General Affairs
PM Modi's Visit To Pathankot A Mere Photo-Op, Alleges Congress
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NEW DELHI: Congress today hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Pathankot Air Force base a week after the terror attack, saying it has got relegated to a mere "photo op".
"Eight days after the Pathankot terror incident depicting failure of Modi government on national security and fight against terror, PM's belated visit has got relegated to a mere photo op.
"Need of the hour is to ensure action by Pakistan against Jaish-e- Mohammad, a thorough review of internal security safeguards and affixing responsibility for security lapses. We hope Modiji will inform the nation about action taken on these key issues," AICC Communication Department chief Randeep Surjewala told reporters in New Delhi.
In a photo tweet on party twitter handle, Congress also told the Prime Minister that "he celebrates the birthday of Pakistani Prime Minister with great enthusiasm but it takes him eight days to take care of Pathankot."
"PM Modi diverted plane to Pakistan to greet Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on his b'day, but took 8 days to reach Pathankot!," the party said in another tweet.
"There is no action on terror. Whether Modi government will run like this (Karte Nahin Aatank pe waar, Kya Aise he chalegi Modi Sarkaar)," Congress said coining a new slogan to attack Modi government.
The party had been targeting Modi government after the Pathankot attack citing BJP's Lok Sabha poll slogan "bahut hua seema par waar; Abki baar Modi sarkaar" (enough of attacks on the border; this time it is Modi government which will respond).
The prime minister today visited the strategic Pathankot Air Force base for a first-hand assessment of the situation in the aftermath of the terror attack last Saturday.
Six terrorists, believed to owe allegiance to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were gunned down by the security forces after a four-day gun battle. Seven Indian security personnel also lost their lives.
The operation to ensure that no terrorist was hiding was carried out jointly by Army, NSG and IAF's Garud commandos.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had also visited the base on January 5.
NEW DELHI: Congress today hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Pathankot Air Force base a week after the terror attack, saying it has got relegated to a mere "photo op"."Eight days after the Pathankot terror incident depicting failure of Modi government on national security and fight against terror, PM's belated visit has got relegated to a mere photo op.
"Need of the hour is to ensure action by Pakistan against Jaish-e- Mohammad, a thorough review of internal security safeguards and affixing responsibility for security lapses. We hope Modiji will inform the nation about action taken on these key issues," AICC Communication Department chief Randeep Surjewala told reporters in New Delhi.
In a photo tweet on party twitter handle, Congress also told the Prime Minister that "he celebrates the birthday of Pakistani Prime Minister with great enthusiasm but it takes him eight days to take care of Pathankot."
"PM Modi diverted plane to Pakistan to greet Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on his b'day, but took 8 days to reach Pathankot!," the party said in another tweet.
"There is no action on terror. Whether Modi government will run like this (Karte Nahin Aatank pe waar, Kya Aise he chalegi Modi Sarkaar)," Congress said coining a new slogan to attack Modi government.
The party had been targeting Modi government after the Pathankot attack citing BJP's Lok Sabha poll slogan "bahut hua seema par waar; Abki baar Modi sarkaar" (enough of attacks on the border; this time it is Modi government which will respond).
The prime minister today visited the strategic Pathankot Air Force base for a first-hand assessment of the situation in the aftermath of the terror attack last Saturday.
Six terrorists, believed to owe allegiance to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were gunned down by the security forces after a four-day gun battle. Seven Indian security personnel also lost their lives.
The operation to ensure that no terrorist was hiding was carried out jointly by Army, NSG and IAF's Garud commandos.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had also visited the base on January 5.
Andhra Pradesh Government Sets In Motion Its Plan To Provide Housing To Poor
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HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today directed officials to enumerate details of people in the state who do not have a house or land.
In a tele-conference with about 8,000 officials on different issues today, Mr Naidu said, "Our government's aim is to provide a house to every poor family," he was quoted as saying in an official release.
He asked the officials to undertake field-level visits to prepare an action plan to achieve the goal of providing houses to the deprived sections.
Talking about the government's programme of 'Chandranna Sankranti Kanuka' (a programme of distributing gifts like dal, rice and ghee for the harvest festival of Sankranti), he told the officials that any irregularities in its implementation would be not spared.
