First Ever FIR Against Me, I Won't Forget This Day: Narendra Modi - India

30 apr 2014

First Ever FIR Against Me, I Won't Forget This Day: Narendra Modi

Photo: AFP

Narendra Modi had displayed the BJP symbol and taken a selfie at a polling booth in Gandhinagar

Tirupati: Narendra Modi, who was booked in Gujarat for violation of electoral laws, on Wednesday night said no FIR has ever been lodged against him in his entire life and asserted that he will never forget this day.

The 63-year-old BJP prime ministerial candidate also said that the FIR showed how shaken the Congress is, observing it was facing defeat and was worried that "a person who (once) eked out his livelihood by selling tea" was challenging it.

Addressing a campaign rally in Tirupati, Mr Modi said he has not committed any offence that warranted an FIR and that he only showed a lotus badge to people. Lotus is the symbol of the BJP.

 "To date in my entire life, not even a single FIR has been registered against me, not even for wrong-side scooter driving, and not even for wrong parking. Suddenly today when I landed here I came to know that an FIR has been registered against me...I will never forget April 30," he said.

One can understand if someone points (threatens with) a knife, a pistol or a gun (and FIR is registered). But do you know why FIR was registered against me? Because I showed a lotus to the people," he said.

The Congress was staring at defeat and "the Delhi government" was worried that a person who eked out his livelihood by selling tea was challenging them, he added.

Stoking a huge controversy earlier in the day, Mr Modi displayed the BJP symbol and made a speech in a polling booth in Gandhinagar in violation of electoral laws, following which
police filed an FIR against him.

The police action came after the Election Commission took serious note of the Gujarat Chief Minister's violation of electoral laws, under which no person can display any election matter or address a meeting in a polling booth on the day of election, and ordered filing of an FIR against Modi. 

Just married: Rani Mukerji, Aditya Chopra; Karan Johar attends wedding - India

21  apr 2014

Just married: Rani Mukerji, Aditya Chopra; Karan Johar attends wedding

 

Rani, star of films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Black and No One Killed Jessica , allegedly began dating Mr Chopra in 2008

Actress Rani Mukerji today confirmed that she married Aditya Chopra, the head of Yash Raj Films in Italy last night.

Among the select guests at the wedding was filmmaker Karan Johar, who directed Rani in her breakthrough film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and thereafter in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Mr Johar tweeted today: And finally.Mr and Mrs Chopra.Love you both.

Uday Chopra, Aditya's younger brother, also tweeted a short while ago: We welcome Rani Chopra to the family.lots of love to the newly weds

"It was a beautiful wedding in the Italian countryside with just a few of our close family and friends with us. The one person I missed terribly was Yash Uncle, but I know he was there with us in spirit and his love and blessings will always be with Adi and me," said the 36-year-old star in a statement.

She added, "I have always believed in fairy-tales and with God's grace my life has been exactly like one, and now as I enter the most important chapter of my life - the fairy-tale continues."

Rani, star of films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Black and Bunty Aur Babli allegedly began dating Mr Chopra, 42, in 2008. He is divorced.

Mr Chopra, son of legendary Bollywood film-maker Yash Chopra, has directed blockbusters likeDilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, and Mohabbatein. 

Suspected militants kill sarpanch, his son in Jammu and Kashmir - India

21 apr 2014

Suspected militants kill sarpanch, his son in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar:  Suspected militants today killed a sarpanch and his son in south Kashmir's Tral area. According to the police, a few men barged into the house of Congress' sarpanch Ghulam Nabi Mir and started firing indiscriminately.

Mr Mir's son was critically injured in the firing, the police said, adding that he was shifted to hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Mr Mir is the second sarpanch who has been killed in the last three days.

A sarpanch affiliated to Opposition Peoples Democratic Party was shot dead by suspected militants in Pulwama district on Thursday.

Two unidentified gunmen knocked at the door of Mohammad Amin Pandith and asked him to come out on the pretext of discussing some poll-related issues, police said.

As soon as Mr Pandith reached the main gate of his residential compound, the suspected militants shot him dead, police said.

Pulwama district, which is part of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, goes to polls on April 24 in the third phase.

AAP's Kumar Vishwas alleges 'death threat' in Amethi, FIR filed against Congress worker - India

21 apr 2014

AAP's Kumar Vishwas alleges 'death threat' in Amethi, FIR filed against Congress worker

Photo courtesy: AFP

AAP candidate Kumar Vishwas throws flower petals to supporters during his election campaign in Amethi

Amethi: Aam Aadmi Party's Kumar Vishwas, who is contesting against Rahul Gandhi, says he fears a "threat to his life" after a Congress worker was seen in a video talking to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra about killing him.

A First Information Report or FIR has been filed against Congress worker Vinod Mishra. Mr Vishwas also wanted to file the FIR against Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, his supporters say, but it was not registered.

