Hectic lobbying is on to seek a raise in the retirement age of Supreme Court judges by another two years. The apex court judges now
retire at 65. In the event of this proposal getting through, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan could continue for another two-and-a-half years.
But there is stiff resistance to the proposal from within the judiciary as many high court judges could find their elevation prospects blocked. Sources say that there are several competent high court judges who are waiting to be elevated to the Supreme Court.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Melbourne not safe for Indians - Oz opposition leader
Streets of Melbourne were not safe for Indians and the Government should spend money on policing and preventing racial attacks to improve relationship, Australia’s opposition leader Tony Abbott said on Tuesday.
The remarks came in the wake of the Government’s move to arrange accommodation for a team of Indian journalists touring Down Under.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is spending A$250,000 on flights and five-star accommodation for the journalists in a bid to clear up a diplomatic row over a series of attacks on Indians, the AAP reported quoting Herald Sun.
The remarks came in the wake of the Government’s move to arrange accommodation for a team of Indian journalists touring Down Under.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is spending A$250,000 on flights and five-star accommodation for the journalists in a bid to clear up a diplomatic row over a series of attacks on Indians, the AAP reported quoting Herald Sun.
NIA may take over investigation Pune blast from ATS
As the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad has been unable to provide a breakthrough, the Centre is seriously considering handing over investigations into the German Bakery blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Sources told that the issue had already been discussed at the highest levels in the Home Ministry and a decision to hand over investigations to NIA could be taken this week “if the ATS was not able to identify the vital clues” that could identify the group behind the blast.
Sources told that the issue had already been discussed at the highest levels in the Home Ministry and a decision to hand over investigations to NIA could be taken this week “if the ATS was not able to identify the vital clues” that could identify the group behind the blast.
IAF to unleash its full strength in exercise VayuShakti -2010 at Pokhran on Feb 28
Even as IAF gears up to unleash a massive high-voltage firepower exercise Vayu Shakti-2010 at Pokhran on February 28 to showcase its `shock and awe' capabilities, plans have also been set in motion to hold the first-ever air combat exercise with China.
"We hope to hold an exercise with China around 2012. The Army has already taken a lead in this. The planning has already commenced, but political clearances, suitable dates etc take some time to come,'' said IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik on Monday.
"We hope to hold an exercise with China around 2012. The Army has already taken a lead in this. The planning has already commenced, but political clearances, suitable dates etc take some time to come,'' said IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik on Monday.
Independant Power transmission project to be implemented by Sterlite
Today Sterlite Technologies announced about the first independent power transmission project in India.
The company also announced about the LoI (Letter of Intent) which it had received from the PFC (Power Finance Corporation Limited) for the development of an interconnecting power transmission project for the NE.
This 800 crore project is awarded on BOOM (Build Own, Operate and Maintain). It will connect the states of West Bengal, Bihar and Assam. The lines will be ready within three years.
The company also announced about the LoI (Letter of Intent) which it had received from the PFC (Power Finance Corporation Limited) for the development of an interconnecting power transmission project for the NE.
This 800 crore project is awarded on BOOM (Build Own, Operate and Maintain). It will connect the states of West Bengal, Bihar and Assam. The lines will be ready within three years.
Mamta kept her promises in the buget 09-10
Soon after railway minister Mamata Banerjee finished reading out her 2009-10 budget speech in Parliament, there were some who smirked and said: "It is a good budget if she has the next five years in mind to implement all the projects." Even as Mamata gets ready for the 2010-11 railway budget, those who made the snide remarks have egg on their faces. She has succeeded in keeping most of her promises. It is another matter altogether that new trains, remodelled stations and plans for industry, hospitals and colleges do not necessarily constitute a good railway budget.
"Mamata has been largely successful. She has gone beyond railways and considered the overall development of the state. The people of West Bengal have always felt that the Centre has not done enough for the state. Mamata has given a lot. What she has done is unprecedented," said Bhaskar Chowdhury, former chief commercial manager, Metro Railway.
"Mamata has been largely successful. She has gone beyond railways and considered the overall development of the state. The people of West Bengal have always felt that the Centre has not done enough for the state. Mamata has given a lot. What she has done is unprecedented," said Bhaskar Chowdhury, former chief commercial manager, Metro Railway.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hockey teams flying in for Hockey World Cup in Delhi
Amid heightened security cover, the Pakistan and Australian hockey teams arrived in India on Monday for the World Cup beginning in New Delhi on February 28.
The Australian hockey team was the first to reach New Delhi in the wee hours on Monday while the Pakistan team entered India through the Wagah Border.
"The Pakistan team crossed the Wagah Border at around 1 p.m," BSF spokesperson Jagir Singh said.
The Australian hockey team was the first to reach New Delhi in the wee hours on Monday while the Pakistan team entered India through the Wagah Border.
"The Pakistan team crossed the Wagah Border at around 1 p.m," BSF spokesperson Jagir Singh said.
ASUS releases new NetBook EeePC 1008P in a fresh hardware platform
ASUS Eee PC 1008P is a stylish “designer” netbook on fresh hardware platform. Excellent product if you are not afraid of the nuances of ergonomics and not very long battery life. It is the newest member of the family EeePC, the 1008P, designed by renowned designer Karim Rashid. This has an unusual aesthetic and appealing to the more knowledgeable of the fashion world.
The notebook comes with the Dimensions and weight 262 × 180 × 26 mm, 1.14 kg, Processor Intel Atom N450 (1.66 GHz),Chipset Intel NM10,Graphics Intel GMA 3150, Memory 2 GB.
Display Screen 10,1”(1024 × 600 pixels), glossy, Brightness (min / max) 0 / 80 cd/m2 (15 gradations)
Drive 250 GB SATA-II (5400 rpm),External connectors 2 × USB, RJ45, mini-VGA, audio
Communications SD (HC) / MMC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Battery 2900 mA • h, 10,95 In
Endurance (maximum load / read mode) 2 h 37 min / 4 h 42 min, OS Preinstalled Windows 7 Starter
with 1.3 megapixel webcam.
The notebook comes with the Dimensions and weight 262 × 180 × 26 mm, 1.14 kg, Processor Intel Atom N450 (1.66 GHz),Chipset Intel NM10,Graphics Intel GMA 3150, Memory 2 GB.
Display Screen 10,1”(1024 × 600 pixels), glossy, Brightness (min / max) 0 / 80 cd/m2 (15 gradations)
Drive 250 GB SATA-II (5400 rpm),External connectors 2 × USB, RJ45, mini-VGA, audio
Communications SD (HC) / MMC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Battery 2900 mA • h, 10,95 In
Endurance (maximum load / read mode) 2 h 37 min / 4 h 42 min, OS Preinstalled Windows 7 Starter
with 1.3 megapixel webcam.
Nearly Thousand Lufthansa flights cancelled due to walk-out by pilots
Air travellers braced for chaos Monday as pilots for Lufthansa, Europe’s largest airline, began a four-day walkout that was expected to force the cancellation of thousands of flights.
The German flag carrier was operating a sharply reduced schedule that involved scrubbing roughly 800 out of 1,800 scheduled flights per day for the duration of the strike. A spokeswoman for the carrier said early Monday that the number of flights cancelled was likely to rise as the day wore on, as some pilots that had been scheduled to work through the strike were not showing up.
“We have already had a few additional cancellations this morning,” said the spokeswoman, Stefanie Stotz.
The German flag carrier was operating a sharply reduced schedule that involved scrubbing roughly 800 out of 1,800 scheduled flights per day for the duration of the strike. A spokeswoman for the carrier said early Monday that the number of flights cancelled was likely to rise as the day wore on, as some pilots that had been scheduled to work through the strike were not showing up.
“We have already had a few additional cancellations this morning,” said the spokeswoman, Stefanie Stotz.
Lt.Gen Prakash to question witnesses in Sukna army land scam
The Armed Forces Tribunal on Monday gave interim relief to former Military Secretary Lieutenant General Avadhesh Prakash in the Sukna army land scam.
The court granted permission to Lt. General Prakash to cross-examine witnesses who earlier gave statement against him before the Court of Inquiry.
According to Lt. Gen Prakash's lawyer, both of them were not present during the cross examination of the eight officers, who provided evidence against Lt. Gen Prakash's involvement in the land scam.
The court granted permission to Lt. General Prakash to cross-examine witnesses who earlier gave statement against him before the Court of Inquiry.
According to Lt. Gen Prakash's lawyer, both of them were not present during the cross examination of the eight officers, who provided evidence against Lt. Gen Prakash's involvement in the land scam.
Airstrike kills 33 civilians in souhtern Afghan
At least 33 civilians have been killed in a Nato airstrike in southern Afghanistan.
Initial reports indicated that Nato attacked a convoy of three vehicles on Sunday as they travelled towards Kandahar. The dead included four women and one child and 12 others were injured.
Amanullah Hotak, head of the Uruzgan provincial council, said that the people had been travelling in three mini-buses through a pass in the Char Cheno district.
Initial reports indicated that Nato attacked a convoy of three vehicles on Sunday as they travelled towards Kandahar. The dead included four women and one child and 12 others were injured.
Amanullah Hotak, head of the Uruzgan provincial council, said that the people had been travelling in three mini-buses through a pass in the Char Cheno district.
Abuse of European passports - a concern for EU
The European Union is "extremely concerned" at the use of European passports in the killing of a Hamas commander in Dubai, the Spanish EU presidency said Monday.
"We are extremely concerned that European passports... can be used in a different manner for a different purpose," Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told reporters as he arrived for a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels.
"We are extremely concerned that European passports... can be used in a different manner for a different purpose," Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos told reporters as he arrived for a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels.
Two Pak Sikhs beheaded by extremists
Two Pakistani Sikhs have been beheaded, weeks after being kidnapped in separate incidents in the country's tribal north-west, officials say.
Jaspal Singh was taken while travelling in the Khyber district one month ago. His body was found on Sunday.
Mastan Singh was kidnapped in the Orakzai region at about the same time.
The neighbouring regions are home to crime syndicates involved in carjacking and kidnappings, which are known to have links with extremist groups.
Jaspal Singh was taken while travelling in the Khyber district one month ago. His body was found on Sunday.
Mastan Singh was kidnapped in the Orakzai region at about the same time.
The neighbouring regions are home to crime syndicates involved in carjacking and kidnappings, which are known to have links with extremist groups.
Food security law to be enacted - Prez in Parliment
With food inflation upsetting the common-man's household budget, a concerned government today said it was committed to enacting a law to provide cheaper rice and wheat to the poor.
"My government is committed to bringing forth a legislation to ensure food security," President Pratibha Patil said in her address to the joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament.
