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.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
VVS set to return for the second test against SA.
Experienced middle-order batsman Vangipurappu Laxman has been declared fit to play in the second and final test against South Africa starting on Sunday, India's chief selector Kris Srikkanth said.
Laxman missed the opening test with a finger injury as top-ranked India lost by an innings and six runs in Nagpur, their first defeat on home soil in almost two years.
"Laxman is going to be back in the Kolkata test match," Srikkanth told the CNN-IBN news channel on Thursday. "He has said he is 100 percent fit."
Laxman's return should bolster India's inexperienced middle-order which has been without injured duo Rahul Dravid (jaw) and Yuvraj Singh (wrist), both ruled out of the two-test series.
Laxman missed the opening test with a finger injury as top-ranked India lost by an innings and six runs in Nagpur, their first defeat on home soil in almost two years.
"Laxman is going to be back in the Kolkata test match," Srikkanth told the CNN-IBN news channel on Thursday. "He has said he is 100 percent fit."
Laxman's return should bolster India's inexperienced middle-order which has been without injured duo Rahul Dravid (jaw) and Yuvraj Singh (wrist), both ruled out of the two-test series.
Cricket cleared to bid for olympic game....
Cricket was cleared to pursue its bid to be included in future Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rubberstamped the sport's recognition on Thursday.
Cricket, powerboating and sports climbing became the latest sports to be officially recognised by the IOC, a status necessary before launching a bid to become part of the Olympic programme.
"The session gave definite recognition to the three federations," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters.
The three sports can now bid to join the 2020 Olympics as the programme is always determined seven years in advance.
Golf and rugby were latest inclusions in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games when an IOC session voted them in last year.
The decision about new sports for the 2020 Games will be taken at the IOC session in Buenos Aires in 2013 where the host country will also be picked.
Cricket, powerboating and sports climbing became the latest sports to be officially recognised by the IOC, a status necessary before launching a bid to become part of the Olympic programme.
"The session gave definite recognition to the three federations," IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters.
The three sports can now bid to join the 2020 Olympics as the programme is always determined seven years in advance.
Golf and rugby were latest inclusions in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games when an IOC session voted them in last year.
The decision about new sports for the 2020 Games will be taken at the IOC session in Buenos Aires in 2013 where the host country will also be picked.
TRAI plans to roll out 4G service ASAP
India has begun the process of introducing fourth-generation (4G) mobile wireless broadband services, even though the government has yet to finalise a date for its long-pending 3G spectrum auction.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday sought industry views on advanced 4G mobile systems, as it prepares a consultation paper on the new technology, that it said would be 10 times faster than 3G.
"It is necessary that our country should be prepared to introduce 4G services at the earliest," the TRAI said.
It said Sweden and Norway had already launched IMT-Advanced (4G) mobile wireless broadband networks and operators in the United States, Korea and Japan were gearing up for these services.
The TRAI said it would deliberate on issues such as pricing of spectrum and licensing in its consultation paper.
India is the world's second-largest and the fastest-growing mobile market in terms of subscribers, but most of its networks are of second generation.
The country's plan to auction spectrum for 3G and broadband wireless access (BWA) services has been delayed as defence forces, which have much of the spectrum, are yet to vacate it for civilian use.
The auction was set to begin from Jan. 14, but Telecoms Minister Andimuthu Raja said on Jan. 12 some of the differences with the defence ministry were yet to be resolved and that a new date had not been agreed upon.
Media reports have said the auction could be delayed until September when the spectrum is expected to be available.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday sought industry views on advanced 4G mobile systems, as it prepares a consultation paper on the new technology, that it said would be 10 times faster than 3G.
"It is necessary that our country should be prepared to introduce 4G services at the earliest," the TRAI said.
It said Sweden and Norway had already launched IMT-Advanced (4G) mobile wireless broadband networks and operators in the United States, Korea and Japan were gearing up for these services.
The TRAI said it would deliberate on issues such as pricing of spectrum and licensing in its consultation paper.
India is the world's second-largest and the fastest-growing mobile market in terms of subscribers, but most of its networks are of second generation.
The country's plan to auction spectrum for 3G and broadband wireless access (BWA) services has been delayed as defence forces, which have much of the spectrum, are yet to vacate it for civilian use.
The auction was set to begin from Jan. 14, but Telecoms Minister Andimuthu Raja said on Jan. 12 some of the differences with the defence ministry were yet to be resolved and that a new date had not been agreed upon.
Media reports have said the auction could be delayed until September when the spectrum is expected to be available.
Indian techie firms makes the forecast to be false..
India's software and services exports in the year to March 2011 will be less than earlier expected as the sector's growth has not been cranked-up enough by the recovering global economy, an industry body said on Thursday.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) projected export revenue to grow 13-15 percent to $56-$57 billion, below the previous outlook for $60-$62 billion.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) projected export revenue to grow 13-15 percent to $56-$57 billion, below the previous outlook for $60-$62 billion.
Facebook changes its Ad format after talks with Microsoft
Facebook is taking full control of display ads on the world's No. 1 social networking website, cutting short an exclusive deal that had allowed Microsoft Corp to manage part of that business.
However, Microsoft -- the exclusive provider of Web search on Facebook -- will continue to sell text-based search ads on the website as the partners extended the arrangement beyond 2011, when it had been due to expire. A Facebook spokesman declined to say how long the deal has been extended.
Microsoft also said it will further integrate its Bing search engine into Facebook while expanding its reach beyond the United States.
However, Microsoft -- the exclusive provider of Web search on Facebook -- will continue to sell text-based search ads on the website as the partners extended the arrangement beyond 2011, when it had been due to expire. A Facebook spokesman declined to say how long the deal has been extended.
Microsoft also said it will further integrate its Bing search engine into Facebook while expanding its reach beyond the United States.
Bharti & Reliance to launch their App stores ...
India's top two mobile firms, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications, both plan to launch online mobile applications stores, opening up a new revenue stream from add-on services such as music and social networking.
Bharti Airtel said on Tuesday it would provide more than 1,250 applications across 25 categories including games, books and social networking on its applications store.
Reliance Communications said the first version of its applications store would go live for GSM customers by the end of February, and by the end of March an expanded version would be available to its CDMA customers as well.
