Bollywood Glam Girls with ME ANNA AAHE Cap exposes the Civil Society Skin!The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said India has been transformed into one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world.
Reforms drive has got the US wanted momentum with ANNA TEAM Created Indian spring!

Anna Hazare says ready to talk to Rahul, PMO or Chavan!I had been writing that it is Another PIPLI LIVE Show Inflated by Media. The Corporate Lobbying is Exposed with Anna team Bargaining!And why Rahul Gandhi? Rahul does NOT represent the Government. In fact, the World Bank and Amrican Agency known as Civil Society works against Constitution to clear the decks of FREE Market Economy. It Highlight EXTRA Constitutional elements and in fact the LPG Mafia Rule Executes Policy Making and Governance with EXTRA Constitutional elements only. This morning, I had a little talk to VT Rajshekhar as Dalit Voice is hacked and we may not get any reference matter from there. VTR Expressed shock as our people, the Majority masses belonging to Excluded communities are SO ENSLAVED that they remain Quite Unaware of the Zionist Brahaminical Trap. Media as well as Alternative Media , particulrly, Social Networking Sites are Captured by the Market dominating Brahaminical Class who are the Best Masters of Mind Control. The ANNA Ritual of Gandhian ANTI MULNIVASI Gimmick is so much so Attractively Packed and Professionally Branded, that our people do not see how it turns ANTI Reservation Movement and Pro US Upsurge at the same time!Arundhati Roy has criticised that ANNA Team Evoked Agressive Nationalism! It is NOT Nationalism, it is, in fact, ETHNONATIONALISM, the Nationalism of Micro Minority Brahaminical Class, BLIND Hindu Nationalism!I add!Aruna Roy earlier termed ANNA TEAM UNDEMOCRATIC. There is a Specific difference between Anna`s Anti Corruption Campaign and SINGUR NANDIGRAM Land Movement, mind you. The Pro Active Bengali Civil Society has NOT Expressed its stance on Anna Campaign. It has NOT supported , true. But it is NOT opposing at the Same time as Anna Team and Bengali Brahaminical Civil Society both are Committed to Manusmriti Rule and FREE Market Economy!

FDI inflow to rise sharply to $ 19.5 billion in FY12: CMIE

Indian Holocaust My Father`s Life and Time - SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTEEN

Palash Biswas

http://indianholocaustmyfatherslifeandtime.blogspot.com/

http://basantipurtimes.blogspot.com

Anna Hazare says ready to talk to Rahul, PMO or Chavan!I had been writing that it is Another PIPLI LIVE Show Inflated by Media. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said India has been transformed into one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world.

The Corporate Lobbying is Exposed with Anna team Bargaining!

Reforms drive has got the US wanted momentum with ANNA TEAM Created Indian spring!

And why Rahul Gandhi?

Rahul does NOT represent the Government.

In fact, the World Bank and Amrican Agency known as Civil Society works against Constitution to clear the decks of FREE Market Economy. It Highlight EXTRA Constitutional elements and in fact the LPG Mafia Rule Executes Policy Making and Governance with EXTRA Constitutional elements only.

This morning, I had a little talk to VT Rajshekhar as Dalit Voice is hacked and we may not get any reference matter from there.

VTR Expressed shock as our people, the Majority masses belonging to Excluded communities are SO ENSLAVED that they remain Quite Unaware of the Zionist Brahaminical Trap.

Media as well as Alternative Media , particulrly, Social Networking Sites are Captured by the Market dominating Brahaminical Class who are the Best Masters of Mind Control.

The ANNA Ritual of Gandhian ANTI MULNIVASI Gimmick is so much so Attractively Packed and Professionally Branded, that our people do not see how it turns ANTI Reservation Movement and Pro US Upsurge at the same time!

Bollywood Glam Girls with ME ANNA AAHE Cap exposes the Civil Society Skin!

Anna storm hits the fashion circle!
First designer duo Parvesh-Jai flaunted a picture of social activist Anna Hazare on their sleeves in their show. Then later, actor Shabana Azmi who came in as a guest for designer Anita Dongre's show was heard talking on the same topic to many other guests. But on Day 3 of LFW, a South Mumbai business man, before designers Debarun and Shyamal-Bhumika's show, started distributing caps with 'I am Anna Hazare' to all present at the venue. As per khabru's information though some accepted them and wore the caps, others weren't keen. Apparently the problem started when he tried to give caps to some firang models who weren't really interested in wearing them.
Volunteers apparently had to intervene to sort out the matter. However the businessman wasn't done yet. The moment he got in the main show area, he started distributing the caps again to all the guests coming to watch the show and also clicked snaps with them. But things got out of hand when a few others were apparently ruffled by his behaviour saying that fashion week wasn't meant for such things. The volunteers yet again had to intervene and this time they took away the bag containing caps and asked the businessman to collect it post the show. After this incident all the guests sporting the caps started taking off their caps. Onlookers said that they might be doing this because they felt that the ones wearing the caps too would be asked to leave the show area.
http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_lfw-day-3-fashion-grapevine_1578114

Anna storms LFW
Anna Hazare caused quite a stir at Lakme Fashion Week... or at least his namesake 'topis' (caps) did. When the models and designers turned up for fashion week, little did they expect to receive a crash course in political activisation from one of their own.

Viren Shah, owner of popular
ethnic wear stores Roopam and Roopmilan, brought in a bagful of Nehru caps that bore the words, 'I am Anna Hazare' written in Marathi. He proceeded to distribute them to anyone who'd ask. "The models were taking a break in between shows, when a guy turned up wearing an Anna hat and started passing out more. We saw photographers gather, so we went to take a look," says Divyak D'souza, fashion stylist. "The models weren't too happy because they only get a few minutes break, and the man was asking them to pose for photos."

The drama continued inside the main show area, where Shah began to pass out the topis to audience members, asking people to wear them during the show. An insider from IMG-R, the event management company, found out Shah was planning to jump on the ramp amidst a show, and plant a topi on a model's head. But he didn't create any scene.

Ask Shah what his gimmick was about and he says, "We've been supporting Anna Hazare since day one. We even have a banner outside our Crawford Market store, overlooking the police commissioner's office. I wanted to use Lakme Fashion Week as a platform." Anjana Sharma, head of fashion, IMG-R, says, "We have no issues with anybody expressing themselves as long as it doesn't offend sensibilities. We wouldn't have allowed anything to disrupt a show, and Shah didn't do that. I'm told that Vidya Balan and Sridevi, who were present for Sabyasachi's show, also supported the cause."
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Anna-storms-LFW/Article1-735713.aspx

Arundhati Roy has criticised ANNA Team Evoked Agressive Nationalism! It is NOT Nationalism, it is, in fact, ETHNONATIONALISM, the Nationalism of Micro Minority Brahaminical Class, BLIND Hindu Nationalism!I add!

Team India thrashed again, slip to number three in Test rankings!Just remeber, the World cup cricket show and the Craze! Cricket nationalism and RSS Hindu Nationalism may be compared to ANNA BRAND overlaping Failed Sachin or Dhoni brands!

Aruna Roy earlier termed ANNA TEAM UNDEMOCRATIC.

There is a Specific difference between Anna`s Anti Corruption Campaign and SINGUR NANDIGRAM Land Movement, mind you. The Pro Active Bengali Civil Society has NOT Expressed its stance on Anna Campaign. It has NOT supported , true. But it is NOT opposing at the Same time as Anna Team and Bengali Brahaminical Civil Society both are Committed to Manusmriti Rule and FREE Market Economy!

FDI inflow to rise sharply to $ 19.5 billion in FY12: CMIE
The net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in India is expected to improve sharply to $ 19.5 billion during FY 12 as compared to $ 7.1 billion in FY 11 on account of robust and sustainable economy, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in its monthly review here.

As per the review, FDI inflows during the first two months of FY 12 were much higher at $ 7.4 billion compared to $ 3.6 billion during the corresponding period of FY 11.

Since higher FDI inflows are more than made up for the lower FII inflows, total foreign investments during April-May 2011 were much higher at $ 9.7 billion compared to $ 7.8 billion during April-May 2010.

"We maintain that FDI inflows into India will continue to be robust as the Indian economy will continue to remain amongst the fastest growing economies of the world. We also expect FII inflows into the Indian equity markets to continue in the coming months for the same reasons," CMIE said.

The economic growth in India is also sustainable and driven by the domestic demand. The high inflation and supply shortages driving it is an indication of a strong underlying private consumption demand in the country. Overseas investors are likely to be keen on capitalising on it, it said.

Booker prize-winning author Arundhati Roy launched a scathing attack on the "aggressive nationalism" behind the anti-corruption drive led by Anna Hazare.

In a column entitled "I'd rather not be Anna" published in a newspaper, the novelist, essayist and rights activist condemned both the style and substance of Hazare's campaign that has mobilised public opinion in India.

In particular she questioned Hazare's use of the hunger strike and other tactics and symbols co-opted from his hero -- Mahatma Gandhi.

"While his means may be Gandhian, Anna Hazare's demands are certainly not," Roy said.

The focus of Hazare's protest is a new anti-corruption bill.

The 74-year-old activist says the current draft is too weak and wants parliament to pass his own version which gives more scope and power to an ombudsman who would monitor politicians, bureaucrats and the judiciary.

