A software engineer was arrested in Hyderabad on Saturday for allegedly creating a fictitious vulgar profiles of a girl on social networking sites, Cyber Crimes Police said.
The parents of Shiva Shankar Madisetty, a software engineer at a MNC software firm in Bangalore, had asked for the girl's hand for their son but were turned down by her parents. Apparently dejected, Madisetty wanted to harass the girl, CID Superintendent of Police B Sumathi said.
After collecting details (including cell phone number) of the girl through social networking sites, Madisetty created a fictitious profile of the girl with her photo and added vulgar content, the police officer said.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Riot Panel waiting for Modi to appear
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has so far not appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) enquiring into the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The SIT has given Modi a week starting from Sunday to come and answer questions in a case filed by Zakia Jafri, wife of late Congress MP Ehsan Jafri who along with 68 others were killed in the Gulbarg Society massacre of February 28, 2002.
The summons though does not make it mandatory for Modi to make an appearance before the SIT team headed by RK Raghavan. Narendra Modi is consulting his top legal advisors whether he should appear or not before the panel.
The SIT has given Modi a week starting from Sunday to come and answer questions in a case filed by Zakia Jafri, wife of late Congress MP Ehsan Jafri who along with 68 others were killed in the Gulbarg Society massacre of February 28, 2002.
The summons though does not make it mandatory for Modi to make an appearance before the SIT team headed by RK Raghavan. Narendra Modi is consulting his top legal advisors whether he should appear or not before the panel.
Maharaja Exp. flagged off- Offers a royal travel experience
Now, travel through the heart of India in the lap of luxury. Equipped with LCD TVs, panoramic windows and internet connectivity, the new Maharajas' Express promises to make the journey from Kolkata to Delhi a royal experience.
The train is the latest offering from Indian Railways on the lines of the Palace On Wheels to generate revenue and help tourists explore India. It possesses elegant features and international-level comfort.
The journey from Kolkata to Delhi by Maharajas' Express has been christened Celestial India. It will cover pilgrim and tourist centres like Gaya and Varanasi, the Bandhavgarh forests, Khajuraho, Agra and Gwalior before terminating in Delhi.
The train is the latest offering from Indian Railways on the lines of the Palace On Wheels to generate revenue and help tourists explore India. It possesses elegant features and international-level comfort.
The journey from Kolkata to Delhi by Maharajas' Express has been christened Celestial India. It will cover pilgrim and tourist centres like Gaya and Varanasi, the Bandhavgarh forests, Khajuraho, Agra and Gwalior before terminating in Delhi.
Moto's Android Phone "Milestone" debuts in India
March 22, 2010 will see the launch of Motorola Milestone in India. Motorola Milestone is the GSM version of Motorola Droid and the handset is based on Google Android 2.0 Operating System. It is however predicted that the Indian customers may have the mobile phone without free Google navigation and other free services.
Motorola Milestone, which has already pre-loaded Android 2.1 version with its US counterpart, has started showing some technical problems in the Android 2.1 OS. There is anticipation in the market that Motorola is likely to hold its 2.1 Android in the US.
Motorola Milestone, which has already pre-loaded Android 2.1 version with its US counterpart, has started showing some technical problems in the Android 2.1 OS. There is anticipation in the market that Motorola is likely to hold its 2.1 Android in the US.
India to Interrogate Headley - US Officials
Indian investigators can interrogate David Headley, said a US official on Saturday adding that the Pakistani-born Lashkar-e-Taeba operative's extradition to India was still possible, but not on charges of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
"With respect to the Headley case, the plea bargain agreement was announced and part of that agreement was that the US would not extradite Headley either to India or Pakistan or Denmark for the charges for which he has now admitted guilt," US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake told reporters in New Delhi.
Asked if Indian investigators would be allowed to quiz him, Blake said: "My answer would be yes."
"With respect to the Headley case, the plea bargain agreement was announced and part of that agreement was that the US would not extradite Headley either to India or Pakistan or Denmark for the charges for which he has now admitted guilt," US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake told reporters in New Delhi.
Asked if Indian investigators would be allowed to quiz him, Blake said: "My answer would be yes."
Kochi gets its New IPL team along with Pune...
Irrepressible Shashi Tharoor added a new dimension to his expansive profile when he got leading business magnets to come together as Rendezvous Sports World Ltd. that bagged a team for Kochi in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Tharoor gave Kerala a reason to cheer for when he lent his support to the franchisee to bid $333.33 million (Rs 1,533.33 crore) to get Kochi one of the two new IPL teams from the next season. Sahara Adventure Sports Group bagged Pune.
Tharoor gave Kerala a reason to cheer for when he lent his support to the franchisee to bid $333.33 million (Rs 1,533.33 crore) to get Kochi one of the two new IPL teams from the next season. Sahara Adventure Sports Group bagged Pune.
Muslim Law Board increases the No. of Women in its panel ....
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) may been silent on the women's reservation bill. But when it came to reconstituting its executive body, it unanimously increased the representation of women from one to five.
Announcing this on the last day of the board's three-day annual convention at the Nadwa Darul-Uloom Islamic university here, AIMPLB spokesman-cum-legal adviser Zafaryab Jilani told reporters Sunday: 'We have nominated five women this time on the board's executive committee.'
Socialite Begum Naseem Iqtidar was the lone woman on the committee till now.
Announcing this on the last day of the board's three-day annual convention at the Nadwa Darul-Uloom Islamic university here, AIMPLB spokesman-cum-legal adviser Zafaryab Jilani told reporters Sunday: 'We have nominated five women this time on the board's executive committee.'
Socialite Begum Naseem Iqtidar was the lone woman on the committee till now.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sexual assault to replace rape in IPC soon
Every 54 minutes a woman is raped in India, but less than 36 per cent of the rapists end up in jail. Rape has long been considered one of the worst crimes, almost at par with murder.
For years, lawyers and activists have argued that the penalty for rape, currently seven years, is far too lenient. Now, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is all set to introduce dramatic changes, not just on rape but all sexual crimes.
For years, lawyers and activists have argued that the penalty for rape, currently seven years, is far too lenient. Now, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is all set to introduce dramatic changes, not just on rape but all sexual crimes.
ISRO shoot out a misunderstanding - Karnataka Govt
The shootout at the sensitive Deep Space Network (DSN) facility of India's space agency ISRO near here appears to be the result of a "misunderstanding" and should not be given importance, the Karnataka government clarified on Wednesday.
"It appears to be result of misunderstanding and there is no need to give the incident importance," state home minister V S Acharya told reporters after briefing chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on the progress of the police probe into the incident that occurred early Tuesday morning.
"It appears to be result of misunderstanding and there is no need to give the incident importance," state home minister V S Acharya told reporters after briefing chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on the progress of the police probe into the incident that occurred early Tuesday morning.
Few Techies in Touch with Jihandis on Pak - Report
Recent security audits of some of the top software firms, including Indian MNCs headquartered in Bangalore, have revealed that some of their employees are in touch with jihadi elements in Pakistan, via the internet, or are surfing and posting messages on radical Islamic sites and blogs during their work hours.
The cyber security audits at the software majors started almost three months ago and are still continuing, sources in the security establishment revealed. The adverse findings, pointing to internet exchanges between employees and suspected jihadists using their respective firm’s web systems, have been reported to the police and intelligence agencies for further probe.
The cyber security audits at the software majors started almost three months ago and are still continuing, sources in the security establishment revealed. The adverse findings, pointing to internet exchanges between employees and suspected jihadists using their respective firm’s web systems, have been reported to the police and intelligence agencies for further probe.
TTSL announces DIALOG- internet through TV sets.
Telecom service provider Tata Teleservices Ltd (TTSL) has announced the launch of DIALOG, a product that enables customers to connect to the internet on their television set.
Customers can access the internet without a desktop or laptop, transforming the TV set into a multimedia device with the help of DIALOG.
"We are launching the product first time in the country simultaneously in Chennai and Kolkata. We will take three months for the testing period and after that we will go for an all-India launch of DIALOG in the first quarter of FY11," TTSL national sales head Abhijit Sanyal said here at a press meet.
Customers can access the internet without a desktop or laptop, transforming the TV set into a multimedia device with the help of DIALOG.
"We are launching the product first time in the country simultaneously in Chennai and Kolkata. We will take three months for the testing period and after that we will go for an all-India launch of DIALOG in the first quarter of FY11," TTSL national sales head Abhijit Sanyal said here at a press meet.
TTSL & RCom launched 3G in CDMA segment - Vodafone wants DoT to levy more
Escalating the war of words over spectrum, Vodafone Essar has now alleged that Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices have already launched third-generation (3G) services and therefore should be charged higher levies that are applicable to 3G operators.
Telecom companies that offer third-generation services are required to pay a higher spectrum usage fee. In the case of CDMA operators, both second generation (2G) and 3G services are offered using the same airwaves or spectrum. Incumbent GSM operators have alleged that the high-speed data services offered by RCom and Tatas constitute 3G services. GSM operators are, however, waiting for 3G airwaves auction that are scheduled to begin next month.
Telecom companies that offer third-generation services are required to pay a higher spectrum usage fee. In the case of CDMA operators, both second generation (2G) and 3G services are offered using the same airwaves or spectrum. Incumbent GSM operators have alleged that the high-speed data services offered by RCom and Tatas constitute 3G services. GSM operators are, however, waiting for 3G airwaves auction that are scheduled to begin next month.
Garland of currency wirth lakhs & Crores put around Mayawati.
The Congress on Wednesday dubbed as "vulgar display" of money in politics the garlanding of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati with currency notes.
"This is a vulgar display of money in politics. This is not good for any political party or a political leader," Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said.
Ignoring all criticism, the BSP chief today got herself garlanded with currency notes said to be of the value of Rs 18 lakh. The garland comprising notes of various denominations was put around her neck at a meeting of party leaders despite opposition outcry over her being presented a similar garland of value estimated between Rs 21 lakh and Rs 15 crore on Monday.
"This is a vulgar display of money in politics. This is not good for any political party or a political leader," Congress spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said.
Ignoring all criticism, the BSP chief today got herself garlanded with currency notes said to be of the value of Rs 18 lakh. The garland comprising notes of various denominations was put around her neck at a meeting of party leaders despite opposition outcry over her being presented a similar garland of value estimated between Rs 21 lakh and Rs 15 crore on Monday.
MSD to miss IPL 3 matches for 10 days -Raina to lead Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has been ruled out of the next few IPL games after an elbow injury. He may be out of action for the next 10 days.
"Dhoni has been diagnosed with an elbow injury and has been advised 10 days rest," team manager Russell Radhakrishnan said.
Suresh Raina will stand in as Chennai captain. Dhoni hurt his elbow while batting against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Tuesday's match at Eden Garden. A delivery from new KKR buy and pacer Shane Bond hit Dhoni on the right elbow. Later he underwent an x-ray test.
"Dhoni has been diagnosed with an elbow injury and has been advised 10 days rest," team manager Russell Radhakrishnan said.
Suresh Raina will stand in as Chennai captain. Dhoni hurt his elbow while batting against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Tuesday's match at Eden Garden. A delivery from new KKR buy and pacer Shane Bond hit Dhoni on the right elbow. Later he underwent an x-ray test.
Xerox to open a Reasearch Lab in Chennai - First in India
Xerox Corp, the largest maker of high-speed colour printers, is opening its first research laboratory in a developing market, aiming to expand its services division.
The lab in Chennai, India, will work with local universities to develop document-management services for emerging markets, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based company said.
Xerox has two research centers in the US and one each in Canada and France.
The lab in Chennai, India, will work with local universities to develop document-management services for emerging markets, the Norwalk, Connecticut-based company said.
Xerox has two research centers in the US and one each in Canada and France.
Pak does not take serious steps to destroy terror outfits in Pak
Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Wednesday said Pakistan “was not taking serious steps” to destroy 42 terror camps on its soil. Stating that India was “exploring all possibilities”, Mr. Antony also said he did not expect any “miracles” from the dialogue with Pakistan.
“All the terror camps in Pakistan are active. Pakistan has not taken any serious steps to destroy these camps,” Antony told a press conference on the sidelines of the launch of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Vishwast at the port town of Vasco, 30 km from here.
“All the terror camps in Pakistan are active. Pakistan has not taken any serious steps to destroy these camps,” Antony told a press conference on the sidelines of the launch of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Vishwast at the port town of Vasco, 30 km from here.
Vodafone to shut its GPS business
Vodafone, the world's largest mobile operator by revenue, is to close its navigation business as it could not compete with free services pr
ovided by Google and Nokia.
Vodafone, which bought a Swedish navigational software firm Wayfinder for $30 million in December 2008, said it would close the offering with the loss of 95 jobs across Sweden, Romania and Britain.
Vodafone said the commercial proposition for navigational services had completely changed after the introduction of free services in the last six months.
ovided by Google and Nokia.
Vodafone, which bought a Swedish navigational software firm Wayfinder for $30 million in December 2008, said it would close the offering with the loss of 95 jobs across Sweden, Romania and Britain.
Vodafone said the commercial proposition for navigational services had completely changed after the introduction of free services in the last six months.
Call Rates may fall in the quarter - RCoM
Reliance Communications (RCom), the country's second-largest telecom service provider, today said the price war in the sector is likely to
intensify in months ahead and the pressure on operators to reduce call charges will continue to be there for a few more quarters.
"There are two-three greenfield operators who are likely to enter the Mumbai market which may further intensify the tariff war. We are always competitive in all respects and we will continue that," RCom's President Mahesh Prasad said that it may intensify further.
intensify in months ahead and the pressure on operators to reduce call charges will continue to be there for a few more quarters.
"There are two-three greenfield operators who are likely to enter the Mumbai market which may further intensify the tariff war. We are always competitive in all respects and we will continue that," RCom's President Mahesh Prasad said that it may intensify further.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Delhi HC asks Govt to file report on its stand in rural health care
The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the government to make its stand clear on a plea that a short-term course on primary health was required to allow non-MBBS persons to practise medicine in rural areas.
A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta directed the government to file a detailed affidavit specifying whether it has accepted the recommendations given by the Central Council for Health and the Task Force which recommended a three-year course for practitioners.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) informed the court that it has not accepted all the recommendations of the Task Force and will file an affidavit in this regard by April 7.
A division bench of acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Mukta Gupta directed the government to file a detailed affidavit specifying whether it has accepted the recommendations given by the Central Council for Health and the Task Force which recommended a three-year course for practitioners.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) informed the court that it has not accepted all the recommendations of the Task Force and will file an affidavit in this regard by April 7.
Thermax in JV with B&W PGG to Manufacture critical boilers for power sector
Energy and environment solutions company Thermax Wednesday announced a joint venture with US based Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation group (B&W PGG) to manufacture super-critical boilers for the power sector.
Thermax will own 51 percent share of the joint venture while B&W PGG will have 49 percent.
The new entity will also manufacture sub-critical boilers of over 300 MW in capacity.
'In B&W, our joint venture partner, we have a global technology leader whose boilers generate over 300,000 MW of power around the world,' said M.S. Unnikrishnan, managing director and chief executive of Thermax.
Thermax will own 51 percent share of the joint venture while B&W PGG will have 49 percent.
The new entity will also manufacture sub-critical boilers of over 300 MW in capacity.
'In B&W, our joint venture partner, we have a global technology leader whose boilers generate over 300,000 MW of power around the world,' said M.S. Unnikrishnan, managing director and chief executive of Thermax.
Govt's steps to look on Rising sugar Price
India's sugar mills have backed out of import deals to the tune of 100,000 tonnes, and traders have diverted cargoes as prices tumble.
Analysts and traders believe if lower prices do not improve, mills can back out of import deals of another 500,000 tonnes.
A top industry official on Wednesday told Reuters that the supply situation was now "comfortable" and the country did not need further imports.
Analysts and traders believe if lower prices do not improve, mills can back out of import deals of another 500,000 tonnes.
A top industry official on Wednesday told Reuters that the supply situation was now "comfortable" and the country did not need further imports.
Indian Micro Finance Institutions set up self regulating body
As many as 31 microfinance institutions (MFIs), including the top 10 in the country, have come together to set up Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), a self-regulatory organisation that aims to work with regulators to promote microfinance to achieve larger financial inclusion goals.
“MFIN is the response of NBFC (non banking financial company) MFIs in the country to concerns of overborrowing by clients and unregulated credit practices in the microfinance sector. This level of unity and commitment to client protection is unique and has not been seen in any other sector in India. MFIN members now collectively represent almost 80 per cent of the entire microfinance sector in the country. We are confident that a co-ordinated and united approach from the members of MFIN would enable us to support the government’s initiative of taking forward on a significant manner the process of financial inclusion to the masses in a transparent and sustainable basis,” MFIN president and Basix chairman, Vijay Mahajan, stated in a press release.
