NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Varun Gandhi on Sunday claimed that underworld criminals arrested in Delhi a day earlier were plottingto kill him and urged the home minister to take urgent action.
"The plot against my life by dangerous underworld criminals apprehended yesterday by Delhi Police exemplifies exactly the kind of terror and violence against which I stand and have been warning against. This is the second time in recent months that such a conspiracy has been uncovered," Varun Gandhi, the son of BJP leader Maneka Gandhi, said in a statement here.
Six sharpshooters of Chhota Shakeel - one of India's most wanted gangsters - were arrested from different parts of the capital Saturday, with police saying "some VVIPs" were on their hit list.
Urging the home minister to take immediate action, Varun Gandhi said: "The home ministry should respond with the urgency and responsibility that behoves those entrusted with the safety of a whole nation. May it not later be said that petty political considerations interfered with the course of official duty."
Varun Gandhi, who won the Lok Sabha election from Pilibhit constituency in Uttar Pradesh, created a big controversy with his reported hate speeches against Muslims and was even arrested for it.
source-times of India
Sunday, July 5, 2009
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A District Court here has stayed a local Court order, directing police to search the residences of home minister KodieyeriBalakrishnan and DGP Jacob Punnose to ascertain if they were possessed intelligence reports on clashes and police firing at Cheriyathura near here, leading to the death of six persons on May 17.
District Judge K Ramakrishnan passed the order yesterday on a petition by ADGP (Intelligence) Sibi Mathew, challenging the order of First Class Judicial Magistrate on June 26.
The lower court, on a private complaint filed by one Nagaraj, had directed police to search and recover the reports filed by Intelligence and Special Branch on the possibility of clashes in the area, as contended by the petitioner.
Sibi Mathew contended that the private complaint was filed with an intention to tarnish the image of the Home Minister and DGP.
He also sought prosecution of Nagarajan under provisions of IPC 'for submitting wrong information to the court.'
The Court posted the case for further hearing to July 27. The clash between two sections of people in Cheriyathura coastal area was sparked off over extortion of money from a restaurant.
The police fired on a violent group which allegedly refused to disperse, leading to the death of six persons belonging to a particular community.
Source- times of India
Ministers and their children will not come under any law..........!
District Judge K Ramakrishnan passed the order yesterday on a petition by ADGP (Intelligence) Sibi Mathew, challenging the order of First Class Judicial Magistrate on June 26.
The lower court, on a private complaint filed by one Nagaraj, had directed police to search and recover the reports filed by Intelligence and Special Branch on the possibility of clashes in the area, as contended by the petitioner.
Sibi Mathew contended that the private complaint was filed with an intention to tarnish the image of the Home Minister and DGP.
He also sought prosecution of Nagarajan under provisions of IPC 'for submitting wrong information to the court.'
The Court posted the case for further hearing to July 27. The clash between two sections of people in Cheriyathura coastal area was sparked off over extortion of money from a restaurant.
The police fired on a violent group which allegedly refused to disperse, leading to the death of six persons belonging to a particular community.
Source- times of India
Ministers and their children will not come under any law..........!
CPM to decide on Kerala infighting today
The CPM Politburo got down to serious work at the beginning of the party's two-day meet on Saturday -- to settle the open turf war between Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and party's Kerala chief Pinarayi Vijayan.
Both have been involved in a long-standing dispute over the 10-year-old SNC Lavalin case in which Vijayan is accused of corruption.
CPM leaders have been completely silent on what's being discussed inside the Politburo, but outside several possibilities were being discussed to resolve the Kerala crisis.
- Both Achuthanandan and Vijayan continue in their respective positions after being reprimanded
- Achuthanandan and Vijayan make way for younger Leadership
- Vijayan volunteers to step down as CPM state secretary while Achuthanandan continues as Chief Minister but faces disciplinary action like suspension from the Politburo
Sources say the party is trying to work out a compromise and it will issue a statement on its final decision on Sunday.
source-NDTV
Nothing will happen....
Mistakes in Iqbal's poem in handbook, seven suspended
| THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major embarrassment to Kerala Education Department, mistakes have been found in great Urdu poet Allama Iqbal's famouspoem " Sare Jahan se Achcha " reproduced in Malayalam script in the handbook for school teachers. After the matter came to light, the department withdrew the book and suspended six teachers and a faculty aid involved in its preparation, a senior official in Directorate of Public Instructions said. The official said they have been suspended till the inquiry into the matter completes. The mistake was found in the lines in the poem " Mazhab nahin sikhata apas men bayar rakhna " (faith does not teach us to harbour grudges between us). In the version printed in Malayalam, in place of the words " Maz'hab nahin ..." the name of Prophet Muhammad was given. According to scholars, this mistake gave an entirely different meaning to the line from what was originally meant by the legendary poet. There were also some other minor mistakes in the text, they said. This mistake was first noticed by a woman teacher in a school in Kozhikode district, who brought it to the attention of the authorities. Immediately, the text was examined and it was decided that it will be withdrawn. An inquiry has been ordered to check how the mistake crept into the handbook meant for teachers of the fourth standard, official sources said. source- times of India The communist doesn't know how to make the students educated,because they are not educated. they know only to fight against minorities. |
Legislation to monitor functioning of labs: Minister
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government would bring forward a legislation to monitor the functioning of clinical laboratories in the state,Health Minister P K Sreemathi said on Tuesday.
Replying to a submission by Aisha Potti (CPM) in the assembly, she said the government currently had no mechanism to check whether qualified persons were being appointed in the laboratories and the quality of tests being conducted in such labs.
The draft for a paramedical bill had already been prepared and would be made an act at the earliest, she said.
source -The Times of India
Labs will work according to governments likeness
Replying to a submission by Aisha Potti (CPM) in the assembly, she said the government currently had no mechanism to check whether qualified persons were being appointed in the laboratories and the quality of tests being conducted in such labs.
The draft for a paramedical bill had already been prepared and would be made an act at the earliest, she said.
source -The Times of India
Labs will work according to governments likeness
Instruction to check vehicles transporting school children
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has decided to take strict action against those violating the motor vehicles rule, concerned over the risein the number of accidents involving private and school buses by carrying more children than permitted.
Traffic Safety Clubs would be formed in schools in association with Education Department to create awareness among the students and parents on the danger posed due to overcrowding in vehicles carrying students, state home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told the assembly in reply to a submission of T N Prathapan (Cong).
Instructions have also been given to see that only drivers with ten-years experience be made drivers in school buses, he said.
Prathapan said in the first month of the present academic year, eight school children were killed and 80 others injured in accidents. It was a serious matter which needed the attention of the government, he said.
One of the main reasons for the accidents was overcrowding in autorickshaws and mini-vans, he said.
Source - Times Of India
For how many month this strictness will occur...........
