Taazakhabar News

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Prakash Utsav – ready steady and go

2019-06-03T01:37:00.001-07:00

By Neeraj Mahajan & Ankit Mahajan

A number of Central Government, Punjab State Government, Private, Sikh as well as non-Sikh organizations in India and abroad are trying to outdo each other to celebrate the 550th Prakash Utsav or the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in a big way. Guru Nanak the first Sikh Guru is the founder and head of one of the most dynamic and vibrant religions in the world. This is what makes this Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab all the more significant.

The 550th Prakash Utsav is one of the most sacred festivals for people from different religions and faiths all over the world who adore and respect Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his preaching.

The Sikh religion revolves around 10 Sikh Gurus who gave a shape to the Sikh faith.

Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism, was born on Vaisakhi Day, April 5, 1469 at a place called Talwandi, now in the Shekhupura District of Pakistan. Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan, is the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday celebration generally begin with Prabhat Pheris or early morning processions starting from the Gurudwaras, with local people walking behind, in the procession sing hymns. Generally teams of singers sing the hymns while the other devotees take part in the chorus.

About say two days before the Guru Nanak Jayanti, Akhand Path (48 hour non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) in the Gurudwaras is one of the main centres of attention.

Some scholars believe that Guru Nanak Dev ji’s birthday should be celebrated on April 14 as per the Nanakshahi Calendar approved by Sri Akal Takht.

On the day of Gurpurab, celebrations start early morning at about 4 to 5 a.m. – Amrit Vela. This is followed by Asaa-Ki-Vaar (morning hymns) and Kirtan (hymns from the Sikh scriptures. Finally there is a Langar, a special community lunch. The idea behind all this is to sow the seads of community where everyone howsoever rich or poor and irrespective of caste, class or creed is an equal. The langar also symbolizes the spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion) – a sacred and inseparable element of the sikh religion.

This year the central government has issued directions to all Indian missions and embassies abroad to celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary in a grand manner and spread his message of universal brotherhood and peace.

The government of India has already kick started the preparations for the ceremony which will stretch across the globe for over a year. All Indian missions and embassies abroad will celebrate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary through seminars and ‘kirtans’ (hymn recitals).

According to former Supreme Court lawyer turned Indian External Affairs minister Shushma Saraj, “In this turbulent world, where violence and killings are prevalent, where people are being massacred in the name of religion, through this anniversary celebration, we want to spread the message of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus in the world.

The World Punjabi Organization- has also been roped in to partner with the government to give shape to a grand event and add color to the year-long celebration.

The External Affairs Ministry has directed that the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji the spiritual thinker and one of the greatest religious leaders of all times should be celebrated as ‘Universal Brotherhood Year!’

Meanwhile, Punjab, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has set-up three panels to oversee arrangements for the celebrations. The panel will oversee the development of infrastructure at the holy places as well as supervise the religious and cultural events.

Amarinder Singh has written to the Prime Minister to release about 4 billion for the celebrations.

Some of the steps being contemplated by the different wings of the government of India for the year long celebration starting November 23rd this year include a number of religious activities like kirtan, katha, prabhat pheri, langar and educational activities like seminars, workshops and lectures. Commemorative coin and postage stamp will also be released. The Shri Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC), in Amritsar will be the knowledge partner of the Government of India.

A national Institute of Inter Faith Studies will be set up in Punjab. In addition to this, chairs in the name of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are being set up in UK and Canada, apart from organizing an international seminar.

Doordarshan, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha TVs will live telecast programmes on Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Gurubani in different Indian and world languages will be published.

Sultanpur Lodhi will be developed as a heritage city incorporating ‘Pind Babe Nanak Da’. A high powered telescope will be installed in Indian territory to view Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan. The Sultanpur Lodhi railway station will be upgraded. A train will run passing through places associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The infectious spirit behind Guru Nanak Dev ji 550th Prakash Utsav also seems to have influenced the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP) in Pakistan which is making special preparations at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan.

Millions of People from across the globe are expected to converge at Nankana Sahib in Pakistan — the sacred birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Devji on 14th November. The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP) in Pakistan is making arrangements for accommodation, visa and security of the devotees who visit Pakistan to celebrate the Gurupurb festivities.

"GOCO” – free gifts for private sector

2019-04-28T01:24:00.001-07:00

The Indian Army is facing an acute deficiency of ammunition and spares. Almost 60-70 % of the army’s inventory is out-of-date and unserviceable due to lack of spares for repair, maintenance, and overhaul.
According to an internal audit - the Army is facing a critical shortage of artillery ammunition, tanks shells, fuses, and spares for all types of weapons.
The Indian Army’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which is the lifeline that supports the troops at heights above 20,000 feet and minus 50 degrees temperature in Siachen glacier – are themselves in trouble due to non-availability of spares. This is because HAL can produce only 10 % of the required spare

By Ankit Mahajan/ Dateline India Syndicate

These are just a few symptoms of a bigger problem faced by the Indian Armed Forces. But instead of admitting the problem – the Army Base Workshops which repair, maintain and overhaul the Army’s vehicle, weapons, radars, helicopters, night-vision devices and other electronic equipment are being ruthlessly truncated and revamped as suggested by the Lt Gen Shekatkar Committee under the "GOCO” (Government-Owned Contractor-Operated) scheme.