“MFIN is the response of NBFC (non banking financial company) MFIs in the country to concerns of overborrowing by clients and unregulated credit practices in the microfinance sector. This level of unity and commitment to client protection is unique and has not been seen in any other sector in India. MFIN members now collectively represent almost 80 per cent of the entire microfinance sector in the country. We are confident that a co-ordinated and united approach from the members of MFIN would enable us to support the government’s initiative of taking forward on a significant manner the process of financial inclusion to the masses in a transparent and sustainable basis,” MFIN president and Basix chairman, Vijay Mahajan, stated in a press release.
Mobile app to provide Updates of BSE soon
Trading at your fingertips may soon become reality. One may soon be able to trade real time through ones mobile phone.
Going by the push that stock exchanges are giving to mobile-based applications, it looks like market players are ready.
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has launched an application that will show the 30 Sensex scrips on mobile phones, real time, claiming it to be just the first small step.
Ashish Chauhan, deputy CEO of BSE, said, “In India there are 1 crore personal computers, but 50 crore phones. We hope to penetrate a large customer base through mobile phones."
Going by the push that stock exchanges are giving to mobile-based applications, it looks like market players are ready.
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has launched an application that will show the 30 Sensex scrips on mobile phones, real time, claiming it to be just the first small step.
Ashish Chauhan, deputy CEO of BSE, said, “In India there are 1 crore personal computers, but 50 crore phones. We hope to penetrate a large customer base through mobile phones."
Ford to launch its global products in Indian Market soon
Automobile major, Ford India, plans to launch more global products in the Indian market, a top company official
"We are going to bring more global products into the Indian market. We will look at options for Indian customers' needs out of our global stable," Ford India's Managing Director and President, Michael Boneham, told here today.
"We plan to launch a new car every 12-18 months, which would include small and medium-sized cars in India, Boneham said.
"We are going to bring more global products into the Indian market. We will look at options for Indian customers' needs out of our global stable," Ford India's Managing Director and President, Michael Boneham, told here today.
"We plan to launch a new car every 12-18 months, which would include small and medium-sized cars in India, Boneham said.
No plan sale stakes in ONGC & IOC - Oil secy
The government has no immediate plans to sell stake in state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Indian Oil Corp (IOC) , Oil Secretary S. Sundareshan told reporters on Wednesday.
"There is no serious consideration (on follow-on public offerings in IOC and ONGC) at this juncture," he told reporters here.
Both IOC and ONGC are not in favour of raising money through equity route as valuations are being impacted due to uncertain fuel pricing policy.
Also, market conditions were not right for FPOs. "(These are) not the correct market time for FPOs," he said.
"There is no serious consideration (on follow-on public offerings in IOC and ONGC) at this juncture," he told reporters here.
Both IOC and ONGC are not in favour of raising money through equity route as valuations are being impacted due to uncertain fuel pricing policy.
Also, market conditions were not right for FPOs. "(These are) not the correct market time for FPOs," he said.
TATA DoCoMo offers carry Forward offer for its customers
Tata Docomo, the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, on Monday launched a tariff plan for its enterprise customers, which carries
unused free talk time and SMS forward for a period of three months.
Under the 'Rollover Plan' (RO Plan), customers pay by month and enjoy the facility of carrying forward their unused free talk time and SMS for a period of three months, TTSL said in a statement.
"Today I am proud to say that we are launching yet another industry first-- The Rollover Plan-- exclusively for our Tata DOCOMO Enterprise Customers," TTSL Managing Director Anil Sardana said.
unused free talk time and SMS forward for a period of three months.
Under the 'Rollover Plan' (RO Plan), customers pay by month and enjoy the facility of carrying forward their unused free talk time and SMS for a period of three months, TTSL said in a statement.
"Today I am proud to say that we are launching yet another industry first-- The Rollover Plan-- exclusively for our Tata DOCOMO Enterprise Customers," TTSL Managing Director Anil Sardana said.
IPL 3 to be Ad free in Sun Direct HD platform
Sun Direct will show the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in high-definition (HD) on Max.
As per the deal, Max will provide the HD feed of the IPL matches without any advertisements. With dolby digital for the audio and sound with 16:9 ratio, Sun Direct claims that the HD telecast will deliver in-stadia like experience to viewers.
The HD telecast will be available on Sun Direct HD platform.
As per the deal, Max will provide the HD feed of the IPL matches without any advertisements. With dolby digital for the audio and sound with 16:9 ratio, Sun Direct claims that the HD telecast will deliver in-stadia like experience to viewers.
The HD telecast will be available on Sun Direct HD platform.
Nissan Micra to cost between 3.3 lac -3.8 Lacs in India
Nissan Micra is a new car from Nissan India in the small car segment. Nissan Micra is a premium hatchback model with attractive features and specifications. The Nissan Micra car is expected to face competition with the small car segment majors like Maruti Alto, Hyundai Santro, Ford Figo, Wagon R and Chevy Beat.
The Nissan Micra car will be available to Indian customers by May 2010. The company aims to price Nissan Micra in India in the range of Rs. 3.8 lac to Rs. 5 lac.
The Indian small car segment will have Nissan Micra in both petrol and diesel options. The petrol option has 1200 and 1300CC variants and the diesel option has 1600 CC variant. The car will be available in 11 amazing hues like Roma Red, New York Blue,Madrid Ebony, Paris Blue, London Rose, Vienna Garnet, Geneva White, Tokyo Silver, Rio Latte and Monaco Platinum.
The Nissan Micra car will be available to Indian customers by May 2010. The company aims to price Nissan Micra in India in the range of Rs. 3.8 lac to Rs. 5 lac.
The Indian small car segment will have Nissan Micra in both petrol and diesel options. The petrol option has 1200 and 1300CC variants and the diesel option has 1600 CC variant. The car will be available in 11 amazing hues like Roma Red, New York Blue,Madrid Ebony, Paris Blue, London Rose, Vienna Garnet, Geneva White, Tokyo Silver, Rio Latte and Monaco Platinum.
IPL 3 needs some Good Pace attack - Zaheer
Mumbai Indians fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes fast bowlers will play a key role in the upcoming third season of the Indian Premier League , starting in Mumbai on March 12.
"I think bowling is important. If you see in the last auction as well, all the teams were going for genuine fast bowlers, because everyone now feels the importance of fast bowlers upfront due to the Powerplay.
"A good bowler can definitely increase the chances of giving an early breakthrough, which definitely restricts opponents from getting off to good starts. With the first six overs of Powerplay rule it is very important for the bowling side to get that early wicket," Zaheer said in Mumbai on Wednesday.
"I think bowling is important. If you see in the last auction as well, all the teams were going for genuine fast bowlers, because everyone now feels the importance of fast bowlers upfront due to the Powerplay.
"A good bowler can definitely increase the chances of giving an early breakthrough, which definitely restricts opponents from getting off to good starts. With the first six overs of Powerplay rule it is very important for the bowling side to get that early wicket," Zaheer said in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Aus to fight with Nethers in FIH semis
Australia's speed and firepower will be up against the free-flowing game of the Netherlands as the two title favourites clash in the semi-final of the Hockey World Cup here Thursday.
The two sides are bracing for their fifth-ever tryst in the pre-summit round of the World Cup after a contrasting run in the Pool stage. The Australians began with a shock defeat and then won three games, while the Dutch saw their three-game victorious stint broken following a draw against Germany and a loss against Korea in the last two outings.
Australia have been the most prolific with 23 goals in the tournament, with Luke Doerner (6), Jamie Dwyer and Glenn Turner (5 each) finding their names in the top scorers' list. The Kookaburras' 12-0 whipping of South Africa has been the most lopsided game of the competition at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
The two sides are bracing for their fifth-ever tryst in the pre-summit round of the World Cup after a contrasting run in the Pool stage. The Australians began with a shock defeat and then won three games, while the Dutch saw their three-game victorious stint broken following a draw against Germany and a loss against Korea in the last two outings.
Australia have been the most prolific with 23 goals in the tournament, with Luke Doerner (6), Jamie Dwyer and Glenn Turner (5 each) finding their names in the top scorers' list. The Kookaburras' 12-0 whipping of South Africa has been the most lopsided game of the competition at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Kapil added to ICC's Hall of Fame
India may have produced many a cricketing legend but only three have made it to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Hall of Fame. Odd but true. On Tuesday, Kapil Dev became the latest member of the elite club which boats of 59 other gems including compatriots BS Bedi and Sunil Gavaskar.
However, Kapil isn’t someone who gets into all those intricacies. On a day when he felt “honoured and happy”, India's only World Cup-winning captain was just counting his blessings.
“Don’t worry. Many more players from India will make it to the Hall of Fame. Sachin (Tendulkar), Rahul (Dravid) and Virender (Sehwag) will all make it. They are still playing,” he told from Dubai.
While the ICC has recognised him for his cricketing prowess, Kapil still can’t find favour with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. “They (ICC) gave me the award, I accepted it. It’s simple. I have no differences. I never keep grudges. If someone has differences with me, then good luck to them.”
However, Kapil isn’t someone who gets into all those intricacies. On a day when he felt “honoured and happy”, India's only World Cup-winning captain was just counting his blessings.
“Don’t worry. Many more players from India will make it to the Hall of Fame. Sachin (Tendulkar), Rahul (Dravid) and Virender (Sehwag) will all make it. They are still playing,” he told from Dubai.
While the ICC has recognised him for his cricketing prowess, Kapil still can’t find favour with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. “They (ICC) gave me the award, I accepted it. It’s simple. I have no differences. I never keep grudges. If someone has differences with me, then good luck to them.”
IKDRC creates method for less pain Kidney transplantation
Sanjay Sharma, 32, and Ramesh Dabhi, 48, recently underwent a second kidney transplant surgery. This time, they endured less pain, had a faster recovery and the surgery cost less compared to the earlier one.
Sharma and Dabhi have got to thank the experts at the Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre (IKDRC) and the Dr HL Trivedi Institute of Transplantation Science (ITS) who used a new surgical technique on the patients. IKDRC and ITS successfully performed the first laparoscopic kidney transplantations on the two patients on March 4.
The laparoscopic kidney transplantation is a minimally invasive complex surgery and the entire operation is carried out without making a large incision.The major advantages are less post-operative pain, rapid recovery, and shorter hospital stay.
Sharma and Dabhi have got to thank the experts at the Institute of Kidney Disease and Research Centre (IKDRC) and the Dr HL Trivedi Institute of Transplantation Science (ITS) who used a new surgical technique on the patients. IKDRC and ITS successfully performed the first laparoscopic kidney transplantations on the two patients on March 4.
The laparoscopic kidney transplantation is a minimally invasive complex surgery and the entire operation is carried out without making a large incision.The major advantages are less post-operative pain, rapid recovery, and shorter hospital stay.
Ruchika Case hearing adjourned till Apr 15
A Chandigarh court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, which involves former Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) SPS Rathore till April 15 on the plea that his lawyer was still recovering from an assault on him last month.
Rathore arrived in the court accompanied by his lawyer-wife Abha Rathore and a Haryana cop. Abha Rathore told the court that Rathore's counsel N D Sharma was still recovering from the assault on him outside the court premises last month.
Rathore was on February 8 punched and stabbed thrice with a blunt instrument outside the court premises by Utsav Sharma, a student of the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The former DGP's lawyer had also sustained injuries in the attack and both had to be hospitalised.
The court had last month passed the adjournment order on medical grounds.
Rathore arrived in the court accompanied by his lawyer-wife Abha Rathore and a Haryana cop. Abha Rathore told the court that Rathore's counsel N D Sharma was still recovering from the assault on him outside the court premises last month.
Rathore was on February 8 punched and stabbed thrice with a blunt instrument outside the court premises by Utsav Sharma, a student of the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The former DGP's lawyer had also sustained injuries in the attack and both had to be hospitalised.
The court had last month passed the adjournment order on medical grounds.
Govt has taken measures to provide Healthy Mid Day Meals
Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday in a written reply in the Lok Sabha said the government has made elaborate arrangements through the guidelines for Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) to ensure that children get good quality meals.
Sibal added that two to three adults, including at least one teacher, taste the mid-day meal before it is served to the children.
Under the scheme, the government has fixed 450 calories and 12 grams of protein intake for primary and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein intake for upper primary children, claimed Sibal.
"The energy and protein requirement is met through food cooked," he added.
Sibal added that two to three adults, including at least one teacher, taste the mid-day meal before it is served to the children.
Under the scheme, the government has fixed 450 calories and 12 grams of protein intake for primary and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein intake for upper primary children, claimed Sibal.
"The energy and protein requirement is met through food cooked," he added.
Glaucoma & the 12 million affected Indians
In World Glaucoma Week, know how to guard yourself against the disease that has affected an estimated 12 million Indians
So how often do you go for an eye check? With most of us leading a lifestyle that strains our eyes on a daily basis (like long hours in front of computers), a routine eye check up every three months, doctors suggest, is a good idea to keep track of your eyesight. This week, ending March 13, the world is observing Glaucoma Week, highlighting, among other things, the fact that regular eye examination, particularly by those above 40, helps early detection of the disease and, in turn, would help in preserving one's vision. Glaucoma is a hereditary disease but there are other factors that can make you a potential glaucoma patient.
So how often do you go for an eye check? With most of us leading a lifestyle that strains our eyes on a daily basis (like long hours in front of computers), a routine eye check up every three months, doctors suggest, is a good idea to keep track of your eyesight. This week, ending March 13, the world is observing Glaucoma Week, highlighting, among other things, the fact that regular eye examination, particularly by those above 40, helps early detection of the disease and, in turn, would help in preserving one's vision. Glaucoma is a hereditary disease but there are other factors that can make you a potential glaucoma patient.
CBI & RJD
CBI on Wednesday stood by RJD Chief Lalu Prasad, who has parted ways with the UPA government, in the Supreme Court by the decision of the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar to challenge his acquittal in a disproportionate assets case.
Prasad and his wife's stand that Bihar government has no locus standi to appeal against their acquittal was supported by CBI which said the right to file an appeal lies with the agency which probed and prosecuted the case.
"The case was investigated and prosecuted by CBI and it is for the Centre and not for state government to take a decision to file an appeal in the case of acquittal," senior advocate A Mariarputham, appearing for the agency, submitted before a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.
Prasad and his wife's stand that Bihar government has no locus standi to appeal against their acquittal was supported by CBI which said the right to file an appeal lies with the agency which probed and prosecuted the case.
"The case was investigated and prosecuted by CBI and it is for the Centre and not for state government to take a decision to file an appeal in the case of acquittal," senior advocate A Mariarputham, appearing for the agency, submitted before a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.
Delhi to use Hi-Fi system for its streetLighting
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to do its bit for the environment by adopting a remote-controlled street-lighting system. This means the streets of Delhi would light up automatically at dusk and it would be lights-out after sunrise.
The system is sub-geography specific, so south Delhi wouldn't waste unnecessary power when it's dusk only in Noida.
All the lights are individually monitored and controlled from a central server. In the event of a fault, an SMS is directly sent to the maintenance staff for speedy and timely action.
The system is sub-geography specific, so south Delhi wouldn't waste unnecessary power when it's dusk only in Noida.
All the lights are individually monitored and controlled from a central server. In the event of a fault, an SMS is directly sent to the maintenance staff for speedy and timely action.
EFF posts Apple's license aggrement
ONLINE FREEDOM advocacy group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has got its hands on and posted Apple's developer programme license agreement to lift the lid on the cappuccino firm's firewalled SDK application process.
How did the EFF get its hands on the licence agreement when developers have to sign in blood not to reveal any details? EFF spokesman Fred Von Lohmann wrote, "When we saw the NASA App for Iphone, we used the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to ask NASA for a copy, so that the general public could see what rules controlled the technology they could use with their phones. NASA responded with the Rev. 3-17-09 version of the agreement."
How did the EFF get its hands on the licence agreement when developers have to sign in blood not to reveal any details? EFF spokesman Fred Von Lohmann wrote, "When we saw the NASA App for Iphone, we used the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to ask NASA for a copy, so that the general public could see what rules controlled the technology they could use with their phones. NASA responded with the Rev. 3-17-09 version of the agreement."
UP CM atlast annouces compensation to those who died in temple stampede
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs. 2.50 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died in the Kripalu Maharaj ashram stampede in Pratapgarh district on March 4. A compensation of Rs. 75,000 each was announced for the injured.
