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GATE EXAMINATION INDIA

2011-10-13T14:56:00.000+05:30

Graduate aptitude test in india...is the most important exam in india which serves as a real test of genuineness of an engineer....Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is an all India examination administered and conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science and seven Indian Institutes of Technology on behalf of the National Coordination Board - GATE, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India.

The GATE committee, which comprises of representatives from the administering institutes, is the sole authority for regulating the examination and declaring the results.

GATE is conducted through the constitution of eight zones. The zones and the corresponding administrative institutes are:

Zone-1: Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru
Zone-2: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Zone-3: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Zone-4: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Zone-5: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Zone-6: Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Zone-7: Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Zone-8: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

The overall coordination and responsibility of conducting GATE 2012 lies with Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, designated as the Organizing Institute for GATE 2012 .

Admission to postgraduate programmes with MHRD and some other Government scholarships/assistantships in engineering colleges/institutes is open to those who qualify in GATE examination. GATE qualified candidates with Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture or Master's degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Applications are eligible for admission to Master's degree programmes in Engineering/Technology/Architecture as well as for Doctoral programmes in relevant branches of Science with MHRD or other government scholarships/assistantships. To avail the scholarship, the candidate must secure admission to such a postgraduate programme, as per the prevailing procedure of the admitting institution. However, candidates with Master's degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture may seek admission to relevant Doctoral programmes with scholarship/assistantship without appearing in the GATE examination.

GATE qualification is also a minimum requirement to apply for various fellowships awarded by many Government organizations.

WHAT IS NEW IN GATE 2012?

Application Process:

In GATE 2012, candidates need to register and fill the application ONLINE only by accessing the zonal GATE websites of IISc and seven IITs. The application process is complete only when a print out of the filled ONLINE application with the candidate's signature and a good quality photo affixed in the appropriate place is received by the respective GATE office along with necessary documents, if any, on or before 24 October 2011. Please note that sale of application forms through banks and GATE office counters has been discontinued.

Downloadable Admit Card:

Sending Admit cards by post has been discontinued from this year. Admit cards can only be downloaded from the zonal GATE websites from 2nd January 2012. Bring the admit card to the test center along with at least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification.

Use of black ink ball point pen:

The use of pencils to darken the bubbles in the answer sheet has been discontinued from this year. Candidates should use only black ink ball point pen for darkening of the bubbles in the answer sheet. Since bubbles darkened by the black ink ball point pen cannot be erased, candidates should darken the bubbles in the answer sheet very carefully.

ONLINE examination in two additional papers:

In GATE 2011, the papers with codes GG, TF, AE and MN had ONLINE examination. In GATE 2012, two additional papers, AR and AG, will also have ONLINE examination. The ONLINE examination will be conducted in two sessions on Sunday, January 29, 2012.

Forenoon session (09:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs): AR, GG and TF.

Afternoon session (14:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs): AE, AG and MN.

Numerical answer type questions in ONLINE papers:

In the ONLINE papers (AE, AG, AR, GG, MN and TF), the question paper will consist of questions of multiple choice type and questions of numerical answer type. For multiple choice type questions, each question will have four choices for the answer. For numerical answer type questions, each question will have a number as the answer. The number of numerical answer type questions may vary between 5 and 10 in each question paper.

Pre-final year students:

Pre-final year students are not eligible to write GATE 2012. For details, refer to eligibility for GATE examination.

Eligibility for GATE
The following categories of candidates ONLY are eligible to appear for GATE:
a) Bachelor’s degree holders in Engineering/Technology/ Architecture (4 years after 10+2) and
those who are in the final year of such programmes.
b) Bachelor's degree holders in Engineering/Technology/Architecture (Post-B.Sc./Post-Diploma)
and those who are in the final year of such programmes.
c) Master’s degree holders in any branch of Science/Mathematics/ Statistics/Computer
Applications or equivalent and those who are in the final year of such programmes.
d) Candidates in the second or higher year of the Four-year Integrated Master’s degree
programme (Post-B.Sc.) in Engineering/Technology.
e) Candidates in the fourth or higher year of Five-year Integrated Master’s degree programme
or Dual Degree programme in Engineering/Technology.
f) Candidates with qualifications obtained through examinations conducted by professional
societies recognized by UPSC/AICTE (e.g. AMIE by Institute of Engineers (India); AMICE
by Institute of Civil Engineers (India)) as equivalent to B.E./B.Tech. Those who have
completed section A or equivalent of such professional courses are also eligible.

GATE Qualification
Admission to postgraduate programmes with MHRD and some other Government
scholarships/assistantships in engineering colleges/institutes is open to those who qualify in
GATE examination. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology/
Archit ect ure or Master’s degree in any branch of Science/Mathematics/Statistics/Computer
Applications, who qualify in GATE examination are eligible for admission to Master’s degree
programmes in Engineering/Technology/ Architecture as well as for Doctoral programmes in
relevant branches of Science wit h MHRD or ot her Government scholarships/assistant ships. To
avail the scholarship, the candidate must secure admission to such a postgraduate programme,
as per the prevailing procedure of the admitting institution. However, candidates with Master’s
degree in Engineering/Technology/Architecture may seek admission to relevant Doct oral
programmes with scholarship/assistantship without appearing in the GATE examination.

1.5 Application Submission Process
a) Candidates need to apply/register ONLINE for GATE 2012. Application process for GATE
2012 is entirely ONLINE, and sale of application forms through banks / GATE office
counters has been discontinued. Details for applying ONLINE are available on the websites
of IISc and the seven IITs as given below in Table 2.
Table 2: Websites of IISc and IITs
b) The application fee is Rs.1000/- for General/OBC Category candidates and Rs.500

indian fantasy league

2008-04-18T12:55:00.001+05:30

Indian Fantasy Cricket A Reality With IndianFantasyLeague.com
As Twenty20 draws near, one of the largest fantasy cricket game websites is all set to make Fantasy Cricket a reality for fans. Indian Fantasy League (http://www.indianfantasyleague.com) is giving dream cricket a whole new meaning.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 18, 2008 ) With the Twenty20 matches right around the corner, Fantasy Cricket in India is taking on a whole new meaning thanks to one of the largest Fantasy Cricket game websites http://www.indianfantasyleague.com, which was unveiled recently. Free member registration is now open to fans from everywhere. The aim of the portal is to give cricket fans a platform to realize their dream of managing a team of their favorite players.

“Our aim is to give Indian Fantasy Cricket a makeover and make it as close to reality as possible and I have no qualm in declaring that users of our site will agree that we have achieved our goal”, says Indian Fantasy League (IFL) representative Mr. Prashant Sethi. “IFL lets you play Fantasy Cricket like never before! Not only are we one of the largest portals for Fantasy Cricket games, the prizes we are offering are the most expensive than anyone has ever witnessed before for an Indian dream cricket game. IFL invites all cricket fans to register and take a flight of fantasy which is as close to reality as it can get!”, he is quick to add.

Indian Fantasy Cricket will take place concurrent to Twenty20 matches, to be played in India between April 18 and June 1, 2008. Playing is very simple indeed. All a user has to do is login or register and start building a team of his 16 favorite players. Based on the statistics generated by individual players or teams in the actual matches, points will be awarded. Users have the option of changing players as the matches progress.

“Fans will get to decide everything, right from the players in their team to how it goes forward, who stays and who goes out. Actual on field performances of players will determine the outcome and the winners. So anyone who is choosing their dream team must take care to select the best possible players who are playing well in the current tournament. Do not get swayed by a player's popularity and go strictly by statistics”, suggests Mr. Sethi who also assures that IndianFantasyLeague.com is a safe platform and doesn't have any loopholes. “We don't collect any personal information and contact users through e-mail only”, he asserts.

The IFL will be played in 5 phases and prizes will be awarded to the top scorers in the phases as well as to the overall leaders. Registrations will be open right till the end of IFL. Cricket lovers can register for free at - http://www.indianfantasyleague.com/registeruser.aspx

About IndianFantasyLeague.com:

Indian Fantasy League (http://www.Indianfantasyleague.com) is one of the largest Indian Fantasy Cricket game websites. Designed as a platform for cricket fans who want to get more involved in cricket and the upcoming Twenty20 matches, IndianFantasyLeague.com is offering luxurious prizes to the winners. Registration is free and open to everyone. The IFL will be played in conjunction with Twenty20 matches. Fans can make changes to the team members based on the players' actual performances. Registrations will be open right till the end of the IFL.

All the procedures and terms have been clearly explained on the portal, which also features an FAQ section. The scoring card, winning conditions and complete match timetable have also been posted.

bujjigadu

2008-04-18T12:45:00.001+05:30

The cast and crew of director Puri Jagannath's upcoming venture, Bujjigadu-Made in Chennai, are all set to leave for New Zealand to wrap up the final leg of the shooting.

The filmmakers say they are planning to release the film in the second week of May to cash in on the holiday season. Prabhas and Trisha are playing the lead in the film being produced by KS Rama Rao.

However, veteran actor Mohan Babu's performance has got the director all excited. "Dr Mohan Babu is in a class of his own he has proved it once again with a superb performance in the film.

He will be seen in a stylish new avtar in the film. He is a thorough professional and it's been a privilege to work with him," said Puri adding that they plan to release the music on April 18th.

Padma Shri Dr M Mohanbabu, made his debut in films as a hero,but became more famous with the villain roles. After playing villain and comedy villain, he slowly became a character artiste and then again went back to playing hero roles. However, this versatile artiste had no notable hits as hero in the recent past.

In order to keep his identity alive, he is accepting character artiste roles in a few films. He played 'Yamudu' in 'Yamadonga' of Young Tiger NT Rama Rao and enthralled audiences with his dialogue modulation. He is also playing the role of heroine Trisha's brother in 'Bujjigadu'.

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Now it is reliably learnt that he had accepted to don the role of villain in a film in which a producer's son is making his debut as hero. Mohanbabu reportedly liked the subject and his role which has a negative shade. It is quite interesting that Mohanbabu is going back to his good old ways by accepting the negative role.

world heritage day

2008-04-18T12:34:00.002+05:30

After the newly-created cultural department failed to kick-off the heritage rally much to the embarrassment of the officials of department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums who had made elaborate arrangements for it, fresh directions have been issued by the authorities to organize a rally on Friday, April 18 which according to the sources in the department is a “mere eyewash and damage control.”
“This is just eyewash. We had made all arrangements for the rally on April 15 after an advisory committee that met on April 4-5 decided that a heritage rally and exhibition-cum- seminar would be held in Srinagar to celebrate the World Heritage Day. However, at the last moment we were directed not to hold any such rally or exhibition, and the department had to face the music from the parents of schoolchildren who had turned up in large numbers for the rally,” a source in the department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums told etala’at on the condition on anonymity.
Earlier a heritage rally which was scheduled to be flagged off by the divisional commissioner Kashmir on April 15 was called off leaving schoolchildren who had assembled at Pratap Park Srinagar from different schools high and dry. The secretary Culture had issued directions that no such rally and exhibition should be held in Srinagar “till further orders.”
“Everything was planned and the advisory committee which proposed the dates for the rally and the exhibition was chaired by none other than the Additional Commissioner Kashmir Abdu Rashid Mir. The advisory committee comprised department officials and noted historians and intellectuals of the society .By sabotaging the schedule and program, the Jammu-centric administration has made it clear that it is biased against the promotion and preservation of rich heritage of Kashmir which has a recorded history of more than 5000, years,” the source added.
When contacted, secretary Cultural department, NK Verma feigned ignorance about the proposed heritage rally and the exhibition saying that the administration was not taken into confidence before the advisory committee “which we do not recognize.”
“We were not informed about any such rally or exhibition,” Verma told etala’at. “The administration is not subservient to fund and allow any such program organized by some advisory committee which we do not recognize. Few people sitting in some office in Srinagar cannot take the department for a ride.”
About the inconvenience caused to hundreds of students who had assembled in Srinagar on April 15 for the rally, Verma said, “We are not responsible for the inconvenience caused to them as nothing was announced from the administration. It is the department of Archives Srinagar which is at fault.”
Verma added that a heritage rally would be flagged off simultaneously in Srinagar and Jammu to celebrate World Heritage Day which falls on April 18.
However, a senior official at the department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums told etala’at, “The administration cannot be ignorant to the proposed rally and exhibition. The dates and schedule of the events to be held during the heritage week were made public and everything was circulated in press.”
Meanwhile in the run up to the world heritage day several seminars, rallies, exhibitions and workshops are being held in Jammu whereas not a single seminar and exhibition has been held in Srinagar.

UET Abbottabad Campus to celebrate World Heritage Day

PESHAWAR: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Abbottabad’s Department of Architecture will celebrate World Heritage Day on Friday (today) by arranging a national seminar on ‘Religious Heritage and Sacred Places’, which has been declared as the theme of the 2008 worldwide celebration by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

World Heritage Day, also known as the ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites’, is celebrated to raise public awareness about the richness and diversity of the world’s cultural heritage, and the efforts required to protect and conserve it. The ICOMOS has been celebrating the day since April 18, 1982. The seminar will start at 10am with key presentation on ‘Heritage and the Work of Architects Today’ by Abdul Qayyum Khan, the professor at the UET Abbottabad Department of Architecture and ‘The Heritage of Earthen Architecture and its Environmental Relevance’ by Dr Shakeel Qureshi, the director of the Conservation Programme at the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore.

A panel discussion will also be held with representatives from the Sarhad Tourism Corporation; the Sarhad Conservation Network; and faculty members of the UET, Abbottabad Campus. Students of the Architecture Department will present visual displays related to Pakistan’s place in global cultural heritage. staff report

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Former champion Justin Leonard made the most of ideal conditions and a relaxed frame of mind to charge into a share of the lead at the Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on Thursday.

Four days after battling gusting winds to tie for 20th at the U.S. Masters, Leonard fired a sparkling five-under-par 66 to set the first-round pace with fellow Americans Lucas Glover and five-times winner Davis Love III.

American Stewart Cink, the 2004 champion, was a further stroke adrift along with nine others, including compatriots Anthony Kim, John Rollins and Charles Howell III, plus Colombia's Camilo Villegas.

"It was a nice day, and wonderful weather-wise," Leonard, 35, told reporters after hitting a five-iron to two feet at the last to set up his sixth birdie of the round on the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links.

"It was great to play without a whole lot of wind after last week when you (had to) play so defensively. You come here and play a little more aggressively."

Asked to compare this week's PGA Tour event with the opening major of the year at Augusta National, Leonard replied: "Last week was like final exams and this week is like spring break.

"You come here and it's such a relaxed atmosphere. We go on bike rides and do a lot of fun stuff with the kids. Golf is almost secondary here."

Leonard, winner of the 2002 Heritage Classic, said his most significant hole of the round was the par-four 10th where he chipped in to save par.

BIGGEST SHOT

"I hit a bad tee shot there, hooked it in the water," he said. "Then I hit a five-iron up toward the green and chipped it in for par. That was probably the biggest shot of the day."

Love was delighted to make a strong start at one of his favourite venues, having battled to regain form after an ankle injury last September.

"I've been putting myself behind the eight-ball usually the first nine holes or first day or first hole, it seems like every round," said the 44-year-old, who birdied the first two holes for an outward nine of four-under 32.

"So it's nice to birdie the first two and get off to a good start, get a good round and get ahead of the eight-ball rather than behind it.

"I have worked extremely hard this year to get the mind going," added Love, who clinched the last of his five Heritage Classic titles in 2003. "If it's not this week, it will be Charlotte. And if it's not Charlotte, it will be the Players.

"I'm close and it's got to pay off eventually. Keep sticking the tokens in the machine, eventually you'll get it right."

Among the other big names, American world number nine Jim Furyk opened with a 68 and third-ranked South African Ernie Els battled to a 72.

American Boo Weekley, who won last year's title with spectacular chip-ins to save par on the final two holes, started with a four-birdie 69.

April 18 (IANS) Heritage protection in Agra is “Taj centric”, ignoring in the process dozens of lesser-known protected monuments that are in a shambles, say conservationists as World Heritage Day is observed Friday. Local historians point out dozens of structures that need immediate attention and repairs. “Our total approach has been Taj-centric, paying very little attention to other historical monuments like Babar’s Ram Bagh or Chini ka Roza. Several important monuments including the Jama Masjid of Agra and the tomb of Rasul Shah in Fatehpur Sikri have been wilfully neglected,” said R. Nath, a Mughal historian.

Amit Mukherjea, head of the history department at St John’s College, says the Jama Masjid, overlooking the Agra Fort, is crying for attention. “It has been under repair for years, and god alone knows when the total renovation and maintenance work of this beautiful structure will end.”

“The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is neither following guidelines drawn up in various manuals nor adhering to the Unesco rules for heritage monuments. Some buildings in the Agra Fort complex are still under repair and not open to public, without justification and in blatant violation of the 1958 Act,” he added.

Conservationists feel that except for the Taj Mahal other lesser-known monuments are in a shambles calling for urgent restoration work.

The ASI in the Agra circle has close to 400 protected monuments under its charge.

“Ritualistically celebrating World Heritage Day without doing anything tangible other than allowing free entry to the monuments makes no sense as half a dozen other recommendations of the International Council for Monuments and Sites (Icomos) as also of the Unesco have not been implemented,” said Surendra Sharma, president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society.

Superintending Archaeologist D.N. Dimri denied these charges and said all the monuments in the Agra circle are being properly maintained. So many delegations and even members of parliament have appreciated the ASI’s work, he added.

The ASI has announced ticket free entry to the Taj Mahal and other monuments on World Heritage Day.

Distortion of history is another serious charge against the ASI in Agra. Two years ago, a structure bearing an inscription in Persian and invocation to Allah was identified as Haveli Ratan Singh in the Fort and opened with pomp to the tourists by local MP Raj Babbar.

Work on the so-called Ibadat Khana of Akbar in Fatehpur Sikri had to be abandoned when historians raised several questions about its veracity. Similarly, a structure in the Fort was identified as the jail Shivaji was lodged in by Aurangzeb. Historical records indicate Shivaji was never detained in the Fort but was perhaps lodged in a haveli now in the Jaipur House colony of Agra.

Perhaps the most alarming lapse has been the ASI’s abject failure to rid the monuments of illegal structures and encroachments.

Most smaller protected monuments in Agra - and there are scores of them - have been virtually overwhelmed by new structures which threaten their existence. Delhi Gate, Etmauddaula, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and dozens of others have been dwarfed by encroachments.

A recent decision of the ASI to review a ban on allowing construction within a radius of 100 metres of the protected monuments has been questioned by historians.

Encroachments are the biggest threat to survival of historical monuments in Agra. “Take the case of Babar’s Ram Bagh, one of the most beautifully laid out Mughal gardens. It is obscured by encroachments and is hardly visible from the road,” said Mukherjea.

With land prices skyrocketing and builders making a beeline to usurp every inch of available space in the city, the survival of some of these structures has become uncertain.

Even Christian cemeteries are going off the map, their land taken over by colonisers and government town planners. The encroachers’ long arm now threatens to gobble up Babar’s Ram Bagh across the Yamuna, Mariam’s tomb near Sikandra, Bagh Farzana and Begum Samru’s garden to name just a few of the relatively better known places.

The ASI routinely sends out notices about the encroachments, but the district administration rarely ever takes any action, say conservationists.

They allege the police usually look the other way.

This year’s Icomos theme on the International Day for Monuments and Sites is ‘Religious Heritage and Sacred Places’.

Historic sites, places, objects, and spaces that relate to the past are the soul of the community. For many people, commitment to the historic environment goes deeper than just visiting historic sites. Without emotions and attachments, these heritage sites, monuments, or objects will be much less than the sum of their parts.

Heritage defines our identity. It is part of what makes nations, and because history matters, heritage is also valued across all social groups and across nations. The approach towards heritage has changed. Most of the ideas on heritage revolved around monuments or historic sites in the past. It has now evolved to include natural and intangible heritage, most recently biodiversity.

To remind us of our common purpose as nations who are diverse but unified, the UNESCO has designated April 18 of each year as World Heritage Day. The event represents an opportunity for citizens of nations to work together with government and many cultures, languages, traditions, and divergent inheritances in renewing their call to action and recommitting to preserving the world’s heritage. The urgency of the call to action is even more relevant today with the world’s heritage at risk from globalization. This year’s theme "Religious History and Sacred Places" indicates the important role religious history and sacred places play in centuries-old traditions that influence the ways of life of nations, and their significance in uplifting the spirits, in stimulating minds, and in enriching the lives of people beyond the reach of daily communications.

Heritage is not only about the past or present. It is fundamentally about what we could call the building of memories for the future and the torchlight we need as we navigate our way through the darkest of times. We are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that our nation continues to enjoy our historical uniqueness.

parminder nagra

2008-04-18T12:29:00.002+05:30

Parminder gives an insight into her (now considerable) experience of portraying a medical professional in a piece by Jean Schiffman for Back Stage, the actor’s resource.

The article, published this week in the journal for aspiring thespians, includes details of an ER actor’s background research and preparation, including practicing a blood draw on a banana and tourniquet! The challenges of articulating the legendary medical jargon while at the same time authentically simulating medical procedures is also covered.
Read the whole piece here.