While agreeing that the government bill was so flawed "that it was impossible to take seriously", Roy said Gandhi would have been dismayed by Hazare's vision of an all-powerful, centralised ombudsman.

"It will function as an independent administration, meant to counter the bloated, unaccountable, corrupt one that we already have. Two oligarchies instead of one," Roy said.

Hazare, who has not eaten for six days and took his fast public on Friday, has drawn huge crowds to the open air venue where he is staging his hunger strike in Delhi.

The atmosphere is one of celebratory protest, with the crowds singing along to patriotic songs and waving the Indian national flag.

But Roy, a vocal government critic, said she was dismayed by "the props and the choreography, the aggressive nationalism" of the Hazare movement.

"They signal to us that if we do not support the fast, we are not 'true Indians'," she said.

On the seventh day of his fast, Anna Hazare said on Monday he would negotiate with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) or Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to break the logjam with the union government on the Lokpal bill.

The IBN Lokmat Marathi news channel quoted him as saying that he would not negotiate with any other mediator, including Home Minister P. Chidambaram or Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal.

According to the channel, the 74-year-old activist added in an interview to IBN Lokmat editor Nikhil Wagle that negotiations could not take place with non-government mediators.

"Hazare said that Lokpal bill negotiations cannot happen with non-government mediators and added that he can talk with the Prime Minister's Office or Rahul. He also added that he was ready to talk with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan," according to the CNN-IBN channel.

In a similar development, Hazare's close aide Kiran Bedi said the activist wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to send his representative to hold talks on a stringent legislation that will set up an independent and powerful anti-graft watchdog.

"Anna is saying let the government come forward to discuss the Jan Lokpal bill. Let the PM send his representatives. Any negotiations are rumours," Bedi tweeted on the microblogging site Twitter.

The prime minister in his address in Kolkata earlier in the day said the government was ready for debate on the Lokpal bill.

Hazare, 74, has been on fast since Aug 16 demanding a stronger Lokpal bill in parliament.

The anti-corruption campaigner also told the Marathi news channel that no official mediator has approached him "till now".

"He also said he would not speak to anyone without the presence of his advisers," according to the news channel.

Hazare reiterated his demand that the Lokpal bill introduced by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in parliament should be withdrawn immediately "as it was weak and cannot fight the corruption menace".

He also hinted at some flexibility on the issue of excluding judiciary under the ombudsman, and said this demand could be discussed during the proposed talks.

He, however, added that a proposed Judicial Accountability Bill must be strengthened if judiciary has to be kept out of the Lokpal's jurisdiction.

Hazare ruled out any future possibility of negotiating with non-political mediators like spiritual guru Bhayyuji Maharaj and senior bureaucrat from Maharashtra U.C. Sarangi.

The two were said to be involved in back-channel talks with Hazare but he denied it.

LONDON: Sachin Tendulkar came agonisingly close to a phenomenal 100th international century before a pathetic India slumped to an innings and eight runs defeat in the fourth and final Test to give a ruthless England a resounding 4-0 series win on Monday.

Needing to bat out the entire fifth day to save the game, Tendulkar (91) led a spirited fightback alongwith Amit Mishra (84) but the complexion of the game changed dramatically after their dismissals as the visitors lost as many as seven wickets for a mere 21 runs to be all out for 283 in the second innings just at the stroke of tea.

With this emphatic victory, England officially crowned themselves the number one team in Test rankings with 125 points followed by South Africa with 118 points.

The Indians, who started the series as the number one Test team, surrendered the number one tag after losing the third Test in Birmingham and have now slipped to the number three position following the 4-0 whitewash.

Spinner Graeme Swann was the wrecker-in-chief for England with with impressive figures of six for 106 while Stuart Broad chipped in with two wickets.

Resuming at the overnight total of 129 for three, Tendulkar and Mishra raised hopes of drawing the game as the duo put on 144 runs for the fourth wicket but Mishra's departure virtually opened up the floodgates as none of the Indian batsmen showed the determination to hang around for long.

The visitors suffered a stunning collapse, losing their last seven wickets for 21 runs, a reflection of the capitulation which has been a feature right through the series.

Tendulkar and Mishra, who resumed this morning, continued the good work for the first 40 minutes after lunch but then both were gone in quick succession.

Mishra started the rot when he played inside the line to a Graeme Swann delivery and his off-stump was pegged back. The gutsy knock by the leg-spinner lasted for 184 minutes and 141 balls and his 84 runs included 10 fours.

From the other end, India suffered the double blow when Tendulkar was given out leg before wicket which appeared a harsh decision as the Tim Bresnan delivery appeared to be heading down the leg stump.

Television replays showed that the ball would have hit the top of the leg stump.

Tendulkar made his 91 runs in 239-minutes and 172-ball innings, slamming 11 fours. It was not the best of his knock as he was dropped on scores of 70 and 85 off Swann and there was also a stumping against the off-spinner which went begging last night.

India's innings unfolded quickly as Suresh Raina took his second duck from the match, out again to Swann but this time leg-before-wicket.

England claimed the second new ball as soon as it was due and its' effect was immediately apparent. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (3) slashed at a wide delivery from Stuart Broad and was caught at second slip.

RP Singh departed in the same over when he edged an outswinger into the gloves of wicketkeeper Matt Prior.

Addressing the students on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) here, Dr. Singh said: "Because of our gradualist approach, it took time for the economic reforms to have an impact. However, it is now clear that their impact has been remarkable. India has been transformed into one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world."

"If we can continue to grow at this rate, we are well positioned to be the country with the third largest GDP in the world by 2025. With our growing economic weight, our voice is also heard more carefully in the councils of the world," he added.

Asserting that India is today viewed as one of the most attractive destinations for FDI, Dr. Singh said: "From being a relatively closed economy at one time, we have become much more open both for trade and technology flows. We are today viewed as one of the most attractive destinations for FDI. Most of the world's major corporations have a presence in India, with substantial expansion plans."

"Those that don't are asking themselves why they don't. What is more important, India's corporations are expanding their footprint abroad through investments and mergers and acquisitions," he added.

The Prime Minister told the students that as business managers of the future, they will have a major role in this flowering of Indian enterprise and of Indian brands, not only domestically, but also on the world stage.

Dr. Singh further informed that he chaired a meeting of the full Planning Commission in New Delhi on Saturday to discuss the approach to the Twelfth Plan, which begins next year.

"I must emphasise that while this rosy future is within our reach, it is not an assured outcome. We reviewed the many challenges we face in the years ahead. We set ourselves the objective of achieving faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth, with a growth target of 9 percent per year for the next five years," said Dr. Singh.

"Since we have already achieved about 8.2 percent in the Eleventh Plan period, it may seem that a transition to 9 percent growth is not difficult. However, it is in fact a very ambitious target given the current global economic situation, which is full of uncertainties about the prospects in industrialized countries and their implications for global capital markets," he added.

The Prime Minister said the Indian economy has slowed down compared to last year, and this year's growth may be around 8 percent or a little more, at best.

"Despite this sobering environment, we concluded that we should aim at 9 percent growth. This is because we are not planning for today, or even for the rest of this year. We are planning for the five-year period from 2012-13 to 2016-17. I believe India has the inherent economic strength to achieve this target provided we can do some of the difficult things needed to get there," he added.

Jan Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare has brought issue of corruption on centre stage, says Shabana Azmi

ANI Aug 19, 2011, 04.50pm IST

Tags:

MUMBAI: Asserting that the right to formulate laws rests with Parliament, actor and social activist Shabana Azmi on Friday said Anna Hazare has brought the issue of corruption on the centre stage.
"I believe that the most important contribution of Anna Hazare (veteran social activist) is that he has brought the issue of corruption on the centre stage and that is why it is worth praising him because it is an important issue," Azmi told mediapersons during the Lakme Fashion Week, 2011 here.
"We must remember that in a democracy, the right to formulate laws rests with Parliament. The civil society should merely set agendas," she added.
Fashion designer Anita Dongre displayed her collection at the Lakme Fashion Week. Her collection was inspired by designs from Rajasthan.
Appreciating Dongre's collection, Azmi further said that fashion trends may change every season, but it is essential for a person to develop his own unique style.
Model-turned actress Lisa Haydon walked the ramp and flaunted designs created by Dongre.
Another well-known fashion designer Narendra Kumar also showcased his collections.
Bollywood personalities Kabir Bedi, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sangeeta Bijlani and Sanjay Suri were present on the occasion.
Mukesh, wearing formal attire designed by Kumar, told mediapersons he liked the collection, which was exclusive and wonderful.
"I have seen the collection. I have shot for the collections also. I know the collection is outstanding and it is a very unique collection. First time you will see very different fabrics again by Narendra Kumar with a nice stitch work on it. When I had worn it for the first time, I felt very confident," said Mukesh.
Models were seen walking the ramp wearing exclusive outfits.
The seven-day fashion show that began on August 16 will conclude on the 21st of this month.

