Monday, February 28, 2011
Notice to Congress spokesperson in Rs 300 cr scam - Rediff.com India News
Notice to Congress spokesperson in Rs 300 cr scam - Rediff.com India News: "The Chennai high court on Friday issued a notice to Congress party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan, acting on an affidavit seeking direction to probe a Rs 300 crore scam involving her. Natarajan is a Congress Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu."
Radia mediated Nano deal with Modi govt: Congress - Hindustan Times
Radia mediated Nano deal with Modi govt: Congress - Hindustan Times: "The Congress on Monday claimed that corporate lobbyist Nira Radia had mediated the deal between Tata Motors and Gujarat government for setting up the Nano car manufacturing unit in Sanand, leading to an uproar in the state assembly."
Pranab may be missing the bus again on GST: Raghav Bahl - Moneycontrol.com -
Pranab may be missing the bus again on GST: Raghav Bahl - Moneycontrol.com -: "Many issues arise when considering the Finance Minister’s approach to Union Budget 2011. While revenue has been buoyant after the difficult period of 2008-10, the UPA government lost a lot of its political capital last year when it got embroiled in scam and scandal: the 2G spectrum loot and the Commonwealth Games mess are only two egregious examples. These factors probably constrained the Finance Minister as he presented his budget."
BBC News - Indian budget projects economic growth
BBC News - Indian budget projects economic growth
India's government has unveiled its annual budget, saying that the economy is expected to grow at 9% in 2012.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the growth rate for the current fiscal year was projected at 8.5%.
He said inflation would decrease over the next fiscal year - the current rate is 8.4%. But food price inflation, at 17%, "remains a concern".
Salary earners with income till Rs 5 lakh need not file returns - The Times of India
Salary earners with income till Rs 5 lakh need not file returns - The Times of India: "Salary earners having an income of less than Rs 5 lakh will not have to file tax returns from this year, a finance ministry official said.
'Salaried people, may be up to Rs 5 lakh...they need not file the (income tax) return,' CBDT chairman Sudhir Chandra told reporters at the customary post-Budget press conference."
'Salaried people, may be up to Rs 5 lakh...they need not file the (income tax) return,' CBDT chairman Sudhir Chandra told reporters at the customary post-Budget press conference."
Curious Lessons for an Aspiring Writer: Looking Back at a Decade of Publishing
Sunny Singh Online: Curious Lessons for an Aspiring Writer: Looking Back at a Decade of Publishing: "I just realised that not only are we approaching the end of a year but also the end of the very first decade of this century. Or should that have been last year already? Regardless, this year, 2010, also marks my very first decade as a published writer. And what a difference ten years make!"
The Saffron Topdog Takes Gujarat
Sunny Singh Online: The Saffron Topdog Takes Gujarat: "I woke up this morning with a distinct sense of deja vu. Earlier in the year I had written about Behen Mayawati's electoral trouncing of rivals in the UP elections. This morning, once again, I felt a mixture of irritation (don't like BMW and don't particularly like Modi) and awe at the increasingly sophistication of the Indian voter."
Six key moments from a World Cup classic - Rediff Sports
Six key moments from a World Cup classic - Rediff Sports: "One of the most eventful first overs of a major match where Virender Sehwag could have been out at least three times to James Anderson but survived somehow as mis-hits fell to ground."
Lorin Stein, Editor of The Paris Review - NYTimes.com
Lorin Stein, Editor of The Paris Review - NYTimes.com: "“DO you mind the smell of smoke?” asked Lorin Stein, the whippet-thin editor of The Paris Review, on a recent Wednesday night in his tidy art-filled loft of an office, quite possibly one of the last workplaces in Manhattan where indoor smoking is considered acceptable."
OSCARS 2011: Taylor Swift and Cameron Diaz dazzle at the Vanity Fair party | Mail Online
OSCARS 2011: Taylor Swift and Cameron Diaz dazzle at the Vanity Fair party | Mail Online: "Neither of them were up for any Oscars - but Cameron Diaz and Taylor Swift were the runaway winners of the shortest dress competition at the Vanity Fair party last night.
Cameron arrived on the red carpet of the hottest post-Academy Awards party in a tight off-the-shoulder monochrome print mini with frill detail - although not many people were looking at her frock.
Instead, all eyes were on the 38-year-old's toned physique, which the actress has been perfecting with rigorous bootcamp-style work outs with her baseball-playing boyfriend Alexander Rodriguez, 35."
Cameron arrived on the red carpet of the hottest post-Academy Awards party in a tight off-the-shoulder monochrome print mini with frill detail - although not many people were looking at her frock.
Instead, all eyes were on the 38-year-old's toned physique, which the actress has been perfecting with rigorous bootcamp-style work outs with her baseball-playing boyfriend Alexander Rodriguez, 35."
1 in 4 cancer cases missed by GPs delaying vital treatment | Mail Online
1 in 4 cancer cases missed by GPs delaying vital treatment | Mail Online: "A quarter of cancer sufferers are being sent away by GPs with their early warning signs dismissed as minor ailments, a study reveals today.
Tens of thousands of patients are initially told that their symptoms are ‘nothing to worry about’ or advised to take painkillers or antibiotics for months.
They have to make repeated trips to their doctor before being given a correct diagnosis, the report concludes."
Tens of thousands of patients are initially told that their symptoms are ‘nothing to worry about’ or advised to take painkillers or antibiotics for months.
They have to make repeated trips to their doctor before being given a correct diagnosis, the report concludes."
ANALYSIS - India and England tie up an all-time classic | Reuters
ANALYSIS - India and England tie up an all-time classic | Reuters: "The World Cup caught fire on Sunday when co-hosts India and England shared a tie in one of the most thrilling matches ever seen after a record-breaking 676-run slug-fest went down to the last ball."
Secret to a happier marriage: Wonder Woman - Who are you today?
Secret to a happier marriage: Wonder Woman - Who are you today?: "The way to a happy marriage is to keep the novelty factor going all the time. Novelty is the spice of life and of a good marriage. Idea is to plan spicy activities with your partner once in a while. Tackle a fun new challenge together: a hike, painting class, or even carnival rides all qualify. If your partner is present, that feeling becomes linked to him.
Also, hugging and kissing your partner frequently helps your bond with him. Studies show that happy married life leads to good health. Top happy marriage factors include time together, communication, good sex, and financial compatibility, plus shared lifestyle, personality type, and interests."
Also, hugging and kissing your partner frequently helps your bond with him. Studies show that happy married life leads to good health. Top happy marriage factors include time together, communication, good sex, and financial compatibility, plus shared lifestyle, personality type, and interests."
India population-India`s population to rise to 1.53 billion by 2050
India population-India`s population to rise to 1.53 billion by 2050: "India's population will rise to a massive 1.53 billion by 2050, overtaking China and making the country the world's most populous nation.
According to a report by the National Commission on Population, India's population is expected to reach 1.19 billion by 2011, 1.27 billion by 2016, 1.34 billion by 2021 and 1.4 billion by 2026."
According to a report by the National Commission on Population, India's population is expected to reach 1.19 billion by 2011, 1.27 billion by 2016, 1.34 billion by 2021 and 1.4 billion by 2026."
King's speech crowned in LA — RT
King's speech crowned in LA — RT: "The King’s Speech became best at the 83rd Oscar rewarding ceremony in LA, scoring four awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for its lead actor Colin Firth.
Inception and The Social Network were next in line, gaining four and three Academy Awards in various categories respectively.
Colin Firth bested the legendary Jeff Bridges in True Grit, Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network, James Franco in 127 Hours and Spanish actor Javier Bardem in Biutiful. The director of The King’s Speech – a story about King George VI of England – Tom Hooper, and screenwriter David Seidler, also captured Oscars at the 83rd Academy Awards."
Inception and The Social Network were next in line, gaining four and three Academy Awards in various categories respectively.
Colin Firth bested the legendary Jeff Bridges in True Grit, Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network, James Franco in 127 Hours and Spanish actor Javier Bardem in Biutiful. The director of The King’s Speech – a story about King George VI of England – Tom Hooper, and screenwriter David Seidler, also captured Oscars at the 83rd Academy Awards."
Fluting his way to stardom | Entertainment | DAWN.COM
Fluting his way to stardom | Entertainment | DAWN.COM: "Like a musician’s fairytale, his story begins under a tree in the interior city of Lahore. The young Mohammad Ahsan Papu was practicing his flute in the shade, when a man on his way to work overheard Papu’s mesmerising music. That man turned out to be a music director. Fast forward to forty years later and Papu Sahib’s hypnotic melodies have graced classical performances, qawwalis, and rock concerts around the world."
Britain cuts aid to China and Russia but we're still giving India £280m | Mail Online
Britain cuts aid to China and Russia but we're still giving India £280m | Mail Online: "Britain is to stop giving aid to 16 countries after a review found they were no longer in poverty.
Countries including Russia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Moldova and Serbia will be stripped of millions of pounds a year, following an inquiry ordered by International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell."
Countries including Russia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Moldova and Serbia will be stripped of millions of pounds a year, following an inquiry ordered by International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell."
Stephen Glover: The witch hunt at the Telegraph will backfire - Stephen Glover, Opinion - The Independent
Stephen Glover: The witch hunt at the Telegraph will backfire - Stephen Glover, Opinion - The Independent: "Journalists are gossipy creatures. Some of them are happy to pass on stories which are to the detriment of their own newspapers to journalists on rival titles, or even to Private Eye. Most newspaper managements shrug their shoulders, and accept that indiscretion is in the nature of the beast."
Oscar 2011 Predictions: Another Perspective [INFOGRAPHIC]
Oscar 2011 Predictions: Another Perspective [INFOGRAPHIC]: "Who will take home the hardware tonight at the Oscars 2011 awards ceremony? Here’s another perspective, leveraging the power of social media to find out which actors and films were talked about most, this time in an infographic created by the Meltwater Group.
This infographic confirms most of what we saw yesterday in that Webtrends pre-Oscar buzz graphic, with a notable exception."
This infographic confirms most of what we saw yesterday in that Webtrends pre-Oscar buzz graphic, with a notable exception."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Who do you like in the Oscars tonight? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog
Who do you like in the Oscars tonight? - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog: "Life is not all about baseball and the Red Sox do not play until this evening. So who do you like in the Oscars tonight?
I saw all the nominated films (yes, even Winter's Bone) and here's who I would pick and who seems likely to win.
BEST PICTURE
A movie about Facebook sounded boring, but The Social Network was the most entertaining film I saw. But The King's Speech is favored and it was fantastic, too.
BEST DIRECTOR
David O. Russell got so many good performances out of the cast of The Fighter. But it sounds like David Fincher will win for The Social Network and that's hard to argue against."
