As Afghanistan's ties with Pakistan sour, India steps in nicely to fill breach
Reuters | Jun 4, 2016, 08.01 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani raise each other's hands after inaugurating Afg... Read More
KABUL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Afghanistan on Saturday to mark the completion of a nearly $300 million hydroelectric dam project, the latest symbol of Indian investment in its South Asian neighbour.
The dam, originally built in western Herat province in 1976 before being damaged during the civil wars of the 1990s, was rebuilt by some 1,500 Indian and Afghan engineers, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
"It is symbol of our friendship and would usher in hope, light up homes, nourish the fertile fields of Heart and bring prosperity to the people of the region," Modi said in a social media post as he departed for Afghanistan, the first stop on a five-country trip.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has nurtured closer ties with India in the past year as relations with Pakistan have deteriorated in the face of continued insurgent attacks and border tensions.
Afghanistan has walked a fine line as it accepts Indian aid, with Pakistan historically wary of any Indian influence in Afghanistan.
"Salma Dam is another big step in deepening and broadening the relationship between Afghanistan and India," Ghani said in a post on Twitter.
At more than 100 metres (330 feet) high and 540 metres (1,770 feet) wide, the dam is designed to generate 42 megawatts of power and help irrigate 75,000 hectares of land, according to Modi.
India has poured more than $1 billion into Afghanistan reconstruction projects and humanitarian aid, making it one of the largest donors to the war-torn country.
A new national assembly building in Kabul and major power line and road construction have been among the main projects funded by India.
The dam, originally built in western Herat province in 1976 before being damaged during the civil wars of the 1990s, was rebuilt by some 1,500 Indian and Afghan engineers, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
"It is symbol of our friendship and would usher in hope, light up homes, nourish the fertile fields of Heart and bring prosperity to the people of the region," Modi said in a social media post as he departed for Afghanistan, the first stop on a five-country trip.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has nurtured closer ties with India in the past year as relations with Pakistan have deteriorated in the face of continued insurgent attacks and border tensions.
Afghanistan has walked a fine line as it accepts Indian aid, with Pakistan historically wary of any Indian influence in Afghanistan.
"Salma Dam is another big step in deepening and broadening the relationship between Afghanistan and India," Ghani said in a post on Twitter.
At more than 100 metres (330 feet) high and 540 metres (1,770 feet) wide, the dam is designed to generate 42 megawatts of power and help irrigate 75,000 hectares of land, according to Modi.
Top Comment
Burnol moment for all sickulars who want to project modiji as anti muslim. He got the highest civilian award from 2 muslim countries. 1st Saudi Arabia and now Afghanistan.India has poured more than $1 billion into Afghanistan reconstruction projects and humanitarian aid, making it one of the largest donors to the war-torn country.
A new national assembly building in Kabul and major power line and road construction have been among the main projects funded by India.
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VSSC former director MC Dathan to take charge as scientific advisor to Kerala CM
Laxmi Prasanna| TNN | Jun 4, 2016, 07.45 PM IST
Chief Minister Pinnarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has chosen distinguished space scientist of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and former director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Padma Shri M Chandra Dathan as the scientific advisor to the new Chief Minister Pinnarayi Vijayan.
It is perhaps for the first time in the history of state that a chief minister who is also in-charge of the science and technology portfolio appoints a space scientist as advisor on scientific matters.
When contacted, Chandra Dathan told TOI, "Had met the chief minister three days back as invited. When the chief minister of the state had sought the consent to appoint me as scientific advisor, I agreed. I am yet to receive a formal letter of appointment and am told that I will receive it by Monday".
Further, Dathan said, "I might even take charge on Monday. Based on discussions with the chief minister and his guidance, priority areas for scientific development in the state will be looked into and will work on it accordingly".
Dathan began his illustrious career in 1972 joining ISRO where he worked on the SLV-3 project during its design phase and later on moved to solid propellant formulations. In 2000, he became the head of the ablative nozzle production unit and went on to become the chief executive of the Solid Propellant Plant for PSLV and GSLV boosters where he supervised the establishment of a new Solid Propellant Plant commissioned in 2008. From there he took over as director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in 2008.
During his tenure, Chandradathan contributed towards the improvement of production levels of solid boosters. In 2013 he was appointed director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). In July 2014, he was appointed as the director of VSSC and the same year, the nation had honoured him with Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution in the area of space research. He has also been recognized with many accolades for his contribution by ISRO and many other organisations including the Management Leadership Award - 2014 by Trivandrum Management Association, an affiliate of All India Management Association.
It is perhaps for the first time in the history of state that a chief minister who is also in-charge of the science and technology portfolio appoints a space scientist as advisor on scientific matters.
When contacted, Chandra Dathan told TOI, "Had met the chief minister three days back as invited. When the chief minister of the state had sought the consent to appoint me as scientific advisor, I agreed. I am yet to receive a formal letter of appointment and am told that I will receive it by Monday".
Further, Dathan said, "I might even take charge on Monday. Based on discussions with the chief minister and his guidance, priority areas for scientific development in the state will be looked into and will work on it accordingly".
