0815 HRS.
23rd May, 2013
23rd May, 2013
THE HEADLINES:
- Prime Minister says inflation coming under control ; claims economy will register over 6 per cent growth in the current fiscal.
- UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi criticises the opposition for disrupting Parliament proceedings and preventing crucial legislations from being passed.
- Income Tax Department begins probe against cricketers and bookies arrested in connection with the IPL Spot Fixing scandal.
- American writer Lydia Davis bags this year's Man Booker International Prize for literature.
- Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in the Eliminator match.
<><><>
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that the economy will clock more than six per cent growth in the current fiscal. He said, economy will grow at eight per cent in the 12th plan period with agriculture registering a growth of four per cent. Dr. Singh was addressing a function to mark the fourth year of UPA II government and release of Report to the People in New Delhi last evening. Prime minister said that slow down in the economy is due to many factors including a meltdown in the western countries.
"We are confident that growth in 2013-14 will be better than 2012-13 and could exceed 6% This will set the stage for trying to achieve the 12th plan target of 8% growth for the 5 year period. This I recognize will be difficult, but it is not impossible."
Dr. Singh said that the current account deficit will come down gradually.
"The economic situation is turning around, inflation is coming under control, the fiscal deficit is being brought under control, the current account deficit is high but we will bring it down gradually."The Prime Minister enumerated the four key achievements of the government as improved performance of the economy, inclusive growth, delivery of better services and governance and improved relations with changing and challenging world.
Talking about problems of governance, Dr. Singh said these problems have to be addressed by both the Centre and the States. He said, the UPA government has taken several steps to improve governance and accountability and has done more in this area than any other government.
On India's relations with the world, the Prime Minister said, India has deepened its relationship with the United States, Russia, and Europe and civil nuclear agreement with the US has opened a new chapter in India’s technological development. He pointed out that relations with China are showing country's ability to manage difficult issues while working together in areas of convergence.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in her address, came down heavily on the main opposition BJP for disrupting Parliament proceedings and preventing crucial legislations from being passed. Expressing disappointment over the manner in which Parliament was prevented from functioning and fulfilling its constitutional role and democratic obligations, she said, the UPA has not been able to get crucial legislations enacted entirely because of this obstructionist approach.
"I take this opportunity to make a fervent plea to the NDA and other opposition parties. Let us come together and collectively ensure the passage of the food security and land acquisition bills and other important bills."Maintaining that the Prime Minister has been subjected to unrelenting hostility and abuse by the Opposition, Mrs Gandhi said, the UPA respects him and stands by him.
"We are confident that growth in 2013-14 will be better than 2012-13 and could exceed 6% This will set the stage for trying to achieve the 12th plan target of 8% growth for the 5 year period. This I recognize will be difficult, but it is not impossible."
Dr. Singh said that the current account deficit will come down gradually.
"The economic situation is turning around, inflation is coming under control, the fiscal deficit is being brought under control, the current account deficit is high but we will bring it down gradually."The Prime Minister enumerated the four key achievements of the government as improved performance of the economy, inclusive growth, delivery of better services and governance and improved relations with changing and challenging world.
Talking about problems of governance, Dr. Singh said these problems have to be addressed by both the Centre and the States. He said, the UPA government has taken several steps to improve governance and accountability and has done more in this area than any other government.
On India's relations with the world, the Prime Minister said, India has deepened its relationship with the United States, Russia, and Europe and civil nuclear agreement with the US has opened a new chapter in India’s technological development. He pointed out that relations with China are showing country's ability to manage difficult issues while working together in areas of convergence.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in her address, came down heavily on the main opposition BJP for disrupting Parliament proceedings and preventing crucial legislations from being passed. Expressing disappointment over the manner in which Parliament was prevented from functioning and fulfilling its constitutional role and democratic obligations, she said, the UPA has not been able to get crucial legislations enacted entirely because of this obstructionist approach.
"I take this opportunity to make a fervent plea to the NDA and other opposition parties. Let us come together and collectively ensure the passage of the food security and land acquisition bills and other important bills."Maintaining that the Prime Minister has been subjected to unrelenting hostility and abuse by the Opposition, Mrs Gandhi said, the UPA respects him and stands by him.
<><><>
The Congress has charged BJP, the principal opposition party with playing negative role. Briefing reporters in New Delhi yesterday, party spokesperson, Renuka Choudhary alleged that BJP has not given any valuable suggestions to the government for policy making in the recent past.
