Rules to govern medical waste largely ignore radioactive matter; agencies pass the buck
Before the radiation leak at a Mayapuri junk market stirred the authorities into action, the dangers posed by radioactive material seems to have been mostly ignored. While several hospitals use machines that include radioactive material — the substance found at Mayapuri is also suspected to have come from medical equipment — it finds no mention in the list of things state authorities on the ground level need to keep a tab on.
The Bio Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, list out a number of hospital-generated waste, but the exhaustive rules do not include radioactive waste. While the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has a mandate for monitoring hazardous substances, it does not include radioactive waste or material either.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Palm - smartphone maker - for sale
Despite critical acclaim, Palm's 'iPhone killer', the Pre, proved unpopular with consumers. The company is now inviting bids, according to Bloomberg.
Bloomberg reports that Palm is working with Goldman Sachs to find a buyer, according to three sources close to the company. Rival phone makers HTC and Lenovo are reported to have already made offers for Palm, which recently sought to revitalise its fortunes with the launch of the Pre and Pixi range of high-end smartphones based on the WebOS operating system.
Bloomberg reports that Palm is working with Goldman Sachs to find a buyer, according to three sources close to the company. Rival phone makers HTC and Lenovo are reported to have already made offers for Palm, which recently sought to revitalise its fortunes with the launch of the Pre and Pixi range of high-end smartphones based on the WebOS operating system.
Apple's Venture in Ad market makes it easy for Google's AdMob acquisition
Google's CEO has been lauding iAd, saying that Apple's foray into mobile advertising demonstrates a competitive market in which Google should be allowed to acquire AdMob.
Google has been trying to buy AdMob since November, having snatched the company from Apple, but is facing resistance from the Federal Trade Commission who sees a potential monopoly. Apple's entry into the market removes that threat, at least according to Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
Google has been trying to buy AdMob since November, having snatched the company from Apple, but is facing resistance from the Federal Trade Commission who sees a potential monopoly. Apple's entry into the market removes that threat, at least according to Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
Orkut leads in India besides global fall
Facebook might have overtaken Orkut globally in terms of the number of users, but Google's social networking offering still remains the favourite in India, according to the England-based online traffic tracking firm comScore.
In its latest report on social networking activity in the Asia-Pacific region, comScore says the Google-owned Orkut is ranked as the top social networking site in India, with 46.8 per cent of the nation's web population using the website. Facebook, on the other hand, ranks numero uno in Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
In its latest report on social networking activity in the Asia-Pacific region, comScore says the Google-owned Orkut is ranked as the top social networking site in India, with 46.8 per cent of the nation's web population using the website. Facebook, on the other hand, ranks numero uno in Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Apple iPad's manufacturing cost lies below $260
If you thought that Apple's 16 GB iPad at a price of $499 was value for money, then think again. The real price for manufacturing the iPad is around a half that price according to research agency iSuppli as we found out on Engadget. iSuppli dismantled the iPad and had a thorough look at what lies inside. According to their best estimates, the price of the materials used in the 16 GB iPad do not go a cent over $259.60. This includes $95 for screen and $26.80 for the A4 processor. The shiny aluminum exterior costs $32, while the battery costs $21. The only reason Apple is likely to quote for the huge price premium is the "research and development" cost. One thing that iSuppli did note was that the iPad was more complicated than it appeared as they found there were three chips controlling the touchscreen. iSuppli had previously researched the cost of the iPhone 3G and had come to a similar conclusion. So now you know the magic formula Apple uses to price its products.
Microsoft launched VS 2010 & .net framework 4 in India
In line with the global launch, Microsoft today announced the general availability of Visual Studio 2010 and.Net Framework 4 in India and that Silverlight 4 technology will be released to the web later in the week.
"Together, these technologies simplify the entire development process, enabling developers to build new platforms and build high-quality applications", S Somasegar, Senior Vice President, Microsoft Corportion said delivering the keynote address at the TechED 2010, a technology conclave which commenced here on Monday.
"Together, these technologies simplify the entire development process, enabling developers to build new platforms and build high-quality applications", S Somasegar, Senior Vice President, Microsoft Corportion said delivering the keynote address at the TechED 2010, a technology conclave which commenced here on Monday.