"The government has initiated distribution of 'Chandranna Kanuka' to lighten up the festive spirit among people. But, it has come to our notice that some people are supplying sub-standard goods. Such acts will not be tolerated," he was quoted as saying in the release.
He directed the district Collectors to take strict action against those who were hurting the state government's image by doing such acts.
Mr Naidu asked the state administration to work towards achieving 100 per cent results in 20 'non-negotiable indicators'. "Encourage the villages that have achieved favourable results and set up pylons commemorating their achievement.
Identify villages that have achieved results in economic indicators and happiness index and encourage them to strive harder," he said.
He also highlighted how West Godavari district utilised NREGA funds through convergence of funds for better results.
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today directed officials to enumerate details of people in the state who do not have a house or land.In a tele-conference with about 8,000 officials on different issues today, Mr Naidu said, "Our government's aim is to provide a house to every poor family," he was quoted as saying in an official release.
He asked the officials to undertake field-level visits to prepare an action plan to achieve the goal of providing houses to the deprived sections.
"The government has initiated distribution of 'Chandranna Kanuka' to lighten up the festive spirit among people. But, it has come to our notice that some people are supplying sub-standard goods. Such acts will not be tolerated," he was quoted as saying in the release.
He directed the district Collectors to take strict action against those who were hurting the state government's image by doing such acts.
Mr Naidu asked the state administration to work towards achieving 100 per cent results in 20 'non-negotiable indicators'. "Encourage the villages that have achieved favourable results and set up pylons commemorating their achievement.
Identify villages that have achieved results in economic indicators and happiness index and encourage them to strive harder," he said.
He also highlighted how West Godavari district utilised NREGA funds through convergence of funds for better results.
PDP, BJP Deny Any Differences Over Power Sharing In Jammu And Kashmir
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SRINAGAR: Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who were in a coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, today dismissed rumours of any rift between the two over future power sharing.
Following Mehbooba Mufti's refusal to take oath as the new chief minister in succession to her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed before the traditional four day period of mourning ended, speculations were rife in the state that serious differences had surfaced up between the PDP and the BJP over future power sharing.
Talking to some media persons, BJP's state unit chief Sat Pal Sharma said: "There are certainly no conditions from our side and there was no meeting of our leaders on government formation. We respect the right of the bereaved family of Mufti Sahib to mourn his death."
Mr Sharma confirmed he had received a letter from Governor NN Vohra on future government formation, adding the party will take a decision on it only after the mourning for Mr Sayeed is over.
He said the BJP was interested in peace and development in the state and his party wants to continue the coalition to continue on the path shown by Mr Sayeed.
Senior PDP leader and former education minister Naeem Akhtar also dismissed rumours about any conditions set forth by either his party or the BJP for forming the new government.
"Mufti Sahib was not only her father but guide, mentor and inspiration. We are not in any condition to discuss government formation at this moment. She (Mehbooba Mufti) is in mourning right now," he said.
He said the party leadership including the president will discuss and decide on government formation at an appropriate time.
SRINAGAR: Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who were in a coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, today dismissed rumours of any rift between the two over future power sharing.Following Mehbooba Mufti's refusal to take oath as the new chief minister in succession to her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed before the traditional four day period of mourning ended, speculations were rife in the state that serious differences had surfaced up between the PDP and the BJP over future power sharing.
Talking to some media persons, BJP's state unit chief Sat Pal Sharma said: "There are certainly no conditions from our side and there was no meeting of our leaders on government formation. We respect the right of the bereaved family of Mufti Sahib to mourn his death."
Mr Sharma confirmed he had received a letter from Governor NN Vohra on future government formation, adding the party will take a decision on it only after the mourning for Mr Sayeed is over.
He said the BJP was interested in peace and development in the state and his party wants to continue the coalition to continue on the path shown by Mr Sayeed.
Senior PDP leader and former education minister Naeem Akhtar also dismissed rumours about any conditions set forth by either his party or the BJP for forming the new government.
"Mufti Sahib was not only her father but guide, mentor and inspiration. We are not in any condition to discuss government formation at this moment. She (Mehbooba Mufti) is in mourning right now," he said.
He said the party leadership including the president will discuss and decide on government formation at an appropriate time.
