New Delhi, Jan 2 (ANI): A large number of Christians on Wednesday staged a demonstration here against the recent killings and burning of churches in Kandhamal district of Orissa.

"Those who are being targeted by the communal forces are led by the VHP and RSS which are getting the patronage and protection of the state government in which, the BJP is a partner," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Brinda Karat said.

"Because they are Christians, they are being targeted. So, it is totally unconstitutional. It is unfortunate that the government under the leadership of UPA has to respond to it. It is unfortunate that we have not heard any public response from them," she added.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil reviewed the situation in the violence-hit areas of Kandhamal district.

Patil also met Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik and other top government officials at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubneswar.

Later in the day, Patil met a delegation led by the leader of the opposition J B Patnaik that submitted a memorandum demanding protection of minorities in the state. The delegation alleged that the State Government had failed from its duty of protecting the minorities.

On Tuesday, the Orissa Government had transferred a top police official from the riot-hit Kandhamal district. The district's Superintendent of Police N Bhol was removed from the post and given assignment at the Home Department.

The Naveen Patnaik Government, on Monday, announced compensation for victims of riot in the district. Families whose houses were burnt down by the attackers would be provided with one dwelling unit each under the Indira Awas Yojana. Whose houses had been damaged partially would get Rs. 10,000 each as compensation. The next of kin of the three persons who were killed in the violence would be given one-lakh rupees each as ex-gratia from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The State Government has set up a judicial commission, headed by Judge (retired) Basudev Panigrahi to probe the communal violence in Khandamal district.

Many people have gone missing since the violence broke out on December 24.

At least three people were killed in the violence that was sparked off on December 24 when Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists led mobs burnt down churches. (ANI)

Labels: Religion, Top-Stories

New Delhi, Nov 16 (ANI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone through the successful test of indigenously developed Cryogenic Stage, to be employed as the upper stage of country's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

The test was conducted for its full flight duration of 720 seconds on November 15 at Liquid Propulsion test facility at Mahendragiri, in Tamil Nadu.

With this test, the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage has been fully qualified on the ground. The flight stage is getting ready for use in the next mission of GSLV (GSLV-D3) in It may be recalled that a ground test for 480 seconds of the complete stage was conducted on August 4.

The indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) is powered by a regeneratively cooled cryogenic engine, which works on staged combustion cycle developing a thrust of 69.5 kN in vacuum. The other stage systems include insulated propellant tanks, booster pumps, inter-stage structures, fill and drain systems, pressurisation systems, gas bottles, command block, igniters, pyro valves and cold gas orientation and stabilisation system.

Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) from the respective tanks are fed by individual booster pumps to the main turbo-pump, which rotates at 39,000 rpm to ensure a high flow rate of 16.5 kg/sec of propellants into the combustion chamber. The main turbine is driven by the hot gas produced in a pre-burner. Thrust control and mixture ratio control are achieved by two independent regulators. LOX and Gaseous Hydrogen (GH2) are ignited by pyrogen type igniters in the pre-burner as well as in the main and steering engines.

Apart from the complexities in the fabrication of stage tanks, structures, engine and its sub-systems and control components, CUS employs special materials like Aluminum, Titanium, Nickel and their alloys, bi-metallic materials and polyimides. Stringent quality control and elaborate safety measures have to be ensured during assembly and integration.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of Cryogenic Upper Stage with the involvement of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and other ISRO centres as well as several industries, both in public and private sector.

The successful ground test of the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage for the full flight duration has validated the design robustness and performance adequacy for its use in GSLV. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Nov. 12 (ANI): Judges of the Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan High Courts were on Monday sworn-in as new Supreme Court Judges.

They are Justice G S Singhvi from Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice Aftab Alam from Jammu and Kashmir High Court, and Justice Panchal from Rajasthan High Court.

Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan administered the oath of office in the Supreme Court.

With the appointment of the three new judges, the strength in the Supreme Court has gone up to 25 against the sanctioned strength of 26.

Till now, there is no women judge in the Supreme Court. The only women Judge Rumapal retired in November 2006.

Justice Singhvi represented the State Government in special cases for almost all the Universities of Rajasthan, various public Corporations, educational institutions, local authorities before the High Court.

