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U.S. President Barack Obama lights the traditional lamp during a Diwali celebration at the White House on Wednesday.
Washington: U.S President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali on Thursday by lighting the ceremonial lamp at the White House amidst chanting of Vedic mantras seeking world peace. He is the first U.S. President to personally grace the occasion.
"I think it's fitting that we begin this work in the week leading up to the holiday of Diwali — the festival of lights — when members of some of the world's greatest faiths celebrate the triumph of good over evil," Mr. Obama said at the function held at the historic East Room.
"This coming Saturday, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate this holiday by lighting 'diyas,' or lamps, which symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance," Mr. Obama said.
Among those present on the occasion were several eminent members of the Indian community, nearly half-a-dozen members of Mr. Obama's Cabinet and several Indian-American members of his administration. "While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need," Mr. Obama said, minutes before lighting the lamp while Pandit Narayanacharya Digalakote from the Sri Shiva Vishnu temple chanted Vedic mantras.
"While the significance of the holiday for each faith varies, all of them mark it by gathering with family members to pray and decorate the house and enjoy delicious food and sweet treats,"
"In that spirit of celebration and contemplation, I am happy to light the White House Diya, and wish you all a Happy Diwali, and a Saal Mubarak," the President said amidst a round of applause.
Mr. Obama signed an order to re-establish the advisory commission for Asian-American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to address their problems. — PTI
39 killed in Pakistan terror strikes
Nirupama Subramanian
| Synchronised triple-attack turns Lahore into battleground |
GRIM TASK: A bomb disposal squad member removes a suicide jacket from the body of an attacker on the premises of the Federal Investigation Agency in Lahore on Thursday.
ISLAMABAD: On a day of unending terror in Pakistan, a synchronised triple-attack in Lahore by armed militants turned the city into a battleground for over five hours on Thursday and underlined that extremists are determined to take the war to the country's Punjabi heartland, while two separate bomb attacks in the North-West Frontier Province added to the nation's sense of devastation.
In all, 39 people, including security personnel, militants and civilians, were killed and scores injured in the multiple attacks that came days after a weekend assault on the Pakistan Army General Headquarters and a suicide bombing near Swat earlier this week.
The attacks showed that despite the recent setback from the military operations against them in Swat and the August killing of their leader Beithullah Mehsud in South Waziristan, the Taliban militants remain able to plan and organise ambitious attacks against the state, using surprising new tactics.
The Lahore attacks were also a sign, as was the attack on the GHQ, that tribal Taliban have joined hands with sectarian and traditionally anti-India militant groups based in Punjab to strike deep in Pakistan's most dominant and prosperous province
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the attacks were a response by the Taliban militants to the successful operation against them in Swat. He had earlier warned that the nation should be prepared for more such attacks by the "desperate" militants.
According to the Geo TV's website the attacks were owned by the Tehreek-e-Taliban (Amjad Farooqui faction), the same group that claimed the GHQ attack. But some sections in the government appeared keen to point the finger across the border.
Lahore Commissioner Khusro Pervaiz, who blamed India for the recent anti-Christian riots in Faisalabad and before that for the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, made the same allegation on Thursday.
He declared to journalists he had "absolutely no hesitation" in saying that there was "plenty of evidence" to show the Lahore attacks were the work of India's intelligence agencies.
The grisly day began with a suicide vehicle-bombing in Kohat in the North-West Frontier Province. The bomber drove the explosives-packed van into a police station in the Kohat cantonment area, killing at least 10 people. Three policemen and children were among the dead.
The Lahore attacks followed minutes after, at about 9.30 a.m. According to officials, they were carried out by apparently well-trained fidayeen-style gunmen in their late teens or early 20s, some of whom were also suicide bombers. They simultaneously targeted the Federal Investigation Agency office in the city centre and two police training schools on the outskirts of Lahore, in Manawan and Bedian.
The security forces were in control at all three sites by early afternoon, but fierce gun battles left 27 people dead, including security personnel, the attackers and others.
A car-bomb in a Peshawar government housing colony capped the horrific day. One person was killed and several injured in the blast in the NWFP capital.
The car-bomb was apparently detonated by a remote-device.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/16/stories/2009101650400100.htm
Significant impact, will check with China on dam: New Delhi
India today said it had conveyed to China that a dam or a water-diversion project on its side of the Brahmaputra may have "significant impact" on the socio-economic condition of the population downstream on the Indian side and expressed hope that Beijing would "not undertake" such a large-scale project.
Reacting to the report in The Indian Express that there is evidence to show that China is building dams on its side of the Brahmaputra, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said: "We are looking into the newspaper report to ascertain whether there are recent developments that suggest any change in the position conveyed to us by the Government of China...The Chinese side (in the past) has categorically denied that there is a plan to build any such large-scale diversion project on the Brahmaputra river."
The MEA spokesperson added: "During these meetings, the Indian side has taken up with the Chinese side reports about the construction of a large scale dam or diversion project in the Brahmaputra. The Indian side has conveyed that such a project may have significant impact on the socio-economic condition of people living downstream. The Indian side has also expressed the hope that the Chinese side will not undertake such a large scale project or divert the waters of the Brahmaputra."
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/significant-impact-will-check-with-china-on-dam-new-delhi/529798/
For a greener DiwaliMyBangalore - 1 hour ago October 2009 MyBangalore speaks to a few Bangaloreans who are staying away from noisy crackers this Diwali. The Diwali fever has just caught on with the ... Celebs gear up for glittery, yet quiet Diwali Times of India Diwali Sparklers Screen Weekly Green Diwali for a cause Express Buzz A greener DiwaliTimes of India - 7 hours ago There's a growing tribe of eco-friendly Delhiites who want to have a blast on Diwali without the firecrackers. On a recent visit to Delhi, actress Deepika ... Recession ghost haunts Diwali Express Buzz Blue: No colour this DiwaliReuters India - 5 hours ago When a film is pitched as a big-budget, big-ticket film and is a Diwali release to boot, expectations do shoot up. Anthony D'Souza's "Blue", starring Akshay ... Action vs Comedy vs Love Calcutta Telegraph Blue showered with good review Oneindia Review: 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna' fails to outshine diya this DiwaliSpicezee - 3 hours ago However, the performance by the lead actors hardly manages to draw your attention away from the Diwali excitement around you. Mrs Khanna manages to grab ... Big bang at the box office on Diwali NDTV.com 'All the best would be the best among Diwali releases' Hindustan Times Diwali with Blue, and All the Best SamayLive Major Diwali celebrations planned in UKPress Trust of India - 6 hours ago London, Oct 16 (PTI) A major firework and laser display has been organised this weekend to mark the finale of Diwali celebrations at Leicester in the UK, ... 6 novel ways to celebrate Diwali Times of India Celebrations light up Diwali Joburg Diwali fireworks 'will be the biggest seen in Leicester' Leicester Mercury President Patil, Prime Minister Singh greet the nation on Diwali eveLittle About (blog) - 35 minutes ago New Delhi, Oct.16 - ANI: President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have wished all citizens of the country on the occasion of Diwali. ... PM greets nation on Diwali Hindustan Times Prez, PM greet people on Diwali Press Trust of India President, VP, PM greet people on Diwali NetIndian Obama adds sparkle to Diwali celebrationsExpress Buzz - 13 hours ago Obama, thereby, became the first US President to personally take part in the Diwali moment, bringing the festivities right into the executive mansion and ... Video: A Presidential First: Happy Diwali  The UpTake Video: A Presidential First: Happy Diwali The UpTake Obama first US Prez to attend Diwali bash Chandigarh Tribune Metro run to end early on diwaliTimes of India - 17 hours ago While the services will end early on Saturday (Diwali), the corporation will run extra trains to cater to the added commuter rush on Monday (Bhai Dooj). ... Last Metro starts at 8pm on Diwali Hindustan Times ePaper Metro to close services three hours ahead schedule on Diwali Indian Express Metro train services curtailed on Diwali SamayLive City Bengalis to invoke Shakti on Diwali nightTimes of India - - 13 hours ago AHMEDABAD: While most Indians will worship Goddess Laxmi on Diwali night for prosperity, Bengal will invoke the ferocious power of Goddess Kali to fight ... During Diwali, Hindus invite the goddess home Houston Chronicle Joy Of Togetherness Kolkata Mirror Light and gold: India warms up to Diwali spiritThaindian.com - 4 hours ago New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) The mythological victory of good over evil is once again being celebrated with Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminating homes ... Shoppers splurge on gold, cars on Dhanteras Economic Times Varied new purchases on Dhanteras Times of India 'Black Diwali' Weighs On Gold FN Arena News |
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Pakistan Attacks Kill at Least 50Washington Post - - 20 minutes ago ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 16 -- In what has become a grim routine over the past two weeks, a militant attack rocked a police station in ... Video: Taliban bomb attacks provoke likely S. Waziristan offensive worldfocusonline Video: Taliban bomb attacks provoke likely S. Waziristan offensive worldfocusonline Pakistan on alert after attacks BBC News Pakistan Attacks Show Tightening of Militant Links New York Times Pakistan aid signed into lawNews24 - 6 hours ago Washington - President Barack Obama signed a $7.5bn aid package for Pakistan into law on Thursday, after the US Congress acted to placate critics in ... Obama signs big Pakistan aid bill BBC News Younus skips review meeting on Pakistan's CT performancePress Trust of India - 6 minutes ago Lahore, Oct 16 (PTI) Having resigned from captaincy, Younus Khan skipped a review session on Pakistan's Champions Trophy performance which was held under ... Final decision on Younis delayed CricInfo.com Nawaz urges Khan to quite one-day cricket eTaiwan News Double bombing kills 11 at Pakistan police stationThe Associated Press - - 19 minutes ago PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A trio of suicide attackers, including a rare female bomber, set off two blasts outside a police station in a northwestern Pakistani ... Pakistan civilian-military ties hit new lowBBC News - 1 hour ago As a wave of militant attacks hits Pakistan, tensions between the army and the civilian government have hit a new high, despite promises by the military ... Pakistan aid bill has explosive impact Asia Times Online India, China in Pakistan Kashmir rowCNN International - - 8 hours ago NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- India protested China's reported insistence on continuing projects in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, barely a day after both New ... India invites Pakistan for talks on Kishanganga Daily Times India's `hegemony' is a threat, says China daily Hindustan Times Omar calls for resumption of India-Pakistan talksPress Trust of India - 19 hours ago Srinagar, Oct 15 (PTI) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for resumption of India-Pakistan talks and welcomed Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's ... A new beginning Deccan Herald Another effort for J&K Livemint Pakistan successfully tests Tsunami warning systemDAWN.com - 25 minutes ago ISLAMABAD : Pakistan 's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), under a UN-backed initiative, successfully tested the effectiveness of the Indian ... Pakistan's nuclear arsenal safe, security experts sayGlobe and Mail - - 5 hours ago Pakistan's medium-range missiles tipped with nuclear warheads -capable of obliterating any South Asian city within 2000 kilometres - are the country's ... Security of Pakistan nuclear weapons questioned The Associated Press 'Al-Qaeda leaders are in Pak, why sending troops to Afghan?'Press Trust of India - 18 hours ago The Senator was reacting to the Obama Administration's recent statement that al-Qaeda has now moved to Pakistan and most of its top leaders are in its ... More Troops Needed, Says Afghan Diplomat Voice of America A Regional Summit on the War in Afghanistan? Huffington Post (blog) |
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 | Crude policies in hydrocarbon sector India's hydrocarbon sector would do well if an independent regulator gets in place to take timely decisions to avoid any controversy. |
Rejuvenating education through FDI
India must introspect if it can internally meet its demand for higher education. Any doubt, it must shed all ideological oppositions to foreign & pvt sector participation.