In a related development, the manager of the ashram, Hiranmay Chaterjee, and two employees, Shiv Kumar and Amit, were arrested by the police on Wednesday. The manager and the organiser of the ashram complex had been named in the FIR lodged at the Kunda police station.
Sixty three persons were killed and about 74 injured in the stampede.
In a related development, the manager of the ashram, Hiranmay Chaterjee, and two employees, Shiv Kumar and Amit, were arrested by the police on Wednesday. The manager and the organiser of the ashram complex had been named in the FIR lodged at the Kunda police station.
Sixty three persons were killed and about 74 injured in the stampede.
Sajjan's bail makes stir in the Sikh Community
Scores of Sikhs gathered outside the Karkardooma court in here on Wednesday to lodge their protest against the bail granted by the court to the Congress leader, Sajjan Kumar, in cases related to 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Earlier, the court had issued two non- bailable warrants against the accused.
Sajjan surrendered before the court on Wednesday morning.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar granted bail to the accused, including Sajjan Kumar, after they all appeared before him.
Protestors were agitated after Sajjan was granted bail.
Sajjan surrendered before the court on Wednesday morning.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Lokesh Kumar granted bail to the accused, including Sajjan Kumar, after they all appeared before him.
Protestors were agitated after Sajjan was granted bail.
PCB on punishment mood - Bans vital players for lifetime
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has done a volte-face on the life ban imposed on former captain Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, saying no such action has been taken.
Pakistan's cricket authorities on Wednesday morning banned Younis and Yousuf and took stern action against five other national cricketers on charges ranging from misconduct to ball tampering.
Those punished included former captain Shoaib Malik, Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar.
Pakistan's cricket authorities on Wednesday morning banned Younis and Yousuf and took stern action against five other national cricketers on charges ranging from misconduct to ball tampering.
Those punished included former captain Shoaib Malik, Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan, Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar.
Women's bill would be passed in LokSabha b4 Mar 16
The government intends to push through the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha before the house adjourns on March 16 for a three-week break, parliamentary affairs minister P K Bansal said here on Wednesday.
Setting to rest speculation about the fate of the contentious bill that gives 33 percent representation to women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures and was passed by the Rajya Sabha Tuesday, Bansal said the bill would be passed in the lower house before March 16.
"That's our intention," Bansal told .
Setting to rest speculation about the fate of the contentious bill that gives 33 percent representation to women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures and was passed by the Rajya Sabha Tuesday, Bansal said the bill would be passed in the lower house before March 16.
"That's our intention," Bansal told .
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Orissa mining scam costs 3 lakh crore Rupees
The Congress on Monday released a book on the multi-crore mining scam in Orissa. Titled Satabdira Mahadurniti (The greatest scam of
the century), the 40-page makes a graphic presentation of several irregularities that have reportedly taken place during the present state government headed by Naveen Patnaik.
The book says the Naveen Patnaik government has “plundered” mineral wealth of Orissa to the tune of Rs three lakh crore and seeks a CBI probe into the scam.
Releasing the report of the fact finding team constituted by the Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee to probe the alleged scandal, the OPCC general secretary Naba Kishore Das claimed the scam might cross Rs three lakh crore mark, if taken into account all the irregularities in mining and trading of the minerals. He said this fact has been admitted by various departments of the Orissa government in last ten years.
the century), the 40-page makes a graphic presentation of several irregularities that have reportedly taken place during the present state government headed by Naveen Patnaik.
The book says the Naveen Patnaik government has “plundered” mineral wealth of Orissa to the tune of Rs three lakh crore and seeks a CBI probe into the scam.
Releasing the report of the fact finding team constituted by the Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee to probe the alleged scandal, the OPCC general secretary Naba Kishore Das claimed the scam might cross Rs three lakh crore mark, if taken into account all the irregularities in mining and trading of the minerals. He said this fact has been admitted by various departments of the Orissa government in last ten years.
Taxi driver of Indian origin roam around the city with child's body in Boot of his car- Oz Police
Part-time taxi driver Gursewak Dhillon apparently ran out of fuel and was helped by a woman in this Australian city while he was driving around with three-year-old Gurshan Singh Channa in the boot of his car, the police said.
Police intend to speak with the woman they believe stopped to help Dhillon between 12 pm and 3 pm on Thursday, Australian news agency AAP reported.
Dhillon is alleged to have placed the child in the boot of his car unconscious, but still alive.
Gurshan's body was found on Wildwood Road on Thursday night after a massive search following a complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor, over 20 km away.
Police intend to speak with the woman they believe stopped to help Dhillon between 12 pm and 3 pm on Thursday, Australian news agency AAP reported.
Dhillon is alleged to have placed the child in the boot of his car unconscious, but still alive.
Gurshan's body was found on Wildwood Road on Thursday night after a massive search following a complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor, over 20 km away.
Diabetes & Coffee at lunch
Drinking coffee cuts diabetes risk, but you may need to enjoy your java with lunch if you want to get any benefit.
Over a dozen studies have linked coffee drinking to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes - the type closely linked to obesity. But the mechanism behind the relationship hasn't been established and no studies have looked at whether the timing of coffee drinking influences this effect.
To investigate, researchers looked at 69,532 French women participating in a large European nutrition study. The women ranged in age from 41 to 72 years when they were enrolled in the study, and were followed for 11 years, on average.
Over a dozen studies have linked coffee drinking to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes - the type closely linked to obesity. But the mechanism behind the relationship hasn't been established and no studies have looked at whether the timing of coffee drinking influences this effect.
To investigate, researchers looked at 69,532 French women participating in a large European nutrition study. The women ranged in age from 41 to 72 years when they were enrolled in the study, and were followed for 11 years, on average.
Govt to review guidelines for Tourist & Conference Visas - Home Secretary
Home Secretary G.K. Pillai Tuesday indicated the government was agreeable to re-examine the new guidelines issued for granting tourist and conference visas if there were real grievances and said the ministry has received a number of representations.
'The government makes rules and regulations which may not be correct. But in a democracy there is a system, we correct ourselves if a mistake is made. If an error is made, we correct it,' he said here addressing a seminar, 'Thought Policing or Fighting Terror?'.
Tightening up visa procedures, the union home ministry last month asked all central ministries and state chief secretaries to strictly adhere to the revised procedure for grant of visas to foreigners coming to India to attend international conferences and seminars.
According to the new guidelines, security clearance for grant of conference visa would be required for participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and in respect of foreigners of Pakistani-origin and stateless persons.
'The government makes rules and regulations which may not be correct. But in a democracy there is a system, we correct ourselves if a mistake is made. If an error is made, we correct it,' he said here addressing a seminar, 'Thought Policing or Fighting Terror?'.
Tightening up visa procedures, the union home ministry last month asked all central ministries and state chief secretaries to strictly adhere to the revised procedure for grant of visas to foreigners coming to India to attend international conferences and seminars.
According to the new guidelines, security clearance for grant of conference visa would be required for participants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and in respect of foreigners of Pakistani-origin and stateless persons.
Journey of Women's Bill dates back to 1996
The 14 years journey of the Women’s Reservation Bill was marked by high drama and hit roadblocks in each of its outings in Parliament before the historic measure cleared the first legislative hurdle on Tuesday.
The battle for greater representation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was routinely punctuated by frayed tempers and war of words which sometimes got physical, as different governments since 1996 tried to get the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in Parliament without success.
The Bill also lapsed each time the House was dissolved and was re-introduced by the Government of the day.
The battle for greater representation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies was routinely punctuated by frayed tempers and war of words which sometimes got physical, as different governments since 1996 tried to get the Women’s Reservation Bill passed in Parliament without success.
The Bill also lapsed each time the House was dissolved and was re-introduced by the Government of the day.
Chinese investors prefer Baidu for Google as it lost its Market in China
When Google, owner of the most popular Internet search engine, said on January 12 it may close its website in China, Edinburgh money man
ager James Anderson sold the stock and bought Beijing-based rival Baidu Inc.
Since then, Baidu has risen 34% and Google has lost 8.5%. That kind of call helped propel Anderson’s closed- end fund, Baillie Gifford & Co’s £1.87 billion ($2.8 billion) Scottish Mortgage Trust Plc, to the best performance among its UK peers over the past year.
“Google was admitting they had lost in China,” said Anderson, who is Baillie Gifford’s chief investment officer and responsible for £56 billion in total. “It was revealing and added to the imputed value of Baidu.”
ager James Anderson sold the stock and bought Beijing-based rival Baidu Inc.
Since then, Baidu has risen 34% and Google has lost 8.5%. That kind of call helped propel Anderson’s closed- end fund, Baillie Gifford & Co’s £1.87 billion ($2.8 billion) Scottish Mortgage Trust Plc, to the best performance among its UK peers over the past year.
“Google was admitting they had lost in China,” said Anderson, who is Baillie Gifford’s chief investment officer and responsible for £56 billion in total. “It was revealing and added to the imputed value of Baidu.”
TCS VC Ramadorai to head BSE - Board Members
The Bombay Stock Exchange has appointed TCS vice-chairman S Ramadorai as the chairman of the bourse.
The decision to appoint Ramadorai as chairman was taken at a BSE board meeting held here. Currently, the BSE board has 10 members, including managing director Madhu Kannan.
Serving as the vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Ramadorai has been associated with the IT major for the past 37 years.
Last week, Jagdish Capoor resigned from the post of non-executive chairman as well as from the board of BSE on health grounds.
Ramadorai took over as the CEO of TCS in 1996 and has been instrumental in building TCS to a $6-billion company.
The decision to appoint Ramadorai as chairman was taken at a BSE board meeting held here. Currently, the BSE board has 10 members, including managing director Madhu Kannan.
Serving as the vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Ramadorai has been associated with the IT major for the past 37 years.
Last week, Jagdish Capoor resigned from the post of non-executive chairman as well as from the board of BSE on health grounds.
Ramadorai took over as the CEO of TCS in 1996 and has been instrumental in building TCS to a $6-billion company.
Daimler AG sells its shares in TATA Motors
German auto major Daimler, which holds a 5.34% stake in Indian automobile giant Tata Motors, is soon expected to sell its entire stake, consisting of nearly 2.56 crore shares. At the current market price, Daimler's stake is valued at about Rs 2,050 crore (nearly $450 million).
However, institutional broking sources said Daimler is planning to sell the shares at some discount to the current market price. On Monday, Tata Motors shares on the BSE ended at Rs 797, marginally up 0.2% over Friday's closing price.
Market sources pegged the price discount between 4-7%, i.e. in a range of Rs 737 and Rs 761 per share. At the upper end of the price band, the total deal could be worth nearly Rs 1,950 crore (about $427 million). Citigroup was handling the issue. A Daimler official declined to comment on the reported share sale and a Tata Motors spokeswoman did not offer any comment.
However, institutional broking sources said Daimler is planning to sell the shares at some discount to the current market price. On Monday, Tata Motors shares on the BSE ended at Rs 797, marginally up 0.2% over Friday's closing price.
Market sources pegged the price discount between 4-7%, i.e. in a range of Rs 737 and Rs 761 per share. At the upper end of the price band, the total deal could be worth nearly Rs 1,950 crore (about $427 million). Citigroup was handling the issue. A Daimler official declined to comment on the reported share sale and a Tata Motors spokeswoman did not offer any comment.
UN appoints Marie Orler as Police advisor for peacekeeping Ops
Marking International Women's Day, UN Chief Ban Ki-moon has appointed Ann-Marie Orler as Police Adviser for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, which makes her the first woman to hold the top rank.
"Now, the United Nation's top cop is a woman. That is a wonderful way to celebrate International Women's Day," Ban told journalists here yesterday.
"Gender equality and women's empowerment are among my top priorities. Women are central to the Millennium Development Goals and all our hopes for progress and peace and stability and human rights," he noted.
Orler worked with the Swedish National Police for almost 20 years before joining the United Nations, and has served as UN's Deputy Police Adviser since 2008.
"Now, the United Nation's top cop is a woman. That is a wonderful way to celebrate International Women's Day," Ban told journalists here yesterday.
"Gender equality and women's empowerment are among my top priorities. Women are central to the Millennium Development Goals and all our hopes for progress and peace and stability and human rights," he noted.
Orler worked with the Swedish National Police for almost 20 years before joining the United Nations, and has served as UN's Deputy Police Adviser since 2008.
Reliance Mobile lauches 3G ready app 'Socially' .
Reliance has launched a 3G ready application called "Socially" for phones using its network. The application, now accessible via Reliance's RWorld portal, allows users to post simultaneous status updates over multiple social networks. The "supported networks" include Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Socially also shows up-to-date social information of the caller during an incoming call and collates significant events across social networks and pushes them as alerts on select smartphones supporting the application, enabling users to have better conversations.
Socially also shows up-to-date social information of the caller during an incoming call and collates significant events across social networks and pushes them as alerts on select smartphones supporting the application, enabling users to have better conversations.
Nexus One sales forecast down
Google's plan to release its own mobile phone - the Nexus One - seems to have backfired as sales estimates have been slashed.
Such was the hype around the search giant's own phone that some analysts predicted that the Nexus One would sell 3.5m units in its first year.
But the lack of marketing around the phone (coupled with the fact the HTC Desire is essentially the same device with greater functionality) means that investment bank Goldman Sachs has dramatically reduced its estimates.
"We previously estimated that Google might sell 3.5 million Nexus One units in 2010," said the firm, according to ZDNet.
Such was the hype around the search giant's own phone that some analysts predicted that the Nexus One would sell 3.5m units in its first year.
But the lack of marketing around the phone (coupled with the fact the HTC Desire is essentially the same device with greater functionality) means that investment bank Goldman Sachs has dramatically reduced its estimates.
"We previously estimated that Google might sell 3.5 million Nexus One units in 2010," said the firm, according to ZDNet.
MNS workers Vandalised Airtel showrooms in Mumbai
Some might find it an odd sort of commemoration, but vandalizing two Airtel showrooms is what Raj Thackeray's men did on Tuesday, on the fourth birthday of their party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Raj Thackeray addressed MNS workers on Tuesday morning. Hours later, they attacked Airtel showrooms in Mumbai and Thane because Airtel does not use Marathi in its pre-recorded messages for customers.
Thackeray, in his speech, said Airtel had been warned to switch to Marathi for their Interactive Voice Reponse (IVR) messages - the pre-recorded messages customers hear e.g. Dial 1 for Account Update.
Raj Thackeray addressed MNS workers on Tuesday morning. Hours later, they attacked Airtel showrooms in Mumbai and Thane because Airtel does not use Marathi in its pre-recorded messages for customers.
Thackeray, in his speech, said Airtel had been warned to switch to Marathi for their Interactive Voice Reponse (IVR) messages - the pre-recorded messages customers hear e.g. Dial 1 for Account Update.
Women's bill - most wanted , PM thank Oppn gor supporting the bill
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on the Women's Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the bill "is a historic and giant step towards empowering women and a celebration of their rights."
He added, "Women are facing discrimination at home, there's domestic violence, unequal access to health and education. This has to end."
Manmohan Singh congratulated the Opposition for supporting the Bill.
The Prime Minister also apologised to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Hamid Ansari, for the unruly behaviour on Monday of MPs from parties opposed to the bill. They had grabbed mics, and torn up copies of the bill which they threw at Ansari. Seven MPs were suspended on Tuesday for this, but said they are not sorry.
He added, "Women are facing discrimination at home, there's domestic violence, unequal access to health and education. This has to end."
Manmohan Singh congratulated the Opposition for supporting the Bill.
The Prime Minister also apologised to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Hamid Ansari, for the unruly behaviour on Monday of MPs from parties opposed to the bill. They had grabbed mics, and torn up copies of the bill which they threw at Ansari. Seven MPs were suspended on Tuesday for this, but said they are not sorry.
Pak sponsored 26/11 mumbai attacks - Nikam
Describing the 26/11 attacks as a “classic case of state-sponsored terrorism”, the prosecution on Tuesday opened its final arguments and pin-pointed the role of Pakistani Army establishment behind the November 26-29, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and revealed that the Lashkar-e-Toiba fidayeens were taught the al-Qaeda manual.
“State actors from the security apparatus of Pakistan were behind the attacks,” Nikam told Additional Sessions Judge M L Tahaliyani in presence of Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil and Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe, who had come down to the Arthur Road Jail especially to witness the opening address of the prosecutor. The statement of Nikam assumes importance in the wake of the fact that Pakistan has denied involvement of “state actors” and have refused to arrest LeT founder and Jamaat-ud-Dawa boss Hafeez Saeed.
