2013, ജനുവരി 7, തിങ്കളാഴ്‌ച

Myanmar's ties with India, Japan and western countries concern China



BEIJING: Myanmar's growing rapport with Japan, western nations and India could influence Sino-Myanmar relations and put pressure on China's "strategic space" in the southeast Asian nation, Chinese state media said on Sunday. 
"The growing rapport between Myanmar and the west could influence Sino-Myanmar relations and put pressure on China's strategic space", a write-up in the official daily Global Times said. 

It noted that Japanese deputy prime minister Taro Aso pledged debt relief of USD 5.74 billion and a fresh loan of 50 billion yen during his ongoing Myanmar visit, an attempt interpreted as targeting China, the article said. 

"In addition, the Indian defence minister AK Antony will head for Naypyitaw later this month to "boost bilateral military cooperation and counter China's deep strategic inroads there," the article said. 

"Myanmar is certainly undergoing changes. Some analysts hold that China's backyard is on fire and an anti-China front is gradually being shaped in Myanmar. This exaggerates the impact of these changes and underestimates the strength of the Sino-Myanmar relationship", it said.

"China is now Myanmar's biggest investor and second biggest trading partner, the two have considerable common strategic and economic interests," it said. 

Added to the concerns is the current conflict between Myanmar army and Kachin rebels entrenched in areas bordering China. 

Three bombs reportedly fired by Myanmar fighter jets fell on the Chinese side of the border causing damage recently. 

While Chinese foreign ministry said a representation has been made to Myanmar to avoid similar incidents, China's airforce said no Myanmar jets violated Chinese airspace. 

The armed conflicts in the north of Myanmar endanger the stability of the Sino-Myanmar border region. China should be more actively engaged in helping Myanmar solve domestic troubles, the article said.

Myanmar's ties with India, Japan and western countries concern China



BEIJING: Myanmar's growing rapport with Japan, western nations and India could influence Sino-Myanmar relations and put pressure on China's "strategic space" in the southeast Asian nation, Chinese state media said on Sunday. 
"The growing rapport between Myanmar and the west could influence Sino-Myanmar relations and put pressure on China's strategic space", a write-up in the official daily Global Times said. 

It noted that Japanese deputy prime minister Taro Aso pledged debt relief of USD 5.74 billion and a fresh loan of 50 billion yen during his ongoing Myanmar visit, an attempt interpreted as targeting China, the article said. 

"In addition, the Indian defence minister AK Antony will head for Naypyitaw later this month to "boost bilateral military cooperation and counter China's deep strategic inroads there," the article said. 

"Myanmar is certainly undergoing changes. Some analysts hold that China's backyard is on fire and an anti-China front is gradually being shaped in Myanmar. This exaggerates the impact of these changes and underestimates the strength of the Sino-Myanmar relationship", it said.

"China is now Myanmar's biggest investor and second biggest trading partner, the two have considerable common strategic and economic interests," it said. 

Added to the concerns is the current conflict between Myanmar army and Kachin rebels entrenched in areas bordering China. 

Three bombs reportedly fired by Myanmar fighter jets fell on the Chinese side of the border causing damage recently. 

While Chinese foreign ministry said a representation has been made to Myanmar to avoid similar incidents, China's airforce said no Myanmar jets violated Chinese airspace. 

The armed conflicts in the north of Myanmar endanger the stability of the Sino-Myanmar border region. China should be more actively engaged in helping Myanmar solve domestic troubles, the article said.

Sensex up 69 points in early trade



MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Monday gained nearly 69 points in early trade on sustained buying by funds and retailers on hopes of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank amid a firm trend in the Asian region.

The 30-share barometer, which had gained almost 358 points in the previous four sessions, added 68.72 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 19,852.80 with stocks of oil and gas, auto, PSUs, metal and health-care sectors extending support.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 26 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 6,042.15.

Brokers said the trading sentiment remained firm on continued buying by funds and retail investors, largely on hopes that the RBI may cut rates later this month, triggering increased buying activity.

