Putin names United States among threats in new Russian security strategy

A new appraisal names the United States as one of the threats to Russia's national security for the first time, a sign of how relations with the west have deteriorated in recent years.The document, "About the Strategy of National Security of Russian Federation", was signed by President Vladimir Putin on New Year's Eve. It replaces a 2009 version, endorsed by then- President Dmitry Medvedev, the current prime minister, which mentioned neither the United States not NATO.
It says Russia has managed to heighten its role in solving global problems and international conflicts. That heightened role has caused a reaction by the West, it says.
"The strengthening of Russia happens against the background of new threats to the national security, which has complex and interrelated nature," the document says.
Conducting an independent policy, "both international and domestic" has caused "counteraction from the USA and its allies, which are striving to retain their dominance in global affairs."
That in turn is likely to lead to "political, economical, military and informational pressure" on Russia, the document says."
Relations between Russia and the West reached a low after Russian forces annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014, after protests in Ukraine forced its pro-Moscow president to flee to Russia.
Since then, the West has accused Russia of aiding insurgents in eastern Ukraine. Moscow denies actively assisting the rebels.
The United States and the European Union have since imposed wide-ranging sanctions against Russian individuals and companies. Moscow has reacted by restricting food and other goods from the EU.
The document says that the United States and the EU have supported an "anti-constitutional coup d'etat in Ukraine", which led to a deep divide in Ukrainian society and a military conflict.
It also names the expansion of NATO as a threat to Russia's national security and said that the United States has expanded its network of military-biological laboratories in neighbouring to Russia countries.
The document, which serves as a basis for planning strategy related to national security by different state bodies, does not mention Syria. On Sept. 30, Russia began air strikes against anti-government rebels opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian ally.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin)

PM condemns terror attack in Pathankot

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the terror attack in Pathankot and has said that enemies of humanity who cannot see the nation succeed, had attempted to cause harm to the Indian Armed Forces. He saluted the Armed Forces for successfully defeating the designs of the terrorists, and paid homage to the jawans who were martyred during the operation. The Prime Minister said this while speaking at a public meeting for the inauguration of the Centenary Celebrations of His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Suttur Math at Maharaja College ground in Mysuru. Following is the excerpt from the PM's speech:

"आज जब में इस पवित्र कार्यक्रम में आया हूं, मैं देश के जवानों का गर्व करना चाहता हूं, देश के सुरक्षा बलों का गर्व करना चाहता हूं, उनका अभिनंदन करना चाहता हूं। जब युद्ध होते हैं तो दुश्मन देश, अपने सामने वाले देश की सैन्य शक्ति पर घात करने के प्रयास करता है। आज मानवता के दुश्मनों ने जो भारतीय प्रगति को देखने की उनको परेशानी हो रही है, ऐसे तत्वों ने ऐसी ताकतों ने पठानकोट में हिंदुस्तान की सैन्य शक्ति का अंग Airbase देने का प्रयास किया है। मैं देश के सुरक्षा बलों को बधाई देता हूं कि दुश्मनों के उन इरादों को उन्होंने खाक में मिला दिया। उनको सफल नहीं होने दिया और जिन जवानों ने शहादत दी है, उनकी शहादत को मैं नमन करता हूं और देशवासियों को मैं विश्वास दिलाता हूं कि हमारे सुरक्षा बलों में वो सामर्थ्य है कि दुश्मनों की कोई भी नापाक इरादों को उठते ही वो खत्म करने की ताकत रखते हैं और देश को सुरक्षा प्रदान करते हैं। उन जांबाज जवानों को बधाई देता हूं, उन सुरक्षा बलों को अभिनंदन करता हूं और ऐसे समय राष्ट्र का आत्मविश्वास, राष्ट्र का धैर्य और राष्ट्रीय एकता एक स्वर में राष्ट्र जब बोलता है तो दुश्मन के घर नष्ट हो जाते हैं। उस संकल्प लेकर के आगे बढ़ें। "

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at birthday centenary celebrations of HH Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Suttur Math, in Mysuru, Karnataka on January 02, 2016. The Governor of Karnataka, Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah and the Union Minister for Law & Justice, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

President of India condemns terrorist attack on Air Force Base in Pathankot in Punjab

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Air Force Base in Pathankot in Punjab.

The President complimented our jawans for their valour and courage while fighting terrorists. He also called upon security forces to remain vigilant against any threat to the peace and security of our nation. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of our brave soldiers who lost their lives in the attack, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Nifty ends near two-month high

The Nifty staged a late rebound on Friday to end at its highest level in nearly two months after public sector banking shares led financials higher, while gains in stocks such as Tata Motors (TAMO.NS) also provided some support.The Nifty ended 0.21 percent higher at 7,963.20, its highest close since Nov. 4.
The benchmark Sensex ended 0.17 percent higher at 26,160.90, its highest close since Dec. 1.
Both the Nifty and Sensex have gained for three consecutive weeks with the Nifty rising 1.3 percent and the Sensex gaining 1.25 percent.

Guidance Note updated on tax information reporting

The government has updated the guidance note (released on August 31) on income tax website for ensuring compliance on reporting requirements as per Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act signed between India and USA.The Government of India has also joined the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) for Automatic Exchange of Information as per Common Reporting Standard (CRS). 

Bank Strike on January 8

Nation wide bank employees will observe strike after failure of conciliation talks. The strike will be observed to protest against the violation of the bilateral settlement by five associate banks of the State Bank of India — State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Hyderabad and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur — and their attempt to force unilateral service conditions on the employees.

India signs US $50 million deal with World Bank

India signs US $ 50 million credit with IDA(International Development Association), member group of world bank for "Nai Manzil Education -Skills training for minorities". The aim of the project is skill development of youth to address the issue of high dropout and unemployment rate.The main beneficiaries of the project would be Minorities BPL.  

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee receiving greetings

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee receiving greetings from all walks of life, on the occasion of New Year, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 01, 2016.

PM greets the nation on New Year

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended his New Year greetings to the nation.

“As the year 2016 begins, my greetings and good wishes to everyone. May 2016 bring joy, peace, prosperity and good health in everyone's lives,” the Prime Minister said.