Dathan began his illustrious career in 1972 joining ISRO where he worked on the SLV-3 project during its design phase and later on moved to solid propellant formulations. In 2000, he became the head of the ablative nozzle production unit and went on to become the chief executive of the Solid Propellant Plant for PSLV and GSLV boosters where he supervised the establishment of a new Solid Propellant Plant commissioned in 2008. From there he took over as director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in 2008.
During his tenure, Chandradathan contributed towards the improvement of production levels of solid boosters. In 2013 he was appointed director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). In July 2014, he was appointed as the director of VSSC and the same year, the nation had honoured him with Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution in the area of space research. He has also been recognized with many accolades for his contribution by ISRO and many other organisations including the Management Leadership Award - 2014 by Trivandrum Management Association, an affiliate of All India Management Association.
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Bihar Congress chief meets Rahul Gandhi, apprises of govt's novel schemes
TNN | Jun 4, 2016, 07.33 PM IST
PATNA: Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) chief and state's education minister Ashok Choudhary on Saturday called on the party's vice president Rahul Gandhi at his residence in New Delhi and briefed him about the state's current political scenario as well as the works being executed by the grand alliance government under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar.
Choudhary was accompanied by the party's newly-elected legislator Tanveer Akhtar. "The BPCC chief, first of all, briefed Gandhi about the unopposed election of Akhtar as member of Bihar legislative council and thanked him (Gandhi) for selecting a grassroots worker like Akhtar to represent the party in the council," Congress spokesperson H K Verma informed.
Verma said, Choudhary during his meeting also informed Gandhi about the "effective implementation" of total prohibition in Bihar since April 5 and its positive impact on common people. The BPCC chief told Gandhi that taking a cue from Bihar, Tamil Nadu and some other states were actively considering to put total ban on sale of liquors.
Choudhary, under whose leadership the Congress' tally in the state assembly rose to 27 from only 4 in the 2010 polls, also informed Gandhi about the Nitish Government's ambitious 'Student Credit Card' scheme in which each 12the pass student would be provided loan upto Rs four lakh for continuing his/ her further study. Choudhary told Gandhi that state government had made preparations to launch the credit card scheme from October 2.
Bihar cabinet recently approved an education department's proposal to provide credit cards to five lakh students during 2016-17. The number of students would increase nearly one lakh per year, Choudhary told Gandhi.
Under the credit card scheme, the aspiring students will have to register themselves at the district level registration centre after furnishing necessary documents like identity details, AADHAR number, proof of qualification and address details. After registering themselves they would be given card with the name of concerned bank where they can get the education loan. This credit card system would be applicable for next five years to facilitate students to pursue their career.
Choudhary was accompanied by the party's newly-elected legislator Tanveer Akhtar. "The BPCC chief, first of all, briefed Gandhi about the unopposed election of Akhtar as member of Bihar legislative council and thanked him (Gandhi) for selecting a grassroots worker like Akhtar to represent the party in the council," Congress spokesperson H K Verma informed.
Verma said, Choudhary during his meeting also informed Gandhi about the "effective implementation" of total prohibition in Bihar since April 5 and its positive impact on common people. The BPCC chief told Gandhi that taking a cue from Bihar, Tamil Nadu and some other states were actively considering to put total ban on sale of liquors.
Choudhary, under whose leadership the Congress' tally in the state assembly rose to 27 from only 4 in the 2010 polls, also informed Gandhi about the Nitish Government's ambitious 'Student Credit Card' scheme in which each 12the pass student would be provided loan upto Rs four lakh for continuing his/ her further study. Choudhary told Gandhi that state government had made preparations to launch the credit card scheme from October 2.
Bihar cabinet recently approved an education department's proposal to provide credit cards to five lakh students during 2016-17. The number of students would increase nearly one lakh per year, Choudhary told Gandhi.
Under the credit card scheme, the aspiring students will have to register themselves at the district level registration centre after furnishing necessary documents like identity details, AADHAR number, proof of qualification and address details. After registering themselves they would be given card with the name of concerned bank where they can get the education loan. This credit card system would be applicable for next five years to facilitate students to pursue their career.
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Japan, India to strengthen security ties with US
IANS | Jun 4, 2016, 07.03 PM IST
SINGAPORE: Japan and India are opening up to the prospect of bolstering their trilateral security cooperation with the US.
According to the Japan Times, Japanese Defence Minister, General Nakatani, on Friday said that "it is very significant" for Japan, India and the US, who "share the same values", to strengthen cooperation to ensure the security of the vast Pacific and Indian oceans.
Nakatani suggested that the three countries start organising regular high-level meetings.
However, according to an official, the Indian Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, will consider the proposal.
The two ministers held previosly held talks in Singapore, prior to the opening of Asia's premier security forum, Shangri-La Dialogue.
This year, the Maritime Self-Defence Force will join the navies of the US and India in the annual Malabar naval exercise.
India and the US have been conducting the drill since 1992.
Japan, which has taken part in the exercise four times in the past, became a permanent participant following an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, in December.
Nakatani said the 2016 Malabar exercises will be carried out for a week from Friday in waters around Okinawa, close to the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands.
