India News: August 2007

Just 10 minutes of cellphone chat may trigger cancer
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

London, Aug. 30 (ANI): Just 10 minutes of chatting on cellular phones is enough to trigger such chemical changes in the brain that can increase the risk of cancer, warn scientists. A study by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel has shown that even low levels of radiation from handsets interfere with the process of cell division, which encourages the growth of tumours. Although the researchers have yet not found any evidence that signals from cell phones are harmful, their findings suggest they may be. Several studies have been conducted to find an association between mobile use and brain tumours, but they neither found any such link nor any dramatic rise in cancer rates. Ever since the inception of mobile phones, the official advice has been that the device are safe. The guidance is based on the assumption that the phones emit too little radiation to heat the brain dangerously. The new study, however, suggests that "nonthermal" radiation can pose a risk. In lab tests, the researchers exposed human and rat cells to low-level radiation at 875 megahertz, a similar frequency to the one used in many mobile phones. Despite being weaker than emissions from a typical handset, the radiation began to switch on a chemical signal inside the cells within ten minutes, say the researchers. The chemical signals detected were involved in the division of cells, they add. The researchers also claimed to have found a separate way in which mobile phones can damage health. "The significance lies in showing cells do react to cellphone radiation in a non-thermal way," the Daily Mail quoted Dr Rony Seger, a co-author of the study published in the Biochemical Journal, as telling New Scientist magazine. (ANI)

IAF fares better than Army, Navy in number of women officers
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 30 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) though has a meagre presence of only seven percent women officers as compared to its total strength, it is still better than the Army and Navy, where women officers constitute only 2.6 and 2.9 percent of the services' total strength respectively.In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony stated that several measures have been taken up by the armed forces to attract more women to join the country defence force.Women are appointed only as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in some select branches in the three defence forces. In field like medical, nursing and dental services, they are however appointed both in Short Service and Permanent Commissions. Their strength in the Army, Navy and Air Force are 945, 236 and 739 respectively, and there have been many instances of women officers leaving the services.In the last three years, 147 women officers left the Army, while Navy and Air Force witnessed 37 and 111 attrition.Three IAF women officers recently lodged writ petitions against non-grant of Permanent Commission. However, the Defence Ministry refused to comment on it stating that the" matter is sub-judice". Recently, all officers including Women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers were made eligible to hold substantive rank of Captain, Major and Lt Col after 2, 6 and 13 years of reckonable service respectively. Government has also issued orders extending the tenure of SSC officers, including women officers, from 10 years to 14 years. (ANI)

Pregnancy stress causes eating disorders in one in every 50 women
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

London, Aug 30 (ANI): A new survey has revealed that one in every 50 pregnant women develop an eating disorder due to the stress of bearing a child. According to the study, there are about 600,000 babies born in the UK every year, meaning that 12,000 mothers develop anorexia or bulimia when pregnant. The survey conducted by the baby charity Tommy's discovered that 9 in every 10 expectant mums are stressed. Doctors warn that if stress continues, it can lead to miscarriage. The survey that had about 1,104 respondents also found that 20pct worry that they might not love their baby. Other revelations include that one-third of them are anxious about developing post-natal depression and more than 25 pct feel that changes in body hormones contributed to the stress. About 17 pct of pregnant women are constantly worried due to work pressure. And 41 pct are worried about money. Almost one-third experience stress due to concerns about eating the right type of food. "Current research at Tommy's Manchester Unit indicates that significant levels of stress can limit the growth of babies within the womb.The Tommy's study also suggests that stress increases the risk of pre-term labour, with this effect having most impact when stress is experienced around the time of conception and in early pregnancy, " The Telegraph quoted Philip Baker, a professor of maternal and foetal health from Manchester, as saying. Andrew Shennan, the professor of obstetrics for Tommy's, said that the survey results are shocking. "Suppressing concerns during pregnancy can contribute to the development of pre-natal depression, which can be damaging to both mother and baby. In the vast majority of cases, whatever thoughts or concerns they may be having, nearly every other pregnant woman will have been through the same thing, and so they shouldn't worry that they will be demonised for having perfectly normal feelings," Shennan said. "Although we hear and read more nowadays of women developing an eating disorder in pregnancy, we have no statistics to prove there is an increase. One in 50 women develops an eating disorder during their life so this figure does not differ,” Susan Ringwood, the chief executive of the eating disorder charity Beat, said. "Having said that, we are aware that there is increased pressure on women to return to their pre-pregnancy weight, which could lead to increased risk,” she added. (ANI)

India, Pakistan to hold talks on Wullar Barrage dispute
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 30 (ANI): India and Pakistan will hold talks on Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project dispute with an aim to resolve the 22-year-old issue over construction of a dam on Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir.The two-day Secretary level talks are being held as part of fourth round of the Composite Dialogue between the two countries. While Indian side will be headed by Water Resources Secretary Gauri Chatterji, Water and Power Secretary Ismail Qureshi will lead the Pakistani delegation.The dispute emerged in 1984 after India planned to build a barrage at the mouth of the Wullar Lake, where it meets the Jhelum River in Jammu and Kashmir, with a storage capacity of 300,000 acres feet. Pakistan maintained that the project violated its rights as a lower riparian country granted by the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that governs sharing of common river waters. However, India says the barrage is aimed at facilitating navigation between Baramullah and Wullar and did not violate the treaty.Islamabad fears the barrage could interfere with the flow of Jhelum river water into Pakistan and adversely affect its agro-based economy. India insists that the barrage would not hinder water flow into Pakistan.According to the Indus Water treaty signed in 1960, India has rights over the waters of the Ravi, Sutlej and Beas rivers while Pakistan has rights over the waters of the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum. India began construction work on the project but halted it in 1986 following objections from Pakistan.The Wullar barrage, if completed, will be 439 feet long and 40 feet wide with maximum storage capacity of 300,000 (0.30 million) acres feet of water.Wullar Barrage/Tulbul navigation project is one of the eight issues being discussed under the Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue process. (ANI)

PM to present national awards to small entrepreneurs
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 30(ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present National Awards to the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs here today. The awards will be given in three categories -- Outstanding Entrepreneurs of Micro and Small Enterprises, Khadi and Village Industries and Coir Industries; Special Awards to Women and SC/ST Entrepreneurs, and Banks for Excellence in Small Enterprises Lending. The Centre instituted a scheme of national awards under the title 'National Award for Research and Development Efforts in Small Scale Industries' in 1999 to encourage in-house research and development (R&D) efforts, and to promote this spirit in the larger interest of qualitative development in Small Scale Industries. Under this scheme, first, second and third awards are conferred to deserving registered small scale industries, which may be in continuous production for at least four years before the year of award. The first, second and third awards carry a cash prize of one lakh rupees, 75 thousand rupees, and fifty thousand rupees respectively, besides a certificate and a trophy. With a view to encourage the banks to enhance credit flow to the MSE Sector, a scheme of National Awards to the Banks in recognition of their outstanding performance in financing the micro and small enterprises sector was introduced from the year 2001-02. The National Awards for Excellence in Lending to Micro Enterprises were instituted from the year 2005-06. (ANI)

Over 50 percent polling recorded in Jamshedpur LS by-election
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): About fifty per cent voters cast their votes today during the by-election in Jamshedpur Lok Sabha constituency. The polling remained peaceful in spite of the boycott call given by the Naxals. More than fifty-six companies of para-military forces were deployed in the sensitive polling centres because of ultras threats. The polling in Jamshedpur constituency was necessitated because of death of JMM MP Sunil Mahto in a Naxal attack in March this year. Twelve candidates are in the fray here, including JMM candidate Suman Mahto and BJP nominee Dinesh Kumar Sarangi. The counting will take place on September 2. In Uttarakhand's Dhumakot Assembly by-election, where Chief Minister B C Khanduri is contesting as a BJP candidate, 55 per cent polling was registered. (ANI)

India beats Syria 1-0 to lift Nehru Cup
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): India beat Syria 1-0 here today to lift the Nehru Cup for the first time in the history of the tournament. NP Pradeep scored the only goal of the match at the Ambedkar Stadium to beat the 112th-ranked Syrians, who came into the tournament as the favourites and had defeated India in the preliminary round. Mahesh Gawli was named the Man of the Match. (ANI)

President honours sportspersons with Arjuna, Dronacharya awards
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil today gave away the prestigious Arjuna and Dronacharya awards to the country’s top sportspersons at a glittering ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan here. The country’s top sporting award ‘Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna’ for the year 2006 was conferred upon Manavjit Singh Sandhu for his outstanding performance and achievements in shooting. He was presented a citation and five lakh rupees. R.D. Singh (Athletics, Paralympic Games), Damodaran Chandralal (Boxing) and Koneru Ashok (Chess) were conferred Dronacharya Award for the year 2006 in recognition of their meritorious achievements in the field of coaching. This award carries an amount of rupees three lakh, a memento and a citation. Jayanta Talukdar (Archery), Kalayathumkuzhiyil Mathew Binu (Athletics), B. Chetan Anand (Badminton), Vijender (Boxing), Pentala Harikrishana (Chess), Anjum Chopra (Cricket), Jyoti Sunita Kullu (Hockey), Vijay Kumar (Shooting), Saurav Ghosal (Squash), Subhajit Saha (Table Tennis), Geeta Rani (Weightlifting), Geetika Jakhar (Wrestling), Navneet Gautam (Kabaddi) and Rahit Bhakar (Badminton - Disabled category) were conferred Arjuna Award for the year 2006 in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the field of Sports. The award carries an amount of rupees three lakh and a citation. The President also gave away Dhyan Chand Award for the year 2007 to Varinder Singh (Hockey), Shamsher Singh (Kabaddi) and Rajendra Singh (Wrestling) to honour these sportspersons for their contribution to sports by their performance and efforts to promote the sports. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy 2005-2006 has been awarded to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. The winner receives a cash prize of Rs. two lakh and the MAKA Rolling Trophy along with a small replica of the MAKA Trophy for retention by the University. The President also conferred Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards for the year 2006 to recognize the contribution and performance of the awardees in the field of adventure sports. Gurdial Singh was given Life Time Achievement Award, Sub. Palden Giachho, was awarded for Land Adventure, Wg.Cdr. Motuku Indra Kanth Reddy got the award for Air Adventure while Tapas Chowdhury was awarded for his performance in water adventure. (ANI)

Delhi Sikhs protest against new US security law
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Hundreds of Sikhs took out a march on Wednesday in the national capital protesting against the United State's new airport security measures, which entails scanning of their turban. The Sikh community is angered over the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's new law, which makes it mandatory to subject turbans, a religious symbol of the Sikhs, for manual checks at American airports."We want to tell that this law is baseless and an attack on Sikh community. We will not tolerate this and will oppose any such law," said Paramjeet Singh Pamma, President of National Akali Dal, a regional political outfit of the Sikhs.The protesters, both men and women, carrying placards shouted anti-American slogans and later gave a memorandum addressed to President George W. Bush to the U.S. embassy in New Delhi, requesting a review of the law.They also requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, himself a Sikh, to take up the matter with Washington.Several Sikhs, who wear turbans and have beards, have been attacked in the United States after the 9/11 attack on World Trade Centre, apparently mistaken for Afghans, and possible supporters of Saudi-born militant Osama binLaden.Sikhs make up about two percent of India's one billion-plus population, and about 500,000 Sikh followers are based in different parts of America. (ANI)

