Sunday, November 30, 2008
Land, air and sea - India vulnerable from all sides
Good morning friends. Each and everyone in Mumbai is so scared. Or Maybe not only there, it's everywhere. We don't know when we are safe or not. With those terrorism made by the terrorist every one were all scared. But let's not be. We all just pray.
This time the terror rose from the sea to strike at the very heart of Mumbai. But political and bureaucratic apathy has virtually ensured that India remains vulnerable to terror infiltration in all the three dimensions — land, air and sea.
If the fledgling marine police forces of coastal states are functioning without the 204 patrol boats promised to them three years ago, with inadequate force-levels of the Coast Guard further accentuating the problem, the story remains depressingly similar in other surveillance and detection equipment, ranging from bulk scanners and air defence radars to ship and vehicle tracking systems.
Terror outfits "regularly" use land routes to smuggle explosives, arms and ammunition but the sheer scale of the traffic makes it impossible to carry out proper checks in absence of proper equipment.
"Explosive-detection bulk and trace scanners installed at various key points on land routes, airports and ports, for instance, can minimise security breaches," said an expert.
The government, however, prefers to sleep, waking up only to flounder from one crisis to another. Consider this: the Army officially requested both the defence and home ministries for bulk scanners for deploying at places like Jawahar Tunnel, Lakhanpur and Zoji La as well as road links being operationalised with Pakistan as far back as in July 2006. Despite subsequent reminders, there is no word on the scanners till now.
Sometimes, the government response is so tardy that even the Comptroller and Auditor General of India gets shocked. CAG's latest report laments the gaping holes in the existing radar coverage over India, holding that the radars present with IAF are grossly inadequate as well as obsolete.
IAF's holding of low-level transportable radars, which provide cover against aerial threats operating up to a height of 2 km, for instance, is only 24% of the actual requirement. After the CAG report, even defence minister A K Antony was forced to admit that the acquisition of air defence radars for IAF had been stuck for one reason or the other for the last 17 years.
This time the terror rose from the sea to strike at the very heart of Mumbai. But political and bureaucratic apathy has virtually ensured that India remains vulnerable to terror infiltration in all the three dimensions — land, air and sea.
If the fledgling marine police forces of coastal states are functioning without the 204 patrol boats promised to them three years ago, with inadequate force-levels of the Coast Guard further accentuating the problem, the story remains depressingly similar in other surveillance and detection equipment, ranging from bulk scanners and air defence radars to ship and vehicle tracking systems.
Terror outfits "regularly" use land routes to smuggle explosives, arms and ammunition but the sheer scale of the traffic makes it impossible to carry out proper checks in absence of proper equipment.
"Explosive-detection bulk and trace scanners installed at various key points on land routes, airports and ports, for instance, can minimise security breaches," said an expert.
The government, however, prefers to sleep, waking up only to flounder from one crisis to another. Consider this: the Army officially requested both the defence and home ministries for bulk scanners for deploying at places like Jawahar Tunnel, Lakhanpur and Zoji La as well as road links being operationalised with Pakistan as far back as in July 2006. Despite subsequent reminders, there is no word on the scanners till now.
Sometimes, the government response is so tardy that even the Comptroller and Auditor General of India gets shocked. CAG's latest report laments the gaping holes in the existing radar coverage over India, holding that the radars present with IAF are grossly inadequate as well as obsolete.
IAF's holding of low-level transportable radars, which provide cover against aerial threats operating up to a height of 2 km, for instance, is only 24% of the actual requirement. After the CAG report, even defence minister A K Antony was forced to admit that the acquisition of air defence radars for IAF had been stuck for one reason or the other for the last 17 years.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
'Five minutes over coffee saved me'
Ahmedabad's richest man, Gautam Adani, saw terrorists firing away from just 15 feet away in The Taj lobby, while he was having dinner with Dubai Port CEO Mohd Sharaf. They had just finished dinner at Masala Craft and were chatting when the terrorists entered the lobby firing indiscriminately.
"Had we walked out soon after finishing dinner, we would have encountered the terrorists in the lobby. Thankfully, we decided to chat over coffee for five minutes in the restaurant after dinner and were saved," Adani Group chairman told TOI in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening.
There were about 50 persons in the restaurant at 9.50pm when attack started and lights were switched off. Panicky diners rushed in opposite direction and found themselves in kitchen. It is here that Adani spent next two hours. When his wife Priti called him up from Ahmedabad, warning him that she had just watched on TV that Colaba causeway had been attacked, he told her where he was trapped. Within minutes, Priti watched with horror the channels giving news about the siege on Taj. Staff helped Adani and other guests crowding kitchen to sneak out of kitchen basement and into open lawn. They were escorted into The Chambers, a business lounge in the new wing of the hotel where he spent the next couple of hours, talking with family and friends over phone.
"I was joking over the phone, thinking the worst was over," said Adani. But at 4am, where guests were trying to keep fear factor away, a grenade blast just outside lounge sent a scare. Adani rushed into the toilet escaping from a fresh burst of gunfire, only to find himself sharing the cramped space with two Africans.
Describing two terrorists he saw as very fair', he said things began to ease when the NSG moved in at 6.30 am. Adani said he was impressed with the professional way in which NSG went about the task. And he has come back convinced that like Israel, India should also adopt a zero tolerance policy' towards terror.
After returning to Ahmedabad at around, he found the whole Adani extended
Friday, November 28, 2008
Indian in Scotland uses net to help Mumbai pal
Hello friends!..I’m sure most of all were aware of what happened to Mumbai. Every Indians even in different countries were sad to hear the new about it. Even not only our government wanted to help Mumbai, also individual Indians in another country. Somehow I’m happy to hear that our people even not here in India have this good feelings towards to our countrymen. I’m proud to be an India.
