A reading of this year's Brand Finance India's Top 50 (Company) Brands list with last year's throws up some important lessons for Indian businesses.
With 11 debutants in the Top 50 list edging out some of the erstwhile corporate biggies, the message for India Inc., is quite clear--that history and financial heft alone won't guarantee a strong brand--a prerequisite to business success in an environment where tangible differentiators in land, capital et al are fast becoming parity.
For a host of companies, who barely managed to hold on to their positions and valuations this year, the writing on the wall is clear too.
A brand can easily whither in the paucity of strategic, sustained investments, as it seems to have happened with as many as eight companies, primarily from the oil sector, which witnessed a drop in their Brand Power Rating (BPR), a critical measure of brand health.
The latest Brand Finance study finds that companies in sectors like telecom, finance and auto have shown healthy signs of growth this year.
The czar of India Inc., Reliance Industries (RIL) once again flaunted muscle by emerging as the most valuable brand, at Rs 26,801-crore, on BF Top 50 list.
However, the increase in valuation is only marginal, and its BPR too slipped from A to BBB+ this year.
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Read more in The Economic Times
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Subbarao: The Next RBI Governor 'a surprise.'
India unexpectedly appointed Duvvuri Subbarao as governor of the central bank, putting in place an economist who called raising rates the 'obvious' choice to tackle the steepest inflation since 1992.
Finance Secretary Subbarao, 59, will serve for three years, replacing Yaga Venugopal Reddy, 67, whose term ends on Sept. 5, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters in New Delhi today.
Eight of 10 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News expected the government to extend Reddy's term because of his decade-long experience at the Reserve Bank of India.
Subbarao may have to follow Reddy's four-year-old policy of raising borrowing costs as inflation has shown few signs of easing.
Subbarao said on July 28, a day before Reddy's last monetary policy, that raising interest rates was the 'obvious' solution to curb rising prices, a month after calling monetary policy ``the first line of defense'' against inflation.
'There has to be a continuation of the monetary policy,' said Sonal Varma, a Mumbai-based economist at Lehman Brothers Inc. 'Moderating inflation has to be the new governor's top priority followed by ensuring growth.'
Reddy has been raising borrowing costs since 2004 to prevent the world's fastest growing major economy after China from overheating.
Still, inflation in India surged to 12.63 percent last month after the government raised fuel costs to reduce its subsidy burden. That was the biggest gain in prices since the South Asian nation started to open its economy to foreign investors in the early 1990s.
Big Challenge
'That's the big challenge for any central bank governor in India -- it's hard to figure out when a sudden price spurt hits the economy,' N. R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at Institute of Economic Growth in New Delhi, said before the announcement.
Subbarao, who was an economic adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before he became the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry, is an engineering graduate from the elite Indian Institute of Technology.
He joined the civil service and was later deputed to the World Bank, where he was the lead economist between 1999 and 2004 on issue of public finance in Africa and East Asia.
Subbarao has a masters in Economics from Ohio State University and was a Humphrey Fellow at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology. He holds a doctorate from Andhra University.
Soviet-Style
India practices Soviet-style price controls, subsidizing oil and ordering cement and steel companies to keep prices unchanged even as costs go up globally.
That complicates monetary policy, because it makes the economy vulnerable to unpredictable price shocks, as happened in June when the government was forced to cut fuel subsidies to protect refiners from going bankrupt after oil prices surged.
India's inflation rate jumped to more than 12 percent from 8.75 percent in three months, forcing Reddy to raise the central bank's key repurchase rate by 125 basis points to 9 percent.
Cumulatively, Reddy has increased the repurchase rate by 300 basis points since October 2004. He also raised the cash reserve ratio, or the proportion of funds that lenders need to set aside as reserves, by 400 basis points to 9 percent, since December 2006 to check money supply from stoking inflation.
The repurchase rate will climb to between 9.25 percent and 9.5 percent by the end of October, according to eight of 12 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News after the last monetary policy announcement on July 29.
Little Scope
'There is little scope for an easing of monetary policy now,' said D.H. Pai Panandiker, president of RPG Foundation, an independent research group.
'Growth may suffer in the near term, but there is a lot of liquidity in the system that could be potentially inflationary.'
Government expenditure not been included in the budget, such as the $17 billion farm loan waiver, has risen to 5 percent of gross domestic product, and can stimulate consumer demand and fan inflation, Chakravarthi Rangarajan, a former central bank governor, said before the announcement.
Inflation can win or lose elections in India, where more than half the population of 1.1 billion people live on less than $2 a day.
Singh, who announced a 21 percent salary increase for about 5 million government employees last month, is reaching out to voters with pre-election handouts after losing ground in nine of the 11 state polls since January 2007 because of rising prices.
*******************************************
As reported in the Bloomberg.
Finance Secretary Subbarao, 59, will serve for three years, replacing Yaga Venugopal Reddy, 67, whose term ends on Sept. 5, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters in New Delhi today.
Eight of 10 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News expected the government to extend Reddy's term because of his decade-long experience at the Reserve Bank of India.
Subbarao may have to follow Reddy's four-year-old policy of raising borrowing costs as inflation has shown few signs of easing.
Subbarao said on July 28, a day before Reddy's last monetary policy, that raising interest rates was the 'obvious' solution to curb rising prices, a month after calling monetary policy ``the first line of defense'' against inflation.
'There has to be a continuation of the monetary policy,' said Sonal Varma, a Mumbai-based economist at Lehman Brothers Inc. 'Moderating inflation has to be the new governor's top priority followed by ensuring growth.'
Reddy has been raising borrowing costs since 2004 to prevent the world's fastest growing major economy after China from overheating.
Still, inflation in India surged to 12.63 percent last month after the government raised fuel costs to reduce its subsidy burden. That was the biggest gain in prices since the South Asian nation started to open its economy to foreign investors in the early 1990s.
Big Challenge
'That's the big challenge for any central bank governor in India -- it's hard to figure out when a sudden price spurt hits the economy,' N. R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at Institute of Economic Growth in New Delhi, said before the announcement.
Subbarao, who was an economic adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before he became the top bureaucrat in the finance ministry, is an engineering graduate from the elite Indian Institute of Technology.
He joined the civil service and was later deputed to the World Bank, where he was the lead economist between 1999 and 2004 on issue of public finance in Africa and East Asia.
Subbarao has a masters in Economics from Ohio State University and was a Humphrey Fellow at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology. He holds a doctorate from Andhra University.
Soviet-Style
India practices Soviet-style price controls, subsidizing oil and ordering cement and steel companies to keep prices unchanged even as costs go up globally.
That complicates monetary policy, because it makes the economy vulnerable to unpredictable price shocks, as happened in June when the government was forced to cut fuel subsidies to protect refiners from going bankrupt after oil prices surged.
India's inflation rate jumped to more than 12 percent from 8.75 percent in three months, forcing Reddy to raise the central bank's key repurchase rate by 125 basis points to 9 percent.
Cumulatively, Reddy has increased the repurchase rate by 300 basis points since October 2004. He also raised the cash reserve ratio, or the proportion of funds that lenders need to set aside as reserves, by 400 basis points to 9 percent, since December 2006 to check money supply from stoking inflation.
The repurchase rate will climb to between 9.25 percent and 9.5 percent by the end of October, according to eight of 12 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News after the last monetary policy announcement on July 29.
Little Scope
'There is little scope for an easing of monetary policy now,' said D.H. Pai Panandiker, president of RPG Foundation, an independent research group.
'Growth may suffer in the near term, but there is a lot of liquidity in the system that could be potentially inflationary.'
Government expenditure not been included in the budget, such as the $17 billion farm loan waiver, has risen to 5 percent of gross domestic product, and can stimulate consumer demand and fan inflation, Chakravarthi Rangarajan, a former central bank governor, said before the announcement.
Inflation can win or lose elections in India, where more than half the population of 1.1 billion people live on less than $2 a day.
Singh, who announced a 21 percent salary increase for about 5 million government employees last month, is reaching out to voters with pre-election handouts after losing ground in nine of the 11 state polls since January 2007 because of rising prices.
*******************************************
As reported in the Bloomberg.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Who is misleading Muslims on the Amarnath Land Issue?
Please click on the
ORIGINAL ORDER
on the Links List
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
'Simi' Threat to Hindu Places
A prominent ashram of Haridwar has received a letter purportedly written by the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
It threatens to blow up places in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other religious spots in Uttarakhand.
Authorities of the Shantikunj ashram have informed the police.
The handwritten letter was received two days ago by post.
'Simi' Threat to Hindu Places
A prominent ashram of Haridwar has received a letter purportedly written by the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
It threatens to blow up places in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other religious spots in Uttarakhand.
Authorities of the Shantikunj ashram have informed the police.
The handwritten letter was received two days ago by post.
Monday, August 25, 2008
'Simi' Threat to Hindu Places
The Shantikunj ashram of Haridwar has received a threatening letter purportedly written by the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
It threatens to blow up places in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other Hindu religious spots in Uttarakhand.
Authorities at the ashram have informed the police about the handwritten letter.
They received it two days ago by post.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Judge delivered a packet of Rs.15 lakh by 'mistake'
Neat bundles of crisp currency notes adding up to Rs 15 lakh, were delivered at the door of a high court judge in Haryana. A munshi working with Haryana's additional advocate general brought the money in a packet.
A police inquiry has got under way in the matter. The concerned judge, however, claimed she herself reported the matter to the authorities and police. Justice Nirmaljit Kaur said on Friday that she had told the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court about what has happened. Kaur is the second woman judge of the High Court.
The munshi who delivered the money is working with Haryana's additional advocate general. Kaur claimed there was no case before her in which the Haryana additional advocate general Sandeep Bansal was appearing.
What’s the real story?
Repots say that Parkash, a munshi working with Bansal went to Kaur's Sector 11 home on Wednesday night and handed over the "parcel" to the guard there. The guard, wary it could be a bomb, thought it fit to open the bag and see what it contained.
What if the guard would simply have delivered the parcel to his master?
Bansal had a different story to tell. He said the packet was meant for one Nirmal Singh, who lives in Sector 18. It was meant to be advance money for a property deal. It was only by mistake that my clerk reached the house of Justice Kaur.
Will you like to have a similar packet delivered to you by mistake? Contact Bansal for further details.
A police inquiry has got under way in the matter. The concerned judge, however, claimed she herself reported the matter to the authorities and police. Justice Nirmaljit Kaur said on Friday that she had told the chief justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court about what has happened. Kaur is the second woman judge of the High Court.
The munshi who delivered the money is working with Haryana's additional advocate general. Kaur claimed there was no case before her in which the Haryana additional advocate general Sandeep Bansal was appearing.
What’s the real story?
Repots say that Parkash, a munshi working with Bansal went to Kaur's Sector 11 home on Wednesday night and handed over the "parcel" to the guard there. The guard, wary it could be a bomb, thought it fit to open the bag and see what it contained.
What if the guard would simply have delivered the parcel to his master?
Bansal had a different story to tell. He said the packet was meant for one Nirmal Singh, who lives in Sector 18. It was meant to be advance money for a property deal. It was only by mistake that my clerk reached the house of Justice Kaur.
Will you like to have a similar packet delivered to you by mistake? Contact Bansal for further details.
Humiliation complete for Georgian President
Humiliation for Georgian President Saakashvili was completed today as he was forced to sign a peace agreement that gives the Russian Army the right to patrol on Georgian territory.
In a critical amendment to the ceasefire drawn up by President Sarkozy of France, the Kremlin forced Saakashvili to accept that Russian troops could control a buffer zone of Georgian territory up to 10km beyond the border of the breakaway region of South Ossetia.
Saakashvili was humiliated further when the final text of the agreement, removed a reference to Russian recognition of Georgia’s territorial integrity. It referred only to independence and sovereignty. Only yesterday Ser-gei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, had said that the world could forget about Georgia’s territorial integrity. The copy of the agreement was delivered personally by Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State
After signing the peace agreement, an emotional Saakashvili said defiantly: “A significant part of Georgian territory remains under foreign military occupation. Never, ever will Georgia reconcile itself with the occupation of even one square kilometre of its territory.”
In a critical amendment to the ceasefire drawn up by President Sarkozy of France, the Kremlin forced Saakashvili to accept that Russian troops could control a buffer zone of Georgian territory up to 10km beyond the border of the breakaway region of South Ossetia.
Saakashvili was humiliated further when the final text of the agreement, removed a reference to Russian recognition of Georgia’s territorial integrity. It referred only to independence and sovereignty. Only yesterday Ser-gei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, had said that the world could forget about Georgia’s territorial integrity. The copy of the agreement was delivered personally by Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State
After signing the peace agreement, an emotional Saakashvili said defiantly: “A significant part of Georgian territory remains under foreign military occupation. Never, ever will Georgia reconcile itself with the occupation of even one square kilometre of its territory.”
It was bound to happen to Musharraf, someday
Every dictator in the world has faced it. An ultimate fall to doom is their fate. This fate has now caught up with the Pakistan President, too. His final expected straw of support was from the Army. Parvez Musharraf had planned for it in advance.
The Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani owed his powerful post to Musharraf. He could have been the only person to save the embattled president's job. Unfortunately for Musharraf, Kayani has opted to stay out of the fight.
The implicit refusal of the Army to play the game Musharraf’s way has left the President limited options. He has now to choose between resigning and facing impeachment proceedings. A resignation seals his face where as facing impeachment, apparently, means a near certain chance of losing.
Opportunistic relations
Politics is infamous for never having permanent friends. It has only permanent interests. The interests of the army chief now lie elsewhere. So, Kayani wants the confrontation between Musharraf, 65, and parliament's ruling coalition settled without any public upheaval. His reticence means the armed forces that probably won't support any invocation of his authority to dismiss parliament because that might incite street protests.
Kayani also is unlikely to let Musharraf's detractors put him on trial once he leaves office for leading the coup because ‘that would draw the military into politics.' The army chief seldom speaks publicly and declined to be interviewed. Insiders say, he has displayed his independence only since last year, when as intelligence chief he refused to back Musharraf's firing of Pakistan's chief justice.
The dismissal of Chief Justice Choudhary had sparked nation-wide protests and many more Pakistanis turned against the president.
The silent patron
The USA has been acting as the most reliable ally for the President. There has been a deafening silence from that quarter too. Not only that many senior officers from the US administration also have been visiting Kayani of late.
Even before February elections that put anti-Musharraf lawmakers in control of Parliament, Kayani ordered officers to cut off contact with politicians. Pakistan though has a history of the military meddling in past national politics.
Last heard, Musharraf was negotiating a safer way out for himself.
The Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani owed his powerful post to Musharraf. He could have been the only person to save the embattled president's job. Unfortunately for Musharraf, Kayani has opted to stay out of the fight.
The implicit refusal of the Army to play the game Musharraf’s way has left the President limited options. He has now to choose between resigning and facing impeachment proceedings. A resignation seals his face where as facing impeachment, apparently, means a near certain chance of losing.
Opportunistic relations
Politics is infamous for never having permanent friends. It has only permanent interests. The interests of the army chief now lie elsewhere. So, Kayani wants the confrontation between Musharraf, 65, and parliament's ruling coalition settled without any public upheaval. His reticence means the armed forces that probably won't support any invocation of his authority to dismiss parliament because that might incite street protests.
Kayani also is unlikely to let Musharraf's detractors put him on trial once he leaves office for leading the coup because ‘that would draw the military into politics.' The army chief seldom speaks publicly and declined to be interviewed. Insiders say, he has displayed his independence only since last year, when as intelligence chief he refused to back Musharraf's firing of Pakistan's chief justice.
The dismissal of Chief Justice Choudhary had sparked nation-wide protests and many more Pakistanis turned against the president.
The silent patron
The USA has been acting as the most reliable ally for the President. There has been a deafening silence from that quarter too. Not only that many senior officers from the US administration also have been visiting Kayani of late.
Even before February elections that put anti-Musharraf lawmakers in control of Parliament, Kayani ordered officers to cut off contact with politicians. Pakistan though has a history of the military meddling in past national politics.
Last heard, Musharraf was negotiating a safer way out for himself.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Less than one percent will rejoice at the cost of the rest of 99%
In order to benefit a vast army of civilian public servants and comparatively a small number of Army men the Union Cabinet on Thursday accepted the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission with some modifications. The state governments, too, are expected to follow suit.
Financial prudence will say the Centre hasn’t chosen the best opportunity to do so. The raging inflation in the country is already taking its toll. The pay hikes will only lead to worsening of the situation, governmental assertions not withstanding.
Nearly 50 lakh employees will benefit at the cost of more than 110 crore tax-payers. The hapless people will have to fork-out an additional more than Rs. 22,000 crore annually. A sum over Rs. 29,373 crore will also has to be paid as their arrears.
The pay-packets of about 50 lakh government employees have gone up by at least 21 per cent.