The Committee of Experts was mandated to scrutinize all organizations and every person paid out of the defense budget and find ways to cut down manpower by bringing in the private sector. This was the logic behind the "GOCO” (Government-Owned Contractor-Operated) scheme.

Towards this end, the Lt Gen Shekatkar Committee recommended shutting down all the eight Army base workshops (ABWs) – the jewels in the Corps of Electronic & Medical Engineers’ (EME) and Indian Army’s crown – which will cease to exist in their present form by this year-end. Though some of these establishments may be shut down permanently, the rest will be handed over– as a free gift under the government-owned contractor operated (GOCO) model.

Though MoD officials claim to be acting on the basis of the recommendations of Shekatkar committee report, the said report is not being shared with the public, resulting in doubts about the exact number of Army Base Workshops proposed to be shut down or privatized.

Some defense analysts maintain that initially the Ministry of Defence (MoD), was planning to restructure just two army advanced base workshops, one static workshop, three ordnance depots, and four army base workshops (ABWs). These included the 506 Army Base Workshop (Jabalpur), 508 Army Base Workshop (Allahabad), 510 Army Base Workshop (Meerut) and 512 Army Base Workshop (Kirkee).

Subsequently 505 Army Base Workshops (Delhi), 507 Army Base Workshops (Kankinara), 509Army Base Workshops (Agra) and 515 Army Base Workshops (Bengaluru) will be corporatized in the second phase. Other establishments on the chopping board include two Advanced Base Workshops at Narangi (Guwahati) and Udhampur (J&K); ordinance depot in Shakurbasti (Delhi), static workshop (Delhi), Central Ordnance Depot in Chheoki (UP) and Vehicle depot in Panagarh (WB).

This was as per a MoD communique which read, “The government will provide land, infrastructure, plant and machinery, equipment system support, oversight and facilitate the contractor... The contractor operates and utilizes the facilities available, manages all types of work and is also responsible to get required licenses’, certifications and accreditations to deliver mutually agreed targets and maintains the plant machinery and services integral to the venture.”

The content leaked-so-far, doesn’t explain why the command and control of the 8 Army Base Workshops need to be handed-over to Defense PSUs and private sector companies in the first place? Also, what is the rationale behind not asking the private sector companies to pay a single rupee for the land, plant, tools or machinery? Significantly the Army Base Workshops have hundreds of acres of land, in prime locations all over the country. Why is it being ‘offered’ to the civilian management in the private sector on the platter as a ‘free gift’?

“The above decisions have been taken in the overall interest of the Army and the Nation,” Minister of State for Defense Dr. Subhash Bhamre wrote to Kodikunnil Suresh, (MP, Lok Sabha) in a written reply. “How would shutting down depots and workshops or handing over businesses to private sector affect the national interest in the long run,” an All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) office bearer was quoted as saying.

According to a senior EME officer, all this is a sort of game being played by MoD to clip the wings of EME and place the 8 Army base workshops (ABWs) under the control of MoD as the civilian defense officers may be easier to manipulate than the Army Officers. This is exactly what happened in case of Military Farms – where everything from imported cows and huge lands is now being made to dance on the tips of bureaucrats in MoD.

While the Lt. Gen. Shekatkar Committee projected a saving of Rs 25,000 Crore over the next five years – the Government of India found only 65 of its 188 recommendations fit to be implemented. This clearly shows how the babus in the MoD only wish to see or hear what they like and what they don’t – is not worth knowing. Another pointer towards this is how even before the Shekatkar Committee submitted its report in Dec 2016, MoD officials had already started looking for PSUs and Civilian Companies to run the Army Base Workshops.

As per the saying, “more you sweat in peace, less you bleed in war” –the Army needs all its weapons and equipment in perfect working condition during day or night in war or peace. The ABWs help to maintain a powerful, mobile and combat-ready Army. The Army needs someone to not only repair the old or defective weapons and equipment – but also pick up a gun and fight like a soldier. This is the importance of EME and the ABWs in any ‘techno-mobile’ battlefield today or in the future.

The Army simply cannot do without the Army base workshops which repair things as soon as the defect is detected and maintain it there and then to ensure that there is no brake-down. This is the importance of the Army Base Workshops which repair, mend, modify and maintain the old, worn-out, unserviceable or unusable equipment – from a needle to tank, radar or helicopter and bring them back to life by periodic overhauling. This is also the concept behind "Zero Hour, Zero Kilometre-Restoration," which means stripping and reassembling all the nut-bolts to give new life to the old weapon system—to make it usable for a few more years.

“This is the difference … the teeth you are born with last mostly till the end, but a denture may not last so long. Similarly, no artificial device can support our body structure like the backbone. You can’t compare an original with an artificial”, said a former EME officer. This is precisely the reason why the Army, hasn’t even depended upon the ordnance factories to take care of weapons and equipment.

The problem here is not lack of human effort or inefficient working style but untimely availability and inadequate quantity or quality of spares. Till that happens; can even the privately held companies run the ABWs efficiently and effectively– without any transfer of technology or production, as well as appropriate and adequate quantity of spares in their pocket or stores – from day one?

Do the PSUs or Private Companies have the expertise or experience of running the ABWs? Will the private companies be able to give better results– without any transfer of technology or production of appropriate or adequate spares– from day one? This is something that concerns both India and the Indian Army. Hence, we cannot dismiss the whole affair lightly.

