Couple killed in accident

Mail News Service Imphal, July 24: A couple travelling in an Activa were killed when the Activa was hit by a Tata Winger near Utlou Power House yesterday around 2.45 p.m. The victims were identified as Leishangthem Bochao (35) his wife Sushini (33), Kabowakching Mayai Leikai. The husband died yesterday while his wife Sushini who […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 24: A couple travelling in an Activa were killed when the Activa was hit by a Tata Winger near Utlou Power House yesterday around 2.45 p.m.
The victims were identified as Leishangthem Bochao (35) his wife Sushini (33), Kabowakching Mayai Leikai.
The husband died yesterday while his wife Sushini who is seven months pregnant succumbed to her injuries at Shija Hospital this early morning.
In another incident a worker who was engaged in the construction of railways at Khongsang under Nungba PS died when he fell dawn from tunnel No. 12 yesterday.
The labourer is identified as Abhishek Ranjan, 19, son of Rameshwar Jahah, a native of Bihar’s Meidiyapura district.
The incident happened at around 6:30 am yesterday at the Tunnel No-12 of Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway line at Khongsang along Imphal-Jiri road in Tamenglong district when Abhisek was killed after a large portion of earth inside the tunnel caved in and fell over him. Several labourers were also working alongside at the site when the incident happened.
Tunnel drilling works along the tunnel has been stopped after the incident, official sources said.
Workers engaged in the railway track construction works have been facing problem due to frequent mudslides inside the tunnel as incessant rain hits the area.
The rail line was declared a National Project by the government of India in February 2005 and the track laying up to Tupul is expected to complete by 2014.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/couple-killed-in-accident/

ENPO demands Frontier Nagaland

Dimapur, July 24 NNN : The slogan, “Too Little, Too Late” postal campaign of the Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation (ENPO) continues to roar in spite of the numerous offers including packages for the four Nagaland districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng. ENPO has been demanding to carve out these four districts from Nagaland to […]

Dimapur, July 24 NNN : The slogan, “Too Little, Too Late” postal campaign of the Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation (ENPO) continues to roar in spite of the numerous offers including packages for the four Nagaland districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng.
ENPO has been demanding to carve out these four districts from Nagaland to form a separate state christened as “Frontier Nagaland.”
ENPO leader Toshi Wungpung said tonight that the demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ is the demand of the people from these four eastern Nagaland districts which has been placed before the central government.
On Tuesday, a daily has reported that Rs 300 crore would be utilised in these four districts in developmental sectors.
It is worth noting that early this year Nagas in four Nagaland districts had carried out massive public rallies demanding the creation of a new state christened as ‘Frontier Nagaland’ by bifurcating Nagaland. 
  The rallies were held simultaneously in the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng on January 7. The rallies were organised by Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). 
The ENPO, which is the apex organization of six Naga tribes including Konyak, Khiamniungan, Chang, Yimchunger, Sangtam and Phom inhabiting the four districts, had submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister urging him to realize the demand. “Our demand for the creation of Frontier Nagaland is based on historical facts. This is something like going back to the earlier arrangement when the entire area was under the erstwhile Tuensang Frontier Division of NEFA,” ENPO leader Toshi Wungpung had said.  
Prior to Nagaland’s attainment of statehood in 1963, the entire area was under the Tuensang Frontier Division of NEFA. Mon, Kiphire and Longleng districts were carved out of Tuensang post-statehood.
“For decades, gross injustice has been done to the people of these four districts by the successive governments, both in the state and at the centre,” Wungmung had also alleged few months ago. 
“Of the 11 districts in Nagaland, these four backward districts have almost half of the state’s total population. But despite that, they continue to remain extremely under-developed,” the ENPO leader had said. He added that only three per cent of the total population of the four districts was into government jobs.
“It is a democratic and people’s movement based on fundamental issues. The people in the four districts have their wholehearted support to it,” Toshi Wungpung had further stated earlier.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/enpo-demands-frontier-nagaland/

