26/11 case: Will India become party to lawsuit in US against ISI?

NEW DELHI: Intending to nail Pakistan's lie over the role of ISI in the Mumbai terror attack, India is mulling the option of becoming 'party' to the lawsuit filed in a US court last year by relatives of two Americans -- who died in the 26/11 carnage – against top officials of the Pakistani intelligence agency and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. 

A top government official said: "India may become party to the lawsuit and provide evidence to theNew York court. The matter can be taken up at the government-to-government level as well in support of the lawsuit under existing Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and US." 

The lawsuit, filed in November last year by relatives of Rabbi Gavriel Noah Holtzberg and his wife Rivka who were killed by Lashkar terrorists at Chabad House in Mumbai in November 2008, has accused the ISI of aiding and abetting LeT in killing 166 people, including six American citizens.

It said: "The ISI has long nurtured and used international terrorist groups, including the LeT, to accomplish its goals and has provided material support to the LeT and other international terrorist groups." The lawsuit referred to the disclosure made by American-Pakistani Lashkar terrorist David Coleman Headley and blamed top ISI officials for providing "critical planning, material support, control and coordination of the attacks (2611)". 

The New York court had subsequently issued summons to senior ISI officials including its chief, Major General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, and LeT leaders Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rahman Lakhvi. Though the lawsuit is now stuck in procedures after the Pakistan government decided to defend its spy agency and got 'waiver' for Pasha's visit to the US, India appears to be keen on following the matter in whatever way it can to expose the ISI. 

Officials here do not rule out the possibility of some back-channel efforts to help the petitioners which may also become a starting point for people of other countries whose citizens were killed by the Lashkar terrorists. 

Besides Indians, 28 foreign nationals including citizens of France, UK, Germany, USA, Singapore,Israel, Canada, Australia and Japan were gunned down by the terrorists during the three-day carnage in Mumbai. 

An official said: "The latest disclosure made by Headley's accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana that he acted at the behest of the Pakistan government and ISI has strengthened India's position." Although Rana may not get relief from the US court for himself on this ground, his account, officials here believe, will certainly open a debate when the trial against him begins in the Chicagocourt on May 16.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/26/11-case-Will-India-become-party-to-lawsuit-in-US-against-ISI/articleshow/7985712.cms

Brendon slams ton as New Zealand rout Canada

Brendon McCullum slammed his maiden World Cup century as New Zealand routed minnows Canada by 97 runs in their penultimate Group A match to seal a berth in the quarterfinals here today.

Wicketkeeper McCullum slammed 101 in 109 balls, studded with 12 fours and two sixes, to help New Zealand amass 358 for six, the highest ODI score at Wankhede Stadium, before the Kiwis restricted their unfancied rivals to 261 for nine to take full two points.

Chasing the huge target, Canada gave a semblance of fight by skipper Ashish Bagai who made 84 in 87 balls with ten fours and Jimmy Hansra, who made a determined unbeaten 105-ball 70 with the help of four fours and a six.

The dismissal of Bagai, who put on 125 runs with Hansra before edging off-break bowler Nathan McCullum to the latter's brother and wicketkeeper Brendon, and a cameo knock of 31 in 35 balls by opener Hiren Patel were the few highlights of Canadian run chase.

Brendon McCullum claimed three catches and also contributed to a run out to emerge the man of the match.

The Black Caps were handicapped in the bowling by the absence of their captain Daniel Vettori, nursing a knee injury sustained during their big victory over Pakistan. They suffered another blow after speedster Kyle Mills, who grabbed the first two Canadian wickets quickly, limped off the field with a leg injury.

After today's victory, New Zealand are on top of Group A with eight points from five matches and they play their last league match against Sri Lanka at this venue on March 18.

Canada, with only two points from five ties, have no chance to progress further. They face defending champions Australia on March 16 in Bangalore in their last match.

The North Americans' run-chase, after the Black Caps posted the highest-ever ODI total at this venue, never took off in serious vein after they lost two wickets within the first five overs, Kyle Mills accounting for both the victims.

Mills sent back opener Ruvendu Gunasekara and one-down Zubin Surkari in his second and third overs before leaving the field because of a quadriceps injury in his left leg.

