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RS passes bill for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs in govt. jobs.

Dec 17, 9:15 PM

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012 providing for reservation in promotions to SCs and STs in government jobs. 206 membersvoted in favour while 10 against it.

The Bill required majority of the total members of the House and two-third majority of the members present and voting.

Replying to the debate, Minister of State for Personnel, V. Narayanasamy said that reservation will be to the extent of 22.5 per cent which is available to SCsand STs under the Constitution. The Minister said that UPA government is committed to give promotions to SCs and STs as the Congress party and its government isfor the weaker sections of the society. He said all the political parties are committed to social justice. The Minister said in the all party meeting all parties had agreed to support the bill barring Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena.

Giving details of representation of SCs and STs in government jobs, the Ministersaid that they are not adequately represented in the government service. Mr. Narayanasamy asked the Samajwadi Party why it is against reservation in promotionswhen it has no opposition against reservation at the entry level.

Referring to apprehensions of Leader of Opposition about reverse discriminationthe Minister said that he will ask the State governments to see that the seniority of those already promoted is not affected adversely.//Record 70 % voting in the II phase of Gujarat elections.

Dec 17, 9:37 PM

In Gujarat an estimated 70 cent votes have been cast today in the second and final phase of Assembly elections. A total of 820 candidates including 49 women arein contest in this phase of elections.

AIR correspondent reports that 10 per cent more polling has been recorded in thecomparison of previous assembly elections. Maximum 72 per cent voting has beenrecorded at Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Gandhinagar districts. Followed by 71 percent polling is recorded at Mahesana and Anand districts while 70 percent polling has taken place at Ahmedabad, Patan, and Vadodara districts.

Voting was marred by a firing incident involving BJP candidate and sitting MLA from Sahera constituency in Panchmahal district in which four people were injured. Both Congress and BJP have made counter allegations about this incident.

Several political stalwarts including Chief Minister Narendra Modi, farmer ChiefMinister Shankar Singh Vaghela, Controversial BJP leader Amit Shah and Congress

leaders Mohan Singh Rathawa and Siddharth Patel are in contest in this phase ofelections. About 15 Modi Government ministers are also seeking their re -election in this phase. With the today`s voting of political fate of candidates are now sealed in electronic voting machines.

Congress has lodged a complaint against Mr. Modi to the Commission for reachingat polling booth with a mob of supporters and government machinery.//SIT to probe corruption allegations in Maha Irrigation department.

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Dec 17, 9:39 PM

The Maharashtra Government today announced that a special investigation team (SIT) will be setup under water expert Madhav Chitaley to probe the allegations ofcorruption in the state irrigation department. Maharashtra water resources Minister Sunil Tatkare made this announcement in the ongoing winter session of Maharashtra assembly at Nagpur.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Tatkare said that all aspects of the situationhave been considered and the details about the time-frame for the probe and other issues will be announced before the end of this year.

Responding to the announcement opposition parties in the Maharashtra legislaturehave expressed satisfaction over the state government's decision.

Opposition party BJP leader Vinod Tawde has demanded that the SIT should be headed by a respected technocrat so that all aspects of the alleged irrigation scamcould be exposed. Opposition parties have been stalling the proceedings of the winter session of the Maharashtra legislature since last week demanding an SIT probe into the alleged irrigation department scam in Maharashtra.

It is alleged that there is massive corruption in the irrigation projects in thestate.

//Sibal inaugurates National Data Centre at Delhi IT park

Dec 17

The Communication and Inforamtion Technology Minister Mr Kapil Sibal has asked his ministry officials to lay a road map by 2014 for creation of a "Google" typeof comprehensive website to enable citizens to access service of all governmentdepartments with a click of a mouse. Mr Sibal said this while inaugurating National Data Centre at Delhi IT park of the national capital.The Minister said thatthere should be one common platform for providing all kind of services that canbe provided through Internet. Mr Sibal said that departments should create campa

ign to make people aware of the kind of information and data government is hosting on its data centres.//Delhi Court grants bail to Zee group editors in extortion case

Dec 17

After spending 20 days in jail, two Zee group editors were today granted bail bya Delhi court in the case of alleged Rs 100 crore extortion bid from Congress MP Naveen Jindal's firm.

Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary and Zee Business Editor Samir Ahluwalia were ar

rested by Delhi Police on November 27.

The court said both of them will be released on furnishing a bail bond and surety of Rs 50,000 each.

They were directed to surrender their passports and not leave the country without the permission of the court which also asked them to cooperate with the investigation.//Rangarajan optimistic on meeting fiscal deficit target

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Dec 17

Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council Chairman C Rangarajan today expressedoptimism that the government would be able to meet the fiscal deficit target of5.3 per cent for the current fiscal. Mr. Rangarajan said this on the sidelinesof Delhi Economics Conclave at New Delhi .

Although the Government had pegged fiscal deficit for the current financial yearat 5.1 per cent of the GDP in the budget, but it has revised the target to 5.3per cent in view of subdued revenue collection and rising fuel and food subsidybills.

The former RBI Governor also expressed hope that there would be further improvement in growth during the next fiscal.//Ansari calls for speeding up the pace of poll reforms

Dec 17

Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari has stressed accelerating the pace of pollreforms. Delivering Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture in New Delhi today, he sa

id the country is yet to succeed in eradicating electoral malpractices. Mr Ansari said the political process depicts ideological decadence and a declining observance of constitutional morality. The Vice President said there is a need to rejuvenate commitment to the values, objectives and the judicious balance of the Constitution.//Indian delegation to visit Pakistan

Dec 17

The government today said that terrorism is affecting all aspects of the relatio

nship between India and Pakistan.

Making a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on the Pakistan Interior minister Rehman Malik's visit to India from 14th to 16th of this month, Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said the need for bringing guilty of the Mumbai terror attack to justice was emphasised.

Mr Shinde said both the countries have agreed to enhance people to people contacts and confidence building measures to proceed in an atmosphere free of terrorism and violence.

