SANTIAGO : The earth shook and shook Thursday as dignitaries walked in for the swearing-in of Sebastian Pinera as Chile\'s president. It shook some more as they waited for him.
People in the balconies of the vast congressional hall in coastal Valparaiso shouted warnings as a massive light fixture rocked overhead, and heads of state nervously eyed the ceiling. But a steely calm prevailed, and Pinera strode in smiling.
The 60-year-old president and his ministers then quickly swore their oaths, and the audience of 2,000 headed for the exits and the hills, joining an evacuation called out of concern that Thursday\'s repeated aftershocks would set off another tsunami.
Inauguration Day was peppered with more than a dozen significant aftershocks, amply demonstrating Pinera\'s challenges after last month\'s magnitude-8.8 quake, one of the biggest in modern history.
Chile\'s first elected right-wing president in 52 years won office promising to improve the economy. Now, he says he\'ll be the \"reconstruction president.\" His advice to citizens: \"Let\'s dry our tears and put our hands to work.\"
But relief efforts stalled Thursday as more than 10 earthquakes shook Chile in a span of six hours. The strongest, at 6.9, nearly matched the 7.0-magnitude quake that devastated Haiti on Jan. 12.
Pinera said there were no reports of more deaths, but a key highway suffered more damage in the inland city of Rancagua, and violent waves hit the coastal towns of Pichilemu and Bucalemu, Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter said.
Pinera urged citizens to heed the Chilean navy\'s tsunami warning and seek higher ground. Then he made a show of normality, greeting other presidents for lunch at the Cerro Castillo summer palace, where he left them at the table and boarded a helicopter to tour disaster areas.
\"How was your welcome, president?\" Pinera asked Argentina\'s Cristina Fernandez. \"Moving, moving!\" she joked.
The inauguration had lasted just 30 minutes, marked by three of the aftershocks. One prompted Colombia\'s Alvaro Uribe to leave the hall for several minutes as an announcer appealed for calm. Outgoing President Michelle Bachelet sat unperturbed as a nearby flower arrangement rocked back and forth.
Chile doesn\'t allow immediate presidential re-elections, but Bachelet remains popular. She left the hall to loud applause and a shout of \"Come back soon, presidenta.\" Earlier Thursday, when a reporter asked if she\'ll run again in four years, she said it\'s not the time for politics.
Pinera called on Chileans to dedicate themselves to \"this colossal job of reconstructing our country, of rebuilding better than what we had before, not just to lift up our schools, our hospitals, our homes, but also to make them better, and also to lift up the soul of our country.\"
\"I am sure that just as we have done so many times, the Chilean people will rise up to this challenge,\" he said.
The Feb. 27 earthquake — the fifth-strongest since 1900 — killed 497 identified victims and potentially hundreds of others, destroyed or heavily damaged at least 500,000 homes and broke apart highways and hospitals. Recovery costs could soar above $15 billion, including $5 billion for infrastructure alone.
Thursday\'s quakes terrified many who have been living in and around quake-weakened homes since last month\'s massive temblor. Tall buildings swayed and windows rattled in downtown Santiago. In Talca, supermarkets closed for fear of looting. And just before Pinera visited coastal Constitucion, survivors and volunteers building 60 emergency shelters fled uphill in panic.
The strongest of the aftershocks — magnitude 6.9 — was Chile\'s most powerful since Feb. 27, and occurred along the same fault line, said geophysicist Don Blakeman at the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado.
Chile\'s navy and emergency management office were much criticized for failing to issue a tsunami alert that might have saved hundreds of lives from the towering waves that followed the initial quake. This time, the alert went out — Pinera said an overabundance of caution was called for.
\"Everything stopped — my meetings with business owners, work, life, everything has been paralyzed,\" said Mayor Gaston Saavedra of Talcahuano, where waves shoved huge shipping containers into downtown buildings last month.
Pinera repeatedly called for courage as he toured Constitucion, where he left 130 flowers along the riverbank for the dead and missing caught in the tsunami. He signed an order giving one-time cash handouts of $76 each to 4.2 million disaster survivors, and said he would send laws creating subsidies and tax-deductible donations to congress in the morning.
The billionaire investor, Harvard-trained economist and airline executive is known for his impatience with bureaucracy and ill-prepared aides. He quickly returned to Santiago, where he spoke from a balcony at the La Moneda presidential palace before meeting into the night with his ministers.
\"We are certain that we can overcome this adversity,\" Pinera said, invoking the spirit of a man in coastal Pelluhue who was captured in an iconic Associated Press photo pulling a dirty and torn Chilean flag from tsunami wreckage. \"Let\'s rebuild on rock, and not sand.\"
Pinera had vowed to spend billions to make Chile \"the best country in the world,\" accelerating economic growth, creating 1 million jobs and combatting crime while maintaining popular social programs that gave Bachelet 84 percent approval ratings.
His victory ended 20 years of center-left governments that followed Gen. Augusto Pinochet\'s dictatorship, and put Chile\'s business elite squarely back in power. But he lacks a legislative majority, and reconstruction will be very expensive.
Still, Chile\'s rainy-day fund has $11 billion in overseas liquid investments, and more than $3.5 billion in damaged property is not only insured, but reinsured abroad. \"Because Chile is a country where markets work and people insure themselves, all of a sudden you have the equivalent of $3.5 billion in foreign aid coming in,\" said Raul Rivera, president of Chile\'s Innovation Forum.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Ludhiana\'s recession baby starts walking
CHANDIGARH : Arun Aggarwal, managing director of Sears Knit that makes jackets for Arrow and Raymonds, recently opened the first retail outlet for
his own 'Lure' brand at the God Souk Grande mall in Ludhiana. So did 42 other local brands including better-known ones such as Octave, Monte Carlo, Bluemount and Madame as traditional contract manufacturers from the century-old hosiery and knitwear hub have come together to build a common platform for brand Ludhiana.
The Ludhiana Direct Factory Outlets (LDFO), a joint venture between local brands and property owners, is a recession's baby, set up when demand from the US and other exports markets nosedived, making textile companies turn to the domestic market for survival.
"LDFO is result of brainstorming by seasoned entrepreneurs and a study that emphasis on pooling resources and create synergy under the cluster-based marketing strategy," says Perminder Singh, president of the consortium. It will open its Delhi chapter next month at Wedding Souk at Pitam Pura with 25,000 square feet of retail space, to be followed by a 15,000 sq ft unit in Jaipur. Its Ludhiana outlet is spread across 40,000 sq ft.
"The common platform has provided opportunity to strengthen brand presence by showcasing goods in lavish retail outlets that conforms to world class décor and infrastructure," says Mr Aggarwal.
LDFO encompasses different product categories like men wear, ladies wear, kidswear, shawls, home furnishings and accessories and member brands include Octave, Monte Carlo, Barclay, Lure, Bluemount, ENRG, Madame, Creative Line, Confidence, Rage, Dove, W&T, Juelle, Ziama, Teeknits, Waves, Palmer, Bodyguard, Refuel, Shingora, Sharman Shawls, KMark, Jain Shawls, Elson, Warmzone, Renova, Reverie, Charlie, Sleepins and Oriental's.
The collective retail platform has overcome basic disadvantage of sustaining company owned outlets round the year, particularly since majority of brands are either winter wear oriented or restricted to summer wear.
"Small brands benefits by skipping the wholesalers, marketing and branding costs," says Vinod Thapar, president of Ludhiana Knitwear Club.
And these brands don't have to worry about recurring costs after the initial contribution and stocks as the LDFO takes care of all day-to-day management and manpower costs. Revenues generated from sales are divided equally between the three stakeholders — brands, property owners and LDFO.
The consortium, which has so far invested Rs 5 crore, will enter other major cities in the country soon, Mr Singh says.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
his own 'Lure' brand at the God Souk Grande mall in Ludhiana. So did 42 other local brands including better-known ones such as Octave, Monte Carlo, Bluemount and Madame as traditional contract manufacturers from the century-old hosiery and knitwear hub have come together to build a common platform for brand Ludhiana.
The Ludhiana Direct Factory Outlets (LDFO), a joint venture between local brands and property owners, is a recession's baby, set up when demand from the US and other exports markets nosedived, making textile companies turn to the domestic market for survival.
"LDFO is result of brainstorming by seasoned entrepreneurs and a study that emphasis on pooling resources and create synergy under the cluster-based marketing strategy," says Perminder Singh, president of the consortium. It will open its Delhi chapter next month at Wedding Souk at Pitam Pura with 25,000 square feet of retail space, to be followed by a 15,000 sq ft unit in Jaipur. Its Ludhiana outlet is spread across 40,000 sq ft.
"The common platform has provided opportunity to strengthen brand presence by showcasing goods in lavish retail outlets that conforms to world class décor and infrastructure," says Mr Aggarwal.
LDFO encompasses different product categories like men wear, ladies wear, kidswear, shawls, home furnishings and accessories and member brands include Octave, Monte Carlo, Barclay, Lure, Bluemount, ENRG, Madame, Creative Line, Confidence, Rage, Dove, W&T, Juelle, Ziama, Teeknits, Waves, Palmer, Bodyguard, Refuel, Shingora, Sharman Shawls, KMark, Jain Shawls, Elson, Warmzone, Renova, Reverie, Charlie, Sleepins and Oriental's.
The collective retail platform has overcome basic disadvantage of sustaining company owned outlets round the year, particularly since majority of brands are either winter wear oriented or restricted to summer wear.