Everything is an Anna more
Hindustan Times
August 19, 2011
Not everyone may want to buy into Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption, but he has certainly created a sellers' market. As the Annafest gets underway, local economies, which had slowed to a canter from the earlier gallop, have begun to pick up speed again. So even as Anna goes into
deprivation mode, those selling t-shirts, Gandhi caps, arm bands, flags, you name it, are laughing all the way to the bank. Oh, not to mention candle makers for those vigils. We are heartened by this and are reminded of a Native American custom called the potlatch. At time when the economy would be moribund, one or the other villager would throw a gigantic feast to which guests would be invited from all over the region. They would arrive to sing, dance and feast for days on end, engaging in barter and trade giving the flagging economy a boost. Similarly, those 'who are Anna' have and will give substantial business to those in the areas where the festivities around the relay fasts and speeches take place.
Street vendors are doing roaring business as those who are supporting Anna fortify themselves for all the heavy duty lifting that lies ahead. As for us in the media, this is a boon from the gods. In this rain and humidity, most of us prefer to sit in our offices venturing out only if absolutely vital. But now that the Anna show is on the ramp, we have to be out there. We have got the energy of Dracula after a blood transfusion and are striving to reach greater heights of hyperbole with each passing hour. While many are not buying what the politicians in government are trying to sell, the Opposition has readied its wares and has opened its stalls. The packaging is a little tacky but there is gathering interest in what is on offer. This has also given little known 'celebrities' a chance to sell their pedestrian wisdom to the nearest taker. No doubt, tapes of Anna's messages and a few ditties composed in honour of his crusade will soon be on sale, if they are not already. The more enterprising could turn this into a desi version of the Royal wedding. Anna memorabilia like scarves, ceremonial mugs, pens and ties could be marketed.
If this is mini-history in the making, many people will want a part of it. The possibilities are endless. A stirring theme song could be in the making and poets may set these developments to verse. A Bollywood film is definitely waiting to roll out. The issue is serious, but the atmospherics are elevating, even fun. Anna's message is — don't sell your soul to the highest bidder. But nothing wrong in putting more worldly items on the market at a marked up price.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Everything-is-an-Anna-more/Article1-735203.aspx

A Madhya Pradesh-based spiritual leader, involved in back channel negotiations between the Centre and fasting Anna Hazare, on Monday said the ongoing talks to resolve the Lokpal logjam have so far been "fruitful" and are moving in a "positive" direction.

"I am trying my best to convince both sides (to arrive at an agreement). It will take time, but at the moment I can only say that the talks have been fruitful so far and moving in a positive direction," Uday Singh Deshmukh, popularly known as "Bhayyu Maharaj," told PTI over phone from Delhi.

"Efforts are going on to resolve the issue with full vigour," said the Indore-based spiritual leader, who is known to several top politicians from Maharashtra, Hazare's home state.

"Things will take time to resolve. Media have played a tremendous role in presenting this whole issue (Lokpal) in a very transparent manner," said Bhayyu Maharaj, when asked to specify the time it will take to break the deadlock.

Without giving any timeframe for the talks between Team Anna and the Government, he maintained that intentions of both sides are honest.

Bhayyu Maharaj enjoys good rapport with the 73-year-old Gandhian, who is on a fast in New Delhi since August 16 to demand a strong anti-corruption ombudsman.

The spiritual leader, along with senior Maharashtra bureaucrat Umesh Chandra Sarangi, has been engaged by the Government to initiate back-room negotiations to end Hazare's fast at Ramlila Maidan in the national capital.

Fusion fails to save dull Day 2

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Asian Age (blog) - 3 days ago

Whether it was the heavy rains or the fact that it is Anna Hazare— and not ... The ramp seemed transformed into an atrium as models bedecked as birds of ...

Photos of the Week

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Toronto Sun - 10 hours ago

... of veteran Indian social activist Anna Hazare holds a portrait of Hazare ... international community did not ramp up its response to the famine there, ...

Diary of a fashion week virgin: Day Two

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Rediff - 3 days ago

... Facebook status about Anna Hazare fighting against corruption in the country? ... Inside, the drill continues on the ramp -- a young designer and a few ...

Rediff

Posted On Friday, August 19, 2011 at 05:06:02 AM

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Mumbai Mirror - 3 days ago

Type Anna now and you will be prompted to a certain 73-year-old Hazare who is taking the world's largest democracy by storm. Think you've got a story that ...

Mumbai Mirror

Posted On Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 02:18:35 AM

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Ahmedabad Mirror - 2 days ago

Type Anna now and you will be prompted to a certain 73-year-old Hazare who is taking the world's largest democracy by storm.

TCS arm targets 1 Billion revenue by 2015

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Siliconindia.com - 2 days ago

Do you think the 74-year-old Gandhian Anna Hazare can clean the country ... The company also said that it wants to ramp up over 1000 customers this year. ...

Bollywood condemns Anna Hazare's detention - N E W S RamP ...
www.newsramp.com/.../bollywood-condemns-anna-hazares-d... - United States
6 days ago – Bollywood has once again in support of Anna Hazare and ...
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Walking on ramp has become a cliche: Mugdha Godse - Yahoo!
in.news.yahoo.com/walking-ramp-become-cliche-mugdha-godse-0... - Cached

8 Aug 2011 – Read 'Walking on ramp has become a cliche: Mugdha Godse' on Yahoo!. Mumbai, Aug 8 ... Latest on Anna Hazare. 'I will not stop fighting till I ...

Zarine Khan Ramp Walk on IIJW 2011
*	www.supergoodmovies.com/.../Zarine-Khan-Ramp-Walk-Videos-Details1 min - 4 Aug 2011 STPL- Zarine Khan walked the ramp for Dwarkadas Chandumal Diamonds on the Day 3... Kailash Kher Performed in support of Anna Hazare ...

22/08/2011

UPA govt ropes in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to negotiate with Team Anna

New Delhi: UPA govt ropes in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to negotiate with Team Anna, TV news channels reported quoting sources.

UPA govt ropes in Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to negotiate with Team Anna

Earlier in the day, reports said that the Union government had formally deputed Umesh Chandra Sarangi, Maharashtra's additional chief secretary (home), to hold talks with Anna Hazare.

However, a few hours later Team Anna said that they would only be willing to talk to the PMO, Rahul Gandhi or Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan.

Further details are awaited.

Source: India Syndicate

Caught in a bind over Anna Hazare's fast, which continued for the seventh day on Monday, the Congress indicated its willingness to take the civil society's concerns on board over the Lokpal bill but made it clear that it will be virtually impossible to pass the bill in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament.

The Congress and the government appear to have stepped up their efforts for a solution amid concerns about the health condition of the fasting social activist who has been attracting huge crowds over the extended weekend at the venue of his fast at Ramlila ground.

Congress leaders expressed the party's willingness for a debate on the Lokpal bill and the government continued to explore the possibility of solution through back-channel talks.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said at a function in Kolkata that the government was open for debate on the Lokpal bill but corruption could be tackled only by action on multiple fronts and not by enacting a single piece of law.

"There is no single solution. We need to act on multiple fronts," he said.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said everything cannot be decided on the basis of deadlines.

Singhvi, who heads the standing committee on personnel, public grievances and law and justice that is looking into the Lokpal bill, said there is need for restraint and discipline from all sides.

"Everything cannot be decided on the basis of deadlines. It is vital that every side shows restraint and discipline. It is important to show flexibility by moving away from timelines," Singhvi said, in an apparent reference to the ultimatum of Hazare that their version of the bill should be passed by parliament by Aug 30.

He also said that the standing committee is not likely to seek extension to finalise its recommendation on the bill and will try to give its report "within three months" before the winter session of parliament.

Singhvi said all suggestions can be put before the standing committee so that a comprehensive bill is finalised.

"I fail to understand why a reasonable solution cannot be found," he said.

Earlier in the day, Law Minister Salman Khurshid expressed hope that a solution will be found to the situation created by the fast.

"A solution can be found. Everybody should make an earnest effort to find a solution," he said.

Khurshid emphasised the primacy of parliamentary process in finalising the bill and said "one-two lakh people" coming together was important but not something that leads the nation.

"What crores of people in the country want can come out through elections," he said.

Congress sources said the government was continuing its back-channel efforts to find a solution.

They said the back-channel interlocutors include U.C. Sarangi, a senior officer in the Maharashtra government, Bhayyuji Maharaj, a Hazare associate and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

With people rallying behind Hazare in the capital in large numbers, Congress leaders have also been increasingly venting their disquiet about the way his agitation has been handled by the government.

Party leader Anil Shastri tweeted Monday that the government underestimated the magnitude of the anti-corruption movement.
22 AUG, 2011, 01.36AM IST, ET BUREAU

NEW DELHI: The Manmohan Singh government on Sunday appeared to be under siege with unprecedented crowds coming out in support of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement in Delhi and Mumbai. Even as the government tried to open back-channel dialogue with the activists, the Gandhian continued to raise the pitch on his anti-government rhetoric.

"If the government does not get the Lokpal Bill passed by August 30, there would be an unprecedented revolution in the country by the people... The government will have to either get the Bill passed (in Parliament) or go," he said, as over 80,000 people gathered at Ramlila Maidan and India Gate chanted "Anna, we are with you in the fight against corruption".

There was acknowledgement that things could get out of hand if the current trend of mobilisation against the government persisted in the coming days. The massive outpouring of protests in Mumbai and Delhi clearly displayed a rupture in the ties between Manmohan Singh and Middle India.

Crowds gathered at the homes of several ministers and members of Parliament, leading to scuffles with the police at many places. More than 80 protesters were arrested near the prime minister's residence, and the crowds attempted to show black flags to a convoy carrying Law Minister Salman Khurshid at his Farrukhabad constituency.

