competition success review magazine April 2014 issue Page 44
Burning Topics
Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankars SAARC Yatra
New Thrust In India-Sri Lanka Ties
Important Bills Passed By Lok Sabha
Government Adds Six Countries To E-visa List
k Government Approves Construction Of 7 Stealth Frigates, 6 Nuclear-powered Submarines
ir Reconverted Dalits Must Get Quota Benefits : SC
PM Modi Flags Off Arunachal-Delhi Train
PM Launches Soil Health Card Scheme
ir Indian Air Force To Get 38 More Pilatus Basic Trainers
Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Sworn In As Chief Minister Of J&K
Prithvi-II Missile Successfully Test- Fired
ir India Improves Press Freedom Rank
Foreign Secretary Mr. S. Jaishankar on March 4, 2015 concluded his four-day SAARC Yatra
after meeting Afghanistan President Mr. Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. Mr. Jaishankar discussed
issues pertaining to development projects, connectivity and security between India and
Afghanistan during his meeting with President Mr. Ghani. The meeting aimed at firming up
Indias ties with members of the grouping while reviewing regional and bilateral
cooperation. Mr. Jaishankar was briefed by his Afghan counterpart Deputy Minister
Mr. Hekmat Khalil Karzai on the security situation in Afghanistan and soon-to-be
announced talks with the Taliban.
The Foreign Secretary began his SAARC trip on March 1, 2015 with Bhutan,
later travelling to Bangladesh. On March 3, Mr. Jaishankar met his Pakistani
counterpart Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry in Islamabad, the first meeting between the two
Foreign Secretaries since New Delhi had called off talks in August 2014. The Foreign
Secretary wTapped up talks with his Pakistani counterpart Mr. Chaudhury in Islamabad
without any announcements, but with a broad understanding to continue the dialogue
process. Mr. Jaishankar also met with Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif, and handed
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over a letter from Prime Minister Mr. Modi, even as Mr. Sharif welcomed the resumption
of talks between India and Pakistan. Pakistans Foreign Secretary also said that the two
sides should discourage hostile propaganda and said that on Jammu and Kashmir, India
and Pakistan should move to resolve the dispute and other issues through dialogue. In a
statement after the talks Mr. Jaishankar said that they had been held in a constructive
and positive atmosphere and Indias concerns on cross-border terrorism and the pace of
the Mumbai 26/11 trial had been taken up. In a press conference a few hours later,
Pakistans Foreign Secretary said that both countries were equally affected by terrorism,
as Pakistan raised what it called Indias involvement in FATA and Balochistan and
the lack of evidence-sharing in the Samjhauta Express blasts case. Apart from exchanging
concerns over terror, the two sides discussed ceasefire violations at Line of Control
(LoC) and international border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mr. Jaishankar calling it
a key concern.
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The Foreign Secretary will undertake visits to Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal later.
Foreign Secretary Mr. S. Jaishankar concluded SAARC Yatra, meeting Bhutan,
Bangladesh, Pakistan & Afghanistan.
Mr. Jaishankar discussed issues pertaining to development projects, connectivity
and security between India and Afghanistan.
Indias concerns on cross-border terrorism and the pace of the Mumbai 26/11 trial
were taken up with Pakistan.
New Thrust In India-Sri Lanka Ties
India and its close neighbour, Sri Lanka, on February 16, 2015, sought to begin a new
chapter in their relations as the island nations newly-elected President Mr. Maithripala
Sirisena held talks with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in New Delhi during the formers
visit to India. The two sides inked four agreements, including one on civil nuclear
cooperation.
Mr. Sirisena, who arrived on a four-day state visit, his first abroad after he defeated
long-time president Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that as Sri Lankas closest neighbour that
has ethnic links to its most significant minority, India is a huge influence in the
island nations political, economic, social and cultural consciousness, and its world view.
President Mr. Sirisena was hewing to a long and unbroken tradition of newly elected
leaders making New Delhi the first port of call for foreign visits. But in a departure
from the routine nature of such visits, both sides signed four substantive agreements.
Of these, the agreement on Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy was the
most significant as it imparts a new strategic element to bilateral relations.
Since 2010, Sri Lanka has wanted to utilise nuclear energy in industrial applications as
well as in fields such as medicine and agriculture. Two years ago, Colombo had indicated
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that it was exploring such an agreement with Islamabad, with which too it has a warm
bilateral relationship. Its decision to move ahead on this front with India shows the
maturity- of the new Sri Lankan leadership and the importance it attaches to its relations
with New Delhi. The agreement envisages exchange of knowledge and expertise, sharing of
resources, capacity-building and training of personnel in peaceful uses of nuclear
energy. Two years ago, Sri I>anka had also expressed safety concerns arising from the
geographical proximity of the Kudankulam nuclear reactors. That the signatory to the
agreement on the Sri Lankan side was Power and Energy Minister Mr. Champika Ranawaka who
had voiced the concerns, shows that Colombo is now sufficiently reassured.