Ramadoss assures AIIMS doctors to resolve the issue soon
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday assured students of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) that their grievances would be dealt with immediately. Doctors at the AIIMS are on strike since Tuesday evening, protesting against the delay in award of their degrees for the past three years. Ramadoss said the issue would soon be resolved and appealed doctors to return to work. "We have asked the director of AIIMS, doctor Venugopal to take immediate cognisance of it and to rectify the issue and put out the certificates, and also to convene the convocation immediately," said Ramadoss. The strike has crippled medical services at the hospital with scores of patients waiting outside the hospital without any attendance. "Everything will be for the patient care, welfare and the patients' help. Hospital function (convocation) will be normal, 25th of September," AIIMS Director P. Venugopal said. Doctors said those who have qualified various medical courses were facing difficulty in seeking jobs or pursuing higher studies in the absence of their degrees. (ANI)

Dalit protestors go on rampage during shut down in Haryana
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

Yamunanagar/Karnal, Aug 29 (ANI): Dalit protestors went on rampage during a shut down in Haryana on Wednesday, a day after violent mobs clashed with police over the death of a dalit youth. Protesters hit the streets and shouted slogans as they forced shopkeepers to close shops, and vandalised properties in Yamunanagar and Karnal districts. In Karnal, infuriated protesters clashed with police, injuring some of them. They blamed police high-handedness in making a peaceful protest turn violent. "We have tried our best to maintain peace here. We channelled the protest through the city to sector 12… Police wanted to show its high-handedness, and that's what they did," said Ram Avtar, a protester. On Tuesday, violence erupted in Gohana following murder of a dalit youth by unidentified assailants. One person was killed and a dozen others, including policemen, injured as rampaging mob damaged state-run buses, set several vehicles on fire and pelted stones at policemen. (ANI)

Living happily in Asia's highest village in Himachal Pradesh
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

Komic (Lahul-Sipti) Himachal Pradesh, Aug.29 (ANI): The 114 residents of Komic in Lahul-Sipti District of Himachal Pradesh, said to be the highest village in Asia, are leading a happy spartan life, and are not too concerned with the lack of development in the area. Situated at an altitude of over 4,275 meters above sea level, this village is exposed to temperatures that vary between -28 degree centigrade to +28 degree centigrade. The area also remains cut off for most of the year from rest of the world due to snowfall and communication failure. The villagers say that no official of the Lahul-Sipti District administration has ever visited Komic, and admit that no development work has taken place in the village. Cheriny Prnching, a resident, said: "This region has 14 or 15 villages. Our main crop is pea. This place is unbelievably cold. From January onwards, the roads here are blocked, and we are cut off from the outside world. Life really becomes difficult then. It would be good if the Government could provide us with telephones." Owing to its relative isolation, certain unique aspects of the Tibetan Buddhist culture are well preserved in this village, austerity being one of them. A key landmark of Komic is the monastery dedicated to Gyawa Jampa or Matrey Buddha, famously known as the future Buddha.Buddhist pilgrims and trekking tourists are amazed to see the dedicated zeal with which the locals of Komic have preserved their culture and heritage against all odds. Jamyange Gyatro, an Austrian tourist, said: "This whole landscape is breathtaking. The village is an example of humans' constant victory against nature. One would not believe that people can live in as harsh environment as in Spiti unless they see it. But here, people have been living for generations." Despite harsh temperatures, diligent villagers grow crops like barley, wild pea and a few vegetables as their staple food. The Himachal Pradesh Public Work Department has been trying to hook up the isolated Komic Village to the mainland. The construction of a road is in full swing with the help of locals of Komic and other nearby villages.A monk noted that the road will be a boon for the village.Besides, Komic, Spiti region has 14 more villages located in highlands at an average altitude of above 4,000 metres. Famous among them are Demul, Kibber, Lhalung and Dhankhar. Most the villages fall within the Kibber sanctuary, an ideal home to rare and endangered species of wildlife such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, jungle fowl, blue sheep and others. Given proper infrastructure like roads connectivity, communication facilities, electricity, the picturesque region can allure a larger number of tourists, besides making things easier for locals. Komic has only 15 families living here for the past four decades.Prior to Komic being regarded as the highest village in Asia, Kibber (also in Lahul-Sipti region) at 4,050 meters above sea level had that distinction. (ANI)

Goa CM requests PM to set up IIM in the state
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the state. Minister of State for Human Resource Development M.A.A.Fatmi told the Rajya Sabha today that the request would be considered as and when the Centre initiates the process of setting up of new IIMs in the country. Fatmi said this in a reply to a question raised by member Shantaram Laxman Naik in the Upper House. There are six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) till date in the country at Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Indore and Kozhikode. Besides being India's premier business schools, IIMs also conduct research and provide consultancy services in the field of management to various sectors of the Indian economy. (ANI)

India and Russia co-developing fifth generation fighter aircraft
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): A day after Defence Ministry floated the biggest tender to purchase 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Centre today said that talks are on with Russia to co-develop a fifth generation fighter aircraft."Technical discussions to work out the details are in progress. Efforts are on for finalizing the draft Inter Governmental Agreement in this regard," the ministry stated in a written reply in Lok Sabha. India and Russia have already successfully co-developed the Brahmos Cruise missile.However, the ministry today also admitted that there have been delays in the up-gradation of most of the IAF aircraft like MiG-21 Bison, NavWASS Jaguar and MiG-27. Defence Minister A K Antony told Lok Sabha that the delays have occurred to due to delays in design and developments phase and the projects are being 'closely' monitored to mitigate the delay. (ANI)

NHRC sends notice to police officials in Bihar on thrashing of a chain snatcher
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi Aug.29 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur and the Director General of Police, Bihar on an incident where a chain snatcher was severely thrashed by the public and the police.The Commission which viewed a CD of the incident, said the Bihar Police seemed to be living in the old colonial days where the authorities showed scant regard for the dignity of people. The Commission strongly disapproved such despicable behaviour and said that it is a serious violation of human rights. The Commission, further said that the two police officials have been given four weeks time for their comments, and in the meanwhile, a team of the Investigation Division of the Commission will visit Bhagalpur to prepare and submit a factual report. As per the evidence gathered so far, the accused was severely thrashed by the public in the presence of the police. The police instead of restraining the mob, tied the person with a rope to a motorcycle and dragged him along a road till he passed out. (ANI)

Orissa presses health workers into action to check cholera outbreak
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

Dasmantapur/Bhubaneswar (Orissa), Aug 29 (ANI): The Orissa Government has deputed over a dozen medical teams to check cholera outbreak in its tribal regions, that has reportedly killed close to hundred people.Nearly 1,800 people were affected over the past weeks in the tribal areas of Raygada district. Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the situation was under control and all possible measures have been taken to contain its outbreak to other areas. "Matters are stabilizing now. There are 16 medical teams and in the Kashipur area, there are 14 medical teams. They are monitoring the areas and the situation is under control," Patnaik said in Bhubaneswar.According to health officials, drinking polluted water and eating contaminated meat have caused the outbreak in impoverished Orissa. In Kashipur block of Raygada district, where at least 48 villagers have died of Cholera, medical workers distributed medicines and ORS."We have distributed medicines and saline (ORS). We are taking care of everything," said Dipti Khandapani, Child Development Project Officer, Kashipur. Meanwhile, authorities in Dasmantapur, another village that has lost 20 people to the disease, said lack of medical facilities posed a major problem."Normally, the reason for the deaths in the area is due to the absence of doctors - the posts are lying vacant. Even if doctors are posted, they don't stay for long. There are no doctors in Dasmantapur hospital and doctors from other areas have to come here," said Rajendra Huika, Dasmantapur Block head. Cholera often causes severe diarrhoea or vomiting that can result in dehydration and death.Orissa is facing monsoon floods in several districts that has marooned thousands of people and killed dozens since early August. The cholera deaths were, however, not linked to the floods, officials said. (ANI)

Decline in infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir: Jaiswal
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal today said that there has been a decline in infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir in July (95) as compared to the respective months of 2006 (127) and 2005 (175). In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, he said the Centre, in tandem with the State Government, has adopted a multi-pronged approach, to contain cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir. It includes strengthening of border management, and multi-tiered and multi-modal deployment along the international border/Line of Control (LoC) and near the ever changing infiltration routes, construction of border fencing, improved technology, weapons and equipment for security forces, improved intelligence and operational coordination, and synergizing intelligence flow to check infiltration and pro-active action against the terrorists within the State. Jaiswal added that the counter infiltration efforts are reviewed periodically at various levels in the State Government, including the two Unified Headquarters headed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and in the Central Government. (ANI)

Liberhan Commission expected to submit its report by Aug 31
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): The Liberhan Commission, inquiring into the destruction of the Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri Masjid structure at Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, is expected to submit its report before the government by August 31. Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today that the Commission is likely to give its report within its present extended tenure, that is, August 31. The Centre had extended the tenure of the Commission on 40 occasions since its appointment. An Expenditure of Rs.717.66 lakh has been incurred on the Commission till July 31, 2007, Jaiswal said. The Commission was constituted during the regime of late Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao, by an order of the Home Ministry following the demolition of the Babri mosque on December 6 and the riots in Ayodhya. In the last 14 years of hearing, the Commission has held over 325 sittings and examined over 100 witnesses, including 14 defence witnesses, 53 Central Government witnesses and 32 Commission witnesses. The commission had recorded statements of several politicians, bureaucrats and police officials, including former Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Cabinet Ministers Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bajrang Dal leader Vinay Katiyar. Top bureaucrats and police officials of UP, former District Magistrate R.N. Srivastava and Senior Superintendent of Police D.B. Roy of Ayodhya had also recorded their statements on the demolition. The destruction of the mosque was followed by communal riots across the country, in which there was a huge loss of life and property. (ANI)

Jaiswal for inquiry into Bhagalpur ‘mob justice’ incident
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

Bhagalpur/New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Minister of State for Home Affairs Sri Prakash Jaiswal today condemned the incident in which a person was brutally beaten up by the public and was later dragged by a motorbike driven by a policeman in Bihar’s Bhagalpur District yesterday. Jaiswal said he would ask the State Government to order an inquiry into it. “I condemn this incident and will speak to the Bihar Government about this. I want them to investigate the matter and bring forward the truth,” he told reporters in New Delhi. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Bhagalpur this morning over the incident. An angry mob surrounded Nath Nagar Police Station in the district, where the thief has been lodged, and shouted slogans against police. Two policemen have already been suspended, officials said, adding that the suspect, Aurangzeb, has been arrested on charges of robbery. He has been taken to a prison hospital with serious internal injuries, bruising and cuts. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also asked the Bihar Government to report on the attack. It has indicated that it might send its own officers to investigate the police brutality, a spokeswoman of the Commission said. (ANI)