"My government is committed to bringing forth a legislation to ensure food security," President Pratibha Patil said in her address to the joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament.
Aussie cricket board urges players not to play in IPL over security fears..
AUSTRALIAN cricketers, along with their counterparts in England and South Africa, will be warned not to compete in the Indian Premier League next month or that they do so at their own risk, according to reports in Britain.
An English newspaper claims the security report commissioned by the international players' union says player safety cannot be guaranteed and threats issued by a group associated with Al-Qa'ida last week are credible.
An English newspaper claims the security report commissioned by the international players' union says player safety cannot be guaranteed and threats issued by a group associated with Al-Qa'ida last week are credible.
Depleted India defeats strong Proteas in the 1st ODI at Jaipur
India overcame the absence of four top stars to beat South Africa by one run in a thrilling One-Day International on Sunday and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Wayne Parnell was run out off the final delivery, attempting a second run that would have tied the match, to leave the Proteas on 297 all out in reply to India's 298/9.
The tourists were tottering at 225/8 in the 43rd over when the ninth-wicket pair of Parnell and Dale Steyn swung the day-night match around by adding 65 off 38 balls.
Wayne Parnell was run out off the final delivery, attempting a second run that would have tied the match, to leave the Proteas on 297 all out in reply to India's 298/9.
The tourists were tottering at 225/8 in the 43rd over when the ninth-wicket pair of Parnell and Dale Steyn swung the day-night match around by adding 65 off 38 balls.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Intex launches handset with Tri-SIM compatibility
Till now, Intex Technologies used to pioneer in Dual SIM handsets only. Recently it has broken the barriers and has gone a step ahead by launching its new triple SIM handsets. A handset which supports three SIMs, (GSM + GSM + CDMA). The handset is called IN 5030.
The handset features a Currency Checker. The handset measures 111×48x14.8mm and has a 2 inch TFT screen with 65K colours. The handset is is JAVA-enabled, has Mobile Tracker and auto call record facilities too.
The handset features a Currency Checker. The handset measures 111×48x14.8mm and has a 2 inch TFT screen with 65K colours. The handset is is JAVA-enabled, has Mobile Tracker and auto call record facilities too.
Aircel to launch its services in Haryana, Punjab & Rajasthan by April
The year 2010 is proving lucky for Nokia Siemens. Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) bagged a big deal of $700 million from country’s largest operator Bharti Airtel a few days back and now it has won a $300-million deal from mobile operator Aircel.
The four year contract would see furnish GSM radio, core and microwave network and services in three states.
Aircel is expected to roll out services in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan in April.
The four year contract would see furnish GSM radio, core and microwave network and services in three states.
Aircel is expected to roll out services in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan in April.
Passenger Service System to implemented soon in AirIndia
Global air transport communication and IT solutions provider SITA is in advanced stages of discussion with NACIL to provide the
much-needed IT platform for integrating flight codes of Air India and erstwhile Indian Airlines into a common one, sources said.
Apart from its benefits in the sale of tickets, a common code is an essential requirement for the national carrier, which joining a global airlines' alliance-- Star Alliance.
much-needed IT platform for integrating flight codes of Air India and erstwhile Indian Airlines into a common one, sources said.
Apart from its benefits in the sale of tickets, a common code is an essential requirement for the national carrier, which joining a global airlines' alliance-- Star Alliance.
Probe ordered on Minaret collapse in Meknes
The Lalla Khenata mosque's minaret collapsed in the old Bab el Bardiyine neighborhood of the imperial city of Meknes during Friday mass prayers, burying most of the 300 worshippers gathered there.
The state prosecutor visited the site after the collapse occurred and a special incident unit was set up by the prosecutor's office to simplify formal procedures for victims and their families, MAP said.
The state prosecutor visited the site after the collapse occurred and a special incident unit was set up by the prosecutor's office to simplify formal procedures for victims and their families, MAP said.
Inmtes of Bhopal jail makes Solar Water heater.
After successfully manufacturing a 200 litres solar water heater to promote use of green energy, the prisoners are now trying their hand at preparing a 2,000 litre capacity to meet the needs of Central Jail in Bhopal, officials said.
"The inmates in the Bhopal central jail have successfully manufactured a 200 litres solar water heater recently for promoting green energy. Now they are trying their hands at preparing a 2000 litres solar energy driven heater," Madhya Pradesh Jail Director General of Police P L Pandey.
"The inmates in the Bhopal central jail have successfully manufactured a 200 litres solar water heater recently for promoting green energy. Now they are trying their hands at preparing a 2000 litres solar energy driven heater," Madhya Pradesh Jail Director General of Police P L Pandey.
Godrej requests Govt not to increase CenVAT
The government should not raise the central value-added tax (Cenvat), which was reduced to 8 per cent as part of the stimulus measures, Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej has said.
“At present, Cenvat is 8 per cent. It is very important that the finance minister does not raise the Cenvat rate, because very soon we will be shifting to the goods and service tax (GST) regime. The best way forward is to merge the present fiscal stimulus with the introduction of the GST," he said on the sidelines of theCII-organised brand summit in Bangalore.
“At present, Cenvat is 8 per cent. It is very important that the finance minister does not raise the Cenvat rate, because very soon we will be shifting to the goods and service tax (GST) regime. The best way forward is to merge the present fiscal stimulus with the introduction of the GST," he said on the sidelines of theCII-organised brand summit in Bangalore.
MMS Scandal pushed a teen to commit suicide
An 18-year-old schoolgirl and her paramour allegedly committed suicide after video clippings of her kissing a classmate were posted on the Internet, police said on Saturday.
The girl, a student of Class XII at a school in Kannur, and a 27-year-old plumber, who is believed to be her boyfriend, were found hanging from a tree at the latter's residence, police said.
The girl, a student of Class XII at a school in Kannur, and a 27-year-old plumber, who is believed to be her boyfriend, were found hanging from a tree at the latter's residence, police said.
Missing communist leader W R Varadharajan found dead in the Porur Pond
The Chennai police have found a decomposed body which they suspect could be of the missing Communist leader W R Varadarajan.
According to his wife Saraswathy, a few identification marks match but police say they can confirm only after forensic test reports.
The veteran trade union leader has been missing for 10 days now after he was removed from the party's highest decision making body, the central committee following adverse reports from the state unit.
According to his wife Saraswathy, a few identification marks match but police say they can confirm only after forensic test reports.
The veteran trade union leader has been missing for 10 days now after he was removed from the party's highest decision making body, the central committee following adverse reports from the state unit.
Iran urges IAEA to reconsider on the nuke reports
Head of Iran's Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi on Sunday urged the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA), Yukiya Amano, to reconsider his report on Iran's nuclear activities.
Boroujerdi told reporters that "since Mr. Amano is to present his report to the agency's Board of Governors next Monday, he'd better use the chance and change the report," the official IRNA news agency reported.
Boroujerdi told reporters that "since Mr. Amano is to present his report to the agency's Board of Governors next Monday, he'd better use the chance and change the report," the official IRNA news agency reported.
Flash floods left at least 40 people dead,Portuguese island of Madeira
Rescue workers are searching mud-filled streets and houses on the Portuguese island of Madeira after flash floods left at least 40 people dead.
More than 120 others were injured and an unknown number are missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Heavy rains brought tonnes of mud and stones down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns.
Water, power and telecommunications were cut in some areas.
More than 120 others were injured and an unknown number are missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
Heavy rains brought tonnes of mud and stones down the slopes of the island, flooding the streets of the regional capital, Funchal, and other towns.
Water, power and telecommunications were cut in some areas.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Viru No.1 In ICC Test ranking
Virender Sehwag, the Indian opener, has taken the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings after hitting successive centuries against South Africa. With a rapid 165 in the Kolkata Test, which India won to stay top of the ICC rankings for teams, and 109 in Nagpur before that, Sehwag has displaced good friend and fellow Test opener Gautam Gambhir.
Sehwag sits top of the pile with 863 points, while Gambhir has dropped to fifth position with 824. He had tremendous success in 2009 - an average of 108.98 in six Tests - and in the four Tests he has played this year, Sehwag already has two centuries. He was also the recipient of the prize for best Test innings, for the second year running, for the ESPNcricinfo Awards where his audacious 293 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai was chosen over four other nominations shortlisted for the award.
Sehwag sits top of the pile with 863 points, while Gambhir has dropped to fifth position with 824. He had tremendous success in 2009 - an average of 108.98 in six Tests - and in the four Tests he has played this year, Sehwag already has two centuries. He was also the recipient of the prize for best Test innings, for the second year running, for the ESPNcricinfo Awards where his audacious 293 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai was chosen over four other nominations shortlisted for the award.
Narang bags another gold in CommonWealth Shooting tournament
India's gold count in the Commonwealth Shooting Championship increased with Gagan Narang winning the men's 10 metre air rifle singles
event and Navy man Sanjeev Rajput bagging the silver at the Karni Singh Shooting Range here Saturday.
Narang shot a total of 699.5 (595 qualification, 104.5 finals) for the yellow metal and also came close to breaking his own championship record of 699.7 set in Australia in 2005.
event and Navy man Sanjeev Rajput bagging the silver at the Karni Singh Shooting Range here Saturday.
Narang shot a total of 699.5 (595 qualification, 104.5 finals) for the yellow metal and also came close to breaking his own championship record of 699.7 set in Australia in 2005.
Fonseka getting 5 Star facilties in jail - Rajapakse
Sri Lanka's president says arrested ex-army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka is getting "five-star" treatment in custody, it was reported Saturday.
Fonseka, whose detention came two weeks after being beaten in presidential elections in late January by President Mahinda Rajapakse, is being held by the military pending court-martial proceedings on unspecified charges.
Fonseka, whose detention came two weeks after being beaten in presidential elections in late January by President Mahinda Rajapakse, is being held by the military pending court-martial proceedings on unspecified charges.
3G auction issue will be resolved soon-- A.Raja
Telecom Minister A. Raja has said that the issue of auctioning 3G-spectrum to telecom companies is likely to be resolved this week.
Earlier, Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla had said that the government was not sure if it could conduct a 3G wireless spectrum auction before the end of the current fiscal.
The current fiscal ends on March 31.
"I hope everything will be resolved this week. It is not the question of money alone. It is the question of utilising the technology. We should not be lagging behind the international community," Raja announced on the sidelines of the launch of BSNL 3G mobile services in Bangalore.
"Government of India is committed, whether it is finance, whether it is law. As a whole, Government of India is committed to have this technology at the earliest possible," Raja added.
