Political News – Newsletter for November 7, 2010

Obama urges ‘risen’ India to begin dialogue with Pakistan (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – Sharing New Delhi’s perception that progress by Islamabad in tackling terror was not quick enough, US President Barack Obama Sunday nudged India to begin a dialogue with its neighbour, saying New Delhi has the biggest stake in a successful and stable Pakistan”.

Obama, however, ruled out any mediation by the US in bilateral … Original article on : Obama urges ‘risen’ India to begin dialogue with Pakistan (Second Lead).

BJP to discuss Pakistan terror links with Obama

NEW DELHI – Pakistan-based militants’ role in terror activities in India and the “protectionist policies” of the US that harm Indian industry are some of the issues the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will raise with US President Obama Monday, party sources said.

Senior BJP leaders held a meeting here Sunday chaired by party veteran L.K. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BJP to discuss Pakistan terror links with Obama.

India-US ties anchor of security, world prosperity: Obama (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – Stating that he was determined to take bilateral ties to an entirely new level, US President Barack Obama Sunday asserted that India-US relationship could be the anchor for security and prosperity in Asia and the world.

I am here because I think that the partnership between India and US has limitless potential to … Read more : India-US ties anchor of security, world prosperity: Obama (Second Lead).

After charming Mumbai, Obama heads to Delhi

MUMBAI – After charming Mumbai as they interacted and danced with students and also announcing $10 billion-worth business deals with India, US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Sunday afternoon left for New Delhi for official talks.

The Obamas danced with students of the Holy Name School in Colaba. The US first couple …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India has biggest stake in a successful Pakistan: Obama

MUMBAI – Ruling out the US becoming part of India-Pakistan bilateral talks, President Barack Obama Sunday said India has “the biggest stake” in a successful and stable Pakistan.

“Obviously the history between India and Pakistan is incredibly complex and born out of much tragedy and violence. It may be surprising, but I am absolutely convinced …. Source  : India has biggest stake in a successful Pakistan: Obama.

Poll rout not to alter India-US ties: Obama

MUMBAI – Looking for mid-term adjustments for his government in the wake of an electoral debacle back home, President Barack Obama Sunday ruled out any change in the “fundamental belief” of US policy that India is a “critical” partner in the 21st century.

Obama reiterated that bilateral relations between the two countries were a “win-win” … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Poll rout not to alter India-US ties: Obama.

Obama hits out at Myanmar polls

MUMBAI – US President Barack Obama Sunday told students here that elections in Myanmar would be anything but free and fair and exhorted everyone to speak up for democracy and freedom.

In remarks that may be seen as a subtle critique of India’s policy towards that country, Obama said: “There are elections that are being …. Source  : Obama hits out at Myanmar polls.

Afghan withdrawal to begin in July 2011: Obama

MUMBAI – The US would begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan from July 2011, President Barack Obama reiterated Sunday even as he said a final decision on a total pullout would be determined by military issues and politics.

I have said that starting July 2011, we will begin reducing troops levels. But we will not …. Read the original article  : here.

A stable Pakistan is in India’s interest: Obama

MUMBAI – US President Barack Obama Sunday told students here that India has the biggest stake in Pakistan turning into a stable and prosperous state.

“It may be surprising, that I am absolutely convinced that the country which has the biggest stake in Pakistan’s success is India,” Obama said at interaction with students at the …. Read the original article  : here.

President Barack Obama’s Visit To India Makes Sensation

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Prior to the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama in New Delhi, the capital of India is being transformed into a fortress as the government does not want to take any chances with security. However, this may make commuting a nightmare for the residents of the capital on Monday, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Siddhartha Shankar Ray Passes Away

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Siddhartha Shankar Roy passed away at his Kolkata residence yesterday evening. His family announced the news to the media and said that the veteran Congress leader died after battling a protracted illness. The media outlets reported that Siddhartha Shankar Ray had been suffering from kidney … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Siddhartha Shankar Ray Passes Away.

Manmohan Singh, wife to receive Obamas’ at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, are expected to receive US President Barack Obama and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama when they land here on Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Singh personally took the decision to go to the tarmac at the Air Force Station Palam, next to the … Read : Manmohan Singh, wife to receive Obamas’ at Delhi airport.

Obamas dance to a Marathi tune at Mumbai school (Second Lead)

MUMBAI – It was a swinging start to the day for the Obamas Sunday with both the president and his wife shaking a leg with children at the Holy Name School here as a Marathi folk tune played in the background.

President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, who landed here Saturday for a four-day …. Original source  : Obamas dance to a Marathi tune at Mumbai school (Second Lead).

Millions vote in Myanmar’s first election in 20 years

YANGON – Myanmar’s military-ruled population started voting Sunday in the country’s first election in 20 years, designed to introduce “discipline-flourishing democracy”.

An estimated 29 million people were eligible to vote in Sunday’s polls, the first since May 27, 1990.
This year’s election has raised few expectations for real democracy in Myanmar, but some are hoping … Read more : Millions vote in Myanmar’s first election in 20 years.

Pranab, Mamata condole Ray’s death

KOLKATA – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday condoled the death of former West Bengal chief minister Siddhartha Shankar Ray.

“He was an efficient administrator, a void has been created by his death. He took the reins of the state at a crucial moment and efficiently fulfilled his duties,” said …. Source article  : Pranab, Mamata condole Ray’s death.

S.S. Ray – an administrator par excellence (Obituary)

KOLKATA – Sophisticated and articulate, Siddhartha Shankar Ray was an administrator par excellence who crushed the Naxalite movement in West Bengal and was the first envoy to put business on the India-US agenda.

A grandson of legendary freedom fighter Chittaranjan Das and himself a great barrister, Ray was said to be the brain behind then …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : S.S. Ray – an administrator par excellence (Obituary).

Massive protests as nuclear waste train reaches Germany

BERLIN – A train transporting nuclear waste from France crossed the border into Germany Saturday, where tens of thousands of anti-nuclear activists were demonstrating and attempting to block the tracks.

Witnesses reported that police had begun forcibly removing people from the tracks so the train could pass.
Police reported that at least 10,000 people began …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Massive protests as nuclear waste train reaches Germany.

Manmohan Singh to receive Obama at Delhi airport

NEW DELHI – In a special gesture, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur will receive US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle at Delhi airport Sunday, sources here said Saturday.

“Yes, the prime minister and his wife will be receiving the Obamas,” sources at the Prime Minister’s Office told IANS.
Obama … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Manmohan Singh to receive Obama at Delhi airport.

Obama floods Twitter in India

NEW DELHI – The moment US President Barack Obama’s Air Force One touched down in Mumbai, the Twitterati got active, and inundated cyberspace with messages — ranging from eating out suggestions for the US first couple to humorous comments on his visit.

I hope Obama pays a customary visit …. Original source  : Obama floods Twitter in India.

Siddhartha Shankar Ray, former West Bengal chief minister dead (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – Siddhartha Shankar Ray, chief minister, governor, ambassador and one of the architects of the national emergency of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, died at his south Kolkata residence Saturday following renal failure, family sources said. He was 90.

Ray left behind his wife Maya Ray, a former MP. The couple was issueless.
The …. Read the original article  : here.