News It Is...

Sorry for Letting You Down (Add Names of Victim Here)

2015-09-05T15:33:00.001-07:00

The sensational Sheena Bora murder case has divided the country into three camps - one who think the 25-year old was murdered by her own mother- Indrani Mukerjea; another that have no clue what is going on; and a third, who are disgusted at the 'rabid' witch-hunt launched by the Indian media.

While there is no denying that the story is intriguing and deserves the attention but coverage should be based on fact.

But till now the reporting has been bizarre, macabre and in some quarters downright witch-hunty.

Indian media not only has gone overboard in handling the stories, and in some twisted way it is actually punishing "Sheena" by mixing up the facts with fiction.

The line separating yellow journalism and truth has brazenly been erased by the TRP seeking "story-tellers." While the investigations on the case is still on, most media houses already have passed their judgement, and have found Indrani guilty.

The coverage - of the sensational murder case - in any other country would have been illegal, where the court could hold the media in contempt for "prejudicing or interfering with proceedings."

The handling of Sheen Bora case just goes to show that we have not learned the lesson. The 2008 murder of the 14-year-old Aarushi Talwar, remains the most "shameful" chapters of Indian journalism that shows how news gossips are being packaged as "hard news". The myopic baseless "pulp" news stories spurned out by gossip writers, quoting unnamed dubious sources, fed the curious perverted imagination of the masses. They destroyed the dignity of a dead child, all in the name of "Freedom of Press."

While in the Great Wide West there is a clear demarcation on tabloid newspapers and hard news dailies; sadly no such distinction exists in Indian media, where all news channels and newspapers hunt together as a pack of 'mangy rabid dogs' with no decency and shame.

In UK, The Sun and The Guardian do a splendid job on catering to their specific readers while maintaining their respective journalistic stance. But that is not the case in India and Sheena murder case has proved it to us that even respected news publications such as The Telegraph could not resist the temptation.

Instead of being the Fourth Estate, Indian media today behaves as a rich obese kid, who loves nothing but the junk. He is gaining mass, expanding from all places but what the growth is actually harmful and does no one any good.

In their vain attempt to out do their competitors, news televisions channels come up with baseless allegations without even thinking the repercussions of such claims on the lives of the individuals concerned.

In some way Indian media turning it the very Khap Panchayats that it so often ridicules. Our so-called journalists are no better than these backward Khap leaders, when they pass judgement without even understanding the issue.

But who do we blame really? While pointing at the greedy televisions channels is an easy way-out, the real culprit is the silent audience, who 24/7 is being forced fed - in the name of "Breaking News" utter useless content.

The problem is the media does not take THE PUBLIC seriously and it will continue to do so, till somebody shakes down the structures of the existing so-called "fourth estate" of our society.

And till that happens, Sheena, Aarushi and many such victims will be crucified again and again....

VIDEO: Viral Clip Shows Young Elephant Fight off 14 Lions Alone!

2014-11-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

Who said Lion is the king of the jungle? After watching this video you will surely change your mind.

This extraordinary YouTube video, shot by the guests on the Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia's Chinzombo Camp, has become the last online sensation.On the last count the video have had 17,224,946 views and was still gaining.

The baby elephant - now being hailed as Hercules after Greek hero - bravely fended himself against the predators.

Assaulted by 14 hunting lions, Hercules - new KING OF THE JUNGLE, literally gives a lioness a run for her life. Fearlessly it fought back the onslaught and finally managed to live another day.

Watch how this brave baby elephant chases off one of the African savannah's most feared predators:

Five Reasons Why 100 per cent FDI in Defence is a Welcome Move

2014-07-15T13:01:00.001-07:00

For long the debate has been raging on bringing a more flexible Foreign Direct Investment policy in Defence. However, for long there has been a constant opposition towards any decision to increase FDI cap in India.

Recently, the commerce and industry ministry sent in a circular calling in for inter-ministerial consultations to raise FDI limit in defence sector to 100 per cent through the approval route. In the past, the move would have been bogged down by its opponents; however, this time there is a sure chance that the FDI could be brought in 100 per cent in defence.