“State actors from the security apparatus of Pakistan were behind the attacks,” Nikam told Additional Sessions Judge M L Tahaliyani in presence of Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil and Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe, who had come down to the Arthur Road Jail especially to witness the opening address of the prosecutor. The statement of Nikam assumes importance in the wake of the fact that Pakistan has denied involvement of “state actors” and have refused to arrest LeT founder and Jamaat-ud-Dawa boss Hafeez Saeed.
Google tests its new engine to Search Tv progrmmes
Internet search giant Google is testing a new TV programming search service with satellite television operator Dish Network Corp, a move
that would allow users to find content from television and the Web.
Attributing to people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reported Google is testing a new TV programming search service with Dish Network Corp.
The report said the service, which runs on TV set-top boxes containing Google software, allows users to find shows on the satellite TV service as well as video from websites like YouTube.
It also allow users to personalise the line-up of shows.
that would allow users to find content from television and the Web.
Attributing to people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reported Google is testing a new TV programming search service with Dish Network Corp.
The report said the service, which runs on TV set-top boxes containing Google software, allows users to find shows on the satellite TV service as well as video from websites like YouTube.
It also allow users to personalise the line-up of shows.
Self charging Handsets to be real in Future - Nokia
Experts have come up with a cellphone that can recharge its own battery by harvesting energy from the owner's motion.
The self-charging handset by Nokia, who has already filed for a US patent, was predicted to work with heavier components, such as the radio transmitter circuit and battery, supported on a sturdy frame.
The frame apparently could shift along two sets of rails, allowing it travel up and down and side to side, New Scientist reported.
Each rail apparently hosted strips of piezoelectric crystals at its end, capable of generating a current when compressed by the frame such that motion, by the user or the movement of the phone, generates electricity.
That in turn charged a capacitor and subsequently the battery, boosting the charge.
The self-charging handset by Nokia, who has already filed for a US patent, was predicted to work with heavier components, such as the radio transmitter circuit and battery, supported on a sturdy frame.
The frame apparently could shift along two sets of rails, allowing it travel up and down and side to side, New Scientist reported.
Each rail apparently hosted strips of piezoelectric crystals at its end, capable of generating a current when compressed by the frame such that motion, by the user or the movement of the phone, generates electricity.
That in turn charged a capacitor and subsequently the battery, boosting the charge.
Telangana delay - a reason for suicides in Andhra
Desperate over the delay in formation of a Telangana state, another student of the Osmania University committed suicide on Tuesday.
Sai Kumar, a second year B. Tech student, ended his life by hanging in his hostel room in the campus. A suicide note purported to have been written by him said he was taking the extreme step as he was upset over the delay.
Police said some hostel inmates saw Sai Kumar hanging from the ceiling fan. Kumar, who hailed from Nalgonda district, was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Sai Kumar, a second year B. Tech student, ended his life by hanging in his hostel room in the campus. A suicide note purported to have been written by him said he was taking the extreme step as he was upset over the delay.
Police said some hostel inmates saw Sai Kumar hanging from the ceiling fan. Kumar, who hailed from Nalgonda district, was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Search Engines - faster & efficient .
For all those who use Google to search the web, and most of us probably do, here's a quick question. Have you ever hit the "I'm feeling lucky button" on the search engine and accessed the results? For the uninitiated, the button takes you directly to the number one result your query fetched. Whether it's the answer you were searching for depends entirely on your luck – hence the "I am feeling lucky" tag. Ironically, this is true of most web search results today.
Search engines may be speedy but are they precise enough? "Not necessarily. There is still a lot of confusion there," says usability professional, Manish Sinha, whose work involves providing suggestions to websites to improve the user's browsing experience. Sinha says that ambiguity creeps in because a user gets results that largely depend on the keywords used. "For example, if you type in windows, the results would range from the Microsoft software to the windows in homes. Similarly, if you type Paris, the search could show the city as well as Hilton, the socialite."
Search engines may be speedy but are they precise enough? "Not necessarily. There is still a lot of confusion there," says usability professional, Manish Sinha, whose work involves providing suggestions to websites to improve the user's browsing experience. Sinha says that ambiguity creeps in because a user gets results that largely depend on the keywords used. "For example, if you type in windows, the results would range from the Microsoft software to the windows in homes. Similarly, if you type Paris, the search could show the city as well as Hilton, the socialite."
Operators oppose TRAI's move to charge for Number
Telecom operators, including the PSUs BSNL and MTNL, have opposed the TRAI move to charge a price for allocating new numbers, saying an additional levy is totally unwarranted.
Sectoral regulator TRAI’s main reason behind suggesting a price on allocating new numbers is that the numbers are not being efficiently utilised and it feels a price can make the operators not to dole out numbers to lure more customers. It has also sought opinion on the methods of pricing.
The existing National Numbering Plan was formulated for a projected forecast 450 million mobile and 300 million basic subscribers. Due to the tremendous growth in subscriber numbers, the plan has fallen way short of designed capacity in case of mobile numbering resources as the current subscriber base is more than 550 million.
Sectoral regulator TRAI’s main reason behind suggesting a price on allocating new numbers is that the numbers are not being efficiently utilised and it feels a price can make the operators not to dole out numbers to lure more customers. It has also sought opinion on the methods of pricing.
The existing National Numbering Plan was formulated for a projected forecast 450 million mobile and 300 million basic subscribers. Due to the tremendous growth in subscriber numbers, the plan has fallen way short of designed capacity in case of mobile numbering resources as the current subscriber base is more than 550 million.
Bt Cotton failed to control PESTS - Monsanto field study
In what is bound to strengthen environment minister Jairam Ramesh's stand that GM crop technology should be handled with precaution, Monsanto on Friday admitted that its Bt cotton variety had failed to control pests in four districts of Gujarat.
Monsanto said that during field monitoring in 2009, the Bt cotton variety used in four Gujarat districts — Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagarh and Rajkot — was found to attract the pink bollworm, a major pest that attacks cotton plantations.
Monsanto said that during field monitoring in 2009, the Bt cotton variety used in four Gujarat districts — Amreli, Bhavnagar, Junagarh and Rajkot — was found to attract the pink bollworm, a major pest that attacks cotton plantations.
GroundWater ,a serious concern for Indians by 2020- World Bk report
With the growing number of aquifers in India reaching unsustainable levels of exploitation, about 60% of them will be in a critical condition within 20 years if the current trend continues, says a World Bank report released on Friday.
This will have serious implications on the sustenance of agriculture, long-term food security, livelihoods and economic growth. Over a quarter of the country’s harvest is estimated to be at risk.
The World Bank in its findings called, “Report on Deep Wells and Prudence: Towards Pragmatic Action for addressing Groundwater Overexploitation in India”, has called for an urgent need to change the status quo.
This will have serious implications on the sustenance of agriculture, long-term food security, livelihoods and economic growth. Over a quarter of the country’s harvest is estimated to be at risk.
The World Bank in its findings called, “Report on Deep Wells and Prudence: Towards Pragmatic Action for addressing Groundwater Overexploitation in India”, has called for an urgent need to change the status quo.
AI to operate a long haul flight will all women crew on Women's Day
On the occasion of Women's Day on Monday, Air India will make history, deploying an all-women pilot team on the ultra long haul, non-stop flight (AI-141) from Mumbai to New York.
The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft will be operated by a double set of all-women crew, supported by women of the National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL), the holding company of AI.
Captain Rashmi Miranda and Captain Sunita Narula will be the commanders, and Captain Swati Rawal and Captain Neha Kulkarni First Officers on the 14-hour flight. Mrs. Harpreet A De Singh will carry out a line observation safety audit; the flight will be despatched by Nandita Deshpande and the load and trim sheet will be prepared by Ferzin Kuruvilla.
The Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft will be operated by a double set of all-women crew, supported by women of the National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL), the holding company of AI.
Captain Rashmi Miranda and Captain Sunita Narula will be the commanders, and Captain Swati Rawal and Captain Neha Kulkarni First Officers on the 14-hour flight. Mrs. Harpreet A De Singh will carry out a line observation safety audit; the flight will be despatched by Nandita Deshpande and the load and trim sheet will be prepared by Ferzin Kuruvilla.
Stars urge BBC to relook on the closing of its Asian radio station matter
Jay Sean, Shilpa Shetty and Amir Khan were among a host of stars who urged the BBC Saturday to drop plans to close the Asian Network radio station.
Hip-hop artist Sean, Bollywood actress Shetty and world light welterweight boxing champion Khan said a key outlet for South Asian talent would be "tragically lost" if the station closed down.
They were among 158 public figures who made the plea in a joint letter to The Guardian.
"We are writing to express our profound shock at the BBC director general Mark Thompson's proposals to close down the BBC Asian Network as a national station," the signatories said.
Hip-hop artist Sean, Bollywood actress Shetty and world light welterweight boxing champion Khan said a key outlet for South Asian talent would be "tragically lost" if the station closed down.
They were among 158 public figures who made the plea in a joint letter to The Guardian.
"We are writing to express our profound shock at the BBC director general Mark Thompson's proposals to close down the BBC Asian Network as a national station," the signatories said.
Its now US to improve relations with us - Chinese Foreign Ministry
China said Sunday that it is up to the United States to improve relations that soured over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and a meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama.
Despite the tough line, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China's newly assertive diplomacy is simply an attempt to safeguard its core interests and shouldn't be interpreted as combativeness.
Beijing was incensed by Washington's January announcement of a $6.4 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the self-governing island it considers Chinese territory. Beijing suspended military exchanges and has threatened to retaliate against U.S. aerospace firms involved in the deal.
Despite the tough line, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China's newly assertive diplomacy is simply an attempt to safeguard its core interests and shouldn't be interpreted as combativeness.
Beijing was incensed by Washington's January announcement of a $6.4 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the self-governing island it considers Chinese territory. Beijing suspended military exchanges and has threatened to retaliate against U.S. aerospace firms involved in the deal.
Obama's mission to reduce N-Weapons
US President Barack Obama has pledged to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and curtail their role in his country’s national security strategy, even while maintaining a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.
In a statement to mark the 40th anniversary of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Obama also said that his administration would seek ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the US Senate and negotiate a treaty to end the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons.
“Our forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review will move beyond outdated Cold War thinking and reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, even as we maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,” he said.
In a statement to mark the 40th anniversary of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, Obama also said that his administration would seek ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by the US Senate and negotiate a treaty to end the production of fissile material for use in nuclear weapons.
“Our forthcoming Nuclear Posture Review will move beyond outdated Cold War thinking and reduce the number and role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, even as we maintain a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,” he said.
Four police officers in Pakistan have been sacked over their handling of the kidnap of a five-year-old British boy.
Sahil Saeed, from Oldham, was snatched by armed robbers on Wednesday while visiting relatives with his father.
But the police did not initially respond to the family's emergency call to "Rescue 15", the Pakistani equivalent of 999.
Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik met with Sahil's father and said he hoped the boy would be recovered soon.
But the police did not initially respond to the family's emergency call to "Rescue 15", the Pakistani equivalent of 999.
Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik met with Sahil's father and said he hoped the boy would be recovered soon.
Nithyanandha in Varanasi , will return on March 18
Even as speculation continues over the whereabouts of Swami Nithyananda, who is at the centre of a controversy now, his lawyer on Friday claimed that the godman had not absconded but was in Varanasi. “He is attending the Kumbh Mela, along with 4,000 devotees from world over, and is scheduled to return on March 18,” M Shreedhar, who is representing the godman in Madras High Court, told .
Asked about Nithyananda’s association with the woman seen with him in the video that had created a furore, Shreedhar said the film star started visiting the ashram to overcome depression caused by a failed marriage and soon became a devotee of the swami. Nithyananda was seen in a compromising position with the actress in the video aired by a Tamil TV channel recently.
Asked about Nithyananda’s association with the woman seen with him in the video that had created a furore, Shreedhar said the film star started visiting the ashram to overcome depression caused by a failed marriage and soon became a devotee of the swami. Nithyananda was seen in a compromising position with the actress in the video aired by a Tamil TV channel recently.
Nirupama Rao on 3 day visit to SriLanka
Visiting Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao called on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa here on Sunday and exchanged views on whole range of issues of mutual interest to both the counties in general and the ongoing rehabilitation and resettlement of the nearly three lakh Tamil civilians displaced during the war between the Sri Lankan forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the course of the 34 month war (July 2006 to May 2009) in particular.
Ms. Rao is here on a three day visit on the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government to the island nation for interaction with her interlocutors on a wide range of issues of mutual interest to both the counties. Her visit comes days after the External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna told Rajya Sabha in a written answer that the war in the island nation is over but the search for a political settlement continues.
Ms. Rao is here on a three day visit on the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government to the island nation for interaction with her interlocutors on a wide range of issues of mutual interest to both the counties. Her visit comes days after the External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna told Rajya Sabha in a written answer that the war in the island nation is over but the search for a political settlement continues.
Pak says India didn't ask for the arrest of Saeed over Mumbai attack connection
Expressing ‘surprise’ over Pakistan's claim that the issue of arrest of Hafiz Saeed, one of the 26/11 masterminds, was not taken up during Foreign Secretary- level talks, India said on Sunday that it has been demanding action against him since the barbaric and dastardly attacks in Mumbai and the matter was raised ‘strongly’ during the parleys.
"Saeed's activities including his recent vitriolic and venomous statements aimed at fomenting further acts of terrorism against India and the unhindered public space and freedom he enjoys in Pakistan was raised strongly by India during the Foreign Secretary-level talks," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in a statement here.
Talking to reporters in Multan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had claimed that India never demanded the arrest of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Saeed nor discussed the issue at the talks between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir here on February 25.
"Saeed's activities including his recent vitriolic and venomous statements aimed at fomenting further acts of terrorism against India and the unhindered public space and freedom he enjoys in Pakistan was raised strongly by India during the Foreign Secretary-level talks," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in a statement here.
Talking to reporters in Multan, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had claimed that India never demanded the arrest of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Saeed nor discussed the issue at the talks between Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir here on February 25.
Maya Govt has no money to offer to Victims & no legal action taken yet
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may have announced Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the Pratapgarh ashram but Mayawati, the Chief Minister of the state where the accident happened says she has no money to offer to the victims.
Rs 2000 crore have been spent on building the statues of Dalit icons, but there is no money to help those who died in the Pratapgarh stampede.
In a press release issued on Friday night the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state will not be able to provide compensation to the victims due to financial constraints.
Rs 2000 crore have been spent on building the statues of Dalit icons, but there is no money to help those who died in the Pratapgarh stampede.
In a press release issued on Friday night the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state will not be able to provide compensation to the victims due to financial constraints.
ISRO tests its New Gen GSLV for its flight scheduled by end of 2011
The long-duration test-firing of the core stage of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV- Mark III) (for about 200 seconds) at Mahendragiri near Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu was stopped on Friday evening after 150 seconds owing to a deviation in one of the parameters, said an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The core stage, powered by 110 tonnes of liquid propellants, is called L-110.
The test took place at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
ISRO officials said the data from the test was being analysed to find out why the deviation occurred.
The core stage, powered by 110 tonnes of liquid propellants, is called L-110.
The test took place at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
ISRO officials said the data from the test was being analysed to find out why the deviation occurred.
23 yr old Man of Indian origin held for death of child in Melbounre
A 23-year-old man of Indian origin was charged on Sunday with the death of Indian boy Gurshan Singh Channa, whose body was found far away from his home in this Australian city, a media report said.
Dhillon Gursewak has been charged with manslaughter due to criminal negligence, Australian news agency reported.
Gursewak is not a relative but he lived in the same house in David Street where Gurshan stayed with his parents visiting from Punjab.
Gurshan was found dead on Wildwood Road on Thursday night after a massive search after his parents complained that the boy had gone missing. The body was found about 20 km away.
Dhillon Gursewak has been charged with manslaughter due to criminal negligence, Australian news agency reported.
Gursewak is not a relative but he lived in the same house in David Street where Gurshan stayed with his parents visiting from Punjab.
Gurshan was found dead on Wildwood Road on Thursday night after a massive search after his parents complained that the boy had gone missing. The body was found about 20 km away.
MCOCA invoked against Godman arrested in Delhi
Delhi police today invoked provisions under stringent MCOCA against a self-styled Godman recently arrested on charges of running a multi-crore prostitution racket in the national capital.
"We have invoked the provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Shiv Murat Dwivedi," DCP (south) HGS Dhaliwal said.
39-year-old Dwivedi alias Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale, who had set up a temple in south Delhi's Khanpur, was arrested along with a man and six women, including two airhostesses, on charges of prostitution.
"We have invoked the provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Shiv Murat Dwivedi," DCP (south) HGS Dhaliwal said.