Earlier, Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla had said that the government was not sure if it could conduct a 3G wireless spectrum auction before the end of the current fiscal.
The current fiscal ends on March 31.
"I hope everything will be resolved this week. It is not the question of money alone. It is the question of utilising the technology. We should not be lagging behind the international community," Raja announced on the sidelines of the launch of BSNL 3G mobile services in Bangalore.
"Government of India is committed, whether it is finance, whether it is law. As a whole, Government of India is committed to have this technology at the earliest possible," Raja added.
Number Portability from May- launch in Chennai & B'lore
The government would launch the much-awaited mobile number portability (MNP) by the first week of May, starting from Chennai and Bangalore, said Communication and Information Technology Minister A Raja today.
“By May first week, the number portability will be introduced in Chennai and Bangalore,” Raja said, during the launch of 3G services here by state-owned BSNL.
The MNP, which would allow users to switch service providers without changing phone numbers, was earlier scheduled to be introduced in March this year. However, it got delayed as the government was unable to get security clearance for the devices which were imported from other countries.
“By May first week, the number portability will be introduced in Chennai and Bangalore,” Raja said, during the launch of 3G services here by state-owned BSNL.
The MNP, which would allow users to switch service providers without changing phone numbers, was earlier scheduled to be introduced in March this year. However, it got delayed as the government was unable to get security clearance for the devices which were imported from other countries.
Water diapute B/w India & Pak need to be solved -- Holbrooke
President Obama's Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke has said Washington is in consultations with India and Pakistan to help both countries resolve water disputes between them.
In an interview with a private television channel, Holbrooke termed Pakistan's water crisis as the second most worry for that country after its sagging economy.
"Pakistan's water crisis is the second most dangerous crisis after its economic turmoil," The Daily Times quoted Holbrooke, as saying.
In an interview with a private television channel, Holbrooke termed Pakistan's water crisis as the second most worry for that country after its sagging economy.
"Pakistan's water crisis is the second most dangerous crisis after its economic turmoil," The Daily Times quoted Holbrooke, as saying.
Indian Hockey Players in controversy yet again
Indian hockey has been rocked by yet another controversy with organisers of a charity event on Saturday claiming that the players demanded Rs 5 crore to feature in the matches, an allegation the national team members denied.
Hardeep Sandhu, a member of the organiser committe of AMR foundation, on Saturday claimed that hockey players led by Prabhjot Singh, Rajpal Singh and Deepak Thaukar were demanding a Rs 5 crore to play in the four charity matches of 15 minutes each featuring Bollywood and TV stars.
Hardeep Sandhu, a member of the organiser committe of AMR foundation, on Saturday claimed that hockey players led by Prabhjot Singh, Rajpal Singh and Deepak Thaukar were demanding a Rs 5 crore to play in the four charity matches of 15 minutes each featuring Bollywood and TV stars.
DMK's stand on new panel for MullaiPeriyar issue...
The legal tangle between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the Mullaperiyar Dam dispute took a new twist on Saturday with ruling DMK saying there was no need for the State to nominate its representative to the committee constituted by the Supreme Court to go into the dam’s safety aspects.
DMK’s General Council, which met here, in a resolution said it was not in a position to accept the Supreme Court’s ruling constituting the five-member committee to examine the safety aspects of the over century-old reservoir.
DMK’s General Council, which met here, in a resolution said it was not in a position to accept the Supreme Court’s ruling constituting the five-member committee to examine the safety aspects of the over century-old reservoir.
No relation with Indian Maoists-- says Nepali Maoist
Nepal's former Maoist guerrillas have objected to the Indian police's chargesheet against Indian Maoist leader Kobad Ghandy containing a reference to a meeting with their chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, saying it had no relevance to the present situation.
Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Maoist lawmaker and vice chairman of Nepal's largest party, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), said highlighting an alleged meeting between Prachanda and arrested Indian Maoist leader Kobad Ghandy was a bid to create an unnecessary controversy.
Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Maoist lawmaker and vice chairman of Nepal's largest party, the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), said highlighting an alleged meeting between Prachanda and arrested Indian Maoist leader Kobad Ghandy was a bid to create an unnecessary controversy.
Will RTE be successfully implemented ?? - Kapil Sibal comments
The Centre will check commercialisation of education and seek consensus among states to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act from April 1, said Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday.
"Our aim is to ensure that all children in India get quality education, but we are against commercialisation of education. Incessant hike of fee and overcharging from parents is something we do not support," Sibal told reporters in New Delhi.
In order to implement the RTE Act in its true spirit, the minister said, he will hold meetings with various state governments.
"Our aim is to ensure that all children in India get quality education, but we are against commercialisation of education. Incessant hike of fee and overcharging from parents is something we do not support," Sibal told reporters in New Delhi.
In order to implement the RTE Act in its true spirit, the minister said, he will hold meetings with various state governments.
All Party JAC for Telangana struggles Coz of differences in the resignation issue
The all-party Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Congress formally snapped ties on Friday with both of them declaring separately that they would have nothing to do with each other in the struggle for statehood.
It was the Congress that fired the first salvo announcing its decision to quit the JAC as the latter’s condition of asking MLAs to resign was not acceptable. The JAC later said it was also not keen on a friendship with Congress since the party had distanced itself from people of Telangana who were firm that resignation by public representatives was the only way to mount pressure on the Centre to concede separate Telangana. About the Telugu Desam (TDP), which has maintained a low profile with JAC in the last few days, the committee’s convener M. Kodandaram told presspersons that a final view would be taken after speaking to its leaders. The TDP had taken the stand that its MLAs would resign only after their counterparts from Congress quit.
It was the Congress that fired the first salvo announcing its decision to quit the JAC as the latter’s condition of asking MLAs to resign was not acceptable. The JAC later said it was also not keen on a friendship with Congress since the party had distanced itself from people of Telangana who were firm that resignation by public representatives was the only way to mount pressure on the Centre to concede separate Telangana. About the Telugu Desam (TDP), which has maintained a low profile with JAC in the last few days, the committee’s convener M. Kodandaram told presspersons that a final view would be taken after speaking to its leaders. The TDP had taken the stand that its MLAs would resign only after their counterparts from Congress quit.
Traffic restrictions in Hyderabad to prevent Telangana protest rally..
The State capital witnessed an unprecedented traffic grid lock in major parts of the city, especially those on the southern and western parts after the police imposed traffic restrictions on a massive scale to prevent the pro-Telangana students from carrying out their threat of laying siege to the State Assembly on Saturday.
Osmania University campus, the nerve centre of agitation for bifurcation of state remained peaceful, as massive contingents of police kept a close watch on a gathering of about 500 students. By 10.30 p.m. the assemblage of students were moving towards the NCC gate of the University, apparently in a bid to take out a rally to the Assembly.
Osmania University campus, the nerve centre of agitation for bifurcation of state remained peaceful, as massive contingents of police kept a close watch on a gathering of about 500 students. By 10.30 p.m. the assemblage of students were moving towards the NCC gate of the University, apparently in a bid to take out a rally to the Assembly.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Fall in Violence rate in J&K but Infiltration worries--PC
Kashmir has witnessed reduction in number of incidents of violence last year which was a "silver lining", but infiltration attempts have gone up, Home Minister P Chidambaram said today.
"Infiltration has not reduced. Incidents of violence have reduced...and I attribute it to Army, paramilitary and Jammu and Kashmir police," he said.
The policy that Jammu and Kashmir police should take the lead has been successful, the minister told women journalists during an interaction here.
"Infiltration has not reduced. Incidents of violence have reduced...and I attribute it to Army, paramilitary and Jammu and Kashmir police," he said.
The policy that Jammu and Kashmir police should take the lead has been successful, the minister told women journalists during an interaction here.
AP Govt warns of Naxals in Telangan movement
Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday claimed Maoists have infiltrated into the movement for a separate Telangana state as the Supreme Court stayed the State High Court's direction for withdrawal of paramilitary forces from Osmania University campus, the hotbed of the agitation.
However, Justice Singhvi, who heads a two-member bench of the apex court, said "I don't think there are any Naxalites in the university."
However, Justice Singhvi, who heads a two-member bench of the apex court, said "I don't think there are any Naxalites in the university."
Abducted BDO released by Maoists
Abducted Dalbhumgarh BDO Prashant Kumar Layak was released by the Maoists on Friday after 5 days of captivity.
The officer was found near Hariyan village near Orissa-Jharkhand border.
The report was confirmed by Jharkhand Home Secretary J B Tubid.
The Jharkhand government was under tremendous pressure from the opposition for the safe release of the government official.
The officer was found near Hariyan village near Orissa-Jharkhand border.
The report was confirmed by Jharkhand Home Secretary J B Tubid.
The Jharkhand government was under tremendous pressure from the opposition for the safe release of the government official.
Indian Shooters dominates 10m air rifle team event in Commonwealth Championship
Gagan Narang and PT Raghunath set a new record in the 10m air rifle team event as Indian shooters dominated the proceedings with two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze medal on the opening day of the Commonwealth Championship in New Delhi.
Narang was the star of the day as he shot 599 out of 600, whichhelped Team India to win its first gold medal in the championship. Raghunath shot 594/600 to take the team score to an aggregate of 1193 points, breaking the previous championship record of 1183 points set by Narang and Manoj Kumar in 2005.
Narang was the star of the day as he shot 599 out of 600, whichhelped Team India to win its first gold medal in the championship. Raghunath shot 594/600 to take the team score to an aggregate of 1193 points, breaking the previous championship record of 1183 points set by Narang and Manoj Kumar in 2005.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
we let ourselves down in the first innings with the bat- Smith
South Africa captain Graeme Smith admits his side's first innings collapse gave India the upper hand during the second Test in Kolkata.
The Proteas fell to an innings and 58-run loss at Eden Gardens on the final day of the Test as India squared the series at 1-1, and Smith believes his side's dismal session on the first evening left them chasing the game.
Outplayed
"It would have been terrific had we pulled it off," said Smith.
The Proteas fell to an innings and 58-run loss at Eden Gardens on the final day of the Test as India squared the series at 1-1, and Smith believes his side's dismal session on the first evening left them chasing the game.
Outplayed
"It would have been terrific had we pulled it off," said Smith.
India victorious in their Battle for No.1 Spot in Test rankings..
India beat South Africa by an innings and 58 runs in the second Test in Kolkata to level the two-match series.
The visitors began the day on 115-3 and faced an uphill task to save the match after their first-innings collapse.
Batsman Hashim Amla worked superbly to frustrate India with his second century of the match, finishing on 123 not out.
The visitors began the day on 115-3 and faced an uphill task to save the match after their first-innings collapse.
