Saturday, 18 March 2017
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Bolt, Biles win Laureus Sportsperson of the year award
Monaco, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
Sprint king Usain Bolt pipped the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James to win the 'Sportsman of the Year' trophy for the record-equalling fourth time while gymnast Simone Biles clinched the top honour in the women's category at the Laureus World Awards here.
They are the little and large of sport – while Bolt stands 1.95 metres, Biles measures just 1.45 metres – but they were both giants at the Rio Olympics and enjoyed an ecstatic welcome as they received their statuettes here, the birthplace of the first ever Laureus awards 17 years ago.
Bolt, who won this award in 2009, 2010 and 2013, walked away with the ‘Oscar of Sports’ for the fourth time, joining tennis legends Roger Federer and Serena Williams, and surfer Kelly Slater as four-time Laureus award winner.
Bolt received his award from legendary Michael Johnson, who urged him not to break other people’s records.To which Bolt responded by saying, "I am sorry to have broken your record."
"Thanks for the wonderful award. Laureus is one of the biggest awards for me. This is my 4th award and to be equalling it with someone like Roger Federer is great. I am in great company. It is special," he added.
Olympic gymnastics champion Biles notched up the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ trophy, courtesy her brilliant show at the Rio Games, where she finished with four golds and a bronze.
"Wow! I am speechless, it’s an honour to receive this award from Prince Albert and Nadia Comaneci who I looked up to for so many years. This award isn’t only for me but also for all the other nominees in my category. We went through everything to be where we are, we have achieved so much, so thank you so much," said Biles.
The most decorated Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps bagged the ‘Comeback of the Year’ award after returning to the swimming pool and scooping five more gold medals.
After the 2012 Olympics, Phelps retired from swimming but came out of the retirement and subsequently at the Rio Games last year, he bagged as many as five gold medals and a silver. "Looking back at my career today, I can say that Rio was my greatest race," said Phelps.
Formula One champion Nico Rosberg claimed the Breakthrough of the year award. He ended runner-up in 2014 and 2015 but finally won the title last year. Rosberg said that the last two laps in Abu Dhabi were the most sensational moments in his racing career.
"I am really happy to have won the ‘Oscar of Sports’. The last two laps in Abu Dhabi, I didn’t know if my life’s dream was coming true. That stands second behind my wife giving birth to our girl," said Rosberg after winning the award.
In other categories, Italy’s Beatrice Vio, the only quadruple amputee in international wheelchair fencing, clinched the disability award, while the Olympic refugee team, led by Tegla Loroupe, won the Laureus Sport for Good award for sporting inspiration at the function, which was hosted by Hollywood star Hugh Grant.
The powerful surf therapy programme “Waves for Change” bagged the Sports for Good award. The South Africa based project used sport for vulnerable young adults growing up in the country’s most violent communities.
The world’s greatest downhill mountain biker Rachel Atherton won the Action Sportsperson of the year, while Leicester City bagged a special Laureus Spirit of Sport ward to mark their remarkable achievement by winning English football’s premier league.
Another historic team performance was Chicago Cubs’ first Major League Baseball World Series victory for 108 years. This feat won them Laureus Team of the year award. The winners were chosen by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
For the first time ever, sports fans had a chance to make their voices heard in a brand new Best Sporting Moment of the Year Award and that honour went to Barcelone Under-12 team.
They are the little and large of sport – while Bolt stands 1.95 metres, Biles measures just 1.45 metres – but they were both giants at the Rio Olympics and enjoyed an ecstatic welcome as they received their statuettes here, the birthplace of the first ever Laureus awards 17 years ago.
Bolt, who won this award in 2009, 2010 and 2013, walked away with the ‘Oscar of Sports’ for the fourth time, joining tennis legends Roger Federer and Serena Williams, and surfer Kelly Slater as four-time Laureus award winner.
Bolt received his award from legendary Michael Johnson, who urged him not to break other people’s records.To which Bolt responded by saying, "I am sorry to have broken your record."
"Thanks for the wonderful award. Laureus is one of the biggest awards for me. This is my 4th award and to be equalling it with someone like Roger Federer is great. I am in great company. It is special," he added.
Olympic gymnastics champion Biles notched up the ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ trophy, courtesy her brilliant show at the Rio Games, where she finished with four golds and a bronze.
"Wow! I am speechless, it’s an honour to receive this award from Prince Albert and Nadia Comaneci who I looked up to for so many years. This award isn’t only for me but also for all the other nominees in my category. We went through everything to be where we are, we have achieved so much, so thank you so much," said Biles.
The most decorated Olympian of all-time, Michael Phelps bagged the ‘Comeback of the Year’ award after returning to the swimming pool and scooping five more gold medals.
After the 2012 Olympics, Phelps retired from swimming but came out of the retirement and subsequently at the Rio Games last year, he bagged as many as five gold medals and a silver. "Looking back at my career today, I can say that Rio was my greatest race," said Phelps.
Formula One champion Nico Rosberg claimed the Breakthrough of the year award. He ended runner-up in 2014 and 2015 but finally won the title last year. Rosberg said that the last two laps in Abu Dhabi were the most sensational moments in his racing career.
"I am really happy to have won the ‘Oscar of Sports’. The last two laps in Abu Dhabi, I didn’t know if my life’s dream was coming true. That stands second behind my wife giving birth to our girl," said Rosberg after winning the award.
In other categories, Italy’s Beatrice Vio, the only quadruple amputee in international wheelchair fencing, clinched the disability award, while the Olympic refugee team, led by Tegla Loroupe, won the Laureus Sport for Good award for sporting inspiration at the function, which was hosted by Hollywood star Hugh Grant.
The powerful surf therapy programme “Waves for Change” bagged the Sports for Good award. The South Africa based project used sport for vulnerable young adults growing up in the country’s most violent communities.
The world’s greatest downhill mountain biker Rachel Atherton won the Action Sportsperson of the year, while Leicester City bagged a special Laureus Spirit of Sport ward to mark their remarkable achievement by winning English football’s premier league.
Another historic team performance was Chicago Cubs’ first Major League Baseball World Series victory for 108 years. This feat won them Laureus Team of the year award. The winners were chosen by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
For the first time ever, sports fans had a chance to make their voices heard in a brand new Best Sporting Moment of the Year Award and that honour went to Barcelone Under-12 team.
Starc will challenge Kohli throughout the series: Hussey
New Delhi, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
It will take a "collective bowling effort" from Australia to counter the Virat Kohli phenomenon but former batsman Mike Hussey believes that Mitchell Starc with his abilities will pose some serious challenge for the Indian captain throughout the Test series.
Kohli recently eclipsed Sir Don Bradman's world record scoring four double hundreds in four successive Test series.
"I think Starc is a brilliant bowler for the sub-continental conditions. He bowls at a genuine pace, can swing the new ball and is an excellent exponent of reverse swing. I am sure he will challenge Kohli throughout the series. It will, however, take a collective effort to stop Kohli, who has been phenomenal of late," Hussey told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Asked about the kind of challenges that Steve Smith will face, Hussey said that despite Indians being champion players of spin bowling, the Australian captain need to be patient with spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe.
"He has experience of playing in India, which is important both in Tests and at the IPL. I feel he needs to show a lot of faith and patience with his spinners and get the field right, with a nice balance of attacking and defending," observed Hussey, a veteran of 79 Test matches.
David Warner has been in form of his life, pretty similar to Kohli's purple patch but Hussey reckons that it will be a different challenge on very different tracks that both Warner as well skipper Smith will enjoy.
"There is always a lot of pressure on Warner and Steve Smith to score big runs for Australia. The good thing is that they are both very hungry for runs and love batting. India will be a huge challenge for both players but I am sure they are very determined to have an impact on the series."
Known as 'Mr Cricket' for his consistency, Hussey is happy with the kind of preparation that the Aussies have undertaken in Dubai but is keen to watch how much of it translates into performances.
"This tour of India has been a big focus for Cricket Australia for some time now and the preparation has been meticulous. Whether that transcends into performance on the field remains to be seen but the preparation has certainly been thorough," he said.
Australia is only playing one warm-up game, a three-day match against India A in the build up to their first Test against the hosts starting February 23 in Pune.
"I would have perhaps like to have seen a few more warm up matches in India to cap off the preparations."
For Hussey, a clear cut plan against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is a must for the Aussie batsmen. Having played alongside the duo in CSK, Hussey would like to believe that simulating sub-continental conditions in Dubai will be good enough.
"Well it's going to have to be. Each batsman must have very clear plans on how they want to play both spinners and then execute that plan in the middle. It will be tough as they are both very effective bowlers in Indian conditions. Ashwin obviously understands the home conditions really well and knows how to utilise them. Similarly, Lyon probably has a better record in Australia for the same reasons."
For rookies like Matt Renshaw or Peter Handscomb (he has played in IPL for Supergiants) playing their first Test series, Hussey has one simple tip -- devise ways to get off strike quickly.
"Back your defence and have ways to get off strike. Be prepared to work very hard for long, long periods of time."
Under Kohli, India have started playing on better tracks of late with none of the pitches during the five-match series against England showing prodigious turn.
"Definitely, but India are a high quality team particularly at home and it will be a huge challenge for our team, but as long as they are prepared to play tough Test cricket for long, long periods of time then I think we have a chance."
Kohli recently eclipsed Sir Don Bradman's world record scoring four double hundreds in four successive Test series.
"I think Starc is a brilliant bowler for the sub-continental conditions. He bowls at a genuine pace, can swing the new ball and is an excellent exponent of reverse swing. I am sure he will challenge Kohli throughout the series. It will, however, take a collective effort to stop Kohli, who has been phenomenal of late," Hussey told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Asked about the kind of challenges that Steve Smith will face, Hussey said that despite Indians being champion players of spin bowling, the Australian captain need to be patient with spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe.
"He has experience of playing in India, which is important both in Tests and at the IPL. I feel he needs to show a lot of faith and patience with his spinners and get the field right, with a nice balance of attacking and defending," observed Hussey, a veteran of 79 Test matches.
