TELUGU NRIs BLOG

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2011-12-01T10:24:00.003+05:30

Pak cable operators block BBC

2011-12-01T10:24:00.000+05:30

LONDON: Pakistan cable operators blocked BBC World News as a reaction to its broadcasting a two-part television documentary entitled " Secret Pakistan" , which slammed Islamabad for double crossing the West in the war against terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The UK foreign office has refused to enter into a spat with the Pakistani government saying, "This is matter for the Pakistan government and the BBC. The BBC is editorially independent so any complaints should be taken up directly with them." A spokesman for the Pakistani high commission in London said that not just BBC World News, but all international news channels were being taken off air by the All Pakistan Cable Operators' Association in response to Nato air strikes. He described the APCOA as a "private body". The BBC said it was deeply concerned by the censorship and called for its channel to be speedily reinstated . "We condemn any action that threatens our editorial independence and prevents audiences from accessing our impartial international news service." In the documentary US intelligence officials accused Pakistan of prentending to be an ally in public while secretly arming and training the Taliban.

FDI in retail: 5 crore traders to down shutters today

2011-12-01T10:01:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Several Bharti-Walmart stores will remain closed on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the bandh called by traders across the country, sources said.World's second largest retailer Carrefour, which is present in the wholesale segment in the country, also beefed up security at its stores in Delhi and Jaipur. Private security guards patrolled the Carrefour store in the crowded Shahdra area in east Delhi and vigorously checked the vehicles entering the premises located near a Metro station.Nearly 5 crore traders will down shutters on Thursday in protest against the government's move to allow foreign retail giants such as Walmart, Tesco and Carrefour in the multi-brand retail sector. The government has allowed 51% foreign investment in the multi-brand retail sector, but has faced stringent criticism as protests have swelled from opposition parties and some of its own allies."We have got very good response from across the country and 5 crore traders will not open their shops tomorrow. They will hold protest in their own markets. We will not hold demonstrations in front of foreign stores," Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of the Confederation of All India Traders association, told TOI.He said the traders will hold a dharna in Jantar Mantar from 11.30am. "It is a band and will not take out any protest march or anything like that. We have received strong support from all the states," Khandelwal said.Carrefour opened its second store in Jaipur after starting operations in its New Delhi cash and carry store in December last year. With a sales area of 5,650 square metres this new store is located north of Jaipur and offers in food and non-food products to professional businesses, institutions, restaurants and local retailers.According to a statement issued on November 28, Carrefour said the opening of the Jaipur store demonstrated the company's interest in India and was in line with the group's strategy to develop in major emerging markets, which offer a high potential.

MPs want a status upgrade, lal batti cars

2011-12-01T10:00:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Use of red light beacons atop cars and an upgrade in the warrant of precedence to serial number 17 from 21 at par with chief justices of high courts outside their jurisdictions and chairpersons of statutory bodies are part Lok Sabha's privileges committee's latest recommendations.In its report tabled on Wednesday, the committee suggested that the highways ministry be asked to issue a notification under the Central Motor Vehicles Act to permit use of red lights on vehicles of MPs.If the committee's recommendations are accepted by the government, there can be close to 800 cars with red beacons if all MPs use such an option. Apart from their gripe over being low in the official pecking order, the MPs are clearly agitated over not being allowed the coveted "lal batti".Former home secretary G K Pillai told the committee about Jawaharlal Nehru's noting on file in 1950 that non-inclusion in the table of precedence does mean lack of status. He quoted Nehru to say, "There are a large number of people outside the warrant who in effect are more important than those who are included... they may be given seats much higher than those in the list."
The opinion of India's first PM does not seem to have made much of an impression on MPs and in Delhi's class and status conscious power circles, the right seating row is a much sought perch. There was a "great deal of feeling among MPs" even after independence, but Nehru did not see a case for their being higher than "between 14 and 15".The committee also said that former speakers be placed at serial number 7 in the warrant of precedence, alongside Cabinet ministers, chief ministers, former PMs and leaders of opposition in the two Houses of Parliament. As of now, former speakers are not on the order of precedence.As changes in the warrant that affect the position of members of the judiciary require consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the committee decided that moving MPs up from 21 to 17 will be feasible without such procedures.
The committee felt that at serial number 21, MPs came way down the list behind envoys, chairpersons of state legislatures, administrators of Union Territories, chief executive councilors of Delhi and deputy ministers. It was felt that by placing MPs at par with high court judges, the rank of the judiciary was not altered.
The panel felt the warrant was an exercise in ad-hocism and did not reflect the correct standing of MPs who are junior to non-constitutional posts like officiating chiefs of staff holding the rank of lieutenant general.
Times View
MPs derive their stature and authority from being representatives of the people. The more faithfully they serve the people, the more they will be respected. And they will not need the trappings of power to be admired. If they fail, no amounts of red beacons and warrants of precedence will make people respect them. So, they should get out of this craving for cars with lal batti.