In the video, Mr Mishra, a Congress worker from Amethi, is seen stopping Priyanka Gandhi on the road and complaining about harassment by Kumar Vishwas and AAP workers. He is heard saying that he would "shoot" Mr Vishwas if nothing was done about it.

Priyanka Gandhi says "no, no don't talk like that. Come and meet me at the Munshiganj guest house." The video was reportedly taken on Tuesday, when Priyanka was on a campaign tour of her brother's constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumar Vishwas says the video is proof of a conspiracy being planned against him.

"Rahul-Priyanka close aide threatens to KILL me. Priyanka invites him to guest house to discuss," he tweeted.

He later told reporters that he was "afraid that my workers and I may be attacked. They can go to any length."

The Congress accused Mr Vishwas of twisting the episode to run a false campaign against the Gandhis. "It is obvious that Priyanka called the man to talk some sense into him.  Kumar Vishwas is interested only in cheap publicity," said the party's Meem Afzal. "I am sure he will even harm his own party one day."

Open letter written by Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj appealing voters to choose a secular party - India

20 apr 2014

Read: Open letter written by Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj appealing voters to choose a secular party

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Mumbai: More than two dozen well known film and music personalities have appealed to the voters to elect a secular party in the Lok Sabha election. Govind Nihalani, Vishal Bhardwaj, Imtiaz Ali, Shubha Mudgal, Swara Bhaskar have signed an open letter urging the voters to "vote for the secular party, which is most likely to win in your constituency".

Here's full text of their open letter

Dear Fellow-Indians,

A file photo of Imtiaz Ali.

The best thing about our country is its cultural diversity, its pluralism - the co-existence of a number of religions and ethnicities over centuries, and hence the blooming of multiple streams of intellectual and artistic thought. And, this has been possible only because Indian society has prided itself on being essentially secular in character, rejecting communal hatred, embracing tolerance.

Today, that very sense of India is vulnerable. The need of the hour is to protect our country's secular foundation. Undoubtedly, corruption and governance are important issues, but we will have to vigilantly work out ways of holding our government accountable to that. However, one thing is clear: India's secular character is not negotiable! Not now, not ever.

As Indian citizens who love our motherland, we appeal to you to vote for the secular party, which is most likely to win in your constituency.

Jai Hind!

Yours

Imtiaz Ali (Writer-Director: Highway, Jab We Met)

Vishal Bhardwaj (Writer-Director: Omkara, Maqbool)

Govind Nihalani (Director: Tamas, Ardh Satya)

Saeed Mirza (Director: Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai)

Zoya Akhtar (Writer-Director: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)

Anand Patwardhan (Documentary Film-maker: Jai Bhim Comrade)

Vijay Krishna Acharya (Director: Dhoom 3)

Kabir Khan (Director: Ek Tha Tiger)

Kundan Shah (Director: Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro)

Nandita Das (Director-Actress: Firaaq, Fire)

Hansal Mehta (Director: Shahid)

Anjum Rajabali (Writer: Raajneeti, Satyagraha)

Shubha Mudgal (Singer-Musician)

Swara Bhaskar (Actor: Raanjhana, Tanu Weds Manu)

Aditi Rao Hydari (Actor: Murder 3, Rockstar)

Mahesh Bhatt (Director-Producer: Saaraansh, Jannat)

Anil Mehta (Cinematographer: Lagaan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan)

Saket Chaudhary (Writer-Director: Shaadi Ke Side Effects)

Rakesh Sharma (Documentary Film-maker: Final Solution)

Vinay Shukla (Writer-Director: Godmother)

Kamlesh Pandey (Writer: Rang De Basanti)

Robin Bhatt (Writer: Chennai Express, Krish 3)

Aneesh Pradhan (Tabla Maestro)

Sanjay Chhel (Writer: Rangeela, Yes Boss)

Sameer Anjan (Lyricist: Dhoom 3, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)

Imteyaz Husain (Writer: Parinda)

Rajesh Dubey (TV Writer: Balika Vadhu)

Vinod Ranganath (TV Writer: Shanti, Swaabhiman)

Jalees Sherwani (Lyricist: Dabang)

Amitabh Shukla (Film Editor: Lagaan)

Sukant Panigrahi (Art Director)

Surabhi Sharma (Documentary Film-maker)

Anusha Khan (Producer)

Bishwadeep Chatterjee (Sound Designer: 3 Idiots)

C.K. Muraleedharan (Cinematographer: 3 Idiots)

Dr Manasee Palshikar (Screenwriter-Teacher)

Jyoti Dogra (Actor:

Joy Sengupta (Actor)

Kauser Munir (Lyricist: Dhoom 3)

Mazahir Rahim (Screenwriter)

Nishant Radhakrishnan (Film Editor: Satyamev Jayate)

Preety Ali (Producer)

Priyanka Borpujari (Screenwriter)

Rajashree (Filmmaker-Teacher)

Ruchika Oberoi (Film-maker)

Rukmini Sen (Screenwriter and TV Journalist)

Sameera Iyengar (Theatre activist)

Sharad Tripathi (Screenwriter)