Market's ready to give a rousing welcome to Samvat 2066
We're done with bad news... there's hope in the horizon. FIIs are back in the ring, retail investors too are testing out the Street & Sensex is reclaiming its lost peaks.
| Check out the Diwali offers by India Inc | |||
ET Bureau |
Pakistan News
Bomb kills 11 in Pakistani city of Peshawar: police
AFP - 9 mins agoPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) - A suspected suicide car bomb ripped through a police investigation bureau killing at least 11 people in an army garrison of Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar on Friday, said police. More »
Bomb kills six in Pakistani city of Peshawar: police
AFP - 30 mins agoPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) - A bomb exploded near a police investigation bureau Friday, killing six people in an army garrison of Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar, said a police official. More »
Bomb hits Pakistani city of Peshawar: police
AFP - 47 mins agoPESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) - A bomb exploded near a police investigation bureau in an army garrison of Pakistan's northwest city of Peshawar on Friday, said police official Asghar Hussain. More »
Obama signs huge Pakistan aid package into law
AFP - 3 hours 45 mins agoWASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama has signed a 7.5 billion dollar aid package for Pakistan, as the key US anti-terror ally reeled from a new wave of militant attacks which killed 40 people. More »
Pakistan interrogates suspects after 40 dead
AFP - 2 hours 8 mins agoLAHORE, Pakistan (AFP) - Pakistan interrogated suspects and stepped up security Friday in a bid to prevent further bloodshed after a series of attacks blamed on Islamist militants left 160 people dead in 11 days. More »
40 dead as militants ambush Pakistan police
AFP - Yesterday, 07:27 pmLAHORE, Pakistan (AFP) - Militant squads launched attacks in Pakistan on Thursday that left 40 people dead, storming police offices in Lahore and bombing targets in the northwest to escalate 11 days of carnage. More »
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Without fanfare, Obama signs Pakistan aid bill
Reuters - Yesterday, 05:55 pmWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama quietly signed a $7.5 billion (4.6 billion pound) aid bill for Pakistan on Thursday that drew criticism in the nuclear-armed South Asian country because of conditions linked to the assistance. More »
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Obama signs Pakistan aid bill
Reuters - Yesterday, 05:00 pmWASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama signed legislation on Thursday that triples non-military aid to Pakistan to about $7.5 billion (4.6 billion pounds) over the next five years, the White House said. More »
Gunmen And Bombers Kill Dozens In Pakistan
SkyNews - Yesterday, 03:00 pmMilitants have rocked Pakistan with a series of bombings and armed attacks that left at least 38 people dead. More »
- 39 dead as militants ambush Pakistan policeAFP - Yesterday, 02:44 pm
- At least 31 killed in Pakistan attacksITN - Yesterday, 02:39 pm
- Pakistan spies stoke violence-Afghan advisorReuters - Yesterday, 02:27 pm
- Blast in Pakistani city of Peshawar - mediaReuters - Yesterday, 12:32 pm
- Police Buildings In Pakistan Under AttackSkyNews - Yesterday, 11:15 am
- 39 killed in attacks on Pakistan policeAFP - Yesterday, 11:08 am
- At least 24 killed in Pakistan attacksITN - Yesterday, 11:01 am
- 27 dead as militants ambush Pakistan policeAFP - Yesterday, 10:21 am
- 26 dead as militants ambush Pakistan policeAFP - Yesterday, 09:53 am
- SCENARIOS-Can things get any worse for Pakistan?Reuters - Yesterday, 08:49 am
Amnesty attacks plan to quit Human Rights Act!
Three of the five members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee had objections to the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to US President Barack Obama, the Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang (VG) reported Thursday. But we the people, the subject of Non Royal US War Economy under Manusmriti Apartheid Rule Celebrate OBAMA DIWALI toappease the ZIONIST DEMONS! We also do CELBRATE witnessing the Muslim Brotherhood Bleeding Next door, Pakistan!
"India's Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) has made its forthcoming Agni-5 missile highly road-mobile, or easily transportable by road, which would bring Harbin, China's northernmost city within striking range if the Agni-5 is moved to northeast India," the People's Daily reported.
Harbin is the capital of China's Heilongjiang Province. The paper, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, noted that the Agni-5 which has a range of 5,000 km is similar to the Dongfeng-31A showcased during China's National Day Military Parade on October 1 in Beijing.
India is going to test-fire the missile in early 2011, the report claimed.
The report came two days after China raked up its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, questioning Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit there on October 3.
Reacting strongly to the Chinese objection to Singh's visit, India said the comments were disappointing as the state is an inalienable part of the country and such remarks do "not help" the process of talks on boundary issue.
A number of state-run Chinese papers have stepped up rhetoric against India on the boundary issue through their articles.
The bureau said there was a "concrete" threat of attacks on Chabad centres and synagogues throughout India, including Goa, as well as on sites frequented by Israelis and Westerners.
As his militants wrought havoc in the country by a series of attacks and suicide blasts, Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud has
"We want an Islamic state. If we get that, then we will go to the borders and help fight the Indians," Hakimullah said in footage aired by Britain's Sky News channel.
The channel said it recently acquired the footage of Hakimullah, who claimed responsibility for several attacks across Pakistan over the past week, including a terrorist assault on the Army's General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi over the weekend.
"We are fighting the (Pakistani) military, police and militia because they are following American orders. If they stop following their orders, we will stop fighting them," said Hakimullah, in what was seen as desperate last minute efforts to stop Pakistan army's offensive into his group's stronghold of Waziristan.
Hakimullah was named the new chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan after his predecessor Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone attack in Waziristan in August.
Israel's Channel 10 reported that the new warning was based on new intelligence received by Israeli officials indicating that a Global Jihad group had teamed up with the Pakistani terror cell responsible for the 2008 Mumbai massacre and was planning an attack.
A Chabad house was one of the targets of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
The CTB strongly advised Israelis in India to avoid places that are not visibly secured with armed guards.
The bureau also issued a separate advisory against visiting the Kashmir region.
A similar warning issued in September said a Pakistani terror organisation affiliated with al-Qaida, and responsible for the attacks in Mumbai last November, was planning to carry out a string of attacks throughout the Indian subcontinent.
That warning said while all Westerners in India were in peril of being targeted, Israelis and places where they usually congregate in large numbers were in more serious danger.
CELBRATING the Global Hindutva PUNURUTTHAN, President Barack Obama signed into law the Kerry-Lugar Bill that triples US non- military aid to Pakistan to USD 1.5 billion annually over the next five years after two key Congressional panels refused to make changes to its text despite objections from Pakistani Army.
The Kerry Lugar bill lays down a programme for USD 7.5 billion non-military aid to Pakistan over the next five years.
Obama signed the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009 -? popularly known as Kerry-Lugar Bill, a day before the expiry of the mandatory 10 days time after the bill was sent to him by the Congress.
"This law is the tangible manifestation of broad support for Pakistan in the US, as evidenced by its bipartisan, bicameral, unanimous passage in Congress," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.
On the Diwali Eve,Quite a BAD News for Big Boss Big Be Fans as Amitabh unwell, down with infection, shoulder pain!
India remains vulnerable to a Mumbai-style militant attack because neighbouring Pakistan is struggling to rein in the Islamist groups
As India prepares for the first anniversary of the Mumbai raids that killed 166 people and foreign intelligence reports warn of possible new plots, Palaniappan Chidambaram warned any new attack would be met with a "swift and decisive" response.
Two plush hotels and a Jewish centre were among the targets attacked by 10 gunmen last November. India blamed Pakistani nationals and tensions rose between the two nuclear powers.
"My assessment of the vulnerability is that it has remained the same since 26/11," Chidambaram said in a rare interview, referring to the raids on Nov. 26. "It has not diminished nor has it enhanced."
With India spending millions on new security measures, from commando hubs in cities to navy patrols and better intelligence gathering, the minister added that India had learnt its lesson.
"Our capacity to deal with it (the terrorist threat) has increased significantly."
Preventing new attacks is the key to regional stability. Former finance minister Chidambaram was appointed as home minister after criticism that the Congress party-led government failed to prevent the gunmen from rampaging for nearly three days through India's financial hub.
Commando units finally killed all but one of the attackers. Despite pressure for military action against Pakistan last November, the Indians responded with a diplomatic offensive.
A second attack would severely test its self-restraint. "If there is another terror threat or a terror attack of the kind we saw in 26/11, India's response will be swift and decisive," Chidambaram said.
