AKU Karachi: CME on Iron Chelation in Thalassemia

PAKISTAN: Legalising prostitution--The Wisdom of the UN?!

Tue, Mar 25, 2014 at 8:06 AM

An Article from the Asian Human Rights Commission

Prostitution Continues to Thrive in Heera Mandi//Courtesy Image

According to a research, modern day trafficking, aka slavery is a $32 billion annual industry and according to the U.N. about 2.5 million people around the world are ensnared in the web of human trafficking at any given time.  The usual victims of atrocious crimes of sexual and gender based violence, including rape against women & girls (young, adolescents and teen) are poor, uneducated, rural and trafficked ones.

Men and boys are also trafficked but they are mostly used as camel jockeys (particularly young and thin ones) and for hard labour.  Though slavery seems history it still exists and not all slaves are trafficked but those who are trafficked are undeniably slaves and for women, young and minor girls it is sex slavery.

Dr. Rakhshinda Perveen

This one of the top most lucrative and visibly invisible form of   illegal slavery within national or across international borders is for the intent of imposed sex work that in turn includes bare essentials like commercial pornography, physical abuse and prostitution. Each year, an estimated 800,000 women and children are trafficked across international borders—though additional numbers of women and girls are trafficked within countries.

The Department of State, in its report last year, stated that 29 countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Taiwan, were listed as Tier 1 countries whose governments fully comply with Trafficking Victims Protection Act -TVPA's minimum standards. The office included 21 countries as Tier 3, which included Iran, Zimbabwe, Yemen, Zambia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards.

Most of South Asian states are source, transit and destination regions for persons subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking. This does not take into account Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka that are source and modern anti-trafficking laws and structures in South Asia are redundant and are merely theoretical instruments that in most scenarios remain either biased or undue. According to a news report published in the Express Tribune (Pakistan) on 24, February 2014, the country may join the group of some 44 countries already on the 'Tier 2 Watch List' as human trafficking is rising in the country at an alarming level – the number of most-wanted human traffickers in the country has jumped from 89 to 141 in the last four years.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the greatest numbers of traffickers are from Asia, followed by Central and Southeastern Europe, and Western Europe. Crime groups involved in the sex trafficking of women and girls are also often involved in the transnational trafficking of drugs and firearms, and frequently use violence as a means of carrying out their activities. Thailand, China, Nigeria, Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine are among the countries that are the greatest sources of trafficked persons. The UNODC cites Thailand, Japan, Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and the United States as common destination countries of trafficked women and girls.

There is acclaimed evidence on the complicatedness of the trafficked sufferers who not only live through a range of phases of disgrace and physical and psychological persecution but are also often deprived of food and sleep. Mostly they are unable to move about freely, and are tormented in the flesh. In order to keep women enslaved, victims are told their families and their children will be harmed or murdered if they (the women) try to escape or tell anyone about their situation. They undergo another stratum of psychological ordeal and emptiness because they rarely understand the culture and language of the country into which they have been trafficked, "Often, before servicing clients, women are forcibly raped by the traffickers themselves, in order to initiate the cycle of abuse and degradation. Some women are drugged in order to prevent them from escaping. Once "broken in," sex trafficked victims can service up to 30 men a day, and are vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy" different research reports have repeatedly authenticated.

