India / All Themes
Bangalore pays homage to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
05.07.2008 10:35
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An emotional memorial was held at the Chopra Auditorium here on Saturday as homage to late Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw college. The Governor of Karnataka, Rameshwar Thakur, Principal Secretary Home Vatsala Valsa, Additional Chief Secrtetary Shantha Kumari were present at event held inside the compound of the Army Service Corps Centre and College. A large number of soldiers, both serving and retired were present at the venue in their ceremonial dress, each proudly sporting medals to remind them of the war they had fought. The memorial service was a dignified and solemn affair befitting the occasion. Rich floral tributes and wreaths were laid on the large sized photograph of the Field Marshal. This was followed by a documentary film on the legendary soldier. Senior retired Army officers recalled their association with Sam Manekshaw, who they hailed as an outstanding leader of men; exceptionally genuine and humane. Lieutenant General NSI Narahari (Retired) shared some memories with ANI, he said the Field Marshal was one of the most inspirational leaders whom his men followed unquestioningly. Major Genearl M C Nanjappa, AVSM, YSM (Retired) while speaking to ANI, described him as rare personification of elegance, intelligence and charm. Officers, Junior Commanding Officer (JCO's), other ranks and people from other walks of life penned down their tributes in a condolence book. Director General of Police, Karnataka, R. Srikumar, Commissioner of Police Neelam Achuth Rao, retired and serving officers, including Air Marshal V.R. Iyer, Brigadier P.S. Ravindranath, and Commander of the Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, Commandants of various Army Units, were also present. Field Marshal Manekshaw died at the Military Hospital in Wellington on June 27 at the age of 94. Born on April 3, 1914 to Parsi parents belonging to the small Zoroastrian community of India, in Amritsar, Manekshaw was among the first batch of cadets to join the coveted Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, on October 1, 1932. He was commissioned into the 12th Frontier Force Regiment in December 1934. After the partition of India and Pakistan, Manekshaw remained in the Indian Army and was posted as Commandant of the Infantry School and Colonel of the 8th Gorkha Rifles, which became his parental regiment after the 12th Frontier Force went to the Pakistan Army. In his career, spanning nearly four decades, Manekshaw rose to be the 8th chief of the world's fourth largest Army on June 7, 1969. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour, in 1972 and conferred the rank of Field Marshal on January 1, 1973. Manekshaw retired on January 15, 1973, and later served on the board of directors of several private companies. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Samajwadi Party undecided on supporting Congress
05.07.2008 10:35
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Playing down the remarks of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Om Prakash Chautala on Samajwadi Party’s intention to back the Congress, the party’s General Secretary Amar Singh said that no decision has been taken as yet. "Neither has the Congress asked for support nor have we offered our support," Singh told reporters here. "We will decide when the confidence motion is moved in Parliament," he added. ''After endorsement of the Indo-US nuclear deal by former president A P J Abdul Kalam, it was not a question of support to Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh, but of what was in the interest of the country,'' he said. Singh also called Chautala as his friend and said: “I would not like to make comment on him. I only want to say that for the Samajwadi Party, the interest of the country took precedence over that of the party, and the main issue was to fight with the communal forces which were danger to the country.” He said the vote of confidence in Parliament will not be between the supporters and the opponents of the nuclear deal but between communal and secular forces, and the Congress was a secular party. “We'll do anything to combat communalism. L K Advani is a greater threat to us than George Bush. America and imperialism is better than the Bharatiya Janata Party’s communalism,” he remarked. Samajwadi Party leaders had on Thursday sought the advice of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam on the nuclear deal issue, and he had endorsed it by saying that it is in the national interest. Singh confirmed that National Security Adviser M K Narayanan had briefed him about the deal and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also issued a public statement that the deal is in the national interest. (ANI)
India
Social Life
EPF board defers decision on interest rates for 2008-09
05.07.2008 10:34