It was undoubtedly one of his shortest postings on his blog – just five short paragraphs. And that summarised the pain and anguish of Amitabh Bachchan.
Writing from Prateeksha, his Mumbai residence, Amitabh starts his blog rather dramatically: "A beastly cold sets upon me and a chest condition that threatens to develop into a disturbing congestion, drains all my energy. This is a terrible condition to be in. I need to avoid any kind of deep infection because it sets of various alarms in my rather frail system. There is also the matter with my shoulder that convulses with sporadic spasms inadvertently. Sitting and lying down brings it on severely and since most of our acts during the day involve us in these specific modes it is binding my activities to a level that I do not like".
Amitabh says he is under treatment for all the ailments from different directions with some doctors attributing his shoulder pain to over use of his laptop.
Says the veteran actor: "I am presently under treatment from several directions. Drugs to control the cold and chest condition, drugs to ease the pain in the shoulder, and an electronic physio therapy session twice a day to minimize or cure this blade of shoulder which sends a lightening like spasm into my life and my existence. Sound waves are being rubbed into the shoulder through a pasty cream and thereafter a pad that is fed by electrodes is attached which sends shock waves in to the affected area with the intent of curing it".
But one thing that he never wants to give up is his blogging. "nothing ... nothing in the world seems to dissuade me from my attention to the blog and my little daily contact with the extended family. I am therefore requesting an early exit (he wrote the blog at 11.05 pm) little after since bed rest has been advised for as long as I can manage, which with my rather crowded schedule, is still not as much as the doctors would expect".
The doctors have attributed the infection to a change in climate conditions and flu like symptoms in the air during the time of the year. And his shoulder pain: "too much lap topping and a delicate immune system".
India has notified its Separation Plan to the International Atomic Energy Agency, almost 14 months after the 35-member board of governors
of the IAEA approved the country-specific nuclear safeguards agreement.
The notification formalities were completed last night, a crucial step in paving way for the implementation of international civil nuclear cooperation, Department of Atomic Energy sources said.
The India Specific Safeguards Agreement (ISSA) or the 'umbrella' agreement approved by consensus by the IAEA Board on August 1 last year can now officially enter into force formally separating India's civilian and strategic nuclear establishments.
India will be placing a total of 14 Indian reactors under ISSA of international nuclear watchdog by 2014.
Yesterday, the indigenously built two units of 220 MW of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS units 5 and 6) were formally brought under ISSA and this is a major milestone for India's integrate with the world nuclear suppliers group, they said.
The separation plan was officially announced in March 2006 during US President George W Bush's visit to India.
IAEA would begin to implement the new Safeguards Agreement this year by inspecting the imported Uranium fuel fabrication at the Nuclear Fuel Complex at Hyderabad and its transfer and loading on the newly constructed RAPS 5 and 6.
IAEA inspectors have already fixed cameras at the plant site of RAPS 5 and 6, which are expected to be commissioned by December, after a delay of almost one year.
The agency currently applies safeguards to six Indian nuclear reactors (units 1 and 2 at Tarapur, Units 1 and 2 of RAPS, Units 1 and 2 of Koodankulam) under Safeguards Agreements concluded between 1971 and 1994.
India will place Units 3 and 4 of RAPS under safeguards in 2010, two units of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station and two units of Narora Atomic Power Station in 2012 and 2014 respectively, the sources said.
Under the separation plan, India has decided to permanently shut down the CIRUS research reactor located inside Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), country's strategic lab, in 2010.
| 'Forces within Pak a threat to India' | ||||
| 16 Oct 2009, 0820 hrs IST | ||||
| Attacks in Lahore showed that Pakistan is reeling under Taliban's terror. But now India feels it too has reason to watch for Taliban terrorists. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Thursday (October 15) said that New Delhi is concerned over the ever growing Taliban monster. Krishna said the forces of terror within Pakistan are threatening to spill over. Krishna's remarks come in the wake of latest attacks by Taliban in Lahore, where they carried out three simultaneous strikes on police establishments. Krishna said, "I am concerned about the forces that are at work in Pakistan, which have created instruments of terrorism and invariably India is the object of their attacks. So we are concerned with all those organisations, which have links with the individuals you have mentioned." And having generated fear in Lahore, Pakistani Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud has now threatened to dispatch terrorists to fight India. Mehsud recently met several journalists to dispel reports that he had died in fighting with a rival militant faction. Mehsud said that his Taliban would act against India, if the Pakistani Army declared the country an Islamic state. He had said, "We will help Pak fight against India." Meanwhile, the former High Commissioner to Pakistan told TIMES NOW that the Taliban is a threat to India, but elements within the Pakistani establishment which is a bigger worry. |
Precursor to PM's US visit: India notifies separation plan in IAEA
NEW DELHI: In the run-up to PM Manmohan Singh's first state visit to Washington in the Obama administration, India has notified its separation plan
This is likely to help along the negotiations for the reprocessing agreement that is currently under way between India and US. But more than that, this will silence many non-proliferation critics in the new US administration who have been looking at the delay in notifying the safeguards agreement as an example of Indian dithering.
After the second round of talks, sources said the two sides are closer to an agreement, and officials are hopeful of this being achieved when Singh goes to Washington. While there has been some agreement, a number of issues on the agreement will have to be referred to the political level. A number of these nuclear issues will come up for discussion during US undersecretary Bill Burns' visit to India, which began on Thursday.
But weeks before the Washington visit, Indian officials continue to search for that Big Idea which will distinguish the Obama-India relationship from the Bush-India one. There are few accomplishments to boast of, so the visit will mainly focus on the future.
As a quick follow-up to the Bill Burns visit here this week, which is another prep, NSA MK Narayanan will be travelling to Washington towards the end of next week for talks on security and the reprocessing agreement.
Post 26/11, counter-terrorism has emerged as a strong area of cooperation, a synergy that was cemented during Chidambaram's visit to the US last month. Therefore, the US is expected to commit to giving technical expertise in building India's version of a national counter-terrorism centre.
But apart from this, India doesn't want the visit to be dominated by areas like defence, because the government is much happier keeping the focus of the visit on big developmental issues. Taking off from Hilary Clinton's visit, the big announcements during the Singh visit will most likely be in health, agriculture and climate change.
There is a possibility of setting up a green research and development centre in India with help from the US, while environment minister Jairam Ramesh has spoken of a US-style Environment Protection Agency.
On the nuclear front, a formal announcement of two nuclear sites for US companies -- in Mitri Vidi in Gujarat and Kovada in Andhra Pradesh -- is expected. But India also wants to push for a pruning of the Entities List, and opening up of dual-use exports to India, which remains a problem, even after the nuclear deal.
If mangoes made it to the US during the Bush visit, could India persuade the US to help save the tiger? Sources said, during his recent visit, Jairam Ramesh had held several meetings on this issue, and it's possible that a China-type deal may be envisaged -- US helps fund the "save the tiger" initiative, and India gifts a tiger to the US. Many years ago, the Chinese did a similar deal -- for the panda.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Precursor-to-PMs-US-visit-India-notifies-separation-plan-in-IAEA/articleshow/5128379.cms
UPA ahead in Maharashtra, Haryana: Exit Polls
An unexpectedly high 60% voter turnout in Maharashtra, a higher 68% turnout in Haryana and an even higher 72% in Arunachal Pradesh in Tuesday's
 UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at an election rally. For Maharashtra, all three exit polls available at the time of writing projected a hung house with the Congress-NCP combine clearly ahead of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, effectively suggesting that the UPA would form the next government in the state. In Haryana, there was a consensus among pollsters on the Congress getting a near two-thirds majority, while none of the pollsters did an exit poll for Arunachal. The CNN-IBN poll projected that the UPA would win 135-145 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, almost exactly the same as the 140 won in 2004. But the Congress is estimated to bag 75-85 seats compared to the NCP's 55-65, decisively shifting the balance within the coalition. The same poll gave the Sena-BJP alliance 105 to 115 seats with the Sena getting between 55 and 65 seats and the BJP 45-55 seats. Raj Thackeray's MNS was projected to win 8-12 seats, which implies that it may have been the game spoiler for the NDA, while others will win 25-35 seats according to this poll. The Star News poll had fairly similar estimates at the alliance level, but an even more decisive edge for the Congress within the UPA. It gave the Congress 89 seats, the NCP 48, the BJP 51 and the Sena 62, leaving 12 for the MNS and 26 for others. CVoter, which conducted a syndicated exit poll for several media groups, did not give a party-wise breakup. It projected the UPA as winning 127-139 seats and the NDA as bagging 106-118. The MNS, in its estimate, should finish with 9-17 seats and others with 24-36. If these predictions were to come true, the Congress-NCP combine would be pulling off quite a political feat — getting a third term after providing, from all accounts, unremarkable governance in Maharashtra. Such a verdict would also show up the sorry state of the BJP-Sena combine which could not exploit this to its advantage. In Haryana, Star News gave the Congress 57 seats in the 90-member assembly, while CVoter gave the party between 57 and 65 seats. INLD is set to emerge as the clear opposition, according to the two polls, Star giving Chautala's outfit 18 seats and CVoter 13-19 seats. Bhajan Lal's party is projected by Star to win 9 seats and by CVoter to get a much lower 2-6 seats. Both polls indicate that the BSP's ambitions in Haryana may have to wait a while, with Star giving the party just two seats and CVoter between one and five seats. Others are given three seats by Star and 2-7 seats by CVoter.
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Environmental campaigners were occupying the roof of Britain's parliament Monday in a bid to urge returning lawmakers to overhaul their climate change policies before the UN's key Copenhagen summit.
Related photos / videos
The protestors are planning to stay overnight 
A Greenpeace banner is hung from Parliament behind a statue of Oliver Cromwell 
A banner is seen hung near Big Ben after Greenpeace demonstrators scaled the roof of the …More Around 30 Greenpeace activists evaded security Sunday and clambered onto the roof of the famous Palace of Westminster in central London, unfurling several yellow banners reading: "Change the politics, save the climate".