Bridging two continents, the internet enabled a girl sitting in Scotland to help her friend escape terrorists who attacked India's financial capital Mumbai, killing at least 101 people and injuring over 250 others.
Neena Biswal, a MSc Public Relations student at the University of Stirling in Scotland, was Thursday glued to her computer screen. She was tracking news sites and keeping in constant touch with her friend Rosannne Rodricks, a public relations consultant trapped in her south Mumbai office since terrorists went on the rampage Wednesday night.
"My friend Rosanne is stuck in her office in Mittal Court, which is just a stone's throw away from the Oberoi Trident Hotel where terrorists have held people hostage. "She has no access to the TV and is waiting for the situation to improve to go back home. Her phone battery is also discharged, but she is hooked on to the world through the internet. I am keeping her updated so that she can escape as soon as possible," Biswal said.
Many other Indian students abroad, worried after getting news of the terror attacks, were glued to TV channels and news websites. "We are watching all the local news channels. They are showing nothing but the Mumbai attacks. Everybody here is going nuts," Deepti Malhotra, a postgraduate public relations student at the AUT University in New Zealand, said over phone.
Sabitri Chakraborty, a MSc student at the London School of Economics (LSE), was aghast at the news. “I haven't slept since last night. I am constantly monitoring the websites. We are shocked by what has happened back home. It feels so helpless to be so far and see your friends in danger.
"I can't believe that places where we thought we were secure are being turned into hell. We don't even know these terrorists and have not done any harm to them,” she said. Malhotra, however, blamed lax security and corruption in India for the terror strike. "This is disastrous. It's not just a terrorist attack but it also highlights the corruption in the system and lax security," she said.
“People are going to condemn India for not being a safe country. Australia is already calling back all locals. This will be a setback for the tourism industry. The locals here are having a dig at us. Now everybody is going to raise brows at us in colleges and at work. It's a shameful thing for the country,” Malhotra added.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Dreams lead you to thoughts, then action'
A rainwater harvesting umbrella made by Ojasvi Goel of Class 6 from Vasant Valley School, New Delhi, which not only protects you from rain but also collects rainwater for future use. An accident detection rescue system by a trio from Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai.
These were sights that greeted APJ Abdul Kalam at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) on Wednesday.
Kalam met children and youth who have been awarded the Ignite 2008 Award. Later, he also gave away the awards to young "ignited minds". The Ignite Awards are an initiative of National Innovations Foundation (NIF).
A total of 19 awards were given away by the former president where he also addressed the students. "Dream, because it is through dreams that you have thoughts and thoughts are what make you take action," he said. He encouraged the students to join politics and bring about the change they want to see in their country.
These were sights that greeted APJ Abdul Kalam at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) on Wednesday.
Kalam met children and youth who have been awarded the Ignite 2008 Award. Later, he also gave away the awards to young "ignited minds". The Ignite Awards are an initiative of National Innovations Foundation (NIF).
A total of 19 awards were given away by the former president where he also addressed the students. "Dream, because it is through dreams that you have thoughts and thoughts are what make you take action," he said. He encouraged the students to join politics and bring about the change they want to see in their country.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Dhyaan on video
Dhyaan Dhirendra Patel on 221108. He complted 6 month on this day. look how he is and how he learning to pull and pick objects.
Monday, November 24, 2008
India, Myanmar to expand security cooperation
India has urged Myanmar, a gas-rich southeast Asian country, to push the democratic process even as the two nations agreed to expand security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling.
'Both countries stressed the need for greater vigilance at the border and agreed to enhance security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling,' the external affairs ministry said in a statement here Monday, after the two-day Foreign Office consultations between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon held two-day talks with Myanmar's Deputy Foreign Minister U. Kyaw Thu at Yangon that ended Sunday.
The talks covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues, including security and border issues, trade and economic cooperation and cooperation in cross-border developmental projects, IT, energy, power and education and training.
They also reinforced the decisions taken at a joint trade committee held in October that included converting India-Myanmar border trade into normal trade, opening of a border trade point at Avakhung in Nagaland, and expanding the existing border trade items from 22 to 40. India has also announced the waiver of the ban on wheat export to Myanmar for 950 tonnes.
'Both sides expressed willingness to enter into an arrangement for long-term purchase of pulses from Myanmar,' the external affairs ministry said.
Under increasing international pressure to use its influence to persuade the junta rulers in Myanmar to pursue democratic reforms, the Indian side also pushed for expediting the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar, official sources said.
India is encouraging Myanmar to pursue political reforms according to the roadmap unveiled by the Myanmarese leadership years ago.
India's energy ties with Myanmar are growing. The two countries recently signed an agreement on the development of Tamanthi and Shwezay hydropower projects on the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
Other energy projects include the renovation of the Tahtaychaung Hydropower Project, construction of transmission lines, replacement of transformers damaged during Cyclone Nargis, supply of biomass gasifiers and solar lamps.
'Both countries stressed the need for greater vigilance at the border and agreed to enhance security cooperation to combat insurgent groups and arms smuggling,' the external affairs ministry said in a statement here Monday, after the two-day Foreign Office consultations between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon held two-day talks with Myanmar's Deputy Foreign Minister U. Kyaw Thu at Yangon that ended Sunday.
The talks covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues, including security and border issues, trade and economic cooperation and cooperation in cross-border developmental projects, IT, energy, power and education and training.
They also reinforced the decisions taken at a joint trade committee held in October that included converting India-Myanmar border trade into normal trade, opening of a border trade point at Avakhung in Nagaland, and expanding the existing border trade items from 22 to 40. India has also announced the waiver of the ban on wheat export to Myanmar for 950 tonnes.
'Both sides expressed willingness to enter into an arrangement for long-term purchase of pulses from Myanmar,' the external affairs ministry said.