Consequently, the police have stepped up security at the residences of ministers, particularly those who were members of the joint drafting panel on the Lokpal Bill.

There were also reports of crowds forcing BJP MP Harin Pathak to pledge support to the Jan Lokpal Bill and dharnas being held in front of the residences of Union minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal in Kanpur, SP MP Reoti Raman Singh in Allahabad, and Congress MP Meenakshi Natarajan in Mahasamund.

The crowds may have been reacting to a call by Anna associate Arvind Kejriwal to go to MPs' homes asking them to publicly declare if they are in favour of the Jan Lokpal Bill or the government's draft bill.

Responding to the prime minister's statement on Saturday that his government was open to negotiations, Hazare said, "We have not closed the door of dialogue. We have kept it open. Only through dialogue, the issues can be resolved."

But his associates said no formal proposal had come from the government to this effect. "With whom and where should we discuss what," Kejriwal said. On Sunday, the government was not seen to be making any decisive moves to take the initiative away from the Anna camp, which has remained steps ahead of the Centre in the battle for public perception and support for weeks now.

On a day the Anna camp said they were open to negotiations, Maharashtra Home Secretary Umesh Sarangi, who apparently shares a rapport with Hazare, visited him along with Indore-based spiritual leader Baiyujji Maharaj, sparking off speculation that the government was trying to open back-channel dialogue with the activist.

Kollywood finds a star in Anna Hazare

CHENNAI: The Anna Hazare phenomenon may not have taken the South by storm as it has the north, but Kollywood has identified a star in the Gandhian and decided to observe a fast here on Tuesday to extend support to his movement.

A good turnout from the Tamil film industry is expected to participate in the one-day token strike, though it is not recognised as the official stance of the state's film industry. Film federation of India president L Suresh said the federation was inviting all members of the Tamil film industry to take part in the one-day fast.

The organisers are expecting directors, producers, actors and technicians to join the fast. Suresh said associations like the Tamil Film Producers Council, the Film Employees Federation of South India and the South Indian Artistes Association would participate in the fast, scheduled from 9 am to 5 pm.

Participation would be voluntary, and for the same reason, on-going shooting schedules would not be disrupted. Suresh said those who were interested could participate.

A good number of the fraternity appeared enthused by the fast call, including director and actor, Cheran. "I'm definitely participating in the fast that is being organised by the film chamber. I don't support anyone in particular like Anna Hazare or the Congress. I am all for anything to do with fighting corruption. Supporting such a cause for a day is absolutely fine and there is nothing wrong in it. I want to voice my views so that the next generation will get to live in a corruption- free world", Cheran told ET.

A film chamber member who did not want to be identified, said anyone from the film fraternity was welcome to participate in the fast, which was being organised for a social cause. "We are not against the central government, we just want to voice our views. We have not forced anyone to come and participate in the fast, and nor have we asked anyone to stop shooting schedules. Some directors and producers have agreed to take part in the fast. We expect at least 500 people to join the fast", he said.

However, not all have the same enthusiasm. Director S A Chandrasekhar said, "I don't think I would be participating in the fast. And I don't think the total film industry would be participating in it."

R Sarathkumar, president of the South Indian Film Artistes Association, was unavailable for comment.

The Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangam (traders' association) will also observe a one-day strike tomorrow supporting Hazare and to protest the move to allow foreign investment in retail trade.
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Lokpal Bill
The Lokpal Bill has been presented 'eight times' in the parliament but never been passed. It was far from public conciousness, not many knew what it was about, until, Anna Hazare took up the cause. Will the monsoon session see any progress? Only time will tell.
22 August 2011 Last updated at 23:22 GMT

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Anna's backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

New Delhi: Scores of youngsters look busy and hassled, a few are working on their laptops. A short young woman instructs a fellow volunteer to get food for all of them. It is a small band busy managing the Anna Hazare show at the Ramlila ground here.

Anna's backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

From food, ambulance, security, crowd management, maintaining links with the media, and transcribing speeches --the 100 plus volunteers from India Against Corruption (IAC) group are the lifeline behind the 74-year-old Gandhian activist's fast that has gripped the world's attention.

With the hunger strike entering the sixth day Sunday, the volunteers say they have a lot to tackle. And with thousands of young and old packing the Ramlila ground, some go without sleep at night.

"We are ready to run from pillar to post. Our leader Hazareji is not 74, he is 14 years old and the battery of this movement," IAC's media manager Aswathi Muralidharan, who has not gone home for many days, told IANS.

Anna's backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

Agrees her colleague Sneha Kothwale, a 23-year old graduate of journalism from Delhi University who prepares power point presentation and other inputs for the media.

"It is like connecting the dots. We have the task of pooling in all the resources, coordinating with the media, people, even those who do not know anything about the movement," she explained.

The face of the Hazare campaign for a Jan Lokpal Bill -- as opposed to the government-sponsored one -- is of course a group of half a dozen who are the Gandhian's closest aides.

Anna's backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

This includes RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal, former police officer Kiran Bedi, lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, and social activist Swami Agnivesh.

But with most of them detained or jailed Aug 16 along with Hazare, it was left to the younger lot to keep the flag flying.

Kejriwal said it was this team that provides oxygen to the campaign against corruption. "It is the volunteers who have been managing it from the scratch."

Almost all volunteers are in their 20s. Many have been associated with Kejriwal, a Magsaysay award winner. Some volunteers admit they strayed into the campaign only because of Hazare.

"Earlier my parents used to ask me to choose a stable career as this (activism) would not get me a salary or name," Sneha told IANS.

Anna's backstage helpers who oversee the Ramlila show

"But the April fast by Hazareji was a life changing moment. My parents never said a single word to me about this work after that," she said. Her reference was to the five-day hunger strike by Hazare here that ignited nationwide passions and forced the government to talk to him about an anti-corruption legislation.

There is plenty of work to be done -- day and night. All developments related to the Lokpal Bill is monitored. The media is regularly briefed. Hazare's health needs to be checked.

There are logistic issues to be tackled -- managing the sprawling Ramlila ground, arranging food for the thousands who throng the venue, providing security, accepting donations, and so on.

The IAC relies a lot on other volunteers to provide security to Hazare. Police frisk everyone entering the ground, even people like Kejriwal. Hazare began his fast Tuesday when he was taken to the Tihar Jail. He was in prison until Friday when he shifted to the Ramlila ground.

Source: IANS
Image Source: AFP

22/08/2011

Efforts being made to disrupt Hazare's movement: Kejriwal

New Delhi: As Anna Hazare's fast entered seventh day today, his Team alleged that efforts are being made to disrupt the movement as "certain people" are scared to see the support for the Gandhian.

Efforts being made to disrupt Hazare's movement: Kejriwal

"Certain people are scared to see the huge support for the agitation. There are efforts to disrupt the movement," Hazare''s close aide Arvind Kejriwal said addressing the gathering at Ramilila Maidan.

He said there may be efforts to trigger violence during the protest and asked people to remain vigilant and inform police about such activities.

"There are efforts to break our unity. There may be efforts to create communal tensions. We will have to remain vigilant," Kejriwal said.

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Efforts being made to disrupt Hazare's movement: Kejriwal

Accusing the government of being "sympathetic" to the corrupt, he said the official Lokpal Bill has nothing to effectively deal with graft.

"The government Lokapal Bill has nothing to deal with corruption and provide succour to the common man from the menace. We want PM to be investigated by an independent body which is Lokpal," he said
Kejriwal was the second speaker this morning at "Anna ki Paathshala" in Ramlila Maidan, as it is called by supercop Kiran Bedi.

"If any judge is involved in corruption then seven-member Lokpal bench should be able to file an FIR against him," he said.

Source: PTI

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22/08/2011

Manmohan Singh must resign; hold fresh elections, says Advani

Nellore, Andhra Pradesh: Alleging that Congress-led UPA government was steeped in corruption and had failed to control inflation, BJP leader L K Advani today said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should quit and hold fresh elections, as the ruling alliance has lost confidence of the people.

Manmohan Singh must resign; hold fresh elections, says Advani

Advani, who was in Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, to participate in a function said: "This government is totally corrupt. The Prime Minister has a great reputation of being an economist. But the common man is shocked to find that ever since this government has come to power, prices have been going up and up."

Manmohan Singh must resign; hold fresh elections, says Advani

A series of scams have come to light in the last few years for which UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister should be held responsible, he said.

It is wrong to say that the UPA government has sent corrupt leaders to jail, Advani said, adding that former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and Congress MP Suresh Kalmadi were put behind bars because of the CAG report and judiciary action.

Source: PTI
Image Source: AFP

Camp Anna packed, Government hunts for truce

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Camp Anna packed, Government hunts for truce

Sandeep Phukan, Tejas Mehta and Alok Pandey, Updated: August 22, 2011 22:59 IST

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New Delhi: 35,000 people that gathered this evening at Anna Hazare's mass-protest against corruption were given a simple message by the activist's aides: come again, and bring others. "Let us all pray for Anna," said Kiran Bedi, "and come and hear what we have to say." That invitation is being widely accepted by Delhi, which has shown no hesitation in backing the Gandhian and his team.