The demonstrators waited through the night for Monday morning, when lawmakers return from their summer break, to urge them to sign up to a 12-point manifesto.
"We've got to raise the temperature of the debate because we are really running out of time," said Greenpeace executive director John Sauven.
"Parliament is opening and there is an election looming so this is a golden opportunity for the political parties to really think about the future."
Speaking from the roof, Greenpeace employee Brikesh Singh, 29, from Bangalore in southern India, said the protesters had energy bars and warm clothing to get them through the night.
"This building is considered as the mother of all parliaments and the UK is one of the leading developed countries," the demonstrator said.
"We want them (lawmakers) to get the message loud and clear that if you want a planet-saving deal in Copenhagen we need to change the climate policy."
The December 7-18 United Nations climate summit in Copenhagen will see nations attempt to hammer out a new global climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012.
A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police said: "Approximately thirty protestors remain on the roof of the Houses of Parliament.
"The intention of the police is to bring the protestors down off of the roof safely.
"Officers are talking with a representative of the protestors on the ground. All peaceful."
A spokeswoman from the Department for Energy and Climate Change said activism on the subject was welcome but had to respect the law.
"We have a comprehensive plan to transform our economy and society, by investing in green jobs, cleaning up our energy supplies and making our homes energy efficient," she said.
"This week we host vital talks to accelerate the development of clean coal and to progress the Copenhagen deal. It's our domestic record that has given us the credibility we need to press hard for an ambitious global climate deal."
It is not the first breach of security in recent times at the palace.
In March 2004, Greenpeace demonstrators scaled the landmark clock tower on the first anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
Two months later, fathers' rights campaigners threw condoms full of purple flour in the lower House of Commons, hitting then-prime minister Tony Blair.
Four months on, five protesters got into the chamber to protest during a hunting ban debate.
And protesters got onto the roof in February 2008 to demonstrate against a planned third runway at London's Heathrow airport.
India will walk extra mile if Pak acts against 26/11 attackers: Tharoor
India is prepared to walk the "extra mile" to normalise relations with Pakistan if it takes action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks and dismantles terrorism infrastructure, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has said.
Tharoor, who is on a visit in New York, said India was not interested in an environment of conflict and hostility with its neighbour and asked Pakistan to step up efforts to combat terrorism in a "holistic way".
"The action that is expected from Pakistan has to take place before we can engage once again in the kind of comprehensive dialogue process that we want," he told PTI in New York.
"We are prepared to walk the extra mile but the first step should come from them because what happened in Mumbai
came from their side," the former UN diplomat said.
He also recalled Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement in July that India would meet Pakistan more than half way if it took decisive action against terrorism.
Tharoor also said India is "certainly disappointed" on the lack of progress in any action against JuD chief Hafiz
Mohammed Saeed and in the Mumbai attack case in Pakistan.
Based on the testimony given by Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks, Tharoor said India believes that Saaed had masterminded the strikes, "given exaltation and operational guidance to the killers".
Withering state a big worry for India
| Pakistan state a worry for India. (AFP Photo) |
Taliban militants on Thursday unleashed five terror attacks in Lahore and Kohat, NWFP in what is swiftly becoming a relentless assault by jihadis — claiming more than 150 lives in successive attacks since October 5. Just Thursday's series of attacks left over 41 dead and scores injured. Ten of the attackers were gunned down by security forces or blew themselves up.
Ajit Doval, former head of Indian intelligence said the apparent degradation of the Pakistani state had regional and global implications. "The situation is explosive," he said, "because we are witnessing the steady degradation of a nuclear state."
The army and the jihadis have emerged as the predominant players with the civilian government firmly pushed into the background.
While it's easy to say Pakistan had it coming, there does not appear to be any real acknowledgment yet in Islamabad of ground realities — that the jihadis paid for and nurtured by the Pakistan army and ISI are coming home to roost.
"We must never lose sight of the fact that the Pakistan army has never condemned Taliban for their ideology or tactics, just their targets. If jihadis shifted their targets tomorrow to, say, India, the Pakistan army would be back to where they started, supporting them."
Evidently, even the Pakistan Taliban feel this way. Hakimullah Mehsud, successor to Baitullah Mehsud and the leader of the attacks, said that if Pakistan stopped following US orders the attacks would stop. He added that if they wanted the Taliban to attack India Mehsud would oblige. This is an echo of Baitullah's announcement after the Mumbai attacks that he would lead his jihadis against India, if India attacked Pakistan.
B Raman, terrorism expert, raised another pertinent point. "While the morale and resilience of the terrorists belonging to different Taliban affiliates have been steadily increasing, there are worrisome signs of poor morale and motivation among the security forces.
"One notices also an alarming casualness and a lack of professionalism in performing their counter-terrorism tasks. There is a tendency, even in the army, to avoid coming to terms with the ground reality, which is that the situation, which has already deteriorated in the Pashtun tribal belt, has now started deteriorating in the non-tribal areas of Punjab."
Certainly, the Taliban attack on the Pakistan army GHQ was announced in a newspaper. A Pakistan daily, The News, carried accounts of an intelligence report saying the GHQ would be targeted, by terrorists in army uniforms. Yet the terrorists penetrated this high-security establishment, killing officers and enacting a hostage crisis.
Ajai Sahni, terrorism analyst believes Pakistan "is on an irreversible trajectory of decline. Nothing can stem the rot." He said, the recent Swat campaign showed clearly that the Taliban had moved away to fight another war. "The state has no capacity to check the Taliban now."
Also read:
Is Pak losing war against Taliban?
Taliban's political ace: A letter to Shanghai group
'Afghan mess has spilled over to Pak'
Terror siege in Lahore went on for over 2 hours
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Withering-state-a-big-worry-for-India/articleshow/5129209.cms
| Is Pakistan losing war against Taliban? 16 Oct 2009, 1015 hrs IST, TNN | |||
ISLAMABAD: The brazen simultaneous suicide attacks at separate places in Pakistan on Thursday accompanied by guerrilla-style operations clearly
demonstrate that the Taliban retain the might to take on the state at several fronts despite setbacks in Swat in Pakistan's northwest.
The most worrying factor, however, for Islamabad is that the attacks bear the fingerprints of the Punjabi terror outfits which are rallying around the Taliban to make things worse for the Pakistan regime. The government is finding itself helpless in the face of destabilizing attacks that have intensified after the militia regrouped after the death of its ruthless commander Baitullah Mehsud in a US drone attack in August.
"The real threat of sophisticated militant attacks now comes from Punjab where militants have engaged the security forces in face-to-face fighting", an official said.
Lahore has become a prime target. Terrorists have carried out several attacks on the city, Pakistan's cultural and political hub. In March, insurgents attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team who had come to Lahore for a tournament and dealt a body blow to Pakistani cricket.
Punjabi terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), with strong links with the Taliban and al-Qaida, is believed to have masterminded the attack. The Punjabi terrorists and Taliban nexus means Pakistan has to fight the war on many fronts and it can't be won just by driving militants out of the Swat.
LeJ terrorist Mohammed Aqeel alias Dr Usman, one of the accused in the attack on the cricketers, was arrested after he led the attack on Pakistan army's headquarters in Rawalpindi last week.
Similarly, gunmen from militant outfits in southern Punjab had earlier stormed the Manawan police academy in Lahore, which was attacked on Thursday as well. The attacks, an obvious tactic to frighten Pakistan from launching the Waziristan operation, seem to be working. Soon after the Pakistan army headquarters was stormed, the ruling ANP in Pakistan's northwest asked Islamabad to reconsider the Waziristan operation.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Politics/Nation/Is-Pakistan-losing-war-against-Taliban/articleshow/5130122.cms
The most worrying factor, however, for Islamabad is that the attacks bear the fingerprints of the Punjabi terror outfits which are rallying around the Taliban to make things worse for the Pakistan regime. The government is finding itself helpless in the face of destabilizing attacks that have intensified after the militia regrouped after the death of its ruthless commander Baitullah Mehsud in a US drone attack in August.
"The real threat of sophisticated militant attacks now comes from Punjab where militants have engaged the security forces in face-to-face fighting", an official said.
Lahore has become a prime target. Terrorists have carried out several attacks on the city, Pakistan's cultural and political hub. In March, insurgents attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team who had come to Lahore for a tournament and dealt a body blow to Pakistani cricket.
Punjabi terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), with strong links with the Taliban and al-Qaida, is believed to have masterminded the attack. The Punjabi terrorists and Taliban nexus means Pakistan has to fight the war on many fronts and it can't be won just by driving militants out of the Swat.
LeJ terrorist Mohammed Aqeel alias Dr Usman, one of the accused in the attack on the cricketers, was arrested after he led the attack on Pakistan army's headquarters in Rawalpindi last week.
Similarly, gunmen from militant outfits in southern Punjab had earlier stormed the Manawan police academy in Lahore, which was attacked on Thursday as well. The attacks, an obvious tactic to frighten Pakistan from launching the Waziristan operation, seem to be working. Soon after the Pakistan army headquarters was stormed, the ruling ANP in Pakistan's northwest asked Islamabad to reconsider the Waziristan operation.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Politics/Nation/Is-Pakistan-losing-war-against-Taliban/articleshow/5130122.cms
From a trickle to a flood, 2.5 million Indians make US their home
16 Oct 2009, 1039 hrs IST, IANS
WASHINGTON: Stating with no more than 700 persons moving from India to the US between 1820 and 1900, the ethnic Indian community in America has
grown to 2.5 million in 2007, according to a new report.
The report, Emigration, Immigration, and Diaspora Relations in India, released Friday by the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, DC also shows that at 2.5 million, the community's size in the US is nearly double of that in the UK and more than 2.5 times as large as the one in Canada.
Of almost 400,000 Overseas Citizenship of India cards issued by the Indian government as of March 2009, 43 per cent came through Indian consulates in the US and 13 per cent in the UK, says the report by author Daniel Naujoks, a scholar based in New Delhi.
The report comprehensively details the country's history of emigration and immigration and discusses current trends such as remittances, how the Indian IT industry may be wooing home highly skilled Indian expatriates, and the main destinations for the Indian diaspora.