Indians 5th most vacation-deprived: Study

2011-12-01T09:58:00.001+05:30

MUMBAI: India is the fifth most vacation deprived nation in the world as the average Indian does not use a fifth of the total number of paid days off allocated in a year. The reasons vary from disapproving bosses to affordability, lack of planning and the outlook that vacations are a luxury and not a necessity.
In this respect though, Indians are better off than the Japanese, Italians, Koreans and Australians as people from these countries had a higher percentage of unused vacation days according to a survey done by an online travel portal. Interestingly called, '2011 Vacation Deprivation study' , the survey is an annual analysis of holidaying habits of employees in 20 countries, including those in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The Japanese comes across as workaholics: Those surveyed took only five days off out of a possible 11 days. "In India, there is an element of guilt involved when applying for a vacation. Consequently, as many as 54 % Indians spend vacations secretly checking work-related emails,'' said Manmeet Ahluwalia, head-marketing, Expedia (India), the company that did the survey. Viewing vacation with guilt though is not a developing-nation trait. The survey says that Brazilians treat vacation as the Europeans do-as an entitlement and not as a luxury. Brazilians get 30 holidays a year and they avail of it all. In contrast, Indians get 25 days of leave on an average annually-the highest in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and second only to Europeans-but they do not use up to 20% of vacation days allocated. And it seems bosses play a vital role here. "Most workers across the APAC region and Europe, including 28 % Indians said their bosses weren't supportive of them taking vacations,'' the study said. Italian bosses topped the list; 56% of those surveyed said their bosses did not approve of them taking leave for a holiday. This was followed by South Korea, where 52% said that management frowned on vacations. Even if a leave application has been submitted, holidays are frequently postponed around the globe, largely for work-related reasons. Koreans led the list with 66 % respondents saying that they cancelled or postponed a holiday for work, followed by Indians at 62 %. The lowest in this category were the Dutch, with only 22% having ever altered their vacation plans in favour of work.
Another telling finding was that 28% Indians said they would prefer getting paid for their unused holidays and about 29 % said they could not plan their holidays because of work pressure. For Indians, relaxed beach vacations come first and romantic destinations a close second. Globally, the number one destination for holidays is beaches, the preferred season to travel is summer and the number one travel companions are family members. That said, 46% of Indians said they are more likely to travel with friends: the highest percentage among the surveyed nations. Indians also find it hard to let go of work-related tension during a holiday. The survey said that 53% Indians regularly checked work-related emails on vacation. The reverse was true for the Americans where 41% never checked work-related mails on holiday. Europeans completely let go, hardly ever checking their inbox, with the exception of employees from France. Fifty-six per cent French employees checked in on work regularly when on a holiday. "Vacations give you a chance to relax and recharge and the happiest employees tend to be the most productive,'' said Ahluwalia, making a case for well-planned, guilt-free holidays.

NRIs see arbitrage play in rupee deposits

2011-12-01T09:57:00.001+05:30

MUMBAI: With domestic interest rates hardening even as fixed income returns fall globally , there is a sudden spurt in remittances from non-resident Indians (NRIs) seeking to arbitrage between local and international rates. Indians are borrowing overseas at low rates and are remitting funds in India for investments. As on June 30, total NRI deposits on various banks was pegged at $53 billion. With the rupee depreciating over 18% in the last six months, non-residents are getting more for the dollar than ever before. Avijit Nanda, president TimesofMoney, told TOI, "NRIs are seen borrowing overseas at Libor minus rates and invest in Indian equities, mutual funds and real estate sectors. The FCNR rate for NRI deposits has increased by 125 basis points (Libor+125 basis points) effective from November 23, 2011, thus encouraging NRIs to open deposits in India. Our estimates are that the remittance flows into India have gone up 20-25 % when compared to the same period last year. NRIs are making the most of better interest rates in India." Private sector banks like Kotak Mahindra Bank and Federal Banks have witnessed over 40% and 30% surge in remittances respectively from the year ago period. According to World Bank estimates, India received $55 billion in remittances in 2010 and Gulf region accounts for almost half of that.

‘China may have 3,000 N-warheads ’

2011-12-01T09:55:00.001+05:30

WASHINGTON: A US university students' project has stumbled upon figures that China could have 3,000 nuclear warheads , many times larger than the well established estimates of arms-control experts, sounding alarm bells in Pentagon. Goergetown University students logging into sources as disparate as Google Earth, blogs and military journals have come out with an exhaustive research report claiming that the Chinese have built a vast network of secret underground tunnels to hide a sophisticated missile and nuclear arsenal. Calling it "Underground Great Wall" , the students pushed on by their hard charging professor, a former top Penatgon official, have said in the report that China could have as many as 3,000 nuclear warheads, far higher than the current estimates which range from 80 to 400, Washington Post reported. The 363-page study, which according to the Post has not been published yet has claimed that Chinese Second Artillery Corps- designated to handle nuclear weapons- has dug thousands of miles of tunnels across the country to disperse the nukes and keep them away from prying eyes in the sky. The study is yet to be released, but Post said it has already sparked a Congressional hearing and been circulated among top officials in the Pentagon. The students' professor, Philip Karber, spent the Cold War as a top strategist reporting directly to the secretary of defence, the paper said.

