CURRENT AFFAIRS – Nations of the World

IRAQ Insurgency intensified as approach of 15 December parliamentary elections prompted fears of major escalation. Wave of suicide bombings included twin blasts at Shiite mosques in Khanaqin, near Iranian border, killing 80 and car bomb outside hospital south of Baghdad killing 30. Gunmen dressed in Iraqi army uniforms shot dead prominent Sunni Arab tribal chief and 4 family members 23 November. Escalation of violence coincided with opening of preparatory Iraqi reconciliation meeting run by Arab League in Cairo. Detainee abuse scandal emerged 13 November after U.S. troops found 173 prisoners, mostly Sunni Arabs and some reportedly tortured, in bunker in interior ministry building. U.S. military forces completed 17-day counter- insurgency operation in western province of Anbar near Syrian border, which left 139 insurgents and 10 marines dead.

ERITRIA/ETHIOPIA Ethiopia/EritreaBorder tensions continued to rise with high concentrations of troops deployed on both sides. Ethiopian soldiers breached demilitarised zone, withdrawing 23 November. UN Security Council passed resolution threatening sanctions if sides failed to reduce troop numbers and if Eritrea refused to lift restrictions on UNMEE monitors, including ban on helicopter flights; also called on Ethiopia to respect boundary commission ruling on border demarcation, but did not threaten punishment. Eritrea dismissed resolution as biased. Deteriorated

AZERBAIJAN Police used violence to break up peaceful rally in Baku 26 November. Hundreds injured, 24 detained. Around 10,000 protesting 6 November parliamentary elections that failed to meet OSCE and Council of Europe standards. Protest was latest in series of moves by opposition who claimed election fraudulent, also announced boycott of seats in parliament. Ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) won overwhelmingly: preliminary results indicated YAP won 58 of 121 seats, supported by number of pro-government independents. Turnout low at 46.8%. Election Commission annulled results in 4 constituencies and 460 polling stations; 2 extra seats awarded to opposition. Government fired 7 officials for illegal interference in voting.

BANGLADESH Suspected Islamist militants intensified attacks on judiciary: at least 9 killed in Chittagong and Gazipur blasts 28 November, while 2 senior judges killed 14 November. Lawyers and judges held widespread protests against violence. General strike held by main opposition Awami League 24 November calling for government’s resignation. World Bank and other donors conditioned further aid on improved anti-corruption efforts and legislation aimed at improving government transparency.

CHAD Chad Situation tense between government and army deserters calling themselves Rally for Change, National Unity and Democracy (SCUD). SCUD said possessed means to topple President Deby. President reshuffled top military posts after gunmen raided army bases in N’djamena 14 November. Chad accused Sudan of using deserters to help fight Darfur rebels and destabilise Chad, sparking accusation from Khartoum of Chadian support for Darfur rebels. Sudanese army claimed it clashed with deserters in Darfur.

ETHIOPIA Opposition protests over disputed May elections sparked massive crackdown by security forces; dead. Over dead. Over 8,000 detainees later released after calls from U.S and EU, but as many as 3,000 remain in custody, including top opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy party officials. PM Zenawi said opposition leaders and newspaper editors would face at least 46 treason charges for their role in protests, which carry the death penalty

JORDAN Iraqi suicide bombers launched 3 coordinated attacks on Western hotels in Amman 9 November, killing 60 and wounding over 115. Al Qaeda in Iraq, led by Jordanian-born militant al-Zarqawi, claimed attack retaliation for Jordanian assistance to U.S. in Iraq. Fourth would-be bomber detained by police. King Abdullah II dismissed government and top officials of royal court, including national security adviser. Former military intelligence officer and ambassador to Israel and Turkey Marouf Bakhit named PM, given strong mandate to fight Islamist militancy.

SIERRA LEONE Tensions escalated between Vice President Berewa and opposition leader Margai, threatening political turmoil. Margai arrested on charges of provoking instability after his supporters reportedly harassed Berewa 21 November, later released on bail. Violent protests after arrest; situation somewhat defused upon Margai’s release. Media censorship continued but journalist Paul Kamara released 30 November. Anticorruption Commissioner Val Collier sacked; considered blow to commission’s independence. UN Security Council authorised UNMIL to arrest Charles Taylor and and transfer him to Sierra Leone Court if he returns to Liberia.

TURKEY Situation in southeast deteriorated after claims state security services involved in 9 November bomb attack on Semdinli bookshop and drive-by shooting at crime scene. 3 gendarmerie officers and 1 ex-PKK militant detained. Several days of rioting over incident in Hakkari province, Istanbul and elsewhere. At least 5 killed in clashes with police. PM Erdogan visited Semdinli 21 November promising justice. Sporadic violence continued across Turkey, including bombing in Istanbul that killed 2.EU cautioned Turkey on freedom of speech after prosecution of several authors and academics.

UGANDA UgandaOpposition leader Kizza Besigye, seen as President Museveni’s main challenger in first multi-party polls March 2006, arrested 14 November soon after returning from exile: accused of treason, rape, terrorism and weapons offences. Arrest sparked worst riots in decades and strong police response; 1 killed, 57 arrested. 14 of Besigye’s co-accused granted bail, but returned to jail for fear of being killed outside court. Government banned public demonstrations 23 November prior to Besigye’s court appearance. Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) reportedly made overture for talks with government. LRA killed 23 in attacks in north Uganda and south Sudan, including aid worker. Sudan extended agreement allowing Ugandan troops to pursue LRA into Sudanese territory. Commanders of Ugandan and Sudanese forces as well as Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement agreed joint strategy to execute International Criminal Court arrest warrants against top LRA commanders.

BOSNIA-HERZOGOVINA Representatives of leading Bosnian parties agreed in principle - under heavy U.S. and EU pressure - to constitutional amendments strengthening central institutions of government. Declaration signed in Washington 22 November; many details still to be worked out. Agreement came day after Brussels authorised negotiations on Stabilisation and Association Agreement as step towards EU membership; expected to start by year-end. UN Security Council extended EU Stabilisation Force (EUFOR) mission for 12 months.

MACEDONIA EU Commission recommended candidate status for Macedonia 9 November. Negotiations start date announcement expected at 15-16 December EU Summit. EU established EU Policy Advisory Team NEPAL Landmark deal announced between 7 political parties and Maoist rebels 22 November: Maoists agreed to accept multi-party democracy, stop terrorising civilians and accept democratic process. Maoist chief Prachanda committed to “march ahead peacefully” into new political mainstream and work with political parties to end absolute powers of monarchy. Maoists’ 3- month unilateral ceasefire to end 2 December. 2 high-level Maoist commanders reportedly killed in 30 November aerial attack. India pressed King Gyanendra to restore multi-party democracy at South Asian regional summit. Supreme Court refused to block law banning criticism of king and barring private radio stations broadcasting news; thousands protested new law.

AUSTRALIA Ethnic tensions erupted on Dec 11, 2005 into running battles between the police and a mob of thousands of youths, many chanting racial slurs, at a beachside suburb in southern Sydney. At least three persons were arrested and several injured in alcohol-fueled fights. Television images showed police protecting an ambulance being pelted with beer bottles and a group of young women attacking another woman. Other youths stamped on police vehicles and police officers fought back with batons and pepper spray. The behaviour, “is nothing short of disgusting and disgraceful,” said Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Goodwin. It’s certainly not the Australian way.”