Three years imprisonment for bank managers

Mail News Service New Delhi, July 24: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bangalore has convicted Shri P. Obaiah, the then Branch Head; G. V. Halappa, the then Manager (Credit) both of Syndicate Bank, N.R. Colony Branch, Bangalore and N. Shankar, a private to undergo imprisonment for a period of three years with total fine […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 24: The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Bangalore has convicted Shri P. Obaiah, the then Branch Head; G. V.
Halappa, the then Manager (Credit) both of Syndicate Bank, N.R. Colony Branch, Bangalore and N. Shankar, a
private to undergo imprisonment for a period of three years with total fine Rs. 6,25,000/- for causing loss of Rs. 1.60 crore to Bank.
CBI had filed a charge sheet after completion of investigation in the case against Shri P. Obaiah and two others U/s 120-B r/w 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 IPC and Sec. 13(2) r/w 13(1) (c) & (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. The allegations as per the charge sheet were that P. Obaiah and G. V. Halappa while working in Syndicate Bank, N. R. Colony Branch, Bangalore had entered into criminal conspiracy with other accused person during 2007-09 in the matter of sanction & disbursal of secured overdraft and other secured loan. They allowed discounting of bills in violation of bank procedures & rules and on the basis of forged documents. The accused persons caused a wrongful loss of Rs.1.60 crore to Syndicate Bank and corresponding wrongful gain.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted them.
In another incident Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a General Manager; Senior Engineer and Engineer Trainee (Purchase), all of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd(BHEL), Nagpur for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 1,10,000/- from the complainant.
The complainant, a Managing Director of Ahmedabad based manufacturing company had alleged in his complaint that BHEL, Nagpur had floated a tender for supply of different types of hydraulic pumps. After opening of the price bid, the accused had intimated the complainant that the supply order for hydraulic pumps worth around Rs. 66 lakhs could be awarded to his company. However, the accused persons in conspiracy with each other demanded bribe from the complainant at the rate of 2% of the amount in the supply order. The complainant did not want to pay the bribe and lodged a complaint with CBI.
CBI laid a trap and the accused General Manager was caught red-handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000/- whereas the Engineer Trainee in charge of Purchase was caught red-handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 60,000/- on behalf of the other accused Senior Engineer.
Searches are being conducted in the premises of the accused persons at various places in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
All the three arrested accused will be produced in the jurisdiction court at Ahmedabad after obtaining transit remand from the Court at Nagpur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-years-imprisonment-for-bank-managers/

Governor gives assent to 4 Bills only – E-Pao.net

Governor gives assent to 4 Bills onlyE-Pao.netImphal, July 24 2012: The Governor of Manipur has given his assent to four Bills out of the total six passed during the recently concluded second session of 10th Manipur State Legislative Assembly. Accordin…

Governor gives assent to 4 Bills only
E-Pao.net
Imphal, July 24 2012: The Governor of Manipur has given his assent to four Bills out of the total six passed during the recently concluded second session of 10th Manipur State Legislative Assembly. According to an official source, in all six Bills were
Parl Secy Bill stuck at Raj BhavanKanglaOnline

all 2 news articles »

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Manipuri Olympian`s presentation ceremony held – KanglaOnline

Manipuri Olympian`s presentation ceremony heldKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, July 24: Laishram Jasobanta incentive award for Manipuri Olympian's presentation ceremony was held today at Manipur Press Club organized by People's Awareness for National Advanc…

Manipuri Olympian`s presentation ceremony held
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, July 24: Laishram Jasobanta incentive award for Manipuri Olympian's presentation ceremony was held today at Manipur Press Club organized by People's Awareness for National Advancement (PANA) and Laishram Foundation. The incentive

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Parl Secy Bill stuck at Raj Bhavan – KanglaOnline

