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CITU's All India Strike: West Bengal, Kerala and Orissa badly affected

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:47:00 +0000

The CPM-affiliated Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh all over India today in protest against the soaring inflation and increase in prices of fuel and essential commodities. About 40 trade unions across the country are participating in the strike.

According to latest reports, all flight, train and bus services have been affected in West Bengal, Kerala and Orissa. Normal life has come to a complete halt in these states. The impact of CITU's strike is also visible in some other parts of the country. Kolkata is the worst affected.

The strike has been called to press the demand for strengthening the public distribution system and ensure protection of workers in the unorganised sector. The CITU also demands a rise in wages for contract workers in PSUs in addition to other benefits.

India at Beijing Olympics: Achanta Sharath Kamal loses in 2nd Round

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:38:00 +0000

India's medal hope Achantha Sharath Kamal lost in the second round of men's table tennis event at Beijing Olympics. Sharath Kamal fought hard, but went down to China-born Austrian Weixing Chen 5-11, 12-14, 2-11, 11-8, 10-12.

India's challenge at Beijing Olympics almost ended. Only Jitender Kumar and Vijender Kumar have some chances of winning a medal. If they don't, then India would have return from Beijing Olympics with the lone medal won by Abhinav Bindra.

Leander Paes resigns as Davis Cup Captain, SP Mishra takes over

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Leander Paes, who has been in the centre of controversy for his alleged "autocratic attitude" towards fellow players, finally stepped down as India's Davis Cup captain. The decision came just a month ahead of India's crucial World Group play-off tie against Romania to be held on September 19. Former Davis Cup player SP Mishra has been appointed as the non-playing captain of Indian Davis Cup team.

Although Leander Paes has retained his place in the team, Rohan Bopanna has been dropped from the team. Somdev Devvarman will replace him. Somdev's elevation in place of Rohan Bopanna has surprised all, as he just recently made his Davis Cup debut. The Indian Davis Cup team will comprise of Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Prakash Amritraj and Somdev Devvarman.

25 killed in a Suicide Blast in Pakistan Hosiptal

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:04:00 +0000

A powerful suicide bomb blast killed 25 people and injured over 20 in a hospital in North West Frontier Province of Pakistan this afternoon. the blast occurred in the compound of the hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, 280 km (175 miles) southwest of Islamabad.

It could be a sectarian violence, as Shi'ite Muslims were protesting against the killing of their leader. Sunni Muslims are believed to be behind the attack. Most of the dead were protesters. Some of them are said to be policemen.

Ahmedabad Blast: Mufti Abu Bashir confesses to crime

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:33:00 +0000

Breaking News! Mastermind of Ahmedabad serial blasts, SIMI activist Mufti Abu Bashir, who was arrested from Uttar Pradesh and is currently on police remand, has confessed to his role in Ahmedabad serial blasts. It was confirmed by the Gujarat police.

Based on Abu Bashir's confession, the Gujarat police raided several places in Vadodara. The police is looking for another SIMI activist Imran Sheikh, who is reportedly involved in the blasts.

Latest News from Beijing Olympics: Achanta Sharath Kamal advances to 2nd Round

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:59:00 +0000

Breaking News! After Neha Aggarwal's first round exit, India has some good news in Table Tennis. Commonwealth Gold Medalist Achanta Sharath Kamal advanced to the second round with a win over Alfredo Carneros of Spain. Sharath Kamal beat Alfredo 4-2 (6-11, 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7).

Indian athletes continued to perform badly at Beijing Olympics. Heptathletes GG Pramila, JJ Shobha and Susmita Singha Roy, Discus throwers Krishna Poonia and Harwant Kaur, 10,000m runners Preeja Sreedharan (women) and Surendra Singh (men), Renjith Maheswary (men's triple jump) and Mandeep Kaur (400m women's) all performed below their personal best and failed to qualify for the finals.

The biggest disappointment was from Anju Bobby George, who even could not complete a fair jump in the Long Jump event and committed fouls on all three occasions. She is out of the medal race.

