Monday, 30 April 2012

Somali pirates get $150 million in ransoms in 2011

April 28, 2012 - 4:16am By EDITH M. LEDERER The Associated Press

http://thechronicleherald.ca/world/90958-somali-pirates-get-150-million-in-ransoms-in-2011



Somali pirates took in a record of almost $150 million in ransom last year but their ship seizures have dropped significantly since mid-2011, the head of the European Union’s anti-piracy fleet said Friday.

Rear Adm. Duncan Potts credited the drop in ship takeovers on the shipping industry’s adoption of “best management practices,” a significant rise in the use of private armed security teams on ships, the increasing effectiveness of the international military effort, and changes ashore in Somalia, where the nascent governments and some clans are taking a stand against piracy.

There were only three successful Somali pirate seizures in the first half of 2011, compared to 28 in the first half, Potts said at a briefing at the EU’s UN Mission.

“That trend has continued into 2012,” he said. “To date this year — and we’re almost a third of the way through it — we have only had four ocean-going merchant ships, i.e. those that can command a substantial ransom, seized successfully by the pirates.”

A year ago, 24 ships and over 500 seamen from around the world were held by pirates, he said. Today, the pirates are holding seven ships and just over 200 seamen, and of the seven ships, “only three have a reasonable market value for ransom.”

“After a record year for ransom demands last year, where they got almost $150 million in ransom demands, I think it’s fair to say at the moment that the pirates may be cash rich but they are definitely asset poor — they have very few tradable assets,” Potts said

India to work with Seychells to combat piracy menace


PTI | 07:04 PM,Apr 29,2012


From Sunil Gatade Victoria (Seychelles), Apr 29 (PTI) In the backdrop of the menace posed by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, India today said it was determined to work with Seychelles to ensure a secure environment for the benefit of the two countries.

President Pratibha Patil, who arrived here to a warm welcome for a two-day state visit, said "India and Seychelles share the waters of the Indian ocean".

"The Indian Ocean is a strong bond between us. We are committed to work together closely in order to ensure the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region in the face of threats of piracy and terrorism".

Noting that the strategically located Island Republic of Seychelles falls in the seaways of the global trade route, Patil said "we are determined to work with the Government of Seychelles to ensure a secure environment for the mutual benefit of our peoples". Patil's remarks are significant as there is extensive cooperation between India and Seychelles in areas of defence and security.

India has provided defence equipment and gifted a naval patrol vessel "INS Tarmugli" in 2005. It also has Maritime and Naval advisors in this strategic island country.

Indian Navy is actively engaged in patrolling the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone against Somali pirate activities. Some agreement is expected to be signed during the visit of Patil, the second Presidential visit in 22 years, but she did not respond to a question on the issue from reporters accompanying her.

Saturday, 28 April 2012

50 Indian companies participate in India ‘Investrade 2012’

COLOMBO,April 28, 2012
R. K. Radhakrishnan

India-Sri Lanka bilateral trade has increased by over 65% last year to reach close to US$ 5 billion, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha, has said.

Indian companies have invested about US $150 million in Sri Lanka last year. Both countries are witnessing a boom in real estate segment and construction industry, which provides opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Construction sector in both countries is likely to grow faster than broader economy over the next five years, he said and outlined the opportunities for Indian companies in Sri Lanka and likewise for Sri Lankan companies in India.

Mr. Kantha was speaking at ‘India Investrade 2012: An exposition and Buyer Seller Meet on Realty Construction & Construction Materials,’ organised here by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata from April 26 to 28 April.

The event is supported by the Indian Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing & Common Amenities, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

As many as 50 Indian companies participated in the exposition showcasing their profile in building materials, construction equipment and technologies, electrical and sanitary fittings, flooring and roofing material landscaping, consultancy, property development, financial service for construction.

The three day event comprised of Exhibition, Conference and Buyer-Seller Meet. The purpose of the event was to promote and facilitate trade and business engagement in construction and construction material sector, provide a platform to introduce the Indian entrepreneurs with their Sri Lankan counterparts and promote the process of business engagement, exchange of ideas and facilitate G2G, G2B and B2B interaction on various issues pertaining to the construction industry of both the countries.

At the inauguration, Basil Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Development, said that the Sri Lankan economy has been growing over 8 per cent percent in past two years, which has resulted in high growth in the construction sector. He said that India has achieved a lot in the construction sector and the Indian companies can play a role in the Sri Lankan market by partnering with Sri Lankan companies. Commenting on the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, Mr. Rajapaksa said that FTA has been helpful in rapid growth of bilateral trade and invited the Indian companies to invest in Sri Lanka in sectors like construction, tourism, education and skill development

Elite Afghan soldier kills US special forces’ mentor


KANDAHAR: An elite Afghan soldier shot dead an American mentor and his translator at a US base, Afghan officials said on Friday, in the first rogue shooting blamed on the country’s new and closely vetted special forces.