The two sides have also agreed to enhance their defence and security cooperation in the
existing trilateral format with the Maldives.
( Highlights )
Sri Lankas President inks four agreements during his India visit.
The agreement on Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy was the most
significant.
Two sides also agreed to enhance defence and security cooperation in the existing
trilateral format with the Maldives.
Important Bills Passed By Lok Sabha
Many important Bills were passed in the Ix>k Sabha in the Budget Session of Parliament.
The lx>k Sabha, on March 4, 2015, passed a bill to increase foreign
The Lok Sabha, on March 4, 2015, passed a bill to increase foreign investment limit in
local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent among others.
investment limit in local insurers to 49 percent from 26 percent. The passage of the Bill
in both the Houses of Parliament is critical to make an executive-order, which Prime
Minister Mr. Narendra Modis administration issued in December, permanent.
Apart from this, the Lok Sabha on March 3, 2015 passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill,
2015 by voice Vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to bring
e-rickshaws and e-carts into the ambit of the Act so they can ply on roads across the
countrv. It exempts drivers of e-rickshaw and e-carts from the requirement of learner
s licence to drive.
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The Lok Sabha also passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill,
2015 on March 3,2015. The Bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation)
Act, 1957 in order to regulate the mining sector in the country. It adds 4th Schedule to
the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in order to include bauxite,
iron ore, limestone and manganese ore as notified minerals. It creates a new category of
mining licence, i.e. the prospecting licence-cum-mining lease, which is a two-stage
concession for the purpose of undertaking prospecting operations (exploring or proving
mineral deposits) followed by mining operations.
Another important bill, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed in Lok Sabha on March
2, 2015 by a voice vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates
the acquisition and determination of citizenship and details registration of Overseas
Citizens of India and their rights. It allows the Union Government to relax the requirement
of 12 months stay or service if special circumstances exist in cases related to
citizenship by registration and naturalisation. Relaxation up to 30 days may be permitted
by the government.
( Highlights )
The Lok Sabha passed a Bill to increase foreign investment limit in local insurers
to 49% from 26%.
It cleared the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill.
Lok Sabha also okayed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation; Amendment
Bill, 2015.
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Government Adds Six Countries To E-visa List
Citizens from China, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy and Malaysia will soon be
able to get online-visa to India, increasing the number of countries that can avail
themselves of this facility- to 50. India introduced electronic visa for 44 countries in
November 2014. The six countries recommended by the Ministry to the Department of Home
Affairs for issuance of e-visa are China, the UK, Spain, France, Italy and Malaysia.
Countries that already have the electronic visa authorisation or online visa facility
include the US, Australia, Japan, Israel, Germany and Russia.
India has already issued 65,000 e-visas in the last 75 days and, on an average, 1,000
electronic visa authorisations are being issued a day. There was a 421.6% jump in tourist
arrivals during December 2014 compared to the previous year. India had issued 2,700 visas
in Decem¬ber 2013, whereas the number of ETAs
The World
Israeli PM Netanyahu Addresses US Congress On Iran Issue
★ US Brigade Of 4,000 Soldiers Headed To Kuwait
★ US To Provide Work Permits To Spouses Of H-1B Visa Holders
Australia To Send 300 Additional Troops To Iraq
Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia To Test New Flight Tracking System
Ukraine Talks End With Peace Deal In Minsk
Ar China Backs Bigger Role For India, Brazil At UNSC
★ Over 6,000 Killed In Ukraine Conflict : UN
★ Sri Lanka Will Work In Cooperation With UN On Human Rights Issue
~k China Launches $80 Billion Silk Road Infrastructure Project
Sri Lanka Passes Bill To Protect Victims Of Crimes, Witnesses
★ More Than 200 Killed In Afghanistan Avalanches
Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu declared on March 3, 2015 that the deal
being negotiated between the world powers and Iran would leave Tehran free to develop
nuclear weapons. In an impassioned address to the US Congress, conducted even as Secretary
of State Mr. John Kerry was in nuclear talks in Switzerland with his Iranian counterpart,
Mr. Netanyahu branded Iran a global threat. He said that the deal would not prevent Iran
from developing nuclear weapons, placing himself in stark opposition to the US President
Mr. Barack ()bamas policy of containing Iranian ambitions through a diplomatic accord.
Mr. Netanyahu said that it would all but guarantee that Iran got the weapons, dismissing
promises from the US and European leaders that the planned accord would block Irans path
to the bomb. Around 50 Democratic members stayed away from the event, but many more
lawmakers from both sides of the aisle did attend, and Mr. Netanyahu was welcomed with
a warm standing ovation and left to cheers and raucous applause.