Both were snapped up by Taylor in the slip cordon to leave Canada gasping at 2 for 4.

There was a period of counterattack from the minnows when Hiren Patel struck three fours in an over from Tim Southee, one of which was a top edge behind wicketkeeper Brendon.

It was, however, too good to last as he departed for a 35-ball 31, that included five fours and a six off James Franklin, edging Jacob Oram to Brendon behind the stumps after having added 46 runs for the third wicket with Bagai.

Bagai and Hansra kept the Canadians in the hunt with their century stand for the fourth wicket that ended when the former was caught behind trying to accelerate scoring in the face of climbing asking rate.

Hansra retired hurt when on 53 in the 39th over when the total was 179 for five and Canada needed a staggering 180 runs in 71 balls. He later came back to resume his innings at the fall of the eighth wicket but the fight, whatever was left of it, was over though the minnows prevented their rivals from bowling them out.

Mills was the most impressive bowler for the Black Caps with two for two while the tall Oram (3 for 47), Tim Southee (1 fo 36), Jesse Ryder (1 for 15) and spinner Nathan McCullum (1 for 56) were the other wicket takers.

Earlier, New Zealand rode on Brendon McCullum's maiden World Cup ton and stand-in skipper Ross Taylor's breezy half century to post 358 for six after being sent into bat.

Apart from McCullum and Taylor, other contributors were Jesse Ryder (38), Scott Styris (20-ball 35), Kane Williamson (34) and James Franklin (31 not out in eight balls). Franklin hoisted Rizwan Cheema for three sixes and a four in the final over to help the Kiwis cross the 350 mark.

The last ten overs yielded 122 runs, including 31 runs in the last, that helped the Black Caps shoot past the previous highest aggregate of 299 for four made by India against Sri Lanka in 1987 at this ground which is hosting its first tie in the ongoing World Cup and first international in more than three and a half years.

McCullum was on song from the start after New Zealand were asked to bat on the newly laid turf and proceeded to cut, pull and drive his way to his hundred, his third in 189 ODIs.

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper also put on 53 runs for the first wicket in 9.5 overs with his in-form opening partner Martin Guptill (17) to lay foundation of the massive total.

McCullum consolidated the innings with another partnership of 96 with one-down batman Ryder before giving further impetus with Taylor through a stand of 36 for the third wicket.

He fell just after Canada opted for the bowling power play, unable to clear short cover fielder Ruvindu Gunasekar.

He had raced to his 100 in 107 balls a few minutes earlier.

Taylor, captaining the side in place of injured Daniel Vettori and coming into the tie after his match-winning 131 not out against Pakistan at Pallekelle, then took over the attacking reins. He slammed four sixes and a four to take 30 runs off Harvir Baidwan in the 39th over to up the tempo.

Taylor, appearing well set to race to his second hundred of the tournament, was dismissed in the 41st over.

For Canada, off-spinner John Davison, a veteran of three World Cup campaigns, applied the brakes with an economical spell of nine overs while leg-spinner Balaji Rao finished with two wickets, including that of Taylor, while Harvin Baiwan grabbed three.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/132304/sports/can-vs-nz-match-report.html

Can vs Ken: Hansra, Bagai lead Canada to 5-wicket win

Ashish Bagai and Jimmy Hansra put 132 runs for the fourth wicket as Canada beat Kenya by five wickets in their World Cup Group A match at the Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. Score

Chasing 199, the duo helped Canada reach the total in the 46th over. This was after team-mate Henry Osinde scalped four wicket to bundle Kenya for 198. Osinde earned the Man-of-the-Match award for his efforts.

In the fourth over of the innings, Elijah Otieno scalped Canada opener Rizwan Cheema when the score was 19. Cheema tried to play a pull shot on a short ball from Otieno but missed the line and was completely beaten as the ball crashed into his stumps. he fell for 17.

In the 10th over Zubin Surkari got run out and Kenya lost their second wicket on 37/2. He scored 10. An over later Ruvindu Gunasekera was stumped out in James Ngoche's over with keeper Maurice Ouma performing the final rites. He fell for 18 and Canada to 48/3.

