India raises Balochistan at UN; hits out at Pakistan

 Geneva, Sep 14 (PTI) Raising the issue of Balochistan for the first time before the UN, India today accused Pakistan of widespread human rights violations there as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In a scathing attack on Pakistan during the 33rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council here, India said the main reason for disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan that stems from its territorial ambitions over the place that has found concrete expression in repeated armed aggressions.

Pakistan's dismal track record is well known and many countries have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to end cross- border infiltration; dismantle the terrorism infrastructure; and stop acting as an epicentre of terrorism, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva Ajit Kumar said.

India's credentials as a peaceful, democratic, pluralistic society that is deeply committed to the welfare of its people are well established and on the contrary, Pakistan is characterised by authoritarianism, absence of democratic norms and widespread human rights violations across the country including Balochistan, Kumar said. .

India Celebrating Onam 2016

Onam is a Hindu festival which is celebrated by the people of Kerala. It is one of the most significant and popular festivals for Malayalam speaking Indians as well as diaspora.

Onam festivities span for almost twelve days. The main Onam day is known as Thiruvonam day and it is observed when Nakshatra Thiruvonam prevails during Madhyahna part of the day as per Hindu division of the day. Onam preparations and rituals start about ten days ahead of Thiruvonam day when Nakshatra Atham prevails during Madhyahna part of the day. The first day of Onam is popularly known as Atthachamayam day.

Post Thiruvonam day, Onam festivities continue another two days which makes Onam twelve days long event in Kerala. Onam is also the state holiday and four days holiday is declared throughout Kerala to observe Onam. The holidays begin one day before and end after two days of main Thiruvonam day. The four holidays are known as first Onam, second Onam, third Onam and fourth Onam. Hence the second Onam is the most significant day of four days holidays.

God’s own country – Kerala – is thrilled and excited to celebrate the age-old culture of Onam, the most important festival of this south Indian state.It is also the State festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthradom) to the 3rd Onam Day.

The festival is celebrated in the month of Chingam according to the Malayalam calendar which is equivalent to the Hindu solar calendar followed by people in other parts of India. The festival is spread over 10 days and culminates with Thiruvonam, the most important day.
This year, Thiruvonam is on September 14, 2016.

In Kerala, it is the festival celebrated with most number of cultural elements such as Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, Pookkalam, Onathappan, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal, Kummati kali, Onathallu, Ona villu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam etc. Onam is reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as it is considered to be a harvest festival. Atham, Chitira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Utthradom and finally Thiruvonam together make Onam an elaborate ceremony.

Onam celebrates the annual homecoming of King Mahabali from Patala Loka, where he was sent by Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar.It is believed that King Mahabali, the most benevolent Raja of Kerala visits his kingdom to see his subjects happy and prosperous on the occasion of the auspicious harvest festival.

Onam is unique since Mahabali (locally known as Maveli) has been revered by the people of Kerala. The King is so much attached to his kingdom that it is believed that he comes annually from the nether world to see his people living happily. It is in honour of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The deity Vamana, also called Thrikkakarappan is also revered during this time by installing a clay figure next to the floral carpet (Pookalam). The birthday of Sri Padmanabhan, the presiding Deity of Thiruvananthapuram, is on the Thiruvonam day in the month of Chingam. Thiruonam day is the most important day of Onam. Mahabali's rule is considered the golden era of Kerala, ancient Bharata. The following song is often sung over Onam:

''Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam,
manusharellarum onnupole
amodhathode vasikkum kalam
apathangarkkumottillathanum.
adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla
balamaranangal kelppanilla
Dushtare kankondu kanmanilla
Nallavarallathe illa paaril..illa paaril
kallavum illa chathiyumilla
ellolamilla polivachanam
kallampparayum cherunazhiyum
kallatharangal mattonnumilla
Vellikolaadikal naazhikalum
Ellam kanakkinu thulyamaayi..thulyamaayi''

English version

''When Maveli ruled the land,
All the people were equal-
Times when people were joyful and merry;
They were all free from harm.
There was neither anxiety nor sickness,
Deaths of children were unheard of,
No wicked person was in sight anywhere
All the people on the land were good.
There was neither theft nor deceit,
And no false words or promises.
Measures and weights were right;
There were no lies,
No one cheated or wronged his neighbor.
When Maveli ruled the land,
All the people formed one casteless race''

Women participate in Pookolam (rangoli made of flowers) and perform Kaikottikali, a dance form. Dressed in their best fineries, women looks resplendent in off-white set sari with golden border, teamed up with gold jewellery. The man look dapper in white Veshti (dhoti) and shirt.