Mindi can be seen stateside tonight in a new episode of ER entitled 'As the day she was born'. This episode will be first broadcast in the UK on More4 (Digital) at 10:00am on Thursday April 24th and again at 8:00pm on Saturday April 26th on Channel 4 (Terrestrial).

One of the most eventful Survivor seasons in recent memory looks like it'll continue its streak tonight as one contestant sacrifices immunity to stay in the game. Yes, it sounds counterintuitive to me, too, so we'll just have to watch and see. 7 p.m., KTVT/Channel 11

My Name Is Earl: With Earl (Jason Lee) still in a coma, brother Randy (Ethan Suplee) continues dealing with karma, this time trying to rectify a situation that happened years ago when their father (Beau Bridges) discovered a stash of pot at home. 7 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

Smallville: Tonight's first-run episode is being promoted as "the day Clark [Tom Welling] and Lex [Michael Rosenbaum] became mortal enemies," which is a day this series has been leading up to since its premiere. We're also being told that a longtime character dies tonight. 7 p.m., KDAF/Channel 33

30 Rock: In a typically strong, funny episode, go-to guest star Dean Winters (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; Rescue Me) returns as Liz's beeper-salesman ex, who still has an effect on Liz (Tina Fey), and Tim Conway appears as a classic-TV star whose tales of the old days disturb ever-naive page Kenneth (Jack McBrayer). 7:30 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

The Office: Of all the NBC sitcoms that have returned with post-writers-strike episodes this month, this is the one that returned with a vengeance, with last week's very funny, very uncomfortable dinner-party episode. Tonight, the discomfort continues as Michael (Steve Carell) becomes obsessed with an office-catalog model, and Andy and Kevin (Ed Helms, Brian Baumgartner) join forces in a battle over parking spaces. 8 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: So we've only had new episodes for a couple of weeks, and now here's a repeat? Fortunately, it turns out to be a good one: October's A La Cart, with cases involving a go-kart death and a murder that occurs during a "dark dining" event. 8 p.m., KTVT/Channel 11

Supernatural: With new episodes of this cult fave about the demon-hunting Winchester brothers set to return next week, the CW repeats Mystery Spot, in which Sam (Jared Padalecki) watches as Dean (Jensen Ackles) is fatally shot -- and then Sam has a Groundhog Day-type experience, in which he lives the same day over and over -- so that he may (or may not) be able to save Dean. 8 p.m., KDAF/Channel 33

Scrubs: The janitor (Neil Flynn) creates a stir by starting a hospital newspaper, The Janitorial. (Dude, you know you have to start a blog now, too, right?) 8:30 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

ER:The Sopranos' Aida Turturro guest-stars as a patient with a torn aorta, but judging from the promos, all eyes will be on Neela (Parminder Nagra), whose all-night shift has a strange effect on her. 9:01 p.m., KXAS/Channel 5

Eli Stone: I'm not sure what the future holds for this new drama, but it made it to its first-season finale, and that's saying something in this warped season. In tonight's finale, Eli (Jonny Lee Miller) finds his life in the balance when he has surgery to remove the brain aneurysm that is apparently the cause of all his weird visions -- such as seeing God. Who looks like George Michael. I don't think this is what Michael had in mind when he wrote Faith. 9:02 p.m., WFAA/Channel 8

When Lee Strasberg directed the Group Theatre's premiere of Sidney Kingsley's Crisis (better known as Men in White), he took the cast to a hospital to talk to doctors and nurses and rehearsed the operating-room choreography more than 100 times in three months. (Wendy Smith documents this in her book Real Life Drama: The Group Theatre and America, 1931-1940.) The actors also practiced their operating-room moves on their own every morning in pantomime, and those playing doctors kept stethoscopes in their pockets to get the feeling of the medical gait.

Today's TV doctors and nurses are even more rigorous: They have to know lots of procedures and terminology -- and make the fake look real for the camera. It's not just an acting challenge; it may also change your mindset about the medical profession.

On the set, medical advisers are always present, and on some shows real nurses work as extras. Actors also get training after they're hired. For example, when Yvette Freeman was cast as a nurse on ER, she shadowed some nurses at a Los Angeles hospital. They taught her how to use the various machines and do basic things like wrap bandages and put on surgical gloves quickly. "In real life you have time, but on TV you have to do it in seconds," Freeman says. Now she can fake taking blood pressure faster than it's taken in real life.

Parminder Nagra, who plays ER's Dr. Rasgotra, initially followed an attending physician around the UCLA Medical Center for a day. "Observing the different mentalities, the different temperaments, was fascinating," she says. She also went with med students to a seminar about anti-venom and visited UCLA's Mattel Children's Hospital.

Like Nagra, who practiced drawing blood at home with a banana and a tourniquet, many actors do their own research. Kal Penn, who plays Dr. Kutner on House, went to UCLA's library and bookstore, studied anatomy and pharmacology manuals, and watched online footage of surgery and other medical procedures. Ellen Crawford, who played a nurse on ER for nine years, ultimately became friends with a real nurse.
The technical elements of playing medical personnel are one thing, the character elements another. Jennifer Morrison, who plays Dr. Cameron on House, read several books by doctors in order to understand their feelings. They wrote about how scary their first surgery was or their frustration with being human and sometimes making mistakes. "Dr. Cameron cares so much for her patients, is potentially too involved," says Morrison, "and this was the key I needed to find that place in her: the need to be perfect and not being perfect."

Several actors compared learning the necessary medical vocabulary to learning lines of Shakespeare: You have to understand what you're saying -- and know exactly how to pronounce the words -- for the audience to understand. The on-set doctor is available to explain terminology, and Freeman says she tackles unfamiliar words phonetically -- they don't exactly roll off her tongue.

"We learn our lines to get the gist of what things mean, and if we're not sure of the pronunciation, we phone the [adviser] doctors," says Nagra. "Once I get the gist, hopefully the words will fall into place." Often she goes to tech websites on the day of a shoot to get up to speed on the jargon du jour.

"The terminology makes you feel like you're speaking another language," adds Morrison. "Early on, I'd look up practically every term. That helped me feel more connected, more familiar with the words. As time goes on, so much repeats itself -- the names of tests, drugs, diseases. We've all said it over and over for four years, so it becomes more familiar."

Blood and Guts

But putting dialogue together with actions is another matter. On ER, Freeman explains, a technical adviser usually shows the actors a diagram of what they'll be doing in a scene, what instruments they'll be using, on which lines to pass the instruments or use them, and so on, so everyone understands the blocking in advance. Then the actors run the physical part of the scene, followed by the verbal (or vice versa), then both together. Freeman pictures herself doing the physical action when she runs her lines.

The hardest part for Morrison is doing fussy physical stuff while saying lines in what feels like a foreign language. "If we were actually intubating someone, it might be easier," she says. "But we're faking it, and you're doing eight things with your hands, and you don't want to hurt the patient or stab them. You're almost doing a sleight of hand while you're saying things like, 'He's going into cardiac arrest!' "

Sometimes the dialogue has nothing to do with the action, especially if a patient is anesthetized and the doctors and nurses are carrying on side conversations (or exchanging yearning looks, as often happens on Grey's Anatomy). "You need to be on top of your game," says Penn. "It's like tapping your head and rubbing your stomach. It's a unique set of challenges."

Just a few of the things TV docs have to fake realistically, expertly, while cheating for the camera: spinal taps, palpation, echocardiograms, drawing blood, inserting an I.V., intubation, injections, scrutinizing an ultrasound screen, hand sutures, and coping with copious quantities of blood. In surgery scenes, of course, a prosthesis is placed on top of the patient's actual body part and the blood is fake, but intestines, for example, might be actual pig intestines. Nagra says she didn't mind working with the porker's innards and even found their texture fascinating, but she got queasy at the sight of blood pumping out of a prosthetic arm stump -- the fake blood grossed her out more than real organs.

"When we have people bleeding out of orifices, blood spraying from an artery, it's kind of gory, but you get used to it," says Morrison. Props, Nagra points out, are a huge part of playing a medical professional. She gets excited learning all the new techniques (she finds doing hand sutures rather therapeutic) and layering her acting on top of that.

There's so much to learn and the pace of the action is so fast, says Freeman, that she'd never want to be a guest star who has to do medical procedures. "You have to do your homework before you get there," she says. Nagra comments, "If I did a Jacobean play, I know I'm not in Jacobean times. I have to put myself in those times, that character. You tackle this job the same way."

I asked the actors what advice they'd give others, and they all agreed: Be on top of your lines. "If you have to run down the hall saying something technical and you don't have it memorized, it's going to be hard," warns Freeman.

"Whether your character is making a pizza or performing an appendectomy, you need to implicitly know how to do those things," says Penn.

"See if you can get hooked up with someone who actually does what your character does," advises Crawford. "You'll get a whole different perspective and a sense of the person behind the knowledge." Morrison agrees; she loves talking to House's medical consultant and understanding the details of procedures.

Playing a medical professional over a long stretch can't help but affect your life. Crawford became passionate about nursing, so moved and impressed was she by how much healthcare workers care about people. She's proud that ER portrays nurses not as doctors' handmaidens but as devoted professionals. As a result of her ER stint, she's also a regular blood donor.

And Morrison says House has given her deep respect for real doctors. "I can't imagine carrying that pressure daily," she says. It has also made her realize how important it is to be a student of your own body: "You start to think differently. I've become so much more detail-oriented. You realize how every detail counts."

A b o u t P a r m i n d e r

"The character of Jess is very close to me. She is honest, steadfast and a little fighter on the pitch, much like me. She also follows her heart, which is something that I do too"

Parminder Nagra attained international recognition and won the hearts of cinema audiences in 2002 as the lead actor in the movie Bend It Like Beckham.
Her portrayal of Jess Bhamra, a football obsessed teenager whose determination to follow her dreams challenges the expectations of her family, was central to making the film a global box office hit.

The success of the movie in the U.S led to a part in America's seminal and widely syndicated serial medical drama ER .
Having completed her fourth season and ascended in the shows hierarchy, Parminder is today amongst the most recognized British actors in TV and cinema.

The full and fascinating story of Miss Nagra's career journey from Leicester
to LA can be found in the Biography pages on this site.
(under construction March 2008)
A professional CV is featured on the Stage,Screen,TV and Radio page.

The following collection of 'Factoids' may satisfy the curiosity of trivia junkies!.

Full Name: Parminder Kaur Nagra
Date of birth: October 5th 1975
Place of Birth: Belgrave, Leicester (East Midlands), England, UK
Nationality: British
Religion: Sikh
Siblings: One sister and two brothers (Parminder is the eldest)
Qualifications GCSE's, 'A' Levels and an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (awarded by the University of Leicester - July 2007)
Height: 5' and 1:5" / 156 cm (or 5' and 3" in certain publications, though without drawing the tape measure ourselves, we are inclined to place greater credence on the first figure)
Star Sign: Libra. To see a professional astrologers reading click here
Shoe Size: Size 3 UK / 6 US (God, this is anorak material!)

To see a bunch of fun stuff about Parminder's likes and dislikes click here or select Total Trivia from the menu.

biosafety

2008-04-18T12:25:00.001+05:30

Proponents: The Gulf States Bio and Agro-Defense Consortium - a coalition of public and private entities mostly from Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Members include the state of Mississippi, economic development agencies, businesses, research centers, universities, and medical groups.

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Site: A 150-acre tract within the Flora Industrial Park, which is maintained by the Madison County Economic Development Agency.

Research: Consortium members already operate Biosafety Level 3 facilities in Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as a Level 4 facility in Texas. The region's academic institutions have participated in several related research projects, including recent University of Mississippi Medical Center studies into treatments for anthrax. Mississippi State University's vet school and animal science programs, University of Mississippi pharmacy school, Jackson State's Center for Environmental Health and Center for Biodefense Communications, also are among research opportunities that are being touted.

Infrastructure: The proposed site is adjacent to U.S. 49, a major four-lane, divided highway. It is near I-55, which supports north-south interstate traffic, and I-20, which supports east-west interstate traffic. The state has committed to providing any needed utility improvements.

Politics: Mississippi has some influential politicians backing its selection, including Gov. Haley Barbour, Sen. Thad Cochran, former Sen. Trent Lott and 2nd District Rep. Bennie Thompson, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee. The project also has seen few outspoken opponents here.
Georgia

Proponents: The Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security - a group spearheaded by the University of Georgia and Gov. Sonny Perdue. The consortium includes the state's congressional delegation, universities and colleges, private businesses, health officials and state agencies.

Site: A 67-acre site in Athens owned by the University of Georgia.

Current Research: Georgia's life science industry ranks seventh in the United States based on the number of companies, and the state has a history of investing in specialized containment facilities for infectious disease research. The site also offers proximity to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. Already the region has Biosafety Level 4 facilities at the CDC and Georgia State in Atlanta, as well as Biosafety Level 3 ag facilities at the USDA.

Infrastructure: The site is less than 2 miles from the Athens Perimeter, a four-lane bypass that connects to Atlanta and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport by Georgia 316, or to I-20 or I-85 via U.S. 441. Georgia officials have promised utility upgrades including improved water lines, sewer and power.

Politics: Georgia has made some big plays to lure the facility, including offering million-dollar incentive packages. Gov. Perdue, a graduate of the UGA vet school, and Sen. Saxby Chambliss, also a UGA grad who has Homeland Security ties, have been major supporters.
Kansas

Proponents: The Heartland Bio Agro Consortium - a group led by Kansas State University, the Midwest Research Institute and the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute and includes research universities in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska, as well as private research institutes and research hospitals.

Site: A 45-acre site on KSU's Manhattan campus and adjacent to the Biosecurity Research Institute.

Current research: The region has a $14.5 billion animal health industry, and it's home to 165 life science companies - 37 of which are focused on protecting and securing animal health. KSU's Biosecurity Research Institute has three Biosafety Level 3 or higher labs.

Infrastructure: The site is within 1,000 feet of a fire station and about a mile away from a hospital with emergency room service. Utilities available include water, electricity, sewer, telecommunications and natural gas.

Politics: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has called the project her state's "top bioscience priority." Last month she signed a bill that authorizes the issuance of more than $100 million in revenue bonds to support improvement projects for the facility.
North Carolina

Proponents: The North Carolina Consortium for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility - a statewide private-public partnership that includes local, state and federal government officials, as well as universities, medical institutions, livestock associations, agribusiness, private industries and nonprofits that promote biotechnology.

Site: A 195-acre, state-owned farmland site in Granville County near Raleigh.

Current Research: The region boasts nearly 8.6 million square feet of research laboratory space dedicated to addressing NBAF relevant issues - and that's excluding large federal, state and university facilities. In recent years, North Carolina ranked seventh and 15th nationally for total National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation research funding.

Infrastructure: The site is near I-85, which connects to I-40 and I-95, and the Raleigh-Durham International airport is less than 25 miles away. The state has provided options for basic utility needs but would not revise its initial incentive offerings after officials asked that the consortiums adjust their packages to cover the cost of a central utilities plant.

Politics: North Carolina has the most opposition to the lab, and officials recently would not submit a new bid for the biolab with increased incentives - signaling that they may not be ready to fight for the project.
Texas

Proponents: The Texas Biological and Agro-Defense Consortium - a group that includes the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas Health Science Center, Brooks Development Authority and the Texas Research and Technology Foundation.

Site: A 100-acre former ranch that is owned by the Texas Research and Technology Foundation and is near San Antonio.

Current research: The bioscience and health-care industry sector is the largest economic generator in the area. Consortium members are working on research that involves infectious diseases, primates and biotechnology. Also, Texas already has two labs that are Biosafety Level 4.

Infrastructure: The site is accessible to Texas 211, which connects to U.S. 90 and Texas 1957. Site utilities meet or exceed the biolab's requirements, and facilities to increase water capacity are under construction, as is a 200-megawatt electrical substation.

Politics: Texas still has pull in Washington with more congressional delegates available to lobby for the site, but the most influential Texan in DC, President Bush, is on his way out of office.

Source: Department of Homeland Security

Plum Island is about a mile and a half from Orient and clearly visible to the people who live there, unless the fog is heavy.

Little wonder, then, that the possibility of a new, more sophisticated National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility on the island drew a vocal, standing-room-only crowd of Southold residents mostly against the idea to a community meeting Tuesday night.

Federal officials hosted the meeting to get residents' reaction to a proposal to build a $500-million facility to replace the half-century-old Plum Island Animal Disease Center.

Virtually no one in the audience supported the idea, and no local elected official has come out in favor of it.

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Five other sites in the nation are being considered for the new center, which is expected to be in operation by 2013. No decision has been made on what will happen to the current facility when the new one opens.

For Southold residents, the paramount question concerned safety procedures at Plum Island. If a new center were built there, they asked, what would protect against the failure of systems designed to keep dangerous organisms from getting out?

"The basic issue is very simple. They are trying to put a bio-level four laboratory in an area with just one egress," said Sandra Sinclair, of Orient, pointing out that only one two-lane road is available for people trying to leave the area. "They don't seem to have a realistic plan [for evacuation]."

Unlike the current facility, the proposed Bio and Agro-Defense Facility would be classified a biosafety level 4 research facility, which uses the highest level of protections. The current center is classified as a biosafety level 3 lab.

There are four BSL-4 labs now in the United States. Facilities with that designation investigate micro-organisms that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease and for which there is no known vaccine or therapy.

BSL-3 labs research micro-organisms that can cause significant damage to livestock and plants. While those micro-organisms may be a potential danger to humans, they are not considered harmful because of available protective measures.

The other five sites under consideration are in Athens, Ga.; Manhattan, Kan.; Flora, Miss.; Butner, N.C.; and San Antonio.

A draft environmental impact statement on the proposed new research facility, evaluating all six sites, is to be issued in the next couple of months. A final environmental impact statement is to be completed this fall.

A second public hearing will be scheduled after that report is issued. The final site selection will be made at least 30 days after the final environmental impact statement is released for public comment.

Staff writer Bill Bleyer contributed to this story.

The NEW Purifier Logic Biosafety Cabinets are a new generation of biosafety cabinets that include an LCD information center located inside the cabinet at eye-level to keep users safe and alerted to current cabinet conditions. Operating parameters are constantly displayed, including the percent of filter capacity remaining. The Purifier Logic Series Cabinets utilize intelligent motor technology to maintain precise, safe airflow as the filters load. The motor is more powerful, yet quieter, cooler and 60% more energy efficient than other cabinets.

Programmable options permit users to define start up, shut down and standby parameters, including blower control and timing of fluorescent and UV lights. Ergonomic benefits have been enhanced with easier work surface and airfoil removal and greater access below work area.

Labconco Purifier Logic Safety Cabinets are available in 3, 4, 5 and 6-foot benchtop models and carry NSF, NSF International, ETL listings, and CE conformity marking.

washington redskins cheerleaders

2008-04-18T12:04:00.001+05:30

Royal Challengers versus the Kolkata Knight Riders: Not two sports teams with storied traditions or worldwide brand recognition and fan followings, but which will be making a bit of sports history Friday.

Under the floodlights of the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, and in front of an expected sell-out crowd of 55,000 and a global TV audience that stretches from the U.K. to Australia, they will provide the first match-up in the new Indian Premier League (IPL).

Big money--by cricket's standards--has brought together most of the top players in the world in an eight-team league playing the Twenty20 format (see "Cricket's Best Sold For Millions In India.") Twenty20 is a quick-fire, short-form version of the game in which matches take about three hours to complete; in its longest form, Test cricket between the top cricketing nations, a game can run for up to five days.

The much-hyped debut of a controversial competition has the potential to transform world cricket, and further confirm that the epicenter of the game has moved to the subcontinent, which already generates 80% of the world game's income.

Traditionalist fear that the IPL is the latest final nail in the coffin of Test cricket and may even kill off the popular modern version of international cricket, the 50-over one day international (ODI).

A common concern is whether the game's best players will desert other forms of cricket to take the IPL's shilling, or retire prematurely from the rigors of what is now year-round, round-the-globe Test cricket to pocket more from six weeks work than they now make in a year.

The star players in the IPL will be paid anywhere between $650,000 and $1.5 million for six or seven weeks' work--a king's ransom by cricket's standards, even though the league's salary cap means lesser lights will earn just $30,000, less than the minimum wage for a county cricketer in England.

The IPL is the brainchild of Lalit Modi, cricket-mad scion of one of India's richest families, who is also vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Modi spent several years in the U.S. studying sports marketing, and has brought in the international sports agency IMG to manage the league.

Signs of American pro sports influence can be seen in the city franchise system adopted for the teams in the league and its version of the draft, a televised player auction to allocate players to the teams, with top stars going for more than $1 million each.

The IPL has already raised $1.8 billion from the sale of the teams, title sponsorship and electronic media broadcast rights for 10 years, making it, by most estimates, already the richest domestic cricket tournament in the world.

India's largest real estate developer, DLF, is paying $50 million to be title sponsor of the league for five years. Reliance Industries' billionaire head Mukesh Ambani and United Breweries Chairman Vijay Mallya are among those backing participating teams.

The fan-friendly Twenty20 format has become a hit with sponsors and viewers since it was introduced in England in 2003. But there are no leading English players in the league, as IPL's 59 matches over 44 days clashes with the early part of the English season.

The English Cricket Board views the IPL with a wary eye. It has told its contracted players, who comprise the core of the national team, that they cannot take part in the IPL until 2010 at the earliest. That has caused speculation that top England players may walk out of their contracts when they come up for renewal in September so they can get a cut of the action in next year's IPL.