I saw all the nominated films (yes, even Winter's Bone) and here's who I would pick and who seems likely to win.
BEST PICTURE
A movie about Facebook sounded boring, but The Social Network was the most entertaining film I saw. But The King's Speech is favored and it was fantastic, too.
BEST DIRECTOR
David O. Russell got so many good performances out of the cast of The Fighter. But it sounds like David Fincher will win for The Social Network and that's hard to argue against."
Google Recipe Search Cooks Up Next Gen of Search | Epicenter | Wired.com
Google Recipe Search Cooks Up Next Gen of Search | Epicenter | Wired.com: "Stepping into the kitchen now, Google introduced a recipe search engine Thursday that serves up dishes based not only on the ingredients you may have on hand, but the calories you want to consume and even how much time you have to cook.
About one percent of the queries on Google are for recipes, the company said, and the new vertical intends to make it easier for people to find recipes across the web. Keeping with its search roots, Google isn’t showing the recipes in the results, and is linking to recipes on sites like Epicurious and the Food Network, which likely alleviates some worries about Google’s newest effort."
About one percent of the queries on Google are for recipes, the company said, and the new vertical intends to make it easier for people to find recipes across the web. Keeping with its search roots, Google isn’t showing the recipes in the results, and is linking to recipes on sites like Epicurious and the Food Network, which likely alleviates some worries about Google’s newest effort."
Age ain’t nothin’ but a number – The Express Tribune
Age ain’t nothin’ but a number – The Express Tribune: "Now, I’m sick of teddy bears, heart-shaped balloons, cupid, roses and red red red everywhere. My horoscope says, “This is your year for love and partnerships!” I tell you the only partnerships on the horizon for me are business ones. I’m married to the job. Do I sound like I’m complaining? I’m not complaining. During the last 11 years of my singlehood I’ve been happily settled. I’ve got company: that’s right, I’m not alone. I have a company."
Americans Are Now Fat Enough to Require Larger Ambulances - Culture - GOOD
Americans Are Now Fat Enough to Require Larger Ambulances - Culture - GOOD: "Though America is showing some gains in its war on obesity—we're at least no longer the fattest country in the world—the country still has a long way to go until it's where it should be. Take, for instance, our new ambulance problem: Cities around the country are now having to rapidly expand ambulances in order to keep up with the corpulence of the patients riding in them."
Your Oscar night primer - Oscar Nominations, Academy Awards 2010 - Salon.com
Your Oscar night primer - Oscar Nominations, Academy Awards 2010 - Salon.com: "I will admit to being totally suckered by the snippet from a 'Grease' number that will apparently be performed by Oscar co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway on Sunday night. Sneaking that out the way they did -- via Franco's Twitter feed -- is a nifty use of social media and sends a signal that the Oscars are hipper and savvier under the new regime. Or simultaneously hipper and suffused with nostalgia, which is even better. Now, I'd be delighted if they decide to do the whole damn show as selections from classic musicals: 'West Side Story,' anyone? 'Oklahoma'? 'The Band Wagon'? But any tiny flub by either of the stars -- a missed dance step or a mistimed lip-sync -- will launch a tide of snarky Tweets to rival the parting of the Red Sea."
Oral sex now main cause of oral cancer: Who faces biggest risk? - Health Blog - CBS News
Oral sex now main cause of oral cancer: Who faces biggest risk? - Health Blog - CBS News: "What's the leading cause of oral cancer? Smoking? Heavy drinking?
Actually, it's oral sex.
Scientists say that 64 percent of cancers of the oral cavity, head, and neck in the U.S. are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly spread via oral sex, NPR reported. The more oral sex you have - and the more oral sex partners you have - the greater the risk of developing these potentially deadly cancers.
'An individual who has six or more lifetime partners - on whom they've performed oral sex - has an eightfold increase in risk compared to someone who has never performed oral sex, Ohio University's Dr. Maura Gillison, said at a recent scientific meeting, according to NPR."
Actually, it's oral sex.
Scientists say that 64 percent of cancers of the oral cavity, head, and neck in the U.S. are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly spread via oral sex, NPR reported. The more oral sex you have - and the more oral sex partners you have - the greater the risk of developing these potentially deadly cancers.
'An individual who has six or more lifetime partners - on whom they've performed oral sex - has an eightfold increase in risk compared to someone who has never performed oral sex, Ohio University's Dr. Maura Gillison, said at a recent scientific meeting, according to NPR."
Celeb Photographer Herb Ritts Gets His Closeup - CBS Sunday Morning - CBS News
Celeb Photographer Herb Ritts Gets His Closeup - CBS Sunday Morning - CBS News: "The distinctive style of celebrity photographer Herb Ritts made him something of a celebrity himself. Now, nine years after his death, the work of Ritts is getting its own CLOSE UP . . . as Rita Braver is about to show us:
Whether it was movie stars, musicians or models, Herb Ritts had a way of getting to the ESSENCE of a person."
Whether it was movie stars, musicians or models, Herb Ritts had a way of getting to the ESSENCE of a person."
'King's Speech' poised for Oscar coronation?
Associated Press: "King George the stutterer seems primed to reign at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, unless there's a palace coup by Mark Zuckerberg, that asocial billionaire who created Facebook."
Sachin gets record 5th WC 100. Congratulate him! - Rediff Sports
Sachin gets record 5th WC 100. Congratulate him! - Rediff Sports: "Sachin Tendulkar reached another milestone on Sunday. He became the highest century-maker in World Cup history after scoring his fifth hundred in the prestigious event."
Britain's oldest father of twins Richard Roden has 13th child aged 72 | Mail Online
Britain's oldest father of twins Richard Roden has 13th child aged 72 | Mail Online: "'Sexually I'm the same as I was in my 20s', says pensioner father
He has 36 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and his eldest child is 52
The oldest father of twins in Britain has had another child at 72 and - he says he wants even more children.
Richard Roden is now a father of 13 after his 26-year-old wife Lisa gave birth to a daughter Madison last month.
Less than two years ago the former welder became the oldest man ever to have twins when his young partner gave birth to Emily and Ruby."
He has 36 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and his eldest child is 52
The oldest father of twins in Britain has had another child at 72 and - he says he wants even more children.
Richard Roden is now a father of 13 after his 26-year-old wife Lisa gave birth to a daughter Madison last month.
Less than two years ago the former welder became the oldest man ever to have twins when his young partner gave birth to Emily and Ruby."
Academy Awards - Special Coverage on CNN.com
Academy Awards - Special Coverage on CNN.com: "The past, present and future of the movies is to be the official theme of Sunday's Academy Awards show, presided over by bright young things James Franco and Anne Hathaway. But that's also the unofficial subtext in what has the potential to play out as one of the most vivid generational tussles in Oscar's 83-year history."
Facebook's social work; traps thief
Facebook | Social Networking Site | Catch Thief | Friends Online | Shopping Mall | Massachusetts - Oneindia News: "After making a name in catching up friends online, Facebook has now helped in apprehending a thief at a shopping mall near Massachusetts.
Swansea Police said 25-year-old Daniel Boyce has been charged with stealing money from the Regal Cinemas at the Swansea Mall."
Swansea Police said 25-year-old Daniel Boyce has been charged with stealing money from the Regal Cinemas at the Swansea Mall."
SP supports Ramdev to fight corruption | Alpha
SP supports Ramdev to fight corruption | Alpha: "Yoga guru Swami Ramdev has now a supporter in Samajwadi Party with the party expressing desire to stand by him in his 'fight against corruption'.
'Samajwadi Party will support those who fight against corruption, including Swami Ramdev,' SP general secretary Shivpal Yadav told reporters in Sisauli near Muzaffarnagar."
'Samajwadi Party will support those who fight against corruption, including Swami Ramdev,' SP general secretary Shivpal Yadav told reporters in Sisauli near Muzaffarnagar."
Vodafone emerges biggest gainer of MNP,adds nearly 1.9 L users | mydigitalfc.com
Vodafone emerges biggest gainer of MNP,adds nearly 1.9 L users | mydigitalfc.com: "Nearly a month after the nationwide rollout of mobile number portability services, Vodafone Essar has emerged as the biggest gainer, notching up 1.9 lakh new subscribers, whereas state-owned BSNL lost more customers than it attracted from other service providers."
The War on Women - NYTimes.com
The War on Women - NYTimes.com: "Republicans in the House of Representatives are mounting an assault on women’s health and freedom that would deny millions of women access to affordable contraception and life-saving cancer screenings and cut nutritional support for millions of newborn babies in struggling families. And this is just the beginning."
How the Arabs Turned Shame Into Liberty - NYTimes.com
How the Arabs Turned Shame Into Liberty - NYTimes.com: "PERHAPS this Arab Revolution of 2011 had a scent for the geography of grief and cruelty. It erupted in Tunisia, made its way eastward to Egypt, Yemen and Bahrain, then doubled back to Libya. In Tunisia and Egypt political freedom seems to have prevailed, with relative ease, amid popular joy. Back in Libya, the counterrevolution made its stand, and a despot bereft of mercy declared war against his own people."
Rural prosperity is fuelling food inflation: Subbarao
Rural prosperity is fuelling food inflation: Subbarao: "RBI Governor D Subbarao has said that rising prosperity in rural India is leading to food scarcity, which is driving up food prices.
'Since rural incomes are going up, people are eating better by shifting from cereal to protein (rich diet) and it is leading to food scarcity,' Subbarao told students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar yesterday."
'Since rural incomes are going up, people are eating better by shifting from cereal to protein (rich diet) and it is leading to food scarcity,' Subbarao told students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar yesterday."
BBC News - India Budget: A tale of two families
BBC News - India Budget: A tale of two families: "Twenty years ago the Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, launched India into the global economy with a series of radical reforms. His budget set the country off down the path of rapid growth.
Nidhi Dutt talks to a slum family and a middle class family to find out how they are coping with the strains and stresses of India's boom and asks what they would like from India's next budget."
Nidhi Dutt talks to a slum family and a middle class family to find out how they are coping with the strains and stresses of India's boom and asks what they would like from India's next budget."
The Oscars: Years to remember - and to forget - News, Films - The Independent
The Oscars: Years to remember - and to forget - News, Films - The Independent: "What makes a good year at the Oscars? Great films? Yes and no – what really counts is the talk. That probably makes this year's Academy Awards, the 83rd ceremony, a good upper-middling vintage. You may not care for the two most prominent titles in contention, The King's Speech and Black Swan – personally, I can take them or leave them – but everyone you know has a strong opinion about them. Passions run equally high over Inception and Winter's Bone. You can't imagine that anyone ever got into fist fights over bygone contenders such as Terms of Endearment or Out of Africa."
