MP attacks 'light' cigarettes

The government needs to force tobacco companies to wrap their products in plain packaging and stop using the term 'light', a leading MP has said.

Charlotte Atkins, a member of the Health Select Committee, said "research has found that current tobacco packaging is misleading by implying that some tobacco products are less harmful than others".

The Staffordshire Moorlands Labour MP has helped table a parliamentary motion drawing attention to a recent article adopted by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which defines tobacco packaging and display as a means of advertising and promotion.

The parliamentary motion "believes that misleading packaging is in contravention of the EU directive on tobacco products and that research also shows that removing colours and brand imagery from packs increases the effectiveness of health warnings and supports the prohibition of retail display of tobacco products".

Ms Atkins said she wanted to the government "to introduce measures to require plain packaging of all tobacco products by regulation".

A Department of Health spokesperson confirmed to politics.co.uk that the issue of 'unbranding' cigarette boxes was under review but that no decision had yet been taken.

source:http://www.politics.co.uk/

health warnings

Has govt delayed health warnings on cigarette packs to control population?

epeated dithering by UPA government in introducing pictorial signs and health warnings on cigarette packets invited a stinging query
from the Supreme Court on Monday: "Is the government doing this to control rapidly increasing population?"

Appearing for NGO `Health for Millions', senior advocate Indira Jaising told a Bench comprising Justices B N Agrawal and G S Singhvi that the government had succumbed to the pressure exerted by the tobacco lobby and repeatedly postponed implementation of its decision on pictorial warnings.

She asked how the government, which has ministers who own tobacco plantations, could take a decision that was contrary to their interests? Jaising alleged that even the pictorial sign, which was to be `skull and bones' -- internationally understood to depict danger — had been diluted to `scorpion' which meant nothing for the common man. She reeled out statistics about large number of deaths caused every day due to use of tobacco in the form of cigarettes, beedis and chewing tobacco.

However, additional solicitor general Gopal Subramaniam said the government had taken a decision to introduce pictorial signs and health warnings on tobacco packs from May 31, 2009 and the health ministry was coordinating with other ministries for the same.

Before adjourning the case to April 30, the Bench asked Subramaniam: "Has the government diluted the pictorial sign and deferred implementation to control burgeoning population?"


source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

Pictorial warnings on tobacco products from May 30

Manufacturers would display the statutory pictorial warning on their cigarette and tobacco products from May 30 onwards as the Centre on Monday promised to enforce the rule making the provision mandatory in a month’s time.

Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium gave the assurance to a bench headed by Justice B.N. Aggarwal after senior counsel Indira Jaisingh, appearing for NGO Health for Millions, alleged the Centre was dragging its feet on the issue.

Jaisingh accused the government of buckling under the pressure from the tobacco lobby. When Jaisingh complained the Centre had diluted the original warning signals on tobacco products, the bench said in a lighter vein: “This way, the government wants to control the population.”

According to Jaisingh the government had initially planned to display images of a skull and bone, besides using a caution that tobacco products even kill a baby in mother’s womb. However, using X-ray images of lungs on the label of tobacco products has diluted the warning, she claimed.

After hearing the Centre and Jaisingh the court agreed to take up latter’s application for a final disposal on April 30.



source:http://www.hindustantimes.com

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Mumbai Mantra & White Feather Films Ready With Their Next Release 'Acid Factory'

Mumbai Mantra Media Ltd. and White Feather Films Pvt. Ltd. announced the completion of their film 'Acid Factory'. The release date of the film will be announced at the forthcoming IIFA Awards. Presented by Mumbai Mantra and produced by White Feather Films, 'Acid Factory' is one of the most awaited films of 2009 and is slated for a post monsoon release this year. The film stars Irfaan Khan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Dino Morea, Manoj Bajpai, Danny Denzongpa, Dia Mirza and is directed by Suparn Verma.

"White Feather Films is one of the most consistently successful production companies in the industry today. From 'Kaante' to 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' and now, 'Acid Factory', Sanjay & his team have created a label that attracts the best talent in the business & stands for unparalleled quality. We believe that 'Acid Factory' will be the most kick ass movie of the year and we are collectively working towards making it a path breaker in the thriller genre.'' says Andrey Purushottam, CEO Mumbai Mantra.