Before this, Mr. Netanyahu warned the US, addressing American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference in Washington on March 2, that the nuclear deal it
was negotiating with Iran could threaten Israels survival and insisted he had a moral
obligation to speak up about deep differences with President Mr. Barack Obama on the
issue.
He said that as the Prime Minister of Israel, he had a moral obligation to speak up in the
face of these dangers while-there was still time to avert them. Mr. Netanyahu addressed a
cheering audience at the annual conference of the AIPAC, the largest US pro-Israel lobby.
Mr. Netanyahu said that the relationship between his country and the United States was
stronger than ever and not in crisis.
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The tense personal relationship between Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu sunk to a new low over
the Israeli leaders planned speech to Congress just weeks before an end-of-March deadline
for a framework nuclear accord with Iran. The invitation to Mr. Netanyahu was
orchestrated by Republican congressional leaders with the Israeli ambassador without
advance word to the White House, a breach of protocol that issued during December 2014
was 14,083. The online visa facility is applicable to visitors travelling to India for
recreation, short-duration medical treatment and business visits for a stay of 30 days.
It is available at nine airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Goa,
Hyderabad, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram.
[ Highlights )
fr Citizens from China, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy and Malaysia will soon
be able to get online visa to India.
India introduced electronic visa for 44 countries in November 2014.
It is applicable to visitors travelling to India for recreation, short-duration
medical treatment and business visits for a stay of 30 days.
Government Approves Construction Of 7 Stealth Frigates, 6 Nuclear-powered Submarines
In a major step towards building a formidable blue-water Navy for the future, the Modi
government on February 18, 2015 cleared the indigenous construction of seven stealth
frigates and six nuclear-powered attack submarines, which together will cost well upwards
of Rs. 1 lakh crore. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took these decisions in tune
with the critical necessity for India to bolster its overall deterrence capability in
the entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR), especially its primary area of strategic interest
stretching from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait.
Under the over Rs. 50,000 crore Project-17A for stealth frigates, four will be
constructed at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai and three in Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
in Kolkata. Both the defence shipyards are already geared up for the project because it
is a follow-on to the three 6,100-tonne stealth frigates built by MDL—INS Shivalik, INS
Satpura and INS Sahyadari—which were inducted in 2010-12.
The new multi-mission frigates will be larger, faster and stealthier than the Shivaliks as
well as packed with more weapons and sensors to operate in a multi-threat environment.
But it could take a decade to build all the seven frigates. The complex project for the
nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) will take longer. After the CCS approval, technical
parameters or naval staff qualitative requirements (NSQRs) will now be drafted for the
over 6,000-tonne submarines.
The SSNs are likely to be constructed at the secretive ship-building centre (SBC) in Vizag,
where Indias first three SSBNs (nuclear-powered submarines with nuclear ballistic
missiles) are being built to complete the countrys nuclear weapons triad.
( Highlights )
The Modi Government approves construction of 7 stealth frigates, 6 nuclear-powered
submarines.
The Project-17A is worth over Rs. 50,000 crore.
It could take a decade to build all the seven frigates.
Reconverted Dalits Must Get Quota Benefits : SC
In a landmark judgment on February 26, 2015, the Supreme Court has ruled that if a person
with Dalit ancestry reconverts to Hinduism, he
In a landmark judgment on February 26, 2015, the Supreme Court has ruled that if a person
with Dalit ancestry reconverts to Hinduism, he would get back his caste status and benefit of reservation.
would get back his caste status and benefit of reservation. A person who is born to
Christian parents who had converted to Christianity from Scheduled Caste Hindu can avail
himself of the benefit of caste certificate after his/her embracing Hinduism, subject to
other qualifications, a Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and V. Gopala Gowda ruled. Justice
Misra, who authored the judgment for the Bench, said that there cannot be any soundness
of logic that he cannot avail the similar benefit because his grandparents were converted
and he was born to parents who were Christian.
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The Bench laid down a threefold criterion for a re-converted person to get back his caste
status and consequential benefits accruing to tha caste for employment and education. Tb
only caveat is that on reconversion, thi Dalit community must accept him/he as a member
of the community. Th< Bench said that there must be absolutel; clear cut proof that he
belongs to th< caste that has been recognised by th< Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order
1950; there has been reconversion to th< original religion to which the parents anc
earlier generations had belonged; anc there has to be evidence establishing the acceptance
by the community.
The case related to refusal ol Scheduled Caste certificate to one Mr. K.P. Manu, whose
great grandfathei belonged to Hindu Pulaya community in Kerala. Mr. Manus father had
embraced Christianity and married a woman converted to Christianity from Hinduism.