RUSSIA On Dec 28, 2005 heralding a new era in satellite navigation, Russian carrier rocket Soyuz-FG launched the first 600kg Giove-A satellite of the European Global Positioning System Galileo from the Baikonur cosmodrome (Kazakhstan). It brought the GPS spacecraft to a preset circular orbit at 1201 pm (local time), with an altitude of more than 23,000 km and inclination of 56 degrees. The booster was launched at 8.19 am (local time), Itar-Tass reported. The GPS is currently the only worldwide system offering services ranging from driver assistance to search- and-rescue help. The satellite is expected to demonstrate key technologies required for Galileo, the $ 4 billion sat-nav system Europe hopes to deploy by 2010. If successful, the satellite will mark a major step in Europe’s biggest ever space programme, involving firms such as European aerospace giant EADS, France’s Thales and Alcatel, Britain’s Inmarsat, Italy’s Finmeccanica and Spain’s AENA and Hispasat. The system will be organised as a public-private partnership, with the commission wanting two-thirds of the funding to come from the industry and the rest from public coffers. The new network will provide the European Union countries the guaranteed access to a space-borne precise timing and location service independent of the United States.

ISRAEL Israel on Dec 2, 2005 successfully tested its indigenous Arrow anti-missile system, carrying out the most complicated interception so far. India is also said to have evinced interest in the system which was tested at a secret location in the centre of the country and is being seen by many as a response to the growing threat from Iran. The Arrow system was activated to intercept a long range ballistic test missile of sophisticated manoeuvring capabilities, which it intercepted and destroyed. Defence Ministry officials told daily Ha’aretz that the test was a response to the increasing threat of ballistic missiles in the region, in an oblique reference to Iran, but similar sources denied any such connection in interviews to ‘Ynet’ calling it a “routine test”. The test launch comes amid reports that Iran has signed a deal to buy Russian tactical surface-to-air missile systems and a day after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned of the dangers of a nuclear Iran. The simulated enemy missile used in the test resembles the Iranian Shahab-3 and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, the daily’s online version said.

IRAN On December 12, 2005 Iran successfully tested surface-to-sea missiles with a range of 110 km, the state television reported. The testing of the Silkworm missiles was the most important project of today’s military manoeuvres in southern Iran. It said the Silkworms have a speed of 290 km per second and a range of 110 km. These can detect targets from a distance of 15 km and have the capacity to destroy a warship. The report did not say whether the missiles could carry nuclear warheads. Iran’s armed forces began their biggest military manoeuvres on Friday in national waters in the Sea of Oman and Indian Ocean, close to Pakistan. The drills involved submarines, warships, missiles, jet fighters and gunships.

AFGHANISTAN On Dec 19, 2005, the Warlords, former Communists, Taliban defectors and women activists were sworn in as members of the first Afghan Parliament in more than 30 years amid hopes of national reconciliation after decades of bloodshed. The inauguration, which passed peacefully despite Taliban threats, was greeted with tears of emotion despite widespread disappointment at a Parliament filled with factional leaders blamed for serious human rights abuses. President Hamid Karzai thanked God for giving Afghanistan the chance to take control of its destiny after swearing in the 249 members of the Wolesi Jirga, or Lower House, and 102 members of the Meshrano Jirga, or the Upper House. Karzai urged national reconciliation and reiterated a call to the Taliban to abandon their insurgency, which had intensified in the past year despite his efforts to encourage defections. The opening of Parliament was the culmination of a UN- backed plan to bring democracy after US-led forces overthrew the Taliban in 2001. Security was tight after a Taliban suicide attacker detonated a car bomb nearby on Friday, killing himself and wounding two passers-by, and guerrilla spokesmen vowed more attacks on ''a symbol of American occupation''. Roads to Parliament, refurbished with foreign aid after damage in the civil war, were blocked by Afghan troops and NATO-led peacekeepers. Snipers were in position on rooftops.

NEWS BITS

Dec. 2, 2005: Ten US marines killed and about a dozen wounded by a bomb attack in Falluja, Iraq. The US govt. acknowledges that it hired a U.S. public relations agency, the Lincoln Group, to translate into Arabic articles written by American soldiers. The agency then passed the stories on to advertising agencies that paid Iraqi news outlets to run them. Dec. 5, 2005: First Witnesses Testify in Hussein Trial, detailing horrifying examples of torture. (Dec. 6): Baghdad Police Academy attacked, at least 36 people are killed and about 75 are wounded when two suicide bombers attack the compound. Dec. 6, 2005: About 20 people who were demonstrating against the construction of a power plant in the southern city of Dongzhou, China shot and killed by police. Chinese officials blocked the spread of information about the event. Dec. 12, 2005: Gebran Tueni, the Lebanese legislator, who has been critical of Syria, is killed in a car bomb attack less than a day after he returned to the country. Tueni, also the editor of An Nahar, Lebanon's most prominent newspaper, had been in living abroad out of fear of assassination. (Dec. 15): As many as 11 million Iraqis turn out to select their first permanent Parliament since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. More than 7,000 Parliamentary candidates from 300 parties are seeking to fill the 275 seats in Parliament. Violence is minimal. Dec. 19, 2005: Religious Shiites take early lead, according to preliminary figures released by election officials. Dec. 21, 2005: The Iraqi electoral commission reports that 10.9 million people, or 70% of the country's registered voters participated in the election. Dec. 28, 2005: The UN declares the elections were “transparent and credible,” angering many Sunni Arabs who complained of voter fraud. Dec. 18, 2005: Bolivia Elects a New President, Mr. Evo Morales, a former coca farmer, defeats seven other candidates, including former president Jorge Quiroga. Dec. 21, 2005: Yunus Qanooni chosen as chairman of the lower house of Parliament of Afghanistan. Dec. 31, 2005: At least 844 American soldiers died in Iraq in 2005, according to the U.S. government and Coalition Casualty Count, a nonprofit group that tracks military deaths in Iraq. More than 425 of those deaths were the result of homemade bombs placed on roads.