SikhLens eyes Punjabi arts, films at festival

2011-12-01T09:52:00.001+05:30

ORANGE: For an entire weekend, Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts hosted the SikhLens' Sikh Arts and Film Festival for a second consecutive year from Nov. 18-20, celebrating the best and brightest in Sikh cinematic and artistic culture. The three-day cinematic showcase featured emerging artists and musicians, a gamut of films touching on the Sikh experience and a series of panels highlighting emerging and established talents. "SikhLens was created to provide a unique venue for artists to present their 'Sikh-centric' films, art and music to the broader community with the intent of showcasing their talents and generating increased Sikh awareness," SAFF co-chairs Ravin Kaur Kohli and Tina Kaur Anand stated. "This festival is a premiere venue to highlight social issues, recognize talent and watch the harmony between the Sikh faith and the external cultures that surround its diverse followers." The centerpiece film that perhaps captured that harmony was the Nov. 19 United States premiere of the Sikh-themed film "Breakaway." Starring a mix of Indian, Indian American and Hollywood actors, including Vimay Virmani, Russell Peters, Noureen DeWulf, Anupam Kher, Camilla Belle and Rob Lowe, the American debut of "Breakaway" was the glitziest moment of SAFF, with Virmani, DeWulf, and Belle being escorted down the red carpet by an energetic Bhangra team.
Focusing on an all-Sikh hockey team in Canada called the "Speedy Singhs," Robert Lieberman's "Breakaway," a cross-cultural film bridging Indian and Western cinemas, officially debuted in September at the Toronto Film Festival. Virmani said the film, with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar as its executive producer, is a source of pride for the Sikh community and Indians in general, but is entertaining for non-Sikhs and non-Indians alike. A film featuring Indians and hockey should come as no surprise, he said. "Field hockey is the national sport of India, ice hockey is the national sport of Canada. Indians in Canada love ice hockey (and) a lot of young Sikh boys are starting to play," Virmani told India-West. DeWulf, who recently married NHL star and Olympic Silver Medalist Ryan Miller, said she was excited to play the role of a sports journalist who covers the Speedy Singhs. "In this film, I play a sports reporter (who) covers hockey, and I marry Russell Peters in the movie. We kind of provide some comedy, we have our own wedding storyline," DeWulf told India-West. SAFF opened Nov. 18 with an Opening Night Gala that welcomed nearly 500 attendees. The festivities included musical performances by Jas Ahluwalia, Kamaljeet Ajimal and Raginder "Violinder" Momi as well as comments by Chapman's Dean Bob Basset, Professor Jeff Swimmer and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Guru Singh of "Outsourced" fame emceed the opening festivities, while 100-year-old Fauja Singh (see separate story) served as the evening's chief guest and comedian Jus Reign entertained the audience with a standup routine. The award-winning "A Little Revolution" and the scholarly documentary "Humble the Poet" were screened on the first night. The second day featured the U.S. premiere of "Breakaway" and a trio of items dedicated to youth films, creative Sikhs and short films. SAFF concluded Nov. 20 with an item dedicated to creative Sikhs as well as short films featuring Sikhs around the world and social issues. Artists featured throughout the festival were Canadian actress Agam Darshi, hip hop artist Mandeep Sethi, artist Rupy Cheema Tut, television host Gurmeet Sodhi, singer Charanjeet "CJ" Virdi, music composer Tej Gill and Fauja Singh trainer Harmander Singh. The festival also announced the SikhLens Award. Underwritten by The Bhathal Family Trust and Sandy and Harriet Sandhu, the award provided two Dodge College student documentary groups with $5000 each to produce their films incorporating Sikh themes.
The student filmmaking teams included Ruth Paul, Brendan Nahmias, Jacob Taylor and Bobby Moser of "Humble The Poet," and Matt Diamond, James Parker and Ruby Stocking who are currently documenting "a Sikh family trying to bridge the vast geographical and cultural differences between India and America."
Films featured at SAFF included Rohit Khanna's "Punjab's Forgotten Women," The Singh Twins' "The Making of Liverpool: Portraits of a City," Khushwant Singh's "Turbaned Tornado," David R. Gray's "Canadian Sikh Soldiers," Harjant Gill's "Roots of Love," Mandeep Sethi's "Sikligar" and Nina Dutta Roy's "Nothing is Impossible," among others. The 19 films screened at SAFF covered a broad range of Sikh issues ranging from farming, the military, women's rights, dowry and marital pressures to infanticide, drugs and faith.

400 flamingos die in Gujarat

2011-12-01T09:48:00.001+05:30

AHMEDABAD: Greater Flamingos, which fly thousands of miles from Siberia to breed in the warm marshes of the Khadir region in Kutch, are landing into a death trap. In the past 10 days, at least 400 of these graceful birds have been electrocuted by high tension cables near their breeding grounds. D K Sharma, chief conservator of forests, admitted to at least 130 deaths, but locals and ornithologists have been recording much higher numbers. The flamingoes have landed in record numbers this year, with one estimate putting their strength at five lakh, the highest ever. Experts said the deaths were taking place at night, when the birds disturbed by passing vehicles would fly straight into the wires. The 220-400 kilowatt cables can kill a human being instantly. Bharat Jethawa, census coordinator for Asian Water Birds, said, "It is difficult to estimate the number of deaths, but I saw dead flamingos at three or four places during a recent visit." This is the second instance of mass electrocution of the birds in Gujarat this year. In June, a large number of flamingoes were similarly killed in Bhavnagar. The dead birds became an easy meal for stray dogs in the area. Experts said the problem had grown in recent years. In their recently published study titled 'Flamingo mortality due to collision with high tension electric wires in Gujarat', ornithologists Anika Tere and B M Parasharya mapped seven sites in Kutch, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar where high tension cables run close to flamingo sites. Jugal Tiwari of the Centre for Desert and Ocean said birds of prey like harriers also contribute to the deaths by creating a flutter in flamingo colonies, leading to the birds flying into the cables. "I have suggested that the cables should be insulated with rubber coating to protect the birds," Tiwari said. The forest department has written to the state government's energy department, asking for the cables to be either insulated or put underground at places where they run close to flamingo breeding grounds.