AIIMS doctors threaten to go on indefinite strike
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 29 (ANI): Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today threatened to go on indefinite strike if the hospital management does not distribute degrees to the pass-outs.They have given deadline to Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who is also the President of the management of AIIMS, till 5 p.m. to release their degrees."We have informed the administration that if Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss will not sign our degree till 5 p.m. this evening then resident doctors will withdraw from emergency services,” said Anil Sharma, spokesperson of Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of AIIMS.Anil said that if the administration wants to run the emergency and casualties, they would not stop them, but the residents would withdraw from the services. “The Health Minister will be responsible for it, and if he wants to solve the matter he should call us. As soon he signs the degrees, I assure that we will join the work. We are in favour of patients,” he added. Doctors of AIIMS are on strike since Tuesday evening to protest against the delay in award of their degrees for the past three years.The strike has bought medical services at the hospital to a standstill with scores of patients waiting outside."I asked doctors that I am scheduled for an eye operation today because of which I have not eaten anything since morning. Now, what should I do?,” said Parminder Singh, a patient. Doctors said those who have qualified in various medical courses were facing difficulties in seeking jobs or pursuing higher studies in the absence of their degrees.Yesterday, over thirty doctors were arrested and released later for marching towards the residence of Ramadoss. (ANI)

Landslide-hit Kalka-Shimla toy train is back on track
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Shimla, Aug 29 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh’s century-old toy train is back on track after being halted temporarily by landslides. A sudden downpour had washed away the earth beneath the railway line on August 14, leaving around 350 meters of the track hanging.For 15 days, the Shimla-Kalka train service was suspended, badly affecting the region's tourism industry."Business has gone down tremendously. Business of taxis, hotels, and also for the government will now be better. Now, the tourists will come. Labourers, who had gone home, will also come back,” said B. L. Sharma, a manager with the Himachal Tourism Corporation.People who depend on the train for their livelihood like porters said they were affected by the suspension. "We were jobless. We stayed hungry. Our job depends on the functioning of the train. Now, it has started running again. So, everyone associated with it will have a job now," said Gulam Mohammad, a porter.Tourists also expressed their joy over the resumption of the train service."When I reached Kalka, I found that the train was not running. I had a ticket till Shimla but had to go by taxi. The train became functional yesterday. It's a good thing. People can now enjoy the journey," said Himanshu, a tourist from Delhi.Introduced in 1903 during the British regime, the toy train runs on narrow gauge along the upper reaches of Koti in Solan District.The train has been chosen as India's official entry for inscription as a world heritage for 2008. (ANI)

Mums who cradle their babies on right arm at risk of developing depression
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Washington, Aug 29 (ANI): New mums who cradle their babies on their right arm are at a risk of developing depression, a new study has found. The study was carried out by researchers at Durham University, who studied 79 new mothers and their babies. The babies were an average age of seven months. The researchers state that while most mothers feel stressed during the early stages of their baby’s life, their cradling habits can be a key indicator of whether this stress could become overwhelming and lead to depression. As a part of the study the researchers asked mothers to pick up their babies and cradle them in their arm. They women were then asked to complete a survey that quizzed them on their mental state. The study found that of the mothers who expressed no signs of stress or depression in the survey, 86 per cent preferred to hold their babies to the left. However, cradling babies to the right was more prominent amongst stressed mums with 32 per cent showing a right-sided bias. Lead author Dr Nadja Reissland, a senior lecturer with Durham University’s Department of Psychology, said early detection of stress is vital. “Many mothers don’t realise they are suffering from stress, or don’t want to admit they are. The way they interact with their child is usually the best indicator of their inner mental state,“ she said. “Mums who are stressed often see what their baby does as negative so they may interpret their baby’s crying as being naughty, when in fact this is normal behaviour. They may even feel the baby is stopping them from living the life they really want to live. “These sorts of feelings can have a huge impact on the relationship between mother and baby and on the family as a whole. If this stress develops into depression, then the situation can be even worse.” Funded by the Children’s Research Fund, the study appears in the on-line version of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The research team now is following up this pilot study with another study looking at cradling side in a before and after situation with mothers taking their babies for their first vaccinations. (ANI)

Men, not women, are more willing to sacrifice success for romance
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Washington, Aug 29 (ANI): The notion that women are the ones that think with their hearts and not their heads when in love has just been busted with the finding that men are the ones who are more willing to sacrifice achievement goals for a romantic relationship. The finding is based on a study by Catherine Mosher of Duke Medical Center and Sharon Danoff-Burg from the University of Albany. As a part of their study the two researchers analysed 237 undergraduate students 80 men and 157 women aged 16 to 25 years to check whether personality traits influence students’ life goals. They focused on the relative importance of romantic relationships and achievement goals in particular. This involved them looking at ‘agency’, or the focus on oneself and the formation of separations, including self-assertion, self-protection, and self-direction, as well as ‘communion’, or the focus on other people and relationships, which involves group participation, cooperation and formation of attachments. They found that in general, women tend to score higher on measures of communion whereas men tend to score higher than women on measures of agency. This means that men were more likely than women to give priority to a romantic relationship when asked to choose between a relationship and their career, education and travelling. The authors suggest that college women in this study may have been strongly committed to working towards a successful career and therefore hesitant to abandon their goals for a romantic relationship. In contrast to women, men also appear to derive more emotional support from their opposite-sex relationships than their same-sex friendships. Their paper will be published in the next issue of the Springer journal, Gender Issues. (ANI)

Politician-militant nexus spells setback for Manipur
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Imphal, Aug 29 (ANI): The shocking revelation of militants being arrested in the houses of ruling MLAs, has come as a setback to Manipur, which is keen to promote development and prosperity. Y. Joykumar Singh, DGP, Manipur Police, said: "At a time when a cross section of Manipur society wants the State to be rid of nefarious rebel activities, some MLAs are acting as the stooges of the ultras. How can the State develop and prosper when lawmakers are hand in glove with law breakers?" When confronted with hard truths, suspected MLAs expressed no remorse and provided no plausible explanation. "Such legislators don't reflect the true aspirations and vision of the State," said Singh. Twelve militants were arrested and a huge cache of arms was recovered from the residence of three Congress MLAs in Manipur on August 18. One M-16 rifle, one 9mm pistol and 18 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the house of Congress MLA W Brajabidhu, who represents the Lamsang Assembly Constituency in Imphal West District. Sitting Congress MLAs Bijoy Koijam of Thongju AC, K. Meghachandra of Wangkhem AC and former MLA N Sovakiran of Oinam AC were the others involved with the nexus. The militants were hiding in Imphal's VIP colony. (ANI)

We remember bad times better than good times
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Washington, August 29 (ANI): A new study has shown that we tend to remember the bad times better than the good. The study, from Boston College psychologist, Elizabeth Kensinger and colleagues, has suggested that we retain and bear in mind events that carry negative emotional burden. Kensinger and colleagues have explained that the power of emotion is likely to reduce our memory inconsistencies. Her research shows that whether an event is pleasing or aversive seems to be a critical determinant of the accuracy with which the event is remembered, with negative events being remembered in greater detail than positive ones. To substantiate her theory, Kensinger gives the example of a sight of a man on a street holding a gun. After seeing the man, people remember the gun clearly, but they forget the details of the street. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), studies have shown increased cellular activity in emotion-processing regions at the time that a negative event is experienced. The more activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and the amygdala, two emotion-processing regions of the brain, the more likely an individual is to remember details intrinsically linked to the emotional aspect of the event, such as the exact appearance of the gun. Kensinger argues that identifying the effects of negative emotion on memory for detail may, one day, save our lives by guiding our actions and allowing us to plan for similar future occurrences. “These benefits make sense within an evolutionary framework. It is logical that attention would be focused on potentially threatening information,” says Kensinger. She adds that this line of research has in-depth implications in understanding autobiographical memory and assessing the validity of eyewitness testimony. Kensinger also believes that this research may end insight into the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The study is published in the August issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. (ANI)

Four charges dropped against Indian born Dr death
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Melbpurne, Aug 29 (ANI): Four charges against Indian born Dr Death, doctor Jayant Patel, has been dropped by the Queensland chief state prosecutor. Dr Patel, however, faces trial in the remaining 16 charges of manslaughter.Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Leanne Clare said that after discussions with the US lawyer, who will conduct the extradition application, additional statements had been sought from an expert witness relating to a number of the charges against Dr Patel. "On the basis of the evidence from this witness, two charges of grievous bodily harm, and two charges of negligent acts causing harm would not proceed," Clare said.But 16 charges remained active and would be pursued, news.com.au quoted Clare, as saying. "They comprise three charges of manslaughter, three charges of grievous bodily harm, two charges of negligent acts causing harm, and eight charges of fraud," she added.Dr Patel worked as Director of Surgery at Bundaberg Base Hospital in southeast Queensland before being named in state parliament, and fleeing to the United States in April 2005. The health inquiry's notice to Dr Patel accuses him of conducting "surgical procedures that you had been restricted from performing in the US" and of performing "beyond your competence, skill and expertise". It also accuses him of conducting highly complicated procedures, which were unnecessary and "beyond the capacity of the hospital and its staff", resulting in the death of 13 patients, and several other adverse outcomes. Dr Patel's failure to report the 13 deaths to the coroner and record the true details in patient’s files concerning infections, wound breakdowns, complications arising from surgery and the reasons for additional surgery has also been cited in the notice. He has been linked to the deaths of 17 former patients at the hospital. (ANI)

Dalit organisation calls for Haryana and Punjab shutdown
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | MP

Gohana (Haryana), Aug 29 (ANI): Adi Dharam Samaj, a Dalit organisation gave a call for state-wide shutdown of Haryana and Punjab today to protest against the killing of Dalit leader Rakesh alias Lara. Rakesh was shot dead on Monday night in Gohana town of Haryana’s Sonepat District by three unidentified men, and was one of the main accused in the 2005 Baljeet Siwach murder case. The murder triggered protests as people blocked traffic on the Sonepat-Jind highway.The incident led to skirmish with protestors pelting stones at cops. The Dalits went on rampage last night torching a police check-post and damaging several buses parked at Gohana bus stand. The police used force to disperse the angry mob. Many policemen were also injured in the struggle.After the caste violence, prohibitory orders have been imposed to avoid any untoward incident in the area. Additional Director General Police (law and order) V B Singh said the town has been divided into eight sectors and duty magistrates appointed in each sector. Eight companies of police have also been deputed in the area. He said that Rakesh’s killers would be arrested soon and three persons have already been detailed for interrogation.Dalits alleged that police had prior information that Rakesh would be targeted, but had done nothing for his protection. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) said it would keep an eye on the investigations to ensure a fair probe by the authorities into the death of the Dalit youth."We have conveyed to the District Magistrate of the area that the commission would keep an eye on the investigations carried out by the administrative authorities. If any sort of discrepancies are found then it would be forced to rope in CBI, to ensure no injustice is done," said Buta Singh, chairman of NCSC.Three armed men fired six bullets on Lara, killing him on the spot near a school at around 10 pm on Monday. The assailants fled from the spot after killing the Dalit leader.Lara was rushed to the hospital, but he died on the way.Lara, the main accused in the murder of Baljeet Siwach, was later acquitted by the CBI court. Baljeet Siwach’s murder on August 26, 2005 had led to arson attack and burning of over 100 Dalit houses in Gohana. (ANI)

