Tehran Defiant on Sanctions
(December 28, 2006)
For the first time, Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad acknowledged its nuclear weapons program
when dismissing the UNSC resolution imposing limited
sanctions against Tehran as a “piece of torn paper”
meant to “scare Iranians.”<More>
Indo-Pak MoU on Power Devolution
(December 28, 2006)
India and Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to share and learn from experiences of both
nations on devolution of power to grass-root levels
hoping that these low-hanging fruits will pave way for
lasting peace.<More>
Indian Land Ships
(December 28, 2006)
On January 4, the Navy will induct its third landing
ship INS Shardul, capable of carrying 11 main battle
tanks, 10 army vehicles and 500 troops for amphibious
operations and traveling at 15.8 knots to land forces
directly on beaches.<More>
Is US Global AIDS Program Effective?
(December 28, 2006)
Investigators say that US President George Bush's
ambitious USD 15 billion AIDS-fighting program in poor
countries was pushed too hard that has ended up in
unintentional misrepresentation of patient data to a
point where it is unusable.<More>
Educational Priorities Need Reevaluation
(December 28, 2006)
According to a senior University Grants Commission (UGC)
official, research work in basic sciences is declining
which may cause a decline in required talent pool that
could indirectly affect India’s dominance in Information
Technology (IT).<More>
Child Trafficking Lacks Focus
(December 28, 2006)
Campaign Against Child Trafficking (CACT), an umbrella
organization of various groups working on the issue of
child rights protested against the Karnataka
government’s lack of focus to stem trafficking in women
and children.<More>
Indian Art in Beijing
(December 28, 2006)
For the first time and marking an end to India-China friendship year, India
is showcasing 100 ancient antiquities of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain art dated
from the 3rd Century BC to 18th Century AD in China and one of the largest
show showcasing of heritage outside India.<More>
Increased Foreign M&A
Projected
(December 27, 2006)
Investment bankers and
analysts project
increased merger and
acquisitions (M&A)
activity in the
information technology
(IT) space where smaller
Indian companies are
acquired by larger
foreign players but do
not rule out a large
deals either.<More>
Ethiopia Declares War
against Islamists
(December 27, 2006)
Ethiopia formally
declared war on
Islamists in neighboring
Somalia claiming that
such dramatic step was
necessary to protect its
sovereignty and its
warplanes bombed two
Islamist-held airfields
in Somalia including the
one in capital Mogadishu.<More>
Pak Says N-sites Can
Withstand Strike
(December 27, 2006)
Marking the 130th birth
anniversary of Pakistan
founder Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, President Pervez
Musharraf asserted that
his nation will continue
to invest in defense
capabilities and that
its “nuclear and missile
power” are protected
even from a “nuclear
attack.”<More>
Bush Allays Indian Concerns
(December 26, 2006)
US President George Bush called Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh to wish him for the season and to
also allay fears in India over the civilian
cooperation bill and both leaders concluded that
these concerns can be addressed in the “1-2-3
Agreement.”<More>
Israel Proposes Prisoner Exchange
(December 26, 2006)
In an act of good faith, Israeli Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert suggested that his
government would be willing to release
Palestinian prisoners even though the
captured Israeli soldiers remain in Gaza but
also proposed a formal agreement with the
Palestinian Authority.<More>
Japan Considering Nuke Deterrent
(December 26, 2006)
In a move that has consequences way beyond the
region, a Japanese daily Sankei report says that
the Japanese government is apparently
considering a nuclear warhead as deterrent to
North Korean (NK) nuclear weapons program which
is being denied by government spokesperson.<More>
Bangla Polls On
(December 26, 2006)
After objecting bitterly about election planning
irregularities and breach of Constitution, Awami League
led 14-party opposition is reportedly decided to contest
in parliamentary election scheduled January 22 next
year.<More>
NCW Rejects Adultery Proposal
(December 26, 2006)
The National Commission on Women (NCW) citing social disempowered position
of women, has reportedly recommended that a woman, even if she is involved
in an illicit relationship, cannot be punished for adultery and be treated
as the victim under law. It has asked the government not to amend Section
497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).<More>
Massive Aid for J&K
(December 26, 2006)
The Prime Minister's Special task force on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has
proposed a Rs 8,302-crore (USD 1.8 billion) aid package to develop that
state and proposed another Rs. 200 crore (USD 43.47 million) to develop a
satellite business city satellite business city..<More>
Diabetes a Major Worry (December 26, 2006)
According to the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF)
India continues to don the dubious distinction of being
the Diabetic capital of the world with the largest
number of diabetics—China comes second but leads on
pre-diabetic phase population.<More>
Energy Concerns & Alternatives
(December 25, 2006)
As India’s economy grows at a breathtaking 9.1% its
hunger for energy to sustain this growth is higher and
though per capita energy consumption is relatively low,
its energy use is expected to surpass Russia and Japan
to be the third largest consumer of energy by 2030.<More>
SC Criticizes Domestic Violence Bill
(December 25, 2006)