Jharkhand Crisis: Madhu Koda asked to prove majority on August 25

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:38:00 +0000

Despite the pressure from the JMM, Congress and RJD, Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda refused to bow down and decided to face the trust vote in the assembly. Madhu Koda met the state Governor yesterday to convey his decision to him. The governor has asked Koda to prove majority on the floor of the house on August 25.

It would be interesting to see how Madhu Koda would prove his majority, as he was installed as the CM with the support of UPA. Meanwhile, the BJP has demanded immediate dissolution of Jharkhand State Assembly.

Jade Goody diagnosed with Cancer, withdraws from Reality Show "Big Boss"

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:43:00 +0000

The newly launched reality show "Big Boss" on Colors has been struck with a tragedy, as the controversial UK celebrity Jade Goody has been diagnosed with cancer of the Cervix. Jade Goody immediately withdrew herself from the show and she will be taken to London for treatment. Currently, all "Big Boss" participants are staying in Lonavala.

Jade Goody who was in news for her alleged racial remarks against Indian film actress Shilpa Shetty in UK's "Big Brother" reality show. Later, she apologised for her behaviour after the entire population in UK turned against her. Judy has changed to a great extent after that episode and even Shilpa Shetty acknowledged that. Jade Goody's withdrawal from the show has come to a huge jolt for the organisers of the show.

Latest News from Beijing Olympics: Yogeshwar Dutt loses in Quarterfinals

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:37:00 +0000

Breaking News! Indian Wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, who suddenly emerged as a medal hope for India, crashed out in the quarterfinals. Yogeshwar who had reached the quarterfinals in 60 kg men's freestyle wrestling, after a win over the Kazakhstan wrestler in the pre-quarterfinals, lost to Kenichi Yumoto of Japan in quarterfinals.

Yogeshwar won the first game 1-0. In the second game, Kenichi put up a good show and won it 4-1. In the decider, Yogeshwar was leading 1-0, but the Japanese wrestler bounced back in the last 15 seconds and earned two points to win the game and match.

Latest Update from Beijing Olympics: Akhil Kumar loses in Quarterfinals

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:40:00 +0000

India's medal hope received a huge jolt, as Akhil Kumar lost to Moldova's Veacelav Gojan 3-10 in the quarterfinals of 54kg Bantamweight boxing event. Akhil Kumar had raised medal hopes when he defeated world champion boxer Sergey Vodopyanov in the pre-quarterfinals. Akhil Kumar was too much aggressive for which he had to pay a price in the end.

Akhil Kumar was either over confident or under pressure, as he kept attacking the Modovan boxer right from the very beginning, but his opponent's defence was so strong that he could not penetrate into it. Gojan produced a superb defence and delivered the punches when he got a chance. The final score line was 10-3 in his favour. India has now pinned hope on Jitender Kumar and Vijender Kumar who are already through to quarterfinals.

Pervez Musharraf resigns as Pakistan's President

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:38:00 +0000

The Big Breaking News! Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf addressed the nation and resigned as the President of Pakistan. and took on his detractors saying he strongly believed that he led Pakistan to progress in every sphere. He also accused his rivals of levelling false and baseless allegations against him. "I have always worked hard honestly for the development of my country", said Musharraf.

"Today is a day of important decision for me", said Musharraf. He defended his 9-year term, saying "God is with him". "We have increased employment opportunities. We have made sure that women get equal rights. We made sure two elections were conducted. We also made sure the democratic process evolved. I came up with coinage "Pakistan First". When I took over, all economic indicators were at the bottom. Martial law helped Pakistan improve", thundered Musharraf.

"I always kept Pakistan's interest above. I saved Pakistan from falling into the hands of terrorists. We ensured Pakistan's perception in the world changed. Pakistan was considered as a terrorist state. But now we are fighting terror and the world acknowledges it. I wanted to reconcile with my political detractors for the sake of democracy, but they never cooperated with me. Those who trying to run me down are cheating the nation. I am always proud of my achievements", said and emotional, but confident Musharraf.

