The Indian foreign office got busy on Wednesday studying impact of the United States President Barrack Obama ending the 7- year American combat mission in Iraq and vowing to disengage from Afghanistan as well from next July.
Officials said, India is engaged in rebuilding the war- ravaged Afghanistan and hence significant is his reaffirmation to begin transferring security responsibility to Afghans after nearly ten years of the US presence. " But make no mistake: this transition will begin, because open- ended war serves neither our interests nor of the Afghanis," he said in a prime- time address from the Oval Office on Tuesday.
He said that the United States has met its responsibility to Iraq and that it is now time to turn to pressing problems at home, be they weak economy or other domestic issues. He was always convinced that getting into Iraq was a mistake in the first place.
Over the last decade, " we have spent over a trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas," Obama said. " And so at this moment, as we wind down the war in Iraq, we must tackle those challenges at home with as much energy and grit and sense of common purpose as our men and women in uniform who have served abroad." The American forces in Afghanistan " will be in place for a limited time" to give Afghans the chance to build their government and armed forces," the American president said.
Showing posts with label National News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National News. Show all posts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Vibgor Row: HC Says No Stigma Attached To Girl
The Bombay High Court today observed that there is no stigma attached to the 13- year- old student of Vibgyor school in Goregaon who was expelled and later admitted to another school.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S C Dharmadhikari were hearing a review petition filed by Adhishree Gopalkrishnan and was argued in person by her mother. In July 2010, HC dismissed her petition after holding that continuing in the same school would be `` more traumatic'' for her.
Avisha argued before the court that Adhishree has to travel a total "60 kms daily" from Goregaon to Chembur to her new school and is passing through a traumatic experience with anxiety attacks as she has been labelled as a rejected student.
She urged the court to direct the school to admit Adhishree. Today she urged the court to set aside the expulsion order, term it "illegal" and "remove the stigma permanently from her life." She added, "Her mid- term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The school's lawyer Janak Dwarakadas told the court that Adhishree was admitted to the new school in July 2010 even as the court was seized of the matter. He claimed that she is currently residing at a place some 15 minutes from the new school. Avisha riposted that while she did take the admission for her daughter in July, the claim of staying in Chembur was baseless. "Her mid-term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The judges said they cannot pass an order revoking the expulsion and these cases needed to be over and done with. "This is now a closed chapter," said Justice Shah. The judges clarified that their July 7, 2010 order did not give any adverse finding about the girl so as to create a stigma. They said mere stigma cannot be a ground for review.
Before she commenced her arguments, Avisha requested Chief Justice Shah to ask his fellow- judge on the bench, Justice Dharmadhikari to recuse himself from the case. She said the judge's father, a retired HC judge, Justice C S Dharmadhikari is closely associated with the Forum for Private Unaided schools. Rustom Kerawala, trustee of Vibgyor High School, is also part of the same forum.
The Forum recently filed a petition in court against the state government's new resolution which aims at capping school fees. "This is a direct conflict of interest," she added.
Vibgyor refused admission to Adhishree in the current academic year. The school's lawyers earlier argued that the girl was not at fault but her mother's behaviour in the past three years had vitiated the atmosphere in the school. Avisha is spearheading the case pending in HC over the school's fee hike in 2007.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S C Dharmadhikari were hearing a review petition filed by Adhishree Gopalkrishnan and was argued in person by her mother. In July 2010, HC dismissed her petition after holding that continuing in the same school would be `` more traumatic'' for her.
Avisha argued before the court that Adhishree has to travel a total "60 kms daily" from Goregaon to Chembur to her new school and is passing through a traumatic experience with anxiety attacks as she has been labelled as a rejected student.