Under increasing international pressure to use its influence to persuade the junta rulers in Myanmar to pursue democratic reforms, the Indian side also pushed for expediting the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar, official sources said.
India is encouraging Myanmar to pursue political reforms according to the roadmap unveiled by the Myanmarese leadership years ago.
India's energy ties with Myanmar are growing. The two countries recently signed an agreement on the development of Tamanthi and Shwezay hydropower projects on the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
Other energy projects include the renovation of the Tahtaychaung Hydropower Project, construction of transmission lines, replacement of transformers damaged during Cyclone Nargis, supply of biomass gasifiers and solar lamps.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
India-Nepal to discuss bilateral issues during Pranab's visit
India and Nepal are likely to discuss bilateral issues, including trade, transit, border problems and cooperation in water resources, during External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's visit, who is set to arrive here this afternoon. During the three-day goodwill trip, which is the first high level visit by any Indian official after Nepal became Republic in May this year, Mukherjee is set to meet President Ram Baran Yadav, Vice President Parmananda Jha, Prime Minister Prachanda, Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav and Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala, foreign ministry sources said.
Mukherjee, who is visiting the neighboring country on the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart, will also attend a dinner reception to be hosted by Yadav in his honour tonight, Indian Embassy sources said. During the bilateral talks entire gamut of Nepal-India relations- bilateral cooperation, trade and transit issues, border problems and cooperation in water resources- will come up.
Mukherjee will also visit Kosi barrage to see progress made in the containment of the damaged embankment and Integrated Check Point in Birgunj on Wednesday. PTI.
Mukherjee, who is visiting the neighboring country on the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart, will also attend a dinner reception to be hosted by Yadav in his honour tonight, Indian Embassy sources said. During the bilateral talks entire gamut of Nepal-India relations- bilateral cooperation, trade and transit issues, border problems and cooperation in water resources- will come up.
Mukherjee will also visit Kosi barrage to see progress made in the containment of the damaged embankment and Integrated Check Point in Birgunj on Wednesday. PTI.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Indian-American Sonal Shah to craft Obama's high tech policy
Sridhar Krishnaswami Washington, Nov 20 (PTI) President-elect Barack Obama's Transition Team have announced leaders for a series of Policy Working Groups for the Presidential Transition that includes Indian-American Sonal Shah of Google to craft the incoming administration's high tech policy priorities. The focus of the Policy Working Groups will be to develop the priority policy proposals and plans from the Obama Campaign for action during the Obama-Biden Administration.
The groups will focus on the following areas: Economy, Education, Energy and Environment, Health Care, Immigration, National Security, and Technology, Innovation and Government Reform" the Transition Team has said in a statement. Obama has named two telecom industry and policy veterans and a leader of Google's philanthropy arm to craft the new administration's high-tech policy priorities.
"The policy working group on Technology, Innovation and Government Reform will develop.
Proposals and plans from the Obama Campaign for action during the Obama-Biden Administration," according to the President-elect's transition website.
Shah heads Google's philanthropic arm, Google.Org's global development efforts, and has a lengthy resume on international development issues including being a vice president at Goldman, Sachs and Co.
Prior to joining Google. She is also the co-founder of Indicorps, a US-based non-profit organisation offering one-year fellowships to Indian-Americans to work on development projects in India.
Sonal worked at the Department of Treasury from 1995-2002 on various economic issues and is on the Obama-Biden Transition Project Advisory Board. PTI.
The groups will focus on the following areas: Economy, Education, Energy and Environment, Health Care, Immigration, National Security, and Technology, Innovation and Government Reform" the Transition Team has said in a statement. Obama has named two telecom industry and policy veterans and a leader of Google's philanthropy arm to craft the new administration's high-tech policy priorities.
"The policy working group on Technology, Innovation and Government Reform will develop.
Proposals and plans from the Obama Campaign for action during the Obama-Biden Administration," according to the President-elect's transition website.
Shah heads Google's philanthropic arm, Google.Org's global development efforts, and has a lengthy resume on international development issues including being a vice president at Goldman, Sachs and Co.
Prior to joining Google. She is also the co-founder of Indicorps, a US-based non-profit organisation offering one-year fellowships to Indian-Americans to work on development projects in India.
Sonal worked at the Department of Treasury from 1995-2002 on various economic issues and is on the Obama-Biden Transition Project Advisory Board. PTI.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
India to play major international role by 2025
India will have a greater international role around 2025 when the world is predicted to be multipolar with America's economic and military dominance fading.
India's population will also overtake that of China around the same time, a draft copy of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) report 'Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World', published by 'The Washington Times' said on Wednesday.
The report says India, China and Russia alongwith Indonesia, Turkey and a post-clerically-run Iran, which are predominantly Islamic but which fall outside the Arab core, appear well-suited for growing international roles.
On the demographic front, the report, according to the paper, cites recent projections that the world's population will grow by about 1.2 billion between 2009 and 2025 - from 6.8 billion to about 8 billion people. It says that India's population will 'overtake China's around 2025.'
"The United States will remain the single most powerful country, although less dominant. Shrinking economic and military capabilities may force the US into a difficult set of tradeoffs between domestic and foreign-policy priorities," the report will be saying.
"The next 20 years of transition toward a new international system are fraught with risks, such as a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and possible interstate conflicts over resources," the NIC report says.
Terrorism, however, is 'unlikely to disappear by 2025', according to the NIC report.
India's population will also overtake that of China around the same time, a draft copy of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) report 'Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World', published by 'The Washington Times' said on Wednesday.
The report says India, China and Russia alongwith Indonesia, Turkey and a post-clerically-run Iran, which are predominantly Islamic but which fall outside the Arab core, appear well-suited for growing international roles.
On the demographic front, the report, according to the paper, cites recent projections that the world's population will grow by about 1.2 billion between 2009 and 2025 - from 6.8 billion to about 8 billion people. It says that India's population will 'overtake China's around 2025.'