According to the Japan Times, Japanese Defence Minister, General Nakatani, on Friday said that "it is very significant" for Japan, India and the US, who "share the same values", to strengthen cooperation to ensure the security of the vast Pacific and Indian oceans.
Nakatani suggested that the three countries start organising regular high-level meetings.
However, according to an official, the Indian Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, will consider the proposal.
The two ministers held previosly held talks in Singapore, prior to the opening of Asia's premier security forum, Shangri-La Dialogue.
This year, the Maritime Self-Defence Force will join the navies of the US and India in the annual Malabar naval exercise.
India and the US have been conducting the drill since 1992.
Japan, which has taken part in the exercise four times in the past, became a permanent participant following an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, in December.
Nakatani said the 2016 Malabar exercises will be carried out for a week from Friday in waters around Okinawa, close to the Japan-controlled, China-claimed Senkaku Islands.
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Former Tripura CM, six Congress MLAs to join Trinamool
PTI | Jun 4, 2016, 06.38 PM IST
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. (AP photo)
KOLKATA: Former Tripura chief minister Samir Ranjan Barmanalong with six rebel Congress MLAs, including his son Sudip will join Trinamool Congressafter the end of Ramzan next month.
"I along with five other Congress MLAs and my father, former chief minister Samir Ranjan Barman, will join Trinamool Congress after the end of Ramzan next month," Sudip Roy Barman told PTI.
"We want to fight the assembly election in Tripura under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. In Tripura, Congress has lost all credibility after it entered into an alliance with CPM in West Bengal. How can you fight against CPM when you have an alliance with them in another state?" he said.
The development comes a day after Trinamool Congress general secretary Mukul Roy held a closed-door meeting in Agartala with the six rebel Congress MLAs of Tripura to explore the possibility of inducting them into the party.
The MLAs whom Roy met had fallen foul of the Congress high command after they criticised the party leadership for entering into a tie-up with the Left in West Bengal saying it reflected badly on the party's position as the principal opposition party in Tripura.
The Congress high command had suspended MLA Sudip Roy Barman who led the five disgruntled legislators.
"I along with five other Congress MLAs and my father, former chief minister Samir Ranjan Barman, will join Trinamool Congress after the end of Ramzan next month," Sudip Roy Barman told PTI.
"We want to fight the assembly election in Tripura under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. In Tripura, Congress has lost all credibility after it entered into an alliance with CPM in West Bengal. How can you fight against CPM when you have an alliance with them in another state?" he said.
The development comes a day after Trinamool Congress general secretary Mukul Roy held a closed-door meeting in Agartala with the six rebel Congress MLAs of Tripura to explore the possibility of inducting them into the party.
The MLAs whom Roy met had fallen foul of the Congress high command after they criticised the party leadership for entering into a tie-up with the Left in West Bengal saying it reflected badly on the party's position as the principal opposition party in Tripura.
The Congress high command had suspended MLA Sudip Roy Barman who led the five disgruntled legislators.
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Jayalalithaa requests Modi to release fishermen imprisoned by Lankan Navy
TNN | Jun 4, 2016, 05.50 PM IST
Jayalalitha
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalitha today requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and release the four fishermen arrested along with the 90 boats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy, two days back.
In a letter written to the PM, Jaya informed him of the arrest of the Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy in the early hours of June 2nd. They were then taken to Kankesanthurai.
She said the fishermen had set sail from Kottaipattinam of Pudukottai District on June 1.
"I am constrained to point out that despite my repeated requests, the seized boats and gear belonging to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities so far."
Earlier, on May 31, seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested the Lankan Navy.
She requested Modi to take urgent action to secure the release of the 11 fishermen and a total of 90 fishing boats without any delay.
"May I request your immediate intervention in this matter,?" she said in the letter, a copy of which was released to the media.
Jayalalithaa also reiterated the state's plea for a package for deep sea fishing at a cost of Rs 1,520 crore and a recurring grant of Rs ten crore per annum for maintenance dredging.
In a letter written to the PM, Jaya informed him of the arrest of the Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy in the early hours of June 2nd. They were then taken to Kankesanthurai.
She said the fishermen had set sail from Kottaipattinam of Pudukottai District on June 1.
"I am constrained to point out that despite my repeated requests, the seized boats and gear belonging to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu have not been released by the Sri Lankan authorities so far."
Earlier, on May 31, seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested the Lankan Navy.
She requested Modi to take urgent action to secure the release of the 11 fishermen and a total of 90 fishing boats without any delay.
"May I request your immediate intervention in this matter,?" she said in the letter, a copy of which was released to the media.
Jayalalithaa also reiterated the state's plea for a package for deep sea fishing at a cost of Rs 1,520 crore and a recurring grant of Rs ten crore per annum for maintenance dredging.
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116 COMMENTS
When Modi comes back, just observe his gait - he will be walking with legs a bit apart, a slight limp, avoiding sitting on chairs and a satisfied expression - same expression as a Dulhan has after the marriage gas been consummated. Modi will also stop complaining about constipation for a while until the itch comes back.
Long live Modi.