David Warner has been in form of his life, pretty similar to Kohli's purple patch but Hussey reckons that it will be a different challenge on very different tracks that both Warner as well skipper Smith will enjoy.
"There is always a lot of pressure on Warner and Steve Smith to score big runs for Australia. The good thing is that they are both very hungry for runs and love batting. India will be a huge challenge for both players but I am sure they are very determined to have an impact on the series."
Known as 'Mr Cricket' for his consistency, Hussey is happy with the kind of preparation that the Aussies have undertaken in Dubai but is keen to watch how much of it translates into performances.
"This tour of India has been a big focus for Cricket Australia for some time now and the preparation has been meticulous. Whether that transcends into performance on the field remains to be seen but the preparation has certainly been thorough," he said.
Australia is only playing one warm-up game, a three-day match against India A in the build up to their first Test against the hosts starting February 23 in Pune.
"I would have perhaps like to have seen a few more warm up matches in India to cap off the preparations."
For Hussey, a clear cut plan against Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja is a must for the Aussie batsmen. Having played alongside the duo in CSK, Hussey would like to believe that simulating sub-continental conditions in Dubai will be good enough.
"Well it's going to have to be. Each batsman must have very clear plans on how they want to play both spinners and then execute that plan in the middle. It will be tough as they are both very effective bowlers in Indian conditions. Ashwin obviously understands the home conditions really well and knows how to utilise them. Similarly, Lyon probably has a better record in Australia for the same reasons."
For rookies like Matt Renshaw or Peter Handscomb (he has played in IPL for Supergiants) playing their first Test series, Hussey has one simple tip -- devise ways to get off strike quickly.
"Back your defence and have ways to get off strike. Be prepared to work very hard for long, long periods of time."
Under Kohli, India have started playing on better tracks of late with none of the pitches during the five-match series against England showing prodigious turn.
"Definitely, but India are a high quality team particularly at home and it will be a huge challenge for our team, but as long as they are prepared to play tough Test cricket for long, long periods of time then I think we have a chance."
Sensex tanks 184 pts on earnings pain, Fed stance
Mumbai, Feb 15, 2017, PTI
Disappointing corporate earnings weighed on equities for the second straight session today, sending benchmark Sensex tumbling 184 points to a two-week closing low of 28,155, while hawkish comments from US Fed chair Janet Yellen heightened capital outflow fears.
Auto, realty and pharma counters took a big hit. Profit- booking by retail investors dragged small-cap and mid-cap indices lower by 1.52 per cent and 1.16 per cent, respectively.
On the global front, concerns of capital outflows from emerging economies, including India, intensified after Yellen said the Fed will probably need to raise interest rates at its upcoming meet in March.
After opening lower, the BSE Sensex bounced back briefly to hit a high of 28,382.32 on rebound in select stocks.
The gauge finally settled 183.75 points or 0.65 per cent lower at 28,155.56, its lowest closing since February 1 when it had ended at 28,141.64.
It had shed 12.31 points in the previous session.The NSE Nifty ended 67.60 points or 0.77 per cent down at 8,724.70. Intra-day, it moved between 8,712.85 and 8,807.90.
"Markets traded with losses as worries heightened over capital outflows from emerging economies, including India, after Yellen spoke in support of an interest rate hike next month," said Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Fund Manager – Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 6.45 crore yesterday, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges.
Tata Motors was the worst performer on the Sensex, plummeting 10.32 per cent to Rs 436.55 after the company yesterday reported a steep 96.22 per cent decline in consolidated net profit for the December quarter.
Sun Pharma too lost 4.25 per cent to Rs 622.50 on sustained selling after the company posted a 4.72 per cent decline in consolidated net profit for the third quarter of 2016-17.
Other Asian markets ended higher, tracking another record closing at the US stock markets.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng led the pack by rising 1.23 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei rose 1 per cent. Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.15 per cent.
Europe too was higher in early trading, with London's FTSE climbing 0.4 per cent and Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt gaining.
Of the 30-share Sensex pack, 18 scrips ended lower while the remaining 12 firmed up.
Besides Tata Motors and Sun Pharma, losers included Tata Steel (2.57 per cent), Adani Ports (2.09 per cent), Hero MotoCorp (1.99 per cent), ICICI Bank (1.49 per cent), Maruti (1.32 per cent), Dr Reddy's (1.27 per cent), NTPC (1.08 per cent) and Bharti Airtel (0.99 per cent).
However, ITC rose by 0.96 per cent, followed by TCS (0.53 per cent), HDFC Bank (0.49 per cent), Bajaj Auto (0.38 per cent), Asian Paints (0.34 per cent) and Power Grid (0.32 per cent).
Among BSE sectoral indices, Realty fell 3.53 per cent, Industrials 3.10 per cent, Auto 3.03 per cent, Healthcare 1.90 per cent, Consumer Durables 1.61 per cent, Metal 1.35 per cent, Power 1.30 per cent, Telecom 1.15 per cent, Capital Goods 1.12 per cent and Oil and Gas 1.05 per cent.
FMCG was the sole gainer, rising 0.08 per cent.Market breadth remained negative as 2,147 stocks ended lower, 688 closed higher while 150 ruled steady.
Total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 3,412.57 crore, higher than Rs 2,694.12 crore registered during the previous trading session.
Auto, realty and pharma counters took a big hit. Profit- booking by retail investors dragged small-cap and mid-cap indices lower by 1.52 per cent and 1.16 per cent, respectively.
On the global front, concerns of capital outflows from emerging economies, including India, intensified after Yellen said the Fed will probably need to raise interest rates at its upcoming meet in March.
After opening lower, the BSE Sensex bounced back briefly to hit a high of 28,382.32 on rebound in select stocks.
The gauge finally settled 183.75 points or 0.65 per cent lower at 28,155.56, its lowest closing since February 1 when it had ended at 28,141.64.
It had shed 12.31 points in the previous session.The NSE Nifty ended 67.60 points or 0.77 per cent down at 8,724.70. Intra-day, it moved between 8,712.85 and 8,807.90.
"Markets traded with losses as worries heightened over capital outflows from emerging economies, including India, after Yellen spoke in support of an interest rate hike next month," said Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Fund Manager – Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 6.45 crore yesterday, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges.
Tata Motors was the worst performer on the Sensex, plummeting 10.32 per cent to Rs 436.55 after the company yesterday reported a steep 96.22 per cent decline in consolidated net profit for the December quarter.
Sun Pharma too lost 4.25 per cent to Rs 622.50 on sustained selling after the company posted a 4.72 per cent decline in consolidated net profit for the third quarter of 2016-17.
Other Asian markets ended higher, tracking another record closing at the US stock markets.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng led the pack by rising 1.23 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei rose 1 per cent. Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.15 per cent.
Europe too was higher in early trading, with London's FTSE climbing 0.4 per cent and Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt gaining.
Of the 30-share Sensex pack, 18 scrips ended lower while the remaining 12 firmed up.
Besides Tata Motors and Sun Pharma, losers included Tata Steel (2.57 per cent), Adani Ports (2.09 per cent), Hero MotoCorp (1.99 per cent), ICICI Bank (1.49 per cent), Maruti (1.32 per cent), Dr Reddy's (1.27 per cent), NTPC (1.08 per cent) and Bharti Airtel (0.99 per cent).
However, ITC rose by 0.96 per cent, followed by TCS (0.53 per cent), HDFC Bank (0.49 per cent), Bajaj Auto (0.38 per cent), Asian Paints (0.34 per cent) and Power Grid (0.32 per cent).
Among BSE sectoral indices, Realty fell 3.53 per cent, Industrials 3.10 per cent, Auto 3.03 per cent, Healthcare 1.90 per cent, Consumer Durables 1.61 per cent, Metal 1.35 per cent, Power 1.30 per cent, Telecom 1.15 per cent, Capital Goods 1.12 per cent and Oil and Gas 1.05 per cent.
FMCG was the sole gainer, rising 0.08 per cent.Market breadth remained negative as 2,147 stocks ended lower, 688 closed higher while 150 ruled steady.
Total turnover on BSE amounted to Rs 3,412.57 crore, higher than Rs 2,694.12 crore registered during the previous trading session.
E-commerce expected to touch USD 50-55 billion by 2021: Study
Mumbai, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
E-commerce market is expected to be at USD 50-55 billion by 2021 from the current USD 6-8 billion, according to a recent report.
The report by Retailers Association of India and Boston Consulting Group revealed that on decoding the digital opportunity sectors that could see maximum e-commerce penetration would be consumer electronics, apparel, homeware and furniture, luxury, health, FMCG and food and grocery.
By 2025, consumer electronics would see maximum penetration of e-commerce between 38-42 per cent compared to 13-15 per cent currently, while food and grocery could see the least growth with 1-3 per cent of e-commerce penetration from under 1 per cent currently, the report noted.
In the last three years alone digital buying has increased from 3 per cent in 2013, to 23 per cent in 2016. The overall digital influence on consumers has increased from 9 per cent to 30 per cent during the same period.
The report notes that convenience has overtaken discounts as a key driver for buying online. From 40 per cent in 2014, the report notes that more than 55 per cent purchase online due to convenience.
The digital purchasing has been catalysed by progress in infrastructure, including falling smartphone prices, reducing data charges, and rising smartphone penetration.
"Smartphone penetration has increased from 3 per cent to 30 per cent in the past five years. Besides, the prices fell by up to 50 per cent between 2011 and 2015," it said.
The report also noted that digital adoption by a user base over 35 years of age is much higher in the past two years alone.
E-commerce adoption has increased 3.8 times from 4 per cent to 15 per cent in the over-35 age group between 2014 and 2016, it said. Similarly, social media adoption has increased 2.9 times from 8 per cent to 23 per cent in the same time period.
The report further noted that in order for companies to take advantage of the current digital wave, they will have to digitise their core business, to unlock significant value.
Besides, consumer engagement, integrating all the channels of sale from website and mobile to in-store, and collaborating with marketplaces is key, the report noted.
