I think it is important to have a separate thread for Indian missile system, since it is an important leg of Indian triad of nuclear deterrence. Missile are also important tactical weapons.



With the recent failures of an otherwise assumed to be reliable Agni-2 missile system has seriously undermined Agni-2 deterrence value.



[url="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Agni-II-missile-fails-to-clear-night-trial/articleshow/5262395.cms"]Agni-II missile fails to clear night trial[/url]

Quote:TNN 24 November 2009, 12:28am IST



BALASORE: India's nuclear-capable intermediate range Agni-II missile, test-fired for the first time after sunset on Monday, reportedly failed to get the desired results.



The Army test-fired the surface-to-surface Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) from Wheeler�s Island, Bhadrak district, around 7.50pm.��The liftoff and the first stage separation was smooth. But it faltered just before the second stage separation and behaved erratically, deviating from its coordinated path. Further analysis is on to ascertain the cause,�� said a source.



The entire trajectory of Monday�s trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and a naval ship.



The launch, originally scheduled in the first week of this month, was deferred due to some technical snags in its pneumatic system. Though the snags were rectified, another glitch surfaced during Monday�s test, leading to the fiasco, the source claimed.



The nuclear capable 2,000-km-plus range missile has a length of 20 meters, a diameter of one meter, weighs 17 tonnes and can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg. It was first tested on April 11, 1999.



The test launch was significant from India's strategic point of view because for the first time since the beginning of DRDO�s missile development programme, a missile was put under trial during night. The user trial was conducted by Army officials while scientists from DRDO were present to provide necessary logistical support.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Quote:24 Nov 2009, 0859 hrs IST

In a set back for India's missile program, the nuclear-capable Agni-II missile, which was to be test fired for the first time at night on Monday (November 23), failed to get the desired results.



The Army test-fired the surface-to-surface Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) from Wheelers Island, Bhadrak district, around 7.50pm on Monday.



According to sources, the liftoff and the first stage separation was smooth. But a snag developed just before the second stage separation and the missile deviated from its coordinated path.



The test launch was significant from India's strategic point of view as it was for the first time since the beginning of DRDOs missile development programme, a missile was tested in the night.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Quote:CNN-IBN

BIG SHOW: Agni II missile is seen in a rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.



New Delhi: The first-ever night firing of the Agni-II Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) on Monday failed, admitted Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).



DRDO is investigating the cause of the failure.



The nuclear capable missile was test-fired on Monday night from the Wheeler Island off Orissa coast.



Agni-II was test-fired from a mobile launcher intended to train the end-user, the Strategic Force Command of the Indian Army, to operate the missile in adverse conditions.



Even though the missile took-off smoothly and reported no glitch in the first stage separation, the missile appeared to have failed to meet the desired results mid-way at the second stage separation, DRDO sources said.



Strategic Forces Command conducted the test with necessary logistic support by various ITR laboratories and DRDO scientists.



The purpose of the test was to validate procedures for night firing.



The indigenous weapon is a two-stage solid propelled ballistic missile and has a weight of 17 tonnes and length of 20 metres. It can carry a payload of one tonne over a distance of 2,000 km.



Agni-II was developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory along with other DRDO laboratories and integrated with Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Hyderabad with the private sector participating in a big way in its production.



The missile is part of the Agni series which included Agni-I (700 km range) and Agni-III (3,500 km range). Agni-I was already inducted and Agni-III is in the process of induction, the officials added.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Just recently, the Lisbon Treaty (an important European Union treaty) was ratified by all 27 European Union (EU) states. This treaty is supposed to give more power to the people, however the way the treaty has been passed is very undemocratic, as a majority of EU countries did not allow the people to vote on it!

This is a classical example of the top down roll out of an EU initiative. For a long time now, I have struggled with this approach and believe that there should be more of a bottom up (people engaging) approach toward EU initiatives. EU countries are extremely diverse and if the EU wants more political power - whether a good thing or bad - the EU should work toward engaging people so that a common ground can be found. This should then subsequently form the basis for EU initiatives.