Traffic Safety Clubs would be formed in schools in association with Education Department to create awareness among the students and parents on the danger posed due to overcrowding in vehicles carrying students, state home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told the assembly in reply to a submission of T N Prathapan (Cong).
Instructions have also been given to see that only drivers with ten-years experience be made drivers in school buses, he said.
Prathapan said in the first month of the present academic year, eight school children were killed and 80 others injured in accidents. It was a serious matter which needed the attention of the government, he said.
One of the main reasons for the accidents was overcrowding in autorickshaws and mini-vans, he said.
Source - Times Of India
For how many month this strictness will occur...........
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Serena captures third Wimbledon title
LONDON: Serena williams clinched her third Wimbledon title and 11th Grand Slam crown with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory over sister Venus, the defending champion, on Saturday
The victory added to her 2002 and 2003 wins at the All England Club and shattered Venus's hopes of a hat-trick of titles and sixth overall which would have taken her level with Billie Jean King.
Saturday's final was the fourth all-Williams title match-up at Wimbledon and eighth in all Grand Slams with the win giving Serena the edge in head-to-head meetings at 11-10.
Of the eight major finals the sisters have faced each other in, Serena has won six.
"It feels so amazing. I'm so blessed. I feel like I shouldn't really be holding the trophy, Venus should be holding it, she always wins," said Serena who currently holds three of the four Grand Slam titles.
"I can't believe I have won 11 majors. It's a real honour."
Venus, 29, admitted Serena had been the better player of the two.
"She was just too good today. She had an answer for everything and played the best tennis," said Venus after a final fittingly staged on US Independence Day.
"I don't think the loss has set in yet, that's why I'm still smiling. But I have had some great times here and I'm looking forward to coming back next year."
Serve dominated the first set with 27-year-old Serena fighting off the only two break points in the eighth game and it was the younger of the two sisters who seized control of the tiebreak.
Serena went to three set points by forcing Venus to scramble from side to side before putting away a powerful crosscourt forehand.
Venus saved the first set point but was powerless when a pinpoint lob from her sister left her stranded at the net.
It was the first set Venus had dropped at Wimbledon since the third round in 2007, a run of 34 consecutive winning sets.
Serena, who had saved match point in her marathon-final win over Elena Dementieva, carved out her first set point when Venus double-faulted to hand her a 4-2 lead and revenge for last year's final defeat to her sister looked likely.
Second seed Serena held to love, backed-up by her 12th ace of the match, to lead 5-2.
She then wasted three match points in the eighth game but clinched the title when Venus netted with a forehand.
Budget Express 2009: From Mamata to India..
Mamata’s Janata Express: Of, by and for the people Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the Railway Budget. The budget comes up with a host of populist measures. While passenger fares and freight rates remain unchanged, an upgraded security system is high on the priority list.
Presenting her third budget, Mamata said the Railways must set an example of inclusive growth and the old mindset of economic viability must be substituted with social viability.
Praising the budget, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The railway minister has done a highly competent job in the time available to her. She has presented a budget which does not impose any burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger fares."
New schemes and services
With due respect: The Railway Minister announced a new scheme called “Izzat” for travel with dignity. "I want that every person should travel on our railways with dignity. I therefore wish to present the gift of travel with dignity to even the poorest of the poor," she said. Under this scheme the people in unorganised sector with monthly income upto 1,500 rupees can avail concessional monthly season ticket of 25 rupees for travel upto 100 km.
For ladies only: For working women facing difficulties in travelling to their workplaces, the Railway Minister announced the introduction of 'Only Ladies' EMU train services. She said these train services would be launched in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata suburban routes on the pattern of Mumbai suburban lines. These services will run for the convenience of women passengers during office hours too.
For Gen Next: Mamata also announced new ‘Yuva trains’ dedicated to young generation from rural areas to major cities with concessional rail fare but with air-conditioned facilities. She said Yuva Trains would be introduced at Rs 299 for distance up to 1500 km.
Non-stop and quick: There's a proposal for 12 new point-to-point, non-stop 'Duronto' trains, 57 new train services, extension of 27 trains and increase in frequency of 13 trains. Besides, there will be air-conditioned double-decker coaches for inter-city travel.
Easy and enhanced ticketing facilities: To make the ticketing process easier, Mamata Banerjee put forth that e-ticketing facilities would be enhanced and simplified. The "Tatkal" or instant ticketing scheme, under which people could buy tickets five days before the date of journey, can now be done three days before departure. The service charges under the scheme have been lowered from Rs. 150 to Rs. 100. In addition, automatic vending machines will be installed at 200 large stations and 200 new locations will be brought under reservation services.
Besides, under the 'Maa Mati Manush' initiative, computerised tickets will also be made available through 5,000 post offices. There will be 800 new locations for ticket reservations and 3000 new un-reserved ticket counters. SMS updates will be available for wait-listed passengers and 50 mobile ticketing vans - 'Mushkil Aasaan' - will be introduced to provide services in remote areas.
Safety and security:As trains are increasingly becoming the target of terrorists and Naxalites, the Railways have decided to raise the number of commando battalions, and will draw up an integrated security scheme for 140 vulnerable and sensitive stations. There will be timely track renewal, modernisation of signals and use of digital ultrasonic flaw detectors.
Women RPF Squads, exclusively for women passengers, will also be introduced.
Cleanliness and comfort:Cleanliness and quality of railway catering will be improved with focus on strict monitoring. Much to the relief of perhaps many passengers, toilets on trains will now be similar to the ones in planes; facilities will be provided for every journey longer than 2 hours.
Fifty stations will be developed as world-class stations and 375 stations will be upgraded as 'Adarsh' stations with basic facilities - drinking water, toilets and ladies' dormitories. Multi functional complexes with shopping facilities, food stalls, budget hotels are to be constructed at 50 railway stations, which serve as centres of pilgrimage, tourist and industry. Infotainment services will be made available on long-distance trains.
Come, eat and be merry!Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, presenting the rail budget for 2009-10 in Parliament, said all railway zones have been instructed to ensure availability of 'Janata Khana' - national and regional cuisines - on trains. "National and regional cuisines will be introduced and priority would be given to provision of good quality food, drinking water and toilet facilities and ensure cleanliness on trains and stations," Banerjee said.
More concessions...All students will receive a 60 per cent concession on tickets. The existing student concession will be extended to students of Madrasas. Concessional monthly season tickets to students in Kolkata will be applicable for travel in the Kolkata Metro Rail also.
Now accredited journalists will get an increased concession of 50 per cent instead of existing 30 per cent. Once in a year a journalist's spouse can also travel with 50 per cent concession.
First-to-aid:According to the new Railway Budget, railways will now extend a helping hand to the physically-challenged. There will be more ramps, lifts, escalators and special coaches for physically challenged and aged people.
The Railway Minister said that at least one doctor would be put in every long-distance train.