The soldier opened fire at an American military base on Wednesday in Shah Wali Kot district, in volatile Kandahar province, said General Abdul Hamid, the commander of Afghan army forces in the Taliban’s southern heartland.

“The shooting took place after a verbal conflict where the Afghan special forces soldier opened fire and killed an American special forces member and his translator,” Hamid told Reuters.The latest shooting will be of grave concern to both sides.

Somali pirates change tactics to evade navy heat


Apr 27, 2012 8:23am EDT
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/27/somalia-pirates-shipping-idUSL6E8FQC8Q20120427


LONDON, April 27 (Reuters) - Somali pirates are switching back to using smaller cargo and fishing boats as motherships, hoping to evade detection as maritime security is stepped up to foil their attacks on merchant vessels, industry and navy sources say.

With the prospect of ransoms worth tens of millions of dollars, Somali pirates continue to threaten vital shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Over 20 years of war and famine have worsened prospects for Somalis, adding to the appeal for many young men of crime on the high seas.

Armed gangs had started using large merchant vessels - including tankers - that they had seized as motherships, forcing crews by gunpoint to do their bidding. The tactic, employed agressively in 2011, enabled them to operate further out at sea.

But vigorous action by navies, including pre-emptive strikes, have cut attacks, forcing pirates to adapt their model.

"We are seeing a change in tactics," said Joe Angelo, managing director with INTERTANKO, an association whose members own the majority of the world's oil tanker fleet.

"They are now hijacking smaller dhows and they are using them as motherships which is making them less suspicious."

Traditional dhows, used by fishermen and general merchants in the region, were first deployed by Somali pirates before they started using larger captured vessels.

The larger vessels enabled gangs to operate for longer periods at sea with more supplies and in harsher weather conditions, as well giving them more flexibility when launching their high speed attack craft known as skiffs.

"The tactic of using larger commercial vessels as motherships has died down recently as dhows are more effective; they are essentially camouflaged amongst the huge numbers of genuine fishing boats and dhows carrying cargo locally off the Horn of Africa," said Rory Lamrock, an intelligence analyst with security firm AKE.

"Weapons and ladders can be easily jettisoned overboard whenever naval forces approach, making it difficult for navies to disrupt. When a larger vessel gets hijacked for use as a mothership, it is usually well reported and naval forces and commercial ships in the area will be on the lookout."

Data this week from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) watchdog showed attacks involving Somali pirates in the first quarter of this year had slid to 43, from 97 incidents in the same period last year.

The deployment of private armed security guards and greater use of pirate deterrents such as razor wire and heightened monitoring watches when entering danger areas by crews on board also helped curb Somali attacks.

"While the number of 2012 incidents and hijackings are less ... it is unlikely that the threat of Somali piracy will diminish in the short to medium term unless further actions are taken," the IMB said.

A study published in February by U.S. non-governmental organisation One Earth Future Foundation showed Somali piracy cost the world economy some $7 billion last year. The total paid in ransoms reached $160 million, with an average ransom for a ship rising to $5 million, from around $4 million in 2010.
LONE TARGETS

Ship industry officials said pirates were attempting more diverse attacks and were pushing further into the northern Gulf of Oman to prey on areas not so heavily patrolled.

"I personally believe what is going on are random acts where they can be successful," said INTERTANKO's Angelo.

AKE's Lamrock said over the past six months there had been five incidents in the northern Gulf of Oman, three of which were further north than the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, towards the vital Strait of Hormuz oil choke point.

"It seems more likely that pirates will focus on opportunistically targeting vessels transiting through the Gulf," Lamrock said.

Despite successful efforts to quell attacks and disrupt pirate camps, international naval forces have limited resources to patrol vast distances.

"We are seeing pirates using dhows as motherships - we are monitoring that. They are having to constantly adapt their procedures," said Lt Cdr Jacqueline Sherriff, spokeswoman with the European Union's counter piracy force.

"The Indian Ocean is vast. We are focusing our efforts on the areas that they have been in the past and we are having success."

Sherriff said navies faced the challenge of monitoring large amounts of legitimate dhow traffic passing through the region.