The EU has achieved many economic advancements, this was also the main motive for founding the EU. Countries could relate to such a motive as they could see the benefits. However, if the EU wants to win the hearts and minds of its people, it should start to view the people in more of a social context and not just an economic context. I think a fresh approach is required for EU initiatives and the film EU and ME, which can be accessed via below path, gives an idea why this is needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XcFwFB2Q2U

Karma & Rebirth is the only logical choice (no more Hell, thank God). This can be proven by the following examples:

A child continues to misbehave in a store despite the admonitions of his parents. Eventually he breaks a product. Does the parent simply forgive the child? Then the child learns nothing. Or do you give him a beating? Use physical violence against a child? In the olden days this was quite common, but today this action might get you jail time! So, what do present-day parents do? Today we talk to the child, make him see why his actions were wrong, have him apologize to the store owner, and then make him do odd jobs to help pay for the cost of the product. This way the child learns the right lesson, imparted by loving parents using non-violent methods. This is essentially Karma & Rebirth in action! If a Hindu were to commit an error but was unable to correct it before his death, he is given another chance to do so in the next life. He is not going to be physically punished, but he is not going to get away with his error either.

A second example: A driver makes an error on the highway resulting in horrific consequences. He dies along with a few others; others survive but suffer terrible injuries. They endure multiple surgeries; some of them lose their life savings and houses, and are forced to live in home-less shelters. Those who had lost their loved ones must now deal with the anguish of the loss, live with the realization that they will never see their loved ones again! Some religions teach that God forgives everyone, but can one be so callous as to enter heaven knowing that the victims of the accident are suffering? This brings to mind some of the henchmen of Hitler who escaped to countries like Argentina and lived a happy life while their victims were left to deal with the pain and suffering.

Another example is that of a student who fails to pass an exam. Will the Teacher bail him out, forgive him and simply pass him? No good Teacher will do that, if she does that, she is not doing her job. The student must accept responsibility, he failed because he did not listen to his teacher, did not heed her teachings, his failure is his alone. He must redouble his efforts, find and correct his mistakes and must pass the exam on the strength of his efforts alone! The Teacher will be with him every step of the way, encouraging him, teaching him, and disciplining him when necessary.

What if God gave you a choice? Either go to heaven or be reborn and maybe help the victims of the car accident or others in a similar situation? Which option would you choose? For me, honestly, there is only one option. Karma & Rebirth is the only logical choice.

But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture here – we may never know if Karma & Rebirth can be proven to be occurring - these concepts are teaching us to accept responsibility for our actions, do the right thing! If you made an error, don’t run away, stand your ground, accept responsibility, take the criticism, then go out and take steps to correct the situation! It’s about being held Accountable for our actions – don’t look for the easy way out nor should you ask for one, instead one should be prepared to accept responsibility for our actions and seek to rectify the situation as much as one can.

The concept of Karma & Rebirth also does away with the notion of Hell – a barbaric, abusive place unworthy of God. Would a Mahatma Gandhi run a prison where his enemies are tortured? Would a Dalai Lama or a Nelson Mandela ever think of torturing their enemies? How about the likes of Saddam Hussain, Stalin or Hitler? And this is the company that God keeps? Evil men like Saddam Hussain and Stalin used to run torture chambers, and we think God uses their brutal methods? God buys love with threats of torture? But if we are uncomfortable with the concept of Hell, then we must do away with Heaven also. It does not make sense for Pedophiles, Murderers, Abusers, Terrorists and the like to simply walk into heaven.

Besides, with Rebirth, we get the Greatest Gift of all, the Gift of Life! Over and over again! Not only giving us a chance to rectify past mistakes but to also fulfill desires that we were unable to pursue in a previous life. As we get older, we reflect on our past – the mistakes that were made, the wrong choices made, the wrong associations etc. How many of us wish that we could have a do-over? And that is exactly what God let’s us do with the Gift of Life!