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The Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation today has deferred its decision on the interest rates of 2008-09 till its next meeting. It also decided that industries having ten or more employees would now come under the ambit of the EPFO. The Left supported Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has demanded around 12 per cent interest rates for the current fiscal, citing the high rate of inflation. The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has been demanding at least 9.5 per cent interest as assured by the Prime Minister in 2004 for 2005-6 and in 2006-7, the rates have been stable at 8.5 per cent. Over four crore subscribers of the EPFO got 8.5 per cent in the last fiscal year. The EPFO was formed in 1952 following the enactment of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. At present the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, covers only establishments with 20 or more employees. In the case of co-operatives the number is 50. The move along with the social security cover envisaged for unorganised sector under the Unorganised Sector Bill is expected to lead to a huge expansion of social security cover reaching out to almost all kinds of units irrespective of the number of employees. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Hordes of visitors throng mango festival in Delhi
05.07.2008 10:34
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Mouth-watering varieties of mangoes from across the India are on display at the 20th Mango Festival. The three-day mango festival, which commenced on Friday, has been organised by the Delhi Tourism Department in collaboration with the Government of Delhi. At least 500 varieties of mangoes like Sirki, Suwarn, Jahangir, Neeleshwari, Royal SP, Amrapali, Langra, Alphonso, Mallika are being displayed for public viewing, besides the special varieties by Padmashree awardees. A. K Singh, a senior scientist of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) said that the systematic planning in the growth and distribution of mangoes in India is essential to tap the overseas mango market. "We are the largest producer of mangoes in the world. If we want to tap the mangoes market overseas, whether it is in North America, Europe, Australia or Japan, then we have to put our focus in a very systematic manner to put on quality standards, develop it, sequenced supply chain reactions, storage facilities, quality and develop a variety which meets demands of the overseas market," said Singh. The mango festival also provided a platform for orchard owners to reach out to prospective buyers. The festival witnessed tremendous participation of traditional mango growers from various part of India who has gained expertise over the years. "I have brought 210 varieties of mangoes here. Although weather conditions were not apt for the growth of mangoes in our area in winters, still I am able to bring good number of mangoes," said Tariq Mustafa, a grower from Muzaffarnagar. Thousands of mango lovers are thronging the fair that offers sale of varied varieties of export worthy mangoes and mango-based products. Mango eating competition for men and women is also a part of the fair that will conclude on Sunday. The other attractions of the festival will be a 'mango quiz' and 'mango slogan writing competition' for children. The festival of mangoes, which began in 1991, has now become an annual affair, attracting mango growers, traders and a large number of visitors to the national capital. The festival was first held in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, but shifted to New Delhi for better exposure. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are major mango-growing states in India. About 1,000 varieties of mangoes are grown in India, in an area of 2.5 million hectares. India is the world's biggest producer of this tropical fruit contributing 59 per cent of total production, but its share in the world mango market is less than 15 per cent. It exports about tones of mangoes every year to nearly 40 countries including Britain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Canada and now the Untied States. Mangoes account for around 39 per cent of the total fruit exports from India. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Chautala predicts Third Front split
05.07.2008 10:34
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A day after the Samajwadi Party endorsed the Indo-US nuclear deal and expressed its intention to back the Congress should the Left decided to withdraw its outside support to the UPA Government, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Om Prakash Chautala predicted a split in the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA). “The Indo-US nuclear deal is anti-national and anti-secular. Mulayam Singh was insulted earlier and will be insulted again by the Congress. The UNPA does not see eye-to-eye with the Samajwadi Party any more. Mulayam Singh would be out of the UNPA,” Chautala said. UNPA constituent Asom Gana Parishad said: “We will not support the nuclear deal.'' “I am pained to know that the Samajwadi Party is no longer a part of the UNPA. This, despite Mulayam being the founder member of the alliance,” he said. Chautala said a final decision on the split in the Third Front would be taken at Sunday’s meeting of UNPA members. The UNPA is comprised of the Telugu Desam, the Samajwadi Party, the Asom Gani Parishad, and Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal, who were claiming to represent a non-Congress, non-BJP front. Chautala said that the Samajwadi Party’s move is surprising since Mulayam Singh was against the nuclear deal since the beginning. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Horses are the animals that are most likely to cause human deaths!