"The United States will remain the single most powerful country, although less dominant. Shrinking economic and military capabilities may force the US into a difficult set of tradeoffs between domestic and foreign-policy priorities," the report will be saying.
"The next 20 years of transition toward a new international system are fraught with risks, such as a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and possible interstate conflicts over resources," the NIC report says.
Terrorism, however, is 'unlikely to disappear by 2025', according to the NIC report.
UK to help Indian companies produce cheaper AIDS drugs
The United Kingdom is working with the Clinton Foundation to help Indian pharmaceutical companies produce cheaper drugs for malaria and AIDS. The UK Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander MP announced this, saying the proposed nine million pounds programme to be implemented between 2009 and 2012 would provide technical support to Indian companies in producing and registering new treatments for AIDS and malaria, and negotiate affordable prices for these drugs.
The move will help over 11 million people with AIDS gain access to life saving treatment by 2012.
"Three million people died of HIV/AIDS in 2007, and every year, there are over one million deaths from malaria," Alexander said. Governments and private sector companies need to work together to expand access to more effective and low cost medicines to reduce this unacceptable burden, he said. "Indian pharmaceutical companies have made a massive contribution in improving the health of the poor, by providing affordable drugs in India and to other developing countries.
We want to see their contribution grow, by reducing the barriers they are facing in entering markets for newer and more effective medicines for AIDS and malaria. "It is a genuine win-win situation. With DFID (Department for International Development) support to the Clinton Foundation, health services for malaria and AIDS in India and Africa will be able to buy drugs at cheaper prices and put more people on better quality treatment, and pharmaceuticals companies will enjoy a bigger market."
"The efforts of the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative have enabled more than 70 countries around the world to have access to affordable prices for HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics - representing approximately 92 per cent of people living with HIV globally," former US president and founder of Clinton Foundation Bill Clinton said. "We've also negotiated a 90 per cent reduction for pediatric medicines around the world," he said and thanked the UK for its efforts and support
The move will help over 11 million people with AIDS gain access to life saving treatment by 2012.
"Three million people died of HIV/AIDS in 2007, and every year, there are over one million deaths from malaria," Alexander said. Governments and private sector companies need to work together to expand access to more effective and low cost medicines to reduce this unacceptable burden, he said. "Indian pharmaceutical companies have made a massive contribution in improving the health of the poor, by providing affordable drugs in India and to other developing countries.
We want to see their contribution grow, by reducing the barriers they are facing in entering markets for newer and more effective medicines for AIDS and malaria. "It is a genuine win-win situation. With DFID (Department for International Development) support to the Clinton Foundation, health services for malaria and AIDS in India and Africa will be able to buy drugs at cheaper prices and put more people on better quality treatment, and pharmaceuticals companies will enjoy a bigger market."
"The efforts of the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative have enabled more than 70 countries around the world to have access to affordable prices for HIV/AIDS drugs and diagnostics - representing approximately 92 per cent of people living with HIV globally," former US president and founder of Clinton Foundation Bill Clinton said. "We've also negotiated a 90 per cent reduction for pediatric medicines around the world," he said and thanked the UK for its efforts and support
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
A land of smiles' introduces kids to rights
Good morning friends. Still kids on the go!
Ahmedabad : One starry night as Khushi is asleep, she hears Sitaramasi urgently whisper in her ear. "I have a magic telescope through which you can peep into the Land of Smiles a place that's very special for children." In that land, Khushi and her friends can't find a single child crying. All children get good food, clean drinking water, fresh air, education and medical care. There are no children cleaning cars, begging on streets or picking pockets.
This is an excerpt from a booklet in English to be published soon by city-based NGO, CHETNA, to make children aware of their rights. The difference is that it in story form and illustrated by kids themselves. Says Minaxi Shukla, co-founder of the NGO: "There is great need for children to understand their rights and the literature available on the subject is in heavy language. We thought of attracting kids with a simple narrative." The target age group is 10-plus and the plan is to print 1,000 copies initially of the 16-page reader. The book has a number of stories featuring children, like that of Raju, a 12-year-old in remand home who is beaten because he hid chana from his own lunch plate, planning to eat it later. Or Ooliya, who ran away from home and lives alone on the railway station, miserably cold in winter. Then there are the whispers of Kamala, who says her husband will kill her baby if it is a girl child.
At one point in the story, the distressed protagonist Khushi says: "Sometimes we do know what we want and what's good for us, but adults don't listen." Sitaramasi gently pats her head and replies, "That won't happen in my Land of Smiles'." However, she stresses that responsibility is the flip side of the rights coin. And, there is a need to see that rights of others are respected. Khushi suddenly realises how fortunate she and her friends are as they enjoy almost all their rights. She thinks she must do something for Shantabai's daughter Bhikhi, who comes to clean utensils in her house. Bhikhi loves books, but can't read or wite.
Ahmedabad : One starry night as Khushi is asleep, she hears Sitaramasi urgently whisper in her ear. "I have a magic telescope through which you can peep into the Land of Smiles a place that's very special for children." In that land, Khushi and her friends can't find a single child crying. All children get good food, clean drinking water, fresh air, education and medical care. There are no children cleaning cars, begging on streets or picking pockets.
This is an excerpt from a booklet in English to be published soon by city-based NGO, CHETNA, to make children aware of their rights. The difference is that it in story form and illustrated by kids themselves. Says Minaxi Shukla, co-founder of the NGO: "There is great need for children to understand their rights and the literature available on the subject is in heavy language. We thought of attracting kids with a simple narrative." The target age group is 10-plus and the plan is to print 1,000 copies initially of the 16-page reader. The book has a number of stories featuring children, like that of Raju, a 12-year-old in remand home who is beaten because he hid chana from his own lunch plate, planning to eat it later. Or Ooliya, who ran away from home and lives alone on the railway station, miserably cold in winter. Then there are the whispers of Kamala, who says her husband will kill her baby if it is a girl child.