The revised pay scales will come into effect from January 1, 2006 and the revised rates of allowances from September 1 this year. The arrears will be paid in cash in two installments, the first one of 40 per cent during 2008-09 and the remaining in the next financial year.
Financial prudence will say the Centre hasn’t chosen the best opportunity to do so. The raging inflation in the country is already taking its toll. The pay hikes will only lead to worsening of the situation, governmental assertions not withstanding.
Nearly 50 lakh employees will benefit at the cost of more than 110 crore tax-payers. The hapless people will have to fork-out an additional more than Rs. 22,000 crore annually. A sum over Rs. 29,373 crore will also has to be paid as their arrears.
The pay-packets of about 50 lakh government employees have gone up by at least 21 per cent.
The revised pay scales will come into effect from January 1, 2006 and the revised rates of allowances from September 1 this year. The arrears will be paid in cash in two installments, the first one of 40 per cent during 2008-09 and the remaining in the next financial year.
States, too, prepare to implement pay revisions
As the Centre has accepted the recommendations of the Sixth pay commission, the pressure on the states to follow suit will only grow. The Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, thus, has urged the Centre to bear the additional financial burden It is interesting to note that most of the states in India are governed by the non-congress parties.
Nitish Kumar has sought cooperation from all the opposition parties in this regard. Since the resources of the states are limited, there will be too much of a financial burden for them to bear. The States, too, are expected to bear thousands of crore once they implement the pay revision.'
The chief minister said it would be unfair if the same scales are not offered to the state employees. The recommendations of the Fifth pay commission, too, were implemented by most of the states.
Nitish Kumar has sought cooperation from all the opposition parties in this regard. Since the resources of the states are limited, there will be too much of a financial burden for them to bear. The States, too, are expected to bear thousands of crore once they implement the pay revision.'
The chief minister said it would be unfair if the same scales are not offered to the state employees. The recommendations of the Fifth pay commission, too, were implemented by most of the states.
The Art of Courting
When God is said to have created girls, he meant them to be so attractive that men would fall and be ready to do almost anything to have her attention. Since God can never be wrong- men are falling upon each other ever since to please her to their carnal gains.
Like most other creations, girls too, sometimes feel sad. But as The Great Creator would have it, they keep their feelings to themselves. They have an amazing capacity to cry within their hearts. Just leave her alone for a while and she would be ok.
Same is true about her anger. She will not easily express her anger upon the man she loves. It doesn’t mean she will condone him all the time. Not at all. She will only try to keep her cool. Sense it and maintain a safe distance. Hold your apologies for a while. Then go to her and say sorry with a genuine smile.
Hold for a while
When she ignores you after you've done something wrong, it's best to hold your apologies for a while. When a girl becomes fond of a person, her feelings usually last a life time. Even if starts flirting with someone else, it will be her first love that will occupy most of her grey cells. It doesn’t mean, again, that you may take liberties for granted.
Like most mothers about their children, a girl can't find anything to hate about the guy she loves. She loves every thing genuine but is easily swept away by some flattery. Never miss a chance to compliment her.
Whenever you look at her and smile, look deep into her eyes. Chances are, she will melt. Expect to be rewarded handsomely afterwards. She loves your kisses all-right, but lip-lock her only when she desires. And desires she a lot.
If you are not serious about your compliments about a girl, be careful. When a particular guy flirts with a girl very often, a girl would start thinking the guy likes her. So if you treat a girl just as a friend, go easy on the smiles and stares. Tell her gently how do you actually feel about her.
Listen your way to Adam's paradise
A patient listener stands to gain much in relationships. Girls enjoy talking about what they feel. Music, poetry, drawings and writing are ways of expressing themselves. No wonder, so many girls are in journalism.
Nobody likes to be commented negatively. Nor does a girl. So, never tell a girl that she is useless in anyway. Leave a margin of nonchalance about her. Being too serious can turn a girl off.
When you call her, don’t be put off by her cool response. Initially she will be only like that. The girl may act uninterested during the call. But if she cares about you, she will go to town telling her friends about your call, as soon as the phone is back on the hook.
It is wise if you don't risk guessing a girl's feelings. Ask her like a gentleman. Hearing the words ‘I love you’ is a considered to the best compliment to a girl. Possibly, she'll wonder why she never noticed you before.
Going steady
Stability in relationship is most valuable to most of the girls. Some care about looks, some care about brains, but all girls want a guy who will love and care for them.
Love and be loved.
Like most other creations, girls too, sometimes feel sad. But as The Great Creator would have it, they keep their feelings to themselves. They have an amazing capacity to cry within their hearts. Just leave her alone for a while and she would be ok.
Same is true about her anger. She will not easily express her anger upon the man she loves. It doesn’t mean she will condone him all the time. Not at all. She will only try to keep her cool. Sense it and maintain a safe distance. Hold your apologies for a while. Then go to her and say sorry with a genuine smile.
Hold for a while
When she ignores you after you've done something wrong, it's best to hold your apologies for a while. When a girl becomes fond of a person, her feelings usually last a life time. Even if starts flirting with someone else, it will be her first love that will occupy most of her grey cells. It doesn’t mean, again, that you may take liberties for granted.
Like most mothers about their children, a girl can't find anything to hate about the guy she loves. She loves every thing genuine but is easily swept away by some flattery. Never miss a chance to compliment her.
Whenever you look at her and smile, look deep into her eyes. Chances are, she will melt. Expect to be rewarded handsomely afterwards. She loves your kisses all-right, but lip-lock her only when she desires. And desires she a lot.
If you are not serious about your compliments about a girl, be careful. When a particular guy flirts with a girl very often, a girl would start thinking the guy likes her. So if you treat a girl just as a friend, go easy on the smiles and stares. Tell her gently how do you actually feel about her.
Listen your way to Adam's paradise
A patient listener stands to gain much in relationships. Girls enjoy talking about what they feel. Music, poetry, drawings and writing are ways of expressing themselves. No wonder, so many girls are in journalism.
Nobody likes to be commented negatively. Nor does a girl. So, never tell a girl that she is useless in anyway. Leave a margin of nonchalance about her. Being too serious can turn a girl off.
When you call her, don’t be put off by her cool response. Initially she will be only like that. The girl may act uninterested during the call. But if she cares about you, she will go to town telling her friends about your call, as soon as the phone is back on the hook.
It is wise if you don't risk guessing a girl's feelings. Ask her like a gentleman. Hearing the words ‘I love you’ is a considered to the best compliment to a girl. Possibly, she'll wonder why she never noticed you before.
Going steady
Stability in relationship is most valuable to most of the girls. Some care about looks, some care about brains, but all girls want a guy who will love and care for them.
Love and be loved.
Russia indifferent to Western alliance
Russia has advised the world to "forget about" Georgia's territorial integrity. On the other hand American and Georgian officials said Russia appeared to be targeting military infrastructures, including radars and patrol boats at a Black Sea naval base and oil hub.
Russian comment appeared to challenge the United States. The US President had called for Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
"Our position on Georgia's territorial integrity is not going to change no matter what anybody says," White House press secretary Dana Perino said Thursday. "And so I would consider that to be bluster from the foreign minister of Russia. We will ignore it."
Ready to absorb
In another development Russian president met with the leaders of Georgia's two separatist provinces today. It’s a clear sign that Moscow would absorb the regions. The Russian refusal to withdraw from Georgia presents a challenge to the cease-fire agreement designed to end seven days of fighting. The EU-sponsored accord had envisioned Russian and Georgian forces returning to their original positions.
In Washington, an American official said Russia appears to be sabotaging airfields and other military infrastructure as its forces pull back. The Russian strategy seems like a deliberate attempt to cripple the already battered Georgian military.
The United States poured aid into the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on Thursday and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice launched emergency talks in France aimed at heading off a wider conflict.
Expression of doubt
Russia's deputy chief of General Staff Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn said he was not sure that the U.S. planes carried exclusively humanitarian cargo. "It causes our concern," he said.
Russian comment appeared to challenge the United States. The US President had called for Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.
"Our position on Georgia's territorial integrity is not going to change no matter what anybody says," White House press secretary Dana Perino said Thursday. "And so I would consider that to be bluster from the foreign minister of Russia. We will ignore it."
Ready to absorb
In another development Russian president met with the leaders of Georgia's two separatist provinces today. It’s a clear sign that Moscow would absorb the regions. The Russian refusal to withdraw from Georgia presents a challenge to the cease-fire agreement designed to end seven days of fighting. The EU-sponsored accord had envisioned Russian and Georgian forces returning to their original positions.
In Washington, an American official said Russia appears to be sabotaging airfields and other military infrastructure as its forces pull back. The Russian strategy seems like a deliberate attempt to cripple the already battered Georgian military.
The United States poured aid into the Georgian capital of Tbilisi on Thursday and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice launched emergency talks in France aimed at heading off a wider conflict.
Expression of doubt
Russia's deputy chief of General Staff Col.-Gen. Anatoly Nogovitsyn said he was not sure that the U.S. planes carried exclusively humanitarian cargo. "It causes our concern," he said.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Money pours for the football players too
Immediately after Abhinav Bindra had given India reasons to celebrate, its soccer players, too, struck gold. And as it was in the case of Bindra, money simply poured in, for the India football team after they won the AFC Challenge Cup.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and sports broadcaster, ESPN, rewarded the winners with Rs 15 lakh each. The cash award was shared by 23 players, head coach and six support staff.
Cash incentives are fast becoming an effective tool to promote sports in India. The sector is now almost totally in the hands of private sector. Yet, the government matters.
The Sports Ministry is also expected to announce incentives for the players and the support staff. Sports Minister, M.S. Gill, is scheduled to meets captain Baichung Bhutia and yesterday's hat-trick man Sunil Chhetri, soon.
More money to come
AIFF President Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi personally met the players this morning and congratulated them for the "historic win." This took the country to 2011 Asian Cup after 24 years. Dasmunshi also presented each of the team members, a cheque of Rs 50,000.
Head coach Bob Houghton was handed a Rs 1 lakh cheque. The six other support staff (two assistant coaches, one goalkeeper coach, team manager, a doctor and a physio) were also given Rs 50,000 each. This brought the total sum to Rs 15.5 lakh.
India defeated defending champions Tajikistan by a convincing 4-1 margin to win their first major title since the Nehru Cup win in August last year.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and sports broadcaster, ESPN, rewarded the winners with Rs 15 lakh each. The cash award was shared by 23 players, head coach and six support staff.
Cash incentives are fast becoming an effective tool to promote sports in India. The sector is now almost totally in the hands of private sector. Yet, the government matters.
The Sports Ministry is also expected to announce incentives for the players and the support staff. Sports Minister, M.S. Gill, is scheduled to meets captain Baichung Bhutia and yesterday's hat-trick man Sunil Chhetri, soon.
More money to come
AIFF President Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi personally met the players this morning and congratulated them for the "historic win." This took the country to 2011 Asian Cup after 24 years. Dasmunshi also presented each of the team members, a cheque of Rs 50,000.
Head coach Bob Houghton was handed a Rs 1 lakh cheque. The six other support staff (two assistant coaches, one goalkeeper coach, team manager, a doctor and a physio) were also given Rs 50,000 each. This brought the total sum to Rs 15.5 lakh.
India defeated defending champions Tajikistan by a convincing 4-1 margin to win their first major title since the Nehru Cup win in August last year.
How effective is the withdrawal technique …………getting pregnant?
Don't ever fall for this one, baby. It cuts you both ways.
If withdrawal is done properly, you are left a bit unsatisfied. Don’t you realize how important it is that the ‘material’ be emptied deep inside you? Men, too, find full sexual satisfaction only when they are able to ejaculate deep inside you.
On the other hand, if withdrawal is not proper, you risk getting pregnant. So don't risk it.
Insist on a condom or use contraceptives.
If withdrawal is done properly, you are left a bit unsatisfied. Don’t you realize how important it is that the ‘material’ be emptied deep inside you? Men, too, find full sexual satisfaction only when they are able to ejaculate deep inside you.
On the other hand, if withdrawal is not proper, you risk getting pregnant. So don't risk it.
Insist on a condom or use contraceptives.
How to make the 'first night' exciting?
Back in the days of virgin brides, the so called ‘first-night’ sex was like an earth-shattering event. As 71 percent of women thinking it's all right to have sex before marriage, and 35 percent who agree on the advantage of cohabiting before tying the knots, things have certainly changed, now.
A Marriage Survey, conducted in the USA, say many young women today have tried every move in the book by the time they hit their wedding-night sheets.
And having all of that experience under your belt, literally, can present a challenge when it comes to making things new and exciting once your commitment is sealed officially.
Couples often create an image in their minds of how much better sex will be once the rings are on. But a wedding ceremony in itself doesn't transform your intimate life. You have to take charge of breathing new energy into it.
Anticipating the fun
Building up anticipation can make newlywed sex more intense. When couples abstain from sex in the weeks before their nuptials, they may find that their wedding-night sex is the best sex of their lives. Simply because it was so eagerly anticipated. This is a technique you can use long after the honeymoon is over. The psychology is simple human nature: You need it, you want it, and you can't get it yet…and that makes you want it all the more.
What's going on here is not only psychological but physical as well.
Physiologically speaking, an absence of bedroom activity causes your hormones to rage. This likely makes your partner look even sexier and more desirable to you. Hormones are powerful chemicals, as powerful for women as for men.
Let your man in command
First, let your man in on the plan so he doesn't feel rejected. Then feel free to tease him for hours, days, or even a week. Whether you're writing him suggestive e-mails during the workday, giving him long, lingering kisses and nothing else, or sleeping next to him naked while initiating other things but not intercourse, you're creating that necessary tension. By the time you give in, you'll both be incredibly worked up, which will lead to stronger orgasms.
A Marriage Survey, conducted in the USA, say many young women today have tried every move in the book by the time they hit their wedding-night sheets.
And having all of that experience under your belt, literally, can present a challenge when it comes to making things new and exciting once your commitment is sealed officially.
Couples often create an image in their minds of how much better sex will be once the rings are on. But a wedding ceremony in itself doesn't transform your intimate life. You have to take charge of breathing new energy into it.
Anticipating the fun
Building up anticipation can make newlywed sex more intense. When couples abstain from sex in the weeks before their nuptials, they may find that their wedding-night sex is the best sex of their lives. Simply because it was so eagerly anticipated. This is a technique you can use long after the honeymoon is over. The psychology is simple human nature: You need it, you want it, and you can't get it yet…and that makes you want it all the more.
What's going on here is not only psychological but physical as well.
Physiologically speaking, an absence of bedroom activity causes your hormones to rage. This likely makes your partner look even sexier and more desirable to you. Hormones are powerful chemicals, as powerful for women as for men.
Let your man in command
First, let your man in on the plan so he doesn't feel rejected. Then feel free to tease him for hours, days, or even a week. Whether you're writing him suggestive e-mails during the workday, giving him long, lingering kisses and nothing else, or sleeping next to him naked while initiating other things but not intercourse, you're creating that necessary tension. By the time you give in, you'll both be incredibly worked up, which will lead to stronger orgasms.
Sex karo daily.....
Ten gains of Good Sex
1. Sex is a beauty treatment also. Research findings have shown that love making produce rich amounts of the hormone, estrogen. This harmone makes hair shine and skin smooth.
2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced during the act cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.
3. Lovemaking can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner.
4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It’s more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don’t need special sneakers.
5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.
6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy.
7. Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. It is ten times more potent than Valium.
8. Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up.
9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.
10. A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever.
1. Sex is a beauty treatment also. Research findings have shown that love making produce rich amounts of the hormone, estrogen. This harmone makes hair shine and skin smooth.
2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced during the act cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.
3. Lovemaking can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner.
4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It’s more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don’t need special sneakers.
5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.
6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy.
7. Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. It is ten times more potent than Valium.
8. Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up.
9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.
10. A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever.
Akshay is now Emperor
Akshay kumar has reached a new high in his stardom as his much-hyped film release, His Singh is Kinng, has raked in Rs 18 Crore across India in its first two days of release. And Akshay may call himself the Emperor now.
The smash-hit film opened on Friday, 8th August, with net collections of Rs 8 Crore on the first day and Rs 10 crore on the second day of its screening. It’s a record-breaking performance for the past 10 years. It was expected to close the opening weekend at Rs 28 crore, smashing all past Box Office records.
Singh is Kinng also managed the biggest-ever opening in North America, the UK and the Middle East. Till date, Om Shanti Om and Jodhaa Akbar were the top grossers in the North American circuit. Singh is Kinng, however, beat both the films opening on Friday with a record haul of $232,000 as opposed to $227,000 of Om Shanti Om) and $209,000 of Jodhaa Akbar.
In the UK, the film pocketed £337,000, while in UAE, it brought in 1.4 million United Arab Emirates dirham.