The Home minister said an Indian delegation will visit Pakistan in this week tosettle the revised terms of agreement to facilitate an early visit of the Judici

al Commission from Pakistan.

Mr Shinde said the visiting Pakistani minister was informed about the concertedattempts by terrorists to infiltrate across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Shinde also informed that a National Investigation Agency team along with officials from home ministry will visit Pakistan in January 2013 to operationalisethe task force on counterfeiting and drugs trafficking.

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The Home minister also informed that the home secretaries would endeavour to meet in the first quarter of 2013 to review progress. Mr Shinde said bringing fugitives of the Mumbai bomb blasts of 1993 to justice and fake currency notes also figured during the discussion.

Earlier, raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik's statement about internal issues ofthe country is unprovoked and unwarranted.//Coal Indias perspective plan for developing mines allocated to PSU

Dec 17

The government today said Coal India (CIL) has submitted an initial perspectiveplan for developing 119 mines allocated to the PSU firm. In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, minister of State for Coal Pratik Prakashbapu Patil said ministry ofCoal in May 2012 has tentatively assigned 116 coal blocks to CIL. Mr Patil further said three coal blocks viz Brahmini, Chichro Pastimal and East of Damogoriafrom the deallocated coal blocks have been assigned to CIL for undertaking mining.

Earlier, CIL had expressed hope that it can start mining in 13 of the 119 blocksallotted to it in one or two years.

Our correspondent reports, Coal India has set a target to produce 464 million tonnes (MT) of coal for the current fiscal. Last fiscal, it had produced 435.84 MT.//WHOs clearance for Indias vaccine regulatory system

Dec 17

A World Health Organization team today cleared India's vaccine regulatory systemfor maintaining international standards. This has paved the way for easy exportof vaccines produced in the country.

India's Rs 19,000-crore vaccine industry accounts for exports worth 13 billion US dollars to 150 countries across the world.

The latest certification means all the 12 Indian vaccine makers can now apply for WHO pre-qualification and thus improve the chances of exporting their productsto all over the world.//Pawar releases book For the Grains written by KV Thomas

Dec 17

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today released a book titled 'For the Grains'at a function in New Delhi. The book written by Food Minister K V Thomas is a compilation of 37 speeches delivered by him in recent years. the Book covers a wide range of issues including agriculture, food security, climate change, ayurveda, research and education in the country.

Releasing the book, Mr. Pawar said the book highlights the problems of food security and also suggested conservation and cultivation among few methods to enhance food production.//

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Presidential Standard to 25 & 33 Squadrons of IAF to be presented on Tuesday

Dec 17

President Pranab Mukherjee will present the Presidential Standard to 25 and 33 Squadrons of the Indian Air Force on Tuesday at a function in Sulur in Coimbatore, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.

Mukherjee, who is undertaking a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, would also inaugurate centenary celebrations of the award of Nobel Prize to Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan in the second phase of his visit.

A Presidential Standard is a flag, awarded by the head of the state to a military unit. It is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon a unit or squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both in war and peace.

25 Squadron of the Indian Air Force known as "The Himalayan Eagles" has been thelifeline of the armed forces personnel and citizens in the Northern Frontiers for over five decades, in times of peace as well as war.//BJP: Indias policy on Pakistan lacks clarity

Dec 17

The BJP has taken objection to the Home Minister's statement in Parliament on Indo-Pak relations. Party spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad told the media in New Delhi today that Pakistan Interior Minister Rahman Malik's comments on India's internal matters were totally uncalled for and provocative. The government did not rebut him and he got away with all that he said on the Indian soil. Mr. Prasad said India's policy on Pakistan lacks clarity and wondered if the government believes only in tokenism.//

Ajit for low cost airports to improve connectivity in country

Dec 17

Civil Aviation Minister, Ajit Singh has emphasized on development of low cost airports to improve connectivity in the country. Addressing the Parliament Consultative Committee meeting of his ministry in New Delhi today, Mr. Singh said government has taken many steps recently including allowing 49 per cent FDI by foreign airlines in Indian carriers to revive the aviation industry and ensure its long term viability. He said that apart from 5 major airports already operationalised under Public Private Partnership mode, the centre has also given in principleapproval for setting up of 15 new greenfield airports in various locations incl

uding Goa, Navi Mumbai and Kannur.

Mr. Singh also said that aviation sector has emerged as one of the most important growth engines of the country during the 11th Plan period and the last 10 years, compounded annual growth rate of passenger traffic has been approximately 15percent.//Congress:Rehman Maliks statement on Hafiz Sayeed wrong

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Dec 17

The Congress today described Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Mallik's statement on Hafiz Sayeed, the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attack, as factually wrong. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, party spokesman P C Chacko said Pakistan's claim that Hafiz Sayeed was arrested thrice, was on grounds other than his role in the Mumbai attack. He said Rehman Mallik had not done his homework. Otherwise, he would not have made the misleading statements in India. Mr Chacko said the government has enough evidence to prove Hafiz Sayeed's role in theterror attack on Mumbai. He said talks between India and Pakistan have to continue even if their relations get embittered momentarily.//Mid Year Economic Analysis tabled in Parliament

Dec 17

Chief Economic Advisor Raghuram Rajan today suggested a three-pronged strategy,including a confidence inducing Budget, to push growth which is estimated to decline to 5.7-5.9 per cent in the current fiscal. He was briefing reporters in NewDelhi on the Mid Year Economic Analysis which was tabled in Parliament today.

The mid-year analysis lowered the growth projection for the current financial year to 5.7-5.9 per cent from 7.6 per cent estimated earlier. Economic growth hadfallen to a nine- year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12.

The growth, Rajan said, was likely to show improvement in the second half to around 6 per cent from 5.4 per cent in the first half (April-September) driven by factors like improved business confidence, corporate profitability, better industrial output numbers and moderating inflation.