"Ultimately it is the people who will judge and judge rightly, history will judge the BJP for the kind of negative role that they have played persistently, insistently and consistently."On the other hand, the BJP has alleged that the UPA government has failed on all fronts. Addressing a joint press conference with party senior leaders, Arun Jaitely in New Delhi yesterday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj expressed concern over the present economic situation in the country. She alleged that price rise of essential commodities during the UPA rule has caused misery to the common man.
"It will not be wrong to say that corruption during the present government was at its peak and its result is that consumers are bearing the brunt in the form of price rise."
"Ultimately it is the people who will judge and judge rightly, history will judge the BJP for the kind of negative role that they have played persistently, insistently and consistently."On the other hand, the BJP has alleged that the UPA government has failed on all fronts. Addressing a joint press conference with party senior leaders, Arun Jaitely in New Delhi yesterday, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj expressed concern over the present economic situation in the country. She alleged that price rise of essential commodities during the UPA rule has caused misery to the common man.
"It will not be wrong to say that corruption during the present government was at its peak and its result is that consumers are bearing the brunt in the form of price rise."
<><><>
New just in - Wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Hilal Molvi killed in an encounter in Fatehkadal area of Srinagar early today. Police said, Hilal Moulvi was a top commander of the outfit.
<><><>
The Income Tax department has begun a probe against cricketers and bookies arrested in connection with the IPL spot fixing scandal. The IT department got in touch with investigators in Delhi and Mumbai Police and initiated tax evasion and suspected hawala dealings related to the probe. Enforcement Directorate, ED is also expected to proceed against spot fixers as it is planning to initiate a money laundering probe soon.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has claimed that a third set of bookies paid 15 lakh rupees to the Rajasthan Royals player Ajit Chandila for spot fixing during 17th IPL match which was played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals inHyderabad. The Delhi police said that Chandila could not do so as he was arrested before the match. Police said, during interrogation, the arrested bookie Sunil Bhatia admitted that he also fixed some Indian Cricket League matches with the help of arrested former Ranji player Baburao Yadav.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has claimed that a third set of bookies paid 15 lakh rupees to the Rajasthan Royals player Ajit Chandila for spot fixing during 17th IPL match which was played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals inHyderabad. The Delhi police said that Chandila could not do so as he was arrested before the match. Police said, during interrogation, the arrested bookie Sunil Bhatia admitted that he also fixed some Indian Cricket League matches with the help of arrested former Ranji player Baburao Yadav.
<><><>
In Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party has expelled former Minister Omwati Devi and her husband RK Singh from the party for their alleged indiscipline and working against the party's interests. Mr Singh had contested last Lok Sabha polls unsuccessfully from Nagina Lok Sabha seat as BSP nominee. The duo has announced to organise a rally on the 26 of this month at Nagina in Bijnore district.
<><><>
For news updates, follow us on Twitter @ airnewsalerts. For regional and national news of AIR download free All India Radio News application on any android based mobile phone.
<><><>
The Heat wave continued to sweep most parts of the country affecting normal life. Temperature in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar district touched 48.2 degrees Celsius yesterday. Chandrapur in Vidarbha region of Mahatashtra also recorded a maximum of 48.2 degree Celsius. Delhi sizzled at 44.9 degrees, the highest temperature of this season so far.
Our correspondent reports that Jammu city experienced the hottest day of this season yesterday.
"Plains of the entire Jammu region is in the grip of an intense heat wave and the heat wave situation has worsened following further rise in temperature. Scorching heat wave conditions persists without any break and according to a Met official the maximum temperature in the city shot at least seven notches above average. MeT Department further predicts that there will be no respite from blistering heat in the next couple of days. Chander Kant Sharma AIR NEWS Jammu.Uttar Pradesh also remained in the grip of blistering heat, where Banda in the Bundelkhand region recorded a high of 47.6 degrees Celsius.
In Odisha, Talcher district in the coal belt was the hottest with a maximum of 46.6 degrees.
Our correspondent reports that Jammu city experienced the hottest day of this season yesterday.
"Plains of the entire Jammu region is in the grip of an intense heat wave and the heat wave situation has worsened following further rise in temperature. Scorching heat wave conditions persists without any break and according to a Met official the maximum temperature in the city shot at least seven notches above average. MeT Department further predicts that there will be no respite from blistering heat in the next couple of days. Chander Kant Sharma AIR NEWS Jammu.Uttar Pradesh also remained in the grip of blistering heat, where Banda in the Bundelkhand region recorded a high of 47.6 degrees Celsius.
In Odisha, Talcher district in the coal belt was the hottest with a maximum of 46.6 degrees.