Arya Samaj has a great future ahead

2018-12-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Arya Samaj –meaning; a society of nobles — is a non-political, spiritual and social organization campaigning in favour of women’s education and widow remarriage while opposing caste discrimination. The main purpose behind the organization was to reform orthodox Hinduism in India.

President of Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Dharampal Arya belongs to a generation which has a great responsibility on its shoulders. The generation before him was totally committed to Arya Samaj the Hindu reformist movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. The greatest challenge before Arya and others in his age group is to ensure that the values, beliefs and principles mentioned in the Vedas reach the Generation X (influenced by MTV, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp) — so that they too abstain from idol worship and remain committed to the values promoted by Swami Dayanand in the holy book Satyarth Prakash (“the light of truth”). Excerpts from an interview with Neeraj Mahajan

At the time when it started, the people who initially joined the Arya Samaj – maybe in the generation before you were quite committed. Is the generation after you as committed or is their commitment getting diluted?

I would like to emphasize that the future of Arya Samaj is very bright. Do you know why? Well, that’s because the computer savvy new generation is not ready to say or accept anything that is not logical. You may try to pressurize them to whatever level; they will not accept something that does not satisfy their quest or hunger for the reason and at the same time seem rational or logical. For a brief moment, this might give the impression of dilution of values but because the founding principles behind Arya Samaj are deeply rooted in reason, logic and fulfilment of the quest for knowledge, I strongly believe that Arya Samaj has a great future.

Another point that I wish to make in this context, is that our youth today is totally disillusioned by the inappropriate behaviour and misdemeanour of the religious leaders or Godmen that have been reported in the media including those which haven’t been exposed yet in the last 5-10 years. This has hurt the youth very badly. That is why I can categorically say the Arya Samaj has a great future ahead.

I would like to make a clear-cut distinction between Arya Samaj as an institute and Arya Samaj as a thought. If you compare the two, you may say that Arya Samaj as an institute is not what it used to be and is weaker than what it used to be earlier. I am prepared to accept this but this does not mean that Arya Samaj is getting extinct. Today’s youth may vary of the term Arya Samaj but is definitely not averse to the Arya Samaj’s ideologies, thought and values. There is a synergy between the two because of the rational and logical elucidations that satisfy their intellectual quest. The youth today is quite motivated but even then if you say that this needs to be enhanced I would agree with you and say that just like you can climb up from good to better and best — there is no limit for further improvement.

What steps are you taking to satiate the mindset of the youth with your ideology and logic?

This change in perception is not something that can crop up because of the efforts of a single individual unless there is a collective effort by everyone involved who think and behave accordingly. Generally, it has been observed that people prefer to take the easiest way out in most situations. Arya Samaj does not encourage the easiest way. By the easiest way, I mean going to a temple, donating some money and bowing your head to get your heartfelt wish fulfilled. Alternatively, I go to a Mzaar, drape it with a sheet of cloth and light a few incense sticks to get all my lifelong sins forgiven. Arya Samaj does not believe in this concept. Arya Samaj’s viewpoint is that you will have to pay for whatever deeds you do. Extending this argument a little further, it means that if you have done 80 good deeds and 20 bad ones—this does not mean that you will get 80-20 = 60 payback or reward points. As per Arya Samaj’s ideology, there is no correlation between the two, you will separately get rewards for the 80 good conducts and 20 bad deeds. This is quite clear and there is no ambiguity in the Arya Samaj’s concept and belief. In other words, this means that I cannot give a false assurance to anyone as an individual or at the institutional level that if you come here regularly all your sins will be forgiven.

More Contact: http://taazakhabarnews.com/arya-samaj-has-a-great-future-ahead/

Schools are pushing sale of property in Pune

2018-09-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Pune has more hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities per square kilometer than most other cities in Maharashtra. A cursory study of pricing trends indicates that residential properties which are near to good secondary schools appreciate better than others.

By Kishor Pate

The Oxford of the East title is commonly used in context with Pune because of the number of reputed schools, colleges and management institutions in the city.Apart from the real estate spaces required for the many educational institutions seeking to make an entry or to expand in Pune, this fact has also served to drive demand for residential real estate.

Many families prefer living in Pune because of the variety of schools and colleges available within easily commutable distances. Reputable developers make it a point to source plots in areas that have ready access to these institutes by private and public transport. Large schools too have responded by ensuring that their own school bus services reach all parts of the city.

In fact, access to schools and colleges is an important criterion for families who are looking for homes in Pune. For that reason, property prices also tend to be higher in locations which are close to established educational institutions.Nevertheless, the marginal premium that home buyers pay for this convenience is still far lower than it is in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Nor does proximity to schools and colleges necessarily carry the same market clout in all cities.

In a city like Mumbai, home buyers are primarily concerned with buying flats that allow them to travel to and from work. In smaller cities like Pune, reaching work is not as serious a challenge.

Post Office for sending letters to God Ayyappa

2018-09-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

A unique post office near the famed Hindu temple at the Sabarimala hills allows you to post letters to God. It is used by people to post invitation cards for weddings and shop openings, seeking divine blessings from Lord Ayyappa

By Sanu George

Located near the famed Hindu temple at the Sabarimala hills, the post office may perhaps be the only one in the country which doesn’t work round the year. It comes alive when the peak pilgrimage season of the Ayyappa shrine begins on the first day of the Malayalam month in November, and the period ends towards the middle of January.