Shyam Benegal-Led Censor Board Panel Meets Arun Jaitley
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MUMBAI: The committee headed by award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal to look into the revamp of the censor board met Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley in Mumbai today. The government had set up the committee on January 1.
The step to form the committee came after multiple several controversies around the Central Board of Film Certification or CBFC.
Pahlaj Nihalani's appointment as chairman of board had drawn much criticism and ridicule, including from the film industry, over several conservative decisions including a list of banned words and removing kissing scenes from the James Bond film Spectre.
At the first meeting of the committee set by the government to reform the board, Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley explained the government's point of view to the committee.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajvardhan Singh Rathore told reporters: "The government does not want to decide what people should watch or not watch. The CBFC must decide that. Structuring and administration process of CBFC needs to be looked at and amended if necessary."
Besides Mr Benegal, the committee consists of ad guru Piyush Pandey, filmmaker Rakeysh Mehra, film critic Bhawana Somaiya, National Film Development Council managing director Nina Lath Gupta and Joint Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy. It will submit its report in two months.
The chairman of the committee has made it clear that it will address concerns of the film industry.
"The main thing is that the attempt should be not to use scissors. India is a complex country so guidelines have to be formed carefully but you have to be careful not to become censorious," Mr Benegal, advocating the use of the term 'certification board' instead of censor board for the CBFC.
MUMBAI: The committee headed by award-winning filmmaker Shyam Benegal to look into the revamp of the censor board met Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley in Mumbai today. The government had set up the committee on January 1.The step to form the committee came after multiple several controversies around the Central Board of Film Certification or CBFC.
Pahlaj Nihalani's appointment as chairman of board had drawn much criticism and ridicule, including from the film industry, over several conservative decisions including a list of banned words and removing kissing scenes from the James Bond film Spectre.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajvardhan Singh Rathore told reporters: "The government does not want to decide what people should watch or not watch. The CBFC must decide that. Structuring and administration process of CBFC needs to be looked at and amended if necessary."
Besides Mr Benegal, the committee consists of ad guru Piyush Pandey, filmmaker Rakeysh Mehra, film critic Bhawana Somaiya, National Film Development Council managing director Nina Lath Gupta and Joint Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy. It will submit its report in two months.
The chairman of the committee has made it clear that it will address concerns of the film industry.
"The main thing is that the attempt should be not to use scissors. India is a complex country so guidelines have to be formed carefully but you have to be careful not to become censorious," Mr Benegal, advocating the use of the term 'certification board' instead of censor board for the CBFC.
Few Russian Strikes In Syria Are Against ISIS, Says US Official
- Only a third of Russia's air strikes in Syria are targeting ISIS and its imprecise attacks are forcing the population to flee, fuelling Europe's refugee crisis, a senior US official said on Saturday.
Of the 5,000 air strikes carried out by Russia since it began its air offensive in Syria on September 30, about 70 per cent hit rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, rather than supporting the efforts of the US-led coalition, the official told reporters in Brussels.
Rescue workers and rights groups say Russia's bombing in Syria has killed scores of civilians at busy market places and in residential areas. Russia denies this.
The Kremlin launched its air strikes saying it wanted to help Assad, its main Middle East ally, defeat ISIS and other militant groups.
"We are not convinced of what the Russian intentions are," the official said on condition of anonymity.
"For a while, very few strikes were going against ISIL and after a lot of public condemnation they turned a number of strikes against ISIL," the official said, referring to ISIS, the militant group that controls territory in Syria and Iraq.
The US official said Russia used fewer precision-guided munitions than the United States and its allies.
"The Russian strikes that are not precise cause me great concern because I think there is an indirect correlation to the refugee flow," the official said. "It is not just the pressure it is putting on NATO and the EU, it is also the humanitarian cost," the official said.
Amnesty International said last month that Moscow's actions had violated humanitarian law. Amnesty estimates at least 200 civilians were killed by Russian air strikes between September 30 and November 29, which Russia denies.
Russia's Defence Ministry has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, saying it takes great care to avoid bombing residential areas.
Syria's civil war which began in 2011 has driven 4.4 million Syrians into neighbouring states from where many are trying to reach Europe.
Of the 5,000 air strikes carried out by Russia since it began its air offensive in Syria on September 30, about 70 per cent hit rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad, rather than supporting the efforts of the US-led coalition, the official told reporters in Brussels.