Jan. 1, 2006: In a dispute over pricing, state-owned company Gazprom reduces the flow of natural gas to Ukraine. The move affects exports to countries in western Europe. Jan. 2, 2006: Facing criticism from customers in western Europe, Russia resumes full flow of gas. Jan. 3, 2006: In a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran states that it plans to restart work on its “peaceful nuclear energy program.” The United States warns Iran that it may face consequences. However, on 10th Jan 2006, Iran broke the seals on three of its nuclear facilities. The U.S. and several European nations condemn the move. On Jan. 12, 2006, the U.S. and European diplomats end negotiations with Iran about dismantling its nuclear weapons program. Jan. 4, 2006: More than 50 people are killed in central Iraq by suicide bombers and car bombs. About 30 Shiites die in an attack on a funeral in Miqdadiya. Jan. 5, 2006: Suicide bombers kill about 130 Shiite pilgrims die in Karbala. Another 50 men, who were lined up to apply for jobs with the police force, die in Ramadi. Later on 9th Jan, 2006 two suicide bombers, who were carrying police badges, blow themselves near a celebration at the Police Academy in Baghdad, killing nearly 20 police officers. Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia takes responsibility. Jan. 5, 2006: Israeli prime minister undergoes emergency surgery to stop bleeding on the brain. Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is named acting prime minister. Jan. 13, 2006: Airstrike in the Bajaur tribal region in northwest Pakistan is intended to kill Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda's second in command. Pakistan officials say al-Zawahiri did not die in the attack. About 18 civilians, however, were killed in the operation. Jan. 18, 2006: Pakistani officials say that four members of al Qaeda, two of them high ranking, were killed in the raid. Jan. 18, 2006: Bodies of 36 Iraqis found in two towns north of Baghdad. Victims, many of whom were police recruits, were shot execution style. Jan. 19, 2006: After a year of silence, Osama bin Laden says al Qaeda is planning to attack the United States. He also extends a truce, but does not provide any details of its terms. Jan. 20: Coalition of Shiites and Kurds win 181 out of 275 seats in Parliament, but they are just shy of the two-thirds majority required to form their own government. Sunnis take 58 seats. The results follow a report by the International Mission for Iraqi Elections that finds the vote was flawed but mostly democratic. Jan. 23, 2006: Raouf Rasheed Abdel Rahman, a Kurd, named to replace Rizgar Muhammad Amin, who resigned after facing criticism from Iraqi officials. On 29th jan 2006, Hussein's trial resumes to chaos, with four defendants, including Hussein, ejected from the courtroom. The defense team was replaced after its members walked out of the courtroom. Jan. 24, 2006: Report by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction finds evidence of fraud, that money for rebuilding was casually and insecurely stored, and contract work was improperly certified as complete. Jan. 23, 2006: Stephen Harper's Conservative Party narrowly defeats the Labor Party, headed by outgoing prime minister Paul Martin, in parliamentary elections. It's the first time in 12 years that a Conservative will lead the country. Jan. 25, 2006: Militant Palestinian group that has called for the destruction of Israel takes 76 out of 132 seats in legislative elections, handing a stunning defeat to Fatah, which won just 43 seats. Fatah, the party formerly headed by Yasir Arafat, had been in control for 40 years. Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, of Fatah, resigns. Jan. 29, 2006: Acting Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert says Israel will not “hold any contacts” with Palestinians unless Hamas agrees to recognize Israel and renounce violence. || Bob Woodruff, ABC's evening news co-anchor, and his cameraman, Doug Vogt, are hit by a roadside bomb northwest of Baghdad.

SUMMITS AND ORGANISATIONS ASEAN - India India and ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Dec 13, 2005 held their fourth annual summit wherein they reaffirmed their strategic relationship, considered new initiatives that can be undertaken and exuded confidence in achieving their target of 30 billion US dollars worth trade by year 2007. The big picture that emerged at the India-ASEAN Summit was a major realignment of political forces and India was in the frame. This was reflected by keen interest shown by virtually every leader of the region, and also during the bilateral meetings Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun. Japan and South Korea are not members of ASEAN but are part of ASEAN Plus Three with China as the third power. ASEAN members as well as Japan and South Korea asked India for vigorous cooperation in IT, bio-technology and pharmaceuticals — indicating rapid progress made by New Delhi in these sectors. Secretary (East) Rajiv Sikri in the Ministry of External Affairs and Dr Sanjaya Baru, while briefing the Indian and foreign media in the evening, said leader after leader from ASEAN and East Asia wanted an intensive and vigorous engagement with India. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal called for ASEAN-India cooperation in information exchange, education and training, joint exercise programmes and joint patrol operations. She also urged India to consider cooperating with ASEAN in maritime security, safety and environment protection. The two sides at the India-ASEAN Summit noted with satisfaction that the Rules of Origin clause in the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN had been amicably resolved and the two sides needed to expedite the negotiations. Malaysia reiterated its concerns on the high percentage of items on the negative list of India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured that New Delhi was mindful of ASEAN concerns and said pragmatism should be the watch word for resolving all contentious issues. To demonstrate India’s sincere intentions, Dr Manmohan Singh suggested the following proposals: (1). India to set up Centres for English language training in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to equip students, civil servants, professionals and businessmen with adequate English language and communication skills. (2). India to create a tele-medicine and tele-education network for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. (3). India to run special training courses for diplomats from ASEAN countries. (4). India to host an India-ASEAN Technology Summit in 2006. (5). India to conduct education fairs and road shows in ASEAN countries in 2006. (6).India to organise an India-ASEAN IT Ministerial and Industry Forum next year. ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea have agreed that the East Asia Summit (EAS) would meet annually whenever and wherever the ASEAN Summit is held. However, in clearing the air on the emergence of the nascent EAS, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the new forum was neither a replacement nor an alternative for Asean+3.

G7 Britain sought to break a deadlock over world trade liberalisation at talks among finance ministers on Dec 3, 2005, but prospects of anything more than a declaration of good intent looked slim. In a move that troubled the French in particular, Britain’s Gordon Brown, chairing the London meeting, called for an end to subsidies for farmers in rich countries — aid and tariffs that were worth about $280 billion a year.

Brazilian finance minister Antonio Palocci said his country was ready to give ground on industrial tariffs as long as the United States and the European Union did the same on agriculture and Brown said India was willing to compromise too. Proposals for changes to farm support were insufficient, Palocci said. In one of many trade disputes, Brazil had been demanding compensation from the United States for subsidising cotton exports, which depressed prices and squeezed Brazilian farmers. The ministers and central bankers also discussed the outlook for the world economy and the high cost of oil at meeting. Turning to the affairs of the less well-off, ministers met Palestinian finance minister Salam Fayyad, who said the Palestinian Authority needed $200 million just to meet basic needs from now to February 2006. Brown’s main aim was apparently to secure some kind of political statement of support for a deal in Hong Kong on the Doha round of further trade liberalisation. The G7 meeting was also devoted to discussing risks facing the world economy, such as huge US deficits, weak growth in Europe, where the European Central Bank had just raised interest rates, and China keeping its currency too low, making cheap Chinese exports even cheaper. US Treasury Secretary John Snow urged Beijing to let its yuan rise versus the dollar to ease pressure on American exporters, but would not comment on a report that China would revalue by 7.2 per cent in the New Year.