Though there is no direct link between the spread of HIV and sex "work' but for obvious reason prostitutes/Commercial Sex Workers (CSW)/trafficked CSW are more vulnerable to HIV.  What is the solution then? Stop Human Trafficking? Eradicate poverty? Establish gender Equality? Penalize traffickers and slavers? No. The brilliant response is to Legalize Prostitution because Sex is a Trade and Sex workers must not be criminalized. Yes, believe it or not right now this is the solution from none other than the UN.  According to leaked material (March 2014) from a UN Women agency there are calls for prostitution to be legalised. This has outraged women who have been trafficked into prostitution and who have escaped.  According to multiple web sources there was a panel on this at the UN Commission on the Status of Women this week. "The survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution spoke to an overflowing crowd at the UN's annual conference on women. The panel on "Prostitution or Sex Work," organized by The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), was held as diplomats negotiated whether to describe prostitution as "sex work." The term "sex work" originated by US-based pimps in order to normalize prostitution. While many use the term to avoid offending prostituted women, mainstreaming the phrase only benefits pimps and panderers, panelists said. Prostitution is not work, they argued – it is paid rape, and using the term hurts efforts to stop it. UN agencies recently released reports telling countries to decriminalize all aspects of prostitution to reduce HIV/AIDS and promote human rights. A UN Development Program (UNDP) report on HIV and the Law and Sex Work and the Law in Asia and the Pacific, a UNDP, UN Population Fund and UNAIDS-backed report, calls for decriminalizing prostitution-reported Ms. Lisa Correnti.

I can safely claim that legalization of sex workers can make headlines in the news but does not offer respect, self esteem and honour to sex workers. While roaming in the Red Light District Amsterdam, I  have seen through the eyes of my heart the pain and anger on the  faces of those "tax paying legal sex workers" (the majority are not Dutch by the way-they are trafficked ) some of them were so young and some of them were so old. What a decay of human civilization (some self styled liberals may see it as an epic of tolerance).

The nexus of public health issues including HIV transmission and sex trafficking need focused attention in terms of empathy, research and socially acceptable solution without eulogizing paid sex and putting more women and girls into one of the most hurtful and horrid realities known as sex slavery and trafficking.

Ps: I want to quote Ms.Nasreen Azher, former member of the National commission on the status of Women, a renowned and highly respected woman rights activist of Pakistan who while responding to my email on this issue to some important human rights, child rights and women rights network in Pakistan wrote "I agree Rakhshanda. That the UN is even considering legalizing prostitution is outrageous. It shows how the market is ruling the world and corrupting human values and causing human suffering. The pimps, exploiters and, of course, the traffickers, as well as  those who buy sexual services should be penalized.  Thanks for sharing. Regards.Nasreen"

About the Author: By Dr.Rakhshinda Perveen, a public health specialist , HIV & GBV Researcher and human rights activist. She has also served as gender advisor in South Asia and dealt with trafficking in women and children. She can be reached at; dr.r.perveen@gmail.com

# # #

About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

NRI Sammelan by Overseas Friends of BJP on Jan 6

Sun, Jan 5, 2014 at 2:16 PM
A special event by BJP on 6 Jan--S S Grewal
Chandigarh, 5 January 2014: (Rector Kathuria//Punjab Screen):

Host of the event Vijay jolly Delhi and Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal Pb.