The smash-hit film opened on Friday, 8th August, with net collections of Rs 8 Crore on the first day and Rs 10 crore on the second day of its screening. It’s a record-breaking performance for the past 10 years. It was expected to close the opening weekend at Rs 28 crore, smashing all past Box Office records.
Singh is Kinng also managed the biggest-ever opening in North America, the UK and the Middle East. Till date, Om Shanti Om and Jodhaa Akbar were the top grossers in the North American circuit. Singh is Kinng, however, beat both the films opening on Friday with a record haul of $232,000 as opposed to $227,000 of Om Shanti Om) and $209,000 of Jodhaa Akbar.
In the UK, the film pocketed £337,000, while in UAE, it brought in 1.4 million United Arab Emirates dirham.
Enquery instituted into Monika Devi case
An enquiry, has been instituted into the circumstances in which weightlifter Monika Devi was not sent to Beijing for the Olympics.
On his return from Beijing, the Sports Minister had a meeting with Monika Devi and all others concerned regarding the issue and decided to institute an enquiry. It will be conducted by the former Chief Election Commissioner, T.S. Krishnamurthy.
Monika had allegedly tested positive for an endogenous steroid and she was prevented from taking the flight to Beijing at the last moment. This led to a controversy that is yet to die down.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation instituted its own panel to hear the lifter from Manipur and cleared her participation, though, by then, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had withdrawn her name from the entry list and there was no way of re-entering her after August 7.
On his return from Beijing, the Sports Minister had a meeting with Monika Devi and all others concerned regarding the issue and decided to institute an enquiry. It will be conducted by the former Chief Election Commissioner, T.S. Krishnamurthy.
Monika had allegedly tested positive for an endogenous steroid and she was prevented from taking the flight to Beijing at the last moment. This led to a controversy that is yet to die down.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation instituted its own panel to hear the lifter from Manipur and cleared her participation, though, by then, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had withdrawn her name from the entry list and there was no way of re-entering her after August 7.
Laloo denies wrongdoing
As expected, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad rejected as “baseless and malicious” charges that he had provided jobs in the railways to persons in exchange of land and buildings given to him and his family members.
The allegations of a ‘land-for-job’ scam were made by the president of the Bihar unit of the Janata Dal (United), Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lallan’ on Tuesday.
Referring to land transactions finalised by members of Lalu’s family, a television sting had insinuated that the deals were for a quid pro quo arrangement.
Unmoved Laloo
Many of the transactions referred to by the TV channel do not relate to him or his family members. Lalu said,
“the case of land deals related to me are duly registered and payments of reasonable considerations have been made to the sellers.”
Lalu said the land transactions related to him and his family members were included in the property returns filed by him in Parliament and with the Prime Minister's Office, as required under the rules.
The TV sting also alleged that RJD MPs Raghunath Jha and Kanti Singh were rewarded with ministerial berths after they concluded land deals in favour of the Railway Minister’s family members.
No refutal of charges
In Patna, RJD leaders did not refute the charges of land transfers in the name of Lalu and his family members.
Instead, they claimed that the total value of the land was only Rs 13.89 lakh and not over Rs 100 crore as alleged by the JD(U).
The allegations of a ‘land-for-job’ scam were made by the president of the Bihar unit of the Janata Dal (United), Rajiv Ranjan Singh ‘Lallan’ on Tuesday.
Referring to land transactions finalised by members of Lalu’s family, a television sting had insinuated that the deals were for a quid pro quo arrangement.
Unmoved Laloo
Many of the transactions referred to by the TV channel do not relate to him or his family members. Lalu said,
“the case of land deals related to me are duly registered and payments of reasonable considerations have been made to the sellers.”
Lalu said the land transactions related to him and his family members were included in the property returns filed by him in Parliament and with the Prime Minister's Office, as required under the rules.
The TV sting also alleged that RJD MPs Raghunath Jha and Kanti Singh were rewarded with ministerial berths after they concluded land deals in favour of the Railway Minister’s family members.
No refutal of charges
In Patna, RJD leaders did not refute the charges of land transfers in the name of Lalu and his family members.
Instead, they claimed that the total value of the land was only Rs 13.89 lakh and not over Rs 100 crore as alleged by the JD(U).
Parents worried over growing sexual conents on tv in USA, too
A fresh study by the Parents Television Council, has found that viewers would prefer to learn about sex outside of marriage rather than inside.
Parents even in The USA and Western countries are worried over growing sexual content on television. A fresh study by The Parents Television Council, about television content concludes that this increased focus on sex “consistently undermines marriage by placing it in a negative light.”
According to Fox News.com, the study continued by noting that television shows draw pleasure from peculiar behavior, including partner swapping and pedophilia. It added that “pornography, sex toys and other kinky behaviors, along with voyeurism, outnumber the frequency of marriage related sex on television by 3-1.”
Negative impact
These visuals have a negative effect on children, the PTC reports. It lamented the fact that parents frequently lack the necessary tools to restrict their programming.
The major networks declined to speak on these findings.
Parents even in The USA and Western countries are worried over growing sexual content on television. A fresh study by The Parents Television Council, about television content concludes that this increased focus on sex “consistently undermines marriage by placing it in a negative light.”
According to Fox News.com, the study continued by noting that television shows draw pleasure from peculiar behavior, including partner swapping and pedophilia. It added that “pornography, sex toys and other kinky behaviors, along with voyeurism, outnumber the frequency of marriage related sex on television by 3-1.”
Negative impact
These visuals have a negative effect on children, the PTC reports. It lamented the fact that parents frequently lack the necessary tools to restrict their programming.
The major networks declined to speak on these findings.
Musharraf again raises bogey of Kashmir
Pakistan President Musharraf has again raised the bogey of Kashmir being the integral part of his country even as fresh support for his impeachment came in. He was addressing the nation on the occasion of Independence Day. Musharrf, however, choose not to mention anything about his proposed impeachment.
In a fresh development going against Musharraf, the assembly in the Pakistani province of Sindh has passed a resolution calling on the President to take a vote of confidence or resign.
Tough battle getting tougher
The president now faces an uphill battle to avoid being impeached. The vote follows similar resolutions by the Punjab and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) assemblies.
Ninety-two members of the Sindhy assembly voted in favour of the motion and none cast their vote against it.
Sixty-seven members, including 51 belonging to Sindh's governing coalition partner, the Muttahidah Quami Movement (MQM), abstained from casting their vote.
In a fresh development going against Musharraf, the assembly in the Pakistani province of Sindh has passed a resolution calling on the President to take a vote of confidence or resign.
Tough battle getting tougher
The president now faces an uphill battle to avoid being impeached. The vote follows similar resolutions by the Punjab and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) assemblies.
Ninety-two members of the Sindhy assembly voted in favour of the motion and none cast their vote against it.
Sixty-seven members, including 51 belonging to Sindh's governing coalition partner, the Muttahidah Quami Movement (MQM), abstained from casting their vote.
Police kill 4 protesting farmers in Noida
Police fired at protesting farmers, killing at least four of them, in Greater Noida. They were protesting over denial of enhanced compensation for land acquired from them.
Farmers in eight villages were led to a bloody confrontation with police on Wednesday, resulting in the police firing and subsequent killing of four of them. One constable, too, was killed in the violence.
Better compensation
Hundreds of farmers demanding higher compensation for their farmland acquired in 2006 broke through six layers of police barricades and security to stone the cops guarding the office of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. It is to be noted that market prices of the properties acquired from them is much more than what they have been given by the authorities.
The chairman of the authority, Lalit Srivastava, said that one cop was killed when he was run over by a tractor but the police were not willing to confirm the death.
Samajwadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav has demanded registration of murder cases against those who had fired on the farmers. The Mayawati government, however, strongly defended the police action.
Government says no
The government maintains that the demand for revising the compensation given in 2006 was unjustified. They had been given the then prevailing rate of Rs 382 per square metre. The demand for new rates of Rs 850, effective only from April 1, 2007. couldn’t be applied to their cases.
Farmers in eight villages were led to a bloody confrontation with police on Wednesday, resulting in the police firing and subsequent killing of four of them. One constable, too, was killed in the violence.
Better compensation
Hundreds of farmers demanding higher compensation for their farmland acquired in 2006 broke through six layers of police barricades and security to stone the cops guarding the office of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. It is to be noted that market prices of the properties acquired from them is much more than what they have been given by the authorities.
The chairman of the authority, Lalit Srivastava, said that one cop was killed when he was run over by a tractor but the police were not willing to confirm the death.
Samajwadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav has demanded registration of murder cases against those who had fired on the farmers. The Mayawati government, however, strongly defended the police action.
Government says no
The government maintains that the demand for revising the compensation given in 2006 was unjustified. They had been given the then prevailing rate of Rs 382 per square metre. The demand for new rates of Rs 850, effective only from April 1, 2007. couldn’t be applied to their cases.
BJP demands fresh delemitation of constotuencies in J&K
The BJP has demanded a fresh delimitation of constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. It has claimed that the state’s existing electoral map did not do justice to the aspirations of the people of the Jammu region.
The party pointed out that Jammu region was larger than the Kashmir Valley, both in terms of population and area but still contributed fewer seats to the assembly and the Lok Sabha.
Election be held on schedule
However, the party wants the assembly polls in the state to be held on time. It did not want the delimitation exercise to come in its way.
The party hopes to use the delimitation demand to consolidate its hold in the Jammu region. The ongoing agitation launched by the people for the restoration of the land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, it believes is the result of ‘pent-up feelings’ among them over decades of ‘neglect and discrimination’ at the hands of the successive governments.
Not then but now
The process of delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies was entrusted to the Kuldip Singh Commission by the NDA government in 2002. At that time, however, the NDA government had agreed to exempt Jammu & Kashmir from the delimitation process.
The party pointed out that Jammu region was larger than the Kashmir Valley, both in terms of population and area but still contributed fewer seats to the assembly and the Lok Sabha.
Election be held on schedule
However, the party wants the assembly polls in the state to be held on time. It did not want the delimitation exercise to come in its way.
The party hopes to use the delimitation demand to consolidate its hold in the Jammu region. The ongoing agitation launched by the people for the restoration of the land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, it believes is the result of ‘pent-up feelings’ among them over decades of ‘neglect and discrimination’ at the hands of the successive governments.
Not then but now
The process of delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies was entrusted to the Kuldip Singh Commission by the NDA government in 2002. At that time, however, the NDA government had agreed to exempt Jammu & Kashmir from the delimitation process.
Some hope for HIV-positives
The state government of Kerala has become the first to reserve a government job for HIV-positive candidates. Being an HIV-positive doesn't necessarily means one has AIDS. It only is an indication of their vulnerability.
The Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) has invited applications from the graduate candidates suffering from the disease for the post of coordinator with the organisation.
The candidate should have three years of experience working with HIV related matters.
The Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) has invited applications from the graduate candidates suffering from the disease for the post of coordinator with the organisation.
The candidate should have three years of experience working with HIV related matters.
More advises in Hindi
I am glad to link a sex advisor for serving you better in Roman Hindi. You may put your questions directly at yonachar@gmail.com
You may also like to visit- http://salahkar.blogspot.com
You may also like to visit- http://salahkar.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Conflicting reports on Anees Ibrahim
It’s still not clear who the three persons detained at the airport at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia were. The versions as given by the Indian security agencies are typical to their character. More they try to clarify, more they appear to hide.
“We have information that three people have been detained at Jeddah airport. But there is no official confirmation and neither has anyone approached us yet." Mumbai’s Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), said.
It’s not clear, again, who the Joint Commissioner was expecting to contact him. Did he expect the authorities at Jeddah to call him for a candle-light dinner and give him the details?
Uncertain reports
There were reports in the Indian media that Anees Ibrahim, brother of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and two others were held at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Anees is one of those most wanted suspects in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case. He was said to be trying to leave the country after a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Indian agencies were unable to confirm or deny the reports even after more than 24 hours.
The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia had passed on details of the passports and identity of Anees, who is wanted under an Interpol Red Corner notice, to local authorities but were yet to hear from them until late on Tuesday.
How naïve! Do the Indian sleuths expect criminals like Anees to travel with their regular papers? Or do they expect the Saudis to work for them?
History of non co-operation
Asking a local authority in a foreign state is ok. But India will have to fight for itself. There is no history of Saudi Arabia or, for that matter, any Islamic state to be sympathetic towards India. More so, when the Muslim fundamentalists are involved.
Some sources say, Anees Ibrahim Kaskar was travelling under the name Sayed Omar Haji Ebrahim and carrying a Pakistani passport. The other two are suspected to be Salim Chiplun travelling as Sikander Khan, S/o Iqbal Khan and Shamsher Dawood as Shafi Bawa, S/o Ahmed Bawa.
Sources in Gujarat said that Shamsher Dawood is none other than Sharifkhan Pathan, sharpshooter of former Ahmedabad underworld don Abdul Latif Abdul Wahab Shaikh.
Pathan is wanted by Gujarat Police for a number of offences including counterfeiting, forgery, crime involving the use of weapons and explosives, terrorism, thefts and kidnapping among others. A Red Corner notice has been issued against Pathan by the Interpol at the behest of CBI.
Held and released
A report in The Indian Express says, Anees, who is wanted in Mumbai for training youths for the blasts, is also wanted by Gujarat Police in at least one case. If confirmed, it would not be the first time that Anees has been detained in a Middle-Eastern country.
He is known to have been held in Dubai twice since 1996 and once in Bahrain about a decade ago. But each time he was let off for want of evidence.
In 2002, Dubai is believed to have deported him to Pakistan despite the CBI sending an extradition request saying he was one of the main conspirators in the Mumbai blasts.
Fingerprint identication
Security sources said that if Anees’s detention is confirmed, a newly introduced fingerprint identity system at Jeddah airport would have led to the breakthrough.
Although Anees as well as Dawood are known to travel around the region by faking their identities and passports, Indian agencies have fingerprints of both on record and they have been circulated through Interpol.
The fingerprint system was introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry about six months ago to plug a loophole in its immigration system which was apparently being misused by people who entered the country on Umrah Visas and stayed on illegally and sought employment.
Numerous passports
Anees, sources said, is known to have passports of India, Pakistan and the U.A.E. He has performed Umrah several times. Although India does not have an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia, some officials said they were hopeful of progress if his detention is confirmed.
“We have information that three people have been detained at Jeddah airport. But there is no official confirmation and neither has anyone approached us yet." Mumbai’s Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), said.
It’s not clear, again, who the Joint Commissioner was expecting to contact him. Did he expect the authorities at Jeddah to call him for a candle-light dinner and give him the details?
Uncertain reports
There were reports in the Indian media that Anees Ibrahim, brother of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and two others were held at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Anees is one of those most wanted suspects in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case. He was said to be trying to leave the country after a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Indian agencies were unable to confirm or deny the reports even after more than 24 hours.
The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia had passed on details of the passports and identity of Anees, who is wanted under an Interpol Red Corner notice, to local authorities but were yet to hear from them until late on Tuesday.
How naïve! Do the Indian sleuths expect criminals like Anees to travel with their regular papers? Or do they expect the Saudis to work for them?
History of non co-operation
Asking a local authority in a foreign state is ok. But India will have to fight for itself. There is no history of Saudi Arabia or, for that matter, any Islamic state to be sympathetic towards India. More so, when the Muslim fundamentalists are involved.
Some sources say, Anees Ibrahim Kaskar was travelling under the name Sayed Omar Haji Ebrahim and carrying a Pakistani passport. The other two are suspected to be Salim Chiplun travelling as Sikander Khan, S/o Iqbal Khan and Shamsher Dawood as Shafi Bawa, S/o Ahmed Bawa.
Sources in Gujarat said that Shamsher Dawood is none other than Sharifkhan Pathan, sharpshooter of former Ahmedabad underworld don Abdul Latif Abdul Wahab Shaikh.
Pathan is wanted by Gujarat Police for a number of offences including counterfeiting, forgery, crime involving the use of weapons and explosives, terrorism, thefts and kidnapping among others. A Red Corner notice has been issued against Pathan by the Interpol at the behest of CBI.
Held and released
A report in The Indian Express says, Anees, who is wanted in Mumbai for training youths for the blasts, is also wanted by Gujarat Police in at least one case. If confirmed, it would not be the first time that Anees has been detained in a Middle-Eastern country.
He is known to have been held in Dubai twice since 1996 and once in Bahrain about a decade ago. But each time he was let off for want of evidence.
In 2002, Dubai is believed to have deported him to Pakistan despite the CBI sending an extradition request saying he was one of the main conspirators in the Mumbai blasts.
Fingerprint identication
Security sources said that if Anees’s detention is confirmed, a newly introduced fingerprint identity system at Jeddah airport would have led to the breakthrough.
Although Anees as well as Dawood are known to travel around the region by faking their identities and passports, Indian agencies have fingerprints of both on record and they have been circulated through Interpol.