Globally, Apple Inc's App Store has proved extremely popular. Phone makers, operators and technology firms including Nokia, Research In Motion, Vodafone and Microsoft Corp have also sought a piece of the pie.
In January, seventh-ranked Aircel, which is majority-owned by Malaysia's Maxis, was the first Indian operator to announce a mobile applications store, when it signed a deal with No. 2 software services firm Infosys Technologies.
India, the world's fastest-growing mobile market, is predominantly a voice-centric market, with just over 10 percent of mobile operators' revenue coming from data, but researcher Gartner expects data services revenue to grow faster in the next few years.
Bharti Airtel said on Tuesday it would provide more than 1,250 applications across 25 categories including games, books and social networking on its applications store.
Reliance Communications said the first version of its applications store would go live for GSM customers by the end of February, and by the end of March an expanded version would be available to its CDMA customers as well.
Globally, Apple Inc's App Store has proved extremely popular. Phone makers, operators and technology firms including Nokia, Research In Motion, Vodafone and Microsoft Corp have also sought a piece of the pie.
In January, seventh-ranked Aircel, which is majority-owned by Malaysia's Maxis, was the first Indian operator to announce a mobile applications store, when it signed a deal with No. 2 software services firm Infosys Technologies.
India, the world's fastest-growing mobile market, is predominantly a voice-centric market, with just over 10 percent of mobile operators' revenue coming from data, but researcher Gartner expects data services revenue to grow faster in the next few years.
Finance ministry decides to push 3G auction ahead...
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has decided to push ahead with the third-generation (3G) mobile spectrum auction within the current financial year ending March 31, the Financial Express newspaper reported on Friday.
The auction was set to begin from Jan. 14, but Telecoms Minister Andimuthu Raja said on Jan. 12 some of the differences with the defence ministry were yet to be resolved and that a new date had not been agreed upon.
Media reports have said that the auction had been postponed to the next financial year.
The auction would now be conducted in the second half of March, with the entire process compressed into 15 days against the earlier scheduled one-and-a-half months.
The government, which is fighting a 16-year high fiscal deficit, is targeting to raise around 350 billion rupees ($7.53 billion) through the auction.
It hopes to use the proceeds to partly cut down the fiscal deficit, estimated to touch 6.8 percent of the gross domestic product in 2009/10.
The auction was set to begin from Jan. 14, but Telecoms Minister Andimuthu Raja said on Jan. 12 some of the differences with the defence ministry were yet to be resolved and that a new date had not been agreed upon.
Media reports have said that the auction had been postponed to the next financial year.
The auction would now be conducted in the second half of March, with the entire process compressed into 15 days against the earlier scheduled one-and-a-half months.
The government, which is fighting a 16-year high fiscal deficit, is targeting to raise around 350 billion rupees ($7.53 billion) through the auction.
It hopes to use the proceeds to partly cut down the fiscal deficit, estimated to touch 6.8 percent of the gross domestic product in 2009/10.
No major tax reforms expected this budget session...
India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will not present a major tax reform to bring down corporate tax and simplify income tax rules this month, the Business Standard daily said on Friday, citing unnamed sources.
The Direct Taxes Code bill was expected to be presented in the budget session of parliament beginning on Feb 22, with the aim of coming into effect from April next year.
There were several complications in the Direct Taxes Code in its present form, and it required further scrutiny, the newspaper said, citing unnamed senior government official.
The Business Standard added that the government may delay the major tax reform bill to the next session of parliament, which starts in July.
The Direct Taxes Code bill was expected to be presented in the budget session of parliament beginning on Feb 22, with the aim of coming into effect from April next year.
There were several complications in the Direct Taxes Code in its present form, and it required further scrutiny, the newspaper said, citing unnamed senior government official.
The Business Standard added that the government may delay the major tax reform bill to the next session of parliament, which starts in July.
UID on full swing - to be completed in next five yrs...
600 million IDs will be issued over the next five years
Nandan NilekaniClose to 30 IT professionals are expected to assist Nandan Nilekani in his endeavour to give 1.20 billion residents in India a Unique Identification (UID) number.
“I have requested the industry to allow its skilled professionals to voluntarily participate in the authentication process. The companies could allow these professionals to go on sabbaticals for a year or two. We have received interest from individuals and firms,” Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of the UID project, said at the Nasscom Leadership Forum today.
Over the next five years, nearly 600 million IDs will be issued, with the first set of numbers being expected between August 2010 and February 2011.
“In the next few weeks, we will appoint a consultant to help us draft the request for proposal (RFP) for the managed services provider. Post that, we will start doing pilots and conduct proof-of-concepts to check how the technology works for the database of 1.20 billion people.”
Nilekani indicated that the managed services provider would have to ensure robust security measure to protect the online database. The plan aims to provide real-time online authentication. “The key issue for us is to ensure that there are no duplicates in ID system, like it is happening in other schemes. The problem with identity is that many national and state projects have duplicates that had led to frauds while implementing various government programmes,” Nilekani said.
“The data will also be available across the country on cellphone networks that can be validated on any mobile handsets, online, or can be embedded within a software programme,” said Nilekani. On these open-ended systems, companies can build applications that will cater to certain specific industry usage like health care, he added.
He accepted that the maximum challenge was during the enrollment due to the inherent challenges in India.
The project, if successful, will be a money spinner for the IT industry. The project, according to Nilekani, will lift the hardware market in a big way, as it could lead to a large demand for point of sale equipment, iris scanners and biometric devices. The government had earmarked a fund of Rs 120 crore for the UID project for 2009-10.
Nandan NilekaniClose to 30 IT professionals are expected to assist Nandan Nilekani in his endeavour to give 1.20 billion residents in India a Unique Identification (UID) number.
“I have requested the industry to allow its skilled professionals to voluntarily participate in the authentication process. The companies could allow these professionals to go on sabbaticals for a year or two. We have received interest from individuals and firms,” Nandan Nilekani, Chairman of the UID project, said at the Nasscom Leadership Forum today.
Over the next five years, nearly 600 million IDs will be issued, with the first set of numbers being expected between August 2010 and February 2011.