From Ramlila Maidan, now serving as Anna's base camp, the twin sights of the 74-year-old lying on stage six kilos lighter since his hunger strike began seven days ago, and the constant high tide of supporters showering him with encouragement telegraphed the dire need for an intervention by the government. (Read: Who is Anna Hazare?) | (Read: What is Jan Lokpal Bill?)

Anna's associates have made it clear to the government that the PM, Rahul Gandhi or a senior minister must take the lead in any negotiations with them. Sources said that spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has put in frequent guest appearances on Anna's stage, may emerge as a key mediator. He is reportedly in touch with the activists, the government, and the BJP.

Sources say the government is considering taking the Opposition's help to decide on legislative options to take the dialogue forward. These include the option that the Jan Lokpal provisions to be introduced as an addendum or corrigendum to the government's Lokpal Bill draft.

These measures were discussed at the Prime Minister's meeting, late this evening, with senior colleagues to evaluate the government's options. Anna reiterated this morning that he will not end his fast till his version of the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill is cleared by Parliament.

The government spent the day stressing that it is open to discussions with Anna and his advisors. Speaking at IIM Calcutta, the Prime Minister said he's open to "a reasoned debate" on the Lokpal Bill. However, he stressed "The creation of the Lokpal as an institution will help. But it will not solve the problem... speedy trials and timely judgments will do a great deal to discourage corruption." (Read: Govt open to talks, PM reiterates) Anna's aides say they are keen to begin talks, but are waiting for the government to approach them.

The government's version of the Bill, introduced earlier this month in Parliament, has been attacked by Anna and other critics for being carefully calibrated to protect politicians and other public servants accused of graft. The Bill is being scrutinised by a Parliamentary committee headed by Rajya Sabha Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The Standing Committee working on the Bill, he said today, can alter the draft it has received by as much as 80 per cent, indicating a considerable ebbing of the government's earlier stand. (Read: The Standing Committee looking into the Lokpal Bill)

Anna's health and the teeming crowds he is drawing are both security concerns for the government, which is keen to end the stand-off with the activists, but not without ensuring its bases are covered. The government's invite in April for Anna and his partners to help draft the Lokpal Bill ended in acrimony as well as fierce criticism from parties like the BJP which pointed out that while civil society representatives had been consulted, the Opposition had been excluded from discussions on what's intended to be a historic piece of legislation.

Till last evening, therefore, the government was sending informal feelers to Ramlila Maidan via Umesh Chandra Sarangi, a senior bureaucrat from Maharashtra and spiritual leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj. Both men are from Anna's home state of Maharashtra and know the activist well.

But sources say Team Anna has made it clear that discussions with the government have to reflect the complex stature of a nationwide crisis; so a senior and national leader, perhaps even the PM, must manage the negotiations.

The Lokpal Bill - or even a condensed version of its main features - is not what is drawing the thousands of housewives, students and office-goers. Most people say they have run out of patience with systematic graft; it is corruption in public offices at all levels that people are tired of battling in everyday life. In Anna and his protest, they have found a channel for their frustration. There is an unofficial dress code at Ramlila Maidan which pairs "I am Anna" t-shirts with the Gandhi topi that Anna is rarely seen without. The chorus rings out periodically as the crowd churns: "Anna, tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhaare saath hain (Anna, you keep up the fight, we are with you)."

Arvind Kejriwal, a member of Anna's core team, said today that the activists' aim is not to destabilise the government. He also denied allegations that by asking people to protest outside the homes of ministers and MPs, he is inciting hooliganism. "We have simply asked people to protest peacefully," clarified Mr Kejriwal. Countering charges that Anna's movement is undermining Parliament and its right to legislate, Mr Kejriwal said, "What is democracy? It is not just voting once every five years and handing over your destiny to representatives. It is day-to-day engagement with your representatives." (Read: Hooliganism charges against us false, says Kejriwal)

And MPs are clearly feeling the pressure. A few from the Congress today publicly supported Anna. Navin Jindal, MP from Kurukshetra, tweeted "I fully support a effective Lokpal , #Anna's cause is exemplary and has to be done following due Parliamentary Process taking all on board (sic)." Sanjay Nirupman went a step further and donned the Anna topi or cap while meeting protestors at the Vile Parle police station. Priya Dutt, another MP from Mumbai, told demonstrators outside her home, "I'm in favour of a strong anti-corruption bill." She also backed Anna's demand for the Lokpal Bill to cover both senior judges and the Prime Minister. Both have been excluded from the government's draft. (Watch: Congress MPs offer support for Anna)

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Story first published:
August 22, 2011 21:29 IST

Tags: Anna fast, Anna Hazare, Anna protest, jan lokpal bill, PM on Lokpal, Ramlila Ground

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Current global economic situation full of uncertainties, says PM

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Business LineThe Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms Mamata Banerjee, at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta on Monday. — A. Roy Chowdhury
KOLKATA, AUG. 22:
At the current growth rate, India would the third largest economy in the world by 2025, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said.
However, considering the global economic turmoil, achieving such a growth would not be easy, he said speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Institute of Management- Calcutta, on Monday.
During his meeting with the Planning Commission on Saturday, the Prime Minister had set a "very ambitious" target for the country to achieve a "faster, sustainable and more inclusive" 9 per cent growth during the Twelfth Plan (2012-17).
"It is in fact a very ambitious target given the current global economic situation, which is full of uncertainties about the prospects in industrialised countries and their implications on global capital markets. Our own economy has also slowed down compared with last year and this year's growth may be around 8 per cent or a little more, at best," Dr Singh said.
According to the Prime Minister, in order to repeat the growth performance of Japan, Korea and China, India should improve in agriculture productivity, create infrastructure to ensure inclusive growth, achieve energy efficiency and rational pricing of energy products, manage water resources, expand education and health services among others.
"India is now capable of repeating the performance of this group (Japan, Korea and China) of Asian countries. But we must remember that it will not happen automatically, by simply proceeding on business-as-usual basis," he said.
Keywords: Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, Indian Institute of Management- Calcutta, Golden Jubilee celebrations

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Anna defiant as Govt looks for escape route

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New Delhi: The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, with its back against the wall, is still in a bind on how to deal with Anna Hazare's protest fast against corruption which entered its seventh day on Monday.

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Anna Hazare
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Oil prices should fall with Moammer Gaddafi's overthrow
NEW YORK: Oil prices around the world should start falling if Libyan rebels succeed in toppling Moammer Gaddafi's regime, though the full effect won't be felt for months.
On Sunday night, rebel forces pushed into Tripoli without meeting much resistance, hours after they overran a major military base that defended the capital. Opposition fighters captured Gaddafi's son and one-time heir apparent, Seif al-Islam.
Independent analyst Andrew Lipow said oil markets will likely respond Monday by sending prices lower in ``a sign of relief that conflict has come to the end.'' But Lipow said it will take time for the market to erase the hefty price increase that resulted from the suspension of Libyan oil exports since the rebellion began in February.
When fighting broke out, oil was trading at around $84 a barrel. It quickly spiked above $93 and kept rising to a high above $110 at the end of April. Demand from emerging markets including China was also a factor in the rise. Oil has fallen recently along with stocks because of concerns about the global economy.
Libya used to export about 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, almost all of which have been cut off. Although Libyan oil amounted to less than 2 percent of world demand, its loss affected prices because of its high quality and suitability for European refineries.
The European refineries have struggled to make up for the production loss despite an increase from Saudi Arabia. As a result, European markets should see the first and most significant drops in oil prices, Lipow said.
He added that any developments in the ongoing European financial crisis could also move stock markets around the world this week and oil prices along with them.
Independent analyst Jim Ritterbusch said that even if rebels manage to push Gaddafi out soon, the near-term effects on oil prices will be limited.
``Psychologically anyway, it's going to force some additional selling,'' Ritterbusch said. ``But selling may not be pronounced because there's still a lot of question marks remaining'' on how long it would take for production to resume.
Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research, said that once Gaddafi is pushed out, Libya's new government could take the path of the Iraqis after the fall of Saddam Hussein and spend years fighting over every detail. Or it could follow Kuwait's example and quickly decide to bring in an outside company to get production restarted right away
He added that there's always a chance that the process could come to a halt if one of the rebel generals tries to seize power, or if different factions get caught up debating the country's new constitution and put off making decisions about oil production.
``They do have a good cadre of educated people, but they don't have a long record of competent self-government,'' Lynch said. ``It would not be a bad bet to think there might be a chaotic period for a few months till they get organized.''

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Floods claim 38 lives in Bihar, affect more than a million
PATNA: At least 38 people have been killed and 1.86 million affected by floods in Bihar as major rivers continue to be in spate crossing the danger mark at several places in the state.

The district-wise break-up of deaths are Muzaffarpur (01), Saharsa (03), Gopalganj (02), Madhepura (01), West Champaran (04), Bhojpur (10), Purnia (01), Madhubani (02), Katihar (02), Samastipur (02), Vaishali (04), Bhagalpur (04) and Lakhisarai (02), according to the State Disaster Management sources.

The floods have affected 1.86 million people of 1364 villages in 20 districts, sources said.

Standing crops in 0.70 lakh hectare worth Rs 46.84 crore have been destroyed while 10,278 houses were flattened causing a loss of Rs 75.98 crore. Public property worth Rs 25.31 crore has also been destroyed, they said.