126-fighter aircraft deal will be completely transparent: Antony
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony today said that the deal to purchase 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be completely transparent, which would be ensured at every stage before finalising the procurement.Speaking on the sidelines of an IAF function in the capital, Antony rejected the notion that the nuclear deal with the US would tilt the scale in the favour of two US companies, which are in the fray for the Rupees 42,000 crore deal."We are neither against any country nor in favour of anyone," Antony said.The Defence Ministry today issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of the aircraft to six vendors.The deal would prove crucial in replenishing the depleting Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet squadrons.The six companies, which are in the fray include, two from the US-- Lockheed Martin with their F-16s Falcon fighter jets and Boeing with its F/A-18 Super Hornet. Russian with MIG-35, Swedish with Gripen, French Dassault with Rafale and European consortium with Eurofighter Typhoon aircrafts, made by a consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian firms, are also in the contention. The 211-page RFP document deals with various issues relating to initial purchase, transfer of technology, licensed production and life-time maintenance support for the aircraft. "The RFP contains the selection model that would involve an exhaustive evaluation process as detailed in the Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) - 2006," a Defence Ministry release stated. The proposals from the likely contenders would first be technically evaluated by a 'professional team' to check for compliance with IAF's operational requirements and other RFP conditions, it added. The aircraft purchased from this deal are likely to be in service for over 40 years and the Defence Ministry has stated that 'great care' has been taken to ensure that only determinable factors, which do not lend themselves to any subjectivity, are included in the commercial selection model. Under the terms of purchase, the first 18 aircraft will come in a 'fly away' condition while the remaining 108 will be manufactured under Transfer of Technology (ToT). The vendor finally selected would also be required to undertake 50 percent offset obligations in India.The Ministry believes that the offset and the aircrafts manufactured through Transfer of Technology regime "would provide a great technological and economic boost to the indigenous defence industries". The successful negotiations on offset clauses would pave the way for technical evaluations and 'exhaustive' field trials, which will be followed by IAF carrying its own evaluation and then short listing of the aircrafts will be done. The commercial bids would then be opened, which would be studied by the Contract Negotiation Committee that would finally sent its recommendation to the Defence Minister, who would then consult it with the Union Finance Minister. Only after Finance Minister gives green signal to the deal, Defence Minister would send it to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final clearance.On June 29, Defence Minister A K Antony had outlined three guiding principles for this procurement scheme, which are -the operational requirements of IAF should be fully met. Second, the selection process should be competitive, fair and transparent, so that best value for money is realized and lastly, country's defence industries should get an opportunity to grow to global scales. (ANI)

PM asks Power Ministry to expedite power sector reforms
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today reviewed the ‘Thrust Areas’ for the power sector, and directed that urgent steps be taken to operationalise the decisions taken in the Chief Ministers' conference on power sector in May this year. Singh stressed that the UPA Government was fully committed to Bharat Nirman and the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, and that all steps should be taken in this regard. The Prime Minister was also keen to continue and strengthen the efforts being made towards the accelerated development and reforms of the distribution sector, and directed the Power Ministry to ensure that formal clearances to both the initiatives are completed in the next fortnight. He expressed the hope that with the constitution of the Standing Committee of State Power Ministers and the Sub-Committee under the Finance Minister to look into financing issues, the power sector would be able to achieve the full momentum necessary to sustain high rates of economic growth. (ANI)

Prime Minister calls on President
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called on President Pratibha Devisingh Patil here today. The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan lasted for about 40 minutes, according to the President’s Secretariat. They reviewed the recent developments in the country. (ANI)

Army Chief to witness Indo-Russian anti terrorism exercises in September
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff, General J J Singh, will visit Russia next month.General Singh would be in Russia from September 15 to 19, and is expected to take up defence and security issues with his Russian counterpart.His visit to Moscow will follow tours of that country by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and two other defence delegations.The Army Chief has said that his tour to Moscow is aimed at witnessing the first ever major Indo-Russian anti terrorism exercises, but sources said the issue of price escalation of the Russian defence supplies may also figure in his talks with the Russian military establishment.Crack Indian paratroopers will fly to Russia to carry out search and destroy exercises in the Pskov region in northwestern Russia from September 16 to 18.Indra-2007, as the wargame has been codenamed, will be held in the headquarters of Russia's elite airborne division, situated only a few dozen kilometres from the enlarged NATO borders of Estonia and Lithuania. (ANI)

Nation celebrates Raksha Bandhan with full fervour
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi/Srinagar/Ayodhya/Wagah, Aug 28 (ANI): People from all walks of life celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with full fervour across the country on Tuesday. A large number of women from Punjab tied rakhis to the soldiers deployed at Wagah border. "It's a sentimental moment for me as I was away home, and I felt really happy when these women tied Rakhi to me. I feel really good,” said Shokeen Khan, a soldier of the Border Security Force (BSF). In Srinagar, scores of Hindus congregated at the Shankarachayra Temple to offer prayers and celebrate the festival. "I have come to Kashmir after 18 years, and I am very glad that I am able to tie Rakhi to my brother at this pious place. I am very happy to see so many people here, it is a very happy day for me," said Sunita Devi, a woman, while tying rakhi to her brother. "By the grace of Lord Shiva, my wish has come true today. I think it is more crowded today than it was 18 years ago," said Vinod Kaul, Sunita Devi's brother. Though considered a Hindu festival, the occasion was celebrated by people of all faiths. In Ayodhya, Sikh women invited their Muslim neighbours to a Gurudwara to tie rakhi. "We stay together. There is no disparity, we celebrate all our festivals like bakri Eid together," said Navjot Kaur, a Sikh woman, who tied rakhi to an adopted Muslim brother. In the national Capital, about 100 children from different parts of the country met President Pratibha Patil to wish her on the occasion. (ANI)

Bhagalpur victims should get compensation on par with victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): The Justice N N Singh Commission of Inquiry has recommended that victims of the 1989-90 Bhagalpur riots should be compensated on par with those of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Commission constituted in February 2006, has in its interim report submitted to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, said "There were similarities in the 1984 anti-Sikh riot and the Bhagalpur riots of 1989-90 in regard to their enormity, extent, barbarism, devastation and loss of life and property.""The duration of Bhagalpur riots in which 1,000 people were killed surpassed that of 1984 Sikh riots and both riots resulted in enormous human tragedy," the Commission said.The Chief Minister told reporters that the Commission after going through the special package announced by the Central Government on January 16, 2006 for the victims of the anti-Sikh riots found that there was no valid reason for "discriminating" against Bhagalpur riot victims.The Commission has suggested that the state government take up the matter with the Centre for grant of similar package for the victims of the Bhagalpur riots.Quoting the report of the one-man commission of inquiry, Nitish Kumar said the government had learnt that in April 2007 the Central government had announced a similar relief package for the victims of the Gujarat communal riots of 2002."I am going to write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requesting a package identical to the ones for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh and 2002 Gujarat communal riots for those of Bhagalpur carnage," he said. Kumar said that Bihar's Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah would leave for New Delhi on Wednesday with his letter to the Prime Minister and hold talks with officials of the Union Home Ministry regarding the compensation package.He said his government was willing to grant life-long pension to widows and old parents of the riot victims as envisaged in the Centre's rehabilitation package for anti-Sikh riot victims.Though the Centre's package said the states might grant a pension of Rs 2,500 to the affected persons, Kumar did not specify features of the package announced on January 16, 2006 that included payment of ex-gratia amount of Rs 3.5 lakh in each case of death in addition to the money already paid by respective state governments and Rs 1.25 lakh ex-gratia in case of injury to each victim.However, the money already paid by the state governments to the injured would be deducted from Rs 1.25 lakh and only the balance amount would be paid.The interim report of the N N Singh Judicial Commission of Inquiry stressed the need for giving preference to the family members of those killed during Bhagalpur riots in government employment. Accusing the erstwhile RJD regime of having failed to ensure that victims got justice, Kumar said closure reports were filed by the police in 27 cases despite substantial evidences against the accused.True to the promise made in its election manifesto about securing justice for the riot victims and their rehabilitation, the NDA government, soon after coming to power, ordered the reopening of these cases, Kumar said.He said a Commission was constituted to analyse the nature, causes and circumstances under which the investigating officers submitted closure reports and to fix responsibility of the police for alleged negligence and connivance.The commission was also to inquire if there was any distress sale of properties made by survivors in the aftermath of the riots.The other terms of reference of the Justice N N Singh Commission was to consider, suggest and supervise the ways and schemes for rehabilitation of Bhagalpur riot victims.The panel was also to suggest ways to prevent recurrence of such communal riots in the future, the chief minister said. (ANI with inputs)

Delhi to have national ayurveda college: Ramadoss
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Anbumani Ramadoss said on Tuesday that a national ayurveda college would be set up in New Delhi on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)."We are setting up an All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi over a land area of around 15 acres," Ramadoss told reporters here."The medical college will be set up in South Delhi near Apollo Hospital with an investment of Rs 150 crore. All kind of research and referral activity in the field of herbal medicine will take place here," Ramadoss said on the sidelines of a community outreach programme on herbal gardens.He said the thrust on ayurveda was necessary as it was expected to emerge as a five trillion dollar industry by 2050.Thirty two percent of all medicines consumed in the US are herbal-based and India must try to tap its vast resources available in across every state, he said.Earlier, Ramadoss launched the Home Herbal Gardens initiative of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) which aims at encouraging Delhiites to develop medicinal plant gardens in their backyards. (ANI)