Army in the market for new assault rifles

2011-12-01T09:47:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: The Army now wants a complete overhaul of its basic weaponry for soldiers. The ball has been set rolling for the acquisition of advanced 5.56mm assault rifles in huge numbers to replace the existing indigenous 5.56mm INSAS (Indian small arms system) rifles, which has suffered from glitches since its induction in 1997-1998. Defence ministry sources said a global tender has been issued to over 40 armament firms to submit their bids for the new 5.56mm assault rifles, which can be equipped with night-vision devices, laser designators, detachable under-barrel grenade launchers and the like. The initial order is likely to be for direct purchase of around 66,000 rifles, followed by largescale licensed manufacture by the Ordnance Factory Board to equip the 13-lakh strong armed forces as well as the 8-lakh central paramilitary forces. The mega project could be well worth over Rs 20,000 crore once its exact contours are firmed up. The Army is already inducting, or plans to induct, a wide array of small arms, ranging from "close-quarter battle'' (CQB) carbines and light-weight assault rifles to anti-material "bunker-bursting'' rifles and specialized sniper rifles. The new 3.5-kg assault rifles to be acquired are in line with the Army's long-delayed F-INSAS (future infantry soldier as a system) project, which is geared towards enhancing the "lethality and survivability'' of foot soldiers. The aim behind F-INSAS is to transform soldiers into self-contained, fully-networked, mobile killing machines, with a high degree of 'situational awareness' and capable of operating in all-terrain and all-weather conditions.
Under it, infantry soldiers are to be progressively equipped with light-weight integrated ballistic helmets with 'heads-up display' and miniaturized communication systems; portable visual, chemical and biological sensors; hand-held computer displays, GPS and video links; and lethal firepower with laser-guided modular weapon systems Army officers say INSAS rifles, which have an effective 400-metre range, are slowly but surely becoming obsolete. It had become the standard basic weapon for the 324 infantry battalions (each with over 800 soldiers) in the Army from the late 1990s onwards after the earlier cumbersome 7.62mm self-loading rifles were phased out. INSAS rifles had several "teething problems'' in the initial phases, with complaints of "cold arrest'' and cracking of the bullet magazines, especially in high-altitude areas like Kargil and Siachen. This, in fact, had forced the Army to import one lakh AK-47 rifles in 1995 for counter-insurgency and other operations. Though many of the defects in the INSAS rifles were later rectified, the Army still continues to use the "fail-safe'' and rugged AK-47s more for close-quarter fighting with militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bachchans to sell Beti B's pics?

2011-12-01T09:45:00.001+05:30

It's been some time that Abhishek and Aishwarya's little daughter is back home, and the name hunt is still on for their little one, among other things...
It has been heard that many a newspaper agency is waiting with bated breath for as much as a single picture of Baby B, but have been solemnly disappointed as the Bachchans claim this to be too personal an affair and refuse to oblige. Rumour also has it that even the foreign media is trying to get hold of this big exclusive and have even offered the family a substantial sum of money running into crores. Well, insiders tells us that members of the Bachchan family aren't even considering giving away or even selling the pictures of the family's new member! "It can be remembered that there were rumours of the Bachchans even selling the photographs of the very private marriage ceremony of Aishwarya and Abhishek. But the Bachchans didn't do any of that and proved them all wrong. This time, too, people are speculating, but it's highly improbable that the Bachchans will sell the rights of these," a source said.(Courtecy:TOI)

Indian-American Arun Majumdar gets top US energy job

2011-12-01T09:38:00.001+05:30

Washington, November 30: Naming yet another Indian American to a key administration post, President Barack Obama has appointed Arun Majumdar, an Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, alumnus as the top bureaucrat in the Department of Energy.Announcing the appointment of Majumdar as Under Secretary of Energy along with four other key administration posts, Obama said: “These men and women have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers.“I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”
At over two dozen, Obama administration has more Indian-Americans in high places than ever before with their numbers rising through Clinton and Bush presidencies. By far the highest ranking Indian-American in any presidential administration is USAID administrator Rajiv Shah.According to the White House, Majumdar has served as the Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) since 2009.Previously, he was Associate Laboratory Director for Energy and Environment at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a professor of mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.His research career has focused on the science and engineering of energy conversion, transport, and storage, ranging from the molecular and nanoscale level to large energy systems.He has served on the advisory committee of the National Science Foundation’s engineering directorate and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Majumdar was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2005.He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 1985 and his PhD in 1989 from the University of California, Berkeley.

Malaysia grants $16,000 for renovation of Sikh Gurudwara

2011-12-01T09:35:00.001+05:30

Kuala Lumpur, November 29: Malaysia has given a grant of about USD 16,000 for renovations of the country’s oldest Sikh Gurdwara in Sabah state. Muslim majority Malaysia has eight per cent ethnic Indian population of which a small percentage are Sikhs who have been in this southeast Asian country for more than 200 years.The earliest Sikhs, known to be fearless, were brought in by the British to help maintain security. The Gurdwara Sahib Sikh in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah can now carry out renovations with the 50,000 ringgit (USD 15,633) grant from Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. “The allocation is proof of the government’s commitment to help the people, regardless of their religious beliefs,” a Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) leader of the Sabah state said while handing out the donation to Gurdwara member Anup Singh. He said similar allocations would be distributed to temples in other areas.Early this month, Muhyiddin announced the 400,000 ringgit grant, following a request from Sabah MIC, at the Deepavali function. Singh said the Gurdwara had also received RM 40,000 from the state government to carry out renovation work. Built in 1924, it is the oldest Gurdwara in the country.

GOPIO opposes move to tax long stay in India

2011-12-01T09:31:00.001+05:30

Washington, November 30: The largest umbrella organization of overseas Indians has urged the Indian government to withdraw a proposal to impose tax on non-resident Indians staying over 60 days during a visit to the homeland.It will be detrimental to the interests of NRIs who contribute substantially to the nation’s development, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) said in a resolution adopted during its biennial convention in Iselin, New Jersey earlier this month.In other resolutions, GOPIO made a plea for a mechanism to enable NRIs to voice their grievances, nomination of a few prominent NRIs to the Rajya Sabha, initiation of suitable steps to set up fast track courts to deal with the growing number of property offences targeting NRIs and steps for speedy disposal of cases involving custody of children of NRI parents.It also urged the government to augment the staff strength of consulates for the convenience of NRIs.While welcoming the setting up of Global Advisory Council, GOPIO sought representation for diaspora organizations in the council.Extending all support to the Know India Programme initiated by the government, it wanted a GOPIO-Pravasi member committee to be set up to initiate the programme.Noting that more and more job seekers from India are falling prey to unscrupulous elements abroad, GOPIO urged the government to take suitable steps for the rehabilitation of such victims.The organisation also urged the Government of India to end the discriminatory practices against NRIs at archeological sites and hotels.GOPIO has also expressed special thanks to the authorities in Bahrain for taking prompt action to protect the Indian community during the recent disturbances.