She urged the court to direct the school to admit Adhishree. Today she urged the court to set aside the expulsion order, term it "illegal" and "remove the stigma permanently from her life." She added, "Her mid- term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The school's lawyer Janak Dwarakadas told the court that Adhishree was admitted to the new school in July 2010 even as the court was seized of the matter. He claimed that she is currently residing at a place some 15 minutes from the new school. Avisha riposted that while she did take the admission for her daughter in July, the claim of staying in Chembur was baseless. "Her mid-term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The judges said they cannot pass an order revoking the expulsion and these cases needed to be over and done with. "This is now a closed chapter," said Justice Shah. The judges clarified that their July 7, 2010 order did not give any adverse finding about the girl so as to create a stigma. They said mere stigma cannot be a ground for review.
Before she commenced her arguments, Avisha requested Chief Justice Shah to ask his fellow- judge on the bench, Justice Dharmadhikari to recuse himself from the case. She said the judge's father, a retired HC judge, Justice C S Dharmadhikari is closely associated with the Forum for Private Unaided schools. Rustom Kerawala, trustee of Vibgyor High School, is also part of the same forum.
The Forum recently filed a petition in court against the state government's new resolution which aims at capping school fees. "This is a direct conflict of interest," she added.
Vibgyor refused admission to Adhishree in the current academic year. The school's lawyers earlier argued that the girl was not at fault but her mother's behaviour in the past three years had vitiated the atmosphere in the school. Avisha is spearheading the case pending in HC over the school's fee hike in 2007.
Firm pulled up for sacking woman on maternity leave
The Bombay High Court today observed that the Maternity Benefits Act 1961 is a `` good reason not to appoint women'' while hearing a case where a woman was allegedly sacked while she was on maternity leave.
The division bench of Justice D K Deshmukh and Justice N D Deshpande were hearing a petition filed by Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities challenging the order of the competent authority under the Act - the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai.
Waving a copy of the Act, Justice Deshmukh asked, With this Act in force, why do you want to appoint women? This is good reason not to appoint women. However while passing the order, the judges directed the company to deposit Rs 30 lakh of her backwages on Tuesday.
The 28- year- old professional Veena (name changed) was allegedly fired while she was on maternity leave. Under the Act, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks' paid leave which includes six weeks until delivery and another six after that. She was sanctioned maternity leave between July 21 to October 20, 2008. She delivered on August 11, 2008 after which she sent an application for payment of her salary during this period. She was surprised when the company replied on October 7, 2008 that her services are terminated.
Veena moved the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai. On June 10, 2010, Assistant Commissioner R M Parshetty noted in his order that she was " deprived of her legitimate rights to maternity benefits and medical bonus". Also that this deprivation and dismissal is " contrary to provisions of the Act and the same is unlawful and illegal." He directed Veena to be reinstated with payment of backwages, an extra month of maternity leave and medical bonus. The company challenged this order. Their lawyer told the court that they terminated her services on October 20, 2008 after her sanctioned leave was over and not before that.
The division bench of Justice D K Deshmukh and Justice N D Deshpande were hearing a petition filed by Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities challenging the order of the competent authority under the Act - the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai.
Waving a copy of the Act, Justice Deshmukh asked, With this Act in force, why do you want to appoint women? This is good reason not to appoint women. However while passing the order, the judges directed the company to deposit Rs 30 lakh of her backwages on Tuesday.
The 28- year- old professional Veena (name changed) was allegedly fired while she was on maternity leave. Under the Act, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks' paid leave which includes six weeks until delivery and another six after that. She was sanctioned maternity leave between July 21 to October 20, 2008. She delivered on August 11, 2008 after which she sent an application for payment of her salary during this period. She was surprised when the company replied on October 7, 2008 that her services are terminated.
Veena moved the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai. On June 10, 2010, Assistant Commissioner R M Parshetty noted in his order that she was " deprived of her legitimate rights to maternity benefits and medical bonus". Also that this deprivation and dismissal is " contrary to provisions of the Act and the same is unlawful and illegal." He directed Veena to be reinstated with payment of backwages, an extra month of maternity leave and medical bonus. The company challenged this order. Their lawyer told the court that they terminated her services on October 20, 2008 after her sanctioned leave was over and not before that.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Now, MHADA to redevelop its own buildings
The residents of old MHADA colonies who wish redevelop their old buildings, but fear being cheated by private builders, have a reason to smile as the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority ( MHADA) has plans to take up the redevelopment of MHADA colonies in Mumbai instead of the present arrangement of private builder carrying out redevelopment.