BJP party is hosting NRI Sammelan by Overseas Friends of BJP ( OFBJP ) for the first time, organizing “ OFBJP Global Meet - 2014 ” on Monday 6th Jan 2014 from 10.30 AM to 6.00 PM at BJP Central Office Auditorium, 11 Ashok Road, New Delhi. In a press statement here today, National BJP Leader Advocate, Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said that all preparations have been completed for this mega event by Vijay Jolly National Convenor, Dr. Rajni Sarin, Amit Thaker Co-Convenor and Raj K Purohit Coordinator Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) and their whole team with a view to resolve the grievances of Indian Diaspora. Grewal stated that the Registration will be started at 9.30 AM and onwards ant the first session will be Conducted by Shri. Amit Thakar Co-Convenor. He said that at from 10: 30 AM to 11:15 AM Inaugural address by our BJP Hon'ble National President Shri Rajnath Singh ji. He said that from 11: 15 AM to 11: 35 AM Speech by Honored Guest Shri. Mahendra Chaudhary (Former Prime Minister of Fiji) & Honouring Lord Raj Loomba, CBE (Chairman Loomba Foudantion, United Kingdom ). Grewal stated that in Second session 11: 45 PM to 12: 00 PM the OFBJP Video Film "Bhajpa Ke Sadhe Kadam" Shall be Screened at that time. He said that from 12: 00 PM to 01: 00 PM session will be Conducted by Dr. Rajni Sarin, Co-Convenor "Introduction by OFBJP units" In the Presence of Hon'ble Shri Rajnath Singh & Hon'ble Shri Ram Lal ji National General Secretary Organisation. He said that the Lunch will be at 01.00 PM to 02: 00PM. Grewal stated that the third Session will be Conduct by Shri. Vijay Mehta OFBJP Central Committee Member on Indian Foreign Policy & its Directions. He said that from 02: 00 PM to 02: 30 PM Shri Jaswant Singh Senior Member of Parliament will adress the house. He stated that the fourth Session will be Conduct by Shri. Manjeet Lochav,  OFBJP Central Committee Member on India's Economic Policy. Grewal stated that at 02: 30 PM to 03.00 PM Hon'ble Shri. Arun Jaitiey Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha will Launch Global OFBJP Website compiled by Ritu Rathore. He said that the Cultural session will be Conducted by Shri Gajendra Solanki, Eminent Indian Poet. In this session Special Guest of Honor will be Shri. Venkaiyah Naidu Senior BJP Leader and will release Compilation of Veer-Ras Poem CD. He stated that the fifth joint session from 04: 00 PM to 04: 15 PM will be Conduct by Dr. Abhilasha Sharma OFBJP Central Committee Member. 

In this session the Role of Good Governance will be adress by Hon'ble Shri Nitin Gadkari Former National President BJP. Grewal stated that from 04: 20 PM to 04: 35 PM session will be Conduct by Shri. Bhupendra Kansal OFBJP Central Committee Member . He said in this session Hon'ble Shri Ram Lal ji BJP National General Secretary Organisation adress on BJP & its Ideological Commitments. He said that the Closing Session will be Conduct by Shri. Raj K Purohit, OFBJP Coordinator. He said that from 05: 15 PMto 05: 30 PM Video address by Shri. Narendra Modi, BJP PM Nominee and from 05: 30 PM to 06: 00 PM the Valedictory Address by Hon'ble Shri L.K. Advani ji Senior Leader of BJP. Grewal said that from the OFBJP dinner reception will also at 6th Jan 2014 from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm at Russian Center of Science & Culture, 24 Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-1. He said that large number of NRI's will attend our BJP Party's NRI Sammelan from the world.

Teej Festival celebrated with dance and music

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 at 3:30 PM
A colorful Teej event at MTSM college Ldh

Ludhiana: 8 August 2013: (Rector kathuria): Teej Festival cum Fresher’s Party was celebrated at Master Tara Singh Memorial College for Women, Ludhiana to present an authentic Punjabi Culture with the blends of modern hues. The whole atmosphere was filled with gaiety when college girls dressed in elegant traditional as well as western attires staged their dance performances, skit, folk songs and modeling.
       College Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla gave a hale and hearty welcome to the new entrants and also focused on the significance of Teej Festival in Modern Era.
        Arshdeep Kaur was crowned ‘Teeyan di Rani’, Harmandeep Kaur and Navdeep Kaur were titled Miss Punjaban and Miss Majajjan respectively.  Ashwarya was crowned as Miss Fresher Shifali & Harpreet Kaur as first & second runners up respectively. Sukhpreet Kaur got the title of Miss Diva whereas Garima was declared Miss Crowning Glory. The tag of Miss Beautiful smile went to Gurleen Kaur.Various competitions like traditional style of pleating hair, Beautiful Pranda, Ethnic jewelry, Mehndi Application, Beautiful Bangles and were held and the winners were given prizes. S. Swarn Singh (President, College Managing Committee) and S. Kawalinder Singh (Secratery, College Managing Committee) graced the occasion and stressed on the need for maintaining our rich Heritage and culture in the Modern times.
        College Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Parveen Kaur Chawla stressed on the need of being aware of our elementary traditions and values. The celebration was culminated by adding another leaf in the book of unforgettable memories of the college.