“In the next few weeks, we will appoint a consultant to help us draft the request for proposal (RFP) for the managed services provider. Post that, we will start doing pilots and conduct proof-of-concepts to check how the technology works for the database of 1.20 billion people.”
Nilekani indicated that the managed services provider would have to ensure robust security measure to protect the online database. The plan aims to provide real-time online authentication. “The key issue for us is to ensure that there are no duplicates in ID system, like it is happening in other schemes. The problem with identity is that many national and state projects have duplicates that had led to frauds while implementing various government programmes,” Nilekani said.
“The data will also be available across the country on cellphone networks that can be validated on any mobile handsets, online, or can be embedded within a software programme,” said Nilekani. On these open-ended systems, companies can build applications that will cater to certain specific industry usage like health care, he added.
He accepted that the maximum challenge was during the enrollment due to the inherent challenges in India.
The project, if successful, will be a money spinner for the IT industry. The project, according to Nilekani, will lift the hardware market in a big way, as it could lead to a large demand for point of sale equipment, iris scanners and biometric devices. The government had earmarked a fund of Rs 120 crore for the UID project for 2009-10.
Charcoaled face....
Pramod Muthalik, leader of the right-wing Sri Rama Sene that functions as a moral police in Karnataka, got a taste of his own medicine on Wednesday when his face was blackened by the alleged activists of the Youth Congress in the middle of an open air debate on Valentine’s Day hosted by a local TV channel.
Muthalik and several others had been invited for the debate titled ‘Love Wars’ organised by the Asianet Suvarna channel outside the Ravindra Kalakshetra on Thursday evening. Muthalik who has been threatening to disrupt the Valentine’s Day festivities was involved in a heated argument with other panelists, including Agni Sridhar, a former underworld don-turned-social activist, who had been threatening to teach Muthalik’s men a lesson if they try to disrupt Valentine’s Day.
According to eyewitness accounts, several youths clambered on to the makeshift stage where the debate was being filmed and cornered Muthalik in his seat, pushed him to the ground and smeared his face with charcoal. The youths escaped before the police could swing into action.
Muthalik and several others had been invited for the debate titled ‘Love Wars’ organised by the Asianet Suvarna channel outside the Ravindra Kalakshetra on Thursday evening. Muthalik who has been threatening to disrupt the Valentine’s Day festivities was involved in a heated argument with other panelists, including Agni Sridhar, a former underworld don-turned-social activist, who had been threatening to teach Muthalik’s men a lesson if they try to disrupt Valentine’s Day.
According to eyewitness accounts, several youths clambered on to the makeshift stage where the debate was being filmed and cornered Muthalik in his seat, pushed him to the ground and smeared his face with charcoal. The youths escaped before the police could swing into action.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Govt reviews FDI policy & makes it easy for the Investors.
Foreign investors now have a reason to cheer. The government on Thursday announced easing of investment norms to boost FDI in the country.
According to the new rules, investments with a total equity inflow of over Rs 1,200 crore will now only go to the CCEA for approval against earlier limit of Rs 600 crore. Also, existing foreign investors with the required initial approvals have been exempted from seeking fresh nods in certain cases including where the sectoral caps have been changed
and where the sector has been brought under the automatic route after the intial approvals were granted.
Anand Sharma, the commerce minister, said, “This is aimed at simplifying the process for application and approval of FDI."
And this comes as yet another step from the commerce ministry to attract greater foreign investment. Earlier, recently the government had announced a one-stop shop for FDI policy instead of the 160 different press notes.
In fact, the steps seem to paying off given that FDI Inflow for the month of December 2009 was up 13 per cent to $1.54 billion as against last year.
According to the new rules, investments with a total equity inflow of over Rs 1,200 crore will now only go to the CCEA for approval against earlier limit of Rs 600 crore. Also, existing foreign investors with the required initial approvals have been exempted from seeking fresh nods in certain cases including where the sectoral caps have been changed
and where the sector has been brought under the automatic route after the intial approvals were granted.
Anand Sharma, the commerce minister, said, “This is aimed at simplifying the process for application and approval of FDI."
And this comes as yet another step from the commerce ministry to attract greater foreign investment. Earlier, recently the government had announced a one-stop shop for FDI policy instead of the 160 different press notes.
In fact, the steps seem to paying off given that FDI Inflow for the month of December 2009 was up 13 per cent to $1.54 billion as against last year.
Banks want RBI to reduce deposit rates.
Indian bankers on Thursday asked the Reserve Bank of India to reduce the savings bank deposit rates to protect their margins.
In a post-monetary policy review meeting with Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Usha Thorat, bankers said their cost of deposits would rise by around 80 basis points due to the new way of calculating the savings bank deposit rate.
The rate is calculated on the daily average balance method.
"We requested them to either reduce the savings bank rate or postpone the implementation. It will affect our margins and profit," said MV Nair, chairman and managing director, Union Bank of India, after the meeting.
The RBI has asked all the banks to offer interest to savings bank customers on a daily basis from April 1, which is 3.5 per cent.
Currently, the return on savings bank is determined on the basis of the minimum balance on the eleventh day to the last day of the month.
This system of calculation resulted in customers getting 2.5 per cent on their savings deposit.
"We suggested that the savings bank rate be reduced to 2.5 per cent from 3.5 per cent now. They said they will examine it," said another banker who attended the meeting.
Nair, who is also the chairman of Indian Banks' Association, said there was a possibility of home loan rates being higher compared to the pre-crisis level after the new base rate.
"I think on an average, base rate could be 8.5-9.0 per cent. There is a point there. If we add the risk premium, tenure premium, then home loan could be higher," Nair said.
Banks had launched special home loans at 8 percent in late 2008 to protect a sharp slowdown in credit growth. These loans were made fixed at 8 per cent for the first three years and thereafter to be linked to the benchmark prime lending rate.
Most of these plans are slated to end in March.
In a post-monetary policy review meeting with Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Usha Thorat, bankers said their cost of deposits would rise by around 80 basis points due to the new way of calculating the savings bank deposit rate.
The rate is calculated on the daily average balance method.
"We requested them to either reduce the savings bank rate or postpone the implementation. It will affect our margins and profit," said MV Nair, chairman and managing director, Union Bank of India, after the meeting.