New Charlie Sheen interview set to be aired - News, People - The Independent
New Charlie Sheen interview set to be aired - News, People - The Independent: "US network ABC said it will broadcast an interview with Charlie Sheen that was recorded after the incendiary rant that led CBS and Warner Bros Television to halt production of Two and a Half Men for the season."
Writing off the past
Writing off the past: "nmates of Kolkata’s Alipore jail pen down their hopes and anger in the literary journal, Nabarka.
The jail log tucked under his left arm, Utthan Paul, in his clean grey shirt and brown trousers, has the air of a small-town schoolteacher about him. His “room” is a short walk from the imposing gates of the Alipore Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata. As you follow his five-foot-tall, rotund frame down a quiet alley inside, it takes you past a low iron gate beside a signboard that reads “Hanging Area”. It makes you stop, and think, especially about the implications of the surreal pink, green and blue hand-painted paisleys adorning the board. Paul intervenes helpfully. “Look behind you. People like BC Roy, Netaji and Jagadish Chandra Bose were held by the British in those rooms at the top,” he says with a smile, intent on putting a stop to the flurry of questions running in your head. After 16 years of serving a life term, Paul is a deft mind reader. And a part-amused, part-cynical spectator of life and society — a personality that translates into his sharp essays that have been published in the literary magazine Nabarka (New Sun), brought out by the West Bengal Department of Jails."
The jail log tucked under his left arm, Utthan Paul, in his clean grey shirt and brown trousers, has the air of a small-town schoolteacher about him. His “room” is a short walk from the imposing gates of the Alipore Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata. As you follow his five-foot-tall, rotund frame down a quiet alley inside, it takes you past a low iron gate beside a signboard that reads “Hanging Area”. It makes you stop, and think, especially about the implications of the surreal pink, green and blue hand-painted paisleys adorning the board. Paul intervenes helpfully. “Look behind you. People like BC Roy, Netaji and Jagadish Chandra Bose were held by the British in those rooms at the top,” he says with a smile, intent on putting a stop to the flurry of questions running in your head. After 16 years of serving a life term, Paul is a deft mind reader. And a part-amused, part-cynical spectator of life and society — a personality that translates into his sharp essays that have been published in the literary magazine Nabarka (New Sun), brought out by the West Bengal Department of Jails."
IndiGo pilot who landed on nose wheel failed licence test 7 times - The Economic Times
IndiGo pilot who landed on nose wheel failed licence test 7 times - The Economic Times: "The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has revoked a woman pilot's licence alleging she used forged papers to get her airline transport pilot licence (ATPL), mandatory for an aircraft captain."
E-mail marketing set to log in growth of over 100% every year - The Economic Times
E-mail marketing set to log in growth of over 100% every year - The Economic Times: "With millions of Indians having access to e-mails and their number growing rapidly, e-mail marketing is expected to grow at over 100 per cent every year, an industry expert has said."
JPC at last By Soli J Sorabjee
JPC at last: "Wisdom and good sense have prevailed. The Prime Minister has announced the setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). One wonders why the same spirit of accommodation and understanding did not prevail earlier which could have avoided the loss of a full parliamentary session. The Opposition was unyielding in its demand for a JPC and the government was equally intransigent in its refusal. At best, it looked like childish obstinacy on both sides. At worst, it smacked of intimidatory pressure tactics by the Opposition."
Wife hired men for Rs 2.5L to kill NRI husband - The Times of India
Wife hired men for Rs 2.5L to kill NRI husband - The Times of India: "Zeroing in on the killers of a US-based NRI, police arrested his wife and four others for their involvement in the conspiracy to eliminate him.
The NRI's wife allegedly promised to pay Rs 2.5 lakh as 'supari' to the gang. Marital discord and his insurance money appear to be the motive for the crime, police said on Saturday."
The NRI's wife allegedly promised to pay Rs 2.5 lakh as 'supari' to the gang. Marital discord and his insurance money appear to be the motive for the crime, police said on Saturday."
India’s cosmetic exercise against corruption | Opinion
India’s cosmetic exercise against corruption | Opinion: "Flagging off the Budget Session on February 21, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil dwelt at length on the “measures” adopted by the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government to tackle corruption as its “foremost priority”. Speaking against the volatile backdrop of the multibillion 2G Spectrum scam, India’s first woman President underscored the legislative and administrative reforms that are on the anvil to detect graft at the highest levels."
LIFE's Best Oscar Photos - Photo Gallery - LIFE
LIFE's Best Oscar Photos - Photo Gallery - LIFE: "The two most elegant stars of their era are photographed backstage at the RKO Pantages Theatre, as they wait to present: Hepburn gave Best Picture to Marty, and Kelly awarded the Best Actor statue to Ernest Borgnine for the same film."
Controversial Abortion Billboard Removed, But Not Before Irate Mom Speaks Out - TIME NewsFeed
Controversial Abortion Billboard Removed, But Not Before Irate Mom Speaks Out - TIME NewsFeed: "Apparently the loud protests over a Manhattan billboard put up by anti-abortion activists were enough to get it taken down after only two days. But the frustration doesn't end there, because a mother whose child was depicted in the ad is angry."
The Worst Films of the Year: NewsFeed’s Picks for the 2011 Razzie Awards - TIME NewsFeed
The Worst Films of the Year: NewsFeed’s Picks for the 2011 Razzie Awards - TIME NewsFeed: "For all the pomp, circumstance and high fashion at the Academy Awards, the Razzies are the real awards that matter. The annual awards show highlights the absolute worst films, performances and directors of the year, and tend to be a lot more fun than the rest of awards season. Last year, Sandra Bullock took home a Razzie"
Danish study exposes new stroke risks - CBS News Video
Danish study exposes new stroke risks - CBS News Video: "Dr. Anna Barret, Director, Stroke Rehabilitation Research for Kessler Foundation, spoke with Russ Mitchell on a new Danish study that found men and women with high triglyceride levels tend to have an increased risk of stroke."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sex Addiction: Real Disease or Excuse for Men to Cheat? - TIME
Sex Addiction: Real Disease or Excuse for Men to Cheat? - TIME: "A difference between an addict and a recovering addict is that one hides his behavior, while the other can't stop talking about it. Self-revelation is an important part of recovery, but it can lead to awkward moments when you meet a person who identifies as a sex addict."
When men don’t want sex – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs
When men don’t want sex – The Chart - CNN.com Blogs: "Not tonight, honey. I have a headache.” How many times has a guy heard that before? Husbands around the world are all too familiar with being sexually rejected. But now, more than ever, those words, (or some variation), are being expressed by men, to their female partners. While the conventional wisdom has been that it’s usually the woman in the relationship who inevitably loses interest in sex, the opposite is often true. Low male desire is at all-time high, and is likely to occur for any number of reasons:"
Spider venom could be used in impotence treatment - Telegraph
Spider venom could be used in impotence treatment - Telegraph: "A trove of potential drugs for conditions as diverse as impotence and arthritis could emerge from a study of venom from a potentially deadly spider.
Venom already has provided leads for therapeutics to treat arthritis and erectile dysfunction, and compounds found in venom are being studied to create organic, earth-friendly pesticides."
Venom already has provided leads for therapeutics to treat arthritis and erectile dysfunction, and compounds found in venom are being studied to create organic, earth-friendly pesticides."
How much sleep do you really need? Probably a lot less than you think, says an expert | Mail Online
How much sleep do you really need? Probably a lot less than you think, says an expert | Mail Online: "Ask people whether they would like more sleep and the majority will say yes.
But does this mean they are not getting enough? I don't believe so.
Thanks to oft-repeated assertions that our ancestors slept longer than we did, not to mention claims that a lack of shut-eye can cause high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, and it's easy to see why we think we are chronically deprived of sleep."
But does this mean they are not getting enough? I don't believe so.
Thanks to oft-repeated assertions that our ancestors slept longer than we did, not to mention claims that a lack of shut-eye can cause high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, and it's easy to see why we think we are chronically deprived of sleep."
Leadership Lessons for Politician, Parent, Pundit - Technorati Guru
Leadership Lessons for Politician, Parent, Pundit - Technorati Guru: "As we watch leaders, not really leaders, bullies, topple from power in the Middle East, wondering which country is next we have a perfect opportunity to look at what is required for strong positive leadership at this critical time in the history of the world."
IndiGo Airlines Passenger Refuses To Fly With Female Pilot
IndiGo Airlines Passenger Refuses To Fly With Female Pilot: "A Mumbai-bound IndiGo airlines flight was delayed nearly 2 hours at the Delhi airport on Friday morning after a passenger caused a ruckus over the fact that the plane's pilot was a woman, according to Indian news site IBN Live.
A fellow passenger told the IANS (Indo-Asian News Service):"
A fellow passenger told the IANS (Indo-Asian News Service):"
Rani is heading YRF? | The India Daily
Rani is heading YRF? | The India Daily: "It has been quite a while since the sparkling beauty Rani Mukerji has been making frequent appearances on the screen except for the occasional No One Killed Jessica."
IT Infrastructure for GST prepared by Nandan Nilekani
Contrary to certain claims made by Opposition Ruled States, Particularly a recent claim by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi who has opined that his state opposed the GST (Goods and Services Tax) initiated by the Ministry Of Finance, Government Of India because it needs an IT Infrastructure/Strategy in place. The Government Of India clarifies that the IT Infrastructure Plan for GST was already in place on July 21, 2010.
The broad IT plan for enabling GST was presented to the Government of India and the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers under the Chairmanship of Dr. Asim Dasgupta on July 21, 2010. This document is a follow-up to that presentation and feedback thereon and describes the IT strategy for GST implementation.
GST can only be implemented when All the States in India agree on a common consensus to implement it.
The merits of GST
GST will bring about a change in the tax system by redistributing the burden of taxation
equitably between manufacturing and services. GST will enable broadening of the tax base,
which will further result in reduction in effective rate of tax. It will reduce distortions by applying
the destination principle for levy of taxes. It will foster a common market across the country,
reduce compliance costs and promote exports. It can provide a fiscal base for local bodies to
enable them to fulfill their obligations. It will facilitate investment decisions being made on purely
economic concerns independent of tax considerations.
Libya: Qaddafi arms his civilian supporters - CBS News
Libya: Qaddafi arms his civilian supporters - CBS News: "The embattled regime of Muammar Qaddafi is arming civilian supporters to set up checkpoints and roving patrols around the Libyan capital to control movement and quash dissent, residents said Saturday."