People over profit:Throughout the announcement of the Railway Budget, one thing was clear - Didi's focus is beyond profit and more on the people. There are proposals for the benefit of farmers too, like the introduction of cold-storage cargoes. Be it young or old, rich or poor, every single layer of the society seems to be benefitting from the proposals under the Railway Budget.
Rs. 1,102 crore of this year's budget has been earmarked for improving passenger amenities, although fares have not been hiked.
Mamata’s Janata Express: Of, by and for the people Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the Railway Budget. The budget comes up with a host of populist measures. While passenger fares and freight rates remain unchanged, an upgraded security system is high on the priority list.
Presenting her third budget, Mamata said the Railways must set an example of inclusive growth and the old mindset of economic viability must be substituted with social viability.
Praising the budget, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The railway minister has done a highly competent job in the time available to her. She has presented a budget which does not impose any burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger fares."
source- NDTV
Is it good for people,when it will be practical..or to next election
Mother kills 3 sons, self
BANGALORE: Chandbi just couldn't handle the loss of face after financial woes left her family in dire straits. She'd been married to an affluenttruck owner in Bagalkot who had a terrible run of luck and ended up as a coolie in Bangalore. Unable to cope with this drastic change in fortunes, she killed her three sons -- between eight and three years -- on Friday afternoon, before committing suicide near Parappana Agrahara.
Chandbi, 37, was married to Hasan Sab, 41, of Nandagi in Bagalkot district and they had three boys -- Riyaz, 8, Siraj, 6, and Sameer, 3. Things were rosy till last year when Hasan Sab had a steady business and even owned a truck. But, last year, things started going downhill and Hasan Sab incurred heavy losses. His truck met with an accident, and he was forced to sell it at a throwaway price. Eight months ago, he even had to sell his house.
In Bangalore, Hasan Sab couldn't get a job and worked as a construction labourer. He earned around Rs 200 every day, hardly enough to meet the needs of the family. Two children were admitted to a government school. The children, realizing the gravity of the situation, began bringing home food served in school under the mid-day meal scheme.
Chandbi couldn't Stomach this as she was from a well-to-do family. Around 12.30 pm on Friday, she poisoned Riyaz and Siraj before drinking some herself. She took the three children to a sump, around 10 ft deep and 15 ft wide. She threw the children first and jumped in.
An old man, sitting in front of a nearby house, noticed Chandbi's desperate act. He rushed to the tank and raised an alarm. He was too weak to rescue them and before help arrived, the four were dead.
Hasan Sab had gone to work and when he returned in the evening, he learnt about the shocking murder-suicide. The bodies have been shifted to Victoria Hospital for the post-mortem on Saturday.
Source- times of India
Chandbi, 37, was married to Hasan Sab, 41, of Nandagi in Bagalkot district and they had three boys -- Riyaz, 8, Siraj, 6, and Sameer, 3. Things were rosy till last year when Hasan Sab had a steady business and even owned a truck. But, last year, things started going downhill and Hasan Sab incurred heavy losses. His truck met with an accident, and he was forced to sell it at a throwaway price. Eight months ago, he even had to sell his house.
In Bangalore, Hasan Sab couldn't get a job and worked as a construction labourer. He earned around Rs 200 every day, hardly enough to meet the needs of the family. Two children were admitted to a government school. The children, realizing the gravity of the situation, began bringing home food served in school under the mid-day meal scheme.
Chandbi couldn't Stomach this as she was from a well-to-do family. Around 12.30 pm on Friday, she poisoned Riyaz and Siraj before drinking some herself. She took the three children to a sump, around 10 ft deep and 15 ft wide. She threw the children first and jumped in.
An old man, sitting in front of a nearby house, noticed Chandbi's desperate act. He rushed to the tank and raised an alarm. He was too weak to rescue them and before help arrived, the four were dead.
Hasan Sab had gone to work and when he returned in the evening, he learnt about the shocking murder-suicide. The bodies have been shifted to Victoria Hospital for the post-mortem on Saturday.
Source- times of India
Global warming now shrinking sheep
WASHINGTON: Global Warming to be shrinking sheep. On average, wild Soay sheep on Scotland's island Hirta are 5 percent smaller today thanthey were in 1985, according to a team of researchers led by Tim Coulson of Imperial College London.
``The decrease in body size was due to a reduction in growth rates caused, in part, by the changing climate,'' Coulson said in an interview via e-mail.
Evolutionfavors the development of large sheep, which can more easily survive harsh winters, Coulson explained. So the researchers became curious about the overall decline in size of the animals Hirta.
They discovered that as the climate has grown milder, small lambs that would not have survived previous winters were now living to grow up and reproduce.
Since size is inherited, the survival and reproduction of these smaller animals lowered the average size of the herd.
In addition, Coulson noted, there is what he termed the “young mum effect,'' with the younger mothers physically unable to produce large offspring.
The find adds to the understanding of how change occurs in many types of animals, he said, including birds, fish and mammals. It shows how evolution and ecology each play a role in change, Coulson said: “And that, for our wild sheep at least, climate change is having a detectable effect on body size, a trait that is partly determined by genes, and that this compliments previous research showing how climate change can influence population size.''
“This study addresses one of the major goals of population biology, namely to untangle the ways in which evolutionary and environmental changes influence a species' traits,'' said Andrew Sugden, deputy and international managing editor at Science which published the report. The research was supported by Britain's Natural Environment Research Council.
source-times of India
Peoples are fighting each other without knowing......
``The decrease in body size was due to a reduction in growth rates caused, in part, by the changing climate,'' Coulson said in an interview via e-mail.
Evolutionfavors the development of large sheep, which can more easily survive harsh winters, Coulson explained. So the researchers became curious about the overall decline in size of the animals Hirta.
They discovered that as the climate has grown milder, small lambs that would not have survived previous winters were now living to grow up and reproduce.
Since size is inherited, the survival and reproduction of these smaller animals lowered the average size of the herd.
In addition, Coulson noted, there is what he termed the “young mum effect,'' with the younger mothers physically unable to produce large offspring.
The find adds to the understanding of how change occurs in many types of animals, he said, including birds, fish and mammals. It shows how evolution and ecology each play a role in change, Coulson said: “And that, for our wild sheep at least, climate change is having a detectable effect on body size, a trait that is partly determined by genes, and that this compliments previous research showing how climate change can influence population size.''
“This study addresses one of the major goals of population biology, namely to untangle the ways in which evolutionary and environmental changes influence a species' traits,'' said Andrew Sugden, deputy and international managing editor at Science which published the report. The research was supported by Britain's Natural Environment Research Council.
source-times of India
Peoples are fighting each other without knowing......
Will CPM ask Kerala CM to go?
Sorting out the mess in the CPM's Kerala unit is the only agenda of the two-day meet of the party's top leaders in New Delhi. The meeting begins on Saturday.