Besides, expectations that the corporates may come out with an encouraging third quarter earnings season, which begins later this week, also boosted the trading sentiment, they added.

Among Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 0.11 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei shed 0.34 per cent.

Sensex up 69 points in early trade



MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Monday gained nearly 69 points in early trade on sustained buying by funds and retailers on hopes of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank amid a firm trend in the Asian region.

The 30-share barometer, which had gained almost 358 points in the previous four sessions, added 68.72 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 19,852.80 with stocks of oil and gas, auto, PSUs, metal and health-care sectors extending support.

Similarly, the wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty moved up by 26 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 6,042.15.

Brokers said the trading sentiment remained firm on continued buying by funds and retail investors, largely on hopes that the RBI may cut rates later this month, triggering increased buying activity.

Besides, expectations that the corporates may come out with an encouraging third quarter earnings season, which begins later this week, also boosted the trading sentiment, they added.

Among Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 0.11 per cent, while Japan’s Nikkei shed 0.34 per cent.

Doctor molests cancer patient




Palakkad: A complaint has been filed stating that a doctor had molested a a cancer patient. A 17-year-old from Palakkad had a bitter experience from a retried Govt Ayurvedic doctor in Thrissur district. 
The cancer-ridden girl was admitted to the Ayurvedic centre stating she could be cured through `Uzhichil' (massage). She is from a financially backward family, consisting of her mother and a sibling. She is a plus two student and is in acute pain for the last few weeks.
She was admitted to a private ayurvedic nursing home in Thrissur last month. During the initial days, women staff had massaged her and one-day the doctor came to her alone and molested her. The girl complained to her mother and the mother contacted childline and informed the womens cell too. CWC chairman VP Kuriakose said there were many other complaints against the doctor against whom complaints were filed.
A womens cell SI visited her home and collected her statement. The girl who was treated in Amala and RCC is now in her home and is given palliative care. 
The complaint will be forwarded to Thrissur SP through police superintendent. Child welfare committee and childline are seeking help for emergency treatment of the girl. 
Bus strike hits mobility of people in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: An indefinite strike launched by private bus workers since midnight demanding wage hike has hit the mobility of people across Kerala.
Reports from various districts said the impact of the strike was severe in northern and central districts, where people depend heavily on private buses for their movement.
All bus workers unions affiliated to major central trade unions including CITU, INTUC and BMS, are participating in the strike demanding an immediate payment of 50 per cent interim relief.
The state-run KSRTC failed to run additional services in strike-hit routes as most of its spare buses have been diverted to Sabarimala, where the annual pilgrimage is in its final phase with devotees pouring in large numbers at the hill shrine.
Union leaders said the workers were "compelled" to launch the strike, causing difficulty to the people, as bus owners had refused to honour a commitment on pay increase made during a tripartite negotiation three months back.
PTI
Two arrested in Noida woman murder case
Noida: The Noida Police have claimed to have cracked the alleged rape and murder case of a 21-year-old woman factory worker here with the arrest of two accused.
The two arrested were identified as Naresh and Kailash. The third accused Udeyveer is absconding, SSP Praveen Kumar said on Monday.
Naresh had once worked in the same garment export house where the victim was working and had promised to marry her. However, the woman came to know that he was already married and started avoiding him.
Naresh told police that the woman was threatening to lodge an FIR against him and he got scared and hatched a plan to kill her.
On the fateful day, he took her to an underconstruction factory at Sector 63 where two other accomplices Kaliash and Udaiveer were present.
Kailash and Udeyveer also had enmity with the woman. The victim had in the past complained to police against Kailash. Udeyveer had few years ago forcibly entered her house and molested her.
"Whether the woman was raped would be confirmed once the medical report is received. However, from the scene of crime we suspect the accused tried to rape her," said a senior police officer.
"We are further interrogating the arrested accused to get more details. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the third absconding accused Udeyveer," Kumar said.
Four policemen were on Sunday suspended and the SHO was shunted to police line in the wake of the incident.
Shocked over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh and a job to the victim's family.
The semi-nude body of the girl bearing injury marks was found on Saturday morning from Pushta area in Sector 63.
The woman was cremated yesterday amid allegations from her family members that the police had earlier refused to file a complaint, and later delayed handing over her body.
The woman, who was the eldest daughter, had stayed late on the fateful day to earn extra bucks for her family.
PTI
Delhi records lowest minimum of the season
Posted on: 06 Jan 2013