Teej Festival cum Fresher’s Party was celebrated

Save Punjabi as Subject of Study in the Colleges of Delhi

Remembering Sahir Ludhianvi

An Afghan Uniform Police

No to insecure and hostile work environment

Enjoy the freedom but

Afghanistan: Demolishing unserviceable ammunition

03/27/2013 07:36 PM CDT                                                Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 5:37 AM

U.S. Marines demolish unserviceable ammunition, unexploded ordnance and other military items in Helmand province, Afghanistan, March 17, 2013.

 Demolishing unserviceable ammunition

Skull base surgery

Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 12:48 PM
Team at CMCH claims success

Ludhiana, 20th February, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):Skull base surgery team involving Neurosurgeons and ENT surgeons at CMCH claims to have conducted a major surgery of a rare brain tumor in a 40 year old female.This 40-year-old housewife has never thought that her difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness of speech can be due to some brain tumor. So when she was investigated for her symptoms it was found that she was having a very rare complex tumor involving skull base region of the brain. Tumor was close to many critical structures of the brain. She was refused surgery at other private institutes and was referred to CMCH for further management. This kind of complex and aggressive tumor requires high level of surgical expertise and teamwork. Skull base team at CMCH, first of its kind in region involving Neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons and Neurointerventionist headed by Dr Sarvpreet Singh Grewal decided to take up the challenge and went ahead with the surgery.

The surgical team comprised of Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawar, assistant professor neurosurgery, Dr. Ashsish Vargesh professor and head ENT, Dr Valsa Abrahem professor and head, Anesthesia. The operation lasted fifteen hours and was successful. Patient improved after surgery and was discharged on 10th day. Dr. Sukhdeep S Jhawar assistant professor neurosurgery, told our reporter that skull base region is the most difficult region of the body to operate. These tumors known as “glomus tumor” are very rare and not seen in day-to-day practice. Operations in this region require high level of surgical expertise, teamwork and institutional back up. This was a one of the first operation of this kind in region. But with recent advances and modernization we are able to do such complex cases at CMCH with our expert team.

GHULAM ALI KHAN

Tumhare khat mein naya ik slaam kiska tha

B CARE FUL GUYS

....After seeing this u think atleast 10 times 2 chat wit...

Young Chanakya facing the realty

Young Chanakya on his father's capture and eventual death
Only  Death can stop the fighter for truth
Young Chanakya on his father's capture and eventual death

Musical presentation on Republic Day

Remember the responsibility towards the nation--Darshan Arora

A grand celebration at CMC hospital

Ludhiana, 26th Jan, 2013(Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria):The 64thRepublic day was celebrated at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana with Patriotic spirit. The program started with thanks giving service for the country at college chapel, followed by Flag hoisting, March past and cultural events by staff and  students of various colleges at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
After the arrival of the chief guest program started with prayer by fellowship department. National flag was hoisted at 9:10 AM. March Past was performed by security staff, MBBS students, Dental students, Nursing students, physiotherapy students and institute of Allied Health Science Students. Momento was presented to chief guest by the CMC Director. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Sh. Darshan Arora emphasized the responsibility of every citizen towards the nation and then to enjoy the freedom, brought to us by our martyrs. Earlier Sh. Darshan Arora was welcomed and introduced by the Director, CMC - Dr. Abraham G. Thomas. Present on the occasion were the Administrative team, staff and students to mark the celebration. At this occasion staffs who had completed 35 years of dedicated service were honoured. The Program was organized by College of Physiotherapy and Vice Principal thanked everyone for the help extended.
Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Principal CMC, Dr S.M. Bhatti, Principal Christian Dental College, Dr.Abi M.Thomas, Principal College of Nursing Prof.(Mrs.) Ponnamma R. Singh, Principal College of Physiotherapy, Dr.Jeewan S.Parkash, Principal IAHS, Dr.Anup Benjamin were also present on the occasion.