"There are hundreds of them going about their legal trade and we have to be very careful with our intelligence who we target." (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Friday, 27 April 2012

KFC to pay $8.3 million for causing brain damage

Agence France-Presse | Updated: April 27, 2012 14:59 IST               


Sydney: Fast food giant Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was on Friday ordered to pay $8.3 million to an Australian girl who suffered severe brain damage and was paralysed after eating a Twister wrap.

Monika Samaan was seven when she suffered salmonella encephalopathy -- a brain injury linked to food poisoning that also left her with a blood infection and septic shock -- in October 2005.

Several other family members also fell ill and they claimed Samaan's injuries, which include severe cognitive, motor and speech impairment and spastic quadriplegia, were caused by a chicken Twister wrap from a Sydney KFC outlet.
The New South Wales Supreme Court ruled in the family's favour a week ago and on Friday ordered KFC to pay the girl $8.3 million in damages plus legal costs.
In a statement, the family's lawyer George Vlahakis said that they were relieved that the battle was over.

"Monika's severe brain damage and severe disability has already exhausted the very limited resources of the family," he said.

"Monika is now a big girl and they are finding it increasingly difficult to lift her and to look after her basic needs as well as look after Monika's younger siblings.

"The compensation ordered is very much needed. KFC have to date been determined that Monika does not receive a cent."

Last week KFC indicated that it will appeal the decision but is yet to do so.

During the trial, Justice Stephen Rothman said the chicken became contaminated "because of the failure of one or more employees of KFC" to follow proper preparation rules, which he described as "negligent"

USA should Pay Attention to Reasons for Defeat in Afghanistan

In Spite of Blaming Pakistan...



US Soldiers urinating over the dead bodies of Afghans
US Soldiers Peeing over the dead bodies of Afghans collectively
After every few weeks a new tragic incident becomes witness over international level that USA and her allies is culprit of attacking and converting the lives of the inhabitants of a sovereign country into hell through their international state terrorism. Sometimes these paid killers mentally torture the Afghan public by burning Holy Quran; sometimes they are involved in murdering innocent women and children through spray of bullets and burning their dead bodies afterwards. After such acts of terrorism these bastards apologize in such a manner as they are giving some great sacrifice. Most of such inhuman war crimes of European state terrorists and crusaders never succeed to reach the international media or US govt. succeeds in suppressing them. Moreover Western media working under the control of White House and Pentagon for specific interests mutilates these incidents of state terrorism in such a way in the areas under the control of Crusade/Western forces that unarmed people seem to be more responsible for the incidents as compared to these rented soldiers of these international terrorist states. In spite of all this when few incidents are leaked to the international media and it becomes difficult for USA to save her soft image; American Foreign Department and Higher Officials of CIA start blaming Pakistan for their failures of anti-Islamic plans.
Because these pictures depicting torture and human rights violations not only show that in order to loot and steal resources of Islamic world these crusaders do not hesitate to massacre millions of unarmed Muslims but these pictures also shows the enmity of west towards Islam. This further strengthens these concerns that in the name of fabricated terrorist acts (planned by CIA) USA has in fact started a war against Islam and in this crusade Western countries are side by side for achieving damn goals of USA (United Satanic Alliance).
Moral values of US army
Civilized American posing with the dead body of Afghan destroyed by RPG

For example on 18 April 2011, British journalist Jason Ditz published a news report over the internet (because British and American news agencies has refused to publish it; however after this report was published over internet few agencies published a summary of it). The title of report is
Oil Companies Pushed Britain Over War in Iraq 2002
The sub-heading reads, “Trade Minister Lobbied for BP Oil Deals as Reward for UK Backing War”
This report unveils that the aggression over Iraq in 2003 was at the behest of British oil companies which was planned in October-November 2002. These Oil companies were not concerned at all with the international politics and that what weapons should be employed for paving way for aggression over Iraq. They just wanted lion’s share from Iraqi oil. In order to befool public they used their resources so that Tony Blair could stand side by side with USA in this crusade. In all this propaganda Minister of Trade in Tony Blair’s cabinet Baroness Symons played a vital role. Just only to capture Iraqi oil Saddam Hussein was alleged for having weapons of mass destruction which were never proved. Afterwards how much Iraqis were murdered in massacre of crusaders repeating the history of Tatars, how many Iraqi women were gang raped, Iraqi property was looted and destroyed is the great part of modern era. Most painful and shameful aspect of today’s shameless super powers is that neither rulers of USA and Western countries felt any shame for genocide of Iraqis in the hands of their paid murderers nor the writers of these crusade countries dared to accept genocide of Iraqis like genocide of Jews in the hands of Hitler.
Picture published in los Angeles Times
The picture published in Los Angeles Times

