10 Sep 2010
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 10:Foreign tourists arrival to Kerala has registered an increase by 13.9 per cent in the
first half of 2010 compared to the corresponding figure last year. Arrival of domestic tourists had also registered an increase by 5.59 per cent during the period, State Minister for Home and Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said here yesterday. Total revenue earned by the state in tourismsector was Rs.13,231 crores in 2009.
Stressing the importance of the sector, he said tourism was providing direct and indirect employment to more than
one lakh people. Nearly 5.57 lakh foriegn tourists and 8 million domestic tourists visited Kerala during 2009, he said. Balakrishnan attributed the tourist increase to the various measures initiated by the state government.
A progrmme to open network of shops covering all the popular tourist destinations of the stte to display and sell Kerala's branded souvenirs was also launched by the minister. PTI
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
China withdraws reference to Gilgit-Baltistan as ‘northern Pakistan'
BEIJING, September 5, 2010
A day after India voiced concerns to China over its reference to the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region as “a northern part of Pakistan,” the Chinese government withdrew its statement from its official Xinhua news agency as well as from the Foreign Ministry's website.
The Chinese government had issued a statement on Xinhua's website late on Wednesday night, refuting a New York Times opinion piece which claimed that over 11,000 Chinese troops were present in the disputed region.
The statement referred to Gilgit-Baltistan, which India views as under illegal occupation by Pakistan and as an integral part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, as “northern Pakistan,” triggering a protest from New Delhi.
But on Saturday, the statement appeared to have been removed from Xinhua's website. The link to the statement, headlined “China refutes reports of sending troops to Pakistan,” did not open.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, which in a regular briefing on Thursday had repeated the reference to Gilgit-Baltistan “as a northern part of Pakistan” in response to a question on the presence of Chinese troops, deleted records of both the question and its response from its official transcript, which was posted on its website on Friday.
Concerns conveyed
On Friday morning, Indian Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar had conveyed New Delhi's concerns over China's recent moves in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun.
In the talks, Mr. Jaishankar raised questions over the presence of Chinese troops in PoK, and also protested China's reference to the disputed region as a part of northern Pakistan. Mr. Zhang assured Indian officials that the troops were stationed there only for flood relief work and to provide humanitarian assistance.
A day after India voiced concerns to China over its reference to the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region as “a northern part of Pakistan,” the Chinese government withdrew its statement from its official Xinhua news agency as well as from the Foreign Ministry's website.
The Chinese government had issued a statement on Xinhua's website late on Wednesday night, refuting a New York Times opinion piece which claimed that over 11,000 Chinese troops were present in the disputed region.
The statement referred to Gilgit-Baltistan, which India views as under illegal occupation by Pakistan and as an integral part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, as “northern Pakistan,” triggering a protest from New Delhi.
But on Saturday, the statement appeared to have been removed from Xinhua's website. The link to the statement, headlined “China refutes reports of sending troops to Pakistan,” did not open.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, which in a regular briefing on Thursday had repeated the reference to Gilgit-Baltistan “as a northern part of Pakistan” in response to a question on the presence of Chinese troops, deleted records of both the question and its response from its official transcript, which was posted on its website on Friday.
Concerns conveyed
On Friday morning, Indian Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar had conveyed New Delhi's concerns over China's recent moves in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun.
In the talks, Mr. Jaishankar raised questions over the presence of Chinese troops in PoK, and also protested China's reference to the disputed region as a part of northern Pakistan. Mr. Zhang assured Indian officials that the troops were stationed there only for flood relief work and to provide humanitarian assistance.
Friday, September 3, 2010
India conveys concern to China over presence in PoK
03 Sep 2010
Beijing/New Delhi: India today conveyed its concerns to China over its presence in Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and its
activities in that region.
The Indian move came in the wake of reports of presence of about 11,000 Chinese troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region held by Pakistan.
The Indian concerns over Chinese 'activity and presence' were conveyed by Ambassador to China S Jaishankar during a meeting with their Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhang Zhijun in Beijing today, according to officials at the Indian Embassy.
Jaishankar also conveyed India's concerns over the presence of Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) troops in the region. However, China had yesterday rejected reports that its troops were in Gilgit region in northern Kashmir.
Jaishankar returned to Beijing yesterday from Delhi where he had briefed the the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on the developments regarding China. The CCS chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had discussed the matter on Tuesday.
Following the US news reports of PLA presence in PoK, India had said it would independently verify the matter which it dubbed
as 'serious, if true'. 'If true, it would be a matter of serious concern and we would do all that is necessary to ensure safety and security of the nation,' External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash had said on Monday when asked to comment on reports in 'The New York Times. About the influx of an estimated 7,000 to 11,000 PLA soldiers in Gilgit-Baltistan
region.