39-year-old Dwivedi alias Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale, who had set up a temple in south Delhi's Khanpur, was arrested along with a man and six women, including two airhostesses, on charges of prostitution.
Respect the views of victims of Rape - CJI
Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan on Sunday said that judges, lawyers and social activists should give "due regard" to the wishes of a rape victim if she chooses to marry the rapist or have the baby conceived from the crime.
"Judges, lawyers and social activists should also ensure that they do not take an overtly paternalistic approach when they have to make decisions for the welfare of rape victims," he said at a seminar in Delhi.
"Due regard must be given to their personal autonomy since in some cases the victim may choose to marry the perpetrator or choose to give birth to a child conceived through forced intercourse," he said.
"Judges, lawyers and social activists should also ensure that they do not take an overtly paternalistic approach when they have to make decisions for the welfare of rape victims," he said at a seminar in Delhi.
"Due regard must be given to their personal autonomy since in some cases the victim may choose to marry the perpetrator or choose to give birth to a child conceived through forced intercourse," he said.
Infy in trouble in Chandigarh SEZ develpoment
IT major Infosys has landed in trouble over alleged violation of norms in connection with the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) land it is developing in Chandigarh.
As per the established norms, the SEZ land should be vacant for getting approval. But there were some structures on Infosys' SEZ land even before the approval, alleged the revenue department in the Finance Ministry.
"Land was not vacant, some structures were there. Investigation has come up. Information has been sought," a senior CBEC is quoted as saying.
As per the established norms, the SEZ land should be vacant for getting approval. But there were some structures on Infosys' SEZ land even before the approval, alleged the revenue department in the Finance Ministry.
"Land was not vacant, some structures were there. Investigation has come up. Information has been sought," a senior CBEC is quoted as saying.
Pak will use the Modern arms provided to it by US for its Internal security - Pak spokesman
Pakistan has rejected India’s concerns regarding the sophisticated armaments being provided to it by the United States, saying the country’s military doctrine is purely defensive in nature.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit instead blamed India of ‘massive militarisation’ describing it as a threat for the region.
"It is India’s dangerous military doctrines and massive militarisation that are matters of huge concern for regional stability whereas Pakistan has always acted to protect its legitimate security interests. Our military doctrine is purely defensive in nature,” The News quoted Basit, as saying.
Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit instead blamed India of ‘massive militarisation’ describing it as a threat for the region.
"It is India’s dangerous military doctrines and massive militarisation that are matters of huge concern for regional stability whereas Pakistan has always acted to protect its legitimate security interests. Our military doctrine is purely defensive in nature,” The News quoted Basit, as saying.
Nithyananda's Disciple provides more of His guru's leela's in Ashram
In the latest development in the Swami Nithyananda's scandal, a disciple, Nithya Premananda, alias Lenin Karuppan, who admitted to leaking out the tape, has been provided police security.
According to Times of India report, Lenin has sought protection from Nithyananda's disciples, whom he alleged were attempting to eliminate him.
The scandal broke out on Tuesday night, Mar 2, after a television channel telecast a tape, showing the long-haired godman in a sexual romp with a Tamil actress.
According to Times of India report, Lenin has sought protection from Nithyananda's disciples, whom he alleged were attempting to eliminate him.
The scandal broke out on Tuesday night, Mar 2, after a television channel telecast a tape, showing the long-haired godman in a sexual romp with a Tamil actress.
Passport Seva - a gift to applicants , a curse to officials
If long queues outside shoddy passport offices gives you the jitters and, the thought of brokers and touts stops you from getting your passport by right, here is some good news for passport seekers.
Getting a passport will soon be hastle free with the revolutionisation of the current process, which at best, can be described as arduous.
It is learnt that External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who hails from IT city Bangalore and, is very tech savvy, is walking that extra mile to facilitate the implementation of the landmark Passport Sewa E- Governance initiative.
Sevety-seven hi-tech state-of-the-art IT-enabled Passport Sewa offices are likely to come up across the country under the new initiative.
Krishna recently inspected two such centers in Bangalore.
Getting a passport will soon be hastle free with the revolutionisation of the current process, which at best, can be described as arduous.
It is learnt that External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who hails from IT city Bangalore and, is very tech savvy, is walking that extra mile to facilitate the implementation of the landmark Passport Sewa E- Governance initiative.
Sevety-seven hi-tech state-of-the-art IT-enabled Passport Sewa offices are likely to come up across the country under the new initiative.
Krishna recently inspected two such centers in Bangalore.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tata Indicom started a Charter to Pay back Customers if they are not satisfied with a particular Service
Tata Teleservices (TTSL) has come up with a industry-first, ‘Customr Service Charter’ initiative wherein the company guarantees pre-determined levels of service and support and which also includes a compensation clause to pay back subscribers if they do not feel that the set levels have been met.
The offer presently is available only to TTSL’s CDMA subscribers under the Tata Indicom brand.
TTSL says that it aims to differentiate itself from competitors in terms of customer service.
The Charter includes five salient propositions identified by TTSL namely The Bill Dispute Commitment, The Call Drop Commitment, The Handset Replacement Commitment, The VAS Commitment and The Call-Back Commitment.
The offer presently is available only to TTSL’s CDMA subscribers under the Tata Indicom brand.
TTSL says that it aims to differentiate itself from competitors in terms of customer service.
The Charter includes five salient propositions identified by TTSL namely The Bill Dispute Commitment, The Call Drop Commitment, The Handset Replacement Commitment, The VAS Commitment and The Call-Back Commitment.
Tata DoCoMo in Gujrat Now
Tata Teleservices today launched its GSM services offered under TATA DOCOMO brand name in Gujarat circle.
The company has positioned the tariff for its services under the “Pay-for-what-you-use” model which includes per-second pulse tariff structure.
“The value proposition offered by TATA-DOCOMO is a unique and revolutionary idea which symbolizes the spirit of innovation and inventive genius. This launch is truly a moment of triumph for the consumer. The launch of the pay-per-use concept by TATA-DOCOMO will create a paradigm shift in the overall telecom experience for the customer and provide a service that is refreshingly different,” said Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons.
The company has positioned the tariff for its services under the “Pay-for-what-you-use” model which includes per-second pulse tariff structure.
“The value proposition offered by TATA-DOCOMO is a unique and revolutionary idea which symbolizes the spirit of innovation and inventive genius. This launch is truly a moment of triumph for the consumer. The launch of the pay-per-use concept by TATA-DOCOMO will create a paradigm shift in the overall telecom experience for the customer and provide a service that is refreshingly different,” said Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons.
MicroMax launches its New handset C112 in partnership Tata Indicom
Micromax mobile has rolled out its new handset C112. Micromax has partnered with Tata Indicom offering for its prepaid customers Tata Indicom connection free of cost along with 200 minutes of talk-time with per second billing option.
Subscribers also have a choice of recharging with a RCV of Rs. 38 as many times they want till May 31, 2010. The validity for each installment of promotional talk-time is 30 days.
C112 is a basic handset which is equipped with 1.44 inch screen with 65k colours. The handset weighs only 70gms. The phone is vaunts FM Radio receiver with features like 20 channels and scheduled FM recording. It also comes with a Hindi keypad, a calendar and a mobile tracker.
The handset has a CDMA band (800 Mhz). The Dimensions of the handset are 107*47*12.57. The handset is incorporated with five way navigation key, talk time up to three hours and standby up to five days.
Other features of the handset include:
• Games
• Phonebook Memory – 500
• SMS Memory – 300
• speakerphone
• SMS
Micromax C112 comes with an affordable price tag of Rs. 1699.
Subscribers also have a choice of recharging with a RCV of Rs. 38 as many times they want till May 31, 2010. The validity for each installment of promotional talk-time is 30 days.
C112 is a basic handset which is equipped with 1.44 inch screen with 65k colours. The handset weighs only 70gms. The phone is vaunts FM Radio receiver with features like 20 channels and scheduled FM recording. It also comes with a Hindi keypad, a calendar and a mobile tracker.
The handset has a CDMA band (800 Mhz). The Dimensions of the handset are 107*47*12.57. The handset is incorporated with five way navigation key, talk time up to three hours and standby up to five days.
Other features of the handset include:
• Games
• Phonebook Memory – 500
• SMS Memory – 300
• speakerphone
• SMS
Micromax C112 comes with an affordable price tag of Rs. 1699.
IPL licesed rights to transmit over Mobile platform to vRock
Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's largest cricket league, on Thursday licensed the exclusive rights for its transmission over various mobile platforms across the world.
This move will curtail a revenue stream for the telecom companies, which were offering IPL updates to their customers for a fee.
Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of IPL said the league has partnered with Gurgaon-based vRock Mobile Communications (vRock Mobile) for taking the events and news related to the third edition of IPL to mobile subscribers.
This move will curtail a revenue stream for the telecom companies, which were offering IPL updates to their customers for a fee.
Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of IPL said the league has partnered with Gurgaon-based vRock Mobile Communications (vRock Mobile) for taking the events and news related to the third edition of IPL to mobile subscribers.
Google's Transit to help Commuters of Delhi Metro
Anyone who’s commuted in Delhi knows it’s nothing to blink at. Hour long traffic jams, choking fumes and an endless sea of cyclists, pedestrians, motorbikes, panhandlers, buses, cows, cars and carts make getting around India’s sprawling capital a challenge for even the best equipped. So when the first section of the Delhi metro opened in December 2002, it was hailed by residents as a welcome step towards a pleasant commute.
That being said, even with the construction of the metro, a city as big and ever changing as Delhi makes figuring out how to get from point A to B without asking several passersby (most of whom are likely to be as confused as you are) a challenge – particularly for tourists or those new to the city. That’s why Google Transit, a partnership between Google and Delhi Metro comes as a welcome announcement.
That being said, even with the construction of the metro, a city as big and ever changing as Delhi makes figuring out how to get from point A to B without asking several passersby (most of whom are likely to be as confused as you are) a challenge – particularly for tourists or those new to the city. That’s why Google Transit, a partnership between Google and Delhi Metro comes as a welcome announcement.
Bajaj & Nissan in talks for Ultra low cost Car
A day after Japanese auto major Nissan confessed that it has not found an engineering solution for its proposed 'ultra low-cost car' for India, its partner Bajaj Auto today said the small car project is going on as per the plan.
"The partners are aligned to the project and to the agreed objectives. The project is proceeding as planned," Bajaj Auto Vice-President (Business Development) S Ravikumar said in statement.
The Bajaj comments come in response to a statement made by Nissan Motor executive vice-president Collin Dodge that neither it nor Bajaj Auto has found engineering solutions for the proposed ultra low-cost car.
Nissan and its French partner Renault had joined hands with Bajaj Auto in 2008 to manufacture an ultra low-cost car, whose price tag it initially estimated at $2,500.
"It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are lot of engineering solutions required," Dodge said on the sidelines of the ongoing Geneva Motor Show yesterday.
He also confirmed that Nissan is talking to the Hindujas flagship Ashok Leyland for developing a small car for the global markets that could be priced around $4,500-5,000.
In response, Ravikumar said Nissan's two Indian projects--with Bajaj Auto and Ashok Leyland--are different and non-conflicting.
"The partners are aligned to the project and to the agreed objectives. The project is proceeding as planned," Bajaj Auto Vice-President (Business Development) S Ravikumar said in statement.
The Bajaj comments come in response to a statement made by Nissan Motor executive vice-president Collin Dodge that neither it nor Bajaj Auto has found engineering solutions for the proposed ultra low-cost car.
Nissan and its French partner Renault had joined hands with Bajaj Auto in 2008 to manufacture an ultra low-cost car, whose price tag it initially estimated at $2,500.
"It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are lot of engineering solutions required," Dodge said on the sidelines of the ongoing Geneva Motor Show yesterday.
He also confirmed that Nissan is talking to the Hindujas flagship Ashok Leyland for developing a small car for the global markets that could be priced around $4,500-5,000.
In response, Ravikumar said Nissan's two Indian projects--with Bajaj Auto and Ashok Leyland--are different and non-conflicting.
Essar oil's CBM holds double the amount of Gas than estimated
Essar Oil's coal bed methane (CBM) blocks hold about 7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable gas resources, more than double the previous estimate, which may be worth over $4 billion at current prices.
"Essar's exploration and production business is set to become a major wealth creator for Essar Oil," the company, which engaged independent consultants to assess reserves in the acreage it holds, said in a filing to the stock exchanges.
Renowned international consultants, Netherland Sewell and Associates Inc and RPS Energy and Advanced Resources Inc of US have certified an aggregate in-place gas resources below coal seams (CBM) of 15 Tcf and recoverable CBM resources of around 7 Tcf in its Raniganj, Rajmahal and Mehsana blocks.
"Essar's exploration and production business is set to become a major wealth creator for Essar Oil," the company, which engaged independent consultants to assess reserves in the acreage it holds, said in a filing to the stock exchanges.
Renowned international consultants, Netherland Sewell and Associates Inc and RPS Energy and Advanced Resources Inc of US have certified an aggregate in-place gas resources below coal seams (CBM) of 15 Tcf and recoverable CBM resources of around 7 Tcf in its Raniganj, Rajmahal and Mehsana blocks.
Indian Cos to hike the salaries this yr
Double-digit salary hikes are likely to be back this year in India with employees expecting an average hike of 10.6% in 2010, the highest in the Asia Pacific, according to a survey conducted by HR consulting firm Hewitt Associates.
The average salary increments had shrunk to just around 6% last year (from around 15% in 2007) as the economic slowdown hit India Inc’s bottomlines.
According to the survey, while the overall average in India will be around 10.6%, Indian-owned companies are expected to outperform multinationals this year, offering better salary hikes. Indian companies are expected to give an average salary hike of about 11.4%, compared to MNCs, which are likely to give hikes of around 10.2%.
“Organisations in India are positive and are looking at measured, realistic growth,” points out Hewitt Associates leader of performance & rewards consulting practice in India Sandeep Chaudhary.
The average salary increments had shrunk to just around 6% last year (from around 15% in 2007) as the economic slowdown hit India Inc’s bottomlines.
According to the survey, while the overall average in India will be around 10.6%, Indian-owned companies are expected to outperform multinationals this year, offering better salary hikes. Indian companies are expected to give an average salary hike of about 11.4%, compared to MNCs, which are likely to give hikes of around 10.2%.
“Organisations in India are positive and are looking at measured, realistic growth,” points out Hewitt Associates leader of performance & rewards consulting practice in India Sandeep Chaudhary.
ANZ banking to reopen its operations in India
Ten years after selling off its business in India, Middle East and other parts of South Asia, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Banking
Group received an in-principle approval from RBI to open a branch in India. To start with, Australia’s largest lender plans to kick off corporate banking to the top-tier corporates and financial institutions, which will be followed by retail banking for the higher end of the market.
StanChart had taken over ANZ operations in the Middle-East and South Asia and the associated private banking business of Grindlays for $1.34 billion in 2000. This amount also included a goodwill amount of $700 million. Incidentally, when the operations were sold, ANZ Grindlays had 29 branches in 15 cities in India while StanChart had 19 branches in eight cities.
Group received an in-principle approval from RBI to open a branch in India. To start with, Australia’s largest lender plans to kick off corporate banking to the top-tier corporates and financial institutions, which will be followed by retail banking for the higher end of the market.
StanChart had taken over ANZ operations in the Middle-East and South Asia and the associated private banking business of Grindlays for $1.34 billion in 2000. This amount also included a goodwill amount of $700 million. Incidentally, when the operations were sold, ANZ Grindlays had 29 branches in 15 cities in India while StanChart had 19 branches in eight cities.
ZiCom to restruct its business model
Zicom Electronic Security Systems surged 16% to Rs 131, after the company announced strategic restructuring in its business model.
The stock opened at Rs 113 and touched 52-week high of Rs 134. As many as 1.58 million shares have changed hands so far on the BSE, as compared to an average 83,000 shares that were traded in last two weeks.
Zicom has signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Schneider Electric for the integration of business comprising Building Solutions Group (BSG) and Special Projects Group (SPG) business that caters to institutional and government markets. The total consideration for the sale is for an amount not higher than Rs 224.75 crore.
The stock opened at Rs 113 and touched 52-week high of Rs 134. As many as 1.58 million shares have changed hands so far on the BSE, as compared to an average 83,000 shares that were traded in last two weeks.
Zicom has signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Schneider Electric for the integration of business comprising Building Solutions Group (BSG) and Special Projects Group (SPG) business that caters to institutional and government markets. The total consideration for the sale is for an amount not higher than Rs 224.75 crore.
Senate passes Jobs bill
After stalling briefly, the Democrats' jobs agenda regained momentum on Thursday as the House passed one measure designed to boost employment and the Senate pressed forward on a more ambitious bill that is expected to come to a vote next week.