The ECB is not blind to the prospects of this bite-sized version of the game turning into a multi-billion dollar business. It has a Twenty20 cup for domestic teams and has been considering changing it to attract more leading international players.

It has been in talks with the Caribbean-based American billionaire R. Allen Stanford, who we estimate to be the world's 605th richest man with a fortune of $2 billion, and who has invested an estimated $100 million in a Caribbean Twenty20 cricket league. As a starter, Stanford has proposed a $20 million winner-take-all Twenty20 match between a team of West Indies all-stars he would hire and the England national side.

That would be a prize pot six times larger than the IPL is offering.

For now, though, the only game is the IPL's, and it has the star names. Its teams can boast eight of the current top-10-ranked ODI batsmen and six of the top 10 bowlers.

Bangalore will be captained by Rahul Dravid and Kolkata by Sourav Ganguly, both household names in the cricket world and, in India, on a par with Kolkata's co-owner, Bollywood stars Shan Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta.

Mumbai will be fielding SachinTendulkar, probably the finest Test batsman of his generation. Australia's Shane Warne will be representing Rajasthan and his countryman Brett Lee will be playing for Punjab. South Africa's Jacques Kallis will be playing for Bangalore and New Zealander Stephen Fleming for Chennai. The list of top names runs on and on.

The setup hasn't been without teething troubles. There are reports of players not receiving their initial fees by due dates. CricInfo, the game's leading Web site, is railing against being denied press credentials and access to pictures from matches.

There are also questions about whether cricket-mad Indian supporters will take to city teams stuffed with international stars rather than local heroes. When Rajastan's Shane Warne bowls to to Bangalore's Rahul Dravid, will it be the same as Australia's Warne bowling to India's Dravid?

None of that will be allowed to dampen the opening razzmatazz. Mallya has imported the services of the Washington Redskins' cheerleaders for the first match. But most crucially for cricket, will the Twenty 20 glitter turn to lasting gold?

Indians to protest against cheerleading troupe

By Rahul Bedi in New Delhi
Last Updated: 3:24am BST 18/04/2008

A troupe of cheerleaders is to be unleashed on cricket crowds in India, provoking complaints of an "alien culture" invading the traditionally conservative country.

The 12-member squad is to add a dash of glamour to the Royal Challengers team in Bangalore, after being trained by cheerleaders for the American football team, the Washington Redskins.

The move is expected to lead to protests by religious and women's groups against immodesty, exploitation and the intrusion of American influences on India.
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Charu Sharam, the chief executive of the Challengers, said that the squad's "accoutrements and clothing will be in line with professional American cheerleading troupes" - which often consist of mini-skirts, push-up bras and midriff-revealing vests.

The group will perform a mix of Bollywood and American hip-hop moves before the first game of the 20-20 Indian Premier League in May.

The league is being promoted as a racier alternative to traditional Test match cricket, with glamourous foreign player imports and fast, attacking cricket over 40 overs.

"I know what we are doing is cutting edge and we have been working for weeks creating the new uniforms," said Donald Wells, the director of the Redskins cheerleaders.

"This fusion of dance backgrounds has created a new amazing style."

Local reaction to a Challengers troupe, however, has been mixed.

"It is completely alien to our culture to have young skimpily clad Indian girls sporting pompoms on their derrieres dancing around furiously," Bangalore resident Roshin Varghese said.

"There has to be some limit to us aping the Americans."

Others in Punjab state were less critical. "It will be pleasing to watch the cheerleaders in all their glory" said dentist Gurpreet Singh.

"They will add colour and impudence to the game."

Tunku Varadarajan, a professor at New York University, however, told The New York Times that he expected demonstrations outside cricket stadiums where the cheerleaders are performing by women's groups and Hindu fundamentalists.

And, with the Redskins cheerleaders on Indian soil, he said: "one can safely declare that the British cultural influence in India has been entirely replaced by an American one."

osmania mba results

2008-04-18T11:53:00.002+05:30

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bangalore voter id

2008-04-18T11:48:00.001+05:30

Bangalore: As elections begin in the state, a group of transgenders and sex workers have alleged that the government is making it difficult for them to get voter ID cards.

“I have been living in Bangalore for the last 20 years, but I still don't have a voter ID card. When I apply for the card, they tell me which category do I add you in — man or woman?” transgender activist Sahana asks. “We also want to exercise our voting rights.”

The Election Commission says it's not gender that's preventing them from getting voter ID cards, but lack of proper documents.

“They say without address proof we can’t give you a voters ID. If I live in a place for 30 years, isn't that enough for address proof? Why do they not take action against officials who don't enroll hijras (eunuchs)?” human rights activist Elavarthi Manohar complains.

The Karnataka Sex Workers Union claims there are close to 1,000 sex workers and transgenders in Bangalore who haven't got voter cards.

The Election Commission, though it promised to process all their applications, has set a deadline for Thursday evening for the receipt of all documents.

“This group met us on April 16 — after three months time — and wanted their names to be included. We told them that if they can fill up the forms with all the relevant details by evening, we'd ensure, subject to fulfilling all the requirements, their names would be on the electoral roll,” Chief Electoral Officer and Ex-officio Principal Secretary to Government, D.P.A.R (Elections), M N Vidyashankar clarified.

sagarika ghatge

2008-04-18T11:45:00.002+05:30

Chak De! girl Sagarika on her Olympics torch run

As much as 70 runners are taking part in the Olympic torch relay to be held in New Delhi.

These include 47 sportspersons selected by the Indian Olympic Association. However, there are no cricketers after Sachin Tendulkar pulled out on Wednesday.

Some prominent icons of Indian sports such as Leander Paes, Anju Bobby George and past legends PT Usha and Milkha Singh are slated to run with the torch.

Among the actors, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan and Sagarika Ghatge of Chak De India fame are taking part.

Actor Saif Ali Khan, earlier on Thursday, told NDTV's managing editor Barkha Dutt that while he does not agree with china's politics, he will run. When asked whether he would consider wearing a black band, Saif said that he may consider it.

There are 23 other runners, including 18 selected by the main sponsors for the Beijing Games and five Chinese torchbearers.

Among the celebrity Olympics torch-bearers was actor Sagarika Ghatge of Chak De! India fame.

“It is a great honour for me to be a part of this special event. People who are running with me are achievers in their own way. To be a part of this event is a privilege and honour. The kind of glory they have brought to India is great. Olympics stands for people from different walks of life coming together and celebrate a particular thing and that’s what we all do,” she told CNN-IBN.

Sagarika Ghatge who is known for her exemplary role of ‘Preeti Sabarwal’ in one of the best Indian movies ‘Chake De India’ has added new feather to her cap in role of official brand ambassador for sports brand Reebok's freshly launched Lifestyle stores in India. Now she will act along with real life players Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Irfan Pathan who are also brand ambassador for the Reebok.

Sagarika Ghatge born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra on January 8th 1986 has acting in her blood. She received formal training in acting from her father Vijayendra Ghatge, a Hindi film actor. She did her primary education till 8th class from Chatrapati Shahu School in Kolhapur. She completed her education till 12th class at Mayo College, Ajmer, and Rajasthan and did graduation from HR College, Mumbai. She also used to play hockey in her college days that helped her to understand her role better in Chak De India.

She had started receiving offers of acting since her college days but avoided accepting offers on her father’s instruction. In ‘Chak De India’, in character of Preeti Sabarwal she played the role of centre-forward striker. She has bagged her second role in Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul. She is about to play role of wife Zayed Khan and would be CIA agent. The movie Chak De India has also been included in the MBA curriculum of Aryans Business School as a medium for the young ones to learn traits of good leader.

Definitely, her role in Mission Istanbul would also be going to be the memorable one.

imt nagpur

2008-04-17T15:21:00.001+05:30

Vision

"To be the premier management and technology institution, a student. focused learning community recognized for its research and teaching."

Mission

"To promote excellence in management and technology education. IMT prepares students to be leaders who shape the future. Towards this end, IMT will provide a conducive and rewarding. environment for faculty and students to ignite and sustain a passion for excellence."
Founder Chairman
Late Shri Mahendra Nath (1913 - 2004)

"What ultimately matters in one's life is not the result - the success or failure - but the quality of work, the passion that is brought to bear upon anything that one takes in his hand."
Lord R B Haldane

Shri Mahendra Nath was a monarch of whatever he surveyed. He was a great patriot, an eminent industrialist & educationist, a great visionary, a great institution builder and above all, a "karma yogi".

A light has gone out of our lives, leaving behind a void and a lot of memories. Born in a humble middle class family, Shri Mahendra Nath learnt that honesty and hard work lead to success. Very early in his life, through the example of his father who was a medical practitioner and follower of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, he imbibed the virtues of strong determination, tenacity, hard work and care for the weaker sections of the society.

Shri Mahendra Nath began his career in business as an insurance agent in Meerut . Due to his pleasing personality and knack for cultivating relationships he tasted success instantaneously. Over the next few years of his life he expanded his interests to the exhibition & distribution of films, publishing, trading and finally went on to establish one of the largest high tension power transmission companies in India.

He travelled widely and cultivated strong relationships with not only businessmen but also people from all walks of life wherever he worked. Shri Mahendra Nath acquired a great name and reputation for his sharp business acumen, despite lack of any formal managerial qualification or training as an accountant, engineer or a scientist. He was blessed with strong analytical skills and had a deep understanding of business practices and trends, along with immense capacity for hard work with ingenuity and determination to succeed.

Shri Mahendra Nath created a trust named "Dr K. Nath Public Trust" which created and nurtured various institutions of vocational, professional and higher learning. The trust has been running libraries and helps the poor students to undertake higher education at a large number of institutions including Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management. The trust also established Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad under the aegis of Lajpat Rai Educational Society in the year 1980 with the objective to provide high quality management education in India . The institution currently ranks among the best institutions providing management education in the country.

Due to his belief in humanity and faith in the Almighty he achieved remarkable success in his life. He showed to us what Walter E. Cole said "If we are to achieve we must look for the opportunity in every difficulty instead of the difficulty in every opportunity".

May the great soul rest in peace.

dlf ipl

2008-04-17T14:47:00.001+05:30

Editors Guild asks IPL to withdraw remaining unacceptable conditions

Special Correspondent

Chennai: The Editors Guild of India, in a statement on Wednesday, has asked the DLF-Indian Premier League (IPL) to withdraw the “remaining unacceptable conditions (for media accreditation) regarding news websites and news channels.”

Noting that the removal of several of the IPL’s restrictive conditions had helped restore the freedom of the press, the Guild said that the curbs on supplying photographs to standalone cricket websites and feed to news television channels should be removed.

The following is the text of the Guild’s statement issued by its Secretary General K.S. Sachidananda Murthy:

The Editors Guild of India compliments the entire Indian media which joined the Guild’s initiative in preserving the freedom of the press to cover sporting events, and resisted the unacceptable terms and conditions for accreditation of journalists imposed by the Indian Premier League organisers for coverage of the IPL tournament beginning on April 18.

The Guild has noted that the conditions, which placed severe constraints on news media, and directly affected the freedom of editors, newspapers and news agencies, have been removed in the updated terms and conditions by IPL. The IPL has scrapped the earlier terms and conditions, which included submission of all photographs taken by accredited photographers to IPL for its global and perpetual commercial use; bar on newspapers from using the pictures in their websites; and bar on news agencies from supplying pictures to their subscribers. The dropping of these conditions restores the freedom of the editors, photographers, newspapers and news agencies.

The Guild however regrets that the news agencies have been barred from supplying pictures to one set of subscribers, namely standalone specialised websites. The news agencies should have the total freedom to supply news and pictures to all their subscribers. The Guild notes that the news agencies are in dialogue with the IPL organisers to remove this clause also from the terms and conditions.
New conditions

Similarly the sole telecast rights licence has put new conditions on giving feed to news television channels. These are not acceptable, and the Guild fully supports the stand taken by the News Broadcasters Association.

The Guild reiterates that the existing accreditation policies and rules of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for Test and One-Day Matches should be applicable for IPL also, in respect of news agencies, websites and news broadcast channels.

From the beginning the Guild had maintained freedom of press is non-negotiable and the Guild firmly believed that the right of coverage of news events cannot come with any conditions which restrain the editor from discharging his duties fully and fairly. The Guild is thankful to editors of newspapers and news agencies, who took up this issue vigorously through their columns and other fora.
Highly indebted

The Guild is highly indebted to the support of professional media organisations like the Sports Journalists Federation of India, Indian Newspaper Society, Working News Cameramen Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, News Broadcasters Association and News Media Coalition for their support to the Guild’s campaign to scrap the unacceptable conditions, which have now been withdrawn by the IPL.

The Guild is thankful to Mr. Sharad Pawar, President, BCCI, and other office-bearers of BCCI for their support to the Indian media as well as to the IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi who was responsive to the communications from the Guild. The Guild reiterates that the remaining unacceptable conditions regarding news websites and news channels too should be withdrawn.

The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced that ITC Welcomgroup Hotels, Palaces and Resorts has been chosen as the preferred hospitality partner for the league.

As per the agreement, ITC Welcomgroup will play host to the cricketers and league officials of the DLF IPL, catering to their hospitality and food and beverage needs.

DLF IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi said, “I am very pleased to have the country’s leading chain of hotels, resorts and palaces join us as the preferred hospitality partner of the DLF Indian Premier League. I am certain that the cricketers and officials alike will enjoy the traditional Indian hospitality and world-class standards that the ITC-Welcomgroup is renowned for.

Read more: http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k8/apr/aprmam49.php

morris

2008-04-17T14:34:00.001+05:30

co-owner Herb Simon believes he's found the perfect person to replace Donnie Walsh -- himself.

Simon announced yesterday that he is moving into day-to-day operations as chairman and chief executive of the franchise after years of mostly hands-off ownership. Walsh resigned last month after leading the Pacers for more than two decades, then accepted a job as president of the New York Knicks.

"When Donnie left, there was some reason for me to get more involved than I ever have been involved, and it's a time in my life ... where I have more time to devote to it," said Simon, 73.

Larry Bird will remain the team's president of basketball operations.

Simon named Jim Morris president of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, the Simon-owned company that runs the Pacers, the WNBA's Indiana Fever and Conseco Fieldhouse. Morris had been an executive with the Pacers for the past year.

Bird and Morris will report directly to Simon.

The Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals six times and won the Central Division four times under Walsh. They made the NBA finals in 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, and had the league's best record in 2004.

• SuperSonics // Washington's two U.S. senators are asking the NBA to delay Friday's vote on whether the team can move to Oklahoma City. In a letter to NBA commissioner David Stern, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell said the Sonics' Oklahoma City owners apparently weren't acting in good faith while trying to get a deal for a new arena in Seattle.

• Betting // A former high school classmate of disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy has pleaded guilty in connection with a betting scandal. Thomas Martino pleaded to conspiracy to defraud the NBA in Brooklyn federal court and faces 12 to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced July 11. Martino told a judge he paid Donaghy for "good picks" on NBA games. Donaghy faces a maximum of 25 years in prison. He pleaded guilty last year to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce.

• Bucks // Point guard Royal Ivey was suspended three games by the NBA for punching Chicago's Aaron Gray in the groin during a loss Monday. Ivey, who averaged 5.6 points and 2.1 assists, missed the Bucks' season finale against Minnesota last night and the first two regular-season games he is eligible to play next season.

Uranium 308 Corp. (OTCBB: URCO) (The "Company") is pleased to announce that Wasserman Morris and Company ("Wasserman Morris") has issued an Initiation Research Report for Uranium 308 Corp. Wasserman Morris, an independent investment research firm based in New York City, released the report on April 16th, 2008. The report is available for viewing at http://www.wassermanmorris.com.

Wasserman Morris is an equity research firm providing research for significantly under-followed small cap companies. Wasserman Morris distributes its research to a broad audience of institutional and individual investors seeking information on under-followed small cap stocks. Uranium 308 has paid Wasserman Morris for two years of coverage as detailed in the report. Neither Wasserman Morris nor the analysts own equity or debt securities of Uranium 308 Corp. More information about Wasserman Morris policies can be found at www.wassermanmorris.com.

About Uranium 308 Corp.

Uranium 308 Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of large scale low-cost, high-value properties internationally. Uranium 308 Corp.'s current primary focus is uranium exploration in Mongolia.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release may include "forward-looking statements" regarding Uranium 308 Corp., and its subsidiaries, business and project plans. Such forward looking statements are within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Where Uranium 308 Corp. expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is believed to have a reasonable basis. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Uranium 308 Corp. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A JPMorgan analyst named cigarette market Philip Morris International his "favorite U.S. listed stock" Wednesday due to its sales in emerging markets.

Erik Bloomquist began coverage of Philip Morris shares at "Overweight," placing the stock on his Analyst Focus List. He set a target of $62 per share for the maker of Marlboro and other brands, implying he expects the stock will rise 28.6 percent over the next year.

Philip Morris International Inc. faces no risks from a U.S. recession because all of its business is done overseas, he said, forecasting double-digit profit growth in each of the next two years.

About two-thirds of the Rye Brook, N.Y., company's sales are in emerging markets, Bloomquist said, with the strongest sales growth in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Those areas are becoming more profitable, he added.

Philip Morris was spun off from Altria Group Inc. in March. In a separate client note, Bloomquist downgraded Altria stock to "Neutral" from "Overweight."

jcece

2008-04-17T14:29:00.001+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR jcece RESULTS

To provide for Combined Competitive Examination for entrance in graduate level vocational courses of the Universities, College and Institutions in the State

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Bihar in the forty sixth year of the Republic of India as follows:

Short titled extent and commencement :

*
This act may be called the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Act, 1995.
*
It shall come into force from the date as the State Government by notification in the Bihar Gazette may appoint
*
It shall extend to the whole of the State of Bihar

Definitions:- In the Act unless otherwise required in the context :

*
“Act” means the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Act, 1995
*
“Department” means the department referred to in the first schedule of the Rules of Executives Business, Bihar , 1979
*
“Vocational Course” means a course in engineering, medical science, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science , agriculture science, fishery, dairy, forestry of the graduate standard and includes any other course of the same nature
*
“University college and institute” means any university , college and institute managed and maintained by the State Government
*
“Board” means the Bihar Combined Competitive Entrance Examination Board constituted under the Act
*
“Chairman means a chairman of the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board constituted under Act
*
“Controller of Examination“ means Controller of Examination appointed under the Act;
*
“Merit list” means a merit list prepared under the Act
*
“Entrance“ means entrance in vocational course of the Universities, Colleges and Institutes on the basic of merit-cum-option from the merit list

Admission in Vocational Courses :

*
Notwithstanding anything of the contrary contained in any decision, degree, order of any court or in any Act, rule of circular, the admission in the 1 st year of the graduate standard of Engineering, Medical Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary science, Agriculture Science, Fishers, Dairy, Forestry and other courses of same nature shall be made on the basis of the Combined Entrance Competitive Examination
*
Nomination for the admission in the Universities, College and Institutes within the state and outside the state. Where such nomination is required to be made by the state Government, shall be made on the basis of the r Combined Entrance Competitive Examination

orchid ranbaxy

2008-04-17T11:48:00.001+05:30

MUMBAI, April 17 (Reuters) - Multiple block deals in shares of Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ORCD.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) were struck on Thursday for a total of 1.16 million shares, or 1.76 percent equity, at an average price of 320.64 rupees each on the BSE.

On Wednesday, Morgan Stanley acquired a 3.8 percent stake in Orchid through bulk deals at an average price of 313.42 rupees each, data from the BSE and NSE showed.

Over the last fortnight, several institutions and investors have been actively acquiring stakes in Orchid since Solrex Pharmaceuticals, believed to be part of Ranbaxy Laboratories (RANB.BO: Quote, Profile, Research), bought 14.55 percent stake in Orchid.

Orchid shares are trading 3.5 percent lower at 308 rupees in a strong Mumbai market. (Reporting by Bharghavi Nagaraju; Editing by Ramya Venugopal)

Andhra Pradesh-based Krebs Biochemicals and Karnataka-based Jupiter Biosciences seem to be basking in the interest reflecting off Ranbaxy’s growing stake in Chennai-based Orchid.

Ranbaxy holds 14.9 per cent equity in both Krebs and Jupiter, and the two listed entities have seen close to 16 per cent and five per cent increase in their respective stock prices over the last week. The development comes even as Ranbaxy’s group company Solrex Pharmaceutical Company further ramped up its equity in Orchid to over14 per cent , within a striking distance of the 15 per cent mark that would trigger an open-offer for Orchid’s shares. Solrex bought an additional 3.29 per cent stake in Orchid on Friday, through two bulk deals on the NSE and BSE.

Krebs Biochemicals & Industries Ltd, a company that strengthens Ranbaxy’s presence in the active pharmaceutical ingredients business, gained 15.93 per cent over the past one week even after it lost 4.78 per cent on Friday to close at Rs 52.75 on BSE.

Jupiter Biosciences, through which Ranabxy gets a foothold in the peptides segment, gained 6.42 per cent over the last one week closing on Friday at Rs 152.60.

Hyderabad-based Zenotech Laboratories Ltd, the third local company in which Ranbaxy recently picked and ramped-up its equity to 45 per cent, also rose by 4.48 per cent over the past one week, though Friday it shed nearly three per cent to close at Rs 99.10.