Rescue workers and rights groups say Russia's bombing in Syria has killed scores of civilians at busy market places and in residential areas. Russia denies this.
The Kremlin launched its air strikes saying it wanted to help Assad, its main Middle East ally, defeat ISIS and other militant groups.
"We are not convinced of what the Russian intentions are," the official said on condition of anonymity.
"For a while, very few strikes were going against ISIL and after a lot of public condemnation they turned a number of strikes against ISIL," the official said, referring to ISIS, the militant group that controls territory in Syria and Iraq.
The US official said Russia used fewer precision-guided munitions than the United States and its allies.
"The Russian strikes that are not precise cause me great concern because I think there is an indirect correlation to the refugee flow," the official said. "It is not just the pressure it is putting on NATO and the EU, it is also the humanitarian cost," the official said.
Amnesty International said last month that Moscow's actions had violated humanitarian law. Amnesty estimates at least 200 civilians were killed by Russian air strikes between September 30 and November 29, which Russia denies.
Russia's Defence Ministry has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, saying it takes great care to avoid bombing residential areas.
Syria's civil war which began in 2011 has driven 4.4 million Syrians into neighbouring states from where many are trying to reach Europe.
Business Affairs
Hindustan Zinc to invest Rs 8,000 crore to expand mining operations
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Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) will invest Rs 8,000 crore in the next 3-5 years as the Vedanta Group firm looks to expand operations and capacity.
The firm aims to take the existing ore production levels of 9.36 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 14 MTPA and finished metal production to 1.10 MTPA from 0.85 MTPA, Hindustan Zinc said in a statement.
"As the company celebrates its Golden Jubilee year, it is all set to invest another Rs 8,000 crore in the coming 3-5 years on expansion of its mines and smelting operations," it added.
Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal said: "When we acquired HZL as part of government's disinvestment programme in 2002, our focus was to make India self-sufficient in zinc.
"We are very proud that by adopting latest environment friendly technology, large investment in capacity expansions and continuous exploration, HZL is able to increase production five-fold and yet have reserves for another 30 years," Agarwal said.
HZL, which is celebrating 50 years of existence in 2016, has mines located in Agucha, Sindesar Khurd, Zawar, Rajpura Dariba, and Kayad in Rajasthan. Its smelters are located in Dariba, Chanderiya and Debari, also in Rajasthan.
It was formed under an Act of Parliament on January 10, 1966 as an integrated zinc-lead-silver producing company.
In 2002, under the government's disinvestment programme, Hindustan Zinc was acquired by Sterlite, now called Vedanta Ltd.
The investment of Rs 12,000 crore in the past years have brought many changes in not just asset optimisation but also building new facilities into the business to give value to the shareholders, the statement said.
It produces 474 MW of captive thermal power and 274 MW of wind energy.
HZL CEO Sunil Duggal said the firm is exploring new areas where zinc could add value to consumers.
"We are exploring the possibilities of galvanizing of car bodies and structures to increase their life-span," he added.
The company is also looking to set-up a new fertiliser plant with a capacity to manufacture 0.5 MTPA of Di-Ammonium Phosphate in district Udaipur with an estimated investment of Rs 1,350 crore.
Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) will invest Rs 8,000 crore in the next 3-5 years as the Vedanta Group firm looks to expand operations and capacity.
The firm aims to take the existing ore production levels of 9.36 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 14 MTPA and finished metal production to 1.10 MTPA from 0.85 MTPA, Hindustan Zinc said in a statement.
"As the company celebrates its Golden Jubilee year, it is all set to invest another Rs 8,000 crore in the coming 3-5 years on expansion of its mines and smelting operations," it added.
Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal said: "When we acquired HZL as part of government's disinvestment programme in 2002, our focus was to make India self-sufficient in zinc.
"We are very proud that by adopting latest environment friendly technology, large investment in capacity expansions and continuous exploration, HZL is able to increase production five-fold and yet have reserves for another 30 years," Agarwal said.
HZL, which is celebrating 50 years of existence in 2016, has mines located in Agucha, Sindesar Khurd, Zawar, Rajpura Dariba, and Kayad in Rajasthan. Its smelters are located in Dariba, Chanderiya and Debari, also in Rajasthan.