Few days ago pictures published in the Los Angeles Times showing the mutilation of dead bodies of Afghans in the hands of Western terrorists unveiled the mentality of most social and animal friendly nation and their enmity against Muslims. These pictures show that American soldiers (in fact state terrorists) proudly take snaps with the dead bodies of unarmed Afghan people (abducted from different cities) while making the sign of victory or pee on these dead bodies collectively to satisfy their anti-human minds. These pictures were shot by soldiers/terrorists of 22nd Airborne Division of American forces in 2010 when these terrorists expressed their hatred against humanity in these pictures. Few of these pictures were sent to me by an American woman because it was not possible to post them in USA (torch bearer of freedom of speech for Zionists). When these pictures were posted over facebook not only facebook administration removed these pictures but also warned that such pictures showing such violence or perhaps unveiling mentality of most developed and social nation is not allowed.
However when such pictures were published and reports arrived to Taliban they declared to take revenge; reacting over this like ever USA verbally condemned the terrorist acts of her soldiers and said that these acts of soldiers does not represent the American rules and ethics of military. Now one shall question that what are the rules and ethics of AMERICA? The ethics of America are: under the cover false allegations in the name of LIBERATION, destruction and looting of sovereign states like Iraq, Libya andAfghanistan? Loot their resources to feed Zionist Satans? Is this the ethic of USA and moral going to the extremes of hypocrisy the journalists of own country are banned from writing the truth, while in the target countries in the name of freedom of press and speech prejudices, civil war, and anarchy is injected? The reality of American ethics and moral values of journalism was unveiled by John Swinton in ceremony of his retirement when he said that in the lieu of freedom of speech the status of journalists is of INTELLECTUAL PROSTITUTES. He said that journalists are like puppets whose control is in someone else’s hands, they make us dance as they like. He said, “Our lives, our professional capabilities are owned by someone else”. He made this clear that there is nothing known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH in USA. Here are the few selections from the speech of John Swinton in his own words;
“There is no such thing at this stage of the world’s history in America as anindependent press. You know it and I know it. There is not one of you who dare to write your honest opinions, and if you did you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things and of you who would be foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on streets looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions in one issue of my papers before twenty four hours my occupation would be gone. We are intellectual prostitutes. I do understand that you have to eat like all of us and therefore must keep your mouth shut. You are Jewish and so am I.”
Burning the dead bodies of Afghans
US Soldiers burning Afghans

Although the above speech of US journalist was in the light of Libya where a sovereigncountry was not only attacked and destroyed but her wealth lying in the international banks, reserves of gold and oil were distributed among USA, Britain and Australia. After the destruction the reconstruction of communications and other infrastructure was bestowed to American companies. Apparently America and other crusaders have left Libya and Iraq but they are not ready to withdraw from Afghanistan yet. On the one hand they blame Pakistan for their defeat and failure of anti-Muslim policies while on the other hand they ask Pakistan to provide them route for NATO supply, so that USA and her allied state terrorists not only keep working on their plan of genocide of Afghans but also provide weapons to terrorists in Pakistan as well. This should be kept in mind that according to international analysts’ significant decrease in terrorism has been observed in Pakistan since Pakistan has blocked NATO supply.
Written By Khalid Baig,
Published in Daily Nawa-i-Waqt,
Date: 26 April, 2012.

Ex-BJP chief Bangaru Laxman convicted in fake arms deal case

Agencies : New Delhi, Fri Apr 27 2012, 14:56 hrs

In a huge embarrassment for the BJP, its former president Bangaru Laxman was today convicted for accepting Rs 1 lakh as bribe from a fake arms dealer in a fictitious deal eleven years ago.

Additional Sessions Judge Kanwal Jeet Arora convicted Laxman on Friday for accepting a bribe from fake arms dealers with the promise that he would 'influence' the Defence Ministry to award them a contract for the Army.

Laxman, a former Union minister, was caught on camera in a sting operation in his chamber in the party headquarters. He had to quit as president shortly after the sting expose which created a huge political storm.

72-year-old Laxman was taken to Tihar Jail today and will be produced in court tomorrow at 10:30 am for the sentence.

Clad in a cream kurta and white pyjama, Laxman stood shocked in the witness box as the judge pronounced his verdict. He did not want to talk to any one and sat in the witness box for a long time. His daughter was also present in court. Later, the police took him into custody.

"The CBI has been able to establish the case of accepting Rs 1 lakh bribe against Bangaru Laxman. Accused Bangaru Laxman stands convicted for the offence under Section 9 (taking gratification for exercise of personal influence with public servant) of the Prevention of Corruption Act," the judge said.