Replying to a query on tax collection, Rajan said low corporate profitability isimpacting revenue realisation.//Large-scale paid news in Gujarat elections:PCI

Dec 17

A fact- finding team of the Press Council of India (PCI) has claimed that therehas been large-scale practice of 'paid news' in the Gujarat elections.

PCI chairperson Justice Markandey Katju said that the information provided by the panel, appointed by him, only shows that self regulation by media was provingto be ineffective. He said the prevalence of paid news as shocking and very disturbing. ,

Justice Katju said that not only the print media but even the visual media indul

ged in large scale practice of paid news in the Gujarat elections.

He also said that the full report on paid news in Gujarat elections is still being prepared and he plans to take it to the Election Commission, public and otherauthorities after it is submitted and seek action against erring politicians.//India initiates move for currency swap agreement among SAARC countries

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Dec 17

India is spearheading an initiative to develop a currency swap agreement among SAARC countries which would help them protect their currencies during special exigencies. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi today, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said India is spearheading efforts to finalise an agreement for SAARC central banks to establish a currency swap arrangement as a baseline measure that would provide funds to SAARC states to defend their currencies when faced by special exigencies.

He said the integration of SAARC economies was not only important but it is an imperative for all of us South Asians if we want to face challenges facing our region. To a suggestion on having a multilateral investment protection agreement,Mr Mathai said it is timely and relevant and India remains steadfast in supportto SAARC.//Sri Lanka to take back Trincomalee oil storage tank farm from IOC

Dec 17

Sri Lankas official news website today reported that the government is planning to take back Trincomalee oil storage tank farm in the China Bay leased to the Ind

ian Oil Corporation.

The website quoting sources in the Ministry of Petroleum Industry said that a cabinet paper will be put up shortly for the re-acquisition of the Tank Farm.

The tank farm is located in 850 acres and has 99 tanks with the capacity to hold12,100 metric tons of oil in each tank. First built by the British on a strategically important sea route between east and west Asia, Sri Lankas government expects to convert the tanks into a profitable venture with foreign investment.//Heavy rains disrupt normal life in Sri Lanka

Dec 17

Heavy rain across Sri Lanka during the last 24 hours has disrupted normal life.Flash floods and landslides have been reported from Matale and Kandy districts.

The Meteorology Department reported a highest rainfall of 116 mm in Kandy with heavy rains since Sunday evening. Batticaloa, Badulla, Kurunegala, and Nuwara Eliya also recorded abnormally high rains.

The Civil Defence Force said that a number of farmer families have been maroonedby sudden floods in the Polonnaruwa district. A landslide was reported from Hunnasgiriya area on the Kandy - Mahiyanganaya main road. Several earth slips cause

d traffic blocks in Nuwara Eliya district.

Several warnings have been issued for landslides and flash floods due to openingof sluice gates of overflowing reservoirs.//Swiss proposes new bill to check black money flow

Dec 17

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Switzerland has proposed a new bill to prevent its banks and other institutionsfrom accepting black money from their clients and put in place a stricter due diligence regime.

The Switzerland Federal Council, the apex decision making body of Swiss government, has asked its Finance Ministry to submit a consultation draft at the start of 2013 to meet its goal of preventing banks from accepting untaxed funds from their clients. A decision to this effect was taken by the Federal Council at a meeting on Friday in Bern.

The move follows rising global pressure on Switzerland to act against its banksproviding safe haven to overseas entities in name of client confidentiality.

In a statement, the Swiss Federal Council said, it is stepping up its efforts tocombat abuses in the area of money laundering and taxation.

It said, with the planned implementation of the revised recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, serious tax offences will be qualified as predicateoffences for money laundering in future.

It said, in the event that they suspect money laundering, financial intermediaries should also report these cases to the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland.

//One killed, 15 injured in Afghan bomb blast

Dec 17

At least one person has been killed and 15 others injured in a powerful bomb blast in the outskirts of Afghan capital Kabul today. According to the police sources the blast took place around 11.45 Hours (IST) at the office of a private construction company near customs office on Katul-Jalalabad road. The attacked rammed his explosive laden vehicle into the building of the company. According to Indian Embassy in Kabul the injured also includes an Indian named Vijayan from Kera

la. Police said the number of casualties may increase. Some nationals of Philippines and other countries working with the company have also been injured.//Russian arms exports to reach 14 billion US dollars this year

Dec 17

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his country's arms exports are expected to reach 14 billion U.S. dollars this year, the largest volume ever. Speakingto a military-technical cooperation commission today, he said Russia's military-industrial complex is finishing the year with positive results, with the contracts signed exceeding 15 billion dollars and more orders to come. President Putin

said Russia should restore its position in the global market of modernizing andrepairing military equipment, including those made in the former Soviet Union.//Nepal suspends officials for allowing illegal imported chicken containers

Dec 17

In Nepal, the government has suspended four senior quarantine officials for twomonths on charges guilty for deliberately allowing containers carrying illegally

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imported chicken from India for international food chain Kentucky Fried Chickento enter the country. According to a press statement issued by Ministry of Agriculture Development, include officers in Birjunj , Chitwan and Kathmandu .

Two containers of frozen and ready-to-eat chicken imported by Devyani International, operator of KFC for Nepal and Mango Tree International were taken control by local poultry farmers in Dharke of Dhading on Saturday and were dumped by officials.

In a bid to minimize the risk of bird-flu, Nepal government had imposed a ban onthe import of poultry products since 2008 from several countries, including India, where outbreak of the avian influenza was reported.//Philippines to work closely with Japans new govt.

Dec 17

Phlippines says it will work closely with Japan's new government amid the risingChinese presence in the South China Sea. A Phlippine presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda today said that the territorial issues the Philippines and Japan have with China are two distinct disputes in the region. He said as a strategic partner, the Philippines can certainly work with Japan's new leadership.//

Nepal parties yet to agree on PM to lead consensus govt.