The House voted 217 to 201 to approve a $15 billion measure that would give tax breaks to companies for hiring new employees. Six Republicans joined the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, which also includes a one-year reauthorization of the law governing federal highway funding, as well as an expansion of the Build America Bonds program and a provision allowing companies to write off equipment purchases.
The House voted 217 to 201 to approve a $15 billion measure that would give tax breaks to companies for hiring new employees. Six Republicans joined the vast majority of Democrats in supporting the bill, which also includes a one-year reauthorization of the law governing federal highway funding, as well as an expansion of the Build America Bonds program and a provision allowing companies to write off equipment purchases.
Shiv Shankar Menon in Afghan with Security proposal to protect 4,000 Indians there
Carrying certain proposals for ensuring security of about 4,000 Indians in Afghanistan, National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon arrived here today to discuss the issue with the Afghan leadership.
During his two-day visit, Mr Menon will meet President Hamid Karzai and some other leaders of Afghanistan.
Soon after his arrival, Mr Menon held discussions with Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad on the safety of 4,000 nationals working on various projects across Afghanistan in the backdrop of last Friday's attack here.
During his two-day visit, Mr Menon will meet President Hamid Karzai and some other leaders of Afghanistan.
Soon after his arrival, Mr Menon held discussions with Indian Ambassador Jayant Prasad on the safety of 4,000 nationals working on various projects across Afghanistan in the backdrop of last Friday's attack here.
Extra small condoms in Swiss causes mixed reaction
There is controversy in Switzerland over a new brand of extra small condoms that has gone on sale for boys as young as 12.
Called the Hot Shot, the condoms were produced after government research showed a growing number of 12 to 14-year-olds were sexually active.
Swiss manufacturer Lamprecht AG is marketing the new Hot Shot as the condom that "fits when passion hits".
It is smaller than the average - not in length but in diameter.
Called the Hot Shot, the condoms were produced after government research showed a growing number of 12 to 14-year-olds were sexually active.
Swiss manufacturer Lamprecht AG is marketing the new Hot Shot as the condom that "fits when passion hits".
It is smaller than the average - not in length but in diameter.
2 Person on board dead as Monstrous waves hit the cruise
Passengers on board a cruise ship that was hit by monstrous waves in the Mediterranean described scenes of pandemonium as water shattered windows and poured through the vessel.
Two passengers, a German and an Italian, died, and a spokesman for the ship’s owner, Louis Cruise Lines, said they had been killed by flying glass and moving furniture when the waves hit on Wednesday.
The spokesman said 14 other passengers suffered minor injuries. The ship, which was carrying 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members, was hit with three waves of more than 33 feet off the northeast coast of Spain, the spokesman said.
Large waves are not rare in the Mediterranean, but ones that size occur only once or twice a year, said an oceanographer with the Spanish government.
Two passengers, a German and an Italian, died, and a spokesman for the ship’s owner, Louis Cruise Lines, said they had been killed by flying glass and moving furniture when the waves hit on Wednesday.
The spokesman said 14 other passengers suffered minor injuries. The ship, which was carrying 1,350 passengers and 580 crew members, was hit with three waves of more than 33 feet off the northeast coast of Spain, the spokesman said.
Large waves are not rare in the Mediterranean, but ones that size occur only once or twice a year, said an oceanographer with the Spanish government.
It could take us more than 4 Yrs to Reconstruct - Chileans
Chile's president says it will take three years to rebuild the region wracked by an earthquake and tsunami, something all too clear to the people cleaning up this splintered tourist town.
Dichato is nestled between pine-forested hills and a lovely sheltered bay where colorful fishing boats served coastal communities and export companies. Its population of 4,000 triples each January and February with tourists — many were in town when disaster struck — and residents count on that brief summer vacation for much of their income.
Dichato is nestled between pine-forested hills and a lovely sheltered bay where colorful fishing boats served coastal communities and export companies. Its population of 4,000 triples each January and February with tourists — many were in town when disaster struck — and residents count on that brief summer vacation for much of their income.
Taliban tries to convert my SON - says father of Robin singh released by Taliban
Desperate for the safe release of his 32-year-old son Robin Singh from the Pakistani Taliban, Toronto-based Bishan Dass said his son faces threat of conversion.
An IT professional with degrees from the US, Robin Singh was kidnapped by the militants in Peshawar Feb 12 for a ransom of 10 million rupees. A father of three sons, Singh is one of the four Sikhs abducted recently by the Pakistan Taliban from Peshawar for ransom.
"My wife Shama and I have been broken by this tragic happening. We don't have the money pay, and we don't know what to do. We have slept very little since then,'' 70-year-old Dass said.
An IT professional with degrees from the US, Robin Singh was kidnapped by the militants in Peshawar Feb 12 for a ransom of 10 million rupees. A father of three sons, Singh is one of the four Sikhs abducted recently by the Pakistan Taliban from Peshawar for ransom.
"My wife Shama and I have been broken by this tragic happening. We don't have the money pay, and we don't know what to do. We have slept very little since then,'' 70-year-old Dass said.
Women Scientist in BARC commits Suicide in her apartment
Tital Pal, a 27-year-old woman scientist working with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), committed suicide at her home near here, police said Thursday.
Her body was found by some colleagues late Wednesday night hanging from a ceiling fan on the 14th floor residence at the Nilgiri Apartments, a BARC staff quarters at Anushakti Nagar, north-east Mumbai. No suicide note has been found by the police.
Pal was planning to get married and live in Kolkata, officials said.
Her body was found by some colleagues late Wednesday night hanging from a ceiling fan on the 14th floor residence at the Nilgiri Apartments, a BARC staff quarters at Anushakti Nagar, north-east Mumbai. No suicide note has been found by the police.
Pal was planning to get married and live in Kolkata, officials said.
Maha govt draft budget has more money for security & development
The February 13 blast at German Bakery that took 17 lives and brought the city up-close to terror has had a deep impact on the Rs 3,196.12-crore draft budget for 2010-2011 tabled by outgoing standing committee chairman Nilesh Nikam on Thursday.
Installation of closed circuit television cameras in the busy parts of the city, new fire stations and more ambulances to handle crises have been recommended by the draft budget.
Installation of closed circuit television cameras in the busy parts of the city, new fire stations and more ambulances to handle crises have been recommended by the draft budget.
Godman arrested over sex racket reveals some influential names
The sex racket run by ‘godman’ Shiv Murat Dwivedi seems to have some influential names involved in it.
The godman was arrested last week by south district police for running a sex racket from his ashram.
Police investigations have revealed now that a TV actress was also actively involved in the racket.
The godman was arrested last week by south district police for running a sex racket from his ashram.
Police investigations have revealed now that a TV actress was also actively involved in the racket.
FBI to investigate on 2 Police officers shooting in the Pentagon station
An investigation into the shooting of two police officers outside the Pentagon subway station will close the transit hub Friday, affecting the commute of thousands of Washington-area residents, transit officials said.
A man calmly and cooly approached the officers Thursday, before pulling a gun out of his pocket and grazing them, authorities said. The two Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers returned fire with their semi-automatic weapons, critically wounding him, said Pentagon Police Chief Richard S. Keevill.
Subway trains will bypass the Pentagon station Friday as the FBI investigates, transit officials said.
A man calmly and cooly approached the officers Thursday, before pulling a gun out of his pocket and grazing them, authorities said. The two Pentagon Force Protection Agency officers returned fire with their semi-automatic weapons, critically wounding him, said Pentagon Police Chief Richard S. Keevill.
Subway trains will bypass the Pentagon station Friday as the FBI investigates, transit officials said.
Oz PM Kevin Rudd condemns killing of Child in Melbourne
A three-year-old boy of an Indian family holidaying here went missing and was found dead on the outskirts of Melbourne with no signs of trauma or bruises. The child, Gurshan Singh, was holidaying there with his parents.
Police are hunting a child killer after Gurshan's body was found near Melbourne airport. He had gone missing while his mother was having a shower in a Lylo home near Melbourne on Thursday.
Police are hunting a child killer after Gurshan's body was found near Melbourne airport. He had gone missing while his mother was having a shower in a Lylo home near Melbourne on Thursday.
Naxals plan protest against Haripur atomic plant
The Naxals are planning to launch protest similar to the one witnessed in Nandigram against the government's drive to acquire land to build an atomic power plant.
This has come to light after the arrest of Telugu Deepak, a prominent Naxal leader on March 2 from Kolkata. Deepak is a crucial catch for West Bengal police as he was the man said to be the mastermind behind the attack on security forces in Sildah.
This has come to light after the arrest of Telugu Deepak, a prominent Naxal leader on March 2 from Kolkata. Deepak is a crucial catch for West Bengal police as he was the man said to be the mastermind behind the attack on security forces in Sildah.
Thane court orders imprisonment sentence for 4 officers ..
Erin Brockovich may not quite be here, but a Thane court order has got greens grinning from ear to ear. Four officials of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation have been sentenced to two years’ simple imprisonment for their apathy in checking the flow of pollutants into the Vasai Creek.
In perhaps the first time that the new anti-pollution law has been used for prosecution, Thane chief judicial magistrate S M Bhosale found VVMC deputy municipal commissioners Govind Pawar, Vilas Dhage, Devidas Tekhale and Maruti Kodke guilty of dereliction of duty. He also held them responsible for the civic agency’s failure to set up a sewage treatment plant in the taluka.
In perhaps the first time that the new anti-pollution law has been used for prosecution, Thane chief judicial magistrate S M Bhosale found VVMC deputy municipal commissioners Govind Pawar, Vilas Dhage, Devidas Tekhale and Maruti Kodke guilty of dereliction of duty. He also held them responsible for the civic agency’s failure to set up a sewage treatment plant in the taluka.
Govt sensititive towards price rise - PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said the rising prices of essential commodities was a "byproduct" of global inflation and that his government was sensitive towards the issue.
"I will be the last one to deny that the behaviour of food prices in the last one year is something which doesn't worry us. We have been worried... The house has my assurance that if any practical methods can further bring relief to our people our government will always be sensitive to the concerns of the house," Manmohan Singh said, speaking on the motion of thanks to President Pratibha Patil for her address to the joint session of parliament.
"I will be the last one to deny that the behaviour of food prices in the last one year is something which doesn't worry us. We have been worried... The house has my assurance that if any practical methods can further bring relief to our people our government will always be sensitive to the concerns of the house," Manmohan Singh said, speaking on the motion of thanks to President Pratibha Patil for her address to the joint session of parliament.
LG Cookie GD510 to be launched in India
It might have sold over 1 million units across the globe since its launch, but LG thought it was only now, 6 months after the international launch that they should bring the GD510 to India.
The phone will be known as the "Cookie Pep" in India - thanks to the brand value that the Cookie has in India. LG has described the GD510 as the most compact 3-inch full touchscreen handset and we agree with that. The phone, like its competitors, comes with scores of applications and social networking features - and is aimed at youngsters.
The phone will be known as the "Cookie Pep" in India - thanks to the brand value that the Cookie has in India. LG has described the GD510 as the most compact 3-inch full touchscreen handset and we agree with that. The phone, like its competitors, comes with scores of applications and social networking features - and is aimed at youngsters.
BSNL has 1 Lac employees in excess - reports
Bharat Sanchar Nigram Ltd, the state run telecom company, should retire or transfer 100,000 employees and should consider divesting a 30
percent stake, the Business Line reported, citing recommendations from a committee headed by Sam Pitroda, an advisor to the prime minister.
“BSNL needs to improve organisation performance and employee productivity substantially. Retire or transfer around 100,000 employees through best possible processes such as voluntary retirement scheme (VRS),” stated the committee according to the news report.
percent stake, the Business Line reported, citing recommendations from a committee headed by Sam Pitroda, an advisor to the prime minister.
“BSNL needs to improve organisation performance and employee productivity substantially. Retire or transfer around 100,000 employees through best possible processes such as voluntary retirement scheme (VRS),” stated the committee according to the news report.
China annouonced a little increase to its military in its budget
China on Thursday announced its smallest defence budget increase in years amid national belt-tightening, and vowed that its rapid military modernization posed no threat to other countries.
The proposed military budget for 2010 is 532.1 billion yuan ($77.9 billion), up 7.5% from actual defence spending in 2009, a government spokesman said.
The figure breaks a string of double-digit increases going back many years that has caused worry among China's neighbours and the US over the objectives of an effort to rapidly modernise its once-backward armed forces.
The proposed military budget for 2010 is 532.1 billion yuan ($77.9 billion), up 7.5% from actual defence spending in 2009, a government spokesman said.
The figure breaks a string of double-digit increases going back many years that has caused worry among China's neighbours and the US over the objectives of an effort to rapidly modernise its once-backward armed forces.
Nithyananda blames an ashram inmate for the episode.
Swami Nithyananda Paramahamsar, whose alleged sexual acts were shown in a private Tamil TV channel, claimed that he was innocent and blamed an ashram inmate for the episode.
In his affidavit filed in a civil court in the city, the swamy said that one Perumananda alias Lenin Karupannan joined the ashram for “peace” but later started creating all kinds of nuisances on the ashram premises and caused hardship to the inmates.
He wanted to destroy religious sentiments and made false propaganda and defamatory statements against the swamy and the ashram.
In his affidavit filed in a civil court in the city, the swamy said that one Perumananda alias Lenin Karupannan joined the ashram for “peace” but later started creating all kinds of nuisances on the ashram premises and caused hardship to the inmates.
He wanted to destroy religious sentiments and made false propaganda and defamatory statements against the swamy and the ashram.
Major aircraft manufacturers to step up their operations in India
Boeing and Airbus remain upbeat over India’s aviation growth potential. Airbus, in fact, on Thursday upped its 20-year global market forecast for the country, saying India will need 1,032 new aircraft worth $138 billion by 2028.
Its’ last forecast released two years back had said that the country would need 992 aircraft worth $105 billion over the same period.
Boeing’s current market outlook (2009-2028) for India is only a shade a little less optimistic. The US major predicts the country will require 1,000 aircraft worth $100 billion over the next two decades. “There are all signs that Indian airlines are emerging from the recent downturn,” said Boeing (India) head Dinesh Keskar.
Its’ last forecast released two years back had said that the country would need 992 aircraft worth $105 billion over the same period.
Boeing’s current market outlook (2009-2028) for India is only a shade a little less optimistic. The US major predicts the country will require 1,000 aircraft worth $100 billion over the next two decades. “There are all signs that Indian airlines are emerging from the recent downturn,” said Boeing (India) head Dinesh Keskar.
Yeddyurappa to prasent budget---
When Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa walks into the Assembly to present a fifth successive Budget on Friday, he will be the first person to admit that Budget 2010-11 exercise proved to be more difficult than the previous four.
At a time when the global recession is yet to fade out, and with the position of public finances in the doldrums, Yeddyurappa has the twin task of balancing a healthy fiscal position without burdening the common man, besides ensuring that there was no deviation from the populism that had been a hallmark of his Budgets.
At a time when the global recession is yet to fade out, and with the position of public finances in the doldrums, Yeddyurappa has the twin task of balancing a healthy fiscal position without burdening the common man, besides ensuring that there was no deviation from the populism that had been a hallmark of his Budgets.
We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy -Maoists
Maoist military commander in Bengal, Venkateswar Reddy alias Telugu Deepak, has confirmed that his men — and not the CPM — gunned down senior Trinamool Congress leader Nishikanta Mondal in Nandigram because he “betrayed them”.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had all along accused CPM of the killing, though Kishanji claimed responsibility for the murder. Deepak’s statement indicates that no matter how close one is to the Maoists, their ‘friendship’ comes at a price.
Deepak, who is learnt to be handling interrogators with ease, answering questions selectively, surprisingly opened up on the Nishikanta killing, say sources. “We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy,” he is reported to have said.
Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee had all along accused CPM of the killing, though Kishanji claimed responsibility for the murder. Deepak’s statement indicates that no matter how close one is to the Maoists, their ‘friendship’ comes at a price.
Deepak, who is learnt to be handling interrogators with ease, answering questions selectively, surprisingly opened up on the Nishikanta killing, say sources. “We killed him because he was a friend turned enemy,” he is reported to have said.
NHAI increases the distance between Delhi & Meerut expressway
As it embarks on an ambitious plan to construct highways to criss-cross the country, government may be making people pay more by getting them to travel longer on a tolled road.
This is evident from the way the proposed alignment of Delhi-Meerut expressway has been finalized. As per details available , NHAI had carried out a feasibility study and detailed project report to improve connectivity between the two cities by widening a portion of NH-58 from Delhi border upto Hindon river, and a new 4-lane road between Hindon and Meerut bypassing Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar, which could come to 44km. Later, it was decided to construct a 66km expressway instead.