The fingerprint system was introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry about six months ago to plug a loophole in its immigration system which was apparently being misused by people who entered the country on Umrah Visas and stayed on illegally and sought employment.
Numerous passports
Anees, sources said, is known to have passports of India, Pakistan and the U.A.E. He has performed Umrah several times. Although India does not have an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia, some officials said they were hopeful of progress if his detention is confirmed.
Ignorant Patil causing more damage in Jammu & Kashmir
The inefficient and ignorant handling of the Amarnath Land Issue in Jammu and Kashmir by Home minister Shivraj Patil has caused more damage than any other factor. Patil, inadvertently, infused life into the ‘economic blockade’ by stating that his government would compensate any losses the fruit growers in the valley may have suffered.
Soon screaming headlines ‘Compensation in Valley, Bullets in Jammu’ were all-around. This single statement shows how little he understands the ground realities in the state. On the merit of this statement only he deserves to be removed from the job. But the present Union Government in Delhi is more a combination of power brokers than a body of mature leaders with effective statesmanship.
Contradicting himself
During the Srinagar leg of their two-day visit, the all-party delegation was informed that there was indeed no blockade of the Valley. Officials informed that 178 trucks reached Srinagar on Sunday and 423 trucks crossed Jammu.
Patil concurred also by saying: “There is no economic blockade. Traffic is plying as usual from the Valley to Jammu and Punjab and back.” Another statement from his ministry repeated this on Tuesday. “There is no obstacle in the way of movement of fruit and other items. Therefore, there is no reason for agitation on this issue.”.
But at the same time, Patil also said that the Centre was willing to compensate the losses of fruit growers. “The highway will be kept open and efforts would be made to transport fruit to markets outside the Valley. If this is rendered impossible, the government will make purchases; CRPF will buy and distribute fruit to school children. If growers still suffer losses, the Centre will compensate.”
The reality
The truth, however, is that this is not the peak fruit season. Additionally, very little fruit has been ruined and as the government is pointing out repeatedly, trucks have been moving in and out of the Valley. By contradicting himself, Patil managed to put much fuel in the fire.
This was the last thing the Congress-led government needed. Not only was the suspicion about government’s intensions reinforced, but in Jammu, Patil became the embodiment of the ‘discriminatory practices’ of the Centre.
Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti has maintained that they have not undertaken any blockade of the Valley nor would they consider making such a move. Samiti’s knows that an economic blockade would give separatists a handle to attack the movement with.
Sinister designs
In the run-up to the Hurriyat-sponsored ‘Muzaffarabad chalo’ march, authorities organised for the effective transportation of the major portion of the produce at the main fruit mandis, including Srinagar, Parimpora and Sopore. As many as 90 trucks were pressed for the purpose.
But separatists like the Hurriyat or the PDP, have other designs.
A sizeable delegation of traders was invited to meet the home minister. However, the meeting never took place as the traders had to wait for more than two hours and they were unwilling to do so. This reluctance to participate in the talks or allow authorities to load the trucks to transport the fruit out of the Valley has been attributed to the political affiliations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce president Mubin Shah. Mubin Shah is a pro-Hurriyat leader and as expected his writ does run among traders.
Soon screaming headlines ‘Compensation in Valley, Bullets in Jammu’ were all-around. This single statement shows how little he understands the ground realities in the state. On the merit of this statement only he deserves to be removed from the job. But the present Union Government in Delhi is more a combination of power brokers than a body of mature leaders with effective statesmanship.
Contradicting himself
During the Srinagar leg of their two-day visit, the all-party delegation was informed that there was indeed no blockade of the Valley. Officials informed that 178 trucks reached Srinagar on Sunday and 423 trucks crossed Jammu.
Patil concurred also by saying: “There is no economic blockade. Traffic is plying as usual from the Valley to Jammu and Punjab and back.” Another statement from his ministry repeated this on Tuesday. “There is no obstacle in the way of movement of fruit and other items. Therefore, there is no reason for agitation on this issue.”.
But at the same time, Patil also said that the Centre was willing to compensate the losses of fruit growers. “The highway will be kept open and efforts would be made to transport fruit to markets outside the Valley. If this is rendered impossible, the government will make purchases; CRPF will buy and distribute fruit to school children. If growers still suffer losses, the Centre will compensate.”
The reality
The truth, however, is that this is not the peak fruit season. Additionally, very little fruit has been ruined and as the government is pointing out repeatedly, trucks have been moving in and out of the Valley. By contradicting himself, Patil managed to put much fuel in the fire.
This was the last thing the Congress-led government needed. Not only was the suspicion about government’s intensions reinforced, but in Jammu, Patil became the embodiment of the ‘discriminatory practices’ of the Centre.
Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti has maintained that they have not undertaken any blockade of the Valley nor would they consider making such a move. Samiti’s knows that an economic blockade would give separatists a handle to attack the movement with.
Sinister designs
In the run-up to the Hurriyat-sponsored ‘Muzaffarabad chalo’ march, authorities organised for the effective transportation of the major portion of the produce at the main fruit mandis, including Srinagar, Parimpora and Sopore. As many as 90 trucks were pressed for the purpose.
But separatists like the Hurriyat or the PDP, have other designs.
A sizeable delegation of traders was invited to meet the home minister. However, the meeting never took place as the traders had to wait for more than two hours and they were unwilling to do so. This reluctance to participate in the talks or allow authorities to load the trucks to transport the fruit out of the Valley has been attributed to the political affiliations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce president Mubin Shah. Mubin Shah is a pro-Hurriyat leader and as expected his writ does run among traders.
Sex at a 'mature' age is as desirable as ever
Recently I got a note from one of my clients, gravely describing his woes. It went like this:
“I am a Mining Engineer and I turned 55 this year. A bit of bulky build may have made me look much older than I really am. My problem is that I fail to contain my sexual drive. Also, I don’t see any reason for doing so. I need sex at least once in a week. But my wife is not cooperating.
I have studied much about the fallacies of people in general about how sex is a huge waste of energy. And how it may drive an “over-indulgent” person to insanity and the like. While I could not help smiling at such suggestions, my wife will offer to give away her right hand to anyone who may convince me to abstain from sex.
Grown up children
The problem is aggravated by the fact that we have grown-up children living with us. I do behave properly around them and respect the sense of privacy that my wife demands so vehemently. But even in the total privacy of our bedroom on the first floor, my wife simply blushes and expresses disagreement whenever I suggest sex. Mostly she tries to remind me of the fact of our grown-up children.
Last year also, I visited a consultant who tried to clarify me that being a diabetic; my wife will only have a declining libido. She can hardly do anything about it. That piece of information was like a fuel-in-fire situation.
Since I have some mining business away from the city, I have to travel a lot. I also have workable residential facilities there. It raises my temptations to stray and build sexual relations. But I know that would be disastrous. Even if my wife is lenient about flicks and one-night-stands, I fail to bring myself down to such levels.
Infidelity
Last week, I had a stormy night of sex with the wife of one of my site managers. She came to cook the dinner for me and the inevitable happened. She is also middle-aged and would like to continue the affair. But I believe, such a relationship will only help destroy the sense of discipline in my staff and the sense of self-image within myself. Please advise!”
So one may see how a simple looking problem has started assuming dangerous proportions. Obviously, he is an educated and well informed person and has decent upbringing. It appears he has no intension of cheating on his wife. But all the same he is heating. Unfortunately, he has not many options. His wife will continue to be a diabetic and the mind set-up of any person, let alone her, does not change so easily. Particularly, at such a mature age.
Diabetes does reduce the libido, but this could never be a valid reason for the gentleman to build extra-marital relationships. As he also realizes, such relations only complicate lives further.
Caution please
Some recent studies have given evidences that willing people even in their seventies are enjoying sex more than once in a week and are deriving many health benefits too. The wife involved in this case must be explained that her resistance to sex on account of grown up children only, also does not hold much water.
Sex at a mature age reduces the risks of many cardiac problems. Since it uplifts the mood, it also helps you fight the curses of hypertension. But those people already suffering these ailments, need caution and seeking a sound medical advice is recommended.
“I am a Mining Engineer and I turned 55 this year. A bit of bulky build may have made me look much older than I really am. My problem is that I fail to contain my sexual drive. Also, I don’t see any reason for doing so. I need sex at least once in a week. But my wife is not cooperating.
I have studied much about the fallacies of people in general about how sex is a huge waste of energy. And how it may drive an “over-indulgent” person to insanity and the like. While I could not help smiling at such suggestions, my wife will offer to give away her right hand to anyone who may convince me to abstain from sex.
Grown up children
The problem is aggravated by the fact that we have grown-up children living with us. I do behave properly around them and respect the sense of privacy that my wife demands so vehemently. But even in the total privacy of our bedroom on the first floor, my wife simply blushes and expresses disagreement whenever I suggest sex. Mostly she tries to remind me of the fact of our grown-up children.
Last year also, I visited a consultant who tried to clarify me that being a diabetic; my wife will only have a declining libido. She can hardly do anything about it. That piece of information was like a fuel-in-fire situation.
Since I have some mining business away from the city, I have to travel a lot. I also have workable residential facilities there. It raises my temptations to stray and build sexual relations. But I know that would be disastrous. Even if my wife is lenient about flicks and one-night-stands, I fail to bring myself down to such levels.
Infidelity
Last week, I had a stormy night of sex with the wife of one of my site managers. She came to cook the dinner for me and the inevitable happened. She is also middle-aged and would like to continue the affair. But I believe, such a relationship will only help destroy the sense of discipline in my staff and the sense of self-image within myself. Please advise!”
So one may see how a simple looking problem has started assuming dangerous proportions. Obviously, he is an educated and well informed person and has decent upbringing. It appears he has no intension of cheating on his wife. But all the same he is heating. Unfortunately, he has not many options. His wife will continue to be a diabetic and the mind set-up of any person, let alone her, does not change so easily. Particularly, at such a mature age.
Diabetes does reduce the libido, but this could never be a valid reason for the gentleman to build extra-marital relationships. As he also realizes, such relations only complicate lives further.
Caution please
Some recent studies have given evidences that willing people even in their seventies are enjoying sex more than once in a week and are deriving many health benefits too. The wife involved in this case must be explained that her resistance to sex on account of grown up children only, also does not hold much water.
Sex at a mature age reduces the risks of many cardiac problems. Since it uplifts the mood, it also helps you fight the curses of hypertension. But those people already suffering these ailments, need caution and seeking a sound medical advice is recommended.
Another UPA 'deal' comes to light
Clearly indicating this to be a deal between him and the UPA government that was desperately looking for support during the vote-of-confidence in the Parliament, ‘convicted-by-the-court-and-saved by-the-politicians’ criminal and JMM chief Shibu Soren on Tuesday staked claim for Chief Ministership of Jharkhand. Soren claimed that "the decision regarding making me Jharkhand CM was taken long back but it is getting delayed. Hence, we withdraw support for Koda government if he does not resign now."
He also claimed that the "UPA high command has directed Madhu Koda to resign. I will take oath as new CM soon".
The JMM leader claimed that besides Chief Ministership to him, the party will also be getting two portfolios, one cabinet rank and another a minister for state berth, in the Union Cabinet
Earlier, Soren had supported the UPA in the confidence motion on July 22 on certain conditions.
Lalu is not opposed to Soren
Lalu, who was earlier firmly opposed to any change of guard in Jharkhand, today declared support to Soren.
The RJD of Laloo has substantial political stakes in Jharkhand and most fodder scam cases against him are also at different stages of trial in the state. A favourable CM, under the circumstances, is sure a great help.
He also claimed that the "UPA high command has directed Madhu Koda to resign. I will take oath as new CM soon".
The JMM leader claimed that besides Chief Ministership to him, the party will also be getting two portfolios, one cabinet rank and another a minister for state berth, in the Union Cabinet
Earlier, Soren had supported the UPA in the confidence motion on July 22 on certain conditions.
Lalu is not opposed to Soren
Lalu, who was earlier firmly opposed to any change of guard in Jharkhand, today declared support to Soren.
The RJD of Laloo has substantial political stakes in Jharkhand and most fodder scam cases against him are also at different stages of trial in the state. A favourable CM, under the circumstances, is sure a great help.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
'Marital sex is divine'
A Polish religious leader has said that "love between a married couple expressed in sex, brings the human body closer to heaven. The ecstasy in the joy of sexual intercourse can be likened to the joy of eternal life."
Mr. Knotz, the religious leader, made the comment and has been backing it up since 2000 by holding weekend and six-day long retreats for married couples. In Poland, more than 3,000 Roman Catholic couples have attended his popular workshops. Both, the church officials and various secular therapists, have shown their respective approval of Knotz’s teachings. The workshops are booked completely through next year.
Catholic Kama Sutra
The proclaimed “high priest of Catholic Kama Sutra,” believes that he is doing God’s will by giving married couples pointers on how to practice divine sex. Knotz places much emphasis on prayer when showing couples how to have a good sex life.
Knotz, who has vowed celibacy, urges husbands to take the time and effort to satisfy their wives. He told that having a “good communication between spouses" is the best route to strengthening a couple’s bond. He also said that "if you believe in God, then you believe God is involved in life, in love, in marriage and in sex and sexuality.”
Mr. Knotz, the religious leader, made the comment and has been backing it up since 2000 by holding weekend and six-day long retreats for married couples. In Poland, more than 3,000 Roman Catholic couples have attended his popular workshops. Both, the church officials and various secular therapists, have shown their respective approval of Knotz’s teachings. The workshops are booked completely through next year.
Catholic Kama Sutra
The proclaimed “high priest of Catholic Kama Sutra,” believes that he is doing God’s will by giving married couples pointers on how to practice divine sex. Knotz places much emphasis on prayer when showing couples how to have a good sex life.
Knotz, who has vowed celibacy, urges husbands to take the time and effort to satisfy their wives. He told that having a “good communication between spouses" is the best route to strengthening a couple’s bond. He also said that "if you believe in God, then you believe God is involved in life, in love, in marriage and in sex and sexuality.”
BJP feels vindicated after vote-for-money-tape telecast
After the telecast of the 'cash for vote' sting operation tapes by a private channel, BJP on Monday claimed it has "conclusively established" that UPA Government have won the trust vote by "dubious means".
Party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "The sting operation conclusively establishes that the Manmohan Singh Government has established its majority in Parliament on July 22 by dubious means,"
The telecast also confirms Amar Singh's role in "procuring MPs" to support UPA Government.
"The tapes telecast by CNN-IBN confirms that Amar Singh was a key player in the 'operation procurement' of MPs for UPA in the trust vote," he said.
Party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "The sting operation conclusively establishes that the Manmohan Singh Government has established its majority in Parliament on July 22 by dubious means,"
The telecast also confirms Amar Singh's role in "procuring MPs" to support UPA Government.
"The tapes telecast by CNN-IBN confirms that Amar Singh was a key player in the 'operation procurement' of MPs for UPA in the trust vote," he said.
Tendulkar touches his bottom in ranking
Sachin Tendulkar has dropped to his lowest level in 15 years in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen. He just has finished a disappointing series against Sri Lanka which concluded in Colombo on Monday.
Tendulkar, who started the series in the 13th position, finished in 23rd place after scoring 95 runs at an average of 15.83.
It is his lowest ranking since late 1992 after spending over 15 years in the top 20 apart from a very brief spell at the end of 2006.
Another record
Tendulkar is just 76 runs short of becoming the leading run-getter in Test cricket history. His drop is the only bad news for India batting as others have made good upward progress.
Virender Sehwag has become the highest-ranked Indian batsman after returning to the top 10 for the first time since March 2006.
Others improve
Sehwag, who scored an impressive 344 runs in the series, has lifted one place to 10th with Pakistan's Younus Khan firmly within his sights.
VVS Laxman, who scored 25 and 61 not out in the series decider, has climbed three places to 15th position while Rahul Dravid shares 16th place with England’s Alastair Cook. Dravid improves his position by two places after scores of 10 and 68 while Cook jumps four places following his contribution of 39 and 67 in The Oval Test.
Saurav Ganguly has improved his ranking by one place and now sits in 25th position while opener Gautam Gambhir, who was the second leading run-getter for his side with 310 runs, is in 37th place after jumping 12 places.
Tendulkar, who started the series in the 13th position, finished in 23rd place after scoring 95 runs at an average of 15.83.
It is his lowest ranking since late 1992 after spending over 15 years in the top 20 apart from a very brief spell at the end of 2006.
Another record
Tendulkar is just 76 runs short of becoming the leading run-getter in Test cricket history. His drop is the only bad news for India batting as others have made good upward progress.
Virender Sehwag has become the highest-ranked Indian batsman after returning to the top 10 for the first time since March 2006.
Others improve
Sehwag, who scored an impressive 344 runs in the series, has lifted one place to 10th with Pakistan's Younus Khan firmly within his sights.