Six Indian Mujahideen suspects held for terror attacks

2011-12-01T09:28:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, November 30: Delhi Police Wednesday claimed to have busted a major module of the homegrown Indian Mujahideen terror outfit by arresting six of its suspected activists, including a Pakistani national, for their alleged involvement in three attacks last year.Two AK-47 assault rifles, a pistol and some explosives have been recovered from these Indian Mujahideen suspects, arrested last week.

Confirming the arrests, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said police were probing their possible involvement in the Feb 13 Pune German Bakery blast, April 17 Chinnaswami Stadium blasts in Bangalore and the Sep 19 Jama Masjid shooting and blast in 2010.“Six suspected terrorists have been apprehended. One of them is a Pakistani… The investigation is still under way,” Chidambaram told reporters here.A Delhi Police spokesperson said 50 AK-47 cartridges, one 9mm pistol with 14 cartridges, five kilograms of explosives, five detonators, Rs.2 lakh in fake Indian currency notes, and some “incriminating materials” have been recovered from the arrested men.Mohammed Qateel Siddiqi, 27, of Darbhanga in Bihar was arrested in the capital Nov 22. He was allegedly carrying the pistol with live cartridges, two fake passports and Rs.2 lakh in fake Indian currency notes, police said.A forged identity card of the National Cadet Corps and a fake driving licence in the name of Vivek Mishra were also recovered from him.Siddiqi allegedly told police that he was working for Ahmad Siddi Bappa alias Asif Bhatkal of Karnataka, who headed the module.Bappa is also known as Imran and is wanted for allegedly masterminding the Pune German Bakery bombing that killed 17 people.
Police said he recruited Siddiqi in the Indian Mujahideen in 2008.Siddiqi’s interrogation led the police to arrest Gauhar Aziz Khomani, 31, of Darbhanga in Bihar from Delhi Nov 23.Khomani, who was presently living in Delhi, was allegedly providing logistical and financial support to the module. He came to Delhi in 2007 and got in touch with Bappa and joined the Indian Mujahideen in 2008.Searches were conducted in Madhubani of Bihar that led to the arrests of Gayur Ahmad Jamali, 21, and Mohammed Adhil alias Ajamal, 40, of Karachi in Pakistan.The Pakistani national was at present residing in Madhubani, the spokesperson said. He came to India in August last year.Two more members of the Indian Mujahideen, Mohammed Irshad Khan, 52, and Abdur Rahman, 19, were arrested on Nov 27 from Chennai.Thet too are Bihar residents. But Khan had been living in Delhi and Rahman in Chennai.Rahman met Bappa about four months ago when he joined the Indian Mujahideen. He used to provide hideouts and other support to the module members, according to police.Police said Khan became a “close” associate of Bappa after he joined the module in 2009.“All the members of the Indian Mujahideen terrorist module were subjected to intensive interrogation. Their interrogation revealed that this module is involved in the Pune blast, the Bangalore Chinnaswami Stadium blast and the Jama Masjid shootout and blast,” the spokesperson said.

Diabetes: New treatments, tips and more

2011-11-29T11:34:00.000+05:30

Dr Dheeraj Kapoor, senior endocrinologist, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon, lists out some of the latest medicines:

Gliptin (Oral) - Take once or twice a day as prescribed by the doctor. This medication is the flavour of season. Studies conducted on Gliptin (a new class of oral drugs for type 2 diabetes) have shown that it can regenerate pancreas in mice. However, a study on humans is still underway. If this comes through, it will prove to be a big breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes.

GLP-1 (Injectable) - To be taken once or twice a day as prescribed by the doctor, this is slightly more potent than Gliptin. It is also known to induce weight loss as it triggers a feeling of satiety and patients tend to eat less. On the downside, it is expensive and can lead to nausea. Approximate cost - Rs 3,600 for one month's dose.

SGLT-2 (Inhibitors) - Expected to hit the Indian market next year, it prevents reabsorbing of glucose from the kidneys.
Must know facts
In India, 51 million people suffer from the diseaseâ€¦ Read on to know the latest on the ailment that largely targets urban women.The latest statistics on NCDs (non-communicable diseases) are alarming. But among the growing incidences, diabetes is the most widespread, and primarily among women. Here's another startling fact: Earlier, it was women above 35 years of age who were prone to the disease, but of late, the age parameters have changed drastically, with women in their early 20s testing positive, points out Dr Ashok Jhingan, chairman, consultant and diabetologist, Delhi Diabetes Research Centre.
What the figures say
The latest statistics presented by the Public Health Foundation of India at a recent conference on " Chronic NCDs in India" put "indolent" lifestyles of urban people as the prime culprit. It was revealed that almost 29 percent urban adults do not indulge in physical activities; the women are more prone to this deasease than men (about 24 percent of men and almost 34 percent of women don't exercise regularly). The trend is pronounced in people who are 45 or above.
Catching it on time
A recent study which was conducted by Dr Ashutosh Shukla, who is the head of internal medicine, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon, revealed, that out of 300 patients who underwent an executive health check up, 45 had IGT (Impaired Glucose Intolerance) or pre-diabetes. Despite having obvious symptoms such as increased appetite, constant thirst and high urine formation, around 95 percent of patients only get to know they are suffering from diabetes when it has reached an advanced stage.
Juice
Says Dr Shukla, 'Awareness and early detection can manage diabetes. If you are obese, have a stressful job, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and have a history of diabetes, get an executive health check up done each year.'
Think Before You Drink
The latest research says drinking canned juice is worse than sugary soda and pushes up your risk of contracting Type 2 diabetes. It's not the extra calories, but the concentrated sugar that's the devil, explains Dr Jhingan. Most canned juices tend to have a lot of sugar that helps preserve it. As these are simple sugars, they immediately increase the blood sugar level.
Source: www.wonderwoman.in

