Information Galaxy

Hybrid Cars Advantages and Disadvantages

2010-05-04T03:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Hilal Abdelwali

Hybrid cars are considered as the car of the future. It is able to effectively conserve fuel and at the same time, it only produces low levels of toxic fumes. Because of these benefits, hybrid cars are now growing in popularity every single day. Many people are now considering getting rid of their conventional cars and purchase a hybrid car to help in cutting fuel consumption cost.

Hybrid cars have two engines for it to effectively conserve fuel consumption. It has the traditional gasoline engine and it also has an electric motor and batteries. The two engines work together in order to cut fuel consumption. With this technology, you will be able to cut fuel usage by more than half. Just imagine, with a hybrid car, you will be able to go more than 60 miles to the gallon. With this kind of savings, hybrid cars are definitely the car of the future.

Hybrid car owners virtually do not feel the increasing cost in fuel prices. This is the main advantage of the hybrid car. There are other advantages that a hybrid car can give you. Recently, the President of the United States has signed an agreement that hybrid car buyers will be able to enjoy tax incentives. This means that by owning a hybrid car, you will be able to save money on taxes.

There are other benefits that the government imposes on hybrid car owners, such as free parking, and free entry to car pool lanes. Some even offer discounted fees on toll gates.

The braking in hybrid cars is also configured to capture the energy released and uses it to charge the batteries inside the hybrid car. This means that unlike electric cars, hybrid cars do not actually need to be charged from your home electric outlet.

However, with all the advantages that a hybrid car can give you, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage of hybrid cars is that the retail price is quite expensive. Only people who have enough money can purchase hybrid cars. However, the twist in all this is that hybrid cars are actually cheaper when compared to conventional cars in the long run. If you compute the total fuel consumption of both cars, you will actually see that you can save a lot more money on hybrid cars.

The only thing is that hybrid cars are expensive right from the car lot.

Hybrid cars are relatively heavy because of the heavy batteries installed inside the car. This is why hybrid car manufacturers integrates smaller internal combustion engines and are constructed with light materials and should be aerodynamic in order to maximize efficiency. This means that hybrid cars can never really go fast.

Another issue about hybrid cars is that it is very risky in accidents. What makes a hybrid car work effectively is also what makes it risky if it ever gets involved in an accident. This is because hybrid cars stores high amount of voltage in its batteries. This means that there is a high chance of getting electrocuted when you get involved in an accident. This also means that it is relatively difficult for rescuers to get the drivers and passengers out of the hybrid cars because of the dangers of high voltage in the car.

These are the advantages and the disadvantages of hybrid cars. Car manufacturers today are now looking for ways to get rid of the disadvantages of hybrid cars. In the near future, you will see that hybrid cars will be lighter and also contains less risk due to high voltage dangers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/hybrid-cars-advantages-and-disadvantages-397138.html

About the Author

Hilal Abdelwali, Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering. SAE Member. Expert in Hybrid Cars
and Internet Marketing. Owner
of http://TheHybridCarsSite.com, and
http://MyHotProducts.com
Sites.

maduraimedia

2010-02-06T02:46:00.000-08:00

Funny images in cricket

2010-01-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Funny immage in cricket

2010-01-05T03:42:00.000-08:00

Endhiran New Stills

2010-01-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

RBI had sharply reversed its monetary stance

2009-07-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Dr Subbarao also said that the sudden and rapid expansion of government borrowing programme has impeded monetary transmission. Last year, the final net government borrowing was two-and-a-half times the Budget Estimate. This year’s budgeted borrowing is going to be at least a third higher than that. “The intent behind RBI’s monetary easing was to encourage banks to reduce lending rates and maintain the flow of credit to the productive sectors. But government borrowing had resulted in firming up of yields, notwithstanding the substantial excess liquidity, militating against the low interest rate regime that we want,” he said. Delicate balance Dr Subbarao said that the RBI will this year again have to manage the delicate balance between government borrowing and maintaining ample liquidity to meet the demand for private credit as it picks up in the months ahead. “We will follow the same open, transparent and consultative process as we did last year,” he said. Following the full outbreak of the global financial crisis in September 2008, the RBI had sharply reversed its monetary stance from ‘tightenting’ to ‘easing’. The monetary stimulus came through a sharp reduction in the policy interest rates and the cash reserve ratio, reduced pre-emption of bank resources through the statutory liquidity ratio and expansion of refinance facilities for banks, some of which were sector specific. The potential liquidity made available by the RBI as a result of these measures amounted to Rs 5,60,000 crore, or nearly 9 per cent of GDP.

For further details visit as : www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/08/01/stories/2009080151630600.htm

Yahoo Inc is considering developing new real-time search capabilities

2009-07-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc is considering developing new real-time search capabilities, even as it outsources its existing Internet search technology to Microsoft Corp. Yahoo's Prabhakar Raghavan, head of Yahoo Labs, said that the company could potentially "mine" messages from Twitter, the popular microblogging service, to offer Web surfers search results beyond those offered by Microsoft's Bing. Bing is the Microsoft search engine that is to provide Yahoo's standard search results, under the terms of a long-awaited partnership announced this week. [ID:nLU412795] "I've always held that the interesting thing of Tweets is not necessarily searching them but mining them. So we could real-time mine them, then assemble what we mine into the search engine," said Raghavan in an interview with Reuters on Friday. By "mining" the data, Yahoo could offer search results far beyond a simple list of comments on Web sites, for instance, but instead could analyze data and group results by criteria ranging from topic to geography. While Raghavan stressed that he was not "pre-announcing" any product plans, he said his comments were intended to paint a picture of some of the things that Yahoo is considering in its new form.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSTRE57000F20090801

Former philippines president Aquino was died

2009-07-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

MANILA — Former Philippines president Corazon Aquino, whose "People Power" revolution toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy to the nation, died on Saturday after a battle with colon cancer. "Cory" Aquino was propelled into the political spotlight in 1986, leading millions of Filipinos in protests against the corrupt regime of Marcos, who jailed thousands of dissidents during his brutal 20-year regime. As people across the Catholic nation woke to the news, President Gloria Arroyo declared a 10-day period of mourning for Aquino, whom she praised as a "national treasure." Aquino's family announced her death early Saturday. "Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 am, August 1, 2009 of cardio-respiratory arrest," Senator Benigno Aquino Jr, said in a statement outside the Makati Medical Centre in Manila, where his mother had been hospitalised. "She would have wanted us to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and the continuous love and support," he said. "It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for the country," Aquino said. Arroyo, in the United States on an official visit, said: "Aquino led a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril." Former aide and press secretary Teodoro Locsin, who is also a close family friend, openly wept on television.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8_59bRNhn941vTee3KRN_AwI1DQ

New Delhi removed pressure on Islamabad

2009-07-31T23:42:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: The Opposition parties on Friday said the government’s stand that it took forward the Atal Bihari Vajpayee legacy vis-À-vis Pakistan was to cover up its “monumental lapse,” even as External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna reiterated that New Delhi pursued an independent foreign policy. Replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the working of his Ministry, Mr. Krishna emphasised that no progress in dialogue with Pakistan was possible in an atmosphere vitiated by violence or threat to use violence. The India-Pakistan joint statement, he said, encapsulated this view. The Minister disagreed with the BJP’s charge that New Delhi removed pressure on Islamabad to act against terror. “While opposing the government, let us not give more credence to what others say over what the Prime Minister and our own government have formally stated. We are not here to question each others’ motives. We are united against terrorism period,” he said. In his nearly 50-minute response, Mr. Krishna outlined the contours of the foreign policy, engagement with India’s neighbours, different groupings and regions, the Look-East policy, view on the Israel-Palestine issue, and specific issues, including steps being taken by Australia to address the students attacks problem. Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley said, “In an exercise to aim damage control, an argument has now been advanced that it is a continuation of the line followed by [the former Prime Minister] Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Now it is sought to be used to cover up their own lapse.”

For futher details visit as : www.hindu.com/2009/08/01/stories/2009080161021000.htm

Kolkata police is gearing up to implement

2009-07-31T23:38:00.000-07:00

The Kolkata police is gearing up to implement a ban imposed by the Calcutta High Court on over 15-year-old commercial and transport vehicles from Saturday in the metropolis. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant an interim stay on the High Court order. "We will implement the order of the honourable High Court and not allow any 15-year-old commercial vehicle to ply in the city," Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner in charge of headquarter Jawed Shamim told PTI in Kolkata. Bengal Bus Syndicate president Swarnakamal Saha said his association, which controls over 60 per cent of private buses in the city, would not run 15-year-old buses as per the court order. "Only those buses which are less than this age would be plying from today," he said. Earlier, some of the leaders of the bus owner associations had taken a defiant stand and said that buses less than 15-year-old would also not ply if older buses were seized from today.

For further details visit as : http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=4ae94585-b1fd-47c4-aaed-d402a30a249c&Headline=Kolkata+police+gears+up+to+implement+vehicle+ban+order+

Australia since a spate of attacks on Indian students

2009-07-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

This will be the first high-level visit from India to Australia since a spate of attacks on Indian students studying in that country began over a month ago, creating outrage in India and the diaspora community Down Under. Krishna will meet his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith and call on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to discuss a range of issues, including the recent attacks on Indian students that has put an otherwise growing relationship under strain. "He will visit Sydney and Melbourne to hear first-hand, about the problems being faced by Indian students and will discuss the matter of their safety and security with the state leadership," the external affairs ministry said here Friday ahead of Krishna's visit. He will "also apprise himself of the measures put in place, in this regard, by the Australian law enforcement agencies" and meet prominent members of the Indian community and Indian students, the ministry said. He will also participate in the Annual Post Forum Dialogue Meeting of the 16-nation Pacific Island Forum (PIF), at which India is a dialogue partner, in Cairns in northeast Australia.

For further details visit as : www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=HomePage&id=c08a5321-c9e0-409a-b554-c7d3e8479b49&Headline=Krishna+heads+to+Australia+on+August+6+to+take+stock

Pakistan till it stopped exporting terror

2009-07-31T23:24:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI : Continuing with its attack on the Manmohan Singh government for the Sharm-El-Sheikh joint statement, BJP on Friday brought the prime minister in its firing line, blaming him for leading India to a position of weakness in its negotiations with Pakistan. Confronted with a barrage of criticism from the entire Opposition, and also from within Congress, the government on Friday repeated what it told the Lok Sabha on Thursday — that the Sharm-El-Sheikh joint statement had been buried completely, and there could be no negotiations with Pakistan till it stopped exporting terror. “Any meaningful dialogue with Pakistan can only follow the concrete fulfilment of their commitments not to allow their territory to be used for terrorist activities against India,”external affairs minister S M Krishna told the Rajya Sabha this afternoon in his reply to the debate on his ministry’s working. The government had earlier come under all-round flak for agreeing to the Sharm-El-Sheikh joint statement, described as a “monumental lapse’’ by leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley. Participating in the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the working of the external affairs ministry, the BJP leader charged the prime minister and his team of negotiators with reversing the foreign policy that has consistently been pursued by India so far. He was particularly harsh on the prime minister, accusing him of being “alarmist”. “You try and alarm the country with a new argument that there are only two options available — it’s either a dialogue or a war. The moment the prime minister limits his options to dialogue or war, he brings India to a position of weakness because the other alternative is war. And when you come down to a position of weakness and start negotiating, it is dialogue irrespective of terror,’’ the Opposition leader argued.

For further details visit as : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Sharm-ki-baat-keeps-rocking-House/articleshow/4844106.cms

Sri Lanka's veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas insists his international career

2009-07-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas insists his international career is not over despite retiring from Test cricket and finding himself dumped from the limited-overs game. The left-armer, 35, ended his Test career at the end of the three-match series against Pakistan on Friday, saying he was still keen to play One-day and Twenty20 cricket till the 2011 World Cup. The selectors, however, did not pick Vaas in the 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match One-day series against Pakistan starting in the central town of Dambulla on July 30. "I will be back soon," Vaas said at a farewell media conference after his last Test, the 111th in a 15-year career in which he claimed 355 wickets at an average of 29.58. "I have not played One-day cricket for 11 months and during that time all the young fast bowlers have played very well and grabbed the opportunities with both hands. "I am going to work hard to fight for my place."

For further details visit as : /timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Sri-Lankas-Vaas-denies-he-was-forced-to-retire-/articleshow/4818468.cms

Ian Bell is set to return to England's

2009-07-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Ian Bell is set to return to England's Test team next week at his Edgbaston home ground after star batsman Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series with an Achilles problem. Bell, 27, may have been out for a duck against Hampshire on Friday, in a match where he only made seven in the first innings, but he has long been regarded as the 'next man in line' should England need to alter their batting line-up. The Warwickshire batsman was included in the squads, but not picked for the final XI, in both of the first two Tests against Australia. England are currently 1-0 up in the series, following a draw in Cardiff and their 115-run win at Lord's last week. They are due to announce a 13-man squad on Sunday for the third Test of the five-match series and England national selector Geoff Miller paved the way for Bell's return by saying Friday the extra two places were likely to be taken by additional bowlers, rather than batsmen. Bell played the last of his 46 Tests against the West Indies in Jamaica in February but was dropped after a run of low scores, with Ravi Bopara taking over in England's problem position of No 3.