"Small brands benefits by skipping the wholesalers, marketing and branding costs," says Vinod Thapar, president of Ludhiana Knitwear Club.
And these brands don't have to worry about recurring costs after the initial contribution and stocks as the LDFO takes care of all day-to-day management and manpower costs. Revenues generated from sales are divided equally between the three stakeholders — brands, property owners and LDFO.
The consortium, which has so far invested Rs 5 crore, will enter other major cities in the country soon, Mr Singh says.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Ambani beats Mittal on world’s richest list
New York : Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has emerged as the richest person in the world with USD 53.5 billion in assets, while Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani ranks fourth with USD 29 billion in the US magazine Forbes annual list of world\'s top billionaires.
Slim is followed by William Gates III (popularly known as Bill Gates) with a net worth of USD 53 billion and Warren Buffet at the third spot with assets worth USD 47 billion.
NRI billionaire Lakshmi Mittal with a net worth of USD 28.7 billion ranks fifth while Mukesh\'s younger brother Anil Ambani is at the 36th spot with USD 13.7 billion.
There are 1,011 billionaires in the world now, up from 793 a year ago.
Gates has held the top spot for 14 of the past 15 years in the past. \"The Microsoft founder is now worth USD 53 billion, up USD 13 billion from a year ago,\" Forbes said.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Slim is followed by William Gates III (popularly known as Bill Gates) with a net worth of USD 53 billion and Warren Buffet at the third spot with assets worth USD 47 billion.
NRI billionaire Lakshmi Mittal with a net worth of USD 28.7 billion ranks fifth while Mukesh\'s younger brother Anil Ambani is at the 36th spot with USD 13.7 billion.
There are 1,011 billionaires in the world now, up from 793 a year ago.
Gates has held the top spot for 14 of the past 15 years in the past. \"The Microsoft founder is now worth USD 53 billion, up USD 13 billion from a year ago,\" Forbes said.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Fashion Tv banned for showing nude women
New Delhi : The Union Government on Thursday banned the transmission of Fashion Tv (F Tv) for 10 days starting from Friday.
Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has prohibited transmission and re-transmission of F Tv channel with effect from 7.00 p.m on March 12 to 7.00 p. m. on March 21 through cable television networks and any other platforms throughout the country.
In a statement the I and B Ministry, said that it has observed that F Tv channel has violated various clauses of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
"Therefore, the Ministry, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section-20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, as amended from time to time, has taken this action," statement said.
The statement further said that it was noticed by the Ministry that "A programme on F Tv channel was telecast on September 4, 2009 at 15:37:34 hours and 19:01:48 hours showing women with nude upper body which was offending against good taste and decency."
"The visuals were found to be obscene, denigrating women and were not suitable for children and unrestricted public exhibition," statement added.
In the year 2007 also, the Ministry had prohibited transmission or re-transmission of F Tv with effect on grounds of telecasting programmes such as 'Midnight Hot' wherein skimpily dressed and semi naked models were shown.
The prohibition was, however, revoked on May 25, 2007 after FTV.com India channel regretted their error and assured that such an error will not be repeated in future.
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Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has prohibited transmission and re-transmission of F Tv channel with effect from 7.00 p.m on March 12 to 7.00 p. m. on March 21 through cable television networks and any other platforms throughout the country.
In a statement the I and B Ministry, said that it has observed that F Tv channel has violated various clauses of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
"Therefore, the Ministry, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section-20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, as amended from time to time, has taken this action," statement said.
The statement further said that it was noticed by the Ministry that "A programme on F Tv channel was telecast on September 4, 2009 at 15:37:34 hours and 19:01:48 hours showing women with nude upper body which was offending against good taste and decency."
"The visuals were found to be obscene, denigrating women and were not suitable for children and unrestricted public exhibition," statement added.
In the year 2007 also, the Ministry had prohibited transmission or re-transmission of F Tv with effect on grounds of telecasting programmes such as 'Midnight Hot' wherein skimpily dressed and semi naked models were shown.
The prohibition was, however, revoked on May 25, 2007 after FTV.com India channel regretted their error and assured that such an error will not be repeated in future.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Large mammals need protected areas, forest cover in India
The study, by a team of researchers from the United States and India, appears in the March 10 online edition of the British peer-reviewed journal, Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The team\'s analysis showed that forest cover and local human population densities are also key factors. Fostering greater human cultural tolerance for wildlife likewise will be critical.
The study examined extinction probabilities for a range of species. It looked at species considered endangered or critically endangered on the 2009 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, including tigers, lions and elephants. And it looked at species of least concern, including jackals, wolves and other species.
\"India\'s fragmented network of relatively small protected areas has high carrying capacities for large mammals,\" said Krithi K. Karanth, who conducted the study as part of her doctoral thesis at Duke\'s Nicholas School of the Environment. \"But given the overall patterns of extinction estimated in our study, we need to create new areas, and connect them better, if many of the mammals are to persist into the future.\"
Karanth currently is a postdoctoral scientist at Columbia University. She also is a research associate of the Centre for Wildlife Studies in Bangalore, India.
To identify factors critical to the species\' survival and estimate their extinction probabilities, she and her team collected 30,000 records, including hunting, taxidermy and museum records dating back to 1850. They divided India\'s geographical area into a grid with 1,326 individual local \"cells\" and entered the historical data into each cell. They then used occupancy estimation models, based on observations of more than 100 local wildlife experts, to infer the current occurrence of species in each cell.
Their analysis revealed that protected areas were associated with lower extinction probabilities for 18 species. Higher proportion of forest cover was associated with lower extinction of seven species. On the other hand, time elapsed since the last historical citing was associated with higher extinction probabilities of 14 species, and human population density in a cell was associated with higher extinction probabilities of 13 species.
One of the most important findings, Karanth noted, is that culturally tolerated species - animals that humans perceive as nonthreatening or beneficial - fared better overall.
Using both historical data and current occupancy estimation models allowed Karanth and her team to distinguish more clearly between when a species was truly absent or locally extinct in a cell, and when it likely still exists but hasn\'t been detected in recent surveys or field observations.
\"Distinguishing between a species\' absence and its simple non-detection is critical for accuracy,\" she said. \"Failure to deal with non-detection results in underestimates of species occupancy and overestimates of local extinctions. This clouds our ability to determine the true impact of environmental and social factors on extinctions.\"
Karanth added that for conservation to succeed, policymakers and land managers must also take into account rapid changes in land use, climate, population growth and spread, and economic development now occurring in India and southern Asia.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The study examined extinction probabilities for a range of species. It looked at species considered endangered or critically endangered on the 2009 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, including tigers, lions and elephants. And it looked at species of least concern, including jackals, wolves and other species.
\"India\'s fragmented network of relatively small protected areas has high carrying capacities for large mammals,\" said Krithi K. Karanth, who conducted the study as part of her doctoral thesis at Duke\'s Nicholas School of the Environment. \"But given the overall patterns of extinction estimated in our study, we need to create new areas, and connect them better, if many of the mammals are to persist into the future.\"
Karanth currently is a postdoctoral scientist at Columbia University. She also is a research associate of the Centre for Wildlife Studies in Bangalore, India.
To identify factors critical to the species\' survival and estimate their extinction probabilities, she and her team collected 30,000 records, including hunting, taxidermy and museum records dating back to 1850. They divided India\'s geographical area into a grid with 1,326 individual local \"cells\" and entered the historical data into each cell. They then used occupancy estimation models, based on observations of more than 100 local wildlife experts, to infer the current occurrence of species in each cell.
Their analysis revealed that protected areas were associated with lower extinction probabilities for 18 species. Higher proportion of forest cover was associated with lower extinction of seven species. On the other hand, time elapsed since the last historical citing was associated with higher extinction probabilities of 14 species, and human population density in a cell was associated with higher extinction probabilities of 13 species.
One of the most important findings, Karanth noted, is that culturally tolerated species - animals that humans perceive as nonthreatening or beneficial - fared better overall.
Using both historical data and current occupancy estimation models allowed Karanth and her team to distinguish more clearly between when a species was truly absent or locally extinct in a cell, and when it likely still exists but hasn\'t been detected in recent surveys or field observations.
\"Distinguishing between a species\' absence and its simple non-detection is critical for accuracy,\" she said. \"Failure to deal with non-detection results in underestimates of species occupancy and overestimates of local extinctions. This clouds our ability to determine the true impact of environmental and social factors on extinctions.\"
Karanth added that for conservation to succeed, policymakers and land managers must also take into account rapid changes in land use, climate, population growth and spread, and economic development now occurring in India and southern Asia.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Iran and US trade insults over Taliban-led violence
Afghanistan : Mr Ahmadinejad accused America of creating the terrorists it was now fighting. He was responding to comments Mr Gates had made about Iran playing a "double game" by trying to have a good relationship with the Afghanistan government while supporting the Taliban.
The Iranian president also spoke out against the presence of Western forces in the country, saying: "We do not see the presence of foreign military forces in Afghanistan as a solution for peace in Afghanistan."
The war of words broke out as both visited the country, with Mr Ahmadinejad speaking from Kabul Palace and Mr Gates from a military training base about six miles away. Speaking alongside Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, Mr Ahmadinejad asked the United States: "What are you doing here in the region? You are 12,000 kilometres away on the other side of the world. You are on the other side of the world. What are you doing here? This is a serious question."
He said the Americans were "playing a double game. They themselves created terrorists and say they want to fight against terrorism.