<><><>
President Pranab Mukherjee will arrive in Shimla on a three-days visit to Himachal Pradesh today. This will be his first visit to the state after becoming the President. He will take part in different functions to be held in Shimla tomorrow.
<><><>
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari yesterday held meetings with the chairman of the Uzbnekistan Senate I. Sabirov and the Speaker of the of the Legislative Chamber Tashmukhamedova in Tashkent. Our correspondent has filed this report:
Proximity and familiarity don't always breed contempt. Indo- Uzbek relationship is 7 centuries old and the excellent ties owe the geographical proximity. One can easily find several Uzbek speaking in chaste Urdu and Hindi. Not only this there are many who are doing research in Indian Languages. This strong people to people cultural mount is also alive to hard realities of terrorism emanating from our neighborhood Afghanistan andPakistan and this cooperation is not limited to counter terrorism. The latest invitation for Indian investment is bound to bring good returns for both of us and mark the ties silkier. Mohd Naseem AIR news Tashkent.
Proximity and familiarity don't always breed contempt. Indo- Uzbek relationship is 7 centuries old and the excellent ties owe the geographical proximity. One can easily find several Uzbek speaking in chaste Urdu and Hindi. Not only this there are many who are doing research in Indian Languages. This strong people to people cultural mount is also alive to hard realities of terrorism emanating from our neighborhood Afghanistan andPakistan and this cooperation is not limited to counter terrorism. The latest invitation for Indian investment is bound to bring good returns for both of us and mark the ties silkier. Mohd Naseem AIR news Tashkent.
The Vice President will visit Samarkand today.
<><><>
India and Saudi Arabia have resolved the issue of refusal of new Indian passports by immigration authorities in Jeddah which had caused concern among the Indian expatriates in the Kingdom. This was disclosed by Deputy Chief of Mission of Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Sibi George. He said, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hamid Ali Rao met Saudi Deputy Minister of Interior Ahmed Al-Saleh in the wake of reports that immigration officials in Jeddah refused to accept new Indian passports.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will pay a 4-day visit to Saudi Arabia beginning tomorrow.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will pay a 4-day visit to Saudi Arabia beginning tomorrow.
<><><>
In a suspected terror attack, a person believed to be British soldier was yesterday beheaded in London by two men, who were shot and wounded by the police. A senior officer said, British police shot and wounded two men, after reports that a soldier was killed in a Woolwich street near London army barracks.
<><><>
American writer Lydia Davis has won this year's Man Booker International Prize for her innovative and influential writing. A professor of creative writing at theUniversity of Albany, Ms. Davis is also an accomplished translator. Her works include 'The End of the Story' and 'Varieties of Disturbance'. The winner of the Prize was announced at the awards ceremony at Victoria the Albert Museum in London last night. Well-known Kannada author UR Ananthamurthy, the only Indian to be shortlisted for the prestigious award, lost to the New York based writer for the 60,000 pound prize.
<><><>
Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in the IPL Eliminator match in New Delhi last night. At the Feroze Shah Kotla, after restricting Sunrisers to 132 for seven, Rajasthan made 135 for six in 19.2 overs. For the winners, Man of the Match Brad Hodge scored an unbeaten 54 off just 29 deliveries.
<><><>
NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Most papers this morning report the Match fixing betting mess, exposing the deep rot in the system. "Betting Tracks lead to Chennai Super Kings writes Mail Today. "Fixing muck reaches Chennai, Super King boss to be grilled", reports the Hindustan Times. "Police prepare to question BCCI chief's son in law for betting links", is the Times of India headline.
The other major story covered by all newspapers is the function marking the 9th year of the UPA II government. "UPA anniversary; Congress goes on the offensive", writes the Statesman. "Show of unity as UPA II releases report card", is the Tribune headline. "UPA blows its own trumpet", writes the Pioneer.
In a horrifying incident reported by most papers, seven member of a family were brutally butchered in Gaziabad. According to the Statesman, the deceased include three minors. The Hindu adds that all seven were killed with a sharp edged weapon and the head of the family was a grain trader. The Hindustan Times writes that one of the drivers, who was recently sacked by the family appears to be the main suspect.
The Indian Express and Times of India write that the government of India has given its approval for Quadracycles to ply on city roads. According to the Financial Express, Bajaj auto will soon launch the RE 60 a small, low speed vehicle for a cleaner, safer and quieter world. According to the Hindu, the Quadracycle is a fully enclosed four wheeler for commercial use in the urban environment. Which will guarantee stability unlike the three wheeler that puts passengers at risk.
No comments:
Post a Comment