It shows 74.1 per cent of the Indian foreign born in the US in 2008 held at least a bachelor's degree, and 68.9 per cent reported working in management, professional, and related occupations, according to the US Census Bureau.
According to the report, substantial Indian migration to Northern America started only in the late 1960s. Both in the US and Canada, major changes in immigration policy affected immigration flows generally, and Indian immigration specifically.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, from 1986 to 2005, the annual total influx of Indian immigrants more than tripled from 27,000 to 85,000, while the share in total immigration flows rose from 4.4 to 7.4 per cent.
Indian citizens accounted for 5.7 per cent of all persons obtaining lawful permanent resident status in 2008.
Overall, the Indian foreign born are highly skilled: The US Census Bureau's 2008 American Community Survey found that 74.1 per cent held at least a bachelor's degree, and 68.9 per cent reported working in management, professional, and related occupations.
The total size of the Indian community, meaning those born in India, the foreign born of Indian ethnicity, and the US-born children of Indian immigrants, surpassed 2.5 million in 2007.
India's domination of computer-trained temporary workers is mainly attributed to the large supply pool in India and to the fact that prior waves of Indian IT workers had successfully established a significant presence in that industry, the report says.
The success of Indian IT professionals in the US has created trust in the country's intellectual abilities abroad, says the report.
It has been a major factor in branding India as a source of well-educated and hard-working professionals, rather than a poverty-ridden country of snake charmers.
This new "India brand" explains several countries' increased interest in recruiting Indian graduates and professionals. It also contributes to the willingness of US and other companies to collaborate with and outsource to Indian companies.
Gandhi a 'man of all times and places': US Congress Text
16 Oct 2009, 1003 hrs IST, IANS
WASHINGTON: The US Congress has passed a resolution congratulating the visionary leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, which enhanced the rapidly deepening
Unanimously passed by the US House of Representatives Thursday, the resolution also acknowledges and commends the Indian leader's "unique and lasting role in the establishment of the state of India and its democratic institutions, which will be revered for generations to come."
With American lawmakers describing Gandhi as a "man of all times and places", Democrat member Eni Faleomavaega introduced the resolution recognizing the 140th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.
"While much has been said about the great works of Gandhi's life, it is important that we never forget that without Gandhi, the fates of what is now the world's largest democracy, India, and the oldest democracy, the United States, would likely be far different," he said
"Though his life was cut tragically short by an assassin's bullet, his legacy is seen in the over 1.5 billion people who inhabit the free and independent countries of the Indian subcontinent and by our own embrace of the principles of non-violent political action, unity and religious tolerance within the United States," Faleomavaega said.
Mahatma Gandhi served as an inspiration for a movement that ended the rule of the British Raj and created a free and independent Indian state, he said.
"But of equal significance, especially to us in this Chamber today, Mahatma Gandhi inspired the American civil rights movement that hailed one of America's most remarkable social and political transformations," Faleomavaega added.
Republican member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said Gandhi believed and developed the distinctive philosophy of non-violence. This philosophy has influenced so many great figures of world history from Nehru to the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr to Aung San Suu Kyi, she said.
"As a recent biographer noted, fundamentally, Gandhi was a man of vision and action, who asked many of the most profound questions that face humankind as it struggles to live in a community," she said.
"As a man of his time who asked the deepest questions, even though he may not have had all of the answers, he became a man for all times and all places."
Remembering Gandhi as one of the most revered people of the last century, Republican Ed Royce, said "Mahatma is remembered for his efforts to build religious amity. Above all else, however, Gandhi worked tirelessly to free his nation and helped direct India into a new era of democracy."
Having travelled to India during recent elections, he was witness to the largest democratic display the world has ever seen, Royce said adding, "I would have to say that Gandhi himself would indeed have been proud of how far his nation has come... We are here today to help keep the spirit of Gandhi alive and to remember his remarkable achievements
Amnesty attacks plan to quit Human Rights Act
By politics.co.uk staff
David Cameron's plans to remove Britain from the Human Rights Act's (HRA) jurisdiction received new criticism today from the secretary general of Amnesty International.
Speaking politics.co.uk, Irene Khan said: "It would be a very retrogressive step for the UK to be repealing this Act."
"Internationally it would send out a very strange message – that here is a leading democracy that has brought its standards up with international law and now seems to be having second thoughts about it."
Ms Khan was speaking just before the launch of her new book, 'The Unheard Truth', which enjoyed a launch event in New York yesterday.
The comment will heap further pressure on Mr Cameron, who reiterated his commitment to remove Britain from the Act in a series of policy pledges he made to the Sun newspaper recently.
Civil liberties group Liberty have launched a campaign to stress the benefits of the Act.
Conservative parliamentary candidate Jesse Norman – often referred to as the brains of the New Conservativism - and political columnist Peter Oborne have published a book, 'Churchill's Legacy: the Conservative case for the Human Rights Act', calling on the Tory party to reconsider its policy.
"It brought the UK in line with international standards through national laws," Ms Khan told politics.co.uk.
"Before the Human Rights Act the UK was being dragged into Strasbourg every time it didn't follow its obligations.
"What it did was provide a national remedy, it empowered national courts, domestic courts, to deal with people's rights."
| Nifty closes near 5150; DLF, SBI, Cairn up 16 Oct 2009, 1547 hrs IST, ET Bureau MUMBAI: Markets ended on a higher note ahead of Diwali festivals led by gains in metals, banks and power stocks. National Stock Exchange's Nifty ended at 5148.35, up 39.50 points or 0.77 per cent. The index touched an intra-day high of 5149.65 and low of 5093.20. Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex closed at 17322.82, up 127.62 points or 0.74 per cent. The 30-share index hit a high of 17347.85 and low of 17126.55. BSE Midcap Index was up 1.04 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index gained 0.47 per cent. Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE Realty Index gained 3.58 per cent, BSE Bankex jumped 2.64 per cent and BSE Oil&gas Index gained 1.27 per cent. Biggest Nifty gainers were DLF (6.96%), State Bank of India (6.13%), Cairn (4.29%), Tata Power (3.84%) and Tata Consultancy Services (3.4%). Losers were Sterlite Industries (-5.62%), Ambuja Cements (-2.88%), Mahindra & Mahindra (-2.66%), BPCL (-2.2%) and ITC (-1.81%). Market breadth on BSE showed 1501 advances against 1271 declines. (All the figures are provisional) Related Stories | ||||
130 firms trade at all-time highs on BSE
Mumbai: Stocks of 127 companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have raced to touch their lifetime highs this month, even while the key domestic benchmark index, the 30-share Sensex, is still well below its all-time high of 21,000 that it had touched in January 2008.
The list includes 68 penny stocks on BSE which had a share price below Rs 10 trading near their lifetime highs. Another 512 stocks hit their 52-week highs on BSE, indicating a broad-based rally in the markets. Among the 'A' group stocks trading near their all-time highs are Bank of Baroda, Bajaj Auto, Cipla, Colgate, Dabur India, ITC, Jindal Steel, Punjab National Bank, Sesa Goa and GAIL.
Market experts said while the Sensex stocks had moved up sharply since March 2009, some of the small and mid-cap stocks had caught up with the rally only in the past couple of months and had still managed to touch their lifetime highs. On Thursday, both the BSE mid-cap and BSE small-cap index hit their 52-week high of 6,572 and 7,638, respectively.
Among those hitting lifetime highs are also stocks under surveillance or in the trader to trade category on BSE. This includes Duke Offshore, Global Capital, Krishna Deep, Linkson International, Pace Textiles, Parsharti Investments, S V Electricals, Sampada Chemicals, Sarthak Global, Simplex Trading, Splash Media, Urja Global and Veritas. Stock in the trader to trade category attract the five per cent circuit filter and delivery in these counters are compulsory. According to brokers, some of these counters under surveillance are highly operator-driven and traders should be cautious while buying these scrips.
Source: Business Standard
16/10/2009
Many state-run firms eager to list shares: PM
Many state-run Indian firms are eager to list their shares on the stock market and it was good for them to do so, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday, a sign that more stake sales were likely in coming months.
Singh also said the government would grant more autonomy to state-run firms and allow them to raise capital so that they could expand operations faster.
After Singh's Congress Party-led coalition government was re-elected in May, it looked to revive stake sales and has had successful issues of NHPC and Oil India in recent months.
"More and more public sector enterprises (PSEs) are entering the capital markets and are striving to become active global players," Singh told a conference.
"A number of PSEs have since got their shares listed on the stock markets and many more are eager to do so."
He said a listing would unlock the true value of a company, improve corporate governance and help a firm raise funds for expansion.
In its July budget, the government said it planned to raise 11.2 billion rupees from initial public offers of unlisted firms including Railways subsidiary RITES, Cochin Shipyard, Telecommunications Consultants India and Manganese Ore India.
In the past few months, ministers and officials have named firms such as NMDC, NTPC, BHEL, Rural Electrification Corp, Shipping Corp of India and Coal India as candidates for stake sales.
On Tuesday, the finance ministry's chief economic adviser told Reuters stake sales would pick up in the months ahead and the government was considering changing rules for using stake sale proceeds to bridge the deficit.
In July, a government report had forecast that up to 250 billion rupees per annum could be raised from stake sales.
Singh also said the economy has weathered the global slowdown better than others.
Government officials expect the economy to expand by at least 6.3 percent in 2009/10, compared with 6.7 percent last year and 9 percent or more in between 2005/06 and 2007/08.
Source: Reuters
16/10/2009
Sensex recovers in early trades
Mumbai: The Sensex opened the day flat at 17,197. Thereafter the index slipped to touch a low of 17,126.
The Sensex has recovered now and is near its high at 17,235 - up 40 points.
The Nifty is up eight points at 5,118.
Reliance Communications has added 2.2% to Rs 234. Reliance Infrastructure, Wipro and Tata Power have gained 1.5% each at Rs 1,298, Rs 583 and Rs 1,388, respectively.
TCS, Maruti Suzuki, Reliance and Jaiprakash Associates are up around 1% each.