For further details visit as : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bell-set-for-England-recall-/articleshow/4818467.cms

The federal government is proposing to reward whistleblowers

2009-07-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

The federal government is proposing to reward whistleblowers who could provide credible information on spurious drugs. India’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday announced a new policy to reward “whistle blowers” providing information on manufacture of such drugs. Replying to a discussion initiated by Brinda Karat (CPI–M), on the working of his Ministry, he said a “whistle blower” scheme, under which anyone who provided information about the manufacture of spurious drugs would be given rewards ranging from Rs. 2 to 20 lakh, was on the anvil. “We expect lot of people, including labourers working in such units, to come forward to provide information without disclosing their identity.”The reward will be given only when there confirmation of the seizure of spurious drugs, cosmetics and medical devices by the designated officers of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). According to the proposal, once fake drugs are seized, the government will engage senior advocates who have sufficient experience of such cases to help punish the guilty. To ensure speedy trials, these cases will be filed before designated special courts set up for the purpose of drugs related issues, as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Drug Controller General of India will be the nodal officer who will oversee functioning of the reward scheme.

For futher details visit as : www.medindia.net/news/Spurious-Drugs-Whistleblowers-to-be-Rewarded-In-India-55139-1.htm

How many people have the H1N1 swine flu virus? Do you know ?

2009-07-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World health officials have given up trying to count how many people have the H1N1 swine flu virus, saying the best they can do is estimate the spread of the "unstoppable" virus. But on Friday, Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declined even to hazard a guess, saying it was "more than a million." Why not? Because officials do not have the tools they need to count. "Most people who have respiratory illnesses don't find out exactly what caused it. Even most people with influenza don't know exactly which type of influenza caused their illness," Schuchat told reporters. Diagnostic tests for influenza are not very good. In fact, swine flu is often suspected when a patient's instant in-office flu test comes up unreadable. "I think that we all know the diagnostics we have, have limitations," Robin Robinson, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told flu vaccine experts meeting this week. "I think we would all agree that there is a need to have improved point-of-care diagnostic testing," said pediatrician Dr. John Modlin, who chairs the vaccine committee that advises the Food and Drug Administration.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE56N6C620090724

Delhi won’t resume the composite dialogue in a hurry

2009-07-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

Despite the let’s-get-talking tone of the India- Pakistan joint statement, Delhi won’t resume the composite dialogue in a hurry. Pakistani action so far – a few arrests, and charge sheets against some terrorists – isn’t enough for any substantive dialogue to begin. And even after Pakistan shows results, India might push for a format different from the composite dialogue which was suspended after the Mumbai terror attacks. That’s the message that the government will try to put out when it faces a debate in Parliament on July 29 on the joint statement. The statement, issued after the Prime Ministers of the two countries met on the margins of the NAM summit in Egypt, was seen as a climbdown. "Both Prime Ministers recognise that dialogue is the only way forward. Action on terrorism should not be linked to the composite dialogue process," the July 16 statement said. Trying to contain the fallout, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already told Parliament that the "starting point" for any "meaningful dialogue" still remains fulfilment by Pakistan of its anti-terror commitments. The government also insists now that the crucial paragraph in the statement is being "misread". What India "meant" was that Pakistan should not wait for the resumption of dialogue before taking action against terrorists. The government spin right now is that India has begun a "limited dialogue process", focusing largely on terror. The two foreign secretaries will continue to meet till it develops into something more substantive. Sources say there is skepticism about going back to the old composite dialogue format, which was based on the premise that it would be held in a violence-free atmosphere.

For further details visit as: www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=India+not+to+resume+composite+dialogue+in+hurry&artid=mEx44fKqES0=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SEO=NAM,+Manmohan+Singh&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=

Pakistani media alleging India's involvement

2009-07-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

In reply to reports coming in Pakistani media alleging India's involvement in Balochistan, government sources have told a national TV news channel that such reports are absolutely false and misleading. On Wednesday, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper had published a report claiming that a dossier was handed over to India when Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt during NAM summit. The alleged dossier reportedly gave details of the involvement of RAW in Balochistan and hinting at a RAW hand in the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in March, 2009.

Source :http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=Cricket&id=b98cf2b4-d74c-4155-be7b-afd6de984667&Headline=India+has+not+received+Pak+dossier+Govt

Lawmakers pass health care reform legislation

2009-07-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Forestville resident Gretchen Jones retired in 2001, and while she can afford her current health care plan, she said she has concerns about whether she will be able to maintain her plan if federal lawmakers pass health care reform legislation. "I'm lucky now — I don't take a lot of medication, but if I do, can I afford it?" said Jones, 62. "I don't want anyone to tell me what physicians I have to go to." On Monday, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) held his first health care Town Hall meeting at Prince George's Community College in Largo to hear Prince George's County residents' concerns, dispel myths and share information about the current status of health care reform. Other Town Hall meetings are planned to be held across the state. Affordable and adequate health care is a central concern to county residents, where the high number of uninsured patients has put the county's public hospital system in debt for more than a decade. Residents seemed mixed in their support for or against health care reform. "Make no mistake — health care is a priority of the Obama administration [and] of the Congress," Cardin said to the nearly 500 people in attendance. "The first thing that needs to be fixed is the 46 million [people] without health care in the U.S."

For further details visit as : www.gazette.net/stories/07232009/largnew175832_32529.shtml

Region with health insurance protection they deserve

2009-07-23T02:15:00.000-07:00

Legazpi City (23 July) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) regional office here has set a target to universally cover at least 85 percent of the population of Bicol region with health insurance protection they deserve. Orlando Iñigo, Jr., PhilHealth Bicol regional vice president, stated the agency is geared towards ensuring all Bicolanos be covered by social health insurance in accordance with the principles of universality and compulsory coverage as mandated by RA 7875 or The National Health Insurance Act of 1995 and RA 9241. Iñigo said "this tall order is now what PhilHealth is hoping to accomplish on its way to the agency's 15th year anniversary in 2010." He added PhilHealth Bicol recognizes its vital role in accomplishing the agency's mandate, organizing its marketing team ready to speed up enrollment, and a manpower pool that will efficiently deliver public service. He said the PhilHealth Bicol is equipped with all its armors driven towards universal coverage. Iñigo further related Albay province as of April 30 this year has a total number of 281,258 enrolled members, including employees from the government and private sectors, to PhilHealth's programs such as Sponsored Program, Individually Paying Program, Lifetime Member Program and the Overseas Workers Program. "This figure is actually 138.3 per cent of the total baseline set for the province's enrolment," he said. Records also show Sorsogon province follows the uptrend to universal coverage is covering a total number of 101,016 members for all the programs, that is, 92.1 per cent of the 109,656 potential members in the province. Meanwhile, the island province of Catanduanes already covers around 90 per cent of its population with social health insurance, ensuring 32,123 Catandungeños and their dependents. On the other hand, Camarines Norte has an enrollment that covers 78 per cent of its population which is translated as 68,185 members plus their dependents who can enjoy the PhilHealth benefits.

For further details visit as : www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090723.htm&no=60

President Barack Obama's proposed health care-reform bill

2009-07-23T02:11:00.000-07:00

While President Barack Obama's proposed health care-reform bill is still a work in progress, a new study is already anticipating how many millions of Americans could be covered under the act if passed. A nonprofit organization called Families USA released a study Tuesday that breaks down how many people in each state would gain coverage as a result of the bill passing. The study used census data from 2006 and 2007 to determine how many uninsured people resided in each state. According to the study, about 664,000 people in New Jersey could gain insurance under the plan by 2013, with more than a million gaining insurance by 2019. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add coverage for 23 million Americans by 2013 and 37 million by 2019. "Clearly, every state small or large has a great deal to gain," said Kim Bailey, senior health policy analyst for Families USA. In addition to those who would gain health insurance, those who already have private health insurance could see their premiums come down, according to Bailey. An earlier study by Families USA found that an average American family paid a "hidden health tax" of $1,017 in 2008 that was passed on by care that was provided to the uninsured. The number was calculated from the $116 billion spent by hospitals, doctors and other providers to cover the health expenses of the uninsured. About 1.3 million people in New Jersey were uninsured in 2006 and 2007, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Solving New Jersey's insurance crisis is something that private companies want to solve, but the cost could have unintended consequences.

For further details visit as : www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/top_three/article_c2b96ccc-e4fa-5dc5-919f-fd1c6f4656ce.html

Revenue grew by just over 1.3% sequentially

2009-07-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

India’s largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel disappointed markets on Thursday as it reported near flat revenue growth in the June 09 quarter. Revenue grew by just over 1.3% sequentially to Rs 9,941 crore as against average analyst expectation of 5% rise. Though its net profit grew at a faster clip of 12.4% to Rs 2,516 crore from the prior quarter as opposed to the street expectation of 7.7% jump, the growth was mainly attributed to non-operating income in terms of forex gains. Bharti reported forex gains of Rs 250 crore in the June quarter compared with the Rs 236 crore loss in the previous quarter.The company’s sequential as well as annual revenue growth has substantially tapered of in recent quarters on account of falling average revenue per user per month (ARPU) and a continued decline in the minutes of usage per customer per month (MoU). After rising by 5% in the early morning session, Bharti’s stock fell by 1.5% to Rs 810 post results even as the benchmark Sensex gained 1.5%. During the quarter, ARPU fell to Rs 278 from Rs 305 in the previous quarter reflecting 8.8% drop. By similar comparison, MoU declined by 1.5% to 478 minutes. Compared to the year-ago levels, ARPU fell sharply by 20.4% whereas MoU dropped by 10.6%. On the positive side, the company added 8.4 million subscribers during the June quarter, the fastest in any of the quarters so far, taking its total subscriber base to 102.3 million. Over 60% of the net additions were from the rural and smaller towns. This indicates the successful penetration of the company’s operations in remote areas. It recorded the highest 160 billion network minutes, the highest in any quarter so far.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Earnings/Bharti-disappoints-markets-but-boosts-employee-revenue-efficiency/articleshow/4810831.cms

Reports of scaling down of security cover to BSP

2009-07-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) Reports of scaling down of security cover to BSP supremo Mayawati today created a storm in the Rajya Sabha which witnessed two adjournments over the issue. The matter was resolved when the government assured the members that there would be no reduction in the security to four leaders including the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The House plunged into turmoil as soon as it met for the day with agitated BSP members storming the well to register their protest leading to disruption of the Question Hour. Before adjourning the House till noon, an upset Chairman Hamid Ansari said "this is an extraordinary example of indiscipline in the House. The rights of members are being violated." When the House reassembled, Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs Prithviraj Chavan assured the members that security cover of leaders mentioned in their notice would not be reduced.

Source : http:ptinews.com/news/189561_No-reduction-in-security-to-leaders--says-govt

Thursday as profit booking emerged at higher levels

2009-07-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Key indices were off day’s highs Thursday as profit booking emerged at higher levels. Sustained buying activity was seeen in metals, “The outlook remains hazy as investors search new reasons to justify their stand on equity investment. After a flat start, the indices will swing mostly to global cues. A recovery may be always on the cards but avoid getting in stocks which appear ripe after the recent run. The dangerous mid-caps may be back on the shopping list even though the risk-reward ratio remains lower for now. The results have been mostly on par or above expectations barring a few cement companies. Disinvestment (the buzzword for the bulls) may see action in mid-August as around 15 PSUs have been asked to give IPO feasibility report,” said India Infoline report. At 12:20 pm, Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 15017.10, up 173.98 points or 1.17 per cent. The index touched an intra-day high of 15174.82 and low of 14997.75. National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 4456.70, up 57.80 points or 1.31 per cent. The broader index touched a high of 4501.95 and low of 4405.95.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Sensex-off-highs-Sun-Pharma-Bharti-down/articleshow/4810909.cms

Maruti Suzuki, India's top carmaker

2009-07-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Maruti Suzuki, India's top carmaker, reported an unexpected 25 percent rise in quarterly net profit as it rode on higher sales, new product launches and a drop in raw material prices. Maruti, in which Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp holds a 54.2 percent stake, said net profit rose to 5.84 billion rupees ($120.4 million) from 4.66 billion rupees reported a year ago. That compared with a forecast of 4.49 billion rupees in a Reuters poll of 14 brokerages. Maruti sells around one in every two cars in India with models such as the best-selling Alto and recently launched hatchbacks A-Star and Ritz. Shares in Maruti, valued at $7.4 billion, rose 37.5 percent in the June quarter, lagging the main index that rose 49 percent and the sector index's 49 percent gain.

Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-41255720090723

Thursday taking cues from positive Asian markets

2009-07-23T01:50:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Indian indices bounced back Thursday taking cues from positive Asian markets. The rally was led by gains in metals, realty and FMCG space. “US markets ended in the red while Asian markets are positive. The yen weakened for the first time in three days against the euro on speculation that Japanese investors are buying more overseas assets in search of higher returns. Asian Development Bank said that East Asia’s rebound from the global economic crisis may be “V-shaped” and central bankers must retain expansionary monetary policies even as risks to the recovery dissipate. Our markets corrected yesterday but we expect some buying today at lower levels. For the day we are positive on the market,” said Niket Shah, Associate Research Analyst, Institutional Equity, Religare Capital Markets. Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 15120.59, up 277.47 points or 1.87 per cent. The index touched an intra-day high of 15174.82 and low of 14997.75. National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was at 4489.15, up 90.25 points or 2.05 per cent. The broader index touched a high of 4501.95 and low of 4405.95. “Trend deciding level for the day is 4446 / 15000. If Nifty trades above this level during the first half-an-hour of trade then we may witness a further rally up to 4511 / 15213. However, if Nifty trades below 4446/15000 for the first half-an-hour of trade then it may correct up to 4334 – 4268 / 14630 – 14417,” said Angel Broking note. BSE Midcap Index was up 1.90 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index gained 1.75 per cent. Amongst the sectoral indices, BSE Metal Index was up 3.46 per cent, BSE Realty Index moved 3.28 per cent higher and BSE FMCG Index gained 2.88 per cent.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Nifty-on-firm-foot-Sterlite-ITC-Siemens-gain/articleshow/4810693.cms

Political party did any aggressive campaigning in this vital area

2009-07-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday urged political parties to rise above vote bank politics and propagate the message of population control, saying "aggressive campaign" was the only way to convince the masses of the virtue of small family. Ruling out any "coercive method" or "legislation" to control population, Azad said in the last 32 years, no political party did any aggressive campaigning in this vital area. Asking parties to rise above "vote bank politics" to control population, the health minister said, "No religion prohibits control of population. At the most, there could be difference of opinion on the methods to check population." Replying to a discussion on working of his ministry in Rajya Sabha, Azad said if all political leaders included population control in their campaigns, the results could be visible within an year. Referring to concerns expressed by CPM leader Brinda Karat about use of "injectible contraceptive" which may be harmful for women, the minister assured the House that the government would not allow sub-standard contraceptives and medicines which could be dangerous for the health of women.

