Berman persuaded to drop tough line
Raising hopes for an early passage of the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Bush administration has convinced the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman to drop his tough stance on the landmark accord, and agree to the Senate version of the Bill of Approval.
“Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Chairman Berman late in the day. Following the call, Congressman Berman introduced his new legislation, now referred to as H.R.7081, the Senate Version of the Bill,” a top aide in the House Foreign Affairs Committee told a news agency.
Berman, a vocal critic of the 123 agreement with India, had introduced a bill which was almost identical to the one overwhelmingly adopted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a rider that all nuclear assistance to India would cease if New Delhi conducts a test.
However, his bill had an extra paragraph that would require that the Senate and the House versions would have to be reconciled in a committee with the involvement of the administration.
Berman, whose original Bill had some language that could have turned out somewhat uncomfortable for the administration of India, was persuaded to drop killer amendments including one on Iran that could have sabotaged the legislation.
Congressional and political sources maintain that one reason why the administration may have gone the extra mile in persuading Berman is the time factor — by agreeing to the Senate version valuable time is saved by way of not having to reconcile two versions in a conference committee in a legislative calendar that is coming very close to a finish.
Popularity: 2% [?]
PM seeks satisfactory approval for deal,Bush says working hard
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday hoped that the Indo-US nuclear deal would be approved in a manner “satisfactory” from the point of view of both the countries as he met President George W Bush in Washington but could not ink the agreement in the absence of a Congressional nod.
Bush, on his part, assured Dr Singh that his Administration is “working hard” to get the deal approved “as quickly as possible” after the House of Representatives postponed till on Saturday debate and vote on a bill on the landmark pact.
It is understood that the House, which was considering a bill introduced by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman, has put off the voting due to pre-occupation with the financial bailout package and some other issues.
“We want the (123) Agreement to satisfy you and get it out of our Congress. And so we’re working hard to get it passed as quickly as possible,” Bush told reporters at the Oval office in the White House after a 40-minute meeting with Dr Singh.
“I sincerely hope that the settlement which is now before the US Congress will be approved in a manner which will be satisfactory from the point of view of both our countries,” the Prime Minister said.
“And when the history is written, I think it will be recorded that President George W Bush played a historic role in bringing the two democracies closer to each other,” Dr Singh, who acknowledged Bush’s efforts in bringing the “massive transformation” of the India-US relations, said.
Bush said the deal, signed by the two leaders in July, 2005, has taken “a lot of work on both our parts, a lot of courage on your part”.
It was in US interest to have a “good, strong strategic relationship with India and we’ve worked hard to achieve that…one such sign of that relationship is the India-US civilian nuclear agreement,” Bush said.
Dr Singh said he was mentioning civil nuclear initiative because for 34 years India has suffered from a “nuclear apartheid”.
“We have not been able to trade in nuclear material, nuclear reactors, nuclear raw materials. And when this restrictive regime ends, I think a great deal of credit will go to President Bush. And for this I am very grateful to you, Mr President,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr Singh flew in from New York for the meeting with Bush with expectations in the Indian side that the Congress would have completed the business of legislating on the deal the two leaders entered into in July, 2005.
After a lot of drama and suspense, Congressman Berman, a strong opponent of certain provisions of the deal, introduced a bill in the House which was almost identical to the one that was overwhelmingly adopted by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a rider that all nuclear assistance to India would cease if New Delhi conducts a test.
However, his bill had an extra paragraph that would require the Senate and the House versions to be reconciled in a committee with the involvement of the administration also.
Berman was persuaded to drop killer amendments including one on Iran that could have sabotaged the legislation following which he introduced the bill.
With the House putting off the vote and the full Senate yet to take up the measure, the deal will be literally down to the wires on Saturday, the last day of the Congress session if it is not extended further.
Popularity: 2% [?]
New mastermind? Police claim to nab key IM man
Five terrorists have been arrested with explosives, detonators and guns for their suspected role in Ahmedabad serial blasts case, says the Mumbai Crime Branch.
One person Afzal Usmani has been arrested for placing a bomb at the Ahmedabad civil hospital and stealing cars used in the blasts.
Mohammed Sadiq Sheikh, one of the founding members of Indian Mujahideen, is among the five persons arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on Wednesday.
All the arrested persons were involved in blasts since 2005 including Mumbai train blasts in 2006, claims Mumbai police.
Popularity: 2% [?]