However, Sterlite has slumped 6.5% to Rs 812.
Mahindra & Mahindra and ITC have shed 1.5% each to Rs 948 and Rs 253, respectively.
Source: Business Standard
16/10/2009
Four fold jump: Goldman Sachs Q3 profits surge to $3.19 bn
New York: Financial services major Goldman Sachs reported a nearly four-fold jump in third quarter profits at $3.19 billion, primarily boosted by trading and investment segments.
The good show by Goldman Sachs comes a day after rival JPMorgan Chase posted a robust third-quarter performance, indicating that the battered financial sector is on the revival path.
JPMorgan posted profits of $3.6 billion in the September quarter.
Goldman Sachs, one of the most profitable Wall Street firms, raked in profits of $3.19 billion, about four-fold higher compared to the year-ago period.
In the comparable quarter, it was at $845 million.
During the third quarter, the entity's net revenues from investment banking was $899 million while that from Trading and Principal Investments touched $10.03 billion, Goldman Sachs said in a statement.
However, the latest quarter profits are lower than that of $3.44 billion in the second quarter.
The financial services major raked in revenues to the tune of $12.37 billion in the third quarter, nearly double compared to $6.04 billion in the same period a year ago.
Goldman Sachs which is caught in a storm over exorbitant pay packets, said compensation and benefits expenses stood at $5.35 billion in the September quarter.
The figure is much higher than $2.9 billion incurred in the year-ago period.
Source: PTI
16/10/2009
Indian cos credit quality improves, recovery could be bumpy
Mumbai: After a dramatic free-fall in fiscal 2009, the credit quality of Indian companies has now started to stabilise led by positive stock market conditions and the Government's monetary easing, a study by rating agency Crisil Ratings said.
CRISIL's Modified Credit Ratio (MCR) increased to 0.88 for the first-half of 2009-10, after dropping to a nine-year low of 0.86 in 2008-09, the agency said in a report.
"Companies have easier access to funds, as a result of the Governments fiscal and monetary easing, and positive stock market conditions; in addition, lower commodity prices have led to lower working capital requirements," Crisil said.
However, Crisil expects the recovery in credit quality to be gradual, and may not necessarily be smooth.
"There are signs that both the monetary and fiscal easing and the lower commodity prices are temporary. Additionally, unlike in the late 1990s, we see no prospect of a sudden and sustained upturn in economic conditions to lift corporate performance," CRISIL, Senior Director, Raman Uberoi, said.
Crisil said the Government was looking to reverse its "present supportive stance" of low interest rates and liberal monetary policies.
The timing and extent of these measures is likely to have a significant bearing on the pace and extent of economic recovery after thecurrent phase of stabilisation, it added.
"The return of stability to the global economy has also meant that commodity prices have retraced 25 to 35 per cent of their decline from the peak levels of mid-2008," the report said.
"Access to funds has eased considerably, but there is significant uncertainty with respect to exchange rates and consumer demand. Large exchange rate movements can hit export-dependent sectors hard, and domestic demand can be affected by rising prices in general and food prices in particular," CRISIL Ratings, Director, Ajay Dwivedi, said.
"The Reserve Bank of India's window for restructuring of bank assets helped many companies avoid distress over the last 12 months. Looking ahead, we see a long and bumpy road for recovery in corporate credit quality."
Source: PTI
Diwali
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| | |
|---|---|
 A ring of lamps, part of the Diwali observance. | |
| Also called | Translation: Row of Lights; Diwali, Festival of Lights |
| Observed by | Religiously by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. Other Indians celebrate the cultural aspects. |
| Type | Religious, India and Nepal |
| Significance | Celebration of the victory of good over evil; the uplifting of spiritual darkness. |
| Date | Decided by the lunar calendar |
| 2009 date | 17 October |
| 2010 date | 5 November |
| Celebrations | Decorating homes with lights, Fireworks, distributing sweets and gifts. |
| Observances | Prayers, Religious rituals (see puja, prashad) |
| Translations | |
|---|---|
| Hindi : | दीपावली, दिवाली |
| Kannada: | ದೀಪಾವಳಿ |
| Marathi: | दिवाळी |
| Tamil : | தீபாவளி |
| Telugu : | దీపావళి |
| Urdu : | دیوالی |
| Konkani: | दिवाळी,धाकली दिवाळी |
Diwali or IAST:Dīpāvali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India.[1] Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual.
As per Hindu calendar, the five day festival of Diwali is centered on the new moon day that ends the month of Ashwin and begins the month of Kartika, beginning on the 13th day of the dark half of Ashwin (Ashwin 28th) and ending on the 2nd day of the bright half of Kartika (Kartika 2nd). The main day of celebration varies regionally.[2][3]
Diwali is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word "Deepavali"[4][5][6] - Deepa meaning light and Avali, meaning a row.[7][8] It means a row of lights and indeed illumination forms its main attraction. It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights, even today in this modern world, projects the rich and glorious past and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.
In Hinduism, across many parts of India and Nepal, it is the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over Ravana.[9] In the legend, the people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (dĭpa), thus its name: dīpāwali. Over time, this word transformed into Deepavali in Hindi and Dipawali in Nepali, but still retained its original form in South and East Indian Languages. In Dravidian languages it is called as Deepavali and the same is used in Malaysia and Singapore. South Indians never say Diwali as it means "Firebucket".[citation needed]
In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira on 15 October, 527 BC.
Diwali has been significant in Sikhism since the illumination of the town of Amritsar commemorating the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji (1595-1644), the sixth Guru of Sikhism, who was imprisoned along with 52 other Hindu kings at Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. After freeing the other prisoners, he went to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in the holy city of Amritsar, where he was welcomed happily by the people who lit candles and divas to greet the Guru. Because of this, Sikhs often refer to Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas - "the day of release of detainees."
The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists in Nepal, a majority-Hindu country, particularly the Newar Buddhists.
In India and Nepal, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians and Nepalese regardless of faith.[10]
Kidha is celebrated for a differing number of days by different communities. Though the core days are common and fall on exactly the same set of days across Nepal and India, they fall in different Gregorian months depending on the version of the Hindu calendar being used in the region. The Amanta ("ending on the new-moon") version of the Hindu Calendar has been adopted as the Indian national calendar. According to this calendar, which is prevalent in southern India and Maharashtra, the 6-day celebration is spread over the last four days of the month of Ashwina and the first two days of the new month of Kartika. According to the Purnimaanta ("ending on the full-moon") version prevalent in northern India, it falls in the middle of the month of Ashwayuja/Ashvin. In the Gregorian calendar, it falls generally in the months of October or November. In Nepal, it is celebrated according to Nepalese calendar. The festival marks the last three days and the first two days of Nepalese era.
On the day of Diwali / Deepavali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some North Indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.
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Spiritual significance
While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".
Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Diwali is the celebration of this inner light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (removes all obstacles and dispels all ignorance), awakening the individual to one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (inner joy or peace).
The gunas are the underlying forces or tendencies which one needs to have unaffected, direct relation with in order to find effectiveness and righteousness in life: they are lines of potential and illuminate thought and action, thus the inner meaning of Diwali being the festival of lights.
Diwali celebrates this through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, sharing of sweets, and worship. While the story behind Diwali varies from region to region, the essence is the same - to rejoice in the inner light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all things (Brahman).
Hindus have several significant events associated with it:
- Return of Rama to Ayodhya: Diwali also celebrates the return of Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, and a war in which he killed Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya lit ghee lamps along the way to light their path in the darkness. Since Ram traveled from South India to his kingdom in North India, he passed through the south earlier. This is the reason why the festival is celebrated a day earlier in South India. Diwali usually comes 19 or 20 days after Dasara.
- The Killing of Narakasura: Celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi, one day before Diwali day, it commemorates the killing of Narakasura, an evil demon who created havoc, by Krishna's wife Satyabhama. This happened in the Dwapara Yuga during this time of Krishna's avatar. In another version, the demon was killed by Krishna ( Krishna provokes his wife Satyabhama to kill Narshna defeating Indra: Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Diwali. It is the day Krishna defeated Indra, the deity of thunder and rain. As per the story, Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Lord Indra and questions his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their 'dharma' truly was. They were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. He continued to say that all human beings should merely do their 'karma', to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special puja (prayer). Indra was then angered, and flooded the village. Krishna then lifted Mt Govardhan and held it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Krishna as supreme. This aspect of Krishna's life is mostly glossed over[citation needed] but it set up the basis of the 'karma' philosophy later detailed in the Bhagavat Gita.
The Five days
Diwali celebrations are spread over five days in India and all over the world. All the days except Diwali are named according to their designation in the Hindu calendar.
- Vasu Baras (27 Ashvin or 12 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Baras means 12th day and vasu means cow. On this day cow and calf are worshipped.
- Dhanatrayodashi or Dhan teras (28 Ashvin or 13 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Dhan means "wealth" and Trayodashi means "13th day". Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold.This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of God Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons.
- Naraka Chaturdashi (29 Ashvin or 14 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Chaturdashi is the fourteenth day on which demon Narakasura was killed by god Krishna - an inacranation of god Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness (Gujarati: Kali Chaudas, Rajasthan : Roop Chaudas). In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. Hindus wake up well before dawn, as early as two in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. They light small lamps all around the house and draw elaborate kolams /rangolis outside their homes. They perform a special puja with offerings to Krishna or Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day. It is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy Ganges. After the puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends.
- Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvin or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvin): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps all across the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.
- Bali Pratipada and Govardhan Puja (1 Kartika or 1 Shukla Paksha Kartika) : In North India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, is celebrated as the day Krishna - an incaranation of god Vishnu - defeated god Indra and by the lifting of Govardhana hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. For Annakut, a mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan hill lifted by Krishna. In Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami. The day commemorates the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over demon-king Bali, who was pushed to the nether world and the return of Bali to earth from the nether-world. In Maharashtra, it is called as Padava or Nava Diwas ("new day"). Men present gifts to their wives on this day. It is celebrated as the first day of the Vikram Samvat calender, in Gujarat.