The party paid a heavy price in the Lok Sabha elections because of disunity and the open turf war between Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and the party's Kerala chief Pinarayi Vijayan.
Following an order by Kerala Governor R S Gavai, Vijayan was summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the SNC Lavalin case in which he is accused of corruption charges and it is a bone of contention between him and his rival in party, especially Achutanandan.
The CPM has described the infighting in the Kerala unit as a serious matter. It was forced to suspend both leaders two years ago when they indulged in a public spat, but withdrew the suspension after a few months.
The state CPM has already been divided on the issue, with one faction supporting Vijayan and the other headed by Chief Minister Achuthanandan opposing him.
source-NDTV
Every time their will be PB, Then when they are going to rule the state properly. What a government?
Rain gave India the advantage says Kirsten
India's head coach, Gary Kirsten, acknowledged that his team had a distinct advantage in the Third Digicel One Day International at the Beausejour Cricket Ground since their innings was not as affected by the weather as the home side's.
"It definitely helps a team batting second in this type of set up. It did suit us to be batting second because you can dictate the game a little better when the overs are shortening in terms of what you need," the former South African batsman told reporters at the post match press conference after his team secured a tense six wicket victory in the final over.
Source-http://cricketstarsgallery.blogspot.com
Indian coach is not satisfied in this victory
India seal victory in rain affected match
India sealed a tense six wicket Duckworth/Lewis victory off the penultimate delivery in a match which must hold some obscure record for the most rain interruptions. Chasing 186 for victory from 27 overs, the Indian target was reduced to 159 from 22 overs after the fifth rain interruption.
Captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, marshalled his team to victory with an unbeaten 46 from 34 balls with two boundaries and one maximum to secure the Man of the Match title and win himself a Blackberry Storm from the series sponsor.
At the outset of their run chase, top scorer and makeshift opener Dinesh Karthik (47 from 43b, 5x4, 1x6), and Gautam Gambhir (44 from 38b, 2x4) set the victory march on a firm foundation as they put on 84 before Karthik – a regular wicketkeeper who has been thrust into the opening role in the absence of the injured Virender Sehwag – was dismissed by lanky left arm spinner, Sulieman Benn (5-0-31-1).
The Indian run chase received a further boost in the 14th over when rain stopped play for the umpteenth time. At that stage, after 13.3 overs India were 95 for 1 needing 186 from 27 overs.
At the resumption of the Third Digicel One Day International at the Beausejour Cricket Ground, their target was reduced to 159 and they effectively needed 64 runs from 51 deliveries. With nine wickets in hand, they held the clear advantage.
Dhoni played as intelligently as he had done in his innings of 95 in the previous game at Sabina Park and an Indian victory seemed a certainty until the end of a phenomenal 21st over by the irrepressible Dwayne Bravo (4-0-27-1). With 16 runs needed from 12 balls, Bravo sent down six deliveries at the cost of five miserly runs plus the wicket of Rohit Sharma (11 from 9b) who tried to get India out of the red by attempting a big heave.
It meant that the visitors were set back, they then needed 11 runs from the last over. Windies skipper, Chris Gayle, chose Jerome Taylor (3.5-0-39-0) to bowl the over and after a single from the first delivery, Dhoni effectively secured the win with a huge six into the stands off the next. With four runs from four balls needed, a double and two singles formalised the triumph.
Play only commenced after a more than two hour delay by which time the game was reduced to 41 overs per side. Dhoni's opposite number, Gayle, started in a manner reminiscent of a runaway freight train. Within three and a half overs, he had scored all of the Windies' 27 runs. The big left hander needed only 13 balls to hit six fours before the second weather intervention. When he returned to the crease the game had been reduced to 39 overs and he lasted only one more ball, being out caught behind to Ashish Nehra who ended with 3 wickets for 21 runs from 5 overs.
Despite being plagued by two more stoppages, shaving the game down to 36 overs, then again reducing it to 27 overs, top scorer, Ramnaresh Sarwan (62 from 59b, 5x4, 1x6), hitting the ball with a crispness indicative of his class, rallied to put on 51 for the second wicket with opener Runako Morton (22), and 47 with his fellow Guyanese, Shiv Chanderpaul (15).
Sarwan's run out left the score on 135 for 4 in the 21st over and it pegged the home side back. However the Bravo brothers, Darren (21 from 15b, 3x4) and Dwayne (14), batting together for the first time in an international match, added 35 from 26 balls to push the score up to one which could have been considered challenging.
In the end it was, as Gayle mentioned in the post match press conference, a shade too few and the Indians had fewer interruptions during their innings to contend with allowing them to get home with only minor scares induced by the spectacular senior Bravo who can hardly be kept out of the action.
India have moved ahead in the four match Digicel Series 2-1 with the final encounter slated for Sunday at the same venue.
source- http://cricketstarsgallery.blogspot.com
Thank God India make It
Friday, July 3, 2009
Of Gods And Gays
Within minutes of the Delhi court decriminilising gay sex religious leaders across the spectrum were making statements about how homosexuality is against the will of God. No surprise there. From the Crusades to the Partition riots to 9/11, the name of God has been invoked to justify the most horrendous crimes against humanity. Imagine, like John Lennon, that there was no religion. Truly, we'd have one reason less to fight and die for. Of course, we'd find plenty of other reasons --- race, language, colour, land, water, oil... we humans have a special talent for finding justifications to slaughter each other.
Anyway, to return to the issue of God and gays, three questions spring to mind. 1) Does God, in fact, even exist? I'm afraid an increasing number of people have their doubts on that score. The arguments on both sides could fill several books, but if you're willing to approach the issue with an open mind, I highly recommend Richard Dawkins's `The God Delusion'. (Incidentally, my favourite religious teacher, Gautam Buddha, was something of an agnostic himself. Rather than speculating about a divine being, he was much more concerned about eradicating suffering on earth. But I often wonder how the Buddha would react to the way many of his followers have turned him into a god to be worshipped. Whatever happened to his message of being a light unto yourself?)
Anyway, to turn to the second question. Let's assume God does exist. Is he really anti-gay? Well, since none of us has a hotline to the divine father (or mother, if you like), I'm afraid we can't really verify that ourselves. We'll just have to accept the word of religious heads who insist he is.
That brings me to my third question. Even if being gay is a sin, then God can punish the sinners in his own way, by making them fry for ever in hell, or turning them into cockroaches in their next birth, or whatever. Who are we mere mortals to act on His (OK, Her) behalf? Let humans do what they will, and let God do what he must. That's between each person and his maker.
Now, I know a counter to that will be, should we then let acts like rape and murder go unpunished? No, but that's because they're crimes against humans, and should be treated as such. As an agnostic, it's perfectly OK for me to say that I have little faith that God will mete out justice for perceived sins, so it's up to humans to punish crimes. But can someone who claims to be a true believer really take that line?
