56th), India (60th) and Russia (64th).


The gap between China and India has widened from just eight places in 2006 to 31 today. Indonesia jumps 12 places to 38th, making it the most improved G20 economy since 2006.
Asia is also home to some of the world's least competitive economies, including Bangladesh (110th), Nepal (117th) and Pakistan (133rd), which drops for the third year in a row.
Bhutan (109th), Lao PDR (81st) and Myanmar (139th) join the index for the first time.
Among European economies, Sweden (6th), the Netherlands (8th) and the United Kingdom (10th) have fallen.
'Innovation becomes even more critical in terms of an economy's ability to foster future prosperity,' World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said.
Schwab further noted 'the traditional distinction between countries being 'developed' or 'less developed' will gradually disappear and we will instead refer to them much more in terms of being 'innovation rich' vs 'innovation poor' countries.' 
It is therefore vital that leaders from business, government and civil society work together to create education systems and enable environments which foster innovation, it added.

India slips to 60th rank on competitiveness;Switzerland on top




India has slipped to 60th position in terms of its competitiveness globally, while witzerland has retained its top rank.
This is India's lowest ever rank and also 31 places below its peer emerging market China.
Releasing the annual Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014, Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) today said highly innovative countries with strong institutions continue to top the rankings.
While Switzerland is on top for fifth year in a row, United States has reversed its four-year downward trend to occupy 5th position and Japan has risen to ninth place.

 
Singapore and Finland remain in second and third positions respectively, while Germany moves up two places (4th).
Two other Asian economies, Hong Kong SAR (7th) and Japan (9th), also feature in the top ten of the rankings of 148 economies.
On India, the report said the country continues to be 'penalised' for its very disappointing performance in the basic drivers underpinning competitiveness, the very ones that matter the most.
'The country's supply of transport, Information and Communications Technology (ICTs), and energy infrastructure remains largely insufficient and ill-adapted to the needs of the economy,' it said.
The WEF report further noted that 'notwithstanding improvements across the board over the past few years, very poor public health and education levels remain a prime cause of India's low productivity'.
Meanwhile, among Asia's developing nations, Malaysia is the most competitive (24th). At 29th, China remains by far the best of the four largest emerging market economies, ahead of South Africa (53rd), Brazil (56th), India (60th) and Russia (64th).


The gap between China and India has widened from just eight places in 2006 to 31 today. Indonesia jumps 12 places to 38th, making it the most improved G20 economy since 2006.
Asia is also home to some of the world's least competitive economies, including Bangladesh (110th), Nepal (117th) and Pakistan (133rd), which drops for the third year in a row.
Bhutan (109th), Lao PDR (81st) and Myanmar (139th) join the index for the first time.
Among European economies, Sweden (6th), the Netherlands (8th) and the United Kingdom (10th) have fallen.
'Innovation becomes even more critical in terms of an economy's ability to foster future prosperity,' World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said.
Schwab further noted 'the traditional distinction between countries being 'developed' or 'less developed' will gradually disappear and we will instead refer to them much more in terms of being 'innovation rich' vs 'innovation poor' countries.' 
It is therefore vital that leaders from business, government and civil society work together to create education systems and enable environments which foster innovation, it added.

Lok Sabha passes Pension Bill

 NEW DELHI: The long-pending Pension Bill, a key economic legislation assuring minimum returns to subscribers, was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with the government saying it is based on the principle that "you save while you earn".The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, 2011, provides for market based returns and wide coverage based on several investment options in the pension sector with an aim to building confidence in the subscribers. It will have provision for withdrawals for limited purposes from Tier-I pension account, an incentive for subscribers to join the new pension scheme (NPS). Replying to a brief debate, finance minister P Chidambaram said the government has accepted most of the recommendations of the standing committee.The NPS, beneficial for employees in the long run, is based on the principle that "you save while you earn" especially for retirement period and is mainly for those who have a regular income, he said. The corpus of the NPS having 52.83 lakh subscribers (including those of 26 state governments) was about Rs 35,000 crore.