IT industry will recover by 8.4% this year
There will be a strong recovery in demand for IT product and services in 2010 with the US IT market - the world's largest - set to grow by 8.4 per cent, research firm Forrester has said.
The tech recovery has begun in the US and around the world with Q4 (2009). IT market indicators are showing an end to declines, and setting the stage for stronger growth in 2010. Forrester expects the US IT market to grow by 8.4 per cent and the global IT market (in US dollars) by 7.7 per cent, the IT market outlook by the firm said.
The tech recovery has begun in the US and around the world with Q4 (2009). IT market indicators are showing an end to declines, and setting the stage for stronger growth in 2010. Forrester expects the US IT market to grow by 8.4 per cent and the global IT market (in US dollars) by 7.7 per cent, the IT market outlook by the firm said.
CCI warehouse Fire accident causes damage worth 300 million
Container Corp Of India said on Monday that goods worth 300 million rupees were damaged due to fire at its export warehouse on Saturday.
There was also a partial damage worth 50 million rupees to the warehouse building.
The firm's liability for goods and warehouse facilities are fully insured, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
There was also a partial damage worth 50 million rupees to the warehouse building.
The firm's liability for goods and warehouse facilities are fully insured, it said in a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
IVRCL stocks up after its order worth Rs 832 crores
IVRCL Infrastructure and Projects touched an intraday high of Rs 181.30 and an intraday low of Rs 176.30. At 15:11 hrs the share was quoting at Rs 178.70, up Rs 0.95, or 0.53%.
The company has bagged order worth Rs 832 crore, CNBC-TV18 reports.
The company has bagged order worth Rs 832 crore, CNBC-TV18 reports.
GAIL in talks with InterOil Corp for stake in New plant
State-run gas utility GAIL India on Monday said it is talking to Interoil Corp for a possible stake in the Canadian oil firm’s proposed liquefied natural gas project in Papua New Guinea.
“We are still talking to them. Nothing has been concluded as yet,” GAIL Chairman and Managing Director B. C. Tripathi told reporter.
“We are still talking to them. Nothing has been concluded as yet,” GAIL Chairman and Managing Director B. C. Tripathi told reporter.
Growth in Industrial production may encourage stimulus phase out
Industrial production growth slowed to 15.1 per cent year-on-year in February from 16.7 per cent in January. The slowdown was sharper than expected and was mainly attributable to slower growth in manufacturing and mining output.
India’s industrial production growth was 15.1 per cent year-on-year in February. Production growth has slowed since hitting a record-high 17.6 per cent in December. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation does not release seasonally adjusted data. Seasonally adjusted estimates suggest month-on-month growth was strong in late 2009, after a sharp jump in May and June.
India’s industrial production growth was 15.1 per cent year-on-year in February. Production growth has slowed since hitting a record-high 17.6 per cent in December. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation does not release seasonally adjusted data. Seasonally adjusted estimates suggest month-on-month growth was strong in late 2009, after a sharp jump in May and June.
IRDA & SEBI chiefs meet finance secy
SEBI chairman C B Bhave and IRDA chief J Harinarayan had separate meetings with finance secretary Ashok Chawla on Monday on the ongoing tussle between the two regulators over equity-linked insurance schemes.
The differences between the two regulators over administration of the Unit Linked Insurance Products (ULIPs) are likely to be resolved by this evening, IRDA chief Harinarayan indicated after his meeting with Chawla.
The differences between the two regulators over administration of the Unit Linked Insurance Products (ULIPs) are likely to be resolved by this evening, IRDA chief Harinarayan indicated after his meeting with Chawla.
RTI, a tool to fight for rights
The Right to Information (RTI) Act has provided city residents a useful tool to fight for their rights. By providing access to records and documents of public authorities, it has allowed many citizens to solve long-standing problems or to bring certain issues to the notice of authorities.
But most officials do not follow some of the Act's guidelines and awareness among officials and the public is an issue, activists say.
But most officials do not follow some of the Act's guidelines and awareness among officials and the public is an issue, activists say.