The report by Retailers Association of India and Boston Consulting Group revealed that on decoding the digital opportunity sectors that could see maximum e-commerce penetration would be consumer electronics, apparel, homeware and furniture, luxury, health, FMCG and food and grocery.
By 2025, consumer electronics would see maximum penetration of e-commerce between 38-42 per cent compared to 13-15 per cent currently, while food and grocery could see the least growth with 1-3 per cent of e-commerce penetration from under 1 per cent currently, the report noted.
In the last three years alone digital buying has increased from 3 per cent in 2013, to 23 per cent in 2016. The overall digital influence on consumers has increased from 9 per cent to 30 per cent during the same period.
The report notes that convenience has overtaken discounts as a key driver for buying online. From 40 per cent in 2014, the report notes that more than 55 per cent purchase online due to convenience.
The digital purchasing has been catalysed by progress in infrastructure, including falling smartphone prices, reducing data charges, and rising smartphone penetration.
"Smartphone penetration has increased from 3 per cent to 30 per cent in the past five years. Besides, the prices fell by up to 50 per cent between 2011 and 2015," it said.
The report also noted that digital adoption by a user base over 35 years of age is much higher in the past two years alone.
E-commerce adoption has increased 3.8 times from 4 per cent to 15 per cent in the over-35 age group between 2014 and 2016, it said. Similarly, social media adoption has increased 2.9 times from 8 per cent to 23 per cent in the same time period.
The report further noted that in order for companies to take advantage of the current digital wave, they will have to digitise their core business, to unlock significant value.
Besides, consumer engagement, integrating all the channels of sale from website and mobile to in-store, and collaborating with marketplaces is key, the report noted.
India, UAE trade to hit USD 100 billion by 2020: CII
Dubai, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
Trade between India and the UAE is set to hit USD 100 billion by 2020, up from the current USD 60 billion, the Confederation of Indian Industry has said.
"This is evident in the growing interest by the Indian companies towards the Middle East markets and in particular the UAE and efforts made by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and CII to further strengthen the trade and investment ties," Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said in a statement released here.
Currently, the trade between Indian and the UAE is estimated around USD 60 billion, it said.
The statement was issued on the sidelines of the Middle East Electricity Exhibition where about 50 leading Indian companies are participating.
The exhibition, which opened here yesterday, displayed a wide variety of electrical products and instruments ranging from cables to conductors, capacitors, transformers and switchgear products.
CII together with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India has arranged to showcase Indian industry participation at the event.
Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and based in Dubai, Middle East Electricity is the largest international trade event for the power industry, covering the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, the renewable and nuclear energy sectors and the lighting industry.
The various initiatives taken by the Government of India and the announcements made in the recent Budget 2017 shall certainly enhance industries competitiveness in the country and in particular the MSMEs, the statement said.
"The step towards reducing the corporate tax rate for small companies will have a positive impact on the viability of around 97 per cent (67 lakh) businesses in India. As the MSMEs become more viable and sustainable, the overall attractiveness of the small businesses will increase leading to the positive orientation and entrepreneurship in the country is bound to grow," CII said.
"This is evident in the growing interest by the Indian companies towards the Middle East markets and in particular the UAE and efforts made by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and CII to further strengthen the trade and investment ties," Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said in a statement released here.
Currently, the trade between Indian and the UAE is estimated around USD 60 billion, it said.
The statement was issued on the sidelines of the Middle East Electricity Exhibition where about 50 leading Indian companies are participating.
The exhibition, which opened here yesterday, displayed a wide variety of electrical products and instruments ranging from cables to conductors, capacitors, transformers and switchgear products.
CII together with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India has arranged to showcase Indian industry participation at the event.
Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and based in Dubai, Middle East Electricity is the largest international trade event for the power industry, covering the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, the renewable and nuclear energy sectors and the lighting industry.
The various initiatives taken by the Government of India and the announcements made in the recent Budget 2017 shall certainly enhance industries competitiveness in the country and in particular the MSMEs, the statement said.
"The step towards reducing the corporate tax rate for small companies will have a positive impact on the viability of around 97 per cent (67 lakh) businesses in India. As the MSMEs become more viable and sustainable, the overall attractiveness of the small businesses will increase leading to the positive orientation and entrepreneurship in the country is bound to grow," CII said.
HAL to invest about Rs 17,500 cr over 5 to 6 years
Bengaluru, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd today said its overall investment over the next five to six years is expected to be about Rs 17,500 crore, and it may go for loans from banks soon to fund its projects.
The company also said it has contributed over Rs 5000 crore to the government exchequer through the buyback option.
"...we will be happy if we get more funds, but we will present the case. Not waiting for two or three years till CCS sanctions to meet the current expectations and requirements, we are funding from our own reserves," HAL Chairman and Managing Director T Suvarna Raju told reporters.
Responding to a question at the Aero India 2017 air show here, he said "you may watch during the month of March, maybe we are going to take loan from the banks for our projects."
"Overall expected investment as of now, approximately is Rs 17,500 crore, spread over five to six years," he added.
On disinvestment activity of the company based on the government approval of 10 per cent of the shareholding in 2013, Raju said progress has been made in this regard with the identification of Book Running Lead Managers and preparation of draft red herring prospectus. Necessary documents are in place.
"...10 per cent of the equity capital that is 3.615 crore of equity at the face value of Rs 10 would be considered for the IPO, the valuation will be done by the BRLMS and the other financial experts. We are awaiting for the valuations from them," a senior company official added.
Responding to a question about when the company will be filing red herring prospectus with SEBI, Raju said by the end of this financial year.
Raju also said the option of buyback of 25 per cent of share capital and reserves of the company has been executed through which the company has contributed over Rs 5000 crore to the government exchequer.
"During 2015-16 twelve crore five lakh shares have been offered for buyback amounting to Rs 4,284 crore apart from Rs 981 crore as buyback plan, in all amounting to Rs 5,265 crore. This is what we have paid back to the government by offering 25 per cent of the equity capital," a company official said.
Speaking about the financial performance of the company for 2015-16, Raju said it recorded the highest ever turnover of Rs 16,736 crore and registered a growth of 7.14 per cent compared with the previous year.
He said the profit before tax of the company for the year was Rs 3288 crore, adding, against the target turnover of Rs 17,100 crore at the end of January 2017, the company has achieved sales of Rs 10,086 crore with a healthy profit of Rs 1,621 crore.
The company also said it has contributed over Rs 5000 crore to the government exchequer through the buyback option.
"...we will be happy if we get more funds, but we will present the case. Not waiting for two or three years till CCS sanctions to meet the current expectations and requirements, we are funding from our own reserves," HAL Chairman and Managing Director T Suvarna Raju told reporters.
Responding to a question at the Aero India 2017 air show here, he said "you may watch during the month of March, maybe we are going to take loan from the banks for our projects."
"Overall expected investment as of now, approximately is Rs 17,500 crore, spread over five to six years," he added.
On disinvestment activity of the company based on the government approval of 10 per cent of the shareholding in 2013, Raju said progress has been made in this regard with the identification of Book Running Lead Managers and preparation of draft red herring prospectus. Necessary documents are in place.
"...10 per cent of the equity capital that is 3.615 crore of equity at the face value of Rs 10 would be considered for the IPO, the valuation will be done by the BRLMS and the other financial experts. We are awaiting for the valuations from them," a senior company official added.
Responding to a question about when the company will be filing red herring prospectus with SEBI, Raju said by the end of this financial year.
Raju also said the option of buyback of 25 per cent of share capital and reserves of the company has been executed through which the company has contributed over Rs 5000 crore to the government exchequer.
"During 2015-16 twelve crore five lakh shares have been offered for buyback amounting to Rs 4,284 crore apart from Rs 981 crore as buyback plan, in all amounting to Rs 5,265 crore. This is what we have paid back to the government by offering 25 per cent of the equity capital," a company official said.
Speaking about the financial performance of the company for 2015-16, Raju said it recorded the highest ever turnover of Rs 16,736 crore and registered a growth of 7.14 per cent compared with the previous year.
He said the profit before tax of the company for the year was Rs 3288 crore, adding, against the target turnover of Rs 17,100 crore at the end of January 2017, the company has achieved sales of Rs 10,086 crore with a healthy profit of Rs 1,621 crore.
Can take NRN nominees on board, says Infy chairman
Bengaluru, Feb 15, 2017, DHNS
The Infosys board will consider inducting names recommended by founder N R Narayana Murthy, Chairman R Seshasayee said on Tuesday.
Speaking to investors on a conference call, he said, “These names were revealed to the media and directly to us. We will give due respect to these suggestions.”
Murthy has recommended the appointment of Marti G Subrahmanyam, professor of finance at the Stern School of Business, New York University, as co-chairman.
Other names doing the rounds for directors’ posts are Ranganath D Mavinakere, executive vice president and chief financial officer (hired by Murthy), and former CFOs Mohandas Pai and V Balakrishnan. Seshasayee sought to calm nerves, saying the board would continue to take inputs from the founders and other stakeholders. He also said the public exchanges between the board and the founders were not good for the company.
“We should engage with the founders bilaterally.... I explained that there are limitations that we would have in terms of dealing with all the inputs or suggestions, and I think we have a renewed commitment not to spill this into the public space,” he said.
During the crisis over the past few days, he said, neither the management nor the employees had been distracted from the business.
Speaking to investors on a conference call, he said, “These names were revealed to the media and directly to us. We will give due respect to these suggestions.”
Murthy has recommended the appointment of Marti G Subrahmanyam, professor of finance at the Stern School of Business, New York University, as co-chairman.
Other names doing the rounds for directors’ posts are Ranganath D Mavinakere, executive vice president and chief financial officer (hired by Murthy), and former CFOs Mohandas Pai and V Balakrishnan. Seshasayee sought to calm nerves, saying the board would continue to take inputs from the founders and other stakeholders. He also said the public exchanges between the board and the founders were not good for the company.
“We should engage with the founders bilaterally.... I explained that there are limitations that we would have in terms of dealing with all the inputs or suggestions, and I think we have a renewed commitment not to spill this into the public space,” he said.