VVS Laxman, who scored 25 and 61 not out in the series decider, has climbed three places to 15th position while Rahul Dravid shares 16th place with England’s Alastair Cook. Dravid improves his position by two places after scores of 10 and 68 while Cook jumps four places following his contribution of 39 and 67 in The Oval Test.
Saurav Ganguly has improved his ranking by one place and now sits in 25th position while opener Gautam Gambhir, who was the second leading run-getter for his side with 310 runs, is in 37th place after jumping 12 places.
India objects to Pakistani remark
India on Tuesday objected sharply to Pakistan's attempts to link the ongoing protests in Jammu and Kashmir to the peace process between the two countries.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the current situation in Kashmir has affected the environment for talks with India. He also said that Indo-Pak peace process would be hindered if violence in the Valley persisted.
In reply, India has strongly warned Pakistan against "interfering in its internal matters".
Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had said that the current situation in Kashmir has affected the environment for talks with India. He also said that Indo-Pak peace process would be hindered if violence in the Valley persisted.
In reply, India has strongly warned Pakistan against "interfering in its internal matters".
JAMMU & KASHMIR IS BURNING
The volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir has taken another turn to the state of total chaos. Army was today called out on the streets of the city as nearly 16 persons were killed in clashes at curfew-bound Kishtwar area of the Jammu region.
Protestors led by Hurriyat leaders defied curfew restrictions and staged rallies. Police fired teargas shells today when the agitators pelted stones at security personnel in Kishtwar. The Army was called to assist police in the restoring normalcy after incidents of arson at some places.
Curfew defied
People simply defied curfew to trawl the streets and clash with troops in many towns in the valley. At Kishtwar in the plains there were all the makings of a communal clash about to break.
A worried Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for another all-party meeting Wednesday. He hopes to hammer out a viable formula that could be acceptable to people of both Jammu and the Kashmir area.
"The leaders met Tuesday but could not arrive at a workable formula or solution that would appease the people," said a senior government functionary.
Communal divide
For the last two months, both regions have been locked in unparalleled strife along communal lines. The troubles started over the transfer and subsequent revocation of 40 hectares of land in north Kashmir by the local government to the Amarnath Shrine Board. The board manages the pilgrimage to the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Waves of protests, shutdowns and violence first started in the Kashmir Valley. Similar developments followed in Jammu. Now, it’s back in the valley again. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir appears to be paralysed.
Firing, arson all-around
As trouble spread like the proverbial wildfire across the valley, incidents of firing were reported from Srinagar, from Lasjan on the outskirts of this summer capital as well as from the towns of Bandipora and Nagabal.
In Bandipora, three persons were killed when the army fired at people defying curfew. CRPF troopers also fired at a mob in the Nagabal area of north Kashmir Ganderbal district killing one person on the spot.
In Lasjan, three people were killed when the armed guard of senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Javaid Mustafa Mir fired in panic as the former minister was attacked by a mob.
Hindu's houses torched
Elsewhere in the summer capital, mobs torched some Hindu houses and destroyed vehicles in their rage against the economic blockade of the valley following the prolonged protests in Jammu.
Thousands of protesters reached the residence of the moderate Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, breaking the cordon imposed by the security forces who had been keeping him under house arrest. Many others did the same to let Syed Ali Geelani, head of the hardliner Hurriyat, out of his Hyderpora home.
Both led marches to the Jamia Mosque -- where the funeral of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz was being held.
A large procession led by the separatist Shia leader Aga Hassan Badgami also marched towards the Jamia mosque from Badgam district.
Hindus targetted
On Monday evening, indefinite curfew was imposed throughout the valley. It has made little difference to the protestors as of now.
Hindus and Muslims clashed in complete defiance of curfew restrictions imposed in the Muslim majority town. Two Hindu houses were torched in Kishtwar and mobs pelted stones while shouting anti-government slogans. However, the situation in the rest of Jammu province was calm.
Muslim rage
Unprecedented scenes of public rage are on the show across Kashmir. Sixteen Kashmiris have been killed since Tuesday morning taking the death toll in two days of uprising to 23. Hundreds more injured are battling for their lives in hospitals.
Anti-India protests have now spread to all major districts of Jammu region including Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch and curfew has been clamped there too.
Trouble spiraled out of control Monday after government forces tried to suppress the massive public demonstration on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway.
Seven persons were shot dead including a senior Hurriyat leader, Sheikh Abdul Aziz, who was leading the march along with others.
Total chaos
The use of force however did not prevent people from taking the body of slain Hurriyat leader Seikh Aziz in a massive procession to Srinagar’s sprawling martyrs' cemetery.
In a show of unity, all top Hurriyat leaders, including Mirwaiz Farooq, Syed Ali Geelani and JKLF chief Yasin Malik joined the funeral prayers.
In Saidpora area on the Ali Jan Road one youth was killed when CRPF fired upon a procession.
Elsewhere in the summer capital, mobs torched some vehicles and houses belonging to Congress party and police officers in their rage against the brutal use of force on civilians.
Protests everywhere
The protests are not confined to Kashmir valley alone.
Curfew has been clamped on all but two districts of Jammu region where people took out processions in solidarity with the people in Kashmir valley.
Curfew has now been extended to Rajouri-Poonch, Doda and Baderwah, parts of Udhampur leaving only Jammu city and Samba in the state.
Hurriyat Conference has called upon people to continue protests, urging them to strictly follow the next course to be announced soon.
Separatist missing
Meanwhile whereabouts of senior Hurriyat leader, Shabbir Shah, who along with Sheikh Aziz was leading march to on Monday, are not known. A spokesman for the Democratic Freedom Party, of which Shah is supreme leader, said police is refusing to divulge his whereabouts.
Protestors led by Hurriyat leaders defied curfew restrictions and staged rallies. Police fired teargas shells today when the agitators pelted stones at security personnel in Kishtwar. The Army was called to assist police in the restoring normalcy after incidents of arson at some places.
Curfew defied
People simply defied curfew to trawl the streets and clash with troops in many towns in the valley. At Kishtwar in the plains there were all the makings of a communal clash about to break.
A worried Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for another all-party meeting Wednesday. He hopes to hammer out a viable formula that could be acceptable to people of both Jammu and the Kashmir area.
"The leaders met Tuesday but could not arrive at a workable formula or solution that would appease the people," said a senior government functionary.
Communal divide
For the last two months, both regions have been locked in unparalleled strife along communal lines. The troubles started over the transfer and subsequent revocation of 40 hectares of land in north Kashmir by the local government to the Amarnath Shrine Board. The board manages the pilgrimage to the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Waves of protests, shutdowns and violence first started in the Kashmir Valley. Similar developments followed in Jammu. Now, it’s back in the valley again. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir appears to be paralysed.
Firing, arson all-around
As trouble spread like the proverbial wildfire across the valley, incidents of firing were reported from Srinagar, from Lasjan on the outskirts of this summer capital as well as from the towns of Bandipora and Nagabal.
In Bandipora, three persons were killed when the army fired at people defying curfew. CRPF troopers also fired at a mob in the Nagabal area of north Kashmir Ganderbal district killing one person on the spot.
In Lasjan, three people were killed when the armed guard of senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Javaid Mustafa Mir fired in panic as the former minister was attacked by a mob.
Hindu's houses torched
Elsewhere in the summer capital, mobs torched some Hindu houses and destroyed vehicles in their rage against the economic blockade of the valley following the prolonged protests in Jammu.
Thousands of protesters reached the residence of the moderate Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, breaking the cordon imposed by the security forces who had been keeping him under house arrest. Many others did the same to let Syed Ali Geelani, head of the hardliner Hurriyat, out of his Hyderpora home.
Both led marches to the Jamia Mosque -- where the funeral of Hurriyat leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz was being held.
A large procession led by the separatist Shia leader Aga Hassan Badgami also marched towards the Jamia mosque from Badgam district.
Hindus targetted
On Monday evening, indefinite curfew was imposed throughout the valley. It has made little difference to the protestors as of now.
Hindus and Muslims clashed in complete defiance of curfew restrictions imposed in the Muslim majority town. Two Hindu houses were torched in Kishtwar and mobs pelted stones while shouting anti-government slogans. However, the situation in the rest of Jammu province was calm.
Muslim rage
Unprecedented scenes of public rage are on the show across Kashmir. Sixteen Kashmiris have been killed since Tuesday morning taking the death toll in two days of uprising to 23. Hundreds more injured are battling for their lives in hospitals.
Anti-India protests have now spread to all major districts of Jammu region including Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch and curfew has been clamped there too.
Trouble spiraled out of control Monday after government forces tried to suppress the massive public demonstration on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway.
Seven persons were shot dead including a senior Hurriyat leader, Sheikh Abdul Aziz, who was leading the march along with others.
Total chaos
The use of force however did not prevent people from taking the body of slain Hurriyat leader Seikh Aziz in a massive procession to Srinagar’s sprawling martyrs' cemetery.
In a show of unity, all top Hurriyat leaders, including Mirwaiz Farooq, Syed Ali Geelani and JKLF chief Yasin Malik joined the funeral prayers.
In Saidpora area on the Ali Jan Road one youth was killed when CRPF fired upon a procession.
Elsewhere in the summer capital, mobs torched some vehicles and houses belonging to Congress party and police officers in their rage against the brutal use of force on civilians.
Protests everywhere
The protests are not confined to Kashmir valley alone.
Curfew has been clamped on all but two districts of Jammu region where people took out processions in solidarity with the people in Kashmir valley.
Curfew has now been extended to Rajouri-Poonch, Doda and Baderwah, parts of Udhampur leaving only Jammu city and Samba in the state.
Hurriyat Conference has called upon people to continue protests, urging them to strictly follow the next course to be announced soon.
Separatist missing
Meanwhile whereabouts of senior Hurriyat leader, Shabbir Shah, who along with Sheikh Aziz was leading march to on Monday, are not known. A spokesman for the Democratic Freedom Party, of which Shah is supreme leader, said police is refusing to divulge his whereabouts.
Russia halts military operations
Finally, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered a halt to the military operations in Georgia on Tuesday. He said Russia had achieved its objectives of punishing the aggressor. Medvedev also agreed to meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy for peace talks at the Kremlin.
Medvedev said, "The aim of the operation to punish the aggressor has been achieved. The aggressor has suffered considerable losses."
Medvedev said, "The aim of the operation to punish the aggressor has been achieved. The aggressor has suffered considerable losses."
Omega-3 capsules: Better alternative to eating fish
It is now a well established fact that Omega-3 fatty acids are so useful to maintain a good health. They are more useful when we grow older. The fish oil is the best source of these fatty acids. But the quantity available in most of the varieties of fish in India is very miniscule. Also, not many people eat nor all can afford to eat fish on a regular basis.
Quality also matters
Apart from quantity, the quality of Omega-3 also matters much. It has been found through detailed research that the oils derived from Salmon fish is the best one compared to any other source.
Salmon fish are only to be found in the Antarctica region as they need sub-zero temperatures to survive. They live in minus 40 degree and below temperatures. The Nutrilite brand of Amway corporation has built fish farms where temperatures are maintained at such levels.
Convenient capsules
Nutrilite Salmon Omega-3 oils are available in convenient capsules and are priced reasonably. Its available only through the network of Amway distributors. You may find one near you for supplies. Better still, consider becoming a distributor yourself.
You may call snehilji@gmail for more details.
Quality also matters
Apart from quantity, the quality of Omega-3 also matters much. It has been found through detailed research that the oils derived from Salmon fish is the best one compared to any other source.
Salmon fish are only to be found in the Antarctica region as they need sub-zero temperatures to survive. They live in minus 40 degree and below temperatures. The Nutrilite brand of Amway corporation has built fish farms where temperatures are maintained at such levels.
Convenient capsules
Nutrilite Salmon Omega-3 oils are available in convenient capsules and are priced reasonably. Its available only through the network of Amway distributors. You may find one near you for supplies. Better still, consider becoming a distributor yourself.
You may call snehilji@gmail for more details.
Its a full-blown national crisis in Kashmir now
The Amarnath row is fast snow-balling into a far grimmer crisis. It now threatens to plunge the Kashmir valley into the anti-India tumult of the early nineties.
The death of senior Hurriyat Conference and People’s League leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz has worsened the situation further. All at once stunning and inflaming the Valley, already in uproar over the alleged economic blockade imposed by protesters in Jammu.
Out of control
Monday’s events have spiraled swiftly out of control and have left the government besieged on more fronts than it had anticipated. The dramatic escalation of violence in the Valley may indeed have radically transformed the nature of the crisis. A provincial problem has overnight been reincarnated into an emergency with international ramifications.
There is an angry and growing mass of Kashmiris bent on marching across the Line of Control into Pakistan-held Kashmir. Within the Valley itself, the latest killings are bound to provoke fresh violent reaction.
On the other hand, Pakistani forces have resumed firing across the LoC on Indian Army pickets in the Poonch-Rajouri sector.
No longer a political crisis
“This is no longer a political crisis in the state,” said a senior official based in Srinagar. “This is now a full-blown national crisis.”
Indefinite Valley-wide curfew was clamped and security forces were put on optimum alert this evening in anticipation of trouble. But similar measures have failed to have much effect even in the Jammu area. Tempers in Kashmir are known to make short work of such restrictions.
Sheikh Aziz’s funeral on Tuesday, slated in the hotbed of militancy near the Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar, could prove a flashpoint.
Who is responsible?
An irate Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Omer Farooq tonight warned the government against keeping the Valley clamped under curfew tomorrow, saying the people of Kashmir would give “a fitting funeral” to the slain Sheikh Aziz.
“We want to ask the government who is responsible for the death of Sheikh Aziz and four other innocent Kashmiris and only then shall we disclose out future course,” the Mirwaiz added.
The dramatic turn of events has effectively hijacked the focus from the Amarnath movement and produced a flaming exigency that may well demand immediate intervention from New Delhi.
The death of senior Hurriyat Conference and People’s League leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz has worsened the situation further. All at once stunning and inflaming the Valley, already in uproar over the alleged economic blockade imposed by protesters in Jammu.
Out of control
Monday’s events have spiraled swiftly out of control and have left the government besieged on more fronts than it had anticipated. The dramatic escalation of violence in the Valley may indeed have radically transformed the nature of the crisis. A provincial problem has overnight been reincarnated into an emergency with international ramifications.
There is an angry and growing mass of Kashmiris bent on marching across the Line of Control into Pakistan-held Kashmir. Within the Valley itself, the latest killings are bound to provoke fresh violent reaction.
On the other hand, Pakistani forces have resumed firing across the LoC on Indian Army pickets in the Poonch-Rajouri sector.
No longer a political crisis
“This is no longer a political crisis in the state,” said a senior official based in Srinagar. “This is now a full-blown national crisis.”
Indefinite Valley-wide curfew was clamped and security forces were put on optimum alert this evening in anticipation of trouble. But similar measures have failed to have much effect even in the Jammu area. Tempers in Kashmir are known to make short work of such restrictions.
Sheikh Aziz’s funeral on Tuesday, slated in the hotbed of militancy near the Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar, could prove a flashpoint.
Who is responsible?
An irate Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Omer Farooq tonight warned the government against keeping the Valley clamped under curfew tomorrow, saying the people of Kashmir would give “a fitting funeral” to the slain Sheikh Aziz.
“We want to ask the government who is responsible for the death of Sheikh Aziz and four other innocent Kashmiris and only then shall we disclose out future course,” the Mirwaiz added.
The dramatic turn of events has effectively hijacked the focus from the Amarnath movement and produced a flaming exigency that may well demand immediate intervention from New Delhi.
Manipuris serve seven-day notice on Monika Devi case
Manipur today served a seven-day deadline to the Manmohan Singh government to tender an apology to the people of the state for the “injustice” done to weightlifter Monika Devi.
Failure to fulfill the ultimatum will “trigger an uprising”, beginning with a 24-hour general strike on August 19, a public meeting held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex warned.
No cheers for Bindra
There was not a single cheer as Manipur Olympic Association president E. Binoykumar Singh broke the news of India’s first individual gold at Beijing. The only visible emotions were those of disappointment and anger.
The meeting was organised by the Coordination Committee Against Conspiracy to Exclude Monika from Beijing Olympics. Terming Monika’s exclusion from the Indian squad as “suppression” of Manipuri people, the meeting decided to explore ways for the state’s independent participation in international games.
Manipur Women’s Hockey Association president N. Momon Devi said she would not send the state team to the 24th national sub-junior girls hockey in Uttaranchal later this month.
Failure to fulfill the ultimatum will “trigger an uprising”, beginning with a 24-hour general strike on August 19, a public meeting held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex warned.
No cheers for Bindra
There was not a single cheer as Manipur Olympic Association president E. Binoykumar Singh broke the news of India’s first individual gold at Beijing. The only visible emotions were those of disappointment and anger.