ANTI-CORRUPTION TREATY On Dec 10, 2005 India, seeking to project its objective of zero tolerance against corruption globally, has signed the United Nations anti-corruption treaty which among other things, envisages return of ill-gotten assets to countries of origin. India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Nirupam Sen, signed the UN Convention Against Corruption during a brief ceremony at the world body’s headquarters. So far, the convention has been signed by 118 countries, including China, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives in India’s neighbourhood besides the USA, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia and South Africa. Seen as a major breakthrough, countries agreed on asset-recovery which will support the efforts of nations to redress the worst effects of corruption while sending at the same time a message to corrupt officials that there will be no place to hide their illicit assets. The provisions of the convention provide for international cooperation and mutual legal assistance in investigation of cases of corruption. Countries are bound by the convention to render specific forms of assistance in gathering and transferring evidence for use in court to extradite offenders. Countries are also required to undertake measures which will support the tracing, freezing, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of corruption. Topics covered by the 71-member treaty include bribery, illicit enrichment, misappropriation, money-laundering, protection of whistle blowers, freezing of assets and cooperation between states to uncover corruption

WTO MEET On Dec 15, Developing nations cranked up pressure on the rich to open their long-protected markets as world trade talks floundered, while the US, and Europe blamed each other for the deadlock. As WTO nations haggled in Hong Kong, over 1,000 anti-globalisation activists marched peacefully under the watchful eyes of the riot police a short distance away, but they promised a more aggressive demonstration. The US trade representative Rob Portman ‘’went ballistic’’ over that statement, which was issued by Zambian Trade Minister Dipak Patel on behalf of the poorest WTO countries. The US also came under fire over the $4 billion a year in subsidies enjoyed by its cotton farmers and won little respite when it announced its willingness to offer duty-free access for cotton from impoverished West African states. The European Union, for its part, took flak for a banana import system that Latin American growers say favours former European colonies and for its refusal to lower import tariffs for farm goods from developing countries. The Hong Kong meeting was initially intended to approve a draft trade treaty that would free up business in farm and industrial goods and services, and lift millions out of poverty. That plan was abandoned because of differences between rich and poor, particularly the EU’s stand on market access for farm goods from developing countries without further concessions from them on industrial goods and services, though the 149 WTO member states still hope to reach a deal by the end of 2006. Saddled with that impasse, the WTO had hoped to come away from Hong Kong with at least a duty-free and quota-free deal for the 49 poorest nations and their 700 million people. But the US has been reluctant to allow poor exporters free access to sensitive areas such as textiles, sugar and cotton, and Japan does not want to open up its rice market. The EU, meanwhile, came under pressure for refusing to endorse a 2010 date for ending farm export subsidies. The 25-nation EU says Washington must first indicate how it plans to reform its food aid system, arguing that — because the aid is in kind rather than cash — it amounts to as great a subsidy for US farmers as European export subsidies.

TRANS-ASIAN RAILWAY On Nov 30, 2005, 27-countries, including India, have reached an agreement on the 80,000-km railway network that will link Russia to Indonesia. The draft intergovernmental Agreement on the trans-Asian railway network was given final shape after a three-day discussion. The four- corridor network aims to offer efficient freight movement and improved access of the landlocked countries to major sea ports. Initiated by the Bangkok-based UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in 1960, the trans-Asian Railway project will link Russia, Central Asia and Turkey to China, Mongolia, the Korean peninsula and South and South East Asia. The trans-Asian railways includes a northern corridor linking rail networks in China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation and the Korean Peninsula. A southern corridor connects Thailand and the southern Chinese province of Yunnan with Turkey through Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Sri Lanka is also part of the corridor. Another corridor connects the South East and Indo-China sub-regions while a north-south corridor links northern Europe to the Persian Gulf through the Russian Federation, Central Asia, the Caucasus region and across the Caspian Sea

ARAB WORLD’S FIRST PARLIAMENT The Arab world’s first regional Parliament held its inaugural meeting in Cairo on Dec 27, 2005, but officials say it could be many years before the new institution gains enough clout to influence events in the region. The 88 members, four from the Parliament of each Arab League member, met at the league’s Cairo headquarters for a session addressed by Secretary-General Amr Moussa and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The interim Parliament has no binding legislative authority and can give its opinion only on matters referred to it by the Arab League Council, which represents Arab governments. Based in Syria, it will meet twice a year. Some Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, do not have elected Parliaments, so their representatives in the Arab Parliament are drawn from appointed advisory councils, which have little power.

SAFTA Bangladesh has ratified the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) hoping its export would boom when the arrangement comes into effect in the New Yearon Dec 27, 2005. Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Cabinet ratified the SAFTA agreement hoping that SAFTA would help boost its economy by way of increased exports within the South Asian region. Bangladesh would be the top gainer among the LDCs in the region as it has the ability to offer more products for trading regionally than countries like Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.

INDIA, OMAN SIGN DEFENCE MOU India and Oman yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation which would allow training facilities for the Omani forces besides also allow India to supply weapons to the Gulf nation. The MoU, signed by the visiting Omanese Defence Minister Sayyid Badr Bin Saud Hareb Al Busaidi, also envisages exchange of expertise in military training and information technology, utilization of military educational courses and programme and sending of observers to each others military exercises. The MoU also provides for working out technical specifications of military equipment in a bid to facilitate direct agreement with manufacturing companies of both the countries and maintaining quality assurance of defence supplies by ministry of defence for contracts signed within its framework.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – National

CONTROVERSY OVER QUATTROCCHI CASE Amidst snowballing controversy over defreezing of accounts of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, Union Minister of State for Home Shriparkash Jaiswal on jan 17, 2006 said the CBI was an independent agency and was playing a neutral role in the entire affair. The investigation agency had done what it thought was right in the case, he told a meet-the-press programme.

TELEPHONE TAPPING CASE New Delhi, Jan 11 (PTI) Under growing opposition attack on the phone tapping issue, the Centre ON JAN 11, 2006 said in view of the spurt in information and telecom technologies, it was feeling the need for more effective laws to tackle the problem. There has been a barrage of allegations by political leaders of their phones being tapped, starting with Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh.

ABU SALEM INTEROGATED Extradited gangster Abu Salem gave a wealth of information on underworld activities and even revealed details of incidents that happened 15 years ago, during a narco-analysis test IN Bangalore on Dec 30, 2005. Salem was “unstoppable” during the three-hour test conducted at the Bowring Institute and has “given all the information that police wanted”. The gangster, in sub-conscious state, also elaborated on the statement he made before the Mumbai police in which he disclosed the names of certain persons who were part of his financial chain of collection and distribution of money. Salem had a long list of questions to answer. He was subjected to polygraph (lie-detector) and brain-mapping tests at the FSL in the past two days.