Several rivers like Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Ghaghra, Burhi Gandak, Bagmati and Kosi were flowing above danger mark at several points, Central Water Commission sources said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar undertook an aerial survey of flood-hit areas for the second consecutive day today and directed the authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations.

19 AUG, 2011, 12.00PM IST, REUTERS

Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple treasure brings riches, challenges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A stream of bare-chested religious devotees step gingerly through metal detectors at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in southern India as armed commandos with AK-47s guard perhaps one of the world's greatest treasures to surface in recent times.

For months now, following a court order to prise open subterranean vaults sealed for centuries at the heart of sleepy Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of balmy Kerala state, shell-shocked experts have been coming to terms with the vast hidden hoard, estimated at one trillion Indian rupees, or $22 billion.

In a nation where 500 million people are still mired in poverty, the find has been a revelation, stoking debate over how to best safeguard and use this newly discovered wealth at a time of financial uncertainty and modernisation across India.

Put in a broader context, the find in the lush, spice-growing but relatively undeveloped Kerala, where infrastructure is patchy and per capita income lags richer northern states, could salvage the state's rickety finances, lift millions out of poverty and even help wipe out a quarter of India's overall fiscal deficit.

The treasure, an accumulation of religious offerings to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, includes a four-foot high gold idol studded with emeralds, gold and silver ornaments and sacks of diamonds.

"It's been a real shocker," said Manish Arora, a devotee in a white cotton mundu walking bare-foot outside the seven-storey 16th century pyramidal temple complex. "Nobody thought there'd be money like that here.

"They should use it for public welfare, for development." But in a deeply spiritual and religious country, where even photographic documentation of the stash is barred to avoid defiling the site, any decision to remove the treasure from the temple vaults and its deity could prove highly controversial.

Some politicians, however, have suggested categorising the treasure and selling off less historically important items like diamonds or gold bars, then investing the proceeds as part of a trust to generate steady, recurring income for social causes.

"Of course money should not be kept idle," said O. Rajagopal, a member of the Hindu nationalist opposition group, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"It can be used in such a way that it generates more wealth and that wealth can be utilized in various useful ways like spending in education, or hospitals," he told Reuters in a small flat in Kerala.

Calls have also been made to display the treasures in a newly built museum that could prove a major tourism draw.

POLITICS, GOLD, CORRUPTION

Since the hoard came to light, Kerala's chief minister Oommen Chandy pledged to beef up security around the temple as it "naturally will be under threat."

Rather than a heist by tomb robbers, however, some fear the threat lies more with a broader malaise pervading India today as supercharged capitalism foments greater corruption in politics.

"According to my calculation this treasure constitutes only a small percentage of wealth lost in scams recently by the central government," said M. A. Baby, a leader of Kerala's Communist parties, a leading opposition force in the state.

Public anger has swollen after a spate of corruption scandals ranging from a multi-billion dollar telecoms licensing scam, shady Commonwealth Games deals and illegal mining that have triggered mass anti-graft protests and policy paralysis.

"Political people have been looting the country for so long, so how can the normal layman believe they'll safeguard this money," said Ajith Kumar, a tour guide standing in the shade outside the temple.

"The best way they can keep the money is to keep it inside the temple. That's the simplest solution."

The stash might never have come to light had not a frail 70-year-old silver-bearded devotee filed a legal petition challenging the royal family of Travancore, custodians of the temple for centuries, demanding greater transparency and better management of the long rumoured, but never publicly revealed, riches sealed within six subterranean vaults.

Sundara Rajan's petition led the Kerala High Court to order the government to take over the assets, but the royal family appealed to India's Supreme Court, the country's highest court, that ordered a detailed inventory and expert reports on the treasure, before making a judgement expected in October.

Push agriculture,manufacturing growth for 9.5% expansion in 12th Plan: Panel

India can achieve 9.5 per cent average economic growth in the 12th Five Year Plan, provided steps are taken to push agriculture growth rate to 4.2 per cent and manufacturing to 11.5 per cent.

According to the growth scenarios given in the draft Approach Paper to the 12th Plan (2012-17), it is possible to achieve high economic growth on back of robust performance in the other sectors of the economy.

These projections were provided in the document which has recently been approved by the Full Planning Commission headed by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Full Commission, however, has settled for 9 per cent economic growth, although Singh indicated that it is possible to raise the growth target to 9.2 per cent in the 12th Plan.

"... we will be working on a growth rate of 9 per cent per annum, but we will also keep open the possibility of raising the growth rate, if the domestic and international situation improves, to 9.2 per cent," Singh had said after the full Commission meeting on Saturday.

However in order to achieve 9.5 per cent, the government will have to raise farm sector growth target to 4.2 per cent from estimated 3.3 per cent in the 11th Plan (2007-12).

Although the Commission had set a target of 4 per cent growth in 10th Plan (2002-07) also, but country could achieve 2.3 per cent.

Similarly, the panel would have to raise the growth target of manufacturing to 11.5 in 12th Plan from estimated 8.3 per cent in the current Plan.

The other important areas include electricity, gas and water supply where Commission suggests that 9 per cent growth is required to achieve 9.5 per cent economic growth in next Plan.

Electricity, gas and water supply combined together are expected to register a growth rate of 6.4 per cent in current Plan which is lower than 6.8 per cent achieved in the 10th Plan.

India can have third largest GDP by 2025: PM Manmohan Singh
KOLKATA: India could have the world's third largest GDP by 2025 if the country maintained its present growth rate, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday while conceding that the target of nine percent growth for the next five years was "very ambitious" given the current state of the global economy.

Addressing the golden jubilee celebrations of the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta, the prime minister cautioned that while the "rosy future" was within the nation's reach, it was not an assured outcome.

Manmohan Singh, who is regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms for having initiated them as finance minister between 1991 and 1996, said the reforms programme had courted controversy in the early years but all regimes at the centre had carried them forward.

"There have been differences of emphasis but the direction has remained the same. Most state governments have also acted in the same spirit.

"Because of our gradualist approach, it took time for the economic reforms to have an impact. However, it is now clear that their impact has been remarkable."

"If we can continue to grow at this rate, we are well positioned to be the country with the third largest GDP in the world by 2025."

He referred to the nine percent growth target fixed for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17), and said: "Since we have already achieved about 8.2 percent in the 11th plan period, it may seem that a transition to 9 percent growth is not difficult."

"However, it is in fact a very ambitious target given the current global economic situation, which is full of uncertainties about the prospects in industrialised countries and their implications for global capital markets," he added.

A downgrade of US sovereign debt coupled with fears of another bout of recession in the world's largest economy and in Europe has sent shivers down the spines of investors across global stock markets and the likelihood of a demand slowdown is gaining strength.

"Our own economy has also slowed down compared to last year, and this year's growth may be around eight percent or a little more, at best," said Manmohan Singh, alluding to the effects of the crisis.

"Despite this sobering environment, we should aim at nine percent growth. This is because we are not planning for today, or even for the rest of this year. We are planning for the five year period from 2012-13 to 2016-17."

Referring to the high growth trajectory of Asian countries like Japan and South Korea in the past, and China's fast-paced economic expansion in the last two decades, the prime minister said India too could grow at a rapid rate provided it could scale up infrastructure and bring out wide-spread reforms.

"India is now capable of repeating the performance of this group of Asian countries. But we must remember that it will not happen automatically, by simply proceeding on a business as usual basis. There are many difficult challenges we must overcome to achieve the transition to nine percent growth."
Raise cap requirement for MFI's to Rs 25 lakh: Assocham
Industry chamber Assocham today suggested that the minimum capital requirement for setting up of micro finance institutions should be raised to Rs 25 lakh from Rs 5 lakh to encourage the entry of serious players in the sector.

"The minimum capital requirement for MFIs should be raised to at least Rs 25 lakh backed with a strong technology intervention for adequate reporting, supervision and regulation," Assocham said in a statement.

MFI sector is facing problems in getting bank credit lines amid allegations of high-handedness in recovering loans from their clients and non-professionalism.

Assocham said the Micro Finance Institutions (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, which is awaiting Parliament approval, has pegged the minimum capital requirement at Rs 5 lakh initially.

"This should be raised so that weaker and smaller players are discouraged," Assocham said.

The RBI should spell out minimum benchmarks for healthy growth of MFIs so that fund flow from banks could increase substantially, it said.

"The RBI can delegate regulatory powers with respect to any class of MFI to an independent agency like NABARD which has the knowledge and understanding of their development needs," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

Assocham said the proposed micro finance development council to address grievances of various stakeholders should have representations from industry bodies.

The financial needs of MFIs are estimated at 200 billion dollars in the long-term, it said.

Market Gurus

Not double dip recession, but recovery will be very slow: Virmani
What we are seeing today is the aftereffect of the 2008 crisis; EMs need to focus on domestic growth to ensure they don't land in trouble.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/raise-cap-requirement-for-mfis-to-rs-25-lakh-assocham/articleshow/9684055.cms

Post offices to become multi-functional: Sachin Pilot
SRINAGAR: The 1.55 lakh post offices across the country are being modernised and will soon become multipurpose outlets providing facilities like banking and insurance, the government has said.

"We are applying to the Reserve Bank of India for a license to start banking facilities at all the post offices across the country," Union Minister of state for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot told reporters here.

Pilot, who launched several new initiatives of his ministry yesterday, said all the post offices will also provide other facilities like insurance.