Beijing/New Delhi: India today conveyed its concerns to China over its presence in Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and its
activities in that region.
The Indian move came in the wake of reports of presence of about 11,000 Chinese troops in Jammu and Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan region held by Pakistan.
The Indian concerns over Chinese 'activity and presence' were conveyed by Ambassador to China S Jaishankar during a meeting with their Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhang Zhijun in Beijing today, according to officials at the Indian Embassy.
Jaishankar also conveyed India's concerns over the presence of Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) troops in the region. However, China had yesterday rejected reports that its troops were in Gilgit region in northern Kashmir.
Jaishankar returned to Beijing yesterday from Delhi where he had briefed the the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on the developments regarding China. The CCS chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had discussed the matter on Tuesday.
Following the US news reports of PLA presence in PoK, India had said it would independently verify the matter which it dubbed
as 'serious, if true'. 'If true, it would be a matter of serious concern and we would do all that is necessary to ensure safety and security of the nation,' External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash had said on Monday when asked to comment on reports in 'The New York Times. About the influx of an estimated 7,000 to 11,000 PLA soldiers in Gilgit-Baltistan
region.
Pledge agaist terrorism at Ramzan prayer meeting
03 Sep 2010
Thiruvanananthapuram: Lakhs of muslims who will converge as part of ramzan prayer meeting at Swalath nagar in Malappuram would take a pledge against terrorism and extremism on September 6, considered to be an auspicious day of ramzan month.
All arrangements for this year's ramzan congregation at Swalath nagar have been completed,Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bhukari, Chairman of Ma'adin Islamic Academy, the organisers of the meeting told reporters here today.
'We expect more than seven lakh people at the spiritual meeting this time', he said adding last time nearly six lakh people participated. Religious schlors from other part of the country and abroad would participate at the meeting, he said. PTI
Thiruvanananthapuram: Lakhs of muslims who will converge as part of ramzan prayer meeting at Swalath nagar in Malappuram would take a pledge against terrorism and extremism on September 6, considered to be an auspicious day of ramzan month.
All arrangements for this year's ramzan congregation at Swalath nagar have been completed,Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bhukari, Chairman of Ma'adin Islamic Academy, the organisers of the meeting told reporters here today.
'We expect more than seven lakh people at the spiritual meeting this time', he said adding last time nearly six lakh people participated. Religious schlors from other part of the country and abroad would participate at the meeting, he said. PTI
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
What the dragon is up to?
August 31, 2010
The latest report that China is amassing large contingent of troops on the Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) and is also engaged in some clandestine activity there is disturbing for India. Flood ravaged Pakistan is already in trouble from all sides. On one side is America sitting on Pak's head to contain the menace of Al Qaeda and Taliban in AfPak border.
Pak history's worst flood is taking away the sleep of its leadership where flood ravaged people are in peril for safe drinking water, food, houses and other facilities. There are reports of food riots in refugee camps and the terrorist outfits are making undue advantage of the situation.
It is this disturbing situation China is taking advantage of and amassing troops in PoK. China also reportedly has strategies to construct fast track roads, highways along the existing Karakoram border roads to reach up to the Middle East within 48 hours. The report says work is already on; some strategic underground tunnels have already been made about which even Pakistan too was not taken into confidence by China.
That shows they are going to enliven the ancient Silk Route fast-track. As we know, China has already emerged as world's second economy, knocking down Japan, and if things go according to their current strategy, soon they would be on top knocking down the current super power position of the US. It will be only matter of time for the dragon to roar then. The latest Military and diplomatic impasse between India and China over positioning of missiles by China along the Indo-China border too was causing much concern. The question to Indian military strategist is how far we are ready to take this new challenge on our border.
How long the US would keep the Pak underpinned and how long Pak can resist the temptation from the Jihadists vis-à-vis the pathetic plight of its people who are deluged so badly? Can one sleep in peace with such disturbing situation all along our borders?
Article appeared in Chronicle
The latest report that China is amassing large contingent of troops on the Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) and is also engaged in some clandestine activity there is disturbing for India. Flood ravaged Pakistan is already in trouble from all sides. On one side is America sitting on Pak's head to contain the menace of Al Qaeda and Taliban in AfPak border.
Pak history's worst flood is taking away the sleep of its leadership where flood ravaged people are in peril for safe drinking water, food, houses and other facilities. There are reports of food riots in refugee camps and the terrorist outfits are making undue advantage of the situation.
It is this disturbing situation China is taking advantage of and amassing troops in PoK. China also reportedly has strategies to construct fast track roads, highways along the existing Karakoram border roads to reach up to the Middle East within 48 hours. The report says work is already on; some strategic underground tunnels have already been made about which even Pakistan too was not taken into confidence by China.