For further details visit as : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Azad-urges-parties-to-aggressively-campaign-for-birth-control/articleshow/4808599.cms

world's five leading flu vaccine makers

2009-07-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — Attention is shifting to the world's five leading flu vaccine makers: How fast are they really producing swine flu vaccine, and just how do they plan to test that it works? A meeting Thursday of the Food and Drug Administration's scientific advisers offers the first in-depth public progress report since U.S. scientists delivered the novel virus to manufacturers and asked them to turn it into usable vaccine. They've succeeded to a degree. The National Institutes of Health on Wednesday called for a few thousand volunteers, from babies to the elderly, for studies to see if pilot batches are safe and protective. The first shots should go into adult volunteers' arms in early August, with child studies to follow quickly if there are no signs of immediate side effects. Those government-directed studies — and more that manufacturers will run — are key as the government decides whether to offer swine flu vaccine to millions of Americans starting in mid-October, besides vaccinating against the regular winter flu. Health authorities in other countries are looking to the U.S. studies, too, as they make their own plans. Assuming the studies show the vaccine is OK, a big question is how much will be available and when. Last week, the World Health Organization warned that production is going slower than predicted, with the strains now in use yielding only about half as much of the main vaccine ingredient as is usual.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcx9bjqSn_mHLMw5rb3eoY32TZdQD99K0QV00

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's Ashes tour in England

2009-07-23T01:39:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY — Test greats Kim Hughes and Shane Warne believe Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's Ashes tour in England is being torn apart by a public split with his mother, reports said on Thursday. Johnson's spectacular loss of form -- he has taken eight wickets for 331 runs in the opening two Tests -- has been largely blamed for the Australian team's losing start to the five-Test series. Johnson, 27, arrived in England as Australia's premier pace spearhead but former Test skipper Hughes said his confidence has hit 'rock-bottom' since his spat with his mother. Vikki Harber, 45, made headlines earlier this month when she said her son had been stolen from her by his karate champ fiancee, Jessica Bratich. Harber told the Herald Sun newspaper her once close relationship with her son had deteriorated since he started going out with Bratich. While pundits say there are some technical issues involved in Johnson's loss of bowling form, Hughes believes the young quick has been deeply affected by his mother's comments. "I found it incredibly surprising that his mum said what she did -- Mitchell Johnson is a pretty sensitive young man and now it looks like he is totally devoid of self-confidence," Hughes told the Daily Telegraph. "That really added some extra pressure and he is a young man who has got other things on his mind. When you lose confidence in yourself, all of a sudden there are technical things that you lose as well.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g7jrLm-Tcp39gK33QOcdFVkoBPTQ

Pakistan batted on for just three overs

2009-07-23T01:35:00.000-07:00

Pakistan batted on for just three overs after lunch, setting Sri Lanka 492 to win, or 149 overs to survive. Mohammad Aamer illustrated his big-hitting potential with a couple of mighty hits down the ground, and when Chaminda Vaas led his mates off the field in his final Test, the mood was understandably subdued. Lunch Pakistan 299 and 410 for 9 (Aamer 10*, Ajmal 0*) lead Sri Lanka 233 by 476 runs Having established a stranglehold on the game on the third day, Pakistan put the boot in during the first session on Thursday, with Umar Gul the star of the show. Only this time, it was with the bat, as Pakistan stretched their lead to 476 by lunch. Sri Lanka faced the prospect of surviving five sessions or going after an unprecedented target. Trailing by 366 when play resumed, Sri Lanka started poorly, with both Kamran Akmal and Shoaib Malik taking fours from Thilan Thushara's opening over. The partnership had swelled to 133 by the time Nuwan Kulasekara gave Sri Lanka the breakthrough, getting some late movement to catch the outer edge of Akmal's bat as he went for the expansive drive, handing Mahela Jayawardene a sharp catch to his right at slip. They couldn't build on that though. Thushara got Malik to slash hard at one, but Sangakkara's despairing dive only resulted in the ball being tipped away for two runs. The sloppiness didn't end there though. Tharanga Paranavitana put down a high catch at slip after Gul had ducked a bouncer with his bat positioned like a periscope, and then Sangakkara fluffed a stumping with Gul way down the track. Malik was moving along steadily, but his progress was halted by a nasty blow to the side of the eye, after an attempted pull off Thushara sneaked through the helmet grille off the top edge. In the next over though, there was an element of retribution, as a short ball was emphatically pulled for four.

For further details visit as :www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/story/416057.html

Michael Vaughan, writing in his Daily Telegraph column

2009-07-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

That form should be enough to earn him a recall to the side in place of the injured Kevin Pietersen. And Bell is confident he can produce the goods in front of his home crowd. "I have enjoyed being back with Warwickshire and having plenty of input, but I still have an eye on what is happening with England, naturally," Bell said. "In many ways county cricket has been refreshing and given me a chance to look at my game and where I am going. I've been going well, converting my 50s into hundreds. "I take nothing for granted in terms of selection. I may be in many respects the next cab on the rank, but you cannot assume it. I'm also an England supporter and as such I want us to be playing our best team possible. "Obviously that would include KP because he is our No1 batsman. I have played against the Aussies many times and I am aware how tough they are to beat, but it goes without saying it is something I would look forward to if selected." Former England captain Michael Vaughan, writing in his Daily Telegraph column, says Bell must learn to relax at the crease. "For all that Pietersen will be gutted, his absence will create a massive opportunity for Ian Bell," wrote Vaughan. "He should be mentally fresh and he will have a huge point to prove after he was left out in the Caribbean. "It is important, though, that he doesn't try too hard. Belly has a habit of always striving for the perfect shot and the perfect innings, and sometimes you need to make an ugly 20 or 30 just to get your knock going."

Source : www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/5892142/The-Ashes-Ian-Bell-confident-ahead-of-England-return-for-third-Test.html

Assam witnessed the rare celestial phenomenon

2009-07-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

ASSAM: At least nine sites of Assam witnessed the rare celestial phenomenon of total solar eclipse. The dazzling diamond ring was visible at some areas. In nearly 11 sites partial eclipse was visible and bad weather played spoilsport at many places. Scientists from different places across India took their positions in different parts of Assam. Many scientists were camping in the Dibrugarh University. Scientists from Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian Institute of Geo Magnetism, Mumbai, Equatorial Geo-Magnetic Research Laboratory, Tirunelvelli, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi and Calcutta University were camping for the event at the Dibrugarh University. Overcast sky spoiled the viewing in several areas of Nagaland. A major partion of Kohima was covered with clouds during the eclipse. Curator of the Guwahati planetarium, Babul Chandra Bora told ET, "The participation of people in large numbers has shown that people are putting aside the age old superstition of not watching eclipse. Assam was one centre of attractions during this eclipse." He added that Baihata Chariali witnessed a magnificent diamond ring. At Guwahati Planetarium, special arrangements were made for viewing.

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET-Cetera/Assam-greets-dazzling-eclipse-at-nine-places/articleshow/4809009.cms

Global emission cap to keep temperatures within 2 degree

2009-07-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

The only take away for the two countries from the array of meetings was the possibility of greater technology cooperation with the areas of discord remaining unsorted. Coming in the wake of the MEF statement in Italy, the US team spelt out its position much clearer and worked to polish the points of cooperation while downplaying the issues of divergence. The Obama administration's coup at getting the `two degree' clause accepted by the developing countries remained central with the US team looking at a framework for a deal at Copenhagen based on a global emission cap to keep temperatures within 2 degree of the pre-industrial level, demanding peaking of emissions and going below the `business-as-usual emission scenario' from India. While insisting on a 2005 baseline to measure emission cut volumes at home, the US team also indicated that it was not ready to undertake cuts to the levels India has demanded — at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020. It also made clear that it was not ready for a deal where the developed countries would provide the kind of funds India had asked for — 0.5% of the GDP of the industrialized nations annually. It also remained averse to only crediting the money that passes through UN channels as part of its effort to help developing countries mitigate emissions and adapt to inevitable changes in the climate.

For further details visit as: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/US-Drop-dependence-on-coal/articleshow/4805270.cms

Moon program is really a tale of engineering improvisation

2009-07-23T01:21:00.000-07:00

It's a temptation, watching many of the 40th Anniversary retrospectives, to think of the Apollo space program as a triumph of power and industrial might. The superpowers' space programs were, of course, political and chauvinistic, designed to showcase national wealth. But there's a better way of looking at the program, Dennis Wingo reminded me recently. Masses of money helped put man on the Moon of course, but the Moon program is really a tale of engineering improvisation and human organisation. Space expert and entrepreneur Dennis Wingo put the first webserver - an Apple Mac - in orbit, for just $7m, and has helped piece together a lot of historical material that NASA didn't appreciate at the time - and forgot about, or wiped. There is one piece of kit in particular that encapsulates two stories: NASA's negligence, and the quite amazing improvisation of the engineers. It's the Lunar Orbiter, which mapped the moon's surface prior to manned descent. Wingo painstakingly recovered and restored much of the imagery it took. To give us an idea of how much Apollo owed to seat-of-the-pants ingenuity, it's worth remembering that the story of the Orbiter begins in 1961 - the year of the first human orbit of the Earth by Yuri Gagarin. The space pioneers were seeing a high death rate from test subjects - dogs (the USSR) and chimps (the USA), the latter proving to be a duff move - the chimps panicked in the claustrophobic conditions.

For further details visit as : www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/22/destination_moon/

Pakistan's efforts towards rooting out militancy and terrorism

2009-07-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

Gillani raised the issue with Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, who is on his fourth visit here since becoming the U.S. envoy to the region, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. Pakistan has asked before for the capability to carry out its own drone strikes, so as to avoid the public outcry that regularly follows attacks by U.S. unmanned aircraft.

The drone attacks in the tribal regions bordering Afghanistan "have seriously impeded Pakistan's efforts towards rooting out militancy and terrorism from the area," the statement said. Pakistan has cooperated with the U.S. drone missions despite its public position against them, and many Pakistani officials privately say that the attacks are helpful. Analysts have expressed doubt that the United States would comply with Pakistan's request to share the drone technology. "America has been saying, 'This is one of those technologies that is a critical technology, and we haven't even provided it to other allies,' " said Talat Masood, a retired Pakistani general.

For further details visit as : www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/22/AR2009072202224.html?hpid=topnews

Kalam : Haven't Received Apoloy

2009-07-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

A day after the Continental Airlines issued a public apology for frisking Kalam at the Delhi airport. Former president A P J Abdul Kalam says he has yet to receive a personal apology from the airlines. "I have not yet received it and whatever I have to do I've said," said Kalam. When asked if he considered it an insult, the former president said," It has been discussed in the Parliament." Meanwhile, coming as it does three whole months after the incident, Continental Airlines on Wednesday said they regretted the misunderstanding or the inconvenience. The airlines called the incident a misunderstanding/inconvenience after the government filed an FIR against it for allegedly breaching Indian aviation rules. "Our intention was never to offend Dr Kalam or the sentiments of the people of India. Continental Airlines takes great pride and is honoured to have flown a respectable leader such as Dr Kalam," said the statement. Kalam was made to take off his shoes, hand over his belongings for scrutiny, and asked to wait before being frisked. Rajya Sabha MPs on Tuesday condemned the security check and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel called the incident “unpardonable”.

Source : ibnlive.in.com/news/havent-received-apology-yet-kalam/97708-3.html

Heavy rains lashed the financial capital

2009-07-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

Mumbai (PTI): Heavy rains lashed the financial capital on Thursday, leading to water logging in several parts of the city and its suburbs. However, the transport system remained largely unaffected by the downpour. According to the Meteorological department, the city received 40 mm of rainfall till 0830 hours on Thursday. The weather bureau has predicted spells of rains with possibility of heavy downpour in the next 24 hours. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is gearing up to drain out excessive rain water accumulating in the city and its suburbs if heavy rains coincide with the 5.01 metre high-tide in the afternoon.