At one point in the story, the distressed protagonist Khushi says: "Sometimes we do know what we want and what's good for us, but adults don't listen." Sitaramasi gently pats her head and replies, "That won't happen in my Land of Smiles'." However, she stresses that responsibility is the flip side of the rights coin. And, there is a need to see that rights of others are respected. Khushi suddenly realises how fortunate she and her friends are as they enjoy almost all their rights. She thinks she must do something for Shantabai's daughter Bhikhi, who comes to clean utensils in her house. Bhikhi loves books, but can't read or wite.
Kids talk about energy conservation with colours
Good morning friends. Since mothers were all watching on the Children’s Day, I want to share with you one article which has referenced to The Times of India about kids, about childres.
Ahmedabad : Fifty elementary school children of class IV and V from 25 districts appeared at state-level painting competition on energy education and conservation at Science City on Thursday.
The competition on energy education and conservation has been organised by Bureau of Energy Efficiency of ministry of power, Government of India, in association with Gujarat Science City.
Earlier, about 13,000 children from 597 schools in Gujarat participated at school-level competition and submitted their painting on energy conservation. Out of this, about 1,157 entries were selected from which 50 best creative drawings have been selected and called for the state-level competition at Science City.
Two students will be selected for the national-level competition to be held at New Delhi on December 12 this year.
In addition, Gujarat Science City is also coordinating another logo competition for its on-going DNA (DBT's Natural Resource Awareness) Club Activities. About 600 students from 10 DNA club schools across the state are participating in the event. The drawings and designs have been kept for display at Science City.
Ahmedabad : Fifty elementary school children of class IV and V from 25 districts appeared at state-level painting competition on energy education and conservation at Science City on Thursday.
The competition on energy education and conservation has been organised by Bureau of Energy Efficiency of ministry of power, Government of India, in association with Gujarat Science City.
Earlier, about 13,000 children from 597 schools in Gujarat participated at school-level competition and submitted their painting on energy conservation. Out of this, about 1,157 entries were selected from which 50 best creative drawings have been selected and called for the state-level competition at Science City.
Two students will be selected for the national-level competition to be held at New Delhi on December 12 this year.
In addition, Gujarat Science City is also coordinating another logo competition for its on-going DNA (DBT's Natural Resource Awareness) Club Activities. About 600 students from 10 DNA club schools across the state are participating in the event. The drawings and designs have been kept for display at Science City.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
India all set to mark entry on moon
The Indian flag is all set to mark its presence on the lunar surface for the first time on Friday as a moon probe with the tri-colour painted on it will detach from Chandrayaan-1 and descend onto the earth's natural satellite.
"The Moon Impact Probe is expected to be detached (from Chandrayaan-1) at around 10 pm on Friday," Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spokesperson S Satish said.
Miniature Indian flags are painted on four sides of MIP. "It will signify the entry of India on Moon," Satish said.
"During its 20-minute descend to the moon's surface, MIP will take pictures and transmit these back to the ground," he said.
MIP is one of the 11 scientific instruments (payloads) onboard Chandrayaan-1, India's first unmanned spacecraft mission to moon launched on October 22.
The spacecraft on Thursday reached its final orbital home, about 100 kms over the moon surface after ISRO scientists successfully carried out the last critical orbit lowering operation.
Developed by ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of Thiruvananthapuram, the primary objective of MIP is to demonstrate the technologies required for landing a probe at the desired location on the moon.
The probe will help qualify some of the technologies related to future soft landing missions. This apart, scientific exploration of the moon at close distance is also intended using MIP.
The 29-kg MIP consists of a C-band Radar Altimeter for continuous measurement of altitude of the probe, a video imaging system for acquiring images of the surface of moon from the descending probe and a mass spectrometer for measuring the constituents of extremely thin lunar atmosphere during its 20-minute descent to the lunar surface.
ISRO officials are confident that the MIP would withstand the impact once it hits the lunar surface. "Most probably it will not disintegrate," an ISRO official said.
From the operational circular orbit of about 100 km height passing over the polar regions of the moon, it is intended to conduct chemical, mineralogical and photo geological mapping of the moon with Chandrayaan-1's 11 scientific instruments (payloads).
Two of those 11 payloads - Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) and Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM) - have already been successfully switched on. TMC has successfully taken the pictures of Earth and the moon.
After the release of MIP tomorrow, the other scientific instruments would be turned on sequentially leading to the normal phase of the two-year mission
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
In this village, donating is in their blood
In Dholakua village, just 17 km from the state capital, Gandhinagar, a unique tradition thrives. That of giving life to others by donating blood. Every year, villagers of Dholakua start their new year with donating blood.
There are more than 300 blood donors in this tiny village. On October 31, Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad, collected 85 bottles of blood from this village on the third day of Gujarati new year.
"Blood donation is in our blood. Everybody in this village donates blood and they are happy that he or she is a regular blood donor. It is a matter of great honour. Even women are encouraged to donate blood. There are 30 women blood donors in this village," says Raman Patel, a farmer-turned-businessman who has donated blood 103 times till date. Patel, 57, started donating blood way back in 1982 and still continues. An SSC passout, Patel has been source of inspiration for villagers as he has played a major role in organising blood donation camps in the village. His wife Kantaben and 10 other family members have also been donating blood.