NEWS TIT-BITS Dec 1, 2005: ‘Tejas’ combat aircraft (PV2), second prototype of India’s indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft makes it maiden flight in Banglare. || Launch of ‘Dual Citizenship Scheme” for overseas Indian by UPA government || ‘Akash” tested successfully || Ms. Uma Bharti expelled from BJP || India gets entry into coveted International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) as its seventh member || India – Russia join hands to develop and manufacture futuristic weapon system, MoA signed by PM Manmohan singh during his visit to Russia. Dec 9, 2006: Mr. Vijar Shankar is appointed as the new Director of CBI succeeding Mr. US Mishra. Dec 13, 2005: UPA govt. extends tenure of UC Banerjee Committee looking into Sabarmati Express Godhra- incident by three months. Dec 14, 2005: Bill to amend taxation laws passed by the Lok Sabha. Small exporters gets relief from levies under DEPB scheme after the Bill. Dec 25, 2006: NDMA (National Disaster management Authority) member, Mr N Vinod MChandra menon announces creation of NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) with a corpus of Rs 21300 crore. National Calamity and Contingency Fund has been converted and made NDRF. || ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrated to mark victory in Indo-Pak’71 war. Dec 31, 2005: L K Advani steps down as BJP President; Rajnath Singh is new president of BJP. Advani denies resigning under Sangh fountainhead's pressure|| Heavily armed insurgents kill Manipur Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) Tunglut Thangthaum and a havildar; injure four security personnel in an ambush in Bishenpur district. Jan 1, 2006: South Asian Free Trade Area comes into being; Pakistan yet to complete formality of ratifying it. Jan 2 , 2006: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reviews implementation of National Common Minimum Programme; says economic policy reforms to encourage investment in all sectors to be taken up.||Kalinga Nagar (Orissa), at least nine persons are killed; 17 injured in a clash between villagers opposing a steel project and police Jajpur district.|| Rajnath Singh formally takes over as BJP President || Suspended BSP MP Raja Ram Pal, who was caught on camera accepting money in "cash for query" scam, moves Supreme Court against his expulsion as Lok Sabha member.|| A three-member Hurriyat Conference delegation leaves for Lahore on their way to Islamabad. Jan 3, 2006: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveils a seven-point package to bring about second green revolution and promote integrated rural development to enhance productivity and bridge rural-urban divide.|| Samajwadi Party criticises Centre and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for tapping its leaders' telephones despite denials by Centre; Delhi Police arrests a second person allegedly involved in tapping Amar Singh's phone|| A Militant of Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba is arrested in connection with terror attack at Indian Institute of Science. Jan 4, 2006: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reviewing rehabilitation of tsunami- hit Andaman and Nicobar islands, announces recruitment to 650 posts and proposes a legislative framework to help victims get compensation.|| Supreme Court declines to stay Andhra Pradesh High Court judgement quashing an ordinance providing 5 per cen reservation for Muslims in government jobs; orders status quo while referring the issue to a Constitution Bench.|| Skeletal remains of 13 bodies are dug out from grave at Lunavada in Gujarat, where victims of post-Godhra communal riots were buried; exhuming of bodies begin under CBI and forensic experts' supervision in compliance with Gujarat High Court's order.|| Samples of herbal medicines allegedly prepared by yoga guru Ramdev test positive for animal and human parts, Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss says.|| India and Japan decide to hold high-level annual talks on nuclear issue; agree to strengthen defence relations and work for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Parternship Agreement. Jan 5, 2006: Allahabad High Court rejects Centre's plea for restoring minority status of Aligarh Muslim University; scraps 50 per cent reservation for Muslim students.|| President A P J Abdul Kalam outlines a seven-point research mission for scientific community; calls for efforts to double foodgrain production in 15 years and establish 100 rural development clusters within a year in the country.|| Swami Ramdev supporters, protesting allegations levelled against their 'guru' by CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, clash outside Left party's office. Jan 6, 2006: The Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes Management says that the French warship, Clemenceau, should not enter India.|| The Union Cabinet promulgates an ordinance to give the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) the power to decide all questions of minority status and cancel such recognition if the situation so warrants.|| The Union Cabinet approves inclusion and modification of certain castes and communities in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Jan 7, 2006: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announces benefits for NRIs, including easy-to-use remittance facility and liberalised insurance scheme.|| India rejects Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's suggestion to demilitarise three places in Jammu and Kashmir; asserts it is a "sovereign" decision to be taken by New Delhi based on security situation and cannot be "dictated by any foreign government". Jan 8, 2006: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee says courts have no jurisdiction on expulsion of MPs from Parliament; will not respond to any judicial notices on the matter.|| Veteran Marathi author Vinda Karandikar is selected for Jnanpith Award for 2003.|| Supreme Court holds that wilful absence of government employee from work can invite termination from service. Jan 9, 2006: Delhi High Court issues notices to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats, Election Commission and Centre on petitions by eight of 11 expelled MPs challenging their expulsion from Parliament following "cash for query" scam.|| Seventeen eminent NRIs, including Hong Kong- based Rusy M Shroff and US-based doctor Sudhir Parikh, are awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award.|| India-Myanmar border in and around Moreh, border town of Manipur's Chandel district, is after two IED blasts. Jan 10, 2006: Government, facing criticism from Left parties and other allies like DMK, puts on hold decision to reduce quantity of foodgrains under Public Distribution System thereby cutting food subsidy.|| Supreme Court directs task of cleaning Yamuna is carried forward by Delhi High Court appointed Committee.|| Over 100 live and rusted hand grenades are seized from premises of Golden Temple's Guru Nanak Niwas.|| Centre notifies 8.5 per cent return on Employees Provident Fund deposits for the current fiscal. Jan 11, 2006: CBI maintains its plea for defreezing two bank accounts of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi in London containing three million Euros and one million dollars would not affect Bofors payoff case. Jan 12, 2006: A lawyer moves Supreme Court challenging government's stand before British authorities to defreeze bank accounts of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, accused in Bofors pay off case.|| Supreme Court holds that courts cannot exercis their power of judicial review on government decisions taken after consultation with Chief Justice of India.|| Government approves establishment of Central Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema Campus, Nagaland. Jan 13, 2006: Finance Minister P. Chidambaram warns that "severe action" will be taken against those involved in allotment scams related to new public issues.|| Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh is questioned by the Delhi Police special cell in connection with the illegal tapping of his telephone.|| The Army says that the situation was not conducive to troops reduction in Jammu and Kashmir as the terror infrastructure continued to exist. Jan 21, 2006: Rebel JD(S) Legislators from Karnataka, led by H D Kumaraswamy, arrive in Goa and head for an undisclosed destination. || Controversial independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya is re-inducted into the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, two months after he resigned following a Supreme Court order that quashed decision of Mulayam Singh Yadav government to revoke POTA charges against him. || Jan 22, 2006: Congress, at its annual plenary, affirms its commitment to coalition politics and reassures of "reforms with human face" to ward off any threat to its first experiment of sharing power at the Centre; party leaders press for greater role for Rahul Gandhi. || Jan 23, 2006: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, at Congress Party's annual plenary, says UPA's three-point economic agenda would be to promote farm sector, investment, especially in infrastructure, and job creation to sustain a high 7-8 per cent growth. || Rahul Gandhi declines to take up a position in AICC hierarchy; says there is "no fast-track to success" and is his place now is among the people. || Government discloses that money in two London bank accounts of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi was withdrawn on Jan 16. || In a setback to Congress' hopes of relying on him to save Karnataka coalition government, JD(S) chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda backs his son H D Kumaraswamy whose revolt led to crisis in Dharam Singh Ministry. || Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh files a fresh petition in Supreme Court seeking judicial probe into telephone tapping case. || Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority issues a public notice seeking assistance from all persons having knowledge of facts and circumstances relating to Volcker Committee report naming former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and Congress as "non-contractual beneficiaries" in the UN Oil for Food Programme in Iraq. || Abdul Latheef Naushad, an Indian national languishing in a jail in Saudi Arabia for blinding a local, is saved from facing the sentence of his eye being gouged out as the victim pardons him. || Jan 24: Supreme Court, in a 3-2 verdict, finds Bihar Governor Buta Singh guilty of "subversion" of the Constitution for recommending dissolution of state assembly; criticises government for taking his report as gospel truth without verifying. || Government allows foreign direct investment in single-brand retail. || President A P J Abdul Kalam promulgates an ordinance to amend National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act 2004. || Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud arrives on a three-day visit. || Jan 25: Propounding new approach to politics, President A P J Abdul Kalam says all parties must converge on "development politics" immediately after the polls for uplift of those below the poverty line and remove illiteracy and unemployment. || A Gorkha Non-Commissioned officer, Subedar Jagat Bahadur Ghale, who killed three Lashkar militants in hand-to-hand combat in Kashmir, Sanjeev, a police officer who played a stellar role in tsunami rescue and a civilian, Raghuram, from Rajasthan are awarded Kirti Chakra. || Veteran Malayalam film-maker and Dada Saheb Phalke award winner Adoor Gopalakrishnan, tennis star Sania Mirza, Infosys number two Nadan Nilekani, Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande and eminent cardiologist Uprendra Kaul are among 106 personalities from various fields chosen for Padma awards this year. || US makes it clear if India does not vote against Tehran's nuclear programme, the fallout on Indo-US nuclear deal in the Congress would be "devastating" and the initiative will "die"; India rejects US attempt to link proposed Indo-US agreement on civil nuclear energy cooperation with vote on Iran's nuclear issue; asserts that it would proceed on basis of its own "independent judgement" and "national interests". || India and Saudi Arabia pledge cooperation to combat terrorism and forge closer energy and economic ties; sign four accords, including one on fight against crime. New Delhi: NDA leaders, asserting that Supreme Court verdict on Bihar had long-term implications for Constitutional propriety and democratic accountability, petition President to secure Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's resignation and dismiss Governor Buta Singh. || Jan 26, 2006: Bihar Governor Buta Singh resigns. || US Ambassador David C Mulford's comments on Indo-US nuclear deal raises controversy; government summons envoy and conveys its strong displeasure. Jan 27, 2006: A constitutional deadlock occurs in Karnataka as the Karnataka Assembly is adjourned sine die by Speaker Krishna without the Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh seeking the vote of confidence as directed by Governor T.N. Chaturvedi. || King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al- Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sign the `Delhi Declaration.' This is the first time in history that the King made a joint declaration with any other country.|| New Delhi welcomes "all initiatives," including from Russia, which is trying evolve a consensus on the Iranian nuclear issue and urges "further intensive efforts" in that direction.