"These facilities at the post office will largely benefit rural population of the country which does not have easy access to them compared to urban residents," he said.

The Minister said all the post offices across the country will be computerised and connected through a network.

On the performance of BSNL in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the telecom service provider has added 1.67 lakh mobile subscribers in the last four months and expects to add another 1.50 lakh customers by the end of current fiscal.

On the lack of telephone facilities in border areas and near the Line of Control (LoC), Pilot said the policy of the BSNL was to provide mobile phones where landlines cannot be installed and digital satellite phone terminals (DSPT) where mobile towers cannot be erected.

"More than 300 DSPTs have been installed in Kashmir and Ladakh region during the year. Most of these DSPTs function as village telephones," the Minister said.

He said the communication network along the LoC and international border is being strengthened to prevent the transmission of mobile signals from other countries to this side.

On the ban of SMS on pre-paid mobile connections in the state, Pilot said a solution to this issue has to be worked out by Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies.

Full coverage

Team Anna holds classes on the bill

Hindustan Times - ‎21 minutes ago‎

It was a class that needed to be taken for quite some time. Too many critics of Anna Hazare's anti-graft movement had been taking potshots at the huge turnout saying the protesters were merely feeding hysteria and did not know the nitty-gritty of what ...

PM holds meet to build bill consensus

Hindustan Times - ‎24 minutes ago‎

A day after the PM met all the top officials of the government, he chaired the core group meeting this evening to take stock of the situation, arising out of country-wide protests in support of Anna Hazare, with senior UPA ministers and a party ...

Govt-Team Anna talks moving in positive direction: Mediator

Times of India - ‎44 minutes ago‎

PTI | Aug 22, 2011, 11.00PM IST BHOPAL: A Madhya Pradesh-based spiritual leader, involved in back channel negotiations between the Centre and fasting Anna Hazare, today said the ongoing talks to resolve the Lokpal logjam have so far been "fruitful" and ...

Govt may place Anna's bill in Parliament: Sources

IBNLive.com - ‎21 minutes ago‎

New Delhi: The Congress party's main troubleshooters Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram and Ahmed Patel met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence on Monday to discuss the Anna Hazare protest fast over the Lokpal issue. Sources told CNN-IBN that ...

Place Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament, says BJP Lok Sabha MP

IBNLive.com - ‎10 minutes ago‎

PTI | 11:08 PM,Aug 22,2011 Vadodara, Aug 22 (PTI) Strongly backing the Jan Lokpal Bill, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Vadodara Balkrishna Shukla today said he favours direct talks between the Government and Gandhian Anna Hazare, who is fasting in Delhi for the ...

Camp Anna packed, Government hunts for truce

NDTV.com - ‎53 minutes ago‎

New Delhi: 35000 people that gathered this evening at Anna Hazare's mass-protest against corruption were given a simple message by the activist's aides: come again, and bring others. "Let us all pray for Anna," said Kiran Bedi, "and come and hear what ...

Advani faces Hazare supporters picketing his house

Times of India - ‎1 hour ago‎

PTI | Aug 22, 2011, 10.42PM IST NEW DELHI: BJP leader LK Advani faced Anna Hazare supporters picketing his house as he replied to their tough questions on the opposition stand on the Jan Lokpal Bill, and inclusion of Prime Minister and higher judiciary ...

Hazare''s supporters take their fight to MPs'' doors

IBNLive.com - ‎1 hour ago‎

PTI | 10:08 PM,Aug 22,2011 Mumbai, Aug 22 (PTI) As Anna Hazare''s fast on the Lokpal issue entered the seventh day today, his supporters responded to his call and staged protests outside the residences of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the metropolis ...

Cong core committee meets to discuss Anna fast

IBNLive.com - ‎1 hour ago‎

PTI | 10:08 PM,Aug 22,2011 New Delhi, Aug 22 (PTI) With the government struggling to come out with a response to Anna Hazare''s continuing fast, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tonight held consultations with senior leaders of Congress on ways to resolve ...

Congress calls for flexibility on Lokpal issue

Economic Times - ‎1 hour ago‎

NEW DELHI: Caught in a bind over Anna Hazare's fast, which continued for the seventh day on Monday, the Congress indicated its willingness to take the civil society's concerns on board over the Lokpal bill but made it clear that it will be virtually ...

All 3,140 related articles »

Timeline of articles

Number of sources covering this story

	Team Anna holds classes on the bill ‎21 minutes ago‎ - Hindustan Times
	Anna's voice echoes in Green Park ‎12 hours ago‎ - Times of India
	Anna and India ‎Aug 21, 2011‎ - The Hindu
	Anna willing for dialogue, govt opens back channel talks ‎Aug 21, 2011‎ - Hindustan Times
	Lokpal bill must cater to national interest: Ramvilas Paswan ‎Aug 21, 2011‎ - Daily News & Analysis
	BJP should come clean with their stand on Lokpal: Team Anna ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - Daily News & Analysis
	Anti-graft activism rolls on 'Jan Lokpal Express' ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - Times of India
	No more talks, pass Bill by Aug 30: Team Anna ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - IBNLive.com
	I have lost weight not my spirit: Anna ‎Aug 19, 2011‎ - Hindustan Times
	Nationwide supporters unite for Anna ‎Aug 19, 2011‎ - Hindustan Times

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Videos

Anna Hazare Says, Will Speak To Rahul, PMO Or Chavan
IndiaTV - 1 hour ago

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Anna Loses Over Five Kg, Kidney Affected, Claims Kiran Bedi
IndiaTV - 1 hour ago

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Day 7: Heavy turnout at Anna's fast venue
IBNLive - 1 hour ago

Watch video

Supporters feast as Anna continues fast
IBNLive - 3 hours ago

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CNN-IBN's 5-point proposal to end Lokpal logjam
IBNLive - 3 hours ago

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--22/08/2011

What Anna does when he's not on stage

Well before he makes an appearance at the Ramlila Ground every morning, Anna Hazare locks himself in a 10x10 feet makeshift room backstage and writes in meditative silence for over two hours. It is an activity he's particular about.

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What Anna does when he's not on stage

Though the activist abstains from his routine yoga during fasts, writing is one thing he never compromises on, Suresh Pathare, a Hazare confidant who is from his Ralegan-Siddhi village in Maharashtra, told IANS.

His schedule during his hunger strike, which entered the seventh day Monday, goes something like this.

The 74-year-old wakes up at 6.30 a.m. in a room hidden behind the grand stage. He takes about an hour to get ready. Shaving is a must, "a habit from his military days", says Pathare, who has been with Hazare for about 10 years.

An hour later, he gets down to writing.

What does he write? "About little things, humanity, rights... He puts on paper a lot of internal thoughts," says Pathare, 31.

"Even in Tihar (Jail), he used to write a lot. In jail he used to read newspapers and watch news on TV, but here he just writes."

What Anna does when he's not on stage

Pathare added: "In the village, he sometimes doesn't come out of his house for days. No one has the guts to knock on his door.

"If someone has to bring him food, he'll keep it outside and leave. No one can dare to disturb him."

Pathare first met Hazare during a rural development project in the village. He has since become his loyal aide.

It is only at around 10 a.m. that Hazare appears before the waiting crowd, which bursts into a prolonged applause on seeing the former soldier who ferried supplies to the frontlines in the Indian Army.

What Anna does when he's not on stage

He stays on the stage till 9 p.m., sometimes sitting in an upright posture and sometimes taking help of the bolster to give his body some stretch.

The gathering keeps a steady chant of slogans hailing him. He faintly smiles. It is only occasionally that he picks up a mike and addresses the crowds.

A portable toilet is placed next to his makeshift room. Doctors check him every three hours.

At around 10 p.m., the activist calls it a day and retires to his room.

"Anna likes to sleep at the venue when he's fasting," said Pathare, who has been with Hazare during all his last 10 fasts in the past decade.

What Anna does when he's not on stage

However, during the five-day fast at Jantar Mantar here in the city centre, Hazare used fellow activist Swami Agnivesh's home nearby to get fresh.

Besides the multiple medical check-ups daily, a 24-hour ambulance is parked outside Hazare's night shelter.

Balram Gupta, a doctor from Medanta Medicity, told IANS: "His blood pressure, heart rate, everything is fine. He's a very tolerant man."

Volunteers are parked behind the stage.

Around 300-400 activists are deployed at the ground, which is bigger than a football field, apart from police force.

What Anna does when he's not on stage

Hazare's meetings are restricted to close aides and special guests.

Pathare said that Hazare was very particular about time.

"If he has two back-to-back engagements and the first function stretches on a little and he gets late for the second meeting, he gets very angry," he said.

Aswathi Muralitharan, who has been with India Against Corruption (IAC) for two years, reveals another Hazare characteristic.

"He will never sign a document without going through it. He'd check it 100 times and make at least 50 changes. No one can impose anything on him."

Adds Pathare: "He writes, rewrites, improvising again and again, till he's satisfied. He's a perfectionist."

Source: IANS

22/08/2011

Anna campaign deafening, writes Arundhati Roy

As India witnesses the "second freedom struggle" against corruption and most celebrities have lent support to Anna Hazare, the hero of "second freedom struggle", Booker prize winning author Arundhati Roy has decided to take the road less travelled.