Dec 17

In Nepal, as the extended deadline for political parties expires today, the parties are yet to agree on the prime minister to lead the consensus government. TheNepali Congress which met this evening in Kathmandu concluded that there is noscope or environment for consensus as Prime minister has refused to step down. The party held that the UCPN (Maoist) intends to extend their stay in government//Syrian VP: Solution to civil war gets further away every day

Dec 17

Syrian Vice president Farouk al-Sharaa says the government of President Bashar Assad can no longer expect to win its battle against those who oppose him. In aninterview with the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar published today, he said with every passing day, a solution to the civil war in Syria gets further away, militarily and politically. Sharaa said he does not have a transparent answer and President Assad himself might not be able to offer a satisfactory one. The insurgentforces have taken control of government facilities in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, and have surrounded the international airport in the capital city of Damascus.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov expressed the view that a victory by the Syrian opposition cannot be ruled out.//Indias initiative for currency swap agreement among SAARC nations

Dec 17

India is spearheading an initiative to develop a currency swap agreement among SAARC countries which would help them protect their currencies during special exi

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gencies. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi today, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said India is spearheading efforts to finalise an agreement for SAARC central banks to establish a currency swap arrangement as a baseline measure that would provide funds to SAARC states to defend their currencies when faced by special exigencies.

He said the integration of SAARC economies was not only important but it is an imperative for all of us South Asians if we want to face challenges facing our region. To a suggestion on having a multilateral investment protection agreement,Mr Mathai said it is timely and relevant and India remains steadfast in supportto SAARC.//China concerned over Japans future direction on disputed islands

Dec 17

China says, it is highly concerned about Japan's future direction after the conservative opposition Liberal Democratic Party was voted into power , with a big majority. The man expected to be Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a right wing nationalist, has restated Japan's claims to disputed islands in the east China sea.

Mr. Abe will now have enough votes, to push through controversial changes to Japan's pacifist constitution. Those changes could allow Japan to send combat troop

s beyond its own borders, for the first time since, World War II.//Strong earthquake hits Indonesian coast

Dec 17

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of central Indonesia,sending panicked people rushing into the streets. There was no tsunami alert. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at 0916 GMT today at 160kilometres south-southeast of Gorontalo in central Indonesia's Sulawesi island at a depth of 18 kilometres.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where continental plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.//Two explosions rock police stations in Benghazi

Dec 17

Two explosions have rocked police stations in the Libyan city of Benghazi earlytoday and police have foiled a third attack. There were no casualties. Libyan police in the eastern city, had placed checkpoints and bolstered security around their stations following two Sunday attacks, which claimed the lives of four officers.

The latest violence follows the arrest of a suspect for his alleged role in thekillings of several police and military officers. Benghazi was the cradle of the2011 uprising that toppled Moamer Kadhafi but it has increasingly become a focus for jihadist groups, including militants who killed US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans last September 11.//Bangladesh to get 160 million US Dollar loan from ADB

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Dec 17

The Bangladesh government today signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank for providing 160 million US Dollar loan to help Bangladesh develop sustainable urban public transport systems in greater Dhaka areas. Saifuddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of Bangladesh and M. Teresa Kho,Country Director of ADB's Bangladesh Resident Mission, signed the agreement today at the office of Economic Relations Division at Sher-e- Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.The assistance will used to develop a sustainable urban transport system in Dhaka North City Corporation and Gazipur City Corporation areas, which form part ofnorth Greater Dhaka, by constructing a 20-kilometer bus rapid transit route. Itwill help establish the first modern mass transit system in Bangladesh pursuinga holistic solution for integrated urban mobility. The assistance for the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project will also construct sidewalks, mixed-traffic lanes, high-capacity drainage system, BRT depot and terminal facilities, and 155 access roads for non-motorized transport. The BRT system to be developed under the project in greater Dhaka areas will be integrated with the BRT system from Dhaka airport to city center, proposed to be developed with assistancefrom the World Bank and is expected to directly benefit more than 1 million people. ADB Country Director M. Teresa Kho said that besides creating efficient urban transportation facilities, the project will reduce an average emission of 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year by 2020 and help in ensure a sustainable future for Dhaka. The total cost of the project is $255 million of which the ADB isproviding 165 Million US Dollars and Agence Franaise de Dveloppement is expected t

o co-finance the project with $45 million. In addition to this the Global Environment Facility will provide $4.60 million and the Government of Bangladesh willproviding $45.40 million.//17 killed, over 70 hurt in Pak car bomb attack

Dec 17

In Pakistan, 17 people have been killed and more than 70 hurt in a car bomb attack on a market in the Khyber tribal area in north-west Pakistan. Women and children were among those killed in the blast at the market in Jamrud, the main townin Khyber. The explosion took place close to the offices of the tribal administr

ation. The injured have been taken to hospital in the nearby city of Peshawar. The bombing comes a day after a 15-hour stand-off between militants and securityforces in the vicinity of Peshawar airport, located just about 10 kilometres east of Jamrud town.//WB:India-Bangladesh FTA could increase bilateral trade

Dec 17

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Bangladesh could increase the bilateral trade between the two countries by over 100 per cent, a World Bank reportsaid.

Releasing a report titled 'Unlocking Bangladesh-India Trade' at a CII function in New Delhi, the World Bank Lead Economist Sanjay Kathuria said bilateral FTA between the two nations would increase Bangladesh's exports to India by 182 per cent and that of India's to Bangladesh by 126 per cent.

During 2011-12, the two-way trade stood at USD 4.3 billion.

Further, the report said investments by Indian companies in the neighbouring nation would not only create jobs, but would also increase production of goods, whi

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ch in turn, could be re-exported to India.//Over 500 Indian migrants in Abu Dhabi & Dubai want to return

Dec 17

561 amnesty seekers have approached the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai till date for going back to India from UAE under the general amnesty scheme. Out of these 155 are from Tamilnadu, 146 are from Andhra Pradesh and 134 are from Kerala. Among others 36 are from Uttar Pradesh,14 are fromMaharashtra and 11 are from Karnataka. Indias Ambassador to UAE, M.K.Lokesh toldAIR in Dubai that 14 centers have been set up across UAE to accept the applications along with the proof of national identity, passport and visa or other valididentity proof from the amnesty seekers.