The court had reserved its judgement in the corruption case on April 3 after hearing arguments from the counsel for the CBI and the accused.

Bangaru was caught on camera accepting money in a 2001 sting operation conducted by newsportal Tehelka.com. The video CDs, which were released by the portal on March 13, 2001, had sparked a political storm, forcing Bangaru to quit as BJP chief.

The scribes posed as representatives of a fictitious UK-based company West End International and sought his recommendation to the ministry for supply of "hand-held thermal imagers", a fictitious device, for the Indian Army.

As per the CBI chargesheet, Tehelka scribes had held eight meetings with Bangaru between December 23, 2000, and January 7, 2001, projecting themselves as suppliers of defence-related products.

The CBI had alleged Bangaru accepted Rs 1 lakh from the representatives of the purported firm on January 1, 2001, at his office to pursuing their proposal.

Bangaru's former personal secretary T Satyamurthy, who was co-accused, was pardoned by a trial court after he turned approver in the case.

20 militants killed in southern Afghan province

English.news.cn 2012-04-24 18:51:58
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/24/c_131548632.htm

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Security forces have killed 20 Taliban militants in Washir district of Helmand province, 555 km south of capital Kabul over the past three days, spokesman for provincial administration Daud Ahmadi said Tuesday.

"Afghan forces backed by NATO-led troops during series of operations in Washir district over the past three days have killed 20 Taliban militants including four commanders namely Mullah Ahsan, Mullah Abdullah, Mullah Abdul Haq and Mullah Assadullah," Ahmadi told Xinhua.

Ten Taliban militants were injured during the operations, he further said.

On the other hand, Taliban purported spokesman Qari Yusuf Ahmadi confirmed the clash in Washir district and said only three Taliban fighters had been killed and three others sustained injuries.

Helmand has been regarded as the hotbed of Taliban militants and notorious for poppy cultivation in the militancy-plagued country.

Two NATO service members die in Afghanistan

English.news.cn 2012-04-25 15:16:54
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-04/25/c_131550651.htm


KABUL, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Two service members with the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) lost their lives in two separate incidents in Afghanistan, the ISAF forces said on Wednesday.

"An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in southern Afghanistan today," said the ISAF press release issued here on Wednesday.

Another ISAF soldier died as a result of a non-battle related injury in restive eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, according to the ISAF release.

The press release did not provide details and the nationalities of the victims under ISAF policy.

Currently over 130,000 NATO-led ISAF troops with majority of them Americans have been serving in Afghanistan.

The latest casualties bring to 125 the number of ISAF troops killed in Afghanistan so far this year.

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Maoists abduct 12 villagers in Maharashtra, kill 2

Zeenews Bureau
Thursday, April 26, 2012
http://zeenews.india.com/news/maharashtra/maoists-abduct-12-villagers-in-maharashtra-kill-2_771840.html



New Delhi: The Maoist guerrillas on Thursday abducted at least 12 people in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, hours after the home-grown rebels set Odisha BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka free from their captivity following hectic negotiation by the state government.
As per reports, the Maoists have also killed two villagers, who supposedly tried to resist the abduction of villagers.
The Maoists are demanding the urgent withdrawal of central paramilitary forces from the area and an immediate halt to combing operations.
Soon after the news of abduction and killing of villagers broke out, the state government rushed police force and senior officials of the local administration to spot to take stock of the situation.

The War Spreads To The Caribbean




April 25, 2012: On March 30th, the U.S. Coast Guard captured its 30th cocaine smuggling submarine, in the Caribbean.



This is the fifth such capture in the Caribbean, with the other 25 captured in the Pacific. It's currently estimated that 80 percent of the cocaine smuggled into the United States leaves South America via these submarines or semi-submersible boats.



Most of these craft are "semi-submersibles". They are 10-20 meter (31-62 foot) fiberglass boats, powered by a diesel engine, with a very low freeboard, and a small "conning tower", providing the crew (of 4-5), and engine, with fresh air, and permitting the crew to navigate.



A boat of this type was, since they first appeared in the early 1990s, thought to be the only practical kind of submarine for drug smuggling. But in the last decade the drug gangs have developed real submarines, capable of carrying five tons of cocaine that cost a lot more, and don't require a highly trained crew. These subs borrow a lot of technology and ideas from the growing number of recreational submarines being built.