Here are five reasons, it is about time, the ruling Modi-government should bring in the FDI:

It was back in May 2001 that the Indian government threw open the defence industry to the private sector. The policy permitted 100 per cent equity with a maximum of 26 per cent FDI component, and in it lay its defeat. It clear from the start that the policy won't attract the investors for a simple matter of fact that which investor would venture into a country where he could not significant control over his company, but face all risks with no absolute guarantee whether the product will be purchase at all or not. And by 2004,the government was forced to confess that it has not received even a single investor.
Those opposed to 100 per cent FDI raise security concerns as an issue in allowing the flexible policy in defence. But what they forget is the fact that at present India procures almost all of its critical weapons system from outside. But by allowing FDI in defence, India can ensure that company's deliver what they have promised,further it can insulate itself from any sought of embargo. And to curb any malpractise, the government can easily bring in necessary security clauses in the license,including the right to take over a facility if required in an operational emergency.
Since currently, the equipments for the defense services are imported, it causes considerable burden on India's foreign exchange. Experience has taught us, these multi-billion deals often bring in corruption, but 100 per cent FDI can curb such practises. And by having the foreign defence units in India, the country can strengthen rupee by saving the foreign exchange and over a period of time, these defence weapons can be exported out of India.
By bringing in full share FDI, the government will be able to create couple of million jobs and which in turn will add 2 per cent to India's GDP.
The FDI in defence will bring in a severe competition for India's research agency -Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Even after spending crores of rupees on R&D, the public sector under-taking's performance has been below par. By bringing FDI, the government can create a competitive atmosphere for the DRDO and its agencies,that would then be pushed towards bringing in path-breaking products.

(The article was also published on IBTimes,India Edition)

Wow MOM goes India! Mission Mars how big a leap is it really for India?

2013-11-05T05:56:00.001-08:00

After India's successful unmanned Chandrayaan mission to the Moon in 2008 that brought back the first clinching evidence of the presence of water there, the Mars mission, according to K Radhakrishnan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), is a "natural progression."

The last updates from ISRO informed – All subsystems of ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) spacecraft have been Powered ON in orbit. Health of the spacecraft is confirmed normal. Solar Panel and Reflector deployments have been completed successfully. Spacecraft has achieved the first orbit of 246.9 by 23,566.69 km around Earth.

India's 1,350kg (2,976lb) robotic satellite which is undertaking the 10-month-long, over 200-million-kilometre journey to Mars is equipped with five instruments.

They include a sensor to track methane or marsh gas - a possible sign of life - on Mars, a colour camera for taking pictures, and a thermal imaging spectrometer to map the surface and mineral wealth of the planet. The mission will also analyse the thin Martian atmosphere.

Is this about a sense of achievement?

China has beaten India in space in almost every aspect so far: it has rockets that can lift four times more weight than India's, and in 2003, successfully launched its first human space flight which India has not yet embarked on. China launched its maiden mission to the Moon in 2007, ahead of India, as reported in BBC.

BBC further reports - India sees the MOM as an opportunity to beat its regional rival China in reaching the planet, especially after a Russian mission carrying the first Chinese satellite to Mars failed in November 2011. Japan also failed in a similar effort in 1998.

Space Odyssey is long way home!

The Hindu reported -

The successful launch of the country’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on Tuesday, is only part of the country’s first inter-planetary venture story. The space odyssey is long and complex.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is now looking forward to two key dates — December 1, 2013 when the MOM spacecraft leaves the earth’s sphere of influence and September 24 next year, when it’s captured by Martian orbit.

The spacecraft launched on Tuesday would go around the earth for 25 days before the ISRO plans to do trans-Mars injection at 0.42 hours on December 1 enabling it to undertake the long voyage towards the Red planet.

“This injection has to be precise as it will estimate where the satellite would be on September 24, 2014 — plus or minus 50 kms from the designated orbit around Mars (366 kms X 80,000 kms),” an ISRO official told PTI.

As the spacecraft approaches the Martian orbit, ISRO would reduce the velocity so that it’s captured by Martian orbit; otherwise if it continues with the same velocity, it would fly past Mars.

“Being a complex mission of this nature, any day you advance (of the 300-day journey from earth to Mars), it’s a progress,” ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan said.

ISRO has incorporated autonomous features in MOM spacecraft to handle contingencies.