Efforts are on to reach out to those illegal Indian migrants who have overstayedin UAE and want to avail of the general amnesty scheme under which they can either go back to India without paying fines or get their residency visas regularized as per the procedure. The scheme is valid from December 4 till February 3 next year. The UAE Government has said that this is the last chance for the illegalmigrants who have overstayed in the country and it will not be extended.

The Indian Ambassador told AIR that the Indian Embassy and the Consulate are alr

eady extending the facility of free air tickets to the needy and those who cant afford the air ticket to go back to India through the Indian Community Welfare Fund, ICWF. The embassy had offered free tickets to 1,200 needy persons and destitutes during the 2007 amnesty. Regarding the waiver of processing charges of 69 Dirhams = Rs. 1000; for the exit or the out passes from UAE to India, he said that a communication has been sent to the center and states and the response is awaited. Meanwhile Kerala Government has announced that it will reimburse the processing fees to the the needy Keralites availing the general amnesty on their arrival at the airports in Kerala.

Addressing the Indian community leaders at the Indian Consulate in Dubai on Sunday, Mr. Lokesh told them to raise the level of awareness among the NRIs especially the illegal migrants who wish to avail the general amnesty. He asked the Asso

ciations to provide a list of community volunteers to help the illiterate workers fill up their application forms in their own languages. Indian Embassy in AbuDhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai are geared up for an efficient documentation with the help of 14 processing centers across UAE for the out passes. The process takes time since after the clearance from the Indian Embassy or the Indian Consulate, the clearance is required from UAEs immigration, labor and the CID Departments .The Ambassador told the Indian community representatives to raise awareness about this aspect among the illegal migrant workers so that they can getthe clearance in time. Representatives from around 90 Indian Associations fromDubai , Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quain, Kalba, Al Ain etc. took part in the deliberations on the general amnesty and relatedaspects at the Indian Consulate in Dubai on Sunday.

The general amnesty scheme in UAE has earlier been held in 1996, 2002 and 2007.During the last amnesty scheme in 2007 around 50,000 Indian migrants had returned home while 36,000 had got their stay regularized. Around 50 percent of those who went back were from Andhra Pradesh and most of them were blue collar workers.//25 killed in Iraqi violence

Dec 17

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In Iraq, 25 people were reported killed while dozens were injured in a series ofattacks across the country. The targets were security forces and civilians. Theattacks took place a day after 19 people were killed and 77 others were injuredin a fresh spurt of violence in Iraq. Seven persons were killed and 12 others were injured in a car bomb explosion in Mosul. In the northern city of Tuz Khurmatu, two car bombs exploded one after another near a shiite place of worship leaving five dead and 26 injured. Gunmen attacked a police checkpoint on the highwaywest of Tikrit, killing one policeman and wounding three. A police patrol chased the gunmen, who abandoned their car and then detonated explosives in it, killing four more police men while two others were injured. Three roadside bombs exploded near Baquba, north of Baghdad, killing one person and wounding four others.In the Anbar province , the town of Rutba was hit by 10 rounds of mortar firingin which two persons were killed and nine others were injured. Another car bombexploded near Dujail north of Baghdad leaving one Iraqi dead while 10 Iranian pilgrims were injured. No one has claimed the responsibility for these attacks but the security agencies have pointed out that the manner in which these incidents took place bears the hallmark of Al Qaeda in Iraq. Analysts say the incidentsare a grim reminder of the first anniversary of the withdrawal of US troops fromIraq last year and warned that other such attacks might follow.//US scientists record their best result in robotic arm use

Dec 17

Scientists in the United States say, they have recorded their best result so far, in producing a robotic arm controlled by natural brain activity. Writing in the Lancet Medical Journal, the Scientists described how a woman, who was paralysed from the neck down, was able to pick up,move and place objects in a manner, similar to a normal arm by being trained to use a brain controlled prosthetic limb. The signals were picked up by two sensors implanted into the motor cortex of apatient's brain and translated into commands, by a computer program.//Afghan Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka

Dec 17

Afghanistans Foreign Minister, Dr. Zalmai Rassoul will be visiting Sri Lanka from18th to 21st December 2012. During the visit, agreements in the fields of Economic, Educational, Scientific and Technical Cooperation will be signed. Dr Rassoul will call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and also meet Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa besides holding talks with Sri Lankas Foreign Minister G. LPeiris.//Further heavy bombardments on outskirts of Damascus

Dec 17

Activists in Syria say, there have been further heavy bombardments on the southern outskirts of the capital Damascus, where the bombing of a mosque on Sunday, reportedly caused heavy loss of life amongst civilians. Activists group say, themosque in a Palestinian refugee camp, was hit by a government air-strike amid intensified fighting with rebels. The activists say 180 people were killed in fighting around the country on Sunday.//UP govt.officials protest reservation in promotion in govt.jobs

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Dec 17

In Uttar Pradesh, a workforce of 18 lakh government officials continued their protest against reservation in promotion in government jobs. The offices belongingto the state government wore a deserted look in Lucknow today, as the majorityof the employees were out on the roads protesting against the bill presented inRajya Sabha in this regard.

AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that protesting employees shouted slogans against BJP and Congress outside the state party headquarters in the capital for their support of the 117th constitution amendment bill. They also ransacked the hoardings put outside the party offices. Meanwhile Shailendra Dubey, the convenor of 'Sarwajan Hitaya Sanrakshan Samiti' has reiterated that he will move to the Supreme Court against the passage of the constitution amendment bill by the RajyaSabha today.