Phased entry of FDI in retail
The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Business | Phased entry of FDI in retail: "The government may allow foreign investment in retail in a phased manner beginning with the metros, help existing grocers modernise their shops and address farmer concerns.
The economic survey also suggested India should open up trade in services to global players as “FDI inflows and trade in services have a close relationship”."
The economic survey also suggested India should open up trade in services to global players as “FDI inflows and trade in services have a close relationship”."
An Eye On The Exit Gates
www.outlookindia.com | An Eye On The Exit Gates: "As Libya teeters on the brink of chaos, India has prepared an elaborate contingency plan to evacuate some 18,000 Indians employed there, chiefly in blue-collar jobs. About 8,000 Indians are in Tripoli, the capital; another 4,000 are in Benghazi, an important oil and gas production centre over which Muammar Gaddafi is said to have lost control (see map). “We are not sure how the situation in Libya is likely to pan out,” says a senior mea official, “but we are keeping a contingency plan in place in case we have to evacuate our people at short notice.”"
Stars braces for blushes, before Oscar cheers
Stars braces for blushes, before Oscar cheers: "Hollywood stars are preparing to cringe as the traditional Golden Raspberry Awards — or Razzies — are revealed, 24 hours before Tinseltown’s annual top awards, the Oscars.
Stars including Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus and Barbra Streisand are on the shortlist for the Razzies, billed as “saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year.”"
Stars including Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Pattinson, Miley Cyrus and Barbra Streisand are on the shortlist for the Razzies, billed as “saluting the worst that Hollywood has to offer each year.”"
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Wage Rates Hiked by 17-30 Percent -
In pursuance of its commitment towards the welfare of the rural poor , the Government has enhanced the wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This will result in 17-30% enhancement of wages under the premier flagship program of the Government across the country. The move is likely to benefit more than 5 crore beneficiaries under MGNREGA across the country. The wage rates have been hiked on the basis of Consumer Price Index for the agricultural labour calculated on the basis of Rs. 100 or the actual wage rate, whichever is higher as on April 1st, 2009. As per the amended notification issued by the Ministry Of Rural Development the new MGNREGA wage rates will come into effect from January 1, 2011 or the date of actual payment of the revised rate, whichever is later.
In fact the new wage rates are higher than the prevailing wages rates under MGNREGA at present in many states as follows :
S.N.
Name of State
Present wage rate in Rs. Per day
Revised wage rate in Rs. Per day
1
Assam
Rs. 100.00
Rs. 130.00
2
Andhra Pradesh
Rs. 100.00
Rs. 121.00
3
Arunachal Pradesh
Rs.80.00 Rs.80.00
Area-1 (Rs. 118.00)
Area-1I (Rs. 118.00)
4
Bihar
Rs.100.00
Rs. 120.00
5
Gujarat
Rs.100.00
Rs. 124.00
6
Haryana
Rs.141.02
Rs. 179.00
7
Himachal Pradesh
Non-scheduled Areas-Rs.100.00
Scheduled Areas- Rs.125.00
Non-scheduled Areas- Rs. 120.00
Scheduled Areas- Rs. 150.00
8
Jammu & Kashmir
Rs.100.00
Rs. 121.00
9
Karnataka
Rs.100.00
Rs. 125.00
10
Kerala
Rs.125.00
Rs. 150.00
11
Madhya Pradesh
Rs.100.00
Rs. 122.00
12
Maharashtra
Rs.100
Rs. 127.00
13
Manipur
Rs.81.40
Rs. 126.00
14
Meghalaya
Rs.100.00
Rs. 117.00
15
Mizoram
Rs.110.00
Rs. 129.00
16
Nagaland
Rs.100.00
Rs. 118.00
17
Orissa
Rs.90.00
Rs. 125.00
18
Punjab
18 (a)
Hoshiarpur
Rs.100.00
Rs. 124.00
18 (b)
Jalandhar
Rs.100.00
Rs. 124.00
18 (c)
Nawanshar
Rs.100.00
Rs. 124.00
18 (d)
Amritsar
Rs.105.00
Rs. 130.00
19
Rajasthan
Rs.100.00
Rs. 119.00
20
Sikkim
Rs.100.00
Rs. 118.00
21
Tamil Nadu
Rs.100.00
Rs. 119.00
22
Tripura
Rs.100.00
Rs. 118.00
23
Uttar Pradesh
Rs.100.00
Rs. 120.00
24
West Bengal
Rs.100.00
Rs. 130.00
25
Chhatisgarh
Rs.100.00
Rs. 122.00
26
Jharkhand
Rs.99.00
Rs. 120.00
27
Uttarkhand
Rs.100.00
Rs. 120.00
28
Goa
Rs.110.00
Rs. 138.00
29
Andaman & Nicobar
Andaman District
Nicobar District
Rs.130.00
Rs.139.00
Rs. 170.00
Rs. 181.00
30
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Rs.108.20
Rs. 138.00
31
Daman & Diu
Rs.102.00
Rs. 126.00
32
Lakshadweep
Rs.115.00
Rs. 138.00
33
Puducherry
Rs.100.00
Rs. 119.00
34
Chandigarh
Rs.140.00
Rs. 174.00
The decision to hike wages under MGNREGA comes in the wake of recommendations of National Advisory Council and consultations with the different Ministries. Linking the wages to Consumer Price Index for the agricultural labour will result in annual revision of the wage rates. Meanwhile, the Government is also waiting for the report of the Pranob Sen Committee constituted to deliberate upon a separate index for MGNREGA. The recommendations once submitted by this Committee will also be considered by the Government. Under MGNREGA in the financial year 2010-11, upto December, 4.10 crore households have been provided employment and 145 crore persondays have been generated. The average wage earned has risen from Rs 65 per person day in 2006 to Rs 100 by 2011. Women constitute 50% while Scheduled Castes account for 23 %, and Scheduled tribes comprise 17% of those working in Mahatma Gandhi NREGA in 2010-11. Over 10 crore accounts of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA beneficiaries were opened in post offices/banks contributing to financial inclusion. Among the works taken up under MGNREGA, water conservation, irrigation and land development account for over 75% of work taken up in 2010-11 till Dec.2010.
The decision to hike wages under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA is a reflection of the Government’s commitment to provide adequate livelihood security to the poor, down trodden, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. This hike will go a long way towards meeting the requirements of the needy in the rural areas en route to achieve the goal of inclusive growth and development across the country.
Monitoring Mahatma Gandhi NREGA
A total of 1327 complaints up to 31.3.2010 and 492 complaints during the current year, (up to 11.2.2011) regarding irregularities of all types in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA have been received in the Ministry of Rural Development. Since the act is implemented by the State Governments in accordance with the Schemes formulated by them as per the provisions of the Act, all complaints received in the Ministry are forwarded to the concerned States for taking appropriate action as per law. In complaints of serious nature, the Ministry deputes National Level Monitors to investigate the complaints. Reports of the NLMs are shared with the concerned State Governments for taking corrective action. Following measures have been undertaken to monitor the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA :
(i) ICT based MIS has been made operational to make data available to public scrutiny including Job cards, Muster rolls, Employment demanded and allocated, number of days worked, shelf of works, Funds available/spent and funds released to various implementing agencies, Social Audit findings, registering grievances and generating alerts for corrective action.
(ii) Payment of wages to MGNREGA workers has been made mandatory through their accounts in Banks/Post Office to infuse transparency in wage disbursement.
(iii) Rolling out Biometric based ICT enabled real time transactions of MGNREGA workers to eliminate fake attendance and false payments.
(iv) Periodic reviews in the Performance Review Committee meetings held on quarterly basis. State specific reviews are also undertaken
(v) Independent Monitoring and verification by National Level Monitors and Eminent Citizens.
(vi) Visit by members of Central Employment Guarantee Council.
(vii) State and district level Vigilance and Monitoring Committees have been set up.
Oscar producers say show comes with youthful edge | Reuters
Oscar producers say show comes with youthful edge | Reuters: "When the curtain comes up on the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, the show's producers hope to reconnect movie fans with Hollywood history as well as use technology and imagery to engage younger fans of the future."
7 Deadly Sins of Business Storytelling : Lifestyle :: American Express OPEN Forum
7 Deadly Sins of Business Storytelling : Lifestyle :: American Express OPEN Forum: "When it comes to persuasion, companies traditionally appeal to left side of the brain, using logic and reason. However, persuasion occurs just as much (if not more) through emotion. Daniel Pink, author of Drive, writes,"
Home temp, sleep loss linked to obesity - The Times of India
Home temp, sleep loss linked to obesity - The Times of India
A research team, led by Simona Bo at the University of Turin in Italy, found the odds of a person becoming obese declined by 30 per cent for each hour of sleep they managed, reports the Daily Mail.
A research team, led by Simona Bo at the University of Turin in Italy, found the odds of a person becoming obese declined by 30 per cent for each hour of sleep they managed, reports the Daily Mail.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lady Gaga to become godmother to Elton John's son? - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News
Lady Gaga to become godmother to Elton John's son? - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News: "David Furnish has hinted that Lady Gaga may be the godmother to Zachary, his son with partner Elton John."
Charlie Sheen rant targets Chuck Lorre - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News
Charlie Sheen rant targets Chuck Lorre - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News: "Charlie Sheen let loose on 'Two and a Half Men' co-creator Chuck Lorre earlier in the week, telling radio host Alex Jones, 'I embarrassed him in front of his children and the world by healing at a pace that his unevolved mind cannot process.'"
10 Things I Didn’t Know About Steve Jobs
10 Things I Didn’t Know About Steve Jobs: "I was standing right next to Steve Jobs in 1989 and it was the closest thing I ever felt to being gay.
The guy was incredibly wealthy, good looking enough to get any girl, a nerd super-rockstar who had just convinced my school to buy a bunch of NeXT machines (which, btw, were in fact the best machines to program on at the time) and I just wanted to be him."
The guy was incredibly wealthy, good looking enough to get any girl, a nerd super-rockstar who had just convinced my school to buy a bunch of NeXT machines (which, btw, were in fact the best machines to program on at the time) and I just wanted to be him."
Apple's most popular board member - Apple 2.0 - Fortune Tech
Apple's most popular board member - Apple 2.0 - Fortune Tech: "No, it's not Steve Jobs or Bill Campbell or even Al Gore
OK, it wasn't the Oscars and Steve Jobs is not Colin Firth.
But there was a sort of Best Board Member vote at Apple's (AAPL) shareholder meeting this week, and the outcome was a surprise."
OK, it wasn't the Oscars and Steve Jobs is not Colin Firth.
But there was a sort of Best Board Member vote at Apple's (AAPL) shareholder meeting this week, and the outcome was a surprise."