The post office is also open for 10 days during the Vishu season.

Functioning six days a week from 8 in the morning to 8 at night, the six employees, led by 23-year-old Sai G. Prakash, have a lot to do.

Prakash is happy to be here, and says he was a devotee of Lord Ayyappa.

“Our post office mostly gets invitation cards for weddings and shop openings addressed to Lord Ayyappa, obviously to seek divine blessings,” Prakash said.
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Most such mail come from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, he said.

Why people fear the police, in India?

2018-09-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

People in India fear the police as much as the criminals. Today many police officers are facing charges like brutality, torture and helping criminals or politicians – frame or eliminate opponents– to get promoted. This may lead to total breakdown of values and erosion of confidence in the criminal justice system.

By Samant Sekhri

“The police force is far from efficient; it is defective in training and organization; it is inadequately supervised; it is generally regarded as corrupt and oppressive; and it has utterly failed to secure the confidence and cordial co-operation of the people– Indian Police Commission (July, 1902) under the chairmanship of Sir A.H.L. Fraser concluded.

“yeh andar ki bat hai, Police hamarey saath hai . (Inside news: behind the scene support of police is with us) a graffiti left behind on the charred walls of a madrassa in Sundaramnagar, Gujrat read. In another incident, a policeman extracted diesel from his vehicle and offered it to the mob to set fire to a slum. In Orissa Police remained mere spectators as mobs looted and burnt Christian’s properties in curfew bound areas.

What is the role of the police in a democracy? Is it to protect the people or torment them? Can there be a society without any police? – A plethora of questions come to mind. But before we answer these questions let’s look at the image and perception about the police today.

The policemen in general are personnel empowered to enforce the law, protect property and reduce civil disorder – even to the extent of using legitimate force to do so. The term Police denotes purposeful maintenance of public order and protection of persons and property against commission of unlawful acts. In short one of the foremost purpose and role of the police is to instill a feeling of confidence – a sense of security in the people that they are safe and can sleep in peace because there is someone to protect them.

In spite of all this citizens in India can trust the police and fear the police as much as the criminals.

Despite catchy slogans and jargons like “With you, for you, Always”– most people refuse to accept it as a “protector of the people”. Their perception is of it is that of an intimidating instrument of the government in power.

Why foreigners are creating trouble in Goa?

2018-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular beach tourist destinations in India, Goa is facing a serious problem. Today, many of these beaches are called ‘Israeli’ or ‘Russian’ village where Israeli and Russian tourists openly indulge in drug and sex trafficking.

Russian and Israeli tourist enclaves in Goa are a threat to the state’s security, according to a think tank patronised by an RSS ideologue.

Dattesh Parulekar, vice president of the Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS) in Goa, was speaking about regional enclaves popular with foreign tourists from Russia and Israel along Goa’s coastal belt.

“Obviously, we see this as a threat, but this threat can best be handled by popularising the issue, creating awareness about the issue with the common man,” he said at a press conference here to announce an annual lecture series.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideologue Indresh Kumar is the chief patron of FINS.

Parulekar also said the think-tank was working on a Goa-based defence academy, for which budgetary allocation has already been made by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government in the state.

Modi & Imam Husain’s sacrifice

2018-09-16T11:26:00.001-07:00

The month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, brings alive the sacrifice of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson (daughter Fatema’s son) Imam Husain, his family and followers at Karbala. The dead included less than 100 men, women and children including his sister Zainab, his little daughter Sakina and wife Shahr-i-Banu. His own body had 45 wounds due to enemy’s swords and javelins. His left arm was cut off. A javelin had gone through his breast and some 35 arrows were struck in his body.

By Taazakhabar News Bureau

“The teachings of Imam Husain are still relevant today…. Imam Husain always stood against injustice and attained martyrdom for the sake of peace and justice,” Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said while addressing a gathering of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community in Indore.

Every year lakhs of devout Muslims take part in Ashara Mubaraka (lit. the ten blessed) a 10-day long period of mourning over the demise of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson (daughter Maulatona Fatema’s son) Imam Husain and his followers at Karbala. This also marks the first ten days of Moharram.

Imam Husain attained martyrdom on the 10th of Moharram in the year 61 AH after a 9-day ordeal in Karbala. On 7th Moharram, the armies of the incumbent caliph Yazid – who was in Damascus – cut off access to the river leaving Imam Husain AS and the men, women and children without food or water for the next 3 days.

On the 10th of Moharram, known as ‘Ashura’, the opposing army commenced battle slaying 72 of Imam Husain’s followers and Imam Husain himself in the late afternoon. The tragic events that unfolded that day defined Islam and its history ever since. The supreme sacrifice by Imam Husain and his followers was a rare unifying event in the history of Islam. It shook the Muslim world out of the apathy that engulfed it following the Prophet’s death and rekindled the dormant spirit of Islam in their hearts and minds.

New EU initiative may create hell for secret and anonymous shell companies

2018-09-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

A new EU initiative might make life miserable for corrupt individuals and companies to hide their identity behind a maze of anonymous shell companies. The new move might make it easier for investigators and the public to uncover the source and intended destination for funds stolen from the public or given and accepted as bribes for winning public contracts. Many secret companies are now being used to hide illicit funds.