According to Musharraf, the impeachment motion against him was a result of egoism showed by his political detractors. "Is the government scared of me", asked Musharraf. The traitors are ruining the country by targeting me. They can't even prove a single charge against me. Pakistan is suffering because of political vendetta", he said.

"Nation will lose if impeachment is carried out. Impeachment will destroy the fabric of our Parliament. My love for Pakistan is more than my love for office. That's why I resign as President of Pakistan. I hope the Pakistan government works for the growth and development of the country and make sure that people of Pakistan live in peace and prosperity. I have resigned in nation's interest. I thank everyone who have supported me in trouble times. History will judge me. I hand over my future to the hands of people of Pakistan," said Musharraf.

Pakistan Crisis: Musharraf to address the Nation today

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:55:00 +0000

Breaking News! Under pressure from the ruling coalition to resign, Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf will address the nation within a few hours today. The ruling PPP-PML (N) has already served an ultimatum to him to quit within 48 hours. Musharraf has been charged with treason and murder.

According to reports from Pakistan, Musharraf may decide to leave the country after resigning from his post. It is speculated that he might move to Saudi Arabia or the United States. But no confirmation from the President House has been received yet. A clear picture could emerge, when Musharraf addressed the nation later today.

Rafael Nadal, Elena Dementieva win Gold Medals at Beijing Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:43:00 +0000

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal added another feather to his cap, by winning the gold medal in men's singles lawn tennis at Beijing Olympics. Nadal beat Fernando Gonzalez of Chile 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-3 in straight sets. It could be recalled that he recent ended Roger Federer's supremacy on grass, by winning the Wimbledon title for the first time.

The Russian players made a clean sweep of Olympic medals in women's lawn tennis. Elena Dementieva beat fellow Russian Dinara Safina 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 to win the gold medal, while Vera Zvonareva of Russia beat Li Na of China 6-0, 7-5 to win the bronze. Elena Dementieva ended Safina's 15-match winning streak.

In the Women's Doubles, Venus Williams and Serena Williams won the gold medal, by beating Spain's Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-0. They had earlier won the doubles gold in 2000 Sydney Olympics, but could not participate in 2004 Athens Olympics due to injury.

JMM withdraws support to Madhu Koda government in Jharkhand

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:32:00 +0000

The power hungry and opportunistic party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) withdrew support to the Jharkhand government led by Madhu Koda. In a bid to prevent the single largest party BJP from forming the government, the JMM, Congress and RJD had installed an independent Madhu Koda as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. However, JMM supremo Shibu Soren now wants the Chief Minister's chair in return of his support to UPA government during trust vote.

The Congress and RJD wanted Madhu Koda to resign, but Koda hasn't yet taken a decision. After the JMM withdrew support to the government today, Madhu Koda has convened a high level meeting at his residence to decide his future course of action.

Aqua Gladiator Michael Phelps makes history, wins 8th Gold at Beijing Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:25:00 +0000

Breaking News! Aqua Gladiator Michael Phelps of the United States made history, by winning 8th gold medal at Beijing Olympics. Phelps broke Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record of 7 gold medals in a single Olympic Game.

Out of the eight gold medals, Phelps won seven with a world record timing. Phelps now took his overall gold medal tally in Olympic Games to 14. He had won six gold medals in 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Phelps is considered as the greatest sportsperson ever for his miraculous achievements in water.

Usain Bolt creates World Record, wins 100m Gold at Beijing Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Breaking News! No Tyson Gay, no Asafa Powel, it is Usain Bolt of Jamaica, who is the fastest man in the World. Usain Bolt won gold medal in 100m sprint finals at Beijing Olympics with a world record timing of 9.69 seconds. The previous world record was 9.72 seconds and was on his name only. Usain Bolt was considered as the strong contender to win the most coveted medal in Olympic Games and he did it in style.

Usain Bolt won the "Golden Boot", as won the 100m Sprint Gold. Thompson Richard of Trinidad and Tobago finished second with 9.89 seconds. American Walter Dix won the bronze. While Tyson Gay failed to qualify for the finals, another strong contender Asafa Powel finished fourth.