During the crisis over the past few days, he said, neither the management nor the employees had been distracted from the business.
Major and 3 soldiers killed in Kashmir encounters
Zulfikar Majid Srinagar, Feb 15, 2017, DHNS
Four militants and equal number of soldiers, including an army major, were killed, while 11 security personnel were injured in two separate encounters in Kashmir on Tuesday.
In the first encounter, a top commander of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and three soldiers were killed, while 11 security forces personnel and a civilian were injured in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Sources said, based on specific intelligence about the presence of a group of four LeT militants at Parray Mohalla in Hajin, 32 km from here, a joint operation was launched by the army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police early on Tuesday.
As the security forces were laying a cordon around the village, they came under heavy fire from the hiding militants in which 15 security personnel, including Major Thappa of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and Commandant Chetan Cheetah of 45 Battalion CRPF were injured, sources said, adding that in retaliatory action, one militant was neutralised.
The police said the injured soldiers were airlifted to the army’s 92-Base Hospital in Srinagar where three of them succumbed. The condition of injured CRPF commandant is stated to be critical.
PRO Defence Rajesh Kalia said the operation has been terminated. Sources told DH that three militants managed to escape from the encounter site. The slain militant has been identified as Abu Harris from Pakistan, a top LeT commander.
Second encounter
Three militants and an army major were killed in north Kashmir’s Kralgund village of Handwara area in Kupwara district on Tuesday evening.
A defence spokesperson said based on a specific information about the presence of militants, the army’s 30-Rashtriya Rifles and the special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned the area. “As the security forces were searching the area, militants opened fire in which an army major was injured. In retaliatory fire, three terrorists were neutralised,” he said, adding that Major S Dhaiya, who was leading the operation, succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.
These encounters came just two days after four local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed by security forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Two army personnel and a civilian also lost their lives in that encounter, while one more civilian was killed in subsequent stone pelting.
Such mobs thronging the encounter sites allow militants to flee, posing a huge challenge for the security forces since the last one year. Despite an advisory by the police, asking people to stay indoors at the time of an encounter between militants and security forces, people come out on to the streets and attack forces, which is seen as a diversionary tactic to help the besieged militants.
In the first encounter, a top commander of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and three soldiers were killed, while 11 security forces personnel and a civilian were injured in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Sources said, based on specific intelligence about the presence of a group of four LeT militants at Parray Mohalla in Hajin, 32 km from here, a joint operation was launched by the army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police early on Tuesday.
As the security forces were laying a cordon around the village, they came under heavy fire from the hiding militants in which 15 security personnel, including Major Thappa of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and Commandant Chetan Cheetah of 45 Battalion CRPF were injured, sources said, adding that in retaliatory action, one militant was neutralised.
The police said the injured soldiers were airlifted to the army’s 92-Base Hospital in Srinagar where three of them succumbed. The condition of injured CRPF commandant is stated to be critical.
PRO Defence Rajesh Kalia said the operation has been terminated. Sources told DH that three militants managed to escape from the encounter site. The slain militant has been identified as Abu Harris from Pakistan, a top LeT commander.
Second encounter
Three militants and an army major were killed in north Kashmir’s Kralgund village of Handwara area in Kupwara district on Tuesday evening.
A defence spokesperson said based on a specific information about the presence of militants, the army’s 30-Rashtriya Rifles and the special operations group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned the area. “As the security forces were searching the area, militants opened fire in which an army major was injured. In retaliatory fire, three terrorists were neutralised,” he said, adding that Major S Dhaiya, who was leading the operation, succumbed to his injuries later in the evening.
These encounters came just two days after four local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed by security forces in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Two army personnel and a civilian also lost their lives in that encounter, while one more civilian was killed in subsequent stone pelting.
Such mobs thronging the encounter sites allow militants to flee, posing a huge challenge for the security forces since the last one year. Despite an advisory by the police, asking people to stay indoors at the time of an encounter between militants and security forces, people come out on to the streets and attack forces, which is seen as a diversionary tactic to help the besieged militants.
Parrikar strikes biz balance
Rasheed Kappan, BENGALURU, Feb 15, 2017, DHNS
First day of air show a low-key affair
The ‘Make in India’ thrust was unmistakable. Yet, as the 11th biennial international aerospace exhibition, Aero India 2017, began in trademark style at the Yelahanka Air Force station here, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was also eager to reach out to foreign firms.
Minutes before a unique ‘Make in India’ formation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built aircraft flew past, Parrikar spelt out the Centre’s plan: To encourage Indian companies in defence manufacturing, while inviting international firms to invest, collaborate and boost joint production. Besides the usual statements of intent, the inaugural lacked the excitement of last year. The general perception was that the air show was low key this year, indicated by reduced participation of aerospace companies.
Minutes before a unique ‘Make in India’ formation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built aircraft flew past, Parrikar spelt out the Centre’s plan: To encourage Indian companies in defence manufacturing, while inviting international firms to invest, collaborate and boost joint production. Besides the usual statements of intent, the inaugural lacked the excitement of last year. The general perception was that the air show was low key this year, indicated by reduced participation of aerospace companies.
Liberalised foreign direct investment norms, improved ease of doing business, and the large number of licenses issued were indicators of this trend, he said.
As if in sync, a prototype of the indigenously designed and developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) recorded its maiden flight at the inaugural. Piloted by Wg Cdr Unni Pillai, it flew past, flanked by two Cheetal copters in beam formation.
The Dornier 228, Sukhoi-MKI and the indigenous version of the Hawk that came next in Mike formation drove home the point further.
Impressing the crowds with its steep climbs and extreme tail-up manoeuvres, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) too was part of the same game plan.
If the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made a statement with its rapid climb and slow-speed passes, the high-speed manoeuvres of the Saab Gripen fighter jet, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Dassault’s Rafale struck a chord for foreign firms.
Parrikar talked about the government’s future orientation by focusing on aerospace start-ups. This, he said, would be open to both domestic and foreign players.
In the absence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Industries Minister R V Deshpande connected the dots between aerospace and Karnataka.
As if in sync, a prototype of the indigenously designed and developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) recorded its maiden flight at the inaugural. Piloted by Wg Cdr Unni Pillai, it flew past, flanked by two Cheetal copters in beam formation.
The Dornier 228, Sukhoi-MKI and the indigenous version of the Hawk that came next in Mike formation drove home the point further.
Impressing the crowds with its steep climbs and extreme tail-up manoeuvres, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) too was part of the same game plan.
If the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made a statement with its rapid climb and slow-speed passes, the high-speed manoeuvres of the Saab Gripen fighter jet, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Dassault’s Rafale struck a chord for foreign firms.
Parrikar talked about the government’s future orientation by focusing on aerospace start-ups. This, he said, would be open to both domestic and foreign players.
In the absence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Industries Minister R V Deshpande connected the dots between aerospace and Karnataka.
Republican Senator does not expect Trump to weaken H1B visas
Washington, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
A powerful Republican Senator has said he does not expect President Donald Trump to weaken the H-1B visa scheme, sought-after by Indian IT professionals, as the programme benefits Americans and the US economy.
Senator Orion Hatch, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, said that in his several meetings with Trump he had discussed the economic benefits of preserving and expanding H-1B visas programme, which is popular among Indian IT professionals.
Hatch told 'Morning Consult', a media technology company, that his time with Trump has convinced him that the President will take a pragmatic approach to H-1Bs.
"Anything that creates jobs, anything that moves this economy forward. And I think he can put political feelings aside. And I expect him to, and I'll make sure he does," the Republican Senator from Utah said yesterday.
Hatch is expected to roll out a tech-focused "Innovation Agenda for the 115th Congress," in which he is likely to push for an increase in H-1B visa number.
H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The tech companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.
He had made a similar effort in 2015 when he introduced a bill to raise the annual cap of H-1B visas to between 115,000 to 195,000, based on market conditions.
"While some have expressed some reservations about the impact of high-skilled immigration on American jobs, I believe we can and will be able to make a convincing case for reform. The data is on our side," said Hatch who met Trump some two weeks ago.
He said Trump appears to recognise the importance of the high-skilled guest worker programme for overall job growth and economic productivity. Hatch exuded confidence that he can convince the President that the data on H-1B visas shows how the programme benefits American workers and the US economy, the report said.
India is one of the top sources for international workers in the American tech industry, accounting for a major chunk of all H-1B visas. And any move by Trump, who has vowed to put an "America First" policy, will have an adverse impact in India.
Senator Orion Hatch, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, said that in his several meetings with Trump he had discussed the economic benefits of preserving and expanding H-1B visas programme, which is popular among Indian IT professionals.
Hatch told 'Morning Consult', a media technology company, that his time with Trump has convinced him that the President will take a pragmatic approach to H-1Bs.
"Anything that creates jobs, anything that moves this economy forward. And I think he can put political feelings aside. And I expect him to, and I'll make sure he does," the Republican Senator from Utah said yesterday.
Hatch is expected to roll out a tech-focused "Innovation Agenda for the 115th Congress," in which he is likely to push for an increase in H-1B visa number.
H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows American firms to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The tech companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year.
He had made a similar effort in 2015 when he introduced a bill to raise the annual cap of H-1B visas to between 115,000 to 195,000, based on market conditions.
"While some have expressed some reservations about the impact of high-skilled immigration on American jobs, I believe we can and will be able to make a convincing case for reform. The data is on our side," said Hatch who met Trump some two weeks ago.
He said Trump appears to recognise the importance of the high-skilled guest worker programme for overall job growth and economic productivity. Hatch exuded confidence that he can convince the President that the data on H-1B visas shows how the programme benefits American workers and the US economy, the report said.
India is one of the top sources for international workers in the American tech industry, accounting for a major chunk of all H-1B visas. And any move by Trump, who has vowed to put an "America First" policy, will have an adverse impact in India.
'Little' progress in Sarabjit's murder case: Pak judge
Lahore, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
Asserting that there has been "little" progress in the high-profile murder case of Indian national Sarabjit Singh, a Pakistani judge has admonished police for lack of cooperation with the court and ordered the arrest of a jail official.