Jaipur hotels do brisk `Shravan' business
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Jaipur, Aug.28 (ANI): Luxury hotels in Rajasthan can look back with satisfaction at the brisk business they have accomplished during the holy month of "Shravan" by serving up ethnic vegetarian cuisine to visitors, particularly those belonging to the Hindu community. Jaipur's Park Plaza hotel organized a 10-day special 'Sawan Ka Khana Utsav' or a Shravan cuisine festival, offering visitors the choicest of dishes. Bitter gourd, leaves of fenugreek, Gatta Ki Sabzi, a cuisine prepared from gram flour, and Rajasthani Khichdi, a combination of rice and lentils, were some of the special items on offer during the festival. Anil Goyal, the head chef at the Park Plaza, said: "We have more of seasonal vegetables in our menu. We have prepared a layout of the regional specialties of food after conducting trials throughout the year. Based on the feedback received from people, this daily menu was organised." Hindus avoid eating non-vegetarian food during Shravan. "I liked the food very much. Normally, this kind of food is not prepared at home. So, when you get such food, it feels good," said Anup Mathur, a visitor. Retail garment outfits in Jaipur too have also had good sales.The demand for designer Rajasthani Lahariya (hand-dyed fabrics) sarees has been high during the month of Shravan. "Women wear traditional Lahariya sarees and go to their in-laws houses," said Bhagirath Prasad Sharma, a seller. There are around 10 to 12 types of Lahariya sarees. (ANI)

Left wants political committee to look into nuke deal issue
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): The Left parties today demanded a purely political committee to review the implementation of the US Hyde Act on the bilateral 123-Agreement pertaining to the Indo-US nuclear deal.Softening its stand, the Left parties had agreed on Monday to join a government panel to study the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and address the concerns of Left parties.A panel of politicians, diplomats and scientists had been suggested to resolve the doubts of the Left over the deal, but there was no agreement on it until Monday's announcement, which opened the door for a compromise.External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday held a wide range of consultations with the Left leaders, beginning with CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury separately.In latest developments, the CPI has agreed to a government panel to study the controversial deal, but it should be a political panel."In our meeting with the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and others, it has been made clear from our side if a committee is set up that must be a political committee and that committee can call any scientist, any expert at any time to seek their opinion," said D. Raja, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI).Meanwhile, senior leaders of All India's Forward Block and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) met Mukherjee.All India Forward Block General Secretary Debabrata Biswas echoed CPI's demands saying the only solution would be a political approach to the issue."Through the 123 Agreement and the Hyde Act, they (U.S.A) are binding us in their foreign policies. So this should be cleared politically. And for that we must constitute a political committee and that political committee will take the opinion of experts and scientists and others... they can. But politically we are to settle this matter," he told reporters. However, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Abani Roy said his party is totally opposed to the deal and any mechanism would be futile.“We feel that when we have already opposed this (nuclear deal), then, what is the use of meeting and discussing the mechanism," Roy said.The Left have slammed the deal saying it compromises India's sovereignty and imposes American hegemony. They have warned the government of "serious consequences" if it did not stop pursuing key global approvals for the deal. (ANI)

Manmohan Singh to present national awards to small entrepreneurs
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will present National Awards to the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs here on August 30. The awards will be given in three categories-- Outstanding Entrepreneurs of Micro and Small Enterprises, Khadi and Village Industries and Coir Industries; Special Awards to Women and SC/ST Entrepreneurs, and Banks for Excellence in Small Enterprises Lending. The Centre instituted a scheme of national awards under the title ‘National Award for Research and Development Efforts in Small Scale Industries’ in 1999 to encourage in-house research and development (R&D) efforts, and to promote this spirit in the larger interest of qualitative development in Small Scale Industries. Under this scheme, first, second and third awards are conferred to deserving registered small scale industries, which may be in continuous production for at least four years before the year of award. The first, second and third awards carry a cash prize of one lakh rupees, 75 thousand rupees, and fifty thousand rupees respectively, besides a certificate and a trophy. With a view to encourage the banks to enhance credit flow to the MSE Sector, a scheme of National Awards to the Banks in recognition of their outstanding performance in financing the micro and small enterprises sector was introduced from the year 2001-02. The National Awards for Excellence in Lending to Micro Enterprises were instituted from the year 2005-06. (ANI)

Pratibha Patil calls for special attention to girl child
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Interacting with children on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, President Pratibha Patil today stressed the need for special attention to the girl child and children in distress. Patil said it is on such occasions that society can in a small way fill the void existing in the lives of children affected by distress. “Generally, financial support is available for these children, but perhaps it is the emotional support of society which can lift their spirit and morale to succeed against all odds. Let us reaffirm our commitment as a society to provide them with a bright future by all means on this occasion of Raksha Bandhan and tie the bond of love, affection, care and concern with all these children who are not fortunate to have their natural childhood,” she said. Patil further emphasised on the role of education and said, “Education is a tool through which a person gets self-respect and confidence. On this day of Raksha Bandhan, I would also like to emphasise that every effort should be made to prevent practices, which have an adverse impact on the male-female population balance. The girl child has as much rights as a male child.” Nearly 100 children from different parts of the country were present on the occasion at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They were from the militancy affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and the North East, children who lost their parents in communal riots, children who lost their fathers or mothers serving in the Armed Forces and the Police, HIV positive children, differently abled children and those suffering from Thalassaemia. After interacting with the President during breakfast in the morning, they were taken on a guided tour of Rashtrapati Bhavan. (ANI)

RFP for 42000-crore rupees jet deal issued to 6 vendors
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): The Defence Ministry today issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) to six vendors.The deal, which is estimated to cost Rs. 42,000 crores, would prove crucial in replenishing the depleting Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet squadrons.The six companies, which are in the fray include, two from the US-- Lockheed Martin with their F-16s Falcon fighter jets and Boeing with its F/A-18 Super Hornet. Russian with MIG-35, Swedish with Gripen, French Dassault with Rafale and European consortium with Eurofighter Typhoon aircrafts, made by a consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian firms, are also in the contention. The 211-page RFP document deals with various issues relating to initial purchase, transfer of technology, licensed production and life-time maintenance support for the aircraft. "The RFP contains the selection model that would involve an exhaustive evaluation process as detailed in the Defence Procurement Procedures (DPP) - 2006," a Defence Ministry release stated. The proposals from the likely contenders would first be technically evaluated by a 'professional team' to check for compliance with IAF's operational requirements and other RFP conditions, it added. The aircraft purchased from this deal are likely to be in service for over 40 years and the Defence Ministry has stated that 'great care' has been taken to ensure that only determinable factors, which do not lend themselves to any subjectivity, are included in the commercial selection model. Under the terms of purchase, the first 18 aircraft will come in a 'fly away' condition while the remaining 108 will be manufactured under Transfer of Technology (ToT). The vendor finally selected would also be required to undertake 50 percent offset obligations in India.The Ministry believes that the offset and the aircrafts manufactured through Transfer of Technology regime "would provide a great technological and economic boost to the indigenous defence industries". The successful negotiations on offset clauses would pave the way for technical evaluations and 'exhaustive' field trials, which will be followed by IAF carrying its own evaluation and then short listing of the aircrafts will be done. The commercial bids would then be opened, which would be studied by the Contract Negotiation Committee that would finally sent its recommendation to the Defence Minister, who would then consult it with the Union Finance Minister. Only after Finance Minister gives green signal to the deal, Defence Minister would send it to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final clearance.On June 29, Defence Minister A K Antony had outlined three guiding principles for this procurement scheme, which are -the operational requirements of IAF should be fully met. Second, the selection process should be competitive, fair and transparent, so that best value for money is realized and lastly, country's defence industries should get an opportunity to grow to global scales. (ANI)

Scientists wire seafloor to the Internet
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Washington, Aug 28 (ANI): Scientists aboard the French ship Ile de Sein have laid down a submarine fibre-optic cable in the Pacific Ocean as a first step towards connecting the seafloor to the Internet. Neptune, the US-Canadian joint effort to create the world’s first regional cabled ocean observatory aims at connecting hundreds of oceanographic instruments to the Internet by way of a 500-mile (800-kilometer) long fibre-optic cable that encircles the northern Juan de Fuca tectonic plate. The plate, which is named after a Greek explorer, is sliding under the western side of the North American plate. The instruments include underwater microphones to “eavesdrop on the ocean”; sensors to monitor nutrient levels; and various video cameras, wave sensors, and seismometers. “We're bringing power and the Internet to the oceans,” project director Chris Barnes said during a tour of the 460-foot-long (140-meter-long) vessel, which was docked in the city of Victoria last week. He said scientists have had a very limited ability to study the oceans, even though water covers two-thirds of the planet's surface. Data from Neptune will allow scientists to study the ocean in unprecedented detail and help tackle questions surrounding earthquakes and climate change, Barnes said, adding that the Canadian section of the observatory, supported by the University of Victoria in Canada, will be built off the west coast of Vancouver Island. “This is a fundamental revolution giving us a direct connection to the seafloor... the ocean will no longer control our ability to study it,” said Marcia McNutt, president of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). McNutt said MBARI has built a short undersea cable called MARS to function as a test bed for the instruments to be deployed on NEPTUNE Canada. Barnes said the massive cable will deliver power to the ocean instruments and transmit their data back to Vancouver Island's Port Alberni Shore Station, where the two ends of the cable will sit. In total, more than 200 scientific instruments, along with video cameras and a remotely operated vehicle will be connected to the network. The devices will stream data into the Web nonstop for the next 25 years, he said. “This way anybody from Beijing to Calcutta to London can go on the Internet and look at the data,” said Brian Bornhold, NEPTUNE Canada's project scientist. “It provides the impetus to be interdisciplinary and work with other people,” National Geographic quoted him as saying. (ANI)

Children, women tie Rakhis on Sonia Gandhi and Advani
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): Raksha Bandhan, the sibling festival of Hindus, was celebrated across the country today with full fanfare. Women and children congregated at Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence here, to tie Rakhis on her wrist. They also presented her with myriad gifts, including paintings and other artwork. Many women and young girls also visited senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K.Advani's Prithviraj Road residence to celebrate Raksha Bandhan. Children presented him with flowers and were given sweets and chocolates in return. Meanwhile, sisters across the country tied "Rakhis" on their brothers' writs as a token of love and wished them prosperity and happiness. The brothers on their part gave them gifts and money and a promised to protect their sisters' honour. Though mainly a Hindu festival, the occasion is celebrated by people of all religions. (ANI)