Mr. Manu was born in 1960 and in 1984, converted to Hindu religion. He was granted caste
certificate from Akhila Bharata Ayyappa Seva Sangam and the tehsildar. But on some ones
complaint, the certificate was cancelled by the scrutiny committee. The Kerala HC upheld
the cancellation of caste certificate saying reconversion did not allow him to get back
the original caste of his forefathers as his father was not part of the same community.
The Apex Court directed authorities to reinstate Mr. Manu in service with all benefits
relating to seniority and 75% of back wages.
( Highlights )
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SC has ruled that if a person with Dalit ancestry reconverts to Hinduism, he would
get back his caste status and benefit of reservation.
On reconversion, the Dalit community must accept him/her as a member of the
community.
There must be absolutely clear-cut proof that he belongs to the caste that has
been recognised by the Constitution.
I PM Modi Flags Off I Arunachal-Delhi Train
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, who went to Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar on
February 20, 2015 to participate in the States 29th foundation day, flagged off the
first-ever express train from Naharlagun to New Delhi.
Mr. Modi said that a big impediment in the Northeasts development was connectivity be
it rail, roads or air. The more connectivity increases, better it is. He said that with
the rail connectivity, the tourism would increase and people would see the beauty of this
land. Railways would emerge as a strength for Arunachal Pradeshs development, he said.
Mr. Modi also said that the railway network would bring prosperity to the hill State.
Mr. Modi was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State
for Railways Mr. Manoj Sinha and Minister of State for Home Mr. Kiren Rijiju.
[ Highlights )
PM Mr. Modi flagged off first-ever express train from Naharlagun to New Delhi.
Mr. Modi said that a big impediment in the Northeasts development was connectivity.
k He said that Railways would emerge as a strength for Arunachal Pradeshs development.
PM Launches Soil Health Card Scheme
In an attempt to check deteriorating soil quality and spruce up farm productivity, Prime
Minister Mr. Narendra Modi on February 19, 2015 launched the soil health card scheme in
Suratgarh, Rajasthan. The scheme will provide all 145 million farm owners in the country
with a soil health card in the next three years. The ambitious scheme was announced in the
First Budget presented by Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaidey in July 2014. The budget
allotted was Rs. 100 crore for issuing cards and an additional Rs. 56 crore to set up 100
mobile soil-testing laboratories across the country. The soil health card details existing
nutrient status of the soil and crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers
required, making it easier for farmers to improve productivity by using appropriate inputs.
Mr. Modi said while launching the scheme, that starting soil health laboratories could be
an employment avenue for rural youth. In Gujarat where every farmer has a soil health card,
unnecessary expenses on inputs have come down and farmers have saved a lot of money.
Mr. Modi urged State governments and the newly formed NITI Aayog, the successor to the
Planning Commission, to set up expert committees on agriculture, so that States and the
Centre together could draw up a common minimum programme on agriculture for nationwide
implementation.
Between May and December 2014, the Agriculture Ministry released Rs. 86 crore for the soil
health card scheme. In comparison, between 2007-08 and April
2014, the Ministry had spent Rs. 112
crore on the scheme. The flagship
scheme of the Ministry has been
sanctioned Rs. 568 crore for the next
three years. A similar scheme, the
National Project for Management of Soil
Health and Fertility, was launched during
2008-09 by the previous UPA
Government.
Imbalanced use of fertilisers has led to declining crop productivity in the country,
further fuelled by a skewed fertiliser policy where urea is heavily subsided, leading to
overuse. While urea consumption increased from 59% to 66% of total consumption in 2012-13
over 2010-11, per hectare consumption of fertiliser declined from 140 kg to 128 kg over
the same period, noted the Economic Survey 2014-2015. Current trends in farm output reveal
that the marginal productivity of soil in relation to the application of fertilisers is
declining.
( Highlights ) 1
ir PM launches soil health card scheme-to check deteriorating soil quality and spruce up
farm productivity.
The scheme will provide all 145 million farm owners in the country with a soil health
card in the next three years.
~k The soil health card details existing nutrient status of the soil and crop-wise
recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required.
Indian Air Force To Get 38 More Pilatus Basic Trainers
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parrikar,
on February 28,
2015, cleared a follow-on order for 38
Pilatus basic trainer aircraft for the Air
Force in addition to appointing the Goa
Shipyard limited as the lead agency to
build 12 Mine Counter-Measure Vessels
(MCMV) for the Navy. The Air Force
has projected a requirement of 181 basic
trainer aircraft. 75 Pilatus aircraft were
procured from Switzerland in 2012 and
38 cleared on February 28, 2015. The
remaining 68 will be supplied by the
Hindustan Aeronautic limited (HAL) by
the indigenous development of HTT-40
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aircraft.
The earlier global tender for eight MCMVs was scrapped after allegations of corruption.