HOTELS IN NEW DELHI
Delhi , the capital city of India is the third largest city with a fusion of ancient and modern cultures. The city has a diversity of history and monuments making it a wonderful holiday destination. There are a large number of attractions in the city which makes this place a wonderful holiday experience. Touristplacesinindia.com provides you with complete information on all that you want to know about Delhi Hotels.
Some of the important monuments that adorn the city are the Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Parliament House and the President House. One can also visit places in and around Delhi like Agra , where you can have a look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal. To cater the needs of the tourists Hotels in Delhi has come up. Delhi Hotels provide the best accommodation needs in the city amidst comfort and satisfaction.
If you want to come to spend a vacation in this Capital city of India then you should have a look at the range of accommodations provided by the city. The city boasts of having some of the beautiful Luxury hotels to choose from. There are also a large number of budget and economy hotels in Delhi for the guests.
The Luxury Hotels in Delhi offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Some of the most outstanding Luxury Hotels in Delhi include the Nicco Hotel, Hotel Marina, Hans Plaza , Ambassador, Hotel Star Villa, and hotel Alka. These hotels in Delhi offer a premium blend of Indian hospitality and a host of modern services. These hotels have well appointed rooms and suites equipped with the latest technology and comforts. These rooms have a range of in-room facilities like air conditioning, direct dial telephones with
international call facility, attached bath with modern sanitary wares, internet connectivity and balcony which gives a majestic view of the Capital city.
They have in-house multi-cuisine restaurants which offer a range of Indian and International cuisines. The bars in these hotels are an ideal place to chill out with a peg of you favorite drink. These hotels have conference and banquet halls with unique design and modern day business equipments like the Public address systems, presentation devices, display screens, pointers, printers, computers and internet services. They also provide leisure facilities like swimming pools, game rooms, and gymnasium and gift shops for the entertainment of the guests.
The budget hotels in Delhi provide accommodation and dining needs to the guests at affordable rates. These hotels have well maintained guest rooms with a range of contemporary in-room services. They also have in-house restaurants which offer a range of delicacies. The travel desk in these hotels organizes sight seeing tours for the guests in and around the city.
Touristplacesinindia.com is an international travel site and a repository of useful information about Delhi Hotels and other information about the city.
Five Star Deluxe Hotels in New Delhi
Ashok Hotel Le Meridien
Centaur Hotel Maurya Sheraton
Crowne Plaza Surya Metropolitan Hotel Nikko
Vasant Continental Park Royal
Hyatt Regency Taj Palace
Taj Mahal Hotel Hotel Imperial
Grand Inter-Continental Hotel The Oberoi
Hotel Marriott
Five Star Hotels in New Delhi Four Star Hotels in New Delhi
Siddharth Hotel Hotel Kanishka
Hotel Samrat The Connaught
Hotel Qutab Hotel Diplomat
Hotel Vikram
Three Star Hotels in New Delhi Two Star Hotels in New Delhi
Hotel Janpath Hotel Sunstar
Nirula’s Hotel Bill Palace
Popularity: 3% [?]
Purana Quila
Purana Quila :
Covering a circuit of about a mile, the walls of the fort have three gates and are surrounded by a mat fed by the river Yamuna.
The wall was built by Humayun while the buildings in the fort are attributed to Sher Shar. The notable buildings that have survived in the fort are the Sher Mandal and the Quila-I-kholina Mosque. Sher Mandal is a two storeyed octagonal tower which was used by Humayun as his library. The mosque, built around 1541-42, is a landmark in Indo Islamic architecture.
The architect has shown skill by enriching each part with moulding, bracketed openings, marble inlay, carving and other establishments. A variety of materials have also been used to construct the small mosque (168 x 44 feet). The entrance arch is of marble, the spandrels of red sandstone studded with marble bossed, the columns and pilasters of black and white marble.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar :
Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak are quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.
Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.
The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets.
Even in ruin, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent in the world. Its construction was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197. additions were made to the building by Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315.
The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard, of which the inner is surrouded by an exquisite collonade, the pillars of which are made of richly decorated shafts. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples which were plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation.
Close to the mosque is one of Delhi’s most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the pillar bears an inscription which stated that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta king Chandragupta II (375-413). How the pillar moved to its present location remains a mystery. The pillar also highlights ancient India’s achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood. 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Lotus Temple – Delhi
About Lotus Temple :
It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi . Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Bahai�s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi . The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India . This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahai House of Worship drawing into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, – an independent world religion; divine in origin, all embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence.