By Taazakhabar News Bureau

In a move with far-reaching consequences, the European Union has agreed to create national registries that name the true owners of companies and trusts.

If the agreement is passed by the European Parliament next year, as seems likely, it will mean the end of secret companies in 28 European countries. There’s a catch, though.

The agreement states that these central registries will only be accessible by people or organisations with a “legitimate interest.” We think everyone has a legitimate interest to know who owns, controls or benefits from companies.

Because secret companies are used to hide the source or destination of illicit funds in so many global corruption cases, the legal advance is nevertheless significant. It will make it more difficult for corrupt individuals to hide their identity behind a maze of anonymous shell companies. It will also make it easier for investigators and the public to uncover the source and intended destination for funds that are stolen from the public or given and accepted as bribes for winning public contracts.

Transparency International, has welcomed the new landmark legislation to tackle money laundering through secret companies in the EU. However, it is concerned that the final legislation will fall short of full transparency of the real “beneficial” owners behind companies and trusts demanded by anti-corruption activists worldwide. The identities of many individuals involved in grand corruption have been concealed through the use of anonymous companies, trusts and other entities.

Pakistani film industry rises like Phoenix

2018-09-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

There is much that Pakistan’s filmmakers can be proud of. From production quality to the range of subjects taken up, the variety and evidence of the potential to be mined is heartening.

Pakistani film industry seems to be doing well and this is “nothing short of a Phoenix-like rise from the ashes”, said a leading Pakistani daily.

An editorial “Film revival?” in the Dawn said that just a few years ago, anyone making the prediction would have been dismissed for building castles in the air: “that cinemas across the country would be doing booming business and feeling confident in investing hard cash, large amounts of it, into infrastructure”.

It added that nobody could have then guessed “that shows would be running to packed capacity with even a queue for tickets; and, what would have seemed most far-fetched of all, that audience would be able to take their pick from new, locally made films for the silver screen, some of them of a quality to hold their own against imported fare”.

“Serendipitously enough, though, this magical moment seems to have come to pass. Over these Eid holidays past, so many new Pakistani films were scheduled to be released that the screening dates had to be phased,” it said.

Describing it as “nothing short of a Phoenix-like rise from the ashes”, the daily said that the local film industry, which suffered sometimes justified criticism for poor quality from the late ’80s onwards, was more or less declared comatose once the television landscape was liberalised and turned into a viable and paying profession.

Bhubaneswar tops the list of first 20 smart cities

2018-09-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

While temple city Bhubaneswar in Odisha topped the smart city competition, Pune came second. Bottom up approach has been the key planning principle under the mission.

By Taazakhabar News Bureau

Bhubaneswar bagged the first rank among 20 smart cities announced by the Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu. These cities are among the first round of smart cities challenge competition.

The other winners are Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, Vishakhapatnam, Solapur, Davanagere, Indore, New Delhi Municipal Council, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belagavi, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana and Bhopal.

According to the Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu a total investment of Rs 50,802 crore has been proposed in the selected smart cities and towns during the next five years.

Naidu said Smart City challenge required cities to come up with integrated plans, proposals, so that there is maximum analysis, and planning. A total of 1.52 crore citizens participated in the preparation of Smart city plans at various stages.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/bhubaneswar-tops-the-list-of-first-20-smart-cities/

Education inequities in all U.S. school districts– study

2018-09-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Stanford researchers review more than 200 million test scores to spotlight communities with the nation’s worst academic achievement gaps

By Jonathan Rabinovitz

Almost every school district enrolling large numbers of low-income students has an average academic performance significantly below the national grade-level average, according to Stanford Graduate School of Education research based on a massive new data set recently created from more than 200 million test scores.

The research also revealed that nearly all U.S. school districts with substantial minority populations have large achievement gaps between their white and black and white and Hispanic students.

The data, which were made available online April 29, provide the most detailed account yet of academic disparities nationwide. They comprise reading and math test results of some 40 million 3rd to 8th-grade students during 2009-13 in every public school district in the country, along with information about socioeconomic status, school district characteristics, and racial and economic segregation.

“We don’t administer a single standardized exam to all U.S. students, so a clear picture of the differences in academic performance across schools and districts has been elusive up until now,” said Sean Reardon, the Stanford education professor who devised the statistical methods that make it possible to compare the mandatory tests administered in different states. “It’s now much easier to identify school districts and communities where performance is high, compare them with demographically similar ones that do less well and try to determine what’s behind the differences.”

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/education-inequities-in-all-u-s-school-districts-study/

Remembering Pancham: R.D. Burman’s 76th birth anniversary

2018-09-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

R.D. Burman is immortal. Even two decades after his death his lilting melodies and soulful tunes continue to inspire and influence musicians and music aficionados alike

By Ankit Sinha

His death in 1994 left a void in the Indian film music industry, but even over two decades later, R.D. Burman’s lilting melodies and soulful tunes continue to inspire and influence musicians and music aficionados alike, members of the fraternity say.

Among the several veteran music directors who have graced the Indian film industry over the years, Burman, fondly called Pancham Da, would have turned 76. But he passed away when he was just 54.

Filmmaker Brahmanand S. Siingh, who has released his latest work “Knowing Pancham” – an extensive collection of anecdotes, insights and observations on Burman – says the interest around the seminal music director’s life and legacy continues to grow.