Improved technology to generate ‘hydrogen on demand’ for tomorrow’s submarines, cars
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Washington, Aug 28 (ANI): Scientists at Purdue University claim to have developed a technology that could represent a pollution free energy source for a range of potential applications, ranging from golf carts to submarines and cars to emergency portable generators. The technology produces hydrogen by adding water to an alloy of aluminium and gallium. When water is added to the alloy, the aluminium splits water by attracting oxygen, liberating hydrogen in the process. The scientists say they are developing a method to create particles of the alloy that could be placed in a tank to react with water and produce hydrogen on demand. As part of his study, Prof. Jerry Woodall invented a process that reduces the protective properties of the aluminium oxide skin normally created on aluminium’s surface after bonding with oxygen, a process called oxidation. The skin usually acts as a barrier, preventing oxygen from reacting with aluminium. But the new technology developed by Prof. Woodall allows the reaction to continue until all of the aluminium is used to generate hydrogen. Since the technology was first announced in May, researchers have developed an improved form of the alloy that contains a higher concentration of aluminium. Prof. Woodall said, as the technology could be used to generate hydrogen on demand, the method made it unnecessary to store or transport hydrogen - two major obstacles in creating a hydrogen economy. As the alloy reacts with water, the aluminium turns into aluminium oxide, also called alumina, which can be recycled back into aluminium. Prof Woodall said, the recycled aluminium is less expensive than mining the metal, making the technology more competitive with other forms of energy production. “This technology is feasible for commercial use. The waste alumina can be recycled back into aluminium, and low-cost gallium is available as a waste product from companies that produce aluminium from the raw mineral bauxite,” said Prof. Woodall. “Enough aluminium exists in the United States to produce 100 trillion kilowatt hours of energy. That's enough energy to meet all the U.S. electric needs for 35 years. If impure gallium can be made for less than 10 dollars a pound and used in an onboard system, there are enough known gallium reserves to run 1 billion cars,” he said. Prof. Woodall said the technology could also be used to operate cars and trucks. “In the meantime, there are other promising potential markets, including lawn mowers and personal motor vehicles such as golf carts and wheelchairs. The golf cart of the future, three or four years from now, will have an aluminium-gallium alloy. You will add water to generate hydrogen either for an internal combustion engine or to operate a fuel cell that recharges a battery. The battery will then power an electric motor to drive the golf cart,” said Prof. Woodall. He said another application being rapidly developed is for emergency portable generators that will use hydrogen to run a small internal combustion engine. The generators are likely to be on the market within a year, said Prof. Woodall, adding that the technology could also make it possible to introduce a non-polluting way to idle diesel trucks. “What we are proposing is that the truck would run on either hydrogen or diesel fuel. While you are on the road you are using the diesel, but while the truck is idling, it's running on hydrogen. The new hydrogen technology would also be well-suited for submarines because it does not emit toxic fumes and could be used in confined spaces without harming crew members,” he said. “You could replace nuclear submarines with this technology. Other types of boats, including pleasure craft, also could be equipped with such a technology. One reason maritime applications are especially appealing is that you don't have to haul water," Woodall said,” he added. The study appears in a research paper scheduled for presentation during the 2nd Energy Nanotechnology International Conference in Santa Clara, California, on September 7. (ANI)

Victims of 2003 Uttarkashi landslide await rehabilitation
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), Aug 28 (ANI): Hundreds of people, who lost their houses in a massive 2003 landslide in Uttarkashi, are still waiting for aid from the Government. The 2003 landslide, termed in the local parlance as the “cracking of the Varnavat,” destroyed hundreds of houses, commercial establishments and schools.The Central and the State Governments then had pledged millions of rupees for relief and rehabilitation, but today, victims claim the aid received has been insufficient."We have got a pittance from the Government by way of compensation. The total compensation sanctioned for me was 365,000 rupees. I have been given only 40,000. They are not building houses for us, or allotting us land,” said Jabunisha, a victim.“When we go to the District Magistrate he says ‘don't come to me, I can't help you’," Jabunisha added.A senior district administration official promised aid would reach the affected soon."Thirty one houses out of the 54 affected have not accepted compensation. Many are satisfied now that the minimum amount has been pegged at 360,000 rupees. The money would be delivered to the victims as fast as due procedures allow," said R Menakshi Sundaram, District Magistrate, Uttarkashi. Disgruntled victims, who have held several demonstrations over the years, say they have are running out of patience. Also called Dev Bhumi (Land of the Gods), Uttarkashi is considered sacred by the Hindus, due to the Rivers Ganges and Yamuna having its origins there. (ANI)

Raksha Bandhan celebrated at Wagah
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

By Ravinder Singh RobinWagah, Aug 28 (ANI): Over a hundred young girls from different schools and colleges arrived at the Wagah border on Tuesday to tie ‘Rakhi’ or the sacred thread to their soldier brothers on the occasion of the sibling festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'.NCC cadets were also present at the border to greet the soldiers. Girls distributed sweets and fruits among the soldiers.Minakshi Sharma said: “We have come here at the border to tie Rakhi to soldiers to tell them that country has not forgotten their deeds of bravery and remember them on every occasion”.Shokeen Khan, a BSF soldier, said: “It is a matter of immense pleasure for all of us here that sisters from various parts of nation are arriving to tie us Rakhi". “I have become emotional today”, he said.Besides BSF and army personals, soldiers of CRPF, ITBP, Punjab Police were also present on the occasion.History has it that when Queen Karnawati, the widow of the then King of Chittor realised that she could not prevent an invasion by the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal Emperor Humayun.Humayun touched by the gesture, accepted the Rakhi and sent his troops to protect Queen Karnawati.Raksha Bandhan heralds the bonds between brothers and sisters. Celebrated on the full moon day during Shravan month as per Hindu almanac, the festival is eagerly looked forward by all brothers and sisters. (ANI)

Orissa CM visits cholera-hit districts, announces ex-gratia for victims’ kin
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Bhubaneshwar, Aug 28 (ANI): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flew to the State’s Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts today to review the steps being taken to counter the outbreak of cholera where more than 100 people have lost their lives over the past one month.Patnaik described the situation as stable and under control, and announced an ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who had died of the disease. He was accompanied by the State’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare Duryadhan Majhi. They visited the affected villages that fall under the Dusmanthour Block in Koraput District and the Kahispur block in Rayagada District.According to the sources close to the Director Health Services in Orissa, the death toll in the Rayagada District is 48 and in the Kalahandi District the figure has risen to 26. Over a thousand have been admitted to various hospitals in both districts.Patnaik said steps are being taken to control the spread of the disease. Among them are provision for clean water and disinfection of drinking water sources.Arrangements have also been made for free medicines and food to patients and their attendants.Nearly 30 medical teams, most of them mobile, have been pressed into service to treat the cholera victims surviving.Medical officials in the neighbouring districts have been instructed to remain on alert, said Patnaik.Meanwhile, Regional Medical Research Laboratory investigation has found 31 out of 40 samples positive for cholera. The Director of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases Professor Shiv Lal, led the three-member Central investigation team in Kashipur.The team also met the State Health Secretary and the Director of Health Services.Authorities say the outbreak of the epidemic is due to the polluted drinking water and the eating of contaminated meat after the receding of floodwaters.Health workers are supplying drinking water and food to thousands of villagers in Rayagada District.Cholera is transmitted by ingesting contaminated water or food. Symptoms include those of general GI tract (stomach) upset and massive watery diarrhoea. Symptoms may also include terrible muscle and stomach cramps, vomiting and fever in early stages. In a later stage the diarrhoea becomes "rice water stool" (almost clear with flecks of white). (ANI)

Asif Iqbal terms ICL as ‘Indian Confused League’
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Dubai, Aug 28 (ANI): Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal has termed Essel Group’s Indian Cricket League (ICL) as ‘Indian Confused League’ for vague planning and lack of clarity for its proposed tournament. “Initially, they said they would organise a Twenty20 tournament. Now, they have said they may stage even three-day matches. Right now, they are an Indian Confused League,” said Iqbal. “The ICL should come out with a clear plan and not just go on signing up players. They should reveal their full programme and announce what they are going to do,” the 64-year-old former all-rounder added. Iqbal said the multi-million dollar league is a result of the feud between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Zee group over telecast rights. “ICL is nothing but the product of a battle between the BCCI and Zee television. The cricket boards of other countries should not be affected by it and go on to ban its players who may play in the ICL,” the Daily Times quoted Iqbal, as saying in a Gulf News report. Commenting on the steps taken by some boards to stop their players from joining the league, he said players willing to play in the ICL should not be deprived of their right to represent their national team if found eligible. “No cricket board should ban a player if he is eligible and available to play for his country. The ICL may not be an official cricket series, but the players will be playing cricket and no cricketer should be banned for having played the game,” Iqbal said. He added: “Most cricket boards allow their players to play for English county teams. The boards should take a similar stance if some of their players opt to play for ICL.” (ANI)

Lalu takes on Nitish Government in Bihar
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

Bhagalpur/New Delhi, Aug.28 (ANI): Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday questioned the Janata Dal-led Bihar Government on the prevailing law and order situation in the State. Reacting to the report of an incident of brutal thrashing of an alleged thief by a policeman and some onlookers in Bhagalpur in full public view, Lalu said that “there has been complete failure of the State Government and deserved explanation. “Police is acting as court’s judges. It is a clear case of failure of the State Government. The Nitish Government should explain the ‘style’ of governance and the beating of an alleged thief in a savage manner such as this by a policeman,” Lalu said. Describing the chief minister as an “Ahankari” (snob), Lalu demanded arrest of the guilty policeman. The incident took place on Monday in Bhagalpur, when Saleem, a man in his twenties, was caught by some people for chain-snatching. It was stated that a chain was recovered from him, and, he was beaten black and blue by some individuals. When a sub-inspector arrived on the scene, the culprit was chained to his motorcycle and dragged for some distance. The incident appeared on a private channel. It was done in full public view here. (ANI)

Delhi traders seek regularisation of unauthorised colonies to escape sealing
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): Following Monday’s Supreme Court order to seal commercial establishments in unauthorised colonies in Delhi within three weeks, the city’s traders have demanded regularisation of all unauthorised colonies in the given time.Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said a meeting of prominent traders and elected representatives will be convened to look into the matter."We would demand that government regularise the unauthorised colonies over the three-week period that it has. Traders could be spared thus of the wrath ofsealing," said Khandelwal.Traders have warned that the sealing could result in financial ruin for thousands of shop owners, many of whom have been running their establishments for decades. It could result in job losses for thousands of employees.A three-judge Bench comprising of Justices Arijit Pasayat, C K Thakker and Lokeshwar Singh Panta have asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to stop business activities in over 1500 unauthorised colonies in Delhi.The Bench, however, has exempted establishments that have maximum area of 20 square meters and those that fall under the 24 exempted categories.On August 24, Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D K Jain warned the Centre and the MCD of contempt proceedings if they failed to carry out the sealing drive.The MCD counsel filed applications seeking a stay of sealing operations till the Centre approved a proposal for regularising the unauthorised colonies.The counsel told the Bench that the matter is under the consideration of the Union and the Delhi Cabinet, and hence called for the directions for sealing to be stayed.On August 14, the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee had directed the MCD to begin the sealing of all commercial structures in unauthorised colonies from August 20.In September 2006, civic authorities in the capital faced violent protests over the sealing and demolition of illegal shops. The drive resulted in the loss of four lives. (ANI)

Indo-US nuclear agreement unravelling
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