The process would start from scratch now. There would be a Buy and Make category under
the procurement procedure and the GSL would build the ships under transfer of technology
with a foreign vendor in a deal worth about Rs. 32,000 crore. The
GSL had already invested Rs. 500 crore to develop the required facilities. One C-130 would
be acquired at the cost of Rs. 533 crore from the US to replace the one that crashed in
2014. The crash killed five personnel, including four officers. Other deals cleared include
21 low-level light weight radars for the Air Force and a repeat order of rockets for the
Army.
( Highlights )
DAC cleared order for Indian Air
Force to get 38 more Pilatus basic
trainers aircraft. ir The Air Force has projected a
requirement of 181 basic trainers
aircraft.
k Other deals cleared include 21 low-level light weight radars for the Air Force and a
repeat order of rockets for the Army.
Mufti Mohammed Sayeed Sworn In As Chief Minister Of J&K
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mr. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on March 1, 2015 was sworn
in as the 12th Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader
Mr. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on March 1, 2015 was sworn in as the 12 th Chief Minister of
Jammu and Kashmir.
His oath of office and secrecy was administered by the State Governor, Mr. N.N. Vohra,
at Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University. This is the second time that Mr. Sayeed
will be-heading a coalition government in the State. Earlier in 2002, he led a PDP-Congress
alliance government and was Chief Minister for three years. Mr. Nirmal Singh of BJP was
made the Deputy Chief Minister of the State. Apart from Mr. Sayeed and Mr. Singh, 23 other
leaders from both PDP and
BJP were sworn in as Ministers. Ms. Priya Sethi (BJP) and Ms. Aasiya Naqqash (PDP) were
the two women legislators who took oath as Ministers.
This is the first time that BJP has become a part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir
after PDP and BJP agreed to form a coalition government as no party secured an absolute
majority in the J&K Assembly elections in December 2014. After the swearing-in ceremony,
Mr. Mufti released the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the PDP-BJP alliance. The CMP
promised to maintain the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the
Article 370 of the Constitution and examine the need for de-notifying the disturbed areas
in the State to enable the Union Government to take a final view on the Armed Forces
Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958.
( Highlights )
PDP leader Mr. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was sworn in as the 12th Chief Minister of
J&K.
Mr. Nirmal Singh of B)P was made the Deputy Chief Minister of the State.
The CMP of the PDP-BJP alliance promised to maintain the special status of J&K in
accordance with the Article 370 of the Constitution.
Prithvi-II Missile Successfully Test-Fired
India, on February 19, 2015 successfully test-fired indigenously-developed nuclear-capable
Prithvi-II missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off Odisha coast as part
of a user trial by the Army. With a strike range of 350 km, it is capable of carrying
500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads. The short-range surface-to-surface missile was tested from
a mobile launcher in salvo mode from launch complex-3 of the ITR. The missile covered
300 km within seven minutes and met all parameters. The launch of the sophisticated missile
was a success, said ITR Director Mr. M.V.K.V. Prasad.
The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock. The launch was carried out by
Strategic Force Command (SFC) and monitored by scientists of DRDC) as part of training
exercise. The missile trajectory was tracked by DRD() radars, electro-optical tracking
systems and telemetry stations located at Wheeler Island and along coast of Odisha.
Inducted into SFC in 2003, Prithvi-II, the first missile developed by DRDO under Indias
prestigious IGMDP
(Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme), is now a proven technology. The
twin-engine Prithvi-II is 8.56 metre in length, 1.1 metre in width and weighs 4,600 kg.
Prithvi-II has been designed to operate with both liquid and solid fuels and is capable
of carrying both conventional and nuclear payload. The last user trial was successfully
carried out from the same base on November 14, 2014.
( Highlights >
India successfully test-fired indigenously-developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II
missile.
With a strike range of 350 km, it is capable of earning 500 kg to 1,000 kg of
warheads.
Prithvi-II has been designed to operate with both liquid and solid fuels and is
capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payload.
India Improves Press Freedom Rank
India was ranked 136 out of 180 nations worldwide in terms of press freedom in 2015, which
marks an improvement from its rank of 140 in
2014, even though its absolute score declined from 40.34 to 40.49. In the annual World
Press Freedom Index (WPFI) produced by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Indias abuse
score, which reflects the intensity of violent harassment faced by journalists was 59.58,
which is higher than Sri I-ankas score of 40.6 but below Pakistans score of 64.91 and
Chinas score of 89.64. Regarding the countrys performance, the WPFI report said One
journalist and no net citizens were killed.
The WPFI ranks the performance of countries according to a range of criteria that include
media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists, and
the legislative, institutional and infrastructural environment in which the media operate,
according to its producers. While the top of the list was this year and in previous years
dominated by Scandinavian nations such as Finland, Norway and Denmark, at the other end
of the scale, Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eiritrea, were the worst performers. Russia,
Iran and China also performed poorly, ranking respectively at 152, 173 and 176 places.