The bill also seeks to grant statutory status to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. "... Rs 35,000 crore should not be used by unstatutory authority ... All this Bill does is make unstatutory authority (into) a statutory authority," Chidambarm said, adding the statutory authority will have powers to penalise
The bill would also provide subscribers a wide choice to invest their funds for assured returns, like opting for government bonds as well as in other funds depending on their capacity to take risk. The subscriber seeking minimum assured returns would be allowed to opt for investing funds in such scheme providing minimum assured returns as may be notified by the authority.



Lok Sabha passes Pension Bill

 NEW DELHI: The long-pending Pension Bill, a key economic legislation assuring minimum returns to subscribers, was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, with the government saying it is based on the principle that "you save while you earn".The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, 2011, provides for market based returns and wide coverage based on several investment options in the pension sector with an aim to building confidence in the subscribers. It will have provision for withdrawals for limited purposes from Tier-I pension account, an incentive for subscribers to join the new pension scheme (NPS). Replying to a brief debate, finance minister P Chidambaram said the government has accepted most of the recommendations of the standing committee.The NPS, beneficial for employees in the long run, is based on the principle that "you save while you earn" especially for retirement period and is mainly for those who have a regular income, he said. The corpus of the NPS having 52.83 lakh subscribers (including those of 26 state governments) was about Rs 35,000 crore.

The bill also seeks to grant statutory status to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. "... Rs 35,000 crore should not be used by unstatutory authority ... All this Bill does is make unstatutory authority (into) a statutory authority," Chidambarm said, adding the statutory authority will have powers to penalise
The bill would also provide subscribers a wide choice to invest their funds for assured returns, like opting for government bonds as well as in other funds depending on their capacity to take risk. The subscriber seeking minimum assured returns would be allowed to opt for investing funds in such scheme providing minimum assured returns as may be notified by the authority.



Sharif sent bouquet to Sonia Gandhi in Delhi hospital


ISLAMABAD: Amidst simmering tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent a bouquet of flowers to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi when he learnt of her visit to hospital last week, a media report said on Wednesday.Gandhi was taken to the hospital in New Delhi on August 26 after she felt unwell during a debate in parliament.On Sharif's directive, Pakistan's foreign office asked its High Commission in New Delhi to have flowers delivered to Gandhi, The Nation reported.
The bouquet was sent with a "get well" message and warm wishes on behalf of Sharif, the report said.
Tensions between the two countries escalated since five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control on August 6.Since then, there have been frequent exchanges of fire at the LoC. Pakistani has claimed that four of its soldiers, including a captain, have died along the ceasefire line.Both sides have accused each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement on the LoC.

The tensions have cast a shadow on bilateral ties. All eyes in Pakistan are set on a possible meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.Pakistan has said its army was not involved in the killing of the Indian soldiers. Sharif has also said he is looking forward to a possible meeting with Singh.Yesterday, Indian High Commissioner TC A Raghavan paid a courtesy call on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz.Raghavan described the LoC incident as unfortunate and stressed the importance of resuming the bilateral dialogue process.Aziz said there was hope in Sharif's government about picking up the threads from the Lahore Declaration of 1999 and embarking on a new phase of Pakistan-India relations.

Sharif sent bouquet to Sonia Gandhi in Delhi hospital


ISLAMABAD: Amidst simmering tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif sent a bouquet of flowers to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi when he learnt of her visit to hospital last week, a media report said on Wednesday.Gandhi was taken to the hospital in New Delhi on August 26 after she felt unwell during a debate in parliament.On Sharif's directive, Pakistan's foreign office asked its High Commission in New Delhi to have flowers delivered to Gandhi, The Nation reported.
The bouquet was sent with a "get well" message and warm wishes on behalf of Sharif, the report said.
Tensions between the two countries escalated since five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control on August 6.Since then, there have been frequent exchanges of fire at the LoC. Pakistani has claimed that four of its soldiers, including a captain, have died along the ceasefire line.Both sides have accused each other of violating the 2003 ceasefire agreement on the LoC.