New Delhi: Delhiites today shivered as mercury fell to the season's lowest of 1.9 degree Celsius and icy winds blew across the city.
Today's minimum was five degrees below normal and down from yesterday's 2.9 degree celsius.
This is the lowest minimum for January in the past five years. In 2008, the minimum had plummeted to 1.9 degree
Celsius.
The maximum also witnessed a significant dip yesterday as it plummeted to 12.6 deg C, which is eight degrees below
normal for this time of the season.
Icy winds blew over the capital throughout the day.
On Wednesday, the city witnessed the coldest day in 44 years when the maximum plummeted to 9.8 deg C. PTI
 Land allotment case postponed for four weeks

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will consider opposition leader V S Achuthanandan’s plea seeking to stop the proceedings against him in the land allotment case, after four weeks.

The case is that VS had allotted land to his relative while serving as the chief minister. 
Obama set to nominate Hagel as defence secretary
Posted on: 07 Jan 2013

Washington : US President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Chuck Hagel as his new defence secretary tomorrow and Republicans are signaling a fierce confirmation fight even though he is one of their own.
Obama has decided he wants the 66-year-old former Republican senator to succeed Leon Panetta at the Pentagon and
will make his announcement tomorrow, a Democratic aide told AFP, confirming earlier US media reports.
Obama is also expected to announce who he has chosen to replace David Petraeus at the helm of the CIA, with acting
director Michael Morell and counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan seen as the frontrunners, CNN said.
Despite the fact that Hagel is a fellow Republican, party heavyweights scenting blood in bitterly-divided Washington
have accused him of hostility toward Israel and naivety on Iran, auguring a tough nomination process ahead.
The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, praised Hagel when he left his Nebraska seat in 2009 for his
'clear voice and stature on national security and foreign policy,' but his tone was markedly different today.
'He ought to be given a fair hearing like any other nominee, and he will be,' McConnell told ABC. 'I'm going to
wait and see how the hearings go and whether Chuck's views square with the job he would be nominated to do.'
But over on CNN, leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham did not shy away from a full-frontal attack, saying
Hagel would be 'the most antagonistic defence secretary towards the state of Israel in our nation's history.
'Not only has he said you should directly negotiate with Iran, sanctions won't work, that Israel must negotiate with
Hamas, an organisation, terrorist group, that lobs thousands of rockets into Israel.
'He also was one of 12 senators who refused to sign a letter to the European Union trying to designate Hezbollah as
a terrorist organisation,' Graham said.
Hagel would be an 'in-your-face' and 'incredibly controversial choice' by Obama that would probably represent a
'bridge too far' for him and a lot of other Republicans, he said, before adding that the hearings would provide the
expected nominee with a chance to 'set some of this straight.'
Hagel, a decorated Vietnam veteran, is known for a fiercely independent streak and a tendency to speak bluntly.
(AFP)