Batsman Hashim Amla worked superbly to frustrate India with his second century of the match, finishing on 123 not out.
2 militants killed in a gun battle in Kashmir.
Two separatist guerrillas of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) outfit were killed after a daylong gunfight in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, police said.
Security forces surrounded a house in Shangarpora village, 37 km from Srinagar, in Pulwama district this (Thursday) morning following specific information about presence of guerrillas inside, a senior police officer said here.
The militants were asked to surrender but instead opened fire at the security personnel, leading to the gunfight.
Security forces surrounded a house in Shangarpora village, 37 km from Srinagar, in Pulwama district this (Thursday) morning following specific information about presence of guerrillas inside, a senior police officer said here.
The militants were asked to surrender but instead opened fire at the security personnel, leading to the gunfight.
New Guidelines for Conference Visa seekers from 8 nations
The security clearance for conference visa seekers from eight countries, including Pakistan and China, besides that for foreigners of Pakistani-origin and stateless persons will only be given by the home ministry from now on.
As per revised guidelines for granting visa to foreigners coming to India for attending international conferences, seminars and workshops, people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan and people of Pakistani origin and stateless persons will be getting clearance from the home ministry, an official statement said.
As per revised guidelines for granting visa to foreigners coming to India for attending international conferences, seminars and workshops, people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan and people of Pakistani origin and stateless persons will be getting clearance from the home ministry, an official statement said.
NSG to probe German Bakery blast in Pune..
A National Security Guard team has collected samples from the site of the blast here that claimed 11 lives.
The four-member research team of NSG's National Bomb Data Centre arrived here last night and collected samples from the blast site at Koregaon Park area where the German Bakery was located.
Pune Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said while the investigators were yet to establish the nature of trigger mechanism, the evidence collected so far did not rule out the use of remote control device in the blast.
The four-member research team of NSG's National Bomb Data Centre arrived here last night and collected samples from the blast site at Koregaon Park area where the German Bakery was located.
Pune Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh said while the investigators were yet to establish the nature of trigger mechanism, the evidence collected so far did not rule out the use of remote control device in the blast.
Delhi Airport named in World's Top 30 airports by travellers
Some welcome news for the Delhi Airport. It was ranked 300, but has now leapt to the Top 30 airports that handle 15-20 million passengers a year.
The rankings come from Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey that collects feedback from passengers. It's conducted by Airports Council International (ACI), an autonomous body representing world airports.
The rankings come from Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey that collects feedback from passengers. It's conducted by Airports Council International (ACI), an autonomous body representing world airports.
TEESIDE to be closed from Friday following huge loss in TEESIDE operations..
Steelmaker Corus will begin the partial mothball of a plant on Teesside in northern England on Friday, a move that may signal the beginning of the end for steelmaking in the traditional industrial town.
Corus, owned by India's Tata Steel, said that the Teesside cast products plant would be kept ready for a possible future restart and that it was open to "credible offers".
The company had said in December that it would begin the mothballing, leading to the loss of 1,700 jobs, in early 2010 after it failed to secure a long-term partner for the site's output.
Corus, owned by India's Tata Steel, said that the Teesside cast products plant would be kept ready for a possible future restart and that it was open to "credible offers".
The company had said in December that it would begin the mothballing, leading to the loss of 1,700 jobs, in early 2010 after it failed to secure a long-term partner for the site's output.
Air India gets $173 million from Govt.
India approved a cash infusion for ailing national carrier Air India Thursday, part of an expected $432 million bailout of a company many once considered a proud symbol of the nation.
The $173 million injection "would not only ease the cash flow situation of the company but would also preclude borrowings from the markets at a high cost," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
Other carriers have stumbled in the wake of the global financial crisis - notably Japan Airlines which filed for bankruptcy in January. Analysts say many of Air India's problems are homegrown, born of decades of mismanagement and underinvestment.
The $173 million injection "would not only ease the cash flow situation of the company but would also preclude borrowings from the markets at a high cost," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
Other carriers have stumbled in the wake of the global financial crisis - notably Japan Airlines which filed for bankruptcy in January. Analysts say many of Air India's problems are homegrown, born of decades of mismanagement and underinvestment.
Govt to Subsidise Fertilisers based nutrient content from Apr 1
The government has approved the nutrient based fertiliser subsidy (NBS) plan with effect from April 1. This is likely to have positive sentimental impact on share prices of fertiliser companies.
Under the new policy, the companies can fix retail fertiliser prices. However the urea prices will be increased by Rs 483 per tonne or 10 per cent.
“The hike in urea prices is not going to impact the bottomline or EPS of fertiliser companies as extra 10 per cent will go from farmer’s pocket directly. However, looking at the shift in policy, it’s a big positive for the industry,” said an analyst from a local brokerage.
Under the new policy, the companies can fix retail fertiliser prices. However the urea prices will be increased by Rs 483 per tonne or 10 per cent.
“The hike in urea prices is not going to impact the bottomline or EPS of fertiliser companies as extra 10 per cent will go from farmer’s pocket directly. However, looking at the shift in policy, it’s a big positive for the industry,” said an analyst from a local brokerage.
LAVA Mobiles unveils mobie with tons of features for Rs.3400
Lava Mobiles, an Indian firm based in Uttar Pradesh, has announced the launch of its latest mobile phone, the Lava A9, in the Indian market. The phone, a feature packed device, is priced very competitively and is aimed at consumers who want to more phone for less money.
Let us delve into the features of the A9 now. It features a 2.4-inch TFT screen that is capable of displaying 262k colors. A 3.2 MP camera adorns the rear of the phone. The multimedia intention is clear with a fully featured music and video player too making their presence felt. The A9 has 256MB of onboard memory that can be expanded upto 8GB using microSD cards.
Let us delve into the features of the A9 now. It features a 2.4-inch TFT screen that is capable of displaying 262k colors. A 3.2 MP camera adorns the rear of the phone. The multimedia intention is clear with a fully featured music and video player too making their presence felt. The A9 has 256MB of onboard memory that can be expanded upto 8GB using microSD cards.
BOTNET affects 75000 sys worldwide-- steals 75 GB of data & huge SSL certificates.
Security researchers at Herndon, Va.-based NetWitness Corp. have unearthed a massive botnet affecting at least 75,000 computers at 2,500 companies and government agencies worldwide.
The Kneber botnet, named for the username linking the affected machines worldwide, has been used to gather login credentials to online financial systems, social networking sites and e-mail systems for the past 18 months, according to NetWitness.
A 75GB cache of stolen data discovered by NetWitness included 68,000 corporate login credentials, login data for user accounts at Facebook, Yahoo and Hotmail, 2,000 SSL certificate files and a large amount of highly detailed "dossier-level" identity information. In addition, systems compromised by the botnet also give attackers remote access inside the compromised network, the company said.
The Kneber botnet, named for the username linking the affected machines worldwide, has been used to gather login credentials to online financial systems, social networking sites and e-mail systems for the past 18 months, according to NetWitness.
A 75GB cache of stolen data discovered by NetWitness included 68,000 corporate login credentials, login data for user accounts at Facebook, Yahoo and Hotmail, 2,000 SSL certificate files and a large amount of highly detailed "dossier-level" identity information. In addition, systems compromised by the botnet also give attackers remote access inside the compromised network, the company said.
Google extend helping hands to SMBs in India
World's leading search engine Google would offer free advertising coupons for small and medium businesses (SMBs) across the country,the global firm's Indian subsidiary said on Thursday.
"All SMBs with online presence will be able to avail our advertising coupons worth Rs 2,500 by calling toll free number 1860 266 6622 and registering their websites with our AdWords platform," Google India online sales head Sridhar Seshadri said in a statement here.
The SMBs can register at http://adwords.google.co.in.
"All SMBs with online presence will be able to avail our advertising coupons worth Rs 2,500 by calling toll free number 1860 266 6622 and registering their websites with our AdWords platform," Google India online sales head Sridhar Seshadri said in a statement here.
The SMBs can register at http://adwords.google.co.in.
Tiger Census need to advanced - Meghalaya wildlife Dept
With unofficial estimates of the tiger population in India being as low as 1,100-1,200, forest officials in Meghalaya have called for the availability of advanced techniques for more accurate census-taking.
Forest Officer S. Kumar has said that the forest department has asked the Wildlife Institute of India to use advanced census-taking techniques to find the exact number of tigers in the state.
Forest Officer S. Kumar has said that the forest department has asked the Wildlife Institute of India to use advanced census-taking techniques to find the exact number of tigers in the state.
Windows Mobile 7 to be charged in the competetive Mobile S/W market
Earlier in the week, Microsoft showed off its attractive new mobile platform. The new operating system, Windows Phone 7 Series, promises a radical change in the world of Microsoft-powered phones, but one thing that remains the same, the company confirmed, is that phone manufacturers will still have to pay to license the software. With Android (and now Symbian) open source, and the BlackBerry and iPhone software not available to third parties at all, this means that Windows Phone will be the only major smartphone OS available on a paid basis.
TATA Teleservices become No.1 operator in new subscriber base for 6th month in a row
Mobile services provider Tata Teleservices (TTSL) today said it has added 2.98 million subscribers in January 2010 to become the number one operator in terms of subscriber addition for the sixth straight month, pipping rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.
Bharti Airtel added 2.85 million new users, closely followed by Vodafone which added 2.7 new users, GSM operators' body COAI said in a release.
Bharti Airtel added 2.85 million new users, closely followed by Vodafone which added 2.7 new users, GSM operators' body COAI said in a release.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Stimulus to be withdrawn gradually in 2010-11
The government will gradually wind down its growth-supporting stimulus over the next fiscal year beginning on April 1, but will still need to borrow a record amount from the market, a Reuters survey of economists showed.
The government will present its budget for the fiscal year 2010/11 on Feb. 26, with markets waiting for details on the stimulus, borrowing, and fiscal deficit as well as a roadmap for introducing a new Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The government will present its budget for the fiscal year 2010/11 on Feb. 26, with markets waiting for details on the stimulus, borrowing, and fiscal deficit as well as a roadmap for introducing a new Goods and Services Tax (GST).
BSE moves +ve - ends 16415 & Nifty ends green
Equities pulled back above psychological resistance levels following positive opening of European markets. All the sectoral indices were
in the green led by metals, banks and auto stocks.
Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex closed at 16415.91, up 189.23 points or 1.17 per cent. The index touched a high of 16480.49 and low of 16228.91.
National Stock Exchange’s Nifty ended at 4910.75, up 55 points or 1.13 per cent. The broader index hit a high of 4929.70 and low of 4857.60.
in the green led by metals, banks and auto stocks.
Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex closed at 16415.91, up 189.23 points or 1.17 per cent. The index touched a high of 16480.49 and low of 16228.91.
National Stock Exchange’s Nifty ended at 4910.75, up 55 points or 1.13 per cent. The broader index hit a high of 4929.70 and low of 4857.60.
Court can order CBI probe without a State's consent
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the constitutional validity of courts' powers to order Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation without the prior permission of state governments with a provision that this should be used carefully and cautiously.
A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan in a unanimous judgement said such powers have to be exercised cautiously by the apex court and the High Courts.
A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan in a unanimous judgement said such powers have to be exercised cautiously by the apex court and the High Courts.
Science & Maths to be taught same across the country.
State boards across the country have agreed to implement a core curriculum in science and mathematics at the higher secondary level.
The decision taken by the Council of School Board of Education (COBSE) on Tuesday will be implemented from 2011-12.
The apex body for all school boards and councils also agreed to work towards a common entrance examination for professional courses by 2013. With concerns about stress faced by students mounting, the core curriculum is expected to be implemented smoothly. Putting in place a common entrance examination for courses like engineering, medicine may prove to be difficult, as it would mean doing away with entrance exams like IIT-JEE. Both decision would be referred to the Central Advisory Board on Education for approval.
The decision taken by the Council of School Board of Education (COBSE) on Tuesday will be implemented from 2011-12.
The apex body for all school boards and councils also agreed to work towards a common entrance examination for professional courses by 2013. With concerns about stress faced by students mounting, the core curriculum is expected to be implemented smoothly. Putting in place a common entrance examination for courses like engineering, medicine may prove to be difficult, as it would mean doing away with entrance exams like IIT-JEE. Both decision would be referred to the Central Advisory Board on Education for approval.
Govt extends hands to Bharti for Zain deal
The government offered all help possible to enable private telecom player Bharti Airtel see through the acquisition of Kuwait-based Zain's telecom operations in Africa.
"The Bharti management has not approached us yet. If they do, I will be very happy to help them because when they go out, it's not the company alone but they are our flag-bearers. We will do the utmost of what we can," Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said.
"The Bharti management has not approached us yet. If they do, I will be very happy to help them because when they go out, it's not the company alone but they are our flag-bearers. We will do the utmost of what we can," Corporate Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said.
JK Lakshmi cement plans to expand its presence to cope with infra industry needs
JK Lakshmi Cement is considering plans to set up a new plant in Gujarat with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore over the next 3-4 years to meet rising cement demand from the infrastructure sector, a senior company executive said.
The proposed two million tonne unit will boost its existing operations, which includes a cement plant in Sirohi (Rajasthan), besides a grinding unit near Ahmedabad, with total annual cement making capacity of 4.7 million tonne. The company is also in the process of setting up a second 0.6-million tonne cement grinding unit in Haryana. In addition, JK Lakshmi Cement had previously announced plans to set up a 2.7-million tonne cement unit in Chhattisgarh by October 2012, which would take its annual cement-producing capacity to 8 million tonne.
The proposed two million tonne unit will boost its existing operations, which includes a cement plant in Sirohi (Rajasthan), besides a grinding unit near Ahmedabad, with total annual cement making capacity of 4.7 million tonne. The company is also in the process of setting up a second 0.6-million tonne cement grinding unit in Haryana. In addition, JK Lakshmi Cement had previously announced plans to set up a 2.7-million tonne cement unit in Chhattisgarh by October 2012, which would take its annual cement-producing capacity to 8 million tonne.
Wipro & CAE Inc joins to enter defence sector.
Wipro on Wednesday announced it has signed an agreement with CAE Inc to jointly address the growing simulation-based training,operations, maintenance and training support services opportunities for India's defence forces.
Wipro and CAE would collaborate to provide training systems integration and simulation-based solutions for areas like war gaming, C4ISR and a range of defence platforms expected to be acquired by India's defence forces, the Bangalore-headquartered Wipro said in a statement.
Wipro and CAE would collaborate to provide training systems integration and simulation-based solutions for areas like war gaming, C4ISR and a range of defence platforms expected to be acquired by India's defence forces, the Bangalore-headquartered Wipro said in a statement.
Suzuki to launch its sedan in India this yr end
Japanese car maker Suzuki's Kizashi sedan will be launched in India shortly, according to Gene Brown, vice-president of American Suzuki Motor Corp.
He was speaking at the Chicago Auto Show show in the US where he said that the company had plans to launch Kizashi in the Indian market.
He was speaking at the Chicago Auto Show show in the US where he said that the company had plans to launch Kizashi in the Indian market.
London Mayor to reconsider LDA's decision to close its offices in India
After top British business leaders criticised the London Development Authority (LDA) for closing its offices in Delhi and Mumbai as a
Visa cost-cutting measure, the London mayor's office is reconsidering the decision.
The London mayor's economic development agency has revealed that it is reviewing its presence in India after it emerged that two representatives working in the country had left and have not been replaced.
Visa cost-cutting measure, the London mayor's office is reconsidering the decision.
The London mayor's economic development agency has revealed that it is reviewing its presence in India after it emerged that two representatives working in the country had left and have not been replaced.
$4million fraud in Wipro
A Wipro employee embezzled crores of rupees over the past three years, sending India’s third-largest software exporter Wipro scrambling to tighten internal controls in the finance division where the fraud took place.
The employee had been working with the company for the past three years in the ‘controllership’ division within the finance department. This cell is responsible for keeping the company’s financial books and also has powers to authorise payments whenever needed. The employee is believed to have embezzled about $4 million by stealing a password and transferring money from Wipro’s account at a bank.
The employee had been working with the company for the past three years in the ‘controllership’ division within the finance department. This cell is responsible for keeping the company’s financial books and also has powers to authorise payments whenever needed. The employee is believed to have embezzled about $4 million by stealing a password and transferring money from Wipro’s account at a bank.
Leader in online gaming opens its first office in Banglore
Zynga, the largest social game provider announced the opening of its first office outside the United States in Bangalore, where it
would hire 100 techies for game development and large-scale web infrastructure.
The India operation would focus on game development and large-scale infrastructure to support delivery of Zynga games to millions of players ever day, senior company executives told reporters here.
Zynga India would add to its current games studios in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Baltimore.
"Social gaming combines the best of web technical talent with game storytelling talent", Zynga's Chief Technology Officer Cadir Lee said. "India offers some of the most sophisticated and rich technical talent".
Country Manager of Zynga India, Shan Kadavil said the company is looking to recruit about 100 computer scientists and engineers who are experienced in building scalable infrastructure to handle more than 70 million daily active users.
"Our focus will be on building the next generation infrastructure that can handle the tremendous growth of Zynga games", he said.
San Franscisco-headquartered Zynga has over 235 million monthly active users playing its games, including "Farmville", "Zynga Poker", "Mafia Wars", "YoVille", "Cafe World", "FishVille" and "PetVille", which are available on Facebook, MySpace, MSN Games, Tagged, Yahoo! and the iPhone.
would hire 100 techies for game development and large-scale web infrastructure.
The India operation would focus on game development and large-scale infrastructure to support delivery of Zynga games to millions of players ever day, senior company executives told reporters here.
Zynga India would add to its current games studios in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Baltimore.
"Social gaming combines the best of web technical talent with game storytelling talent", Zynga's Chief Technology Officer Cadir Lee said. "India offers some of the most sophisticated and rich technical talent".
Country Manager of Zynga India, Shan Kadavil said the company is looking to recruit about 100 computer scientists and engineers who are experienced in building scalable infrastructure to handle more than 70 million daily active users.
"Our focus will be on building the next generation infrastructure that can handle the tremendous growth of Zynga games", he said.
San Franscisco-headquartered Zynga has over 235 million monthly active users playing its games, including "Farmville", "Zynga Poker", "Mafia Wars", "YoVille", "Cafe World", "FishVille" and "PetVille", which are available on Facebook, MySpace, MSN Games, Tagged, Yahoo! and the iPhone.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Intel Nokia join hands to compete Google's Android..
Finland's Nokia Corp. (NOK) and U.S.-based Intel Corp. (INTC) said Tuesday they are launching a mobile operating system which can run on a number of electronic devices including smartphones, laptops and TV sets and help these integrate seamlessly.
The Linux-based platform, called MeeGo, will be openly available to developers from the second quarter of this year, the companies said. The operating system has been built by merging Nokia's Maemo and Intel's Moblin platforms, they added.
The Linux-based platform, called MeeGo, will be openly available to developers from the second quarter of this year, the companies said. The operating system has been built by merging Nokia's Maemo and Intel's Moblin platforms, they added.
Inflation surge to 8.56% -- Economists want stimulus packages to be revoked to balance
The government on Monday said inflation surged to 8.56 per cent in January, the highest in over 13 months, ahead of the Union Budget for 2010-11 that would spell out the stance on stimulus packages.
Inflation, which has already breached the RBI's estimate of 8.5 (rpt) 8.5 per cent, has also fuelled concerns that the apex bank could further tighten the monetary measures initiated earlier this month in its third quarter monetary policy review.
Inflation, which has already breached the RBI's estimate of 8.5 (rpt) 8.5 per cent, has also fuelled concerns that the apex bank could further tighten the monetary measures initiated earlier this month in its third quarter monetary policy review.
Alternate material for silicon in solar panels....
With the relative high cost of silicon and its soaring demand in electronics and other industries, scientists of the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) here have initiated research to find suitable alternatives in an attempt to make solar energy technology more commercially viable.
“The research is being conducted to find a cheaper alternative to silicon in making a viable solar cell,” said SINP Director Milon Kumar Sanyal, who will be involved in the project. Scientists at Stanford University have pioneered research in this area and remarkable contributions have been made by research in the United States, Germany, France and Japan, he said, adding that silicon is also in high demand in the electronics and information technology industry and “India has missed the bus,” as far as silicon technology is concerned..
“The research is being conducted to find a cheaper alternative to silicon in making a viable solar cell,” said SINP Director Milon Kumar Sanyal, who will be involved in the project. Scientists at Stanford University have pioneered research in this area and remarkable contributions have been made by research in the United States, Germany, France and Japan, he said, adding that silicon is also in high demand in the electronics and information technology industry and “India has missed the bus,” as far as silicon technology is concerned..
Future Group introduces new shopping portal with Tata teleservices..
T24 or Talk 24, that's what Future Group has called its mobile telephony service on the GSM platform. The latest offering from the company promises customers shopping benefits for talking, and talk-time benefits each time they shop. Called 'Shop More, Talk More' and 'Talk More, Shop More', the service will provide customers dual advantage all 24 hours of the day. Future Group has chain stores like Big Bazaar, e-zone, Pataloon and so on under its umbrella.
