Sports Ministry Earmarks Rs 258.39 Cr for Preparation of Athletes under Opex 2012, London 28 Foreign Coaches and 32 Observers to Over See Preparations for Olympics Separate Three Member Committee to Ensure Diet and Nutrition & Oversight of Infrastructure and Food. Norms Put in Place for Time Bound and Speedy Clearance of Athletes for Training Abroad

The Sports Ministry has earmarked Rs 258.39Crore for preparation of athletes under “Project Opex 2012” for London Olympics. This was announced by Shri Ajay Maken , Minister of State ( I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports at a press conference here today.

Nanavati panel rejects Sanjiv Bhatt’s plea against cross examination

The Nanavati Commission, probing the 2002 riot cases, on Wednesday rejected the application of IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, challenging his cross examination by other parties, including the State government.Commission, comprising Retd. Justices G.T. Nanavati and Akshay Nanavati, in its order said that Mr. Bhatt had no problem when he was cross examined by an NGO Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM), Central Relief Committee and the Congress Party.

China urges Philippines to stop harming its rights in South China Sea

China has urged Philippines to stop harming its rights and interests in the South China Sea. In a statement, Philippines authorities said on Saturday that Chinese vessels were hampering legitimate activities by Philippine fishermen, undermining the peace and stability of the region. Responding to the statement, Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei has said the Philippines government should stop publishing irresponsible statements that do not match the facts. He said Chinese vessels were carrying out scientific studies in waters under Chinese jurisdiction and acting in line with the law. Last week, Philippines authorities said Chinese ships had offloaded building materials and erected marker posts on reefs to the west of its island of Palawan, well within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the action aggressively violated a 2002 agreement between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours governing conduct in the South China Sea.

Courtesy : AIR

Shri Vasan Flags off India’s First Cruise Liner “M.V. AMET Majesty”

Thiru G.K. Vasan, Hon’ble Minister of Shipping flagged off M.V. AMET MAJESTY, India’s first cruise liner and onboard training ship in Chennai today. On the occasion, the Minister stated that Cruise Shipping is one of the fastest growing segments in the leisure industry worldwide. The government is gearing up to increase the footfalls into India further in the coming years besides promotion of Indian flag cruises, including river cruises. The focus will be to showcase India as an attractive tourist destination for cruise tourists with its vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests and undisturbed idyllic islands, rich historical and cultural heritage. The government also plans to ensure that the cruise shipping industry in India becomes internationally competitive and contribute to the economy in terms of generation of foreign exchange, income, employment and business opportunities.

Green India Mission to Increase Forest Cover

A 45,000 crore rupees huge programme to increase the country’s green cover is going to be launched soon. The 10 year long  programme named Green India Mission, GIM after a preparatory phase of one year will get going from 2012. Addressing a series of functions on the occasion of the World Environment Day on 5^th June this year, the Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri Jairam Ramesh said that the target is to bring 5 million hectares of forest and non-forest land under green cover and improve the quality of green cover on another 5 million hectare of non-forest land.

Prime Minister asks ministers to declare their assets including those of their spouses and dependents.

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has asked ministers to declare their assets including those of their spouses and dependents along with any business interests, as per the annual exercise. The ministers have been asked to furnish the details by August 31st. A letter written by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to ministers on the 2nd of this month says that this has been desired by the Prime Minister as per the code of Conduct for Ministers.

India commissions its latest warship-INS Kabra

India's latest warship 'INS Kabra' was commissioned on Wednesday at Kochi Naval Base. This will add edge to Indian Navy in combating low intensity conflicts and anti-piracy operations. With a top speed of over 35 knots and maneuverability offered by her water-jet propulsion, the ship is ideally suited for high-speed interdiction of fast-moving targets and useful in search and rescue operations. AIR correspondent reports, INS Kabra complies with the latest regulations of International Maritime Organisation on sea pollution control.The ship has a crew of three officers and 39 sailors. INS Kabra is the eighth of a series built at Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

Courtesy : AIR