The meeting was organised by the Coordination Committee Against Conspiracy to Exclude Monika from Beijing Olympics. Terming Monika’s exclusion from the Indian squad as “suppression” of Manipuri people, the meeting decided to explore ways for the state’s independent participation in international games.
Manipur Women’s Hockey Association president N. Momon Devi said she would not send the state team to the 24th national sub-junior girls hockey in Uttaranchal later this month.
Some parts of Olympic spectacle were faked
Some parts of the spectacular Beijing Olympics opening ceremony on Friday were faked. As the ceremony got under way, viewers watching at home and even on giant screens inside the National Stadium were treated with, in parts, computer graphics.
The fireworks were there for real, outside the stadium. But those responsible for filming the extravaganza decided in advance that it would be impossible to capture all 29 footprints from the air. So they resorted to trick photography.
The fireworks were there for real, outside the stadium. But those responsible for filming the extravaganza decided in advance that it would be impossible to capture all 29 footprints from the air. So they resorted to trick photography.
Sharp words from Bush fail to stop Russian onslaught in Georgia
A sharp criticism by the USA president failed stop the Russian tanks from roared deep into Georgia on Monday. Launching a new western front in the conflict Russian planes too, staged several air raids in Georgia.
President Bush pressed Moscow to accept an immediate cease-fire and pull its troops out to avert a "dramatic and brutal escalation" of violence in the former Soviet republic.
For the first time, Russian forces moved well outside the two restive, pro-Russian provinces, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, claimed by Georgia. They lie at the heart of the current conflict.
Russian control
Russian troops were in control of government buildings in nearby Senaki. Georgia's president said his country had been sliced in half with the capture of a critical highway crossroads near the central city of Gori. Yet, Russian warplanes launched new air raids across the country.
The Russian Defense Ministry has denied it had captured Gori and also denied any intentions to advance on the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
Russian forces moved into Senaki, 20 miles inland from the Black Sea, and seized police stations in Zugdidi, just outside the southern fringe of Abkhazia. Its Abkhazian allies, too, took control of the nearby village of Kurga.
President Bush pressed Moscow to accept an immediate cease-fire and pull its troops out to avert a "dramatic and brutal escalation" of violence in the former Soviet republic.
For the first time, Russian forces moved well outside the two restive, pro-Russian provinces, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, claimed by Georgia. They lie at the heart of the current conflict.
Russian control
Russian troops were in control of government buildings in nearby Senaki. Georgia's president said his country had been sliced in half with the capture of a critical highway crossroads near the central city of Gori. Yet, Russian warplanes launched new air raids across the country.
The Russian Defense Ministry has denied it had captured Gori and also denied any intentions to advance on the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
Russian forces moved into Senaki, 20 miles inland from the Black Sea, and seized police stations in Zugdidi, just outside the southern fringe of Abkhazia. Its Abkhazian allies, too, took control of the nearby village of Kurga.
Gapernath rescue operation completed successfully, death toll 3
A rescue team from the Kota nuclear plant brought all the 165 people trapped in the ancient cave shrine at Gapernath near Kota to safety. They spent nearly 24 hours on the hill after a staircase collapsed leaving them stranded.
The death toll in the mishap reached three on Monday, with the recovery of two more bodies. The victims were identified as Arvind Nagar (18) and Deepak Nagar (18), both students. Deepu Singh, an engineering student, is the third victim.
Men and equipment from the nearby nuclear plant played a key role in the rescue mission. It also received the help of Army personnel.
The death toll in the mishap reached three on Monday, with the recovery of two more bodies. The victims were identified as Arvind Nagar (18) and Deepak Nagar (18), both students. Deepu Singh, an engineering student, is the third victim.
Men and equipment from the nearby nuclear plant played a key role in the rescue mission. It also received the help of Army personnel.
Sachinama: The glorious past of Sachin Tendulkar
Here is what a fan of Sachin has sent into in response to our suggestion that he be dropped from the team. The fan, expectedly, relises only on the past glories. Let's see the Sachinama.
The records of Sachin Tendulkar are listed below:
Test Cricket
Tendulkar was the youngest Indian to make a Test debut.
Tendulkar holds the record for playing most test matches by an indian.
Tendulkar is the first Indian to score more than 11000 runs in test cricket.
Tendulkar is the first Indian and second in the world to score fastest 10000 runs in test cricket.
He holds the record for scoring highest number of runs in test cricket away from home (5751 runs. The second being 5736 runs scored by Brian lara.)
His career average of 55.19 is - the highest average among those who have scored over 10,000 Test runs as well as above 11,000 runs
Tendulkar has scored more than 1000 runs in 4 seasons. Sunil Gavaskar is the only other India who has done so.
Tendulkar holds the record for most centuries in Test Cricket (39 centuries):
Tendulkar is the youngest indian to score a test century..
Tendulkar's record of five centuries before he turned 20 is a current world record.
Tendulkar holds the current record for highest score (217 against NZ in 1999/00 Season) in Test cricket by an Indian when captaining the side.
Tendulkar was the first Indian and 3rd in the world to score centuries against all test playing nations. Subseaquently Rahul Dravid has achieved this feat.
Sachin's 37th century against Bangladesh during the 2007 series 2nd Test, made history as it was the 1st time the top four batsman of any team had all scored centuries in a single innings.
One-day Internationals
First Indian and 2nd in the world to play most number of ODI matches.
First in the world to play most consecutive ODI matches for a team.
Most Stadium Appearances: 90 different Grounds.
Sachin Tendulkar was the second youngest debutant in the world.
Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in ODI (15484 runs). He is the leading run scorer in the ODI format of the game and the only player ever to cross the 15,000 run mark.
He is the first player to reach 10,000-11,000-12,000-13,000-14,000 and 15,000 ODI runs.
He holds the record for highest individual score among Indian batsmen (186* against New Zealand at Hyderabad in 1999).
Holds the record for scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. He has done it six times - 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Tendulkar has scored over 1000 ODI runs against all major cricketing nations.
Sachin was the fastest to reach 10,000 runs taking 259 innings and has the highest batting average among batsmen with over 10,000 ODI runs.
He holds the record for most centuries in ODI ( 41).
Sachin is the only player to have over 100 innings of 50+ runs (41 Centuries and 83 Fifties).
Holds the record for most centuries vs. Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
He holds the record for most Man of the Match Awards in ODI (55).
Holds the record for most Man of the Series Awards(: 14 Man of the Series Awards ).
Holds the record for most ODI runs in a calendar year: 1,894 ODI runs in 1998.
Holds the record for most centuries in a calendar year: 9 ODI centuries in 1998
Sachin Tendulkar with Sourav Ganguly hold the world record for the maximum number of runs scored by the opening partnership. They have put together 6,271 runs in 128 matches that includes 20 century partnerships and 21 fifty run partnerships.
The 20 century partnerships for opening pair is also a world record.
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid hold the world record for the highest partnership in ODI matches when they scored 331 runs against New Zealand in 1999 at the LBS, Hyderabad.
Sachin Tendulkar has been involved in six 200 run partnerships in ODI matches - a record that he shares with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting.
The records of Sachin Tendulkar are listed below:
Test Cricket
Tendulkar was the youngest Indian to make a Test debut.
Tendulkar holds the record for playing most test matches by an indian.
Tendulkar is the first Indian to score more than 11000 runs in test cricket.
Tendulkar is the first Indian and second in the world to score fastest 10000 runs in test cricket.
He holds the record for scoring highest number of runs in test cricket away from home (5751 runs. The second being 5736 runs scored by Brian lara.)
His career average of 55.19 is - the highest average among those who have scored over 10,000 Test runs as well as above 11,000 runs
Tendulkar has scored more than 1000 runs in 4 seasons. Sunil Gavaskar is the only other India who has done so.
Tendulkar holds the record for most centuries in Test Cricket (39 centuries):
Tendulkar is the youngest indian to score a test century..
Tendulkar's record of five centuries before he turned 20 is a current world record.
Tendulkar holds the current record for highest score (217 against NZ in 1999/00 Season) in Test cricket by an Indian when captaining the side.
Tendulkar was the first Indian and 3rd in the world to score centuries against all test playing nations. Subseaquently Rahul Dravid has achieved this feat.
Sachin's 37th century against Bangladesh during the 2007 series 2nd Test, made history as it was the 1st time the top four batsman of any team had all scored centuries in a single innings.
One-day Internationals
First Indian and 2nd in the world to play most number of ODI matches.
First in the world to play most consecutive ODI matches for a team.
Most Stadium Appearances: 90 different Grounds.
Sachin Tendulkar was the second youngest debutant in the world.
Tendulkar holds the record for most runs in ODI (15484 runs). He is the leading run scorer in the ODI format of the game and the only player ever to cross the 15,000 run mark.
He is the first player to reach 10,000-11,000-12,000-13,000-14,000 and 15,000 ODI runs.
He holds the record for highest individual score among Indian batsmen (186* against New Zealand at Hyderabad in 1999).
Holds the record for scoring 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year. He has done it six times - 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Tendulkar has scored over 1000 ODI runs against all major cricketing nations.
Sachin was the fastest to reach 10,000 runs taking 259 innings and has the highest batting average among batsmen with over 10,000 ODI runs.
He holds the record for most centuries in ODI ( 41).
Sachin is the only player to have over 100 innings of 50+ runs (41 Centuries and 83 Fifties).
Holds the record for most centuries vs. Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
He holds the record for most Man of the Match Awards in ODI (55).
Holds the record for most Man of the Series Awards(: 14 Man of the Series Awards ).
Holds the record for most ODI runs in a calendar year: 1,894 ODI runs in 1998.
Holds the record for most centuries in a calendar year: 9 ODI centuries in 1998
Sachin Tendulkar with Sourav Ganguly hold the world record for the maximum number of runs scored by the opening partnership. They have put together 6,271 runs in 128 matches that includes 20 century partnerships and 21 fifty run partnerships.
The 20 century partnerships for opening pair is also a world record.
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid hold the world record for the highest partnership in ODI matches when they scored 331 runs against New Zealand in 1999 at the LBS, Hyderabad.
Sachin Tendulkar has been involved in six 200 run partnerships in ODI matches - a record that he shares with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting.
Four killed including a separatist leader in firing in Kashmir
A prominent Hurriyat leader was killed in police firing which claimed a total of four lives on Monday. Curfew was quickly imposed in the state capital afterwards.
Earlier a protest march was staged by the separatists in an attempt to cross the Line of Control into POK . The protestors against the "economic blockade" in Jammu turned violent and the state police resorted to fire.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz (60), who joined thousands of marchers on the highway linking Srinagar to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, died at a hospital here. He was critically injured in police firing at Chahal village in Baramulla district. Doctors said the separatist leader died due to excessive blood loss.
Curfew was first imposed in Srinagar city but later clamped in the entire district after authorities feared trouble over the death of Aziz.
Earlier a protest march was staged by the separatists in an attempt to cross the Line of Control into POK . The protestors against the "economic blockade" in Jammu turned violent and the state police resorted to fire.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz (60), who joined thousands of marchers on the highway linking Srinagar to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, died at a hospital here. He was critically injured in police firing at Chahal village in Baramulla district. Doctors said the separatist leader died due to excessive blood loss.
Curfew was first imposed in Srinagar city but later clamped in the entire district after authorities feared trouble over the death of Aziz.
Manipur government seeks CBI probe into Monika Devi case
The Manipur Government has formally requested the Centre on Monday for a CBI probe into the Monika Devi case. The "manipulative game" played by the bureaucratic beasts at IOA and Sports Authority of India (SAI) effectively kept the weightlifter Monika Devi out of the Beijing Olympics.
The State chief secretary on behalf of the government wrote a letter to the Union Secretary Satyananda Mishra, Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances, seeking a CBI probe into Monika's doping charges. A copy of the letter has also been sent to the CBI director, Ashwani Kumar.
Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, is camping in New Delhi on the issue. He also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking the CBI inquiry on a priority basis.
The Union Government is yet to react on the probe. However, Monika was cleared of doping charges only on the intervention of the PMO.
The State chief secretary on behalf of the government wrote a letter to the Union Secretary Satyananda Mishra, Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances, seeking a CBI probe into Monika's doping charges. A copy of the letter has also been sent to the CBI director, Ashwani Kumar.
Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, is camping in New Delhi on the issue. He also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking the CBI inquiry on a priority basis.
The Union Government is yet to react on the probe. However, Monika was cleared of doping charges only on the intervention of the PMO.
The Manipur Government has formally requested the Centre on Monday for a CBI probe into the Monika Devi case. The "manipulative game" played by the bureaucratic beasts at IOA and Sports Authority of India (SAI) effectively kept the weightlifter Monika Devi out of the Beijing Olympics.
The State chief secretary on behalf of the government wrote a letter to the Union Secretary Satyananda Mishra, Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances, seeking a CBI probe into Monika's doping charges. A copy of the letter has also been sent to the CBI director, Ashwani Kumar.
Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, is camping in New Delhi on the issue. He also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking the CBI inquiry on a priority basis.
The State chief secretary on behalf of the government wrote a letter to the Union Secretary Satyananda Mishra, Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances, seeking a CBI probe into Monika's doping charges. A copy of the letter has also been sent to the CBI director, Ashwani Kumar.
Manipur Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh, is camping in New Delhi on the issue. He also wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking the CBI inquiry on a priority basis.
Ask me whatever is on your mind
I am a former Professional Journalist and have worked for one of the most prestigious national publishing houses in India.
I took pre-mature retirement and adopted a spiritual life. I believe in free economy and am a die-hard ABO.
I took to fulltime blogging recently and am doing my best to help the Youh of All Ages find support in realising their dreams.
Remember, Dreaming is a challenge and only the best will realise it!
Write to ask me anything on your mind- apneguruji@gmail.com
I took pre-mature retirement and adopted a spiritual life. I believe in free economy and am a die-hard ABO.
I took to fulltime blogging recently and am doing my best to help the Youh of All Ages find support in realising their dreams.
Remember, Dreaming is a challenge and only the best will realise it!
Write to ask me anything on your mind- apneguruji@gmail.com
Omega-3 helps prevent age-related blindness
People afraid of a poor eye-sight in their old age should consider taking Omega-3, regularly. A new study has found Omega-3 fatty acids reduced risk of AMD, the most common cause of blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
European researchers report that eating oily fish at least once a week may cut the risk of a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in old age.
Age-related macular degeneration is of two types, wet AMD and dry AMD. The dry form is more common and can progress to wet AMD later on.
In dry AMD light-sensitive cells in the macula break down in a slow manner eventually leading to complete loss of central vision. In wet AMD abnormal blood vessels behind the retina penetrate the macula and sometimes leak blood and other fluid damaging the macula.
Greater risk to women
Women appear to be at an increased risk for AMD. Additional risk factors include family history, smoking and obesity. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and their colleagues in seven European countries analyzed the association between fish intake and omega 3 fatty acids in wet AMD.
They found eating oily fish at least once a week reduced the risk of wet AMD by 50 percent. Participants were asked about their intake of omega 3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Furthermore people who ate more than 300 mg of DHA and EPA had a 70 percent lower risk of developing wet AMD.
Major cause of blindness
Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people aged over 55. Although the condition is diagnosed quite early, there is no clue if it will progress to vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration usually affects elderly people. The disease is painless and is linked to loss of central vision because of damage to a part of the eye called macula. The macula is important in distinguishing finer details of vision.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
European researchers report that eating oily fish at least once a week may cut the risk of a condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in old age.
Age-related macular degeneration is of two types, wet AMD and dry AMD. The dry form is more common and can progress to wet AMD later on.
In dry AMD light-sensitive cells in the macula break down in a slow manner eventually leading to complete loss of central vision. In wet AMD abnormal blood vessels behind the retina penetrate the macula and sometimes leak blood and other fluid damaging the macula.
Greater risk to women
Women appear to be at an increased risk for AMD. Additional risk factors include family history, smoking and obesity. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and their colleagues in seven European countries analyzed the association between fish intake and omega 3 fatty acids in wet AMD.
They found eating oily fish at least once a week reduced the risk of wet AMD by 50 percent. Participants were asked about their intake of omega 3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Furthermore people who ate more than 300 mg of DHA and EPA had a 70 percent lower risk of developing wet AMD.
Major cause of blindness
Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people aged over 55. Although the condition is diagnosed quite early, there is no clue if it will progress to vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration usually affects elderly people. The disease is painless and is linked to loss of central vision because of damage to a part of the eye called macula. The macula is important in distinguishing finer details of vision.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Additional forces to thwart march to Muzaffarabad
Additional forces would be pressed to thwart the march to Muzaffarabad as planned and supported by the separatists in Kashmir. This was also indicated by Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who concluded his two-day visit along with the all-party delegation.