An additional district and sessions judge Lahore yesterday directed the Lahore police chief to ensure the appearance of Deputy Superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail on February 17.
The judge said there had been "little" progress in Sarabjit's case who was murdered about four years ago at the Kot Lakhpat central jail in Lahore.
During the hearing, the judge admonished the jail authorities for not cooperating with the court and also issued bailable arrest warrant for the Deputy Superintendent who despite repeated summons had failed to appear before the court.
Two Pakistani death row prisoners - Amir Tamba and Mudassar - had allegedly attacked Sarabjit in the Kot Lakhpat jail and killed him in May 2013. One-man judicial commission of Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi of Lahore high court had initially investigated Sarabjit's murder case before the trial kicked off in the sessions court.
Naqvi recorded the statements of some 40 witnesses in the murder of Sarabjit and submitted its report to the government which is yet to make its findings public.
The one-man commission had also issued notices to Sarabjit's relatives through the foreign ministry to record their statements and to produce any evidence they had regarding his death.
However, Sarabjit's family did not record their statements, the officials had said.Tamba and Mudassar, in their statements to the commission, had confessed to the crime and said they killed Sarabjit as they wanted to avenge the killing of people in Lahore and Faisalabad in bomb blasts allegedly carried out by the Indian national.
Sarabjit had been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in a string of bombings in 1990. Both Tamba and Mudassar have been indicted in the murder case in the court of additional district and sessions judge Lahore. The next hearing of the case will be held on February 17.
An additional district and sessions judge Lahore yesterday directed the Lahore police chief to ensure the appearance of Deputy Superintendent of Kot Lakhpat jail on February 17.
The judge said there had been "little" progress in Sarabjit's case who was murdered about four years ago at the Kot Lakhpat central jail in Lahore.
During the hearing, the judge admonished the jail authorities for not cooperating with the court and also issued bailable arrest warrant for the Deputy Superintendent who despite repeated summons had failed to appear before the court.
Two Pakistani death row prisoners - Amir Tamba and Mudassar - had allegedly attacked Sarabjit in the Kot Lakhpat jail and killed him in May 2013. One-man judicial commission of Justice Mazhar Ali Akbar Naqvi of Lahore high court had initially investigated Sarabjit's murder case before the trial kicked off in the sessions court.
Naqvi recorded the statements of some 40 witnesses in the murder of Sarabjit and submitted its report to the government which is yet to make its findings public.
The one-man commission had also issued notices to Sarabjit's relatives through the foreign ministry to record their statements and to produce any evidence they had regarding his death.
However, Sarabjit's family did not record their statements, the officials had said.Tamba and Mudassar, in their statements to the commission, had confessed to the crime and said they killed Sarabjit as they wanted to avenge the killing of people in Lahore and Faisalabad in bomb blasts allegedly carried out by the Indian national.
Sarabjit had been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in a string of bombings in 1990. Both Tamba and Mudassar have been indicted in the murder case in the court of additional district and sessions judge Lahore. The next hearing of the case will be held on February 17.
India a great partner for future: Thai Deputy PM
Bangkok, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
Seeking investments in areas like hi-tech industries and automobile, Thailand today said it considers India as a great partner for the future.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Somkid Jatusripitak also said that the South East Asian country wants to enhance the strategic partnership with India.
Addressing global investors, he said: "we welcome all nations. This is an opportunity for all our partners. We welcome you all for this opportunity...We would like to encourage the foreign investors to come here". He was speaking at a seminar on 'Opportunity Thailand'.
The country has organised this day long event to showcase areas of investments for global investors including from India. Jatusripitak said the country is moving to Thailand 4.0 and there is huge scope of investments for all the countries.
When asked about the role of India in the Thailand 4.0, he said: "I see India as a great partner for the future and we really want to work with Indian government".He said that Thailand would like to work in areas like hi-tech industries, where India has a strength.
Thai government has set up a committee to facilitate investments and provide business friendly environment, he said, adding there is a political stability in the country.
In the uncertain world, there is a light of opportunity for investors here, he added.Speaking at the event, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the country would meet the needs of the investors.
He said innovation, research & development, robotics, auto and biotechnology are among the several sectors where investors can explore opportunities. He also said that the country needs expertise from other nations and it will relax laws to import the experts.
Thailand is wooing global investors including from India. It is working on ways to provide a conducive and competitive business environment.
The country is providing incentives such as matching funds for projects like high impact research and development or advanced training activities. It is also planning to give long term tax holidays and duty exemptions for certain priority sectors. Bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 8.5 billion in 2015-16.
Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Somkid Jatusripitak also said that the South East Asian country wants to enhance the strategic partnership with India.
Addressing global investors, he said: "we welcome all nations. This is an opportunity for all our partners. We welcome you all for this opportunity...We would like to encourage the foreign investors to come here". He was speaking at a seminar on 'Opportunity Thailand'.
The country has organised this day long event to showcase areas of investments for global investors including from India. Jatusripitak said the country is moving to Thailand 4.0 and there is huge scope of investments for all the countries.
When asked about the role of India in the Thailand 4.0, he said: "I see India as a great partner for the future and we really want to work with Indian government".He said that Thailand would like to work in areas like hi-tech industries, where India has a strength.
Thai government has set up a committee to facilitate investments and provide business friendly environment, he said, adding there is a political stability in the country.
In the uncertain world, there is a light of opportunity for investors here, he added.Speaking at the event, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the country would meet the needs of the investors.
He said innovation, research & development, robotics, auto and biotechnology are among the several sectors where investors can explore opportunities. He also said that the country needs expertise from other nations and it will relax laws to import the experts.
Thailand is wooing global investors including from India. It is working on ways to provide a conducive and competitive business environment.
The country is providing incentives such as matching funds for projects like high impact research and development or advanced training activities. It is also planning to give long term tax holidays and duty exemptions for certain priority sectors. Bilateral trade between the countries stood at USD 8.5 billion in 2015-16.
Eight dead after knife attack in China's Xinjiang province
Beijing, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
Three knife-wielding suspected Uyghur militants have killed five persons in China's far western Xinjiang region before being shot dead by the police, the latest outbreak of violence in the restive territory.
The attack took place last evening in Pishan county. Ten people were injured in the attack, five of whom were declared dead in the hospital, an official news portal of the Hotan government said.
Police shot dead three attackers, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted the news portal as saying. Social order has been restored and an investigation is being carried out, the report said.
Xinjiang, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan, has been on the boil for several years over Uyghur protests against the large-scale settlements of Han Chinese from different parts of the country.
China blames Uyghur separatists from the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) for the attacks in the region, which has over 10 million Uyghur population of Turkik-origin Muslims.
In December, four knife-wielding men attacked a Communist Party office in southern Xinjiang's Hotan region and set off an explosive device, killing one person. Four assailants were also shot dead.
The attack took place last evening in Pishan county. Ten people were injured in the attack, five of whom were declared dead in the hospital, an official news portal of the Hotan government said.
Police shot dead three attackers, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted the news portal as saying. Social order has been restored and an investigation is being carried out, the report said.
Xinjiang, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan, has been on the boil for several years over Uyghur protests against the large-scale settlements of Han Chinese from different parts of the country.
China blames Uyghur separatists from the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) for the attacks in the region, which has over 10 million Uyghur population of Turkik-origin Muslims.
In December, four knife-wielding men attacked a Communist Party office in southern Xinjiang's Hotan region and set off an explosive device, killing one person. Four assailants were also shot dead.
SC wants Shahabuddin shifted from Siwan prison to Tihar jail
New Delhi, Feb 15 2017, PTI:
The Supreme Court today directed that controversial RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin be shifted to Tihar Jail here from a prison in Bihar to ensure "free and fair trial" in the cases lodged against him.
A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy asked the Bihar government to transfer Shahabuddin to Tihar Jail within a week, saying "it is the obligation and duty of this court to ensure free and fair trial".
The apex court said trial in the cases registered against Shahabuddin will be conducted through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. "We direct the state of Bihar to transfer Mohammad Shahabuddin from district jail Siwan to Tihar jail Delhi," the bench said.
The order came on the pleas by Siwan-based Chandrakeshwar Prasad, whose three sons were killed in two separate incidents, and Asha Ranjan, the wife of scribe Rajdeo Ranjan who was murdered in Siwan, seeking shifting of the RJD leader from Siwan jail.
The petitioners had told the apex court that Shahabuddin should be transferred from Siwan jail to any other jail outside the state for free and fair trial in the cases pending against him.
The Bihar government had earlier told the apex court that it is not "averse" to shifting Shahabuddin from Siwan prison to Tihar Jail here. The state government had told the apex court that Shahabuddin is facing trial in 45 cases, including one in Jharkhand.
A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy asked the Bihar government to transfer Shahabuddin to Tihar Jail within a week, saying "it is the obligation and duty of this court to ensure free and fair trial".
The apex court said trial in the cases registered against Shahabuddin will be conducted through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. "We direct the state of Bihar to transfer Mohammad Shahabuddin from district jail Siwan to Tihar jail Delhi," the bench said.
The order came on the pleas by Siwan-based Chandrakeshwar Prasad, whose three sons were killed in two separate incidents, and Asha Ranjan, the wife of scribe Rajdeo Ranjan who was murdered in Siwan, seeking shifting of the RJD leader from Siwan jail.
The petitioners had told the apex court that Shahabuddin should be transferred from Siwan jail to any other jail outside the state for free and fair trial in the cases pending against him.
The Bihar government had earlier told the apex court that it is not "averse" to shifting Shahabuddin from Siwan prison to Tihar Jail here. The state government had told the apex court that Shahabuddin is facing trial in 45 cases, including one in Jharkhand.
China has used strategic misinformation for a long time: White House
Washington, Feb 15, 2017, PTI:
The US for decades has fallen prey to "strategic misinformation" that China is not a "threat" which led the Communist giant to start "bullying activities", a top White House official has said.
"I think China has used strategic misinformation for a long time," said Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President at the White House.