The RBI has asked all the banks to offer interest to savings bank customers on a daily basis from April 1, which is 3.5 per cent.
Currently, the return on savings bank is determined on the basis of the minimum balance on the eleventh day to the last day of the month.
This system of calculation resulted in customers getting 2.5 per cent on their savings deposit.
"We suggested that the savings bank rate be reduced to 2.5 per cent from 3.5 per cent now. They said they will examine it," said another banker who attended the meeting.
Nair, who is also the chairman of Indian Banks' Association, said there was a possibility of home loan rates being higher compared to the pre-crisis level after the new base rate.
"I think on an average, base rate could be 8.5-9.0 per cent. There is a point there. If we add the risk premium, tenure premium, then home loan could be higher," Nair said.
Banks had launched special home loans at 8 percent in late 2008 to protect a sharp slowdown in credit growth. These loans were made fixed at 8 per cent for the first three years and thereafter to be linked to the benchmark prime lending rate.
Most of these plans are slated to end in March.
Nokia Siemens to make Airtel 3G ready n/w
Telecom gear firm Nokia Siemens Networks said on Thursday it had won a $700 million network contract from Bharti Airtel to expand and
upgrade India's top operator's GSM network in eight of its regions.
The contract includes network planning, implementation and project management, handling of local logistics and materials, as well as system integration for the base station sites, Nokia Siemens said in a statement.
Nokia Siemens said it will also ensure that Bharti Airtel's core and transport network is 3G-ready in order to reduce time to market and enable the fast rollout of 3G services at a later date.
upgrade India's top operator's GSM network in eight of its regions.
The contract includes network planning, implementation and project management, handling of local logistics and materials, as well as system integration for the base station sites, Nokia Siemens said in a statement.
Nokia Siemens said it will also ensure that Bharti Airtel's core and transport network is 3G-ready in order to reduce time to market and enable the fast rollout of 3G services at a later date.
Kingfisher airlines wants Govt to revise its FDI policy in aero industry.
Listed entity Kingfisher Airlines is likely to come out with a one-on-one rights issue in order to raise nearly Rs400 crore and begin the process of retiring a mountain of debt. The Bangalore-headquartered airline faces a debt burden of Rs6,000 crore and a high debt-to-equity ratio.
Market reports suggest that the struggling carrier has been advised by bankers to infuse equity into the airline before opting for any fund-raising plan. Reports also suggest that the troubled carrier may have appointed SBI Capital as the arranger for the issue.
The carrier has a current market capitalisation of Rs 1,341 crore.
Kingfisher Airlines has been itching to raise public money for quite some time, and has said earlier that it may seek to raise between Rs500-750 crore through a share sale if government policy not to allow foreign carries to invest directly in Indian carriers did not change.
Promoter Vijay Mallya has earlier expressed his preference for a strategic investor over financial investors. Financial investors, other than airlines, may own up to 49% of the paid-up equity of the domestic carriers.
Kingfisher has recently appointed US aerospace and aviation advisory firm Seabury to rope in investors.
Market reports suggest that the struggling carrier has been advised by bankers to infuse equity into the airline before opting for any fund-raising plan. Reports also suggest that the troubled carrier may have appointed SBI Capital as the arranger for the issue.
The carrier has a current market capitalisation of Rs 1,341 crore.
Kingfisher Airlines has been itching to raise public money for quite some time, and has said earlier that it may seek to raise between Rs500-750 crore through a share sale if government policy not to allow foreign carries to invest directly in Indian carriers did not change.
Promoter Vijay Mallya has earlier expressed his preference for a strategic investor over financial investors. Financial investors, other than airlines, may own up to 49% of the paid-up equity of the domestic carriers.
Kingfisher has recently appointed US aerospace and aviation advisory firm Seabury to rope in investors.
AGNI-5 to be tested in a yr - DRDO
with the Agni-III intermediate range ballistic missile scoring a hat trick of successes and now cleared for induction, a buoyed up DRDO, India's premier defence research organisation, is lining up tests of the Agni-V, an inter-continental ballistic missile.
The first test is likely to take place in a year's time, senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said Wednesday.
"Agni-V is a 5,000 km plus missile in the ICBM category and we are planning to carry out its first test within a year," Dr VK Saraswat, director general of DRDO, and also scientific advisor to the defence minister.
The Agni-V will leave no targets immune from an Indian strike in China. Pakistani targets are already covered adequately by the Agni-I and II missiles.
"After Agni-III and Agni-V, as far as cities in China and Pakistan are concerned, there will be no target that we want to hit but can't hit," Dr Saraswat said.
Commenting on the Agni-V, the DRDO chief said the "missile was already out of the drawing boards." According to Dr Saraswat, the Agni-V was currently undergoing technical evaluations of its sub-systems.
The first test is likely to take place in a year's time, senior Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said Wednesday.
"Agni-V is a 5,000 km plus missile in the ICBM category and we are planning to carry out its first test within a year," Dr VK Saraswat, director general of DRDO, and also scientific advisor to the defence minister.
The Agni-V will leave no targets immune from an Indian strike in China. Pakistani targets are already covered adequately by the Agni-I and II missiles.
"After Agni-III and Agni-V, as far as cities in China and Pakistan are concerned, there will be no target that we want to hit but can't hit," Dr Saraswat said.
Commenting on the Agni-V, the DRDO chief said the "missile was already out of the drawing boards." According to Dr Saraswat, the Agni-V was currently undergoing technical evaluations of its sub-systems.
Google to test its Ulatrafast Broadband in limited markets.
Google announced plans yesterday to test out ultrafast gigabit broadband in limited markets. However, that doesn't mean Google is entering yet another highly competitive industry (at least not yet). The intended audiences for the tests are the broadband providers and their subscribers.
Google plans to test out gigabit broadband in select markets.The goal is for Google to demonstrate what is possible. By choosing some test markets and implementing broadband 100 times faster than that being delivered by most broadband providers currently, Google can prove that it's possible, and back it up with real-world results and project costs.
In theory, broadband providers like Comcast and AT&T are already aware of what is possible. But, broadband providers are interested in what's profitable more than what's possible. At the end of the day, Comcast and AT&T executives answer to shareholders more than customers, and they don't answer to Google at all.