This is evident from the way the proposed alignment of Delhi-Meerut expressway has been finalized. As per details available , NHAI had carried out a feasibility study and detailed project report to improve connectivity between the two cities by widening a portion of NH-58 from Delhi border upto Hindon river, and a new 4-lane road between Hindon and Meerut bypassing Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar, which could come to 44km. Later, it was decided to construct a 66km expressway instead.
Temple stampede in UP - another stampede death after 2004 in UP
Sixty-three people, all women and children, were killed and another 64 injured in a massive stampede at an ashram at Mangarh in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.
The tragic incident took place when a portion of the entrance gate collapsed under pressure of the surging crowd that thronged the ashram belonging to Kripalu Maharaj to collect food and utensils. The dead included 37 children and 26 women. An official spokesman put the death toll at 61.
The function at the ashram, located 80 km from the district headquarters of Pratapgarh and about 200 km from here, was held to commemorate the death anniversary of Kripalu Maharaj's wife.
The tragic incident took place when a portion of the entrance gate collapsed under pressure of the surging crowd that thronged the ashram belonging to Kripalu Maharaj to collect food and utensils. The dead included 37 children and 26 women. An official spokesman put the death toll at 61.
The function at the ashram, located 80 km from the district headquarters of Pratapgarh and about 200 km from here, was held to commemorate the death anniversary of Kripalu Maharaj's wife.
Retired Women army officer sentenced for a year
For the first time in the Army, a woman officer, who retired in 2007, was sentenced to one-year rigorous imprisonment and cashiered on Thursday by a general court martial (GCM).
Major Dimple Singla, 37, who had served in Judge Advocate General branch for 10 years under short service commission, was found guilty by GCM under sections 63 and 69 of Army Act (read with Prevention of Corruption Act).
Major Dimple Singla, 37, who had served in Judge Advocate General branch for 10 years under short service commission, was found guilty by GCM under sections 63 and 69 of Army Act (read with Prevention of Corruption Act).
Thursday, March 4, 2010
No ban on Migrants in Mumbai - Mahatastra Governor
Lauding the spirit of Mumbai by saying that “Mumbai can compete only with Mumbai”, the new Maharashtra Governor, K Shankaranarayanan on Thursday opined that a ban cannot be imposed in migrants.
“India now has a population 110 crore, during Independence it was 36 crore. Anyone can live in Mumbai.....Mumbai is a city that can compete with itself...Mumbai can compete only and only with Mumbai,” Shankaranarayanan told a select gathering of newsmen during an informal chat at Raj Bhavan.
“People from all classes, be it the rich, middle class or poor, they stay here.... they stay here for bread....People stay in America for bread or for that matter Kerala,” he said.
“India now has a population 110 crore, during Independence it was 36 crore. Anyone can live in Mumbai.....Mumbai is a city that can compete with itself...Mumbai can compete only and only with Mumbai,” Shankaranarayanan told a select gathering of newsmen during an informal chat at Raj Bhavan.
“People from all classes, be it the rich, middle class or poor, they stay here.... they stay here for bread....People stay in America for bread or for that matter Kerala,” he said.
BSF officer accused of Killing a teenager in Kashmir surrender before Police
The suspended BSF officer in the case of killing of a Kashmiri teenager surrendered before the police on Thursday (March 04).
R K Birdi, who was posted as a commandant of 68th battalion of Border Security Force(BSF), has been accused of killing Zahid Farooq, a teenager, in Nishat near Srinagar on February 5.
Birdi himself handed over the accused BSF constable, Lakhvinder to police.
Birdi's Counsel Moulvi Ejaz while addressing the media said that his client was never absconding but was cooperating with the investigation team.
R K Birdi, who was posted as a commandant of 68th battalion of Border Security Force(BSF), has been accused of killing Zahid Farooq, a teenager, in Nishat near Srinagar on February 5.
Birdi himself handed over the accused BSF constable, Lakhvinder to police.
Birdi's Counsel Moulvi Ejaz while addressing the media said that his client was never absconding but was cooperating with the investigation team.
Goan Police officer's link with drug dealer - video footage in YouTube
YouTube airs Israeli drug dealer’s link with Goa police: Popular website YouTube recently aired a video of an Israeli drug dealer’s alleged link with Goa police.
This created a flap in the state. Orenben Yaish had uploaded this video on YouTube on 20th April, 2008. This video features Atala, an Israeli drug peddler.
“This Panjim police… this narcotics the chief. Big chief. Maybe he is one giving drugs. Maybe… he said something to give it to friend. All the time he is giving me five kg charas, ecstasy”.
This created a flap in the state. Orenben Yaish had uploaded this video on YouTube on 20th April, 2008. This video features Atala, an Israeli drug peddler.
“This Panjim police… this narcotics the chief. Big chief. Maybe he is one giving drugs. Maybe… he said something to give it to friend. All the time he is giving me five kg charas, ecstasy”.
India asks US to ensure the weapons they supply to Pak won't be misused
Raising concern over the reported decision of the United States to supply sophisticated arms to Pakistan, New Delhi on Thursday said Washington should ensure that the military aid was not used against India.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony expressed concern over the move to supply a whole array of sophisticated laser guided bomb kits, surveillance drones and latest-model F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
In a statement here, Mr. Antony said: “Given our bitter past experience of how Islamabad used such aid against India, Washington should ensure that the latest tranche of military aid is used only for the purpose of countering al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists and not against India.”
Defence Minister A.K. Antony expressed concern over the move to supply a whole array of sophisticated laser guided bomb kits, surveillance drones and latest-model F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.
In a statement here, Mr. Antony said: “Given our bitter past experience of how Islamabad used such aid against India, Washington should ensure that the latest tranche of military aid is used only for the purpose of countering al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists and not against India.”
Controversial Godman Nithyananda & Modi's Link
A controversy has erupted over an alleged sex scandal involving Swami Nithyananda who has an Ashram outside Bangalore.The Swami was allegedly filmed in a room with a woman in Tamil Nadu.
People attacked the ashram, even as his followers say the video is a defamatory conspiracy.
The Swami is said to have to have about 2 million followers around the world, and counts among them Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Only a few months ago, Modi was present at a book release function of the swami in Vadodara.
At the programme, Modi had some words of praise for the swami.
Nithyananda was considered as an enlightened master involved in a worldwide movement for meditation and inner bliss.
People attacked the ashram, even as his followers say the video is a defamatory conspiracy.
The Swami is said to have to have about 2 million followers around the world, and counts among them Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
Only a few months ago, Modi was present at a book release function of the swami in Vadodara.
At the programme, Modi had some words of praise for the swami.
Nithyananda was considered as an enlightened master involved in a worldwide movement for meditation and inner bliss.
Kerala Govt requests MCI to increase MBBS seats in 2 of its renowed Colleges
The State Government has decided to approach the Medical Council of India and the Union Health Ministry to increase the MBBS seats in the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical Colleges.
The Government has already written to the Medical Council of India in this regard.
In a letter sent to the MCI, the Government has requested to increase 50 more MBBS seats each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical Colleges.
At present, both the colleges are having 200 MBBS seats each.
The Government has already written to the Medical Council of India in this regard.
In a letter sent to the MCI, the Government has requested to increase 50 more MBBS seats each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Medical Colleges.
At present, both the colleges are having 200 MBBS seats each.
2 Pilots killed in flight crash in Begumpet crash are experienced - Navy
Two experienced pilots of the Indian Navy, each with over 1,000 flying hours to their credit, were killed when the trainer aircraft belonging to INAS 551 at INS Hans, Goa, Sagar Pawan, crashed into a two-storeyed building during an air show on Wednesday at Hyderabad. The Navy has ordered an inquiry into the accident.
The two naval pilots, Cdr Suresh K Maurya (39) and his co-pilot Lt Cdr Rahul Nair (33), were performing in the aerobatics display when the aircraft crashed into a building. They were performing at the inaugural function of the India Aviation 2010 Air-show at Hyderabad. Posted at INS Hansa, Goa, the two fly fighter jets and are specialised pilots.
The two naval pilots, Cdr Suresh K Maurya (39) and his co-pilot Lt Cdr Rahul Nair (33), were performing in the aerobatics display when the aircraft crashed into a building. They were performing at the inaugural function of the India Aviation 2010 Air-show at Hyderabad. Posted at INS Hansa, Goa, the two fly fighter jets and are specialised pilots.
Chandhok to team up with Hispania in F1 races - second Indian to drive in F1 races
The 26-year-old position as team-mate to fellow novice Bruno Senna was officially announced as Hispania unveiled their new car on Thursday.
Hispania is the new name for the former Campos team, whose position on the grid has been confirmed after a winter of battling to secure their future.
Team boss Colin Kolles said: "We have a platform for a strong 2010."
Chandhok has won two races in the last three years in the GP2 feeder series, in which he was Senna's team-mate in the iSport team in 2008 when the Brazilian was runner-up in the championship.
Hispania is the new name for the former Campos team, whose position on the grid has been confirmed after a winter of battling to secure their future.
Team boss Colin Kolles said: "We have a platform for a strong 2010."
Chandhok has won two races in the last three years in the GP2 feeder series, in which he was Senna's team-mate in the iSport team in 2008 when the Brazilian was runner-up in the championship.
Spain beat India in Hockey WC match
Spain dented India's hope for a semi-final berth when they beat the hosts 5-2 in the Pool B encounter in the hockey World Cup at Major Dhyanchand Stadium.
India failed to convert a penalty corner and trailed Spain 0-2 at the end of first-half.
Spain took an early lead when Albert Sala scored his first goal in the 19th minute in the first half.
Spanish captain Pol Amat extended the lead with 14 seconds to go in the first half.
India failed to convert a penalty corner and trailed Spain 0-2 at the end of first-half.
Spain took an early lead when Albert Sala scored his first goal in the 19th minute in the first half.
Spanish captain Pol Amat extended the lead with 14 seconds to go in the first half.
Suicide attacks in Baghdad affects polling
Suicide bombers have attacked two polling stations in Baghdad, killing at least seven soldiers, while an explosion near another voting place not yet in use took the lives of seven civilians. The blasts occurred as early voting got under way for Sunday's national elections.
Iraqi security is out in force across Baghdad, but the stepped up presence was not enough to stop the attacks.
Many of those taking part in the early balloting were soldiers who, along with medical staff and others, are needed at work Sunday when most of the voting takes place.
Iraqi security is out in force across Baghdad, but the stepped up presence was not enough to stop the attacks.
Many of those taking part in the early balloting were soldiers who, along with medical staff and others, are needed at work Sunday when most of the voting takes place.
M F Husain says - He is still an Indian
Painter MF Husain has asserted that he is still an Indian, “an original Indian”, and that being physically away from India will not take that away from him.
At the same time, he said, he was no longer a youth who had a physical need to be in India to be Indian.
Husain accepted honorary citizenship of Qatar last week.
He said he had no complaints about the Indian government.
“The government is doing its job. I am doing mine.”
At the same time, he said, he was no longer a youth who had a physical need to be in India to be Indian.
Husain accepted honorary citizenship of Qatar last week.
He said he had no complaints about the Indian government.
“The government is doing its job. I am doing mine.”
Earthquake hits Taiwan - measures 6.4 in richter
A powerful earthquake jolted southern Taiwan on Thursday, injuring 64 people, toppling farm houses and derailing a carriage on a high-speed train.
Panicked residents fled shaking buildings in the 6.4-magnitude quake, which also momentarily cut off electricity to more than half a million homes.
The US Geological Survey said the tremor struck about 70 kms from the island's second-largest city Kaohsiung, but it was felt as far north as the capital Taipei, several hundred kilometres away.
Panicked residents fled shaking buildings in the 6.4-magnitude quake, which also momentarily cut off electricity to more than half a million homes.
The US Geological Survey said the tremor struck about 70 kms from the island's second-largest city Kaohsiung, but it was felt as far north as the capital Taipei, several hundred kilometres away.
IIT-M Professor developed drug for chronic kidney failure
An indigenous drug, developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, which can remove toxic phosphorous from the body of a patient with chronic kidney failure has been awarded a process patent.
Sevelamer Hcl, the oral medicine introduced in the market four years ago by Pune-based pharmaceutical company Emcure under the brand name Foseal, is a gel-like substance which swells up within the body and binds the phosphorous. It then exits the body through faeces. The drug was developed by organic chemist and IIT-M professor S Sankararaman along with Madras Institute of Nephrology (MIN). Until then patients had to either use metal-based drugs with high side-effects or import a similar drug at a very high cost.
Sevelamer Hcl, the oral medicine introduced in the market four years ago by Pune-based pharmaceutical company Emcure under the brand name Foseal, is a gel-like substance which swells up within the body and binds the phosphorous. It then exits the body through faeces. The drug was developed by organic chemist and IIT-M professor S Sankararaman along with Madras Institute of Nephrology (MIN). Until then patients had to either use metal-based drugs with high side-effects or import a similar drug at a very high cost.
Twitter, the most used website across the Net- 1500% growth in last yr userbase
The micro-blogging site Twitter is rapidly growing in the popularity chart, if the humongous rise in the number of registered accounts is any indication - a staggering 1,500-plus per cent growth last year.
“In the course of a year, the numbers of registered Twitter accounts have grown more than 1,500 per cent,” Twitter co-founder Biz Stone said in a statement here. He further said the number of his staff also rose significantly to 140 during the reporting year.
A study by online analysis software company RJMetrics said the number of Twitter users reached an estimated 75 million by the end of 2009.
“In the course of a year, the numbers of registered Twitter accounts have grown more than 1,500 per cent,” Twitter co-founder Biz Stone said in a statement here. He further said the number of his staff also rose significantly to 140 during the reporting year.
A study by online analysis software company RJMetrics said the number of Twitter users reached an estimated 75 million by the end of 2009.
TouchScreen in your forearm skin - a modern solution
Annoyed with the tiny touchscreens on today's mobile devices? Well, your forearm can now solve that problem by becoming a part of a skin
-based interface that effectively turns your body into a touchscreen, say scientists.
An international team has come up with a system, called Skinput, which has the ability to detect the ultralow-frequency sound produced by tapping the skin with a finger, and the microchip-sized "pico" projectors now found in some cellphones, reports New Scientist.
-based interface that effectively turns your body into a touchscreen, say scientists.
An international team has come up with a system, called Skinput, which has the ability to detect the ultralow-frequency sound produced by tapping the skin with a finger, and the microchip-sized "pico" projectors now found in some cellphones, reports New Scientist.
Chandrayaan mission more fruitful than expected
If you thought the Chandrayaan Mission was over a few months ago, please be prepared to be proven wrong. After scrutinizing evidence garnered from various scientific instruments aboard the Chandrayaan, the NASA had last year announced the presence of "little" amount of water on the moon. It was back then, hailed a very significant discovery. A few months down the lane, NASA's Mini SAR probe aboard the Chandrayaan has managed to discover significant amount of water on the moon in an area near the north pole of our closest celestial neighbor. The mini SAR is a very small scientific instrument that weighs less than 10 kgs.
A K Antony to open CPM's Kairali tower - Corporate office of CPM's TV channels
Their supporters refuse to meet eye-to-eye in Kerala. But Thiruvananthapuram will witness a rare coming together of Congress and CPM leaders on Friday to inaugurate the new corporate office of Malayalam Communications Ltd, a CPM-backed venture which operates a bouquet of three channels — Kairali, We and People.
Union defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony will inaugurate the new multi-storeyed Kairali Tower, while CPM general secretary Prakash Karat will launch the ‘‘Studio Complex'' at a ceremony to be witnessed by the who's who of the political and cultural establishment.
Opposition leader and former CM Oommen Chandy will be the chief guest along with CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan. Cinestar Mammotty, who is the chairman of Malayalam Communications, will deliver the keynote address.
Union defence minister and senior Congress leader A K Antony will inaugurate the new multi-storeyed Kairali Tower, while CPM general secretary Prakash Karat will launch the ‘‘Studio Complex'' at a ceremony to be witnessed by the who's who of the political and cultural establishment.
Opposition leader and former CM Oommen Chandy will be the chief guest along with CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan. Cinestar Mammotty, who is the chairman of Malayalam Communications, will deliver the keynote address.
Swine flu kit developed by India is cheaper & better than that developed by WHO
Scientists of the Defence Research & Development Organisation and Indian Council of Medical Research claim the H1N1 flu testing kit they have developed is more efficient than the one designed by the World Health Organisation.