05.07.2008 10:34
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Horses are the animals that are most likely to cause human deaths in Australia, according to a report. Statistics compiled by the National Coroners Information System suggests that cows are the second most dangerous, followed by dogs. Sharks were fourth on the list of the most dangerous creatures. The statistics also suggested that crocodiles and spiders accounted for only slightly more deaths than emus, cats, and fish. For their investigation, coroners studied deaths linked to animals between 2000 and 2006. They found that 40 of the 128 deaths were caused by horses. Most of such mishaps took place when riders fell off, including one that resulted in a coroner recommending that helmets be encouraged for commercial horse riding and mandatory for tourism operations. The coroners also found that cows and bulls accounted for 20 fatalities, usually after a car hit the animal or swerved to miss it. Dog-related incidents claimed 12 human lives, including two from cars trying to avoid them, two from people falling over them, and seven from being attacked by them. According to the coroners, the country's traditionally most feared creatures sharks were responsible for 11 deaths, snakes eight, crocodiles four and spiders three. Two persons died when their cars struck emus, one died after a vehicle struck a sheep, and an elderly person died after tripping over a pet cat. Referring to the statistics, a Sydney Morning Herald report also said that 34 of the investigated deaths occurred on streets and highways, 28 at homes, and 22 on farms. The report also said that other casualties happened at sports fields, mines and schools. It added that over 50 per cent of the fatalities took place while people were travelling or involved in recreation, and men accounted for 87 of the 128 deaths. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Fatty acids offer targets for diabetes-related tissue injury
05.07.2008 10:34
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Boston University researchers have revealed that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can be new therapeutic targets for diabetes-related tissue injury. The team found that these two fatty acids are precursors to a powerful new genus of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution mediator, also known as 'resolvins' and 'protectins' respectively. These new local mediators counter and regulate pro-inflammatory signals and return tissues to homeostasis. In the studies using animal models, the researchers found that these mediators reverse several of the proinflammatory functional responses of white blood cells and macrophages in vitro and prevent inflammation It exhibits potential for new therapeutic options for resolving inflammation and tissue injury in diabetes. Vascular changes in diabetes lead to increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke due to atherosclerosis, retinopathy, end-stage renal disease, debilitating neuropathies, poor wound healing, enhanced risk of infection, and periodontal disease. The study was presented during the 86th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Extra gene copy stops boys from becoming boys
05.07.2008 10:34
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A new study from Prince Henry's Institute in Melbourne has revealed that an extra copy of gene DAX1, which regulates sexual development might stop boys from being boys. One in 4500 babies is born with ambiguous or incomplete genital development, making it difficult for parents and doctors to identify whether the child should be raised as a boy or a girl. Lead researcher Louisa Ludbrook has revealed that an extra copy of DAX1 in male babies blocks the development of the testicles entirely, which is responsible for some cases of disorder of sexual development (DSD). The team discovered that increased production of DAX1 can block the production of another gene SOX9 - which is important in the development of testicles. When SOX9 production reaches a certain level testicles rather than ovaries develop. Ludbrook believes that the new study would help in earlier diagnosis and management DSD. "By knowing exactly the point when development of the testicles is blocked, we can help parents and doctors decide on the best treatment options for these kids, be it hormone therapy or surgery," News.com.au quoted Ludbrook, as saying. "And studying these kinds of conditions also helps us understand the broad sweep of human sexual development," she added. The study was presented at The World Congress on Hypospadias and Disorders of Sex Development in Rome. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Blame your fridge for your food poisoning!