The mobile telephony service is a stratergic partnership between Tata Teleservices Ltd. and Indian retail giant Future Group. Tata Teleservices has assured that T24 services will rollout shortly, starting with South India, and will see pan-India presence in 2010 itself.
With UAE-based telecom company Etisalat DB and the mobile telephone brand of Sistema Shyam TeleServices MTS entering India, we are sure to see cutthroat competition in the telecom sector.
The mobile telephony service is a stratergic partnership between Tata Teleservices Ltd. and Indian retail giant Future Group. Tata Teleservices has assured that T24 services will rollout shortly, starting with South India, and will see pan-India presence in 2010 itself.
With UAE-based telecom company Etisalat DB and the mobile telephone brand of Sistema Shyam TeleServices MTS entering India, we are sure to see cutthroat competition in the telecom sector.
Two new mountain Divisions of security forces to guard the border along NE...
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the Army was raising two new mountain divisions in the North-East, along the borders with China, but dismissed suggestions that the move was against the neighbour.
“We are raising two mountain divisions in the North-East. I must tell you it is not against China. But these are being raised under the overall policies to strengthen the presence of the armed forces in the North-East,” Antony told a press conference on the occasion of the Sixth Def Expo here.
“We are raising two mountain divisions in the North-East. I must tell you it is not against China. But these are being raised under the overall policies to strengthen the presence of the armed forces in the North-East,” Antony told a press conference on the occasion of the Sixth Def Expo here.
Notion Ink's Adam to ousmart Apple's IPad...
Two years after their ‘Eureka moment,’ a bunch of IIT graduates are set to announce the country’s foray into the Complete Product Development market, a territory hitherto uncharted by any Indian company.
Among the new fangled technologies to be displayed at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show scheduled for January 2010 will be a sleek gizmo, tentatively named Adam, conceptualised and designed in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
So, what exactly is Adam? To quote one of its creators: “It is a ‘smartpad,’ small enough to be carried anywhere and big enough to do anything.”
Among the new fangled technologies to be displayed at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show scheduled for January 2010 will be a sleek gizmo, tentatively named Adam, conceptualised and designed in Hyderabad and Bangalore.
So, what exactly is Adam? To quote one of its creators: “It is a ‘smartpad,’ small enough to be carried anywhere and big enough to do anything.”
security agencies find it tough to solve pune bakery blast....
Investigators looking for clues in the Pune terror attack were on Monday examining CCTV footage from a luxury hotel opposite the German Bakery, where a blast killed nine people on Saturday, an official close to the probe said.
The footage shows images of two potential suspects entering the German Bakery, a popular restaurant in the upscale Koregaon Park in Pune, the official said. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are monitoring the video.
"It shows two suspects. One is talking over the phone and the other is holding a backpack," the official said.
The footage has been obtained from the CCTV cameras installed on the gates of the luxury hotel situated across the road from the German Bakery where a powerful explosion Saturday evening killed nine people and injured nearly 60 -- mostly youngsters.
The official said the footage was too "grainy and coarse" to give any clues about the suspects in its present form.
"But the investigators are getting it closely examined and may enhance the generation of the video to get some clues," he said.
"They are looking for the suspect's distinctive physical features. It can reveal height, his clothes, pattern of walking," he said, adding that they were searching for even the smallest clues that could aid in the investigation.
"As of now we are not even able to determine the colour of the backpack in the footage," the official said when asked whether the bag that contained the explosive was apparently blue and red in colour.
The bag was hidden under a table in the German Bakery.
The bomb went off when a waiter, among the dead, tried to open the unattended bag noticed by a group of friends. Two siblings from the group also died in the blast.
The footage shows images of two potential suspects entering the German Bakery, a popular restaurant in the upscale Koregaon Park in Pune, the official said. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are monitoring the video.
"It shows two suspects. One is talking over the phone and the other is holding a backpack," the official said.
The footage has been obtained from the CCTV cameras installed on the gates of the luxury hotel situated across the road from the German Bakery where a powerful explosion Saturday evening killed nine people and injured nearly 60 -- mostly youngsters.
The official said the footage was too "grainy and coarse" to give any clues about the suspects in its present form.
"But the investigators are getting it closely examined and may enhance the generation of the video to get some clues," he said.
"They are looking for the suspect's distinctive physical features. It can reveal height, his clothes, pattern of walking," he said, adding that they were searching for even the smallest clues that could aid in the investigation.
"As of now we are not even able to determine the colour of the backpack in the footage," the official said when asked whether the bag that contained the explosive was apparently blue and red in colour.
The bag was hidden under a table in the German Bakery.
The bomb went off when a waiter, among the dead, tried to open the unattended bag noticed by a group of friends. Two siblings from the group also died in the blast.
Hi-tech solution for security agencies to find a vehicle...
A video camera that records everything round the clock at a parking lot can be as useful as a security guard there, but not moving even when a ‘vehicle of interest’ cruises in.
In most of the cases, the footage comes in handy for a post-event analysis, unless, of course, the security staff keep watching the display monitors as keenly as Air Traffic Control staff monitor aircraft movements.
In most of the cases, the footage comes in handy for a post-event analysis, unless, of course, the security staff keep watching the display monitors as keenly as Air Traffic Control staff monitor aircraft movements.
Petrol & diesel prices to be revised monthly based on the intl market.
Unmindful of opposition within the ruling coalition, the Petroleum Ministry is pushing for freeing of petrol and diesel prices from government control along with a marginal hike in domestic LPG and kerosene rates.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is also believed to be in favour of decontrolling auto fuel prices to limit the government’s subsidy outgo but a decision is unlikely in the next 7—10 days as UPA managers build political consensus on the issue, an oil ministry official said.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is also believed to be in favour of decontrolling auto fuel prices to limit the government’s subsidy outgo but a decision is unlikely in the next 7—10 days as UPA managers build political consensus on the issue, an oil ministry official said.
12 MLAs resignation accepted by Andhra assembly speaker
The resignation of 12 of the 15 MLAs, who had quit on the Telangana issue, has been accepted by Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy.
While resignation of 11 MLAs was accepted by the Speaker on Monday, a TDP MLA's letter to step down was accepted last night.
Fifteen MLAs from Telangana region submitted their resignation to the Speaker yesterday protesting the terms of reference of the Sri Krishna committee appointed by the Centre to go into the statehood issue.
While resignation of 11 MLAs was accepted by the Speaker on Monday, a TDP MLA's letter to step down was accepted last night.
Fifteen MLAs from Telangana region submitted their resignation to the Speaker yesterday protesting the terms of reference of the Sri Krishna committee appointed by the Centre to go into the statehood issue.
Cautious BJP steps up security for its senior leaders at Indore conclave
Fearing that the BJP’s national conclave in Indore could be the target of a terror attack, the party is taking all steps to secure the venue and may lodge some of its senior leaders in hotels instead of tents.
Some sections of the party feel that leaders like L.K. Advani, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and former president Rajnath Singh along with other senior leaders should stay in hotels instead of tents but BJP is yet to take a call on it.
Some sections of the party feel that leaders like L.K. Advani, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and former president Rajnath Singh along with other senior leaders should stay in hotels instead of tents but BJP is yet to take a call on it.
Violent protests in Hyd against the proposals by the commitee
At least 20 people were injured as angry students clashed with police in the state capital, Hyderabad.
In December, Indian authorities said Telangana would be carved out of the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh, but later said more talks were needed.
The state has seen weeks of violent protests for and against the proposals.
In December, Indian authorities said Telangana would be carved out of the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh, but later said more talks were needed.
The state has seen weeks of violent protests for and against the proposals.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Diehards of Oriya protests - prevents Mamta from flagging off a train..
Protesters today prevented Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee from flagging off the Rourkela-Bhubaneswar Intercity Express from Rourkela station through video-conferencing.
Thousands of demonstrators rushed to the station and shouted slogans demanding an apology from Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for not printing the invitation card of the function in Oriya.
Names of Congress M.P. Hemananda Biswal and local MLAs Sharada Nayak and Subrat Tarai, both from BJD, were also missing from the invitation cards, which were printed in Bengali, Hindi and English.
Thousands of demonstrators rushed to the station and shouted slogans demanding an apology from Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for not printing the invitation card of the function in Oriya.
Names of Congress M.P. Hemananda Biswal and local MLAs Sharada Nayak and Subrat Tarai, both from BJD, were also missing from the invitation cards, which were printed in Bengali, Hindi and English.
Govt. to deploy new defence policy in a month - to boost indigenous weaopon development.
After a few piecemeal measures over the last decade to promote private sector participation in the arms manufacturing arena, the government is now finally formulating a defence production policy (DPP) to bolster the country's indigenous military-industrial base.
This comes in the backdrop of the acutely embarrassing situation wherein India, which fancies itself as a emerging superpower, still continues to import almost 70% of the requirements of its armed forces.
"We will bring in the DPP within a month or two... We have already held meetings with different stakeholders and industry chambers,'' said defence production secretary R K Singh on Friday, in the run-up to next week's DefExpo-2010.
This comes in the backdrop of the acutely embarrassing situation wherein India, which fancies itself as a emerging superpower, still continues to import almost 70% of the requirements of its armed forces.
"We will bring in the DPP within a month or two... We have already held meetings with different stakeholders and industry chambers,'' said defence production secretary R K Singh on Friday, in the run-up to next week's DefExpo-2010.
Politics in TN - change of scene every hour
Even as Tamil Nadu’s political scene undergoes a churning ahead of the 2011 Assembly elections, the postponement of the Pennagaram
bypoll in the state has become the focal point for bitter exchanges between the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK.
AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on Friday reacted to DMK patriarch and chief minister M Karunanidhi’s statements raising questions about the election commission’s motives in postponing the byelection. She dismissed his insinuation that the EC could be favouring her party.
She said Mr Karunanidhi was trying to create an image that the EC was biased towards AIADMK which is “truly baseless”. In a statement issued from Chennai, the AIADMK chief said that during an all-party meet in December, all parties, barring the DMK, had favoured the postponement of the assembly by-poll.
bypoll in the state has become the focal point for bitter exchanges between the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK.
AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa on Friday reacted to DMK patriarch and chief minister M Karunanidhi’s statements raising questions about the election commission’s motives in postponing the byelection. She dismissed his insinuation that the EC could be favouring her party.
She said Mr Karunanidhi was trying to create an image that the EC was biased towards AIADMK which is “truly baseless”. In a statement issued from Chennai, the AIADMK chief said that during an all-party meet in December, all parties, barring the DMK, had favoured the postponement of the assembly by-poll.