Three wickets down and the score not too impressive, it was time for the Canadian batsmen to forge a partnership. And that's when skipper Ashish Bagai and Jimmy Hansra into into the picture. Batting impressively and patiently the two helped Canada cross the 100-run mark in the 25th over. 

Deep into their partnership the two decided to go according to the book. While Hansra upped the tempo hitting boundaries and over the fence shots, Bagai chose to go steady and provide Hansra with support from the other end. The two batted on to put 132 runs for the fourth wicket before Hansra fell to Nehemiah Odhiamboin the 43rd over of the innings. He went for an aerial shot but James Ngoche in the deep claimed a fine catch to send him back on 70. Canada score at the stage was 180/4. His 70-run innings was punctuated with seven fours and two sixes.

But skipper Bagai was still at the crease and he batted on to help Canada win by five wickets. Bagai remained unbeaten on 64, scoring six seven fours on the way. Canada reached the target in the 46th over when an Elijah Otieno ball was driven towards the boundary by Bagai and Canada score read 199/5 in 45.3 overs.

Canada innings 

Canada's Henry Osinde scalped four as Kenya were bundled out for 198. Earlier, Kenya won the toss and elected to bat. But, the decision didn't really go in their favour as they lost their opener Maurice Ouma to Henry Osinde on the second ball of the innings.

Soon the other opener Seren Waters too departed with Osinde claiming him in the fifth over. Kenya fell to 7/2.

But that wasn't the end of the misery for Kenya as they lost two more wickets with Osinde claiming David Obuya on the last ball of the seventh over and Harvir Baidwan scalped Collins Obuya in the 12 over to reduce Kenya to 41/4. 

Experienced batsman Steve Tikolo (12) too could not stay at the crease for long. As Rizwan Cheema accounted for his wicket on the last ball of the 15th over to push Kenya to 57/5.

After these assaults, Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande and Tanmay Mishra tired to revive the innings with their partnership. The duo batted on to help Kenya cross 100-run mark. But their partnership came to an end when a Balaji Rao's turner got the better of him on 109/6. He got out for 22 after a 52-run partnership with Mishra.

But their innings was far from over as soon Mishra forged a partnership with Thomas Odoyo. Mishra took the onus of pushing up the run-rate. He dealt in singles and doubles to counter the Canadian attack. But, no sooner had he crossed his half-century that he fell.

John Davison lured Mishra into playing a big hit with a flighted delivery. He took the bait and went for an aerial shot but ended up giving a catch to Zubin Surkari at mid-off. He fell for 51 and Kenya went a wicket down to 166/7 in 42.1 overs.

From here on it was easy for the Canadians, who went for the kill and wrapped up their innings in good time. Thomas Odoyo scored 51 before being bowled out by Harvir Baidwan on the last ball.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/131724/sports/can-vs-ken-match-report.html

Sri Lanka vs Canada: Jayawardene scores ton as Sri Lanka win by 210 runs

Sri Lanka beat Canada by 210 runs in their opening match of the World Cup at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Sunday. 

Sri Lanka opener Mahela Jayawardene scored the fastest century for Sri Lanka in a World Cup match reaching the figure in 81 balls and even forged a 179-run third wicket partnership with captain Kumar Sangakkara as the hosts put 332/7 on board.

As was expected the 333-run target proved too much for the Canadians, a minnows in the tournament, who got out for 122.

In fact they lost their opener John Davison on the first ball of their innings with Thisara Perera claiming his wicket, clean bowled. Four overs the Canadians were 12/3.

Canada skipper Ashish Bagai tried hard to salvage but failed and could only manage to score 22 before Perera claimed him as well. Canada score at this stage was 53-5.

Post his dismissal, Rizwan Cheema too waged a lone battle putting a hard-fought 37 before the veteran offie Muttiah Muralitharan struck to send him back even as the Canadians were reeling on 103/8.

Cheema's 37, the individual highest score for Canada, came of 35 balls and included four boundaries and one over the fence shot. 

Sri Lanka innings

Sri Lanka opener Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara put on 179 runs for the third wicket as the hosts scored 332/7.

Earlier, in a repeat of what happened during the India versus Bangladesh match, a horrible mix-up saw Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga walk back on 19. On Saturday it was Sachin Tendulkar and today it was Upul Tharanga who got run out on 19 when the Sri Lanka score was 63.