On the other side members belonging to 'Arakshan Bachao Samiti' have welcomed the passage of the bill by the upper house.//J&K cabinet accords sanction to NRLM

Dec 17

In an effort to further strengthen the prospects of rural employability in Jammu& Kashmir, the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today accorded sanction to the roll out of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), a poverty eradication programme through J&K State Rural Livelihood Society (SRLS). The expenses for the mission will be shared between centre and state initially inthe ratio of 75:25. Self help groups of 10-15 women will be formed in their immediate neighborhood. Each 25 to 30 groups will be federated so as to organize Self Help Groups into a bigger forum to provide financial and other support.

For the purpose, 17 crore rupees have been allocated by the Union Ministry of Ru

ral Development for J&K for the current Year. To start with four resource blocksin the State have been selected, two each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions.//WB govt.to start pre-primary education in all schools

Dec 17

The West Bengal Government is due to start pre-primary education in all Government and Government-aided Schools. Talking to newspersons in Kolkata today, the State Education Minister Mr. Bratya Basu said that, additional class rooms for pre-primary teachings and appointment of pre-primary teachers are to be undertaken

soon. He said that, the admission of students in these sections will be throughlotteries. The education minister said that although admissions to the primary stage is going to be at 6 plus age of students, those who pass pre-primary before6 syears of age will not be debared from admition to class one.//14 killed in road accident in MP

Dec 17

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In Madhya Pradesh, 14 persons were killed and 10 others injured in a road accident near Sarla Nagar cement factory in Maihar Tehsil of Satna district today.

The condition of three injured is stated to be critical. All inujured have beenadmitted to hospital in Maihar for treatment.//Army launches helpline for ex-servicemen

Dec 17

In an endeavor to reach out to ex-servicemen, the Army's Central command has launched a 24x7 helpline for all retired personnel from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Chhattishgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand.

AIR correspondent reports that the helpline was inaugurated by the Chief of Central Command, Lt. Gen. Anil Chait on Saturday.

It has two toll free numbers 1800-180-5666 and 1800-180-5444 on which ex-servicemen can call and inquire about welfare schemes and pensions, among others, and also register their grievances and complaints.//

Opposition demand debate on CAG report in Orissa Assembly

Dec 17

Opposition Congress and BJP today demanded a special debate in Odisha Assembly on the different irregularities detected by CAG in its report on general and social sector for the year ended March 2012.

The issue was raised in the assembly by leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh ofCongress during the zero hour.

However, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat said CAG report will be discussed in the Publ

ic Accounts Committee.//Belarusian interest in promoting Haryanas Minsk Motor

Dec 17

Belarus has evinced keen interest in setting up an engine assembly and manufacture unit of Minsk Motor in Haryana. Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda HAS offered to provide land for the same in the State. Minsk Motor is the largest Belarusian Company and leading manufacturer of modern diesel engines. Giving this information, a government spokesman said that the state government offered full support to Belarus for setting up of this unit in Haryana.

//Centre starts consultation with RBI to deal chit fund menace

Dec 17

The Centre has started consultation with Reserve Bank of India to deal with theproblems of illegal chit fund.

Addressing a function in Kolkata on Sunday, Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pi

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lot said that the Centre is drafting suitable measure in consultation with RBI to protect small investors from such multi-level marketing agencies which are taking advantage of the loopholes in law to misuse public money.

Mr. Pilot said once the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) gets statutoryrecognition after the company bill is passed, it will help to take up such menace of illegal chit fund effectively.//Oil prices up in Asia

Dec 17

Oil was up in Asia today on trader expectations of a hike in Chinese crude demand after a key survey showed its manufacturing activity hitting a 14-month high in December.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in January rose 23 cents to 86.98 dollars a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for February delivery advanced five cents to 108.23 dollars.//Saina top-seeded in Syed Modi Indian Grand Prix Badminton

Dec 17

Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal has been given the top billing in women'ssingles, while flamboyant former world champion Taufik Hidayat leads the men's line-up for the USD 120,000 Syed Modi International India Grand Prix Gold Badminton Championship starting in Lucknow on Tuesday.

In men's singles, Olympics quarter-finalist P Kashyap is the top Indian, seededsecond in the field. The other star attractions for the six-day Championship are2010 CWG women's doubles gold-medallist Ashwini Ponnappa, London Olympics quarter-finalist Parupalli Kashyap and other leading names such as Ajay Jayram and Sa

urabh Verma.

India's teen sensation PV Sindhu will also feature in the in the women's section.

Overall, 150 top shuttlers from 12 countries, including hosts India, will clashfor the top honours in singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories, being organised by the UP Badminton Association under the auspices of the Badminton Association of India (BAI).//Second ASEAN-India car rally flagged down at Guwahati

Dec 17

After covering around 8000km across nine countries, the second edition of ASEAN-India car rally was officially flagged down with a glittering function at Guwahati today.

Organised by CII and the Ministry of External Affairs, the 22-day rally was flagged off from Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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In the 21 days, the 124 participants passed through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar before ending the epic journey Guwahati.

The official flag down program started with a cultural dance performance showcasing the region's history.

There was also a daredevil performance by panthers on wheels, which enthralled the packed crowd at the stadium.

The Assam CM Tarun Gogoi said this rally will promote not only friendship, goodwill but also business and trade. He thanked CII, Prime Minister and Commerce andExternal Affairs Ministers and everybody for taking interest and making it a success.//Gurbani regains All India Ladies Golf title

Dec 16

Rising golfer Gurbani Singh has regained the Usha All India Ladies Matchplay title after a gap of three years. Sixteen-year old Gurbani outplayed Gursimar Badwal in the final of the National Championships in Kolkata today. The contest was to be played over 36 holes, but ended in just 27. Gurbani emerged a victor by 10

& 9.

By winning the title, Gurbani underlined her status as the top amateur in the country. Three years back, she had become the youngest to win the All India Ladiestitle for the first time.