Manipur: 121-day blockade lifted temporarily

2011-11-29T11:27:00.001+05:30

Kolkata: Ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to Manipur, there was some relief in sight for the state as the 121-day old economic blockade was temporarily withdrawn by the United Naga Council on Tuesday.
The economic blockade has been lifted on National Highways 39, 53 and 150. This came after Home Minister P Chidambaram assured the UNC that the Manipur government will not take any unilateral decision on carving out a new district without consulting the Nagas. Prices of fuel and essential commodities had hit the roof due to the blockade with petrol going for over Rs 200 per litre and a gas cylinder costing over Rs 2000. However, it remains to be seen if the other group asking for a new district, the Kukis, agree to the new settlement.

Noted litterateur Indira Goswami passes away

2011-11-29T11:20:00.001+05:30

Guwahati, November 29, 2011: Assamese litterateur Indira Raisom Goswami, who had taken the initiative to bring the Ulfa to the negotiating table, on Tuesday passed away at a hospital here after prolonged illness.The condition of 69-year-old Goswami, who suffered a cerebral stroke in February last, turned critical last night and she was declared dead at 7.45am, Guwahati Medical College Hospital Superintendent R Talukdar said.The Jnanpith award winning writer was taken to a hospital in New Delhi earlier this year for further treatment but was brought back here in July and was undergoing treatment at the GMCH since then.She was in a paralysed state and on ventilator support.

Indira Goswami's prolific pen campaigned for dignity of human beings

Writing under the shadow of the three-decade long insurgency in Assam, litterateur Indira Raisom Goswami wielded the pen not only to highlight the issue of violence but also took the initiative of persuading the banned ULFA to come to the negotiating table.Preferring to write under the pen name of Mamoni Raisom Goswami, she authored several novels, short stories collection and scholarly treatises reflecting the angst and pain of people from varied backgrounds whose sufferings have deprived them of basic dignity and respect that all deserve.She took the initiative of persuading the banned ULFA to come forward for dialogue with the outfit even setting up the Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) in 2003 and appointing her as an advisor.

Goswami's efforts may not have yielded immediate results but it definitely paved the way for the ongoing talks process between a group of ULFA leaders and the government.Popularly called 'Mamoni Baideu', Goswami was born on November 14, 1942 in a traditional Vaishnavite family who owned a satra (monastery) at Amranga in South Kamrup.The environs of the satra, both its pristine religious practices along with the prevailing social evils, had a profound influence on the psyche of the young Indira which later found expression in her writings, particularly in her path breaking novel, Datal Hatir Une Khowa Howdah (The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker).

The book, which was later adapted into a national award-winning film Adajya, is considered a classic of modern Assamese literature and explores the plight of Assamese Brahmin widows and their exploitation by hypocrite and decadent custodians of power and customs.Awarded the highest prize for literature in the country--the Jnanpith in 2000, Goswami was also honoured with the Asom Sahitya Sabha Award and the International Tulsi Award from Florida University for her book Ramayana-Ganga to Brahmaputra.Goswami had her early education at Pine Mount School in Shillong but was later shifted to the Tarini Charan Girls' High School in Guwahati to enable her to acquire an education in Assamese and acquaint herself more about traditions and culture of the state.She later studied Assamese at the Cotton College and acquired a postgraduate degree in the same subject from the Gauhati University.Goswami published her first collection of short stories, Chinaki Morom in 1962 while still a student.After completing her education, she met an young engineer Madhavan Raisom Iyengar, whom she married in 1966 and moved on to Jammu and Kashmir where her husband was posted.Tragedy, however, struck only after 18 months of marriage when Madhavan was killed in a freak car accident.Suffering from acute depression, she returned to Assam and joined the Goalpara Sainik School as a teacher.Goswami, however, moved to Vrindavan on the advice of her teacher Upendra Chandra Lekharu who was based there and began research on Ramayani literature. It was in Vrindavan that her social consciousness found expression in her writings and she evolved as an author to reckon with.
Her famed novel Neelakantha Braja was set against the backdrop of Vrindavan and highlights the exploitation of widows while her treatise Ramayan from Ganga to Brahmaputra also had its foundation here.Goswami later joined the Modern Indian Language (MIL) department of Delhi University and went on to head its Assamese department.To honour her, the University made her the Professor Emeritus in 2009 after her retirement.
It was in Delhi that she flourished and earned acclaim as a celebrated writer with several of her stories set against the backdrop of the city.Goswami's celebrated works include Mamore Dhora Tarowal for which she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982, Ahiron, Chenabor Srot, Dasarathir Khoj, Tej aru Dhulire Dhusarita Prishta and Udaybhanur Charitra.Goswami's book Chhinnmasatar Manuhto was against animal sacrifice in the famed Kamakhya Temple, the seat of Shakti worship, which raised the hackles of the temple priests while Jatra is set against the backdrop of insurgency in Assam.She has several short story and poetry collections to her credit and her autobiography is titled Aadha Lekha Dastavej (An Unfinished Document).