“As it moves towards Mars, given the distance between Mars and earth, you will encounter communication delay 20 minutes one way. It means when signals are sent from ground stations, it will take 20 minutes to reach the spacecraft. For about 40 minutes (including time for return communication), there will be a occasion when you do not know what’s happening,” an ISRO official said.

Autonomous features would ensure that the craft takes its own decisions until commands are sent from the ground — in case of malfunction, it would switch over to redundant systems and on occasions, goes into the safe mode, turning its antenna towards earth and solar panels toward sun to build up optimum power, the official explained.

In a first, US Woman gets ticket for wearing Google Glass. A good precedent?

2013-11-01T05:59:00.002-07:00

If talking over the phone is an offense, certainly wearing Google Glass and driving should come under the same rule of law.

In what would set a precedent for the futuristic a woman was pulled over by a San Diego cop for speeding, and ticketed for wearing Google Glass.

Cecilia Abadie, a software developer, told The Associated Press that she was not using her Google Glass when she was pulled over.It's unclear whether a citation for Google Glass has been issued before.Abadie said she is surprised that wearing the glasses would be illegal and that she's "pretty sure" she will fight the ticket."The law is not clear, the laws are very outdated," Abadie said, suggesting that navigating with the device could be less distracting than with a GPS device or phone.

The eyeglasses, which are not yet widely available to the public, feature a hidden computer and a thumbnail-size transparent display screen above the right eye. Users can scan maps for directions -- as well as receive web search results, read email and engage in video chats -- without reaching for a smartphone.

While the issue has certain racked up a furious debate, it goes without saying that 'using Google Glass while driving certainly should come under the purview of the law.' A technology is meant to assist us and not to hinder.

Can anybody assure that somebody using the Google Glass is doing a responsible thing,while doing so driving?

Cecilia Abadie may be all in her rights to challenge the 'ticket' but News It Is firmly supports the fact that devices such as Google Glass or a mobile phone can not be held above the life of another road user and if for that one time when you got distracted !

As of now the Legislators in Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia have already introduced bills that would ban driving with Google Glass. And the officer who issued the ticket should actually be congratulated, for standing his ground and setting a precedent.

End of an Era: Singer, songwriter and guitarist Lou Reed dies at 71

2013-10-28T12:23:00.002-07:00

The New York Times reports - Lou Reed, the singer, songwriter and guitarist whose work with the Velvet Underground in the 1960s had a major influence on generations of rock musicians, and who remained a powerful if polarizing force for the rest of his life, died on Sunday(October 27,2013) at his home in Amagansett, N.Y., on Long Island. He was 71.

The cause was liver disease, said Dr. Charles Miller of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where Mr. Reed had liver transplant surgery this year and was being treated again until a few days ago.

It was also reported that Reed’s literary agent, Andrew Wylie, said that the musician had been in frail health for months. Sadly, it was determined that Reed’s end-stage liver disease could no longer be treated, and he decided to return to the home he shared with his wife, fellow musician Laurie Anderson

Best of Lou Reed: The essentials

No Formula for Indian GP, it stops at Pit Shop: Indian GP 2013, Vettel clenches title

2013-10-27T05:01:00.001-07:00

Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany drove an impeccable race to win his third straight Indian Grand Prix and become the undisputed Formula 1 drivers' champion.

Vettel, who finished the race with an impressive time, became the youngest ever four-time world champion and also matched the prestigious record of legends Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio of winning 4 consecutive titles.

Vettel's teammate Mark Webber led the race for the most part but a gearbox problem in lap 40 forced the Australian to retire and thereby shatter his dreams of gaining an Indian podium finish.

Sahara Force India's Adrian Sutil too impressed with his driving as the German was in the top 5 until the 41st lap. However, a change in medium set of tyres force him to drop down the roster. (As reported by TOI.)

It was a close match,especially Lap 31-35: When Webber sets the fastest lap but was still 10 seconds behind Vettel. At this point, Vettel went to the pits for the second time handing the lead to his teammate. However, Webber made his second pit stop on the following lap handing back the lead to Vettel. On lap 34, Vettel was informed by his team that he needs to preserve the tyres for the entire race after setting the fastest lap. In all, Sutil was holding on to his fourth position but was yet to make a pit stop.