Parl Secy Bill stuck at Raj BhavanKanglaOnlineIMPHAL, July 24: While the Governor is yet to accord his approval of the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (Appointment, Salary and Allowance and Miscellaneous Provision) Bill, 2012, he has approved several o…

Parl Secy Bill stuck at Raj Bhavan
KanglaOnline
IMPHAL, July 24: While the Governor is yet to accord his approval of the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (Appointment, Salary and Allowance and Miscellaneous Provision) Bill, 2012, he has approved several other Bills which were passed during the recent

and more »

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DESAM on Patriots` Day

The post DESAM on Patriots` Day appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has appealed to the people of the state to honour and pay tribute to the patriots who had laid down their l…

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IMPHAL, July 24: The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has appealed to the people of the state to honour and pay tribute to the patriots who had laid down their lives fighting for the freedom against the mighty British … Continue reading

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Wife killer sent to jail

The post Wife killer sent to jail appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: Ngangom Yaima, 47, of Irengbam Makha Maning Leikai who had allegedly killed his wife Ngangom Ongbi Bilashini Devi on July 20 has been sent to jail after being produ…

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IMPHAL, July 24: Ngangom Yaima, 47, of Irengbam Makha Maning Leikai who had allegedly killed his wife Ngangom Ongbi Bilashini Devi on July 20 has been sent to jail after being produced at the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bishnupur … Continue reading

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Tunnel caves in killing one

The post Tunnel caves in killing one appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: A non-local labourer of the Northern Frontier Railway was crushed to death when a part of the tunnel he was working caved in at at Khongshang Happen, Tamenglong,…

The post Tunnel caves in killing one appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, July 24: A non-local labourer of the Northern Frontier Railway was crushed to death when a part of the tunnel he was working caved in at at Khongshang Happen, Tamenglong, yesterday around 6:30am. He was engaged in the construction … Continue reading

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Meritorious award

The post Meritorious award appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: The distribution ceremony of the 1st Oinam Thingel Gram Panchayat Thongam Meino Singh Memorial Meritorious Award, 2012 was held today at the Seva Mandal Kangshang, Khongna…

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IMPHAL, July 24: The distribution ceremony of the 1st Oinam Thingel Gram Panchayat Thongam Meino Singh Memorial Meritorious Award, 2012 was held today at the Seva Mandal Kangshang, Khongnang Pheidekpi organized by the Friends’ Union Club. Altogether 31 meritorious students … Continue reading

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Woman found hanging

The post Woman found hanging appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: A woman was found hanging under suspicious condition today at around 9.30 am at B Phailen Village under Churachandpur Police Station.  The deceased is identified a…

The post Woman found hanging appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, July 24: A woman was found hanging under suspicious condition today at around 9.30 am at B Phailen Village under Churachandpur Police Station.  The deceased is identified as Hoinu, 48, daughter of (late) Sinahopao of Red Cross Road, Churachandpur. … Continue reading

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Discussion on Burma`s scenario

The post Discussion on Burma`s scenario appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: The Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University is going to organize a half day ‘Discussion on the emerging scenario in Burma (Myanmar) in the confer…

The post Discussion on Burma`s scenario appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, July 24: The Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University is going to organize a half day ‘Discussion on the emerging scenario in Burma (Myanmar) in the conference hall of the Anthropology Department, Manipur University on July 27, starting from … Continue reading

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Awareness camp

The post Awareness camp appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: Macha Leima School, Palace Compound under the sponsorship of Directorate of Information, Government of Manipur has organized a one-day national environment awareness camp yes…

The post Awareness camp appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, July 24: Macha Leima School, Palace Compound under the sponsorship of Directorate of Information, Government of Manipur has organized a one-day national environment awareness camp yesterday at Lamyanba Sanglen, Palace Compound. The awareness camp was held under the theme … Continue reading

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MU admission test

The post MU admission test appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: The admission test for MA in Adult Education (1st Semester), 2012 of the Department of Adult Education and Extension of Manipur University will be held on August 3 at 11 a…

The post MU admission test appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