"We think the way to fight terrorism is through proper intelligence gathering, through respecting nations and to separate people from terrorists."
The comments were a reference to US help for the mujahideen who fought the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan during the 1980s. The fighters were supplied with weapons including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. Afghanistan plunged into chaos when the aid dried up.
Mr Gates described Mr Ahmadinejad's visit as "bothersome" and said it was "certainly fodder for all the conspiratorialists". He said: "We think Afghanistan should have good relations with all of its neighbours, but we also want all of Afghanistan's neighbours to play an upfront game in dealing with the government of Afghanistan."
He also said that US troops could withdraw from Afghanistan before the July, 2011, deadline set by President Barack Obama.
During a visit to the Pul-e-Charki training base in Kabul province, where Afghan soldiers are trained by British and US troops, Mr Gates said Afghan troops were eager to take responsibility for defending the country. "We will begin that transition no later than July, 2011, but the pace will depend also on conditions on the ground," he said. "We should not be too impatient."
The exchanges between Mr Ahmadinejad and Mr Gates, who left Afghanistan yesterday, came as David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, gave a speech in the US pressing the Afghan government to step up efforts for a political solution with the Taliban to bring the conflict to an end.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The Iranian president also spoke out against the presence of Western forces in the country, saying: "We do not see the presence of foreign military forces in Afghanistan as a solution for peace in Afghanistan."
The war of words broke out as both visited the country, with Mr Ahmadinejad speaking from Kabul Palace and Mr Gates from a military training base about six miles away. Speaking alongside Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, Mr Ahmadinejad asked the United States: "What are you doing here in the region? You are 12,000 kilometres away on the other side of the world. You are on the other side of the world. What are you doing here? This is a serious question."
He said the Americans were "playing a double game. They themselves created terrorists and say they want to fight against terrorism.
"We think the way to fight terrorism is through proper intelligence gathering, through respecting nations and to separate people from terrorists."
The comments were a reference to US help for the mujahideen who fought the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan during the 1980s. The fighters were supplied with weapons including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. Afghanistan plunged into chaos when the aid dried up.
Mr Gates described Mr Ahmadinejad's visit as "bothersome" and said it was "certainly fodder for all the conspiratorialists". He said: "We think Afghanistan should have good relations with all of its neighbours, but we also want all of Afghanistan's neighbours to play an upfront game in dealing with the government of Afghanistan."
He also said that US troops could withdraw from Afghanistan before the July, 2011, deadline set by President Barack Obama.
During a visit to the Pul-e-Charki training base in Kabul province, where Afghan soldiers are trained by British and US troops, Mr Gates said Afghan troops were eager to take responsibility for defending the country. "We will begin that transition no later than July, 2011, but the pace will depend also on conditions on the ground," he said. "We should not be too impatient."
The exchanges between Mr Ahmadinejad and Mr Gates, who left Afghanistan yesterday, came as David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, gave a speech in the US pressing the Afghan government to step up efforts for a political solution with the Taliban to bring the conflict to an end.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Gujarat leader Modi to be questioned over deadly riots
Gujarat : The chief minister of the Indian state of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, has been summoned to appear next week before an inquiry into devastating riots in 2002.
Mr Modi faces questions over the murder of Congress MP Ehsan Jafri.
The Gujarat authorities were criticised for not doing enough to prevent the violence. Mr Modi denies wrongdoing.
More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots after 60 Hindus died in a train fire. The fire\'s cause was never clearly established.
Hindu groups allege the fire was started by Muslim protesters, but an earlier inquiry said the blaze was an accident.
In the violence which engulfed the state, Mr Jafri and dozens of others were killed in a residential complex in Ahmedabad known as the Gulbarg Society.
\"Yes, we have summoned Mr Modi,\" the head of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) RK Raghavan told the t2tn.
\"On 21 March, we will ask him a few questions. Then we will send a report to the Supreme Court,\" he said.
The court set up the inquiry into the riots in March 2008.
Last year, the court ordered that the role of Mr Modi, a leading member of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), should be investigated, particularly in connection with the murder of Mr Jafri and nine other specific cases.
The court was acting on a petition filed by Mr Jafri\'s widow.
Narendra Modi is one of more than 60 people who have been named as co-accused.
In the past the Supreme Court has criticised the government of Gujarat for failing to protect its Muslim citizens.
Mr Modi\'s supporters have always said he could have done little under the circumstances to prevent the violence.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Mr Modi faces questions over the murder of Congress MP Ehsan Jafri.
The Gujarat authorities were criticised for not doing enough to prevent the violence. Mr Modi denies wrongdoing.
More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots after 60 Hindus died in a train fire. The fire\'s cause was never clearly established.
Hindu groups allege the fire was started by Muslim protesters, but an earlier inquiry said the blaze was an accident.
In the violence which engulfed the state, Mr Jafri and dozens of others were killed in a residential complex in Ahmedabad known as the Gulbarg Society.
\"Yes, we have summoned Mr Modi,\" the head of the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) RK Raghavan told the t2tn.
\"On 21 March, we will ask him a few questions. Then we will send a report to the Supreme Court,\" he said.
The court set up the inquiry into the riots in March 2008.
Last year, the court ordered that the role of Mr Modi, a leading member of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), should be investigated, particularly in connection with the murder of Mr Jafri and nine other specific cases.
The court was acting on a petition filed by Mr Jafri\'s widow.
Narendra Modi is one of more than 60 people who have been named as co-accused.
In the past the Supreme Court has criticised the government of Gujarat for failing to protect its Muslim citizens.
Mr Modi\'s supporters have always said he could have done little under the circumstances to prevent the violence.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Stampede victims’ families get compensation
Lucknow : The Pratapgarh administration distributed ex-gratia to the next of kin of the victims of stampede at Kripaluji Maharaj ashram, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati made an announcement in this regard, a government spokesman said.
"Cheques of Rs 2.50 lakh each were distributed among kin of 61 people killed in the stampede at Kripaluji Maharaj ashram on March 4. Financial assistance of Rs 75,000 each was provided to grievously injured," he said.
Cheques of two families were withheld due to heirship dispute and would be distributed after legal help, he said.
Nine persons who were grievously injured were handed over cheques at Rani medical hospital in Allahabad, where they were undergoing treatment, the spokesman said.
Mayawati, who had come under attack for not immediately announcing compensation for the victims, yesterday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed in the incident and Rs 75,000 each to grievously injured.
She had directed the officials concerned to ensure distribution of ex-gratia within two days.
As many as 63 people were killed in the stampede at the ashram at Mangarh during a 'bhandara' (community kitchen) on March 4.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
"Cheques of Rs 2.50 lakh each were distributed among kin of 61 people killed in the stampede at Kripaluji Maharaj ashram on March 4. Financial assistance of Rs 75,000 each was provided to grievously injured," he said.
Cheques of two families were withheld due to heirship dispute and would be distributed after legal help, he said.
Nine persons who were grievously injured were handed over cheques at Rani medical hospital in Allahabad, where they were undergoing treatment, the spokesman said.
Mayawati, who had come under attack for not immediately announcing compensation for the victims, yesterday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2.5 lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed in the incident and Rs 75,000 each to grievously injured.
She had directed the officials concerned to ensure distribution of ex-gratia within two days.
As many as 63 people were killed in the stampede at the ashram at Mangarh during a 'bhandara' (community kitchen) on March 4.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
An eye for sight
So how often do you go for an eye check? With most of us leading a lifestyle that strains our eyes on a daily basis (like long hours in front of computers), a routine eye check up every three months, doctors suggest, is a good idea to keep track of your eyesight. This week, ending March 13, the world is observing Glaucoma Week, highlighting, among other things, the fact that regular eye examination, particularly by those above 40, helps early detection of the disease and, in turn, would help in preserving one\'s vision. Glaucoma is a hereditary disease but there are other factors that can make you a potential glaucoma patient.
Says Dr. Devindra Sood, "We do not know why some people get glaucoma and some don\'t. But we do know that glaucoma is a dangerous eye disease because often there are no symptoms until serious damage has occurred." After cataract, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and affecting approximately 12 million people in India.
Dr. Sridhar Rao, president, Glaucoma Society of India, explains possible risk factors. "People with a family history of glaucoma are the most vulnerable. But there can be others who are at risk of having glaucoma, such as those with physical eye injuries, those who have used steroids for a long period of time, say in treating kidney diseases, depression, etc., and those with diabetes, thyroid problem, hypertension, high blood pressure, myopia and high intraocular pressure. But having said this, I would like to include everyone over the age of 40 to be at risk of getting glaucoma." Though there are rarely any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, regular eye checks are a key to track "the sneak thief of sight."
Dr. Sood, who runs a one-of-a-kind imaging centre in New Delhi exclusively to treat different kinds of glaucoma, has a website (www.glaucomadelhi.org) with exhaustive information on the disease, how it is different from that of western countries and its treatment. Some of the symptoms he notes on it are:
Rapid change of glasses
Seeing rainbow coloured rings around bright light
Headaches
Pain in and around the eye ball
Nausea
Explaining what glaucoma is, Dr. Rao says, "It is a disease in which the optic nerve gets damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. Once lost, the damaged visual field can never be recovered."
Though there is no cure for glaucoma, different levels of treatments, including drugs, laser therapy and surgery, are done on patients. "In some cases, surgery does help," says Dr. Rao.