Shivani Tibrewala Chand (Playwright)

Siminatini Dhuru (Activist)

Sona Jain (Film-maker)

Tushar Gandhi (Activist)

Teesta Setalvaad (Activist)

Javed Anand (Activist)

AAP's Kumar Vishwas alleges 'death threat' in Amethi, FIR filed against Congress worker - India

19 apr 2014

AAP's Kumar Vishwas alleges 'death threat' in Amethi, FIR filed against Congress worker

Photo courtesy: AFP

AAP candidate Kumar Vishwas throws flower petals to supporters during his election campaign in Amethi

Amethi: Aam Aadmi Party's Kumar Vishwas, who is contesting against Rahul Gandhi, says he fears a "threat to his life" after a Congress worker was seen in a video talking to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra about killing him.

A First Information Report or FIR has been filed against Congress worker Vinod Mishra. Mr Vishwas also wanted to file the FIR against Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, his supporters say, but it was not registered.

In the video, Mr Mishra, a Congress worker from Amethi, is seen stopping Priyanka Gandhi on the road and complaining about harassment by Kumar Vishwas and AAP workers. He is heard saying that he would "shoot" Mr Vishwas if nothing was done about it.

Priyanka Gandhi says "no, no don't talk like that. Come and meet me at the Munshiganj guest house." The video was reportedly taken on Tuesday, when Priyanka was on a campaign tour of her brother's constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Kumar Vishwas says the video is proof of a conspiracy being planned against him.

"Rahul-Priyanka close aide threatens to KILL me. Priyanka invites him to guest house to discuss," he tweeted.

He later told reporters that he was "afraid that my workers and I may be attacked. They can go to any length."

The Congress accused Mr Vishwas of twisting the episode to run a false campaign against the Gandhis. "It is obvious that Priyanka called the man to talk some sense into him.  Kumar Vishwas is interested only in cheap publicity," said the party's Meem Afzal. "I am sure he will even harm his own party one day."

In midst of election, another insider's book deals blow for Congress - India

14 apr 2014

In midst of election, another insider's book deals blow for Congress

Former coal secretary PC Parakh releasing his book 'Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths' in New Delhi on Monday

New Delhi: A new book accuses Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of being weak and unable to stamp out corruption on his watch, the second recent attack by an insider that undermines the Congress party as it seeks re-election despite trailing in opinion polls.

PC Parakh retired as Coal Secretary in 2005. His book, released on Monday, called "Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths" claims that the PM's inability to take on vested interests led to the scandal dubbed "Coal-Gate" in which ineligible firms were allegedly granted valuable coal licenses without a fair bidding process, costing the government hundreds of crores, according to the national auditor.

This is the second book in the last week to portray Dr Singh, prime minister since 2004, as a well-intentioned man of high personal integrity but one often unable to assert his authority.

The other, by Sanjaya Baru, a former media adviser to Singh, was greeted with glee by the BJP. The book, released on Friday, claims that the Prime Minister allowed his authority to be undermined by Sonia Gandhi, the president of the Congress party.

The BJP under prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is expected to emerge as the largest party in the election that ends on May 12, although surveys conducted before voting began last week suggest it is unlikely to win an outright majority and will need to form a coalition with other parties.

The Congress is headed for one of its weakest ever showings, the same polls showed.

In his book, Mr Parakh says that Dr Singh, though keen to introduce open bidding, could not tackle resistance from coal ministers in his administration. Mr  Parakh said he himself came under pressure from people interested in acquiring coal blocks.

"Pressures come in the form of enticements such as post-retirement assignments, partnership in business, bribery, blackmail or pure intimidation. Pressures also come from friends and relations," Mr Parakh writes in the book.

"Some can resist these pressures. Others succumb," he said, adding that at no time did the prime minister's office make recommendations or exert pressure in favor of any party.

The Congress said today that the book was a hatchet job. "It is all orchestrated. Narendra Modi's money is flowing in good measure these days," said party leader Digvijaya Singh.

The PM has consistently denied his government did anything wrong, blaming the delay in introducing competitive bidding on resistance from coal-rich states ruled by opposition parties.

Sanjay Kumar fraud charges - India

25  feb 2014

Former CA head Sanjay Kumar pleaded 'not guilty' to fraud charges

Former Computer Associates chief executive Sanjay Kumar has pleaded not guilty to charges including securities fraud.

Kumar, and former CA head of sales Stephen Richards, were charged earlier in the week with securities fraud, conspiracy and obstruction of justice relating to their alleged involvement in a multi-billion dollar accountancy scandal.

Kumar has appeared in a US court and pleaded not guilty to the charges and in a statement released by his lawyer he said he, 'denies any wrongdoing and expects to be exonerated of all charges'.Computer Associates has accepted responsibility for the executives' conduct and agreed to pay $225 million in compensation to shareholders, in a bid to defer company prosecution.

Both Kumar and Richards have been ordered to return to court on 23 November. They were also told to post $5m 'personal recognisance bonds', to surrender their passports and limit their travel to within the US.