Police accused of profiting from prostitution – The Express Tribune
Police accused of profiting from prostitution – The Express Tribune: "Several guest houses and massage centres in Faisal Town operate as brothels with police protection, according to employees at these establishments."
Are you with the A, B, AB or O diet? - 1 - Food - Health – Lifestyle – MSN India
Are you with the A, B, AB or O diet? - 1 - Food - Health – Lifestyle – MSN India: "Forget those Juice and Green Tea diets, for this one is thicker than water. It’s the Blood Group Diet, that’s caught on abroad and warranted a lot of research on the subject. So, what should you have if you are A+? Here’s a peek into what it might entail…"
Dad kills 8-yr-old daughter after failed rape attempt - Yahoo! News
Dad kills 8-yr-old daughter after failed rape attempt - Yahoo! News: "A man was arrested for allegedly killing his eight-year-old daughter after she resisted his attempt to rape her in the district here, police said.
The victim, a student of class three, had gone missing since November 28 last year and a report had been filed with the police in the connection, they said."
The victim, a student of class three, had gone missing since November 28 last year and a report had been filed with the police in the connection, they said."
Official Google Blog: Finding more high-quality sites in search
Official Google Blog: Finding more high-quality sites in search: "Our goal is simple: to give people the most relevant answers to their queries as quickly as possible. This requires constant tuning of our algorithms, as new content—both good and bad—comes online all the time."
Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan to attend Oscars!
Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan to attend Oscars! | Abhishek Bachchan | Aishwarya Rai | ApunKaChoice.com: "The most charismatic couple of Bollywood is going to attend Oscars this Sunday. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, who are currently in Los Angeles, have been invited by the Academy to attend the Oscars."
Key 2G investigator quits CBI to join ICC - Hindustan Times
Key 2G investigator quits CBI to join ICC - Hindustan Times: "With the deadline of March 31 to file the first 2G scam chargesheet less than five weeks away, the man supervising the CBI's probe has quit. YP Singh, CBI's supervising joint director (JD) has sought voluntary retirement to join the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU)" of the Sharad Pawar-led ICC.
Study says Internet makes youth more engaged citizens
Study says Internet makes youth more engaged citizens: "If the digitally-ignited revolutions occurring in the Middle East have proven anything, it’s that social media in the hands of inspired citizens can be effective. A new study is showing just that: Put social networking tools in the hands of youth, and they are more likely to engage in their government."
Telangana landing
Telangana landing: "The reigning confusion over Telangana has meant that the real estate market in Hyderabad is caught in a catch-22 situation. The city remains doubtful if Hyderabad’s (Telangana) loss will become Visakhapatnam’s (Andhra) gain. In the last few months, land prices have been stagnant as there have been not many transactions, say property dealers in the city. The city is still in a wait-and-watch period, waiting for the Telangana Bill to be introduced in Parliament. The few companies that had entered into real estate agreements are also going slow on the deal-making process."
How to Delete That Negative Voice in Your Brain - by Dumb Little Man
How to Delete That Negative Voice in Your Brain - by Dumb Little Man: "Even the most positive, well-adjusted person in the world still falls victim to his or her own negative thoughts now and again. It’s human nature. It’s The Saboteur. It’s the price we pay for all that amazing human intelligence. But that doesn’t make it right."
Mercenaries gather in Tripoli for final battle - Africa, World - The Independent
Mercenaries gather in Tripoli for final battle - Africa, World - The Independent: "Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi were yesterday said to be launching fierce counter-attacks as the Libyan uprising edged closer to the capital and the dictator chose to blame Osama bin Laden and teenagers on hallucinogenic drugs for the rebellion"
Supreme Court justifies 25% quota for EWS in private schools
Private schools are money spinning ventures: Supreme Court: "The Supreme Court Thursday said private schools were money- spinning enterprises and asked them to wake up to their corporate-social responsibility by educating poor children.
The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Panicker Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar said this on a petition by the Society for Unaided Private Schools of Rajasthan."
The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Panicker Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar said this on a petition by the Society for Unaided Private Schools of Rajasthan."
12 pregnant women die in 10 days before Jodhpur hospital wakes up, says IV ‘tainted’
12 pregnant women die in 10 days before Jodhpur hospital wakes up, says IV ‘tainted’: "It took 10 days and the death of 12 full-term pregnant women in Jodhpur in Rajasthan before state health authorities woke up to suspect that all might have died after being administered “infected” intravenous “dextrose and ringer lactose” fluids. Five pregnant women are in a “serious condition,” doctors said."
Julian Assange attacks 'rubber-stamp' warrant as he loses extradition battle | Media | guardian.co.uk
Julian Assange attacks 'rubber-stamp' warrant as he loses extradition battle | Media | guardian.co.uk: "The WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is to be extradited to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. Assange will appeal, his legal team has confirmed. If they lose he will be sent to Sweden in 10 days.
Speaking outside Belmarsh magistrates court in south-east London after the judgment, Assange attacked the European arrest warrant system."
Speaking outside Belmarsh magistrates court in south-east London after the judgment, Assange attacked the European arrest warrant system."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Hosni Mubarak's cronies face corruption charges in Cairo court | World news | The Guardian
Hosni Mubarak's cronies face corruption charges in Cairo court | World news | The Guardian: "Three former stalwarts of Hosni Mubarak's regime have appeared in a Cairo court to face charges ranging from abuse of state power to squandering public wealth."
Kapoor family accepts Katrina as bahu? : Bollywood: India Today
Kapoor family accepts Katrina as bahu? : Bollywood: India Today: "It seems the hottest dude of Bollywood Ranbir Kapoor is thinking of settling down with the Indian-Brit beauty and golden girl of Bollywood Katrina Kaif."
The Hindu : Sport News : Daniel Vettori on cricket as a healer
The Hindu : Sport News : Daniel Vettori on cricket as a healer: "Taking on Australia in a major World Cup game is fraught with tension. Daniel Vettori reasoned why sport can also be a stress-buster in special situations. The New Zealand captain is looking at match preparations in a different light, against the backdrop of devastation at home. It's been an incredibly tough build-up."
India v England: Police to flood stadium in Bangalore after ticket chaos for Cricket World Cup 2011 match - Telegraph
India v England: Police to flood stadium in Bangalore after ticket chaos for Cricket World Cup 2011 match - Telegraph: "Police with batons charged supporters and three people were taken to hospital suffering from heat exhaustion and leg injuries after a crush developed as thousands of fans tried to buy the 7,000 World Cup tickets that went on general sale at 8.30am. Some fans had begun queuing 12 hours earlier as the public allocation went on general sale for the first time. The tickets were sold out within three hours, leaving thousands more disappointed and angry"
Slips Between The Lip And The Strip
Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine: "WHEN ANANT PAI, an engineer from Karnataka, started Amar Chitra Katha in 1967 he wanted to bring entertainment into the dull lives of schoolchildren. He and the team that worked with him in India Book House created a runaway success. Gods, humans, demons, saints and revolutionaries frolicked, fought and loved within brightly coloured panels. Equally acceptable to children and parents, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) was to become an authoritative source for Indian mythology. Everyone from costume designers of mythological serials to school teachers and trivia hounds saw familiar and unfamiliar tales through the ACK lenses. The selfstyled Uncle Pai was told decades later by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that only he could fill the warm spot left empty by ‘Chacha Nehru’."
National Broadband Plan- To connect 160 million homes by 2014
TRAI has sent its recommendations on “National Broadband Plan” to DoT on 08th December 2010. The salient features of the TRAI’s recommendations on National Broadband Plan are:
i) A National Broadband Network will be established, which will be an open access optical fibre network connecting all habitations with population of 500 and above.
ii) This Network will be established in two phases. The first phase covering all cities, urban areas and Gram Panchayats will be completed by the year 2012. Phase II will see the extension of the network of the network to all the habitations having a population more than 500, to be completed by the year 2013.
iii) In order to establish this broadband network, National Optical Fibre Agency (NOFA) at the national level and State Optical Fibre Agency (SOFA) at the State level would be formed. NOFA will establish the networks in all the 63 cities covered under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM). All the SOFAs, under the overall guidance of NOFA will establish the networks and backhaul in the rural areas and in the urban areas other than those cities covered under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM).
iv) This network which is estimated to cost about Rs.60000 crore, is proposed to be financed by USO fund and the loan given/guaranteed by Central Government.
(e) to (f) As on 31st December 2010 number of Broadband subscribers in the country is 10.92 million as compared to 752.19 million Mobile subscribers. The main reasons for slow growth of Broadband are non-availability of infrastructure to provide connectivity upto village level, non-availability of content in Vernacular Languages, low English literacy, affordability of Customer Premises Equipment and Right of Way.
Earlier Telecom minister Kapil Sibal had said that the National Broadband plan will connect 160 million Indian households with high-speed Internet connections by 2014 on 20 January, 2011 while unveiling the plan.
Why Shahrukh picked ten Doeschate
Why Shahrukh picked ten Doeschate: "Guess who has the best bowling ODI career strike rate in the history of the game? It's Ryan ten Doeschate of Netherlands at 26.5, ahead of Ajantha Mendis and Shaun Tait. But wasn't he the same batsman who scored a century against England to take his team to a very competitive 292? Spot on. "
Gaddafi ‘ordered Lockerbie bombing’ - Herald Scotland | News | Home News
Gaddafi ‘ordered Lockerbie bombing’ - Herald Scotland | News | Home News: "LIBYAN leader Colonel Gaddafi personally ordered the Lockerbie bombing that killed 270 people, his former justice minister has claimed.
Mustafa Abedel-Jalil, who resigned on Monday amid violent clashes between protesters and security forces, said: “I have proof that Gaddafi gave the order about Lockerbie.”"
Mustafa Abedel-Jalil, who resigned on Monday amid violent clashes between protesters and security forces, said: “I have proof that Gaddafi gave the order about Lockerbie.”"
Kareena named Bollywood`s sexiest woman
Kareena named Bollywood`s sexiest woman: "Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor has been named the sexiest woman by Stardust magazine."
World Cup 2011: High Court limits number of complimentary tickets | Cricket News | ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 | ESPN Cricinfo
World Cup 2011: High Court limits number of complimentary tickets | Cricket News | ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 | ESPN Cricinfo: "The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) to limit the number of complimentary passes for each of the four World Cup games to be played at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium to 10,000. The stadium has a capacity of 41,000."
Pak's Hindu temples turned into picnic spots, hotels - Rediff.com News
Pak's Hindu temples turned into picnic spots, hotels - Rediff.com News: "Despite being the second largest ethnic majority in the country, Hindus in Pakistan have been unable to acquire possession of their religious places, agricultural land and other commercial areas. Due to lack of government action, most sacred sites for Hindus are in a dilapidated condition; the rest have been converted into schools, hotels or business centres."