05.07.2008 10:34
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Pathogens in refrigerators at home may partly be responsible for food-related sicknesses, say experts. This proposition came from experts who met to address home-based food safety issues at the Institute of Food Technologists’ Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans recently. Dr. Fur-Chin Chen, a microbiologist at the University of Tennessee, said that a quarter of the refrigerators he inspected during a recent study contained a variety of pathogens. The researcher also said that vegetable bins were the most contaminated. “You don’t have to go to a restaurant or to a party to get sick,” said Dr. Chen. The experts highlighted the fact that consumers usually avoided weekly cleaning of their refrigerators. Referring to one study that calculated the percentage of consumers who clean their refrigerators once a month at 50, they said that the figure was likely exaggerated because people failed to clean thoroughly. According to them, refrigerators shouldn’t be more than 10 years old, and that they should be cleaned inside and out with dish soap once a week. Dr. Sandria Godwin with Tennessee State University’s Family and Consumer Sciences suggested that consumers allow the shelves and drawers to air dry. The meeting also saw panellists discussing the fact that risky food-handling practices increased with education and income, a phenomenon that none of them could explain. Godwin said that most people, whether well educated or not, thought that they knew more than they did. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
‘Taste’ gets people hooked to healthy food messages
05.07.2008 10:34
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Taste is a significant factor that gets consumers hooked on food-health and food-safety messages, say experts. This fact was acknowledged by science, education, and marketing specialists who recently gathered to discuss how consumers influence and receive food-health and food-safety messages at Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans. “Taste is what it’s all about. The more health-related information and claims that manufacturers present, the more taste assurance the consumer needs,” said Dr. Nancy Childs, professor of marketing at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. While new ingredients and health claims could drive consumers to try a product, she said, good taste would bring back business. According to the experts, consumers respond to positive information, and want to hear about health and wellness rather than disease or deficiencies. Consumers go for price value as well as a product that will fit into their lives, and extend their life experience rather than cause them to “jump” into a brand-new way of seeing or tasting foods. The experts said that flavour variety was key, for flavour incarnations had kept consumers’ attention for decades. As to what prevented consumers from adopting healthful behaviours, despite being informed and educated about issues like food safety and weight reduction, Dr. Christine Bruhn of the University of California said: “People consider themselves knowledgeable already.” She added: “They’ve been doing these things just fine for all these years. They think they’re invincible. Other people get ill, not me. Still they don’t know recommended temperatures (for meats), how to store leftovers, and very few use a meat thermometer. We have to train them on the details.” Childs said that speaking to consumers directly and personally, especially through the Internet if the audience is younger than 35 years old, was crucial. “Brands can create communities around which people can solve problems,” said Childs. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
English Sikh rock legend returning to his roots for Lahore performance
05.07.2008 09:23
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During his first visit to Pakistan, English Sikh rock star Narinder Singh Rithor alias Peter Singh said he was fascinated by the beauty of Lahore, saying the people here make you feel at home. Born in Rawalpindi in 1946 after which his family moved to India, Rithor said he would perform in Pakistan and a Pakistani Sikh singer Jassy Singh would organise his concerts in Lahore. “Lahoris are polite and fantastic people. They don’t let you feel out of home,” the Daily Times quoted the singer as saying. He added that the people of Lahore, whom he had found openhearted, warmly welcomed him. Rithor has four children, a girl and three boys. His daughter is a solicitor in London, while one of his sons is a break-dancer. He is a great fan of Elvis Presley, the king of rock ‘n’ roll, and got fame by singing like him. Rithor has also performed in the Royal Albert Hall. He has done many singles and his one album has rocked the music charts. “When I started doing rock ‘n’ roll in 1980, I was the first Sikh to do this, and was covered by all newspapers in the UK,” he added. He said he was impressed by late Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and loved to listen to his tunes. He said he had visited Lahore for the first time, but it would not be the last. “I liked the city and would love to visit it again, he said and added: “Jassy is arranging my concert here and I hope people will like my performance.” (ANI)