The magnitude of the accounting fraud became apparent on 26 April, when CA filed forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission restating financial data for the financial years 2000 and 2001.

An internal investigation undertaken by CA's Audit Committee found that $2.2bn of revenue was booked prematurely.

'The defendants are accused of perpetrating a massive accounting fraud that cost public investors hundreds of millions of dollars when it collapsed. Then they allegedly tried to cover up their crimes by lying,' said Deputy Attorney General James B. Comey.

'If proven true, such a conduct cannot be tolerated and the Corporate Fraud Task Force's track record shows that it will be met with severe penalities.'

Celebrating Maha Shivratri in India

25  feb 2014

Celebrating Maha Shivratri

• The festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great religious fervor all over India as well as its neighboring country Nepal. This festival holds a great importance in the lives of Hindus, especially Shiva followers who await the coming of this special night every year on the 14th New Moon of Maagha (Hindu month of Jan and Feb) and Phalgun (Hindu month of Feb and March), as per the Hindu calendar on the Chaturdashi of Krishna paksha.

Many mythical stories associated with this "big night of Lord Shiva":

Different reference books and Puranas associate the origin of this day with different events; some attribute Maha Shivratri as the night when Lord Shiva did Tandava, others associate it as the day when he drank the poisonous drink "halahal" and came to be known as Neelkantha. There are others who believe it as the night when he got married to Goddess Paravati while some communities celebrate it as the birthday of Lord Shiva when he came in the form of lingam. Despite the multiple reasons for celebration, the enthusiasm among the Shiva bhaktas is infectious. This year, Maha Shivratri falls on the 27th of February, 2014 and preparations have already started in all the Shiva temples.

The main rituals involving purification, virtue and enlightenment:

It starts with bathing the lingam with milk, curd, honey, ghee and water. Later, the leaves of Bel fruit along with betel leaves, flowers and fruits like dhatura and baer are placed around the lingam.

Sandalwood paste is applied on the lingam.

Incense sticks are burned along with the ghee lamp.

Hymns and mantras are recited which are concluded with Shiva aarti in the end.

Food and Fasting:

The significance of this festival is grand both for married as well as unmarried women and all those who want to fulfill their desires. Many devotees keep fast on this day till midnight and start their day with the worship of Lord Shiva. The Shiva temple is flooded with devotees who perform all the rituals of Shiva lingam pooja and all the rituals continue throughout the night.

Post rituals the other crucial thing is the procedure of fasting where you can have saatvik food like sabudana khichdi, bhang, thandai for dinner. Wearing a rudraksha mala is considered to be very auspicious as rudraksha beads are supposed to have been originated from the tears of Lord Shiva. There is constant recitation of "Om Namah Shivaya" and Mahamritiyunjay Jap.

Relevance of Maha Shivratri:

Apart from keeping fast, simply worshipping the lingam after taking bath grants the blessings of Lord Shiva and the person is said to achieve moksha. This day is celebrated more like a festival with feasting and fairs hosted in different cities. The worshipping of Lord Shiva helps in attaining liberation from all past sins and awakens spirituality.

The significance of this festival is associated with the revival of creative spirit and the whole notion behind creation, destruction and maintenance that are an intricate part of our lives. It helps in strengthening the body, mind and soul guiding us towards enlightenment and happiness. This day marks the union of Shiva and Shakti, the Goddess of energy.

08  dec  2013

'Medical tourism' draws Americans to India

Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India

Photo: Apollo Hospital

NEW DELHI — Not all tourists going to India visit the Taj Mahal or other historic spots. Some head right for the hospital. But it’s not what you think.

These visitors are getting elective cosmetic procedures or medically necessary treatments at a fraction of the cost.
Implants and other cosmetic surgeries are far cheaper in India than in the U.S. Likewise, medically-necessary procedures are less expensive.
Many insurance companies will gladly reimburse policyholders for a hip or knee replacement, a spinal fusion or even major heart procedures if they have their procedures done at substantial savings in India.
That is why India has become a leading destination for what is commonly referred to as “medical tourism.”
Indian medical professionals have achieved world-class status and practice using many of the most advanced techniques in a network of privately run hospitals and associated medical institutes in India.
Along with professional skill and a high level of patient care, India offers striking savings. The bill for a heart bypass that may hit $145,000 in the U.S. will likely be no more than $10,500 in India. A hip replacement that can cost $100,000 here runs no more than $9,500 in India.
A major player in the industry is Companion Global Healthcare based in Columbia, S.C. It has a network of 25 accredited hospitals in 13 countries of which the largest number, seven, are in India. Patients treated at these facilities can save up to 80 percent off U.S. hospital charges, says company president David Boucher. “We are seeing an increasing number of patients going to India every year,” he says. “And it’s not just the lower costs; because of the proficiency and experience of Indian doctors, the rate of post-operative complications is lower in India than in most U.S. hospitals.”
Companion Global Healthcare says it will make “all arrangements” for U.S. patients seeking treatment at its designated facilities. This includes setting up appointments, transferring medical records, setting up pre-trip interviews between patients and doctors and making travel and lodging arrangements. Another advantage: patients needing to recuperate following major procedures can stay in luxury hotels and receive attentive full time care from caregivers or even nurses, again at far less cost than comparable care at home.
The non-profit Indian Medical Tourism Association based in New Delhi helps member hospitals market their services to prospective patients living outside India. IMTA can provide foreign patients with member details but they leave it up to the patient to initiate contact with the hospital itself.
The IMTA notes that there currently are 12 healthcare providers in India that are accredited by the Joint Commission International, USA. It is the international arm of the same commission that accredits U.S. hospitals.
An example of these advanced and highly specialized facilities is the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai. On its 400,000 square foot compound is a 250-bed hospital. Among the many procedures routinely performed at the AHI are heart bypass surgery, valve repair and replacement, aneurysm surgery of aorta and blood vessels and the Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation, among many others. As a subspecialty, the AHI has a special pediatric surgical team.
Says the Institute, “our results are on a par with the best centers anywhere.”