The Colombian security forces and other Latin American navies have been responsible for most of these vessel captures. Most of these boats are sunk by their crews when spotted, but the few that were captured intact revealed features like an extensive collection of communications gear, indicating an effort to avoid capture by monitoring many police and military frequencies. The Colombians have captured several of these vessels before they could be launched. In the last few years, the Colombians have been collecting a lot of information on those who actually build these subs for the drug gangs and FARC (leftist rebels that provide security, and often transportation for moving cocaine.) That includes finding out where the construction takes place.

Last year Colombian police arrested eighteen members of a gang that specialized in building submarines and semisubmersible boats. As police suspected, some (five) of those arrested were retired or on active duty with the Colombian Navy (which operates two 1970s era German built Type 209 submarines). These arrests were part of an intense effort to find the people responsible for building subs for cocaine gangs. Find the builders, and you stop the building efforts.

Since cocaine cartels in South America began using submarines and semi-submersible craft to transport cocaine north, the U.S. and Colombia have been desperately seeking the specialists responsible for designing and building these craft.

Last year Argentina revealed they had arrested one of the main organizers of the sub building operation. The suspect, Ignacio Alvarez Meyendorff, was identified as working for the Colombian Norte del Valle drug cartel, and in charge of logistics for the submarine construction project. It's believed that Meyendorff was tracked down via information obtained by the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). Apparently, Meyendorff, or documents captured when he was arrested, provided enough data to make further arrests, and run down the location of many of the subs.

The submarines that have been captured have, on closer examination turned out to be more sophisticated than first thought. The outer hulls are made of strong, lightweight, Kevlar/carbon fiber that is sturdy enough to keep the sub intact, but very difficult to detect with most sensors. The hulls cannot survive deep dives but these boats don't have to go deep to get the job done. The diesel-electric power supply, diving and surfacing system and navigational systems of captured subs was often in working order. It was believed that some of those who built these boats probably had experience building recreational subs. The sub builders also had impressive knowledge of the latest materials used to build exotic boats. It had already become clear that something extraordinary was happening in these improvised jungle shipyards.

It was only two years ago that Ecuadoran police found the first real diesel-electric cocaine carrying submarine. It was nearly completed, and ready to go into a nearby river, near the Colombian border, and move out into the Pacific Ocean. The 23.5 meter (73 foot) long, three meter (nine feet) in diameter boat was capable of submerging. The locally built boat had a periscope, conning tower and was air conditioned. It had commercial fish sonar mounted up front, so that it could navigate safely while underwater. There was a toilet on board, but no galley (kitchen) or bunks. Submarine experts believed that a five man crew could work shifts to take care of navigation and steering the boat. The boat could submerge to about 16 meters (50 feet). At that depth, the batteries and oxygen on board allowed the sub to travel up 38 kilometers in one hour, or at a speed of 9 kilometers an hour for 5-6 hours. This would be sufficient to escape any coastal patrol boats that spotted the sub while it moved along on the surface (its normal travel mode.) The boat could also submerge to avoid very bad weather. The sub carried sufficient diesel fuel to make a trip from Ecuador to Mexico. There was a cargo space that could hold up to seven tons of cocaine.

The sub was captured where it was being assembled, and a nearby camp for the builders, appeared to house about fifty people. A lot of evidence was collected, and apparently the U.S. DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) used that to develop clues about who was involved. It was the DEA that put together the pieces that led to identifying Meyendorff and locating him in Argentina.

The Ecuadoran boat was the first such sub to be completed, but not the first to be attempted. A decade ago, Russian naval architects and engineers were discovered among those designing and building a similar, but larger, boat. However, that effort did not last, as the Russian designs were too complex and expensive. It was found easier to build semi-submersible craft. But more and more of these new type subs are being found.

India, Africa slow global progress in measles fight

Written by Reuters

Tuesday, 24 April 2012 10:40



Death rates from measles fell 74 percent between 2000 and 2010, missing an internationally agreed target for a 90 percent fall mainly because of low vaccine coverage in India and Africa where the virus kills tens of thousands a year.


A study led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) published on Tuesday found that despite rapid progress, regular measles outbreaks in Africa and slow implementation of disease control in India were major concerns and led to the target being missed.


If the world is to succeed in wiping out the highly contagious disease, vaccination coverage rates must be increased in these and other key regions, the researchers said, Reuters reports.


"Intensified control measures and renewed political and financial commitment are needed to ... lay the foundation for future global eradication of measles," the researchers wrote in the study in The Lancet medical journal.


Measles is a viral disease and transmitted when an infected person breaths, coughs or sneezes. There is no specific treatment for it and most people recover in two to three weeks.