Source: www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200907231151.htm

Pakistani news report in a leading newspaper

2009-07-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

A day after Pakistani media carried reports of a dossier presented to the Indian PM carrying details of India's alleged role in fomenting trouble in Balochistan and other areas, sources in the PMO have rubbished the reports saying Pakistani allegations are ‘baseless’. On Wednesday, a Pakistani news report in a leading newspaper quoted official sources suggesting that Manmohan Singh agreed to the mention of Balochistan in the joint statement after his Pakistani counterpart confronted him in Sharm-el-Sheikh with a dossier detailing India's covert subversion in the restive province of Balochistan. The report in Dawn claimed the dossier also had details about India fomenting trouble in other areas of Pakistan. The report said India was responsible for the attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team and the Manawan police academy, and that it maintains a ‘terror training camp’ in Kandahar from where trained Baloch insurgents are sent into Pakistan. The report further said that the dossier had also been handed over to the US and Afghanistan. Indian government sources have on Thursday called these allegations baseless. The government sources have denied that any such dossier was shown to the Prime Minister at Sharm-el-Sheikh. Sources said ever since the formation of the Joint Terror Mechanism at the Havana summit, Pakistan has continually made allegations citing names and places, and India has chased these clues and found them to be baseless.

for further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Pak-allegations-baseless-India/articleshow/4810501.cms

Healthcare costs for the government's Medicare program

2009-07-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Wednesday a broad healthcare overhaul was critical to a U.S. economic recovery and urged Congress to take advantage of momentum behind the reform package, despite doubts about the plan even among fellow Democrats. In a televised evening news conference, Obama said the biggest driving force behind the federal deficit was skyrocketing healthcare costs for the government's Medicare program of healthcare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. "If we do not control these costs, we will not be able to control our deficit," he said after another day when leaders in Congress struggled to find common ground on the cost and scope of a healthcare plan, Obama's top legislative priority. Hopes dimmed in Congress that lawmakers could meet Obama's goal of passing early versions by the August summer recess, but Obama said the "stars were aligned" to win the plan this year and appealed to congressional leaders to help Americans facing higher insurance premiums or lacking insurance.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE56M0HE20090723

President Obama bluntly accused the police

2009-07-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — President Obama bluntly accused the police of acting “stupidly” by arresting the Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. last week after an officer had established that Mr. Gates had not broken into his own home in Cambridge, Mass. A photo taken by a neighbor of the arrest last week of Henry Louis Gates Jr. in Cambridge, Mass. Mr. Obama stopped short of accusing the police department of racial profiling, as Mr. Gates has done. But during a prime-time White House news conference that was otherwise largely devoted to health care, Mr. Obama weighed in full bore on the Gates case and suggested that the police should never have arrested him. He added that African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States have long been familiar with racial profiling by law enforcement. “There’s a long history in this country of African-Americans being stopped disproportionately by the police,” Mr. Obama said. “It’s a sign of how race remains a factor in this society.”

For further details visit as : www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/us/politics/23gates.html?hp

Airlines to issue an apology to former president APJ Abdulkalalm

2009-07-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Strong public outcry and censure of their actions by all political fronts forced Continental Airlines to issue an apology to former President APJ Abdul Kalam for frisking him at IGI airport in April. Till Tuesday, the airline had claimed that it had only been following the US protocol for safety and hoped that Kalam had been ‘‘pleased’’ with its services. By Wednesday, under the threat of an FIR against the airline and the matter being taken up by civil aviation minister Praful Patel with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the airline was compelled to take back its earlier statement which said that it did not feel that Kalam had been offended by its actions.

For further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Airline-says-sorry-for-frisking-Kalam/articleshow/4809836.cms

1970s on English and Filipino as the only languages of instruction

2009-07-22T00:21:00.000-07:00

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has signed Department of Education Order 74 nullifying the 35-year-old bilingual directive laid down in the 1970s on English and Filipino as the only languages of instruction. Neither of the languages is the first language (L1) of most Filipinos. Lapus said findings of various local initiatives and international studies in basic education have validated the superiority of the use of the learner’s mother tongue or L1 in improving learning outcomes and promoting Education For All. He added the Order 74 institutionalizes the use of mother tongue as a fundamental educational policy and program in the department in the whole stretch of formal education including preschool and in the Alternative Learning System. The policy widely referred to as mother tongue-based multilingual education aims to improve learning outcomes and promote EFA. Lapus cited findings from international and local research such as learners acquire reading skills more easily in their L1 and second language (L2). Pupils who start to speak, read and write in their L1 learn an L2, like English, more quickly than those exclusively taught in an L2. Learners develop cognitive, linguistic and academic competencies much faster in their L1 than in an L2. Under the new order, Filipino and English will be taught as separate subjects in the early grades and will be used as media of instruction when students are “ready.” This means when they have gained sufficient proficiency in the two L2s, as determined by the department, English and Filipino will remain the primary languages of teaching in high school, with the mother tongue as auxiliary and supplementary medium.

Source : www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics1_july22_2009

Proceedings in the trial of Ajmal Amir Kasab

2009-07-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

A special court will begin proceedings in the trial of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist involved the terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a court had adjourned the hearing after prosecution sought time to file its reply on Kasab's confession. Confessing before the court, Kasab said that he and his slain partner Abu Ismail were directed to start firing indiscriminately at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), take hostages and attack those policemen who tried to rescue the hostages. Meanwhile, Kasab's defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi said that his client's admissions could not be treated as confession to the crime. Kasab had pleaded guilty to the offence before a Mumbai court on Monday. For the first time in his confession, Kasab said, "Mujhe mera gunha kabool hai (I plead guilty to my crime)."

Source : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Kasab--s-trial-proceedings-to-begin-today/492594

The Indian rupee edged higher on Wednesday

2009-07-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI, July 22 (Reuters) - The Indian rupee edged higher on Wednesday tracking gains in regional sharemarkets and other Asian currencies, but the local stock market open will provide clues on direction of fund flows.

* At 9:25 a.m. the partially convertible rupee INR=IN was at 48.30/31 per dollar, stronger than its Tuesday's close of 48.42/43.
* The Morgan Stanley index of Asian stocks outside Japan, and Nifty stock futures traded in Singapore, were both up 0.4 percent, pointing to a higher opening in the domestic market.
* Foreigners have bought a net $1.4 billion worth of local stocks so far in July, taking net purchases in 2009 to almost $6.4 billion and helping the rupee pull back from a record low of 52.2 in early March. On the month, the rupee is down 1.1 percent..

Source : in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINBOM53974920090722

Software exporter Wipro’s first-quarter by 11.78% to Rs 1015.5 crore

2009-07-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE: Client wins in new markets lifted India’s third biggest software exporter Wipro’s first-quarter by 11.78% to Rs 1015.5 crore, even as "We are starting to see the first signs of stability in the business as ramp-downs start to taper off and volumes start to stabilise," said Azim Premji, chairman of Wipro. The company however provided a cautious and flat forecast for the quarter ending September 2009 -- similar to what peers TCS and Infosys provided -- reflecting lower demand for India’s $40-billion software export industry. "Looking ahead for the quarter ending September 30, 2009, we expect revenues from our IT services business to be in the range of $1,035 million to $1,053 million," he added. A Reuters poll had forecast a net profit of Rs 914 billion crore for the New York-listed Wipro, which counts Citigroup, Cisco, General Motors, Nokia Siemens Networks and Credit Suiss among its clients. In April, Wipro had said its software services revenues will fall to $1 billion-$1.03 billion in June quarter, down from around $1.05 billion the company reported for quarter ended March 2009. IT services revenues for Q1 to June, 2009, was $1.033 billion, a sequential decline of 1.3% and year-on-year decline of 3.3%. The company also improved its operating margins from around 20.8% during quarter ended March 2009 to 22.3% during the first quarter ended June this year. The tech major though suffered a sequential fall in net sales from Rs 6482.1 crore posted in March 2009 while net profit remained almost flat against March levels of Rs 1,010 crore.

Source : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Company/Earnings/Wipro-Q1-up-12-to-Rs-10155-crore/articleshow/4806198.cms

Tata Power on Wednesday announced plans

2009-07-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Leading private power major Tata Power on Wednesday announced plans to raise $335 million through the global depository receipt (GDR) route to fund capital expenditures of its existing power plants. This is the second Tata group company in two days that has said it will raise funds from foreign investors. On Tuesday, Tata Steel had said it hoped to raise $500 million through GDRs to fund its expansion in the country and for its London-headquartered Anglo-Dutch arm Corus. Tata Power will be issuing 14,838,110 GDRs for $22.57 each, representing one ordinary share of the company. Goldman Sachs International and J.P. Morgan Securities are acting as joint lead managers and joint book runners to the offering and SBI Capital's UK arm is as the co-lead Manager. Application has been made for the GDRs to be listed on the official list of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and to be admitted to trading on the EuroMTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

For further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/Business/India-Business/Tata-Power-to-raise-335m-from-global-investors/articleshow/4806204.cms

Illegal Nursing home complaints in jammu kasmir

2009-07-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Jammu, Jul 21 (PTI) In view of numerous complaints against various nursing homes operating in Jammu, J-K health minister Sham Lal Sharma has directed the health department to notify a list of registered nursing homes in the area within two days. He asked Director Health Services to conduct inspections at all these institutions to ensure strict adherence to norms. The minister also directed closure of all institutions including Ultrasound clinics operating clandestinely in Jammu division within fortnight. The minister said this while addressing Chief Medical Officers (CMOs)/Medical Superintendents, Block Medical Officers (BMOs) and other senior doctors of Jammu division after inaugurating a 7-day workshop in hospital administration organised by the Director Health Services, Jammu at Gandhi Nagar Hospital here last evening. In his brief address, Director Health Services, Jammu Jasbir Singh said that more such workshops would be organised after small intervals for the benefit of the doctors.

Source:www.ptinews.com/news/185286_Illegal-nursing-homes-in-J-K-to-face-action--Minister

Andrew Flintoff might be expected to bowl with such venom

2009-07-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Brad Haddin was out, the Long Room was enraptured and England was on its merry way to a first Lord’s Ashes Test victory for 75 years when Andrew Strauss, the captain, turned his thoughts to how long Andrew Flintoff might be expected to bowl with such venom. Strauss said later: “After he took that first wicket this morning, he said, ‘By the way, just to let you know, I’ll keep on going until all the wickets are gone.’ I said, ‘It sounds like a good plan to me.’” The irresistible force of Flintoff’s pace and precision smashed Australia’s resistance and finally wrote the name of the crocked colossus with the pin-cushion knee on the board of English bowlers who have claimed five Test wickets in an innings at this great London warehouse of myth and legend. To allow his pre-lunch rampage to outshine one of the finest England team performances anyone here could remember might seem reductionist and surrender to the cult of personality. But one of the enduring charms of team sports is that gifted individuals can burst from the fog of collective responsibility and steal the show with their own unstoppable talent. From the moment Haddin could only deflect a fizzing Flintoff delivery to Paul Collingwood in the slips — the Australian wicketkeeper departed without adding to his overnight 80 — this history-making second Test became a study in one man’s quest to leave an audience not just wanting but slavering for more.

For further details visit as : www.hindu.com/2009/07/22/stories/2009072257371800.htm

Saina Nehwal encouraging world badminton championships

2009-07-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

New Delhi: Title aspirant Saina Nehwal received an encouraging draw in the world badminton championships to be played in Hyderabad from August 10 to 16. The draw, held in the capital on Tuesday, Arjuna Awardee Saina received a bye in the first round of women’s singles. Given Saina’s current form, there is a distinct possibility that the sixth seeded Indian girl would move to the quarter finals without facing any problem. Saina’s coach and former All England champion Pullela Gopichand, however, was confident that the Hyderabad star would make it to the last four of the championships. “In the quarter finals, Saina would meet second seed Lin Wang,” Gopichand predicted. “But there is nothing to worry about. Saina has beaten the Chinese before. She should be able to do it again in front of her home crowd.” In the third round, Saina may face 10th seeded Bulgarian Petya Nedelcheva. The draw was made in the presence of Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell, Badminton World Federation vice-president Paisan Rangsikitpho and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi. Former All England champion Prakash Padukone was also present. Padukone said even though Saina had a good chance of bagging the title in Hyderabad, the Chinese stars would once again dominate the championships. Among other Indians, Sayali Gokhale will meet Jie Wao of the Netherlands in the first round and Aditi Mutatkar will face 11th seed German Juliane Schenk, a former European junior champion. Hong Kong’s Zhou Mi is the top seed.

for further details visit as : www.telegraphindia.com/1090722/jsp/sports/story_11266653.jsp

Swine flu has risen from 40 to 68, as the virus cuts deeper

2009-07-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

SANTIAGO — Chile announced that the country's death toll from swine flu has risen from 40 to 68, as the virus cuts deeper across Latin America where hundreds of deaths have been linked to the pandemic. "There have been 68 deaths associated with the new human influenza A(H1N1) virus," Chile's Health Ministry said in a statement. Last week, Health Secretary Jeanette Vega predicted Chile was nearing the end of a wave of cases associated with the southern hemisphere's winter season, despite 11,293 confirmed cases of infection. On Monday, Argentina announced 168 confirmed fatalities associated with the virus, becoming the world's second worst-affected country, behind only the United States, where 263 people have died of swine flu. Elsewhere in the region, the death tolls were smaller, but continuing to grow. Government statements issued Tuesday put the death toll at 20 in Uruguay, while Venezuela registered two deaths. In Brazil, authorities said the number of deaths rose by five to 20, and the Rio de Janeiro municipality said it was concerned about a lack of personnel and resources to combat the spread of the virus. "We have this problem because of preexisting issues with basic healthcare," said Mayor Eduardo Paes. In Peru, authorities reported the deaths of a one-year-old and an eight-month-old baby in connection with swine flu. Both infants had other health concerns but were also infected with A(H1N1). Their deaths Tuesday raised the country's toll to 14.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jPtr8HefJOSeRabmsqLcb-sSLoGg

BMP based 3G handset

2009-07-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

Taiwan-based High Computer Tech (HTC) will launch a high-profile 3G handset based on Qualcomm's Brew Mobile Platform (BMP) in September or October targeting the consumer segment, according to industry sources in Taiwan. The BMP-based handset will come with a touchsreeen, HTC's in-house developed TouchFlo 3D technology and HTC Sense interface as found in the HTC touch-enabled smartphone lineup, and yet the device will be available as an entry-level model, the sources noted. HTC also plans to increase the adoption of Android-based platform in place of Windows Mobile. The proportion of HTC's shipments of Android-based smartphones will rise to over 50% in 2010 compared to 30% in 2009, the sources indicated. The deployment of BMP-based models and the enforcement of Android-powered handsets will help further enhance HTC's competitiveness, the sources asserted.