Match Tally

But whats in the future! No GP in 2014

F1 big boss Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that the 2014 Indian Formula1 Grand Prix edition won’t be coming to India. Instead, the next two editions of the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit could be deferred to March 2015 and March 2016 respectively. In the meantime, Jaypee Sports, the body that owns the Buddh F1 Circuit and runs the F1 race in India will have to fix the taxation related issues. The F1 teams are said to be unhappy with the Indian government.

Until then, Indian motorsport fans will have to make do with the WSBK motorcycle races scheduled for November.

Celebrity Quotient Lacking

Celebrity quotient was found to be lacking in this edition. However, all eyes were on a sari-clad Jessica Michibata, a fashion model and girlfriend of McLaren driver Jenson Button. The shutterbugs couldn't keep there eyes off her.

Among others celebrities who were spotted at the BIC were actress Gul Panag, Union Minister Shahi Tharoor and his wife Sunanda Pushkar, ace double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, chairman of Sahara India Pariwar and part owner of Sahara Force India team Subrata Roy and his wife Sapna Roy and Force India team principal Vijay Mallya.

'Batman: Arkham Origins': Game gets bigger, but just a lil better from the past

2013-10-26T03:34:00.001-07:00

The Verdict in Short -

There is much frenzy going on about this new game in town. It is good, but not great, just pretty good. You will enjoy it, but you won't go ga ga over it. Next to Arkham City, Arkham Origins is a bit of a disappointment. But you still should try it.

So what's the storyline - (buy it from Amazon)

The story takes place on Christmas Eve, with Black Mask putting out a $50 million bounty on Batman's head and 8 of the top assassins in Batman's rogue's gallery gunning for him. It's up to a younger Batman, in his 2nd year on the streets, to put an end to the night and take back control. This is Batman in his 2nd year, so he is still on bad terms with the police but does have Alfred to talk to for help and a full Batcave to train in. Having wrapped up the main campaign, I think it's overall a improvement on what we got from Arkham City in terms of game design. There were plenty of fun little twists and cameos that will make any Batman fan happy to see. I really liked that you had pretty much free reign to run around and tackle challenges as you please, and just stop what you're doing and tackle an ongoing crime if you wanted to. There's lots of side stuff to do for the Batman fans/completionists. One thing that is kind of jarring is that there's no one but criminals out on the streets, nor any traffic at all. It would have been great to see some life in the city, but they put in a plot device to explain that.

What people have to say about it -

Good Game, Bad Multiplayer says- Chance Woods -

So i preorderd the game earlier this summer and got it at the midnight release, i went home and played it until 6 in the morning only to realize i was only 10% done with the campaign, from the first 6 hours the game was amazing i assume there are at least 60 hours in the campaign or more.
After a while i headed over to the multiplayer, you have to go in to a lobby and out again about two or three times before actually getting into a game, but once in the multiplayer is good, going for around a 7/10 the game is quite thrilling never knowing when Batman or Robin could take you out, but after it all the game getting a 4/5 is good, i took a star out because of the loading times of the multiplayer and some bad gameplay mechanics, but overall this is an amazing game and one of the few coming out on Xbox 360 before the Xbox One hits stores. Good game i highly recommend it!

What else!

A solid Batman game in its own right says - Genryu

WB Montreal had a big task taking over the reigns from Rocksteady, the original studio behind Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. The result is that Arkham Origins feels like a tweaked and polished version of Arkham City, with new voices, new gadgets, a fresh open storyline, a new environment, and other bonuses like detective investigations. The same great combat system that made the first two games great is still there largely untouched, just with a combat grading system and training area to help build you up for the boss fights and really become Batman at his prime. I've read some mixed reviews on the game, but as a Batman fan and action-adventure game fan Arkham Origins gets my approval. I've put a summary of the different aspects of the game below in some more detail. I plan to keep this spoiler free as best I can.

Russell Brand Vs. Jeremy Paxman - A Comdy of Errors

2013-10-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

BBC Newsnight’s Jeremy Paxman and comedian Russell Brand seems to have created an increased interest among many, on the 'vague' but seemingly genuine ideas bring propagated by the actor-comedian-yoga enthusiast and now a chirpy activist.