However, particularly in malnourished children and people with weak immunity, measles can cause serious complications including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infections and pneumonia.

The disease can be prevented by immunisation and experts say increasing vaccination rates to above 95 percent worldwide and keeping them up is the only way to eradicate measles.


The WHO study, which also involved researchers from Penn State University in the United States and from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said the 74 percent drop meant measles killed an estimated 139,200 people across the world in 2010, down from just over 535,000 in 2000.


The researchers, led by WHO immunisation expert Peter Strebel, suggested India's relatively low measles vaccine coverage - 74 percent - is the reason why the disease is still a major cause of death there. It lags behind Africa on 76 percent.


Southeast Asia excluding India had 79 percent coverage in 2010, with the Eastern Mediterranean on 85 percent, the Americas 93 percent, Europe 95 percent and Western Pacific 97 percent. The global coverage overall was 85 percent.


The study found that India accounted for 47 percent of measles deaths in 2010, while Africa had 36 percent.


The Americas and Europe accounted for less than 1 percent each, but fears about a measles comeback have been growing in these regions too.


The CDC said last week there were 222 cases of measles in the United States last year, more than triple the usual number. No one has died from measles in the United States since 2008.


Europe suffered a major outbreak of the disease in 2011, with France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland recording thousands of cases.

Wednesday, 25 April 2012

Delhi airport charges to be hiked by 345%

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article3351822.ece?homepage=true

New Delhi, April 25: 

Airport charges for Delhi airport will be hiked by 345 per cent.

The new rates will be with effect from May 15. Increase in the charges may force the airlines to raise the fair.

Now the passengers arriving at Delhi airport will also have to pay user development fee. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has approved a proposal in this regard.
The aviation regulator says that the process for increasing charges for Mumbai airport will now begin. It will take three months to complete the consultation process.

Rs 29 billion swindling by three Gencos discovered

Wednesday, April 25, 2012


ISLAMABAD: At a time when the top functionaries of the Ministry of Water and Power are yelling for pennies to purchase furnace oil for making the power houses operational, it has been found that the powerful lobby of influential but unscrupulous elements have swindled over Rs29 billion in the three public sector electricity generation companies (Gencos).


To this effect, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has detected a scam of over Rs29 billion in three government-owned (Gencos) under the heads of theft of furnace oil and using additional free electricity.


The power regulator revealed its findings in its report of which a copy is exclusivelydisclosing about the huge swindling and inflicting of massive loss on the national exchequer during the period from 2007-8 to 2009-10.


According to the report, Nepra constituted a special committee in 2011 to look into the dubious affairs of the three government owned Gencos that include Northern, Central and Jamshoro. Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) and the said three Gencos refused to provide the required record to the special committee.


Managing Director, Pepco Rasool Khan Mehsud, the report mentions, had informed the committee in writing saying that Pepco and three Gencos are not involved in any stealing of furnace oil and excessive use of electricity.


In the wake of zero cooperation, members of the probing committee kept on working and they themselves visited the Gencos and completed its report after one year's time. The report divulges that the system braved the huge loss of Rs25.87 billion in the wake of stealing of furnace oil and Rs3.45 billion on account of excessive use of free of cost electricity.


The Genco-I sustained loss of Rs5.573 billion, Gencos-II, Rs5.761 billion and Genco-II Rs14.541 billion in the said period because of stealing and excessive use of furnace oil. The investigation report says that Genco-I braved the loss of Rs660 million, Genco-II Rs171 million, and Genco-III Rs2.621 billion just because of excessive usage of the free of cost electricity.


The three companies used the free electricity beyond their limits and likewise, the said companies used the furnace oil more than the benchmarks fixed by Nepra. The report says the three Gencos are directly functioning under the Ministry of Water and Power. The residential colonies of the said Gencos are being provided uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas.


It also discloses that there exists no measuring tool at all the volume of furnace oil while transferring to the power plants and even there is no standard procedure being pursued in calculating the volume of furnace oil in the tanks.


Nepra has recommended to the government asking for fixing the responsibility of those who are involved in stealing and wastage of billions of rupees furnace oil and using of additional free of cost of electricity.
Nepra also mentioned that transportation of oil from supplier to Gencos is the responsibility of oil supplier and there is no Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) between fuel supplier and Gencos except Genco-III which has FSA with Pakistan State Oil. Nepra also identifies that there is no standards operating procedures (SOPs) while handling the RFO (Residual Furnace Oil) receiving at Gencos.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Fishermen killing: Families get Rs 1 cr, withdraw affidavits against Italian marines

Agencies : Kochi, Tue Apr 24 2012, 14:49 hrs
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fishermen-killing-families-get-rs-1-cr-withdraw-affidavits-against-italian-marines/940886/


The Kerala High Court on Tuesday permitted legal heirs of two fishermen, who were shot dead by two Italian marines on board Enrica Lexie, to withdraw the affidavits and submissions made by them against Italy's plea to quash the FIR registered against the marines.