"Earlier, we used to go to Ahmedabad to for blood donation. But from 1985, we started organising blood donation camps in village itself as more people joined us in the movement. People from neighbouring villages have also seen us donating blood. So, now they know that there is nothing wrong in this and it has helped to erase peoples misconceptions about blood donation," adds Patel. "Every time, I donate blood I feel very happy that I have done something which helps during emergencies at hospitals. Even during the agricultural season, I do not miss blood donation. In a way, we are part of saving others lives," says Amrut Patel. Patel has donated blood 25 times. His two sons also donate blood. Getting inspired by the gesture of Dholakua residents, people from neighbouring villages have also joined hands. "We counsel our relatives and friends to donate blood. So, when we organise blood donation camps they come to our village," says Iswarbhai Patel, 63.
Villagers also encourage people to donate blood by giving gifts to the donor every time. Like on October 31, Iswarbhai gifted shawls to every blood donor. "Blood donation is allowed only up to the age of 60. So, I cant donate blood anymore. But, I can surely encourage by gifting to blood donors," adds Patel.
There are more than 300 blood donors in this tiny village. On October 31, Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad, collected 85 bottles of blood from this village on the third day of Gujarati new year.
"Blood donation is in our blood. Everybody in this village donates blood and they are happy that he or she is a regular blood donor. It is a matter of great honour. Even women are encouraged to donate blood. There are 30 women blood donors in this village," says Raman Patel, a farmer-turned-businessman who has donated blood 103 times till date. Patel, 57, started donating blood way back in 1982 and still continues. An SSC passout, Patel has been source of inspiration for villagers as he has played a major role in organising blood donation camps in the village. His wife Kantaben and 10 other family members have also been donating blood.
"Earlier, we used to go to Ahmedabad to for blood donation. But from 1985, we started organising blood donation camps in village itself as more people joined us in the movement. People from neighbouring villages have also seen us donating blood. So, now they know that there is nothing wrong in this and it has helped to erase peoples misconceptions about blood donation," adds Patel. "Every time, I donate blood I feel very happy that I have done something which helps during emergencies at hospitals. Even during the agricultural season, I do not miss blood donation. In a way, we are part of saving others lives," says Amrut Patel. Patel has donated blood 25 times. His two sons also donate blood. Getting inspired by the gesture of Dholakua residents, people from neighbouring villages have also joined hands. "We counsel our relatives and friends to donate blood. So, when we organise blood donation camps they come to our village," says Iswarbhai Patel, 63.
Villagers also encourage people to donate blood by giving gifts to the donor every time. Like on October 31, Iswarbhai gifted shawls to every blood donor. "Blood donation is allowed only up to the age of 60. So, I cant donate blood anymore. But, I can surely encourage by gifting to blood donors," adds Patel.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monsoon Makes a Comeback
Good morning friends. Even in other countrys the monsoon keeps on coming back. This has refereced to The Times of India and all of us should be aware of this climate.
The city was caught unawares when the dormant north-east monsoon revived on Monday afternoon.
Within minutes, commuters were drenched and those on foot and two-wheelers had a tough time finding shelter. “Senior citizens and children suffered a lot, especially at the bus shelters where there are hardly any seats,” said K Pattabiraman, a senior citizen. “The formation of a trough of low pressure over south western bay off the coast of Tamil Nadu resulted in the showers. Scattered rainfall over Tamil Nadu and isolated heavy rainfall is likely to occur over south TN in the next 24-hours,” said S R Ramanan, director, regional meteorological centre.
Until 8.30 pm on Monday, Nungambakkam recorded 4.7 mm of rain, while Meenabakkam registered 10.2 mm of rain. According to the met office, the forecast for Tuesday is generally cloudy weather, with one or two spells of thunder showers.
According to T N Balasubramaniam, agronomist and consultant to MSSRF, when the temperature varies between a minimum of 20 degree Celsius and a maximum of 32 degree Celsius, the weather is contiguous for rain. “The timely showers of Monday will be highly beneficial since electricity consumption will be less in the irrigated agricultural belt of Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts.”
The city’s important roads such as Perambur High Rd, Basin Bridge, Royapettah High Rd, stretches of Gandhi Mandapam Rd and Nandanam were flooded.
The city was caught unawares when the dormant north-east monsoon revived on Monday afternoon.
Within minutes, commuters were drenched and those on foot and two-wheelers had a tough time finding shelter. “Senior citizens and children suffered a lot, especially at the bus shelters where there are hardly any seats,” said K Pattabiraman, a senior citizen. “The formation of a trough of low pressure over south western bay off the coast of Tamil Nadu resulted in the showers. Scattered rainfall over Tamil Nadu and isolated heavy rainfall is likely to occur over south TN in the next 24-hours,” said S R Ramanan, director, regional meteorological centre.
Until 8.30 pm on Monday, Nungambakkam recorded 4.7 mm of rain, while Meenabakkam registered 10.2 mm of rain. According to the met office, the forecast for Tuesday is generally cloudy weather, with one or two spells of thunder showers.
According to T N Balasubramaniam, agronomist and consultant to MSSRF, when the temperature varies between a minimum of 20 degree Celsius and a maximum of 32 degree Celsius, the weather is contiguous for rain. “The timely showers of Monday will be highly beneficial since electricity consumption will be less in the irrigated agricultural belt of Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram districts.”
The city’s important roads such as Perambur High Rd, Basin Bridge, Royapettah High Rd, stretches of Gandhi Mandapam Rd and Nandanam were flooded.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Four out of five school teachers in state are women - 2
P R Nadkarni, SSA director, said, “Guidelines from the human resource development ministry propose that 50% of teachers in schools be females. But unlike in other states, in Goa we do not have to make any special effort to meet this.”
He further said, “I have been part of school managements throughout my career and I have seen that nearly 90% of candidates that appear for interviews for teachers are women. This, even though schools do not show any preference in the appointment of women for the post of teachers.”
However, officials of the directorate of education (DoE) said that most co-ed schools prefer physical education teachers and guiding captains to be women, as 50% of the students are girls. Besides, girls schools have always preferred women as teachers. Both Nadkarni and D’Souza, admit that sociological factors also play a large role. The profession’s hours involving only half a day’s work allows women to balance a family and professional life quite well. Nadkarni said, “The profession allows women to have a family and at the same time gain the status of working women.”
