China’s exports and imports slowed for the second consecutive
month, official data showed Friday, highlighting worsening conditions in
the world’s second-biggest economy amid global and domestic
woes.China’s exports grew at a marginal one percent in July from a year
earlier to $176.9 billion, the General Administration of Customs said in
a statement, down from the 11.3 percent gain seen in June.Imports rose
4.7 percent year-on-year to $151.8 billion last month, it said, compared
with the June increase of 6.3 percent and indicating slowing domestic
demand.
China’s economy appears to be slowing down. The downturn is threatening the profits of the nation’s small-and-medium firms.
China’s national bureau of statistics said on Thursday that the nation’s industrial production in July increased by 9.2 percent from a year ago.
The rate of increase is the lowest in 38 months, since May 2009, when the Chinese economy was hit by the aftermath of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy.
Economists attribute the latest poor showing to China’s stagnation in both exports and domestic demand as a result of the prolonged credit crisis in Europe.
The bureau also said retail sales in China marked only a 13.1 percent year-on-year increase last month. The expansion rate has declined for 4 straight months, indicating the slowing down of individual consumption.With stalled production and sales, economists are concerned over a possible deterioration of firms’ earnings.
The trade surplus narrowed to $25.1 billion last month from $31.7 billion in June. That marked the second straight month that both exports and imports weakened.China, the world’s biggest exporter, has been hit by weakness in overseas economies including debt-ravaged Europe, a key trading partner. A sluggish property market and weakness in consumer spending have also become a drag on the economy.
“This complicates the prospects for an imminent recovery,” IHS Global Insight economists Ren Xianfang and Alistair Thornton said in a research note.
“With the export sector losing speed faster than expected, the government’s current investment stimulus plan looks woefully inadequate,” they added.
“The government is likely to respond by ramping-up its stimulus efforts, with both monetary and fiscal guns firing.”China has this year taken the rare step of slashing interest rates twice in quick succession while also lowering requirements for how much money banks must keep in reserve as it looks to spur lending.Media agencies
China’s economy appears to be slowing down. The downturn is threatening the profits of the nation’s small-and-medium firms.
China’s national bureau of statistics said on Thursday that the nation’s industrial production in July increased by 9.2 percent from a year ago.
The rate of increase is the lowest in 38 months, since May 2009, when the Chinese economy was hit by the aftermath of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy.
Economists attribute the latest poor showing to China’s stagnation in both exports and domestic demand as a result of the prolonged credit crisis in Europe.
The bureau also said retail sales in China marked only a 13.1 percent year-on-year increase last month. The expansion rate has declined for 4 straight months, indicating the slowing down of individual consumption.With stalled production and sales, economists are concerned over a possible deterioration of firms’ earnings.
The trade surplus narrowed to $25.1 billion last month from $31.7 billion in June. That marked the second straight month that both exports and imports weakened.China, the world’s biggest exporter, has been hit by weakness in overseas economies including debt-ravaged Europe, a key trading partner. A sluggish property market and weakness in consumer spending have also become a drag on the economy.
“This complicates the prospects for an imminent recovery,” IHS Global Insight economists Ren Xianfang and Alistair Thornton said in a research note.
“With the export sector losing speed faster than expected, the government’s current investment stimulus plan looks woefully inadequate,” they added.
“The government is likely to respond by ramping-up its stimulus efforts, with both monetary and fiscal guns firing.”China has this year taken the rare step of slashing interest rates twice in quick succession while also lowering requirements for how much money banks must keep in reserve as it looks to spur lending.Media agencies
Singapore celebrated its 47th anniversary of independence from
Malaysia on Thursday with a military parade.Singapore has sharply
increased its defense expenditures amid China’s buildup of its naval
forces.Singapore’s defense spending is at nearly 10 billion dollars this
year. That’s 50 percent higher than a decade ago, and consumes about a
quarter of the nation’s budget.Singapore has strengthened defense
cooperation with the United States, which is shifting its military focus
to the Asia-Pacific region. The island-state has agreed to allow US
naval vessels to be based in the country.
Singapore is not alone in boosting defense outlays. Other Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand have rapidly increased defense spending to compete with China’s military buildup.Singapore marked its 47th birthday on Thursday with tens of thousands of people gathered at the downtown Marina Bay area to soak in the celebrations.
Marina Bay area was a sea of red as 26,000 spectators packed the floating platform – the centre of activity.The sight was nothing short of funfare and bright smiles.