source : www.digitimes.com/news/a20090722PD205.html

National Air & Space Museum in Washington

2009-07-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

The first man on the moon took a moment Monday, on the 40th anniversary of his "giant leap," to remember the Apollo program and the engineering triumph that won the Cold War space race and opened the door to the manned exploration of the solar system. Speaking at an Apollo celebration at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, Neil Armstrong enjoyed a standing ovation before sharing his view of the achievement that carried him to the moon, concluding with a simple, heartfelt "Apollo was a good thing to do." Neil Armstrong's shadow on the moon. "Thank you so much," he said from the stage. "Whenever I come to this city, if I have 20 minutes to spare, I come to this building. Not necessarily to look at craft hanging from the ceiling and sitting on the floors. But to absorb, by osmosis or radiation or some unknown mechanism, some of the history that resides here. And it must have worked, because as one young man recently said to me, 'Pop, you're history!' "So let me take one minute to recount some of those flights that we saw in the video earlier. Forty winters have passed since the first manned flights of the Apollo spacecraft. And so, let's kind of return to that remarkable time between October of 1968 and November of 1969.

for further details visit as : news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-10291518-239.html

Hillary clinton signs a Asean treaty on amity

2009-07-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters) - The United States will signal its renewed interest in Southeast Asia on Wednesday when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signs a treaty that could assuage concerns in the region about China's growing influence. Clinton, who arrives in the Thai resort of Phuket later on Wednesday, will also hold separate meetings with foreign ministers from regional countries to try to find ways to persuade North Korea to end its nuclear programme. Speaking in Bangkok on Tuesday, Clinton said she would sign the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Cooperation when she meets foreign ministers from the Association of South East Asian Nations. Other countries, including China, have acceded to the treaty, a document that underpins the 10-member grouping and which commits signatories to the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in domestic affairs. "I want to send a very clear message that the United States is back, that we are fully engaged and committed to our relationships in Southeast Asia," Clinton said. Her talks on Wednesday come ahead of Asia's biggest annual security gathering, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which takes place on Thursday. U.S. officials have said Clinton wanted to stress Washington's interest in ASEAN, a region home to 570 million people and with combined economic output of $1.1 trillion.

for further details visit as : in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-41221420090722

A woman died of suffocation at the heavily crowded

2009-07-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Varanasi (PTI): A woman died of suffocation at the heavily crowded Dasaswamedh ghat here on Wednesday morning triggering a stampede that left 13 others injured in the holy city where thousands had gathered on the occasion of solar eclipse. District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Upadhaya said an 80-year-old woman collapsed due to the heavy rush of devotees at the ghat while another woman fainted following which people panicked and started running helter-skelter.
In the melee, thirteen people were injured, police said. An estimated 60,000-70,000 people had gathered at the ghat to take the dip, they said. The stampede occurred due to the heavy rush of pilgrims at the ghat, DIG P.C. Meena said. The injured have been rushed to hospitals.

Source : www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200907221012.htm

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for frisking him at the IGI Airport

2009-07-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

US airline Continental Airlines on Wednesday issued an apology to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam for frisking him at the IGI Airport in New Delhi on April 21. “We have tendered a formal apology and we sincerely hope he will fly with us again,” Continental Airlines said in a statement. “Our intention was never to offend the sentiments of Dr Kalam,” the airline said. “We apologise to Kalam for any inconvenience caused,” it added. “We reiterate our commitment to comply with the rules,” the airline said. Indian laws exempt dignitaries like former presidents, ex-PMs, Chief Justice of India and even Robert Vadra from being frisked at airports. Aviation authorities had on Tuesday sought an FIR against Continental for making Kalam take off his shoes and undergo a humiliating security check at Delhi airport before being allowed to board flight CO 083 to Newark on April 21. As Kalam was about to board his flight to New York around 10pm, he was put through ladder point security under which the former President was frisked completely. He was also asked to take off his shoes, despite accompanying CISF personnel protesting to the airline staff that Kalam was an ex-President and exempt from such checks. While the airline did not budge, the unassuming Kalam went through the process without any fuss. On its part, the airline earlier said US rules stipulate all passengers flying to the country must be checked just before entering the aircraft again and that there are no exceptions for VVIPs. The CISF sent a report of this protocol violation to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. The airline was issued a showcause notice on July 9 and asked to respond within a week, something they have not done till date.

for further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Continental-apologises-for-frisking-Kalam/articleshow/4805958.cms

DSE set to spring back to life this October

2009-07-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

The defunct Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE) is all set to spring back to life this October. Plans to revive the exchange are progressing and technology up-gradation is underway . The exchange, which has already received re-listing fee from around 300 companies , is now in the process of inviting new membership. “We have already received Rs 2 crore in listing fee,” said DSE director BK Sabharwal . In an exclusive chat with ET NOW, he said listing fee has been cut down by 50% to attract more companies. DSE is banking upon the idea that most of the arbitrage in NSE is coming from members of north India and DSE can provide a good platform for them. The exchange is currentle trying to attract shares that are not listed on BSE or any other exchange in India. When DSE’s operations came to a grinding halt eight years ago, nearly 2800 shares were listed on the exchange . “There are brokerages from northern India which have high volume on NSE and BSE. They can benefit by trading on DSE and the exchange will also gain through good volume of business,” said Mr Sabharwal . While regional exchanges are no competition to big players like NSE, it is felt that companies based out of Delhi would prefer to list on DSE. Officials of DSE expect major north-based corporates to return to the exchange when it reopens. Companies like Escorts and Escorts Finance have already indicated they will be back, Mr Sabharwal said. Similarly, DSE is also expecting prominent brokerages like SMC, JP Capital and Adroit to get active on the exchange. They have large volumes on NSE and they could be big-ticket members, Mr Sabharwal said. DSE has also received requests from 40 more applicants for its membership.

for further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Market-News/DSE-getting-ready-for-relaunch-in-Oct/articleshow/4801942.cms

Mumbai : profit booking Tuesday after equity benchmarks

2009-07-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: An initial upmove gave way to profit booking Tuesday after equity benchmarks mustered nearly 14 per cent in a massive rally on Dalal Street over the recent sessions. Mixed cues from Asian markets played on sentiment as well.
“For the day, we remain negative on the market. Nifty is expected to trade between 4455-4383 on the lower side while resistance lies between 4582-4638,” said Religare Securities in a technical note. At 10:45 am, National Stock Exchange’s Nifty was trading at 4487.55, down 0.33 per cent or 14.7 points from the previous session. The index touched a high of 4524.00 and low of 4456.35 in trade so far. Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 15,062.90, lower by 0.84 per cent or 128.11 points. The index rose to a high of 15,234.21 before slipping to a low of 15,024.09 so far. Midcaps and smallcaps were trading on a subdued note. BSE Midcap Index was down 0.37 per cent and BSE Smallcap Index lost 0.54 per cent. Sectorwise, technology, metals and realty stocks, which were the star performers in the recent rally, were the worst hit. BSE Realty Index dropped 2.46 per cent, followed by BSE IT down 2.02 per cent and BSE Metal Index lower by 1.42 per cent.

for further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Market-Watch-Stocks-subdued-Tata-Steel-TCS-fall/articleshow/4801803.cms

The Nifty is down by 26 points

2009-07-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

The market, which declined sharply this morning after opening with a small positive gap, continues to languish in the red with several blue chip stocks suffering sharp losses due to profit taking. The Sensex, which had tumbled to 15,024.09 after an early surge to 15,234.21, is down by 116.33 points or 0.77% at 15,074.68 at present. The Nifty is down by 26 points or 0.58% at 4476.25, around 20 points off a low of 4456.35 it had touched earlier this morning. Realty, auto, information technology, bank and capital goods stocks have posted losses. PSU, power and oil stocks are also seen struggling for support. FMCG stocks trade weak. After a sharp setback, metal stocks have edged up a bit on buying at lower levels. Consumer durables and pharma stocks have fared relatively better this morning. Not much buying is taking place in midcap and smallcap segments. The market breadth is weak at present. Out of 1927 stocks seen in action on BSE, 1070 stocks are trading weak. 797 stocks have posted gains and 60 stocks trade flat. Mahindra & Mahindra, Jaiprakash Associates, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors and DLF have lost 2% - 3% this morning. BHEL, State Bank of India, ACC, Hindalco, Infosys Technologies, Sterlite Industries, Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Maruti Suzuki, ICICI Bank, NTPC, Tata Power and Hero Honda have also declined sharply.

source : sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?a=jhvli6fhjac & title=Sensex%2C_Nifty_remain_weak%3B_Realty_stocks_lose_ground_%40_10%3A55_hrs

RGCB-Arctic expedition team members

2009-07-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a month of intensive microbial collection in the sub-zero conditions of the North Pole, Arctic expedition team members Sabu Thomas and Wilson Peter Abraham of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) are back. They landed in Mumbai on Saturday morning and subsequently in Thiruvananthapuram in the afternoon.

``Well, the last few days gave us some anxious moments, as the weather suddenly turned bad and the Dornier aircraft that was supposed to fly us out of the North Pole failed to come till the day of our return journey. But the trip was beyond all our expectations. It is a totally different, white, world out there with the white sky and the fully snow-covered white mountains,’’ recalled Sabu Thomas, who joined for work at RGCB after a short visit to his home at Kottarakkara.
Sabu and Wilson were two of the three Malayalees selected for the expedition, the third being Mohammad Hatha of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, who headed the eight-member team. ``It was a great feeling to see our station Himadri at Ny-Alesund, an island in the Svalbard Archipelago of Norway. Just 14 countries have established their stations in the North Pole and you feel a deep sense of pride within. Actually, India is one of the very few countries which have a station at both the poles,’’ said the scientist. The Indian Arctic Expedition 2009-10 was organised by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) under the Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India. Sabu Thomas and his student Wilson had gone looking for the cold cousins of the cholera bacteria and also some novel proteins, enzymes and other biomolecules in the polar bacteria that may possibly be of industrial importance.

for further details visit as : www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Account+of+an+Arctic+adventure&artid=GybRgJpkgoc=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&SEO=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts

ISRO has several field installations

2009-07-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

In USA the astronauts from the Apollo 11 mission, the first manned mission to land on the Moon, have appealed to President Barack Obama and America’s politicians to provide proper funding for a return to the moon and the human exploration of Mars. The concept is risky since the veterans have aged but there is hardly any doubt that the proposal speaks of the nation’s intrinsic vivacity. What is India doing then? As per ISRO Chief G Madhavan Nair, organization is planning its first manned flight around 2015. “There would be two men in a manned capsule on a seven-day mission. It will be launched from Sriharikota,” he said. Nevertheless, he also mentioned the organization was not mulling over the fact of sending a man to the moon. “At the moment we don’t have such plan,” Nair said. However he strongly favored contemplating such a mission, major reason being that both the US and China had declared they would like to have their men on the lunar surface by 2020. “I do not know whether we can afford to lag behind in that,” the ISRO chairman said. “Superiority of a nation depends on technology. Space is where the highest level of technology is being demonstrated. Today, I can say we are on par with developed nations as far as technology is concerned,” Nair said. The Indian Space Research Organization is the primary body for space research under the control of the government of India. It was established in its modern form in 1969 as a result of coordinated efforts initiated earlier. Under the guidance of a number of scientists, ISRO has conducted a variety of operations—supported by its launch vehicle fleet—for both Indian and foreign clients. ISRO has several field installations at its disposal and cooperates with the international community as a part of several bilateral and multilateral agreements.

for further details visit as : www.whatistheword.com/2009/07/isro-to-commence-manned-flight-around-2015/

Louisiana may expand officials expressed

2009-07-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

The so-called Tucker Commission to review higher education in Louisiana may expand after some college officials expressed concerns about being left out. Last week, Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed only LSU and Southern University members. But Jindal said Monday that he and House Speaker Jim Tucker are working on adding two commissioners from the state’s University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, whose officials were not included initially. They would likely be added as nonvoting, ex-officio members, Jindal said, noting the details are still being finalized. Jindal’s two appointees to the Postsecondary Education Review Commission — created from Tucker’s legislation — were LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman-elect Blake Chatelain and Southern Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton, rather than independent parties. That left the eight-college UL System and the LCTCS wondering why they had no direct representation on the commission that could shape the future of higher education delivery in Louisiana.

for further details visit as : http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/politics/51271877.html

Guitar Hall: Revolutionising music education in India

2009-07-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Guitar Hall: Revolutionising music education in India With the first full-time programme to offer hands-on professional training for the guitarist Guitar Hall has revolutionised contemporary music education in India. It has become Mumbai's singular learning lab for music of today and tomorrow.. CJ: metalhammer , Music: An undying trend IN 1998, Guitar Hall revolutionised contemporary music education in India with the first full-time programme to offer hands-on professional training for the guitarist. Over a decade later, Guitar Hall remains the leader in guitar education with a unique system that combines technical, creative and professional development in a performance-based programme. There are several music classes in India that claim to train the students in guitars. But Guitar Hall has bagged the tag of the best guitar training academy by imparting professional guitar training and consistently producing quality guitar players over the years. Guitar Hall provides a positive, supportive and non-competitive learning environment through teamwork and hands-on training. The entire programme is conducted in a very relaxed and enjoyable setting. Each student is engaged in an intensive programme of their interest. Other Articles by metalhammer At Guitar Hall, you learn from a proven curriculum taught by the best guitar instructors in India, augmented by guitar workshops by visiting guitarist’s, seminars and lessons from some of the greatest players in contemporary music in India. Network with other players, find your creative voice and get the training you need to become the player you have always dreamed of being. Their students range in age from 13 to 70, with skills ranging from the absolute beginner to the seasoned professional. They come from all over India with different cultural and economic backgrounds. The diversity found within their student body, as well as with their faculty, make for a rich and memorable musical experience.