Then it was the turn of the second opener Tillakaratne Dilshan to take a walk. Dilshan holed out to deep cover off Rizwan Cheema and paid the price as John Davison claimed a fine catch. He fell for 50 and Sri Lanka fell to 88/2 in 20th over.

Post Dilshan's fall, Lankan opener Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara got on to build a major partnership. The two played easily putting on 179 runs for the third wicket before Sangakkara fell to John Davison on 92. He missed his ton by eight runs as Davison took a fine catch off his own bowling.

However, Jayawardene managed to complete his ton. And no sooner did he complete it that he too fell. He got across the line and went for a big hit off Davison, but ended up giving a catch to Balaji Rao at shot fine leg. He got out for a 100 as Sri Lanka score read 276/4 in 44 overs.

Post Jayawardene's dismissal the Sri Lankans lost more wickets but kept the scoreboard ticking and finally they put on 332/7 in 50 overs.

Source:-http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/130419/sports/sri-lanka-vs-canada-match-report.html

Environmental Review on Canada's First Commercial Tidal Project in Progress

An environmental assessment and review of the Canoe Pass Tidal Commercialization Project, Canada's first commercial tidal energy development, is in progress.

Canoe Pass Tidal Energy Corporation, the project developer, is expected to receive an environmental report from the federal government, following which, requirements will be met to obtain the construction permits for the project.

The project will help develop the federal environmental assessment process and lay the foundations for a new clean energy industry in Canada.

The $6.5m project involves construction of a pile-supported structure and installation of two 250KW vertical-axis marine current turbines on Vancouver Island near Campbell River.

The approval process being undertaken for this project will help to determine the permitting process for tidal energy projects within Canada.

The project also involves the re-establishment of natural tidal flow through the narrow channel between Quadra and Maud Islands channel, by removing fill from an existing man-made causeway.

Canoe Pass Tidal Energy Corporation President Chris Knight told Your Industry News that the prime objective of this project is to build a service supply cluster for tidal energy in the region, which would help to export ocean energy solutions.

Source: Environmental Review on Canada's First Commercial Tidal Project in Progress - Power Technology

PG&E Gets Approval for Power Purchase Agreements

California Public Utilities has approved the three 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for a total of 450MW in new wind energy generation between Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Greengate's wholly-owned subsidiaries.

The PPAs include the terms of purchase and the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) from Greengate's 150MW Halkirk I project and 300MW Blackspring Ridge I project, to be built in Alberta, Canada.

Greengate said in a statement that it will sell all the RECs linked with the 1,400GWh of energy to be generated from both of its plants to PG&E at fixed prices for 20 years.

Source: PG&E Gets Approval for Power Purchase Agreements - Power Technology

Lanco’s foray into Solar Business

Lanco Solar is a global developer with presence in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA & Canada. 

Lanco Solar is a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction Company to deliver EPC solutions 

Lanco Solar is establishing integrated manufacturing facility to produce 300 MW Photovoltaic modules per annum 

Lanco Solar Holdings, Singapore, a subsidiary of Lanco Infratech Ltd. has unveiled its solar plans. It is implementing a fully integrated business strategy as a Developer of Solar Farms, EPC contractor and also integrated manufacturer of solar PV modules. Lanco Solar is present in both solar PV and Solar Thermal technologies.

Under various policies of both state and central governments, Lanco Solar has already signed power purchase agreements to the extent of 140 MW and aims to develop 200-300 MW of solar power over the next 2 years. Lanco Solar also offers turnkey engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to other solar power developers and are looking to build 300-500 MW of solar thermal and solar PV plants over the next couple of years. Lanco Solar has also secured contracts for establishing solar power generation projects to be built on Parliament house and Science City in Punjab.

Lanco Solar has established a global presence across United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA & Canada. Lanco Solar is developing Solar Power Plants & providing turnkey EPC services in these countries. The first few projects in Europe are expected to be commissioned by April 2011.