Singaporeans of all ages and families were eager to enjoy the birthday celebrations themed “Loving Singapore Our Home”. “The favourite part is the parade when I see all the officers in their dresses (uniforms) – it makes me proud; they look beautiful, wonderful.” The Red Lions free-fallers from the Singapore Armed Forces were the usual crowd favourites.The pomp of the parade was the Commitment to Defence March with some contingents marching in from the seating gallery amidst the spectators.
New at this year’s parade was the dress theme – red and white – seen on many of the MPs, cabinet ministers and former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, compared to the mainly all-white of previous years.The first inspection of the parade contingent as Head of State was President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who took office in September last year.
This year’s parade commemorated 45 years of National Service paying tribute to NSmen – past and present – with a 10-minute salute from the ground, the sea, and the air.The sky was definitely not the limit for this year’s fireworks display.The Singapore SOKA Association – a long time contributor to the National Day Parade – upped the ante with a stunning display of pyrotechnics.By sun down, more than 4,000 performers put up a spectacular show, urging everyone to reflect on what they love about Singapore.A spectator said: “Not only loving ourselves, our family, probably we should also love those who come to our shores to better themselves and better their lives.” A large part of the success of the parade was also due to the enthusiastic crowd who cheered on the participants non-stop throughout the whole day.Media agencies
Singapore is not alone in boosting defense outlays. Other Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand have rapidly increased defense spending to compete with China’s military buildup.Singapore marked its 47th birthday on Thursday with tens of thousands of people gathered at the downtown Marina Bay area to soak in the celebrations.
Marina Bay area was a sea of red as 26,000 spectators packed the floating platform – the centre of activity.The sight was nothing short of funfare and bright smiles.
Singaporeans of all ages and families were eager to enjoy the birthday celebrations themed “Loving Singapore Our Home”. “The favourite part is the parade when I see all the officers in their dresses (uniforms) – it makes me proud; they look beautiful, wonderful.” The Red Lions free-fallers from the Singapore Armed Forces were the usual crowd favourites.The pomp of the parade was the Commitment to Defence March with some contingents marching in from the seating gallery amidst the spectators.
New at this year’s parade was the dress theme – red and white – seen on many of the MPs, cabinet ministers and former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, compared to the mainly all-white of previous years.The first inspection of the parade contingent as Head of State was President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who took office in September last year.
This year’s parade commemorated 45 years of National Service paying tribute to NSmen – past and present – with a 10-minute salute from the ground, the sea, and the air.The sky was definitely not the limit for this year’s fireworks display.The Singapore SOKA Association – a long time contributor to the National Day Parade – upped the ante with a stunning display of pyrotechnics.By sun down, more than 4,000 performers put up a spectacular show, urging everyone to reflect on what they love about Singapore.A spectator said: “Not only loving ourselves, our family, probably we should also love those who come to our shores to better themselves and better their lives.” A large part of the success of the parade was also due to the enthusiastic crowd who cheered on the participants non-stop throughout the whole day.Media agencies
Lee appears to be stressing this purpose rather than the visit to the disputed island group, in view of Japan’s protests.The disputed islets are controlled by South Korea but are inherent Japanese territory, belonging to Shimane Prefecture. Japanese government has urged that the visit be cancelled, saying it will aggravate tensions between the two countries.Relations with Japan will turn sour if Lee sets foot on the islets.South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s planned visit to the Takeshima islets on Friday seems to be aimed at restoring his leadership.
Lee’s grip on power continues to decline following a string of bribery scandals involving his brother and former aides. His presidential term ends in February.Lee is facing increasing public criticism over his handling of the territorial dispute with Japan. He is also under pressure on the issue of Korean women who were forced to work at brothels for Japanese soldiers during World War Two.Last December, a civic group erected a monument symbolizing the so-called comfort women. It has been set up in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul.Lee asked Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to resolve the issue several days later when they met for bilateral summit talks in Kyoto.South Korea’s opposition parties are calling for a stronger stance on Japan. Lee’s response to such issues could influence the selection of the ruling party’s candidate in the December presidential election.
10 August 2012: New Delhi: India :Lord Shri Krishna
Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark half
or Krishna Paksha of Bhadra in the Hindu calendar, in 2012 it falls on
10th August. Lord Krishna,the demolisher of demons, to accomplish
righteous action and Dharma, HE who takes birth again and again to
relieve the world from the unholy ones.
Sustainer of the world,Who guides the beings the various lifestyle in many forms,
Thy Work,
Thy Philosohpy,
Thy lifestyle as Yogi,
Thy Devotions
Sustainer of the world,Who guides the beings the various lifestyle in many forms,
Thy Work,
Thy Philosohpy,
Thy lifestyle as Yogi,
Thy Devotions
Nicely
decorated colourful Jhulas (swings) are hung in the courtyards of
temples and houses in honour of Lord Krishna on this day.