IMPHAL, July 24: The admission test for MA in Adult Education (1st Semester), 2012 of the Department of Adult Education and Extension of Manipur University will be held on August 3 at 11 am at the premises of the department. … Continue reading

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Grenade found

The post Grenade found appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.IMPHAL, July 24: A Chinese hand grenade was found inside the compound of Catholic Medical Hospital, Koirengei, Imphal East under Heingang Police Station. A hospital security came across the gr…

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IMPHAL, July 24: A Chinese hand grenade was found inside the compound of Catholic Medical Hospital, Koirengei, Imphal East under Heingang Police Station. A hospital security came across the grenade today morning at around 8:10 am. The grenade was pickup … Continue reading

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Quality at stake

The post Quality at stake appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.The state Works Department recently ordered a departmental to look into the causes which led to the July 14 collapse of a newly constructed RCC bridge over Lishang Hiden moat in the Kiyamge…

The post Quality at stake appeared first on  KanglaOnline.com.

The state Works Department recently ordered a departmental to look into the causes which led to the July 14 collapse of a newly constructed RCC bridge over Lishang Hiden moat in the Kiyamgei area along the National Highway 2. The … Continue reading

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Tree plantation to check landslides in Manipur – Assam Tribune

Tree plantation to check landslides in ManipurAssam TribuneIMPHAL, July 24 – In a move to check frequent landslides on highways in Manipur which are the lifelines of the land-locked State, Senapati district-based student community has taken up a nobl…

Tree plantation to check landslides in Manipur
Assam Tribune
IMPHAL, July 24 – In a move to check frequent landslides on highways in Manipur which are the lifelines of the land-locked State, Senapati district-based student community has taken up a noble green initiative to protect the route in the recent past

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BJP, Left condemn petrol price hike

New Delhi , July 24 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday condemned the move to announce a hike in petrol prices by 70 paise. State – owned oil marketing companies have hiked the petrol prices by 70 paise per litre. The new rates became effective from […]

New Delhi , July 24 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday condemned the move to announce a hike in petrol prices by 70 paise.
State – owned oil marketing companies have hiked the petrol prices by 70 paise per litre. The new rates became effective from midnight last night.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the hike in the price of petrol, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said: “Ahead of any elections, the price of petrol and diesel decreases and after the elections they tend to increase. We will not tolerate this.”
“The government increases or decreases the price of petrol according to their wish. The BJP is against it and we believe that government should roll back the price hike as they decrease the price during elections and increase it after the polls. This is not correct,” said Hussain.
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja said that another hike in the petrol price would burden the common man.
“There is no rationality when the prices of all food items and essential commodities are high when the inflation on food items is high. Oil marketing companies go on increasing the price of petrol and petroleum products. This will lead to cascading effect and this will further burden the common people and it will subject the common people to further hardships and sufferings,” said Raja.
Meanwhile, commuters across India have denounced the steep petrol price hike, saying that it would make a hole in their pocket.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-left-condemn-petrol-price-hike/