Factory output shrinks, inflation cools, revive rate cut hopes

New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) Factory output contracted by 2.4 per cent in July in its worst performance in eight months while retail inflation cooled to five-month low of 5.05 per cent, reviving hopes for a rate cut by RBI to boost growth.

The official data released on Monday showed that the retail inflation fell below the 6 per cent level, largely on account of a slower rate of price increase in vegetables, food and beverages, from nearly a two-year high of 6.07 per cent in July.

The latest reading of price rise, based on the consumer price index (CPI), is the lowest since March 2016 when it stood at 4.83 per cent. In August 2015, it was 3.74 per cent.

Registering a dismal show, industrial production shrank 2.4 per cent in July, the lowest level in eight months, due to a declining output in manufacturing and capital goods sectors.

On a cumulative basis, the factory output in April-July dropped by 0.2 per cent compared with 3.5 per cent growth in the year-ago period.

Enthused by easing retail inflation, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das exuded confidence that RBI will take into account improvement in the price situation while deciding on a rate cut in its next policy review due on October 4.

"With regard to the rate cut, there is a direct relationship between the inflation figures and policy rates of the Reserve Bank. So, inflation has moderated as expected. I would therefore expect RBI to take this into consideration and take its call... I'm sure they will consider all the aspects and take a call," Das told reporters here.

On the twin macroeconomic data, an industry chamber said, "We look forward to calibrated policy measures from RBI in terms of reduction in policy rates. We also look forward to increase in public investments by the government to help domestic demand revive." 

According to IIP data, the previous low was witnessed in November last year when the factory output shrank by 3.4 per cent. Factory output, measured in terms of the index of industrial production (IIP), had grown by 4.3 per cent in July last year.

Russia and US reach agreement on Syrian ceasefire

Updated on : 10-09-2016 08:16 AM

The United States and Russia have agreed a plan to impose a ceasefire in the Syrian civil war and lay the foundation of a peace process.

US Secretary of State John Kerry made this announcement along with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov after a day of marathon talks in Geneva.  Kerry said he believed the plan would lead to talks to stop the conflict and resume movement towards a negotiated peace and a political transition in Syria. He said that the truce would come into force on Monday and that if it lasted a week, United States would begin cooperation with Russian forces to target the Nusra Front and Islamic State groups.  Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that despite continuing mistrust, the two sides had developed documents that would enable coordination of the fight against terrorism and a revival of Syria's failed truce in an enhanced form.

Market extend gain for second week, up 265 points

Mumbai, Sep 10 (PTI) Stocks: The benchmark BSE Sensex extended its rise for the second consecutive week, gaining 265.14 points to finish at 28,797.25, while the broader Nifty rose 57.05 points to close at 8,866.70.

Carrying on its bullishness, the truncated week saw the market opening on a positive note towered by confidence over global liquidity amid shrinking fears of US Fed rate hike any time soon due to weaker-than-expected US jobs data and also a commanding three-and-a-half year high domestic service sector growth.

The frenzy took the key indices to 17-months highs to reclaim 29k-level and Nifty to above 8,950-level, it was soon to be drained on fresh global caution after North Korea tested a nuclear warhead and European Central Bank's (ECB) failure to deliver on new stimulus measures in its meet.

Stock specific news also ruled the week's momentum with Auto stocks surging on rise in domestic passenger vehicle sales for 14th straight month in August, while IT and Teck stock sliding following services major TCS's outlook warning.

For the week, the Sensex opened higher at 28,631.27 and hovered in a range of 29,077.28 and 28,631.27 before closing at 28,797.25, showing a gain of 265.14 points, or 0.93 per cent. The market had gained 1015 points during two weeks.

The broader Nifty also rose to 57.05 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 8,866.70 after moving between a high of 8,968.70 and a low of 8,848.45. It also gained 294.15 points in two weeks.

Buying was led by Realty, Auto, HealthCare, Capital Goods, Bankex, Consumer Durables, Oil&Gas, Power, Metal, PSUs and FMCG sectors firmly supported by smallcap and midcap companies shares.