Anna campaign deafening, writes Arundhati Roy

In a column titled 'I'd rather not be Anna' published in The Hindu, the noted activist questions the very cause for which Anna wages a battle.

For last few months, 74-year old Anna Hazare made headlines fighting the new Jan Lokpal bill tooth and nail with the fight intensifying in a 15-day fast to force the ruling UPA Government to relent to his demands for a more stricter legislation against corruption that spares none.

The septuagenarian finds the current draft too weak and is on a marathon hunger fast to put pressure on the UPA Government to pass his version of Lokpal bill that gives more scope and power to an ombudsman to monitor politicians, bureaucrats and the judiciary.

While agreeing the current draft is not in stature of an effective anti-corruption legislation, Roy calls the orignial version as a draconian law.

Anna campaign deafening, writes Arundhati Roy

Questioning the motive of original draft of Lokpal, which seeks the power to police everybody from the Prime Minister, the judiciary, members of Parliament, and bureaucracy, down to the lowest government official, she believes it will result in "two oligarchies instead of one."

Dubbing the extensive television coverage of Anna's fast as "embarrassing and unintelligble ones of recent times," Roy finds the entire Lokpal campaign an effort to distract attention from massive corruption scams that rocked successive governments in the country.

Continuing her tirade against Team Anna, Roy wonders how Irom Sharmila's ten-year-fast in Manipur against the AFPSA, which provides impunity to soldiers in Manipur to kill anyone merely on suspicion has not attracted similar following.

As a chamption of Bhopal gas leak victims and people displaced by Narmadha valley, the novelist and essayist wonders why such issues do not receive the relay coverage as being accorded to Anna and corruption.

Anna campaign deafening, writes Arundhati Roy

Roy wonders how the 74-year-old Anna has suddenly emerged as the Voice of the People when he has not lent his support against farmer's suicides, Posco, Singur, Nandigram, blight of SEZs and host of other pressing issues that have displaced millions of Indians.

Finally, Roy gives a clarion call "not be fooled by the flag waving," as witnessed widely in Anna's relay fast coverage. She compares the current polarisation to the battle waged by warlords of Afghanistan as more issues are at stake.

Source: India Syndicate

22/08/2011

1.5 million affected in Bihar floods

Patna: Floods in Bihar have affected nearly 1.5 million people in 12 districts, with thousands struggling to survive under open skies, according to Special Secretary Sunil Kumar of the Disaster Management Department.

1.5 million affected in Bihar floods

The report comes even as state Chief Minister Nitish Kumar undertook an aerial survey of the inundated areas for the second consecutive day.

The department said that flood waters had entered more than 1,000 villages in 500 panchayats and rising level of most rivers threatened to inundate many others. The affected villages were in the districts of Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Munger, Begusarai, Katihar, Araria, Purnia, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Madhepura and Saran.

"The floods have badly hit Bhagalpur district," an official said. Elsewhere in the state, thousands have been forced to take shelter on embankments, highways, in schools and other buildings on high ground. "Water entered these villages after levels rose in all major rivers following heavy rains in the state and the catchment areas in Nepal."

In 2008, over three million people were rendered homeless in Bihar when the Kosi river breached its bank upstream in Nepal and changed course. It was said to be the worst flood in the state in the last 50 years.

The government has promised to provide foodgrain to the affected and directed officials of flood-hit districts to open relief camps.

According to the Central Water Commission, the Ganges crossed the red mark at several places. Similarly, the Kosi was flowing above the danger mark and Mahananda at other places.

Standing crops worth crores of rupees have been damaged and road communication at several places has snapped. "Rising rivers have badly hit paddy cultivation and destroyed standing banana and maize crops in Bhagalpur and other districts," a commission official said.

Meanwhile, Bihar Water Resources Development Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said all river embankments were safe and there was no need to panic.

Source: IANS

Dharna before Prime Minister's house in Guwahati

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Moneycontrol.com (blog)

Jan Lokpal Bill: Why didn't Anna takeus along, asks Bukhari

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Economic Times - 3 hours ago

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The government is in a political coma

‎
Hindustan Times - 40 minutes ago

A week after Anna Hazare began his second indefinite fast within five ... Look the government is well within its right to appoint anyone to talk tous. ...

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Hazare''s supporters take their fight to MPs'' doors

‎
IBNLive.com - 1 hour ago

She gave us all this in writing," Mannan Gandhi, Coordinator of India Against ... While Nirupam wore ''I Am Anna Hazare'' cap and said he is against ...

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MSN India

Congress accuses BJP of using Hazare to regain power at the Centre

‎
Economic Times - 1 hour ago

"Anna Hazare does not have an organisation, no funds...food is being ... of the US behind Hazare's agitation, he said, "I don't say the US is behind it. ...

RJD MLA leaves party to protest Lalu's remarks against Hazare

‎
Indian Express - 1 hour ago

Asif Mohammad Khan, the lone RJD MLA in Delhi Assembly, has quit the party, protesting RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's criticism of Anna Hazare's movement. ...

Anna Hazare, another believer in non-violence is fasting as a ...

‎
Tehelka - 4 hours ago

I have heard of Anna Hazare's protest. Non-violence, taught to us by the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, is the only means to achieve solutions. ...

Tehelka

City marches by candle light in silent support forAnna

‎
Times of India - 12 hours ago

One of the senior citizens taking part in the candle march in Rawatpur said "Indians need to support Anna Hazare. He has given us one ray of hope and we ...

Anna wave: 'Walk Against Corruption' march in US

‎
Zee News - 15 hours ago

"All the Indians have gathered here to supportAnna Hazare as he represents the ... The parade comprised floats by US-based Indian organisations and dance ...

Video: Anna fever hits the US

Times Now

Thousands of Indian-Americans gather at NY India Day parade‎ Indian Express
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Jakarta Globe

Pro-Anna and No-Anna on Twitter

‎
Times of India - 12 hours ago

Dia Mirza: Its clear the government today has made Anna Hazare a bigger hero than he already was. Anupan Kher: The MOST important thing for all of us to ...

Video: Bollywood extends support to Anna

NewsX

Anna is here, where is Bollywood?‎ IndiaFM
Anna is much bigger than any celeb in Bollywood: Shahid‎ Daily Bhaskar
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BJP plays safe on Hazare's demands

The Hindu - Neena Vyas - ‎10 minutes ago‎

The Bharatiya Janata Party has refused to answer specific questions raised over the last few days by Team Anna. Does it agree that Parliament must pass the jan lokpal bill of activist by August 30? Does the BJP agree that the bill can be the only ...

Sarkari lokpal knocks out govt's credibility

Hindustan Times - ‎9 minutes ago‎

In the first clear show of support for Anna Hazare, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley asked the government to drop the idea of a "sarkari lokpal", which he said is envisaged in the bill introduced in the Lok Sabha earlier this month. ...

Team Anna holds classes on the bill

Hindustan Times - ‎32 minutes ago‎

Delhi devotes holiday to protest

Hindustan Times - ‎32 minutes ago‎

Thousands of Delhiites and a few Bollywood celebrities joined Anna Hazare at Ramlila Ground in central Delhi as his indefinite fast entered its seventh day on Monday. Since it was Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, many Delhiites had ...

PM holds meet to build bill consensus

Hindustan Times - ‎35 minutes ago‎

Place Jan Lokpal Bill in Parliament, says BJP Lok Sabha MP

IBNLive.com - ‎21 minutes ago‎

Govt may place Anna's bill in Parliament: Sources

IBNLive.com - ‎32 minutes ago‎

Govt-Team Anna talks moving in positive direction: Mediator

Times of India - ‎55 minutes ago‎

Camp Anna packed, Government hunts for truce

NDTV.com - ‎1 hour ago‎

Dharna before Prime Minister's house in Guwahati

The Hindu - Sushanta Talukdar - ‎14 minutes ago‎

Over 100 supporters of social activist Anna Hazare staged a dharna in front of the rented house of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Sarumotoria here on Monday. They beat drums, shouted slogans Anna Hazare zindabad and in support of the demand for ...

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Timeline of articles

Number of sources covering this story

	BJP plays safe on Hazare's demands ‎10 minutes ago‎ - The Hindu
	Anna's voice echoes in Green Park ‎12 hours ago‎ - Times of India
	Strident Hazare sounds siege of Delhi ‎20 hours ago‎ - Calcutta Telegraph
	Anna and India ‎Aug 21, 2011‎ - The Hindu
	Include Anna in school textbooks, says BJP ‎Aug 21, 2011‎ - Times of India
	BJP should come clean with their stand on Lokpal: Team Anna ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - Daily News & Analysis
	Lokpal Bill: Anna Hazare toughens stand, PM 'needs more time' ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - Economic Times
	No more talks, pass Bill by Aug 30: Team Anna ‎Aug 20, 2011‎ - IBNLive.com
	Is NCPRI's draft Lokpal bill a way out? ‎Aug 19, 2011‎ - Times of India
	Nationwide supporters unite for Anna ‎Aug 19, 2011‎ - Hindustan Times

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Palash Biswas
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Anna Hazare says ready to talk to Rahul, PMO or Chavan!I had been writing that it is Another PIPLI LIVE Show Inflated by Media. The Corporate Lobbying is Exposed with Anna team Bargaining!And why Rahul Gandhi? Rahul does NOT represent the Government.

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