The Supreme Court severely criticized the Protection of
Women from Domestic Violence Act for “clumsy” drafting
of definition of terminology that could easily be
exploited by some to appropriate property of a husband
and his family.<More>
Security Ties with Myanmar
(December 25, 2006)
Visiting Myanmar Home Minister Major General Maung Oo
assured Home Minister Shivraj Patil that his nation will
co-operate with India to share information at field and
national level on insurgent movements, border
management, and drug trafficking.<More>
Iran Sanctions, Shaky Azeri Relations
(December 25, 2006)
After inviting UNSC sanctions and losing civic level
elections, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sought
to upgrade his souring domestic popularity by escalating
tirades against the West and called President Bush "the
most hated person" in the world.<More>
Maoists Block Envoy Designate to India
(December 25, 2006)
Nepali Maoists and political groups supporting them said
that they will block Prime Minister Girija Prasad
Koirala’s envoy designate for India, an obscure retired
diminutive woman who is also a niece of the PM claiming
that the decision was taken without consulting them.<More>
Somalia in “State of War” with Ethiopia
(December 25, 2006)
Somali Islamic leader Sheik Hassan ahir Aweys claimed
that the nation is in a “state of war…against Ethiopia”
contradicting his earlier pledge to return to peace
talks with the government and is now asking “All
Somalis” to “take part in struggle.”<More>
Talks with Afghan Taliban
(December 23, 2006)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai is reportedly ready for
talks with the Taliban operating in his country hopeful
of including them in governance but not the Pakistani
counterpart but only if they terminate links with
Pakistan as that nation is trying to “enslave”
Afghanistan.<More>
Indo-Pak Joint Sir Creek Survey
(December 23, 2006)
In the two days talks over Sri Creek beginning this
weekend, India and Pakistan are working out a mechanism
for the 2nd survey of Sir Creek targeted for completion
next March to enable an easy and conflict free
demarcation of the maritime zone.<More>
Indo-Sino Glacier Expedition
(December 23, 2006)
For the very first time, India and China will jointly
survey up to the sources of the Brahmaputra and Sutlej,
which is the largest water reservoir in the world
outside the Polar region, and collect data that could be
used for modeling climatic changes over glaciers.<More>
Riots in Bangladesh
(December 23, 2006)
The general strike called by the 14-party opposition led
by Awami League (AL) trying to force electoral reforms
turned violent with the army and police fighting running
battles with civilians leaving 25 people wounded in
Dhaka and 100 in other areas.<More>
Govt to Divest from Maruti
(December 23, 2006)
After 25 years of partnership with
Japanese Suzuki Motors through
Maruti Industries, the Government
has decided to sell its remnant
10.27% stake for an estimated Rs.
2,700 crore (USD 586 million) to
overcome budget deficits.<More>
Recoverable Sat on PSLV
(December 23, 2006)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
said that it is preparing to launch four
satellites on a single Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV-C7) in January and one of the
satellites will be recoverable after a week or
so in orbit.<More>
No Shortcuts in Kashmir
(December 21, 2006)
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf proposed a “four
point solution” to resolve the Kashmir dispute that
includes Indian troop withdrawal, self-governance for
Kashmiris, joint supervision by the three sides, and
maintaining current borders in exchange for giving up
claim to Kashmir.<More>
Maoists Protest Envoy Nominations
(December 21, 2006)
After reaching a landmark deal with the political
parties that would essentially nullify any powers to
King Gnanendra, albeit temporarily, Nepali Maoist
guerrillas called for a nationwide strike to protest
against the government’s nomination of new ambassadors
to 13 foreign capitals.<More>
New King in Bhutan
(December 21, 2006)
Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck stepped aside and
made his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck the new
ruler of the secluded mountainous nation inspiring hope
that the new King will transform the nation into a
parliamentary democracy.<More>
Retrograde Forest Bill Passed
(December 21, 2006)
Dismissing concerns by environmentalists and
conservation experts, the government passed the
politically convenient Scheduled Tribes and Other
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Bill, 2006 that essentially hands over forests
to forest dwellers.<More>
Sustainable 9% GDP Growth
(December 21, 2006)
Led by strong manufacturing growth,
the economy grew at a robust 9.1% in
the first half of fiscal year with
exports clocking 34.9% prompting the
government to claim that the growth
pattern “reflected the ability of
Indian manufacturers to meet
international standards.”<More>
Little Progress in US-NK in Direct Talks
(December 21, 2006)
The United States and North Korea (NK) made
no progress in their first direct meeting
after a long time on the sidelines of the
six-nation nuclear arms talks in Beijing to
discuss US financial restrictions on
Pyongyang, a key stumbling block in the arms
negotiations.<More>
The Iran Problem for US
(December 20, 2006)
As Tehran civic polls brought in moderate and reformist
opponents of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s
to power, US policy makers are increasingly concerned
about developments and statements from Iran and
especially about their nuclear program.<More>
India to Retain Testing Rights
(December 20, 2006)
As US President George Bush signed in the
