Menon visits Sri Lanka

National Security Adviser Mr Shivshankar Menon Yesterday visited Sri Lanka to discuss recent developments, bilateral relations and areas of common concern with the Government of Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka Menon met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and TNA leader Mr. Sampanthan. 

During his visit, both sides reviewed and appreciated progress in India-assisted projects particularly railway infrastructure development in the Northern and Southern Provinces.In the past two years, India had committed US$ 750 million under lines of credit and another US$ 350 million under grants-in-aid. A number of other new projects are also being considered. 

They discussed maritime cooperation and other security related issues besides the fishermen’s issue and understood the need to adhere to practical arrangements of October 2008 until new mechanism was agreed upon.

Menon was briefed about steps Government of Sri Lanka has taken on political reconciliation and settlement. Menon underlined that although it was a Sri Lankan issue and something that Sri Lanka had to do, India would continue to remain engaged with all concerned and offer any support required in that regard. 

 He also said that India had always stood for a united Sri Lanka within which all citizens could live in equality, justice, dignity and self-respect.

While addressing media, Menon said, “We have worked closely with the Government of Sri Lanka on relief, rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs. India’s assistance was appreciated by the Sri Lankan leadership in all my meetings. We remain committed to continue our cooperation.”

Highlighting the close relationship with Sri Lanka Menon said, “we enjoy a multifaceted and dynamic relationship (with Sri Lanka). We look forward to strengthening and further developing this engagement.”

Indo-Pak Foreign Secretaries to meet on July 4-5

Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan will now meet on July 4 and 5 in New Delhi to discuss peace and security including Confidence building measures (CBMs), Jammu and Kashmir, and promotion of friendly exchanges. They were earlier scheduled to meet on June 29-30. Peace and Security including CBMs, Jammu and Kashmir, and Promotion of friendly ties form three of eight subjects of Indo-Pak Composite Dialogue. Last dialogue covering these three subjects was held on June 23-24, 2011.

On Peace and Security front, the two sides agreed to recommend to their Foreign Secretaries to extend the validity of the “Agreement on Reducing the Risk from Accidents Relating to Nuclear Weapons” for another five years. Jammu and Kashmir issue achieved no breakthrough and on Promotion of friendly exchanges, the two sides discussed measures for promoting cooperation in various fields including facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, and holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.

Other five subjects which form Composite Dialogue are – Terrorism and Drug Trafficking, Economic and Commercial cooperation, Wular Barrage/Tulbul Navigation project, Sir Creek, and Siachen.

Different dialogues on Terrorism and Drug trafficking, Sir Creek, Siachen and Wular barrage have been held this year but again no major breakthrough.

Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan was first started in 1998 at India’s initiative.

This first attempt at composite dialogue collapsed under the impact of the Kargil war in 1999.

Accusing Pakistan of involvement in terrorist attack on Indian Parliament in December 2001, India froze Dialogue with Pakistan. Tensions increased further at the instance of killings in Jammu and Kashmir resulting in a troop buildup by both sides in early 2002.

With a hope to abate cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s assurance not to allow its territory for terrorist activity, the Composite Dialogue was resumed in June 2004.

Pakistan had been repeatedly urged to ensure that its soil was not allowed to be used by militants to launch attacks on the people of the Kashmir valley and that camps of such extremists were dismantled.

Four Rounds of the Composite Dialogue were completed before it was once again suspended during its fifth round owing to terrorist attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

Pakistan’s consistent pressure and India’s appreciation to the achievements and momentum that dialogue picked up between 2004 and 2007, lead to resumption of dialogue process in February 2011 in Thimphu. 

Interestingly, India doesn't term it as Composite Dialogue, Simply bilateral dialogue.

Following several secretary level meetings, Ministerial level meeting was held in July 2011 wherein External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar reviewed the progress in bilateral relations.

Owing to presidential elections on July 19 and commencement of parliament session on July 22 this year, Ministerial level meeting is postponed to August.

Addressing media on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs, Spokesperson Syed Akbarudding said,” when the date (previous) was being mentioned, there was no reference to an election for the President and with a specific date of polling on that date. Since that has become the date on which the polling for the President is involved, and the External Affairs Minister of India is part of the Electoral College for an important election in India, obviously we seek to reschedule these dates.” 

Who will be the next Finance Minister of India?

 

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee resigned today just ahead of filing his presidential nomination on June 28. 