As a part of preventive measures, the Glaucoma Society of India regularly conducts screening of patients and their relatives. Dr. Rao says the society, formed about 15 years ago, has a membership of 400 ophthalmologists across the country. "Each member tries in his/her own way to spread awareness about the disease," he says. Dr. Sood, a member of the Society, adds, "We conduct regular screening of people who can be vulnerable to glaucoma."
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Says Dr. Devindra Sood, "We do not know why some people get glaucoma and some don\'t. But we do know that glaucoma is a dangerous eye disease because often there are no symptoms until serious damage has occurred." After cataract, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and affecting approximately 12 million people in India.
Dr. Sridhar Rao, president, Glaucoma Society of India, explains possible risk factors. "People with a family history of glaucoma are the most vulnerable. But there can be others who are at risk of having glaucoma, such as those with physical eye injuries, those who have used steroids for a long period of time, say in treating kidney diseases, depression, etc., and those with diabetes, thyroid problem, hypertension, high blood pressure, myopia and high intraocular pressure. But having said this, I would like to include everyone over the age of 40 to be at risk of getting glaucoma." Though there are rarely any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, regular eye checks are a key to track "the sneak thief of sight."
Dr. Sood, who runs a one-of-a-kind imaging centre in New Delhi exclusively to treat different kinds of glaucoma, has a website (www.glaucomadelhi.org) with exhaustive information on the disease, how it is different from that of western countries and its treatment. Some of the symptoms he notes on it are:
Rapid change of glasses
Seeing rainbow coloured rings around bright light
Headaches
Pain in and around the eye ball
Nausea
Explaining what glaucoma is, Dr. Rao says, "It is a disease in which the optic nerve gets damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. Once lost, the damaged visual field can never be recovered."
Though there is no cure for glaucoma, different levels of treatments, including drugs, laser therapy and surgery, are done on patients. "In some cases, surgery does help," says Dr. Rao.
As a part of preventive measures, the Glaucoma Society of India regularly conducts screening of patients and their relatives. Dr. Rao says the society, formed about 15 years ago, has a membership of 400 ophthalmologists across the country. "Each member tries in his/her own way to spread awareness about the disease," he says. Dr. Sood, a member of the Society, adds, "We conduct regular screening of people who can be vulnerable to glaucoma."
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
India to get slimmer, cheaper Google Nexus One
New Delhi : Google is all set to launch its \'superphone\' Nexus One in India. However, the country may not have the chance to enjoy all of its features.
As per reports, the internet major is working on a toned down version of the smartphone for introduction in developing markets such as India and Russia.
This version of the Google Android-powered phone will not have all the features of the phone and is expected to priced much lower than the international pricing.
Google launched Nexus One in Jan 2010, effectively foraying into the mobile phone market to challenge Apple, Nokia and Blackberry.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
As per reports, the internet major is working on a toned down version of the smartphone for introduction in developing markets such as India and Russia.
This version of the Google Android-powered phone will not have all the features of the phone and is expected to priced much lower than the international pricing.
Google launched Nexus One in Jan 2010, effectively foraying into the mobile phone market to challenge Apple, Nokia and Blackberry.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Switch off lights during Earth Hour: Abhishek Bachchan
New Delhi : Actor Abhishek Bachchan has urged Indians to switch off lights for one hour on March 27 as part of WWF's Earth Hour 2010 campaign to support action on climate change. He says he will also request the film fraternity to stop shooting schedules during that period.
'People really need to be educated about about power conservation. I pledge my and my family's support to this initiative. I will, in my power, do whatever to save electricity and will request my friends in the film industry to shut down shootings in studios during the Earth Hour,' Abhishek told reporters here Wednesday.
The Earth Hour, which is a concept that originated through WWF in Sydney in 2007, will be observed worldwide March 27 from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The actor has been appointed the Indian brand ambassador for this year's Earth Hour campaign.
Abhishek also suggested ways to save electricity on a daily basis.
'When you finish charging your phone, don't just unplug your phone, switch off the charger from the main switch as well. Switch off your TV from the main plug when it's not in use. Keep your car engine off while on a red light. These are just little ways in which we can do a lot to conserve energy,' he said.
In India, 15 cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, have pledged their support for the campaign, which led to conservation of 700 MW of electricity in Delhi last year, said Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, who was also present at the event.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
'People really need to be educated about about power conservation. I pledge my and my family's support to this initiative. I will, in my power, do whatever to save electricity and will request my friends in the film industry to shut down shootings in studios during the Earth Hour,' Abhishek told reporters here Wednesday.
The Earth Hour, which is a concept that originated through WWF in Sydney in 2007, will be observed worldwide March 27 from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The actor has been appointed the Indian brand ambassador for this year's Earth Hour campaign.
Abhishek also suggested ways to save electricity on a daily basis.
'When you finish charging your phone, don't just unplug your phone, switch off the charger from the main switch as well. Switch off your TV from the main plug when it's not in use. Keep your car engine off while on a red light. These are just little ways in which we can do a lot to conserve energy,' he said.
In India, 15 cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, have pledged their support for the campaign, which led to conservation of 700 MW of electricity in Delhi last year, said Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit, who was also present at the event.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Mahajan gets his passport to honeymoon, but with court rider
Mumbai : According relief to Rahul Mahajan and his wife Dimpy Ganguly, a city court on Tuesday released Mahajan's passport till the end of this month.
The couple, who got married on reality TV show last week, has now been allowed to visit the Maldives for their honeymoon from March 9 and 31. The couple will, however, have to ensure the honeymoon is a strictly "private affair".
The court decided to reinstate Mahajan's passport amid vehement opposition from the prosecution, following an application filed by him on February 16.
Mahajan has been asked to submit a fixed deposit worth Rs 5 lakh in the court as guarantee against the passport. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) P S Malik further imposed a list of conditions on the release of the passport and made it clear that the couple's trip to Maldives must not be an "extension of the show" in which they got married.
ASJ Malik directed Mahajan to ensure there is no shooting involved or the couple's Maldives trip is not telecast. Violation of any of these conditions will lead to forfeiture of the guarantee amount, the court said.
Mahajan, 35, was directed by the court to submit an affidavit stating that the marriage "contracted on March 6 is a bona fide act and not for the purpose of the show" in which he participated, and that now "Rahul Mahajan and Somashree (Dimpy) Ganguly are husband and wife".
Mahajan will also have to give the court an undertaking that his marriage will be registered within two months from now. He will also have to produce the document in court within a week of the registration.
Additional Public Prosecutor Ahmed Khan said since this is Mahajan's second marriage, he could have chosen a destination within India for his honeymoon.
Mahajan had earlier been granted permission by the court to visit Seychelles for his honeymoon after his first marriage to Shweta Singh in 2006. The couple got divorced on August 1, 2008.
Mahajan, who was not accompanied by his wife for Tuesday's proceedings, looked relieved after the order. "I am very happy with the outcome. I just want to pack my bags and leave," he told mediapersons outside the courtroom at the Patiala House court premises.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The couple, who got married on reality TV show last week, has now been allowed to visit the Maldives for their honeymoon from March 9 and 31. The couple will, however, have to ensure the honeymoon is a strictly "private affair".
The court decided to reinstate Mahajan's passport amid vehement opposition from the prosecution, following an application filed by him on February 16.
Mahajan has been asked to submit a fixed deposit worth Rs 5 lakh in the court as guarantee against the passport. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) P S Malik further imposed a list of conditions on the release of the passport and made it clear that the couple's trip to Maldives must not be an "extension of the show" in which they got married.
ASJ Malik directed Mahajan to ensure there is no shooting involved or the couple's Maldives trip is not telecast. Violation of any of these conditions will lead to forfeiture of the guarantee amount, the court said.
Mahajan, 35, was directed by the court to submit an affidavit stating that the marriage "contracted on March 6 is a bona fide act and not for the purpose of the show" in which he participated, and that now "Rahul Mahajan and Somashree (Dimpy) Ganguly are husband and wife".
Mahajan will also have to give the court an undertaking that his marriage will be registered within two months from now. He will also have to produce the document in court within a week of the registration.
Additional Public Prosecutor Ahmed Khan said since this is Mahajan's second marriage, he could have chosen a destination within India for his honeymoon.
Mahajan had earlier been granted permission by the court to visit Seychelles for his honeymoon after his first marriage to Shweta Singh in 2006. The couple got divorced on August 1, 2008.
Mahajan, who was not accompanied by his wife for Tuesday's proceedings, looked relieved after the order. "I am very happy with the outcome. I just want to pack my bags and leave," he told mediapersons outside the courtroom at the Patiala House court premises.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Irom Sharmila rearrested
IMPHAL : Irom Sharmila, who has been on a fast-unto-death since November 4, 2000 demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) in Manipur, was rearrested on Tuesday, as she continued her fast despite being released by the court.
The Act, under which she was arrested (for attempt to commit suicide), does not permit the authorities to detain her for more than one year at one go.
She was released on Monday after she completed one year of detention. As her condition without medication and nose-feeding became precarious, the police rearrested her.
Sources said her condition was a cause of concern. All her organs were affected. She staggered out of J.N. Hospital, which was declared a sub-jail for her and went straight to the office of Save Sharmila Organisation nearby to continue her protest.
She told journalists that there was no question of her breaking the fast until the AFSPA was repealed. The misuse of its provisions resulted in people getting killed, and in excesses, she said.