SUPREME COURT VERDICTS

Establish holder of assets in graft cases The Supreme Court has held that for proving a corruption case against a public servant, the prosecution has to establish beyond doubt that the assets recovered from his family premises are exclusively accounted in his name when his spouse and wards are also earning members. “In case of joint possession, it is very difficult when one of the persons accepted the entire responsibility…. It is very difficult to segregate that how much wealth belonged to the husband and how much to the wife,” a Bench of Mr Justice B.N. Agrawal and Mr Justice A.K. Mathur said while upholding the acquittal of former Tamil Nadu Heath Secretary K. Inbasagaran in a corruption case.

Waqf Board order on Taj The Supreme Court has stayed the order of Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board (UPSCWB) declaring Taj Mahal a “waqf property” after its order was challenged by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the custodian of the world heritage monument. Taking cognizance of an appeal filed by ASI against the UPSCWB’s July 13 order, a Bench of Ms Justice Ruma Pal, Mr Justice S.B. Sinha and Mr Justice S.H. Kapadia issued notices to the Waqf Board, UP Government, its Commissioner for Ancient Archaelogical Sites and Mohammed Irfan Bedar who had filed a petition before the Board regarding the Taj Mahal’s title. While seeking replies from them, the court said all issues pertaining to the maintainability of the ASI’s petition were kept open at this stage. Solicitor General (SG) G.E. Vahanvati, appearing for the ASI challenged the order of the UPSCWB on the ground that there were sufficient reliable historical evidence to show that the title of Taj was vested in the Government of India under British rule. The ASI in its petition said if the Waqf Board order was not immediately stayed, it would threaten Taj losing the status of “world heritage” monument conferred by UNESCO. It asked whether a national monument, declared as world heritage, could be declared the property of a particular entity or community. Besides, it would open a pandora’s box on various issues pertaining to the Taj Mahal, including its maintenance, security, protection of environment around it and if the order of Waqf Board was accepted, then a “mutawalli (caretaker)” have to be appointed to look after the monument. The Waqf Board in its order had said that apart from Taj, other monuments like Roza Tahmahal, Jamatkhana and adjacent mosque were waqf properties and they should be registered under the control of UPSCWB. The ASI also questioned the legality of Waqf Board order on the ground whether it had a right to entertain a petition by an individual, contending that the UPSCWB had tried to achieve something in “oblique and indirect manner what it could have not have achieved directly.”

On damage caused due to Taj-Corridor Project In another Taj-related matter, the Bench also appointed a five-member committee to assess the damage caused to Yamuna bed behind the monument due to construction of Taj corridor project illegally during the tenure of former UP Chief Minister Mayawati. The committee comprising advocate Krishan Mahajan, who is amacus curiea in all Taj related cases, R.C. Trivedi, a scientist from Central Pollution Control Board, one more representative from it, an expert nominated by Ministry of Environment and Forests and ASI’s Agra range Superintending Engineer.

The committee was directed to submit its report within eight weeks on three aspects whether soil dug from river bed and debris left there after the project was stayed had been lying there or removed, effect of the project on the environment around Taj and restoration of the ecology of river bed to its original shape.

On reservation in private unaided Institutions The Supreme Court has rejected a petition for the review of its judgement striking down the reservation in unaided private professional institutions other than those run by the minorities across the country. The review of the August 12 judgement of the apex court was sought by the Tamil Nadu Government on the grounds that it had passed an Act in 1993 “obliging” the state to provide reservation even in unaided private institutions and the verdict came in the way of the state to implement its law. A seven-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, rejected the petition in a chamber hearing yesterday, holding that the validity of the Tamil Nadu Act on reservation was not questioned before the apex court when it had decided the issue of reservation in the unaided private institutions on August 12, and, therefore, seeking a review on this ground could not be sustained.

GOVERNMENT BILLS AND ACTS

Bill to make HIV test must for all On Dec 6, 2005 the Rajya Swasthya Samiti Executive Director K.K.Pathak announced the Centre was contemplating to bring a Bill in Parliament soon to make HIV test mandatory for all in the country in view of the slow but steady spread of AIDS in several states. Bihar too was considered as a high- risk zone with a huge migratory population. The move by the Centre is not without any basis. As the country observed World AIDS Day on December 1, there are, at present, 1,11,608 confirmed AIDS cases in India,of which 95,941 were the results of “unsafe sex”. Quoting the report published by National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) on July 31 this year,the Director of Rajendra Memorial Institute of Medical Science in Patna, Dr P.K.Das, apprehended that actual number of confirmed AIDS cases might be more once a better scientific survey was carried out in different parts of the country. According to Dr Das, the number of HIV-infected cases could be estimated around 10 lakh. Out of the 1,11,608 confirmed AIDS cases, Tamil Nadu figured top on the list with 52,036 cases, followed by Maharashtra (13,747), Andhra Pradesh(12349), West Bengal recorded 2,397 cases. Jharkhand, Arunachal, Chhatisgarh were among the few states where NACO recorded no AIDS cases as on July 31 this year.