for further details visit as : www.merinews.com/article/guitar-hall-revolutionising-music-education-in-india/15776614.shtml

Fostoria Community Schools already has in place

2009-07-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

FOSTORIA - Fostoria Community Schools already has in place some of the activities Gov. Ted Strickland's education plan outlines. The state's top executive visited Fostoria High School Monday, three days after signing the state's budget, which included the education plan. Strickland said some of the things the school already is doing are things he is suggesting officials ought to see happen across the state. He said he understands the district has had all-day kindergarten for the past four years, and it has required seniors to do a senior project for almost 10 years. Strickland said he has suggested officials need to incorporate the idea of seniors being required to do a senior project in order to graduate. "Thank you for being a trendsetter there," he said. The governor said Ohio is a large and diverse state, and its economy is diverse, too. "Coming up with ... an education plan that fits the entire state has been very difficult because every community tends to have its own unique problems, personalities, and so we have been working for the last couple of years to try to reach out to the people in our state," he said. Monday morning, Strickland shared highlights of his education plan, which has six components. The first, he said, is an attempt to modernize classrooms and the curriculum people offer students. "We must prepare our students for success in life and prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century, and in order to do that, I think we must continue to teach the core subjects, and those subjects are courses like math and science and English, those subjects that are foundational to success in nearly any career," he said. "We must go beyond that, though. I believe we must teach those things that the business community tell us they are looking for when they want to hire someone."

for further details visit as : www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/516214.html?nav=5005

Informal survey about the Canadian system

2009-07-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

In the first letter Joe Midzalkowski discussed his informal survey about the Canadian system. I have had the same experience. I haven't talked to many Canadians, but all have told me if the procedure is urgent and necessary you get immediate treatment. It is the elective and cosmetic treatments you wait for. The second letter by Lee Feuer was quite interesting. The writer states "Politicians, special interests and central planners should not come between patients and their doctors." This is intended to describe what will happen if health-care reform is passed. But in reality it is a very accurate description of our present private insurance system. Who pray tell are these "special interests"? They wouldn't be the HMOs, large health-insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies would they? The writer states "I am a senior citizen and, up to now, have had great care under Medicare." Even though Medicare is a federal health-care system run by those mindless bureaucrats in Washington? I have been covered by Medicare for 17 years. Not once has a bureaucrat come between me and my doctor. I can't say the same for the time I was in an HMO.

for further details visit as : www.theledger.com/article/20090720/NEWS/907209978/1398?Title=Canadian-U-S-Health-Care

Teens' alcohol use and behaviour problems

2009-07-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Teens' alcohol use and behaviour problems are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Past studies have revealed that adolescent alcohol use and behaviour problems are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In this study, researchers analysed more than 1400 twins from Finland to investigate how genetic and environmental factors influenced behaviour problems at the age of 12 years and alcohol use at the age of 14 years. It was found that certain environments promoted the expression of teens' genetic predispositions, while other environments limited gene expression. Also, socio-regional, or neighbourhood influences have big impacts on adolescent behavioural outcomes, and these environmental effects have not received as much attention historically. Genetic influences assumed greater importance in urban settings, communities with greater migration and communities with a higher percentage of slightly older adolescents.

for further details visit as : doctor.ndtv.com/storypage/ndtv/id/3882/Teen_behaviours_stem_from_environment.html

A fully licensed vaccine against human swine flu

2009-07-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

A fully licensed vaccine against human swine flu may not be ready until the end of the year, months after a second wave of flu is expected to hit Canada in the fall, World Health Organization officials said Monday. That would leave Canada and other nations to decide whether to invoke emergency measures and vaccinate people with only limited information about safety and dosing. A vaccine rushed into distribution against swine flu in 1976 in the U. S. caused high rates of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare and potentially paralyzing neurological disorder. Vaccines today "are much better purified than the way they were in 1976, so we really don't think that it is likely that we will have this side-effect again," Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, director of WHO's initiative for vaccine research, said Monday. "But to be absolutely honest, of course, it's only when you have a large-scale distribution of vaccine that you know with certainty the safety profile of the vaccine."

for further details visit as : www.calgaryherald.com/health/Untested+swine+vaccine+only+option/1788382/story.html

Health board changes the Colorados state health

2009-07-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

DENVER — Colorado's state health board has rejected a move to limit suppliers of medical marijuana to helping only five patients at a time. The board voted 6-3 Monday night, after several hours of testimony, to defeat the proposal by the state health department. People in the audience of about 100 cheered. The board adopted other recommended changes, including a requirement that patients get their signatures notarized on applications for the medical marijuana registry. State health and law enforcement officials argued the system is susceptible to fraud and causes confusion over who can legally grow marijuana. Opponents objected to meddling with the voter-approved constitutional amendment allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. (AP) — Medical marijuana users and businesses that supply them with the drug urged Colorado's health board Monday to reject proposed new rules that would limit suppliers to helping only five patients at a time. About 400 people, nearly all of them opposed to the proposed regulations, packed an auditorium at a college campus near downtown Denver at the beginning of the all-day hearing. They argued the board didn't have a right to meddle in the constitutional amendment passed by voters that made Colorado one of 13 states that allow medical marijuana. They also said the five-person limit would make it harder to find legal supplies of the drug and make it harder for dispensaries to survive and continue offering a range of marijuana varieties to treat different diseases.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jobhPeYGP1lV_BEq9kYE2cY4vqkAD99IJNM80

American soldiers were killed eastern Afghanistan

2009-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan — Four American soldiers were killed by a roadside explosion in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, making July the deadliest month for American service members in the country since the 2001 invasion and underscoring the frightening rise in the sophistication and accuracy of roadside bombs. With the four newest fatalities, at least 30 Americans have died in the first three weeks of July, surpassing the highest previous monthly toll, 28, reached in June 2008. Part of the reason for July’s sharply higher fatalities — for American troops and for British and other NATO forces — is the three-week-old offensive in opium-rich Helmand Province, where United States Marines and British soldiers are trying to take control of areas dominated by the Taliban. But the most significant factor is the increasing power of roadside bombs employed by guerrillas in eastern and southern Afghanistan, including Helmand. The bombs are generally not as powerful as the improvised explosive devices, or I.E.D.’s, used by Iraqi guerrillas, who drew on huge stockpiles of artillery shells the Pentagon left unguarded. In later years, Shiite insurgents also employed explosively formed penetrators, a more precisely machined bomb that launched a fist-size molten ball that could pierce the thickest armor.

for further details visit as : www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/world/asia/21afghan.html?hp

Significant expansion of relationship between the two nations

2009-07-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Washington: The five-day visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to India has resulted in significant expansion of relationship between the two nations, a senior US official said on Tuesday. "What you are seeing in the announcements that she (Clinton) and the External (Affairs) Minister (S M) Krishna announced tonight, you have an expanding and significant agenda," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Philip J Crowley told reporters at State Department briefing. He said, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accepted the invitation of US President Barack Obama for a State visit in November. "What, you are seeing in terms of the agenda is a very significant expansion of the relationship and the issues that will be subject to our bilateral and multilateral relationships going forward," Crowley said. Responding to question that why on first two days of her trip to India, Clinton met with the people and businesses and not with the Government, he said that nothing should be read as it was normal. "I do not think there is a cookie cutter approach here. I can recall 10 years ago going to China with the US President and he didn't go to Beijing on day one. It might well be the availability of senior officials within the Indian Government.

for further details visit as : http://www.zeenews.com/news548771.html

Us secretary meet Indian top leaders

2009-07-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is meeting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other top leaders, as part of her visit to the country. Indian relations with Pakistan are thought to be high on the agenda, along with education and technology. The countries are also expected to sign deals on arms sales and the building of US-funded nuclear plants. Correspondents say the visit aims to show the US is committed to Delhi, and to broaden ties between the countries.

Addressing students at Delhi University ahead of the talks, Mrs Clinton said the US wanted to "deepen our strategic understanding" with India and find more common ground. As well as Mr Singh, Mrs Clinton is holding talks with her Indian counterpart, SM Krishna, the head of the ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, and the leader of the opposition, Lal Krishna Advani.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas, who is travelling with Mrs Clinton, says the secretary of state hopes to come away with tangible agreements on trade between the US and India. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (r) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in Egypt on 16 July Diplomatic test for Clinton in India.

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8158489.stm

Mumbai Stocks opened on Monday extending gains

2009-07-20T01:59:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Stocks opened sharply higher on Monday extending gains from the previous session. Shares of Tata Consultancy Services surged more than 10 per cent after the IT major beat street forecast with a 22 percent rise in quarterly profit. Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex was at 14950, higher by 207 points while National Stock Exchange’s Nifty rose 61 points to 4435.

“The week is set to begin on a positive note. The confidence comes from the fact that more than 3.2 crore shares have been added in the stock futures. This is the highest single day addition in the month of July. Some of the stocks that we like are Jaiprakash Associates, FSL and Rolta. Among the banks, our interest revolves around 'Axis'. Traders should keep an eye on international developments, where a $3 billion helpline is likely to be thrown at CIT, the beleaguered US bank. If this fails to materialise, it could jolt the traders,” said Anagram Stock Broking. US stocks closed out their best week in four months on Friday on a flat note as strong earnings from IBM offset disappointing results from General Electric Co. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 32.12 points, or 0.37 percent, to 8,743.94. But the Standard & Poor's 500 Index slipped 0.36 points, or 0.04 per cent, to 940.38. And the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.58 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 1,886.61.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Market-News/Gap-up-opening-for-equities-TCS-surges-10/articleshow/4797346.cms

The astronauts-Moon landing 40 years ago

2009-07-20T01:51:00.000-07:00

Two of the astronauts who took part in the first Moon landing 40 years ago have called for renewed efforts to send a manned mission to Mars. At a rare public reunion of the Apollo 11 crew, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins said Mars instead of the Moon should be the focus of exploration. Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon, said the race to get to the Moon had been the ultimate peaceful contest. He said it was an "exceptional national investment" for the US and ex-USSR. The trio spoke at an event at Washington DC's National Air and Space Museum to mark the 40th anniversary of their mission. Mr Armstrong told the audience: "It was the ultimate peaceful competition: USA vs USSR. "I'll not assert that it was a diversion which prevented a war, nevertheless it was a diversion. Sometimes I think I flew to the wrong place. Mars was always my favourite as a kid and it still is today Michael Collins Apollo 11 crew "Eventually, it provided a mechanism for engendering co-operation between former adversaries. In that sense, among others, it was an exceptional national investment for both sides."

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8158519.stm

4 policemen were killed while two others sustained injuries

2009-07-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD, July 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 4 policemen were killed while two others sustained injuries in an attack on a police mobile in northwestern Pakistan's Peshawar on Monday, local police said. Police said that the unknown militants attacked the police mobile when it was on a routine patrolling at Sarband area in the outskirts of Peshawar, the capital city of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Two policemen including a sub inspector were killed on the spot while two injured policemen died on their way to hospital. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for the treatment. As the repatriation process of the internally displaced persons(IDPs) of Malakand Division, due to the army operations against Taliban militants, have entered in a decisive phase as on Sunday a total of 11,715 families left for Buner and Swat districts from various relief camps in NWFP, the security situation in the conflict-ridden northwest is still unstable and fragile. Last week, an official of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was killed in a firing in Peshawar. The gunmen fled after the attack. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

For further details visit as : news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/20/content_11739397.htm

England at bay with an unbeaten century

2009-07-20T00:54:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Michael Clarke survived some fiery new-ball bowling to keep England at bay with an unbeaten century that gave Australia hope when all seemed lost in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Sunday. Scorecard Australia were 313 for five when bad light forced an early close on the fourth day with 12 overs left.

They needed a further 209 runs to achieve what would be a new Test record fourth innings victory total of 522 on Monday's final day. England, by contrast required five more wickets if they were to beat Australia in a Test at Lord's for the first time in 75 years and so go 1-0 up in the five-match series following last week's drawn opener in Cardiff.
But first they needed to separate Clarke and wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, 80 not out, who'd so far shared an unbroken stand of 185 for the sixth wicket.
If Australia reached their target they would surpass the current fourth innings record victory total of 418 for seven made by the West Indies
against Australia in Antigua in 2002/03. After tea, Haddin - who made a hundred in Cardiff - completed a 95-ball fifty with a single against off-spinner Graeme Swann.
And next ball Clarke went to his 11th Test hundred and first at Lord's when he pushed Swann for two.
He reached the landmark in 159 balls, his first fifty coming in 58 but his second in 101 as Clarke concentrated hard.
It had looked Sunday as if England might wrap up victory with more than a day to spare as they reduced Australia to 128 for five.

For futher details visit as : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/SPORTS-Cricket-Top-Stories-Clarke-century-revives-Australia-in-second-Test/articleshow/4796346.cms

pregnant women are more susceptible to all infections

2009-07-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

The site says this is necessary because “pregnant women are more susceptible to all infections” and are “especially vulnerable to swine flu, as this virus is affecting younger age groups in particular”. During the weekend this guidance was backed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM). "If [pregnant women] normally travel on the Tube or on crowded trains in rush hour they might want to leave later or earlier," the RCM's Sue Macdonald said. "This is about being sensible and being aware of the risks." However, in a re-organisation of its own advice website on Sunday, the Department of Health did not reiterate this advice, as had been expected. A department source later confirmed: "Our advice has not changed. For the majority of pregnant women, good hand hygiene will be enough. "Clearly avoiding these things would lower the risk [of swine flu], but we are not saying that pregnant women should avoid them. "We think this is very important as pregnant women can feel particularly vulnerable." The department later released a statement saying pregnant women "may consider" avoiding travel and crowds.

