H S Rao And Ibrahim Manik

Stories by H S Rao And Ibrahim Manik

India may sign 500 mn-pound defence deal with UK

India may sign 500 mn-pound defence deal with UK

Rediff.com   25 Jul 2010

A 500 million-pound deal for BAE systems, Britain's biggest defence contractor, to supply Hawk jet trainers is expected to be among a string of high-profile contracts to be signed during Prime Minister David Cameron's two-day visit to India commencing on Wednesday. BAE Systems will announce a 500 million-pound deal to build 57 Hawk trainer jets in collaboration with their Indian partners HAL near Bengaluru, as a centrepiece of Cameron's visit.

LeT may target Commonwealth Games: Army

LeT may target Commonwealth Games: Army

Rediff.com   25 Jul 2010

The Indian Army has voiced fears to Washington that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba may attempt to strike at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. The fears were conveyed to top US military commander Admiral Mike Mullen during his meetings in New Delhi. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's commanders believe that the LeT is behind a string of attacks and influx of fighters into eastern Afghanistan.

Govt to bring in reforms to reduce litigation dela

Govt to bring in reforms to reduce litigation dela

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2010

The central government plans to usher in second generation legal reforms that would eliminate litigation delays sharply in India. It would also like to put in place a legal regulatory regime and an oversight mechanism for the smooth functioning of the judiciary without infringing on the independence of the institution.

Al-Qaeda biggest threat to UK, says report

Al-Qaeda biggest threat to UK, says report

Rediff.com   5 Jul 2010

The Al Qaeda and Al Qaeda inspired terrorism remains the biggest threat to the UK's national security and over 2,000 people in the UK, including many of Pakistani origin, pose a threat to the country, a report by a top British think-tank has suggested.

'UK determined to have good ties with Tatas'

'UK determined to have good ties with Tatas'

Rediff.com   30 Jun 2010

The new coalition government headed by prime minister David Cameron is determined to have 'very good relations' with India's Tata Group, owners of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus, British business secretary Vince Cable said on Thursday.

Thousands participate in London Rath-yatra

Thousands participate in London Rath-yatra

Rediff.com   21 Jun 2010

The devotees pulled three 40-foot high colourful chariots carrying the sacred deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. The giant chariots were accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians and dancers. At Trafalgar Square, where the procession concluded, thousands of people had gathered to witness cultural and educational displays and exhibitions linked to the Rath-yatra.

UK may cut 11.5-b pounds from utility services

UK may cut 11.5-b pounds from utility services

Rediff.com   18 Jun 2010

Facing a whopping budgetary deficit of 157 billion pounds, the Conservative-led coalition Government in the UK has signalled a cut in grants totalling 11.5 billion pounds to public utility services like hospitals, libraries, leisure projects and roads.

UK govt moves to axe ID cards

UK govt moves to axe ID cards

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2010

The UK has initiated moves to scrap the controversial 5 billion pounds national Identity Card scheme, with the new Home Secretary Theresa May declaring it "intrusive, bullying and ineffective."

UK's new govt to forge 'enhanced ties with India'

UK's new govt to forge 'enhanced ties with India'

Rediff.com   25 May 2010

Britain's new Conservative- Liberal Democrat coalition government in its first policy pronouncement on Tuesday promised to "enhanced partnership" with India, but said that restrictions will be imposed on the entry of non-European Union immigrants.

Union wins appeal over British Airways strike

Union wins appeal over British Airways strike

Rediff.com   21 May 2010

British Airways is facing a fresh wave of strikes after its cabin crew union won a dramatic court victory, clearing the way for 15 days of industrial action, commencing on Monday.

British Airways cabin crew strike called off

British Airways cabin crew strike called off

Rediff.com   18 May 2010

New Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, who held separate talks with both sides, said the judgement was good news for passengers.

David Cameron new British PM; Clegg his deputy

David Cameron new British PM; Clegg his deputy

Rediff.com   12 May 2010

Conservative leader David Cameron took over as Britain's new Prime Minister on Tuesday after Queen Elizabeth II invited him to form the new government following the resignation of incumbent Gordon Brown.

UK heads for 'coalition of the losers'

UK heads for 'coalition of the losers'

Rediff.com   10 May 2010

The Tories and Liberal Democrats edged closer to a deal on coalition formation that might result in Conservative Party leader David Cameron enter Downing Street, even as reports emerged that United Kingdom Premier Gordon Brown had launched a last-minute bid to woo kingmaker Nick Clegg. Cameron appeared confident of winning Lib Dem leader Clegg's support after continued negotiations on Sunday night for a belt-tightening economic plan.

Tories, Lib Dems in talks over UK govt

Tories, Lib Dems in talks over UK govt

Rediff.com   9 May 2010

The Tories and Liberal Democrats worked overtime to reach consensus on thorny issues blocking the formation of the first coalition government in Britain since World War II, with the hard bargain over make or break issues running into the third day.

European flights resume after six-day shutdown

European flights resume after six-day shutdown

Rediff.com   21 Apr 2010

Most of the European nations, including the United Kingdom and Germany, reopened their air space on Wednesday after an unprecedented six-day lockdown due to the Icelandic volcanic ash that stranded tens of thousands of passengers globally and caused airlines a loss of $1.7 billion.

14,000 flights resume in Europe

14,000 flights resume in Europe

Rediff.com   20 Apr 2010

Fourteen thousand flights, approximately half of all Europe's air traffic, were back in the air on Tuesday, as harried air passengers braced for further delays after warnings that a new ash cloud was heading towards Britain. However, more ash from Iceland's erupting volcano threatened to stall plans to reopen United Kingdom airspace, including at London's Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports.Britain's Air traffic control company Nats said the situation was worsening.

New ash clouds head UK; flight disruptions likely

New ash clouds head UK; flight disruptions likely

Rediff.com   20 Apr 2010

European Union transport ministers who met on a video link on Monday reached a deal to resume some flight operations, dividing northern European skies into three zones -- a 'no-fly' zone, a caution zone and a open zone.

Gulam Noon new Labour party asst treasurer

Gulam Noon new Labour party asst treasurer

Rediff.com   19 Apr 2010

Mumbai-born Noon has donated 200,000 pounds and raised another 250,000 pounds from other Muslim businessmen since taking up the post a month ago.

Ash crisis: Europe continues to remain no fly zone

Ash crisis: Europe continues to remain no fly zone

Rediff.com   18 Apr 2010

European skies were a virtual no-fly zone for a fourth day on Sunday, with volcanic ash drifting from Iceland reaching as far as Russia, stranding tens of thousands of people as over 17,000 flights were cancelled.

Forum criticises UK's decision to raise visa fee

Forum criticises UK's decision to raise visa fee

Rediff.com   7 Apr 2010

In a statement, Amit Kapadia, executive director of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Forum said the changes effected from Tuesday were unfair. "The three-fold increase in the fees for settlement visas of dependent relatives is unjustified and very unfair," he said.