As part of its integrated business strategy, Lanco is setting up India's first integrated Solar PV manufacturing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Rajnandgaon district of Chhatisgarh. In an event which was marked with presence of distinguished gathering. Hon. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh laid the foundation stone for the SEZ project while Dr Farooq Abdullah, Hon. Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy was the Guest of Honour for the event. The SEZ project is being developed in phases and will have integrated facilities for manufacture of Polysilicon , Ingots, wafers, PV Cells and PV modules with capacities of 250 MW/year equivalent. First phase of the project with an investment of Rs.1370 crores, consisting of Polysilicon, Ingots & Wafers, will be fully operational by year 2012. The state-of-the-art project is the first such integrated solar photovoltaic facility coming up in India, putting the country and the State of Chhattisgarh in the global map of polysilicon production bases.

The high-technology processes involved in the project are similar to that of semiconductor industry The facility is being designed to produce polysilicon of very high purity (micro-electronic grade) and will be set up using technology from Germany and USA.

The SEZ project would provide major boost to the local employment creation and small and medium scale ancillary industries in and around the area. It will create direct and indirect employment for 8,000 people. The project will enhance local entrepreneurship in many fields such as aluminum frame manufacturing, chemical process industries, electrical and electronic industries and construction industry. Small and Medium enterprises such as cutting tools, graphite machining, glass manufacturing, quartz crucible production,panel and switchgear repairing, PLC and robotics-cum-automation servicing, pallets and plastic packaging industry and ash bricks for servicing and maintenance would additionally provide job opportunities for a large number of people in and around the area.

The project would provide the critical backward integration for the solar projects undertaken by the company. Lancohas signed power purchase agreements with NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) for development of a 5MW solar PV project and a 100MW solar Thermal project in the state of Rajasthan under the first phase of the National Solar Mission. In addition, it has signed up with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) for development of a 35 MW Solar PV project in the state of Gujarat. The company has already commissioned a 5 MW solar PV project in Gujarat using its in-house EPC capabilities, while another 5 MW is under development.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah, said, "One of the main objectives of National solar mission is to take a global leadership role in solar manufacturing across the value chain, including setting up of manufacturing capacities for poly silicon. I am happy that this integrated project is the first step in this direction."

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh, said, "In view of the nations determined foray into renewable energy, this project would play a critical role as integrated manufacturer of equipment for solar industry and also help the state in being at the forefront of clean energy revolution promoting non-polluting industries. The SEZ would help the state in creating thousands of employment opportunities in the region and boost small and medium scale entrepreneurship in the state."

Present at the occasion, Mr. L Madhusudhan Rao, Chairman, LITL, said, "Lanco Infratech has been developing a number of solar projects and has been at the forefront in its commitment to develop and promote renewable energy in India. India's 1st Solar PV manufacturing SEZ would provide components not only for Lanco projects but for the whole industry. It would also help the country in developing critical technologies in the solar energy sector and prove as a stepping stone for future of solar power in India."

Source: Lanco’s foray into Solar Business

ONGC finds shale gas in Bengal

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the country’s biggest energy explorer, has struck shale gas reserves in its maiden well in West Bengal. This is the first time shale gas has been discovered in sedimentary shale gas rocks outside the US and Canada.

“ONGC created an exploration landmark when gas flowed out from the Barren Measure shale at a depth of around 1,700 metres, in its first R&D well, RNSG-1, near Durgapur at Icchapur, West Bengal,” the state-run company said in a statement.

Though the well is still under assessment, the breakthrough is significant, as India is the first Asian country where gas was discovered from shale outside the US and Canada. “The well was drilled down to a depth of 2,000 metres. The Barren Measure Shale, which is the main target, was encountered from 985 to 1,843 metres,” the statement said.

Exploration of shale gas, an unconventional energy source, has witnessed a surge in the US and Canada in recent times and is making substantial contribution to total gas production. In the US, shale gas contributes nearly 17 per cent of total gas produce.

The R&D project, which involved drilling of four wells in the Damodar Basin — two wells in the Raniganj sub-basin in West Bengal and two wells in the North Karanpura sub-basin in Jharkhand, was operationalised with the help of Schlumberger. “The estimated expenditure is about Rs 168 crore and the total project is expected to be completed within 520 days,” ONGC said.

Source: ONGC finds shale gas in Bengal

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