Commenting on the association with Mumbai Mantra, producer Sanjay Gupta says, "I am particularly excited about the synergy of the two companies with similar cerebral associations. White Feather Films has always been associated with machismo and style from Kaante to our latest offering Acid Factory. We are proud to begin this exciting new association with Acid Factory the mother of all thrillers. We are glad to push the envelope and challenge the limits with this film and our new partnership".

The film promises to be an outstanding exhilarating suspense thrille

source:http://in.movies.yahoo.com

Is Shilpa a marriage breaker?

Refuting all allegations against her that she played a pivotal role in breaking her fiancé Raj Kundra’s first marriage with Kavita, Shilpa Shetty made it clear that Raj was separated when she first met him. Shilpa added that she went into a relationship with Raj Kundra after his divorce was finalized. It may be recalled here that Shilpa and Raj have announced that they will be married this October though no date has been fixed as yet.

Shilpa Shetty

Recently, Shilpa and Raj have bought themselves a five million pound mansion and have named it Raj Mahal. This is the first step towards their wedding plans, says sources close to the couple. An excited Shilpa said that the Raj Mahal has a readymade nursery and she could not wait to start a family.

source:www.behindwoods.com

Dr A R Rahman

It's raining awards and honours for Music maestro A R Rahman!

As per the latest reports, after bagging 2 Oscars for his heart touching music in SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE now Rahman will be awarded an honorary doctorate by Anna University, Chennai in recognition of his feat and his overall achievements. Anna University will bestow a Ph.D. on A.R Rahman, a Doctorate of Media Sciences, during its forthcoming special convocation as art of its centenary celebrations. Usually doctorates are conferred on politicians and film stars; but now this degree will be conferred upon a musician for the soothing and healing touch his music provides.

Apart from Rahman space scientist Mayilsamy Annadurai and Local Administration Minister M K Stalin will also be awarded the doctorates at the convocation. The special convocation is scheduled for March-end.

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Reservation counters witness net fall

With the possibility of ticket reservation either through the internet or private agencies, the rush of passengers at the railway
reservation centre has declined, compared to the last financial year. There is also a resultant decline in the number of passengers as well as the revenue earned from them.

Information reveals that in 2007-08, the authorities collected around Rs 53 crore from about 14 lakh passengers, but in 2008-09, the number of passengers reduced to around 10 lakh, from which the department recovered Rs 44 crore.

Besides, at one reservation counter, 332 passengers got their tickets booked in one shift and the per counter income was around Rs 1,23,000. However, residents find getting tickets booked through the internet more beneficial as it is not a cumbersome process and saves them from exertion.

Karuna, a passenger, said, “It is better to book tickets through internet. The railway authorities have provided these for people’s convenience so that they can easily get their tickets reserved. Passengers also opt to book their tickets as it is not a time-consuming process.” At the city reservation centre, people have to wait in long queues to get their tickets reserved. “But, now, they can get the booking done sitting at home,” she added.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a railway employee at the reservation centre, said, “The authorities should try to decrease the rush of passengers at the centre. He said though it had decreased from the past one or two years, more alternatives should be made available to the public, so that they are not hassled, while getting tickets reserved.”

“It’s not that we don’t want to serve the general public, but shortage of staff has made things difficult. We need adequate staff to open all the counters so that passengers are attended to properly,” he added. Meanwhile, Dharmendra Kumar, senior divisional commercial manager, said, “The rush of passengers is decreasing at the centre because they have various options with them.” He said technology has made life easy and passengers wanted to make use of it. “The rush of passengers would also decrease at post offices once new counters are opened,” he added.

source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

United Bank of India Requires 900 Job for Probationary Officers

Scale of Pay : 10000-18240/-

Date of Written Examination : 21-June-2009

Application Fee : Rs. 400/- for General / OBC Rs. 50/- for SC/ST Candidates

How to Apply :

1. Application fee including postage should be paid by a single Demand Draft / Bankers' Cheque issued by a Scheduled Commercial Bank for each post separately to be drawn as below : ”United Bank Of India Specialist Officers/Probationary Officers Recruitment Project-2009” payable at Mumbai.