Meanwhile, promoters of Orchid Chemicals received a fresh onslaught from the Ranbaxy Group’s Solrex on Friday, which took their shareholding in the company much closer to the 15 per cent-mark through two bulk deals on Friday that adds up to 21.72 lakh shares or 3.29 per cent of total share capital.

Solrex had upped its stake in the Chennai-based company to around 12 per cent recently which had made the stock quite volatile over the past one week, as it attracted lot of attention from other investors in the market, especially day traders. As last week closed, Solrex had bought 14.97 lakh shares on the NSE and on the BSE the company bought 6.75 lakh shares of Orchid Chemicals through bulk deals on Friday.

According to sources, no open offer is expected from Solrex Pharma for Orchid Chemicals, reports CNBC-TV18. Top leadership of two managements are holding negotiations, sources say. The final outcome may result in a strategic relationship. Ranbaxy Laboratories and Orchid may utilise respective strengths for synergy.

Orchid moved very sharply after this news, going up to Rs 311 up 8%, now it's well off the highs of the day.

Ambreesh Baliga of Karvy Stock Broking said, "I think its madness in Orchid Chemicals at this point of time, because I really don’t think even if there is an open offer, I don’t see them higher than these levels. I think it will be closer to around Rs 275-280 levels, that’s the best possible level."

The managements of two companies have initiated talks. It is definitely not going to be an open offer route that Solrex will be looking at. For two reasons; (1) it will become a kind of a hostile bid for Orchid and (2) it will be difficult to co-exist with the promoters, which is uneasy with the other partners. The valuations have also gone up very high after the stock went up over Rs 300.

They are looking at having a combination of front-end marketing strengths of Ranbaxy in the US and the manufacturing capabilities that Orchid has garnered over the last 15-20 years. With Cepholosporin’s sterile injectable coming to Ranbaxy in a quite a handy manner, this will be how they will co-exist and look at the partnership model.

The management is not talking about Ranbaxy hiking its stake through Solrex any further; it will stay where it is, it will not reach a trigger point of 15%. And Orchid has got locked in marketing tie-ups with the likes of Apotex Corporation, Par Pharma and many other big distributors in the US. Those things probably will need to be revisited and Ranbaxy may want to do front-end distribution strategy for Orchid. As Ranbaxy doesn’t have so much of a presence in Cephalosporin that will definitely come as a strong addition to Ranbaxy’s existing global portfolio.

pmt results

2008-04-17T11:44:00.002+05:30

Examination Results in Madhya Pradesh brought you by NIC

CLICK HERE FOR PMT RESULTS

indian fantasy league

2008-04-17T11:26:00.001+05:30

Indian Fantasy Cricket Game Website IndianFantasyLeague.com Unveiled
With the Twenty20 matches just around the corner and cricket fever rising across the nation, one of the largest Indian Fantasy Cricket websites, http://www.indianfantasyleague.com, has recently been launched. Registration is now open.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, April 16, 2008 ) Right ahead of the much awaited Twenty20 matches, which are scheduled to begin on April 18, one of the largest Indian Fantasy Cricket game websites has been unveiled. The game is free to play and all the fans have to do is login or register to start playing. The site can be accessed at – http://www.indianfantasyleague.com

Registration for the Indian Fantasy League is completely free and open to everyone. IndianFantasyLeague.com gives fans the option of selecting, building and managing a team of 16 cricketers that competes against other fantasy teams. Points will be awarded based on the statistics generated by individual players in actual matches. The selected teams' performance in the Twenty20 matches will decide the winners and team managers will be eligible for prizes.

“Ours is a country full of cricket lovers and we always yearn to get to the heart of all action, and Fantasy Cricket is the perfect way to do so!”, says IFL representative Mr. Prashant Sethi. “The main aim of the site is to give fans a platform for getting involved with the world of cricket to their heart's content. If you love cricket and often find yourself wishing a particular player or two were in your team to make it stronger, well now is your chance to live the dream! Make your very own team of players and wear the shoes of the team manager. The icing on the cake is that if your team wins, so do you. In short, you get to live out a fantasy, manage a cricket team and are eligible for grand prizes!”, he further informs.

Fans can make changes to their existing team by replacing players, based on how they perform during Twenty20 matches. Although only 1 registration is allowed per e-mail ID, users can create as many accounts as they want with other addresses, a move which increases their chances of winning. “I often found myself grumbling as our team didn't always have the best players. In fact, I have a long list of possible teams which would perform better. Now, thanks to IFL, I am going to live out my fantasy. I have already registered and am eagerly waiting for the matches to start. Cricket was never this exciting!”, says Siddharth, a college student and devoted cricket fan, who is now getting all his friends to register at IndianFantasyLeague.com. “We will split the prize!”, he chirps.

IndianFantasyLeague.com registrations are now open and will continue till the end of the Twenty20 tournament.

About IndianFantasyLeague.com:

Indian Fantasy League (http://www.indianfantasyleague.com) is one of the largest Indian fantasy Cricket game websites. Designed as a treat for cricket fans and in lieu of the upcoming Twenty20 matches, IndianFantasyLeague.com is offering attractive prizes to the winners. Registration is free and open to everyone. The IFL will be played in conjunction with Twenty20 matches. Fans can make changes to the team members based on the players' actual performances.

All the procedures and terms have been clearly explained on the portal, which also features a FAQ section. The scoring card, winning conditions and complete match timetable have also been posted.

Contact information:

Mr. Prashant Sethi
Website: http://www.indianfantasyleague.com
Email: teamifl@indianfantasyleague.com

8th class result

2008-04-17T11:01:00.002+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR Results of the exams for 8th class for 2007-08

they released the results of the Year 8 Government examination which are conducted at the district level. All of the students passed well with our best students coming 15th and 46th in the whole district. It is a fantastic effort considering that more than 18000 students sat the examination!! The students are feeling quite proud of themselves today and rightly so.

hseb

2008-04-17T10:56:00.001+05:30

click here for resultsof hseb

Higher secondary education in Nepal, a backdrop

It is said that education is a life long process, but the basic education that one gets during the formative year definitely contributes to the shaping of one's future and outlook. This is where; the school and high school education assumes importance.

Today's school is not merely a school it is much more.

Its teachers and staff together with the guardians and students give it a wholesome environment. As student not only finds a guru here but guides and friends for life. It is a place to inculcate the fundamentals of honored values. The education of the weak brains between the ages of 17 - 18 is counted within the school education in the international arena.

Further the students of this age group require a disciplined environment of the schools rather than that of the universities because of their sensitive age factor. It was precisely for these kinds of reasons than the educational planner, administrator, pedagogues and experts took the initiative to bring about a change in the existing educational structure by incorporating two more years of schooling in it, grade XI and grade XII, known as higher secondary level.

For this purpose, two important seminars were organized in which educational professionals and responsible authorities participated and eventually concluded with a consensus that the 10 + 2 system be established and operated with optimum efficiency and effectiveness.

Following this outcome, Government of Nepal decided to introduce the Higher Secondary Education Act, which came into effect in 1989 A.D. Later, as stipulated in the Act, the Higher Secondary Education assembly was constituted under the chairmanship of the Minister of Education.

Subsequently Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) was established in 1989 under the Higher Secondary Education Act.

The board is involved in running the 10 + 2 system in the country.

Nepal National Commission of Education 1992 recommended the importance of the 10 + 2 structure in the education system and viewed it as the first step towards specialization.

Incorporating extra two years in school education was a change in the existing educational structure aiming at meeting the middle level manpower and imparting necessary knowledge and skills to the students pursuing further education.

The higher secondary education in Nepal, is nothing more than the result of globalization, a need to come in terms with the global markets when the world is turning into a global village, and the countries, borderless.

Today is the time of multiculturalism, where every voice from every country is striving to have their say. Today the situation may be viewed as an indeterminate set of attitudes that has been shaped by various diversities of cultural and intellectual currents.

Here, education cannot be separated from this politics of existence because it is only through education that one can prove them.

Today's world with its constant and extensive interaction between people of different countries demands a system and standard of education that can earn international recognition.

On the other hand no education system will be viable if it has no relevance to the community and its environs. So, the Higher Secondary Education is a critical stage in development of the human resources essential for economic development and social progress of the country.

Passing various difficult phases with the passage of time, education is gradually getting due priority in the regions of our country.

The 856 higher secondary schools at present and the possibility of its proliferation show that the establishment of the Higher Secondary Education Board will be justifiable in the future to come.

Specified Objectives

The structure of school education in Nepal:
Primary Level (grade 1 - 5)
Lower Secondary (grade 6 - 8)
Secondary (grade 9 - 10)
Higher Secondary (grade 11 - 12)

The ninth plan as well as the tenth plan (current five year plan) of the government is determined to implement special programs for reducing caste-based, gender based and other inequalities in both secondary and higher secondary levels. The plan also says the proficiency certificate level programs of the universities will be phased out to higher secondary schools.

The report of the Nepal National Commission of Education (1992) reiterated the earlier recommendation to include the 10 + 2 program in the education system, and also viewed it as the first step towards specialization. However, it was felt that the program should essentially focus on the need for meeting the requirements of middle level manpower, and for imparting necessary knowledge and skills to the students pursuing further education.

Specifically, the objective of Higher Secondary Education then are to:

* Prepare students for the world of work especially in meeting middle level manpower requirements in different fields.

* Prepare students for general higher education and for professional disciplines.

* Prepare the youth with competitive strength required for a patriotic, disciplined and productive human resources while contributing to the shaping of one's future and outlook.

* Adopt a system of greater equality in opportunities by reducing by reducing regional and ethnical disparity and promoting female participation.

* Aim to produce the ambassadors of culture, who irrespective of caste, class, gender and ethnicity respect the cultures that exist in human society and the politics of plurality.

Function of Higher Secondary Education Board

The main functions are as follows:

* Granting approval for + 2 schools.

* Developing and revising curricula and textbook materials.

* Conducting examinations and publishing results.

* Awarding certificates to Higher Secondary graduates.

* Supervising and monitoring Higher Secondary School programs. I

* Implementing plans and programs for improving Higher Secondary Education.

* Recruiting technical, professional and administrative staff.

* Designing and implementing training programs for +2 school teachers and other staff.

* Conducting seminars and workshops.

* Undertaking research activities, which focus on various issues in this field.

* Keeping liaison with various national and international institutions.

anil kumble s 600th wicket

2008-04-17T10:51:00.001+05:30

Indian Captain Anil Kumble Competed his 600th wicket on Thursday dismissing Australia's Andrew Symonds in the on going third Test. With his 600th wicket Anil kumble become the first Indian and the third in the world to reach the milestone.
While India's fast bowlers were on top of the Australians early in first innings, Kumble delayed his introduction into the attack to give more time to there fast bowlers, but struck just after tea to end a 102-run partnership between Andrew Symonds and Adam Gilchrist.

When he bowled the fourth ball of his fifth over, which was a shorter, faster delivery and it cramped Symonds, who got a thick edge. The ball rebounded off the top of wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's glove and ballooned to Rahul Dravid at first slip which he caught cleanly. As Symonds departed, the 37-year-old leg-spinner raised the ball to an appreciative crowd.

The 37-year-old leg spinner of Team India is playing his 124th Test. Only Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, with 723 victims, and retired Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, with 708, have taken more wickets in Test cricket. Retired Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath is next on the list, with 563 victims.
This is history an cricket fans around the world will have to wait for a long time to see another bowler reaching the 600-wicket mark as the Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas, the closest to Kumble's tally among the current players, has only 331 wickets. Vaas has announced that he will retire this year after taking 350 wickets. So world has to wait a long time to see this mark reached again.
The only other current bowler with 300-plus wickets is South Africa's Makhaya Ntini, who has so far bagged 329 in 82 matches. But Ntini has crossed 30, and is unlikely to reach the 600-wicket mark.

By a pleasant coincidence, Dravid also moved up to the third spot in the list of all-time Test catchers. With his 165th catch, Dravid left behind retired West Indian batsman Brian Lara. Australia's Mark Waugh, who has also retired, holds the record with 181 catches.

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fridge

2008-04-17T10:50:00.002+05:30

fridge
As part of its global manufacturing restructure, Fisher & Paykel will purchase Whirlpool’s now defunct Reynosa, Mexico refrigerator plant.

The former refrigeration factory, which Whirlpool sold after announcing its manufacturing restructure at the beginning of February, will be turned into Fisher & Paykel’s new North American DishDrawer line and also manufacture a new range of Fisher & Paykel-branded side-by-side refrigerators.

Fisher & Paykel said production of refrigerators with its branding would commence in July this year, with DishDrawers coming out of the factory by January 2009.

The factory sits on 24.4 hectares of land and is split between two buildings totalling 32,600 square metres.

“Buying an existing land and building package, already set up for appliance manufacturing, we are able to fast track our north American DishDrawer project,” said Fisher & Paykel chief executive and managing director, John Bongard.

“This will allow us to have the operation up and running by early next year. We believe that with a small amount of engineering effort, we can also incorporate the existing refrigerator range being produced at Reynosa into our product mix for sale into North America and selected export markets.

Bongard said the deal will cost the company US$33 million, to be paid over four instalments. A further US$8 million of capital will be required to modify the plant, he said.

In a bonus for the approximately 750 staff initially laid off by Whirlpool as apart of its closure announcement, F&P said they would retain “a number” of existing Whirlpool

STAFF at a Bourne supermarket are encouraging their customers to bring and old bag with them on Saturday.
Shoppers at Sainsbury's who re-use their shopping bags will receive a free fridge magnet and car window sticker, reminding them to maintain the habit and "take an old bag shopping".

Last month shop figures showed Bourne shoppers were likely to use one million fewer plastic carrier bags in 2008 than in previous years and store manager Paul Bryan is keen for his shop to help customers.

He said: "I am delighted that our customers are using and re-using longer life bags more than ever before and relying less on ordinary carrier bags.

"By giving out fridge magnets and car window stickers we want to encourage our customers to continue this move in the right direction."

* Bourne Chamber of Trade and Commerce will launch its own
bags on Saturday, April 26, after confirming an initial 1,000 Bourne to Be Green bags have been ordered.

The slogan Bourne to be Green was chosen from suggestions made by readers of The Local and chamber secretary Tara Thorpe said: "It does what it says on the tin. The logo is big and bold and it will be good to be seen with and show support for the campaign in town."

Bags will be available from Sweet Sensations, Just Jane, North's Shoes, Bijou and The Crafty Patch.

Mrs Thorpe said: "This is just phase one of our campaign and we hope to get more sponsors, so we can do this again with a different logo later in the year. It's a nationwide issue which needs addressing everywhere and it is nice to think Bourne is at the forefront of it."

The chamber received £1,300 in sponsorship for the scheme from Warners, Bourne Salads, Bourne Town Council and South Kesteven District Council.

bstc

2008-04-17T10:48:00.001+05:30

click here for bstc official website

Thomson Reuters

2008-04-17T10:47:00.001+05:30

Thomson Reuters debuts amid global market jitters

By Gavin Haycock and Robert MacMillan

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Thomson Reuters Corp debuted on Thursday as a top global information company, hoping a portfolio of products from financial to legal and health-care will help it ride out a financial industry downturn.

Shares of the company, formed by Thomson Corp's more than $16 billion cash and stock purchase of Reuters Group Plc, were to start trading in London, Toronto and New York.

The new Thomson Reuters, headed by former Reuters chief Tom Glocer, sells electronic news and data to traders, fund managers and analysts, as well as databases and other information to lawyers, accountants, scientists and the health-care industry.

The merger allows Thomson to expand its financial data business from its North American base, adding Reuters strengths in catering to traders to Thomson's business with money managers. And the deal is meant to help Reuters cut its exposure to financial markets, which have been buffeted by the credit crises.

The new company, with headquarters in New York, has annual revenues of $12.5 billion, 50,000 employees and more than 40,000 customers in 155 countries.

Glocer, a former mergers and acquisitions lawyer, envisions a company that will provide "intelligent information" that people will pay for, he told Reuters in an interview.

"It's not just: 'Isn't it nice that instead of Reuters having 90 percent-plus concentration in financial, there'll be a more hedged, balanced portfolio,'" he said. "What I think is more interesting is all of these units are going to work together over the long haul."

Analysts had expected the London-listed Thomson Reuters shares to trade at a 15 percent discount to the Toronto shares, citing the changing nature of the new company's shareholder base and the unwinding of arbitrage trades that had bet on Reuters shares rising to the Thomson offer price.

By Natalie Harrison

LONDON, April 16 (Reuters) - French media group Thomson's (TMS.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) decision to scrap its dividend has raised uncertainty about whether the company will pay the coupon on its ravaged 500 million euro ($792 million) hybrid bond.

Thomson, which is under pressure from poor earnings and an uncertain outlook, said on Wednesday it would suspend its dividend payment for 2007 [ID:nL16283710].

The news sent its shares more than 3 percent lower and raised the cost of insuring its debt against default, while the hybrid bond plummeted in value.

The bond was indicated on Wednesday morning bid at around 26-27 percent of face value, according to Reuters data, down from 42 percent on Tuesday.

If Thomson does not pay a dividend, it has the option to suspend coupon payments on the hybrid bond -- one of the features that makes this instrument a blend of equity and debt.

The company said in a statement, however, that the dividend decision "does not imply non-payment of the next coupon on its 500 million euro perpetual bond." That decision is due in September, the company said, when the coupon payment falls due.

"If they opt to continue paying the coupon on the perp, they are showing an act of good faith to their bond holders and that might serve them well further down the road," said Roger Appleyard, head of European credit research for Royal Bank of Canada.

"Alternatively they could just put the shutters down because it is less clear who actually owns the perps and they will not be as worried about them, preferring to have a better relationship with banks. They could go either way." Five-year credit default swaps on Thomson widened 20 basis points to 635 basis points after the news, a trader said. That means it costs 635,000 euros a year to insure 10 million euros of the company's debt against default.

Thomson Reuters debuts on Thursday as a top global information company, hoping a portfolio of products from financial to legal and health-care will help it ride out a financial industry downturn.

Reuters
Mark Lennihan / AP
The Reuters building in New York.

Shares of the company, formed by Thomson's more than $16 billion cash and stock purchase of Reuters, start trading in London, Toronto and New York.

The new Thomson Reuters, headed by former Reuters chief Tom Glocer, sells electronic news and data to traders, fund managers and analysts, as well as databases and other information to lawyers, accountants, scientists and the health-care industry.

The merger allows Thomson to expand its financial data business from its North American base, adding Reuters strengths in catering to traders to Thomson's business with money managers. And the deal is meant to help Reuters cut its exposure to financial markets, which have been buffeted by the credit crises.

The new company, with headquarters in New York, has annual revenues of $12.5 billion, 50,000 employees and more than 40,000 customers in 155 countries.

Glocer, a former mergers and acquisitions lawyer, envisions a company that will provide "intelligent information" that people will pay for, he told Reuters in an interview.

"It's not just: 'Isn't it nice that instead of Reuters having 90 percent-plus concentration in financial, there'll be a more hedged, balanced portfolio,'" he said. "What I think is more interesting is all of these units are going to work together over the long haul."

Analysts had expected the London-listed Thomson Reuters shares to trade at a 15 percent discount to the Toronto shares, citing the changing nature of the new company's shareholder base and the unwinding of arbitrage trades that had bet on Reuters shares rising to the Thomson offer price.

Of Pidgeons And Ice Cream Cones

Thomson's publishing roots date back to 1934 when Toronto native Roy Thomson bought The Timmins Press in Northern Ontario. Thomson was known for his odd collection of businesses, which at one point included an ice cream cone manufacturing operation.

The Thomson family has since been involved in textbook and newspaper publishing, at one point owning the Times of London. It also has run television stations and travel companies, as well as oil exploration.

Thomson sold The Times in 1981 and sharpened its focus on data publishing when it sold its North Sea oil interests in 1989 and Thomson Travel in 1998. It sold its education business for $7.75 billion last year.

Reuters

Reuters started in 1851 when German-born Paul Julius Reuter transmitted stock market quotes between London and Paris on the Calais-Dover cable. Before that, he used pigeons to fly stock prices between Aachen in Germany and Brussels.

This was the beginning of the Reuters news service, which now has 2,400 journalists and became the foundation for a $5 billion-a-year news and financial data empire.

The newly formed company's markets division with $7.4 billion in annual sales competes with Bloomberg LP for financial industry clients. Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters each have about a third of the global financial data market, according to Atradia Consulting Director David Anderson.

Rivals also include Dow Jones
Dow Jones And Company Inc
DJ

59.98 UNCH 0%
NYSE
Quote | Chart | News | Profile
[DJ 59.98 --- UNCH (0%) ], now a unit of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp
News Corp
NWS

18.32 0.25 +1.38%
NYSE
Quote | Chart | News | Profile
[NWS 18.32 0.25 (+1.38%) ], and Anglo-Dutch publisher Reed Elsevier. Reed owns the LexisNexis legal database, a competing offering to Thomson's Westlaw, and competes with the company's $5.1 billion-a-year professional division.

uttarakhand public service commission

2008-04-17T10:45:00.001+05:30

click here for uttarakhand public service commission results

Uttarakhand public service commission PCS Results online at gov.ua.nic.in The direct link to view the results from Uttarakhand PCS Results is http://gov.ua.nic.in/upsc/results.htm

auromira energy

2008-04-16T16:57:00.001+05:30

The impact of the Indiscriminate and mass exploitation of our fragile earth 's resources for more than a century is being felt with full force now. Global warming, flash floods, cyclones, uncharacteristic and abrupt climatic changes have become more common now. All these are the results of man 's exploitation of the earth's non-renewable sources of energy.