India at Beijing Olympics: Boxer Vijender Kumar enters quarterfinals

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Breaking News! Vijender Kumar became the third Indian boxer after Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar to enter the quartefinals at Beijing Olympics. Vijender beat Thai boxer Chompuphung in the 75kg Middleweight category.

Vijender dominated the match from the very beginning and maintained it till end. He won the match on points 13-3. All three Indian boxers are now a win away to win a Olympic Medal.

Ahmedabad Serial blast case cracked, Mastermind arrested

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Breaking News! It's official now. The Gujarat police held a press conference and claimed that they have cracked the Ahmedabad serial blasts case, which claimed 55 lives. The mastermind Mufti Abu Bashir, who is SIMI activist, was arrested from Lucknow. The Gujarat police confirmed the involvement on SIMI in Ahmedabad blasts.

According to the Gujarat DGP PC Pande, Indian Mujahideen is the new form of SIMI. The hardliners in SIMI had formed Indian Mujahideen long ago and continued to plan the blasts elsewhere in the country. According to the police, the Ahmedabad blast conspiracy was hatched long ago and the terrorists underwent training in Gujarat in January 2008 and prior to that they underwent training and given arms in Kerala. In total, 10 people have been arrested so far from various parts of the country. The Gujarat police believe that immediate provocation to carry out the attacks in Ahmedabad was due to arrest of SIMI activist Safdar Nagori in Indore.

The Gujarat police said they received full support from many other states in their probe. SIMI activists involved in Ahmedabad blasts, were arrested from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Abu Bashir, who was arrested in Lucknow, will be brought to Ahmedabad in a day or two. More information are likely to be retrieved from him during interrogation. According to Gujarat police, Abu Bashir might be linked to the blasts in Hyderabad, Jaipur and Bangalore.

Live from Beijing Olympics: Boxer Jitender Kumar enters Quarterfinals

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 09:52:00 +0000

India's medal hopes in Beijing Olympics got another boost, with ace boxer Jitender Kumar reaching the quarterfinals of 51kg Flyweight category. After his cousin Akhil Kumar reached the quarterfinals by beating the World Champion, Jitender emulated his feat by beating Uzbek boxer Tulashboy Doniyorov 13-6 in an ill-tempered bout. "I dedicate this win to Akhil. He has been everything for me and I want to win a medal for him", said Jitender after winning the bout.

Maoist Leader Prachanda elected as Prime Minister of Nepal

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:22:00 +0000

Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda was elected as the first Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. He defeated his rival Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress by a huge margin of 351 votes. The Constituent Assembly (CA) comprises of 601 members. Out of this, 577 votes were cast. While Prachanda got 464 votes, his rival Deuba got only 113 votes.

The 51-year-old Prachanda was born in a poor farmer's family. He became the Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in 2000. Mr. Dahal’s daughter Renu Dahal is also a member of the Constituent Assembly (CA).

When the Maoists in Nepal were termed "terrorists", Prachanda had to live underground for 25 years. Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated Prachanda on his win. The United States, Japan and European Union also congratulated Prachanda on his famous victory.

Ahmedabad Blast: SIMI Activist Abu Bashir arrested

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:34:00 +0000

Breaking News! In a major development, the Gujarat police have reportedly cracked the Ahmedabad serial bomb blast case with the arrest of 7 - 8 SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) from Uttar Pradesh and Surat. Maulana Mufti Abu Bashir, who was arrested from Azamgarh, UP is the mastermind, while others had helped him to carry out the blasts. The latest development came as a slap on the face of SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav who supported SIMI.

At least 12 people have been arrested so far from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The Gujarat police will hold a press conference at 4 PM to give the details. The person, who had sent the emails before the blasts on July 26, has reportedly been arrested. SIMI is carrying out the blasts in the name of Indian Mujahideen.

Latest Update from Beijing Olympics: Boxer Akhil Kumar enters Quarterfinals

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:08:00 +0000

Among the dead Indian athletes at Beijing Olympics, boxer Akhil Kumar emerged as the only hope, as he entered the quarterfinals of 54kg Bantamweight event. Akhil Kumar beat World Champion Sergey Vodopyanov in the pre-quarterfinal. Vodopyanov was leading the bout till the 3rd round, but Akhil came back strongly in the final round.