The day
is also marked by Ras Lila and Dahi Handi celebrations. Rasa lila is
nothing but the dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna while Dahi
Handi celebration marks Lord Krishna’s mischievous side wherein teams of
young people form huge pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter
and break it.
This tradition is a major event in Tamil Nadu on Gokulashtami.
The
festivities go on for two days and reach its peak at midnight of the
first day. This midnight time is when Lord Krishna is said to have been
born.
As Shri
Krishna was very fond of sweets and other milk products, so his devotees
have sweets like Kheer, Pedha, Gulabjamun, Shrikhand etc to commemorate
the occasion.President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker have greeted the nation on the occasion of Janmashtami.
In his message,
the President Pranab Mukherjee has said that people should imbibe Lord
Krishna’s message of love and compassion, of oneness and pluralism and
work together to take our great country forward.
In his message,
Vice President, M. Hamid Ansari said Janmashtami reminds the life and
teachings of Lord Krishna and expressed the hope that this auspicious
occasion brings amity, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.
Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh, in his message has said that it is a celebration of
Lord Krishna’s timeless message of renunciation of the fruits of action.
He said the
festival inspires us towards a disciplined work-ethic, and imbibe us
with the spirit of selfless service to the nation.
Lok Sabha Speaker,
Meira Kumar said it is an auspicious and joyous occasion that motivates
us to follow the path of compassion, judicious conduct and selfless
service.
Citizens fact-finding mission to the conflict areas of
Assam to take first hand information, of relief camps, vulnerabilities,
meet district administration, officials,civil society with their
objective of promoting peace and justice to the area under
conflict.Reporting to media Gagan Sethi narrated the circumstance in
which the entire episode started, rehabilitation, relief camps short of
requirments, rumours mills in actions causing polarisation of Bodo and
Muslims. Larger fear psychosis created larger number of exodus of both
communties reaching camps in three districts.Bodo’s camp lesser in
number is placed in kokhrajhar and muslims in Chirang and Dhubri
districts needs more attention because of their more in numbers and are
in pathetic situations.
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team would visit the ethnic violence-hit areas on Friday in lower Assam which remained incident-free on Thursday.
A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team would visit the ethnic violence-hit areas on Friday in lower Assam which remained incident-free on Thursday.
The CBI team as recommended by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is
scheduled to visit the strife-torn districts on Friday, Additional DGP
(Law and Order) AP Rout said in Guwahati.
On Wednesday four bodies were recovered from Kokrajhar, Baksa and
Chirang districts taking the toll to 77 in the clashes which broke out
on July 9 between Bodos and migrants.
“The situation in the violence-hit areas is under control and there
is no fresh incident. The army is regularly conducting flag marches in
the affected areas,” Rout said.
The Chief Minister also called a special review meeting with top
Army, police and paramilitary officials at his residence during the day.
The CBI will investigate certain cases of Assam clashes where
conspiracy seems to have been involved and a senior official of the
probe agency will visit the violence-hit state for the purpose.
“CBI will take over certain cases, wherein conspiracy seems to be
involved, for investigation,” Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told the
Lok Sabha replying to a discussion on the Adjournment Motion on the
Assam violence moved by BJP leader L K Advani.
He said for this purpose, Additional Director, CBI and Joint
Secretary (Northeast) in the Home Ministry were being deputed to
Guwahati on Thursday.
After fresh incidents of violence were reported in lower Assam
districts, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Gogoi decided to recommend a CBI
probe into the clashes.
This incident broke out suddenly and took communal colour following
the gruesome murders of four Boro Indigenous youths by some
unidentified miscreants belonging to Bangladeshi Muslim migrants at
Jaipur, a Muslim village which is just one kilometer away from the
Kokrajhar Police station on 19 July at about 8 pm, reportedly instigated
by some armed anti-social elements who have penetrated from across the
international boarder through Dhubri and took shelter in the Muslim
dominated villages to deliberately create social tension inciting for
communal violence between the native Boros and the migrant shelters.
As deep rooted main stream political conspiracy is continuously and
actively working to destroy the ethnic separation of sub-nationlities
by encouraging migration to the sub-nationality region with an objective
to swamp the locals, specially the Indigenous Peoples of Assam and
other states of North East India with huge numbers of illegal
Bangladeshi immigrants-usually ethnic groups loyal to the government for
the purpose of diluting the culture and identity of the local
Indigenous peoples and for the vote bank politics forcing
Bangladeshization.