The importance of renewable energy sources like sun, water, wind and biomass as the best alternative to conventional fuels is better understood now. Governments and companies around the world are working to convert nature 's resources into power and fuel. In India too renewable energy is seen as an effective option for ensuring access to modern energy services. Being blessed with an abundance of renewable so urces India can successfully reduce dependence on non-renewable resources that harm the atmosphere.

Taking the initiative to preserve our earth and protect the environment, Auro Mira Energy Company Private Limited (AME) has ventured into generating power from renewable and non-conventional sources.

Auro Mira Energy Company Private Limited (AME) is one of the fastest growing clean energy companies in the Indian sub-continent with a vision to effectively serve the clean energy needs of its customers'. It was founded in December 2005 by professionals with the domain experience.

Baring Private Equity Partners, a global $5 Billion private equity fund, has invested and partnered with AME.

AME is presently focusing in Biomass, Small Hydro and Wind Sectors. AME plans to invest $ 900 Million to develop, own and operate over 1000 MW in clean energy in addition to WTG manufacture and to develop over 15000 acres of energy plantation in the next five years. AME intends to foray into other clean energy technologies, solar, bio-diesel etc. in the future. AME follows organic and in-organic routes for its growth.

AME has in a short period of two years achieved significant milestones. AME provides energetic environment for the growth of the team and has senior team of professionals from reputed industries with “ concept to commissioning ” capability. AME will increase the present strength of over 150 people to over 2000 people in the next 5 years.

financial chronicle

2008-04-16T16:54:00.002+05:30

Deccan Chronicle increases advt tariff by 30%

MUMBAI: Deccan Chronicle Holdings, publisher of English dailies Deccan Chronicle and Asian Age, on Wednesday said it has increased advertisement tariff across all editions by 30 per cent.

"Deccan Chronicle Holdings has increased its advertisement tariff across all its editions by 30 per cent with immediate effect," the company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The company added that it has launched its new financial daily "Financial Chronicle" on April 16, with editions in Hyderabad and Chennai.

On January 28, the board of directors had approved the launch of the financial daily and had appointed Mr Shubhrangshu Roy as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the venture.

Shares of Deccan Chronicle were trading at Rs 151.40, up 3.06 per cent on the BSE in the afternoon trade. - PTI

Mega news year for print media in Tamil Nadu
Saturday, 12 April , 2008, 11:21
Last Updated: Saturday, 12 April , 2008, 11:24
Chennai: Coming Monday, the traditional Tamil New Year, Chennai will witness an explosion of print media.

The Times of India plans to launch its Chennai edition on April 14. Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, publishers of the English daily Deccan Chronicle, will be launching its financial daily in Chennai in April, may be next week itself. The launch date and name of the paper are hotly guarded secrets though speculation is it will be called the Business Chronicle or Financial Chronicle.

For more news, analysis click here>> | For more Science and Medicine news click here >>

The Economic Times, Financial Express and Business Line are three major economic papers printed in the city.

The Deccan Chronicle itself has etched a fabulous growth story in Chennai, coming here in March 2005 and claiming to be the second largest English language paper in three years, with a circulation claim of a million copies in Tamil Nadu.

“The growth mode of the Indian print media, at a time when the newspaper industry in mature media markets in the West are in decline, makes it favourably positioned to counter the challenge of the internet-led new media", N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, told a gathering on print media technology at Anna University in February.

priyanka vadra

2008-04-16T15:34:00.001+05:30

VELLORE: In a secretive visit to the Vellore Central Prison on March 19, Priyanka Vadra met Nalini, one of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, at the special prison for women. The issue has kicked up a controversy as doubts have been raised about the legality of her meeting with the convict.

Though Ms Vadra has confirmed her meeting with Nalini, officials at the Prison Department in Tamil Nadu maintained that prison records had no entry about the visit. “She did not apply for an interview with Nalini and there is no entry in the visitors’ register on March 19. Since there was no petition, the question of the Jail Superintendent permitting her to meet the convict does not arise,” a highly placed police source told The Hindu on Tuesday.

Nalini was Accused No. 1 in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. She was sentenced to death by the designated court and the Supreme Court upheld the sentence. In its 1999 judgment, the Supreme Court held that Nalini’s confession, corroborated by other material particulars, established her pivotal role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination. The court found that on May 19, 1991, two days before the assassination, she got a “strong feeling” that Rajiv Gandhi was the target and on May 21 she “agreed to associate herself with the killing.”

Ms Vadra’s visit to Vellore was kept highly confidential till the last minute. While the State police were asked to stay away, the Special Protection Group (SPG) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) sleuths managed her security and schedules. On March 19, the VVIP got into a bullet-proof car positioned on the tarmac of the Chennai airport and proceeded to Sriperumbudur. After paying homage at the Rajiv Gandhi memorial, she went to Vellore to meet Ms Nalini in the prison. “On that day, 31 visitors met remand prisoners and one met a convict. But that was not Priyanka according to records,” a prison official said.

There was a lot of activity in the prison that day. This included the release of 33 prisoners on bail, the entry of 18 suspects into the prison and the remand extension of 33 inmates through video-conferencing. A team of doctors attended on 21 prisoners who took ill. “There was adequate security outside the prison as 12 prisoners were taken to court for remand extension. Nobody saw Priyanka,” he added.

However, sources in the intelligence agencies said advance security liaison was done by the SPG and IB with a top intelligence official, who alone was informed of Ms Vadra’s visit. Senior officials in the Prison Department, including the Superintendent of the special prison for women, Vellore, were not informed about the VVIP’s programme.

“Her meeting might have been facilitated as a special case in a separate room, probably the chamber of the Jail Superintendent. The application for the interview could have been taken in some other name.

“But audience is usually given only to the applicant. However, considering the high level of threat faced by the VVIP, exceptions could have been made,” the source added.

"Nalini feels cleansed of sins after meeting Priyanka"

Chennai (PTI) Nalini Murugan, serving a life sentence in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, considers her last month's meeting with Priyanka Vadra at Vellore prison a defining moment of her life, as she felt she had been "cleansed of her sins, though committed unknowingly", her brother P S Bhagyanathan said.

Nalini's spirits were "high" ever since her meeting with Priyanka on March 19, Bhagyanathan, who was also an accused in the case but later acquitted, said.

"When I met her after their meeting, she told me she felt she had been cleansed of her sins, though committed unknowingly," Bhagyanathan, a counsellor, quoted his sister as saying without making a direct reference to the 1991 assassination of the former Prime Minister.

He, however, said that media glare on the "very personal meeting" and speculations arising out of it pained him and his elder sister. "She was indeed elated after the meeting", but the media speculation could curtail her happiness over the meeting as "she is not the kind who wants such media publicity", he told PTI here.

However, "she did not reveal much of what transpired between the two", he added.

S Duraisamy, Nalini's counsel, had said on Tuesday that the latter had been in constant touch with Congress President Sonia Gandhi ever since she helped in getting her clemency.

Nalini was sentenced to death along with her husband Murugan and two others, stated to be activists of LTTE.

It was later commuted to life imprisonment after Sonia Gandhi intervened.

Nalini had also sent a telegram to her, wishing speedy recovery, when the latter was hospitalised recently.

Duraisamy had also said that a petition seeking release of Nalini was pending before Madras High Court.

Soon after Priyanka Vadra was left alone in the interview room with Nalini, tears welled up in her eyes. Nalini told her advocates that when she saw tears in Priyanka's eyes, she too began to cry.

Priyanka beckoned to Nalini and asked her to sit next to her. According to Nalini's lawyers, Nalini told Priyanka she would sit and talk if she saw no tears in Priyanka's eyes. Priyanka regained her composure and started putting questions to her - staccato, one after another.

The lawyers said the two exchanged small gifts but Nalini prefers not to talk about it. At one stage, Priyanka asked Nalini about her Caesarian-section delivery, and informed Nalini she had been through the same procedure for both her children.

When Priyanka left after the 60-minute meeting, Nalini said she felt as though she was parting with someone she had known for long. Nalini saw Priyanka get into her car that was parked right at the jail's gate.

svu

2008-04-16T15:29:00.001+05:30

The Law & Order universe is seeking another Special prosecutor.

Diane Neal, who has played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on L&O: SVU since 2003, is leaving after this season, a rep for the show told TVGuide.com on Tuesday.

Her last episode will be next month's season finale.

"Diane spent five years on SVU and was a tremendous addition to the SVU team," the rep said. "She is looking forward to new opportunities and she will be missed."

Neal, who before joining the good guys appeared in an earlier episode as one of several female friends accused of raping a male stripper, came on board after the series' first ADA, played by Stephanie March, had to hightail it into the Witness Protection Program after declaring war on a drug cartel.

And while she presumably won't have to fake her own death the way Alexandra Cabot did, Casey Novak hasn't had a particularly easy time of it, either.

The petite brunette exits stage left after having survived a savage beating carried out in her own office; merciless badgering at the hands of defense attorneys, judges and, at times, the resident SVU detectives; and, as viewers found out in season seven, a schizophrenic boyfriend who she was forced to break up with after he turned violent.

No replacement has been named, but franchise creator Dick Wolf is reportedly looking for an up-and-comer to fill the high-profile void, per TV Guide.

In a nearby precinct, meanwhile, longtime L&O mothership fixture Jesse L. Martin is closing in on his final episode, airing April 23. Former SVU guest star Anthony Anderson will be stepping in to partner up with Jeremy Sisto's Detective Cyrus Lupo.

SVU's first new episode since the writers' strike forced scripted series into repeats airs tonight on NBC.

Gary Dourdan has been a part of “CSI” since the beginning of the popular series in 2000 but this season will be his last.

He chose not to renew his contract and producers are already looking for a replacement.

According to TV Guide, producers are looking for “male series regular in his late 20s to early 30s to take on the role of Ray Santoro, a ‘handsome, smart and athletic’ CSI who takes on the graveyard shift at the crime lab.
Another popular crime drama will lose one of its stars at the end of the season, too.

Diane Neal has played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on “Law and Order: SVU” since 2003 after Stephanie March’s character, ADA Alex Cabot, was forced into the Witness Protection Program.

But now that we all know Alex faked her own death should we expect a return? Not likely.

TV Guide says the show is looking for an “up-and-comer” to play the new ADA.

sycophancy

2008-04-16T15:18:00.001+05:30

Cong dismisses talk of Rahul as PM candidate, warns against sycophancy
Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi, April 15: The Congress high command on Tuesday dismissed talk of projecting Rahul Gandhi as the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the next general elections, after senior party leaders Arjun Singh and Pranab Mukherjee and DMK chief Karunanidhi backed his candidature. The party distanced itself from such suggestions and cautioned its leaders to keep away from sycophancy.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, reportedly, also summoned HRD Minister Arjun Singh for propping up Rahul’s name and igniting a fresh debate. Singh, after meeting Gandhi at her residence 10, Janpath, said his statement on Rahul was not discussed during the meeting. He also rejected suggestions that his statement was aimed at undermining Dr Manmohan Singh.

"What is the harm in what I said about Rahul Gandhi. I really don`t take back my words. I have said nothing against the Prime Minister. I am a member of his Cabinet. I follow conventions and I will continue to follow conventions as a member of the Cabinet," he said when asked by reporters whether Gandhi and the party was upset over his remarks. "I don`t know who is upset," he added.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had endorsed Arjun Singh’s remarks on Rahul’s candidature. “Arjun Singh has done nothing wrong in suggesting that Rahul Gandhi be made the prime ministerial candidate. Always the leadership goes to the youth. It is a universal truth," Mukherjee said.

However, the Congress swiftly moved to dismiss such speculation and indicated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was on a firm footing.

"We don`t want any element of uncertainty about the office of the Prime Minister," AICC media department chairman M Veerappa Moily said.

"We zealously protect political stability, which is our main plank, and no one can point any finger," he said, suggesting that the party was behind Manmohan Singh as a rock.

Party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan also issued a strong statement at the party briefing, saying, "Congress president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi have always kept away from an environment of sycophancy."

"It is not appropriate to spread political speculation in this way," she added.

Natarajan further said the UPA government, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his team have put in a magnificent record of performance-oriented achievement.

"The government has delivered significant welfare measures for the benefit of the most disadvantaged sections of society," she said at the briefing.

Commenting on Natarajan’s atatement, Arjun Singh said, "I don`t read any meaning in this."

New Delhi: Embarrassed by the competitive sycophancy of senior Congress ministers in projecting Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the United Progressive Alliance in the next Lok Sabha polls, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) sought to cap it by issuing a statement urging an end to all speculation.

AICC spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan read out a prepared statement at a party briefing. In what is seen as a snub to ministers like Arjun Singh, Vayalar Ravi and Pranab Mukherjee, the AICC emphasised that “both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul have kept away from the environment of sycophancy.”

To further offset the negative impact of the sycophancy on Rahul’s image, the party also showered praise on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his governance. “The Prime Minister and his team has put in a remarkable record of performance. The government has delivered on many welfare schemes for the benefit of the poor and the underprivileged. The AICC would like to put an end to all political speculations,” said Natrajan.

“Statements vouching the acceptability of Rahul as the next PM were getting too much.The Congress is aware of the working of the Union Cabinet and the primacy of the office of the PM in managing affairs of the state,” said a Congress Working Committee member.

Rahul, he said, would very well be the next PM but the Gandhi scion would emerge on the polls only after the 2009 elections. “It is only in fitness of things that the next election would be fought under the leadership of the incumbent PM,” said the Congress leader.

dg shipping

2008-04-16T15:08:00.002+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR DG SHIPPING Exam Results

The Supreme Court granted special leave to Appeal in a case filed by Vallibel Lanka (Pvt) Limited of Colombo 1 against the Director General of Customs.

The Supreme Court bench comprised Chief Justice Sarath N Silva, Justices N.G. Ameratunga and Andrew Somawansa.

Vallibel Lanka (Pvt) Limited of Colombo 1 cited the Director General of Customs and three others as respondents.

The petitioner stated that on or about December 1998, it sought and obtained approval from the Director of Merchant Shipping to purchase the Cargo ship ‘MV Orient Peace’ from Japan. It sought the permission of the Department of Exchange Control to remit the necessary payments to the seller through the petitioner’s bankers in Sri Lanka. In the letter it had stated that the vessel would be used for coastal transportation in Sri Lanka, as the petitioner at the time had a reasonable expectation of being contracted to transport essential supplies to the northern parts of the country (considering the importance given at the time by the government, to have in place sea transport services between Colombo and the North of Sri Lanka, given that road transportation was not possible).

However, the petitioner specifically reiterates that the vessel had been purchased very clearly for the purpose of being utilized for both international as well as domestic transportation by sea. Furthermore, the petitioner stated that the importation of ships at the time was ’zero rated’ for customs purposes, and furthermore, the purchase of ships to be used in the international transportation of goods and passengers were exempted from the levying of goods and services tax and the National Security Levy. However, on or around 1/03/2001, officers acting under the authority and instructions of the first respondent DG Customs entered the premises of the petitioner Company, on the alleged ground that “ there were uncustomed goods and goods the importation of which were restricted under schedule ‘B’ of the Custom Ordinance” with the petitioner.

At the conclusion of the purported inquiry the 3rd respondent made order that since it has been proved that the GSL and NSL has not been paid that the vessel is liable for forfeiture under Customs ordinance.

However due to the reason that the vessel was carrying essential cargo to the North the DG released the vessel on a mitigated penalty of Rs. 7.5 million.

In these circumstances, being aggrieved by the purported orders, the petitioner invoked the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal by way of a writ application. Upon the conclusion of the case, the Court of Appeal proceeded to deliver judgment dated 28/8/2006, inter-alia holding that the determination of the DG was not unreasonable and ultra vires and thus not illegal, and furthermore that there was sufficient evidence to arrive at the determination. Furthermore, the court held that there was nothing to indicate that the determination made for the payment of the penalty was illegal or in excess of authority and was in violation of the rules of natural justice.

The petitioner stated that the Supreme Court being aggrieved with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, petitioner requested special leave to appeal on substantial questions of law.

Attorney at Law Sanjeewa Jayewardene with Rajive Amarasuriya instructed by Sudath Perera Associates appeared for the petitioner. Deputy Solicitor General Ms. F. Jameel appeared for the respondents.

nprocure

2008-04-16T15:06:00.002+05:30

The Procurement Solution
Envision being able to automate time-consuming procurement processes and to synchronize them with other applications inside your business as well as with those of your suppliers. You would be able to conduct faster, more efficient, and more accurate Internet-based procurement transactions.

nProcure is technology for tomorrow
With nProcure, businesses are quickly able to reap the benefits associated with the emerging Internet economy. Core to nProcure are a range of features and capabilities that enables full procurement process integration across suppliers and dissemination of real-time information.

nProcure is NetEmpower’s procurement software platform that allows buyers, suppliers and market makers to purchase precise quantities of indirect and direct materials efficiently over the Internet. nProcure is designed to:

* Optimize and streamline business processes and reduce operational costs by an average savings of 30%
* Promote an environment in which electronic transactions are conducted with maximum efficiency, privacy, and security
* Provide the critical capabilities necessary to automate, shorten execution time, and centralize control over the acquisition of goods and services while simultaneously leveraging aggregate purchasing power and sourcing capabilities

Benefits

Accelerate Time-to-Market
nProcure is equipped with advanced features such as Auto-send and Auto-merge, which drastically reduce the time and effort large corporations must spend in dealing with customers and suppliers. Purchase orders are routed through the appropriate pre-defined approvals process and are then automatically routed to the appropriate trading partners. This enables reduced time for purchase approval for goods and services.

Maximize Flexibility and Scalability
nProcure provides flexible and scalable service-to-service connectivity across the LAN, WAN, and the Internet, thus enabling the development of customer extensions to integrate with almost all enterprise applications. This feature facilitates real-time as well as off-line transactions between trading partners. In addition, nProcure fully supports industry standards, including RosettaNet and XML, to facilitate trading with the widest possible range of partners.

Complete Procurement Process
nProcure offers a number of special features such as contract handling, credit validation, and after-sale services. This particular emphasis is a product differentiator that provides a complete procurement solution.

Achieve Operational Efficiencies
nProcure supports integration with data warehouses and provides audit capabilities, demand planning tools, and activity logs to eliminate human error. Using nProcure, the user has a host of tools at their disposal, including the ability to request historical data for analysis and the ability to access user-specific requests for quote selection. This further enables the efficient sourcing of products and services.

Reduce Costs
Built on a highly scalable and standard platform such as nTegrate, nProcure integrates suppliers and supports heavy transaction rates beyond those offered by packages for business-to-consumer e-commerce. The ability to integrate suppliers of both indirect and direct goods and services leads to dramatic cost savings through increased purchasing control and volume discounts.

Production Supply Procurement
Unlike most of its counterparts on the market, nProcure was designed to handle direct procurement of production supplies from trading partners. As production materials account on average for 80% of total procurement value in the enterprise, as opposed to 20% for MRO (maintenance, repair, operation) purchases, nProcure provides the customer with the maximum ability to streamline operations and cut costs in the most important and mission-critical areas of the business.

Security
Security is one of the primary concerns associated with trading over the Internet today. As a state-of-the-art, Internet-ready product, nProcure provides users with the most advanced security features while at the same time affording the highest level of accessibility to managers and users. By utilizing advanced SSL socket technology, nProcure offers proprietary and secure channels for exchange of business documents. The exchange of business documents is completely non-transparent to competitors and employees.

iman ali

2008-04-16T14:29:00.002+05:30

PHOTO GALLERY OF IMAN ALI CLIK HERE

'Khuda Ke Liye' stars squabble over missing India premiere

Islamabad (PTI): "Khuda Ke Liye", the first Pakistani film to have hit Indian theatres in nearly 43 years might have got rave reviews in India, but back home its lead actor says he missed film's Mumbai premiere because no red carpet was rolled out for the stars.

Actor Shan missed the film's premiere on April 3, upsetting director Shoaib Mansoor.

Mansoor, who attended the premiere along with the lead actress Iman Ali, recently spilled his bitterness over the inadequate presence of Pakistani stars in India for what was a "historic occasion".

"Does Shan not know he's the main character of the film and that everybody here is praising his performance to the hilt? Shouldn't he have been here with us?" Mansoor told the media in Lahore on his return from India.

But Shan has a different take on the issue. "There was no red carpet rolled out for your film's stars. So why crib about them not being there?" he told the local media, which believe the film has given a boost to his career and he should have put his ego aside to attend the premiere.

Both Shan and Fawad Khan, who have key roles in the film, stayed away from the premiere.

Ali too has been vocal about the protagonists giving the premiere a miss.

As for Fawad Khan, he claimed he was tied up with "personal work" and therefore missed the event.

"For one thing, I didn't want to attend the premiere because I thought it wasn't worth the hassle. I mean look at the way in which they held the event. This was an occasion that was going to make history; it should have been planned that big," Shan told Instep.

"How could they do it with a crowd of just three-four people and a routine showing? There wasn't anything grand about it.