2. Candidate's name, date of birth, Address, Post Code & Registration Number should be written on the back of demand draft /bankers' cheque.

3. Applying ONLINE, take a print out of System Generated ON-LINE APPLICATION Form in A-4 size paper, firmly paste a recent passport size photograph bearing the signature of the candidate at the appropriate space provided at the right hand top corner of the application form and sign at the bottom of the application form at the space provided.

4. System Generated Online Application Form complete in all respects enclosing the above documents and the relevant Demand Draft / Bankers' Cheque should be sent in a closed envelope BY ORDINARY POST ONLY superscribing as “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ---------------------(Post Code……….)” so as to reach on or before the last date to the following address.

Address: Post Box No.7646,

Malad (West), Mumbai - 400064

Last Date for Online Application :27-April-2009

Last date for receipt of “Print out of the System Generated Applications : 4.May.2009


[Apply Online]

[Details]

United Bank of India Clerk Recruitment 2009

United Bank of India, a premier Public Sector Bank, invites ONLINE applications from Indian citizens for the post of Probationary Cash cum General Clerks:

Total Clerk Vacancies: 500
United Bank Clerk Recruitment 2009 - Important Dates
Opening Date for ON-LINE Application: 30.03.2009
Closing Date for ON-LINE Application: 27.04.2009
Date of written Test: 28.06.2009

To View/ download full Advertisement for recruitment of Probationary Clerk in UBI and submit online application form, visit the United Bank website at the following link:

http://www.unitedbankofindia.com/recruitment.asp [link]

United Bank of India Clerk Recruitment 2009
related:
United Bank of India, UBI recruitment, results - www.unitedbankofindia.com

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source:http://indiabuzz.ne8.in

Tata Motors enters into tie-up with United Bank of India

The FINANCIAL -- In order to provide an added facility of car finance to its customers, Tata Motors has entered into an understanding with United Bank of India for financing its range of passenger vehicles.

United Bank of India is one of the largest Public Sector Banks in the country catering to the needs of industry as well as retail segment. The bank has pan India presence with a network of 1450 branches including extension counters across the country.
United Bank of India offers car loans up to 90% of on-road price, for tenure ranging up to 6 years, at a very competitive and attractive rate of interest.

This facility will be available at all 1450 branches of United Bank of India and 470 sales touch points of Tata Motors. This tie-up will provide a single window for both cars as well as car loans and will make car buying easier for customers.

United Bank of India has also been empanelled for the Nano Booking Retail Finance with Tata Motors

Managing And Getting To Know Real Estate Specifics

There's always a great feeling and mixed excitement when a real estate agent gets on the road with his business. An aspiring real estate agent must realize that there is more to being a real estate agent both online and on the field. The piece of property or land has distinct characteristics although in general they may have similarities, each are still unique.
However, since the agent is going to deal with both properties, as in the land itself where the property stands (legally called as an immovable property), an expertise of the general area of this business is already a great investment for the agent. It takes a lot of energy, enthusiasm and passion to have a real estate business operating for a long time. But this shouldn't be the reason to prevent an agent from becoming an expert in real estate management. There are a lot of reasons to continue with this type of business and all is just waiting to be developed and used in a proper real estate-handling kind of way.
First, there is the development of property sprouting across North America and this just means that potential clients will never run out. This is already a good reason to continue improving one's self in real estate management. Another point is the aid of both offline and online advertisement. Shifting over to advertisement, a real estate agent can spend an entire luxury on this area though it's not really recommended and even suggested. There's no point in advertising expensively since there's a whole range of inexpensive and sometimes, even free advertisement. Being practical comes in next in real estate marketing.
Regarding legalities and procedures, fields of real estate starts from appraisal, brokerages, property management and relocation services. These fields of real estate must be analyzed, studied and practiced properly by the real estate agent since it tells of how real estate management is done with real clients. You may be working on a specific field but its important that you know all areas for better business function.