Do you know :
Since its inauguration to public worship in December 1986, the Bahai House of Worship has drawn to its portals more than 50 million visitors, making it the most visited edifice in the world. People have come regardless of the scorching summer heat of Delhi , which sometimes rises above 40�C during the months of June to September, and have braced the chill and cold rains that Delhi experiences during winter. They have admired the beautiful lotus form of the Temple , and have been fascinated by the teachings of the Bahai Faith, which believes in oneness of God, oneness of religions and oneness of mankind.
The Grand Structure :
In the raising of the House of Worship in New Delhi traditional Indian means of construction were employed coupled with the most modern Western engineering design. Fariborz Sahba, Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management, and with the help of a team of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers brought to realisation one of the most complicated constructions in the world. Rising pure and unsullied above stagnant, muddy waters, the Indians have seen this flower as worthy of emulation, teaching them to be detached from material preoccupations. This temple joins six other Bahai temples around the world. Each of these Houses while sharing some basic design concepts, has its own distinct cultural identity embodying the principle of unity in diversity. The structure of the House is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium elevating the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry. Nine arches that provide the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. Translating the geometry of the design, in which there are virtually no straight lines, into the actual structure presented particular challenges in designing and erecting the framework. Not only was it difficult to align, so as to produce accurately the complex double-curved surfaces and their intersections, but also the closeness of the petals severely restricted workspace. Nevertheless the task was carried out entirely by the local labourers. Thanks to each one who contributed in its construction. To avoid construction joints, petals were concreted in a continuous operation for approximately 48 hours. Concrete was carried up the staging by women bearing 50-pound loads in baskets balanced on their heads. All the steel reinforcing for the shells of the lotus petals was galvanised to avoid rust stains on the white concrete in the prevailing humid conditions, guaranteeing the life of the delicate shell structure of 6 to 18 cm thick shells of the petals. India is well endowed with human resources. The architect believes that this design could not have been executed anywhere else because it is rare to find the combination of traditional craftsmanship, pride in one’s work, empathy for spiritual undertaking, perseverance under all odds and ample patience, as can be found in the Indian sub-continent. As commented by progressive Architecture of USA in their article on the Bahai Temple "It goes to prove that high-tech concepts do not always demand high-tech solutions." The Indian visitors, from the most sophisticated to the most simple, expressed perplexity at the absence of any idols. It has been a hard task since explaining to them that the all-pervasive Almighty cannot be put in any limited form. Hence, over the years the visitors from India have begun to understand that the purpose of the Bahai House of Worship is to unite the hearts of the people and bring them closer to their Creator.
Timings :
Summer : 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. , Winter 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday closed.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Delhi Nightlife…Entertaining…
September 20, 2008 by admin
Filed under Delhi Night Life
When the sun goes down in Delhi, it is time to go out and enjoy everything that this exciting destination has on offer. Whether your preference is for relaxing in a quiet wine-bar, or letting your hair down and dancing the night away in a nightclub. Nightlife means fun and entertainment at night: dance clubs, bars, parties, festivals, shows, restaurants, live music bands and all that. The idea is to go out and have good old-fashioned fun.
As well known, Delhi has a long way to go to compete with Mumbai as the capital of Indian nightlife. In Delhi, it is notoriously difficult to obtain an alcohol licence and many of the swishest watering holes and nightclubs are in the five-star international hotels – with prices to match. Apart from hotels, the watering holes of Delhi are concentrated around Connaught Place, with various outposts in the more prosperous southern suburbs. Wine in Delhi is very expensive and frequently of indifferent quality – those who wish to drink would be well advised to stick to beer, spirits or cocktails.
Although clubs and bars are multiplying in Delhi, you still have to look hard for them. Whenever you feel enjoying like dancing, the best option probably is to go one of the big hotels that probably has a private club and bar. It is quite likely that you end up watching a Hindi film or traditional dance performance, finished off with a beer or lassi and an early night of sleep.
For current events and entertainment, pick up a copy of the weekly Delhi Diary or the monthly First City. Djinns located in the Hyatt Regency, Ring Road, is still a very popular disco-cum-nightclub with gut-busting music and a dance floor that looks like a meat grinder, but the fickle ‘in’ crowd have gravitated in the direction of lounge bars with trance music. For music and dance performances there’s almost always something on at the India International Centre (40 Max Mueller Marg, ) or the India Habitat Centre (Lodhi Road, ) where you can get to enjoy India’s finest maestro performances for free. Senso Ristorante & Bar (33 Basant Lok Community Centre, Vasant Vihar; tel. 011/2615-5533 or -5534) has a style-conscious, ultra-chic bar-lounge with a vinyl bar counter, modern white chairs, green antique-style sofas, and mirrored tables. One interesting evening shows in Delhi is the sound and light show which is held at Red Fort. Choice, funky music is always playing, and there are some worthwhile parties on Saturday nights.