“Everybody is wanting to know more about R.D. Burman, the hunger never dies,” Siingh said.

http://taazakhabarnews.com/remembering-pancham-r-d-burmans-76th-birth-anniversary/

How Onion makes hair grow faster & prevents aging?

2018-09-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Applying onion juice on the scalp and consuming onions is helpful in controlling hair loss and other problems related to hair such as dandruff, fungal infections and yeast infections. Onion juice has proved to be effective in preventing premature graying of hair.

By Taaazakhabar New Bureau

Premature aging and hair loss is a common problem. On an average losing about 50-100 hair per day is considered normal. Excessive hair loss can affect the appearance of a person and causes mental stress and their confidence levels.

Scientific studies prove Onion is a safe, inexpensive and easily available home remedy for hair loss & premature graying for decades. Onion helps in hair growth without any side effects or causing allergies. It has been shown to reverse grey hair when applied to the scalp. A study published in the Journal of Dermatology reported the efficacy of onion juice for alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss) in 2002. Almost 84% of participants who applied onion juice twice daily for two months experienced much better hair re-growth rates than those who only used tap water. Men had a higher success rate than women.

Various scientific studies have proven that applying onion juice and consuming onions is helpful in controlling hair loss and other problems related to hair such as dandruff, fungal infections and yeast infections. Onion juice has proved to be effective in preventing premature graying of hair. Onion contains an enzyme called catalase which is an anti-oxidant that can prevent premature graying. You can also use onion as a natural and safe method for promoting hair growth if you have receding hair line or bald patches

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/how-onion-makes-hair-grow-faster-prevents-aging/

Bajirao Mastani – at par if not better than Mughal-e-Azam?

2018-09-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Bajirao Mastani’ can easily be compared to K Asif’s magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam which remains an all-time favourite of viewers of good cinema across the world even after five decades.

By Amitabh Srivastava

Critics have tried to decode the epic that immortalised the power of love like it never had been done on screen. Each character of the film, including the artist who sings ‘Hai Mohabbat Zindabad’ knows fully well ruthlessly emperor depicted by Prithviraj Kapoor will be annoyed.

Each of the 12 songs of the film has been picturized so well that it brings out both the innocence and the defiance of the lovers who know that their love story is star-crossed.

But for me, the most enduring memories of the film that was as much a hit in its coloured version in 2004 as its black and white version released in 1960, are its powerful dialogues.

Who can forget the epic confrontation between Jodha Bai and her rebel son Salim in which she says “Khudaar Mughlon ki aabroo itni halki nahi ki ek naacheez laundi ke barabar tul jaye. Aur humara Hindustan tumhara dil nahi ki laundi jiski malika bane” to which he replies in style “Toh mera bhi dil koi aap ka Hindustan nahi jispe aap hukumat karein.”

Read More : http://taazakhabarnews.com/bajirao-mastani-at-par-if-not-better-than-mughal-e-azam/

India’s loss is foreign varsities gain

2018-09-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Many Indian students who are unable to find a course of their choice at Delhi University, are going abroad to pursue their graduation in the US.

By Shweta Sharma

Unable to find a course of his choice at Delhi University, Ankit Khullar, 27, decided to pursue his graduation from the US. Armed with a degree in finance, he returned to India for his masters. But after “two wasteful years”, he returned to the US for further studies.

“The primary reason (to go back to the US) was the low perceived quality of education offered in India and my interactions with graduates from various universities. The idea was not just to attain a degree, but to learn,” Khullar told IANS.

He added that the courses being offered in the MBA programmes lay emphasis on subjects he had either already covered as a part of his bachelor’s degree or were “outdated” as compared to those offered in the US.

Like him, many Indian students are opting to study at international varsities owing to better living environment, high-quality teaching and the opportunity to receive world class education. While the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Australia and Singapore are the most favoured destinations, Indian students are now also exploring other countries such as Sweden, Italy and Ireland.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/indias-loss-is-foreign-varsities-gain/

Digital infidelity is the leading cause of marital discord

2018-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

A new study by researchers at the University of Indiana found that half the women have a ‘Plan B’ – a man in whose arms they can run into if their current relationship turns sour.

By Vishal Gulati

Digital relationships are resulting in the collapse of family ties, it would seem.

As more and more youngsters and newly-weds are logging on to e-relationships, family life appears to be indulging more and more in what is being called ‘digital infidelity’.

The virus has apparently left many a couple looking for solutions and programmes to reboot their matrimonial life, said CRISP president Kumar Jahgirdar.

Bangalore-based NGO Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (CRISP) is working for gender neutral family laws.

“We keep getting a lot of complaints on infidelity from the spouses who indulge in cheating by having an extra-marital affair,” Jahgirdar told IANS on the phone.

He said now the digital world, via social media or smartphone, is more responsible for this unnatural intimacy.

“The victims, mostly husbands, often show us how the spouse is communicating frequently with a stranger through SMS, email, Facebook, whatsapp and the like, using filthy text. Most often they will end up indulging in adultery,” he said.