Doctor molests cancer patient




Palakkad: A complaint has been filed stating that a doctor had molested a a cancer patient. A 17-year-old from Palakkad had a bitter experience from a retried Govt Ayurvedic doctor in Thrissur district. 
The cancer-ridden girl was admitted to the Ayurvedic centre stating she could be cured through `Uzhichil' (massage). She is from a financially backward family, consisting of her mother and a sibling. She is a plus two student and is in acute pain for the last few weeks.
She was admitted to a private ayurvedic nursing home in Thrissur last month. During the initial days, women staff had massaged her and one-day the doctor came to her alone and molested her. The girl complained to her mother and the mother contacted childline and informed the womens cell too. CWC chairman VP Kuriakose said there were many other complaints against the doctor against whom complaints were filed.
A womens cell SI visited her home and collected her statement. The girl who was treated in Amala and RCC is now in her home and is given palliative care. 
The complaint will be forwarded to Thrissur SP through police superintendent. Child welfare committee and childline are seeking help for emergency treatment of the girl. 
Bus strike hits mobility of people in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: An indefinite strike launched by private bus workers since midnight demanding wage hike has hit the mobility of people across Kerala.
Reports from various districts said the impact of the strike was severe in northern and central districts, where people depend heavily on private buses for their movement.
All bus workers unions affiliated to major central trade unions including CITU, INTUC and BMS, are participating in the strike demanding an immediate payment of 50 per cent interim relief.
The state-run KSRTC failed to run additional services in strike-hit routes as most of its spare buses have been diverted to Sabarimala, where the annual pilgrimage is in its final phase with devotees pouring in large numbers at the hill shrine.
Union leaders said the workers were "compelled" to launch the strike, causing difficulty to the people, as bus owners had refused to honour a commitment on pay increase made during a tripartite negotiation three months back.
PTI
Two arrested in Noida woman murder case
Noida: The Noida Police have claimed to have cracked the alleged rape and murder case of a 21-year-old woman factory worker here with the arrest of two accused.
The two arrested were identified as Naresh and Kailash. The third accused Udeyveer is absconding, SSP Praveen Kumar said on Monday.
Naresh had once worked in the same garment export house where the victim was working and had promised to marry her. However, the woman came to know that he was already married and started avoiding him.
Naresh told police that the woman was threatening to lodge an FIR against him and he got scared and hatched a plan to kill her.
On the fateful day, he took her to an underconstruction factory at Sector 63 where two other accomplices Kaliash and Udaiveer were present.
Kailash and Udeyveer also had enmity with the woman. The victim had in the past complained to police against Kailash. Udeyveer had few years ago forcibly entered her house and molested her.
"Whether the woman was raped would be confirmed once the medical report is received. However, from the scene of crime we suspect the accused tried to rape her," said a senior police officer.
"We are further interrogating the arrested accused to get more details. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the third absconding accused Udeyveer," Kumar said.
Four policemen were on Sunday suspended and the SHO was shunted to police line in the wake of the incident.
Shocked over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh and a job to the victim's family.
The semi-nude body of the girl bearing injury marks was found on Saturday morning from Pushta area in Sector 63.
The woman was cremated yesterday amid allegations from her family members that the police had earlier refused to file a complaint, and later delayed handing over her body.
The woman, who was the eldest daughter, had stayed late on the fateful day to earn extra bucks for her family.
PTI
Delhi records lowest minimum of the season
Posted on: 06 Jan 2013

New Delhi: Delhiites today shivered as mercury fell to the season's lowest of 1.9 degree Celsius and icy winds blew across the city.
Today's minimum was five degrees below normal and down from yesterday's 2.9 degree celsius.
This is the lowest minimum for January in the past five years. In 2008, the minimum had plummeted to 1.9 degree
Celsius.
The maximum also witnessed a significant dip yesterday as it plummeted to 12.6 deg C, which is eight degrees below
normal for this time of the season.
Icy winds blew over the capital throughout the day.
On Wednesday, the city witnessed the coldest day in 44 years when the maximum plummeted to 9.8 deg C. PTI
 Land allotment case postponed for four weeks

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will consider opposition leader V S Achuthanandan’s plea seeking to stop the proceedings against him in the land allotment case, after four weeks.