Justice P S Gopinathan allowed a petition filed by counsel for families of the deceased fishermen, stating they are not going ahead with their pleadings and submissions in view of the compensation of Rs 1 crore each arrived at with Italian authorities.

Doramma, wife of one of the killed fishermen Valentine and sisters of Ajesh Binki, the other fishermen killed had filed the petitions.

Sources said the Italian authorities would hand over the compensation to the families later in the day.

The legal heirs had impleaded themselves in the original petition filed by Italian Consul General Giampaolo Cutillio and the two marines Latore Massimilliano and Salvatore Girone challenging the murder charges against them.

The two fishermen were killed when the marines allegedly fired at their boat off Kollam coast. They have been arrested and charged with murder and remanded in the central prison at Thiruvananthapuram since February 19.

The ship has been anchored off Kochi coast for the past two months.

Faysal Bank’s earnings up by 11pc to Rs266.76m

Tuesday, April 24, 2012


Faysal Bank Limited posted a net earnings of Rs266.76 million for the three-month period ended on March 31, which was 11 percent higher than Rs241.25 million booked in the same period in 2011, a statement said on Monday.


Accordingly, the earning per share was calculated at 32 paisas from 29 paisas in 2011, according to the profit and loss accounts of the bank available with the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).


Apparently, the increase in net profit came from other provisions (reversal) of Rs17.90 million in the under review period against provisioning of Rs2.67 million in the corresponding quarter.

Moreover, the bank paid a tax of Rs71.57 million, which was lower than Rs88.89 million paid last year, despite the fact that the profit-before-tax was higher in the under review period than the corresponding quarter, according to the bank’s accounts.

The bank also booked a capital gain of Rs308.37 million against Rs147.66 million in 2011.

The net markup and interest income after provisions stood at Rs1.52 billion against Rs1.71 billion last year. However, the net non markup and interest income was slightly higher at Rs338.33 million against Rs330.15 million last year.

Bank Alfalah posts Rs1.20bn profit

Tuesday, April 24, 2012


Bank Alfalah Limited reported a profit-after-tax of Rs1.20 billion for the three-month period ended on March 31, which was 29 percent higher than Rs929.67 million earned in the corresponding period last year, according to the official data on Monday.

This translated into an earning per share of 89 paisas against 69 paisas in 2011, according to the profit and loss accounts of the bank available with the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE).

“Though bank’s net interest income grew by four percent to Rs4.64 billion, as the major thrust to earning growth came from higher non-interest income and lower provisioning,” said Farhan Mahmood, an analyst at the Topline Securities.

The conservative approach of the bank on account of lending has culminated into 20 percent decline in its provisioning with 44 percent reduction witnessed in provision against loans and advances, he said.
The bank’s other income grew by 17 percent to Rs1.46 billion against Rs1.24 billion recorded in the same period last year, as it benefited from higher income from dealing in foreign currencies.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, however, the bank’s earnings improved significantly by 140 percent, primarily due to lower provisioning on investment as in preceding quarter the bank incurred heavy provisioning of around Rs1 billion on Warid Telecom and Agritech Limited and 71 percent decline in provisions on advances, he added.

Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC) profit up by 81pc


Tuesday, April 24, 2012


KARACHI: The profit-after-tax of Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC) rose by 81 percent to Rs2.89 billion in the nine-month period ended on March 31 from Rs1.60 billion earned in corresponding period last year.


This translated into earning per share of Rs36.82 from Rs20.39 in 2011, according to profit and loss account of the company available with Karachi Stock Exchange.


Nauman Khan, an automobile sector analyst, said that the increase in unit price drove the net earning to this high level, as the volumetric sales depicted a subdued growth.


Rise in the unit price more than compensated the increase in cost pressure and rendered into higher gross margins. The gross margins improved by 243 basis points to 7.9 percent in under review period against 5.5 percent in the same period last year, he added.


Furthermore, 20 percent rise in company’s other income to Rs1.34 billion as against Rs1.10 billion in the same period last year also played its due role in strengthening company’s profitability, he observed.
Alone in the quarter ended on March 31 the company posted a net profit of Rs1.12 billion (EPS of Rs14.35) from Rs695 million (EPS Rs8.84) in same quarter in 2011.