His resignation comes at a time when the economy is in shambles and the administration is suffering from policy paralysis.
Pranab’s resignation raises two questions - one, as to who will replace him in the finance portfolio and two, who will be the next Leader of the House in Lok Sabha.
Being an economist and revolutionary ex-Finance Minister, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is the obvious first choice for the portfolio. Chief Economic Advisor to the Government Kaushik Basu is also of the opinion that the Prime Minister should keep the portfolio with him.
Although long away, it is believed that Singh would appoint more secretaries before he presents the next budget. However, the PM has consistently refused to comment on the issue so far.
Next possible candidate is Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, however, with a number of controversies chasing him, it seems a little unlikely, though not fully ruled out.
Significantly, last week US Treasury Department announced postponement of Secretary Tim Geithner’s official visit to New Delhi for the crucial meeting of the US-India Economic and Financial Partnership forum, originally scheduled for June 27-28, on account of Mukherjee’s expected resignation as Finance Minister. The Treasury Department is expected to reschedule the meeting in the months ahead.
"Mukherjee has been an effective ally in the G-20 and a strong partner in deepening the economic relationship between the United States and India," the Department of Treasury said in a statement.
Mukherjee became Finance Minister in May 2009 after the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition assumed power the second time. Earlier during the tenure of UPA-I, the veteran Congress leader held the portfolios of Defence and External Affairs.

Manmohan Singh congratulates new Pak PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday hailed appointment of Raja Pervez Ashraf as new Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In his congratulatory message to Pervez, Singh said, “I would like to extend to you my heartiest congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. On behalf of the people and Government of India and also on my own behalf, I convey to you our best wishes for success in your new assignment as well as for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Pakistan under your leadership.”

Singh also expressed confidence that during his (Pervez’s) terms as PM, both countries would continue to make progress through bilateral dialogues on all issues and improve relation by strengthening cooperation in all areas that benefit both countries.

Singh expressed keen desire to work with Pervez Ashraf to further relations with Pakistan.

Unbelievably Cute

US exempts India from Iran sanctions

Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton Monday notified that Indiaalong with six other nations will get exemption from Iran sanctions. Six nations besides India to be exempted  are Malaysia, Republic of Korea,South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Turkey in return for significant reduction of crude oil purchase from Iran.

Clinton said in a statement, “I will report to the Congress that sanctions pursuant to Section 1245(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 will not apply to their financial institutions for a potentially renewable period of 180 days.”

She acknowledged the sanctions were imposed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to encourage Iran to comply with its international obligations. She added, “By reducing Iran’s oil sales, we are sending a decisive message to Iran’s leaders: until they take concrete actions to satisfy the concerns of the international community, they will continue to face increasing isolation and pressure.”

Clinton held that the United States remains committed to a dual-track policy that offers Iran the chance to engage seriously with the international community to resolve concerns over its (Iran’s) nuclear program through negotiations with the P5+1. Hillary commended Iran for its ability to address these concerns and urged its leaders to take concrete steps during the next round of talks in Moscow.

Under a law approved last year, the US starting on June 28 will penalize foreign financial institutions over transactions withIran's central ban.

In March, the US granted exceptions to Japan and 10 EU countries for significantly cutting purchases.

Acknowledging the US notification exempting Indian financial institutions from the application of the provisions of U.S. domestic law, Ministry of External affairs Spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin said, "India and the United States have a growing strategic partnership. The India-US Strategic Dialogue on June 13 will once again demonstrate the strength of our relationship and the extraordinary breadth of our bilateral cooperation, based on our shared values and convergent interests."

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will have a restricted meeting with Secretary Clinton on June 13 before they chair the Plenary Session, which will have discussions on five themes:

• Strategic, Defence, Homeland Security, Counter-terrorism and Intelligence
• Economic, Energy, Climate
• S&T, Innovation and Health
• Higher Education and Empowerment
• Regional Strategies and linkages.

Nepal Prime Minister comes under fire

Fresh trouble mounted for Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai a day after he was reduced to a caretaker. A case is filed against him in the Supreme Court terming his move of assembly dissolution and announcement of assembly elections in Nov as unconstitutional. 

 He appears to have lost ground after Constituent Assembly dissolution. Thousands of students and youth have come out on streets in Kathmandu burning effigies of Bhattarai, demanding his removal towards formation of national consensus government.

 Nepal President Rama Baran Yadav Tuesday directed Bhattarai to serve as caretaker Prime Minister till the new government is formed

The President Statement, recommending all the political parties to move ahead through consensus in view of political crisis in the country, was issued after series of consultations he held with senior lawyer and members of Nepal Bar Association.

 Nepal's four major political parties met Sunday in an effort to build consensus on the constitution drafting before midnight deadline and ward off dissolution of the Constituent Assembly. Failing to promulgate the Constitution, the Constituent Assembly was dissolved, pushing the country into a fresh political crisis.


The Constituent Assembly was elected to a two-year term in 2008 to draft a new constitution but has not been able to finish the task within stipulated time. Its tenure has been extended four times. The Supreme Court two weeks back rejected a three-month extension proposed by the cabinet and asked political parties to complete it by May 27 deadline.

The four main parties’ attempt to resolve differences over whether the states proposed in the constitution should be determined on the basis of ethnicity proved to be a failure.