Changes in Drugs law ,the need of the hour
Medical shop-owners and Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council members say amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 is the need of the hour.
The rules stipulate that a stockist/wholesaler, who applies for licences should have passed class XII, have 160 sq.ft of space and should have 5 years experience in selling drugs.
The rules stipulate that a stockist/wholesaler, who applies for licences should have passed class XII, have 160 sq.ft of space and should have 5 years experience in selling drugs.
RTOs to issue RC's in the same day of applying - TN govt circular
Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the State will issue Registration Certificates (RCs) and vehicle permits on the day an application is filed.
The new regulation, which comes into effect on Monday, applies for transport as well as non-transport vehicles and will ensure that processing time is brought down to one working day.
A circular has been sent to all 61 RTOs in the State.
Iran to deploy a new age radar in Persian gulf soon
Iranian scientists are planning to develop domestic radars to replace a series of aging Russian-made systems currently deployed in the Persian Gulf.
"The systems will be designed and installed chiefly for defense purposes," said Vice President for Science and Technology, Nasrin Soltankhah, in an interview with Fars News Agency on Saturday.
"The systems will be designed and installed chiefly for defense purposes," said Vice President for Science and Technology, Nasrin Soltankhah, in an interview with Fars News Agency on Saturday.
Another Political party channel in Tamilnadu
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) led by Vijayakant will launch “Captain TV” on April 14.
“The trial is on from Sunday. The news-cum-entertainment channel will target the youth in the State,” said L.K. Sudish, managing director of Captain Media and brother-in-law of Mr. Vijayakant.
“The trial is on from Sunday. The news-cum-entertainment channel will target the youth in the State,” said L.K. Sudish, managing director of Captain Media and brother-in-law of Mr. Vijayakant.
Schools in Jharkand to open & close early- coz of high temperature
Due to the soaring mercury, school timings in Jharkhand have been changed from Monday. Schools will now open at 6.30 a.m. instead of 8.30 a.m. and will close at 11 a.m. instead of 2.30 p.m., an official said.
Ranchi, which was the summer capital of undivided Bihar, witnessed a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius Sunday. In Palamau and in some other parts of the state, the mercury touched 46 degrees Celsius.
Ranchi, which was the summer capital of undivided Bihar, witnessed a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius Sunday. In Palamau and in some other parts of the state, the mercury touched 46 degrees Celsius.
Nuclear summit in washington
Leaders and representatives from 47 nations have gathered for a nuclear security summit in Washington as Barack Obama, the US president, pledges to one day rid the world of nuclear weapons.
Obama is expected to tell delegates at Monday's conference that the biggest threat to global security has shifted from the possibility of confrontation between nuclear armed states, to the fear that "terrorist" groups might acquire atomic weapons.
Obama is expected to tell delegates at Monday's conference that the biggest threat to global security has shifted from the possibility of confrontation between nuclear armed states, to the fear that "terrorist" groups might acquire atomic weapons.
2nd day of Sudanese Election
Voting was proceeding generally smoothly on the second day Monday of Sudan's multi-party elections after a chaotic start which had prompted cries of foul and forced officials to admit "mistakes."
Queues -- one for men, one for women -- formed in stifling heat at voting stations in central Khartoum Monday even before polling opened, as cars arrived bringing even more voters.
Queues -- one for men, one for women -- formed in stifling heat at voting stations in central Khartoum Monday even before polling opened, as cars arrived bringing even more voters.
Another Indian has been found dead in Sydney.
Dharmendar Singh, hailing from Nadampr village in Punjab, was found dead on Sunday on a roadside in Sydney.
Singh had gone to Sydney with his wife about one-and-a-half year ago. His family back home at his native village is in a state of shock.
"A friend of Dharmendar Singh telephoned and told us that your son is dead and his body is lying on road. We didn't believe him and called the wife of our son. She was crying and was speaking in partially unconscious state, then we realised that the information was right," said Dharmendar Singh's uncle Gopal Singh.
Singh had gone to Sydney with his wife about one-and-a-half year ago. His family back home at his native village is in a state of shock.