Trio involved in the shooting of Indira Gandhi are honoured as martyrs in the Sikh gurdwara in Manukau, New Zealand.
Titled "Shaheed Bhai" - or martyr brother - the paintings of Satwant and Beant along with Kehar Singh, who was the co-conspirator, hang on the walls in the Takanini gurdwara alongside others who have been killed for their Sikh beliefs, the 'Weekend Herald' reported.
It said an inquiry by it has found images of the trio involved in the shooting of Indira Gandhi are honoured as martyrs in the Sikh gurdwara in Manukau, New Zealand.
Satwant and Beant, both bodyguards of the then Indian Prime Minister, fired more than 30 bullets into Gandhi on October 31, 1984.
The pictures have divided the Sikh community in Auckland -
and upset others in the Indian community. But few were willing to speak publicly on the matter, the report said.
It said an inquiry by it has found images of the trio involved in the shooting of Indira Gandhi are honoured as martyrs in the Sikh gurdwara in Manukau, New Zealand.
Satwant and Beant, both bodyguards of the then Indian Prime Minister, fired more than 30 bullets into Gandhi on October 31, 1984.
The pictures have divided the Sikh community in Auckland -
and upset others in the Indian community. But few were willing to speak publicly on the matter, the report said.
CBI unearths Rs 1 crore from SEBI's Asst.Gen.Mngr's account.
CBI has stumbled upon a cash haul of over Rs 1.29 crore from the bank lockers of an Assistant General Manager of market regular SEBI
who was arrested recently for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh.
The accused official RP Singh, an AGM of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in Kolkata, was arrested by CBI's anti-corruption wing on January 27 this year.
The CBI recovered Rs 24 lakh from one locker, Rs 26 lakh from another locker and Rs 79 lakh from a third bank locker besides jewellery worth Rs 12 lakh, it claimed in Ne Delhi on Saturday.
The agency claimed to have recovered Rs 28 lakh from Singh's residence on the day he was arrested by the CBI.
who was arrested recently for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh.
The accused official RP Singh, an AGM of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in Kolkata, was arrested by CBI's anti-corruption wing on January 27 this year.
The CBI recovered Rs 24 lakh from one locker, Rs 26 lakh from another locker and Rs 79 lakh from a third bank locker besides jewellery worth Rs 12 lakh, it claimed in Ne Delhi on Saturday.
The agency claimed to have recovered Rs 28 lakh from Singh's residence on the day he was arrested by the CBI.
Toyota to recall 8,000 Tacoma for possible cracks in drive shift comp.
Toyota Motor Corp will recall 8,000 pickups due to possible cracks in a common drive shaft component that Ford Motor Co and Nissan Motor
Co Ltd said posed no safety risk to their vehicles.
Toyota's decision to recall the 2010 model year Tacoma pickup trucks in the United States, which it announced on Friday, was the latest in a series of recalls that have hurt the automaker's sales and its reputation for quality.
The Toyota recall followed supplier Dana Holding Corp's report to US safety regulators that 34,000 drive shaft components it supplied to Toyota, Ford and Nissan could have cracks.
Co Ltd said posed no safety risk to their vehicles.
Toyota's decision to recall the 2010 model year Tacoma pickup trucks in the United States, which it announced on Friday, was the latest in a series of recalls that have hurt the automaker's sales and its reputation for quality.
The Toyota recall followed supplier Dana Holding Corp's report to US safety regulators that 34,000 drive shaft components it supplied to Toyota, Ford and Nissan could have cracks.
Obama calls the American Cos outsourcing projects to India as 'Tax evaders'
American president Barack Obama has once again targeted American companies having their operations in India to save taxes back home and called such businesses tax evaders. ( Watch )
"If you are a business here, entirely located in the US, and investing in the US, and hiring workers in the US, you are paying a 35 per cent rate," Obama said in an interview to the business magazine Bloomberg Business Week.
"However,if you are a multinational and you are investing in India, and your workforce is in India, and your plants and equipment are in India, but your headquarters are here, you are taking deductions on all the expenses in India, but you are keeping your profits outside the US; and that just doesn't seem entirely fair," he argued.
"If you are a business here, entirely located in the US, and investing in the US, and hiring workers in the US, you are paying a 35 per cent rate," Obama said in an interview to the business magazine Bloomberg Business Week.
"However,if you are a multinational and you are investing in India, and your workforce is in India, and your plants and equipment are in India, but your headquarters are here, you are taking deductions on all the expenses in India, but you are keeping your profits outside the US; and that just doesn't seem entirely fair," he argued.
SA depends on Steyn's magic again in Eden.
Dale Steyn produced one of the best spells by a fast bowler in India to help South Africa win the opening test and captain Graeme Smith is hoping he can replicate his performance in Kolkata.
Steyn returned a match haul of 10-108 to help set up South Africa's innings victory in Nagpur as the tourists took a 1-0 lead in their quest for a first test-series victory on Indian soil in almost a decade.
"I just think he has matured a lot, the way he has grown into...himself as a cricketer, the way he thinks about the game and obviously the skills he has got (are) a great asset to have," Smith told reporters on the eve of the second and final test starting on Sunday.
Steyn returned a match haul of 10-108 to help set up South Africa's innings victory in Nagpur as the tourists took a 1-0 lead in their quest for a first test-series victory on Indian soil in almost a decade.
"I just think he has matured a lot, the way he has grown into...himself as a cricketer, the way he thinks about the game and obviously the skills he has got (are) a great asset to have," Smith told reporters on the eve of the second and final test starting on Sunday.
Niassan in trouble after Suzuki-Volkswagen deal
Nissan Motor, Japan’s thirdlargest automaker, said it may need to find a new partner to manufacture its European small cars after Volkswagen bought a stake in Suzuki Motor, which supplies Nissan’s Pixo model.
“We don’t know yet whether that strategy is still good with Suzuki joining Volkswagen,” Nissan executive vice-president Colin Dodge said in an interview. “A lot of people believe not, and we’re thinking about it.”
Halting the Pixo would leave Nissan without a small, low-cost European model to compete with Fiat SpA’s Panda and Volkswagen’s Lupo in one of the few vehicle categories that is still growing. It would create a new hole in Nissan’s product planning after Chrysler backed out of a deal last year to supply cars and pickups. That commitment was canceled after Fiat bought a controlling stake in the US carmaker.
“We don’t know yet whether that strategy is still good with Suzuki joining Volkswagen,” Nissan executive vice-president Colin Dodge said in an interview. “A lot of people believe not, and we’re thinking about it.”
Halting the Pixo would leave Nissan without a small, low-cost European model to compete with Fiat SpA’s Panda and Volkswagen’s Lupo in one of the few vehicle categories that is still growing. It would create a new hole in Nissan’s product planning after Chrysler backed out of a deal last year to supply cars and pickups. That commitment was canceled after Fiat bought a controlling stake in the US carmaker.
TTSL asks TRAI to prefer the launch of 4G to 3G
Tata Teleservices on Thursday supported telecom regulator TRAI on kick-starting the process for 4G mobile telephony, saying it would
help India to come out with high-end services in line with the advanced countries.
"About 23 operators will be launching 4G by 2010. The 3G was launched in 2001 and we are already nine years behind. It should not happen also in 4G you become nine years behind," TTSL MD Anil Sardana said.
The 4G, known as the ultra-broadband, offers download at faster speed and high definition video on demand, among other services.
help India to come out with high-end services in line with the advanced countries.
"About 23 operators will be launching 4G by 2010. The 3G was launched in 2001 and we are already nine years behind. It should not happen also in 4G you become nine years behind," TTSL MD Anil Sardana said.
The 4G, known as the ultra-broadband, offers download at faster speed and high definition video on demand, among other services.
Maruti to stop M 800 sales in major cities from April 2010..
Almost 26 years after it changed personal mobility in this market, India’s first true hatch back Maruti 800 is finally on its way out. The car’s
partial phase-out will start in April 2010 as Maruti Suzuki has no plans to upgrade the old warhorse to meet the new Euro IV emission norms.
“Maruti 800 is not compliant with BS IV norms and we don’t have any intentions of making it complaint with BS IV”, said RC Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Suzuki has therefore decided to stop selling the car in 13 major cities from April 2010.
According to government guidelines, beginning April 2010, car makers will be allowed to sell only Euro IV compliant vehicles in the four metros and 9 other cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Agra and Surat.
partial phase-out will start in April 2010 as Maruti Suzuki has no plans to upgrade the old warhorse to meet the new Euro IV emission norms.
“Maruti 800 is not compliant with BS IV norms and we don’t have any intentions of making it complaint with BS IV”, said RC Bhargava, chairman, Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Suzuki has therefore decided to stop selling the car in 13 major cities from April 2010.
According to government guidelines, beginning April 2010, car makers will be allowed to sell only Euro IV compliant vehicles in the four metros and 9 other cities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Agra and Surat.
Is it possible to 'Freeze' water with 'heat' ?
In what is a bizarre trick, scientists have come up with a way that can make water freeze solid as it's heating up.
Popular belief contends that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
Now, according to a report in Live Science, researcher Igor Lubomirsky at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and his colleagues have discovered another way to control the freezing point of water - via what are called quasi-amorphous pyroelectric thin films.
These surfaces change their electrical charge depending on their temperature.
Popular belief contends that water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius).
Now, according to a report in Live Science, researcher Igor Lubomirsky at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and his colleagues have discovered another way to control the freezing point of water - via what are called quasi-amorphous pyroelectric thin films.
These surfaces change their electrical charge depending on their temperature.
ZEE - Hathway dispute on payments.. ZEE's office in Mumbai attacked...
The office of Zee Turner Ltd, a joint venture between Turner International and Essel group, was attacked here, police said today.
"We have registered a case of rioting and trespassing against six unidentified persons for damaging and attacking the office of Zee Turner at Vakola in suburban Mumbai," a senior police official told PTI.
"The six gathered in a group outside Zee Turner's office in Vakola last night and attacked the office, causing minor damage to property," the official said.
Meanwhile, Zee Turner, in a statement, said there was anon-going dispute between them and Hathway Cables over payment defaults.
"We have registered a case of rioting and trespassing against six unidentified persons for damaging and attacking the office of Zee Turner at Vakola in suburban Mumbai," a senior police official told PTI.
"The six gathered in a group outside Zee Turner's office in Vakola last night and attacked the office, causing minor damage to property," the official said.
Meanwhile, Zee Turner, in a statement, said there was anon-going dispute between them and Hathway Cables over payment defaults.