nuclear deal that granted India access to
nuclear fuel outside the ambit of the Nuclear
Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), harsh criticism
was heaped in India on restrictions placed on
the nation by US policy makers.<More>
Chavez Single Party System
(December 20, 2006)
Venezuela President Hugo Chavez initiated
steps to consolidate his landslide
re-election to move his nation towards a
single party system through consolidation of
loosely allied parties and concentrate more
powers to himself.<More>
Darfur Force by UNSC
(December 20, 2006)
The United Nations Security Council urged
Sudan to accept deployment of a peacekeeping
force that will contain African Union (AU)
and European troops in the ravaged Darfur
region to augment the 7000 under-funded and
ill-equipped AU force that has failed to
stem the bloodshed.<More>
ICG Says Iraq Close to Collapse
(December 20, 2006)
As the Pentagon reported an all-time high
violence levels, an International Crisis
Group (ICG) report warned that Iraq is on
the brink of total disintegration and drag
the entire West Asian region into a regional
war.<More>
Tighter Child Marriage Laws
(December 20, 2006)
Minister for Women and Children said the new Prohibition of Child Marriage
Bill 2006 has tighter regulations that would heap jail terms and fines on
priests, police, and local leaders if they willfully permit child marriages.<More>
No Sanctions Says NK
(December 19, 2006)
A defiant Pyongyang declaring itself a
nuclear power and threatening to increase
its arsenal unless UN sanctions imposed on
it since its October 9 nuclear test and
remove financial restrictions that prompted
the bankrupt nation to break-off the 6
nation dialogue 13 months ago.<More>
Elections in Palestine
(December 19, 2006)
Within a year of elections that returned
hard-line Hamas into power resulting in the
abortion of the Israeli-Palestinian peace
process and internal discord and civil-war
conditions, Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas announced plans that he is pushing
ahead with early elections.<More>
China-Pak End Exercises
(December 19, 2006)
China and Pakistan ended a 10-day joint
military exercise that focused on
anti-terror operations to share “each others
experiences in planning and conduct of
anti-terrorist operations” for mutual
benefit and also to strengthen traditional
bilateral bonds of friendship.<More>
Sethusamudram Destruction Begins
(December 19, 2006)
Dismissing environmental concerns and acting
under secrecy, India started the destruction
of an ancient crossway between India and Sri
Lanka called the Adam’s Bridge but believed
to have been constructed by God-King Rama to
facilitate the Sethusamudram Project.<More>
India OK to Pay More for Iranian LNG
(December 19, 2006)
India announced that it is considering
paying a higher price of up to USD 4.50 per
million British thermal units (BTU) for
Iranian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and
close a long-term supply deal to fuel its
fast growing economy.<More>
Manmohan’s Japan Visit
(December 18, 2006)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Japan
where he invited greater investment from
Japan under a Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and also
requested Tokyo’s support for the Indo-US
civilian nuclear deal in the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG).<More>
Naxal Raid Train, Loot Guns
(December 18, 2006)
In a second such incident this year, 15-20
Naxals halted a train in the middle of dense
forests, to relieve Rapid Action Force (RAF)
jawans of their weapons and walkie-talkies
prompting a wide combing operation to nab them.<More>
India Says Pak Still Has Terror Camps
(December 18, 2006)
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said that though
there had been a drop in infiltration numbers
crossing the Line of Control, there are still
over 59 terror-training camps in Pakistan
occupied Kashmir (PoK).<More>
4 Advisers Quit in Bangla
(December 18, 2006)
Four members of Council of Advisers of
President-cum-Chief Adviser Iajuddin Ahmed resigned
protesting that there was “no situation” that “warranted
an army deployment” of the Army ahead of the general
election.<More>
Hamas Takes Over Gaza Border
(December 15, 2006)
After weeks of politically motivated
assassinations and murder of children, Hamas
gunmen fought fiercely with Fatah-allied
border guards to seize control of the Gaza
Strip’s EU-monitored border crossing with
Egypt.<More>
Nepal Close to Deal
(December 15, 2006)
Nepal’s ruling coalition and Maoists guerrillas say
that they are close to an understanding on an interim
constitution and power-sharing even as a new poll showed
that the Nepalese overwhelmingly wanted the marginalized
King Gnanendra in power.<More>
India Lost 10 Million Girls
(December 15, 2006)
A senior Indian official acknowledged a “national crisis” of parents in
richer states choosing boys over girls using technology to identify and
abort female fetuses resulting in the loss of 10 million girls in the last
20 years.<More>
Taliban Is a Virtual Mini State in Pak
(December 14, 2006)
Finally, Western media has woken up to the
dangers of the
peace pact between Pakistan and the
local Taliban in the North West Frontier
Province and the New York Times (NYT) reported
about a resurgent Taliban supporting
Indian concern for this development.<More>
BEL Weapon Locating Radars
(December 14, 2006)
The Army will start testing indigenously
developed weapon locating radar (WLR) for
“internal evaluation” to further the “shoot and
scoot” doctrine using self-propelled guns and
artillery to loosen up defense before an
offensive onslaught into hostile territory.<More>
Global Trust Deficit
on China FDI
(December 14, 2006)
As China’s major allies
in India, the Communist