"I found this very early in my career," said Gorka, who is a national security professional specialising in irregular warfare, including counter insurgency and counterterrorism during an interaction at the Heritage Foundation, a top American think-tank. Gorka said that this "misinformation campaign" has reached the top American leadership.
"It has reached the highest levels of US government, successive administrations have said various things, China is not a threat, and then when they became more and more of a threat, when they started bullying activities, military activities that were troubling then the narrative changed a little bit to do we want a strong China?" he told the audience.
"Trying to do everything in way to play down the fact that they pose a threat to the United States Security; and so it's one of the key things that we have to counter-act," he said, adding that for a number of years through his writing and reporting he is trying to show the threat from China.
"It is a real threat and we need to understand it but it's been counteracted by a narrative that says if we trade with China that this will lead to a reform of China and that hasn't worked," he said.
"They are exporting a version of an anti-democratic system; and so that's why I think it's really important that we focus more on understanding the nature of that threat," Gorka said.
His comments came days after US President Donald Trump took a U-turn and supported the One-China policy. China is involved in a widening dispute with several Southeast Asian countries over islands in the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the islands.
"I think China has used strategic misinformation for a long time," said Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President at the White House.
"I found this very early in my career," said Gorka, who is a national security professional specialising in irregular warfare, including counter insurgency and counterterrorism during an interaction at the Heritage Foundation, a top American think-tank. Gorka said that this "misinformation campaign" has reached the top American leadership.
"It has reached the highest levels of US government, successive administrations have said various things, China is not a threat, and then when they became more and more of a threat, when they started bullying activities, military activities that were troubling then the narrative changed a little bit to do we want a strong China?" he told the audience.
"Trying to do everything in way to play down the fact that they pose a threat to the United States Security; and so it's one of the key things that we have to counter-act," he said, adding that for a number of years through his writing and reporting he is trying to show the threat from China.
"It is a real threat and we need to understand it but it's been counteracted by a narrative that says if we trade with China that this will lead to a reform of China and that hasn't worked," he said.
"They are exporting a version of an anti-democratic system; and so that's why I think it's really important that we focus more on understanding the nature of that threat," Gorka said.
His comments came days after US President Donald Trump took a U-turn and supported the One-China policy. China is involved in a widening dispute with several Southeast Asian countries over islands in the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the islands.
U'khand Assembly polls: 40 per cent voting till 1 PM
Dehradun, Feb 15, 2017, PTI
Around 40 per cent of the electorate have exercised their franchise by 1 PM in 69 of the 70 Assembly seats of Uttarakhand today.
Haridwar at 47 per cent, Uttarkashi at 45 per cent, Udhamsingh Nagar at 43 per cent and Nainital at 42 per cent were among districts that have recorded the highest polling so far, the state election office said.
Elections for Karnaprayag seat in Chamoli district have been postponed to March 9 due to the death of BSP candidate Kuldeep Singh Kanwasi in a road accident on Sunday last.
On most of the seats the ruling Congress and the BJP are locked in straight contests but rebel candidates of both parties who have entered the fray as independents may play a crucial role in upsetting the calculations of the official nominees of their respective parties.
12 former Congress MLAs contesting as BJP candidates and two former BJP MLAs travelling in Congress boat have made these elections interesting.
Chief minister Harish Rawat, who is seeking a second stint in office is contesting from two seats, Haridwar (rural) and Kichha in Udhamsingh Nagar district.
BJP heavyweight Satpal Maharaj is contesting from Chaubatakhal whereas state BJP chief Ajay Bhatt is battling it out in Ranikhet.
Haridwar at 47 per cent, Uttarkashi at 45 per cent, Udhamsingh Nagar at 43 per cent and Nainital at 42 per cent were among districts that have recorded the highest polling so far, the state election office said.
Elections for Karnaprayag seat in Chamoli district have been postponed to March 9 due to the death of BSP candidate Kuldeep Singh Kanwasi in a road accident on Sunday last.
On most of the seats the ruling Congress and the BJP are locked in straight contests but rebel candidates of both parties who have entered the fray as independents may play a crucial role in upsetting the calculations of the official nominees of their respective parties.
12 former Congress MLAs contesting as BJP candidates and two former BJP MLAs travelling in Congress boat have made these elections interesting.
Chief minister Harish Rawat, who is seeking a second stint in office is contesting from two seats, Haridwar (rural) and Kichha in Udhamsingh Nagar district.
BJP heavyweight Satpal Maharaj is contesting from Chaubatakhal whereas state BJP chief Ajay Bhatt is battling it out in Ranikhet.
UP polls phase-II: Nearly 60 pc voting till 4 PM
Lucknow, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
Nearly 60 per cent voting was recorded till 4 PM in the second phase polling in 67 Assembly constituencies across 11 districts of western Uttar Pradesh.
Polling is going on peacefully in Bijnor, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and districts, and will end at 5 PM.
In the second of the seven-phase polling, 2.28 crore voters, including over 1.04 crore women, are eligible to cast their ballots at 14,771 polling centres and 23,693 polling stations.
"Polling is going on peacefully amid tight security," UP Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh said.
Voter turnout, in the first phase on February 11 (rpt February 11), was recorded at 64.2 per cent - an increase of nearly three per cent from the first phase turnout in 2012.
At Bareilly, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's 115-year-old grandfather Z H Kazmi cast his ballot assisted by his young family members.
At certain places long queues were seen outside polling stations. First time voters were found to be enthusiastic, taking selfies, proudly showing indelible ink imprint on their finger.
Muslim women in burqas were seen outside several booths, while the picture of a newly married couple going to cast vote in Bareilly went viral on social media.
Of the 67 seats at stake, ruling Samajwadi Party had won 34 in 2012, followed by BSP 18, BJP 10, Congress three and others two.
In this phase, 720 candidates are in the fray with a maximum of 22 from Barhapur (Bijnor) and a minimum of four from Dhanaura (Amroha).
Prominent contestants include controversial SP minister Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam, who are contesting from Rampur and Swar seats respectively. In these constituencies 55 per cent voting was recorded till 4 PM.
Saif Ali Naqvi, son of former Congress MP Zafar Ali Naqvi, former central minister Jitin Prasada from Tilhar (Shahjahanpur), BJP Legislature Party leader Suresh Kumar Khanna from Shahjahanpur city and state minister Mehboob Ali from Amroha.
Polling is going on peacefully in Bijnor, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and districts, and will end at 5 PM.
In the second of the seven-phase polling, 2.28 crore voters, including over 1.04 crore women, are eligible to cast their ballots at 14,771 polling centres and 23,693 polling stations.
"Polling is going on peacefully amid tight security," UP Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh said.
Voter turnout, in the first phase on February 11 (rpt February 11), was recorded at 64.2 per cent - an increase of nearly three per cent from the first phase turnout in 2012.
At Bareilly, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's 115-year-old grandfather Z H Kazmi cast his ballot assisted by his young family members.
At certain places long queues were seen outside polling stations. First time voters were found to be enthusiastic, taking selfies, proudly showing indelible ink imprint on their finger.
Muslim women in burqas were seen outside several booths, while the picture of a newly married couple going to cast vote in Bareilly went viral on social media.
Of the 67 seats at stake, ruling Samajwadi Party had won 34 in 2012, followed by BSP 18, BJP 10, Congress three and others two.
In this phase, 720 candidates are in the fray with a maximum of 22 from Barhapur (Bijnor) and a minimum of four from Dhanaura (Amroha).
Prominent contestants include controversial SP minister Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam, who are contesting from Rampur and Swar seats respectively. In these constituencies 55 per cent voting was recorded till 4 PM.
Saif Ali Naqvi, son of former Congress MP Zafar Ali Naqvi, former central minister Jitin Prasada from Tilhar (Shahjahanpur), BJP Legislature Party leader Suresh Kumar Khanna from Shahjahanpur city and state minister Mehboob Ali from Amroha.
PIL on manipulation of land records: HC issues notices to Maya
Allahabad, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
The Allahabad High Court today issued notices to BSP supremo Mayawati and her father and brother on a PIL alleging "manipulation" of land records in their native village while she was the UP Chief Minister.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashant Verma passed the order on the PIL of social worker Sandeep Bhati, who had alleged that in Badalpur village of Gautam Buddh Nagar district, a large tract of agricultural land, spread over an area of 47,433 square metres, had been declared as "abadi"(residential/non-agricultural).
The petitioner has alleged that this was done with a view to changing the land use so that sale of the plot, in part or whole, could fetch a huge sum to the owners.
The village falls in the vicinity of Greater Noida and the petitioner has impleaded Mayawati, her father RPT father Prabhu Dayal and brother RPT brother Anand Kumar as parties in the PIL.
The court, while issuing notices to the respondents, directed the registry to club the PIL with another pending petition, wherein similar allegations have been made, and list the matter for further hearing.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosle and Justice Yashant Verma passed the order on the PIL of social worker Sandeep Bhati, who had alleged that in Badalpur village of Gautam Buddh Nagar district, a large tract of agricultural land, spread over an area of 47,433 square metres, had been declared as "abadi"(residential/non-agricultural).
The petitioner has alleged that this was done with a view to changing the land use so that sale of the plot, in part or whole, could fetch a huge sum to the owners.
The village falls in the vicinity of Greater Noida and the petitioner has impleaded Mayawati, her father RPT father Prabhu Dayal and brother RPT brother Anand Kumar as parties in the PIL.
The court, while issuing notices to the respondents, directed the registry to club the PIL with another pending petition, wherein similar allegations have been made, and list the matter for further hearing.
Record 27 US Congressmen travelling to India this month
Washington, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
A record number of 27 US Congressmen will visit India later this month, reflecting the growing bipartisan support for strengthening the Indo-US strategic ties.
The top lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties are visiting India in two separate delegations.
Describing this as an important development, Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to the US, said such visit is reflective of the efforts on the part of the US to "strengthen and build" on the bipartisan support that they have in the US Congress for India-US relations.
Congressional records indicate that this is the largest ever travel of US lawmakers to India.