The communal violence of 1950 (Boro-Muslim immigrants), 1983
(Assamese-Muslim immigrants), 1993 (Boro-Muslim immigrants), 1996
(Bodo-Santal), 2005 (Karbi-Dimasa), 2008 (Boro-Muslim immigrants), 2009
(Dimasa -Naga), 2011 (Garo-Rabha) and now the (Boro-Muslim immigrants)
are nothing but a calculated designs of the mainstream dominant society
driven governments to uproot and exterminate the marginalised Indigenous
Peoples of Assam.
Interestingly, the Government of Assam only oversaw the expansion
of the recent communal violences because the riots did not affect the
mainstream dominant Assamese society.
The present situation of communal violence of Assam has turned out
to be very serious and worsening day by day spreading in other parts of
Assam which have already claimed more than 73 innocent lives belonging
to Indigenous Boro and illegal Bangladeshi Muslim migrants. Several
villages are burnt down and more than 4,000, 00 people are rendered
homeless who are presently taking shelter in more than 270 relief camps
after being forced to flee their homes for their lives. Though, the
present situation appeared to be improving slightly but internally
remained alarming due to lack of adequate security arrangement and
failure of the Government to tackle the situation effectively,
especially failure to nib the continued provocations to indulge in
communal clashes by the reportedly presence of external forces in the
Muslim dominated villages.
Thus the Indigenous Peoples of Assam, specially Boro and other
ethnic tribes are facing the brunt of systematic political designs
of slow extermination in their own land and territories.
We on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of the region, strongly urge the government to
1) stop the communal clashes immediately;
2) arrest the culprits involved in designing and fomenting the communal clashes;
3) provide adequate security arrangement in sensitive areas and to provide immediate sufficient relief
materials including food, drinking water, clothes and medicines in the relief camps of
communal clashes belonging to both communities;
4) provide adequate compensation to the bereaved families and injured victims
of communal clashes;
5). stop unabated influx of Bangladeshi migration into Assam and identify and
deport all the illegal settlers in Assam;
6). clear the Tribal Belts and Blocks from illegal encroachers in Assam;
7). update NRC of Assam on the base year of 1951.
8). implement the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(UNDRIP) to protect the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Assam. |
While 22 flights of the airline were cancelled from Delhi, nine were cancelled from Mumbai, sources said.
A section of its employees, including pilots and engineers are not reporting for work to protest non-payment of salary, they said.
Meanwhile, the board of the near-bankrupt airlines is meeting in New Delhi today to discuss finances ahead of the announcement of quarterly results.
“The airlines’ board is meeting at a five-star hotel in south-west Delhi this afternoon to discuss finances,” the sources said.
The airline’s operations have been disrupted time and again since April when pilots called off work protesting salary delays.
Kingfisher Airlines, which has been facing fund-crunch for almost a year now, has not paid salary to its staff for the past five months.
A sizeable number of its employees have not been paid since February. “We just can’t work without being paid for such a long time. Hence the decision (to strike work),” a pilot has said.
The decision of airline employees to go on agitation coincides with the monsoon session of the Parliament that starts Wednesday.
“We hope that the strike will pull the attention of Parliament and our plight and misery echoes in political corridors,” an employee said
Naresh –
The stakes in November are high, and this election is
going to be close. Come out to the Camp Obama training in Queens on
Saturday, August 11th, and learn the skills you’ll need to help make a
difference for President Obama and other Democrats.
We’ll talk about our grassroots team model, review our campaign
strategy, and discuss some of our most important organizing tactics,
like sharing your personal story and conducting a successful phone bank.
By stepping up and learning how to make better use of the short time we
have left, you’ll be able to wake up on Election Day knowing you gave
it your all.
Can you make it on Saturday? Here are the details:
RSVP now to hold your spot:
http://ny.barackobama.com/Camp-Obama-in-Queens
Hope you can make it,
Jake
Jake Strassberger
New York Field Organizer
Organizing for America
Can you make it on Saturday? Here are the details:
What: Camp Obama training in Queens
Where: Ridgewood Democratic Club
60-70 Putnam Avenue
Ridgewood, NY 11385
When: Saturday, August 11th
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Maybe you’re a student hoping to get some experience on a grassroots
campaign, or you’re retired and hoping to raise your level of
commitment. Or maybe you’re a supporter hoping to learn a few new
skills. No matter your age or experience level, the training in Queens
this Saturday will be a great time.60-70 Putnam Avenue
Ridgewood, NY 11385
When: Saturday, August 11th
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
RSVP now to hold your spot:
http://ny.barackobama.com/Camp-Obama-in-Queens
Hope you can make it,
Jake
Jake Strassberger
New York Field Organizer
Organizing for America
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