- Bhaiduj (also Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika) (2 Kartikaor 2 Shukla Paksha Kartika): on this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other (Gujarati: Bhai Bij, Bengali: Bhai Phota). Most Indian festivals bring together families, Bhaiduj brings together sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates 'Raksha Bandhan' another brother-sister festival celebrated in the present day.
Lakshmi Puja
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season in most of India and Nepal. Farmers are thankful for the plentiful bounty of the year gone by, and pray for a good harvest for the year to come. Traditionally this marked the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agrarian cycle, and the last major celebration before winter. The deity of Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead. There are two legends that associate the worship of Lakshmi on this day. According to the first legend, on this day, Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagar, the Ocean of Milk, during the great churning of the oceans, Samudra manthan. The second legend (more popular in western India) relates to the Vamana avatar of Vishnu, the incarnation he took to kill the demon king Bali. Thereafter it was on this day, that Vishnu came back to his abode, the Vaikuntha; so those who worship Lakshmi on this day, get the benefit of her benevolent mood, and are blessed with mental, physical and material well-being.[11]
As per spiritual references, on this day "Lakshmi-panchayatan" enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this "panchayatan" (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:
- Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
- Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
- Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)
- Gajendra: Carries the wealth
- Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.[12]
In Jainism
Diwali has a very special significance in Jainism, just like Buddha Purnima, the date of Buddha's Nirvana, is for Buddhists as Christmas is for Christians. Lord Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana or Moksha on this day at Pavapuri on Oct. 15, 527 BC, on Chaturdashi of Kartika, as Tilyapannatti of Yativrashaba from the sixth century states:
Mahavira is responsible for establishing the Dharma followed by Jains even today. According to tradition, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day, thus making Diwali one of the most important Jain festivals.
Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). According to the Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu, 3rd century BC, many gods were present there, illuminating the darkness[13]. The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of their master's knowledge alive:
16 Gana-kings, 9 Malla and 9 Lichchhavi, of Kasi and Kosal, illuminated their doors. They said: "Since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter" ("गये से भवुज्जोये, दव्वुज्जोयं करिस्समो").
Dipavali was first mentioned in Jain books as the date of the nirvana of Mahavira. In fact, the oldest reference to Diwali is a related word, dipalikaya, which occurs in Harivamsha-Purana, written by Acharya Jinasena [14] and composed in the Shaka Samvat era in the year 705.
ततस्तुः लोकः प्रतिवर्षमादरत् प्रसिद्धदीपलिकयात्र भारते |
समुद्यतः पूजयितुं जिनेश्वरं जिनेन्द्र-निर्वाण विभूति-भक्तिभाक् |२० |
tatastuh lokah prativarsham-araat ako
prasiddha-deepalikaya-aatra bharate
samudyatah poojayitum jineshvaram
jinendra-nirvana vibhuti-bhaktibhak
Translation: The gods illuminated Pavanagari by lamps to mark the occasion. Since that time, the people of Bharat celebrate the famous festival of "Dipalika" to worship the Jinendra (i.e. Lord Mahavira) on the occasion of his nirvana.
Dipalikaya roughly translates as "light leaving the body". Dipalika, which can be roughly translated as "splenderous light of lamps", is used interchangeably with the word "Diwali".
The way Jains celebrate Diwali is different in many respects. There is a note of asceticism in whatever the Jains do, and the celebration of Diwali is not an exception. The Jains celebrate Diwali during the month of Kartik for three days. During this period, among the Shvetambaras, devoted Jains observe fasting and chant the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, which contain the final pravachans of Lord Mahavira, and meditate upon him. Some Jains visit Pavapuri in Bihar where he attained Nirvan. In may temples special laddus are offered particularly on this day.
Vira Nirvana Samvat: The Jain year starts with Pratipada following Diwali. Vira Nirvana Samvat 2534 starts with Diwali 2007. The Jain businesspeople traditionally started their accounting year from Diwali. The relationship between the Vir and Shaka era is given in Titthogali Painnaya and Dhavalaa by Acharya Virasena:
पंच य मासा पंच य वास छच्चेव होन्ति वाससया|
परिणिव्वुअस्स अरिहितो तो उप्पन्नो सगो राया||
Thus the Nirvana occurred 605 years and 5 months before the Saka era.
On 21 October 1974 the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava was celebrated by all the Jain throughout India[1].
Significance in Sikhism
The story of Diwali for the Sikhs is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom. From the time of Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539), the founder of Sikhism.When the Muslim king was ruling he locked up the Guru but while the king had tried to make him eat he refused and fasted. It was then realized that outside the palace people had gathered around with lanterns, candles, torches and protested to set the Guru free and the king had eventually agreed that his greediness had got in the way of his responsibilities and released the Guru and the people celebrated his release known as Diwali.
Bandi Chhorh Divas
For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, (hence also called "Bandi Chhorh Diwas" or "the day of release of detainees") and 52 other princes with him, from the Gwalior Fort in 1619.
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Guru Har Gobind Ji and 52 other rajas (princes). Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned the sixth Guru because he was afraid of the Guru's growing, following and power. The Emperor was asked to release Guru Hargobind which he agreed to do. However, Guru Hargobind asked that the princes be released also. The Emperor agreed, but said only those who could hold onto his cloak tail would be allowed to leave the prison. This was in order to limit the number of prisoners who could leave.
However, Guru Hargobind had made a large cloak with 52 tassels and so each prince was able to hold onto one tassel and leave prison.
Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind Ji by lighting the Golden Temple and this tradition continues today.
Martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji
Another important Sikh event associated with Diwali is the martyrdom in 1737 of the elderly Sikh scholar and strategist Bhai Mani Singh, the Granthi (keeper/reader of Sikh scripture) of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). He had refused to or was unable to pay jizya - a special tax imposed by the Mughal Empire on non-Muslims - on a religious meeting of the Khalsa on the Diwali day. This and other Sikh martyrdoms gave further momentum to the Khalsa struggle for freedom and eventual success in establishing the Khalsa rule north of Delhi
Bhai Mani Singh was a great scholar and he transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib which was dictated to him by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1704. He took charge of Harmandir Sahib's management in 1708. In 1737, he received permission from the Mughal governor of Punjab, Zakariya Khan, to hold a religious meeting on Diwali for a massive tax of Rs. 5,000 (some authors say it was Rs 10,000). Invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Mani Singh thought he would collect the tax-money from the Sikhs who would assemble for the purpose of Diwali Celebrations as subscriptions. But Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered that Zakariya Khan secretly planned to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent messages to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. As Bhai Mani Singh could not arrange for the tax to be paid, Zakariya Khan ordered Bhai Mani Singh's execution at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him to death, limb-by-limb. Ever since, the great sacrifice and devotion of martyr Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.
Uprising against the Mughal Empire
The festival of Diwali became the second most important day after the Baisakhi, when Khalsa was formally established by the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
The Sikh struggle against Mughal Empire's atrocities on non-Muslims, especially on Sikhs, which intensified in the 18th century, came to be centered around this day. After the execution of Banda Bahadur in 1716, who had led the agrarian uprising in Punjab, the Sikhs started the tradition of deciding matters concerning the community at the biennial meetings which took place at Amritsar on the first of Baisakh and at Diwali. These assemblies were known as the Sarbat Khalsa and a resolution passed by it became a gurmata (decree of the Guru).
Diwali in different regions of India
The celebrations vary in different regions:
In South India
- In Southern India, narakasura vratha is the main day, with celebration with firecrackers at dawn after lakshmi puja.
- Deepavali is one of the seven most important festivals of Andhra Pradesh. The others are Ugadhi, Sri Rama Navami, Sankranthi, Siva Ratri, Vinayaka Chavithi and Dasara (Dusshera). There are many other festivals too such as Nagula chaviti, Vasanthochavam (Holi), Atla Taddhi, etc. Deepavali festival is very popular among the children for the joy of bursting fire crakers. Special areas to sell fire crackers are set up in all towns and cities including bigger villages. There are some pseudo-traditional customs followed such as buying new clothes for this festival. Buying new home or vehicles such as cars and trucks is considered auspicious. Special sweets are made too. Some eateries in Hyderabad makes some delicious sweets during Deepavali which will not be available at any other time. Meat and Alcohol are generally not consumed. Tradition has it that Andhraites gift sweets during Deepavali. Some areas host local stage story telling called Hari Katha. Some areas may put a huge Narakasura dummy made with fire crackers. This will be burst by a person wearing the dress of Lord Krishna or more accurately, a costume of Satyabhama, the consort of Lord Krishna who actually killed the demon Narakasura; an event that is celebrated as Deepavali for generations. The evening of Deepavali is a colourful sight to watch the evening sky.
- The main festival in Karnataka is on the first day -Narakachaturdashi and third day- Balipadyami, with no celebration on the middle day of Amavasye. The festivities begin a day, during which water is stored (following the tradition, since running water was not available with ease, and it had to be carried from nearby ponds and lakes) for the next days Oil bath in the early hours of the morning. Then the entire house is cleaned and new clothes are purchased for the entire family (signifies becoming a new/better person by giving up darkness within us) which is followed by lighting of oil lamps around the house and bursting firecrackers.
- The third day is celebrated as Bali Padyami as the day of Vamana's victory over 'Mahabali'. This festival is greatly celebrated in Karnataka.
- In Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Deepavali. Celebrate this with lighting deepams, firecrackers, wearing new dresses and Sweets. It is a big festival in Tamil Nadu. They Take Oil bath early in the morning and poosai. After that Crackers and a traditional Visit to the Temple.
In Gujarat
In Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Diwali starts from Vasubaras which is the 12th day of the 2nd half of the month of Ashwin. This day is celebrated by performing an Aarti of the cow and its calf- which is a symbol of love between mother and her baby.
The next day is Dhanatrayodashi (dhana=wealth, tra=3 dashi=10th i.e. 10+3=13th day) or Dhanteras. This day is of special importance for traders and business people.