The largest delegation of 19 Congressmen, being organised by the prestigious Aspen Institute, would be in India from February 20 to 25 with stops in New Delhi and Hyderabad.
During the visit, the lawmakers are scheduled to have a wide range of meetings from top government officials, politicians, members of the think-tank bodies and non-governmental organisations.
Another bipartisan Congressional delegation (or Codel) of eight lawmakers, being led by Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of powerful House Judiciary Committee, would be in India from February 20 to 23, visiting New Delhi and Bangalore.
The delegation includes Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, Jason Smit and Dave Trott.
All four are from the Republican party. The Democratic members to the delegations include Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressmen Hank Johnson, David Ciciline and Henry Cuellar.
The visit, Sarna said would let these lawmakers first hand see for themselves, the political vibrancy of India, the economic reforms that are happening, and also for them to identify potential areas of engagement.
"This is increasingly important as the new administration comes into," he said. "We are very fortunate that there are two delegations totaling 27 Congressmen are travelling to India this month, which is not a small figure," he said.
The top lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties are visiting India in two separate delegations.
Describing this as an important development, Navtej Sarna, Indian Ambassador to the US, said such visit is reflective of the efforts on the part of the US to "strengthen and build" on the bipartisan support that they have in the US Congress for India-US relations.
Congressional records indicate that this is the largest ever travel of US lawmakers to India.
The largest delegation of 19 Congressmen, being organised by the prestigious Aspen Institute, would be in India from February 20 to 25 with stops in New Delhi and Hyderabad.
During the visit, the lawmakers are scheduled to have a wide range of meetings from top government officials, politicians, members of the think-tank bodies and non-governmental organisations.
Another bipartisan Congressional delegation (or Codel) of eight lawmakers, being led by Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of powerful House Judiciary Committee, would be in India from February 20 to 23, visiting New Delhi and Bangalore.
The delegation includes Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, Jason Smit and Dave Trott.
All four are from the Republican party. The Democratic members to the delegations include Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressmen Hank Johnson, David Ciciline and Henry Cuellar.
The visit, Sarna said would let these lawmakers first hand see for themselves, the political vibrancy of India, the economic reforms that are happening, and also for them to identify potential areas of engagement.
"This is increasingly important as the new administration comes into," he said. "We are very fortunate that there are two delegations totaling 27 Congressmen are travelling to India this month, which is not a small figure," he said.
Six killed in suicide attack in northwestern Pakistan
Peshawar, Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
Four security personnel were among at least six persons who were killed when two Taliban suicide bombers today attacked a government compound in northwestern Pakistan's restive tribal region.
The explosion took place at the headquarters in Ghalanai in the Mohmand tribal region when two suicide bombers tried to enter the colony and when signaled to stop – one blew himself up while the other was killed by firing of security forces, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
"Security agencies had the intelligence about intrusion of suicide bombers from Afghanistan inside Mohmand agency," the ISPR said.
The Pakistani Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has claimed the attack, media reports said.
The security personnel and two civilians including a school teacher were killed in the blast. At least eight others were wounded in the attack and three critically injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, Dawn reported.
Soon after the blast the areas was sealed and a thorough search operation was started, political administration sources said.
The incident comes barely two days after a suicide blast claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the banned Pakistan Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) ripped through the camp of protesting chemists in front of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, that killed 13 people.
In September last year, a suicide bomber targeted a mosque in Mohmand Agency's Anbar tehsil during Friday prayers, leaving 36 people dead. That attack too was claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
Mohmand is one of Pakistan's seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border, where the military has been battling Al-Qaeda and Taliban-linked militants for over a decade.
The Operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' launched by army in June 2014 in a bid to wipe out militant bases in the tribal areas and so bring an end to the bloody insurgency has cost thousands of civilian lives since 2004
The explosion took place at the headquarters in Ghalanai in the Mohmand tribal region when two suicide bombers tried to enter the colony and when signaled to stop – one blew himself up while the other was killed by firing of security forces, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
"Security agencies had the intelligence about intrusion of suicide bombers from Afghanistan inside Mohmand agency," the ISPR said.
The Pakistani Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has claimed the attack, media reports said.
The security personnel and two civilians including a school teacher were killed in the blast. At least eight others were wounded in the attack and three critically injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, Dawn reported.
Soon after the blast the areas was sealed and a thorough search operation was started, political administration sources said.
The incident comes barely two days after a suicide blast claimed by the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the banned Pakistan Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP) ripped through the camp of protesting chemists in front of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, that killed 13 people.
In September last year, a suicide bomber targeted a mosque in Mohmand Agency's Anbar tehsil during Friday prayers, leaving 36 people dead. That attack too was claimed by Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
Mohmand is one of Pakistan's seven semi-autonomous tribal districts near the Afghan border, where the military has been battling Al-Qaeda and Taliban-linked militants for over a decade.
The Operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' launched by army in June 2014 in a bid to wipe out militant bases in the tribal areas and so bring an end to the bloody insurgency has cost thousands of civilian lives since 2004
Top American aerospace, defence firms support 'Make in India' initiative
Bengaluru, Feb 15, 2016 (PTI)
Top American aerospace and defence companies today pledged to strengthen the 'Make in India campaign' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foster "blossoming" of the India-US defence collaboration.
The support from American firms emerged at the ongoing Asia's premier airshow Aero India 2017 here, where government is making a strong pitch for the 'Make in India' campaign, wooing global companies to be part of India's evolving story.
The US-India Business Council is leading its delegation to Aero India 2017, showcasing continuity in the defence and security partnership between the US and India following India being designated as a 'Major Defense Partner', which directs the US government to prioritise defence trade with the country.
The international delegation consists of more than 20 senior executives from American aerospace and defense companies, according to the Council.
USIBC's Executive Mission is led by George Standridge, Vice President for Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, and Tom Bell, Senior Vice President, Boeing.
Senior executives representing America's top defense companies, including Arconic, Telephonics, Raytheon, Honeywell, Harris Corporation and Textron Systems are part of USIBC's delegation, USIBC said in a statement here.
At a seminar here on opportunities to integrate India into the global supply chain held by USIBC, Mission co-lead George Standridge, Vice President for Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, said, "India is an important partner for the US industry."
Aero India 2017, he said, is an excellent venue to further discussions in support of Modi's call to 'Make in India', and "we are committed to sharing knowledge, skills, and technology, today and in the future."
"The US and Indian defense industries are poised to work collaboratively to position India as a major defense partner of the United States," Tom Bell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) said.
Boeing is committed to facilitating the ecosystem for India's defense industrial base in a manner that supports job growth in both the countries, Bell said.
Aero India 2017 is an ideal venue to exchange lessons learned and showcase our commitment and progress supporting the Indian market and the 'Make in India' initiative, Hector F Colon, Corporate Vice President for Telephonic Corporation, said.
"We look forward to continue our effort with USIBC to strengthen the Make in India campaign and also foster the blossoming of India-US defense collaboration," he said.
USIBC's Director of Aerospace and Defense, Ben Schwartz said 2017 should be an exciting year for the defense industry.
"We are hopeful that some key changes will take place that augur well for the bilateral partnership such as an agreement on communications security and the reform of defense offset management," he said.
The support from American firms emerged at the ongoing Asia's premier airshow Aero India 2017 here, where government is making a strong pitch for the 'Make in India' campaign, wooing global companies to be part of India's evolving story.
The US-India Business Council is leading its delegation to Aero India 2017, showcasing continuity in the defence and security partnership between the US and India following India being designated as a 'Major Defense Partner', which directs the US government to prioritise defence trade with the country.
The international delegation consists of more than 20 senior executives from American aerospace and defense companies, according to the Council.
USIBC's Executive Mission is led by George Standridge, Vice President for Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, and Tom Bell, Senior Vice President, Boeing.
Senior executives representing America's top defense companies, including Arconic, Telephonics, Raytheon, Honeywell, Harris Corporation and Textron Systems are part of USIBC's delegation, USIBC said in a statement here.
At a seminar here on opportunities to integrate India into the global supply chain held by USIBC, Mission co-lead George Standridge, Vice President for Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, said, "India is an important partner for the US industry."
Aero India 2017, he said, is an excellent venue to further discussions in support of Modi's call to 'Make in India', and "we are committed to sharing knowledge, skills, and technology, today and in the future."
"The US and Indian defense industries are poised to work collaboratively to position India as a major defense partner of the United States," Tom Bell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) said.
Boeing is committed to facilitating the ecosystem for India's defense industrial base in a manner that supports job growth in both the countries, Bell said.
Aero India 2017 is an ideal venue to exchange lessons learned and showcase our commitment and progress supporting the Indian market and the 'Make in India' initiative, Hector F Colon, Corporate Vice President for Telephonic Corporation, said.
"We look forward to continue our effort with USIBC to strengthen the Make in India campaign and also foster the blossoming of India-US defense collaboration," he said.
USIBC's Director of Aerospace and Defense, Ben Schwartz said 2017 should be an exciting year for the defense industry.
"We are hopeful that some key changes will take place that augur well for the bilateral partnership such as an agreement on communications security and the reform of defense offset management," he said.
Modi slams SP on home turf, makes fun of alliance with Cong
Kannauj (UP), Feb 15, 2017 (PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today slammed the ruling Samajwadi Party for its pre-poll alliance with Congress, likening it to a movie in which rivals befriend each other after the "interval".
Addressing an election rally here, he said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav does not know how "cunning Congress people are" and reminded him about an "assassination attempt" made on his father Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1984 allegedly by a Congress leader.
Modi also attacked the opposition for creating hue and cry over demonetisation and levelling all kinds of allegations against him, saying "lies will not work as the people of the country are quite aware now".
Severely critical of Akhilesh for entering into the alliance with Congress, he said, "A film is being played on the political stage of Uttar Pradesh in which the opponents, who had attacked each other with slogans such as '27 saal UP behal' and taken out yatras in the first half, have turned friends after interval and have embraced each other."
He said Samajwadi Party and Congress were campaigning against each other before the announcement of polls "but came together after the interval to enter into the alliance for the elections."