Criminal Law Bill introduced in LS Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Dec 22, 2005 introduced in the Lok Sabha the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2005, which provides for introduction of the Western concept of plea- bargaining to reduce time-frame of criminal trials. The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 13. Mr Patil informed the House that the government was trying to insert new sections aimed at punishing a person who induced someone to give false evidence.

Govt mulling repeal of armed forces Act The government is considering Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee recommendations to repeal the Armed Forces Special Power Act, now in force in North-Eastern states. The report of the former Supreme Court Judge set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the Act, 1958 as amended in 1972, was under examination. On detenues, Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal told the Rajya Sabha that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir ordered the release of 44 detenues, including seven women activists of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, on the recommendation of the Joint Screening Committee, which reviewed the cases of all detenues held under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978. The review was conducted in pursuance of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Hurriyat delegation held in Delhi on September 5, 2005. Also, the number of foreigners who were found staying illegally in India as on December 31 in 2002, 2003 and 2004 were 46,818, 46,587 and 46,502, respectively, Mr Jaiswal said.

DEFENCE/SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Navy to acquire 27 warships The Indian Navy is set to acquire three more Russian Krivck class missile-carrying stealth frigates in a bid to bolster its falling force levels and is in the process of floating proposals for purchasing more spy planes and anti-submarine helicopters. Addressing a news conference ahead of the Navy Day on December 4 Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said 27 warships and submarines were on order. He further disclosed that the government clearance was also in process for inducting 36 more indigenous warships of various tonnage ranging from fast petrol craft to missile-carrying destroyers and frigates which would greatly enhance Indian Navy’s capabilities. He said Navy had completed the selection of buying a Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) for undertaking rescue of submarines in distress by identifying the vendor. Navy was in the process of buying at least two of these DSRV’s. Pending their induction in the next three years, it was in the process of formalising an agreement with the US Navy for its help in case of any of the Indian submarines getting into distress in the high seas.

On the acquisition of the long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, the Naval chief said Request For Proposals (RFP) for these would be floated soon and mentioned the US offer of leasing out its new P3C Orions in this connection. Admiral Prakash pointed out that if India went in for the P3C Orions offer of the US Government, it would be an interim measure. He also disclosed that Navy would be getting back its two IL-38 maritime spy planes which had been sent to Moscow for midlife upgrades by the end of the year. The Naval chief said it was in the process of building up a force level for this and mentioned that Gorshkov carrier acquired from Russia would be delivered on schedule by mid-2008, while the country’s first ever indigenous carrier to be built at Kochi was also progressing on schedule.

INSAT-4A in space Direct-to-Home (DTH) services are set to get a major fillip with the successful launch of the country’s most advanced INSAT-4A telecommunications satellite from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said the satellite signals had been picked up by the Master Control Facility (MCF) of the satellite in Hassan in Karnataka. The ISRO Chairman described the health of the satellite as “good”, adding that the satellite was the most advanced engineered by India. Dr Nair said the satellite, the heaviest the country had produced so far, was expected to give a major boost to DTH services, as it was equipped with 12 ku and 12 c band high-power transponders with a design life of 12 years. ISRO officials in Bangalore meanwhile said 12 ku transponders provided around 150 DTH channels and that the satellite was expected to be operational next month. INSAT-4A was originally planned for launch in the first half of 2005 but due to certain difficulties faced by the Ariane Space Centre, the launch had to be recast. In a few days from now, the MCF at Hassan is expected to carry out operations aimed at putting the satellite in its designated slot of 83 degree east longitude along with INSAT-2E and INSAT 3B. While the MCF is expected to carry out regular operations of the satellite and also control it, Tata Sky has already signed an agreement with ISRO to lease all 12 ku band transponders so that DTH services can be provided in the country. INSAT-4A, which weighs 3,080 kg, was shot into space about 29 minutes after the European launch vehicle Ariane-5 was blasted off at 4.03 am. The launch was witnessed by the ISRO Chairman besides other senior officials. The rocket also deployed INSAT-4A’s co- passenger, European Meteorological Payload MSG-2, seven minutes later. The satellite is the first of the INSAT-4 series under which seven satellites have been planned, according to ISRO officials. The thrust of the satellites is towards revolutionizing the telecommunication sector in the country.

Akash test-fired Akash, India’s surface-to-air missile, was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, on Dec 3, 2005. Aiming at a moving target, the missile was fired from a mobile launcher as the exercise was supported by a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA).

‘Dhanush’ test-fired India on Dec 28, 2005 successfully test fired ‘Dhanush’, the naval version of the indigenous ‘Prithvi’ medium-range surface to surface missile, from a ship anchored in the Bay of Bengal between Paradip and Chandipur, off the Orissa coast. Sources, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on Chandipur-on-Sea, said the missile was test fired at 1.58 pm.

NEWSMAKERS

Nursultan Nazarbayev On Dec 5, 2005. the oil-rich Kazakhstan’s veteran President Nursultan Nazarbayev won landslide re-election to a new seven-year term, as the opposition demanded the vote be declared invalid. Mr Nazarbayev (65) won 91.01 per cent of ballots cast in yesterday’s poll in the giant Central Asian country, according to preliminary results, said Central Election Commission chairman Onalsyn Zhumabekov in the capital Astana. Main opposition candidate Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, who secured just 6.64 per cent, alleged there had been “multiple violations.”

Vijay Shanker Vijay Shanker has been appointed the new CBI Director following the retirement of incumbent Uma Shankar Misra on December 6. Mr Shanker is likely to take charge from the officiating Chief J.K. Dutt on Monday. During his stint as Additional Director of the CBI, Mr Shanker investigated several important cases like the deportation of underworld don Abu Salem, Bilkis Banu case and the Telgi scam. During his stint in the CBI, Mr Shanker had also handled several sensitive cases, including the IC-814 Hijack case, poetess Madhumita Shukla murder case and the whistle blower Satyendra Dube's murder case.

Robert Parton Robert Parton, an investigator who quit a UN-established inquiry into the Iraq oil-for-food scandal charged that the probe favoured UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, according to a congressional report. Mr Parton, a lawyer and a former FBI agent, resigned from the inquiry in April. His allegations arose in a 60-page survey by the International Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives.

Mohamed ElBaradei On Dec 10, 2005 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its chief Mohamed ElBaradei received the Nobel Peace Prize for their work to prevent the spread of nuclear arms and promote the safe use of atomic power. ElBaradei and the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the IAEA, Yukiya Amano, received gold medals and Nobel diplomas at a ceremony at Oslo City Hall to applause from about 1,000 guests. They will share 10 million Swedish crowns ($ 1.25 million), which accompanies the award established by Swedish philanthropist Alfred Nobel.