Bookies pay Rs 15-cr protection money, News - Cover Story - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror
Bookies pay Rs 15-cr protection money, News - Cover Story - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror: "Intel sources believe palms have been greased so that the World Cup ‘goes off smoothly’ for the nationwide betting mafia that has made the city its base. Home minister tells police top brass to crack down"
HDK is buying a news channel For his party and for Radhika - Bangalore Mirror
HDK is buying a news channel For his party and for Radhika - Bangalore Mirror,Bangalore Mirror: "Samaya did not take off too well, and Jarkiholi was looking to dump it. Kumaraswamy reportedly has clinched it for Rs 60 crore.
But why would Kumaraswamy want another channel when his wife Anitha is the head of Kasturi? It is hot news in political circles that he is buying it for ‘chhoti memsaab’ Radhika."
But why would Kumaraswamy want another channel when his wife Anitha is the head of Kasturi? It is hot news in political circles that he is buying it for ‘chhoti memsaab’ Radhika."
The organisers are doing their best to kill the World Cup
Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine: "This cricket World Cup is being widely seen as our best opportunity to win. We are the hosts, we have the team, and the others are not so hot right now. So, ordinarily, the organisers ought to have done their best to make sure people get their fill in comfort.
But, the situation is anything but comfortable. In almost every way possible, the World Cup has got off to a terrible start for the paying public. If things carry on the same way, there’s every chance that we would have done our worst.
Here, then, are 10 ways the organisers are killing the cup, even as it has just begun."
But, the situation is anything but comfortable. In almost every way possible, the World Cup has got off to a terrible start for the paying public. If things carry on the same way, there’s every chance that we would have done our worst.
Here, then, are 10 ways the organisers are killing the cup, even as it has just begun."
Ten million crashed KyaZoonga website in 20 minutes | Reuters
Ten million crashed KyaZoonga website in 20 minutes | Reuters: "Ten million fans seeking just 1000 tickets for the final crashed a World Cup website in just 20 minutes, the official ticket agency revealed on Wednesday."
China plays down “Jasmine” threat
The Hindu : News / International : China plays down “Jasmine” threat: "Chinese officials have ruled out the likelihood of unrest after calls for a “Jasmine Revolution” circulated on the Internet, saying Chinese people had “a common aspiration” for stability and development."
Cricket World Cup 2011: Australia captain Ricky Ponting and the players in the last-chance saloon - Telegraph
Cricket World Cup 2011: Australia captain Ricky Ponting and the players in the last-chance saloon - Telegraph: "Sachin Tendulkar: Playing in his sixth World Cup, the holder of just about every batting record going is lacking only in one thing – a World Cup winner's medal. The 37 year-old reached the final in 2003 where he was upstaged by centurion Ponting, as India were beaten by Australia in South Africa. Despite his hunger for runs showing little sign of abating, more than 20 years of international cricket will have taken its toll on the Little Master, and another World Cup may be an innings too far."
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cell Phones Affect Brain, but Does It Matter?
Cell Phones Affect Brain, but Does It Matter?: "Cell phone use appears to have an effect on brain activity, boosting the metabolism of brain glucose in specific areas, according to a new study."
The Colonel's Colourful Chronicles
The Colonel's Colourful Chronicles: "But you have got to admit- the flamboyancy of Libyan leader Col Muamer Gaddafi has forced the world to take notice of a man who intends to be different- be it in politics or his sense of fashion.
Recently, the world got to know a little more about the man's eccentricities through Wikileaks cables.
For instance, Gaddafi dislikes long flights and has an apparent fear of flying over water which regularly causes logistical headaches. During every international summit he attends, the Libyan delegation cannot fly more than eight hours and would halt overnight if the journey was to be longer.
Then there are some of his practices that are pretty infamous. On foreign trips, Gaddafi sets up camp in a luxury Bedouin tent and is accompanied by armed female bodyguards.
Take a quick peek into the colourful world of Colonel Muamer Gaddafi."
Recently, the world got to know a little more about the man's eccentricities through Wikileaks cables.
For instance, Gaddafi dislikes long flights and has an apparent fear of flying over water which regularly causes logistical headaches. During every international summit he attends, the Libyan delegation cannot fly more than eight hours and would halt overnight if the journey was to be longer.
Then there are some of his practices that are pretty infamous. On foreign trips, Gaddafi sets up camp in a luxury Bedouin tent and is accompanied by armed female bodyguards.
Take a quick peek into the colourful world of Colonel Muamer Gaddafi."
Mallika charges 3 crores for item number on MSN Video
Mallika charges 3 crores for item number on MSN Video: "Mallika charges 3 crores for item number
Bollywood's sultry actress Mallika Sherawat has agreed to do two item songs in producer Prakash Jaju's upcoming movie 'Bin Bulaye Baarati'. Although it is a small budget film that stars actors like Aftab Shivdasani, Nisha Kothari and veteran Om Puri, Mallika is reportedly charging a princely amount of Rs 3 crore for her two item numbers."
Bollywood's sultry actress Mallika Sherawat has agreed to do two item songs in producer Prakash Jaju's upcoming movie 'Bin Bulaye Baarati'. Although it is a small budget film that stars actors like Aftab Shivdasani, Nisha Kothari and veteran Om Puri, Mallika is reportedly charging a princely amount of Rs 3 crore for her two item numbers."
Today's Oscar Challenge! - Rediff.com Movies
Today's Oscar Challenge! - Rediff.com Movies: "Dr Harish Khare, the prime minister's media adviser, is married to Ms Jhabvala's daughter Renana.
You may remember Dr Khare as the pleasant man who begins Dr Singh's press conferences; last week, he told Times Now anchorman Arnab Goswami on national television that the February 16 media interaction was not an 'interrogation' of the prime minister."
You may remember Dr Khare as the pleasant man who begins Dr Singh's press conferences; last week, he told Times Now anchorman Arnab Goswami on national television that the February 16 media interaction was not an 'interrogation' of the prime minister."
Godhra verdict: Bannerjee stands by report - Rediff.com India News
Godhra verdict: Bannerjee stands by report - Rediff.com India News: "Justice U C Banerjee, who had described the Godhra train carnage as 'accidental', said he will stand by his inquiry commission report '200 per cent.'"
Premarital Sex — Why Wait? « The Art of Relationships
Premarital Sex — Why Wait? « The Art of Relationships: "As I review WebMD’s Relationships and Coping community each week, I am struck by the variety of struggles people have in their romantic relationships… and, not surprisingly, how many of these are related to sexuality. So, I took note last week when I came across the summary of a recent journal article that explored the effects of the timing of sexual initiation on marriages (“Compatibility or Restraint? The Effects of Sexual Timing on Marriage Relationships”; Journal of Family Psychology)."
WIKILEAKS: Madoff Tried To Rip Off Qaddafi
WIKILEAKS: Madoff Tried To Rip Off Qaddafi: "On January 20th, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya met with Mohamed Layas, the Head of the Libyan Investment Authority, and highlighted ways that U.S. businesses could thrive in Libya.
The following transmission is from a summary of the what happened during the meeting, sent from the Embassy Tripoli to an unknown destination."
The following transmission is from a summary of the what happened during the meeting, sent from the Embassy Tripoli to an unknown destination."
WikiLeaks: Mariah Paid $1M To Perform For Qaddafi's Son
WikiLeaks: Mariah Paid $1M To Perform For Qaddafi's Son: " Diplomatic cables revealed by WikiLeaks have reported that Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi's son paid Mariah Carey $1 million for a performance."
China, Pakistan pledge to enhance military co-op
China, Pakistan pledge to enhance military co-op: "China and Pakistan pledged to enhance strategic communication and cooperation between their militaries during the 8th Sino-Pakistani Defense and Security Talks held here Wednesday."
Busting the 8-Hour Sleep Myth: Why You Should Wake Up in the Night | Biphasic Sleeping | Insomnia & the Science of Sleep | LiveScience
Busting the 8-Hour Sleep Myth: Why You Should Wake Up in the Night | Biphasic Sleeping | Insomnia & the Science of Sleep | LiveScience: "More than one-third of American adults wake up in the middle of the night on a regular basis. Of those who experience 'nocturnal awakenings,' nearly half are unable to fall back asleep right away. Doctors frequently diagnose this condition as a sleep disorder called 'middle-of-the-night insomnia,' and prescribe medication to treat it."
NASA Completes 52-Year Mission To Find Kill God | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
NASA Completes 52-Year Mission To Find Kill God | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "After more than five decades of tireless work, brave exploration, and technological innovation aimed at a single objective, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced Wednesday that it had finally completed its mission to find and kill God."
Mumbai 6th most expensive city for office space - NDTV Profit
Mumbai 6th most expensive city for office space - NDTV Profit: "Mumbai slipped by one place to sixth in the list of the world's most expensive office locations in 2011, according to global realty consultant Cushman & Wakefield."
India likely to be world's largest economy by 2050: Citi
India likely to be world's largest economy by 2050: Citi: "In view of its continuing robust growth, India is expected to be the world's largest economy by 2050, surpassing China and the US, a Citi report said.
'China should overtake the US to become the largest economy in the world by 2020, then be overtaken by India by 2050,' financial services group Citi said the report."
'China should overtake the US to become the largest economy in the world by 2020, then be overtaken by India by 2050,' financial services group Citi said the report."
BBC News - Bloodhound diary: Keeping a straight course
BBC News - Bloodhound diary: Keeping a straight course: "RAF fighter pilot Andy Green intends to get behind the wheel of a car that is capable of reaching 1,000mph (1,610km/h).
Powered by a rocket bolted to a Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine, the Bloodhound car will mount an assault on the land speed record."
Powered by a rocket bolted to a Eurofighter-Typhoon jet engine, the Bloodhound car will mount an assault on the land speed record."
Berlusconi's `Slavish' Qaddafi Courtship Haunts Italy as Crackdown Looms - Bloomberg
Berlusconi's `Slavish' Qaddafi Courtship Haunts Italy as Crackdown Looms - Bloomberg: "In his pursuit of business with North Africa’s longest-serving dictator, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi let Muammar Qaddafi pitch his tent in the heart of Rome.
Berlusconi shut down the city’s biggest park in June 2009 to allow the visiting Libyan leader and his entourage of all- female bodyguards to set up camp by the 16th-century Villa Doria Pamphili. A year earlier, Italy agreed to pay $5 billion over 25 years to its former colony in reparations."