It was formed under an Act of Parliament on January 10, 1966 as an integrated zinc-lead-silver producing company.
In 2002, under the government's disinvestment programme, Hindustan Zinc was acquired by Sterlite, now called Vedanta Ltd.
The investment of Rs 12,000 crore in the past years have brought many changes in not just asset optimisation but also building new facilities into the business to give value to the shareholders, the statement said.
It produces 474 MW of captive thermal power and 274 MW of wind energy.
HZL CEO Sunil Duggal said the firm is exploring new areas where zinc could add value to consumers.
"We are exploring the possibilities of galvanizing of car bodies and structures to increase their life-span," he added.
The company is also looking to set-up a new fertiliser plant with a capacity to manufacture 0.5 MTPA of Di-Ammonium Phosphate in district Udaipur with an estimated investment of Rs 1,350 crore.
ED charge-sheets Marans in Aircel-Maxis case
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi and the latter's wife Kavery in the money laundering case related to the Aircel-Maxis deal in a special court on Friday.
K. Shanmugam, managing director of M/s South Asia FM Limited (SAFL), and two companies-M/s Sun Direct TV Private Limited (SDTPL) and SAFL-were also named as accused in the case, filed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The charge sheet alleged that the proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 742.58 crore were paid by Mauritius-based companies for Dayanidhi in SDTPL and SAFL, according to a press note.
The ED further alleged that the two firms were owned and controlled by Kalanithi and the money was utilised by the companies in their business. The charge sheet was filed before Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge O.P. Saini, who fixed next date for hearing on January 18. The ED stated that it had attached assets held by Dayanidhi, Kalanithi, Kavery and others equivalent to amount of proceeds of crime of Rs 742.58 crore under PMLA. The agency also claimed that Dayanidhi had obtained Rs 742.58 crore through companies of his relatives by camouflaging the proceeds of the crime as capital contribution in SDTPL and SAFL and committed the offence of money laundering in receiving the amount in the companies owned and controlled by Kalanithi and Kavery.
The ED added that the investigation had revealed that promoters of SDTPL are Kalanithi and Kavery, who were holding 80 per cent shares. "SDTPL is owned and controlled by Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi being shareholders and in the Board of directors as chairman and director respectively," it said. The agency said that SDTPL had received proceeds of the crime amounting to Rs 549.03 crore for Dayanidhi in the guise of foreign investment, which has been consumed by the company in its business. The ED said that shareholders of SAFL were Kalanithi-controlled M/s Sun TV Network Limited, which holds 60-per cent stake, and two Mauritius-based companies.
In August 2014, the CBI too had chargesheeted the Maran brothers, Malaysian business tycoon T. Ananda Krishnan, Malaysian national Augustus Ralph Marshall and four companies-Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd, Maxis Communication Berhad, South Asia Entertainment Holding and Astro All Asia Network PLC in the case. The CBI had earlier alleged in court that Dayanidhi had pressured and forced Chennai-based telecom promoter C. Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel and two subsidiary firms to Malaysian firm Maxis Group in 2006.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet against former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi and the latter's wife Kavery in the money laundering case related to the Aircel-Maxis deal in a special court on Friday.
K. Shanmugam, managing director of M/s South Asia FM Limited (SAFL), and two companies-M/s Sun Direct TV Private Limited (SDTPL) and SAFL-were also named as accused in the case, filed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The charge sheet alleged that the proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 742.58 crore were paid by Mauritius-based companies for Dayanidhi in SDTPL and SAFL, according to a press note.
The ED further alleged that the two firms were owned and controlled by Kalanithi and the money was utilised by the companies in their business. The charge sheet was filed before Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge O.P. Saini, who fixed next date for hearing on January 18. The ED stated that it had attached assets held by Dayanidhi, Kalanithi, Kavery and others equivalent to amount of proceeds of crime of Rs 742.58 crore under PMLA. The agency also claimed that Dayanidhi had obtained Rs 742.58 crore through companies of his relatives by camouflaging the proceeds of the crime as capital contribution in SDTPL and SAFL and committed the offence of money laundering in receiving the amount in the companies owned and controlled by Kalanithi and Kavery.