Apart from these questions, I have three observations. One, I often hear about how it's 'unmanly' to be gay. Well, the Spartans were the ultimate in toughness, and homosexuality was actively encouraged in their society. Veteran warriors were expected to take new recruits quite literally under their wing - this was supposed to foster bonding among the troops.
Then, there's the Sangh parivar going on about how homosexuality is against Indian culture. Devdutt Pattanaik has written a superb piece for TOI, When gay was out ,not a matter of guilt. I have little to add to it, except to say that those who claim that Hinduism has no place for gays or transsexuals have a rather limited understanding of their own traditions.
And finally, did you know that the word 'buggery' itself derives from a religious sect? And now, allow me to sign off with the first such item: The origin of the word 'bugger'. The Cathars, also known as the Bougres since they flourished in the Bougre region of France, were a sect that appeared in the 11th century and continued through the 12th and 13th centuries. Broadly, they held that the physical world was evil and the purpose of man's life on earth was to transcend matter.
Now, many of them didn't exactly get around to achieving complete celibacy. But given their hostility to all matters worldly, naturally they were disinclined to reproduce life. They resolved this problem by taking a rather 'backward' view of things, and eventually gave rise to the English word 'bugger'.
source- times of india
Parents take care of your childrens
It's okay to be gay
The Delhi High Court, in a path-breaking ruling, has decriminalised homosexuality. Referring to that part of Section 377, which deals with gay sex between consenting adults, the HC said it was a violation of fundamental human rights.
So as the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community celebrates this milestone judgment, it's time we accepted and embraced this community.
It's natural
Many people consider homosexuality unnatural. However, this is something you are born with. "Although science hasn't been completely successful in explaining this, you will find homosexual tendencies existing in the animal world as well," says Dr Anupam Dayal, a sexologist.
STDs not so rampant
People think STDs and drug abuse are rampant amongst homosexuals. Statistics show that heterosexuals also have these problems. "Earlier, homosexuals were shunned from society, so they would turn to drugs and multiple sex partners to change their sexual preferences. They didn't use protection and that is how they were the first victims of AIDS. This does not mean they are more susceptible," says Aroop Kashyap, a homosexuality activist.
Behaviour
There is a misconception that a guy acting pansy or a girl acting macho means they have different sexual orientations. But according to Kashyap, this isn't necessarily true. "It all depends on who you are comfortable being," he says.
Sexual predator?
According to Dr Dayal people tend to associate paedophiles with homosexuals, but that is not true. "Homosexuals can have as steady a relationship as their heterosexual counterparts. It is just that society doesn't let them make their union public," he adds.
You can have kids
Not being able to have children naturally with a partner of the same sex does not mean you cannot provide a family environment. According to Dr Dayal, many lesbians even opt for in-vitro fertilisation from sperm donors. "Gay couples adopt children as single parents as the law doesn't allow homosexuals to adopt," he adds.
It's time we accepted who they are and help them come out of the closet. As their As their friends, we are the best support system they can have.
Source-times of india
What all things are happening in my country? ho horrible
Govt clears free education for 6-14 age group
NEW DELHI: Right to Education Bill, a big-ticket move to make education a fundamental right for every child in the 6-14 age group, was cleared bythe Union Cabinet on Thursday. It's slated to be introduced in Parliament in the current session of Parliament. When passed by it, one of the longest awaited political promises would have been honoured.
The first UPA government spent five years discussing and debating it through various committees and groups of minister, and by the time it was finalized, the Bill could not be introduced in Rajya Sabha. Therefore, the Bill, incorporating three major suggestions by the Standing Committee of Parliament, had to be brought to the cabinet again.
When RTE becomes law, it would empower the seven-year-old 86th Constitutional amendment that made free and compulsory education a fundamental right. The RTE Bill sets down guidelines for states and the Centre to execute and enforce this right. Earlier, education was part of the directive principles of state policy.
Both the Centre and states will be responsible for the finances. The Centre will prepare the capital and recurring expenditure and provide it as grants-in-aid to each state from time to time. However, the share between the Centre and states will be decided later.
The cost to the exchequer will be nearly Rs 12,000 crore every year, even private unaided schools will get assistance as 25% of their seats will have to be reserved for poor children in the neighbourhood. However, the Bill is clear those schools that got land at a concessional rate and were anyway obliged to give reservation to 25% poor children in the neighbourhood will not be compensated. Compensation will be based on per child expenditure by government on education. Currently the per child cost borne by government is around Rs 3,000 per annum.
The principals of many schools raised the compensation issue with HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday. But minister said schools should not mind losing their profit a little bit.
The legislation has a host of features that stress not only on reaching out to every child in the 6-14 age group but also on quality and accountability of the state and education system. To ensure that the law gets effectively implemented, the Bill has provisions prohibiting teachers from undertaking private tuition as well as not letting them being used for non-educational purposes.
To ensure that parents have equal stake in the system, the bill provides for school management committees in all government and aided schools. Women have been given 50% reservation in the school committees. Each committee will monitor and oversee the working of the school, manage its assets and ensure quality.
There is also a provision that teacher vacancy should never exceed more than 10% of the total strength.
To monitor implementation of the law, the Bill proposes a National Advisory Council at the centre and state advisory council in each state capital. In case of complaints of non-compliance, the initial complaint would go to local authority and should be resolved within 90 days.
source- times of India
If it happens properly ,its good.
The first UPA government spent five years discussing and debating it through various committees and groups of minister, and by the time it was finalized, the Bill could not be introduced in Rajya Sabha. Therefore, the Bill, incorporating three major suggestions by the Standing Committee of Parliament, had to be brought to the cabinet again.
When RTE becomes law, it would empower the seven-year-old 86th Constitutional amendment that made free and compulsory education a fundamental right. The RTE Bill sets down guidelines for states and the Centre to execute and enforce this right. Earlier, education was part of the directive principles of state policy.
Both the Centre and states will be responsible for the finances. The Centre will prepare the capital and recurring expenditure and provide it as grants-in-aid to each state from time to time. However, the share between the Centre and states will be decided later.
The cost to the exchequer will be nearly Rs 12,000 crore every year, even private unaided schools will get assistance as 25% of their seats will have to be reserved for poor children in the neighbourhood. However, the Bill is clear those schools that got land at a concessional rate and were anyway obliged to give reservation to 25% poor children in the neighbourhood will not be compensated. Compensation will be based on per child expenditure by government on education. Currently the per child cost borne by government is around Rs 3,000 per annum.
The principals of many schools raised the compensation issue with HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Thursday. But minister said schools should not mind losing their profit a little bit.
The legislation has a host of features that stress not only on reaching out to every child in the 6-14 age group but also on quality and accountability of the state and education system. To ensure that the law gets effectively implemented, the Bill has provisions prohibiting teachers from undertaking private tuition as well as not letting them being used for non-educational purposes.