Besides being honoured with the Bharat Nirman Award, Katha National Award for Literature, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar Gold Plate from Asiatic Society, Principal Prince Klaus Award, she was also awarded D Litt Degree from Rabindra Bharati University, Rajiv Gandhi University and Indira Gandhi National Open University.Goswami was awarded the Ambassador for Peace from the Inter Religious and International Federation for Peace.She refused the Padma Shri in 2002.National award winning filmmaker Jahnu Baruah made a film on her life Words from the Mist.

Will English kill off India's languages?

2011-11-29T11:15:00.001+05:30

Why shouldn't India build on its advantage in English?

Whether the government, the private sector or NGOs should deliver development is a question which will not have much relevance unless India's wealth continues to grow to pay for that development.

English is one of the advantages India has which are said to be propelling it to economic superpower status.
There are all those Indians who speak excellent English. It's the mother tongue of the elite and effectively the official language of the central government. Then there is the growing number of parents who now aspire to give their children an education through the medium of that language. But is the craze for English an unmixed blessing?
Back in the sixties the British regarded Indian English as something of a joke. The comic actor Peter Sellers had mocked it so comprehensively that I found it well nigh impossible to get the BBC to allow anyone with even the faintest Indian accent on the air.
In India, we native English speakers laughed at quaint phrases like "please do the necessary and oblige", or more simply "please do the needful", and "it is suggested that the meeting be preponed", which appeared regularly in Indian official correspondence.

Feted writers

A senior British diplomat once suggested that his PA should find some less geographically specific way of answering the telephone when he couldn't take the call than saying, "Sahib is not on his seat". Much to the diplomat's dismay a colleague told him that his PA had misunderstood the instruction and been even more specific. He'd told the colleague, "Sahib is in the lavatory."

Indian writers are carrying off major literary awards

Now with Indian writers carrying off the major literary awards, and Westerners in the IT and BPO industries talking of being "bangalored" when they are replaced by English-speaking Indians, Indian English is anything but a joke.But could the very success of English in India "bangalore" India's own languages?
The linguist Professor David Crystal speaking in Delhi said: "A language is dying every two weeks somewhere in the world today. Half the world's languages will no longer be spoken in another century. This is an extremely serious concern, and English has to share the blame." Others put it less politely, describing English as a killer language.But should India worry if English kills off some of its 22 officially recognised and hundreds of its not-so-official languages?

Perhaps the answer is no.

In his book comparing the future of India, China, and Japan, the former editor of The Economist, Bill Emmott, said India fell short of China in almost every measure except the ability to speak English.
So why shouldn't India build on its one advantage? One practical reason is because, looking back over the history of India since it became independent in 1947, it is clear that any threat to Indian languages has the potential to provoke a violent backlash. - By Mark Tully Former BBC India Correspondent(Mark Tully is a writer and former BBC India correspondent. This is an edited extract from his new book, Non Stop India, published by Penguin Books, India)

Indian Organ Donation Day marked at AIIMS

2011-11-29T11:13:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Eleven years have elapsed since she received a heart from a 14-year-old boy, but the memory still brings tears to Priti Unhale's eyes. The charitable act made the difference between life and death, and she thanks the anonymous soul every day. In November 2000, Unhale's condition was diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart condition). She was beset with fear, as a donor was hard to come by. "The doctors told me I had just had six months to find a donor. Every day seemed like a struggle as my family went from one hospital to another. Back then, the systems were not streamlined and I was rather lucky to find a donor," said Unhale. Though things are not the same, the organ donation has vastly improved her quality of life. "Although I'll have to take medicines all my life, my condition is much better now," she added. Unhale is now a counsellor and helps All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in promoting organ donations. She says she is one of the lucky ones to have received the organ she needed. Her thoughts were echoed by the doctors during a public lecture at AIIMS on the Indian Organ Donation Day 2011.

The Curse of Adult Acne

2011-11-29T11:11:00.001+05:30

It has been revealed in a recent report that stress might be one of the reasons for acne in women. A new study is of the view that successful women might be hit with acne due to stress and tensions they experience in their workplace and so on. It was revealed by dermatologists from the Nantes University Hospital. They were of the view that this is a common thing in women in their twenties. Even after having crossed the age where pimples can be a regular, some women might just not seem to get rid of them. In some cases women might have pimples in their twenties, even if they didn’t suffer with tem, in their teens. The reason for this acne might be the releasing of male hormones, which gives rise to oil production under the skin, and gives rise to acne.
Dermatologists are of the view that there was a difference in adult acne and the one in teens. It was reported recently that the ‘T-zone’ of the face is prone to acne, and might seem to produce acne from deep inside the skin. Women’s skin is about 3 times more prone to getting affected by acne, than men. This is because their skin is more sensitive. "It's time to re-evaluate who we think gets acne. It's not recognized enough how much it affects the lives of adult women. For many, it kicks in later when they have to juggle families and careers at the same time”, revealed Susannah Baron, from the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Women also seem to suffer the onset of acne before and after their period. Another theory suggests that those women, who smoke, might be more prone to acne, because of the presence of nicotine that might give rise to oil sebum.