The ED added that the investigation had revealed that promoters of SDTPL are Kalanithi and Kavery, who were holding 80 per cent shares. "SDTPL is owned and controlled by Kalanithi Maran and Kavery Kalanithi being shareholders and in the Board of directors as chairman and director respectively," it said. The agency said that SDTPL had received proceeds of the crime amounting to Rs 549.03 crore for Dayanidhi in the guise of foreign investment, which has been consumed by the company in its business. The ED said that shareholders of SAFL were Kalanithi-controlled M/s Sun TV Network Limited, which holds 60-per cent stake, and two Mauritius-based companies.
In August 2014, the CBI too had chargesheeted the Maran brothers, Malaysian business tycoon T. Ananda Krishnan, Malaysian national Augustus Ralph Marshall and four companies-Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd, Maxis Communication Berhad, South Asia Entertainment Holding and Astro All Asia Network PLC in the case. The CBI had earlier alleged in court that Dayanidhi had pressured and forced Chennai-based telecom promoter C. Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel and two subsidiary firms to Malaysian firm Maxis Group in 2006.
Citi, Barclays, 38 others willing to partner India Post: Govt
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As many as 40 domestic and multinational financial giants, including Citigroup, Barclays and ICICI Bank, have sought to partner India Post for its upcoming payments bank, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Saturday.
"You have only got the in-principle approval, and other aspects like appointing a consultant are on, but already 40 big financial services groups from the country and abroad have evinced interest in a tie-up with the Postal Department," the Communications and IT Minister said while addressing postal employees.
He named American banking giant Citigroup, British lender Barclays and the country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank among those who have sent tie-up proposals.
Prasad said the department is aiming to get the bank operational by March 2017.
He said some of the requests are for selling insurance, while some seek to provide government-to-citizen and company-to-citizen services.
The Postal Department features in a list of 11 entities who were given the go-ahead by the Reserve Bank last August to set up payments banks, aimed at promoting financial inclusion through deepening the formal financial system by focusing on transactional banking.
India Post is the only state-run entity to feature in the list, which is populated by industrial houses like the Birlas, Ambanis, and Mahindras, apart from telecom biggies like Airtel and Vodafone.
The Department's reach, spanning 1.54 lakh touch points across the country, is its strength and the employees should leverage it for maximising revenue, he said.
Prasad said as against a dip of 2 per cent in 2013-14, the revenue of the department grew 37 per cent in FY15 and has jumped 120 per cent till December 2015. He, however, did not give the absolute figures.
As many as 40 domestic and multinational financial giants, including Citigroup, Barclays and ICICI Bank, have sought to partner India Post for its upcoming payments bank, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Saturday.
"You have only got the in-principle approval, and other aspects like appointing a consultant are on, but already 40 big financial services groups from the country and abroad have evinced interest in a tie-up with the Postal Department," the Communications and IT Minister said while addressing postal employees.
He named American banking giant Citigroup, British lender Barclays and the country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank among those who have sent tie-up proposals.
Prasad said the department is aiming to get the bank operational by March 2017.
He said some of the requests are for selling insurance, while some seek to provide government-to-citizen and company-to-citizen services.
The Postal Department features in a list of 11 entities who were given the go-ahead by the Reserve Bank last August to set up payments banks, aimed at promoting financial inclusion through deepening the formal financial system by focusing on transactional banking.
India Post is the only state-run entity to feature in the list, which is populated by industrial houses like the Birlas, Ambanis, and Mahindras, apart from telecom biggies like Airtel and Vodafone.
The Department's reach, spanning 1.54 lakh touch points across the country, is its strength and the employees should leverage it for maximising revenue, he said.
Prasad said as against a dip of 2 per cent in 2013-14, the revenue of the department grew 37 per cent in FY15 and has jumped 120 per cent till December 2015. He, however, did not give the absolute figures.
Court sends Pearls Group CMD, others to 10-day CBI custody
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Pearls Group CMD Nirmal Singh Bhangoo and three others, arrested in connection with alleged swindling of Rs 45,000 crore from over five crore investors, were on Saturday remanded to 10-day CBI custody by a Delhi court.