Jairam Palsamkar (29), a resident of SVP Nagar MHADA colony in Andheri ( west) said, " There are many builders who have approached our society for the redevelopment of our society with lucurative offers but we are not sure about trusting any builder because of cases in the past, where tenants have been cheated by private developers." " I would really not mind if I get a lesser area compared to what builders are offering me but the condition is that MHADA should take up the redevelopment process," added Satyavijay Kadu.
There have been many instances in the past where it was noted that in initial stages private builders offer lucrative deals to some of the tenants of MHADA colonies but once they get possession of the land they refuse to give the area promised to the tenants.
Speaking to FPJ, a MHADA official on condition of anonymity said, " During the Mumbai board meeting that was held on Wednesday, the plan to make amendments in the Development Control Regulations ( DCR) so that MHADA can take up redevelopment of our colonies was discussed." When the issue was discussed in the meeting some of the members made suggestions where they said that the present section 33 ( 5) of the DCR needs to be modified.
The MHADA is also going to move a proposal on amendment regarding the same for approval in the Mumbai board meeting that has been scheduled in the first week of September. Once the proposal gets a go- ahead from the board members it would be sent to the housing authority for clearance.
Later the proposal would be forwarded to the state government to clear it in the upcoming winter session of assembly in Nagpur. According to the MHADA official, if this amendment happens the redevelopment of those decrepit MHADA colonies that are not lucrative for developers would be undertaken by the housing authority.
" In this manner, the additional homes that would be constructed will not be sold directly in the open market but would be made available as part of affordable housing by way of lottery process," added the official.
In Mumbai, there are altogether 56 MHADA colonies, wherein 3,701 buildings exist. Out of these, many residents of 406 buildings have approached MHADA to approve their redevelopment. Till date, 114 buildings have already received the ' No Objection Certificate', so that private builders can start redevelopment work. The land bank of MHADA has almost gone dry, which is forcing them to amend or enact certain rules so that a regular process of sale of affordable homes by way of lottery draw can happen.
Jairam Palsamkar (29), a resident of SVP Nagar MHADA colony in Andheri ( west) said, " There are many builders who have approached our society for the redevelopment of our society with lucurative offers but we are not sure about trusting any builder because of cases in the past, where tenants have been cheated by private developers." " I would really not mind if I get a lesser area compared to what builders are offering me but the condition is that MHADA should take up the redevelopment process," added Satyavijay Kadu.
There have been many instances in the past where it was noted that in initial stages private builders offer lucrative deals to some of the tenants of MHADA colonies but once they get possession of the land they refuse to give the area promised to the tenants.
Speaking to FPJ, a MHADA official on condition of anonymity said, " During the Mumbai board meeting that was held on Wednesday, the plan to make amendments in the Development Control Regulations ( DCR) so that MHADA can take up redevelopment of our colonies was discussed." When the issue was discussed in the meeting some of the members made suggestions where they said that the present section 33 ( 5) of the DCR needs to be modified.
The MHADA is also going to move a proposal on amendment regarding the same for approval in the Mumbai board meeting that has been scheduled in the first week of September. Once the proposal gets a go- ahead from the board members it would be sent to the housing authority for clearance.
Later the proposal would be forwarded to the state government to clear it in the upcoming winter session of assembly in Nagpur. According to the MHADA official, if this amendment happens the redevelopment of those decrepit MHADA colonies that are not lucrative for developers would be undertaken by the housing authority.
" In this manner, the additional homes that would be constructed will not be sold directly in the open market but would be made available as part of affordable housing by way of lottery process," added the official.