He was elevated to the Bench of Rajasthan High Court as Judge on July 20,1990. He was transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court on April 28, 1994. He was transferred as Judge of the Gujarat High Court on February 28,2005.

He was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh on 27-11-2005.

Justice Aftab Alam was sworn in as the acting chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court on June 7, 2007

During his judicial career has also served as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel in Patna High Court from September 7, 1981 to September 6, 1985. However, he was elevated as a permanent Judge of the High Court on July 27, 1990.

Justice J M Panchal was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court on September 16 2007.(ANI)

- AY

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Srinagar, Nov 11 (ANI): The encounter between security forces and militants at a hotel in Sopore town of Baramulla District ended this morning with the killing of two rebels and a security personnel.

The three-day long gun battle came to an end when the security personnel gunned down two Pakistani militants holed up in the hotel 'New Light'.

Besides the two suicide bombers of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), a CRPF soldier was killed and five other security men-- three CRPF and two local police personnel-- injured in the encounter, which started on Thursday, said a police spokesman.

Security forces foiled an attempt made by the ultras to storm their camp in the town, 55 kms from here, he added.

The hotel was surrounded by security officials after militants fired on a CRPF bunker at the town's main crossing, and took refuge in the hotel.

To avoid civilian causalities, they were asked by the security officials to evacuate the hotel. (ANI)

- AY

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Dhanbad, Nov 11 (ANI): The Jharkhand Police seized over 400 tortoises in Dhanbad District of the state on Saturday.

Following a tip off, the police seized tortoises packed in eight sacks from a car. However, the driver of the car managed to escape.

"The vehicle we brought it to the police station was filled with tortoise," said Jeetendra Kumar, officer in-charge of Govindpur Police Station.

Police said the amphibians were smuggled from Benaras.

Forest officials said the guilty would be nabbed after investigation report.

"It is an offence under wild life protection Act. We will find the people involved in the case and then nab the whole network," said Sanjeev Kumar, District Forest officer (DFO) of Dhanbad district.

The trade of tortoises is barred under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act, but the huge premium and lax laws are increasingly luring poachers to the trade.

There is a huge demand for these rare species of tortoises, having distinct star marks on their shells, in the international market. They are used as pets and served as a delicacy in the western countries.

The rare species are land-dwelling and feed on succulent materials. Most of them are found in semi-arid zones in the southern and northwestern parts of the country. (ANI)
- AY

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Amritsar/New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Nov 9 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil today led the country in celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. President Patil received Diwali greetings from a large number of people at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Meanwhile, people thronged markets to purchase flowers and garlands for the festivities. "We perform Puja at home by decorating the idols of Gods and Goddesses with flowers. It is believed that this makes Gods happy and they shower wealth on the devotees," said Balraj Gupta, a resident in Delhi.

In Bhubaneswar, Sudershan Patnaik, a sculptor, made a sand stricture on Puri beach sending the message for using crackers of low decibel on the festive occasion. "Children are badly affected by the air and noise pollution caused due to crackers during Diwali. So we want to send a message to the people through our art to keep loud crackers away from children," said Patnaik.

In Allahabad, people from all walks of life and religion came together at a huge playground to celebrate Diwali, a day before.  They made huge figures out of burning candles on the playground and burst crackers. "The people who participate in this are from every religion and caste. Lawyers, doctors and people whom we don't even know come here. Some of us only meet once a year. Hindus, Muslims, Christians everybody comes here," said Mohammad Rustam, a local.

In Amritsar, Diwali celebrations began early morning with a dip in the holy pond at the Golden Temple. The ritual dates back to 17th century to mark the release of persecuted people. It was on this day, the Sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargovind after securing the release of 56 royal chieftains imprisoned at a fort in Gwalior city, then under Mughal rule, returned to the holy city to a warm welcome. It was also on this day, in 1577, that the foundation stone of Golden Temple was laid.  Since then, a large number of Sikhs visit the shrine on this day to pay obeisance. "On this auspicious day locals and people from other villages and cities come here to take a dip in the holy pond and pay obeisance at the temple," said Jagtar Singh, a devotee.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated to rejoice the legendary return of Lord Ram to his hometown Ayodhya after killing the demon king Ravana symbolising the victory of righteousness over evil. (ANI) -AJ