Sources said the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel had been increased in north Kashmir. Some separatist leaders have also been placed under house arrest.
Sources said the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel had been increased in north Kashmir. Some separatist leaders have also been placed under house arrest.
PDP to join march to Muzaffarabad
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will join a march to Muzaffarabad in Pak Occupied Kashmir, planned by the Valley’s Fruit Growers Association.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the party workers and sympathizers would be led by senior leaders Abdul Aziz Zargar and Mohammad Dilawar Mir. She also demanded urgent opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road for passenger and goods traffic.
Mehbooba claimed that the economic blockade against Kashmiris only underscored the importance of this vital road for “our economic survival.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the party workers and sympathizers would be led by senior leaders Abdul Aziz Zargar and Mohammad Dilawar Mir. She also demanded urgent opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road for passenger and goods traffic.
Mehbooba claimed that the economic blockade against Kashmiris only underscored the importance of this vital road for “our economic survival.”
Motive can be considered for conviction of criminals
The Supreme Court has held that motive can be considered as a relevant circumstance for convicting the accused in a criminal case if the evidence is clear and unambiguous. The court made this clear while reversing the acquittal of six persons convicted by a trial court in Uttar Pradesh in a case of triple murder 30 years ago.
Justice Sathasivam said, “Motive is a thing which is primarily known to the accused themselves and it is not possible for the prosecution to explain what actually promoted or excited them to commit the particular crime. The motive may be considered as circumstance which is relevant assessing the evidence. But if the evidence is clear and unambiguous and the circumstances prove the guilt of the accused, the same is not weakened even if the motive is not a very strong one.”
Justice Sathasivam said, “Motive is a thing which is primarily known to the accused themselves and it is not possible for the prosecution to explain what actually promoted or excited them to commit the particular crime. The motive may be considered as circumstance which is relevant assessing the evidence. But if the evidence is clear and unambiguous and the circumstances prove the guilt of the accused, the same is not weakened even if the motive is not a very strong one.”
Racist Scotland Yard to be sued
Britain’s most senior Asian police officer, Tarique Ghaffur, is to sue Scotland Yard for alleged racial discrimination. He claimed that racism in the police force was more widespread than it is normally believed. He also said that senior Asian and black officers had to work in a 'hostile' and 'poisonous' atmosphere.
Earthquakes rock Andaman and Nicobar
Two successive earthquakes of moderate intensity rocked the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. No damage to land or property was reported.
The first tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale was felt around 1.50 pm and lasted for few seconds, sources at the Disaster Management Control Room here said.
The islands was earlier rocked by strong earthquakes on June 27 and 28
The first tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale was felt around 1.50 pm and lasted for few seconds, sources at the Disaster Management Control Room here said.
The islands was earlier rocked by strong earthquakes on June 27 and 28
BJP charges government unwilling to face Parliament
BJP has charged the Congress-led UPA government to be "afraid" of convening the monsoon session of Parliament. The party claims that the government is not prepared to discuss important issues in the House.
"It is for the first time in the history of Parliament that monsoon session, which normally commences by July end, is yet to start. It seems the government is afraid of facing the opposition after it has won the confidence vote by using unfair means," BJP vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu said in a press conference here today.
"The inflation rate is above 12 per cent and it seems the government is unable to control it. There is a spurt in terrorist activities also," he said referring to serial blasts in Jaipur, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Regarding the Amarnath land row, he said the party leaders and workers will take part in the three-day-long nation-wide agitation. The movement begins on Monday during which they would court arrest before the Raj Bhawan in all the states.
"It is for the first time in the history of Parliament that monsoon session, which normally commences by July end, is yet to start. It seems the government is afraid of facing the opposition after it has won the confidence vote by using unfair means," BJP vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu said in a press conference here today.
"The inflation rate is above 12 per cent and it seems the government is unable to control it. There is a spurt in terrorist activities also," he said referring to serial blasts in Jaipur, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.
Regarding the Amarnath land row, he said the party leaders and workers will take part in the three-day-long nation-wide agitation. The movement begins on Monday during which they would court arrest before the Raj Bhawan in all the states.
CA's help sought by the CBI
The CBI has written to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) seeking help to probe the growing number of financial crimes.
"The CBI has already written to ICAI to provide expertise as and when required," says the new CBI Director Ashwani Kumar.
Kumar says the CBI has been giving special attention to economic offences ever since the outbreak of the 1992 Harshad Mehta scam.
"We separated economic offences wing from general offences wing in 1992 and now we have full fledged five economic offences' wing functioning within the organization."
Not equipped
The agency was not well equipped to probe financial crimes when the "stupendous task" of securities scam was handed over to it. "Today, we have such good officers in the CBI who can take up any case of bank fraud."
Now the agency is looking forward to have some chartered accountants who will coordinate with agency officials to probe the entire ramifications of economic offences.
"The CBI has already written to ICAI to provide expertise as and when required," says the new CBI Director Ashwani Kumar.
Kumar says the CBI has been giving special attention to economic offences ever since the outbreak of the 1992 Harshad Mehta scam.
"We separated economic offences wing from general offences wing in 1992 and now we have full fledged five economic offences' wing functioning within the organization."
Not equipped
The agency was not well equipped to probe financial crimes when the "stupendous task" of securities scam was handed over to it. "Today, we have such good officers in the CBI who can take up any case of bank fraud."
Now the agency is looking forward to have some chartered accountants who will coordinate with agency officials to probe the entire ramifications of economic offences.
Money pours on Bindra
L N Mittal- Rs 1.5 crore
Punjab- Rs 1 crore
Haryana- Rs 25 lakh
Haryana Olympic Association- Rs 1 crore
Sports Ministry- Rs 30 lakh
Delhi Municipal Corp.- Rs 5 lakh
Steel Ministry- Rs 15 lakh
Net-ball Association- Rs 2. lakh
Karnataka- Rs 10 lakh
Chhattisgarh- Rs 1 lakh
Chandigarh- Rs 5 lakh
Tamil Nadu- Rs 5 lakh
Bihar- Rs 11 lakh
Madhya Pradesh- Rs 5 lakh.
Maharastra- Rs 10 lakh
Indian Railways- Lifetime AC First class pass for two
Punjab- Rs 1 crore
Haryana- Rs 25 lakh
Haryana Olympic Association- Rs 1 crore
Sports Ministry- Rs 30 lakh
Delhi Municipal Corp.- Rs 5 lakh
Steel Ministry- Rs 15 lakh
Net-ball Association- Rs 2. lakh
Karnataka- Rs 10 lakh
Chhattisgarh- Rs 1 lakh
Chandigarh- Rs 5 lakh
Tamil Nadu- Rs 5 lakh
Bihar- Rs 11 lakh
Madhya Pradesh- Rs 5 lakh.
Maharastra- Rs 10 lakh
Indian Railways- Lifetime AC First class pass for two
Congrates! Abhinav
Abhinav Bindra has become the first ever Indian sportsperson to win Gold in individual events. It was only in 1980 that India won Gold through hockey team.
This time the hockey team even could not qualify for the Olympics.
This time the hockey team even could not qualify for the Olympics.
Georgia had it coming
The speed and scale of Russian retaliation in South Ossetia and now in Georgia have surprised the Western diplomats. But there had been signs for years that Georgia and Russia were methodically and quietly, inching towards a conflict.
Several long-term factors had also contributed to the possibility of war. They include the Kremlin’s military successes in Chechnya. It gave Russia the latitude and sense of internal security, needed to free up troops to cross its borders. The exuberant support of the United States for President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia, acted as fuel to the fire. Saakashvili is a figure the Russians loathe both personally and politically.
Misguided notions
Moreover, by preparing Georgian soldiers for duty in Iraq, the United States appeared to have helped embolden Georgia, inadvertently, to enter a fight it could not win.
As a result, the war risked becoming a foreign policy catastrophe for the United States. Its image and authority in the region are now in question. To one and all, it had proved itself unable to assist Georgia and also to restrain the Russians when they went on offensive.
Russian bureaucratic and military groundworks were laid even before Mr. Saakashvili came to power in 2004. As he positioned himself as one of the world’s most strident critics of the Kremlin, the Russians were not amused.
The issue of cityzenship
Under the presidency of Vladimir V. Putin, Russia had already been granting citizenship and distributing passports to virtually all of the adult residents of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Later being the much larger separatist region where Russia had also massed troops over the weekend. The West had been skeptical of the validity of Russia’s handing out passports by the thousands to citizens of another nation.
“Having a document does not make you a Russian citizen,” one American diplomat said in 2004, as Russia expanded the program.
But whatever the legal merits, the Kremlin had laid the foundation for one of its public relations arguments for invading. It could safely say its army was only coming to the aid of Russian citizens under foreign attack.
Misplaced courage
In the ensuing years, even as Russia issued warnings, Mr. Saakashvili grew bolder. There were four regions out of Georgian control when he took office in 2004, but he restored two smaller regions, Ajaria in 2004 and the upper Kodori Gorge in 2006.
The victories gave him a sense of momentum. He kept national reintegration as a central plank of his platform. Russia, however, began retaliating against Georgia in many ways. It cut off air service and mail between the countries, closed the border and refused Georgian exports. By the time the Kodori Gorge was back in Georgian control, Russia had also consolidated its hold over Chechnya, which is now largely managed by a local leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, and his Kremlin-backed Chechen forces.
The control of Chechnya had for years been the preoccupation of Russian ground forces. Kadyrov’s strength had enabled Russian to garrison many of its forces and turn its attention elsewhere.
Several long-term factors had also contributed to the possibility of war. They include the Kremlin’s military successes in Chechnya. It gave Russia the latitude and sense of internal security, needed to free up troops to cross its borders. The exuberant support of the United States for President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia, acted as fuel to the fire. Saakashvili is a figure the Russians loathe both personally and politically.
Misguided notions
Moreover, by preparing Georgian soldiers for duty in Iraq, the United States appeared to have helped embolden Georgia, inadvertently, to enter a fight it could not win.
As a result, the war risked becoming a foreign policy catastrophe for the United States. Its image and authority in the region are now in question. To one and all, it had proved itself unable to assist Georgia and also to restrain the Russians when they went on offensive.
Russian bureaucratic and military groundworks were laid even before Mr. Saakashvili came to power in 2004. As he positioned himself as one of the world’s most strident critics of the Kremlin, the Russians were not amused.
The issue of cityzenship
Under the presidency of Vladimir V. Putin, Russia had already been granting citizenship and distributing passports to virtually all of the adult residents of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Later being the much larger separatist region where Russia had also massed troops over the weekend. The West had been skeptical of the validity of Russia’s handing out passports by the thousands to citizens of another nation.
“Having a document does not make you a Russian citizen,” one American diplomat said in 2004, as Russia expanded the program.
But whatever the legal merits, the Kremlin had laid the foundation for one of its public relations arguments for invading. It could safely say its army was only coming to the aid of Russian citizens under foreign attack.
Misplaced courage
In the ensuing years, even as Russia issued warnings, Mr. Saakashvili grew bolder. There were four regions out of Georgian control when he took office in 2004, but he restored two smaller regions, Ajaria in 2004 and the upper Kodori Gorge in 2006.
The victories gave him a sense of momentum. He kept national reintegration as a central plank of his platform. Russia, however, began retaliating against Georgia in many ways. It cut off air service and mail between the countries, closed the border and refused Georgian exports. By the time the Kodori Gorge was back in Georgian control, Russia had also consolidated its hold over Chechnya, which is now largely managed by a local leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, and his Kremlin-backed Chechen forces.
The control of Chechnya had for years been the preoccupation of Russian ground forces. Kadyrov’s strength had enabled Russian to garrison many of its forces and turn its attention elsewhere.
Russia appears determined to crush Georgia, dislodge President
Russia appears to be on a larger mission than what the USA and the NATO may like to think It has made its intensions very clear to the world as it expanded its attacks on Georgia on Sunday. It moved tanks and troops through the separatist enclave of South Ossetia and advanced toward the city of Gori in central Georgia. It is first direct assault on a Georgian city with ground forces during three days of heavy fighting.
The retreating Georgian soldiers were so tired they could not keep from stumbling. Their arms were loaded with rucksacks and ammunition boxes. The dark circles they had under their eyes told how they have been spending sleepless nights. Still, officers ran up and down the line, shouting for them to go faster.
Feeling betrayed
Weary residents heading south said they were beginning to feel betrayed by the United States, an ally of Georgia, as its diplomacy had fallen short of expectations.
All along the road there was grief. One soldier, his face a mask of exhaustion, cradled a Kalashnikov. “We killed as many of them as we could,” he said. “But where are our friends?”
It was the question of the day. As Russian forces massed Sunday on two fronts, Georgians were heading south with whatever they could carry. When they met Western journalists, they all said the same thing: Where is the United States? When is NATO coming?
Since the conflict began, Western leaders have worked frantically to broker a cease-fire. But their diplomacy fell far short of what the Georgians expected.
Even in the hinterlands, at kebab stands and in farming villages, people fleeing South Ossetia saw themselves as trapped between great powers. Ossetian refugees heading north to Russia gushed their gratitude to Dmitri A. Medvedev and Vladimir V. Putin, the Russian leaders. Georgians around Gori spoke of America plaintively, uncertainly. They were beginning to feel betrayed.
Trapped between giants
Meanwhile, the influx of Ossetians into southern Russia continued on Sunday. The police escorted convoys of minibuses up the Zaramakh highway and through the mountain tunnel that is the only route into Russia. The Russian authorities estimated that 34,000 refugees had crossed the border, and 3,000 more evacuations were planned for Monday.
The maneuver of the Russians seemed to suggest that its aims in the conflict have gone beyond securing the pro-Russian enclaves of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is now clear Russians are working towards weakening the armed forces of Georgia, a former Soviet republic and an ally of the United States. It may also be working towards dislodging the pro-West Georgian President.
As the USA does not appear to doing much the Georgians have started feeling trapped between the two powers. Georgia’s leanings towards the USA and the West had always irritated the Kremlin. Ironically, the same West, and the USA don't appear to of much use. The Georgians are feeling trapped between the powers.
The fresh Russia’s moves, that came even after Georgia offered a cease-fire and said it had pulled its troops out of South Ossetia, have caused widespread international alarm and anger. It set the stage for an intense diplomatic conflict with the United States.
It’s not like the Afghan invasion
President Bush has promoted Georgia as a bastion of democracy, helped strengthen its military and urged that NATO provide the country a membership. Georgia serves as a major conduit for oil flowing from Russia and Central Asia to the West.
Russia, emboldened by windfall profits from oil exports, is showing a resolve to stop NATO forces coming so close to its borders.
It’s notable that when Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Soviet forces were massed before the attack. This time the nation had not appeared poised for an action at this scale. As late as on Wednesday, Russian diplomats had been pressing for negotiations between Georgia and South Ossetia.
The Georgian resolve to reign in the breakaway region of South Ossetia started the conflict. Suddenly it flared and then escalated into a full-scale war.
The retreating Georgian soldiers were so tired they could not keep from stumbling. Their arms were loaded with rucksacks and ammunition boxes. The dark circles they had under their eyes told how they have been spending sleepless nights. Still, officers ran up and down the line, shouting for them to go faster.
Feeling betrayed
Weary residents heading south said they were beginning to feel betrayed by the United States, an ally of Georgia, as its diplomacy had fallen short of expectations.
All along the road there was grief. One soldier, his face a mask of exhaustion, cradled a Kalashnikov. “We killed as many of them as we could,” he said. “But where are our friends?”
It was the question of the day. As Russian forces massed Sunday on two fronts, Georgians were heading south with whatever they could carry. When they met Western journalists, they all said the same thing: Where is the United States? When is NATO coming?
Since the conflict began, Western leaders have worked frantically to broker a cease-fire. But their diplomacy fell far short of what the Georgians expected.
Even in the hinterlands, at kebab stands and in farming villages, people fleeing South Ossetia saw themselves as trapped between great powers. Ossetian refugees heading north to Russia gushed their gratitude to Dmitri A. Medvedev and Vladimir V. Putin, the Russian leaders. Georgians around Gori spoke of America plaintively, uncertainly. They were beginning to feel betrayed.
Trapped between giants
Meanwhile, the influx of Ossetians into southern Russia continued on Sunday. The police escorted convoys of minibuses up the Zaramakh highway and through the mountain tunnel that is the only route into Russia. The Russian authorities estimated that 34,000 refugees had crossed the border, and 3,000 more evacuations were planned for Monday.
The maneuver of the Russians seemed to suggest that its aims in the conflict have gone beyond securing the pro-Russian enclaves of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. It is now clear Russians are working towards weakening the armed forces of Georgia, a former Soviet republic and an ally of the United States. It may also be working towards dislodging the pro-West Georgian President.