From being a drug addict to dating one starlet after another Russel Brand has come a long way. For many his words carry the merry bias that one has reserved for a clown.

His biggest task to date as now being the guest editor one of the most popular and historically important weekly magazines in the U.K, the New Statesman.

Paxman and Russel showdown has gone viral and certainly the marketing strategy of The New Stateman seems to have worked. (The 4,500 word manifesto by Russel Brand)

Some memorable rebuttals from the show:

"Jeremy, you've spent your whole career berating and haranguing politicians and when someone like me says they're all worthless, and what's the point in engaging with them, you have a go at me for not being poor anymore."

And here is an explaination why he doesn't vote:

"It is not that I am not voting out of apathy. I am not voting out of absolute indifference and weariness and exhaustion from the lies, treachery and deceit of the political class that has been going on for generations."

Here is a full video for the interview

Pakistani Intelligence Agency -ISI works with Terrorists - US Report

2013-10-24T10:49:00.001-07:00

While Pakistan and US may find themselves embroiled in a tug of war over the drone attacks, India maybe able to find itself in a improved position. The revelations in the Washington Post certainly have come at a right time, when India has been strongly repelling the attacks on its border by the terrorists alleged to be operating in tandem with the ISI.

The Washington Post that will certainly dampen the position of Pakistani government that has raising much furor in its country over the drone attacks. Even Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his US visit has made 'drone' attacks as his main point of debate with the US.

In all what seems to be a way to loosen up Islamabad that has been harping against the U.S., the report categorically states that it was Pakistan that helped the US in identifying the locations and setting up the target. The report but doesn't stop there and further goes on to indict, Pakistan on its close-tie ups with the militants.

As per the Washington Post report -

Some files describe tense meetings in which senior U.S. officials, including then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, confront their Pakistani counterparts with U.S. intelligence purporting to show Pakistan’s ties to militant groups involved in attacks on American forces, a charge that Islamabad has consistently denied.

In one case, Clinton cited “cell phones and written material from dead bodies that point all fingers” at a militant group based in Pakistan, according to a Pakistani diplomatic cable dated Sept. 20, 2011. “The U.S. had intelligence proving ISI was involved with these groups,” she is cited as saying, referring to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency.

In a measure of the antagonism between the two sides, a 2010 memo sent by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to its embassy in Washington outlined a plan to undermine the CIA.

“Kindly find enclosed a list of 36 U.S. citizens who are [believed] to be CIA special agents and would be visiting Pakistan for some special task,” said the memo, signed by an official listed as the country’s director general for the Americas. “Kindly do not repeat not issue visas to the same.”

India that in that last one year has seen several border violations with Pakistan has time and again raised its finger accusing its neighbour of cross-border terrorism. While New Delhi has accepted the role of ISI in aiding the terror cells, the revelation in the Washington Post, will only further strengthen India's credibility before the world.

Monetary Peace: Strengthen Indian economy, US will keep Pakistan on leash

2013-10-20T17:57:00.001-07:00

When Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last visited the White House in 2009 he was feted at President Barack Obama's first state dinner, a star-studded affair that reflected the excitement about blooming ties between the two big democracies.

Back then, India was being seen as a counterbalance to a rising China. But times have changed, Indian rupee is fast losing is sheen. While India US ties have certainly seen an improved but talking in strict terms it has gained too little.

Besides, the economic issues, the most persistent thorn in the growth of India, is its cousin Pakistan. While India has been battling a slew of cross border violations from Pakistan, the latter seems to be gaining its favour in Washington.

As reported in Foxnews, The U.S. has quietly decided to release more than $1.6 billion in military and economic aid to Pakistan that was suspended when relations between the two countries disintegrated over the covert raid that killed Usama bin Laden and deadly U.S. airstrikes against Pakistani soldiers.

Officials and congressional aides said ties have improved enough to allow the money to flow again.

American and NATO supply routes to Afghanistan are open. Controversial U.S. drone strikes are down. The U.S. and Pakistan recently announced the restart of their "strategic dialogue" after a long pause. Pakistan's new prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, is traveling to Washington for talks this coming week with President Barack Obama.