The tensions have cast a shadow on bilateral ties. All eyes in Pakistan are set on a possible meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.Pakistan has said its army was not involved in the killing of the Indian soldiers. Sharif has also said he is looking forward to a possible meeting with Singh.Yesterday, Indian High Commissioner TC A Raghavan paid a courtesy call on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz.Raghavan described the LoC incident as unfortunate and stressed the importance of resuming the bilateral dialogue process.Aziz said there was hope in Sharif's government about picking up the threads from the Lahore Declaration of 1999 and embarking on a new phase of Pakistan-India relations.

SC maintains order disqualifying convicted politicians


  NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday stood by its order to disqualify convicted politicians from serving as parliamentarians or state legislatures. The judges of the Supreme Court said that the Government had "no case" in its appeal against the verdict, which was delivered in July this year. 
The verdict of the Supreme Court cancels the present law which permits convicted lawmakers to continue in office if an appeal, filed within three months of conviction, is pending in a higher court. 
However, the Supreme Court judges have agreed to reassess another part of the judgment which banned an arrested politician from running for office, and said that the present law is extremely 'clumsily drafted'.

The judges said: "When a candidate is in jail, it is okay for him to contest. But when a voter is in jail, he can't vote. What kind of law is this? It is a very clumsily drafted law." Earlier, political parties had argued that this would encourage leaders being jailed by those in power as part of vengeful tactic, so as to prevent them from contesting polls. A Bill, in this regard, has been passed in the Rajya Sabha, it is still pending in the Lok Sabha.

SC maintains order disqualifying convicted politicians


  NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday stood by its order to disqualify convicted politicians from serving as parliamentarians or state legislatures. The judges of the Supreme Court said that the Government had "no case" in its appeal against the verdict, which was delivered in July this year. 
The verdict of the Supreme Court cancels the present law which permits convicted lawmakers to continue in office if an appeal, filed within three months of conviction, is pending in a higher court. 
However, the Supreme Court judges have agreed to reassess another part of the judgment which banned an arrested politician from running for office, and said that the present law is extremely 'clumsily drafted'.

The judges said: "When a candidate is in jail, it is okay for him to contest. But when a voter is in jail, he can't vote. What kind of law is this? It is a very clumsily drafted law." Earlier, political parties had argued that this would encourage leaders being jailed by those in power as part of vengeful tactic, so as to prevent them from contesting polls. A Bill, in this regard, has been passed in the Rajya Sabha, it is still pending in the Lok Sabha.

Gunmen attack Shiite families in Iraq, kill 16

 BAGHDAD: Gunmen attacked two Shiite families in a largely Sunni area south of Iraq’s capital,  Baghdad, killing 16, officials said on Wednesday. The killings raise Tuesday’s death toll in shootings and bombings across the country. The report says at least 83 people were killed. Gunmen first opened fire on the two houses shortly before midnight in the town of Latifiyah and then planted bombs around them, a police officer said. Six children, five women and five men were killed, while nine people were wounded, he said. Last Wednesday, gunmen shot dead a seven-member Shiite family in the same town, about 30 km south of Baghdad.

A medical official confirmed the causality figure. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information. Sunni gunmen used to carry out brazen attacks against Shiite families in Sunni-dominated areas during the sectarian violence that engulfed the country after the US invasion and peaked in 2006 and 2007. That prompted Shiite militant groups to retaliate. Shiite religious leaders and politicians have called for calm in response to the recent wave of violence, but some attacks on Sunni mosques are raising fears that Shiite armed groups are starting to retaliate. 
More than 4,000 people have been killed over the past five months alone. That includes 804 Iraqis killed just last month, according to United Nations figures released earlier this week. No one claimed immediate responsibility for the attacks, but coordinated car bombings and attacks on civilians and Iraqi security forces are a favourite tactic of the Iraqi branch of al-Qaida. It typically does not lay claim to attacks for several days, if at all.