|
Indian
economy will enjoy nine percent growth again: PM
New Delhi:
A confident Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Saturday,
sent out a positive 63rd Independence Day message, saying
that the Indian economy had the strength and rebounding
capability to march towards "a golden future", and would
once again enjoy a growth rate of nine percent notwithstanding
the current global recession. "Going back to a nine percent
growth path is our greatest challenge. For this, we will
take whatever steps that are required," the Prime Minister
said during his address to the nation on the occasion of
the nation's 63rd Independence Day from the ramparts of
the majestic Red Fort. "By the end of the year, I am confident
there will be a major change. But till then, we all have
to cope with the situation," he said while laying down the
agenda for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government
in the coming year. "I appeal to business leaders to work
together in this endeavour and meet their social obligations
and responsibilities," he added. It was because of his government's
policies that the country was able to grow at 6.7 per cent
in the last fiscal when the world was facing one of the
worst downturns in eight decades, Dr.Singh said, adding
that steps would be taken to ensure adequate spending on
development projects to boost growth further and capital
will be sought not only from domestic sources but from overseas
as well. " India can progress only when each Indian makes
a contribution. Our endeavour has been to reach the fruits
of development to every citizen. I know we have a long way
to go," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said
he was also aware that high commodity prices were causing
hardship to citizens, especially the poor. "We have enough
food stocks. Every possible step will be taken to bring
down prices," he said. At the same time, he appealed to
all state governments to use all administrative and legislative
measures at their disposal to ensure that prices of essential
commodities like cereals and pulses are brought down.
Security
forces ensure smooth 63rd Independence Day celebrations
Top
New Delhi:
Thousands of heavily-armed security personnel on Saturday
kept guard across the country and ensured a smooth 63rd
Independence Day. An impregnable ground-to-air security
apparatus was put in place in New Delhi , especially near
the historic Red Fort where Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh unfurled the tri-colour and addressed the nation for
45 minutes. To counter any possible attacks by militants
and other rebel factions, security personnel were positioned
at vantage points. Policemen maintained a round-the-clock
vigil across the national capital. They were seen monitoring
the movement of all vehicles passing alongside historical
monuments. Barricades were also set up at inter-state border
check posts. In Agra , security was beefed up at the Taj
Mahal. "We deployed extra forces at Taj Mahal. We were vigilant.
The security was tight and foolproof," said Brij Bhushan
, Deputy Inspector General of Police ( DIG ), Agra Range
. In Srinagar and Jammu , the security forces frisked all
civilians who obliged without a murmur. Paramilitary forces
patrolled Srinagar roads. Security was also tight in Bangalore.
US
authorities detain King Khan, grill him for nearly two hours
Top
New Jersey
/ New Delhi: Bollywood super star Shah Rukh Khan was
detained for about two hours on Saturday morning at Newark
airport in New Jersey , USA . Khan has arrived here to attend
a South Asian related event. Khan was released after Congress
MP Rajiv Shukla spoke to the authorities in the US and the
Indian consulate. He was detained after his name flashed
on a computer and was asked several questions about the
purpose of his visit. Khan's hand baggage was checked. The
authorities did not even allow him to make a phone call
for nearly an hour. Reacting to the incident, Khan said,
"I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited
the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed
to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration
officers, who even vouched for me but this particular officer,
did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation
from the South Asian community and was there to attend an
event." Reacting to the news, Union Information and Broadcasting
Minister Ambika Soni, said, "I don't think frisking is conducted
with a religious bias in mind, but in the US , there have
been many such cases when authorities go overboard. Soni
demanded that American citizens should also be frisked in
the same manner that Indians are frisked. The incident,
ironically, comes at a time when Khan is preparing for Karan
Johar's 'My Name Is Khan', a film touching upon the minority
being targeted for no fault of theirs only because of suspicion.
|