To ensure that parents have equal stake in the system, the bill provides for school management committees in all government and aided schools. Women have been given 50% reservation in the school committees. Each committee will monitor and oversee the working of the school, manage its assets and ensure quality.
There is also a provision that teacher vacancy should never exceed more than 10% of the total strength.
To monitor implementation of the law, the Bill proposes a National Advisory Council at the centre and state advisory council in each state capital. In case of complaints of non-compliance, the initial complaint would go to local authority and should be resolved within 90 days.
source- times of India
If it happens properly ,its good.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Cong HQ summons MP for slapping bank officer
NEW DELHI/HYDERABAD: With ‘slapgate’ involving a Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh snowballing into a major embarrassment for the party, the highcommand on Wednesday summoned the ‘errant’ MP to New Delhi for an explanation to be given to party chief Sonia Gandhi.
Nagarkurnool Congress MP Manda Jagannadham apparently slapped Ravinder Reddy, branch manager of Grameena Vikas Bank’s Uppunuthula branch in Mahabubnagar district, on Monday, as the latter wasn’t ‘‘releasing’’ loans for the Scheduled Caste beneficiaries.
While the MP has denied slapping the bank officer, TV grabs caught Jagannadham in the act. Jagannadham, who is from the SC community, quit TDP and joined Congress after voting for the UPA during the trust vote in Lok Sabha last year. With the Grameena Bank employees in Mahabubnagar resorting to an indefinite strike demanding an unconditional apology from the MP, AICC general secretary M Veerappa Moily telephoned Jagannadham and told him to be present in Delhi on Thursday morning. Following Sonia Gandhi’s instructions, Moily sought a report from PCC president D Srinivas who was in Delhi. ‘‘MPs are not supposed to take the law into their hands. Assaulting a bank manager is definitely wrong and unbecoming of an MP,’’ Moily told reporters in Delhi.
Agreeing with Moily, Srinivas said it was wrong on the part of Jagannadham to attack a bank employee. ‘‘I have submitted my report to the party. It’s up to the party leadership to act,’’ he said.
A source said the Nagarkurnool MP was also summoned by CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and reprimanded. YSR is said to have taken strong exception to his conduct. ‘‘How can an MP assault a bank manager?’’ the CM is said to have asked the MP.
Jagannadham stubbornly continued to claim that he didn’t assault the bank manager. ‘‘I am ready to tender an apology if it’s proved that I manhandled the bank manager,’’ he told reporters after meeting the CM.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the MP said he only laid his hands on the manager’s shoulder, for he was abusing Dalits. ‘‘The manager was drunk and abusing Dalits. I was hurt by his provocative language which led to heated verbal exchanges. I told CM that I would apologise to the bank officer if found guilty. I’ll tell this to the high command as well,’’ he said.
Source - the times of India
Who is saying lieing minister or bank manager (this is politics) wait and see
Nagarkurnool Congress MP Manda Jagannadham apparently slapped Ravinder Reddy, branch manager of Grameena Vikas Bank’s Uppunuthula branch in Mahabubnagar district, on Monday, as the latter wasn’t ‘‘releasing’’ loans for the Scheduled Caste beneficiaries.
While the MP has denied slapping the bank officer, TV grabs caught Jagannadham in the act. Jagannadham, who is from the SC community, quit TDP and joined Congress after voting for the UPA during the trust vote in Lok Sabha last year. With the Grameena Bank employees in Mahabubnagar resorting to an indefinite strike demanding an unconditional apology from the MP, AICC general secretary M Veerappa Moily telephoned Jagannadham and told him to be present in Delhi on Thursday morning. Following Sonia Gandhi’s instructions, Moily sought a report from PCC president D Srinivas who was in Delhi. ‘‘MPs are not supposed to take the law into their hands. Assaulting a bank manager is definitely wrong and unbecoming of an MP,’’ Moily told reporters in Delhi.
Agreeing with Moily, Srinivas said it was wrong on the part of Jagannadham to attack a bank employee. ‘‘I have submitted my report to the party. It’s up to the party leadership to act,’’ he said.
A source said the Nagarkurnool MP was also summoned by CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and reprimanded. YSR is said to have taken strong exception to his conduct. ‘‘How can an MP assault a bank manager?’’ the CM is said to have asked the MP.
Jagannadham stubbornly continued to claim that he didn’t assault the bank manager. ‘‘I am ready to tender an apology if it’s proved that I manhandled the bank manager,’’ he told reporters after meeting the CM.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the MP said he only laid his hands on the manager’s shoulder, for he was abusing Dalits. ‘‘The manager was drunk and abusing Dalits. I was hurt by his provocative language which led to heated verbal exchanges. I told CM that I would apologise to the bank officer if found guilty. I’ll tell this to the high command as well,’’ he said.
Source - the times of India
Who is saying lieing minister or bank manager (this is politics) wait and see
Mamata to present a 'pro-people' rail budget
NEW DELHI: Amid expectations of improvement in railway Amenities and food served in trains, railway minister Mamata Banerjee would present a"pro-people" budget in Parliament on Thursday.
"It will be a pro-people budget, a simple budget, people's budget," Banerjee said.
According to sources close to her, the budget in a way would reflect Mamata's vision for the Railways in the coming years and means of generating resources for key projects.
High on her agenda would be completion of Kashmir rail link project and putting the dedicated freight corridor project on fast track.
As she has gone on record saying that Railways should always have a humane side to it, she is expected to carry out some revision in passenger Fares waive off superfast charges that has come in for flak.
She might also announce changes in the Tatkal scheme to make it more passenger friendly.
The sources said Mamata would be constrained to avoid a deficit budget especially when the burden of the Sixth Pay Commission has to be fulfilled for which Railways have to fork out Rs 14,000 crore for implementing it.
source :- The times of India
Whoever may be the railway minister kerala will be avoided from the railway Budjet
"It will be a pro-people budget, a simple budget, people's budget," Banerjee said.
According to sources close to her, the budget in a way would reflect Mamata's vision for the Railways in the coming years and means of generating resources for key projects.
High on her agenda would be completion of Kashmir rail link project and putting the dedicated freight corridor project on fast track.
As she has gone on record saying that Railways should always have a humane side to it, she is expected to carry out some revision in passenger Fares waive off superfast charges that has come in for flak.
She might also announce changes in the Tatkal scheme to make it more passenger friendly.
The sources said Mamata would be constrained to avoid a deficit budget especially when the burden of the Sixth Pay Commission has to be fulfilled for which Railways have to fork out Rs 14,000 crore for implementing it.
source :- The times of India
Whoever may be the railway minister kerala will be avoided from the railway Budjet
Get ready for a hike in prices
This is the first fuel price increase effected by UPA-2. Petrol and diesel prices were last raised by Rs 5 and Rs 3 a litre, respectively, in June 2008. They were reduced by Rs 10 for petrol and Rs 4 for diesel in two equal instalments in December and January.