The 14th day of Ashwin is Narakchaturdashi. On this day, people wake up before sunrise and bathe after rubbing scented oil on their body (they also bathe using Utna). After this the entire family visits a temple and offers prayers to their God. After this visit, everyone feasts on Faral which is a special Diwali preparation consisting of delectable sweets such as "karanji", "ladoo", "shankarpale" and "mithai" as well as some spicy eatables like "chakli", "shev" and "chivda".
Then comes Laxmi- poojan. It occurs on Amavasya i.e. no moon day. The dark night is illuminated by lamps and at dusk crackers are burst. New account books are opened after a pooja. The stock exchange performs a token bidding called Muhurta bidding. Generally the traders do not make any payments on that day (according to their belief Laxmi should not be given away but must come home). In every household, cash, jewellery and an idol of the goddess Laxmi is worshipped. Friends, neighbours and relatives are invited over and celebrations are in full swing. The broom used to clean one's house is also worshipped as a symbol of laxmi in some places .
Padwa' is the 1st day of the new month - Kartik in the Hindu calendar.
Bhaubeej - it is the time where in the bond of love between a brother and sister is further strengthened as the sister asks God for her brother/s long and successful life while she receives presents from her beloved brother/s.
Homes are cleaned and decorated before Diwali. Offices perform puja. Bonuses and holidays are granted to employees on these auspicious days. People buy property and gold on these days too. Children build replica forts in memory of the founder of Maratha empire, Shivaji Maharaj. For children, Fire works, new clothes and sweets make Dipavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.
In Kolkata
Kali Puja is light-up night for Kolkata, corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced Dipabali in Bengali), where people light candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors. The Goddess Kali is worshipped at night on one night during this festival. This is also a night of fireworks, with local youth burning sparklers and crackers throughout the night. Kolkata had to pass legislature a few years back to ban fireworks which break the 65 decibel sound limit, as ambient noise levels were going up to 90 decibels or more in parts of the city.
In Goa
Diwali begins in Goa on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi.The houses are cleaned,and decorated with Kandil,lamps,mango leaves and marigold flowers,the utensils are made to shine,filled with water and decorated for the holy bath the following morning.On this day a paper made effigies of Narakasura,filled with grass,crackers symbolising evil are made.[15]These effigies are burnt at around four o'clock in the morning the following day,crackers are burst and people return home,take a scented oil bath,lamps are lit in a line.[16]The women of the house perform arti of the men,gifts are exchanged,a bitter berry called as kareet is crushed under the feet,in token of killing Narkasur,symbolising evil and removal of ignorance.[16] Different varieties of Poha and sweets are made and eaten with family and friends.Festivities continue till Tulsi vivah and lamps are lit every evening.Celebrations include Lakshmi puja on the Diwali day,Krishna puja or Govardhan puja and cattle worship on Balipratipada day,Bhaubeej,and Tulsi vivah.
Melas
To add to the festival of Diwali, fairs (or 'melas') are held throughout India.[17] Melas are to be found in many towns and villages. A mela generally becomes a market day in the countryside when farmers buy and sell produce. Girls and women dress attractively during the festival. They wear colourful clothing and new jewelry, and their hands are decorated with henna designs.
Among the many activities that take place at a mela are performances by jugglers, acrobats, snake charmers and fortune tellers. Food stalls are set up, selling sweet and spicy foods. There are a variety of rides at the fair, which include Ferris wheels and rides on animals such as elephants and camels. Activities for children, such as puppet shows, occur throughout the day.
In other parts of the world
In Nepal, family gathering is more significant during Diwali. People in the community play "Deusi and Bhailo" which is a kind of singing and dancing forming a group. People go to all the houses in the community and play songs and dance, and give blessing to the visited house, whereas the home owner gives some food like rice grains, Roti,fruits and money. After the festival, people donate some part of collected money and food to the charity or welfare groups and rest of the money and food, they go for picnic. People also play swing called Dore Ping made out of thick ropes and Pirke Ping or Rangate Ping made out of woods.
Diwali is celebrated in various parts of the world, in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Guyana, Kenya, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States.[18] With more and more Indians and Sri Lankans now migrating to various parts of the world, the number of countries where Diwali is celebrated has been gradually increasing. While in some countries it is celebrated mainly by Indian expatriates, in others it has become part of the general local culture. In most of these countries Diwali is celebrated on the same lines as described in this article with some minor variations. Some important variations are worth mentioning.
In Nepal, Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day (Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are worshipped for their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja and worship of cow is performed. This is the last day according to Nepal Sambat, so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as "Mha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange gifts.
In Trinidad and Tobago, communities all over the islands get together and celebrate the festival. One major celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations, nightly worship of Goddess Lakshmi, lighting of deeyas, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian delicacies. The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Diwali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of alcohol and in a true family environment.
In Malaysia, Diwali is known as "Hari Deepavali," and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday throughout Malaysia. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. 'Open houses' are held where Hindu Malaysians (Malaysian Tamils) welcome fellow Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a sumptious meal. This is a practice unique to Malaysia and shows the goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any festive occasion.
In Singapore, the festival is called "Deepavali", and is a gazetted public holiday. Observed primarily by the minority Indian community ([Tamils]]) , it is typically marked by a light-up in the Little India district. The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapores' government organizes many cultural events around Deepavali time.
In Sri Lanka, this festival is also called "Deepavali" and is celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange gifts.
In Britain, Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and in most ways very similarly to as in India. People clean and decorate their homes with lamps and candles.A popular type of candle used to represent this holiday is a diya. People also give each other sweets such as laddoo and barfi, and the different communities may gather from around the country for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also an important time to contact family in India and perhaps exchange gifts through the post. It is a greatly celebrated holiday and is a great way to connect with the culture and heritage of India. Diwali is becoming a well known festival in Britain and non-Indians also join in the festivities. Leicester plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of India itself. Diwali also coincides closely enough with the British Guy Fawkes (Bonfire Night) traditions on November the 5th that in many areas, such as the East End of London, a kind of joint festival has evolved where everyone celebrates and enjoys the same fire and fireworks for their own diverse reasons.
In New Zealand, Diwali is celebrated publicly among many of the South Asian diaspora cultural groups. There are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003.[19]
In Australia, Diwali is celebrated publicly amongst the people of Indian origin and the local Australians in Melbourne. On 21st of July 2002 an organisation "The Australian Indian Innovations Incorporated"(AIII) comprising of a conglomerate of independent organisations and individuals was formed to celebrate Indian Festivals In Melbourne. AIII facilitated opportunities to depict the cultural kaleidoscope of India and assist Indians in Melbourne to showcase Indian art, culture, style, traditions and food via various activities, seminars, festivals, fairs and events. The first Inaugural Diwali Festival-2002", was held at Sandown Race Course on Sunday 13 October 2002. Since then until October 2008, about 140000 people visited this Australian Indian Cultural Extravaganza filled with culture, fun and cuisine. This 10 Hour Festival is depicting India through 50 Stalls, 10 Food stalls and an 8 hour cultural programme with Dj, Children's rides and spectacular fire works over the last 7 years.
Fireworks
Firecrackers and fireworks are popular on the eve of Diwali.
Concerns about firecrackers
Nowadays there is a significant growth in campaigns on creating awareness over the adverse impacts of noise and air pollution. Some governments drive to keep the festival less noisy and pollution-free. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has banned production of crackers with noise levels of over 125 decibels.[20] In survey of UP Pollution Control Board, it was revealed that the emission of smoke was found more in the light illuminating fire crackers. Levels of SO2 (Sulphur dioxide) and RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter) was found marginally higher on Diwali day. Crackers, which use large quantities of sulphur and paper, spew out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air, also lead and other metallic substances are suspended in the air causing respiratory problems.[21] Considering these facts, bursting of crackers is prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts[22]
References
- ^ a b Upadhye, A. N. (Jan.-Mar. 1982). Cohen, Richard J.. ed. "Mahavira and His Teachings". Journal of the American Oriental Society 102 (1): 231-232.
- ^ mahavidya:Resources for the Scholarly Study of the Hindu Tradition - Divali
- ^ When is Deepavali (Diwali)?
- ^ L. Solomon, M. Slamnang, T. Schouw. New Africa Life Orientation and Arts and Culture. New Africa Books, 2003. ISBN 1869282744.
- ^ Bansi Pandit. Explore Hinduism. Heart of Albion, 2005. ISBN 1872883818.
- ^ Martin Hughes, Sheema Mookherjee, Richard Delacy. India. Lonely Planet, 2001. ISBN 1864503289.
- ^ Deepavali Official Gujarat State Portal.
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=wNQ82_yYeK8C&pg=PA660#v=onepage&q=&f=false
- ^ Ramcharitmanas, Uttarkand
- ^ History of Diwali
- ^ Diwali History
- ^ "Importance of various days of Diwali". hindujagruti.org. http://www.hindujagruti.org/hinduism/festivals/diwali/details.php. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- ^ Jacobi, Hermann (1884). Sacred Books of the East. 22: Gaina Sutras Part I.
- ^ Akademi, Sahitya (1988). Encyclopaedia of Indian literature. 2. ISBN 8126011947.
- ^ Gajrani, S. (2004) (in English). History, religion & culture of India. 3. Gyan Publishing House. pp. 109. ISBN 8182050626.
- ^ a b Gune, Vithal Trimbak (1979) (in English). Gazetteer of the Union Territory Goa, Daman and Diu: district. Volume 1. Goa, Daman and Diu (India). Gazetteer Dept. pp. 262.
- ^ Kadowala, Dilip (1998). Diwali. London: Evans Brothers Limited. ISBN 0-237-51801-5.
- ^ "Diwali Celebrations Around The World". diwalifestival.org. http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-celebrations-around-the-world.html. Retrieved 2006-08-27.
- ^ "Diwali Downunder: Transforming and Performing Indian Tradition in Aotearoa/New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Media Studies 9 (1): 25-35. 2005. ISSN 0811 1173 0811. http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Sch091JMS-t1-g1-t5.html.
- ^ Pollution board bans 1000 walas, hydrogen bombs --Accessed on 11 March 2007
- ^ Mild crackers are fine, atomic bombs are not -- Accessed on 11 March 2007
- ^ http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/16/stories/2003101605210400.htm
External links
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