Jack Anderson On Dec 18, 2005 Jack Anderson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning muckraking columnist who struck fear into the hearts of corrupt or secretive politicians, inspiring operatives of President Richard Nixon to plot his murder, has died. He was 83. Anderson died on at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, of complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Bill Gates & Milinda Gates The richest man in the world, Bill Gates, and his wife, Melinda, were named Time magazine's ''Persons of the Year'' along with Irish rocker Bono for being Good Samaritans who made a difference in different ways. The three were chosen for their work in trying to find ways to eradicate such calamities as malaria in Africa, HIV and AIDS and the poverty that kills 8 million people a year, said James Kelly, Time Managing Editor. Time also named former U S Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton as ''Partners of the Year'' for their humanitarian efforts after the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

Hwang Woo-suk Researcher Hwang Woo-suk apologised on Dec 23, 2005 and resigned from a South Korean university after the school said he fabricated results in stem-cell research that had raised hopes of new cures for hard-to-treat diseases. However, Hwang still maintained he had produced the technology to create patient-matched stem cells as he claimed to do in a May article in the journal Science. A panel of Seoul National University experts announced Hwang had faked results of at least nine of 11 stem cell lines he claimed to have created in the May paper — the first confirmation of allegations that have cast a shadow over all his puported breakthroughs in cloning and stem-cell technology. Michael Manga A geophysicist of Indian origin has been selected the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ by the People magazine along with Hollywood superstars Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt on Dec 26, 2005. Michael Manga, a 37-year-old geology professor of UC Berkeley, who won the $500,000 MacArthur ‘genius’ grant earlier this year, was included in the People magazine’s world’s 14 sexiest men list including Matthew McConaughey, Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Orlando Bloom among others.

Kerry Packer Australia's richest man Kerry Packer (68), who controlled Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd (PBL), one of the country's major media groups, died in his sleep overnight on Dec 27, 2005. Billionaire Packer owned 30 per cent of PBL, which operates Australia's Channel Nine television network and publishes a string of magazines, and had interests in Australian casinos. In 1990, he had a heart attack while playing polo in Sydney and was clinically dead for eight minutes until emergency medical officers revived him by electric shock treatment.

AWARDS & HONOURS

World Technology Award On Dec 7, 2005 and Indian-American scientist Subhendu Guha, noted for his pioneering work in amorphous silicon, won the 2005 World Technology Award in Energy. The award for Guha’s innovative work on the science and technology of thin-film amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon materials and solar cells was announced at a gala ceremony in San Francisco at the conclusion of the World Technology Summit.

Asian Television Award On Dec 2, 2005 at a glittering ceremony in Singapore on Thursday night, Karan Thapar won the Asian Television Award for Best Current Affairs Presenter for the year 2005. This is the first time in the 10-year history of the Asian Television Awards, the most highly regarded in the Asian continent, that someone has won the coveted trophy for Best Current Affairs Presenter three times. Mr Thapar first won the award in 1999 and then again in 2003. This year, Karan Thapar won the Best Current Affairs Presenter award for a HARDtalk India interview broadcast on BBC World in April with former Law Minister and BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley. Competing against him were almost 1500 other entries from a total of 14 different Asian countries. The runners-up included entries from the CNN and Singapore’s Channel NewsAsia. HARDtalk India, which started in 1999, is the BBC World’s principal political programme covering current affairs events in India. Karan Thapar has presented it without break from its inception. Indian news channel NDTV bagged two awards. NDTV was also the winner in the Best News Programme category for its programme Waves of Destruction, on last year’s devastating tsunami. UTV’s programme “Gol Gol Gullam,” a game show involving children, won the top prize, pipping broadcasters from Taiwan and Japan.

King Faisal Award On Dec 28, 2005 an Indian mathematician has been named the co-winner of the King Faisal International prize for 2006, in recognition of his path-breaking research which has strengthened links between mathematics and physics. India’s M S Narasimhan, an honorary fellow at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, shares the prize with UK’s Simon Kirwan Donaldson, president of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and professor of mathematics at Imperial College, London for seminal contributions to math which also helped provide a foundation for physical theories. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, director general of the King Faisal Foundation, said the prizes would be distributed to the winners on February 18, 2006. The two mathematicians’ work has helped establish strong ties with the formulation of quantum chromodynamics for which the King Faisal Prize in physics was given last year, the Foundation said. Arab IPR Media Award On Dec 28, 2005, a Dubai-based Indian journalist has won the prestigious Arab IPR Media Award 2005 for his reportage on anti-piracy drive in the Arab world. Isaac John of ‘Khaleej Times’ won the award for his “insightful reportage about the challenges and opportunities in forging an effective anti-piracy drive in the Arab world”. The award was constituted by Business Software Alliance (BSA), a global organisation dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world, Co- Chairman of BSA (Middle East) Jawad Al Redha said. John — a veteran of 25 years in Gulf media — has won three Pan-Arab awards in a row in 2005, a rare distinction for an Indian journalist in this region. He was one among the five recipients of the award, distributed at a gala function, including Mahmoud Saberi (Gulf News), Thair Soukar (Channel Arabic), Mohammed Mousa (Al Khaleej) and Haider bin Abdel Redha (Oman Daily).

Sanskriti Awards On Dec 3, 2005 Rudra veena maestro Bahuddin Dagar, noted Telugu litterateur Shajahana, journalist Radhika Bordia and artist Gigi Scaria and Loknaad have been honoured with the prestigious Sanskriti Awards for excellence in their respective fields. The awards, carrying a cash prize of Rs 25,000 were given away by Delhi Lt Governor BL Joshi at a function. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Joshi said Sanskriti Awards would go a long way in inspiring and encouraging young and talented artistes. Shajahana, a student of Telgu literature has won a gold medal in her M.Phil programme. Radhika Bordia has got the honour for her creative and sensitive TV reporting. She works as features editor with NDTV, Mumbai.

Golden Peacock Awards Quick-paced and blackly comic Iranian entry “Iron Island”, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, walked away with the Golden Peacock for the best film at the 36th International Film Festival of India on Dec 4, 2005, pipping to the post public-favourite “Olga” from Brazil. The top award carries a prize of Rs 10 lakh. Announcing the awards on behalf of the Latin American Chairman of the five-member jury, Mr Miguel Littin, Indian jury member Saeed Mirza said the top award was being given to “Iron Island” for its originality deep, thoughtful narration, powerful cinematic expression and great creative strength. The Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh for the most promising director was claimed by Vera Eugina Fogwill and Martin Desalvo for the Spanish-language film “Kept and Dreamless” from Argentina, an intimate portrait of an irresponsible junkie mother and her 10-year-old daughter. It was chosen for unveiling the feminine universe with sensitivity and humour in the context of global marginalisation of people. The special jury award for the director of a film for his individual artistic contribution went to Tom Hooper from South Africa for “Red Dust”, for his efficient use of the cinematic language dealing with great understanding of the issue of human rights. It is a compelling drama about the secrets of the past and the healing of an apartheid-scarred country. This award, too, comprises a Silver Peacock and Rs 5-lakh prize money.

Goa Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane gave away the award. The award to the directors of “Kept and Dreamless” was given away by Information and Broadcasting Secretary S.K. Arora, while National award-winning actor Mithun Chakravarthy, who was the guest of honour for the closing ceremony, presented it to representatives of “Red Dust”. The other guest of honour, Mamoothy, could not make it to the function. Nor could Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi. “Iron Island” follows the adventures of a group of homeless men, women and children, impoverished and abandoned by the society, who inhabit a sinking oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Strange and bewitching scenes of the film are remarkably true to life and have won Mohammad Rasoulof a string of awards, including the Hamburg Film Critics Award and the Best Script and Jury Special Mention at Montreal.