United Kingdom-Kingston upon Hull: Internal audit services tender request

29 nov 2013

United Kingdom-Kingston upon Hull: Internal audit services

Tender Details

Title	Description
Sector	Body governed by public law
Status	Contract notice
Market	Service contract
Procurement	Open procedure
Market Org	European Union
Award Criteria	The most economic tender
Date Published	24th Oct 2013
Country	UK
Reference	2013/S 207-358963
Main Activities	Health
Location	Kingston upon Hull
CType	Supplies, Services
Common Procurement Vocabulary	Internal audit services Fraud audit services

Directive 2004/18/EC

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name, addresses and contact point(s)

Contact point(s): For the attention of: Telephone: E-mail: Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road Procurement Paul Ralston Kingston upon Hull UNITED KINGDOM +44 1482608782 paul.ralston@humber.nhs.uk Internet address(es): General address of the contracting authority: www.hey.nhs.uk Further information can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s) Specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s) Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to: The above mentioned contact point(s)

I.2) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

I.3) Main activity

Health

I.4) Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities

The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: no

Section II: Object of the contract

II.1) Description

II.1.1) Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority:

HEY/13/061 - Internal Audit & Local Counter Fraud Services.

II.1.2) Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance

Services Main site or location of works, place of delivery or of performance: Kingston upon Hull. NUTS code UKE11 Kingston upon Hull

II.1.3) Information about a public contract, a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system (DPS)

The notice involves a public contract

II.1.4) Information on framework agreement

Duration of the framework agreement Duration in years: 3 Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement Estimated value excluding VAT: 950 000 GBP

II.1.5) Short description of the contract or purchase(s)

Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking bids from interested suppliers to provide internal audit and local counter fraud services. We require a provider of services who can demonstrate an experience of dealing with the NHS and who can provide an innovative and valuable service.

II.1.6) Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)

79212200 Internal audit services 79212400 Fraud audit services

II.1.7) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The contract is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA): no

II.1.8) Lots

This contract is divided into lots: no

II.1.9) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: yes

II.2) Quantity or scope of the contract

II.2.1) Total quantity or scope:

Estimated value excluding VAT: 950 000 GBP

II.2.2) Information about options

II.2.3) Information about renewals

This contract is subject to renewal: yes Number of possible renewals: 1 In the case of renewable supplies or service contracts, estimated timeframe for subsequent contracts: in months: 36 (from the award of the contract)

II.3) Duration of the contract or time limit for completion

Duration in months: 36 (from the award of the contract)

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1) Conditions relating to the contract

III.1.1) Deposits and guarantees required:

III.1.2) Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions governing them:

III.1.3) Legal form to be taken by the group of economic operators to whom the contract is to be awarded:

Any consortia will be required to form a legal entity prior to award of contract in which each member is jointly and severally liable.

III.1.4) Other particular conditions

The performance of the contract is subject to particular conditions: no

III.2) Conditions for participation

III.2.1) Personal situation of economic operators, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Full details of the information to be provided are detailed in the Invitation to Tender which must be sought and returned by the closing deadline.

III.2.2) Economic and financial ability

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Full details of the information to be provided are detailed in the Invitation to Tender which must be sought and returned by the closing deadline.

III.2.3) Technical capacity

Information and formalities necessary for evaluating if the requirements are met: Full details of the information to be provided are detailed in the Invitation to Tender which must be sought and returned by the closing deadline.