President Patil’s address on the eve of demitting office

Mail News Service New Delhi, July 24: The President of India, . Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressed the nation today on the eve of demitting office of the President. Following is the text of the President’s address: “ When I assumed office it was the hundred and fiftieth year of our First War of Independence and […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 24: The President of India, . Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressed the nation today on the eve of demitting office of the President. Following is the text of the President’s address:
“ When I assumed office it was the hundred and fiftieth year of our First War of Independence and the sixtieth anniversary of our Independence.
Three years later, we crossed another milestone, the sixtieth anniversary of India becoming a Republic. The fifteenth General Election was held in the country in 2009. On these momentous occasions, it was but natural, that the strength of freedom and the power of democracy found resonance in the minds of the people. Elections in our country have, invariably, impressed all observers for their free and fair nature and for the enormous mobilization undertaken for their conduct. Elections are now bringing in Governments that are mostly coalitions and legislatures composed of many parties.
There are regional aspirations as well. Expectations are rising and the people are seeking quicker responses to their problems. It is in these settings that promises are to be met, duties to be performed, and results to be delivered. Even as we seek progress, we must not forget that nation building is a collective endeavour and each one has a role to play and contribute according to his or her might. Each one will have to work hard, maintain harmony and be disciplined, for the growth of the nation and the well being of society. Democracy has given every citizen of the country a participatory stake in its freedom and its progress. The essence of democracy should also be internalized so that it is reflected in our patterns of behaviour.
Negative attitudes spread cynicism and despair, which is not in the interest of our country. We cannot be dismissive and, insensitive to the needs of others and callous about what is happening around us. Stability and success of democracy in India, rests on social harmony, responsible behaviour, positive attitude and commitment to values. The Constitution of our country must be fully respected and there should be adherence to the Fundamental Duties, elaborated in the Constitution, which call for excellence, harmony, rejecting violence and upholding the unity and integrity of India. Always remember, the words of Gandhiji, who said and I quote, “No people have risen who thought only of rights. Only those did so, who thought of duties.” Unquote
You have always shown an ability to understand events happening around you; expressed your views and I am sure you will not fail in building a strong, progressive, cohesive and corruption-free India. Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. It must be got rid of. Both the Government and the people at large must come together to achieve this national objective.
Along with healthy democracy, there should also be a healthy society. It is a matter of deep distress that, even today, social evils that stagnate the growth of our country, in so many ways, continue to exist – dowry and child marriage, the practice of female foeticide and female infanticide which are causing a lop-sided gender-ratio. Instances of violence against women are very disturbing. These are totally unacceptable and must be opposed by one and all. Government, social organizations, NGOs and other voluntary bodies all have to work collectively. Laws on these subjects have been passed and could be reviewed.
Also, I believe, passing laws is not enough by itself. There has to be a social effort for creating awareness, beginning with the family, so that young minds imbibe the right values. They should be made aware that drug abuse and alcoholism can debilitate a person and cause disharmony in the family. There are too many cases of people getting trapped into an unending cycle of debt and poverty due to these addictions. This is especially so when it involves the poor. When citizens stand up against social malpractices, they become the messengers of change. They must get the support of Government and society. This will give a more active thrust to this fight against social evils and to build a more compassionate society at all levels.
Education, which should also include physical education, is very important for every boy and girl for an enlightened society. I call on school and college students to focus on acquiring knowledge and developing progressive and humane attitudes so that they are ready with skills to meet the requirements of the new, dynamic knowledge era.
Today, innovation is the key to change. It is, therefore, appropriate that the ongoing decade was declared as one of innovation in India. A spirit of creativity should exist at every level of society.
A lot rests on our educational institutions, research organizations and scientific bodies, to come out with new technologies and new innovations. The nation has high expectations from them. However, I have also seen that at the grassroots level, ordinary citizens have come out with many innovations based on practical requirements and experiences. They too must be encouraged and supported.