source:articles3000.com

Vegetarians could have lower risk of cancer

Doctors already recommend eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables and low in red and processed meat in order to maintain overall health.
However, the study suggested that eating no meat at all may also help to reduce the cancer risk.
The UK study looked at more than 50,000 men and women aged between 20 and 89 recruited in the 1990s and divided participants into meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans.
During follow-up there was a significantly lower incidence of all cancers among the fish-eaters and vegetarians, compared with the meat eaters.
However, the researchers also found a higher rate of colorectal cancer – a disease usually linked with eating red meat – among the vegetarians.
Writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Professor Tim Key, Cancer Research UK epidemiologist and an author of the study, said the results need further study.
He said: "This study showed that the rate of cancer was slightly lower among the vegetarians than among the meat-eaters. Bowel cancer was higher in vegetarians than in meat-eaters. This is a bit surprising, and could be chance.
"It highlights that we don't fully understand whether meat really does increase the risk for bowel cancer and this study is not definitive. It is very important that we continue with good quality, robust research to see whether these results are confirmed and to examine the complex relationship between diet and cancer risk."
The study comes as new research showed eating a daily portion of mushrooms could slash the risk of breast cancer by up to two-thirds.
Scientists found women consuming at least ten grams, or around a third of an ounce, of fresh mushrooms every day were 64 per cent less likely to develop a tumour.
Dried mushrooms had a slightly less protective effect, reducing the risk by around half.
Experts at the University of Western Australia in Perth studied more than 2,000 Chinese women. They found women who combined a mushroom diet with regular consumption of green tea saw an even greater benefit, with the risk reduced by almost 90 per cent.
Researchers say the latest findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer, do not prove eating mushrooms will stop cancer and more studies are needed to confirm the results.
Around 40,000 women a year in Britain are diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease affects one in nine women at some point in their lives.

source:www.telegraph.co.uk

Appollo launches awareness campaign about Vein Thrombosis

Apollo Hospitals here has launched a programme to create awareness about the implications of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a blood clot forms in the vein.
"DVT occurs usually in legs without any visible symptoms and is difficult to detect and is not always recognised as having been the cause of death,"senior consultant vascular surgeon Dr V Balaji told reporters.
He said the condition can be fatal when a clot travels from the blood vessels (veins) in legs to lungs or to the brain.
Balaji said a study, done on 60,000 patients in more than 32 countries, has revealed that almost one of every two hospitalised patients in medical and surgical wards worldwide and in India was at risk of developing DVT.

source:www.indopia.in

The dark side of Viagra

As a medication, Viagra has been a clear success but as a social phenomenon it is clouded by many question marks. Here is a medicine that will allow you to have sex again, but it may kill you.
In a startling revelation, health officials in UK reported that the drug has been responsible for 109 deaths. More than 1,000 reports were filed by men complaining of around 1,500 side effects.
Though Viagra has been praised for helping many men with erectile dysfunction, we have carelessly overlooked some bad side effects that can damage the body. In some cases, the adverse effects actually outweigh the good that Viagra can do.
Some rare side effects of Viagra are bleeding of the eye, redness, burning or swelling. Anxiety levels may also increase. Double vision and decreased vision have been associated with Viagra, and in worst-case scenario, it may cause blindness.
One unusual side effect encountered is slight color blindness, in which the patient temporarily becomes unable to distinguish blue from green. Others include tooth ache and hiccups.
According to reports, nearly 31 patients attributed the painful medical condition Priapism to the usage of Viagra. Priapism is a condition in which erection lasts for more than four hours despite the absence of physical and psychological stimulation. This could be termed as potentially dangerous.
Peyronieís disease is also touted as Viagra side effect, where the male organ begins to take shape of a U-bend. Two patients have complained of this problem. Besides these, another two people have turned deaf and blind.
Other less common side effects include an increased risk of heart attack, long lasting and painful erections, and a serious drop in blood pressure.
The drug is popular and prescribed more than one million times annually.
A spokesman of The Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA) stated that "The submission of a suspected report does not necessarily mean that it was caused by the drug. Many factors have to be taken into account in assessing causal relationships including the underlying disease that was being treated."

source:www.themedguru.com