"A friend of Dharmendar Singh telephoned and told us that your son is dead and his body is lying on road. We didn't believe him and called the wife of our son. She was crying and was speaking in partially unconscious state, then we realised that the information was right," said Dharmendar Singh's uncle Gopal Singh.
4.72 Lakh students take IIT-JEE 2010
About 4.72 lakh students across the country will take the IIT-JEE 2010 to be held tomorrow for admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
According to T S Natarajan, organising chairman, JEE, an average of 60,000-80,000 students would appear in each of the seven IIT zones in the country for 10,000 seats in 15 IITs, IT-BHU and ISM Dhanbad.
According to T S Natarajan, organising chairman, JEE, an average of 60,000-80,000 students would appear in each of the seven IIT zones in the country for 10,000 seats in 15 IITs, IT-BHU and ISM Dhanbad.
Sania now a Pakistani by Marriage
The celebrity wedding between tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik took place on Monday (April 12) as the two families advanced the much hyped marriage by three days.
Originally, the marriage was to take place on April 15 although stories on the re-scheduling of the marriage kept coming in the media.
Originally, the marriage was to take place on April 15 although stories on the re-scheduling of the marriage kept coming in the media.
China's Peace Airport near Mt.Everest
China is building a new airport near Mount Everest with the apparent purpose of turning the Chinese side of the tallest peak into a climber’s paradise. It has been named the Peace Airport, which might be a message for Tibetan rebels or for India.
The $71.7 million airport is coming up in Xigaze (also called Shigatse) prefecture. It will boost tourism and bring more visitors to the Tashilhunpo monastery of the Panchen Lama, which is located there. The government appointed Panchen Lama, who was recently inducted into the Chinese parliament, has played a key role in helping the government run a campaign against the Dalai Lama.
The $71.7 million airport is coming up in Xigaze (also called Shigatse) prefecture. It will boost tourism and bring more visitors to the Tashilhunpo monastery of the Panchen Lama, which is located there. The government appointed Panchen Lama, who was recently inducted into the Chinese parliament, has played a key role in helping the government run a campaign against the Dalai Lama.
Threat by Maoists in Nepal to revoke deal with India for MRP
Opposition Maoists in Nepal called off their proposed countrywide strike on Monday following a government decision to scrap the contract with India on supply of machine readable passports (MRPs).
The move came after the Madhav Kumar Nepal government decided late on Sunday evening to revoke the deal due to political pressure and questions raised by Public Accounts Committee on the manner in which the contract was awarded.
The move came after the Madhav Kumar Nepal government decided late on Sunday evening to revoke the deal due to political pressure and questions raised by Public Accounts Committee on the manner in which the contract was awarded.
Indian in the Wikimedia foundation
Bishakha Datta, who recently joined the board of trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation as member, is upbeat about the immense potential the free online encyclopaedia has to chronicle the country's pluralistic culture.
She was speaking to the Wikipedians of Bangalore at the `Wiki Meetup' on Sunday. She stressed on the need for greater awareness about the medium, and increased involvement by Wikipedians in local languages.
She was speaking to the Wikipedians of Bangalore at the `Wiki Meetup' on Sunday. She stressed on the need for greater awareness about the medium, and increased involvement by Wikipedians in local languages.
Fire in B'lore hotel- No casualities reported
A fire broke out on Monday afternoon on the terrace of five-storey Gold Towers in the heart of Bangalore, destroying a temporary shed, a police official said.
"The fire occurred between 1.45-2 pm in the shed on the roof of Gold Towers. No casualties have been reported so far. The fire has been brought under control," Deputy Commissioner of Police G Ramesh told reporters.
The fire brigade rushed five fire engines to douse the flames on a hot and humid afternoon.
"The cause of the fire is being investigated"
"The fire occurred between 1.45-2 pm in the shed on the roof of Gold Towers. No casualties have been reported so far. The fire has been brought under control," Deputy Commissioner of Police G Ramesh told reporters.
The fire brigade rushed five fire engines to douse the flames on a hot and humid afternoon.
"The cause of the fire is being investigated"
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