As it is, Comcast and AT&T don't just deliver the fastest possible speeds to all customers. Each offers a range of service plans, with varying download and upload speeds, that all work over the same wires with the same hardware. If you want the maximum speed, you are going to have to pay--a lot--for that maximum speed.
Google plans to test out gigabit broadband in select markets.The goal is for Google to demonstrate what is possible. By choosing some test markets and implementing broadband 100 times faster than that being delivered by most broadband providers currently, Google can prove that it's possible, and back it up with real-world results and project costs.
In theory, broadband providers like Comcast and AT&T are already aware of what is possible. But, broadband providers are interested in what's profitable more than what's possible. At the end of the day, Comcast and AT&T executives answer to shareholders more than customers, and they don't answer to Google at all.
As it is, Comcast and AT&T don't just deliver the fastest possible speeds to all customers. Each offers a range of service plans, with varying download and upload speeds, that all work over the same wires with the same hardware. If you want the maximum speed, you are going to have to pay--a lot--for that maximum speed.
India & UK signs civil nuke pact
India today signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the UK, which became the eighth country to enter into such pact with New Delhi since the lifting of atomic trade embargo in 2008.
The agreement was signed by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee and British High Commissioner Richard Stagg here.
"It is a general umbrella agreement on civil nuclear cooperation," a Department of Atomic Energy official said.
The pact is expected to provide a legal framework for British companies to export components and products and be part of the supply chain for reactor design in India.
Britain and India had finalised the agreement earlier this month during Commerce Minister Anand Sharma's visit to London for the UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee meet.
UK Trade and Investment, the British government's trade arm, had said that British companies were keen to collaborate with Indian partners in civil nuclear technology.
According to the Nuclear Industry Association of the UK, 185 British companies in the island nation which include the nuclear plant operators, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.
The British nuclear industry exports nuclear goods and equipment worth over 1.11 billion dollars and can supply 70-80 per cent parts of a new nuclear reactor.
The agreement was signed by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Srikumar Banerjee and British High Commissioner Richard Stagg here.
"It is a general umbrella agreement on civil nuclear cooperation," a Department of Atomic Energy official said.
The pact is expected to provide a legal framework for British companies to export components and products and be part of the supply chain for reactor design in India.
Britain and India had finalised the agreement earlier this month during Commerce Minister Anand Sharma's visit to London for the UK-India Joint Economic Trade Committee meet.
UK Trade and Investment, the British government's trade arm, had said that British companies were keen to collaborate with Indian partners in civil nuclear technology.
According to the Nuclear Industry Association of the UK, 185 British companies in the island nation which include the nuclear plant operators, those engaged in decommissioning, waste management, nuclear liabilities management and all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.
The British nuclear industry exports nuclear goods and equipment worth over 1.11 billion dollars and can supply 70-80 per cent parts of a new nuclear reactor.
BJP wants J&K CM to stop implementing his surrender policy in the state
Criticising Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah's surrender policy for militants held across the LoC, state BJP today said the step will promote gun culture in the state.
"The state is already in the grip of militancy with both local and foreign militants carrying out their subversive activities and bringing militants from across the border under pretext of surrender would prove counter productive for the security of the state and nation," BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.
He urged the chief minister to abandon the idea as it will prove dangerous for the nation and also for J&K.
"The state is already in the grip of militancy with both local and foreign militants carrying out their subversive activities and bringing militants from across the border under pretext of surrender would prove counter productive for the security of the state and nation," BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.
He urged the chief minister to abandon the idea as it will prove dangerous for the nation and also for J&K.
Indian envoy to Oz explained about the measures to prevent racist attack on Indians.
India's High Commissioner to Australia Sujatha Singh on Thursday apprised External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and senior ministry officials about the Indians' security Down Under and the steps Australian authorities have taken to prevent attacks on members of the community.
"She met the minister for about 15-20 minutes. She was called by the government for consultations on issues relating to continuing assaults on Indians," said a ministry official.
Ahead of her visit to New Delhi, the envoy had met Victoria Premier John Brumby, who apprised her of the measures put in place to improve law and order and the safety of foreign students in the state.
The meeting followed Brumby's request after Sujatha Singh made strong remarks against his government, saying Victoria was in "a state of denial".
Earlier this week, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith admitted that some of the attacks on Indians in his country were indeed racist in nature and pressed the need to build strong ties with New Delhi.
"She met the minister for about 15-20 minutes. She was called by the government for consultations on issues relating to continuing assaults on Indians," said a ministry official.
Ahead of her visit to New Delhi, the envoy had met Victoria Premier John Brumby, who apprised her of the measures put in place to improve law and order and the safety of foreign students in the state.
The meeting followed Brumby's request after Sujatha Singh made strong remarks against his government, saying Victoria was in "a state of denial".
Earlier this week, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith admitted that some of the attacks on Indians in his country were indeed racist in nature and pressed the need to build strong ties with New Delhi.
Infosys to recruit 15,000 as a part of its campus recruitment
Infy management said " they will start recruiting as many as 15,000 in campus recruitment programs".
The company have already hiked the salary of its present work force upto 9% in avg. across India & the pricing has been flat. The next cycle of hike will be in april.
The company sources said " they are looking for aquisition across Europe, US & in non- english speaking countries as well. The companies from India will have to invest in China for long term to make their presence a fruitful."
The company have already hiked the salary of its present work force upto 9% in avg. across India & the pricing has been flat. The next cycle of hike will be in april.
The company sources said " they are looking for aquisition across Europe, US & in non- english speaking countries as well. The companies from India will have to invest in China for long term to make their presence a fruitful."
Wipro in acquisition mood..
Wipro is likely to restructure its telecom segment & is also to set up new campuses at four places for its IT services.
The company is said to acquire even small cos for expanding its bubsiness areas and is about to call 7,500 candidates who have received offer letters in the second quarter.
The company is said to acquire even small cos for expanding its bubsiness areas and is about to call 7,500 candidates who have received offer letters in the second quarter.
Google's Buzz areas of concern.
Google Buzz continues to make waves as the Gmail- and mobile device-based social networking platform reaches the masses this week.