The Trophy for the Championships, which was being held for the 96th time, was given away by Indian women's boxing legend and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom.//Discussion on Constitution 117th Amendment Bill in Rajya Sabha

The discussion on Constitution 117th Amendment bill 2012 has begun in the RajyaSabha. The Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 5th September this year by minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions V Narayansamy. The Bill provides reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribesin government jobs. In April this year the Supreme Court struck down the U P Government Seniority Rules which provides for reservations in promotions. After completing discussion, the voting will take place later in the evening.//Govt to set up long-range missile testing centre

The Government is planning to set up a long-range missile testing centre in thecountry. Defence Minister A K Antony told this to the Lok Sabha today in a written reply. He also said 56 twin engine light utility helicopters are being procur

ed by the Navy.

Stating that tenders have been called for procuring the same, he said these helicopters will replace the Chetak and Medium Range Torpedo Carrying Helicopters. He ruled out any proposal to upgrade Sukhoi-30 aircrafts at present.//Electronic Voting system to be more transparent: Govt

The government has said that the Election Commission is working out a plan for making the Electronic Voting system more transparent.

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In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha the Law and Justice Minister Dr Ashwani Kumar said that Election Commission has asked Electronic Voting Machines, EVM manufacturers to develop a voter verifiable paper audit trail in EVMs in the interest of greater transparency.

On its implementation, he said it is not possible to give any time limit.//Terrorism affects relationship between India and Pakistan: Shinde

The government today said that terrorism is affecting all aspects of the relationship between India and Pakistan.

Making a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on the Pakistan Interior minister Rehman Malik's visit to India from 14th to 16th of this month, Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said the need for bringing guilty of the Mumbai terror attack to justice was emphasised.

Mr Shinde said both the countries have agreed to enhance people to people contacts and confidence building measures to proceed in an atmosphere free of terrorism and violence.

The Home minister said an Indian delegation will visit Pakistan in this week to

settle the revised terms of agreement to facilitate an early visit of the Judicial Commission from Pakistan. Mr Shinde said the visiting Pakistani minister wasinformed about the concerted attempts by terrorists to infiltrate across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Shinde also informed that a National Investigation Agency team along with officials from home ministry will visit Pakistan in January 2013 to operationalisethe task force on counterfeiting and drugs trafficking.

The Home minister also informed that the home secretaries would endeavour to meet in the first quarter of 2013 to review progress. Mr Shinde said bringing fugitives of the Mumbai bomb blasts of 1993 to justice and fake currency notes also figured during the discussion.

Earlier, raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik's statement about internal issues ofthe country is unprovoked and unwarranted.

//Govt lowers growth projection for current fiscal to 5.7%

The Government today expressed confidence that the economy will improve with anoverall growth rate of GDP to around 5.7 to 5.9 percent in the current financialyear.

In its Mid-Year Economic Analysis for 2012-13 tabled by Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena in the Lok Sabha, the government said the growth rate inthe second half of the current fiscal would be close to around six percent.

However, to achieve this both fiscal and monetary policies would have to sustaininvestor confidence. The Report said that there has been a positive upturn in the business expectation index in the third quarter.

A visible buoyancy in capital markets and a resurgent growth in the manufacturing sector suggest that the economy is poised for an acceleration in growth in the

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second half of 2012-13.

The core sectors of industry recorded a growth of 6.5 percent in October this year compared to an average growth of 3.2 percent in the first half of this fiscal. Agriculture is also expected to improve because of better prospects of Rabi crops.

The assessment indicates that fiscal deficit would be contained to 5.3 percent of the GDP as against 5.1 percent indicated at the Budget stage.

Inflation is expected to be moderate between six and seven percent. The Analysisexpects the trade deficit in the current fiscal to be lower than what it was in2011-12.

The Analysis concludes that it should be possible for the economy to improve toaround six percent during 2012-13.//Economy to improve with GDP growth rate 5.7 to 5.9% this fiscal: Govt confident

The Government today expressed confidence that the economy will improve with anoverall growth rate of GDP to around 5.7 to 5.9 percent in the current financialyear.

In its Mid-Year Economic Analysis for 2012-13 tabled by Minister of State for Fi

nance Namo Narain Meena in the Lok Sabha, the government said the growth rate inthe second half of the current fiscal would be close to around six percent.

However, to achieve this both fiscal and monetary policies would have to sustaininvestor confidence. The Report said that there has been a positive upturn in the business expectation index in the third quarter.

A visible buoyancy in capital markets and a resurgent growth in the manufacturing sector suggest that the economy is poised for an acceleration in growth in thesecond half of 2012-13.

The core sectors of industry recorded a growth of 6.5 percent in October this year compared to an average growth of 3.2 percent in the first half of this fiscal

. Agriculture is also expected to improve because of better prospects of Rabi crops.

The assessment indicates that fiscal deficit would be contained to 5.3 percent of the GDP as against 5.1 percent indicated at the Budget stage.

Inflation is expected to be moderate between six and seven percent. The Analysisexpects the trade deficit in the current fiscal to be lower than what it was in2011-12.

The Analysis concludes that it should be possible for the economy to improve toaround six percent during 2012-13.

//MP govt shifts 94 villages from National Parks areas and sanctuaries

The Madhya Pradesh Government has shifted 94 villages so far from areas of National Parks and sanctuaries in the state.

The state has ten notified national parks and 25 sanctuaries including Kanha, Pench, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Panna and Sanjay Tiger Reserve. Madhya Pradesh ForestMinister Sartaj Singh said, there were a total of 821 villages at the time of issuance of notification.

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Following resettlement of these villages, 192 out of the remaining 730 villageswill be preserved as enclaves, while 426 villages will be shifted after re-fixation of boundaries of protected areas.//GMR seeks $ 800 mn compensation from Maldives for terminating airport deal

Indian Infrastructure company GMR has sought a compensation of over 800 milliondollars from Maldives for the termination of its airport deal, but Male is insisting on a forensic audit as it feels that the actual amount will be less than half.