Sharmila had rejected appeals from Prime Ministers, Presidents and other leaders in the past to break her fast. She only wanted to sleep on her ailing mother\'s lap at home, she said.
On November 4, 2000, some militants exploded a bomb near the airport here, as three vehicles of 8 Assam Rifles were passing by.
There was no casualty or damage to the vehicles.
However, the personnel allegedly rounded up 1o persons, who were standing in the bus-stand and working in their homes nearby and all were mowed down. In protest, Sharmila launched the fast.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The Act, under which she was arrested (for attempt to commit suicide), does not permit the authorities to detain her for more than one year at one go.
She was released on Monday after she completed one year of detention. As her condition without medication and nose-feeding became precarious, the police rearrested her.
Sources said her condition was a cause of concern. All her organs were affected. She staggered out of J.N. Hospital, which was declared a sub-jail for her and went straight to the office of Save Sharmila Organisation nearby to continue her protest.
She told journalists that there was no question of her breaking the fast until the AFSPA was repealed. The misuse of its provisions resulted in people getting killed, and in excesses, she said.
Sharmila had rejected appeals from Prime Ministers, Presidents and other leaders in the past to break her fast. She only wanted to sleep on her ailing mother\'s lap at home, she said.
On November 4, 2000, some militants exploded a bomb near the airport here, as three vehicles of 8 Assam Rifles were passing by.
There was no casualty or damage to the vehicles.
However, the personnel allegedly rounded up 1o persons, who were standing in the bus-stand and working in their homes nearby and all were mowed down. In protest, Sharmila launched the fast.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
IT exports from Haryana touch Rs 21,000 cr
Recession blues notwithstanding, the total exports from Haryana in the Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology-Enabled Services (ITES) sectors touched Rs 21,000 crore last fiscal.
According to official sources, software exports from the state during financial year 2008-09 showed a growth of about 17 per cent.
A Nasscom-Mckinsey report has projected a growth of 11-12 per cent in IT and ITES exports from Haryana in the current fiscal (2009-10) and the exact figures are expected by June.
Gurgaon has the lion's share in software exports as more than 90 per cent of IT and ITES units of the state are located in the district. As of now, there are around 400 IT and ITES companies operating in the district.
"The IT and ITES industry is providing employment to nearly 2 lakh persons and indirectly benefiting many others," said Gurgaon deputy commissioner Rajender Kataria, adding that to boost the IT industry, a regional IT industry promotion office had been set up in Gurgaon.
Market observers point out that the volume of software exports from Haryana has shown a steady rise during the past several years.
The IT and ITES exports from the state, which were about Rs 10,700 crore in 2005-06, went up to the tune of Rs 14,000 in 2006-07 and reached Rs 18,500 crore in 2007-08, before touching Rs 21,000 crore in 2008-09.
Gurgaon has emerged as a preferred destination for the IT industry in the recent past. Numerous established companies like IBM, Microsoft, Genpact, Oracle, Dell, Samsung, Siemens, Fidelity, HCL, Wipro, TCS, Hughes, Silicon Graphics, Alcatel, Convergys, Google, Accenture, Aricent, Hewitt, Polaris and Sapient etc have a number of units in the city.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
According to official sources, software exports from the state during financial year 2008-09 showed a growth of about 17 per cent.
A Nasscom-Mckinsey report has projected a growth of 11-12 per cent in IT and ITES exports from Haryana in the current fiscal (2009-10) and the exact figures are expected by June.
Gurgaon has the lion's share in software exports as more than 90 per cent of IT and ITES units of the state are located in the district. As of now, there are around 400 IT and ITES companies operating in the district.
"The IT and ITES industry is providing employment to nearly 2 lakh persons and indirectly benefiting many others," said Gurgaon deputy commissioner Rajender Kataria, adding that to boost the IT industry, a regional IT industry promotion office had been set up in Gurgaon.
Market observers point out that the volume of software exports from Haryana has shown a steady rise during the past several years.
The IT and ITES exports from the state, which were about Rs 10,700 crore in 2005-06, went up to the tune of Rs 14,000 in 2006-07 and reached Rs 18,500 crore in 2007-08, before touching Rs 21,000 crore in 2008-09.
Gurgaon has emerged as a preferred destination for the IT industry in the recent past. Numerous established companies like IBM, Microsoft, Genpact, Oracle, Dell, Samsung, Siemens, Fidelity, HCL, Wipro, TCS, Hughes, Silicon Graphics, Alcatel, Convergys, Google, Accenture, Aricent, Hewitt, Polaris and Sapient etc have a number of units in the city.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Ex-JE attempts suicide
After "failing" to get justice from the government, a retired junior engineer today set himself afire after climbing atop a water tank near the Municipal Council office at Sunam this morning. Charan Dass (60) sustained 60 per cent burn injuries and is battling for his life at a hospital in Patiala.
Binder Kumar, son of the victim, said they had some feud with their neighbours which prompted his father to take this step after he "failed" to get justice from the government. He said as they had urged the police to register an FIR against their neighbour for not settling the issue, but instead of that the police filed an FIR against them.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Binder Kumar, son of the victim, said they had some feud with their neighbours which prompted his father to take this step after he "failed" to get justice from the government. He said as they had urged the police to register an FIR against their neighbour for not settling the issue, but instead of that the police filed an FIR against them.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Punjab to tame wayward telecom towers
Towering over any type of buildings and spaces without any control will no longer be easy for cellular companies in Punjab with the state government deciding to bring a mechanism to regulate the unabated installation of telecom towers.
The Punjab Information Technology (IT) Department has been directed to carry out a comprehensive census of all existing telecommunication towers in the state in the next one month.
Punjab\'s IT Minister Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon is concerned at the unregulated mushrooming of telecom towers across the state in recent years and the survey is being carried out to know how bad things are on the ground level.
\"There is a need to insist upon multiple usage of the telecom towers so that every telecom company does not set up its own towers to cover the same area and generate unnecessary congestion, noise and vibrations arising out of accompanying generators,\" Kairon told senior officers from various departments at a meeting here.
He suggested that a mechanism should be in place fast so that the future growth of telecom towers can be regulated.
Punjab has a high density of mobile usage with roughly 1.6 crore (16 million) mobile users for a population of around 2.5 crore (25 million). There are thousands of landline phone subscribers as well.
The tele-density of the prosperous state is nearly 46 percent - more than double the national average of 20 percent. While one out of every five Indians has a telephone nationally, almost one out of two Punjabis has a telephone.
Telecom giant Airtel leads the subscriber figures with over 4,581,187 subscribers (till January) followed by BSNL (3,411,009), Idea-Spice (3,081,186) and Vodafone (2,923,706). There are a few other telecom players in the market as well.
While some telecom companies share their mobile towers, in several areas most companies have installed their individual towers, leading to congestion and air and noise pollution.
Mobile companies in Punjab had three years ago installed three mobile towers in Punjab\'s territory behind Chandigarh\'s famous Sukhna Lake giving an ugly look to the tranquil surrounding of the lake. Since Chandigarh itself has very strict regulations to curb the uncontrolled installation of telecom towers, the Punjab mobile companies took advantage of laws in Punjab to put up the towers.
Following objections from authorities in Chandigarh, two of these towers were later removed.
Kairon called a meeting of senior officers of the IT, local self-government, rural development and panchayats, industries, Punjab small industries and export corporation, Punjab state electricity board and Punjab pollution control board to discuss the disorderly growth of telecom towers in the state.
\"A state-level census of existing telecom towers has been ordered because at present, none of the five or six departments receiving applications related to the construction of such towers has complete statistics about the number of such towers which have cropped up all over the state without any permission, a senior official, who attended the meeting, told IANS.
The Punjab government now proposes to draft a state-level Telecom Towers Regulatory Policy within the next few months.
A study group has been constituted under the principal secretary for IT, Sarvesh Kaushal, to explore how many telecom towers are required actually to cover the entire geographical area of the state and the minimum optimum number of nodal telecom towers that should be jointly used by all telecom service providers.
The new policy would include comprehensive guidelines for setting up telecom towers in residential areas, commercial areas and in the rural areas of Punjab.
The policy will prescribe strict specifications regarding natural disaster and earthquake-resistant structural design, construction material and least polluting telephony and electricity generating equipment and recommend uniform fee structure.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The Punjab Information Technology (IT) Department has been directed to carry out a comprehensive census of all existing telecommunication towers in the state in the next one month.
Punjab\'s IT Minister Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon is concerned at the unregulated mushrooming of telecom towers across the state in recent years and the survey is being carried out to know how bad things are on the ground level.
\"There is a need to insist upon multiple usage of the telecom towers so that every telecom company does not set up its own towers to cover the same area and generate unnecessary congestion, noise and vibrations arising out of accompanying generators,\" Kairon told senior officers from various departments at a meeting here.
He suggested that a mechanism should be in place fast so that the future growth of telecom towers can be regulated.
Punjab has a high density of mobile usage with roughly 1.6 crore (16 million) mobile users for a population of around 2.5 crore (25 million). There are thousands of landline phone subscribers as well.
The tele-density of the prosperous state is nearly 46 percent - more than double the national average of 20 percent. While one out of every five Indians has a telephone nationally, almost one out of two Punjabis has a telephone.
Telecom giant Airtel leads the subscriber figures with over 4,581,187 subscribers (till January) followed by BSNL (3,411,009), Idea-Spice (3,081,186) and Vodafone (2,923,706). There are a few other telecom players in the market as well.