Anyway we look at it; Karma & Rebirth is the only logical choice

<b>LOVE- JIHAD IBN7 Exclusive Report</b>

<b>Part -1</b>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSeS-Ec6NY...player_embedded

<b>Part-2</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 2

<b>Part-3</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 3

<b>Part-4</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 4

<b>Part-5</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 5

<b>Part-6</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 6

<b>Part-7</b>

YouTube - Love Jihad Part 7

<b>Part-8</b>
YouTube - Love Jihad Part 8

<b>Part-10</b>

YouTube - Love Jihad Part 10

<b>Part-11</b>

YouTube - Love Jihad Part 11

Negotiator to engage Somali pirates





A map to provide context:

<!--QuoteBegin-"Acharya"+-->QUOTE("Acharya")<!--QuoteEBegin--><img src='http://www.globalresearch.ca/articlePictures/Indian%20Ocean%20Bases.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /><!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


I would want IAF refuelling facilities in Oman too.


Looks like IN is forward basing ships in Seychelles. As that island nation already has an Indian MEA presence the GOI should use them as the negotiator.

<!--emo&:o--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='ohmy.gif' /><!--endemo--> MUMBAI: If this Diwali is just that little bit less noisy, an NGO called Andhashradha Nirmulan Samiti (Superstition Eradication Samiti) can take
some of the credit. Thanks to the samiti’s initiative, well over one lakh students across the state have signed a pledge, promising that they will either not burst firecrackers or drastically cut expenditure on them.

The 'Cracker-free Diwali campaign' was launched nearly two months ago, with samiti activists personally visiting over 500 schools in 16 districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Latur and Aurangabad, to expound on the ill-effects of firecrackers to students. "We told them that crackers cause tremendous air and noise pollution, trouble animals and senior citizens, and result in fatal accidents. Above all, we impressed upon them the fact that these crackers are manufactured by child labourers in the age group of five to 15," Samiti chairman Narendra Dabholkar told TOI.

The activists were "overwhelmed" by the students' response.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mu...how/5125759.cms

US Govt (FTC) is forcing new rules for bloggers to disclose their financial perks/reimbursements/affiliations.

Some reading material:
http://ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005endorsemen...desfnnotice.pdf

http://overlawyered.com/2009/10/required-f...ger-disclosure/
http://prawfsblawg.blogs.com/prawfsblawg/2...-this-link.html


Glad to say we at IF are <i>kangal</i>-broke and never received a dime from anyone; ain't worried about this <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo-->

Now what about other bloggers and forums in desi cyber-landscape?

<b>DMK threatens Tamil Actor Vijay
</b>
Chennai, Sept. 7: Rahul Gandhi’s plans to revive his party in Tamil Nadu by taking on board film star Vijay have suffered a setback with the actor backing out on the eve of the Congress MP’s three-day tour.

Apparently, the DMK is behind the about-turn of the 35-year-old actor.

Vijay has informed the state Congress that he will not be able to share the dais with Rahul — who is scheduled to arrive in Madurai tomorrow — at a public meeting at Coimbatore on Thursday.

Although many had expected Vijay to join the Congress at the programme, sources close to him had clarified that his appearance with Rahul would have only been a statement of intent, with the formal entry likely to have happened later.

The political baptism of Vijay, who has starred in 48 films, was also meant to give an added impetus to Vettaikkaaran (Hunter), his Diwali release which comes after his last three films bombed and raised doubts about his ability to be among the top five box-office draws in Tamil cinema.

Vijay had met Rahul in Delhi in August when the Congress general secretary had reportedly offered to make him the chief of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress.

For Vijay, already bitten by the political bug and having floated the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (Vijay People’s Movement) to convert his fan base into a political outfit, Rahul’s invite proved timely.