Buzz takes one part Facebook, one part Twitter, one part YouTube and one part Flickr and blends it for a social networking platform lodged directly into Gmail. So far, Google Buzz has been receiving mixed praise. As with any new platform where people share information, however, privacy is a huge question. People post personal information, photos and other content to share with friends, not with the world. It's up to Google Buzz to keep that information to its intended recipients.
Early on, Google Buzz has come under scrutiny for lacking some fundamental privacy and security. Here are three areas Google Buzz needs to tighten up before users will be confident enough to make it their single social networking service:
1. Google Buzz automatically imports contacts and shows them as friends. One of Google Buzz's biggest selling points is its auto-follow feature, which automatically makes Buzz users friends with the people they communicate with most through Gmail -- if those people are also using Buzz, of course. Essentially, Buzz starts following those people and makes that list public, meaning strangers get a look at who Buzz users are in contact with. "Imagine ... a wife discovering that her husband e-mails and chats with an old girlfriend," "Imagine a boss discovers a subordinate e-mails with executives at a competitor." In Google's defense, Buzz users can turn that feature off, though it is set as a default. Also, it only shares that information with other Buzz users who have set up profiles.
2. Google Buzz grabs photos without a user uploading them. It "appears to grab photos off the Android phone that have never uploaded. Let that be a warning to Buzz users that photos stored on their Android devices may very well be broadcast to friends and contacts, whether they like it or not.
3. Google Buzz can pinpoint and broadcast your exact location. Yes, Google Buzz is designed to keep friends and contacts connected and let them share content. But do users really want all of those contacts to know exactly where they are at all times, right down to the street number? With Buzz for mobile devices, it can do just that. When users visit the mobile app via Android, they are asked whether they want to share their location or not. That location can also be saved and remembered as a preference if users want.
Buzz takes one part Facebook, one part Twitter, one part YouTube and one part Flickr and blends it for a social networking platform lodged directly into Gmail. So far, Google Buzz has been receiving mixed praise. As with any new platform where people share information, however, privacy is a huge question. People post personal information, photos and other content to share with friends, not with the world. It's up to Google Buzz to keep that information to its intended recipients.
Early on, Google Buzz has come under scrutiny for lacking some fundamental privacy and security. Here are three areas Google Buzz needs to tighten up before users will be confident enough to make it their single social networking service:
1. Google Buzz automatically imports contacts and shows them as friends. One of Google Buzz's biggest selling points is its auto-follow feature, which automatically makes Buzz users friends with the people they communicate with most through Gmail -- if those people are also using Buzz, of course. Essentially, Buzz starts following those people and makes that list public, meaning strangers get a look at who Buzz users are in contact with. "Imagine ... a wife discovering that her husband e-mails and chats with an old girlfriend," "Imagine a boss discovers a subordinate e-mails with executives at a competitor." In Google's defense, Buzz users can turn that feature off, though it is set as a default. Also, it only shares that information with other Buzz users who have set up profiles.
2. Google Buzz grabs photos without a user uploading them. It "appears to grab photos off the Android phone that have never uploaded. Let that be a warning to Buzz users that photos stored on their Android devices may very well be broadcast to friends and contacts, whether they like it or not.
3. Google Buzz can pinpoint and broadcast your exact location. Yes, Google Buzz is designed to keep friends and contacts connected and let them share content. But do users really want all of those contacts to know exactly where they are at all times, right down to the street number? With Buzz for mobile devices, it can do just that. When users visit the mobile app via Android, they are asked whether they want to share their location or not. That location can also be saved and remembered as a preference if users want.
India's cheapest 3G phone Nokia 2730
Nokia has launched its most affordable 3G handset, Nokia 2730 classic, in the Indian market.
The device is equipped with Nokia’s Ovi Mail, Nokia Messaging, Nokia Life Tools and browsing. The phone also comes with an integrated Opera mini browser.
Vineet Taneja, Director Marketing Nokia India said, “Nokia has always had a holistic approach towards driving the adoption of 3G in India, both at the infrastructure and at the handset level.
Available in black and dark magenta colours, the handset measures 109.6 mm x 46.9 mm x 14.4 mm and weighs 87.7 grams.
The battery life offers maximum of 7.4 hours talktime and 16.5 days standby time. The handset is priced at Rs 4,499.
The device is equipped with Nokia’s Ovi Mail, Nokia Messaging, Nokia Life Tools and browsing. The phone also comes with an integrated Opera mini browser.
Vineet Taneja, Director Marketing Nokia India said, “Nokia has always had a holistic approach towards driving the adoption of 3G in India, both at the infrastructure and at the handset level.
Available in black and dark magenta colours, the handset measures 109.6 mm x 46.9 mm x 14.4 mm and weighs 87.7 grams.
The battery life offers maximum of 7.4 hours talktime and 16.5 days standby time. The handset is priced at Rs 4,499.
Kashmiris moved to PoK are welcome if they return- Chidhambaram
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party today welcomed the statement of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on the Kashmiris who had gone to PoK, saying it was endorsement of the policy being propagated by the party.
"The statement of Union Home Minister is a welcome change. We hope that other demands like revocation of draconian law, Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), and demilitarization would also be fulfilled to normalize situation in the state," PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said.
"Keeping in view the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, there was a dire need to take some more steps to heel wounds of the people," Mufti said.
Earlier in the day, Chidambaram said in Delhi that the government was ready to "welcome" Kashmiris who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if they were ready to return after giving up militancy.
"The statement of Union Home Minister is a welcome change. We hope that other demands like revocation of draconian law, Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), and demilitarization would also be fulfilled to normalize situation in the state," PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said.
"Keeping in view the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, there was a dire need to take some more steps to heel wounds of the people," Mufti said.
Earlier in the day, Chidambaram said in Delhi that the government was ready to "welcome" Kashmiris who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if they were ready to return after giving up militancy.
Arunachal hostel fire death toll may rise..
Ten children, all under 7 years, were burnt alive after their hostel in an Arunachal Pradesh town caught fire on Wednesday night. Four others sustained serious burn injuries while four more were missing, presumably reduced to ashes.
The hostel, made of bamboo in typical tribal style, housed 62 children. They studied in the adjoining Don Bosco School, the most preferred educational institution in Kurung Kumey district’s Palin town, 230 km north of State capital Itanagar.