For further details visit as : www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/5865564/Swine-flu-mixed-messages-offered-to-pregnant-women.html

National Land Policy is anchored on the new constitution

2009-07-20T00:37:00.000-07:00

"It is important that the National Land Policy is anchored on the new constitution. It is under the old law that women have suffered several abuses to their land and property rights, mainly through married women's lack of control of property and unequal division of property upon divorce or separation," observed Evelyn Opondo of the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya Chapter (FIDA-Kenya), speaking at a forum on land rights in Kenya held in Nairobi in November.

The draft land policy, currently awaiting cabinet approval, acknowledges "gross disparities in land ownership as well as discrimination in succession, transfer of land and exclusion of women in land decision making processes".
Land is a thorny issue in the East African country. It is the principal source of livelihood and material wealth for a majority, and carries cultural significance for many Kenyans.
Despite this, the power to control household resources, including land, lies with men. The problem, analysts say, is exacerbated by the largely conservative judiciary which has continued to give rulings that are unfriendly to women.

for further details visit as : allafrica.com/stories/200907200070.html

Pakistan government to tackle terrorism-Hillary clinton

2009-07-20T00:26:00.000-07:00

New Delhi (PTI): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today said there has been "real will" on the part of Pakistan to tackle terrorism and that her country will enlist the help of India in fighting the menace. "I have seen a real will on the part of Pakistan government to tackle terrorism...It is their government which is being attacked and people who are being mistreated," said Clinton while addressing students of Delhi University here. She also said, "We have to look for ways to support those who oppose terror". Emphasising that combating terrorism is the "number one" challenge, Ms. Clinton said the US will enlist the help of everyone including India. Acknowledging India's growing stature, she said the world is now wanting to know where it is headed to. "Military strength does not define greatness of nation... Soft powers are more appealing," she said. Ms. Clinton also noted that the relationship between India and the US was growing day by day and wanted to use diplomatic tools to seek common ground.

Source : www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200907201142.htm

New Zealand sharemarket started the week with a modest gain

2009-07-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

The New Zealand sharemarket started the week with a modest gain on modest volume. A positive international backdrop is helping sentiment but the market continues to be in wait-and-see mode for the local corporate earnings season. The benchmark NZSX-50 index closed up 12.693 points, or 0.452 per cent, at 2820.913. Turnover was worth $59 million. There were 48 rises and 34 falls among the 109 stocks traded. "It is the usual quiet Monday," said Stephen Wright at ASB Securities. "There is still generally a lack of corporate news so sentiment is just based on overseas markets, which were firm," he said. Fletcher Building closed down 1c at 682. Mr Wright said the stock opened around 687, went to 694, then ended down."It just goes to show what a mixed and cautious market we have got," he said. Contact Energy lifted 7c to 590 and Telecom lifted 2c to 273. Air NZ rose 2c to 93 amid media reports that a merger with Virgin Blue would make sense for the airline but was unlikely.

For further details visit as : www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10585614

Final cricket test against Pakistan at Sinhalese Sports Club

2009-07-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

COLOMBO (AP): Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss Monday and elected to field first in the third and final cricket test against Pakistan at Sinhalese Sports Club.

Sri Lanka brought in veteren seamer Chaminda Vaas for his farewell test at the expense of out-of-form spinner Ajantha Mendis. Legspinner Danish Kaneria replaced fast bowler Abdur Rauf who played for Pakistan in the second test. Sri Lanka leads the series 2-0.
Teams:
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Anjelo Mathews, Chaminda Vaas, Thilan Thushara, Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekera.
Pakistan: Younis Khan (captain), Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamer, Danish Kaneria and Fawad Alam.
Umpires: Ian Gould, England, and Simon Taufel, Australia.

For further details visit as : www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200907201040.htm

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on Monday

2009-07-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Shares of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on Monday gained over four per cent, while ADA Group firm Reliance Natural Resources tanked 5.48 per cent in the morning trade on the BSE ahead of the hearing of the case in the Supreme Court relating to family gas supply pact. Shares of RIL opened firm on the Bombay Stock Exchange and gained 4.48 per cent to reach Rs 2,020. Meanwhile, RNRL dropped 5.48 per cent to a low of Rs 78.40 within first few minutes of trade. A similar movement was witnessed on the National Stock Exchange where the scrip of RIL rose 4.49 per cent to Rs 2,024, while RNRL dipped to Rs 78.75, down 5.06 per cent.

Anil Ambani group firm RNRL and Mukesh Ambani-led RIL have filed cross-petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court order and the matter will come up for hearing today. While RNRL wants immediate implementation of the order to get the gas at USD 2.3 per mmBtu, a price 44 per cent lower than the one fixed by the government, RIL says it cannot supply the industry fuel without the consent of government.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/stocks-in-news-home/RIL-gains-4-pc-RNRL-down-5-pc/articleshow/4797703.cms

Muslim Uighurs descended into violence in the regional capital

2009-07-19T23:45:00.000-07:00

BEIJING — The top legislator from China's riot-hit Xinjiang said authorities will speed up local legislation against separatism in the western region that has a long-running independence movement by minority Uighurs, state media reported Monday.

China faced its worst unrest in decades this month when tensions between the dominant Han Chinese and the Turkic-speaking, Muslim Uighurs descended into violence in the regional capital of Urumqi. Nearly 200 people died in the unrest. The chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress blamed the July 5 riots on "three forces" — extremism, separatism, and terrorism — both at home and abroad, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Eligen Imibakhi said the public's lack of understanding about laws is an "urgent problem," adding that the government plans to distribute legal booklets in ethnic minority languages to farmers and herdsmen across the region. China already has a national law against secession, though there are no similar regional laws. Xinjiang is working on legislation that would "provide legal assistance to Xinjiang's anti-secession struggle and the cracking down on violence and terrorism," Imibakhi said. The violence began when police in Urumqi intervened at a peaceful protest by Uighurs, who went on a rampage, smashing windows, burning cars and beating Han Chinese. Two days later, vigilante groups of Han took to the streets and attacked Uighurs. The government says 197 died in the unrest, with more than 1,700 hurt. Most of the dead were Han Chinese, though Uighurs say they believe many more of their community were killed in the ensuing government crackdown.

For further details visit as : www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j794twyjYyjeOIdsKWwzCUhsgvUAD99I0AHG0

European Social Fund from a range of higher education

2009-07-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

A £16.5m scheme worth aimed at helping more than 1,300 people raise their work skill levels has been announced. Education Minister Jane Hutt said a new range of foundation degrees was to help 1,330 people without them following a three-year university course.

Led by the University of Glamorgan, it will also help part-time learners with jobs to access new qualifications, she said. People from the valleys and west Wales stand to benefit from the programme. Foundation degrees are entry-level qualifications and may lead on to degree courses. Made up of £9.5m from the European Social Fund and match funding from a range of higher education institutions, the new scheme aims to enable people to access the courses through higher education institutions and further education colleges.
It is crucial that we provide people across Wales with the opportunity to increase their skill levels during these challenging economic times Jane Hutt, Education Minister Martyn Jeffries, from the University of Glamorgan, said the scheme had been designed to meet the needs of emerging and growing industries in the Welsh economy.

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8157535.stm

BSP is behind the burning of Joshi's house in retaliation

2009-07-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

LUCKNOW : The war between the BSP and Congress has intensified with BSP chief and Chief Minister Mayawati 'rewarding' the person who was allegedly behind torching of UPCC chief Rita Joshi's house in Lucknow, according to media reports. Sources said, BSP MP Intezar Abdi has been given the Deputy Chairmanship of the UP Sugar Corporation.

The Congress Party, which is demanding a CBI inquiry into the arson incident says, Intezar's promotion has proved beyond doubt that BSP is behind the burning of Joshi's house in retaliation against her speech. On Sunday, Rita Joshi rejected Uttar Pradesh government's CB-CID probe into the incident and reiterated her demand for a CBI inquiry. “I demand that the CBI probe what happened at my house in Lucknow. My party also wants this, because what happened is a state-sponsored crime,” said Joshi, whose house in Lucknow was set on fire on Wednesday night by a group of alleged BSP workers for her speech against Chief Minister Mayawati.
Joshi was given interim bail after being arrested on Thursday.

For further details visit as : timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Lucknow-Mayawati-defiant-rewards-man-behind-Joshi-house-arson/articleshow/4797717.cms

Southern Afghanistan on Monday

2009-07-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

KABUL, July 20 (Reuters) - A military aircraft used by NATO-led forces crashed shortly after take-off from a major base in southern Afghanistan on Monday, alliance officials said, the second crash at the base in as many days. First thought to have been a helicopter, a spokeswoman for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan later said the crash involved a fixed-wing aircraft with a small number of crew. "The incident will be investigated, however, insurgent activity has been ruled out," ISAF said in a statement. The ISAF spokeswoman said the crew ejected safely but had suffered some injuries. "Those injuries are being treated," the spokeswoman said. Few other details were immediately available about the crash at the Kandahar Air Field, the alliance's main military base in southern Kandahar province, a Taliban stronghold. The aircraft was on fire after the crash and Afghan forces were closing off roads leading to the sprawling base, just south of Kandahar City, officials said. The ISAF spokeswoman said some people were being evacuated from the area for their own safety.

Traffic from airfields in the south has increased dramatically since thousands of U.S. Marines and British soldiers launched major operations against the Taliban in neighbouring Helmand province earlier this month.

For further details visit as : in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINSP23480920090720

TCS-huge margin to post a surprise growth in revenues

2009-07-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) overcame a tough business environment and beat street expectations by a huge margin to post a surprise growth in revenues and net profit for the first quarter of the fiscal, but warned that it was too early to wish away the global recession and demand uncertainty.

India’s largest software exporter posted a 23% growth in net profit at Rs 1,520 crore, helped by lower costs and higher revenues from major markets, but said pricing will remain under pressure in the next one year. Revenues were up 12.4% to Rs 7,207 crore, as the US market showed signs of stability as did the troubled financial services sector. “It is a stellar quarter, made strong by operational execution. The global economy continues to be weak and job losses are happening all over. We are watchful of the situation and do not rule out more surprises,” said TCS managing director and chief executive S Ramadorai, reflecting the mixed trend.
The company said it would pay the variable component of employee salaries in full for the quarter, but would continue with the freeze on wage hikes for now. The company has performed better than its closest rival Infosys Technologies with a business volume growth of 3.6% during the quarter, compared with a 1.1% volume decline announced by Infosys. Pricing pressure, however, continues and the company said there was a 25 basis points decline in pricing during the quarter. “Pricing will not go up. We will be lucky if we maintain it,” said chief operating officer and CEO-designate N Chandrasekaran.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Company/Earnings/TCS-springs-a-nice-Q1-surprise/articleshow/4791548.cms

Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli are still the best of buddies

2009-07-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

NAGPUR: Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli are still the best of buddies. Once Kambli made his position clear — following a recent controversy wherein it was alleged that he had made some poor remarks against his childhood friend in a television show —the issue died a natural death. While Kambli lost little time in denying statements attributed to him, Tendulkar, true to his self, remained calm. It was his way of suggesting that the issue was nothing but a ‘storm in the tea cup’. Having backed each other in their own ways through the turbulent time, both Tendulkar and Kambli will make an appearance together at a public felicitation function at the Vasantrao Deshpande Hall along with their coach Ramakant Achrekar here on Saturday. Their former Mumbai and India teammate, Sameer Dighe, will also be coming for the function. During the event, aptly titled, ‘Gaurav Guru Shishyancha’, (in honour of the coach and his pupil) both Tendulkar and Kambli would be feted along with their coach Ramakant Achrekar who would be presented with a purse of Rs. 5,00,000.

For further details visit as :timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4791547.cms

Jakarta Hotel bomb attack-Seven foreigners were killed

2009-07-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

JAKARTA, July 18 (Reuters) - Seven foreigners were among those killed in the bomb attacks on two luxury hotels in Indonesia's capital, the Jakarta Post newspaper reported on Saturday, citing a police official. Suicide bombers struck the JW Marriott hotel and close-by Ritz-Carlton, two luxury hotels popular with businessmen and diplomats, in Jakarta's main business district during breakfast. Police on Friday said eight people died, revising down an earlier count of nine, and over 60 were injured. On Saturday it seemed the toll had been raised again to nine, including two suicide bombers.

The blasts are a severe blow for Southeast Asia's biggest economy and for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who was re-elected earlier this month in a landslide victory on the back of restoring peace and strong growth to a country with the world's largest Muslim population. Police won't be drawn on who may be responsible for the blasts, but suspicion has fallen on remnants of Jemaah Islamiah, the militant Islamist group responsible for a string of attacks in Indonesia in the first half of the decade. East Jakarta Police Chief Hasanudin told the English language Jakarta Post that forensic experts were identifying the bodies of seven foreign nationals.
"All were foreigners," Hasanudin told the Post, adding that all were male.Police have not released the names of any of the victims yet.Tim Mackay, chief executive of cement maker Holcim Indonesia and a New Zealand national, was one of several executives attending a CastleAsia Group breakfast at one of the hotels, and was killed in the blast, Holcim said on Friday.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idUSSP42362520090718

Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are due to visit Lord's Cricket Ground

2009-07-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are due to visit Lord's Cricket Ground to watch part of the second Ashes Test match between England and Australia.

The game is into its second day and at the close of play on Thursday England had scored 364 runs for the loss of six wickets with captain Andrew Strauss hitting 161 not out.
The Royal visit comes the day after Andrew Flintoff announced he would retire from test cricket after the Ashes series.
The England all-rounder, who was the hero of England's victorious 2005 Ashes campaign has been plagued by injuries in recent years and will now concentrate on one-day cricket.
When the Queen and the Duke arrive at the cricket ground in central London they will be met by Keith Bradshaw, secretary and chief executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club, who will introduce them to representatives from the Australian and British cricketing associations.
The Royal couple will then watch part of the match before walking on to the pitch to meet Australian captain Ricky Ponting's Australian team and management and Strauss's teammates.
Before leaving the Queen and the Duke will have lunch in the cricket ground's committee dining room.
She last attended a test match at Lord's in May 2007 when she watched part of the game between England and the West Indies.