Washington, Aug 27 (ANI): A historic nuclear cooperation agreement between the US and India appears to be unravelling, as US officials said that the deal is final and cannot be renegotiated."We can’t renegotiate it because the agreement is done," said Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns, the chief US negotiator for the deal. "Neither government wishes it to be renegotiated, because it is now complete," he said. Philip D. Zelikow, former counsellor to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and a key player in the accord indicated that Washington might find it difficult to offer further concessions to India. "The Indian negotiators were as tough as or tougher than anyone that the US has encountered in recent years," he said. "India won a great deal," he added. Some nuclear analysts in Washington were surprised, partly because the Bush Administration was widely perceived as having caved in to key Indian demands, the Washington Post observed in an article published on Sunday. The paper said that the Bush Administration had assured India that it could receive uninterrupted nuclear supplies from the US and maintain the right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel -- a potentially dangerous prospect because reprocessing technology can also be used to make weapons-grade plutonium. The statement of State Department spokesman Sean McCormack re-ignited the debate over the nuclear agreement in the Indian Parliament after he told reporters that "the proposed 123 agreement has provisions in it that in an event of a nuclear test by India, then all nuclear cooperation is terminated." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the agreement does not in any way affect India’s right to undertake future nuclear tests, if it is necessary. "There is no question that we will ever compromise, in any manner, our independent foreign policy. We shall retain our strategic autonomy," he added. (ANI)

Infiltration continues in Kashmir: General J J Singh
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The Chief of Army Staff, General J J Singh, today said that infiltration attempts in Kashmir have not reduced. General Singh said militant intrusions in Kashmir increased during summer months. "The summer period is generally a period when infiltration attempts increase, and the attempts do not mean that they succeed. They are finding different ways of coming into our country, and defence maybe more difficult than before," General Singh during a foundation ceremony of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. General Singh also said that all steps are being taken to neutralise infiltration from across the LoC. (ANI)

Delhi High Court directs public sector units not to sack players joining ICL
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Monday directed public sector undertakings (PSUs) not to sack employees, who seek to change their affiliation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that in the clash between the two giants, players should not suffer.In its interim order, the court said the PSUs will not terminate the services or take action against its employees.ICL counsel Harish Salve told the court that the Indian Oil Corporation and Air India have threatened their sports quota employees with termination of their services if they join the ICL.While issuing notices to the Central Government and the BCCI, among others, the court today asked them to submit their replies within three weeks.The court has posted the matter for hearing on October 5.On August 24, the ICL filed a petition against the BCCI in the Delhi High Court, accusing it of threatening and intimidating them as well as other state organsiations not affiliated to it.In its petition it said that the BCCI should be stopped from interfering with the ICL's attempts to sign up players for its tournaments.It further said that the BCCI should not use the name and flag of the country to convince the public that the it represents the nation.The ICL further claimed that the BCCI had prevented state cricket associations from offering their grounds to the new league. It had also withdrawn benefits, including pension from former and current cricketers associated with ICL. (ANI)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches peace to Iraqis
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

By K G VasukiBangalore, Aug 27 (ANI): Art of Living Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is teaching the relevance of peace to people in war torn Iraq and Israel. The month-long course has succeeded in converting these youth. Talking to ANI at his abode in Bangalore, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar described it as a follow up effort to his visit to Iraq some time back, and expressed a desire to see these youth become messengers of peace. Over 55 men and women are being trained spiritually and to eat a bland vegetarian diet. The Sri Sri Foundation is already involved in humanitarian activities in Iraq. In May, he was invited by Iraqi authorities to preach his prison rehabilitation programmes. The Art of Living Foundation’s main activity is to organize Art of Living courses, yoga and meditation workshops. All humanitarian programs, disaster relief efforts and training programs are conducted in conjunction with its sister organisation, the International Association for Human Values. (ANI)

Country ready to tackle terror outfits' Nuclear-Biological -Chemical attack
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

By K G VasukiBangalore, Aug 27 (ANI): A top scientist of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has said that the country is prepared to tackle any nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) attack carried out by any terror outfits. Chief controller (R and D) of DRDO, Dr. W. Selvamurthy speaking to ANI said that the DRDO has developed technologies to face any such eventualities in the wake of growing threats about NBC attack. "The country is fairly well prepared in terms of technologies and mechanism, only thing is that it has to percolate down to all the levels, state, district and grass root level," he added. The organisation has developed advance and indigenous technologies for personal protection, collective protection, decontamination and medical management to protect people from such attacks. Selvamurthy said that elaborate arrangements have been made to protect VIP's from any NBC attack. "These have already certain protective facilities where DRDO has also played a very important role, has been created. So the detail of the information may be restricted but however it is a position to tell you that such a facility has been created," said Selvamurthy. According to him, the organisation was imparting training to personnel belonging to military, paramilitary, police and other security agencies in handling and using the technology. "All these technologies have been integrated into armed forces and technology have been transferred to private sector," he said. He said that private sector is involved in the mass production of these technologies and is seeking permission to export the same to friendly nations. He added, that with use of equipments, like battlefield radars, physical monitoring of its borders could be minimized, reducing the toll on soldiers. "I think instead of depending on primary physical guarding of the fences and border. It should be electronic as well as technology oriented surveillance and reconnaissance, which should be imparted in terms of reducing infiltrations," Selvamurthy said. It may be recalled here that last year alone technologies worth rupees 120 crore have been inducted to armed forces in these areas. (ANI)

Armed forces still far away from launching joint operations: Army Chief
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): Chief of Army, General J J Singh, today said that despite rich experience, the three services of the armed forces have a long way to go in launching joint operations. He also added that regular holding of joint exercises and setting up of integrated commands like Tri-Service Command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Strategic Command have led to development of a certain degree of synergy among the three services. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies in the national capital, General Singh called for increased synergies among the armed forces. Envisaging the next step in making the armed forces more integrated and cohesive, the General, who is set to retire next month called for setting up of an Integrated Theatre Command, comprising of top commanders of armed forces, and top officials from Defence Ministry and External Affairs Ministry. He also said that creation of an Aerospace Command would take place 'shortly' and the views of the army have already been given to the government. He expressed hope that the Centre would help in achieving synergies in operations, formulation of joint policies and concepts and integrating procurements. The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies will function under the Chief of Integrated Staff to the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), headed by Lt Gen H S Lidder. It will train military and civilian professionals in the field of Joint Warfare and Practices and will act as an independent think tank of the Defence Ministry. The Centre will act as a semi autonomous body promoting Joint Warfare Studies at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. It will also cater to various Ministries, Intelligence Agencies and other Government departments associated with Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters in matters of national security. The prime objectives of the Centre are promotion of joint strategies among the three services and conduct studies and research in joint war fighting. (ANI)

74 Orissa tribals killed by cholera outbreak in past two weeks
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

Bhubaneshwar, Aug. 27 (ANI): Seventy four tribal people have died and another 1800 are ailing for the past two weeks due to a cholera outbreak in Orissa's Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts.According to the sources close to the Director Health Services in Orissa, the death toll in the Rayagada district is 48 and in the Kalahandi districts the figure has risen to 26.The authorities claim to be taking measures to curb the disease.On Monday, the government authorities issued a warning about the epidemic reaching serious proportions.The authorities say the outbreak of the epidemic is attributed to the people drinking polluted water and eating contaminated meat after the floodwater receded.Dr. P Sitaram, a senior health official in Berhampore, said that they have taken every possible action to take care to control the situation. He said: "The situation is not fully under control although we are giving medicines to victims, the outbreak is slowly reaching epidemic proportions. Many tribals here drink water from dirty ponds and drains and eat contaminated meat from carcasses, making them vulnerable to diseases like cholera." Several health workers are supplying drinking water and food to thousands of villagers in Rayagada District since they are starving for proper food.Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said: "We have sent many teams to take care of the situation and will be taking every possible step to fight for the disease."Gurubari, a relative of a patient from Tihiripada Village, said: "Since last night, she was suffering from diarrhoea. She complained pain at about 10 p.m after dinner. We brought her to the hospital. Even after 25 saline bottles given to her, the condition did not improve. So we had to bring her to the District Hospital. The doctor says her condition is fine now."Devhani, another villager complained of having severe stomach ache and vomiting. Orissa has been affected by monsoon floods in several districts.Cholera is transmitted by ingesting contaminated water or food. Symptoms include those of general GI tract (stomach) upset and massive watery diarrhoea. Symptoms may also include terrible muscle and stomach cramps, vomiting and fever in early stages. In a later stage the diarrhoea becomes "rice water stool" (almost clear with flecks of white). (ANI)

Seal commercial units in unauthorised colonies, SC tells MCD
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The Supreme Court today directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to seal all commercial establishments in Delhi's unauthorised colonies within three weeks.A three-judge Bench comprising of Justices Arijit Pasayat, C K Thakker and Lokeshwar Singh Panta, asked MCD to stop business activities in over 1500 unauthorised colonies across Delhi.The Bench, however, exempted establishments having maximum area of 20 square meters and falling under the 24 exempted categories from sealing.On August 24, an apex Bench of Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice D.K. Jain had warned the Centre and the MCD of contempt proceedings if they failed to carry out the sealing drive against commercial establishments in the unauthorised colonies.MCD counsel had filed applications seeking stay of the sealing operations against commercial establishments in unauthorised colonies till the Centre approved a proposal for regularising them.Counsel had told the Bench that the matter was under consideration of the Cabinet and hence the directions for sealing could be stayed.On August 14, the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee had directed the MCD to begin from August 20 sealing of all commercial structures in unauthorised colonies. (ANI)

Bihar flood victims strip to draw attention to their woes
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): Bihar flood victims stripped to their undergarments here today in a bid to draw the government's attention to their woes. Shankar Kumar Jha, Convener of the Mithila Association, leading the protest, lamented the lack of relief to flood victims. "The country is celebrating the 60th year of independence with much fanfare, but the administration and leaders do not have any idea of how difficult life has become for the people of the region. We are here to tell them about our position," Jha said. Over 500 people have perished in the current spell of floods in Bihar. Nearly 20.5 million people continue to reel under the impact of floods in 20 districts. Standing crops worth over Rs 7 billion in nealry 1.6 million hectares of land had been damaged, officials said.About 7000 boats have been deployed in the relief and rescue operations, they added. (ANI)

Two kidneys and a liver of a soldier's dead wife save three lives in New Delhi
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 28 (ANI): In a rare medical feat achieved by the doctors of the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi, three organs from a dead lady were successfully implanted to three different persons. The successful multi-organ transplant was made possible after 26-year old Leela Devi's husband decided to donate the dead wife's organs. Leela was suffering from a brain tumor and was pronounced brain dead, after which her husband, Lance Naik G S Bisht of 26 Rashtriya Rifles, consented to donate her organs. A combined team of over 40 doctors and para-medical staff from Army Hospital (R&R) and Base Hospital successfully transplanted her liver into a serving soldier with terminal cirrhosis due to Hepatitis B.