GMR (Airports) CFO Siddhartha Kapur said that the company has sent a letter to the Maldivian government in this regard. He said this is our initial estimate andthe final figure will be based upon various calculations and loss of profit among others.

Asked if GMR is open to a forensic audit, Mr. Kapur said the concession agreement signed with Maldives government does not have the clause of forensic audit. He, however, said that the company does not have any objection to an audit but ithas to come through proper legal process.

The 500 million dollar Airport contract awarded to GMR for modernising and operating Male Airport was unilaterally terminated by the incumbent Maldivian governm

ent on the 27th of last month.//Govt launches Census Info India Software

Government has launched Census Info India Software in New Delhi. The specially developed software is an innovative and flexible database technology used for thedissemination of population and housing Census results.

It was launched by Registrar General and Census Commissioner, C. Chandramouli today.

The software has been developed by the United Nations Statistics Division, in pa

rtnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, to help countries disseminate their census results at any relevant geographical level.

This powerful data dissemination tool will not only reduce the burden of statistical drudgery, but also make using census data an enjoyable experience.//Indian Army chief to visit Sri Lanka

Chief of the Army Staff General Bikram Singh and a delegation of senior Indian Army officials will visit Sri Lanka from Wednesday.

Army Chief is scheduled to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence,Chief of Defence Staff and three forces Commanders and will hold talks on wide r

anging issues of mutual interest.

He will visit Security Force Headquarters Vavunia and the Ex Combatants' Rehabilitation Centre at Poonthottam which will be followed by a visit to Anuradhapuraheritage sites.

He will donate a collection of books to the Sri Lanka Military Academy library and witness the final research presentation conducted by the passing out batch ofOfficer Cadets on the 21st evening.

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He will be the Chief Guest at the Sri Lanka Military Academy Commissioning Parade of 157 Officer Cadets, which includes 18 female cadets, on 22nd December.//Australia to boost intelligence sharing with Sri Lanka to stop boat-people

Australia has announced plans to boost intelligence sharing with Sri Lanka to try to check the illegal asylum seekers. Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, whois in Colombo for a three-day visit, said there is an urgent need to defeat thesmugglers who are getting rich by fooling the people into undertaking hazardousjourneys on unsafe boats.

In a statement, Carr said the plan included increased maritime cooperation, intelligence sharing and reducing incentives for smuggling ventures.

He said more than 16,770 boat-people have arrived in Australia in 2012, with SriLankans making up the biggest group, accounting for more than 6,360. Since August this year, Australia has sent home hundreds of asylum seekers. Sri Lanka saysit prevented nearly 3,000 people from illegally journeying by boat to Australiathis year.

Senator Carr is in Colombo for the inaugural meeting of Joint Working Group on People Smuggling and Transnational Crime, chaired by Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa//

Female foeticide case: Maha govt to approach CJ of Bombay HC

In a bid to bring down the pendency of cases pertaining to female foeticide, Maharashtra Government will soon approach the chief justice of Bombay High Court seeking his direction to lower courts for speedy disposal of such cases.

The issue of pending female foeticide cases came to the fore in a meeting held recently by Public Health Minister Suresh Shetty.

The state government will request the chief justice of the Bombay high court togive directions to the lower courts to expedite the process to disposing of thepending cases of female foeticide.

It was also decided in the meeting that those lawyers who have fought and won the female foeticide cases should be honoured by the government by appointing themas assistant public prosecutors.//Libya orders temporary closure of southern borders

Libya's Parliament has ordered the temporary closure of southern borders and declared seven southern regions restricted military areas. A Parliament spokesman,Omar Humidan, said the move is aimed at stemming the flow of illegal immigrantsand goods.

There is no indication of how long borders with Chad, Niger, Sudan and Algeria will remain shut. Libya's southern regions have struggled with lawlessness since

former leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled last year.

One Member of Parliament, Suad Ganur, said the situation has deteriorated recently because of possible international military action against Islamist militantsin northern Mali.

She also told reporters that there had been an upsurge in violence and drug trafficking, and the presence of armed groups that act with complete impunity.

The move comes after the European Union proposed to help train Libyans to secure

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their southern borders and prevent the trafficking of arms from the country.

The Parliamentary decree said the southern regions of Ghadames, Ghat, Obari, Al-Shati, Sebha, Murzuq and Kufra will be considered as closed military zones to beruled under emergency law.//Tax row: French actor Depardieu to give up passport

French actor Gerard Depardieu says he is handing back his French passport afterthe Prime Minister criticised him for moving to Belgium to avoid taxes. In a letter to a newspaper he lambasted the French government for punishing success, creation and talent.

Last week the 63-year-old actor announced he was moving to the small Belgian town of Nechin just over the French border. French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayraultdescribed the decision as shabby.

Next year, the top rate of income tax in France is due to become 75 per cent onearnings above one million euros. It is currently 50 per cent in Belgium.

Depardieu accused the government of Socialist President Francois Hollande of driving France's most talented figures out of the country. He said during his longcareer he had paid 145 million euros to the French taxman.

The Prime Minister had suggested that Depardieu's move to the town of Nechin, just over the border from the French city of Lille, was unpatriotic at a time of cutbacks.//MGNREGA irregularities: UP govt take action against officials involved

Uttar Pradesh government has taken action against officials involved in irregularities in Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the state government said it hasregistered FIRs against 13 Class-III employee in Sonebhadra district, while departmental action has been initiated against 82 employees.

Investigations have also been initiated against 44 other employees of the department.//World Series Boxing: Afghanistan wins 2 bronze medals

Afghanistan has won two bronze medals in the World Series Boxing tournament in Kazakhstan yesterday. Afghan boxer Rezaye reached quarter finals of the tournament defeating his Chinese and Kazakh rivals in the qualifying rounds before he wasdefeated by another Kazakh boxer. In womens category Afghan female boxer Sadaf Rahimi received an honorary bronze medal for her performance in the tournament.//