"Agreed that the film has become a milestone in my career and that we're getting rave reviews but again if you understand the importance of your stars, then you'd better give them their due," Shan said.

"See here (in Pakistan) what happens is that we don't honour our stars the way the Indians do. If Time (magazine) wants to print the face of India on its cover, India offers Aishwarya's picture. What do we do with our stars?" he asked.

Fawad Khan also rejected claims by Mansoor that he did not have a valid passport. "That's a complete farce. I was in India only a month back getting lab work done for my home production 'Zille Shah' and my visa is still valid," he said.

Shan has reportedly been unhappy with the film's promos too. "Yes, I had issues. Why should there be just one fleeting image of mine when I play the lead? They show a good number of images of Iman. Isn't that something I should object to?" he asked.

Iman Ali Biography :

Iman Ali (born December 19, 1980) is a popular Pakistan-based model and actress. She is daughter of television and film actor Abid Ali and his wife Humaira Ali. Fashion critics rate her among the top models of Pakistan. She has been described as bold and beautiful amongst the fashion circles and loves to encourage other models who show talents. Iman Ali has a strong following among her fans especially among the youth of Pakistan.

Iman Ali co-hosted the Lux Style Awards in 2005 and has starred in a string of successful television productions including "Anarkali" by Shoaib Mansoor. She has now moved on to cinema with Shoaib Mansoor's upcoming venture "Khuda Ke Liye", where she will be seen alongside Fawad. The film also stars Shaan. Shaan has been quoted from an interview saying that models should stick to their work of modeling and avoid getting into acting without any prior knowledge. This comment is said to be for Iman, who stars in the movie Khuda Ke Liye, where Shaan is the main hero.

Iman Ali Profile :

Name: Iman Ali
Birth Date: 19th December 1980
Birth Place: Pakistan
Sex: F
Nationality: Pakistani
Profession: Actress and Model
Mother: Humaira Ali
Father: Abid Ali {Actor

chunawadh diet

2008-04-16T13:20:00.002+05:30

29. Rajasthan
Rajasthan Patrika & Air India BOLT Awards
2006-2007

B-29 State Winner SW B-29/03/29 Bhilwara
Mrs. Sadhana Jain
20, Shastri Nagar, Main Sector,
Bhilwara, Rajasthan - 311001.
Govt. Sr. Hr. Sec School

B-29 State Runner up DW B-29/22/02 Jodhpur
Mrs. Suman Soral
B-49-B, Arvind Nagar, Airforce Stn.,
Opp Kendriya Vidyalaya A.F.S.,
Jodhpur - 342 001
K.V.No.1 (Army)

B29/01 Dist Winner DW B-29/01/34 Ajmer
Dr.Harish Beri
340, Street No.2, Sunder Villa, Ajmer
Pin.305001., Tel. 0145-2625392
St. Paul S.S.S.

Dist Runner-up DR B-29/01/50 Ajmer
Mr.Sushil Kumar Bairwa
C/o Shri Ganesh Pole, Nasirabad Road
Bairwa-Basti Nagra, Ajmer-305008
Tel. 2661494 / 2661552
Dayanand College

B29/02 Dist Runner Up DR B-29/02/02 Alwar
Mrs. Kamlesh
106, Scheme No.4, Rajendra Nagar
Alwar-301 001
U.P.S. Salpur

B29/03 Dist Winner DW B-29/03/29 Bhilwara
Mrs. Sadhana Jain
20, Shastri Nagar, Main Sector,
Bhilwara, Rajasthan - 311001.
Govt. Sr. Hr. Sec School

Dist Runner up DR B-29/03/06 Bhilwara
Mrs. Chandra Prabha Yogi
5B-29 New Housing Board, Shastri Nagar,
Bhilwara-311001
Tel. 01482-250780
S.M.M.Govt. Girls S.S.S.

B-29/04 NO AWARD Bikaner

B-29/05 Dist. Winner DW B-29/05/13 Banswara
Mr.Virendra Singh Rathore
Naharpura House Commercial Colony
Banswara-327001
Govt. L.B.S. UPS Ghatol

Dist Runner Up DR B-29/05/44 Banswara
Mr. Niranjan Kumar Dwivedi
House No. 393, Road No.5, Rati Talai,
Banswara - 327001
Govt. Noolam S.S.S.

B-29/06/ Dist. Winner DW B-29/06/01 Baran
Mr. Jitendra Kumar Jain
House No. A-2, Shivaji Nagar,
Baran - 325205
Govt. Primary School

Dist. Runner Up DR B-29/06/02 Baran
Mr. Om Prakash Gupta
C-6B, Opp. Verma Hostel
Near Manohar Ghat, Shivaji Nagar
Baran - 325205
Govt. Upper Primary School

B-29/07 Dist Winner DW B-29/07/23 Barmer
Chandana Ram
V/P BIJRAD, TEHSIL CHOHTAN,
Dist Barmer - 344702
Govt. Primary School, Jakharoh Ki Dhanj.

Dist Runner Up DR B-29/07/17 Barmer
Mr. Jagdish Singh
C/o Mohan Lal Saran
Behind PWD Workshop, Laxmi Nagar
Barmer - 344001
Govt. S.S.S. Bataro.

B-29/08 Dist Winner DW B-29/08/09 Bharatpur
Ms. Archana Bansal
Arya Samaj Road, Behind Vijay Hanuman
Temple, 10/344 ward no.10,
Bharatpur - 321001
Govt. P.S. (Chatra) Khandwa

B-29/09 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/09/10 Bundi
Mr. Ritesh Sanadhya
House No. 4C5 Jahawar Nagar, Matunda
Road, Bundi - 323001
Govt. H.S.S. Balachandra

B-29/10 Dist Winner DW B-29/10/01 Chittorgarh
Mr. Rajkumar Tolambiya
B-1, Tolambiya Bundi Road
Bassi, Chittorgarh. Raj- 312022
Vishal Academy

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/10/25 Chittorgarh
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Dixit
Dixit Bhawan Surana Street, Chittorgarh.
Rajasthan - 312001
Govt. H.S.S.

B-29/11 Dist. Winner DW B-29/11/11 Churu
Mr. Pratap Singh Nathawat
157, Van Vihar Colony
Tehsil Churu - 331001
Govt. Primary School, Rampura

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/11/58 Churu
Mr.Giradhari Lal Gurjar
In Front Of State Bank Of Bikaner&Jaipur,
Ward 22, Pin 331001
Sardar Patel Shikshan Sansthan

B-29/12 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/12/05 Dousa
Mr. Krishna Awatar Sharma (LATA)
222 Shiv Colony, Opp Deshbandhu School
Dousa - 303303
Govt. U.P.S. Rampura

B-29/13 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/13/08 Dhoulpur
Mrs. Sita Gupta
DR - 161 Drigi Housing board Colony,
Dhoulpur - 328001
Govt. Girls S.S.S. Bharj

B-29/14 Dist Winner Dw B-29/14/25 Dungarpur
Mr. Gagan Chobisa
Bhuvareshwari Colony, Near of workshop
Depot, Dungarpur - 314001
Govt. Sec. School Genji

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/14/01 Dungarpur
Mr.Deepesh Choubisa
New Colony Jai-Hind Nagar, Gali No. 4,
Dungarpur - 314001
Govt. Sec. School Ghughara

B-29/15 Dist. Winner DW B-29/15/39 Ganganagar
Ms. Sangeeta Chauhan
C/o Lt. Col. Ajit Chauhan,
954 TK TPTR ASC., C/o 56 APO.
PIN - 905 954
Nosegay Public School

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/15/11 Gangangar
Rajesh Kumar Sharma
V.P.O. Chunawadh, Dist Sri Ganga Nagar
Pin 335022
Govt. Middle School Khakan

B-29/16 NO AWARD Hanumangarh

B-29/17 Dist Winner DW B-29/17/999 Jaipur
R.K.Sharma
B-72, Anand Vihar Railway Colony
Jagatpura Jaipur - 302025
S.J.Public School

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/17/27 Jaipur
Roop Narain Kabra
A-438 , Kishore Kutir
Vaishali Nagar
Jaipur - 302021
Tegore Vidya B.S.S.S.

B-29/18 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/18/23 Jaiselmer
Alok Kumar Thanvi
Nr. Bhatiya Market, Thanvipara Bhartiya
Medical, Thanvi Bhavan Jaisalmer - 345001
Rajasthan Bal Bharti Upper Primary School

B-29/19 Dist. Runner-up DW B-29/19/16 Jalore
Mr. Suresh Kumar Dave
Indra Colony, Ahore , Jalore- 307029
Elementary Education Bhawnara

B-29/20 Dist. Winner DW B-29/20/01 Jhalwar
Mr. Anil K. Mathur
B-11, Staff Colony, Engineering College
Kota, Raj. - 324010, Tel.917492471156
shaileekittu@yahoo.co.in
Engg. College Rawatbhata

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/20/49 Jhalwar
Mr.Arun Chouhan
C/o Mr. D.S.Chouhan
Near Kotwali, Mangalpura, Jhalawar
Rajasthan - 326001
Govt. UPA School Kalamandi

B-29/21 Dist. Winner DW B-29/21/01 Jhunjhunu
Mr. Sheeshram Kulhari
Vill & Post Dhigal T eh. Nawalgarh
Jhunjhunu - 333041
Govt. Sec. School Doomra

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/21/12 Jhunjhunu
Ms. Sunita Verma
1/102, Housing Board, Churu Road
Jhunjhunu PIN - 333 001
S.S. Modi Vidya Vihar
chunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh dietchunawadh diet

B-29/22 Dist. Winner DW B-29/22/02 Jodhpur
Mrs. Suman Soral
B-49-B, Arvind Nagar, Airforce Stn.,
Opp Kendriya Vidyalaya A.F.S.,
Jodhpur - 342010
K.V.No.1 (Army)

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/22/01 Jodhpur
Mr. Pankaj Soral
B-49-B, Arvind Nagar, Airforce Stn.,
Opp Kendriyavidyalya A.F.S.
Jodhpur - 342 001
K.V.No.1 (Army)

B-29/23 Dist. Winner DW B-29/23/06 Karauli
Mrs. Manju Lata Goyal
C/o.Krishan Murari Gupta
Near SBBJ Choudhary Para Karanth,
Rajasthan - 322241
Tel. 07464-220574
Primary School Bamanpura

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/23/08 Karauli
Mr. Satish Chand Goyal
Shri Ram Kutir Gopal Colony,
Bayana Road, Hindaun City Ka Ronli,
Rajasthan - 322230
Govt. S.S. School Suroth

B-29/24 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/24/17 Kota
Mrs. Mithlesh Nandwana
534 Basant Bihar
Kota - 324009
Govt.G.R. S.S.S., Dadabari

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/24/19 Kota
Mrs. Lalita Yogendra
House No.638, Nathu Sadan
Dudhadhari Marge, Ladpura
Kota - 324006
Sri Agrasen B.V.Niketan

B-29/25 Dist. Winner DW B-29/25/04 Nagaur
Manoj Kumar Vyas
Bassi Mohalla, Nagaur
Nagaur - 341001
Govt. U.P.S.Surjaniyavas

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/25/03 Nagaur
Shiv Shankar Vyas
228, Krishna Sadan, Joshiwara
Nagaur - 341001
Govt. S.S.Sribalaji

B-29/26 Dist Winner DW B-29/26/12 Pali
Mr. Manish Kumar Choudhary
4/134, Housing Board, Pali
Rajasthan - 306401
Kamal Bal Vidyamandir Sec. School

B-29/27 Dist. Winner DW B-29/27/01 Rajsamand
Mr. Babu lal Garg
C/o Radheshyam Purohit
Old Telephone Exchange Kelwa. 313334
Govt. Primary School, Raghunathpura

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/27/12 Rajsamand
Mr.Ram Prakash Sharma
CRCF Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
Govt. Middle School, Rajsamand Dist.
Rajnagar - PIN 313 326
CRCF Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Govt.
Middle School.

B-29/28 Dist. Winner DW B-29/28/17 Sawai Madhopur
Mr.Chandra Mohan Kumawat
Kumawat Colony
Sawai Madhopur - 322021
Vivekananda Opp. Primary School

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/28/05 Sawai Madhopur
Mr. Tarun Bhardwaj
C/o Hans Rajsharma
Ex-MLA Bhardwaj Bhavan
Near Old Grain Manoj
Sawai madhopur - 322021
Shri Namdev Public School

B-29/29 Dist. Winner DW B-29/29/03 Sikar
Madan Lal Meena
Village Post, Palsana.
Sikar - 332402
D.I.E.T Sikar

B-29/30 Dist. Winner DW B-29/30/18 Sirohi
Mrs. Leeladevi Kalawant
C/o Mr. Karunesh Kalawant
Kalawant Lane
Near Collector Banglow
Sirohi - 307001
Panchayat Saniiti Sirohi Govt. Pr.School

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/30/54 Sirohi
Mr.Dileep Kumar Sharma
Patwar Ghar Street
V&P Kalandri, Sirohi
Raj. - 307802
Govt. U.Pr.School

B-29/31 Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/31/17 Tonk
Ram Charan Vijay
D-6 opp Kendriya vidya vihar School,
Adarsh Nagar , Tonk.
Rajasthan - 304001
Govt. U.P.P. Bichpuri

Dist. Runner-up DR B-29/31/01 Tonk
Dr. M. Izhar H. Yazdani
C/o M.R.Electricals
Nr. Khadi Bhandar, Ward no. 30
Kali Paltan road, Panch Batti Tonk 304001
Darul Ulum Khalilia

B-29/32 Dist. Winner DW B-29/32/01 Udaipur
Sanjay Badala
1k4 Machala Magra Scheme ,
Udaipur - 313001
M K Govt. S.S.S.

rohini krishnamurthy

2008-04-16T13:10:00.002+05:30

A second person pulled from a sport utility vehicle that plunged into the St. Croix River on Sunday night has died.

Rohini Krishnamurthy, 27, died Tuesday afternoon at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. She had been in critical condition, said Jennifer Kovacich, a hospital spokeswoman.

The conditions of two other women hospitalized after the Stillwater accident remained the same. Kalaiselvi Vijayakumar, 25, was still listed in critical condition, and Deepa Vellusamy, 25, remained seriously injured.

The other occupant, Mohanraj Pothiraj, 28, died Monday, less than 12 hours after he was pulled from the SUV by Stillwater firefighters.

All four are residents of India who worked for Infosys Technologies. The company's headquarters are in Bangalore. The four friends and colleagues were here on work visas and assigned to Ameriprise Financial offices in Minneapolis.

Peter McLaughlin, a spokesman for Infosys Technologies, said they were from Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India. They were all single and, to his knowledge, did not have any family in Minnesota.

Three were program analysts: Vijayakumar, Pothiraj and Krishnamurthy. One, Vellusamy, was a software engineer. Pothiraj had worked for the company the longest -- four and a half years; the others had been with Infosys for nearly four years, McLaughlin said.

Vellusamy and Krishnamurthy were roommates in Minneapolis. Vijayakumar also lives in Minneapolis, while Pothiraj lived in Edina.

McLaughlin said the company was making arrangements with the U.S. State Department and Indian authorities over arrangements and expedited visa approvals for relatives of all of the victims.

"We're going to do everything we can to help with their speedy recoveries and rejoin [them] with the families," McLaughlin said. "We're hoping it will be in the next few days."

Wave of contract workers

The young workers appear to be part of a new group of South Asian immigrants coming to the Twin Cities to live and work.

"There are waves of contract workers from companies like Cognizant, Infosys," said Kaleel Ahmed, who emigrated from India 20 years ago and lives in Woodbury. He works for 3M, where there are a lot of contract workers who come directly from India to work primarily in technology fields. "There's a huge wave of people here in the Twin Cities," Ahmed said.

Infosys has 88,000 employees worldwide, including roughly 7,000 in the United States. There are 300 Infosys consultants working in the Twin Cities and about 360 in the state, McLaughlin said.

Why were they there?

Stillwater police had hoped on Tuesday to be able to interview the women who were badly injured when their rented sport-utility vehicle plunged into the St. Croix River. McLaughlin said the four were in Stillwater to do some sightseeing.

Chief John Gannaway said authorities are hoping to learn what the group was doing on a gravel access road that gets little use except from Stillwater residents.

The vehicle somehow plunged into the river at the St. Croix Yacht Club about 10 p.m. Sunday, and two 911 calls were made from the vehicle. As dispatchers talked to people inside, they encouraged the occupants to try opening doors or breaking windows.

The callers said they couldn't swim and cold water was flowing in, but they gave conflicting reports about where the vehicle was located. In the first call, an occupant said the group was in Stillwater but couldn't be clear about where. In the second, the caller said they were in Wisconsin.

Emergency workers eventually found them and pulled them from the vehicle and the water, authorities said.

Gannaway said that a State Patrol reconstruction should show how the accident happened. He said he didn't know when that will be completed.

On Tuesday, pink stripes painted on the ground and a snapped tree remained the only evidence of the accident.

A second occupant of the car that plunged into the St. Croix River in Stillwater late Sunday died Tuesday afternoon at a St. Paul hospital.

Rohini Krishnamurthy, 27, of Minneapolis, died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday at Regions Hospital. She had been in critical condition since the crash.

Mohanraj Pothiraj, 28, of Edina, died Monday morning.

Deepa Vellusamy, 25, remains in serious condition at Regions, and Kalaiselvi Vijayakumar, 25, remains there in critical condition.

Officials said Tuesday that the four friends — all originally from India — had rented a sport utility vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car for a day trip to Stillwater.

But police still are trying to determine why the four occupants were on a deserted dirt road about a quarter-mile north of the Stillwater Lift Bridge about 10 p.m. Sunday.

"To be honest with you, we just don't know," Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway said. "It would be very premature to speculate as to what happened until we have more facts, which we are trying to obtain."

The dirt road, just east of the Stillwater Lofts, connects the Stillwater Marina, the St. Croix Yacht Club and the Minnesota Zephyr dinner train but is normally used only by locals.

Gannaway said officers have not yet been able to interview anyone who survived the accident.

The official cause of death for Pothiraj was complications from hypothermia and near drowning, said Don Gorrie, a spokesman for the Ramsey County medical examiner's
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office.

All four were working for Infosys Technologies, a software services company based in Bangalore, India, that has 315 employees in Minneapolis. The victims worked for Infosys at Ameriprise Financial in Minneapolis and had been there "for some time," said Infosys spokesman Peter McLaughlin.

Pothiraj had worked for Infosys for 4 1/2 years as a program analyst. The women had worked for the company for almost four years. Krishnamurthy also was a program analyst. Vellusamy is a software engineer, and Vijayakumar is a program analyst.

Krishnamurthy and Vellusamy were roommates and shared an apartment in Minneapolis; Vijayakumar lives in the same apartment complex, McLaughlin said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the employees and their families," McLaughlin said. "We are in constant contact with family members and are providing every assistance possible to expedite their flights to the U.S. to join their loved ones."

All four are from Tamil Nadu, India's southernmost state.

"They were good friends who were just out for the day," McLaughlin said.

The SUV plunged into the frigid St. Croix River about 10 p.m. Sunday. Two frantic 911 calls were made from inside the vehicle as it was sinking. Pothiraj told dispatchers that the car was sinking fast and that they couldn't open the window. A female caller said that the occupants could not swim, that the car door was stuck and that their fingers were frozen.

A Stillwater police officer found the car near docks belonging to the St. Croix Yacht Club, and divers from the Stillwater Fire Department arrived on the scene two minutes later. Within 15 minutes, divers had pulled all four occupants from the 33-degree water.

Rescuers said the vehicle was found upright in about 6 feet of water, 30 to 40 feet from shore. Its roof was about a foot under water.

Gannaway could not say which direction the SUV was headed, how fast it was going or who was driving. Police do not believe alcohol was involved.

Spray-painted pink markings on the side of the dirt road indicated the SUV entered the water through thick brush and small trees. The vehicle knocked down at least one small tree.

Officials from the Minnesota State Patrol are investigating. An accident reconstruction could "take a significant amount of time," Gannaway said.

Members of the state's Indian community were shocked and saddened by the accident, said Ravi Sura, president of the India Association of Minnesota.

"It is a tragic case," said Sura, who lives in Woodbury. "I've heard from a lot of people. The Indian community is not very big — there are only about 16,000 in the Twin Cities — so somebody knows somebody who knows somebody either through work or acquaintances. Everybody is inquiring how they can help."

Second Person Dies After Car Plunges Into St. Croix River
STILLWATER, MN -- A second person has died after an SUV plunged into the St. Croix River near downtown Stillwater.

Police say 27-year-old Rohini Krishnamurthy has died. She was among four people who were in the SUV when it ran off an embankment and landed in the river Sunday night.

A man who was in the SUV died earlier at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Two other women remain hospitalized -- one in critical condition, the other in serious.

All four of the victims were from India.

The SUV plunged into the St. Croix River late Sunday night.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at 10:00 PM from one of the occupants trapped inside the vehicle.

Authorities say the car went through thin ice about a quarter-mile north of the Stillwater Lift Bridge, and it's not clear why.

Emergency crews, including the dive team, responded to the scene located within a mile of the historic Stillwater lift bridge. Rescue divers broke the car's windows and pulled the passengers out within five to ten minutes after receiving the 911 call.

