The current global financial crisis and the liquidity crunch could push down global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows by about 10 per cent, but the developing world, including India, would still remain a favoured FDI destination as opposed to the more advanced economies, according to the World Investment Report 2008 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). In fact, India emerged as one of the most favoured FDI destinations second only to China.

The President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India met during the 63rd UNGA session in New York. Prime Minister Singh congratulated President Zardari on his election and the victory of democracy in Pakistan. He expressed the hope that this would pave the way for a profound transformation of the bilateral relationship, so that India and Pakistan could work together on their shared objectives of peace, prosperity and security.

India's maiden moon mission could begin its space odyssey in December if it misses its earliest launch window of October 19-26, former ISRO chief Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan has said.

In a major step to check sale of fake pashmina shawls, the central government has awarded it a patent recognising the Kashmiri origin of the immensely popular traditional handloom.

My distinguished colleague in Council of Ministers, Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram, Guest Speaker; General Deepak Kapoor, COAS; Lt. Gen. Rajender Singh, Director General, Infantry; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Ladies and Gentlemen, before I make my short observations I would like to compliment my young colleague Shri P. Chidambaram for a brilliant exposition and particularly for thinking in a bit non-conventional way. He has raised a number of questions and these need to be answered. He has very strongly and adequately advocated for moving from gradualism to transformation. Even for timing he has indicated time has come. In regard to time Shri Aurobindo once explained and particularly quoted German Philospher Shaufin Hoffer that the right moment perhaps can be distinguished when it has just passed. I will not say the correct time is right now. I would like to confirm my observation to his brilliant exposition particularly and by raising lot of thoughts and ideas which this distinguished gathering will have to bear and mind and will have to ponder over it.