Popularity: 3% [?]
New Delhi childrens Activities
New Delhi is one of the best places in the country in terms of children-friendliness . It is one of the greenest capitals in the world, with lots of gardens and parks in which children can play and run around with other children. Additionally, there are plenty of theme and amusement parks that are good fun for the whole family.
Appu Ghar
This is India’s first amusement park. Opened in 1984, it is found in the city’s area known as Pragati Maidan. It is a top family destination in New Delhi with its 22 rides, newly opened waterpark named OYSTERS, food centres and shops. Known as India’s Disneyland, Appu Ghar attracts visitors from around the world and is a big hit with children.
Children’s Park
Located close to India Gate, this park has a unique policy of refusing entry to adults attempting to enjoy its facilities without children. It is full of swings, slides, and even boasts a small aquarium. Truly a place for kids, the children’s park is a great spot for them to play with one another.
Buddha Jayanti Park
If you are looking for a good picnic spot, then this part of the city is ideal with its beautiful flowers and gardens. The park was founded on the eve of 2,500 years of the Buddha’s enlightenment and the highlight here is a plant of Bodhi-Briksha brought from Sri Lanka – a cutting of the original plant under which the Buddha found enlightenment.
Mughal Garden
The Mughal Garden is part of the grounds on which the presidential palace is built. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the garden is open to public from February to March.
Musical Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park
Popular with children who are delighted by the spectacular show of a fountain is programmed to display lights, music, and water in a coordinated fashion, Ajmal Khan Park welcomes more visitors during the dusk hours during which the fountain is switched on. The park is open everyday, but the fountain display is good for only 2 hours after sunset, and is not available on Tuesday.
National Rose Garden
A tribute to the rose – the National Rose Garden of India is filled with an incredible array of roses from around the world. During December and January when the roses are in full bloom, the garden sees the most number of visitors enjoying the beautiful sight. Another popular spot with rose lovers is Hauz Khas opposite Safdarjang’s tomb.
National Science Museum
Located adjacent to the Pragati Maidan, the National Science Museum is ideal for a fun and educational day out. Adults and kids alike will delight in learning about science and unravelling some of the world’s more intriguing scientific mysteries.
National Zoological Park
Also called the Delhi Zoo, this park was opened in 1959 and is widely known as one of the best zoos in Asia. The animals here are housed in compounds designed to bear a close resemblance to their natural habitats. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and bird species from around the world.
Rail Transport Museum
The British brought the rail service to India, and the Indians have embraced it with much love, to the extent of erecting a museum to commemorate the train and educate the public on its history of development and its role in history. The exhibits include a regal dining car dating from 1889 and the Prince of Wales’ saloon from 1876.
Shalimar Garden
Enjoying a special place in history, Shalimar Garden was where Aurangzeb the Mughal king was crowned emperor in 1658. The charming pavilion in the centre, called Shish Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan and some of the original painting is still visible.
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum
Opened in 1954, this doll museum houses more than 6,000 dolls from 85 countries. It also contains an impressive collection of Japanese dolls. Approximately a third of the dolls here are from India and they are created by the best craftsmen of the country. Also here are the BC Roy Children’s Library and a children’s play corner.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Delhi Metro stops construction activity at Inderlok station
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has stopped construction activity at the Inderlok station in the Civil Lines zone of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
The action comes in the wake of a notice served on DMRC by the civic body charging it with indulging in construction work for commercial use without getting the building plan sanctioned.
Last month the MCD had sent a notice to DMRC asking it to stop commercial development of the land at the Inderlok station. It sent another notice later warning that it would seal the premises if work was not stopped immediately.
“We have now stopped construction work at the station and informed the MCD about it. The work being carried out is part of the integrated Metro station project at Inderlok,” informed a senior DMRC official, adding that Lieutenant-Governor B.L. Joshi has also been requested to intervene to sort out matters.
During its survey at the site a month ago, the MCD had found that the contractor carrying out the work did not have a sanctioned plan for the project. Apart from serving notices on him, power and water distribution companies were asked to take appropriate action against the builder.
A tussle is going on between the MCD and DMRC with the former accusing the latter of indulging in commercial development of land allotted to it by the civic body for constructing the Metro Rail infrastructure, a charge that has been repeatedly refuted by DMRC.
Popularity: 5% [?]