While, IT and Teck shares witnessed intense profit- booking.

No relief for Delhi govt. from Supreme Court

No relief for Delhi Government as Supreme Court refuses to stay Delhi High Court order giving primacy to L-G in administration of NCT; SC issues notice to Centre on Delhi govt's appeal.

There seems to be no end to the troubles and controversies for Aam Admi Party. The latest issue confronting and embarassing AAP comes from Delhi High Court judgement quashing AAP government's decision to appoint 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries.  The court observed that appointments were made without getting approval from the Lieutenant Governor.  It is out in the public that the Aam Admi Party which sailed Delhi assembly election with a thumping majority has lost its way on the promises of reforms and high moral grounds as many of the senior leaders of the party have found themselves facing all sorts of allegation from corruption to molestation and rape.  Former Delhi minister Sandeep Kumar has been sent to 14 days judicial custody by Delhi's Tis Hazari Court.  The Supreme Court has issued notice to Centre on six appeals of Delhi government challenging the Delhi High Court verdict that held that LG is administrative head of national capital.  The Supreme Court has not given any stay on Delhi High Court judgement. Delhi Government said there are 400 files with LG. All of them pertains to decision taken by Delhi Government without approval from LG.  The LG has formed a committee to review all those 400 decisions. Delhi Government sought stay on the working of the committee because it may hamper the Govt. Work. But SC refused to intervene in the working of the committee as of now. SC issued notice to Centre and seeks reply. Next hearing would be held on 15th November.

India-ASEAN vow to combat terrorism in all its forms

 Vientiane, Sep 8 (PTI) Recognising terrorism as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region, India and the 10-member ASEAN today made a strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement and security agencies," said a declaration at the end of the 14th ASEAN-India summit here, stressing that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the leaders attending the summit that "In the face of growing traditional and non-traditional challenges political security cooperation is a key emerging feeler of our relationships." 

Rising export of terror, growing radicalisation through ideology of hatred and spread of extreme violence defines landscape of common security threats to our societies, he said.

"The threat is local, regional and transitional at the same time. Our partnership with ASEAN seeks to craft a response that relies on coordination cooperation at multiple levels," he noted.

The countries recognised the need to counter and prevent the spread of violent extremism and radicalism that leads to acts of terrorism.

ASEAN and India also supported the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, currently under negotiation at the United Nations.

"We agreed to cooperate towards addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including in areas of deradicalization and prevention of violent extremism," the declaration added.

The 10-member ASEAN includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Sensex above 29,000 after 17 months, rises 119 pts

Mumbai, Sep 8 (PTI) The benchmark BSE Sensex closed above 29,000-mark for the first in 17 months after rising 119 points today on buying in auto and realty sectors, while IT stocks took a heavy beating following TCS' outlook warning.

This triggered selling in IT counters with the country's largest software services firm TCS' falling by 5.14 per cent to Rs 2,321.15. Wipro plunged 1.77 per cent Rs 473.60 and Infosys tanked 1.62 per cent to Rs 1,037.90.

Among gainers, auto stocks were in limelight, after Siam raised growth guidance for the industry. Sector leader Maruti Suzuki hit an all-time high after rising 2.71 per cent to Rs 5,482.40. Bajaj Auto soared 3.55 per cent to Rs 3,091.95.

Tracking gains in bluechip stocks, investors were also seen building up position in broader markets, lifting the small-cap and mid-cap indices by 0.83 and 0.15 per cent.

"Market turned positive with continued liquidity while IT bellwethers were the laggards today due to reduction in revenue estimate, which capped the upside," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services.

With the US data continuing to diminish chances of a September rate hike by the Federal Reserve, domestic equities continued to attract interest.

The 30-share BSE barometer after a slightly better start, quickly slipped into the negative zone and touched a low of 28,854.56 on profit-booking in select scrips.

However, on emergence of buying it staged a strong comeback to hit a high of 29,077.28 before finally settling 118.92 points or 0.41 per cent higher at 29,045.28, its highest closing since April 13, last year.

The 50-share index ended up by 34.55 points to finish the day at 8,952.50 after shuttling between 8,896 and 8,960.35.

Sentiment also got a boost after domestic passenger vehicle sales grew for a 14th straight month in August with a 16.68 per cent increase, triggering buying activity in select auto sector stocks.