That shows they are going to enliven the ancient Silk Route fast-track. As we know, China has already emerged as world's second economy, knocking down Japan, and if things go according to their current strategy, soon they would be on top knocking down the current super power position of the US. It will be only matter of time for the dragon to roar then. The latest Military and diplomatic impasse between India and China over positioning of missiles by China along the Indo-China border too was causing much concern. The question to Indian military strategist is how far we are ready to take this new challenge on our border.
How long the US would keep the Pak underpinned and how long Pak can resist the temptation from the Jihadists vis-à-vis the pathetic plight of its people who are deluged so badly? Can one sleep in peace with such disturbing situation all along our borders?
Article appeared in Chronicle
PM holds meeting to discuss China threat
01 Sep 2010
New Delhi:Amid reports of China's deployment of troops in the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review China's recent posturing and India's options of dealing with it.
Senior Cabinet ministers, including Defence Minister A. K. Antony, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna were among those who attended the meeting.
India's ambassador to China S. Jaishankar briefed the ministers at the meeting that discussed how best to deal with China's perceived aggressiveness towards issues critical to India's sovereignty.
The meeting came amid reports that China has deployed about 11,000 troops in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Jammu and Kashmir which has been held by Pakistan.
The 90-minute meeting discussed the recent denial of a visa to a senior Indian general commanding the northern sector, which includes Jammu and Kashmir which is seen here as an attempt by China to question India's sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir.
India had put on hold defence exchanges after Beijing's refusal to allow the visit.
The crucial meeting ended with a consensus among ministers to adopt a firm attitude towards China, specially over issues that question India's sovereignty over its territory, but agreed that the message should be conveyed in such a manner so as not to upset the larger relationship, sources said.
The meeting also discussed what Krishna described in parliament as Beijing's 'more than normal interests' in the Indian Ocean region.
'The government of India has come to realise that China has been showing more than normal interest in the Indian Ocean affairs. So we are closely monitoring the Chinese intentions,' Krishna told Lok Sabha.
New Delhi:Amid reports of China's deployment of troops in the Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review China's recent posturing and India's options of dealing with it.
Senior Cabinet ministers, including Defence Minister A. K. Antony, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna were among those who attended the meeting.
India's ambassador to China S. Jaishankar briefed the ministers at the meeting that discussed how best to deal with China's perceived aggressiveness towards issues critical to India's sovereignty.
The meeting came amid reports that China has deployed about 11,000 troops in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Jammu and Kashmir which has been held by Pakistan.
The 90-minute meeting discussed the recent denial of a visa to a senior Indian general commanding the northern sector, which includes Jammu and Kashmir which is seen here as an attempt by China to question India's sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir.
India had put on hold defence exchanges after Beijing's refusal to allow the visit.
The crucial meeting ended with a consensus among ministers to adopt a firm attitude towards China, specially over issues that question India's sovereignty over its territory, but agreed that the message should be conveyed in such a manner so as not to upset the larger relationship, sources said.
The meeting also discussed what Krishna described in parliament as Beijing's 'more than normal interests' in the Indian Ocean region.
'The government of India has come to realise that China has been showing more than normal interest in the Indian Ocean affairs. So we are closely monitoring the Chinese intentions,' Krishna told Lok Sabha.
Even if PM mops the floor, CWG venues won't be ready: Modi
01 Sep 2010
Ahmedabad:Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today targeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the Commonwealth Games preparations, saying even if he mops the floor the sports facilities will not be ready in time.
Observing that the preparations were in a 'mess', Modi also taunted the CWG organisers telling them that any government body in Ahmedabad even would have ensured that all the stadia were ready before the commencement of the mega sporting event on October 3.
'I don't know what is happening in the Commonwealth Games. Even if the PM (Manmohan Singh) starts wiping the floor, the venues won't be ready for the game,' Modi said at a function here.
'CWG people had four years to get the venues ready, but they are still struggling. They should have given it to Ahmedabad (Municipal Corporation), which would have built those stadiums in time,' Modi said.
Ahmedabad:Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today targeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the Commonwealth Games preparations, saying even if he mops the floor the sports facilities will not be ready in time.
Observing that the preparations were in a 'mess', Modi also taunted the CWG organisers telling them that any government body in Ahmedabad even would have ensured that all the stadia were ready before the commencement of the mega sporting event on October 3.
'I don't know what is happening in the Commonwealth Games. Even if the PM (Manmohan Singh) starts wiping the floor, the venues won't be ready for the game,' Modi said at a function here.
'CWG people had four years to get the venues ready, but they are still struggling. They should have given it to Ahmedabad (Municipal Corporation), which would have built those stadiums in time,' Modi said.
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