Police say all four occupants were removed from the vehicle and transported to Regions Hospital in Saint Paul.

Police say alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

punjab state lottery

2008-04-16T13:06:00.001+05:30

Darshan Singh, 58, sounds worried — not what you would expect from a man about to get richer by Rs 10.5 crore.

Chhota Singh, 50, will get Rs 75 lakh, which he hopes will help his daughter get a better education.

The Punjab government on March 20 announced it would pay Rs 1.5 crore an acre for land it is acquiring for the Mohali international airport. Darshan owns seven acres and Chhota half-an-acre.

“Yes, it is a windfall. It is a kind of lottery for the villagers. But where do we go from here? Land that has been ours for ages has now been acquired. We will now have to scout for land elsewhere, where it is cheap. That is our biggest worry,” Darshan says before taking a call from a bank seeking an appointment to sell him its services.

Darshan earlier spent his day overseeing labourers cultivate his fields — in a good year, the yield can be Rs 1 lakh an acre. Spare time would be spent with friends he has known all his life, growing up in Jhurjheri village 10km from Mohali.

Now, between warding off over-eager bankers and property dealers, he is trying to figure out what the “mind-boggling” land sale will mean for his family’s future.

Most of the 306 acres to be acquired for the airport is fertile and farmers also supplement their income by selling milk.

“Proper tilling can fetch anything between Rs 80,000 and Rs1 lakh per acre as the soil is very fertile and underground water not too deep. We have been growing wheat, rice, onions, potatoes and carrots. The market for the produce too is nearby, in Mohali and Chandigarh, and with negligible transport costs, farming fetches good returns here,” says Darshan.

A market that, Darshan fears, will not be accessible as easily from a village that he might now have to buy land in. The villagers will scout for land in Ropar, Sangrur, Hoshiarpur and Patiala but are afraid the prices might be steep, and access to water and even good hospitals and schools not as easy.

The government has announced that the villagers will not have to pay registration fee and stamp duty on the land they buy in the state in the next two years using the compensation money. They would also be entitled to a priority power tubewell connection where they buy the land.

Chhota owns only a fraction of the land that Darshan does and lives in a 1,000-sqft, two-room house with his wife, son and daughter. “I have never seen such money, only heard of it,” he says, of the Rs 75 lakh that he stands to gain. “What will I do? Perhaps I will spend more money to educate my daughter. But before that, I will have to look for an alternative means of livelihood or buy land elsewhere if I can afford it.”

His daughter, 22, is pursuing a diploma in engineering at a Dera Bassi college, 20km away on the road to Ambala. Chhota, whose 25-year-old son helps him till the land and tend to the three buffaloes the family owns, wants her to study further.

Not everyone in the village is thinking about the future, though.
The fertile land to be acquired for the Mohali international airport. Picture by Gajinder Singh

Amarinder Singh wants a BMW, now. The student of Class VIII is the youngest of Prem Singh’s three children — two sons and a daughter. “Daddy will get Rs 21 crore. A BMW costs just Rs 35 lakh. It is not expensive,” the teenager shrugs.

Sarpanch Prem Singh — not Amarinder’s father — said the compensation was “okay” and would have been lower had the villagers not negotiated the price with the government. “There have been deals of Rs 2 crore an acre here in the recent past.”

Of the 161 families in the village, 45 will have their farmland acquired by the government.

When land was acquired for building the airport in 1950, it fetched between Rs 450 and Rs 500 an acre. In 1965, when the airport was extended, it fetched between Rs 5,500 and Rs 6,000. The jump is enormous and “mind-boggling”, says Darshan, who drives a Maruti 800 but now has the option to upgrade without spending a penny. Banks are making all sorts of offers to get the farmers to deposit the cheques with them — one is offering expensive cars to anyone who will do so.

The village lies adjacent to Chandigarh airport, which will be limited to defence use once the new airport comes up in about three years. More land in the neighbourhood might be acquired at a later stage for the Mohali airport.

Barnala farmers

Farmers in Barnala, whose 376 acres of fertile land was acquired by the previous government for a private businessman at Rs 8-13 lakh per acre, will now get 70 per cent extra. The Badal government has persuaded the private group to pay the extra money following protests from the villagers.

agra

2008-04-16T13:02:00.002+05:30

Mayawati announces creation of new district in UP

Agra (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Tuesday announced the creation of a new district named after veteran dalit leader Kanshi Ram.

Christened as Kanshi Ram Nagar, the district will have Kasganj as its headquarters and include tehsils of Kasganj, Patiali and the newly created tehsil of Soron, once part of Etah district.

The new district would be the 71st in the state.

The Chief Minister also announced the creation of new commissioner's division with its headquarters at Aligarh and consisting of Aligarh, Mahamaya Nagar and Etah districts, all three hitherto parts of Agra division.

The new division would be the 18th in the state.

Mayawati also announced the splitting of the Kanpur police zone into two with Agra becoming a new police zone with an aim of tackling the law and order problem better.

The Chief Minister also announced that Agra would get water from the Ganga Canal through a Rs 1076 crore project; a 132 KVA power station would be set up at Bhimnagri on Deori road in Agra; a girls intermediate college named after the late Kanshi Ram would be opened in Agra district; a Rs 60 crore sewer line laid in Bhimnagri; a Rs 31 crore trenching ground developed, a shoe mandi set up in Agra and shoes costing up to Rs 300 would be freed from all taxes.

She also announced the construction of 5,000 two-room houses for people living below the poverty line.

To ease the traffic congestion flyovers would be constructed at Raoli, Runkuta and Gurukatal and new bridges over the jamuna at Agra and the Utangan near Arnauta village of the district would be constructed.

Tourists buses, right on queue, start arriving at 9.00am. A United Nations of electronics clad, solar-chondriacs shuffle towards the ticket counter. An entry fee of 750 rupees (25 AUD) is shelled out grudingly amid useless protestations that the locals pay only 20 rupees.

Through metal detectors and pat-downs at the first gate, the throngs inch slowly towards their first glance.

Through the second gate the crowds proceed, bewildered by the bodies and heat at first, before becoming orientated by the prevalence of heads facing in only one direction. The only direction.

Two by two they find "that shot" right in behind the 'bowlers arm' and stare down the watery pitch to the place where rests the locks of Sachin Tendulkar's first hair cut- so says the Sri Lankan edition of the LonelyPlanet.

Everyone is very polite. takes turns. even lending a hand for "that shot" for the retired couple from Nancy.

Some tourists even take the imaginative approach of posing in front of the Taj with arms raised and fingers drawn as if to pinch the "nipple" of our beloved tomb in some 2-dimensional frotage. This brings shy giggles and then slight embarassment - not so much from at the disquiet of fellow tourists - but more from having turned the back on the White Lady for a bit too long.

Proceeding towards the Taj is a lot more difficult than appears from the famous vantage point. Despite the dead straight, well constructed stone paths that lead to right to the plinth of the mausoleum, countless local men insist on directing the solace seeking troupe. But these ministers of the bleeding obvious are kind enough to waiver the fee for their advice.

Navigation to the entry of the Taj Mahal is now safely negotiated for most. Shoes are either deposed at the steps to the plinth or carried in hand to enter the sanctuary and cameras that might steal the spirit of Mumtaz Mahal are correctly stowed as a precaution.

A Japanese man however considers his lofty entry fee, on top of the lofty tourist bus fee, on top of his lofty business class flight from Osaka, on top his denial at being able to take photos inside the Taj, too much. India has broken him. But he is determined to take photos and is subsequently mobbed by a rabble of attendants.

The definition of 'attendants' at such important places in India is to say the very least - elastic. The Taj is no exception. To our poor Nipponese friend it is anyone who is wearing a white shirt.

Hence a neat octagon of white shirts, triangulating threats of imprisonment and fines gathers around him. Clemency was offered by way of a short retainer and obliging grins and so; the white shirted men, happily paid, left the sanctuary and the man with back slaps all-round and excited that they had made a new international friend.

Meanwhile, a young Australian on the opposite side of the mausuleom reflects with relief that the Taj is not in fact the greatest building he has ever experienced, or even the best building in Agra and walks clockwise - the only way - out of the sanctuary and into the sunshine.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)’s sponsored second group of agricultural PhD candidates from a number of African countries have just graduated from their advanced studies program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

The graduates, expected to employ the knowledge gained in their studies to improve African food security across eastern and southern Africa are accredited for initiating a number of programmes.

For example, Dr. Joseph Kamau, a prior graduate student of University’s Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) from Kenya, initiated the first cassava breeding program in his country, and in only three years, developed virus resistant, fast growing, high-yielding varieties that farmers liked for their cooking qualities.

Dr. Francisco Miti from Zambia bred maize for small-scale farmers’ conditions, in other words, for drought and low fertility, acid soils.

In only three years, he has developed maize that shows a dramatic improvement in its yield potential under these harsh conditions, which is what the majority of Zambia’s farmers need.

"This is a real breakthrough,” said Dr. Mark Laing, director of the ACCI. “These students carried out their research with limited facilities and technical support, yet they achieved significant advances in plant breeding for African farmers. AGRA has also guaranteed future funding for productive ACCI graduates, so these scientists now have the knowledge, backing, and confidence to continue their plant breeding work.”

“We look forward to the results we’ll see from these promising scientists as they take their skills back to their home countries, and make real progress for small-scale farmers,” said Dr. A. Namanga Ngongi, President of AGRA. “Ultimately, we hope that their knowledge and training will help to stem poverty and hunger, and improve the lives of Africans.”

Among this year’s graduates, Dr. Albert Changaya Banda of Malawi , has developed pigeon pea varieties that are resistant to a fungal wilt that devastates the crop.He bred these varieties from the farmers' own landraces, so they have the color and taste characteristics that the farmers prefer, which will help ensure a rapid adoption of the new varieties by farmers.

Reacting to this, Laing said “ACCI’s solutions actually make it to the farmer” adding that the farmer is brought in at the beginning and throughout the process, leading to a higher acceptance rate for farmers taking and running with these new seed varieties that hold resistance to the many pests and diseases farmers are fighting everyday.

The ACCI program hopes to fill gaps left by the “brain drain’’ of African researchers leaving the continent and by the paucity of training opportunities in Africa for its scientists. It focuses on crops that are of critical importance to African food security and students have committed to working on staple food crops in their home countries after graduation.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Royal Agricultural Show grounds in Pietermaritzburg.

AGRA’s partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the University of Ghana, Legon, is planned to transform 120 promising African plant breeders into PhD scientists over the next decade through studies in Ghana and South Africa.

The US$13 million program provides each student with research funding and supervision for their field studies over the course of three years and are conducted in their home country, at their home research station.

In addition to supporting the PhD programs, AGRA’s work in education will include educating hundreds of students at a Masters level, and strengthening agricultural extension systems—those national programs that send trained agriculturalists to work with farmers in their fields.

Other ACCI graduates in 2008:

Name Country PhD Research Goal

Albert Changaya Banda Malawi Fusarium wilt resistant pigeon peas for Malawi
Philip Onyimbo Kwena Kenya Disease resistant maize for western Kenya
Philip Kipkoech Leley Kenya Drought tolerant maize for eastern Kenya
David Mariote Mozambique Disease resistant, high-protein maize for Mozambique
Francisco Miti Zambia Drought tolerant maize for low fertility soils in Zambia
Clare Mukankusi Uganda Fusarium wilt resistant dry beans for central Uganda
Martin Orawu Uganda Virus resistant cowpeas for eastern Uganda
Geoffrey Kananji Malawi Weevil resistant dry beans for Malawi

Bill Gates has called for "creative capitalism" - that is a philanthropy spurred on by profit. But Galés Gabirondo unmasks creative capitalism to reveal it as philanthro-capitalism. She uses the Bill Gates/Rockeffeler initiative, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, to show just how devastating it can be when good-will meets a corporate driven and market hungry capitalism.

In September 2006, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation teamed up to launch “AGRA” a $150 million Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Echoing the claim that Africa’s last Green Revolution (originally promoted by Rockefeller) had “bypassed” the continent, Gates and Rockefeller promised that AGRA will improve the lives of the continent’s impoverished farmers by investing in appropriate technology, efficient farm practices, and a network of small shopkeepers to sell mini-packets of improved seeds and fertilizers.

Elegantly simple in its proposal and presentation, AGRA is the global face of a renewed international effort to revive Africa’s sagging agricultural research institutions and introduce new Green Revolution products across the sub-Sahara. The complex array of institutional and financial interests lining up behind Gates and Rockefeller include multilateral and bilateral aid organizations, national and international research institutes, and the handful of powerful multinational seed, chemical, and fertilizer monopolies upon which the entire financial future of the new Green Revolution ultimately rests. Gates and Rockefeller foundations are betting that AGRA can entice industry, governments and other philanthropies to invest in African agriculture. AGRA is the Green Revolution’s new philanthropic flagship leading a global campaign to attract talent, investment and resources for another go at Africa’s beleaguered food systems.

The new Green Revolution differs fundamentally from the first one introduced in the 1970-90s in that this time the private sector, rather than government, is taking the lead. This Green Revolution is concentrating on Africa’s food crops like tubers and plantains, rather than global commodities like corn, rice and wheat. This time around, the conventional crop breeding programs being built in Africa will lay the genetic and industrial groundwork for the expansion of genetically modified crops. And more importantly, the seed and chemical companies that stand to gain from the Green Revolution are fewer, and because of biotechnology, much bigger and vertically integrated, selling both seed and inputs. In fact, only two companies—Monsanto and Syngenta—control 30% of the global market in seeds.

These monopolies and others are entering Africa markets with the help of CGIAR—the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, USAID, and Britain’s DFID, even Jeffery Sacks’ Millennium Villages. But these same institutions—along with a host of national-level agricultural institutes—failed for three decades to establish the first Green Revolution in Africa. Indeed, with AGRA, Gates is picking up where lesser philanthropists (Rockefeller, Sarakawa 2000) and politicians (Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton) ran out of steam.

The explanations given by northern institutions for the failure of the first Green Revolution have been many: Africa’s soils are too poor, its terrain is too broken, the infrastructure is lacking, its research institutions are weak, its farmers are too traditional… Nowhere, of course do any of the Green Revolution champions question the assumptions, premises or technologies of the Green Revolution itself. Nor do they admit to any social, economic or environmental failures in Asia, Latin America, and—yes, parts of Africa—where the Green Revolution was “successfully” implemented. There is extensive documentation demonstrating that the first Green Revolution deepened the divide between rich and poor farmers and degraded tropical agro-ecosystems, exposing already vulnerable farmers to increased environmental risk. It led to loss of seed/plant varieties and agro-biodiversity, the basis for smallholder livelihood security and regional environmental sustainability.

But putting these considerations aside for the moment, how does AGRA propose succeeding where others have failed?

NEW ALLIANCE FOR CREATIVE CAPITALISM

At his special appearance at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Bill Gates gave us his answer: creative capitalism. This, he explained to the world’s financial masters, was “[An] approach where governments, businesses, and nonprofits work together to stretch the reach of market forces so that more people can make a profit, or gain recognition, doing work that eases the world’s inequities.”

Gates acknowledged that capitalism does not work well for the poor. His explanation is that this is because there are no international market incentives to fight poverty or hunger. (This reasoning, of course, ignores the ways that international markets have actually produced hunger and poverty, but we will set this consideration aside for the moment also…) Gates takes a fairly standard neoliberal approach to solving the market incentive problem by insisting that the market is still the primary engine for social transformation. The difficulty is in persuading those who do have market power that eradicating hunger is in their own best interest. To address this challenge, Gates invites his fellow capitalists to consider the benefits of social recognition—as well as eventual profits—as the missing market-based incentive in order to make capitalism work well for everybody.

“Recognition,” said Bill Gates, “enhances a company’s reputation and appeals to customers; above all, it attracts good people to the organization. As such, recognition triggers a market-based reward for good behavior. In markets where profits are not possible, recognition is a proxy; where profits are possible, recognition is an added incentive.” Recognition of the good deeds done by capitalists will build the markets necessary to bring the poor the benefits of capitalism, thus ushering in a new system Gates calls “creative capitalism.”

That same week in Davos, the soon-to-retire president of Microsoft put his money where his mouth was by giving another $306 million to AGRA. That’s a lot of recognition, by anyone’s standards. Clearly, the “halo effect” created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations’ altruism will benefit everyone associated with AGRA—from the CGIAR to Monsanto, DuPont and Syngenta. This “added incentive” is calculated to make the sub-Sahara an attractive market to high power global corporations accustomed to 25% and 40% profit increases per year. The poor may not have much to spend (according to Rockefeller Foundation, half the sub-Saharan population earns less than $0.65 a day), but the purchases of small amounts of seed and inputs by180 million poor farmers add up. The new Green Revolution is banking on a small but steady increase in their enormous collective purchasing power.

To understand AGRA—and Gates’ creative capitalism—it is helpful to distinguish AGRA’s mission from its job. AGRA’s mission is “To [work in partnership] across the African continent to help millions of small-scale farmers and their families lift themselves out of poverty and hunger.” AGRA’s job—as so eloquently stated by Bill Gates in Davos—is to bring Africa’s poor into the international market. Here, they will consume both hybrid and genetically-modified seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals. They will also consume the products of these seeds, making their diet dependent on the companies driving the Green Revolution. Whoever can establish these seed markets in Africa will control not only the markets, but the food, and ultimately the ground of the vast continent.

But while these corporations and institutions are the driving market forces behind AGRA, they are not in and of themselves the reason behind Bill Gates’ call for creative capitalism, or his decision to address hunger and poverty in Africa. Gates’ remarkable bequest still begs the question of his own making: as a creative capitalist, what—or for whom—is AGRA’s market-based reward? Recognition for Microsoft? Undeniable, but not significant or necessary for a company who already has all the recognition it wants. Gates’ financial interests in genetic engineering? These investments pale behind AGRA itself.

The answer is; there is no market-based reward. Rather, the prize is political. AGRA, backed by Gates’ enormous philanthropic power, bolstered by the best world-renown diplomats and CEOs money can buy, and driven by the sheer financial and institutional momentum of the industrial players within the Green Revolution, is a political machine of immense proportions. AGRA allows the Gates foundation unprecedented influence not only in setting the national food and agricultural policies of many African governments, but in the agenda-setting of continental agreements (like NEPAD), multilateral development institutions (e.g. FAO), the strategies of agricultural research centers (e.g. WARDA), and the political economic re-structuring of Africa’s food systems in general. The Alliance for a Green Revolution for Africa is the Gates’ Foundations bold foray into big philanthropy’s latest incarnation: philanthro-capitalism.

Philanthro-capitalist Development In Michael Edwards new book “Just Another Emperor,” philanthro-capitalism is the term given to the movement taking hold that “promises to save the world by revolutionizing philanthropy, making non-profit organizations operate like business, and creating new markets for goods and services that benefit society.” This neo-liberal brand of philanthropy distinguishes itself from charity and progressive philanthropy by insisting not only on market-based results, but on business-based procedures for grant giving. Philanthro-capitalists seek business efficiencies and a financial “bottom line” from their “investments” and concentrate on making global markets work better. A logical extension of current of neo-liberal hegemony, philanthro-capitalism sees unregulated markets not only as engines for creating wealth, but as the ultimate drivers of social change. In this view, governments are too bureaucratic and corrupt, and social movements too unruly and inefficient. Only the market can save us from… well, the market.

However, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is taking philanthro-capitalism into the realm of superpowers. Because the Foundation holds 10% of all U.S. philanthropy funds, AGRA is not just a philanthropy acting like businesses, but an Über-philanthropy so large and powerful it can influence governments and supra-national institutions.

This is not to say that Gates or AGRA acts independently of Warren Buffet, Jeffrey Sachs, the FAO, USAID, CGIAR, Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont or the fertilizer companies cheering it on. On the contrary, there is a general consensus in enthusiastically in favor of the AGRA campaign. The reasons are both global and regional. First, despite the hype regarding financial globalization, industrial capitalism has been suffering from falling rates of return and stagnant economic growth (1-2%) for almost three decades. This is due to cyclical crises of overproduction: i.e. to much money and goods with too few borrowers and buyers. It is essential for the large monopolies to create new markets (witness the global biofuels craze), or overrun existing markets in order to find buyers for their goods. Seed and chemical giants like Monsanto and Syngenta look to AGRA and Africa’s food systems to solve their problems. They must replace local seeds and agroecological practices with their own commercial seeds and agrochemicals. Second, while western capital is falling over itself to sell products to China, they are extremely nervous about China’s entry into global markets as a competitive seller—particularly in Africa. It is important for western seed and chemical corporations, and all of the research institutions that produce new materials for these companies, to “sew up” the African market. Even though the marginal returns to their investments are small, the Green Revolution does not want to lose 180 million consumers to the Chinese.

BUT, CAN AGRA SUCCEED?

Whether or not AGRA can successfully bring the new Green Revolution to Africa, and whether or not the Green Revolution will benefit the poor as much as it benefits the capitalists being courted by the Gates Foundation are two different questions that should be open to public debate. Unfortunately, there was never a public debate on AGRA.

There are many productive agroecological farming systems in Africa that do not depend on GMOs or other Green Revolution technologies, but these alternatives were never considered. Whether or not AGRA can re-start the Green Revolution in Africa is yet to be seen. What is clear thus far is that it has been successful in eliminating competition for the control of African food systems.