III.2.4) Information about reserved contracts

III.3) Conditions specific to services contracts

III.3.1) Information about a particular profession

Execution of the service is reserved to a particular profession: no

III.3.2) Staff responsible for the execution of the service

Legal persons should indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff responsible for the execution of the service: yes

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Type of procedure

IV.1.1) Type of procedure

Open

IV.1.2) Limitations on the number of operators who will be invited to tender or to participate

IV.1.3) Reduction of the number of operators during the negotiation or dialogue

IV.2) Award criteria

IV.2.1) Award criteria

The most economically advantageous tender in terms of the criteria stated in the specifications, in the invitation to tender or to negotiate or in the descriptive document

IV.2.2) Information about electronic auction

An electronic auction will be used: no

IV.3) Administrative information

IV.3.1) File reference number attributed by the contracting authority:

HEY/13/061

IV.3.2) Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract

no

IV.3.3) Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document

Payable documents: no

IV.3.4) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

3.12.2013 - 12:00

IV.3.5) Date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates

IV.3.6) Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up

English.

IV.3.7) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

until: 3.6.2014

IV.3.8) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date: 3.12.2013 - 12:00 Persons authorised to be present at the opening of tenders: no

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: no

VI.2) Information about European Union funds

The contract is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: no

VI.3) Additional information

To receive more information about this tender, including any amendments and/or clarifications and to request any clarifications and/or to respond to this tender, you must register your interest to this tender on the following site: nep.eu-supply.com Following an expression of interest on nep.eusupply.com, the ITT will be available to access on nep.eu-supply.com The ITT must be returned in accordance with the instructions set out in the ITT by the time and date indicated. The contracting authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any offer and reserves the right to accept an offer in either whole or in part. The contracting authority is not responsible for any costs incurred by bidders in relation to the participation in this process.

VI.4) Procedures for appeal

VI.4.1) Body responsible for appeal procedures

VI.4.2) Lodging of appeals

VI.4.3) Service from which information about the lodging of appeals may be obtained

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice:

22.10.2013

Malala Yousafzai says books can defeat terrorism - India

03  sept  2013

Malala Yousafzai says books can defeat terrorism

File picture of Malala Yousafzai at United Nations

Birmingham: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Taliban after campaigning for girls' right to an education, said books were "the weapons to defeat terrorism".

The 16-year-old gave a speech before unveiling a stainless steel plaque to mark the opening of Europe's biggest public library, the gleaming new Library of Birmingham.

Malala, who was flown to the central English city for surgery last October after being targeted by a gunman as she travelled to school in Pakistan, said she had challenged herself "that I will read thousands of books and I will power myself with knowledge. Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism."

She added, "There is no greater weapon than knowledge and no greater source of knowledge than the written word."

The teenager, who has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, spoke confidently with just a hint of stiffness on the left side of her face.

Malala, who came close to death when the Taliban gunman's bullet grazed her brain, is attending a school in Birmingham, which has a large Pakistani population. Her family has moved to the city to be with her.

The high-tech Library of Birmingham, the latest in a string of projects aimed at regenerating the 1970s-era city centre, has a skin of metal hoops and replaces the nearby brutalist concrete Central Library, which opened in 1974.

The new library contains a million books and houses first editions of William Shakespeare's works.

Baba Ramdev advises sages to maintain distance from women - India

02  sept  2013

Baba Ramdev advises sages to maintain distance from women

File photo of Baba Ramdev

Haridwar: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev today said that sages and holymen should avoid being alone with women, including their mothers, daughters and mothers-in-law, as that was the prescription laid down in Hindu scriptures.

"One of the principles of ideal behaviour for saints prescribed by the scriptures is to maintain a distance from women, including their mothers, daughters and mothers-in-law," Baba Ramdev said.

His reference was to the recent arrest of self-proclaimed god-man Asaram Bapu on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl.

Without taking any names, Baba Ramdev said that any holyman who violated the said prescription of dignified behaviour was sure to land in trouble.

"Some may be facing allegations today, some may face them tomorrow if this scriptural prescription is violated," he said.

Infiltration bid foiled in Jammu and Kashmir, five militants killed - India

31   aug  2013

Infiltration bid foiled in Jammu and Kashmir, five militants killed

Srinagar: Army today foiled a major infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kashmir, killing five militants.

Troops noticed movement of heavily armed militants near the LoC in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara district, 185 kms from Srinagar, during the intervening night of August 30 and 31, an army official said.

The infiltrators were challenged by the troops leading to a gunfight between the two sides.

"So far, five militants have been killed. The combing operation is in progress in the area as there were reports that the group comprised six militants," the official said.

The elimination of the infiltrators comes a day after security forces killed five top foreign militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, including district commander Qari Assadullah, in Kangan area of central Kashmir Ganderbal district.

Infiltration attempts by militants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have increased over the past three months and more than 20 ultras have been killed during operations along the LoC.

After Maharashtra, Karnataka to enact law against black magic - India

27  aug  2013

After Maharashtra, Karnataka to enact law against black magic

New Delhi: Days after Maharashtra promulgated the anti-black magic and superstition ordinance, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said his government too will enact a law against practitioners of black magic, blind faith and superstition.

"We will study the proposed Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Bill prepared by Maharashtra government and bring it in Karnataka too", Mr Siddaramaiah told reporters in Delhi.