While some telecom companies share their mobile towers, in several areas most companies have installed their individual towers, leading to congestion and air and noise pollution.
Mobile companies in Punjab had three years ago installed three mobile towers in Punjab\'s territory behind Chandigarh\'s famous Sukhna Lake giving an ugly look to the tranquil surrounding of the lake. Since Chandigarh itself has very strict regulations to curb the uncontrolled installation of telecom towers, the Punjab mobile companies took advantage of laws in Punjab to put up the towers.
Following objections from authorities in Chandigarh, two of these towers were later removed.
Kairon called a meeting of senior officers of the IT, local self-government, rural development and panchayats, industries, Punjab small industries and export corporation, Punjab state electricity board and Punjab pollution control board to discuss the disorderly growth of telecom towers in the state.
\"A state-level census of existing telecom towers has been ordered because at present, none of the five or six departments receiving applications related to the construction of such towers has complete statistics about the number of such towers which have cropped up all over the state without any permission, a senior official, who attended the meeting, told IANS.
The Punjab government now proposes to draft a state-level Telecom Towers Regulatory Policy within the next few months.
A study group has been constituted under the principal secretary for IT, Sarvesh Kaushal, to explore how many telecom towers are required actually to cover the entire geographical area of the state and the minimum optimum number of nodal telecom towers that should be jointly used by all telecom service providers.
The new policy would include comprehensive guidelines for setting up telecom towers in residential areas, commercial areas and in the rural areas of Punjab.
The policy will prescribe strict specifications regarding natural disaster and earthquake-resistant structural design, construction material and least polluting telephony and electricity generating equipment and recommend uniform fee structure.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Channels seek money for Sachin ad, BMC unwilling
Two months after getting Sachin Tendulkar on camera to advise Mumbaikars on how to conserve water, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is struggling to get the advertisement released.
Television channels are demanding payment for airtime and the civic body is unwilling to pay, making the awareness campaign a non-starter, with the city on the brink of what could be yet another scorching, dry summer.
The 48-second advertisement shows Tendulkar returning from a practice session and asking for only half a glass of water, a message that citizens should use only as much water as they need.
Officials said only two Marathi news channels had expressed any interest in showing the advertisement on TV. "However, they are demanding more than Rs 20 lakh and are not willing to negotiate. The making of the ad itself cost us Rs 15 lakh and therefore it is ridiculous to spend more than that per channel," said an official.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Television channels are demanding payment for airtime and the civic body is unwilling to pay, making the awareness campaign a non-starter, with the city on the brink of what could be yet another scorching, dry summer.
The 48-second advertisement shows Tendulkar returning from a practice session and asking for only half a glass of water, a message that citizens should use only as much water as they need.
Officials said only two Marathi news channels had expressed any interest in showing the advertisement on TV. "However, they are demanding more than Rs 20 lakh and are not willing to negotiate. The making of the ad itself cost us Rs 15 lakh and therefore it is ridiculous to spend more than that per channel," said an official.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Now, mobile phones to offer X-ray vision
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed mobile phone software that can offer X-ray vision to see what's on the other side of the building in front of you.
Christian Sandor said that the application works by using the phone's camera, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
He said that users can point the camera at a building and an image of it would appear on the screen. Then, the image would change to show what was behind the building, as if it was no longer there, Sandor said.
Sandor said the research group collaborated with Nokia to build the application, which it hoped could be introduced in the next two years.
The technology, known as augmented reality, appears to be X-ray vision, but in reality it uses pictures and images that already exist in databases such as Google Earth and Google Street view.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Christian Sandor said that the application works by using the phone's camera, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
He said that users can point the camera at a building and an image of it would appear on the screen. Then, the image would change to show what was behind the building, as if it was no longer there, Sandor said.
Sandor said the research group collaborated with Nokia to build the application, which it hoped could be introduced in the next two years.
The technology, known as augmented reality, appears to be X-ray vision, but in reality it uses pictures and images that already exist in databases such as Google Earth and Google Street view.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Now, mobile phones to offer X-ray vision
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed mobile phone software that can offer X-ray vision to see what's on the other side of the building in front of you.
Christian Sandor said that the application works by using the phone's camera, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
He said that users can point the camera at a building and an image of it would appear on the screen. Then, the image would change to show what was behind the building, as if it was no longer there, Sandor said.
Sandor said the research group collaborated with Nokia to build the application, which it hoped could be introduced in the next two years.
The technology, known as augmented reality, appears to be X-ray vision, but in reality it uses pictures and images that already exist in databases such as Google Earth and Google Street view.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Christian Sandor said that the application works by using the phone's camera, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
He said that users can point the camera at a building and an image of it would appear on the screen. Then, the image would change to show what was behind the building, as if it was no longer there, Sandor said.
Sandor said the research group collaborated with Nokia to build the application, which it hoped could be introduced in the next two years.
The technology, known as augmented reality, appears to be X-ray vision, but in reality it uses pictures and images that already exist in databases such as Google Earth and Google Street view.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
N India has most difficult challenges: Bill Gates
Bill Gates, engaged in a large number of social projects in India, has told US lawmakers that the northern parts of the south Asian country face difficult challenges.
\"We see places like India, where the results are mixed. The north, which has the greatest need, tends to have the most difficult challenges,\" Gates told members of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wherein he testified on \"Building on Success: New Directions in Global Health Care\", convened by its Chairman John Kerry.
Former US President Bill Clinton, who too is involved in social welfare projects in India and African countries in a big way, also testified before the Committee.
Gates was responding to question about experiences of corruption and accountability in these countries where his Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation is involved in social welfare projects.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
\"We see places like India, where the results are mixed. The north, which has the greatest need, tends to have the most difficult challenges,\" Gates told members of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wherein he testified on \"Building on Success: New Directions in Global Health Care\", convened by its Chairman John Kerry.
Former US President Bill Clinton, who too is involved in social welfare projects in India and African countries in a big way, also testified before the Committee.
Gates was responding to question about experiences of corruption and accountability in these countries where his Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation is involved in social welfare projects.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
One egg a day can help you lose weight: Study
We all know that egg is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, but now a new study claims eating one egg daily can help fight obesity.
The British study, which analysed 71 research papers on the nutritional composition of eggs and their role in diet, found that eggs are packed with vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and choline that could also play a significant role in dieting and weight loss.
According to the researchers, a medium-sized egg has fewer than 80 calories and provides more than 20 per cent of the recommended daily allowance.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent dietitian and lead author of the report, said: \"There are clear nutritional benefits to eating eggs on a regular basis. Emerging evidence suggests that eggs may be beneficial for satiety, weight control and eye health.
\"With previous limits on egg consumption lifted, most people would benefit from a return to the days of going to work on an egg.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The British study, which analysed 71 research papers on the nutritional composition of eggs and their role in diet, found that eggs are packed with vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and choline that could also play a significant role in dieting and weight loss.
According to the researchers, a medium-sized egg has fewer than 80 calories and provides more than 20 per cent of the recommended daily allowance.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, an independent dietitian and lead author of the report, said: \"There are clear nutritional benefits to eating eggs on a regular basis. Emerging evidence suggests that eggs may be beneficial for satiety, weight control and eye health.
\"With previous limits on egg consumption lifted, most people would benefit from a return to the days of going to work on an egg.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Healthier men will have more sex: Study
Healthy men will want to have more sex for a longer period of time, according to a study by researchers at the University of Chicago.
\"Men and women reporting very good or excellent health were more likely to be sexually active compared with their peers in poor or fair health,\" the study said, adding that the good health folks 1.5 to 1.8 times more likely to report an interest in sex than those in poorer health.
An associate professor, Stacy Tessler Lindau and research associate Natalia Gavrilova examined data from more than 6,000 American adults between the age group of 25 and 85.
\"Sexual activity, quality of sexual life and interest in sex were positively associated with health in middle age and later life,\" the study said. \"Sexually active life expectancy was longer for men, but men lost more years of sexually active life as a result of poor health than women.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
\"Men and women reporting very good or excellent health were more likely to be sexually active compared with their peers in poor or fair health,\" the study said, adding that the good health folks 1.5 to 1.8 times more likely to report an interest in sex than those in poorer health.
An associate professor, Stacy Tessler Lindau and research associate Natalia Gavrilova examined data from more than 6,000 American adults between the age group of 25 and 85.
\"Sexual activity, quality of sexual life and interest in sex were positively associated with health in middle age and later life,\" the study said. \"Sexually active life expectancy was longer for men, but men lost more years of sexually active life as a result of poor health than women.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
India may scale down its Afghan operations
India is looking at options to scale down operations of its missions in Afghanistan in the wake of terror attacks against Indians there, said Government sources.
Government is also considering keeping all Indians working in road and power projects in Afghanistan together for security reasons.
At least 10 Indians were killed when Taliban suicide bombers carried out a string of attacks in the heart of Kabul on February 26, in yet another incident targeting Indian interests in Afghanistan.
The bombers struck at a number of guest houses, particularly at Park Residence, rented out by the Indian embassy for its staffers and those linked to India\'s developmental work in Afghanistan.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Government is also considering keeping all Indians working in road and power projects in Afghanistan together for security reasons.
At least 10 Indians were killed when Taliban suicide bombers carried out a string of attacks in the heart of Kabul on February 26, in yet another incident targeting Indian interests in Afghanistan.