Source : www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jj83c19p-yXP23RjBHplFTX0hs0A

Six people have been killed-Indonesian capital Jakarta Luxury hotels

2009-07-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

At least six people have been killed in two separate explosions at luxury hotels in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, police say.The country's Metro TV reported that one blast hit the Ritz-Carlton and the other, the Marriott Hotel. Television footage showed the facade of one of the hotels had been torn off by the blast. The BBC's Karishma Vaswani, outside the Marriott, said ambulances are present and security is extremely tight. South Jakarta police Col Firman Bundi said four people who died were foreigners, reported AP.Map "There were explosions heard from two separate places, one the JW Marriott, the other in the Ritz Carlton," he said. "We are still trying to check because right now we are still helping the victims," he said. Myra Junor, who witnessed the blasts from a nearby building, told Reuters windows on the lower floors of the Ritz-Carlton had shattered. Ambulances are continuing to arrive on the scene and there is a heavy police presence, says our correspondent. The two hotels are in Jakarta's central business district. The explosions come two weeks after presidential elections in Indonesia.

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8155084.stm

Health education committee result

2009-07-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

Efforts to remake the American health care system took a major step forward in the Senate on Wednesday. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee completed work on its health overhaul bill, which it passed 13-10 on a party-line vote.

Also on Wednesday, Democrats in the House of Representatives pushed forward their version of health reform, holding the first hearing on the details of a plan that would spend $1 trillion over 10 years and cover 97 percent of citizens by 2015, according to a preliminary analysis by the Congressional Budget Office.
Meanwhile, President Obama's campaign organization released its first television ads to build support for the health overhaul.
The bill approved by the Senate HELP committee would cost $600 billion and provide subsidies to make it easier for many people to get health insurance. Individuals and families making up to four times the federal poverty level, or about $88,000 a year for a family four, would qualify.
"This bill, because of what we've done, we think is going to increase access," said Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT), who led nearly a month of hearings on the bill. "It's going to reduce costs to individuals, and it's going to improve the quality of health care in our country."

For further details visit as : www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106677783

Sri Lanka's last two wickets added

2009-07-16T03:23:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka's last two wickets added only 14 runs after lunch, as Pakistan limited their first-innings deficit to 150, after it had threatened to be much greater at the end of the first day. Angelo Mathews, who had a let-off on 4, made it count, making 27 and helping the lead touch 150 with a slog to midwicket off the persevering Saeed Ajmal, but fell off the next ball, getting a leading edge to a doosra as he looked for a single to keep the strike. It was Ajmal's fourth wicket, just reward for having bowled unchanged through the day.

Thilan Thushara had earlier fallen soon after the break, trapped in front by Abdur Rauf, as Pakistan continued their resurgence after lunch. They'd taken seven Sri Lankan wickets for 76 runs on the second day; now it was the turn of the batsmen to continue the good work done in the field.

Source : www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/story/414015.html

Indian markets have corrected 15% from the recent peak

2009-07-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Equities continued to reel under selling pressure Monday led by losses in realty, metals and auto space. Heavy selling was seen in

midcap and smallcap space. Negative opening of European markets also hurt sentiments. Benchmark indices were below crucial technical supports indicating a further correction in coming days.
“The intermediate trend has turned very bearish after Nifty future closed below the psychological level of 4000. Markets are in a prolonged downtrend as this fall could lead us to 3720 in coming days. Monsoon concerns are also haunting the markets. Hence, markets are seeing a huge selling pressure build at higher level.
Indian markets have corrected 15% from the recent peak of 4693 upto today’s low of 3977 but Nifty has left a huge gap after the budget results on 18 June 09 at 3670 and we believe that during this fall the gap will be filled which is a very good sign for the market.
The technical oscillators are also suggesting that there could be another 7-10% fall from this point and this fall can be utilized as a buying opportunity from an investment perspective. Now the markets needs to consolidate at lower levels in the region of 3500-3700 and create a base before resuming the upside rally. Any sharp rise in the market should be used as an opportunity to exit or create fresh shorts. This trend will remain weak unless market trades below 4150-4250 and 14000-14300,” said Nirmal Bang report.

For further details visit as : economictimes.indiatimes.com/Market-Watch-Midcaps-underperforms-Sensex-Bajaj-Hindustan-Gammon-fall/articleshow/4772074.cms

Al Qaeda in retribution for a Chinese government

2009-07-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

BEIJING, July 15 (Reuters) - China has warned its citizens in Algeria about possible attacks from al Qaeda in retribution for a Chinese government crackdown in the Muslim region of Xinjiang.

The Chinese embassy in Algeria on its web site urged all Chinese people and organisations to be more aware of safety precautions and to strengthen security measures "in consideration of the situation after the July 5 incident in Urumqi".
The warning came after London risk consultancy Stirling Assynt said in a report to clients that al Qaeda might target Chinese workers in northwest Africa, citing "chatter" after the July 5 ethnic riots in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.
"China has been reminding overseas Chinese to pay attention to their safety and enhance self protection ... China will take any necessary measure to protect the safety of Chinese organisations and citizens overseas," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters on Tuesday when asked to comment on the report.
Security is heavy in Uighur neighbourhoods of Urumqi and other cities in Xinjiang after ethnic riots killed 184 people and wounded more than 1,600. About 1,000 people have been detained. [ID:nPEK56356]
Two knife-wielding Uighurs were also shot dead by police this week when they attacked another Uighur.
Exiled Uighur organisations said they opposed all forms of violence and condemned the reported al Qaeda threat.
The Uyghur (also spelt Uighur) American Association and the World Uyghur Congress are "extremely disturbed by reports that the North African wing of Al Qaeda has threatened to attack Chinese workers in Africa in revenge for the deaths of Uyghurs in East Turkestan", the exiled groups said in an emailed statement.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSPEK193325

Indian army colonel and his driver were killed

2009-07-13T03:15:00.000-07:00

An Indian army colonel and his driver were killed in a powerful landmine explosion in India's north-eastern state of Assam, officials said.

The army vehicle hit the landmine near the Balipara reserve forest in Sonitpur district, about 200km (124 miles) from Guwahati, a defence spokesman said. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation has been launched. Police have blamed the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) for the attack. The NDFB is among a number of separatist groups fighting for an independent homeland for various ethnic minority groups in Assam.
"The explosion tore through the jeep savagely. The colonel and his driver died on the spot," a defence ministry spokesman in Calcutta told the BBC. Other vehicles in the convoy were safe as they stopped immediately after the blast, he said. The explosion occurred when the colonel was on his way to his base at Tenga valley in the neighbouring state of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China.

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8147150.stm

India's commitment to strengthening the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)

2009-07-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday underlined India's commitment to strengthening the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) and its desire to build stronger ties with Paris.

The highlight of Manmohan Singh's trip will be his meeting on Wednesday with his Pakistani counterpart Yousaf Raza Gilani on the sidelines of the 15th NAM summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
The meeting, which will be preceded by talks between foreign secretaries of the two countries, will be watched closely as it could set the stage for the resumption of composite dialogue between the two neighbours.
Manmohan Singh will be the chief guest at the National Day celebrations in France on Tuesday.
"The invitation extended to me to participate as the chief guest at the National Day celebrations of France is an honour for the people of India," he said in a statement before departing for Egypt and France.
Alluding to "a close and wide-ranging strategic partnership" between India and France, Manmohan Singh said: "We would like to build upon our partnership in the areas of trade and investment, high technology, space, nuclear energy, defence, education, culture, tourism and scientific research and development."

For further details visit as : www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=Cricket&id=031f7df0-925b-4af3-8f83-e6065dda0985&Headline=India+committed+to+strengthening+NAM%2c+says+Manmohan

The number of policemen killed in an attack by suspected Maoist rebels

2009-07-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

The number of policemen killed in an attack by suspected Maoist rebels in India's Chhattisgarh state has risen to 29, police say.

The attack took place in Rajnandgaon, 90km (56 miles) from capital Raipur.
Two officers were killed initially, and a larger force sent to the scene was then attacked, according to police reports
The district police chief was also killed in what is said to be one of the worst attacks by rebels in the state.
Maoist rebels are fighting for communist rule in a number of states. The conflict has killed more than 6,000 people in 20 years.
Convoy ambushed The first attack took place in Madanwada early Sunday morning in which two policemen were killed.
Superintendent of police for Rajnandgaon, Vinod Kumar Choubey, was killed when he was leading police reinforcements to the area, the deputy inspector general of police, Pawan Dev, said.
His convoy was ambushed between Khoregaon and Karkoti villages. Between 200 and 300 rebels attacked the police convoy.

For further details visit as : news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8147097.stm

Gordon Brown will try to rally faltering public support

2009-07-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Gordon Brown will try to rally faltering public support for the war against the Taleban today, as ministers insist that sending more troops would not cut British casualties in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said yesterday that the offensive was gaining ground, despite the loss of eight soldiers in one 24-hour period last week. While the Government promised that money would be found for equipment, ministers denied that a lack of troops was behind the growing death toll.There are 9,000 servicemen in Afghanistan but that will drop to 8,300 after the presidential elections next month.
A senior government source said: “We are losing more men because we are taking the fight to the Taleban and more troops are being put in harm’s way. But it is just not true to say that fewer would be killed if more were there. The opposite could be true. Many of our men have been killed by roadside bombs. Having more there would not prevent that happening.”
General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank, former Chief of the Defence Staff, has accused the Treasury of being unsympathetic to the war and called for more troops. His views echo those of General Sir Richard Dannatt, the outgoing Chief of the General Staff, who asked in March for at least 2,000 more troops. General Sir David Richards, who will succeed General Dannatt next month, is also in favour of sending reinforcements. However, the Ministry of Defence insisted that the brigade commander in Helmand had not requested more men.

For further details visit as : www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6695598.ece

Bridge collapsed in south delhi-taking the issue in the lok sabha

2009-07-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

New Delhi: In yet another accident at the Delhi Metro rail construction site in south Delhi at least three cranes trying to lift an iron girder came crashing down at the buildings and slum clusters nearby. Earlier on Sunday, at around 0500 hrs IST a Delhi Metro bridge collapsed at this site killing six and injuring 11.

Taking the issue in the Lok Sabha, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy called the accidents unfortunate and said that there won't be any compromise on the Delhi Metro project in view of the Commonwealth Games 2010.
After the Sunday accident, a panel was set up to probe into the matter. The panel constitutes of Prof Nagal from IIT, Prof BR Bose Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), Steve Lorie and Rajen Katharia from DMRC.
Reddy said that the panel will summit its report in another 10 days. "The report will be submitted in another 10 days i.e likely by July 22.

For further details visit as : ibnlive.in.com/news/delhi-metro-site-accident-minister-promises-action/97000-3.html

Taiwan and China could sign a free-trade style agreement

2009-07-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

TAIPEI, July 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan and China could sign a free-trade style agreement later than expected, a top Taiwanese official for cross-strait affairs said. His comments prompted the island's stock market to drop sharply on Monday.

Taiwan's main TAIEX share index was down more than 3 percent by mid-morning after the head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Lai Shin-yuan said the two sides could sign an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement next year.
This was later than some market expectations for significant progress on the issue later this year, which had helped boost China-related financial and tourism stocks earlier this year.
Lai told the Taiwanese community living in New York over the weekend that the agreement, known locally as the ECFA, would put Taiwan on equal standing with other economies that have already signed free-trade agreements with China.
Taiwan and China have been administered by separate governments since the Nationalists fled China in 1949 after they were defeated by the Communists.
China considers Taiwan to be part of its territory and has threatened to take it back, by force if necessary, should the latter declare independence.
However, relations have warmed considerably under the year-old administration of President Ma Ying-jeou, who was elected on a platform of closer economic ties with China.

For further details visit as : www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSTP34984320090713

LG-New range of Monitors launched in india

2009-07-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

Bangalore: LG has launched its new range of monitors in India. This latest monitor allows upto 11 users to experience multi-user computing through one PC. These monitors are specially designed to offer low cost solution to the companies. The monitor aims to redistribute 90 percent of a PC's unused resources to other users.

LG Electronics is the world's second-biggest maker of televisions and third-biggest maker of mobile phones. By offering these monitors at Rs 11000, LG is revolutionizing the way resources are used amongst corporate. Usually less than 10 percent of power is used, these monitors will help in reducing the TCO up to 60 percent. These monitors will only take power of one watt per user. Consumers can also save up to 70 percent of maintenance cost. It will also help network on security issue as it enables the use of one main PC to remove virus in 10 network monitors. Companies will only have to make a onetime automatic upgrade which will cost around Rs.10,400 to Rs.11,800 to set up these monitors.
LG is among 100 global brands, and in 2006, LG recorded a brand growth of 14 percent. Now the world's largest plasma panel manufacturer, its affiliate, LG Display, is one of the largest manufacturers of liquid crystal displays. Nowadays multi-core computers are powerful enough to run more than one monitors. The revolutionary multi-computing solution from LG enables a single PC to be virtualized so that many users can tap the unused capacity and share it as if each person had an individual computer, without compromising performance, stability or speed. These multi-computing solutions include built-in keyboard, mouse, and audio connections. The monitors connect to a PCI card plugged into the host PC that creates multiple virtual workspaces in combination with NComputing vSpace desktop virtualization software.

Source : www.siliconindia.com/shownews/LG_launches_Network_Monitors_for_Rs11000-nid-59202.html