Wednesday's decision was taken without consulting the Cabinet or Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs comprising UPA partners. Oil minister Murli Deora announced it after running it past PM Manmohan Singh and the Congress core group.
The decision not to take shelter behind consensus was seen as Congress's confidence to explain the unavoidability of the hike on grounds of rising international oil prices. It also reflected a desire to avoid a price hike close to Maharashtra assembly elections in September-October.
The Congress was quick to defend the decision of fuel price hike, with party spokesperson Manish Tiwari saying, ''These are hard decisions that need to be taken in the national interest.'' Announcing the decision a day before Parliament's Budjet starts, oil minister Murli Deora said: "The hike has been necessitated because of rising international crude oil prices which have doubled to $70 a barrel since December". Petroleum secretary R S Pandey described the increase as an "ad-hoc" decision aimed at limiting the losses of state-run oil marketing companies and not deregulation of pricing.
Deora pointed out that cooking gas and kerosene prices were being left unchanged even though the state-run marketers were losing about Rs 93 on each gas cylinder and a tad over Rs 15 on a litre of kerosene. The government will absorb a Rs 30,000 crore loss on kitchen fuels, he said.
Source - The times of India
What ever it may be the reason the people should takes this burden.
Delhi High Court legalizes homosexuality
NEW DELHI: In a historic judgement, the Delhi High Court on Thursday decriminalized homosexuality by reading down section 377 of the IndianPenal Code.
The Section 377 of the IPC as far as it criminalizes gay sex among consenting adults is violation of fundamental rights, said the high court. However, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality, will continue for non-consensual and non-vaginal sex.
Any kind of discrimination is anti-thesis of right to equality, said the court, while allowing plea of gay rights activists for decriminalization of homosexuality. A bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S Muralidhar said that if not amended, section 377 of the IPC would violate Article 21 of the Indian constitution, which states that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before Law.
The court said that this judgement will hold till Parliament chooses to amend the law.
"In our view Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconception of who the LGBTs (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) are.
"It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual," the bench said in its 105-page judgement.
Section 377, a law from the British Raj era, says homosexuality and "unnatural sex" is a criminal act.
While the home ministry wanted the petition to be dismissed, the health ministry supported its contention that section 377 criminalized homosexuality per se, it was obstructing the AIDS/HIV prevention efforts among high-risk groups. Whatever the outcome, this is the second time the Delhi high court will be pronouncing on Naz Foundation’s petition against section 377. In 2004, it dismissed the petition at the preliminary stage stating that “an academic challenge to the constitutionality of a legislative provision could not be entertained.” It further said that when no personal injury was caused to the petitioner by this provision, the petition could not be examined.
The foundation then approached the Supreme Court, which disapproved the manner in which the high court had disposed of the matter. SC observed that when there was a debate on this issue the world over, “where is the question of the petition being academic? We are not able to accept the approach of the high court that it is an academic exercise and there is no personal injury.” Accordingly, in 2006, SC directed HC to reconsider the matter in detail. The judgment is coming close on the heels of statements from ministers on the possibility of a legislative intervention because of growing demands from the community of lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). If the judgment serves the purpose of decriminalizing homosexuality, the government will be spared the burden of amending a provision laden with religious and cultural sensitivities.
Interestingly, in the new team of law officers appointed by the government, at least two of them — attorney general Goolam Vahanvati and additional solicitor general Indira Jaising —- have publicly supported the demand for decriminalizing homosexuality.
The Section 377 of the IPC as far as it criminalizes gay sex among consenting adults is violation of fundamental rights, said the high court. However, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality, will continue for non-consensual and non-vaginal sex.
Any kind of discrimination is anti-thesis of right to equality, said the court, while allowing plea of gay rights activists for decriminalization of homosexuality. A bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S Muralidhar said that if not amended, section 377 of the IPC would violate Article 21 of the Indian constitution, which states that every citizen has equal opportunity of life and is equal before Law.
The court said that this judgement will hold till Parliament chooses to amend the law.
"In our view Indian Constitutional law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconception of who the LGBTs (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) are.
"It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual," the bench said in its 105-page judgement.
Section 377, a law from the British Raj era, says homosexuality and "unnatural sex" is a criminal act.
While the home ministry wanted the petition to be dismissed, the health ministry supported its contention that section 377 criminalized homosexuality per se, it was obstructing the AIDS/HIV prevention efforts among high-risk groups. Whatever the outcome, this is the second time the Delhi high court will be pronouncing on Naz Foundation’s petition against section 377. In 2004, it dismissed the petition at the preliminary stage stating that “an academic challenge to the constitutionality of a legislative provision could not be entertained.” It further said that when no personal injury was caused to the petitioner by this provision, the petition could not be examined.
The foundation then approached the Supreme Court, which disapproved the manner in which the high court had disposed of the matter. SC observed that when there was a debate on this issue the world over, “where is the question of the petition being academic? We are not able to accept the approach of the high court that it is an academic exercise and there is no personal injury.” Accordingly, in 2006, SC directed HC to reconsider the matter in detail. The judgment is coming close on the heels of statements from ministers on the possibility of a legislative intervention because of growing demands from the community of lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT). If the judgment serves the purpose of decriminalizing homosexuality, the government will be spared the burden of amending a provision laden with religious and cultural sensitivities.
Interestingly, in the new team of law officers appointed by the government, at least two of them — attorney general Goolam Vahanvati and additional solicitor general Indira Jaising —- have publicly supported the demand for decriminalizing homosexuality.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Save India's Beaches
Towards disappearance...: One of the world's most beautiful and popular stretches of white sand are the Goa beaches. One stormy monsoon night in the year 2000, a 240 m long ship, River Princess, broke its anchor and got stuck here. Since then it hasn't budged.
The result? Twenty thousand tonnes of rusting metal, on Goa's famous beaches. This has led to an environmental disaster as these beaches are now almost on the verge of disappearing as the ship interferes with the natural movement of sand.
The Goa government has been accused of inaction, of doing little to remove this ship. Now, 9 years later, just before this monsoon, they seem to have woken up. The government is placing massive tubes, which they hope will serve as artificial sand dunes, like shock-absorbers between the land and the sea. Almost 10 metres into the seabed, the ship blocks sand that moves along the beach feeding it.
The National Institute of Oceanography in Goa says 60 metres of the beach, south of the ship has already disappeared.
The government even introduced a new law that enabled them to confiscate the ship.But its owner, Anil Salgaoncar, an influential business tycoon and an independent MLA dragged them to court where the matter is still pending.
The silhouette of the ship as the wave crashes on shore, is the new attraction for tourists. It looks beautiful. Ironically so. But are we doing something about it?