The news reached district headquarters Koloriang, 80 km north of Palin, in the morning after circle officials traveled all the way. Reason: the Palin area has had no electricity and telephone or mobile connectivity for the past three days.
Kurung Kumey district borders Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese occupation.
Eyewitnesses said the hostel caught fire around 8.30 pm. A group of locals and CRPF personnel from a camp nearby helped fight the fire and drag most of the children out. The fire was brought under control around 10.30 pm, but it had already claimed the children and left widowed hostel owner Biri Nyari (35) with over 70 per cent burns.
Palin, like most small hill towns across the Northeast, has no fire brigade.
“Ten children, three of them girls, are confirmed dead. We have identified them from their assigned beds and belongings,” Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Remo Kamki. “Family members have taken the survivors back to villages nearby.”
Officials said the toll could go up with four of the injured children in critical condition. Along with Nyari, they are battling for life in the Ram Krishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar.
Besides, there’s no trace of four more children missing after the fire. “It’s possible they are dead, burnt beyond recognition,” a police officer said.
The hostel, made of bamboo in typical tribal style, housed 62 children. They studied in the adjoining Don Bosco School, the most preferred educational institution in Kurung Kumey district’s Palin town, 230 km north of State capital Itanagar.
The news reached district headquarters Koloriang, 80 km north of Palin, in the morning after circle officials traveled all the way. Reason: the Palin area has had no electricity and telephone or mobile connectivity for the past three days.
Kurung Kumey district borders Tibet Autonomous Region under Chinese occupation.
Eyewitnesses said the hostel caught fire around 8.30 pm. A group of locals and CRPF personnel from a camp nearby helped fight the fire and drag most of the children out. The fire was brought under control around 10.30 pm, but it had already claimed the children and left widowed hostel owner Biri Nyari (35) with over 70 per cent burns.
Palin, like most small hill towns across the Northeast, has no fire brigade.
“Ten children, three of them girls, are confirmed dead. We have identified them from their assigned beds and belongings,” Kurung Kumey deputy commissioner Remo Kamki. “Family members have taken the survivors back to villages nearby.”
Officials said the toll could go up with four of the injured children in critical condition. Along with Nyari, they are battling for life in the Ram Krishna Mission Hospital in Itanagar.
Besides, there’s no trace of four more children missing after the fire. “It’s possible they are dead, burnt beyond recognition,” a police officer said.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
SA deserves NO.1 spot in tests ????????
Smith said they deserved the Test numero uno status more than any side as they had won around the world and not in their own backyard only.
"The reason we probably can say we deserve number one ranking more than any one else is we have traveled and won around the world in a short period of time. We have not only played at home and won. We have won in England, in Australia, come here and won a Test in 2008 and now here. Number one team deserves to be number one. We want to earn that and be there for a long time," he said
"The reason we probably can say we deserve number one ranking more than any one else is we have traveled and won around the world in a short period of time. We have not only played at home and won. We have won in England, in Australia, come here and won a Test in 2008 and now here. Number one team deserves to be number one. We want to earn that and be there for a long time," he said
NCP strikes Cong for the price rise issue
NCP says-"By fixing responsibility on individual ministers, we will be making a mockery of the principle of collective responsibility of the Cabinet system.
Responsible spokesman like Manish Tewari should not make statements that agriculture, food, PDS and consumer affairs minister Sharad Pawar is responsible for price rise of food items".
Responsible spokesman like Manish Tewari should not make statements that agriculture, food, PDS and consumer affairs minister Sharad Pawar is responsible for price rise of food items".
India & Pakistan to frame agenda for the talks to be resumed
India and Pakistan began framing the agenda for their renewed dialogue with some diplomatic push and shove. Indian officials sought to put terrorism on the top of the agenda. Their Pakistani counterparts insisted on a discussion on all “outstanding issues” — a reference to Kashmir and Balochistan.
Both sides sought to placate their domestic audiences. India, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Multan on Sunday, “has come to us and sought talks. We never kneeled before them and did not bow to their pressure.” He claimed New Delhi had come under “domestic pressure” to resume dialogue.
Indian officials preferred to stress the caution underlying the dialogue. They note they are working on a “limited mandate” and, “as of now”, there was nothing on the calendar beyond the proposed foreign-secretary level talks. “Terrorism is the issue of most concern to us. So it’s expected to be one of the leading issues for the discussion,” a source said. Pakistan may be keen on reviving the composite dialogue, but that formula “hasn’t done much” in addressing terrorism.
Both sides sought to placate their domestic audiences. India, said Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Multan on Sunday, “has come to us and sought talks. We never kneeled before them and did not bow to their pressure.” He claimed New Delhi had come under “domestic pressure” to resume dialogue.
Indian officials preferred to stress the caution underlying the dialogue. They note they are working on a “limited mandate” and, “as of now”, there was nothing on the calendar beyond the proposed foreign-secretary level talks. “Terrorism is the issue of most concern to us. So it’s expected to be one of the leading issues for the discussion,” a source said. Pakistan may be keen on reviving the composite dialogue, but that formula “hasn’t done much” in addressing terrorism.
Team India shuffled for Second test @ Kolkata
After losing the first test against SA, the Indian team selectors made changes in the squad to play for the next test at kolkata.
The seamers sudeep tyagi & mithun were dropped & the reserve keeper saha was dropped.
The selectors picked Dinesh karthik, Sreesanth & Raina to play in the next test..
The seamers sudeep tyagi & mithun were dropped & the reserve keeper saha was dropped.
The selectors picked Dinesh karthik, Sreesanth & Raina to play in the next test..
Squad: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, S Badrinath, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Dinesh Kartik, Suresh Raina.
Fonseka arrested under Army Act- Srilankan Army
Retired Gen. Sarath Fonseka, who ran against President Mahinda Rajapaksa in January, was arrested Monday at his Colombo offices by heavily-armed military officials.
Lakshman Hulugalle, director general of the Media Center for National Security, told reporters Tuesday Fonseka faces a number of charges including creating divisions in the military, divulging military secrets to opposition parties, attempting to overthrow the government and involvement in an alleged attempt to assassinate Rajapaksa.