While cross border terrorism has remained a top agenda for Delhi, Islamabad has forever been trying to get US to solve the border issue. However, what Delhi really needs is a stronger resolve to strengthen its economy and if once again, India can get back on track, the U.S. will invariably be forced to keep Pakistan on a tighter leash.

When it comes to relations with U.S. one has to understand that it is purely business. U.S. can never be a trusted friend, only a useful ally and it will always be in the interest of India to be resourceful. Whatever said and done, at the end of the day India is the only country on the southeastern map of Asia that can in actual terms boast of a stable government.

Muslim bais exists - media,police both reflect it.

2013-02-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

A day after securing his release from the Parapanna Agrahara central jail, journalist Muthi Ur Rehman,who was arrested on serious charges such as ‘waging war against the nation’, hit out against the investigation agencies and media for its attitude towards ‘Muslims.’

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Muthi Ur Rehman,who spent six months languishing in the city central jail said, “The way we were arrested and the way we were treated shows there is a need for ‘sensitising the investigating agencies’ towards minorities such as Muslims.”

“It goes to show that there is no fairness in the way minorities such as Muslims, the poor and the powerless are treated by the police. Even the way the media acted soon after the arrest reflects this bias,” added Mr Siddique.

Further referring to several Muslim languishing in jails across the country, he said, “This whole issue is not just about me, but it's about hundreds of Muslims languishing in jails across the country. I was fortunate that in my case justice was done, even though it was delayed.” He also said that media should consider the other ‘accused innocent till the court finds them guilty.’ “I was branded the mastermind, if I am free of all charges, the other should also be let off,” he stated.

The 26 year old journalist, who was working with a daily newspaper also hit out against the media for failing to report accurately. “In this case, even media forgot the ABC(Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity) of journalism. Since we were qualified Muslims such as doctors, engineers etc..the media got carried away. However, I am happy now at least some sense has prevailed,” he said.

Replying to a specific question, why were the fifteen accused arrested in the first place, Muthi Ur said, “I think and I say this as a theory and not as a fact. I think it was an effort to polarize the community [Muslim].” Further he added, “I think had I nott been a Muslim, I would never have been arrested in the first place. And if I had been arrested, I would have been let off much earlier.”

Terming the jail as a ‘horrible place,’ Muthi Ur Rehman Siddique said that that he was hopeful of continuing his job as a journalist, which is his passion and would like to soon get back to it.

Chalo Murga Bano! Karnataka Politicos hold ears in shame

2012-02-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

Karnataka politicos on Tuesday morning suddenly struck by a sense of guilt and shame attempted to offer apologies to the people of the state....awwwkward!!!!!!!!

Murga...mamu bana raha hai :P

In Japan's aid: Extend your help!

2011-03-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

The death toll from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that shook Japan and a subsequent tsunami is in the hundreds and is expected to rise.

Here are some ways to help disaster victims affected by the earthquake:

The Red Cross is organizing efforts to help. You can donate to the effort by visiting the Red Cross's donation website or by texting REDCROSS to 90999, which will in turn donate $10, according to a Huffington Post article.

Save the Children, the world's leading independent organization for children, released a statement today that the organization is "mobilizing its global resources to respond to the needs of children and families affected by the earthquake and its aftermath, and an international emergency team has been dispatched to assist staff in Japan." Those looking to donate to that effort can visit Save the Children's donation page.

Global Giving has set up a fund-raising effort that has raised thousands of dollars so far and "will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami," according to the Global Giving donor website. Donors can choose to give a one-time or recurring donation of anywhere between $25 and $1,000.

You can also donate through:

SALVATION ARMY

CONVOY OF HOPE

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS

SHELTER BOX

The Google Person Finder has been set up for those looking to locate loved ones in Japan. The link to that site is: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en.

Do you know of any other ways to donate or help those in need following Japan's earthquake? Comment.

Woman in control - A salute to Bangalore's first lady city transport driver

2011-03-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

Photo: Sudhakar Jain-NIE Photographer

At an age,when her classmates were learning stitching and other household chores, Prema,who is now officially the first city bus driver,rode bikes and learned driving buses.

But for Prema Ramappa Nadabatti, the realisation of her ambition took a long road from Gokak in Belgaum to Bangalore and 24-years of waiting to bring to pass,what she dreamt as a sixteen year old.