Brain find sheds light on autism

2011-11-29T11:09:00.001+05:30

Cells taken from people with a rare syndrome linked to autism could help explain the origins of the condition, scientists suggest. The Stanford University team turned skin cells from people with "Timothy syndrome" into fully-fledged brain cells. The abnormal activity found in these cells could be partially corrected using an experimental drug, Nature Medicine reports. UK researchers warned the findings might not apply to everyone with autism. Compared with the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide thought to show characteristics of autism, "Timothy syndrome" is vanishingly rare, affecting an estimated 20 people across the planet. People who have the syndrome frequently display autistic behaviour, such as problems with social development and communication. Because it is caused by a single gene defect rather than a combination of small genetic flaws, each making a tiny contribution, it presents a useful target for scientists looking to examine what goes wrong in the developing brain of a child with autism.Ready for work The US researchers used a technique developed recently to generate brain cells called neurons from only a sample of the patient's skin. This allowed them to examine their development in the laboratory, and even use them to test out possible treatments. They found obvious differences between neurons grown from Timothy syndrome patients, and those from healthy "control" subjects. The healthy neurons developed into different subtypes, ready for work in different regions of the brain. In contrast, the proportion of neurons developing into each subtype was different in the Timothy syndrome samples - more were equipped to work in the upper part of the cerebral cortex, and fewer in the lower part. This meant there were fewer neurons equipped to work in a part of the brain called the corpus callosum, which has the role of helping the left and right "hemispheres" of the brain communicate. These differences echoed those already observed in mice specially bred with the Timothy syndrome genetic fault.
In addition, the neurons were making too much of a particular body chemical linked to the manufacture of dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a significant role in sensory processing and social behaviour.
Dr Ricardo Dolmetsch, who led the study, said that the abnormalities found tallied with other evidence that autism was due in part to poor communication between different parts of the brain. The team managed to reduce significantly the number of these malfunctioning neurons by adding a drug as they developed. This, they said, meant it might be possible one day to treat this defect in a real patient, although the drug used was not currently suitable for children due to side-effects. The National Autistic Society gave a cautious welcome to findings, but warned that they did not necessarily offer insights into every form of autism. Researcher Georgina Gomez said: "Timothy syndrome is only one form of autism and so these findings only give a very limited picture of what might cause the condition. "More work would need to be done to substantiate this particular piece of research."

2.3 million people in India living with HIV

2011-11-29T11:04:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: Just a few days before the World AIDS day, an eye-opening report says at least 2.3 million people in the country are living with the virus. Many survivors have been fighting for quality of life.
At least 2.3 million Indians live with HIV/AIDS, though the latest UNAIDS report states that the rate of infection in India has come down. It's no longer a death sentence, as survivor and activist Shiba P can attest.
"All you have been told by the doctors or others that if you are positive, you have 5 to 10 years to live. But here I am now after 20 years. Getting treatment available within the healthcare sector in our country I think is a huge thing," Shiba said. In theory, first line anti-retro viral treatment is available free of cost at centres across the country, but on the ground, access can be a problem. And given the need for second line treatment and frequent infections, as the immune system struggles to cope, cost becomes a factor. Activists and survivors have been pushing for an AIDS Bill to be passed in the winter session of Parliament. That is even as the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving global pharma giant Novartis, which will affect India's generic pharmaceutical industry, and with it millions of patients in need of life-saving AIDS drugs from Africa to Brazil. "If Novartis wins, it can in future set down all the generic medicines. India is known as the pharmacy of the world," Shiba said.

Gold up in India; metals, oil fall globally

2011-11-29T07:30:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Gold rose marginally in the domestic market due to a depreciating rupee even as global crude and metal prices beat a retreat on fresh fears of a global slowdown with China warning of a recession. US lawmakers added to the global gloom by their inability to forge a consensus on a $1.2 trillion debt reduction plan. Gold rose by Rs 35 to Rs 29,240 per 10 grams in Delhi on buying for the ongoing marriage season although silver closed Rs 550 a kg lower at Rs 55,850 per kg as industrial units, facing economic slowdown, refrained from purchasing the white metal. The domestic gold market bucked the global trend, where the prices of yellow metal declined 1.5% amid rising dollar and government debt worries in Europe and the US. In the international spot market, gold was down 0.8%, $1,711 an ounce at around 7.30PM IST, off an intra-day low of $1,699. It fell 3.5%, and traders are betting on a further fall. But with the rupee depreciating against the dollar, there may not be too much to cheer for Indian consumers during the current marriage season.

Woman alleges affair with Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain

2011-11-29T07:23:00.001+05:30

WASHINGTON: An Atlanta businesswoman claimed Monday a 13-year affair with Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain, whose campaign has already been hurt by a rash of sexual harassment allegations. "It was pretty simple," Ginger White told Atlanta's Fox 5 television. "It wasn't complicated. I was aware that he was married. And I was also aware I was involved in a very inappropriate situation, relationship." Cain, a former pizza company executive who has faded back in the pack of Republicans seeking to take on President Barack Obama in November 2012, denied the allegations preemptively shortly the before news broke. "This individual is going to accuse me of an affair for an extended period of time," Cain told CNN, vehemently denying any sex was involved. "It is someone that Iknow who is an acquaintance that I thought was a friend."

"I did not have an affair," Cain said, insisting he had no plans to quit the White House race. "Not as long as my wife is behind me and as long as my wife believes I should stay in this race, I'm staying in this race," he said, adding that he had spoken to his wife about the allegations. Cain also faces sexual harassment accusations from four women -- two of them who came forward in public. He has denied all impropriety. "I will not be deterred by false, anonymous, incorrect accusations," Cain said earlier this month. His campaign also faltered when he struggled to respond to a basic question about Libya and appeared not to know that China had nuclear weapons, calling into question his presidential credentials. Cain told CNN on Monday that he would forge ahead and shrugged off the latest accusations by saying: "Here we go again." His attorney Lin Wood sought to downplay the affair claim, saying "this is not an accusation of harassment in the workplace -- this is not an accusation of an assault -- which are subject matters of legitimate inquiry to a political candidate."
"Rather, this appears to be an accusation of private, alleged consensual conduct between adults -- a subject matter which is not a proper subject of inquiry by the media or the public," Wood said. "No individual, whether a private citizen, a candidate for public office or a public official, should be questioned about his or her private sexual life. The public's right to know and the media's right to report has boundaries and most certainly those boundaries end outside of one's bedroom door."