D’Souza added, “Now the profession is seen as more socially acceptable amongst men then in the past. Therefore, more men are opting for it. It is no more an option men choose when other avenues are closed.”
V B Saxena of the state statistics department states that women in the state find teaching a easier option. “Most of those that opt for humanities at graduation go for a teacher’s training course and then naturally for a teaching job. The job provides them security at the same time they do not have to leave Goa.”
He further said, “I have been part of school managements throughout my career and I have seen that nearly 90% of candidates that appear for interviews for teachers are women. This, even though schools do not show any preference in the appointment of women for the post of teachers.”
However, officials of the directorate of education (DoE) said that most co-ed schools prefer physical education teachers and guiding captains to be women, as 50% of the students are girls. Besides, girls schools have always preferred women as teachers. Both Nadkarni and D’Souza, admit that sociological factors also play a large role. The profession’s hours involving only half a day’s work allows women to balance a family and professional life quite well. Nadkarni said, “The profession allows women to have a family and at the same time gain the status of working women.”
D’Souza added, “Now the profession is seen as more socially acceptable amongst men then in the past. Therefore, more men are opting for it. It is no more an option men choose when other avenues are closed.”
V B Saxena of the state statistics department states that women in the state find teaching a easier option. “Most of those that opt for humanities at graduation go for a teacher’s training course and then naturally for a teaching job. The job provides them security at the same time they do not have to leave Goa.”
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Four out of five school teachers in state are women - 1
Teaching, for the Goan, may not be a “masculine” vocation. Or so it appears, as 80.92% of teachers in the state from the primary to the higher secondary level are women.
This, according to a national survey of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), is the second highest percentage in the country after Chandigarh’s 84.98%. In the rest of India it ranges between 52% and 72%.
It’s not just that, but according to the latest census of government employees, almost a third of the female workforce in Goa are teachers. Of the total number of 9,281 women government employees, 2,468 are employed in schools.
Teaching in the state, says psychologist Nandita D’Souza, is still in the process of being accepted as a profession by men. “Men and women are equally capable of being good teachers. The qualities required are patience, the ability to be good learners throughout their careers, be humorous and have respect for another being.”
However, she said that teaching is a profession that requires a caring nature and just as in similar professions, counselling and healthcare for instance, one sees more women taking to teaching.
This, according to a national survey of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), is the second highest percentage in the country after Chandigarh’s 84.98%. In the rest of India it ranges between 52% and 72%.
It’s not just that, but according to the latest census of government employees, almost a third of the female workforce in Goa are teachers. Of the total number of 9,281 women government employees, 2,468 are employed in schools.
Teaching in the state, says psychologist Nandita D’Souza, is still in the process of being accepted as a profession by men. “Men and women are equally capable of being good teachers. The qualities required are patience, the ability to be good learners throughout their careers, be humorous and have respect for another being.”
However, she said that teaching is a profession that requires a caring nature and just as in similar professions, counselling and healthcare for instance, one sees more women taking to teaching.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Free food @ free medical camp, matar
Free lunch preparation @ free medical camp, matar
Full size buckets are being used at manavparivar where volunteers are preparing food for patients and their attendant.
Friday, November 7, 2008
I feel a oneness with Ahmedabad: Amjad Ali Khan
Good morning to all. I read this news to The Times of India where I get current knowledge about everything. It's a good feeling that someone feels oneness with our city.
When Ustad Amjad Ali Khan received the Mahatma Gandhi medal in Paris in 1995, he played a special raga composed as a tribute to Gandhi Bapu Kauns. That is the sarod maestro’s greatest attachment to Gujarat, his great admiration for the Mahatma. "I have great feelings for Gujarat primarily because of Mahatma Gandhi. I have great faith in his principles of non-violence and truth. I have played in Sabarmati Ashram and it has been an inspiring experience," says Amjad Ali Khan, who has often played the Mahatmas favourite songs Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye and Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram in his concerts.
He still fondly remembers his first concert in the city at Town Hall way back in 1959.
"I have come to Ahmedabad so many times as I feel a oneness with the city and its people. I have performed at Natrani, Shreyash, Premabhai Hall and many other places in the city. People of Ahmedabad have great interest in music and they just dont let you stop. Many a time, I have played the sarod for six hours still uthne hi nahi dete," says the ustad.
Last year, his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, performed at the Times Ahmedabad Festival. "They received love and applause in Ahmedabad and they were both happy with their experience," he adds. Taught by his father Haafiz Ali Khan, a musician to the royal family of Gwalior, Amjad Ali Khan believes that inspite of the invasion of television and films, classical music will never die. "Classical music is deep-rooted in our tradition and it will only rise. Today, we have the highest number of young disciples in the field of music and this shows the brighter side of classical music," he says.
When Ustad Amjad Ali Khan received the Mahatma Gandhi medal in Paris in 1995, he played a special raga composed as a tribute to Gandhi Bapu Kauns. That is the sarod maestro’s greatest attachment to Gujarat, his great admiration for the Mahatma. "I have great feelings for Gujarat primarily because of Mahatma Gandhi. I have great faith in his principles of non-violence and truth. I have played in Sabarmati Ashram and it has been an inspiring experience," says Amjad Ali Khan, who has often played the Mahatmas favourite songs Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye and Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram in his concerts.
He still fondly remembers his first concert in the city at Town Hall way back in 1959.
"I have come to Ahmedabad so many times as I feel a oneness with the city and its people. I have performed at Natrani, Shreyash, Premabhai Hall and many other places in the city. People of Ahmedabad have great interest in music and they just dont let you stop. Many a time, I have played the sarod for six hours still uthne hi nahi dete," says the ustad.