In Mumbai, there are altogether 56 MHADA colonies, wherein 3,701 buildings exist. Out of these, many residents of 406 buildings have approached MHADA to approve their redevelopment. Till date, 114 buildings have already received the ' No Objection Certificate', so that private builders can start redevelopment work. The land bank of MHADA has almost gone dry, which is forcing them to amend or enact certain rules so that a regular process of sale of affordable homes by way of lottery draw can happen.
Friday, August 27, 2010
INDIA FRETS AND FUMES
The UPA Government on Friday shot off a strongly worded protest note to Beijing after it refused permission to one of its top commanders, Lt Gen B S Jaswal, to visit China because he comes from “ sensitive” Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit by a General- rank officer to China was agreed upon between the two countries in January during the Annual Defence Dialogue. However, at that time it was not decided as to who would be going.
In the worsening diplomatic row, India has also put on hold defence exchanges with China; however, New Delhi stopped short of snapping defence ties with its neighbour.
Retaliating against the Chinese action, the government also refused permission to two Chinese defence personnel who were slated to attend a course in the National Defence College here.
The MEA also summoned Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang ang to the External Affairs Ministry, where he was handed over four protest demarches. A demarche is a diplomatic way of protesting and conveying the government’s displeasure.
To make sure there was no ambiguity, ang was bluntly told that China’s decision to block northern area commander Lt.
General B S Jaswal’s visit to China despite his nomination by the Defence Ministry was the reason behind the Indian Army canceling a goodwill visit to Beijing. In Beijing, Colonel Jaishankar, the defence attache, too lodged an official protest with the Chinese defence ministry. Lt. Gen. Jaswal, General Officer Commanding- in- Chief of northern area, was to visit China this month as part of the regular highlevel military exchanges, but he could not make it as his visa application was stuck in the Chinese embassy here. Only when inquiries were made at the top level that Beijing said the army commander was “ not welcome” since he “ controlled” Jammu and Kashmir that Beijing considers as disputed.
While Defence Minister Antony played down the incident as not good enough for snapping defence ties, telling reporters in Hyderabad that “ short- term problems would not affect India’s overall approach towards China,” Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, however, claimed in Delhi that “ the defence minister has taken a strong view” of the matter.
The Army is also up in arms but it is waiting for the government’s guidance on whether protocol for the border meetings should be continued. The army has been told that its anger has been conveyed to the Chinese government.
The Bhartiya Janata Party also slammed China. Its spokesman Prakash Javdekar said: “ This is the worst kind of insult inflicted upon India.
We strongly condemn the Chinese attitude and stand. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of India must immediately convey our displeasure.” He added that China has always fomented trouble in Arunachal Pradesh and they have now begun fishing in troubled waters in Kashmir. “ This is helping Pakistan.” Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “ The relationship has to be premised on mutual self- respect and sensibilities.” He said the External Affairs Ministry would react appropriately.
The visit by a General- rank officer to China was agreed upon between the two countries in January during the Annual Defence Dialogue. However, at that time it was not decided as to who would be going.
In the worsening diplomatic row, India has also put on hold defence exchanges with China; however, New Delhi stopped short of snapping defence ties with its neighbour.
Retaliating against the Chinese action, the government also refused permission to two Chinese defence personnel who were slated to attend a course in the National Defence College here.
The MEA also summoned Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang ang to the External Affairs Ministry, where he was handed over four protest demarches. A demarche is a diplomatic way of protesting and conveying the government’s displeasure.
To make sure there was no ambiguity, ang was bluntly told that China’s decision to block northern area commander Lt.
General B S Jaswal’s visit to China despite his nomination by the Defence Ministry was the reason behind the Indian Army canceling a goodwill visit to Beijing. In Beijing, Colonel Jaishankar, the defence attache, too lodged an official protest with the Chinese defence ministry. Lt. Gen. Jaswal, General Officer Commanding- in- Chief of northern area, was to visit China this month as part of the regular highlevel military exchanges, but he could not make it as his visa application was stuck in the Chinese embassy here. Only when inquiries were made at the top level that Beijing said the army commander was “ not welcome” since he “ controlled” Jammu and Kashmir that Beijing considers as disputed.