 Baburam Bhattarai Sunday morning called on President Ram Baran Yadav and briefed him about the latest political development. The President asked Bhattarai to finalize the constitution in order to avert the dissolution.

 Observing the political crisis in Nepal, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Syed Akbaruddin said, "We are closely monitoring developments in Nepal. We note the new Constitution could not be promulgated within the extended term of the Constitution Assembly.”

 While responding to a media query on recent developments in Nepal, he said,"We have confidence in the democratic commitment and wisdom of the people of Nepal, which has led to considerable progress of the constitution making process."

 "We hope that the political parties of Nepal would continue to be guided by the spirit of consensus and peaceful dialogue in their efforts to transform Nepal into a stable, democratic and prosperous nation," he said, adding that India stands ready to assist, according to the wishes of the people of Nepal.

Manmohan invites Suu Kyi to India

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today invited Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to India.

Discussion between the two lasted for 45 minutes on the last day of his visit to Myanmar.

 ”I sincerely hope that she will find it possible to visit India soon. In this context I have handed over to her the invitation letter to deliver the next Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture which is a very prestigious lecture. Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has written an invitation letter to Madam (Suu Kyi) to do us the honour to deliver this lecture in India. ” said Singh.

 Admiring her struggle and determination in inspiring millions of people, Singh held that he believed Suu Kyi would play a defining role in National Reconciliation launched by Myanmar President Thein Sein.

 "We in India are very proud of the very long-standing association with her (Suu Kyi) and the members of her family," Singh said.

 Myanmar democracy icon Suu Kyi in principle accepted the invitation and said,” I am very gratified by the invitation to deliver the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture, and I hope that I will be able to take up this invitation before too long. ”

 Nobel laureate Suu Kyi recalled close association she and her family had with Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and other Indian leaders. “My parents were great admirers of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other Indian leaders, but we were particularly close to Panditji as I was taught to call him from a very young age. “ said Suu Kyi.

 "India and Burma have been friends not only because of geographical proximity but also because of shared values, heritage and fight for independence," she said. Suu Kyi emphasized on the need of exchanges between the two peoples as this would form the basis of true friendship between countries.

Tomfoolery is indeed fun

Why do we watch sitcoms? For information? No. For education? Nope. For awareness? Certainly not. We become couch potatoes only for three reasons, testified by Vidya Balan, ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT. But of late certain TV shows are produced not for the purpose of entertaining the viewer but to defraud him. One such show is "Bollywood Dhamaal" aired everyday on E24 at 10 pm. Viewers are shown a picture of an actor from the Indian film industry and are asked to guess the name of the personality. This picture has some part of the face hidden or is a combination of two half faces. Zoom also has a similar show for the 11 pm daily slot. The picture is clear to the extent that even a seven-year-old kid can guess the name of the celebrity. Yesterday, while surfing through the entertainment channels, I decided to sit through this show for once. This time, they showed picture of Akshay Kumar with only his eyes hidden.



         The show went on and on but no one in India could guess it to be Akshay. As many as 20 people from all over the country called and came up names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Irfan Khan, Raghuvir Yadav etc. After the presenter gave a clue that the name of the actor begins with 'A', the answers that came were hilarious, starting with Aditya Pancholi, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgan, Arjun Rampal, Aditya Chopra, Asif Sheikh etc.

Apparently, the calls were made from the studios of the show by the people of their own production team. If you call the number flashing on the screen, you are charged Rs. 12 per minute. You will not be connected immediately to the anchor but will be put on a long hold. While on hold, you would be asked questions such as whether you like a particular song or a movie or would like to listen to Bollywood gossip. While you are negotiating there, the producers are making the moolah at the rate of Rs 12 per minute.
But indeed the role of the anchor is commendable. She has no script in hand and no teleprompter. Dressed in flashy outfits, she goes on weaving meaningless sentences around the one-liner "Come on, pick up the phone and guess the celebrity." But she manages to say the same sentence in a thousand different ways.
At times, she goes silent and starts moving fingers through her hair or her itsy bitsy dress. It is also a delight to see her scratching her arms or rubbing her hands together or tapping her forehead in between bouts of silence. But mind you, not everyone can do this.
The prize money is Rs. 50,000 at the time the show starts but suddenly in the middle of the show, the amount is raised to Rs. one lac and towards the end of the show, it is further increased as per the whims and fancies of the producers. Most interestingly, just two to five minutes before this circum wraps up, the prize money is reduced to a ridiculous Rs. 4000. Just when half a minute is left, a caller (perhaps the producer himself) invariably manages to "supply" the right name and gets the prize of Rs 4000.
If you see someone making a guess of Sridevi over the picture of Anil Kapoor, wouldnt that be entertainment. For sure, it would be. Tomfoolery is indeed fun!

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