And adultery, he said, is often cited as grounds for divorce.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/digital-infidelity-leading-to-rise-in-marital-discord/

Mind your business in my space

2018-09-13T06:39:00.001-07:00

Till lately, the outer space was a no man’s land. Things moved there but slowly. Only a handful dared to even imagine going there, fewer still set foot on it. All this, is set to change. With a new set of players minding the business of inter-galactic travel nothing is going to remain private or unexplored… Even the sky is not the limit

By Cara Benette

Even five decades after the first human being stepped into the outer space, space travel, has been an exclusive preserve of governments, out of reach of a bulk of the planet’s seven billion people who hardly get an opportunity to travel freely or earn their astronaut wings. Till date only 546 humans from some 38 countries have traveled beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. A majority of them remained just a few hundred kilometers above the Earth’s surface, three of them only completed a sub-orbital flight; 533 reached the Earth orbit, 24 traveled beyond low Earth orbit and only 12 walked on the Moon.

All those who wished to go there had to hitch a ride in a Soviet, American or Chinese spacecraft. Even today, a handful of government organizations like NASA, Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), China National Space Administration (CNSA), European Space Agency (ESA), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) dominate the outer space.

Since Vostok 1’s first human spaceflight in 1961, each visit ignited the human desire to stay longer each time and come back again. From a few hours to days and months, the Apollo, Salyut, Skylab, Mir and International Space Station programs taught humans to stay longer in the outer space. There was a time when Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov held the record for the longest single spaceflight in human history. He stayed onboard Mir space station for more than 14 months (437 days 18 hours) during one trip. Sergei Krikalev broke his record and holds the record spending the maximum 803 days, 9 hours and 39 minutes, or 2.2 years in space over the span of six spaceflights on board Soyuz, Space Shuttle, Mir, and International Space Station. As on date, the longest period of continuous human presence in space is 14 years and 20 days on board the International Space Station.

World’s longest ski slope & largest fountain will be in Dubai

2018-09-12T07:16:00.001-07:00

The Meydan One project will cover an area of 3.5 million square metres. It will be located between the 829 metres-tall Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the Meydan racecourse in the emirate’s centre.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum launched Meydan One, a tourism development project expected to feature a 1.2 km-long ski slope, an ice rink along with the world’s largest fountain, said the ruler’s media office.

The project will cover an area of 3.5 million square metres. It will be located between the 829 metres-tall Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and the Meydan racecourse in the emirate’s centre.

The project’s phase one is slated to be completed by 2020, the year Dubai will host The World Expo as the first ever Arab city.

Local newspaper SevenDays tweeted its first impressions of the Meydan One project. Aside from the planned ski slope and ice rink, the development will also introduce the world’s largest fountain, capable of shooting water up to 420 metres high, according to Xinhua news agency.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/worlds-longest-ski-slope-largest-fountain-will-be-in-dubai/

Tobacco kills over 1.3 mn every year in Southeast Asia: WHO

2018-09-12T07:12:00.001-07:00

Tobacco use kills nearly six million people annually with over 600,000 deaths due to exposure to second hand smoke

By Kavita Bajeli-Datt

Over 1.3 million people die of tobacco consumption in Southeast Asia every year, with the region consisting of 250 million smokers and nearly the same number of smokeless tobacco users, according to a senior official of World Health Organization

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for South-East Asia, said: “We know that tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths.”

She was speaking at the inauguration of the WHO’s South-East Asia regional committee meeting here where health ministers and officials of 11 countries are meeting to set health priorities and discuss the health agenda for the region.

“Worldwide, tobacco use kills nearly six million people annually with over 600,000 deaths due to exposure to second hand smoke,” she said at the inauguration, attended by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo, who was earlier the country’s health minister.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/tobacco-use-kills-over-1-3-mn-every-year-in-southeast-asia-who/

Why teenage girls do better in single-sex schools?

2018-09-12T07:07:00.001-07:00

Most psychological studies suggest that girls and boys develop at different rates and that girls are far in advance of boys through the teenage years: it is in a girl’s best interest to be educated separately, at least until boys catch up with them

Single-sex education is better for teenage girls as it takes the pressure off to try and impress boys in a “sexualised world”, the headmistress of one of Britain’s best boarding schools claimed.

Rhiannon Wilkinson, head of Wycombe Abbey in Buckinghamshire, suggested it was best for girls’ education to grow in a “boys-free” environment.

She added single boys hold girls back because girls mature faster.

“My wide educational experience in both mixed and girls’ schools has shown me clearly that girls are best served educationally in their teenage years in a boys-free work environment,” she was quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

“Most psychological studies suggest that girls and boys develop at different rates and that girls are far in advance of boys through the teenage years: it is in a girl’s best interest to be educated separately, at least until boys catch up with her,” she added.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/why-teenage-girls-do-better-in-single-sex-schools/

News is what the News Channels rarely broadcast

2018-09-12T06:49:00.003-07:00

The root cause of the problem is that the news providers – TV news channels and print or electronic media — seem to be taking sides instead of reporting the news. On the other hand, news gatherers – reporters and anchors have to take sides — to satisfy the owners of the media houses.

By Col (Retd) Shiv Om Rana

I have been thinking for some time about the growing number of ridiculous, inane, and otherwise nonsensical absurdities that fill the daily TV news channels and print or electronic media.

Wondering if it was just me….

I think we started to simply accept them without much thought and the news media grew on to them.

The absurdity of this uncontrolled media is showing in the nation’s psyche. And if I may say so, the phenomenon is worldwide. The space for “Centre – thinking” seems to be shrinking fast in all countries and not only in India. Trumpism started it openly, BREXIT followed it and now it has started to open and spread in many parts of the globe – Germany, France, Scandinavian countries, Spain and so on.