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Wagah, Nov 9 (ANI): Porters on Wagah are not celebrating Diwali this year alleging government's apathy towards them since the opening of trade through truck between India and Pakistan.Nearly a month back, India and Pakistan allowed their respective countries to roll down trucks through Wagah land route. This has increased the volume of trade between the two countries, besides adding revenue to the government treasury, but has resulted in less of work for porters. Nearly 1500 porters at Wagah have decided not to celebrate Diwali alleging government's non-cooperative attitude. Before the opening of trade via truck, goods were off-loaded by trucks in their own countries and then carried manually by hundreds of porters on both sides of the border. Since the opening of border for trucks, porters have been demonstrating against the government and have demanded alternate jobs from the government, but nothing has been done so far. Joga Singh, a porter, said: "I have been working here as a porter for the last 35 years, but this the first time I had to return home empty-handed on the day of Diwali". "We are scared to even go back home. What will we do when our children ask us for money and gifts?" asked Jaspal Singh, another porter.Jaspal Singh said that the government should come up with liberal policies for the porters. He said that we do realise that the trade should be increased between the two countries but government should also think about the porters.

First time in 60 years, both India and Pakistan are sending loaded trucks to each other's territory through the international Attari check post. This trade move is expected to boost direct trade between India and Pakistan four to five times. (ANI) -AJ

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Dubai, Nov 9 (ANI): At least seven Indians were killed and 24 others injured when an under-construction bridge collapsed in Dubai on Thursday evening. Forty labourers working at the construction site in Dubai Marina, a new city coming up in Dubai, were Indians. According to an official at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, all the deceased and injured in the incident on Sufouh Road were Indians. Seven vehicles and two helicopter ambulances were pressed into service to rush the victims to a nearby hospital. The Indian officials visited the accident site and the hospital.The process of identification is yet to begin, officials said.

As per the initial inspection, the bridge collapse has been blamed on a crane driver, who tried to lift a 1.5 tonne load of steel onto the bridge. However, the load hit against the bridge columns causing it to collapse, said Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, the Dubai Chief of Police, after inspecting the accident site. (ANI) -AJ

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Bhatinda (Punjab), Nov 8 (ANI): A major breach in the Sirhind canal near Bhatinda in Punjab has flooded hundreds of houses in the nearby areas.

The 20-foot long breach has led to water entering over 800 houses in Parshuram Nagar and Partap Nagar town of Bhatinda district.

Indian Army's engineering corps has been asked to repair the damage and provide assistance in plugging the breach.

"Bag stacking is going on the both the sides of the breach. SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) and police force are conducting rescue operation in the parts of the city where water has entered," said Rajinder Singh, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Canal Department, Bhatinda.

Water has also entered the fields in the nearby areas damaging crops. The reason behind the breach is not known yet. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh  today greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali, which will be celebrated on Friday.

In her message, President Patil said, "On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the nation."

"Diwali, the festival of lights is a time for celebration when family and friends come together. Let this festival of lights inspire us to help those as yet untouched by the light of education, heath and prosperity. May this Diwali bring happiness and joy to everyone," the President added.

Vice President Hamid Ansari in his greetings, said, "Diwali is truly a national festival symbolising celebration and hope for mankind by providing an opportunity to reaffirm faith in all that is good, noble and virtuous. While celebrating the festival, there is a great need to inculcate these time-tested values in our lives."

"We celebrate this festival in its true spirit with care and concern. This festival fosters peace, prosperity and happiness and unite us all in joyful celebrations," the Vice President added.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Diwali.

In his message, Dr. Singh said, "The festival of lights, Diwali is a festival which is a harbinger of joy, happiness and prosperity. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance and of light over darkness. It is a national festival in which all communities rejoice and contribute to promoting brotherhood and camaraderie."

"May this Diwali bring peace and prosperity to the people of our nation, to our neighbours and the world at large," the Prime Minister added.

The day commemorates the homecoming of Lord Ram after a 14-year exile in forest. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him back by lighting rows of lamps.

The festival, which signifies victory of good over the evil, comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra.

There are several beliefs regarding the origin of festival. Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the time when Lord Ram achieved victory over Ravana. Some also view it as the day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura or in honour of the day Bali went to rule the nether-world, obeying the order of Vishnu.

In Jainism, it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on October 15, 527 B.C. (ANI)

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-AA

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