Rahul, who has put the state Youth Congress on a membership drive, had calculated that Vijay’s appeal, especially among the youth, could be a winning formula to recapture the ground the Congress has lost to the Dravidian parties since being voted out in 1967.

The advantage would be greater if actor Vijayakanth’s DMDK was brought on board. The Congress could then even take the calculated risk of fighting the 2011 state polls without ally DMK’s help.

But the DMK apparently had other plans as it did not want its hegemony challenged by an energised Congress, already peeved at being denied a share of the power despite its life-saving support to the M. Karunanidhi government.

As a first step, a Chennai marriage hall owned by Vijay received a notice from police two weeks ago asking for a pandal to be removed on the ground that it was impeding traffic.

Vijay and his father, film director S.A. Chandrasekar, remained unfazed, till the DMK unleashed its next weapon. A producer considered close to the DMK reportedly met Chandrasekar with the stern message that if his son continued to hobnob with the Congress, none of his future films would find a theatre for their screening.

Since Vijay’s future as a star hinged on Vettaikkaaran, which incidentally has been purchased by Sun Pictures, owned by the Marans, relatives of Karunanidhi, the father-son duo decided to deep-freeze their political ambitions, at least temporarily.

“I am in no position to speak to any section of the media at present,” Chandrasekar said over the phone when contacted for a comment. But a director close to Vijay said the actor, in the face of such open threats from the state’s ruling party, had decided to retreat tactically to fight another day.

“His decision to join hands with Rahul has only been deferred and not jettisoned,” the director added.

The Congress has chosen to watch and wait, but decided to go ahead with the membership drive for its youth wing regardless of Vijay’s plans.

“The response has been tremendous, especially in villages where Rahul has caught the imagination of the youth. So, for the present, we will build on that and if Vijay joins us later, we will take that as a bonus,” said Congress Rajya Sabha MP C. Gnanadesikan.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090908/jsp/...ry_11465352.jsp

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--><b>Police free 2 Hindus from abductors</b>

ISLAMABAD: In compliance with Supreme Court orders, the Sukkur police on Friday submitted a report to the apex court stating that it had recovered two kidnapped Hindu men, <b>while a third one was found dead.</b>
Taking suo motu action on an application by Sukkur Press Club President Saleha Pat for the recovery of three Hindus – Vikram, Mahendar Kumar and Govinda Lal – Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry had ordered the immediate recovery of the abducted men. The Sindh provincial police officer (PPO) submitted a report to the SC on Friday, stating that police had arrested Ghulam Asghar Soomro, Ijaz Ali Jatoi and Zaman and recovered Vikram and Govind Lal safely, but Mahendar was found dead. The report said efforts were being made for the arrest of the remaining accused. staff report<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

http://www.cnbc.com/id/30308959?slide=1

US:
External debt (as % of GDP): 95.09%
External debt per capita: $44,358
Gross external debt: $13.627 trillion (2008 Q3)
2008 GDP: $14.330 trillion

France:
External debt (as % of GDP): 168%
External debt per capita: $78,070
Gross external debt: $5.001 trillion
2008 GDP: $2.978 trillion

Switzerland:
External debt (as % of GDP): 264%
External debt per capita: $171,478
Gross external debt: $1.304 trillion (Q4 2008)
2008 GDP: $492.6 billion

Hong Kong:
External debt (as % of GDP): 295%
External debt per capita: $93,539
Gross external debt: $659.93 billion (Q4 2008)
2008 GDP: $223.8 billion

UK:

External debt (as % of GDP): 336%
External debt per capita: $153,616
Gross external debt: $9.388 trillion (Q4 2008)
2008 GDP: $2.787 trillion

Ireland:

External debt (as % of GDP): 811%
External debt per capita: $549,819
Gross external debt: $2.311 trillion (Q4 2008)
2008 GDP: $285 billion