Telangana issue back on stage - leaders rejects terms of SriKrishna panel
It is back to shutdowns, protests and mass resignations in Andhra Pradesh with Telangana leaders cutting across party lines Friday rejecting the terms of reference of the Srikrishna panel on the statehood issue.
Describing the terms as "baseless, meaningless and mindless", the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) announced that its MPs and 11 legislators would quit.
Legislators of the ruling Congress party and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said they would take a decision on resignations at the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC), which meets Saturday to chalk out its future course of action.
JAC convenor M. Kodandaram declared support to the Telangana shutdown called by student groups to protest the terms of the Srikrishna panel.
Describing the terms as "baseless, meaningless and mindless", the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) announced that its MPs and 11 legislators would quit.
Legislators of the ruling Congress party and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said they would take a decision on resignations at the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC), which meets Saturday to chalk out its future course of action.
JAC convenor M. Kodandaram declared support to the Telangana shutdown called by student groups to protest the terms of the Srikrishna panel.
Foreign Secys of India & Pak to meet on Feb 25
Good relations between Pakistan and India are vital for fighting Islamist militancy, Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday, as the old rivals prepare for their first official talks since the Mumbai attack.
Top officials in the foreign ministries of the two nuclear-armed neighbours are to meet in New Delhi on Feb 25 after India this month offered to hold high-level talks.
In a meeting with Pakistan's high commissioner, or ambassador, to India, Zardari said Pakistan wanted "meaningful and result-oriented talks' with India.
That, he said, would include resumption of the full peace process centred on so-called composite dialogue covering all bilateral problems, including their core dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
"Good neighbourly relations are essential for the welfare of both countries and also for fighting militancy," a statement from Zardari's office quoted him as saying.
New Delhi suspended a four-year-old peace process with Pakistan after the attack on the Indian city of Mumbai by Pakistan-based Islamist militants in 2008 that killed 166 people.
India had demanded action against the militants it says were behind the assault before the peace process could resume, but offered dialogue despite little progress in Pakistan's prosecution of seven suspects.
The United States has also urged the two countries to resume engagement to help stabilise Afghanistan, where it is deploying tens of thousands more troops into battle against the militants.
An easing of tension with India would help Pakistan to focus on its fight on al Qaeda-linked militants on its western borders with Afghanistan.
Indian officials say they offered Pakistan open-ended talks on all issues affecting peace and security, emphasising counter-terrorism.
Analysts expect no breakthrough on core disputes, but say any renewed engagement after more than a year is a good sign.
The neighbours have fought three wars since securing independence in 1947, two of them over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both claim in full but rule in part.
Top officials in the foreign ministries of the two nuclear-armed neighbours are to meet in New Delhi on Feb 25 after India this month offered to hold high-level talks.
In a meeting with Pakistan's high commissioner, or ambassador, to India, Zardari said Pakistan wanted "meaningful and result-oriented talks' with India.
That, he said, would include resumption of the full peace process centred on so-called composite dialogue covering all bilateral problems, including their core dispute over the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
"Good neighbourly relations are essential for the welfare of both countries and also for fighting militancy," a statement from Zardari's office quoted him as saying.
New Delhi suspended a four-year-old peace process with Pakistan after the attack on the Indian city of Mumbai by Pakistan-based Islamist militants in 2008 that killed 166 people.
India had demanded action against the militants it says were behind the assault before the peace process could resume, but offered dialogue despite little progress in Pakistan's prosecution of seven suspects.
The United States has also urged the two countries to resume engagement to help stabilise Afghanistan, where it is deploying tens of thousands more troops into battle against the militants.
An easing of tension with India would help Pakistan to focus on its fight on al Qaeda-linked militants on its western borders with Afghanistan.
Indian officials say they offered Pakistan open-ended talks on all issues affecting peace and security, emphasising counter-terrorism.
Analysts expect no breakthrough on core disputes, but say any renewed engagement after more than a year is a good sign.
The neighbours have fought three wars since securing independence in 1947, two of them over Muslim-majority Kashmir, which both claim in full but rule in part.
Bandh in Shimla to protest agaonst cow Slaughtery
Normal life was hit in the Himachal Pradesh capital on Saturday as private business establishments adhered to the shutdown call by various Hindu organisations and remained closed to protest the slaughter of a cow near Shimla.
Eyewitnesses said activists of the Bajrang Dal and other organisations staged a demonstration in the city and forced the shopkeepers to close their shops. However, there was no report of any untoward incident.
The Hindu organisations have called for a shutdown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Violent protests erupted Friday in villages of Shimla district over the slaughter. A mosque and a few shops that were open were attacked at Nerwa, some 120 km from here.
Superintendent of Police R.M. Sharma told that the situation in Shimla was under control.
"We have deployed more than 200 (extra) police personnel in Shimla to monitor the situation. Law and order will be maintained," he said.
In the villages, however, life returned to normal on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses said activists of the Bajrang Dal and other organisations staged a demonstration in the city and forced the shopkeepers to close their shops. However, there was no report of any untoward incident.
The Hindu organisations have called for a shutdown from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Violent protests erupted Friday in villages of Shimla district over the slaughter. A mosque and a few shops that were open were attacked at Nerwa, some 120 km from here.
Superintendent of Police R.M. Sharma told that the situation in Shimla was under control.
"We have deployed more than 200 (extra) police personnel in Shimla to monitor the situation. Law and order will be maintained," he said.
In the villages, however, life returned to normal on Saturday.
RBI classifies Infra finance Cos as NBFCs.
The Reserve Bank of India or RBI on Friday classified infrastructure finance companies as non banking finance company, the central bank said in a notification. The move comes after a number of NBFCs engaged in infrastructure financing made a representation to the banking regulator seeking a separate category of infrastructure financing NBFCs in view of the critical role played by them in providing credit to the infrastructure sector.
“Currently, the RBI classifies NBFCs under three categories-- asset finance companies, loan companies and investment companies. It has now been decided to introduce a fourth category of NBFCs as infrastructure finance companies (IFCs),’’ RBI said.
To be categorised as an NBFC the IFC should have a networth of about Rs300crore, capital adequacy ratio of 15% and a minimum credit rating of ’A’ or equivalent from accredited rating agencies.
The central bank has also permitted these NBFCs to exceed the concentration of credit norms in lending and investment. According to the RBI guidelines no financial institution can lend in excess of 10% of its net owned funds to any single borrower and in excess of 15% of its net owned funds to any single group of borrowers.
“Currently, the RBI classifies NBFCs under three categories-- asset finance companies, loan companies and investment companies. It has now been decided to introduce a fourth category of NBFCs as infrastructure finance companies (IFCs),’’ RBI said.
To be categorised as an NBFC the IFC should have a networth of about Rs300crore, capital adequacy ratio of 15% and a minimum credit rating of ’A’ or equivalent from accredited rating agencies.
The central bank has also permitted these NBFCs to exceed the concentration of credit norms in lending and investment. According to the RBI guidelines no financial institution can lend in excess of 10% of its net owned funds to any single borrower and in excess of 15% of its net owned funds to any single group of borrowers.
Adobe issues 2 more security holes..
Adobe on Thursday issued two security bulletins to address vulnerabilities in its Flash Player software and in its LiveCycle and ColdFusion software.
It also issued a security advisory about vulnerabilities in its Reader and Acrobat software that will be addressed in a patch next week.
The Flash Player vulnerability is designated "critical" and affects version 10.0.42.34 and earlier. Flash Player 10.0.45.2 resolves the issue and is available for download.
The vulnerability affecting LiveCycle 9.0, 8.2.1 and 8.0.1, and ColdFusion 9.0, 8.0.1, 8.0 and 7.0.2, resides in the BlazeDS 3.2 component, or earlier, and has been rated "important." Adobe has posted fix details on its Web site.
Adobe's advisory warns of "critical" flaws in Reader 9.3 for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX, Acrobat 9.3 for Windows and Macintosh, and Reader 8.2 and Acrobat 8.2 for Windows and Macintosh.
"This vulnerability (CVE-2010-0186) could subvert the domain sandbox and make unauthorized cross-domain requests," Adobe's advisory says.
Adobe plans to make a fix available on February 16.
It also issued a security advisory about vulnerabilities in its Reader and Acrobat software that will be addressed in a patch next week.
The Flash Player vulnerability is designated "critical" and affects version 10.0.42.34 and earlier. Flash Player 10.0.45.2 resolves the issue and is available for download.
The vulnerability affecting LiveCycle 9.0, 8.2.1 and 8.0.1, and ColdFusion 9.0, 8.0.1, 8.0 and 7.0.2, resides in the BlazeDS 3.2 component, or earlier, and has been rated "important." Adobe has posted fix details on its Web site.
Adobe's advisory warns of "critical" flaws in Reader 9.3 for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX, Acrobat 9.3 for Windows and Macintosh, and Reader 8.2 and Acrobat 8.2 for Windows and Macintosh.
"This vulnerability (CVE-2010-0186) could subvert the domain sandbox and make unauthorized cross-domain requests," Adobe's advisory says.
Adobe plans to make a fix available on February 16.
Smith's finger injury makes his presence doubtful for the 2nd test.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith is in doubt for the second test against India starting Sunday, with the visitors needing only a draw to clinch a series victory and reclaim top spot in the world test rankings.
Smith injured the little finger on his left hand during catching practice on Friday. A scan showed ligament damage that could threaten his participation in the Eden Gardens test.
"There has been considerable swelling," media spokesman Michael Owen-Smith said.
"We have to wait for the next 24 hours to see how things are."
Smith was expected to test out the injury at a net session on Saturday.
Smith injured the little finger on his left hand during catching practice on Friday. A scan showed ligament damage that could threaten his participation in the Eden Gardens test.
"There has been considerable swelling," media spokesman Michael Owen-Smith said.
"We have to wait for the next 24 hours to see how things are."
Smith was expected to test out the injury at a net session on Saturday.
IPL bans Ravindra Jadeja for a yr.
The governing council of Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday imposed a one-year ban on Ravindra Jadeja for non-adherence to the IPL players' guidelines.
"The ban was on account of Ravindra Jadeja not signing the renewal contract with the Rajasthan Royals and attempting instead to negotiate a larger financial contract with some of the other IPL franchises, thus resulting in a serious non-adherence to the IPL player guidelines," IPL said in a statement.
Jadeja will not be able to play in the third edition of IPL beginning March 12.
"The ban was on account of Ravindra Jadeja not signing the renewal contract with the Rajasthan Royals and attempting instead to negotiate a larger financial contract with some of the other IPL franchises, thus resulting in a serious non-adherence to the IPL player guidelines," IPL said in a statement.
Jadeja will not be able to play in the third edition of IPL beginning March 12.
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