While Defence Minister Antony played down the incident as not good enough for snapping defence ties, telling reporters in Hyderabad that “ short- term problems would not affect India’s overall approach towards China,” Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, however, claimed in Delhi that “ the defence minister has taken a strong view” of the matter.
The Army is also up in arms but it is waiting for the government’s guidance on whether protocol for the border meetings should be continued. The army has been told that its anger has been conveyed to the Chinese government.
The Bhartiya Janata Party also slammed China. Its spokesman Prakash Javdekar said: “ This is the worst kind of insult inflicted upon India.
We strongly condemn the Chinese attitude and stand. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of India must immediately convey our displeasure.” He added that China has always fomented trouble in Arunachal Pradesh and they have now begun fishing in troubled waters in Kashmir. “ This is helping Pakistan.” Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “ The relationship has to be premised on mutual self- respect and sensibilities.” He said the External Affairs Ministry would react appropriately.
Jet Passengers 'Land' With Fractures
It was a harrowing experience at the city airport on Friday evening for the passengers of Jet Airways Mumbai- Chennai flight 9W- 2302.
A fire alarm in the cockpit led to emergency evacuation of the aircraft while it was still on the taxiway. The pilot ordered that the passengers be deplaned, using emergency services. Next instant all hell broke loose.
There was a sudden surge of passengers towards the exit and a mad scramble to slide down the chutes to safety.
In the near panic situation with the crew not able to control the situation, some passengers were forced to jump off the aircraft onto the tarmac and injured themselves. Thirty of them have reportedly sustained bruises and some of them have suffered multiple fractures. According to wire agency reports, about 153 passengers were on board.
Fifteen persons were taken to Nanavati hospital in ambulances for further treatment after receiving first aid at the airport. There was utter confusion on board and some passengers even concluded that the chutes were not functioning.
When contacted, a Jet spokesperson, however, denied the malfunction report saying, “ it is not correct”. Manish Kalghatgi, spokesperson of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), said, “ Jet Airways flight 9W- 2302 bound for Chennai from Mumbai airport reported a fire in one of the engines while on the taxiway. Airport emergency services responded to the call. However, there was no visible fire.
However, once a fire alarm has been sounded, it is of utmost importance to abandon the aircraft immediately. The captain, therefore, ordered the deployment of chutes for emergency evacuation of passengers. All the passengers were evacuated.” ‘‘ Safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us,” was all the Jet spokesperson said in a statement. A full emergency was earlier declared at the Mumbai Airport and Fire Tenders rushed immediately to the spot.
A fire alarm in the cockpit led to emergency evacuation of the aircraft while it was still on the taxiway. The pilot ordered that the passengers be deplaned, using emergency services. Next instant all hell broke loose.
There was a sudden surge of passengers towards the exit and a mad scramble to slide down the chutes to safety.
In the near panic situation with the crew not able to control the situation, some passengers were forced to jump off the aircraft onto the tarmac and injured themselves. Thirty of them have reportedly sustained bruises and some of them have suffered multiple fractures. According to wire agency reports, about 153 passengers were on board.
Fifteen persons were taken to Nanavati hospital in ambulances for further treatment after receiving first aid at the airport. There was utter confusion on board and some passengers even concluded that the chutes were not functioning.
When contacted, a Jet spokesperson, however, denied the malfunction report saying, “ it is not correct”. Manish Kalghatgi, spokesperson of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), said, “ Jet Airways flight 9W- 2302 bound for Chennai from Mumbai airport reported a fire in one of the engines while on the taxiway. Airport emergency services responded to the call. However, there was no visible fire.
However, once a fire alarm has been sounded, it is of utmost importance to abandon the aircraft immediately. The captain, therefore, ordered the deployment of chutes for emergency evacuation of passengers. All the passengers were evacuated.” ‘‘ Safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us,” was all the Jet spokesperson said in a statement. A full emergency was earlier declared at the Mumbai Airport and Fire Tenders rushed immediately to the spot.
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