Berlusconi shut down the city’s biggest park in June 2009 to allow the visiting Libyan leader and his entourage of all- female bodyguards to set up camp by the 16th-century Villa Doria Pamphili. A year earlier, Italy agreed to pay $5 billion over 25 years to its former colony in reparations."
BBC News - Alcohol in moderation 'can help prevent heart disease'
BBC News - Alcohol in moderation 'can help prevent heart disease'
An alcoholic drink a day can help keep heart disease at bay, according to a review of 30 years of research.
The work, published in the British Medical Journal, showed a 14% to 25% reduction in heart disease in moderate drinkers compared with people who had never drunk alcohol.
An alcoholic drink a day can help keep heart disease at bay, according to a review of 30 years of research.
The work, published in the British Medical Journal, showed a 14% to 25% reduction in heart disease in moderate drinkers compared with people who had never drunk alcohol.
Lok Sabha adjourned over Telangana issue
Lok Sabha adjourned over Telangana issue
The Lok Sabha was adjourned twice on Wednesday after members representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Congress vociferously raised the separate Telangana state issue in the House.
TRS MPs K Chandrasekhar Rao and M Vijayashanti stalled House proceedings, demanding the status of their notice for adjournment on Telangana issue.
Debi Dutta dumps producer Bunty Walia - The Times of India
Debi Dutta dumps producer Bunty Walia - The Times of India
After the Sanjay Dutt- Bipasha Basu starrer Lamhaa turned out to be a box-office turkey, producer Bunty Walia has suffered another blow.
Model-actress Debi Dutta, who was dating him for two years, has now left him. They parted ways three weeks ago.Walia, the head honcho of G S Entertainment, was apparently quite in love with Debi, who was seen as a childhood friend of Ranbir Kapoor's in Rocket Singh: Salesman of The Year.
After the Sanjay Dutt- Bipasha Basu starrer Lamhaa turned out to be a box-office turkey, producer Bunty Walia has suffered another blow.
Model-actress Debi Dutta, who was dating him for two years, has now left him. They parted ways three weeks ago.Walia, the head honcho of G S Entertainment, was apparently quite in love with Debi, who was seen as a childhood friend of Ranbir Kapoor's in Rocket Singh: Salesman of The Year.
CWG scam: Kalmadi aides, Bhanot and Verma arrested - The Times of India
CWG scam: Kalmadi aides, Bhanot and Verma arrested - The Times of India: "Two close aides of Suresh Kalmadi, former Commonwealth Games Organising Committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot and CWG official VK Verma, were today arrested after being questioned by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in a Rs 107 crore contract that had been awarded to a Swiss time-keeping company, according to news channel TimesNow."
Telangana issue rocks Andhra Pradesh Assembly for fifth day
The Hindu : States / Andhra Pradesh : Telangana issue rocks Andhra Pradesh Assembly for fifth day: "The Telangana issue rocked the Budget session of Andhra Pradesh Assembly for the fifth day on Wednesday as TDP, TRS, CPI and BJP members continued to disrupt proceedings demanding a resolution seeking separate statehood."
Telangana issue paralyses Lok Sabha
The Hindu : News / National : Telangana issue paralyses Lok Sabha: "The demand for a separate Telangana paralysed proceedings in the Lok Sabha till afternoon with the TRS, as also members of TDP and Congress from the region, vying with each other to raise the issue.
The House witnessed three adjournments till 2 p.m. as TRS chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao and his party colleague M. Vijaya Shanthi, repeatedly stormed the Well of the House to press for adjournment motion on the issue."
The House witnessed three adjournments till 2 p.m. as TRS chief K. Chandrashekhar Rao and his party colleague M. Vijaya Shanthi, repeatedly stormed the Well of the House to press for adjournment motion on the issue."
Telangana Cong. MPs threaten to commit suicide in Parliament premises
The Hindu : News / National : Telangana Cong. MPs take govt. by surprise: "Agitating Congress MPs from Telangana on Wednesday threatened to commit suicide in Parliament premises if their demand for a separate state is not met and insisted that they will not allow the Lok Sabha to function till the Prime Minister makes a statement on the issue."
Manorama Online | Ponting to be hauled up by ICC for damaging TV
Manorama Online | Ponting to be hauled up by ICC for damaging TV: "Australia skipper Ricky Ponting is facing charges for breaching the International Cricket Council Players' Code of Conduct for damaging a LCD television set in the team's dressing room at Ahmedabad's Motera Stadium."
Super icons: Amitabh Bachchan Bachchan & Sachin Tendulkar
Super icons: Bachchan & Tendulkar, rightly consecrated : India : Sharmilaa Ravinder : TOI Blogs: "Super icons are not made - they are crafted. They are moulded together piece by piece with qualities that are manna from the unknown forces. These men are tested from time to time and they always persevere gallantly. They are not intimidated about being dethroned, they brandish their craft instead, their only effective weapon. They tear to shreds cynicism and brouhaha with finesse. They speak less and observe more, a trait that is fast unbecoming of the popular and corroborated in isolation by super icons. Their craft remains their two edged sword. These super icons stand out amongst a galaxy of stars, one is the everlasting light, and the other is a perfect ten"
TELANGANA: We can make Hyderabad stink - The South Reports
We can make Hyderabad stink - The South Reports: "All the two and a half lakh government employees in Telangana will start a non-cooperation movement from February 17. This will also include RTC bus drivers, teachers and even lawyers. The Telangana Joint Action Committee has asked commuters in buses not to buy tickets and people in the region not to pay their electricity and water bills. Telangana advocates will not argue their cases before judges from the other two regions."
Rs 19k cr relief no relief? Maharashtra, K'taka top farmer suicide table - Rediff.com News
Rs 19k cr relief no relief? Maharashtra, K'taka top farmer suicide table - Rediff.com News: "As many as 278 farmers committed suicides in the first 10 months of 2010 due to agrarian crisis, with Maharashtra and Karnataka reporting the maximum number of such incidents, the Parliament was informed.
In the whole of 2009, 897 farmers had committed suicides across the country."
In the whole of 2009, 897 farmers had committed suicides across the country."
Road map for Nalanda University discussed
Action is the gas in the tank. Without you, the car will not run - Marcy Blochowiak
The Governing Board of the new Nalanda University on Monday laid down a road map to make the institution functional tentatively by 2013. The recruitment of faculty would be done one or two semesters before the first batch is enrolled so that they have a role in finalising the course structure.
The University will start with seven schools, primarily in humanities, but will include departments of Information Sciences and Technology, Business Management in Relation to Public Policy and Development and Ecology and Environment, in addition to Languages and Literature; Religion and Philosophy; Historical Studies, International Relations and Peace Studies; and Buddhist Studies.
First meeting
This was the first meeting of the Governing Board, which was earlier functioning as the Nalanda Mentor Group, and was attended by Gopa Sabharwal, who has just been appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Nalanda University, to be set up just about 10 km away from the historic location of the Nalanda university in Bihar.
“We will try and enrol the students as soon as possible and as soon as infrastructure comes up at the site,'' Amartya Sen, chairperson of the Governing Board told journalists after the meeting. The meeting also discussed the statutes that would govern the University and the institutions relations with other universities. He said the focus at the beginning would be only on humanities due to the less cost involved. As we expand, we will include other subjects as well, he explained.
“In keeping with the extraordinary traditions of the historic University, we will develop the University as only as a secular institution but where religion will also be included,'' Professor Sen said clarifying that the university was an academic venture and not a diplomatic exercise just because several Asian countries had contributed for its development.
Foreign Minister of Singapore George Yeo – who is also on the Governing Board – said the entire issue of setting up the University is an “exciting exercise” and the institution would help in the over all development of the region which is backward. He also sought an international airport near Nalanda and said the Buddhist tourist circuit would get a boost once the institution became functional.
Global tenders
Announcing that the Governing Board had decided to go for global tenders, Dr. Sabharwal said 446 acres of land for the project had been acquired for the purpose. “Our aim would be to develop a state-of-the-art university,'' she explained adding that history showed that 200 villages around the old Nalanda University supported the institution and now was the time to do the reverse as the University would help in the development of these villages that would be traced and identified during the process of “interaction'' with the region.
NEW DELHI, 21/02/11: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna flanked by Nalanda mentor group head Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen and Foreign Affairs Minister of Singapore George Yeo alongwith other members of the group prior to a meeting at Hyderabd house, it has examined and recommended the framework and structure of international cooperation and partnership governing the establishment of Nalanda University (NU) that would facilitate continued international support and engagement and help initiate funding arrangements in New Delhi, on 21 February, 2011.
Cops bust sex trade being plied in moving car
Cops bust sex trade being plied in moving car: "First came rapes in moving vehicles, now these are being used to ply the sex trade.
Four persons, including two women, were arrested here today for running a sex trade in a moving car."
Four persons, including two women, were arrested here today for running a sex trade in a moving car."
BIG idea - Telangana isn’t scary - Hindustan Times
Telangana isn’t scary - Hindustan Times: "‘The moment Telangana elected representatives dehypnotise themselves from the lure and pressure of the Andhra political bosses, and fall in line with the aspirations of their electors, the movement will reach its natural culmination’.
These words sound wholly of the moment, whereas they come from a book published 40 years ago. In the first weeks of 1969, meetings calling for a separate state were held in towns and villages in Telangana. As a result of the ‘continuously rising tempo of the Telangana movement’, the police came out in force, and ‘lathi-charges, firings and the resultant violence became the accepted way of life in Telangana’."
These words sound wholly of the moment, whereas they come from a book published 40 years ago. In the first weeks of 1969, meetings calling for a separate state were held in towns and villages in Telangana. As a result of the ‘continuously rising tempo of the Telangana movement’, the police came out in force, and ‘lathi-charges, firings and the resultant violence became the accepted way of life in Telangana’."
On real Internet freedom
The Hindu : Opinion / Editorial : On real Internet freedom
The United States has restated its commitment to keep the Internet free and make it a bulwark of democracy but, unsurprisingly, there is no chorus of welcome for its fulsome defence of online freedoms. In a recent university address titled “Internet Rights and Wrongs: Choices and Challenges in a Networked World,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton berated authoritarian regimes and praised the people of Tunisia and Egypt for using digital tools to organise democratic protests.
The United States has restated its commitment to keep the Internet free and make it a bulwark of democracy but, unsurprisingly, there is no chorus of welcome for its fulsome defence of online freedoms. In a recent university address titled “Internet Rights and Wrongs: Choices and Challenges in a Networked World,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton berated authoritarian regimes and praised the people of Tunisia and Egypt for using digital tools to organise democratic protests.