Now a single mother,Prema drives the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses on routes as challenging as Shivaji Nagar to KR Market and Brigade Road to Electronic City.

Prema,however, is a believer that if you have determination,there is nothing that is impossible. "When I was a child,I wanted to learn bicycle but it was scary in the beginning,later it was so much easier and it was the same with driving a bus as well," Prema says.

"There are challenges,but there is nothing impossible," she adds with a smile.

In a profession such as driving public transport buses - which is primarily dominated by men,for Prema,it is the support and encouragement of male colleagues and supervisors that put her on the right path.

"All my male colleagues cheered when I first took the bus and even on the roads in traffic,bikers when they see me driving give me a thumps up," says this mother of a single child.

Prema,before joining BMTC, was with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation,however, since there she was given the job of a conductor,she opted for BMTC.

Life,however, is still difficult for this 'lady' BMTC driver,who alone has to shoulder the education of her son,who is in first standard now. She gets a salary of ` 3,000 along with extra ` 60 per day,when she drives the Pushpak as driver cum conductor.

"There are days,when my whole body starts to aches due to physical strain,but I am happy because, I am doing what I wanted to do," she adds.

Ambitions such as of Prema are made of sterner stuff,who understands the challenges of her profession,but knows what she can accomplish. Now next she wants to be first woman Volvo driver in Bangalore.

oh aye! aye! The Irish loss worth 2000 UK Pounds!

2011-03-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Irish Creamed the Indians on Sunday(March 6). India's victory thus was a lousy one. But sadly, a case of missing sporting kit added to the valorous defeat of The Boondock Saints.

The tale of misfortune but got extended a wee bit for the Irish left-handed batsman and wicket-keeper, Niall O'Brien,whose kit bag with sporting equipment worth 2000 British Pound was stolen from Hotel Royal Gardenia,where the Irish team was staying.

The cricketer has filed a case with the Bangalore Police. For the readers of this post, a copy of the complaint letter has been put up. While anybody, who knows anything about the matter can contact the Cubbon Park Police.

What a shame!

(Click to view the Complaint letter)

Sorry Folks had to blind the address details and phone number for security reasons!

of a mangled lotus and mangy pets: BJP Karnataka

2010-05-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

"A lotus is born in dirty water, it grows on dirty water but rises out of dirty water to stand above it unsoiled..."

It is all dirty business for BJP in Karnataka. For long it has been raising venomous pets that were let loose for any thing that would further it political-stay in the state.

But what happens when you have literally spoiled your pet? Well, then you have a rowdy Muthalik or a tantrum-wielding spoiled Reddy on your throat.

The BJP government that stormed to victory like a proud mustang, today stands more like a shriveled lotus surrounded by mangy dogs. Even the 'yours-truly' saffron loving small-time admirers have given up on the government.

"BJP in Karnataka is like another government," a BJP supporting friend remarked recently. On being pressed on what does he mean, he explained, "They are just trying to stay in power, the ideology is no more important and they are behaving just like the others (JD(S)/Congress)."

In short, he realised that BJP too was just another political party cashing in on the deep-long rooted hatred. Of course, he never said it loud.

How helpless and shackled the BJP government in Karnataka is? The Yeddy government,which was quick to book charges against the sleazy Nithyananda, grew cold feet when Tehelka's Rent-a-Riot expose on Ram Sene Chief Pramod Muthalik hit the news.

BJP gave Muthalik a free run in the state-- A barking dog that bit when it was ordered to and such dogs go rabid,when shackled and they never go down without taking you along.

So that very much explains the government's stance on the matter. "The government has no official stand(but they have an unofficial stand) on this issue," Yeddy was quoted by the newspapers.

But can you expect BJP have a stand on the issue? You don't throw stones at your own 'mangy pet.' Do you?

So its conclusive that government is not going to do anything about it and since time has a way of making us forget things, Muthalik's 'bare act' also would be forgotten.

But can it be forgiven?

First it were Reddy's, then romped Halappa and now Muthalik- together they would bring this government on its knees.

The Lotus in Karnataka is mangled, it grew on the dirt but it forgot to stand straight, it stooped too low, with the dirt.

children of a lesser god...