Make every voice count

Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 12:43 PM
We have a long fight ahead. But we will win

Photo courtesy Facebook

Dear Rector,
Yesterday was a sad day as we woke up to the heartbreaking news of the death of the 23-year-old medical student who was subject to a brutal gang rape, beaten and then dumped on the road on the night of December 16. 
Today, we share the same feelings of sorrow, hopelessness, anger and frustration. Yet, I believe that while this is a time for grief, this is also a time for action. This is a time to say: enough. 
Our petition has gathered over 88,000 signatures. It is important to make every voice count and to send a strong message that we will not continue to tolerate sexual violence against women. 
Tomorrow, at 10 am, I am going to the office of Justice J.S. Verma who is the head of a three-person committee that will submit its findings and recommendations on issues of safety of women. I will be submitting our petition with all the signatures (yes, all 2,700+ pages!). 

It is important to keep this campaign going. I am writing to you once again to request you to sign this petition and forward this email to your friends and family.

The Justice Verma Commission is accepting submissions until January 5. We don't have a lot of time. If you would like to make additional suggestions, please leave a comment as 'reasons for signing this petition'. I will be collecting all the comments and submitting them to the committee.

We have a long fight ahead. But we will win. 

With warm regards,

Namita Bhandare via Change.org
A letter from Namita Bhandare 
PS:  Help us reach out to more people by forwarding this email to your friends or share it on Twitter and Facebook.

Daughter Delight

Thu, Dec 20, 2012 at 10:31 PM//12/20/2012 10:55 AM CST

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Winstead hugs his daughter during a homecoming celebration on Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Winstead is assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 141, which completed a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.
(USA Dod) Daughter Delight

Singapore Guards provide security on Green Beach

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and Singaporean soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards provide security on Green Beach during exercise Valiant Mark 2012 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 10, 2012. Valiant Mark is an annual exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and the Singapore Armed Forces in order to maintain a high level of interoperability, enhanced military to military relations and to enrich mutual combat capabilities through combined training. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Ismael E. Ortega, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)      12/10/2012

Chrismas Camp Fire

Another colorful presentation by CMC artists

Ludhiana,16th December, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) The CMC family celebrated Christmas with good cheer and religious fervor. The high point of all the Institutional Christmas Programs was the “CHRISTMAS CAMP-FIRE” held in CMC Children’s Park on the evening of Sunday the 16th of December 2012 witnessing a gathering of about 1400 people including staff and their families joined by friends and well wishers of CMCH.

The items included singing of Christmas Carols by choirs, and choreography by small children. The neighboring churches i.e. the Orthodox Chruch, Marthoma Chruch and CNI Chruch also participated in the programs. Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Darbara Singh of CNI Kalvari Chruch, Ludhiana.

The dignitaries present included Director, Dr.Abraham G Thomas, Associate Director, Dr.Kim Mammen, Medical Superintendent Dr.Kanwal Masih, General Superintendent Mr.Ashley Isaiah.

The Director in his address greeted the gathering and wished everyone A Merry Chrismas and a blessed new year. 
CMC Chrismas Fire-2012 Ludhiana