Last year, his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, performed at the Times Ahmedabad Festival. "They received love and applause in Ahmedabad and they were both happy with their experience," he adds. Taught by his father Haafiz Ali Khan, a musician to the royal family of Gwalior, Amjad Ali Khan believes that inspite of the invasion of television and films, classical music will never die. "Classical music is deep-rooted in our tradition and it will only rise. Today, we have the highest number of young disciples in the field of music and this shows the brighter side of classical music," he says.
Traders to go on peace march on Nov 15
Good evening friends. I just read some news in referenced to The Times of India that there will be a peaceful march will going to have. Let me share it with you so that you have knowledge what is happening in different part of our country.
More than a lakh traders and shopkeepers in Mumbai plan to take out a peace march on November 15 to Shivaji Park__situated opposite the
Penthouse of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray.
Said Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association joint secretary Viren Shah, "I want every shopkeeper in Mumbai to come there at 3 pm and express solidarity with the Bombay Catholic Sabha which is organizing a communal harmony & Peace rally on November 15.'' Shah said that shopkeepers and traders will be dressed in white and will raise their voice against the recent violence. "We want peace in Mumbai and this is the message which we want to give at Shivaji Park.'' Sabha general secretary Dolphy D'Souza has appealed to all secular organizations to join the peace rally.
Shah, who addressed a meeting of various traders' associations on Wednesday evening, said, "Those who indulge in violence should be dealt with sternly. We are distributing posters and pamphlets which will be pasted outside every shop. They will have messages on communal harmony.''
The meeting was attended by members of the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra, AHAR, and the All India Business Council. Issues pertaining to hawkers squatting in no-hawking zones and the shortage of coins in banks were also discussed at the meeting. "We will move the court on the issue of hawkers not being removed from no-hawking zones. Despite an apex court order, nothing has been done for the past four years,'' said Shah.
He said that 14 banks were designated by RBI to provide coins to traders. "But sadly, none of the banks have loose change. We will be taking a representation to the RBI governor, and demand that coins be supplied at banks where traders have their business accounts. If this is not done, we will take up the issue on a larger scale.''
Thursday, November 6, 2008
'Treat students as your equals'
Good morning friends. I'd like to share with you this issue with the reference from Times of India.
A smile, eye contact, patient hearing and reassuring words from teachers can make schools a healing space for students to blossom intellectually and emotionally.
With this objective, a three-day national conference on the social and emotional environment of schools was organized by The Teacher Foundation.
Addressing a session on 'Schools as a Healing Space', NIMHANS psychiatrist Dr Shekhar Seshadri said, "Children need to be treated as equals and teachers should create a healing space."
Several issues that need to be sensitively communicated to students - like homosexuality and religion – were discussed. "When a student shares the experience of being sexually abused, the teacher, rather than jumping to conclusions or imposing his opinion, should patiently hear out and reassure the child," said Dr Shekhar.
Schools should nurture the spirit of enquiry and democratic leadership by regularly conducting debates and open-house discussions. The school curriculum is a means, not the end, he said, adding that classrooms must be collaborative communities
A smile, eye contact, patient hearing and reassuring words from teachers can make schools a healing space for students to blossom intellectually and emotionally.
With this objective, a three-day national conference on the social and emotional environment of schools was organized by The Teacher Foundation.
Addressing a session on 'Schools as a Healing Space', NIMHANS psychiatrist Dr Shekhar Seshadri said, "Children need to be treated as equals and teachers should create a healing space."
Several issues that need to be sensitively communicated to students - like homosexuality and religion – were discussed. "When a student shares the experience of being sexually abused, the teacher, rather than jumping to conclusions or imposing his opinion, should patiently hear out and reassure the child," said Dr Shekhar.
Schools should nurture the spirit of enquiry and democratic leadership by regularly conducting debates and open-house discussions. The school curriculum is a means, not the end, he said, adding that classrooms must be collaborative communities
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Mountain
Look at this nature…..it’s so beautiful. Perfect cone!
Many tall mountain ranges were formed by movements in the earth’s crust which slowly buckled the surface into giant folds or pushed great blocks of rock up or down along faults, or cracks, in the earth’s crust.
Other mountains were formed when melted rock poured out onto the earth’s surface to form mountains we call volcanoes.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Koala Bear
I was reading one magazine while I'm taking my breakfast. And I found this cute little fellas! Isn't it cute and tamed?
The koala bear is a small, woolly animal found only in Australia. The koala looks for all the world like a cuddly, live teddy bear. It is about tow feet, with ears seeming as if they were stuck on and with a patent feather nose and shoe button eyes. In fact, koalas are popularly known as Australian teddy bears. They are not real bears, of course. They are pouched animals. Baby koalas are carried in a pouch when they are fist born.
A koala makes its home in a special kind of tree, the eucalyptus or blue gum tree. It holds onto the tree branches with its sharp claws and feeds on the oily leaves. At one time you could see many koalas in zoos, but now there are only a few. The koalas were hunted for their fur until they were in danger of disappearing from the world. Today koalas are protected. No one is allowed to take them out of Australian any more.
The koala bear is a small, woolly animal found only in Australia. The koala looks for all the world like a cuddly, live teddy bear. It is about tow feet, with ears seeming as if they were stuck on and with a patent feather nose and shoe button eyes. In fact, koalas are popularly known as Australian teddy bears. They are not real bears, of course. They are pouched animals. Baby koalas are carried in a pouch when they are fist born.
A koala makes its home in a special kind of tree, the eucalyptus or blue gum tree. It holds onto the tree branches with its sharp claws and feeds on the oily leaves. At one time you could see many koalas in zoos, but now there are only a few. The koalas were hunted for their fur until they were in danger of disappearing from the world. Today koalas are protected. No one is allowed to take them out of Australian any more.
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