Karnataka government's decision comes a week after the killing of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Pune.

Mr Siddaramaiah said there was a necessity to ban practitioners of black magic and those who practice inhuman rituals have been exploiting the people in the name of religious faith.

In Maharashtra, Mr Dabholkar had drafted the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Bill over a decade ago but it repeatedly failed to get through the state legislature.

The Bill had proposed that those indulging in black magic or preying on peoples' superstitions be jailed for up to seven years. The bill also sought to ban a range of practices including black magic, animal sacrifice and "magical" remedies to cure ailments.

Taking a strong position against a controversial ritual "made snana", which is performed in several temples in the state, the chief minister said such practices should be banned.

"Made snana" refers to devotees rolling over plantain leaves containing leftovers of the food served to Brahmins.

China provokes India again, its troops enter Arunachal Pradesh and camp for 3-4 days: reports - India

21  aug  2013

China provokes India again, its troops enter Arunachal Pradesh and camp for 3-4 days: reports

Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India

Click to Expand & PlayFile pic: Indian Army personnel at the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh

New Delhi: In a repeat of the April incident in Ladakh, Chinese troops reportedly intruded into Arunachal Pradesh at two places last week. Army and police sources have confirmed that they camped for at least three to four days in one area, about 20 km within Indian territory.

The first intrusion in Arunachal Pradesh was discovered by the Indian Army on August 11 at Plam Plam, a high-altitude, sparsely-populated and very remote area. The second was a few kilometres away on the Hadig La pass, just two days ago.

News of these incursions comes as India landed a C-130J Super Hercules transport plane at an airstrip in Daulat Beg Oldie near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, the site of the India-China stand-off in April, in a flexing of muscle before border talks.

Sources said when the Indian troops chanced upon the Chinese soldiers camped at Plam Plam, they made a tactical retreat to come back with a reinforced patrol. But before they did, the Chinese soldiers told them, through interpreters present in both patrols, that they were building a track to Kapatu, about 20 km into what India considers its territory.

They also said that they had been coming into the area for the last 12 years, since 2001.

The Indian Army launched a reinforced patrol on August 15, which went back to Plam Plam to find that the Chinese troops had withdrawn. But on August 19, they ran into a different group of Chinese soldiers in Hadig la. This group did not camp on Indian territory and withdrew immediately. As did the Indian troops. 
 
"We don't take up non-events in diplomatic practice. The Army has refuted it," said Syed Akbaruddin, spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs.

However, the Army is tight-lipped and only said, "We patrol up to our area of perception, the Chinese troops patrol up to their area of perception."

China for many years claimed entire Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory. There have been intrusions in the past, but the Chinese have always gone back immediately. This was the first time a camp was discovered in recent times in Arunachal, much like the one in Ladakh in April, when the Chinese camped for 21 days in Depsang leading to diplomatic tension for days, which was de-escalated after many rounds of talks and tough negotiations.

Pakistan to free 367 Indian prisoners: sources - India

17  aug  2013

Pakistan to free 367 Indian prisoners: sources

Islamabad: Pakistan will release 367 Indian prisoners next week to send a positive message to its neighbour amid high tension due to firing on the Line of Control, Pakistani sources said today.

The two sides are trying to ease pressure on the LoC after about two weeks of ceasefire violations that started after five Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by Pakistani troops early this month.

"Yes, it is true that 367 Indian prisoners and fishermen are being released on August 24," a senior Foreign Office official told PTI.

However, the official requested anonymity as the decision has not been officially announced as yet.

Hundreds of prisoners are currently being held in jails on both sides.

Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry told a weekly briefing yesterday that both "diplomatic and military channels" were being used to normalise the situation.

He said a meeting between the Prime Ministers on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in September in New York would be an "useful opportunity" to build trust and consolidate ties.

British Indian dentist 'bullied and harassed' before suicide, says wife - India

11 Aug  2013

British Indian dentist 'bullied and harassed' before suicide, says wife

London: A British Indian dentist from Yorkshire committed suicide after allegedly being "bullied and harassed" by the National Health Service which threatened disciplinary action against him over keeping of records at his clinic, an inquest heard.

Dr Anand Kamath, 42, was under investigation by the National Health Service (NHS) over record-keeping at Rothwell Dental Surgery, which he ran with his wife and fellow dentist Dr Rajni Prasad in the city of Leeds.

An inquest heard last week that the father of three felt "bullied and harassed" and took his own life after receiving a letter from the NHS warning him that he could be reported to the General Dental Council.

"They behaved like bullies and drove a loyal NHS servant over the edge. He just couldn't take the anxiety," his 42-year-old wife told the inquest.

"When the letter came, that was the final straw. He gave everything to the NHS. His reward for caring for thousands of patients no other practice would take was to be threatened with the most severe disciplinary action over administrative matters which we agreed straightaway needed improvement," she added.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Dr Kamath and his wife had for 10 years treated only NHS patients in an area of Leeds where there were no other NHS government-backed dentists.