U.S. Monitors Possible North Korean Rocket Launch

12/06/2012 01:41 PM CST

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - U.S. Pacific Command has moved ships into place to monitor a possible North Korean rocket launch, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III said here today. North Korean officials have threatened to launch a satellite-tipped rocket into space sometime this month. Locklear, Pacom's commander, said such a move would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. "We encourage the leadership in North Korea to consider what they are doing here and the implications on the overall security environment on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in Asia," Locklear said during a Pentagon news conference. The move would be similar to what the nation would do to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea has been pursuing nuclear technology in defiance of the international community and has claimed to have carried out several tests of nuclear devices. Launching the rocket could show that North Korea has a delivery system for a nuclear weapon. "And this ... would be very destabilizing ... not only to the region but to the international security environment," Locklear said. The possible rocket launch would counter what has been a series of positive steps North Korea has made. "There have been ... a number of signs that might lead you to believe that the new regime leadership is going to take a more ... rational approach to how they deal with their own economy and how they deal with their own people, and how they deal internationally," Locklear said. "There's been a feeling that there might be some hope there." Locklear's priority -- like that of all U.S. commanders -- is the defense of the United States. As such, he is watching North Korean preparations carefully and talking with friends and allies in the region. The command has moved U.S. Navy ships in place to achieve optimal monitoring of the threatened launch. This is also important because Pacom has a homeland defense mission for Guam, the Marianas islands and other states in Oceana.

Biographies: Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III Related Sites: U.S. Pacific Command Related Articles: Pacific Command Seeks Collaboration, Not Confrontation

Pin Pointing Sound

11/21/2012 02:50 PM CST

U.S. Airmen try to pinpoint the source of gunfire outside the perimeter of their base during combat readiness training on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Nov. 15, 2012. The training tested their ability to defend their base through use of force, cultural awareness, indirect fire and unexploded ordnance scenarios. The airmen are assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron.

IDPD appealed

Wed, Oct 17, 2012 at 5:02 PM
Australia should not supply Uranium to India

Courtesy Photo

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) while welcoming the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on visit to India has appealed that Australia should not supply Uranium to our country for any purpose. Dr.L.S.Chawla – National President, Dr.Arun Mitra – General Secretary and Dr.Bharti Uppal – Finance Secretary said that there are many fields where both countries can strengthen trade relations to the benefit of both countries. Australia is the second biggest producer of Uranium in the world. But it is to the credit of Australia not to have any nuclear power plant. Nuclear energy is inherently dangerous and nuclear power plants are neither safe nor economical. Moreover they can be a potential for the production of  nuclear weapons any time in future. That Australia would supervise India over the use of Uranium supplied by it does not sound realistic. India has ample number of renewable resources for energy. It will be pertinent that the two countries work together in the field of renewable resources.
IDPD appealed 
For more detail contact Dr Arun Mitra,General Secretary IDPD on Mobile No. 94170 00360

“Various Grooming Workshops” by SikhiSidak

Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 11:11 PM

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time”

Jagminder Singh

SikhiSidak have decided to organize “Various Grooming Workshops” which ignition a spark in our youth who are unemployed due to various reasons. These classes will cover areas like communication skills, presentation skills, personality development, interview techniques etc. exciting session such as “Interview Skill Sharing Session” for college/engineering graduates/undergraduates by industry experts S. Parvinder Singh (Senior Consultant) & Sdn. Samneet Kaur(Manager) in MNC on 21st October 2012. The session will take place at Singh Study Circle, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi (near Tagore Garden metro station) from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. with support from other organization wiz. Gyan Sewa Trust, Bibek Trust, Better Sikh School and Young Sikh Leaders

“The Youth can Revolute The Wings Of Time” is very much believed by every volunteer. Keeping this in mind SikhiSidak started Spark in year 2011. The motive is only to make the youth successful on professional grounds.

This session is for open for all. One can register FREE on www.sikhisidak.com.

SikhiSidak, a Sikhism based organization, which started the journey in the year 2005 from cob-webbed city, Delhi. It is headquartered in New Delhi with more than 250 volunteers covering every bit of Delhi, NCR and even few parts of Punjab and Haryana.
Contact at Mobile Number:+91-9212408777

Joint Press Communique

Ministry of Defence, Republic of India and
The Ministry of National Defence, People's Republic of China
At the invitation of Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony, General Liang Guanglie, State Councillor and Minister of National Defence of the People's Republic of China is on an official visit to the Republic of India from 02 to 06 September,2012.

Defence Minister Liang and his delegation visited Mumbai and Delhi. He inspected a Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi.