The US was down three places at 49 in 2015, which according to reports was due to the US
governments persecution of New York limes reporter Mr. |im Risen, as well as the fact
that the US continues its war on information in others, such as WikiLeaks.
( Highlights y
According to WPFI report, India ranked 136 out of 180 nations worldwide in terms
of press freedom in 2015.
It marks an improvement from its rank of 140 in 2014.
WPFI ranks the performance of countries according to criteria that include media
pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists.
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infuriated the Obama administration and the Presidents fellow Democrats. Mr. Obama said
that he would not meet with Mr. Netanyahu during the visit, on the grounds that doing so
only two weeks before Israeli elections could be seen as interference. The high-profile
visit had divided Israelis, driven a wedge between Jewish American groups and alienated
manv Democrats, including Jewish Democratic lawmakers.
( Highlights )
★ Israeli PM Mr. Netanyahu addressed US Congress on Iran nuclear issue.
★ Netanyahu said that the deal would not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
★ Mr. Netanyahu was welcomed with a warm standing ovation and left to cheers and
raucous applause.
US Brigade Of 4,000 Soldiers Headed To Kuwait
More than 4,000 US soldiers based at Fort Carson, Colorado have headed to Kuwait, where
they will take over as one of Americas largest ground forces in the region after
President Mr. Barack Obama asked Congress to authorise military action against Islamic
State militants. Mr. Obama ruled out large-scale US ground combat operations similar to
those in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he asked for the option to use military force against
Islamic State fighters for three years. The fight could be extended to any closely
related successor entity to the Islamic State group that has overrun parts of Iraq and
Syria, imposed an extreme form of Sharia law and killed hostages it has taken, including
several Americans.
The US Army has kept a brigade in Kuwait since the end of the Iraq war in 2011. Those
soldiers, including two units from Fort Carson, have worked to train local troops from
throughout the Middle East. In its most recent deployment to Kuwait, a combat team from
Fort Carson conducted training missions with allies including Jordan and the United Arab
Emirates, which have joined the coalition against Islamic State fighters. The unit headed
to Kuwait is Fort Carsons heaviest force, armed with tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
Many of its soldiers are veterans of one or more of the brigades previous combat tours
in Iraq.
According to the brigades commander, Colonel Greg Sierra, the brigade has trained more
than a year for the Kuwait mission. The soldiers practised combat skills last used in the
2003 invasion of Iraq. The brigades training regimen readied soldiers for a range of
missions from humanitarian relief to nonstop combat.
( Highlights )
More than 4,000 US soldiers have headed to Kuwait.
They will be authorised for military action against Islamic State militants.
The US Army has kept a brigade in Kuwait since the end of the Iraq war in 2011.
|US To Provide World Permits To Spouses Of H-1B Visa Holders
The US on February 25, 2015, announced that it would provide work permits to spouses of
H-1B visa holders beginning May 26, a move that is expected to benefit thousands of
talented and professional Indian spouses who come to America, but are unable to work.
Under existing laws, spouses of H-1B visa holders, many of whom are Indians, are not
eligible to work. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting
applications for work visas from H-1B spouses on May 26.
Once USCIS approves the Form 1-765 and the H-4 dependent spouse receives an Employment
Authorisation Card, he or she may begin working in the United States. USCIS estimates the
number of individuals eligible to apply for employment authorisation under this rule could
be as high as 179,600 in the first year and 55,000 annually in subsequent years. The move
has been welcomed by Indian-Americans. The USCIS, in a statement, said that the Department
of Homeland Security was extending the eligibility for employment-authorisation (EAD) to
certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B non¬immigrants who are seeking employment-based
Permanent Residency. Eligible individuals include certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B
non¬immigrants (principal H1B worker) who are the beneficiaries of an approved Form
1-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or satisfy at least one or more of the three
conditions. The conditions include that the principal H1B worker has an approved 1-140
or is currendy on an extended H1B status beyond the 6-year limitation based upon an 1-140
petition application pending for at least 365 days (one calendar year). Recent State
Department figures show that approximately 76 percent of those who received H-4 status
in 2013 were from South Asian countries.
[ Highlights )
★ The US will provide work permits to spouses of H-1B visa holders.
★ Under existing laws, spouses of H-1B visa holders are not eligible to work.
★ The conditions include that the principal H1B worker has an approved 1-140.
Australia To Send 300 Additional Troops To Iraq
Australia will send an additional 300 troops to Iraq to train specialist Iraqi soldiers
in the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants, Prime Minister Mr. Tony
Australian PM Mr. Tony Abbott announced on March 3, 2015 that his country would send an
additional 300 troops to Iraq to train Iraqi soldiers.