Enhancing agricultural productivity is a national imperative for our food security goal. A paradigm shift, where, in addition to, physical inputs for farming, a focused emphasis placed on knowledge inputs, can be a promising way forward. This knowledge based approach will bring immense returns particularly in Rainfed and Dryland farming areas.
I hope that agricultural research institutions and knowledge extension systems, working at the ground level with gram panchayats, will bring technology and good farming practices to the doorsteps of the farmer. Agriculture is a sector that also needs greater integration with other sectors of the economy, including much more engagement with industry. This can work when the rights of farmers on their land is fully protected. Farmers also need to be empowered and their bargaining abilities enhanced, so that they deal with other sectors, whether for procuring inputs, or for marketing and processing their output, with confidence.
Improved farming and development of rural areas, I believe, is of great importance to national growth. We are, however, living in times, when towns and cities are coming up at a faster rate than before. These should be developed as living habitats where the environment is clean, and amenities as well as livelihood opportunities are made available. Sustainable urban habitat is a very important concept for India. It essentially encompasses environment sustainability and inclusiveness. Residents should organize themselves and fully participate in various activities to make their cities sustainable. As a small measure, to make this concept a reality, I launched the Roshini Project for Rashtrapati Bhavan, with an environment management committee through the participation of residents, coupled with a livelihood programme by organizing Self Help Groups of women and a creche for children. Dear Citizens,
I believe that the potential of women has not yet been fully realized. Therefore, their issues received my constant attention during my Presidency. Women have talent and intelligence but due to social constraints and prejudices, it is still a long distance away from the goal of gender equality. I observed that though Government has many programmes and schemes for women, at the implementation level there was a lack of push, convergence and coordination. I hope the efforts of the ‘National Mission for Empowerment of Women’, set up two years ago with the aim of achieving gender equality and justice as well as holistic development of women through co-ordination among stakeholders, will bear fruit. I also feel that women contribute to building a more decent and compassionate society, as the feeling of caring and nurturing is inherent in their nature.
For a nation, its value system is its anchor. India has a long tradition of tolerance and harmony, because of the very nature of its society, which is multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-ethnic.
The message of love, sympathy and tolerance intrinsic to all religions, and propagated by their respective saints, has had a bearing on the ethos of the country. It has taught us to strive for a higher purpose. Gurudev Tagore spoke of how the future was waiting for those who are rich in moral ideas and not in mere things. I hope that in line with these words of Gurudev, India will continue to strive to be a country that upholds civilizational values and the high ideals of our Founding Fathers, even as we prosper and grow. It is this, that will define India as a unique country on the world platform.
India is also an example of how economic growth can be achieved within a democratic framework. I believe economic growth should translate into the happiness and progress of all. Alongwith it, there should be development of art and culture, literature and education, science and technology. We have to see how to harness the many resources of India for achieving common good and for inclusive growth. Gandhiji had taught us that worthy ends could only be achieved through worthy means. India will be what we are and our actions will shape the future. To build a nation, people must make sacrifices. Here, I would like to appreciate the important role of our Armed Forces in guarding our borders and of our security forces in maintaining law and order in the country. With terrorism and extremism in our region, we cannot let down our guard.
We must also remember that the work of nation-building is endless. Generations come and generations go, but the life of the nation goes on. Every generation during its time must make a qualitative difference. Swami Vivekananda said, and I quote, “Our ancestors did great things in the past, but we have to grow into a fuller life and march beyond even their great achievements.” Unquote. So let us all unitedly resolve to take our nation to higher heights!
On this journey, never forget that you belong to a great nation, rich in history and culture, the home of sages and heroes, the cradle of one of the most ancient continuous civilizations, that has the promise and the potential of being one of the most prosperous countries of the world. In a pluralistic society, the most, utmost strength lies in unity. It is only when we are united that every challenge will become surmountable. Do not let any divisive agenda take root or sway you. As more than one billion people use this collective strength to create a symphony, so that the world waits to listen to you.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/president-patils-address-on-the-eve-of-demitting-office/