The bombers struck at a number of guest houses, particularly at Park Residence, rented out by the Indian embassy for its staffers and those linked to India\'s developmental work in Afghanistan.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
UPA discriminating against Punjab: Sukhbir Badal
Chandigarh : Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Wednesday alleged that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has been discriminating against the state in the sharing of central taxes.
'Despite contributing 75.3 percent wheat and 50 percent paddy in the central pool, we are given only a 1.3 per cent share in the central taxes,' said Badal.
He demanded greater fiscal and political autonomy for the states.
'We want that Punjab's share in the central taxes should be raised to 50 percent from existing 1.3 percent. UPA has made Punjab a highly taxed land surrounded by tax holiday enjoying hill states (indicating Himachal Pradesh) to destroy the industrial base of the state,' Badal said.
He said Punjab had generated revenue of around Rs.8,000 crore in the last three years, adding this may cross Rs.10,000 crore in the next two years.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
'Despite contributing 75.3 percent wheat and 50 percent paddy in the central pool, we are given only a 1.3 per cent share in the central taxes,' said Badal.
He demanded greater fiscal and political autonomy for the states.
'We want that Punjab's share in the central taxes should be raised to 50 percent from existing 1.3 percent. UPA has made Punjab a highly taxed land surrounded by tax holiday enjoying hill states (indicating Himachal Pradesh) to destroy the industrial base of the state,' Badal said.
He said Punjab had generated revenue of around Rs.8,000 crore in the last three years, adding this may cross Rs.10,000 crore in the next two years.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Rs 25 cr to clear choked sewerage system
LUDHIANA : The city will soon get relief from choked sewerage system as the municipal corporation has received Rs 25 crore from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) for the work.
Besides, the civic body has added Rs 2 crore to the same and given the amount to Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board so that work is started at the earliest.
According to information, under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, the Central government had allotted Rs 241.39 for 100% sewerage connections in the city. But the project had been hanging fire for quite sometime due to non-payment by the civic body.
As per the scheme, 50% share is to be paid by the Central government, 20% by state government while 30% by the MC. However, the payment of Rs 24.88 crore was pending and it was to be paid by the civic body.
Due to the assistance forwarded by GLADA, stalled work will soon be completed. Sources said around 1.65 lakh new sewerage connections would be given in the newly developed areas where 34.73 km new sewer lines and 638 km trunk sewerage lines would be installed. The scheme will benefit outer wards where almost in every locality, sewerage connections are yet to be installed.
Sources said work in three sewerage treatment plants situated at Bhattian, Baloke and Jamalpur would also be completed.
Notably, outer wards in the city are lying in a shambles due to alleged apathy of MC authorities. Unhygienic surroundings have also lead to breakout of cases of gastroenteritis and dengue. Earlier, MC authorities had assured to provide hygienic surroundings but the same has not been achieved even after a period of three years.
MC commissioner AK Sinha said, \"Stalled projects will soon be completed and the aim of providing 100% sewerage connections in the city will be accomplished.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Besides, the civic body has added Rs 2 crore to the same and given the amount to Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board so that work is started at the earliest.
According to information, under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, the Central government had allotted Rs 241.39 for 100% sewerage connections in the city. But the project had been hanging fire for quite sometime due to non-payment by the civic body.
As per the scheme, 50% share is to be paid by the Central government, 20% by state government while 30% by the MC. However, the payment of Rs 24.88 crore was pending and it was to be paid by the civic body.
Due to the assistance forwarded by GLADA, stalled work will soon be completed. Sources said around 1.65 lakh new sewerage connections would be given in the newly developed areas where 34.73 km new sewer lines and 638 km trunk sewerage lines would be installed. The scheme will benefit outer wards where almost in every locality, sewerage connections are yet to be installed.
Sources said work in three sewerage treatment plants situated at Bhattian, Baloke and Jamalpur would also be completed.
Notably, outer wards in the city are lying in a shambles due to alleged apathy of MC authorities. Unhygienic surroundings have also lead to breakout of cases of gastroenteritis and dengue. Earlier, MC authorities had assured to provide hygienic surroundings but the same has not been achieved even after a period of three years.
MC commissioner AK Sinha said, \"Stalled projects will soon be completed and the aim of providing 100% sewerage connections in the city will be accomplished.\"
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
When a doctor donated her kidney to a patient
Chennai : It is much harder to do the right thing every day when no one is looking. Donating a kidney is much easier." Susan Hou only says that because she really believes that is true.
Seven-and-a-half years ago, Dr. Hou, a nephrologist at the University Medical Centre, Chicago, gave her kidney to her patient. "I\'ve had patients ask me for a kidney, but the woman I finally gave it to never asked me. My only criterion was that I should give it to someone smaller than me, and that really narrows it down," the rather petite nephrologist with a cracking sense of humour says. "The question is not why I did it, but what took me so long. There was much reluctance to use unrelated donors in the U.S. then," Dr. Hou explains in a chat after a lecture on renal disorders in pregnancy organised by Tanker Foundation on Monday. The strongest criticism came from India, where people said women without rights would be forced to donate one of their kidneys to their husband. Now there are drugs to make unrelated transplants work too.
The process of evaluating a donor\'s intent and physical condition is crucial, she adds. There can be a lot of coercion; people are not so convinced that they should be donating. "When I donated, nobody was pressuring me. If you believe in the brotherhood of man, then there are no unrelated donors."
One has to ensure that there is no money changing hands. "If we have the feeling a donor doesn\'t really want to donate, then we tell them they cannot do it." The donor also has to be healthy enough and with good kidney function that will likely be good in future. It is essential that the donor has no infection or cancer that he could give to the recipient.
She herself had a "not-so bad" recovery from her traditional nephrectomy. But that is Dr. Hou as usual underplaying the drama. Twelve days after surgery, she flew to Philadelphia for a lecture and 13 days later, she was on a flight to Budapest. None of her children was surprised she had donated her kidney to a patient, and "Mark [Molitch, her husband, an endocrinologist] was very happy later, but very worried…on the day before the surgery."
When colleagues ask her if she recommends every nephrologist donate a kidney to a patient, she says matter-of-factly, "You don\'t have to do it unless you want to. You can do something else." "Everyone pats you on the back and gives you a plaque when you donate a kidney, but they don\'t do that when you hold the elevator door open or refuse a drug company," Dr. Hou says. On Monday, Georgi Abraham, founder-trustee of Tanker Foundation, honoured her, and yes, a plaque was in the picture.
But, yes, you can see it really does warm the cockles of her heart that her patient is still running on the donated kidney. "I am happy every year that the kidney\'s still working… Seven-and-a-half years later, someone doesn\'t need dialysis or a new kidney, it\'s a great feeling," Dr. Hou says.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Seven-and-a-half years ago, Dr. Hou, a nephrologist at the University Medical Centre, Chicago, gave her kidney to her patient. "I\'ve had patients ask me for a kidney, but the woman I finally gave it to never asked me. My only criterion was that I should give it to someone smaller than me, and that really narrows it down," the rather petite nephrologist with a cracking sense of humour says. "The question is not why I did it, but what took me so long. There was much reluctance to use unrelated donors in the U.S. then," Dr. Hou explains in a chat after a lecture on renal disorders in pregnancy organised by Tanker Foundation on Monday. The strongest criticism came from India, where people said women without rights would be forced to donate one of their kidneys to their husband. Now there are drugs to make unrelated transplants work too.
The process of evaluating a donor\'s intent and physical condition is crucial, she adds. There can be a lot of coercion; people are not so convinced that they should be donating. "When I donated, nobody was pressuring me. If you believe in the brotherhood of man, then there are no unrelated donors."
One has to ensure that there is no money changing hands. "If we have the feeling a donor doesn\'t really want to donate, then we tell them they cannot do it." The donor also has to be healthy enough and with good kidney function that will likely be good in future. It is essential that the donor has no infection or cancer that he could give to the recipient.
She herself had a "not-so bad" recovery from her traditional nephrectomy. But that is Dr. Hou as usual underplaying the drama. Twelve days after surgery, she flew to Philadelphia for a lecture and 13 days later, she was on a flight to Budapest. None of her children was surprised she had donated her kidney to a patient, and "Mark [Molitch, her husband, an endocrinologist] was very happy later, but very worried…on the day before the surgery."
When colleagues ask her if she recommends every nephrologist donate a kidney to a patient, she says matter-of-factly, "You don\'t have to do it unless you want to. You can do something else." "Everyone pats you on the back and gives you a plaque when you donate a kidney, but they don\'t do that when you hold the elevator door open or refuse a drug company," Dr. Hou says. On Monday, Georgi Abraham, founder-trustee of Tanker Foundation, honoured her, and yes, a plaque was in the picture.
But, yes, you can see it really does warm the cockles of her heart that her patient is still running on the donated kidney. "I am happy every year that the kidney\'s still working… Seven-and-a-half years later, someone doesn\'t need dialysis or a new kidney, it\'s a great feeling," Dr. Hou says.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Now watch IPL matches live in cinema halls
Mumbai : Want to watch an Indian Premier League (IPL) match live? No need to go to the stadium. Just book a ticket at the nearest cinema hall and enjoy it in airconditioned comfort.
For the first time in the country, a unique project will be implemented to show the forthcoming IPL-2010 matches live in over 1,000 cinema halls around the country, including around 50 in Mumbai, from March 12.
"Any match, played anywhere in the country, during the entire 45-day IPL-III season, shall be beamed live in multiplexes and single screen cinemas in a high definition digital format," an excited Sanjay Gaikwad, managing director of UFO Movies India Limited, which is spearheading the project, said Wednesday.
Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar has been roped in to popularise the concept – he bought and autographed the first cinema ticket for an IPL match.
The autographed ticket was purchased by Vikram Kakade, a die-hard cricket fan from Pune, for a whopping Rs.11 lakh, which will be donated to a city NGO, Apnalya.
"This is truly a brilliant initiative, especially for the far-flung regions of our country where cricket fans cannot experience the stadium energy. I am delighted to give away this first theatre ticket and wish all my fans a great experience watching cricket in cinema halls," Sachin remarked.
Later, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra presented a theatrical ticket of IPL-3 to Amit Jain, Operational Manager of Ford Figo, which is the main sponsor for IPL 2010 in cinemas.
As there are no major Bollywood releases slated during the IPL season, which coincides with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations, the venture would enable cinema halls to make up for lost revenue and the government would continue to earn entertainment tax.
"As for the patrons, they can watch the entire cricket match live on gigantic movie screens in air-conditioned comforts, without commercial breaks," Gaikwad said.
The participating cinema halls, including Cinemax, Fame, Inox, PVR, are making special arrangements to make the cricket in cinema halls a truly memorable experience.
There will be a carnival-like atmosphere with special multi-cuisine restaurants, live bands performing in the theatre foyers, cheerleaders to welcome the patrons, cricket merchandise stalls and gifts, Gaikwad said.
In Mumbai region, the live IPL cricket matches will be shown in New Excelsior, Meghraj, Movie Gem, Roxy, Star City, Jai Ganesh, Saaz, Broadway, Ashok and Anil in Ulhasnagar (Thane), and Broadway in Bhiwandi, among others.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
For the first time in the country, a unique project will be implemented to show the forthcoming IPL-2010 matches live in over 1,000 cinema halls around the country, including around 50 in Mumbai, from March 12.
"Any match, played anywhere in the country, during the entire 45-day IPL-III season, shall be beamed live in multiplexes and single screen cinemas in a high definition digital format," an excited Sanjay Gaikwad, managing director of UFO Movies India Limited, which is spearheading the project, said Wednesday.
Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar has been roped in to popularise the concept – he bought and autographed the first cinema ticket for an IPL match.
The autographed ticket was purchased by Vikram Kakade, a die-hard cricket fan from Pune, for a whopping Rs.11 lakh, which will be donated to a city NGO, Apnalya.
"This is truly a brilliant initiative, especially for the far-flung regions of our country where cricket fans cannot experience the stadium energy. I am delighted to give away this first theatre ticket and wish all my fans a great experience watching cricket in cinema halls," Sachin remarked.
Later, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra presented a theatrical ticket of IPL-3 to Amit Jain, Operational Manager of Ford Figo, which is the main sponsor for IPL 2010 in cinemas.
As there are no major Bollywood releases slated during the IPL season, which coincides with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations, the venture would enable cinema halls to make up for lost revenue and the government would continue to earn entertainment tax.
"As for the patrons, they can watch the entire cricket match live on gigantic movie screens in air-conditioned comforts, without commercial breaks," Gaikwad said.
The participating cinema halls, including Cinemax, Fame, Inox, PVR, are making special arrangements to make the cricket in cinema halls a truly memorable experience.
There will be a carnival-like atmosphere with special multi-cuisine restaurants, live bands performing in the theatre foyers, cheerleaders to welcome the patrons, cricket merchandise stalls and gifts, Gaikwad said.
In Mumbai region, the live IPL cricket matches will be shown in New Excelsior, Meghraj, Movie Gem, Roxy, Star City, Jai Ganesh, Saaz, Broadway, Ashok and Anil in Ulhasnagar (Thane), and Broadway in Bhiwandi, among others.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Akon dedicates a song to \'beautiful\' Kareena Kapoor
Mumabi : International R&B singer Akon, who is here to record songs for Shah Rukh Khan\'s film \"Ra.One\", says he is a big fan of the Bollywood superstar and that he will not only have shows in India during his world tour but would also do more work here soon.
\"I am a big fan of Shah Rukh. I am very familiar with Shah Rukh\'s work. I am meeting Kareena (Kapoor) for the first time today, \" Akon told reporters in a press conference here Tuesday.
He is not only singing but also composing song for \"Ra.One\".
\"I am also composing. You know, I will give him (Shah Rukh) a couple of versions of the song, the way I do it. And I will also integrate it with the traditional way the Bollywood films are done. I will give them options and they will decide, which one to use in the film, \" said Akon.
Produced by \"Red Chilies Entertainment\", \"Ra.One\" will see Shah Rukh playing a superhero.
Asked if he is planning to do more work with Indian music directors, he said: \"You will see me doing more things in India soon.\"
The singer insists he finds African entertainment culture quite similar to what he sees in India.
\"You know the tradition in Africa is not different from India. There is same type of entertainment going on, the difference is only in language. I always wanted to expand my horizon, explore and enjoy, \" said Akon who will soon go on a world tour.
He is looking forward to performances in India as well.
\"The world tour is coming soon and India is one of my biggest market so I will do number of shows here, \" said Akon.
The singer dedicated two lines from his song \"Beautiful\" to actress Kareena Kapoor, who was present at the event. She plays female lead in \"Ra.One\".
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
\"I am a big fan of Shah Rukh. I am very familiar with Shah Rukh\'s work. I am meeting Kareena (Kapoor) for the first time today, \" Akon told reporters in a press conference here Tuesday.
He is not only singing but also composing song for \"Ra.One\".
\"I am also composing. You know, I will give him (Shah Rukh) a couple of versions of the song, the way I do it. And I will also integrate it with the traditional way the Bollywood films are done. I will give them options and they will decide, which one to use in the film, \" said Akon.
Produced by \"Red Chilies Entertainment\", \"Ra.One\" will see Shah Rukh playing a superhero.
Asked if he is planning to do more work with Indian music directors, he said: \"You will see me doing more things in India soon.\"
The singer insists he finds African entertainment culture quite similar to what he sees in India.
\"You know the tradition in Africa is not different from India. There is same type of entertainment going on, the difference is only in language. I always wanted to expand my horizon, explore and enjoy, \" said Akon who will soon go on a world tour.
He is looking forward to performances in India as well.
\"The world tour is coming soon and India is one of my biggest market so I will do number of shows here, \" said Akon.
The singer dedicated two lines from his song \"Beautiful\" to actress Kareena Kapoor, who was present at the event. She plays female lead in \"Ra.One\".
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Five killed in attack on aid agency in Pakistan
The victims, including two women, were all Pakistanis, reports say.
The attack took place on the office of the World Vision in Mansehra district, 65 km (40 miles), north of Islamabad, the police said.
Islamic militants have attacked offices of foreign NGOs in the past in Pakistan, correspondents say.
Police official Sajid Khan told the AFP news agency that some armed people had \"stormed\" the building of the NGO.
\"There was firing and also an explosion inside,\" he said.The police said that the gunmen opened fire and exploded grenades once inside the building.One unidentified aid worker said the gunmen had \"engaged in battle with the police\" inside the building.
Attacks on aid workers are not uncommon in Pakistan.In February 2008, British aid agency Plan International suspended its operations in Pakistan after three of its workers were killed in an attack on its office in Mansehra.
Correspondents say Mansehra in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) had served as a base for militants operating in Afghanistan and Kashmir.
Militant groups and religious parties in Pakistan have often accused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of spreading \"vulgarity\" in society.
This is because the NGOs mostly employ women workers and organise mixed social gatherings in line with their professed policy of gender equality, observers say.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The attack took place on the office of the World Vision in Mansehra district, 65 km (40 miles), north of Islamabad, the police said.
Islamic militants have attacked offices of foreign NGOs in the past in Pakistan, correspondents say.
Police official Sajid Khan told the AFP news agency that some armed people had \"stormed\" the building of the NGO.
\"There was firing and also an explosion inside,\" he said.The police said that the gunmen opened fire and exploded grenades once inside the building.One unidentified aid worker said the gunmen had \"engaged in battle with the police\" inside the building.
Attacks on aid workers are not uncommon in Pakistan.In February 2008, British aid agency Plan International suspended its operations in Pakistan after three of its workers were killed in an attack on its office in Mansehra.
Correspondents say Mansehra in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) had served as a base for militants operating in Afghanistan and Kashmir.
Militant groups and religious parties in Pakistan have often accused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of spreading \"vulgarity\" in society.
This is because the NGOs mostly employ women workers and organise mixed social gatherings in line with their professed policy of gender equality, observers say.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
IBM Will Research Mobile Access for the Aged and Illiterate
IBM is teaming with researchers in academic institutions in Japan and India to explore an open, common user interface for mobile devices that will make them easier for aged or illiterate people around the world to use.
The company is doing the research with the National Institute of Design (NID) in India and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo, it said Tuesday.
The findings of the research and any applications or technology developed will be released to the open-source community, said Nitendra Rajput, Open Collaborative Research lead at IBM Research India. IBM\'s Open Collaborative Research program aims to promote innovation through research collaboration between universities and industry.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
The company is doing the research with the National Institute of Design (NID) in India and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo, it said Tuesday.
The findings of the research and any applications or technology developed will be released to the open-source community, said Nitendra Rajput, Open Collaborative Research lead at IBM Research India. IBM\'s Open Collaborative Research program aims to promote innovation through research collaboration between universities and industry.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com
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