The couple had taken on 10,000 patients, four times that of the average practice, to help out patients who could not afford the high costs of private dentistry.

Rajni Prasad found her husband with his wrists cut at their home in Pudsey, near Leeds, in December last year.

The British Dental Association has called for an inquiry into the circumstances behind the suicide of Dr Kamath.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Wakefield coroner David Hinchliff said: "There had been a complaint and an investigation, not about his ability as a dentist, but in relation to record-keeping which had put him and his wife under an intolerable strain."

"It seems he was in grave danger of being removed from the list of practitioners which would have ended his career. It appears all of this just became too much and he had taken action to end his own life," he said.

Hinchliff added that unreasonable pressure exerted on Dr Kamath by the trust "pushed a good man over the edge".

Senior Pakistan official admits to presence of Dawood Ibrahim - India

10 Aug 2013

Senior Pakistan official admits to presence of Dawood Ibrahim, then does a U-turn

Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India

Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim (File pic)

London: For the very first time, a senior Pakistani official admitted on Friday the presence of India's Most Wanted, underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, on their soil.

"Dawood (Ibrahim) was in Pakistan but I believe he was chased out of Pakistan. If he is in Pakistan, he should be hounded and arrested. We cannot allow such gangsters to operate from the country," Shahryar Khan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's special envoy for improving relations with India, had said.

But perhaps, worried about the ramifications, Mr Khan downplayed his statement just hours later.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India

"I have never, not in the past as foreign secretary, not now, have known where Mr Ibrahim lives. I was only reflecting what the Pakistani press has been saying. I have no knowledge nor is it my remit," he told NDTV in London.

Pakistan till now has denied the presence of Dawood on its soil, though Indian security agencies have repeatedly mentioned his name and details in dossiers handed over to Pakistani authorities.  According to reports, Dawood was based in Karachi, where he had fled after the 1993 Mumbai bombings in which 257 people were killed and over 700 injured.

Dawood is also wanted in numerous other terror and criminal cases in India. In 2003, the US government had designated him as a "Foreign Terrorist".

According to the chargesheet filed in the Indian Premier League spot-fixing case, Dawood was in Pakistan at least till late April. The Delhi Police had intercepted telephonic conversations between Dawood, his close aide Chota Shakeel and others in Dubai which show his location was in Pakistan.

In the chargesheet, the Delhi Police had attached a list of addresses suspected to be used by Dawood. In Karachi - Moin Palace in Clifton and 6/A, Khyban Tanzeem in defence housing area. In Islamabad, he is believed to have stayed in a house on Margella Road. 

Syed Akbaruddin, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said India has never closed the 1993 blasts case and now, with this information, the government will not rest until those responsible for the killings of Indian citizens in the attack are brought to justice.

This comes at a time when foreign policy experts are redefining redlines with Pakistan and talks between Prime Ministers of the two nations are under the cloud after the killing of five Indian jawans at the Line of Control earlier this month.

Princess Diana wanted to marry and move to Pakistan: Jemima Khan - India

03   aug  2013

Princess Diana wanted to marry and move to Pakistan: Jemima Khan

London: Princess Diana was so "madly in love" with Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan that she wanted to marry him and was even willing to move to Pakistan, according to Jemima Khan. Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's former wife, who was a friend of the late princess, has written a detailed account of their friendship in an article for the September issue of 'Vanity Fair' titled 'The Grandmother Prince George Never Knew'.
"Diana was madly in love with Hasnat Khan and wanted to marry him, even if that meant living in Pakistan, and that's one of the reasons why we became friends," she told the magazine. "She wanted to know how hard it had been for me to adapt to life in Pakistan," she added, in reference to her own marriage to Imran Khan, which took her to Pakistan.
Jemima disclosed that Diana visited her twice in Pakistan to help fund-raise for the hospital where her former husband a distant cousin of Diana's lover worked. "Both times she also went to meet his family secretly to discuss the possibility of marriage to Hasnat," she reveals. Diana made every effort to get to know Khan's family but for a son to marry an English woman "is every conservative Pashtun mother's worst nightmare", Jemima says in the article.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Cardiac Cardiothoracic Heart Surgeon India

Jemima disclosed that Diana went to Pakistan twice to meet her lover's family secretly to discuss the possibility of marriage.

The couple are thought to have discussed the possibility of marriage but Khan told police in an interview after her death in a Paris car crash in 1997 that he told her "it was a ridiculous idea" and that the only way they could have a normal life would be to move to Pakistan, where the press "don't bother you".
As her love affair with the doctor began to crumble, Diana began a new relationship with Dodi Al Fayed. The source of her apparent frustration with Khan his reluctance to marry was no longer an issue with Al Fayed, whom she reportedly believed was going to give her a ring.
She told close friend Rosa Monckton, the former managing director of Tiffany & Co, that the ring was "going firmly on my right hand". However, according to Monckton, Diana talked much more about Khan than Al Fayed and she still believes she pursued the relationship only to make the doctor jealous.