Complete disregard...: Gujarat, the state which has India's longest coastline is home to one of the country's largest ports and special economic zone. One which will occupy over 60 kms of the coast. This is the stark reality of what is happening here in Gujarat, at one of India's largest ports. Hundreds and hundreds of mangroves hacked with complete disregard and apathy in a zone that is high eco-sensitive and protected. The strip of land was originally part of the port plan but later dropped because of mangroves. A crucial cover that protects the coast from erosion and storms. This is unlike in the West where port projects are based on environment studies and rights of coastal communities is respected.
With the coastal belt sold to the port (the Mundra port), the battle is on...between those whose livelihood depends on these troubled waters and those who see it merely as a means to an end...
Protected, no more...: If the Tamil Nadu government has its way, Chennai could have an elevated corridor from the Light House to the East Coast Road. It would be a 7.4 km, six-lane bridge coming up along three beaches in Chennai. The model made by an NGO is a rough indication of what the world's second longest beach -- the Marina would look like, once the elevated corridor comes up. But it's a nightmare for environmentalists that has come to light through this final feasibility report of Tamil Nadu's Highways department which NDTV has a copy of. The Highways Department says the Rs 1000 crore project aims to decongest peak hour traffic because every day, at least 900 new vehicles hit the city's roads. But experts feel there are better ways of de-congesting the city like removing encroachments and improving the public transport system.And environmentalists fear the expressway will pollute the beaches, displace fishing communities and endanger sensitive ecological zones.
In the name of development... The livelihood of the fishermen and an entire stretch of coastline in Tamil Nadu is under threat. The tough Coastal Regulation Zone that protects beaches and sea side areas will soon be replaced by a diluted version called the Coastal Management Zone or the CMZ.
To begin with, this will lift the existing ban on construction within 500 metres from the high tide line. Instead there will be area specific guidelines which are not clear yet. Apprehension confronts the fishing communities as they fear displacement, to make way for tourism or industrial development.
Even ecologically sensitive areas like mangrove forests could be cut down. This will be a disastrous move, given that when the tsunami struck in 2004 these mangroves actually saved hundreds of lives.
source:-NDTV
Attacks on Indians in Australia racial outbursts: Ravi
Unrest in Iran
Open support: A supporter of defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi holds his picture with former president Mohammad Khatami (R) during riots in Tehran on June 13, 2009. Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared winner by a landslide in Iran's hotly-disputed presidential vote, triggering riots by opposition supporters and furious complaints of cheating from his defeated rivals.So many supporters are injured in riots.The news in pictures
Musharraf claims Kashmir was near resolution during his regime
ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has claimed that the Kashmir problem was near resolution during his regime and dismissedaccusations that the powerful army did not want the settlement of the issue. Musharraf claimed he and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had, during the 2001 Agra summit, even agreed to the draft of a joint declaration under which all issues, including Kashmir, could have been resolved.
"But the Indian leadership changed their mind at the last minute and did not support the joint declaration, saying that the Cabinet had not approved it," Musharraf said in an interview to a channel. Accusations that the army does not want a resolution to Kashmir issue are "vicious propaganda" and the need for the army would remain even if the problem is resolved, he said.
Musharraf said he held talks with all stakeholders in the Kashmir issue, including the Hurriyat Conference and the leadership of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, for the resolution of the issue "but no one could guide me in the right direction." He also said he had convinced the entire leadership in Kashmir, except hardliner Ali Shah Gilani, about his four-point formula which envisaged de-militarisation and joint control of the region.
source:- The Times of India
"But the Indian leadership changed their mind at the last minute and did not support the joint declaration, saying that the Cabinet had not approved it," Musharraf said in an interview to a channel. Accusations that the army does not want a resolution to Kashmir issue are "vicious propaganda" and the need for the army would remain even if the problem is resolved, he said.
Musharraf said he held talks with all stakeholders in the Kashmir issue, including the Hurriyat Conference and the leadership of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, for the resolution of the issue "but no one could guide me in the right direction." He also said he had convinced the entire leadership in Kashmir, except hardliner Ali Shah Gilani, about his four-point formula which envisaged de-militarisation and joint control of the region.
source:- The Times of India
In rain's embrace...
Rain's embrace on certain places like Mumbai ,Kerala ,Hyderabad ,Guwahati, etc. But still the place like gujrat are sad due the lack of rain or water. The peoples in gujarat are praying and some brahmins perform a Parjanya Yagna to appease the rain Gods at Jai Somnath Mahadev temple in Ahemedabad.The peoples who are happy due the coming of rain in Mumbai,kerala.etc are shown in pitcures
Beckoning rain-Calling the Rain Gods
Uncertain times: Many states in the country are reeling under the intense heat wave due to delayed monsoon, and therefore, lack of rainfall. As Gujarat braces itself for the expected water shortage due to uncertain monsoon, Brahmins perform a 'Parjanya Yagna' to appease the Rain Gods at Jai Somnath Mahadev temple in Ahmedabad.Gujarat is fearing a drought-like situation due to lack of rainfall. At several places people are performing Yagnas to bring on the much-needed rain.
Prajanya is essentially the God of rain, water and rivers. As all else fails, villagers in Ahmedabad pray in the hope that they can find relief from the scorching heat and avert drought. (AFP)
Mobile vans to deliver train tickets
| NEW DELHI: In a bid to make booking tickets more convenient, Railways are mulling introduction of mobile vans with ticketing facility. The vans, up-linked to satellite, would be issuing railway tickets in reserved and unreserved categories primarily in rural and remote corners of the country. We are examining a proposal for launching mobile van service for issuing tickets at certain places," a senior Railway Ministry official said. "The purpose behind the system is to reach out every corner of the country. Facilities would be made available for not only reserved tickets but also for unreserved tickets," the official said. |
Railways had already announced its plan to book tickets through mobile phones. A pilot project for this is to be launched in Mumbai shortly. "The modalities are being worked out for launching the pilot project," he said. In order to bring transparency, Indian Railway is also planning to display the status of the availability of tickets for reservation for important trains at the ticket counters.
Meanwhile, efforts are on to link all stations selling tickets across the country with the computerised system. Railways have finalised a plan to add more reservation counters across the country in order to help passengers get tickets easily. As per an estimate, there are about 1,800 such counters across various zones. As per the plan, about 500 more counters would be added and a decision in this regard is likely to be made in the upcoming Railway Budget.
The idea is to decongest the existing ticket counters so that people do not face difficulty in getting tickets, said the official. Railways are likely to focus on passenger amentities besides revenue generation in the budget this time.
Meanwhile, efforts are on to link all stations selling tickets across the country with the computerised system. Railways have finalised a plan to add more reservation counters across the country in order to help passengers get tickets easily. As per an estimate, there are about 1,800 such counters across various zones. As per the plan, about 500 more counters would be added and a decision in this regard is likely to be made in the upcoming Railway Budget.
The idea is to decongest the existing ticket counters so that people do not face difficulty in getting tickets, said the official. Railways are likely to focus on passenger amentities besides revenue generation in the budget this time.
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