The Indian kit can analyze a sample within one hour and without Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, a laboratory technique. Interestingly, while the WHO kit cost Rs 8,000, the Indian one costs only Rs 1,000.
At the 14th convocation ceremony of Nimhans here on Wednesday, Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, DRDO Research & Development, said: "The Indian flu kit will compete with the WHO kit as it is more efficient. Currently, technology is being transferred to Bigtech, a Bangalore-based pharma company. With the increase in demand, the technology will be shared with more companies."
The Indian kit can analyze a sample within one hour and without Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction, a laboratory technique. Interestingly, while the WHO kit cost Rs 8,000, the Indian one costs only Rs 1,000.
At the 14th convocation ceremony of Nimhans here on Wednesday, Dr W Selvamurthy, chief controller, DRDO Research & Development, said: "The Indian flu kit will compete with the WHO kit as it is more efficient. Currently, technology is being transferred to Bigtech, a Bangalore-based pharma company. With the increase in demand, the technology will be shared with more companies."
Emploees in Passport offices across the country may go on strike for 2 days
Employees of passport offices across the country demonstrated for an hour during the lunch break, protesting against the government's mo
ve to involve a private firm in the management of passport services.
"We had a demonstration during lunch time at all the 37 passport offices. We will continue this tomorrow too," president of All India Passport employees association Raj Kapoor said.
The external affairs ministry has been trying to launch a project, Passport Seva, to improve efficiency in passport offices by roping in the private sector.
ve to involve a private firm in the management of passport services.
"We had a demonstration during lunch time at all the 37 passport offices. We will continue this tomorrow too," president of All India Passport employees association Raj Kapoor said.
The external affairs ministry has been trying to launch a project, Passport Seva, to improve efficiency in passport offices by roping in the private sector.
Hi-Tech Bangaluru policing
At last, the IT city is moving into e-mode in traffic enforcement. Project BlackBerry started by the Bangalore traffic police in 2008 has now reached its final stage.
At a function near Ashoknagar police station on Wednesday, all traffic officers up to the rank of ASI were given BlackBerries and Bluetooth-supported printers. City police commissioner Shankar Bidari said the advantages of BlackBerries included a robust database of traffic offenders, real-time access to history of offences, enhanced punishment for habitual offenders, catching those who didn't bother to settle their traffic violation notices and a real-time Management Information System which monitors performance of officers, logs types of vehicles being penalised and category of offences and makes the information instantly available to traffic personnel.
At a function near Ashoknagar police station on Wednesday, all traffic officers up to the rank of ASI were given BlackBerries and Bluetooth-supported printers. City police commissioner Shankar Bidari said the advantages of BlackBerries included a robust database of traffic offenders, real-time access to history of offences, enhanced punishment for habitual offenders, catching those who didn't bother to settle their traffic violation notices and a real-time Management Information System which monitors performance of officers, logs types of vehicles being penalised and category of offences and makes the information instantly available to traffic personnel.
Degradable bag acts a single use toilet
A Swedish entrepreneur is trying to market and sell a biodegradable plastic bag that acts as a single-use toilet for urban slums in the developing world.
Once used, the bag can be knotted and buried, and a layer of urea crystals breaks down the waste into fertilizer, killing off disease-producing pathogens found in feces.
The bag, called the Peepoo, is the brainchild of Anders Wilhelmson, an architect and professor in Stockholm.
“Not only is it sanitary,” said Mr. Wilhelmson, who has patented the bag, “they can reuse this to grow crops.”
Once used, the bag can be knotted and buried, and a layer of urea crystals breaks down the waste into fertilizer, killing off disease-producing pathogens found in feces.
The bag, called the Peepoo, is the brainchild of Anders Wilhelmson, an architect and professor in Stockholm.
“Not only is it sanitary,” said Mr. Wilhelmson, who has patented the bag, “they can reuse this to grow crops.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
PayPal releases the purpose code in its Blog
PayPal's Blog for purpose code.
From 3rd March onwards, PayPal will allow new bank withdrawals for its customers in India after receiving a 'Purpose Code' for the transaction
Electronic payment gateway PayPal has said that it would allow new bank withdrawals for its customers in India after receiving a 'Purpose Code' for the transaction.
In his blog, PayPal's business head for Asia-Pacific, Farhad Irani said, “When you select the ‘Withdraw Funds’ option on your PayPal account after 3rd March, we will ask you to fill out a new field entitled ‘Purpose Code’. This information is required under the laws of India in order to identify the nature of cross-border merchant transactions."
Mr Irani also clarified that Indian users will no longer be able to receive personal payments. Customers of Indian PayPal users will have three options for making any payment such as using the pay for purchases (goods or services) tab, completing PayPal checkout at the user's website and responding to PayPal “Request Money” instructions (invoices). However, for each payment, transaction users will have to provide a purpose code for the transaction.
The purpose code will help banks in India to furnish information required by the Reserve Bank of India to identify the nature of cross-border transactions, Mr Irani said.
He also said that according to Indian law, based on the value of withdrawal and the purpose code in the Indian customer's declaration, banks may require him/her to provide documentary proof such as invoices or goods receipt forms as applicable to reconcile with withdrawal.
From 3rd March onwards, PayPal will allow new bank withdrawals for its customers in India after receiving a 'Purpose Code' for the transaction
Electronic payment gateway PayPal has said that it would allow new bank withdrawals for its customers in India after receiving a 'Purpose Code' for the transaction.
In his blog, PayPal's business head for Asia-Pacific, Farhad Irani said, “When you select the ‘Withdraw Funds’ option on your PayPal account after 3rd March, we will ask you to fill out a new field entitled ‘Purpose Code’. This information is required under the laws of India in order to identify the nature of cross-border merchant transactions."
Mr Irani also clarified that Indian users will no longer be able to receive personal payments. Customers of Indian PayPal users will have three options for making any payment such as using the pay for purchases (goods or services) tab, completing PayPal checkout at the user's website and responding to PayPal “Request Money” instructions (invoices). However, for each payment, transaction users will have to provide a purpose code for the transaction.
The purpose code will help banks in India to furnish information required by the Reserve Bank of India to identify the nature of cross-border transactions, Mr Irani said.
He also said that according to Indian law, based on the value of withdrawal and the purpose code in the Indian customer's declaration, banks may require him/her to provide documentary proof such as invoices or goods receipt forms as applicable to reconcile with withdrawal.
HUL to be sued by P&G for controversial Ad .
Only a month back, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) was dragged to the advertising regulator by Procter & Gamble (P&G) for a shampoo ad.
But now, P&G is planning to take legal action against HUL because it says its detergent brand Tide has been shown in bad light in the latest Rin ad.
The battle for ‘safedi ki chamkaar’ and better fragrance will now move from TV screens into the courtrooms, as P&G is planning to file a defamation case against arch rival HUL for the latest Rin ad, said sources.
But now, P&G is planning to take legal action against HUL because it says its detergent brand Tide has been shown in bad light in the latest Rin ad.
The battle for ‘safedi ki chamkaar’ and better fragrance will now move from TV screens into the courtrooms, as P&G is planning to file a defamation case against arch rival HUL for the latest Rin ad, said sources.
Cement & steel to cost more
The rollback of the stimulus package has started making its impact. A 2 per cent hike in excise duty to 10 per cent and Rs 50 per tonne cess on coal coupled with raised fuel prices, have ensured an increase in cement prices, which are, of course, to pass through.
Sanjay Ladiwala, head of Cement Stockists and Dealers Association, said, “Since demand is strong in north and west, passing of excise duty is not a problem as even the transportation costs have increased. All regions except south have increased the prices. We are likely to see further price increase due to increased demand. We have just entered the peak demand period, which is likely to continue till mid-June.”
Sanjay Ladiwala, head of Cement Stockists and Dealers Association, said, “Since demand is strong in north and west, passing of excise duty is not a problem as even the transportation costs have increased. All regions except south have increased the prices. We are likely to see further price increase due to increased demand. We have just entered the peak demand period, which is likely to continue till mid-June.”
Ford to launch FIGO in India by March 9
Carmaker Ford India on Wednesday reported 22.67 per cent rise in its February sales at 3,223 units, as against 2,636 units in the same month of last year.
The company will also launch its small car Figo on March 9. "We are seeing an overwhelming response to our product line-up with the Fiesta and Endeavour recording strong year-on-year growth of more than hundred per cent," Ford India Executive Director (Marketing, Sales and Service) Nigel Wark said in a statement.
He said the company will continue to leverage the momentum in the run-up to the launch of the Ford Figo.
The company will also launch its small car Figo on March 9. "We are seeing an overwhelming response to our product line-up with the Fiesta and Endeavour recording strong year-on-year growth of more than hundred per cent," Ford India Executive Director (Marketing, Sales and Service) Nigel Wark said in a statement.
He said the company will continue to leverage the momentum in the run-up to the launch of the Ford Figo.
Olive launches Mobile phone with AAA battery module for use during empty mobile battery situation
Olive Telecommunications launched the FrvrOn hybrid mobile that runs on AAA batteries.
Priced at Rs. 1699, the phone is aimed at rural users who do not have access to a steady supply to power. The phone for the most part runs on a standard Li-ion battery. But when this battery runs out of power, the user can switch over to an AAA battery to continue using the phone.
The phone’s features include a 1.5-inch colour display, FM radio, polyphonic ringtones, stereo handset and speakerphone. Olive has previously launched a range of 3G enabled Netbooks called Zipbooks in India.
Priced at Rs. 1699, the phone is aimed at rural users who do not have access to a steady supply to power. The phone for the most part runs on a standard Li-ion battery. But when this battery runs out of power, the user can switch over to an AAA battery to continue using the phone.
The phone’s features include a 1.5-inch colour display, FM radio, polyphonic ringtones, stereo handset and speakerphone. Olive has previously launched a range of 3G enabled Netbooks called Zipbooks in India.
US FDA refuses to approve Ranbaxy's Flomax
India's largest drugmaker by sales Ranbaxy's US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) woes continue. The company was expected to launch a drug called Flomax in the US on Tuesday, which it could not after the FDA refused a final approval.
How big a hit is this to Ranbaxy's immediate and medium term valuations?
Sentiment was hit and the stock was down 6 per cent at one point in the trading day and all that because Ranbaxy could not launch generic Flomax in the US.
Ranbaxy failed to get a regulatory nod for launching a cheaper version of Astellas Pharma's Flomax, a drug used to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
How big a hit is this to Ranbaxy's immediate and medium term valuations?
Sentiment was hit and the stock was down 6 per cent at one point in the trading day and all that because Ranbaxy could not launch generic Flomax in the US.
Ranbaxy failed to get a regulatory nod for launching a cheaper version of Astellas Pharma's Flomax, a drug used to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
a Saudi women to get 300 lashings & 18 mnts imprisonment for complaining against authorities
A SAUDI woman's to get 300 lashings and 18 months' prison for filing complaints against court officials and being in court without a male guardian.
A human rights group said today Sawsan Salim was convicted last month in a court in Rass, in Qassim province, after petitioning officials in the kingdom's capital Riyadh.
The petition included King Abdullah over what she alleged was years of abuse by local justice officials, the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement.
A human rights group said today Sawsan Salim was convicted last month in a court in Rass, in Qassim province, after petitioning officials in the kingdom's capital Riyadh.
The petition included King Abdullah over what she alleged was years of abuse by local justice officials, the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement.
Taliban condemns on live coverage ban
They banned music, television and education for girls during their rule of Afghanistan, but the Taliban on Wednesday condemned a government ban on live broadcasts of their own attacks.
The Western-backed government has banned live coverage of militant assaults in a bid to prevent the Taliban exploiting television news to send messages to their operatives.
As the measure -- which applies to domestic and international media -- was criticised by journalists and rights groups, the Taliban joined the fray, calling it an attack on free speech.
The Western-backed government has banned live coverage of militant assaults in a bid to prevent the Taliban exploiting television news to send messages to their operatives.
As the measure -- which applies to domestic and international media -- was criticised by journalists and rights groups, the Taliban joined the fray, calling it an attack on free speech.
2 Newspaper offices in Karnataka attacked on Controversial Taslima issue
Two newspaper offices have been attacked in India's Karnataka state in unrest over an article allegedly written by the writer Taslima Nasreen.
Two Muslim protesters were killed in clashes with police after the article, which challenges the Muslim practice of veil wearing, appeared in local papers.
An unidentified group vandalised the office of the Kannada Prabha newspaper, which carried the article, police said.
Ms Nasreen has denied writing the article for the newspaper.
Two Muslim protesters were killed in clashes with police after the article, which challenges the Muslim practice of veil wearing, appeared in local papers.
An unidentified group vandalised the office of the Kannada Prabha newspaper, which carried the article, police said.
Ms Nasreen has denied writing the article for the newspaper.
Andhra to reinstitute Octopus Security force to curb rural terror
The state government is in no mood to restore to Octopus its original role of fighting urban terrorism and wants to use it as one of the security agencies of the police department.
The government has not taken any action so far on the suggestion of principal home secretary Gautam Kumar that the use of Octopus commandos for guarding strategic installations and important places of worship would render them useless to fight terrorists. “There are agencies that are trained to guard places on the hit list of terrorists. Octopus which has a specific task cut out for itself should not be wasted,” Gautam Kumar said at a meeting chaired by the chief minister. Soon after the meeting it seemed that Kumar’s sane advice would be given heed to, but a few days later this idea has been given up.
The government has not taken any action so far on the suggestion of principal home secretary Gautam Kumar that the use of Octopus commandos for guarding strategic installations and important places of worship would render them useless to fight terrorists. “There are agencies that are trained to guard places on the hit list of terrorists. Octopus which has a specific task cut out for itself should not be wasted,” Gautam Kumar said at a meeting chaired by the chief minister. Soon after the meeting it seemed that Kumar’s sane advice would be given heed to, but a few days later this idea has been given up.
US extends help to Indian aviation sector on its development
The US has offered to work with the Government and private sector to make the country a regional aviation hub.
"The US will work with Indian public and private sector partners to create economic opportunities and jobs in both countries," US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer told the ongoing India Aviation 2010 conference here today.
The US-India Aviation Programme, a public private partnership, will work together with the Director General of Civil Aviation on aviation security, he said. The US is the focus country in the five-day event which is being organised jointly by the Civil Aviation Ministry and industry Ficci, while France is the partner country.
"The US will work with Indian public and private sector partners to create economic opportunities and jobs in both countries," US Ambassador Timothy J Roemer told the ongoing India Aviation 2010 conference here today.
The US-India Aviation Programme, a public private partnership, will work together with the Director General of Civil Aviation on aviation security, he said. The US is the focus country in the five-day event which is being organised jointly by the Civil Aviation Ministry and industry Ficci, while France is the partner country.
Hyderabad Metro rail to employee 50,000 skilled & unskilled
Hyderabad Metro Rail is expected to trigger mammoth economic activity in and around the city and provide employment to about 50,000 people, Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah said on Monday.
The chief minister, who reviewed the Rs 12,132-crore project at a meeting here, said it would provide employment for about 5,000 engineers and about 45,000 skilled and unskilled workers.
The chief minister, who reviewed the Rs 12,132-crore project at a meeting here, said it would provide employment for about 5,000 engineers and about 45,000 skilled and unskilled workers.
Plane crash in Begumpet airshow left two dead
Describing the crash of an Indian Navy aircraft in Hyderabad as tragic, US ambassador Timothy J. Roemer, who was present at the air show, said "these heartbreaking losses have even more piercing impact when you are part of the event".
Roemer is leading an American delegation to India Aviation 2010 in Hyderabad.
"What began as such a promising day has sadly ended so tragically," he said in a statement. "As the full extent of this tragedy is still becoming known, all of our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives or were injured, and with their families," the US envoy said.
Roemer is leading an American delegation to India Aviation 2010 in Hyderabad.
"What began as such a promising day has sadly ended so tragically," he said in a statement. "As the full extent of this tragedy is still becoming known, all of our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives or were injured, and with their families," the US envoy said.
Apple files lawsuit against HTC
Apple’s patent lawsuit against HTC will not cause major problems for the Taiwan technology company in the short term, analysts said Wednesday. But it could strain its relations with partners in the crucial U.S. market and test its leadership, adding to its challenges in the increasingly competitive smartphone field.
About half of HTC’s revenue comes from the United States, where its smartphones are bundled with services from providers like T-Mobile. HTC makes the Nexus One phone for Google under contract and also makes phones under its own brand.
About half of HTC’s revenue comes from the United States, where its smartphones are bundled with services from providers like T-Mobile. HTC makes the Nexus One phone for Google under contract and also makes phones under its own brand.
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