The two Defence Ministers had an extensive exchange of views on defence and military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed the regional security situation and international issues of common interest and concern. Both Ministers agreed that expanding bilateral cooperation between the Defence Ministries and Armed Forces of India and China helps enhance mutual trust, deepens friendship and promotes comprehensive development of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The two Defence Ministers agreed to work together to enhance mutual trust in the security field and continue to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas. They noted that the leaders of India and China have designated 2012 as the Year of India-China Friendship and Cooperation.

The two Ministers reached the following consensus on defence and military exchanges and cooperation to be conducted in 2012 and beyond:

(a) Strengthen high level exchanges between the two Defence Ministries and the Armed Forces of both sides. The Chinese side invited the Defence Minister of India to visit China in 2013. RakshaMantri thanked the Chinese Defence Minister for the invitation and conveyed that the timing of his visit could be settled through diplomatic channels.

(b) Promote exchange of visits by personnel at different levels and in various fields.

(c) Establish a mechanism for exchange of visits by young officers from the Armed Forces of both sides.

(d) Conduct the next round of joint military exercises at the earliest.

(e) Strengthen border security cooperation between the border troops of the two sides so as to enhance and maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.

(f) Strengthen exchanges in personnel training, academic research and between educational institutions of the Armed Forces of both sides.

(g) Promote port calls by naval ships of the two sides and conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises.

(h) Further enhance and strengthen cooperation between the Naval forces of both sides, in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

(i) Work together to maintain peace and stability of the Asia- Pacific region.

The Chinese Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie called on Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The Minister of National Defence, People's Republic of China, General Liang expressed appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended by the Ministry of Defence, Republic of India during the visit. (PIB)   05-September-2012 11:52 IST

The Governance and taxation structure

   Punjab needs to fundamentally change-PPP A meeting of the Sanjha Morcha was held this morning at the residence of former Chief Minister S. Surjit Singh Barnala.

     The decision of Government of Punjab to impose punitive and savage taxes on the people of Punjab was discussed threadbare. The Sanjha Morcha is of the considered view that Punjab needs to fundamentally change the governance and taxation structure.

      It was felt that the piecemeal imposition of taxes is not a solution to the debt and deficit faced by the Government. It only distorts the economy and makes it uncompetitive while burdening the common man with unconscious able taxes

        Punjab needs a political solution to come out of this economic mess. It was also felt that before imposition of taxes, Government of Punjab must decrease its lavish and unproductive expenditure base.

        Therefore, it was decided that a memorandum will be presented by the leadership of Sanjha Morcha to the Hon. Governor on 14th September, 2012 requesting him to ask the Government of Punjab to withdraw these taxes immediately failing which it was decided to launch a Jail Bharo agitation on the lines of call given by the Morcha at the Barsi of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. The Morcha activists will court arrest at all district headquarters on 21st of September, 2012. We will build an “Andolan” on this issue as we feel that there are more taxes in the pipeline.

      Insofar as the call given by the Congress Party to join their Dharna, it was felt that the time is too short for us to be a part of this Dharna. However, we are thankful to the Congress President Captain Amarinder Singh for this invite and view this step as a development in the struggle to build up consensus against the anti people policies of the Punjab Government.

       Besides S. Manpreet Singh Badal, President of the Peoples’ Party of Punjab, the meeting was attended by S. Gurpreet Singh Bhati, Senior Vice President, Shri Bhagwant Mann, Sh. Abhey Singh Sandhu, S. Kuldip Singh Dhose of the PPP and Dr.  Joginder Dyal and Bant Singh Brar of CPI and Com. Charan Singh Virdi, Ranbir Singh Virk and Vijay Mishra of CPI(M). Smt. Surjit Kaur Barnala , S. Gaganjit Singh Barnala with S. Baldev Singh Mann represented SAD (Longowal), said Arunjot Singh Sodhi spokesman PPP.