The case is that VS had allotted land to his relative while serving as the chief minister. 
Obama set to nominate Hagel as defence secretary
Posted on: 07 Jan 2013

Washington : US President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Chuck Hagel as his new defence secretary tomorrow and Republicans are signaling a fierce confirmation fight even though he is one of their own.
Obama has decided he wants the 66-year-old former Republican senator to succeed Leon Panetta at the Pentagon and
will make his announcement tomorrow, a Democratic aide told AFP, confirming earlier US media reports.
Obama is also expected to announce who he has chosen to replace David Petraeus at the helm of the CIA, with acting
director Michael Morell and counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan seen as the frontrunners, CNN said.
Despite the fact that Hagel is a fellow Republican, party heavyweights scenting blood in bitterly-divided Washington
have accused him of hostility toward Israel and naivety on Iran, auguring a tough nomination process ahead.
The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, praised Hagel when he left his Nebraska seat in 2009 for his
'clear voice and stature on national security and foreign policy,' but his tone was markedly different today.
'He ought to be given a fair hearing like any other nominee, and he will be,' McConnell told ABC. 'I'm going to
wait and see how the hearings go and whether Chuck's views square with the job he would be nominated to do.'
But over on CNN, leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham did not shy away from a full-frontal attack, saying
Hagel would be 'the most antagonistic defence secretary towards the state of Israel in our nation's history.
'Not only has he said you should directly negotiate with Iran, sanctions won't work, that Israel must negotiate with
Hamas, an organisation, terrorist group, that lobs thousands of rockets into Israel.
'He also was one of 12 senators who refused to sign a letter to the European Union trying to designate Hezbollah as
a terrorist organisation,' Graham said.
Hagel would be an 'in-your-face' and 'incredibly controversial choice' by Obama that would probably represent a
'bridge too far' for him and a lot of other Republicans, he said, before adding that the hearings would provide the
expected nominee with a chance to 'set some of this straight.'
Hagel, a decorated Vietnam veteran, is known for a fiercely independent streak and a tendency to speak bluntly.
(AFP)

Auto driver hacked to death


VYTHIRI: An auto driver was hacked to death after a dispute on stamping a three-year-old girl.

The dead has been identified as Shiju (31), son of late Antony of Vattavayalil near Vythiri. The police arrested one Stephen (40) of Chittalapally, their neighbour, in connection with the incident which happened last night.    

The dispute on stamping Shiju’s three-year-old daughter ended in the murder. Shiju’s wife sustained injuries when she tried to stop him from the attack. 


Auto driver hacked to death


VYTHIRI: An auto driver was hacked to death after a dispute on stamping a three-year-old girl.

The dead has been identified as Shiju (31), son of late Antony of Vattavayalil near Vythiri. The police arrested one Stephen (40) of Chittalapally, their neighbour, in connection with the incident which happened last night.    

The dispute on stamping Shiju’s three-year-old daughter ended in the murder. Shiju’s wife sustained injuries when she tried to stop him from the attack. 


PM on two-day visit to Kerala from Monday


Kochi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation of the Rs 14,225 crore BPCL-Kochi Refinery Integrated Refinery Expansion project (IREP) at nearby Ambalamugal Monday.
He will also formally inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and release a stamp on the Gadar Movement the next day.
The movement is the saga of courage, valour and determination of overseas Indians who had come to Canada and the US either for higher education or for economic opportunities. They became trail blazers of the freedom struggle.
Singh will attend a meeting of the Global Advisory Council here before returning to Delhi on Jaunary 8.
President Pranab Mukherjee will address the valedictory function of the PBD on January 9.
PTI

PM on two-day visit to Kerala from Monday


Kochi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation of the Rs 14,225 crore BPCL-Kochi Refinery Integrated Refinery Expansion project (IREP) at nearby Ambalamugal Monday.
He will also formally inaugurate the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and release a stamp on the Gadar Movement the next day.
The movement is the saga of courage, valour and determination of overseas Indians who had come to Canada and the US either for higher education or for economic opportunities. They became trail blazers of the freedom struggle.
Singh will attend a meeting of the Global Advisory Council here before returning to Delhi on Jaunary 8.
President Pranab Mukherjee will address the valedictory function of the PBD on January 9.
PTI