The absurdity when becomes disrupter is when it really becomes a point of concern. Disrupters have found many ways to convince and attract people in all walks of life. I have been the victim of this disruption in thinking for many months, maybe more than a year now. And therefore I have avoided writing anything lest my feelings show up in my words.

Guru Granth Sahib: handle with care

2018-09-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Granth Sahib comprising of 1430 pages and 5864 hymns is not just another holy book but a perpetual and eternal Guru for the Sikhs. The sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib is reflected in the manner in which it was treated by the Gurus. Even today, no one can alter any of word, sentence or meaning of verses in Guru Granth Sahib.

By Neeraj Mahajan

Reading the Guru Granth Sahib is an important part of a Sikh man, woman or child’s life. The Guru Granth Sahib comprising of 1430 pages and 5864 hymns or verses is not just another holy book for the Sikhs; who regard it is as their perpetual, eternal and living Guru. No one can change or alter any of the words, structure of sentence, grammar or meaning of verses in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The authority and sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib as a sacrosanct spiritual guide is reflected in the manner in which it was treated with respect by the Sikh Gurus themselves.

Guru Arjan Dev—the fifth Sikh Guru

Guru Arjan Dev– the first Guru to be born into a Sikh family– is credited to have installed the first edition of the Sikh scripture at Harimandir Sahib or Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/guru-granth-sahib-handle-with-care/

Guru Granth Sahib: First Prakash Utsav

2018-09-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

By Neeraj Mahajan

The First Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is an important landmark for the Sikh community all over the world. Guru Granth Sahib — also called Adi Granth or Adi Guru Darbar– is not any other holy book or scripture for the Sikhs; but a perpetual, ultimate and eternal Guru.

It is probably the only Holy Scripture in the world; written by the founders of a religion in their lifetime. All other holy scriptures were compiled after the founders left for their heavenly abode.

Sikhs all over the world regard Guru Granth Sahib comprising of 1430 pages and 5864 hymns or verses called Shabads as their living Guru. Its contents, considered to be the preaching of the Gurus are referred to as Guru’s bani (the Guru’s voice) or Gurbani.

The first Sikh leader, Guru Nanak Dev, started the trend of collecting his holy hymns for the Sikhs to recite in their morning and evening prayers. His successor Guru Angad Dev continued the tradition.

Guru Arjan Dev– the fifth Sikh Guru compiled the holy Granth incorporating the hymns composed by – Guru Nanak and thirty-six Hindu and Muslim saints like Kabir Das, Ravi Das, Naam Dev and Sheikh Farid. After having selected the best hymns Guru Arjan Dev dictated the final version of the Adi Granth to Bhai Gurdas who wrote the Granth Sahib.

Read More: http://taazakhabarnews.com/guru-granth-sahib-first-prakash-utsav/

Kohli Printographics bags award for excellence in digital printing

2017-09-28T07:16:00.001-07:00

There was a stage when manual typewriters, black & white photocopiers and cyclostyling were the only options for the customers. However Paramjit Kohli’s extraordinary vision, hard work and entrepreneurial abilities changed all that. Today Kohli Printographics is — a market leader providing customized digital printing solutions.

From black & white manual typewriters to colorful digital printing….times have changed.

At a glitzy, star-studded ceremony attended by film stars, bureaucrats and top notch who’s – who in business, media and politics Kohli Printographics bagged the Arch of Excellence award in digital printing. The award’s aim is to honor corporate and individual achievements in nation building. The presentation ceremony was attended by top-notch corporate big-wigs, leading film stars as well well-known personalities from different fields.

After receiving the Award: for ushering in Digital Printing Paramjit Kohli said “The award is an endorsement of our efforts to offer diversified hi-end low-cost solutions to our customers. Kohli Printographics unending quest is to provide specialty products and innovative solutions -that can satisfy each client’s unmet needs and contribute to a better and effective digital printing environment.”

Kohli Printographics is known for providing lowest cost, high quality, safe, effective and proven technologies and products for a wide variety of seasons and reasons.

After migrating from Pakistan Paramjit Kohli’s father ran a tea stall in Connaught Place with Pramjeet’s elder brother. Still half-way through his education from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College Paramjit Kohli joined his father’s business and converted it into a snack bar.

In early 1978 Paramjit invested his meagre savings and took the bold step to start a new Reprographic business venture. Initially many of the family’s friends and relatives were critical of the idea behind abandoning the established family business and venturing into a new territory as the risk involved was too high and the family’s financial position was weak.

It was still the age of manual typewriters, black & white Photocopy and cyclostyling. However Paramjit Kohli’s extraordinary vision, hard work and entrepreneurial abilities took the business to new heights.

In 1992 Paramjit Kohli associated with Canon to market their high-end equipment like electronic filing system, digital imaging system, color copier, etc., and helped them set up strong base in India.

All this helped Kohli Printographics become what it is today — a market leader providing customized digital printing solutions.

Situated in Connaught Circus the heart of Delhi, Kohli Printographics today offers state of the art Digital printing solutions for its clients comprising of top PSU’s, MNC’s, corporate giants and retail customers across India

Paramjit Kohli often travels all over the world studying new technologies and bringing them to India. His mission is to bring the latest technology to India and provide maximum output to his clients at a minimum cost.