Metropolitan Magistrate Harvinder Singh sent Bhangoo and three top executives of Pearls Group of companies in CBI's custody till January 19 after the agency said their custodial interrogation was required to find out the money trail and unearth the entire conspiracy. Apart from Bhangoo, CMD of Pearls Golden Forest Ltd (PGF) and ex-Chairman of Pearls Australasia Pty Limited, the other three arrested are Sukhdev Singh, MD and Promoter-Director of Pearls Agrotech Corporation Ltd (PACL),Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director (Finance) and Subrata Bhattacharya, ED in the PGF/PACL.
They were arrested under charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating of the IPC. During the hearing, CBI argued that huge money was bungled by the accused who had duped so many investors by luring them with attractive land deals. The police's plea for their custody was opposed by the counsel representing the accused persons. Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, who appeared for Bhangoo, argued that a preliminary enquiry was registered in the matter in 2013 and an FIR was lodged by CBI in 2014. He said the investigation in the case has been going on for the past two years and there was nothing left for questioning now.
The counsel claimed that Bhangoo and the three others were called to the CBI office on Friday for questioning in the morning and arrested thereafter. They were produced before the court this afternoon, after more than 24 hours in violation of the law, he alleged.
The arrest came after two years of CBI probe ordered by the Apex Court in the country's largest reported ponzi scam. During the probe in the last two years, CBI had found 1300 bank accounts of the suspect company, their directors, and associated firms.
Pearls Group CMD Nirmal Singh Bhangoo and three others, arrested in connection with alleged swindling of Rs 45,000 crore from over five crore investors, were on Saturday remanded to 10-day CBI custody by a Delhi court.
Metropolitan Magistrate Harvinder Singh sent Bhangoo and three top executives of Pearls Group of companies in CBI's custody till January 19 after the agency said their custodial interrogation was required to find out the money trail and unearth the entire conspiracy. Apart from Bhangoo, CMD of Pearls Golden Forest Ltd (PGF) and ex-Chairman of Pearls Australasia Pty Limited, the other three arrested are Sukhdev Singh, MD and Promoter-Director of Pearls Agrotech Corporation Ltd (PACL),Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director (Finance) and Subrata Bhattacharya, ED in the PGF/PACL.
They were arrested under charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating of the IPC. During the hearing, CBI argued that huge money was bungled by the accused who had duped so many investors by luring them with attractive land deals. The police's plea for their custody was opposed by the counsel representing the accused persons. Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, who appeared for Bhangoo, argued that a preliminary enquiry was registered in the matter in 2013 and an FIR was lodged by CBI in 2014. He said the investigation in the case has been going on for the past two years and there was nothing left for questioning now.
The counsel claimed that Bhangoo and the three others were called to the CBI office on Friday for questioning in the morning and arrested thereafter. They were produced before the court this afternoon, after more than 24 hours in violation of the law, he alleged.
The arrest came after two years of CBI probe ordered by the Apex Court in the country's largest reported ponzi scam. During the probe in the last two years, CBI had found 1300 bank accounts of the suspect company, their directors, and associated firms.
Beijing to shut down 2,500 polluting firms this year
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The Chinese capital Beijing will shut down 2,500 polluting firms in 2016 in its latest environmental protection efforts to reduce pollution as the city continues to be engulfed by smog most part of the year.
The Fengtai, Fangshan, Tongzhou and Daxing districts are required to close 2,500 enterprises at the end of this year while the whole city will finish the task in 2017.
Structural adjustment in recent years has led to a dramatic fall of heavily polluting and high energy-consuming companies in the Chinese capital.
But small polluting sources such as restaurants, hotels, garages, and bath houses are increasing, an official said.
Vice Mayor Li Shixiang ordered safety and risk assessment and comprehensive law enforcement in closure of small polluters, state run Xinhua news agency reported.
Beijing aims to basically eliminate coal use in six downtown districts in two years and help 600,000 households shift from coal to clean energy in five years.
The capital, hit by bouts of heavy smog this winter, plans to reduce coal consumption by 500,000 tonnes in 2016 and close all coal-fired boilers throughout the city by 2020.
Despite Beijing's effort to limit air pollution, its average PM2.5 reading in 2015 stood at 80.6 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.3 times more than the national standard, official data showed.
Beijing's average PM2.5 density of the small deadly polluted particles rose by 75.9 per cent year-on-year in the period from November 15 to December 31, 2015 during which China has sounded its first ever red alert over pollution warranting a host of emergency measures.
Beijing witnessed continuous smoggy days this winter, due to high pollution and unfavourable weather.