India
Social Life
Infiltrators hold key to 53 Bengal Assembly seats
05.07.2008 04:32
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As many as 53 out of 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal have a high concentration of voters who happen to be illegal migrants from Bangladesh. Similarly, the fate of forty Assembly seats in Assom depends on the votes cast by Bangladeshi infiltrators. All this has been revealed by a recent report of the union home ministry on infiltration from India’s neighbour. The report has been prepared on the basis of facts and figures provided by the Task Force on Border Management and Assom’s former governor S.K. Sinha. According to the report, at present there are 80 lakh Bangladeshi infiltrators in Bengal, 55 lakh in Assom, 4 lakh in Tripura and 5 lakh in Bihar(Katihar, Purnia and Kishenganj districts) and Jharkhand(Sahebganj district). As far as West Bengal is concerned, the concentration of infiltrators is quite marked in the border districts like North and South Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda and North and South 24 Parganas. The affected areas in Assom are Dhubri, Goalpara, Karimganj and Hailakandi, while a similar scenario is noticeable in Kailashar, Sabrum, Udaipur and Belonia areas in Tripura. The illegal migrants are coming mainly from Sayeedpur, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Kushthia, Meherpur, Pabna, Nitpur, Rohanpur, Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira areas of Bangladesh. Pakistan’s ISI is believed to have a hand behind this large-scale infiltration which has been playing havoc with the economy of Bengal and Assom. Home ministry sources say Harkat-ul-jehadi-Islami(Huji), the dreaded militant outfit active in Bangladesh, has succeeded in sending a large number of militants along with the infiltrators to West Bengal. The ministry has laid stress on an early completion of barbed-wire fencing along the borders with Bangladesh. Of the 2216 km-long border the fencing could be completed only along 1167 km till last year. The continuous infiltration has brought about serious demographic changes to Bengal’s border areas and made the border-map, drawn after the 1974 Indira-Mujib agreement, somewhat irrelevant. The Centre has consequently sought a detailed report from the state government on changes in the population pattern in 66 blocks of nine border districts. The Bengal administration, which had taken a serious view of the problem in the initial stages of the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government, now seems to have accepted it as a fait accompli.The chief minister had adopted some steps to contain the menace when the BJP strongman L.K.Advani was the union home minister. But his initiative has slackened after the installation of the UPA government at the Centre. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Moderate earthquake shakes Arunachal Pradesh
05.07.2008 04:32
b4uindia.com
A moderate earthquake, measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, shook the Arunachal Pradesh early this morning. There were no immediate reports of any casualty or damages. The quake hit Eastern Xizang on the Arunachal borders at 3:05 a.m., the MeT Department said. The epicentre of the quake was located at a latitude of 29.4 degree North and a longitude of 96.4 degree East. (A
India
Social Life
LeT commander killed in encounter in J-K
05.07.2008 04:32
b4uindia.com
A self-styled divisional commander of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit was killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda District today. According to official sources, a group of militants opened fire on the troops of Rashtriya Rifles, who were conducting search operations in Phulel area of the Doda district last night, leading to a gunbattle in which the LeT commander was killed. The killed militant has been identified as Tauhid Ahmed. Police has launched an operation to arrest Ahmed's associates, who managed to escape. (ANI)
India
Social Life
Another batch of 1,848 pilgrims leaves for Amarnath shrine
05.07.2008 04:32
b4uindia.com
A fresh batch of 1,848 pilgrims left for the Amarnath yatra from the base camp of Bhagwati Nagar early this morning. According to official sources, the devotees, including 362 women and 41 children, left in a convoy of 48 vehicles. They were escorted by a group of CRPF personnel. A total of 39,813 pilgrims have so far left the shrine. The first batch left on June 17. The pilgrimage ends on August 16. Security forces have been put on a high alert along the entire route of the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The security setup consists of area domination and setting up of mountain posts by Army, deployments of CRPF and mobile patrolling by armed police. Every year, a large number of devotees trek the steep, slippery 48-kilometres route to reach the Amarnath cave shrine, which stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet above sea level. (ANI)
India
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