Her one kidney was implanted into a 12-year old daughter of a soldier, who was suffering from end stage kidney disease, with success. The other kidney was handed over to AIIMS, where it was transplanted into a 45- year old with chronic kidney failure. Organ donation after brain death is rare in India. The Armed Forces has launched the Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA) earlier this year to increase awareness on organ donation. Hundreds of serving personnel and their families have already pledged to donate their organs. (ANI)

PM asks Chief Ministers to provide basic services to urban poor
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sent a letter to all the Chief Ministers of the States asking them to prepare a time-bound action plans for providing all basic services for the urban poor in major cities in their States.Seeking Chief Ministers' personal attention to promote the concept of "inclusive cities" in which every citizen has reasonable and affordable access to basic amenities, Singh stated in the letter that while the States have responded to the challenges offered by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), there is a need to focus on the component of 'basic services' to the urban poor to implement the charter of the JNNURM.This component relates to provision of basic entitlements and amenities to urban poor in terms of security of tenure, affordable housing, potable water, and sanitation facilities while envisaging convergence of health, education and social security.The Mission also seeks internal earmarking in Urban Local Body budgets for provision of basic services to the urban poor.He has also urged the Chief Ministers to direct each city to develop these plans using innovative resource mobilization models to finance the projects by combining funds provided by the Central and State Governments with community and private resources. (ANI)

Left-UPA meeting centres on mechanism to ease nuke deal tensions
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

Left-UPA meeting centres on mechanism to ease nuke deal tensions HomeNew Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): A series of meeting between the Left leaders and the UPA today centred around the setting up of a mechanism to review the implementation of the US Hyde Act on the bilateral 123-Agreement pertaining to the Indo-US nuclear deal.External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today held wide range of consultations with the Left leaders beginning with CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury separately."We discussed all the questions. It was decided that a mechanism should be worked out,'' Bardhan told reporters after coming out of the meeting.The Left parties are giving their inputs regarding the mechanism that could possibly be a high level committee comprising political leaders, foreign and strategic affairs experts, and scientists.It was earlier reported that the Congress was mulling over setting up of a 10-member committee under former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran that would address the Left's concern over the deal.But the Left leaders are reportedly keen to see a 'political' mechanism be set up.Mukherjee also separately met Yechury who apprised the former of the CPI (M)'s view of halting all future negotiations regarding the operationalisation of the deal, including the negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Mukherjee is also slated to meet two other smaller Left parties-RSP and AIFB- leaders, and after that a formal broad UPA-Left meeting would be held to announce the agreed mechanism. (ANI)

President, Vice President, PM greet the nation on Raksha Bandhan
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today greeted the nation on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which is being celebrated tomorrow. In her message, President Pratibha Patil said: "Raksha Bandhan is a unique festival of love, affection and trust between sisters and brothers. May this festival strengthen the spirit of kindness and goodwill and spread the message of fraternal feelings and oneness among our people." Vice President Hamid Ansari said the festival strengthens the bonds of love and affection between brothers and sisters. "The festival reminds us of the enduring importance of the brother-sister relationship in our family and social structures in this day and age," he said. He hoped that the festival would foster the true spirit of love, goodwill, love and compassion in the society. In his message, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "The festival is a special occasion to celebrate the bond of love between brother and sister. It also marks a re-affirmation of traditional family values." (ANI)

NRI astronomer observes Einstein’s time-space warp around neutron stars
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AA

Paris, Aug 28 (ANI): An Indian origin astronomer has pioneered a groundbreaking technique for determining the properties of neutron stars. Using the ESA’s XMM-Newton and the NASA/JAXA Suzaku X-ray observatories, Sudip Bhattacharyya and his team observed Einstein’s predicted distortion of space time around three neutron stars. Neutron stars contain the densest observable matter in the Universe. A cup of neutron star material would outweigh Mount Everest. Astronomers use these collapsed stars as natural laboratories to study how tightly matter can be compacted under the most extreme pressure that nature can offer. “This is fundamental physics. There could be exotic kinds of particles or states of matter, such as quark matter, in the centres of neutron stars, but it’s impossible to create them in the lab. The only way to find out is to understand neutron stars,” said Sudip Bhattacharyya of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, US. Using XMM-Newton, Bhattacharyya and his colleague Tod Strohmayer observed a binary system known as Serpens X-1, which contains a neutron star and a stellar companion. They studied a spectral line from hot iron atoms that whirls around in a disc, just beyond the neutron star’s surface, at 40 percent the speed of light. Previous X-ray observatories detected iron lines around neutron stars, but they lacked the sensitivity to measure the shapes of the lines in detail. With the XMM-Newton’s large mirrors, Bhattacharyya and Strohmayer found that the iron line is broadened asymmetrically by the gas’s extreme velocity, which smears and distorts the line because of the Doppler effect and beaming effects predicted by Einstein’s special theory of relativity. The warping of space-time by the neutron star’s powerful gravity, an effect of Einstein’s general theory of relativity, shifts the neutron star’s iron line to longer wavelengths. “We have seen these asymmetric lines from many black holes, but this is the first confirmation that neutron stars can produce them as well. It shows that the way neutron stars accrete matter is not very different from that of black holes, and gives us a new tool to probe Einstein’s theory,” said Strohmayer. Another team of scientists led by Edward Cackett and Jon Miller of the University of Michigan, which also includes Bhattacharyya and Strohmayer, used the NASA/JAXA Suzaku’s superb spectral capabilities to survey three neutron-star binaries: Serpens X-1, GX 349+2, and 4U 1820-30. They observed a nearly identical iron line in Serpens X-1, confirming the XMM-Newton result. It detected similarly skewed iron lines in the other two systems as well, said an ESA statement. “We’re seeing the gas whipping around just outside the neutron star’s surface. And since the inner part of the disc obviously cannot orbit any closer than the neutron star’s surface, these measurements give us a maximum size of the neutron star’s diameter. The neutron stars can be no larger than 29 to 33 km across, results that agree with other types of measurements,” said Cackett. “Now that we have seen this relativistic iron line around three neutron stars, we have established a new technique. It’s very difficult to measure the mass and diameter of a neutron star, so we need several techniques to work together to achieve that goal,” said Miller. The XMM-Newton study, ‘Evidence for a Broad Relativistic Iron Line from the Neutron Star Low Mass X-ray binary Serpens X-1’, appears in the August 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal Letters. The Suzaku paper ‘Relativistic Iron emission lines in neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries as probes of neutron star radii’ has been submitted for publication in the same journal. (ANI)Home

Now a designer line for pregnant women in New Delhi
Sunday, August 26, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Several mothers-to-be walked down the ramp on Saturday to unveil a new fashion-wear line stitched especially for pregnant women by top apparel designers in the national capital. Three designers under the aegis of '9-Months' presented comfortable but stylist clothes for pregnant women.Aparna Jain, the Chief Executive Officer of '9-Months', said the objective behind the new range is to provide mothers-to-be with brighter and stylish clothing that not only complements their shape but also makes them look glamorous and sexy.These clothes are also meant to provide workingwomen with a smarter and more official alternative."What's available in the market is mostly nighty-like or they wear oversized clothes that are very boxy. We wanted to break this barrier, we want women to look beautiful, we want women to look glamorous, we want women to look sexy when they are pregnant," said Jain.This new line of apparel has come as a huge relief for many mommies in the national capital, who have an eye for trendy and fashionable clothing."It's fantastic," said Melissa Sood, five months pregnant with her second baby, who was present on the occasion, and added: "I remember with my first child I went shopping and I couldn't find anything but large clothes, casual clothes, nothing to wear out in the evening."Now Sood can bank on the new designer line that would present her in a much better way. Neha Chandiok, another expectant mother, was overjoyed at not having to look sloppy in oversized clothes "Very nice, very flattering clothes. That's something very important... to feel good especially when you're pregnant," she said. The fashion show showcased a range of casual and evening wear for working mothers-to-be as well as for stay-at-home mums in bright colours and stretchable fabrics.The clothes blended comfort with style, using empire waists, wraps and bellybands to enable the tummy to expand comfortably within the folds of the outfit. (ANI)

Talks on nuke deal with Left, UPA partners going on: Pranab
Sunday, August 26, 2007 | MP

Chennai, Aug 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that discussions were going on among the ruling coalition partners over the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, which has snowballed into a huge crisis for the government after vehement opposition by the Left parties against the deal's operationalisation."The whole issue will be debated in the Parliament. But so far as discussions among the political parties are concerned, particularly those who are supporting the government, it always takes place," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. The Left Parties, which provide crucial support to the government, have demanded putting a halt to all future negotiations of the deal leading to its operationalisation.They have also warned the government of paying a 'political price' if they do not pay heed to their demand, raising doubts of the ruling coalition's survival.All eyes are on September meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where Department of Atomic Energy Chief Anil Kakodkar is scheduled to be present.Three more steps are left for the operationalisation of the nuclear deal that include agreement with the IAEA for India-specific nuclear safeguards, amendment in the Nuclear Suppliers Group's (NSG) charter and the passing of the text of the 123-agreement by the US Congress.Refusing to divulge details on the progress of the talks with the Left leaders, Mukherjee commented, "Just wait and see," on being asked about the options left before the government to break the deadlock with the Communists.A debate on the issue is most likely to take place on August 29 in the Parliament. (ANI)

Traders seek Left's support to stall entry of retail chains
Sunday, August 26, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): Small traders on Saturday sought the support of the country's powerful Left parties to stall entry of corporate retailers.A delegation of traders under the aegis of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) met leaders of Communist Party of India (CPI) to discuss their concern over the entry of big business houses into retail sector."They (corporate houses) should not be allowed to enter the retail trade sector. They have their own sectors they operate in. Why are they depriving small retailers others of their means of sustenance?" asked Communist Party of India (CPI) leader A B Bardhan. Alleging that the UPA government's priorities have become 'distorted', Bardhan said, "There are four crore people in retail trade and, 15 to 20 crore people are dependent on it for their livelihood."Several big corporates have forayed into the sector, which is estimated at 350 billion dollars and is intensely fragmented. Of this, organized retail accounts for just 8 billion dollars.The entry of big players has triggered political concerns and protests from trade unions and small shop owners who fear losing jobs."Due to them (big players), crores of people will be deprived of their livelihood. The government has not even provided alternative livelihood options to small retailers," said Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).The meeting comes a day after private retail shops belonging to Reliance Group were shut down in neighbouring State Uttar Pradesh. India's retail industry is forecast to double in size by 2015, and both local and foreign companies are keen to enter the market. Currently about 3 percent of India's market is organised retail, tiny compared with other large economies. (ANI)

Left in no mood to ease protests against Malabar exercise
Sunday, August 26, 2007 | MP

New Delhi, Aug 25 (ANI): The Left parties today reiterated their stand of carrying out protests along the eastern coast of the country against the holding of a multilateral naval exercise codenamed 'Malabar' in the Bay of Bengal."The campaign will begin on September 4, the day when the exercise would begin, " Communist Party of India leader, D Raja told reporters here.According to the Left parties' plan, two jathas (protest groups) will be heading to Vishakapatnam, one from Kolkata, led by CPI leader A