As the USA does not appear to doing much the Georgians have started feeling trapped between the two powers. Georgia’s leanings towards the USA and the West had always irritated the Kremlin. Ironically, the same West, and the USA don't appear to of much use. The Georgians are feeling trapped between the powers.
The fresh Russia’s moves, that came even after Georgia offered a cease-fire and said it had pulled its troops out of South Ossetia, have caused widespread international alarm and anger. It set the stage for an intense diplomatic conflict with the United States.
It’s not like the Afghan invasion
President Bush has promoted Georgia as a bastion of democracy, helped strengthen its military and urged that NATO provide the country a membership. Georgia serves as a major conduit for oil flowing from Russia and Central Asia to the West.
Russia, emboldened by windfall profits from oil exports, is showing a resolve to stop NATO forces coming so close to its borders.
It’s notable that when Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Soviet forces were massed before the attack. This time the nation had not appeared poised for an action at this scale. As late as on Wednesday, Russian diplomats had been pressing for negotiations between Georgia and South Ossetia.
The Georgian resolve to reign in the breakaway region of South Ossetia started the conflict. Suddenly it flared and then escalated into a full-scale war.
The time has come for Sachin Tendulkar to be shown the door
It is not clear on what basis Sachin Tendulkar has been taken back in the team for the forthcoming one-day matches series. He has no fresh records to prove his worthiness.
The dismal performance he showed in Sri Lanka demands his removal from the team only. On the contrary, he has been rewarded with the chance to play the kind of matches only recently the selectors said he was unfit for.
If the past performance is only basis for selection, Sunil Gavaskar too, deserves inclusion in the team.
It is worthwhile to cite how many centuries Sachin has struck. But he has more innings when he could score 10 runs or less. Will some cite this fact also?
Breaking News
Sachin Tendulkar has been ruled out of the one-day series against Sri Lanka to be played later this month.Tendulkar injured his elbow in an attempt to take a catch during the ongoing third Test against the Lankans in Colombo.
S Badrinath of Tamil Nadu will replace him in the 16-man squad. The five-match ODI series begins from August 18.
This will be the third consecutive ODI series which Tendulkar will miss due to an injury.
The dismal performance he showed in Sri Lanka demands his removal from the team only. On the contrary, he has been rewarded with the chance to play the kind of matches only recently the selectors said he was unfit for.
If the past performance is only basis for selection, Sunil Gavaskar too, deserves inclusion in the team.
It is worthwhile to cite how many centuries Sachin has struck. But he has more innings when he could score 10 runs or less. Will some cite this fact also?
Breaking News
Sachin Tendulkar has been ruled out of the one-day series against Sri Lanka to be played later this month.Tendulkar injured his elbow in an attempt to take a catch during the ongoing third Test against the Lankans in Colombo.
S Badrinath of Tamil Nadu will replace him in the 16-man squad. The five-match ODI series begins from August 18.
This will be the third consecutive ODI series which Tendulkar will miss due to an injury.
Russian onslaught continues even as Georgia is cowed down completely
Ignoring the repeated calls of Georgia, the Russia continues pounding vast areas of Ossetia. The Georgian army, suffering massive casualties in the face of overwhelming Russian firepower, retreated from the breakaway region of South Ossetia on Sunday. The defiant Georgian leaders have turned into malleable pleaders. They are looking, now, for concrete support from the Western countries in the face of a military debacle.
Ineffective condemnations
Russia has ignored calls for a truce and continues bombings targets deep in Georgia. Little, if any, opposition is there from the Georgian side. This fact is drawing new condemnation from the United States and other Western countries. The White House warned of serious setbacks in relations with Russia if the onslaught against Georgia, a close U.S. ally, did not immediately ends. Russian on Sunday evening hit the international airport and a military factory in the capital, Tbilisi. They also hit Georgian-held positions in Abkhazia, another breakaway region on the Black Sea. Russian warships were reported to be blockading a Georgian Black Sea port and to have sunk a Georgian gunboat.
It is not clear how far Russian troops intended to advance. Georgian villages just outside South Ossetia were shelled. Clouds of smoke and burning fields were visible on the horizon as artillery barrages echoed loudly. Georgians fled the villages, bedding loaded into the backs of their cars. Residents of one village outside South Ossetia, Kekhvi, said advancing Russian troops had entered their homes.
Coming to senses
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told CNN in an interview that the people of his country "are not crazy" and "have no interest whatsoever in pursuing hostilities."
Georgian retreat is translating into popular anger among the people against the United States and the European Union. A widespread sentiment is that this small, pro-Western country has been abandoned to face Russia alone. Georgian officials said that the credibility of Western countries is on the line and that failure to stop the continuing Russian attacks could embolden Russia to threaten other countries in the region as well.
"Russia has applied unprecedented military power . . . and it is of such amplitude that it would have scared much bigger states," Alexander Lomaia, secretary of Georgia's National Security Council, said in an interview. "This war has changed the whole system of values of pro-Western, liberal-minded people. I don't want to be a bad prophet, but why would Russia stop here? There are other countries where Russia thinks it has a claim to territory."
Ineffective condemnations
Russia has ignored calls for a truce and continues bombings targets deep in Georgia. Little, if any, opposition is there from the Georgian side. This fact is drawing new condemnation from the United States and other Western countries. The White House warned of serious setbacks in relations with Russia if the onslaught against Georgia, a close U.S. ally, did not immediately ends. Russian on Sunday evening hit the international airport and a military factory in the capital, Tbilisi. They also hit Georgian-held positions in Abkhazia, another breakaway region on the Black Sea. Russian warships were reported to be blockading a Georgian Black Sea port and to have sunk a Georgian gunboat.
It is not clear how far Russian troops intended to advance. Georgian villages just outside South Ossetia were shelled. Clouds of smoke and burning fields were visible on the horizon as artillery barrages echoed loudly. Georgians fled the villages, bedding loaded into the backs of their cars. Residents of one village outside South Ossetia, Kekhvi, said advancing Russian troops had entered their homes.
Coming to senses
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told CNN in an interview that the people of his country "are not crazy" and "have no interest whatsoever in pursuing hostilities."
Georgian retreat is translating into popular anger among the people against the United States and the European Union. A widespread sentiment is that this small, pro-Western country has been abandoned to face Russia alone. Georgian officials said that the credibility of Western countries is on the line and that failure to stop the continuing Russian attacks could embolden Russia to threaten other countries in the region as well.
"Russia has applied unprecedented military power . . . and it is of such amplitude that it would have scared much bigger states," Alexander Lomaia, secretary of Georgia's National Security Council, said in an interview. "This war has changed the whole system of values of pro-Western, liberal-minded people. I don't want to be a bad prophet, but why would Russia stop here? There are other countries where Russia thinks it has a claim to territory."
Georgia expected too much from the world
If world has become just like a city, as they say in newspapers, one should learn how to live there. Don't pick an issue or a fight with anyone that you can't handle by yourself. Georgia learnt this lesson last week the hard way.
When the USSR splintered out, Georgia was one the new countries that came into existence. Ossetia was a part of it. Latter, the Ossetians decided to farm out and merge with Russia. Fair game! At that fluid state of affairs, realignment was natural. Georgians thought otherwise. They tried to maintain their hold over Ossetia. Thus began the troubles.
The new state of Goergia, had many 'sympathizers.' They certainly gave their moral support. But it shouldn't have been taken as a guarantee that these sympathizers would be around when things will become really hot. Georgia failed to realize it. The hard reality of 21st century is that nobody will come to your rescue when you pick up a street fight.
Remember what happened when the USA attacked Afghanistan and latter Iraq. The world paid only lip service. Their protests meant little and the USA did whatever it wanted. In a city, people restrict themselves only to their very close domestic affairs.
Georgia definitely had relied on its misconceived notion that the world will come to its support militarily. Rest of the world should take note!
When the USSR splintered out, Georgia was one the new countries that came into existence. Ossetia was a part of it. Latter, the Ossetians decided to farm out and merge with Russia. Fair game! At that fluid state of affairs, realignment was natural. Georgians thought otherwise. They tried to maintain their hold over Ossetia. Thus began the troubles.
The new state of Goergia, had many 'sympathizers.' They certainly gave their moral support. But it shouldn't have been taken as a guarantee that these sympathizers would be around when things will become really hot. Georgia failed to realize it. The hard reality of 21st century is that nobody will come to your rescue when you pick up a street fight.
Remember what happened when the USA attacked Afghanistan and latter Iraq. The world paid only lip service. Their protests meant little and the USA did whatever it wanted. In a city, people restrict themselves only to their very close domestic affairs.
Georgia definitely had relied on its misconceived notion that the world will come to its support militarily. Rest of the world should take note!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Fake currency notes have always been around
India has always been a target of 'economic terrorism.' Friends and foes alike, it has been subjected by a number of countries, to a free inflow of fake currency notes. Pakistan is only a very small player compared to what the Russians have been doing in their heydays. The God must be thanked for the fact that the fearful 'friend,' that the USSR was, does no longer exist.
Counterfeit currency is a tool of state warfare. If Pakistan is pumping in such paper money, its natural. India and only India itself must find a way to protect itself from such a onslaught.
Expect that Pakistan must also have the willing concent, or otherwise, of the USA.
In the past, the Russians were known to fund their favourite journalists, the Communists and of cource the politicians who carried the banner of the 'USSR being a friend of India.' Bagfuls of fake currency notes arrived through diplomatic channels, particularly at the time of Parliamentary elections.
If there has been a rise in number of such cases coming to light, its because the culprits have become lenient. Its not for nothing that the catch was unearthed in a nationalised bank branch. The SBI staff working there must have been given some sort of training to identify the counterfeit money. Haven't they? How come they have not been able to identify such a huge amount of money, all in shape of Rs1000 notes, for such a long time?
The case has naturally been transfered to the CBI, the best agency in India to protect the powerful and crush the helpless. The matter would now go to some sort of investigation that would last till eternity.
People are expected to be forgetful.
Counterfeit currency is a tool of state warfare. If Pakistan is pumping in such paper money, its natural. India and only India itself must find a way to protect itself from such a onslaught.
Expect that Pakistan must also have the willing concent, or otherwise, of the USA.
In the past, the Russians were known to fund their favourite journalists, the Communists and of cource the politicians who carried the banner of the 'USSR being a friend of India.' Bagfuls of fake currency notes arrived through diplomatic channels, particularly at the time of Parliamentary elections.
If there has been a rise in number of such cases coming to light, its because the culprits have become lenient. Its not for nothing that the catch was unearthed in a nationalised bank branch. The SBI staff working there must have been given some sort of training to identify the counterfeit money. Haven't they? How come they have not been able to identify such a huge amount of money, all in shape of Rs1000 notes, for such a long time?
The case has naturally been transfered to the CBI, the best agency in India to protect the powerful and crush the helpless. The matter would now go to some sort of investigation that would last till eternity.
People are expected to be forgetful.
Thousands of refugees fleeing to Russia
The Georgian adventure, as the Russian puts it, has started taking its toll. Scores of people are fleeing from the scene of heavy fighting in Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia.
'We're hungry. We spent three days in a bunker with no lights, no gas, no water,' said Marina Toyeva, 32, clutching her eight-year-old son and niece during a stop in the village of Mizur, some 30 km into Russia from the South Ossetian border. 'We have only the clothes on our backs.'
Workers for Russia's migration services passed out sandwiches and water to outstretched hands after flagging the minivan down at one of three checkpoints along the lone road from South Ossetia to Russia.
The war between Russia and Georgia had expanded on Saturday. It added to the flow of refugees from Ossetia, which allied itself with Russia after declaring itself independent from Georgia in the 1990s. Georgia now has sought to maintain control of the territory.
The fiercest battles Saturday were in the South Ossetian city of Tskhinvali, where intense howitzer and tank fire in the vicinity of the town was audible. Shelling intensified in the early afternoon, as Russian reinforcements arriving on the scene went on the counteroffensive.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said that thousands of refugees are likely to make their way across the border into Russia.
'We're hungry. We spent three days in a bunker with no lights, no gas, no water,' said Marina Toyeva, 32, clutching her eight-year-old son and niece during a stop in the village of Mizur, some 30 km into Russia from the South Ossetian border. 'We have only the clothes on our backs.'
Workers for Russia's migration services passed out sandwiches and water to outstretched hands after flagging the minivan down at one of three checkpoints along the lone road from South Ossetia to Russia.
The war between Russia and Georgia had expanded on Saturday. It added to the flow of refugees from Ossetia, which allied itself with Russia after declaring itself independent from Georgia in the 1990s. Georgia now has sought to maintain control of the territory.
The fiercest battles Saturday were in the South Ossetian city of Tskhinvali, where intense howitzer and tank fire in the vicinity of the town was audible. Shelling intensified in the early afternoon, as Russian reinforcements arriving on the scene went on the counteroffensive.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said that thousands of refugees are likely to make their way across the border into Russia.
Georgia begs for ceasefire, 2000 dead
More than 2000 people are reported killed in the war with Russia as Georgia called for a ceasefire on Saturday. Russian bombers have widened an offensive to force back Georgian troops seeking control over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.
US president George Bush said Russian attacks on Georgia marked a "dangerous escalation" of the crisis and urged Moscow to halt the bombing immediately. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev told Bush the only solution was for Georgian troops to quit the conflict zone.
Russia said it had seized the rebel capital, Tskhinvali, but Georgia denied the claim on the second day of fighting. Russian officials said the death toll now stood at 2,000 and 30,000 refugees from South Ossetia had fled to Russia over the past 36 hours. Russia said two of its warplanes had been shot down, 13 of its soldiers killed and 70 wounded.
"I call for an immediate ceasefire," Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said in Tbilisi. "Russia has launched a full scale military invasion of Georgia."
Russia’s military response to the crisis dramatically intensified a long-running stand-off between Russia and the pro-western Georgian leadership that has sparked alarm in the west and led to angry exchanges at the United Nations reminiscent of the Cold War.
US president George Bush said Russian attacks on Georgia marked a "dangerous escalation" of the crisis and urged Moscow to halt the bombing immediately. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev told Bush the only solution was for Georgian troops to quit the conflict zone.
Russia said it had seized the rebel capital, Tskhinvali, but Georgia denied the claim on the second day of fighting. Russian officials said the death toll now stood at 2,000 and 30,000 refugees from South Ossetia had fled to Russia over the past 36 hours. Russia said two of its warplanes had been shot down, 13 of its soldiers killed and 70 wounded.
"I call for an immediate ceasefire," Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said in Tbilisi. "Russia has launched a full scale military invasion of Georgia."
Russia’s military response to the crisis dramatically intensified a long-running stand-off between Russia and the pro-western Georgian leadership that has sparked alarm in the west and led to angry exchanges at the United Nations reminiscent of the Cold War.
'Significant progress' reported in developing AIDS vaccine
Significant progress has been reported in developing a vaccine to prevent AIDS. Scientists of the Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC) are working at the first phase of clinical trials for a vaccine to prevent AIDS.
Preliminary results of phase one trial have successfully proved the vaccine's safety and its ability to stimulate immune response. TRC director V D Ramanathan said: "The trial was to check the vaccine’s safety and also whether it fulfilled the secondary objective of stimulating immune response. We will announce the results to the world soon after we have the complete analysis of the data."
TRC is affiliated to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which, along with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), has spearheaded the vaccine trial in India.
The vaccine being tested in Chennai has been designed by a Kolkata-based ICMR scientist. To date, there have been at least nine MVA vaccine candidates that have been tested or are still currently in testing in labs around the world.
Controversy clouded an earlier project at Pune with reports that the trial conducted on 30 healthy volunteers continued for a year despite scientists learning even within a fortnight that the AAV vaccine had failed in tests in Germany and Belgium.
The Union government and the IAVI had signed an agreement to conduct the HIV vaccine trials both in Chennai's TRC and Pune's NARI. But, with the Pune trials being stopped, the Chennai project is India's only hope for a HIV vaccine.
Preliminary results of phase one trial have successfully proved the vaccine's safety and its ability to stimulate immune response. TRC director V D Ramanathan said: "The trial was to check the vaccine’s safety and also whether it fulfilled the secondary objective of stimulating immune response. We will announce the results to the world soon after we have the complete analysis of the data."
TRC is affiliated to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which, along with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), has spearheaded the vaccine trial in India.
The vaccine being tested in Chennai has been designed by a Kolkata-based ICMR scientist. To date, there have been at least nine MVA vaccine candidates that have been tested or are still currently in testing in labs around the world.
Controversy clouded an earlier project at Pune with reports that the trial conducted on 30 healthy volunteers continued for a year despite scientists learning even within a fortnight that the AAV vaccine had failed in tests in Germany and Belgium.
The Union government and the IAVI had signed an agreement to conduct the HIV vaccine trials both in Chennai's TRC and Pune's NARI. But, with the Pune trials being stopped, the Chennai project is India's only hope for a HIV vaccine.
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