Court order on Godhra a boost for BJP - Home - livemint.com
Court order on Godhra a boost for BJP - Home - livemint.com: "A special court on Tuesday ruled that a criminal conspiracy led to the train fire at Godhra station, causing the death of 59 Hindu devotees on 27 February 2002."
Will the Congress bite the bullet on Telangana? | Analysis & Opinion |
Will the Congress bite the bullet on Telangana? | Analysis & Opinion |
Almost a year after violent protests over demands for a Telangana state carved out of Andhra Pradesh, the Indian government has to grapple with the issue once again.
A report by a panel set up to examine the issue and suggest options to deal with the decades-old demand was made public on Thursday.
Almost a year after violent protests over demands for a Telangana state carved out of Andhra Pradesh, the Indian government has to grapple with the issue once again.
A report by a panel set up to examine the issue and suggest options to deal with the decades-old demand was made public on Thursday.
Hyderabad governs with 24x7 candid camera
Hyderabad governs with 24x7 candid camera: "Even as the wrongdoings in the telecom sector generate anger and dismay, Hyderabad’s city governance initiative using mobile phones provides a breath of fresh air on what the telecom revolution can do for India. The Off-Site Real Time Monitoring (OSRT) system is a unique but simple mobile-based IT initiative which uses a combination of GPS (Global Positioning System) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) technologies through cell phones for managing civic amenities in the city in a transparent and efficient manner."
Man ends life for ‘Telangana'
The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Man ends life for ‘Telangana': "P. Srisailam (32), resident of Maktha Allur village in Sangareddy mandal, reportedly committed suicide on Tuesday by consuming pesticide.
According to Circle Inspector (Rural) Harischandra Reddy, in the suicide note Srisailam stated that he was committing suicide as he was worried that Telangana may not be formed. He was survived by wife and two children. The police registered a case and investigating."
According to Circle Inspector (Rural) Harischandra Reddy, in the suicide note Srisailam stated that he was committing suicide as he was worried that Telangana may not be formed. He was survived by wife and two children. The police registered a case and investigating."
Salient Features of the Sports Development Bill 2011
Shri Ajay Maken, Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports made a statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday regarding the intent of the Government to initiate a national debate on the need to have a legislation for the development of sports at the national level and to deal with all matters concerned. TheSalient features of the Sports Development Bill 2011 are:
Preamble:
1) The Bill has been formulated to celebrate the spirit of sport and fair play, imbibed the philosophy of Olympism. The Preamble of the Bill begins with this essence serving as a motivation towards drafting of the Bill.
2) The Preamble of the Bill also states that this Bill does not intend to transgress into the independence of the National Sport Federations and the National Olympic Committee. The Bill only seeks to imbibe the practice of good governance accepted around the world in the Indian scenario.
3) The Preamble has also addressed the public concern of accountability of these sport bodies. In the Preamble it has summarily stated that the Bill seeks to recognize these sports federations as bodies performing public functions. It has also sought to address the issues of sexual harassment, age fraud, impediments to Right to Information, speedy resolution of sport disputes, anti-doping, transparency and good governance.
4) The Preamble also states that this kind of legislation is of essential importance in the current scenario, since there exists a state of flux as to sports in India. But the reach and effect of sport and working of sporting federations in India is felt worldwide.
Definitions (section 2):
1) Important terms like an Athlete, Athlete Advisory Council, Applicant, Recognition, Eminent Athlete, Office Bearer, Sports Ombudsman, Sports Administrator and most importantly the crux of the legislation ‘Sports’ have been defined. A detailed enumeration of what amounts to sports has been addressed in the Second Schedule.
Provisions of the Draft Bill:
1) Chapter VII deals with essential conditions that have to be incorporated by the NSF and others in the bye laws and constitution. Broadly hey have been enumerated in Section 15 of the Bill and are retirement age for members as 70 years, inclusion of athletes in the decision making process, ensure that 25% of the membership and voting powers is held by athletes [Section 15(1)(d)] the Union Minister of Sports shall not be eligible to contest for post in NOC or NSF [Section 15(1)(g)(vi)] and restriction on the term of Office Bearers to two terms of four years each[Section 15(1)(g)(vii) and restrictions of concurrent holding of positions by Office Bearers in NSFs [Section 15(1)(g)(ix)].
2) The voice and representation of an Athlete/Sportsperson has been missing in the top echelons of sports governance in India. Under Section 4 of the Bill, an effort has been made to constitute a National Sports Development Council which is to be headed by an Eminent Athlete ( a sportsperson who has been conferred with national or international awards). It comprises of a vast representation from all facets of sports like members from the National Olympic Committee, Paralympic Committee of India, National Sports Promotion Board, Vice Chancellor of Sports University, sportspeople, sports science specialist, National Anti-Doping Authority, Sports Authority of India, Government representative, Sports law specialist, sports journalist and sport NGO’s.
3) A very important thought behind the formation of the Council under Section 4(3) is that seven members have been sought from the actual sports people playing the sport. Importantly the control of the Council has also been retained to voice the opinion of the Athletes in India with the Chairperson being an Eminent Athlete. The majority of the voting powers i.e 15 out of 23 in this Council has been retained by members who are not a part of the federations, the Government or the Sports Authority of India.
4) Under Section 6(2)(f) the NOC (National Olympic Committee, IOA in our case) has been made responsible for the conduct of the National Games every 2 years. Under Section 6(2)(g) the NOC has been obligated to hold fair and transparent election every 4 years. Additional obligations placed upon NOC are to maintain public accountability, resolve disputes through a proper mechanism of Dispute resolution within 15 days [Section 6(2)(h)], enact bye laws in compliance with IOC Charter and directions. The NOC has been obligated to notify all about its General Assembly meeting 21 days in advance [Schedule 5, part 3], besides obligations to publish the voters list and the candidate list on the website and at a prominent place in the office has also been provided[Schedule 5, Part 4 and 7]. Most importantly an obligation to record the election by Video Conferencing has been provided so that in case of questions of election dispute it can be resolved through hard evidence[Schedule 5, Part 10]</span>.
5) Chapter IX deals with Dispute resolution of Sports disputes. The Bill has sought to set up an office of a Sports Ombudsman (a retired High Court Judge with knowledge about sports law or arbitration with general knowledge of sports). It has also seeks to set up an appellate authority with a representation of a sportsperson and from the Government. All awards of the Sports Ombudsman and Appellate Authority are to be binding as Final Awards under Arbitratio and Conciliation Act 1996. Time limit of one month has been imposed on the Sports Ombudsman and the Appelate Authority to give their decision under the Bill (rule 14, Sports Ombudsman Scheme) . Additionally provisions have also been made to provide for hearings through video and teleconferencing.
6) Restrictions have been places on non-recognized NSFs under Section 8(1) to use the expression ofIndia or Indian, represent India in International federations, receive financial assistance, select athletes and depute teams, organize or conduct recognized events.
7) UnderSection 8(2)(g) the NSFs have been obligated to submit to the Government their audited accounts, measures taken to combat sexual harassment, doping, age fraud, participation of minorities and disabled. An important obligation has also been imposed to promote excellence in sports through the participation of Elite Athletes, under Section 8(2)(g)(vi)
8) Section 22 deals with the ambit of foreign nationals to represent India. It clearly states that only Indian passport holders and NRI’s can represent India. It expressly restricts PIOs and OCIs from representingIndia.
9) Section 21deals with the prevention of sexual harassment, the guidelines for which have been laid out in the 8th Schedule and is bound to be incorporated by the NOC, NSFs, SAI and all other promotional organisations.
10) The concept of one NSF for one sport discipline has been affirmed in Section 7(1).
11) Chapter VI has sought to classify NSFs based on Olympic Sports, sports included in other major competitions and popular indigenous sports.
12) Under Section 6(2)(b) the NOC has obligated to observe the principles of Olympic charter, Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance proposed by the IOC. The NOC has also been obligated under Section 6(2)(c) to take permission from the Government before bidding for any major sporting event, since vast government resources of the country are involved in the conduct of such games.
13) Chapter X deals with anti-doping and drug free sport. Section 18recognizes the establishment and functioning of National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Section 19 recognizes the establishment of National Anti-Doping Laboratory.
14) Section 20 deems the passing of the National Code for Prevention of Age Fraud to have been passed under this Act.
15) Section 4(3) has clearly laid out that the tenure of the members of the National Sports Development Council would be restricted to four years and that the members shall not be eligible for reappointment. This has been done to have new voices regularly to promote the development of sports in India.
16) Under Section 8(2)the NSFs have been obligated to announce their yearly calendar on or before 31 December every year. This would facilitate the athletes to manage their yearly schedule accordingly.
17) Under Section 6(2)(l)the NOC has been obligated to submit before the Parliament its audited statements, report of activities and measures taken to promote athletes welfare, combat the evil of doping, expeditious dispute resolution, compliance with Right to Information and prevent gender discrimination and harassment of women in sports.
18) Under Section 5(1)(b)(i) the development and promotion of a individual sports has been retained by the National Sports Federations.
19) Chapter IX deals with the suspension and withdrawal of recognition. It has laid down conditions like failure o submit accounts, hold elections, suspension from NOC, misuse of Government assistance, failure to abide by the conditions on which recognition has been granted and internal and serious irregularities detected by the Registrar of Societies/companies or in public interest.
20) The Council under section 4(8) has also been termed to meet everythree months to promote the objective of development of sports.
21) The recognition of the NSF underSection 5(a)(i)\ has now become subject to certain guidelines. The funding by the Government of these NSFs has also been subject to governance, performance and the priority of the sport being governed, under Section 5(1)(a)(ii)
22) Under Section 5(c)(iii) the Sports Authority of India has been entrusted with the task of evaluating the performances of the athletes and the NSFs with the Long Term Development Plan for Sports in India.
23) Chapter IV</span> deals with the provisions pertaining to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) which in the Indian scenario is the Indian Olympic Association, subject to it maintaining its recognition by the International Olympic Committee, underSection 6(2)(a)
24) Under Section 6(2)(k) all amendments in the NOC’s constitution has been made subject to comments from interested parties.
25) Chapter VII deals with the recognition of NSFs and others. It has enumerated in Section 10(1) that recognition would be granted on consideration like the legal statutes of the applicant, financial accountability, professional management, recognition by IOA for Olympic sports, status as an apex body and all India spread besides others.
26) Section 13 deals with the recognition of National/Regional Sports Promotional Organisation.
27) Section 14 deals with National Playing Field Association and seeks to register all playing fields that have been developed through Government assistance.
28) Till now the National Sports Policies served as mere guidelines. The Bill in Section 3 (1)(2) seeks to give efficacy to the National Sports Development Code of 2011 by stating that it has been notified under this Bill.
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