Globally, Asian markets mostly ended mixed with Hong Kong and Shanghai rising as investors cheered data showing Chinese imports rose in August for the first time in almost two years.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.75 per cent, while Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.13 per cent. However, Japan's Nikkei fell 0.32 per cent.

Europe was also mixed with the UK's FTSE higher by 0.35 per cent, however, Germany's DAX was down 0.19 per cent, while France's CAC 40 was 0.06 per cent lower. .

GSLV Successfully Launches India’s Weather Satellite INSAT-3DR

 

In its tenth flight (GSLV-F05) conducted today, India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, equipped with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), successfully launched the country's weather satellite INSAT-3DR, into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The achieved orbit is very close to the intended one. The launch took place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, the spaceport of India. This was the first operational flight of GSLV equipped with CUS and the fourth to carry the indigenous CUS. Today’s GSLV flight was the third consecutive success achieved by GSLV carrying indigenous CUS and the 2211 kg INSAT-3DR is the heaviest satellite to be launched from the Indian soil. 

In its oval shaped GTO, the INSAT-3DR satellite is now orbiting the Earth with a perigee (nearest point to Earth) of 169.76 km and an apogee (farthest point to Earth) of 36,080.5 km with an orbital inclination of 20.62 deg with respect to the equator. 

After a 29 hour 40 minutes countdown, the 415 tonne, 49 m tall GSLV-F05 carrying INSAT-3DR, lifted off at the rescheduled time of 16:50 Hrs IST. The 40 minute delay in the launch was due to an anomaly observed in the functioning of a pressure release valve in the liquid Oxygen filling ground segment which was resolved later. 

At 4.8 seconds before the countdown reached zero, the four liquid propellant strap-on stages of GSLV-F05, each carrying 42 tonne of liquid propellants, were ignited. At count zero and after confirming the normal performance of all the four strap-on motors, the 139 tonne solid propellant first stage core motor was ignited and GSLV lifted off. The major phases of the flight included the core motor burn-out, strap on burn-out, ignition of the second stage, separation of the core motor together with strap-ons, payload fairing separation, second stage separation, CUS ignition and its timely shut down after satisfactory performance. About seventeen minutes after lift-off, INSAT-3DR was successfully placed in GTO. 

Soon after its injection into GTO, the solar array of INSAT-3DR was automatically deployed and the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took control of the satellite. 

Like its predecessor INSAT-3D which is providing service from orbit since 2013, INSAT-3DR is an advanced meteorological (weather observation) satellite built by India to provide a variety inputs essential for accurate weather forecasting. For this, it is equipped with three payloads (instruments), namely, a Multispectral Imager, Sounder and weather Data Relay Transponder. INSAT-3DR also carries a satellite aided Search and Rescue Transponder that picks up and relays alert signals originating from distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users. 

In the coming days, INSAT-3DR's orbit will be raised from its present GTO to the final circular Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite's Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. The satellite will be commissioned into service after the completion of orbit raising operations and the satellite’s positioning in its designated orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the GSO and in-orbit testing of its payloads. 

Today’s flight of GSLV further highlights the success of ISRO in mastering the highly complex cryogenic rocket propulsion technology. 

Pak must do more to eliminate terrorist safe havens: US envoy

 New Delhi, Sep 7 (PTI) The US today asked Pakistan to do more to eliminate terrorist safe havens saying terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed continue to be a threat to everyone.

"We're also aware India is located in a challenging neighbourhood and the United States has been very clear, at the highest levels, that Pakistan can and must do more to eliminate terrorist safe havens," US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma said at the US-India Expert Workshop on Countering Terrorist Use of the Internet.

Verma said last year, the US and India signed a Joint Declaration on combating terrorism, which outlined a shared vision for counter terrorism cooperation and reiterated the "concerns about terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and others".

"Across the board, our security cooperation is making our two nations, and the world, a safer place... Our strategic convergence on countering-terrorism has never been closer," he said.

The Ambassador said terrorist groups are using digital technologies to recruit, radicalise, and finance terror activities across borders and to coordinate attacks from remote locations, where they are often beyond the reach of national authorities.

He said ISIL in particular, with its sophisticated use of social media, has changed the rules of the game. While ISIL has faced significant reversals in Iraq and Syria at the hands of the International Coalition, the group remains a clear and present threat in South Asia.