2010-04-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

Picture used without permission from TOI - Bangalore Times

Is it ok, to put children from lower economic families on display for a ten buck beauty pageant? Is this really promoting a social cause? I found it disturbing...

Relationships Only Get Funnier!!

2010-03-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

Face Recognition Technology: What an AD-ea sirji!!

2010-03-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ad by Ogilvy & Mather,Bangalore :)

War is a drug: The Hurt Locker

2010-02-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching: The Hurt Locker. It certainly is another great addition to the war movies, but once again helps us in redefining the idea of a War.

The opening statement in itself is best:

The Rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug

Most dialogues is engaging and perfect from beginning to end. Here is one:

Spc. Owen Eldridge: Aren't you glad the Army has all these tanks parked here? Just in case the Russians come and we have to have a big tank battle?
Sergeant JT Sanborn: I'd rather be on the side with the tanks, just in case, than not have them.
Spc. Owen Eldridge: Yeah, but they don't do anything. I mean, anyone comes alongside a Humvee, we're dead. Anybody even looks at you funny, we're dead. Pretty much the bottom line is, if you're in Iraq, you're dead. How's a fucking tank supposed to stop that?
Sergeant JT Sanborn: Would you shut the fuck up, Owen?
Spc. Owen Eldridge: Sorry. Just tryin' to scare the new guy.

A fire. All smoke but Bangalore Cares!

2010-02-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

The mishap at the Carlton Towers on Tuesday claimed lives, injured many and this blog mourns over everything that went wrong.

But this one small incidence also taught me personally that people do care. There was goodwill, there was bravery and there were prayers.

Some of those stuck in the building bravely kept tweeting about the incidence while assuaging their loved ones. The entire blogosphere turned its attention to the Carlton Towers, hoping for the safety for those stuck. A few even started circulating helpline numbers, whereas others gave directions to commuters to take different routes.

And as the news channels repeatedly started showing the clippings of the victims jumping off from the building once again, they turned to the twitters and other tools for broadcasting their disgust. Many even drew points against the fire safety measures, including the fire department- which even this blog agrees needs way better training and technology.

But in all this and much more, lets stay united.

These Blasts Won't Bow Us Down: Tribute to the Victims

2010-02-13T12:21:00.001-08:00

It is unfortunate that lives have been lost. But they will be lost, till the time there are people, who undervalue others life.

Nine people, including five women were killed in the incident, while many were injured. The nation once came to a stand still, and watched in despair.

As Shashi Tharoor said in his Tweet msg: "Pune blasts still need2b investigated.But we must stand up &say we will not be terrorized. Not a time for blame game.Stay united &determined"

This blog pays its tribute to the dead and their grieving families.

Exactly an year after: Bomb blast rocks Pune, 9 killed

2010-02-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

A year back on February 17 in a failed attempt, the terrorists had tried to blow up a bus using gelatine sticks. But this time nine have been confirmed dead.

According to the state police and Intelligence Bureau a bomb blast took place at a bakery in Pune. An unattended package was spotted by one of the waiters at the bakery who tried to open the bag when it exploded. Till now eight people are confirmed dead," said Union Home Secretary GK Pillai.

He also said that Lashkar-e-Toiba operative David Coleman Headley, who is under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States of America, had surveyed the area including Osho Ashram.

A team of National Investigating Agency (NIA) and forensic experts of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to assist the investigations into the German Bakery blast in Pune.

Whereth goes the Peace talks???LeT hands suspected, would India withdraw its a gesture of friendship? Or btw i was thinking should we really be having this peace talk??

This Valentine Get The Control just for $19!!

2010-02-13T02:11:00.000-08:00

A perfect valentines day gift(for yourself).

It was a recent spat with a close friend,who happens to be a girl made me realise the importance of having a remote control that can adjust and modulate the entire man-woman conflict.

The entire episode has left a bitter taste in my mouth, but like the woman that The Woman is, it seems the whole mistake was just mine.

Now if I had this 'Control-Your-Woman' Talking Remote I know things would have been really different.

Its available on Amazon. They also have a pink Control-Your-Man Talking Remote for woman as well.

Visit Amazon: For controlling Woman For Controlling Man :) Happy Valentines Day!