Both boxers were tied at 9-9 after the end of the bout. But the jury decided in Akhil's favour, as he delivered the final punch and won the final point. It was a thrilling contest. If Akhil wins in quarterfinals, he will be assured of a medal, since all semifinalists get a medal in Olympics Boxing. After winning the quarterfinal bout, Akhil Kumar said he would try to get a gold medal at Beijing.

Live From Beijing Olympics: Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi crash out

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:42:00 +0000

Breaking News! India's medal hope in Tennis, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi crashed out of men's doubles after losing to the 4th seed Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in straight sets 2-6, 4-6. The Indian pair proved no match to the Swiss pair and looked helpless throughout the match. Coordination between Leander and Bhupathi was so bad that Federer and Wawrinka did not have to try hard to win.

Earlier, Gagan Narang failed to qualify for the 50m Pistol Prone event by finishing 32nd in the qualifying round. Yesterday, Anjali Bhagwat and Avneet Kaur failed to reach the finals of women's 50 m rifle three position event by finishing 32nd and 42nd respectively. Sania Mirza and Sunitha Rao also crashed out of women's doubles tennis. Rower Bajranglal Takhar, Swimmer Virdhawal Khade and Ankur Poseria failed to qualify in their respective events. It seems that Indian contingent would return home with only one medal that was won by Abhinav Bindra.

PM addresses the Nation, as India celebrate 61st Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:14:00 +0000

Happy Independence Day! India turns 61 today. A proud nation celebrates its 61st Independence Day with much fanfare. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh unfurled the tri-colour on historic Lal Quilla (Red Fort). He later addressed the nation from the rampart of Red Fort. The PM emphasized on growth and development while listing the achievements of his government during the last four years. "I have no promises to make, only to keep", said the Prime Minister.

Among other announcements made by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, the most significant was the impending launch of Moon Mission. "This year we hope to send an Indian spacecraft, Chandrayaan, to the moon," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. The spacecraft, which will move around the Moon for two years is expected to be launched in October 2008.

The Prime Minister expressed concerns over the growth of terrorism in the country and stressed on the need of a proper mechanism to deal with the terror. Dr. Manmohan Singh also expressed concerns over the violence in Jammu & Kashmir and said divisive politics won't take the country anywhere. The PM admitted that rising inflation is a concern, but said it was imported due to global economic slowdown. He defended the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying it would save India's energy needs.

Latest Pay Commission News (August 14): Highlights of the Report

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:15:00 +0000

Here are the highlights of the implementation of Sixth Pay Commission Report:

55 lakh Central government employees will be benefited.
There will be an additional 20 percent hike over the pay bands suggested by the Sixth Pay Commission.
The minimum basic pay of an entry level government employee has been increased to Rs. 7000. That means, they will get around Rs. 11,000 per month.
A uniform 3 per cent raise in pay every year for all central government employees.
The new pay hike will be effective from January 1, 2006.
40 percent of the arrears be paid in the current fiscal and the remaining 60 percent next year. The arrears would be paid in cash.
The gazetted holidays have been abolished and there will be only three national holidays. The central government employees will be working 5 days a week.
Maternity leave for the women has been increased to 6 months.
Flexible working hours for people suffering from disability.
No scrapping of Group D personnel such as peons and coolies.
All military officials below the officer rank would get a military service pay (MSP) of Rs. 2000 per month.
Higher ranked military officials will get a military service pay (MSP) of Rs. 6000.
The disability pension for military personnel has been increased from Rs. 1550 to Rs. 3100 per month.
There will be three confirmed promotions in all government jobs including the armed forces. While the civilians would get the promotion after 10, 20 and 30 years of service, the armed personnel would get it after 8, 16 and 24 years.
Brigadiers and Colonels will be put in Pay Band 4 (Rs. 39,200 - Rs. 67,000). All mid-level defence officials will be put on higher pay band.
A DGP in the state will get a salary of Rs. 80,000 per month.