Reaching out to voters here in Kannauj which falls in the Lok Sabha constituency represented by Akhilesh's wife Dimple Yadav, Modi said, "SP-Cong tie up will shatter your dreams."
While targeting the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister over the alliance with Congress, the Prime Minister said, "I want to ask how Akhilesh forgot the attack carried out on Mulayam Yadav by Congress in 1984... What can be more shameful than befriending those who tried to murder one's father?... They cannot be pardoned.
"Kya raajneeti itni gir gayi hai ke kursi ke moh mein iss prakaar ke kaand kiye jaaye (has politics degraded to such an extent that for the love of power such a thing would be done)?"
Recalling the incident, Modi said, "Fed up of attacks by Mulayam Singh as Leader of the Opposition in Vidhan Parishad, Congress got shots fired at him on March 4, 1984 but he scraped through...I want to tell Akhilesh that he should have remembered this incident before sitting in the lap of Congress."
He went on to add, "Akhileshji ko abhi anubhav kum hain, Congress wale kitne chatur hain inko samajh nahi aata... Mulayam ji ko toh pata tha (Akhilesh has less experience. He does not understand how cunning Congress people are. Mulayam knew about it)."
On March 4, 1984, Mulayam Singh's car was fired at by some persons while he was on his way from Etawah to Lucknow and the name of a strong Congress leader had figured in the case.
Hitting out at Congress, Modi said the party was running a three-legged race with one leg tied to Bahujan Samaj Party and another to Samajwadi Party.
"During the first press conference after the alliance, Akhilesh had attacked Mayawati but when Congress vice president was asked about her, he said he had nothing to say against her," the Prime Minister said.
Rahul had said, "I personally respect Mayawati. Though BSP ruled in Uttar Pradesh and made some mistakes, my respect for her is intact".
This had prompted BJP to dub BSP as a hidden partner of Congress-Samajwadi Party.
"They cannot win this race as BJP, which is running on two legs, will pip them to the post," Modi told the rally today.
On the state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said the abbreviation of UP may be read as "up", but everything is "down" in the state.
"The only thing up in UP is corruption, law and order, riots, atrocities on women, unemployment, poverty, mortality rate of mother and child, migration...and Akhilesh says 'kaam bolta hai' (work speaks)...it is not kaam but karname (misdeeds) which are speaking for him," Modi said.
Claiming that the Centre has taken important steps for the welfare of farmers, the Prime Minister said his party has promised in its manifesto that onion and potato will be bought at Minimum Support Price and will not allow the potato growers to die.
"BJP manifesto promises loan waiver of small farmers...As an MP from the state, I promise that it will be my responsibility that this promise is fulfilled in the first meeting of the BJP government," said Modi, who represents Varanasi constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing the gathering in this region having a large number of potato growers, Modi said in the last (Lok Sabha) elections the "bahu" (Dimple Yadav) of Samajwadi Party had promised to set up chips-making unit here which did not come through, but she won the poll.
"Will you not seek a reply from her or not," the Prime Minister asked in his typical question-answer style of establishing direct rapport with the public.
"The SP government (in UP) is anti-poor," he said, adding that while he himself as no home or vehicle of his own, SP leaders have large fleets of vehicles.
"What kind of samajwad (socialism) is this? It is nothing but betrayal of poor. Scams are being reported even in orphanages in UP," Modi said.
He contended that central assistance for foodgrains was not reaching the poor in UP as the state government was not interested in accepting it.
He also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying, "the Congress leader seeking vote from you is not aware that potato is grown in the field and not in factory...He (Rahul) took out a kisan yatra and talked about setting up potato factory."
Claiming that people of the country have hailed note ban, he said this is proved by BJP's victories in Panchayat polls in Odisha, Municipal elections in Chandigarh and Gujarat and Vidhan Parishad poll in UP.
Congratulating ISRO scientists, he said they have hit a century by launching a record 104 satellites at one go.
Modi also cited the decision of his government to slash prices for coronary stents for heart patients.
"The stents will be sold at Rs 8,000 against Rs 45,000 earlier. Congress had failed to revise the prices for years," he said.
Modi said opposition played all types of games in the last three months raking up issues like demonetisation and surgical strike.
Referring to anomalies in recruitments in UP, Modi said police recruitment in Uttar Pradesh is driven by caste-based decisions.
"We have removed interview requirement from the recruitment process in Class III and Class IV categories in central government. Around one lakh people were recruited in Railways without interview," he said.
There are plans for recruitment in BSF and CISF which will be done in a fair and honest manner to give jobs to the deserving candidates, Modi added.
Promising to continue the fight against black money and corruption, he appealed to people of Kannuj to vote for BJP on February 19 in the third phase of polling.
Addressing an election rally here, he said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav does not know how "cunning Congress people are" and reminded him about an "assassination attempt" made on his father Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1984 allegedly by a Congress leader.
Modi also attacked the opposition for creating hue and cry over demonetisation and levelling all kinds of allegations against him, saying "lies will not work as the people of the country are quite aware now".
Severely critical of Akhilesh for entering into the alliance with Congress, he said, "A film is being played on the political stage of Uttar Pradesh in which the opponents, who had attacked each other with slogans such as '27 saal UP behal' and taken out yatras in the first half, have turned friends after interval and have embraced each other."
He said Samajwadi Party and Congress were campaigning against each other before the announcement of polls "but came together after the interval to enter into the alliance for the elections."
Reaching out to voters here in Kannauj which falls in the Lok Sabha constituency represented by Akhilesh's wife Dimple Yadav, Modi said, "SP-Cong tie up will shatter your dreams."
While targeting the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister over the alliance with Congress, the Prime Minister said, "I want to ask how Akhilesh forgot the attack carried out on Mulayam Yadav by Congress in 1984... What can be more shameful than befriending those who tried to murder one's father?... They cannot be pardoned.
"Kya raajneeti itni gir gayi hai ke kursi ke moh mein iss prakaar ke kaand kiye jaaye (has politics degraded to such an extent that for the love of power such a thing would be done)?"
Recalling the incident, Modi said, "Fed up of attacks by Mulayam Singh as Leader of the Opposition in Vidhan Parishad, Congress got shots fired at him on March 4, 1984 but he scraped through...I want to tell Akhilesh that he should have remembered this incident before sitting in the lap of Congress."
He went on to add, "Akhileshji ko abhi anubhav kum hain, Congress wale kitne chatur hain inko samajh nahi aata... Mulayam ji ko toh pata tha (Akhilesh has less experience. He does not understand how cunning Congress people are. Mulayam knew about it)."
On March 4, 1984, Mulayam Singh's car was fired at by some persons while he was on his way from Etawah to Lucknow and the name of a strong Congress leader had figured in the case.
Hitting out at Congress, Modi said the party was running a three-legged race with one leg tied to Bahujan Samaj Party and another to Samajwadi Party.
"During the first press conference after the alliance, Akhilesh had attacked Mayawati but when Congress vice president was asked about her, he said he had nothing to say against her," the Prime Minister said.
Rahul had said, "I personally respect Mayawati. Though BSP ruled in Uttar Pradesh and made some mistakes, my respect for her is intact".
This had prompted BJP to dub BSP as a hidden partner of Congress-Samajwadi Party.
"They cannot win this race as BJP, which is running on two legs, will pip them to the post," Modi told the rally today.
On the state of affairs in Uttar Pradesh, Modi said the abbreviation of UP may be read as "up", but everything is "down" in the state.
"The only thing up in UP is corruption, law and order, riots, atrocities on women, unemployment, poverty, mortality rate of mother and child, migration...and Akhilesh says 'kaam bolta hai' (work speaks)...it is not kaam but karname (misdeeds) which are speaking for him," Modi said.
Claiming that the Centre has taken important steps for the welfare of farmers, the Prime Minister said his party has promised in its manifesto that onion and potato will be bought at Minimum Support Price and will not allow the potato growers to die.
"BJP manifesto promises loan waiver of small farmers...As an MP from the state, I promise that it will be my responsibility that this promise is fulfilled in the first meeting of the BJP government," said Modi, who represents Varanasi constituency in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing the gathering in this region having a large number of potato growers, Modi said in the last (Lok Sabha) elections the "bahu" (Dimple Yadav) of Samajwadi Party had promised to set up chips-making unit here which did not come through, but she won the poll.
"Will you not seek a reply from her or not," the Prime Minister asked in his typical question-answer style of establishing direct rapport with the public.
"The SP government (in UP) is anti-poor," he said, adding that while he himself as no home or vehicle of his own, SP leaders have large fleets of vehicles.
"What kind of samajwad (socialism) is this? It is nothing but betrayal of poor. Scams are being reported even in orphanages in UP," Modi said.
He contended that central assistance for foodgrains was not reaching the poor in UP as the state government was not interested in accepting it.
He also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying, "the Congress leader seeking vote from you is not aware that potato is grown in the field and not in factory...He (Rahul) took out a kisan yatra and talked about setting up potato factory."
Claiming that people of the country have hailed note ban, he said this is proved by BJP's victories in Panchayat polls in Odisha, Municipal elections in Chandigarh and Gujarat and Vidhan Parishad poll in UP.
Congratulating ISRO scientists, he said they have hit a century by launching a record 104 satellites at one go.
Modi also cited the decision of his government to slash prices for coronary stents for heart patients.
"The stents will be sold at Rs 8,000 against Rs 45,000 earlier. Congress had failed to revise the prices for years," he said.
Modi said opposition played all types of games in the last three months raking up issues like demonetisation and surgical strike.
Referring to anomalies in recruitments in UP, Modi said police recruitment in Uttar Pradesh is driven by caste-based decisions.
"We have removed interview requirement from the recruitment process in Class III and Class IV categories in central government. Around one lakh people were recruited in Railways without interview," he said.
There are plans for recruitment in BSF and CISF which will be done in a fair and honest manner to give jobs to the deserving candidates, Modi added.
Promising to continue the fight against black money and corruption, he appealed to people of Kannuj to vote for BJP on February 19 in the third phase of polling.
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