Lakshman Hulugalle, director general of the Media Center for National Security, told reporters Tuesday Fonseka faces a number of charges including creating divisions in the military, divulging military secrets to opposition parties, attempting to overthrow the government and involvement in an alleged attempt to assassinate Rajapaksa.
Fonseka was arrested under the Army Act, a law which has provisions making officers who commit crimes liable up to six months after their retirement, Hulugalle said.
Indian Students are returning to India from Aus.
Australian Govt admits that some of the attacks that Indians faced were 'Racial'.
Indian students aren't waiting. Several are packing their bags and heading home for good. That's despite incurring a loss ranging from Rs 12-20 lakh per student.
The primary reasons are lack of safe living conditions and absence of job security.
The cost of returning is high. On average, undergraduate courses cost AUD $20,000 to $30,000, or Rs 8 to 12 lakh for a year. For skill-based courses such as cookery, hair dressing, plumbing etc, the fees are around AUD $10,000-$20,000 a year. That works out to Rs 4 to 8 lakh per annum.
Housing rent bonds, insurance cover and living expenditure amount to another AUD $1000 to $1500 per month --- Rs 40,000 to 60,000 a month, between Rs 5 and Rs 7 lakh per year. "If a student does not complete the course, he loses both degree and money"
Indian students aren't waiting. Several are packing their bags and heading home for good. That's despite incurring a loss ranging from Rs 12-20 lakh per student.
The primary reasons are lack of safe living conditions and absence of job security.
The cost of returning is high. On average, undergraduate courses cost AUD $20,000 to $30,000, or Rs 8 to 12 lakh for a year. For skill-based courses such as cookery, hair dressing, plumbing etc, the fees are around AUD $10,000-$20,000 a year. That works out to Rs 4 to 8 lakh per annum.
Housing rent bonds, insurance cover and living expenditure amount to another AUD $1000 to $1500 per month --- Rs 40,000 to 60,000 a month, between Rs 5 and Rs 7 lakh per year. "If a student does not complete the course, he loses both degree and money"
Govt rejects BT Brinjal in India
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said more studies were needed to ensure genetically modified aubergines were safe for consumers and the environment.
The GM vegetable has undergone field trials since 2008 and received approval from government scientists in 2009.
But there has been a heated public row over the cultivation of the GM crop.
The GM vegetable has undergone field trials since 2008 and received approval from government scientists in 2009.
But there has been a heated public row over the cultivation of the GM crop.
Monday, February 8, 2010
upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington
Former BJP leader L K Advani on Monday asked aloud if the government's decision to start foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan was the "upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington".
"The question people have been asking in a more straightforward manner is ... is its (India's) latest U-turn on dialogue the upshot of a powerful nudge from Washington?" the former deputy prime minister wrote in his blog.
The offer of dialogue, he pointed out, came despite the government's earlier insistence on "steadfastly refusing to resume talks with Pakistan until Islamabad brings those behind the Mumbai attacks to justice."
"New Delhi's sudden announcement last week that India was willing to hold foreign secretary level parleys with Pakistan has naturally made many political analysts in the country ask: is this the consequence of (Barack) Obama's assertion being put into action?" writes Advani.
Advani, an advocate of tough posture towards Pakistan, was alluding to an pre-election interview by Obama in which he hinted at appointing a special envoy for the Kashmir issue to resolve the India-Pakistan tensions.
During the presidential campaign in 2008, Obama had said that "working with Pakistan and India to try to resolve the Kashmir crisis in a serious way" would be among the critical tasks of his administration if he was elected.
Advani contended that India's change of stand had led to gloating in Pakistan. He referred to Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's remarks boasting "gleefully that it was international pressure that had forced India to return to the negotiating table!"
He reminded the government of the February 22, 1994 parliament resolution on Jammu and Kashmir that condemned Pakistan's support to subversive activities in the state.
"The country, the government as well as the world would do well to keep the above resolution in mind," Advani said.
Making Politics everything either its good for the country or the bad one.
No 2 authority in Maha says CM Chavan
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Monday disapproved of Union Minister Sharad Pawar’s meeting with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray making it clear that his government was “competent enough” to give adequate security to IPL matches.
“I do not think there is need to take permission from any other authority in the State... There cannot be an extra-constitutional authority,” Mr. Chavan told reporters. “…The government is competent, it is the authority and there cannot be two authorities in State,” he added
(Reports said Mr. Pawar, who is also president of the Mumbai Cricket Association, requested Mr. Thackeray to withdraw his threat against Australian cricketers’ participation in the IPL cricket tourney.)
Mr. Chavan, however, refused to comment on why Mr. Pawar met Mr. Thackeray on the issue.
“Don’t ask me. It will be better you ask Pawar, who is a senior leader, about his motive behind meeting Thackeray,” Mr. Chavan said adding that a “democratically elected” government will perform its duty “as expected.”
In a strong message to the Shiv Sena, the Chief Minister said all security will be provided and “any body who will try to take law in hands, try to perpetrate any violent incident, state government will take stern view and initiate legal action.”
To a question on VHP threatening to hold the release of Sharukh Khan’s latest movie My Name is Khan, Mr. Chavan said “nobody can take law in hands. We will take action if somebody is giving such threats. Law will take its course, let them say whatever they want.”
“I will also go to see the movie along with my family members,” he added.
About his meeting with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr. Chavan said he discussed the “problems of Mumbai” with him.
“I met the Prime Minister and discussed the problems of Mumbai. To expedite desalination process, Central grant should be given to our state as it is being given to other States. I requested the Prime Minister to help my State,” he said.
NCP justifies Pawar-Thackeray meeting
Meanwhile, the NCP on Monday justified its chief’s discussion with Mr. Thackeray contending that in a democracy dialogue and discussion are important.
NCP spokesman D.P. Tripathi said Mr. Pawar had met Mr. Thackeray along with BCCI chief Shashank Manohar to convince the Sena supremo about holding of the IPL matches in Mumbai and there was no political import to the meeting.
“In democracy we persuade people through discussion and dialogue,” Mr. Tripathi said.
At the same time he agreed with Mr. Chavan that there was no extra-constitutional authority.
Mr. Tripathi also insisted that persuasion is far more important than coercion in a democratic state.
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