Shivalik Frigates Strengthen the Blue Water Navy

On an overcast Monsoon day in Mumbai, the country’s latest warship, INS Sahyadri, built indigenously by the Mazagon Dock Ltd was inducted in to the Indian Navy. The tricolour and the naval ensign were hoisted, the national anthem played, and A K Antony, the Defence Minister, formally commissioned the bristling 6000 tonne warship, urging the […]

On an overcast Monsoon day in Mumbai, the country’s latest warship, INS Sahyadri, built indigenously by the Mazagon Dock Ltd was inducted in to the Indian Navy. The tricolour and the naval ensign were hoisted, the national anthem played, and A K Antony, the Defence Minister, formally commissioned the bristling 6000 tonne warship, urging the crew to “promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.”
The commissioning of INS Sahyadri, the third and the final frigate of Shivalik class, formally marked the end of Project 17 of the Indian Navy. Preceding the Sahyadri were INS Shivalik, commissioned in 2010 and INS Satpura, commissioned in 2011, all named after important mountain ranges in India.
Shivalik Class frigates are the first Indian warships to be built with stealth features and which are designated to be the lead frigates of the country’s navy during the first quarter of the 21st century. They are an upgraded and superior version of the Talwar Class frigates. These frigates include unique stealth features and land-attacking capabilities.
The structural, thermal, and acoustic stealth features make them less detectable to the enemy. The radar systems and engines are further modified to reduce and avoid detection and noise levels.
Shivalik Class frigates are 143m long and 16.9m wide. They have a displacement of 6,000 tons and run on gas turbines and diesel engines. They can carry a crew of 257, including 37 officers
Project 17
Project 17 was conceptualized by the Indian Navy to design and build stealth frigates indigenously. In 1997, the Indian Government approved the order for three frigates and the Letter of Intent was released to the shipbuilders Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai in February 1998.
The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) framed the initial design for the Project 17 Class frigates. The detailed designs were prepared by the Mazagon Dock Ltd.
Production began in 2000 due to the delays on account of changes in the hull steel specifications, and delivery delay of high-strength D-40S steel from Russia. To overcome the steel supply problems, the required AB-grade steel was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Steel Authority of India, which will help later generation warships.
Defence PSU Mazagon Dock Ltd began to build the vessels in 122 modules. In July 2001, the keel of the first frigate was laid, and it was launched and named Shivalik in April 2003. In February 2009, the frigate underwent sea trials before being commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2010.The keel of the second frigate, Satpura, was laid in October 2002 and launched in June 2004. It was commissioned in August 2011. The keel of the third frigate in the class, Sahyadri, was laid in 2003 and launched in May 2005.
INS Sahyadri
INS Sahyadri is armed with a formidable array of surface, sub-surface and air-defence weapons. These include long range anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles and anti-missile defence systems, which can detect and engage the enemy at extended ranges, thereby giving her significant combat power. The two multi-role helicopters that are embarked on Sahyadri provide enhanced surveillance and attack capability.
The ship is mounted with Fregat M2EM 3-D radar, an air search radar, HUMSA (Hull-Mounted Sonar Array) fire control radar and BEL Ellora electronics surveillance measures.
The Computer-aided Action Information Organisation (CAIO), provides the Combat Centre with a complete electronic picture of the battlefield, including target information from the Sahyadri’s sensors and radars. This goes to the ship’s Executive Officer (XO), the weapons chief, who electronically assigns a weapon to destroy each target.
The ship is propelled by two Gas Turbine engines, which enable her to generate speeds in excess of 30 knots (or over 55 Kmph), and two Diesel Engines for normal cruising speeds. The ship’s electric power is provided by four Diesel Alternators, which together produce 4 Mega-Watts of power – enough to light up a small town.Mazagon
Dock’s Plans for the Future
Having successfully completed the construction of Shivalik class frigates, Mazagon Dock Ltd, is looking ahead to future with confidence. Its order book is an envy of any defence ship builder in the world. Under construction in MDL’s berths are three destroyers of Project 15A —Kolkata, Kochi and Chennai — joining the navy’s fleet next year onwards. Also on order are four more destroyers of Project 15B, to be followed by four stealth frigates of the Project 17A. MDL is also building six Scorpene submarines, all of which are scheduled to join the navy between 2015 and 2018.
The warship builder has worked out a collaborative strategy for taking the nation towards self sufficiency in warship construction. Close on the heels of commissioning of INS Sahyadri, it has announced the signing of two Joint Venture agreements with two private sector shipyards, Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering Co Ltd and Larsen & Toubro Ltd for construction of surface warships and conventional submarines, as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Defence.
With the Government placing increased attention on India’s maritime interests, there will be growing requirement of warships for the Indian Navy. Under these circumstances, the defence shipbuilders have their tasks cut out.
PIB Mumbai.

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