The local government issued red alerts, the highest, for heavy air pollution twice.
China has a four-tier warning system, with red as the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Red alert warrants closure of schools, construction work and implementation of odd and even number plate rule for all vehicles.
The Chinese capital Beijing will shut down 2,500 polluting firms in 2016 in its latest environmental protection efforts to reduce pollution as the city continues to be engulfed by smog most part of the year.
The Fengtai, Fangshan, Tongzhou and Daxing districts are required to close 2,500 enterprises at the end of this year while the whole city will finish the task in 2017.
Structural adjustment in recent years has led to a dramatic fall of heavily polluting and high energy-consuming companies in the Chinese capital.
But small polluting sources such as restaurants, hotels, garages, and bath houses are increasing, an official said.
Vice Mayor Li Shixiang ordered safety and risk assessment and comprehensive law enforcement in closure of small polluters, state run Xinhua news agency reported.
Beijing aims to basically eliminate coal use in six downtown districts in two years and help 600,000 households shift from coal to clean energy in five years.
The capital, hit by bouts of heavy smog this winter, plans to reduce coal consumption by 500,000 tonnes in 2016 and close all coal-fired boilers throughout the city by 2020.
Despite Beijing's effort to limit air pollution, its average PM2.5 reading in 2015 stood at 80.6 micrograms per cubic meter, 1.3 times more than the national standard, official data showed.
Beijing's average PM2.5 density of the small deadly polluted particles rose by 75.9 per cent year-on-year in the period from November 15 to December 31, 2015 during which China has sounded its first ever red alert over pollution warranting a host of emergency measures.
Beijing witnessed continuous smoggy days this winter, due to high pollution and unfavourable weather.
The local government issued red alerts, the highest, for heavy air pollution twice.
China has a four-tier warning system, with red as the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
Red alert warrants closure of schools, construction work and implementation of odd and even number plate rule for all vehicles.
General Awareness
INS Kadmatt, anti-submarine warfare corvette commissioned
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INS Kadmatt, the second ship of Project 28 (P28) class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes has been inducted into the Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy.
- With the changing power dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Kadmatt will augment the mobility, reach and flexibility of Indian Navy.
- The ship is commanded by Commander Mahesh Chandra Moudgil.
About INS Kadmatt
INS Kadmatt is named after one of the large islands amongst the Lakshadweep group of islands off the west coast of India.
General characteristics
Length 109 m (358 ft)
Beam 12.8 m (42 ft)
Displacement 3,000 tons
Aircraft carried 1 x helicopter
- The ships of P28 class have been constructed using high grade steel (DMR 249A)produced in India.
- It is propelled by four diesel engines to achieve speeds in excess of 25 knots (46 km/h)with an endurance of 3450 Nm.
- It has been built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of Kolkata.
- It has a multitude of networks such as Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS),Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Battle Damage Control System (BDCS) and Personnel Locator System (PLS) to provide a contemporary and process oriented System of Systems for optimal functioning of the warship.
- The ship is indigenous and the ship is equipped to fight in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.
- It include the rail-less helo traversing system and foldable hangar door for the integral ASW helicopter.
- INS Kadmatt, the second ship of Project 28 (P28) class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes has been inducted into the Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy.
- With the changing power dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Kadmatt will augment the mobility, reach and flexibility of Indian Navy.
- The ship is commanded by Commander Mahesh Chandra Moudgil.
INS Kadmatt is named after one of the large islands amongst the Lakshadweep group of islands off the west coast of India.General characteristics
Length 109 m (358 ft)
Beam 12.8 m (42 ft)
Displacement 3,000 tons
Aircraft carried 1 x helicopter- The ships of P28 class have been constructed using high grade steel (DMR 249A)produced in India.
- It is propelled by four diesel engines to achieve speeds in excess of 25 knots (46 km/h)with an endurance of 3450 Nm.
- It has been built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers of Kolkata.
- It has a multitude of networks such as Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS),Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Battle Damage Control System (BDCS) and Personnel Locator System (PLS) to provide a contemporary and process oriented System of Systems for optimal functioning of the warship.
- The ship is indigenous and the ship is equipped to fight in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare conditions.
- It include the rail-less helo traversing system and foldable hangar door for the integral ASW helicopter.
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