Abbott announced on March 3, 2015. As part of a joint training mission with New Zealand,
the 300 new arrivals will join a 200-strong Australian contingent already present in Iraq.
Mr. Abbott said that Australian forces had already enjoyed success in their fight against
IS militants, but more aid was needed to continue training Iraqi troops. He said that
Australia had slowed ISISs advance, but Iraqs regular forces required support to build
their capacity to reclaim and to hold territory. The troops, who will be based in northern
Baghdad, are expected to be overseas for two years as per the governments timeline of
their involvement in Iraq. Mr. Abbott also revealed that the decision to send more-troops
abroad had come with the support of Iraq Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, but that Iraq do
not want foreign combat troops on the ground. Therefore, just like the 200 Australians
already in Iraq, the new group will occupy strictly advisory roles. The Prime Minister also
suggested that security could only be guaranteed domestically by providing international
support.
Australia will send additional 300 troops to Iraq to train specialist Iraqi
soldiers in fight against ISIS.
The 300 new arrivals will join a 200-strong Australian contingent already present
in Iraq.
The troops, who will be based in northern Baghdad, are expected to be overseas for
two years.
Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia To Test
New Flight Tracking System
Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will lead a trial to enhance the tracking of aircraft
over remote oceans, Australias Transport Minister said on March 1, 2015. The announcement
came ahead of the anniversary of the disappearance of flight MH370, which vanished last
year on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. No trace of the
plane has been found so far.
Airservices Australia, a government-owned agency that manages the countrys airspace, will
work with its Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to test the new method, which would
enable planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the previous rate of 30 to 40
minutes. The trial is expected to use satellite-based positioning technology already on
board 90 percent of long-haul aircraft that transmits the planes current position and its
next two planned positions, said Airservices Australia Chairman Mr. Angus Houston, who
helped lead the search for MH370. The trial would boost the frequency in which planes
would automatically report their position, allowing air traffic controllers to better
track them. Mr. Houston said that it was an important step in delivering immediate
improvements to the way they currently track aircraft while more comprehensive solutions
are developed. There is no requirement for real-time tracking of commercial aircraft and
ever since flight 370 disappeared, air safety regulators and airlines have been trying to
agree on how extensively planes should be tracked.
( Highlights >
Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will lead a trial to enhance the tracking of
aircraft over remote oceans.
The new method would enable planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the
previous rate of 30 to 40 minutes.
The trial is expected to use satellite-based positioning technology already on board.
Ukraine Talks End With Peace Deal In Minsk
A peace deal was hammered between Russia and Ukraine on February 12 in Minsk, Belarus in
all-night negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany. According to the deal,
Ukraine will trade a broad autonomy for the east
for control of the Russian border by the end of 2015. The deal was full of potential
pitfalls, however, that could derail its implementation.
In announcing the plan, Russia and Ukraine disagreed over what exactly they had agreed to
in marathon 16-hour talks, including the status of a key town under rebel siege. Russian
President Mr. Vladimir Putin said that the agreement envisaged a ceasefire that was
effective from February 15, 2015 as well as a special status for the rebel regions,
provisions on border controls and humanitarian issues. Ukrainian President Mr. Petro
Poroshenko said that there was no agreement on any autonomy or federalisation for eastern
Ukraine, a longtime demand of Russia that wants it to maintain leverage over its
neighbour and prevent it from ever joining NATO. The deal, however, requires the Ukrainian
parliament to give wide powers to the eastern regions as a condition for restoring
Ukraines full control over the border—a provision that would be certain to trigger
heated political debate in Ukraine. The agreement is a complex compromise that allows
both Russia and Ukraine to claim victory, but it is full of potential pitfalls that may
derail its implementation. Uncertainty remained even regarding the declared cease-fire,
as Mr. Putin admitted that he and
Poroshenko disagreed on assessing the situation in a key flashpoint, the government-held
town of Debaltseve.
In a win for Ukraine, the rebel regions, which held their own elections are obliged to
hold a new local vote under the Lkrainian law. But in a key concession to Russia, the
deal says the restoration of Ukrainian control over the border with Russia in
rebel-controlled areas could be completed only by the end of 2015 on condition that Ukraine
conducted a constitutional reform granting wide powers to the eastern regions, including
the right to form their
own police force and trade freely with Russia.
German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel, who brokered the talks in the Belarusian capital
together with French President Mr. Francois Hollande said that they now had a glimmer of
hope, but the concrete steps of course had to be taken, and major obstacles were still to
be faced. The deal envisages a buffer zone to be created by pulling back the heavy
artillery and rocket systems from 50 to 140 kilometres (31 to 87 miles) away from the
frontline depending on their calibre. Hailing the deal as a relief to Europe,
Mr. Hollande said that global settlement would include all issues, from the cease-fire to
the control of the border, to decentralisation, the pullback of heavy weapons and resuming
economic relations.
[ Highlights )
A peace deal hammered between Russia and Ukraine in Minsk, Belarus.
The negotiations were done among Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.
The deal envisages a buffer zone to be created by pulling back the heavy artillery
and rocket systems from 50 to 140 kilometres away from the frontline.
Australia will send additional 300 troops to Iraq to train specialist Iraqi
soldiers in fight against ISIS.
The 300 new arrivals will join a 200-strong Australian contingent already present
in Iraq.
The troops, who will be based in northern Baghdad, are expected to be overseas for
two years.
Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia To Test
New Flight Tracking System
Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will lead a trial to enhance the tracking of aircraft
over remote oceans, Australias Transport Minister said on March 1, 2015. The announcement
came ahead of the anniversary of the disappearance of flight MH370, which vanished last
year on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. No trace of the
plane has been found so far.
Airservices Australia, a government-owned agency that manages the countrys airspace, will
work with its Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts to test the new method, which would
enable planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the previous rate of
30 to 40 minutes. The trial is expected to use satellite-based positioning technology
already on board 90 percent of long-haul aircraft that transmits the planes current
position and its next two planned positions, said Airservices Australia Chairman Mr. Angus
Houston, who helped lead the search for MH370. The trial would boost the frequency in
which planes would automatically report their position, allowing air traffic controllers
to better track them. Mr. Houston said that it was an important step in delivering
immediate improvements to the way they currently track aircraft while more comprehensive
solutions are developed. There is no requirement for real-time tracking of commercial
aircraft and ever since flight 370 disappeared, air safety regulators and airlines have
been trying to agree on how extensively planes should be tracked.
( Highlights >
competition success review magazine shop
Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia will lead a trial to enhance the tracking of
aircraft over remote oceans.
The new method would enable planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, rather than the
previous rate of 30 to 40 minutes.
The trial is expected to use satellite-based positioning technology already on board.
Ukraine Talks End With Peace Deal In Minsk
A peace deal was hammered between Russia and Ukraine on February 12 in Minsk, Belarus in
all-night negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany. According to the deal,
Ukraine will trade a broad autonomy for the east
for control of the Russian border by the end of 2015. The deal was full of potential
pitfalls, however, that could derail its implementation.
In announcing the plan, Russia and Ukraine disagreed over what exactly they had agreed to
in marathon 16-hour talks, including the status of a key town under rebel siege. Russian
President Mr. Vladimir Putin said that the agreement envisaged a ceasefire that was
effective from February 15, 2015 as well as a special status for the rebel regions,
provisions on border controls and humanitarian issues. Ukrainian President Mr. Petro
Poroshenko said that there was no agreement on any autonomy or federalisation for eastern
Ukraine, a longtime demand of Russia that wants it to maintain leverage over its neighbour
and prevent it from ever joining NATO. The deal, however, requires the Ukrainian
parliament to give wide powers to the eastern regions as a condition for restoring
Ukraines full control over the border—a provision that would be certain to trigger
heated political debate in Ukraine. The agreement is a complex compromise that allows
both Russia and Ukraine to claim victory, but it is full of potential pitfalls that may
derail its implementation. Uncertainty remained even regarding the declared cease-fire,
as Mr. Putin admitted that he and
Poroshenko disagreed on assessing the situation in a key flashpoint, the government-held
town of Debaltseve.
In a win for Ukraine, the rebel regions, which held their own elections are obliged to
hold a new local vote under the Ukrainian law. But in a key concession to Russia, the deal
says the restoration of Ukrainian control over the border with Russia in rebel-controlled
areas could be completed only by the end of 2015 on condition that Ukraine conducted a
constitutional reform granting wide powers to the eastern regions, including the right to
form their
own police force and trade freely with Russia.
German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkei, who brokered the talks in the Belarusian capital
together with French President Mr. Francois Hollande said that they now had a glimmer of
hope, but the concrete steps of course had to be taken, and major obstacles were still
to be faced. The deal envisages a buffer zone to be created by pulling back the heavy
artillery and rocket systems from 50 to 140 kilometres (31 to 87 miles) away from the
frontline depending on their calibre. Hailing the deal as a relief to Europe,
Mr. Hollande said that global setdement would include all issues, from the cease-fire to
the control of the border, to decentralisation, the pullback of heavy weapons and resuming
economic relations.
[ Highlights )
competition success review magazine shop online
A peace deal hammered between Russia and Ukraine in Minsk. Belarus.
The negotiations were done among Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.
The deal envisages a buffer zone to be created by pulling back the heavy artillery
and rocket systems from 50 to 140 kilometres away from the frontline.
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