AGRA’s philanthro-capitalism draws the world’s attention away from local alternatives and towards global market-based “solutions” that ultimately favor those with more international market power, i.e., the seed and chemical monopolies. Though it strengthens corporate opportunities and power, it does nothing to address the weakened ministerial and regulatory capacity of the state, ignores the need to protect local markets or ensure a greater market share of the value chain for farmers. It elides land issues and does not address the eroding economic and environmental resiliency of African food systems. Worse, it diverts attention away from the role that the global markets play in creating hunger and poverty in Africa in the first place. Can AGRA actually solve these problems? Not without addressing their causes.

hal india

2008-04-16T13:01:00.001+05:30

With both the civilian as well as the military aviation sectors booming in the country, India will be participating in the forthcoming Berlin Air Show as an "official partner country" now.

Over 25 companies from India will be participating in the six-day air show, which begins on May 27, with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) leading the pack. A top Indian delegation, led by defence minister A K Antony, will also be attending the show.

On its part, HAL will be showcasing the 'Tejas' Light Combat Aircraft, 'Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopter and 'Sitara' HJT-36 single-engined jet trainer, among other things, during the show.

India is particularly keen to hardsell the Dhruv helicopters in the international market. "HAL is pursuing various prospective foreign customers for supply of Dhruv because of its versatility and wide spectrum of operational capability," said a defence ministry official.

PUNE: Most of the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighters based at Pune's Lohegaon air base have been grounded by the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the IAF cites work of "technical upgradation" in the fighters as the reason, sources said a shortage of spare tyres has forced the IAF to ground the jets.

According to IAF sources, only 10-12 Sukhois in the two squadrons are in a functional state. "The squadrons — each having 16 fighters on an average — urgently require at least another 80-odd tyres to make all the fighters functional," said an officer.

The lack of spare tyres had been dogging India's main fighter planes for quite some time now. In fact, a four-member delegation of defence ministry officials has reportedly left for Russia to seek spare parts, including tyres for the fighters.

On being contacted by TOI, Wing Commander Mahesh Upasani, chief spokesman at the IAF headquarters in New Delhi, said he had no knowledge about the situation at Lohegaon.

Interestingly, the lack of spare tyres has not prevented the IAF from using the operational Sukhois to re-start sorties over western Maharashtra and nearby areas since the last one week, the official said.

Sorties by the Sukhois were suspended after the two squadrons were shifted out of Lohegaon in January to allow repair of the runway. While the IAF had then stated that the fighters, which were flown out to Jamnagar in Gujarat, would be back only in May, they returned to Lohegaon late in March.

Meanwhile, the four-member delegation that has left for Russia will be holding talks with officials of Irkutsh Aviation, a Sukhoi Corporation subsidiary, for supply of spares.

The original Sukhoi contract had envisaged technology transfer to India for assembling 140 Sukhois at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. "However, lack of action in this regard have made us dependent on the Russians for everything, including spare parts of brakes, radar systems and tyres," the official said.

The current situation has led to apprehensions regarding the interception and penetration capability of the IAF. "Sukhois are the front-line fighters of the IAF capable of dealing with any emerging situation.

While the two squadrons at Lohegaon remain grounded, the Jaguars of Jamnagar are the only available deep penetration fighters with offensive capabilities," the official said.

rajiv gandhi assassination

2008-04-16T12:52:00.002+05:30

Rajiv Gandhi's Daughter Visits Woman Jailed for Assassination

By Bibhudatta Pradhan

April 15 (Bloomberg) -- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of India's former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, confirmed that she met a woman serving a life term for her involvement in the leader's assassination, saying she did it to help herself come to terms with the loss of her father.

``I do not believe in anger, hatred and violence and I refuse to allow it any power over my life,'' Vadra said in a statement issued in New Delhi today by the Indian National Congress party, headed by her widowed mother Sonia Gandhi. ``I would like to say it was a purely personal visit that I undertook completely on my own initiative.''

Vadra met Nalini Sriharan on March 19 at Vellore prison in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where she's serving a life term for her role in Rajiv Gandhi's assassination by a woman suicide bomber in May 1991. Gandhi was killed at an election rally in Tamil Nadu's Sriperumbudur town.

India blamed the attack on Sri Lanka's Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the group fighting for a separate homeland in the neighboring nation. The LTTE has denied the accusation.

Vadra's meeting with Sriharan came to light after the Times of India reported today that a lawyer had sought details from prison authorities under India's Right to Information Act.

``Meeting with Nalini Sriharan was my way of coming to peace with the violence and loss that I have experienced,'' Vadra said.

Sriharan, convicted for being part of the assassination team, had initially been given the death sentence. This was reduced to a life term after Sonia Gandhi pleaded for clemency as the convict had a daughter.

Tamil Tigers

The killing was seen as retaliation by the LTTE as Rajiv Gandhi had sent Indian peacekeeping soldiers to Sri Lanka in 1987 as part of an accord with the Sri Lankan government. The Indian contingent completed a withdrawal from the country in March 1990 after two years of clashes with LTTE forces.

The Tamil Tigers, designated as a terrorist group by India, said in June 2006 that it regretted the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and asked the South Asian nation's government to ``put the past behind.''

Rajiv Gandhi's death was ``a monumental historical tragedy which we deeply regret,'' the late Anton Balasingham, the LTTE's chief negotiator at the time, said in an interview with India's NDTV network, according to a TamilNet report. Balasingham didn't say the group carried out the attack.

The Times of India reported earlier today that the meeting had been cordial, citing Sriharan's lawyers S. Duraisamy and Elangovan, who said their client had briefed them.

Vadra's brother Rahul Gandhi, a Congress party member of parliament, told reporters in New Delhi that his family didn't hold feelings of hatred and anger.

``I have a different way of looking at these things,'' Rahul Gandhi said. ``I don't have a problem either.''

Vadra asked her visit be treated as a personal matter. ``I would be deeply grateful if this could be respected,'' she said.

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto on December 27 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was a replay of incidents involving some powerful families of the subcontinent. It also indicates, perhaps, that Pakistan is a failed nation and has been unable to protect democracy or the leaders who wish to participate in a democratic process.

Pakistan’s first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan was also assassinated. Benazir’s killing is yet more proof that democratic values have not found any endorsement in Islamic countries. Barring Turkey and our part of Kashmir, no Muslim-dominated area in the world has had free-and-fair elections. And if they did, the elected representatives faced serious consequences. Most of these countries have monarchies and dictatorships. In some cases, fundamentalists have taken over and in the others, those who were elected were able to do so after getting their rivals implicated in criminal cases.

In Pakistan, every elected leader has had something to do with either the army or the Chief Martial Law Administrator. The creation of Bangladesh was a result of the reluctance of the army and Benazir’s father, late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, to accept the popular mandate. The electorate wanted Sheikh Mujibur Rehman to be the Prime Minister of a unified Pakistan. The rest, of course, is history, and Indira Gandhi, taking advantage of the situation, succeeded in dividing Pakistan into two and creating Bangladesh.

Many commentators have compared the Bhuttos and the Gandhis. Yes, there are similarities: Like Benazir, both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were assassinated. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards and Rajiv was killed by a suicide bomb attack in Sriperumbudur. In Benazir’s case, she was reportedly shot and later a suicide bomber blew himself up, wiping out evidence from the scene of crime. Benazir’s father was hanged in the late 1970s on the orders of the then president, General Zia-ul-Haq, and her two brothers died under mysterious circumstances.

As things stand today, Benazir’s death will remain a mystery since assassinations leave many questions unanswered. In the US, the killing of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy are still shrouded in controversy. So is the killing of Abraham Lincoln in the 1860s, though James Wilkes Booth — like Lee Harvey Oswald in the John F. Kennedy case and Sirhan Bishara Sirhan — in the Robert Kennedy case was identified as the assassin.

The first PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, along with his family died under tragic circumstances in Dhaka at the hands of the army in the mid-1970s. Solomon Bandaranaike, father of Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was the head of government in Sri Lanka in the 1950s was also killed. Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa met the same fate and there was an attempt on the life of Chandrika.

But like the Gandhis, families of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, Bandaranaike and now Benazir Bhutto will continue to influence politics. Benazir’s death has propelled her son Bilawal and her controversial husband, Asif Zardari, to the political centrestage. The PPP is hopeful that the projection of Bilawal will help it gain sympathy votes as and when elections are held in Pakistan. But Pakistan’s experience with democracy has been unsatisfactory and it would be too premature to predict which way the results will go.

Events in Pakistan are always watched with interest in India and now it is for historians and analysts to figure out whether the creation of Pakistan was a great mistake. As things stand today, instability and uncertainty are two most obvious ways of describing the situation there.

Delhi-born Pervez Musharraf’s acceptability in a Punjabi-dominated society will pose further questions and the militancy along its border areas with Afghanistan will be a roadblock in the way of restoring normalcy in the country. For India, a peaceful Pakistan is extremely important because an unstable Pakistan poses a greater threat to India.

But what is happening in Pakistan needs to be viewed carefully. Benazir may have not been the most popular leader in the country during her life, but the way she died should serve as an eye-opener for the people of her country as well as her international friends, including the US. The killing shows that the administration is fast losing support at the grassroots level and if not controlled, the situation may worsen further in the future. Unfortunately, it will be the common people who will suffer. Needless to add that without the support of the common people, no government in Pakistan — even if it is backed by the army — will find it easy to survive. If that’s the case, there will always be a big question mark over Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism. Between us.

I was really surprised and would say moved when I read the Priyanka Vadera ( nee Gandhi) went to visit Nalini in prison- one of the accused in the assasination of Rajiv Gandhi. I have never met Priyanka nor do I know what transpired except that Nalini has made statements of how much she now respects the Gandhi family. Apparently Sonia Gandhi herself had asked for clemency against the death sentence on Nalini because of her (then) five year old baby. Priyanka apparently went to get closure for herself on her father's tragic and brutal death. I guess I find this act of forgiveness and redemption not only very moving, but also that there was absolutely no attempt to make political capital of this visit from India's most political family.

The private television news channels in India are currently in a frenzy reporting, discussing and analyzing Priyanka Gandhi's (Or is it Priyanka Vadra? Or Priyanka Gandhi Vadra?) visit to Nalini Sriharan, the only surviving member of her father Rajiv Gandhi's assassination squad at a Vellore prison. According to news reports, Ms. Gandhi met Nalini Sriharan secretly on March 19, 2008; when she was in Vellore ostensibly to visit a temple in the city. The meeting was highly confidential, and the media did not know about the meeting until a city lawyer, D Rajkumar, used the RTI Act to get information regarding the meeting from the prison authorities. The story was broken today; and private news channels immediately picked up on the story, with new real and imaginary information. Priyanka Gandhi issued a statement explaining that the visit was a personal one, making it absolutely clear that she did not wish to discuss it in the public.

Television news channels behaved exactly as expected of them. All of them picked up the hot breaking news story. All of them had extensive discussions on the issue. Headlines Today completely ignored other news stories (What other news stories?) and followed just the "Priyanka meets Nalini" story for hours. (Hey, at least they weren't talking about how Rakhi Sawant woke up with a sore throat in the morning!) Times Now surprisingly was restrained in their reporting. NDTV and CNN-IBN behaved relatively responsibly, as usual.

Thankfully, none of the news channels have so far started analyzing the "political undertones" or whatever to the Gandhi-Sriharan meeting. Yet. Surprisingly, it was CNN-IBN which could not resist pandering to the tabloid news lovers, airing on television a few distasteful viewer comments which probably were sent by the stupidest people in India with Internet access. Or by some clever BJP workers. Anyway, CNN-IBN did it cleverly: since those are (supposedly) viewer comments, they can disown any direct responsibility for the views expressed; but it does not explain why they would spend so much time to air it on TV when they have so little time to report so much news happening around the world. Some of the viewer comments that have been selected for display on the CNN-IBN website; some of which were shown and read on air by the oh-so-wise CNN-IBN news anchors:-

From where does the Evil Congress get so many stunts. First the OBC stunt. Now comes Priyanka asking Nalini stunt. Does the COngress asses think that the gullible voters will really vote on an issue like "poor beti Priyanka of Sonia is searching for reasons of her father's death". This idea must have come from that old, traitor Arjun Singh only.

What a superb timing chosen by Priyanka to search for inner peace....just before the general elections...kudos to the Gandhi clan for having such a shrewd mind...Rajiv was killed in 1991..after that a lot of water has flown over the country...Priyanka happily married...got herself 2 kids...all the time dealing with inner struggle...wow..what an inner conflict..sham..Sonia fastened herself to the corridors of power...I guess with a lot of inner conflict(u bet)...Rahul climbing to the citadels of power(with a lot of inner...)...can anyone tell me what kind of trouble has this over privileged undesiring lady faced in these 17 years...poverty...hatred..violence...divorce..child custody battle...hunger...civil war...genocide...what goddamned problem has she faced....CNN please improve your reporting standard....it is just another pre-election gimmick to gain sympathy votes...nothing else.

Of course, it is all a pre-election gimmick. Sonia Gandhi is soon going to announce Priyanka Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Congress pary in the next general elections. Priyanka Gandhi very carefully visited Nalini Sriharan on March 19th, about a month ago, so that she could spend a month planning on how to break the story to the news channels. And of course, D Rajkumar is a paid puppet, he was asked by the Congress to file the RTI act. The Congress has been planning this for years. Ms. Sriharan was in on the whole thing. She was in constant contact with Sonia Gandhi, through her special secret satellite video phone in her prison cell. The meeting was all extensively planned for months in advance. Ms. Sriharan's lawyer carried a tape recorder and recorded the whole meeting (of course with the knowledge of the Congress), and the tape will soon be "leaked" to the media. And of course, the Rajiv Gandhi assassination was a gimmick too... Why else would Priyanka Gandhi be so friendly with Ms. Sriharan? The conspiracy to assassinate Rajiv Gandhi was hatched by Sonia Gandhi in consultation with Priyanka and Rahul. And Nalini Sriharan being granted clemency by the government on Sonia Gandhi's advice was all pre-planned too. According to the Congress's evil scheme, Nalini Sriharan will soon be released from prison, and will join the Congress, and will make grand speeches about how she is so sorry about the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, and how great the Gandhis are to have pardoned her. It's all a political scheme to dupe the Indian people, and the ultimate aim is for the half-gori Priyanka Gandhi to be the Prime Minister of India (Oh, and she will get Rahul Gandhi assassinated just before elections to gain "sympathy votes") and to seriously undermine India's military capability; after which Italy will attack and conquer India with her help. Of course, Italy is actually secretly ruled by the Catholic Church - the Italian government is a puppet government too. The Catholic Church will thus conquer India; forcibly convert all the hindus, burn all the temples, and declare India a Christian state. Of course, the real conspiracy is even bigger: The Catholic Church is actually a puppet organization of an alien civilization on earth. So, the aliens will soon invade earth with the Church's help, and........

(If anyone didn't get it, the above paragraph is just a deliberately exaggerated exercise in sarcasm.)

What the hell is wrong with people? Why are people so damn cynical? And stupid?

Priyanka Gandhi met Nalini Sriharan about a month ago. A whole month. The story was broken today, and was broken only because a city lawyer filed an RTI act to get information from the prison authorities. If the lawyer had not done so, probably the story would never have got out until someone wrote an authorized biography of Ms. Sriharan. The meeting was a private one - it was a one-to-one meeting of Ms. Gandhi with Ms. Sriharan - and did not have a dozen Congress leaders and reporters around them. It was deliberately so secretive that Priyanka Gandhi had to fake a whole temple visit to throw off the media. And Priyanka Gandhi is not even an active politician. If everything was about garnering "sympathy votes", then it should have been her mother or brother to visit Ms. Sriharan. And why now? There is a whole year left for elections. She could have waited until one month before the elections to play the "poor beti" card. And she is not going to be declared as the Prime Ministerial candidate of the Congress. I bet she is not even planning to get into active politics any time soon.

The visit of Priyanka Gandhi to Nalini Sriharan was, just like she said, a personal one. It was about a daughter trying to come to terms with her father's violent assassination years ago. It was about one family's attempts for closure. Trying to find political meanings or greedy selfish agendas in such a visit only serves to expose the cynicism in a person.

Let Priyanka Gandhi live her life. I am sorry that I have in my own way contributed to the public's invasion into Ms. Gandhi's privacy. However, I was just really appalled at the cynicism that exists in the minds of some people in India. And even more appalled at the behavior of news channels, even normally restrained ones like CNN-IBN, needlessly sensationalizing small issues; converting personal meetings into political stories. India, please don't be so cynical.

mohanraj pothiraj

2008-04-16T12:46:00.001+05:30

A second person pulled from a sport utility vehicle that plunged into the St. Croix River on Sunday night has died.

Rohini Krishnamurthy, 27, died Tuesday afternoon at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. She had been in critical condition, said Jennifer Kovacich, a hospital spokeswoman.

The conditions of two other women hospitalized after the Stillwater accident remained the same. Kalaiselvi Vijayakumar, 25, was still listed in critical condition, and Deepa Vellusamy, 25, remained seriously injured.

The other occupant, Mohanraj Pothiraj, 28, died Monday, less than 12 hours after he was pulled from the SUV by Stillwater firefighters.

All four are residents of India who worked for Infosys Technologies. The company's headquarters are in Bangalore. The four friends and colleagues were here on work visas and assigned to Ameriprise Financial offices in Minneapolis.

Peter McLaughlin, a spokesman for Infosys Technologies, said they were from Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India. They were all single and, to his knowledge, did not have any family in Minnesota.

Three were program analysts: Vijayakumar, Pothiraj and Krishnamurthy. One, Vellusamy, was a software engineer. Pothiraj had worked for the company the longest -- four and a half years; the others had been with Infosys for nearly four years, McLaughlin said.

Vellusamy and Krishnamurthy were roommates in Minneapolis. Vijayakumar also lives in Minneapolis, while Pothiraj lived in Edina.

McLaughlin said the company was making arrangements with the U.S. State Department and Indian authorities over arrangements and expedited visa approvals for relatives of all of the victims.

"We're going to do everything we can to help with their speedy recoveries and rejoin [them] with the families," McLaughlin said. "We're hoping it will be in the next few days."

Wave of contract workers

The young workers appear to be part of a new group of South Asian immigrants coming to the Twin Cities to live and work.

"There are waves of contract workers from companies like Cognizant, Infosys," said Kaleel Ahmed, who emigrated from India 20 years ago and lives in Woodbury. He works for 3M, where there are a lot of contract workers who come directly from India to work primarily in technology fields. "There's a huge wave of people here in the Twin Cities," Ahmed said.

Infosys has 88,000 employees worldwide, including roughly 7,000 in the United States. There are 300 Infosys consultants working in the Twin Cities and about 360 in the state, McLaughlin said.

Why were they there?

Stillwater police had hoped on Tuesday to be able to interview the women who were badly injured when their rented sport-utility vehicle plunged into the St. Croix River. McLaughlin said the four were in Stillwater to do some sightseeing.

Chief John Gannaway said authorities are hoping to learn what the group was doing on a gravel access road that gets little use except from Stillwater residents.

The vehicle somehow plunged into the river at the St. Croix Yacht Club about 10 p.m. Sunday, and two 911 calls were made from the vehicle. As dispatchers talked to people inside, they encouraged the occupants to try opening doors or breaking windows.

The callers said they couldn't swim and cold water was flowing in, but they gave conflicting reports about where the vehicle was located. In the first call, an occupant said the group was in Stillwater but couldn't be clear about where. In the second, the caller said they were in Wisconsin.

Emergency workers eventually found them and pulled them from the vehicle and the water, authorities said.

Gannaway said that a State Patrol reconstruction should show how the accident happened. He said he didn't know when that will be completed.

On Tuesday, pink stripes painted on the ground and a snapped tree remained the only evidence of the accident.

ST. CROIX – According to the Washington County Fire Department dive team, water rescues are rare. Usually by the time divers locate a submerged vehicle, the operation turns into a recovery effort.

Not so the case on Sunday night when an SUV drove off a service road into the St. Croix River. As a new member of the Washington Co. dive team, 25-year-old Jonas Werpy was the first diver on the scene and into the water.

"Everyone was under water from what I saw, there was no air pocket that was visible from where I was,” said Werpy. "In those conditions there was really nothing that I was seeing."

In the dark he broke the rear window of the SUV, and reached inside to make the rescue. He reached for the nearest person, pulling a woman out before going back down twice to retrieve another woman and a man.

"It was numbingly cold where it was very difficult to function in the water,” said Werpy. Tim Bell retrieved the last victim from the water. "To have an incident where we actually get 4 people out and are able to reestablish pulse it was a great moment for all of us,” said Bell.

Since then, two of the victims have died. 28-year-old Mohanraj Pothiraj was pronounced dead Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday night, Rohini Krishnamurthy, 27, was pronounced dead. The two other victims hospitalized are 25-year-old Deepa Veluswamy and 25-year-old Kalai Selvi Vijaya Kumar, in critical condition at Regions Hospital.

Washington County created the dive team 15 years ago. They’ve been training for situations like this since 1992.

ADDITIONAL...
SUV occupants called 911 while sinking in St. Croix; one dies
4/14/2008 8:15:27 PM
Associated Press

STILLWATER, Minn. -- The occupants of an SUV frantically called 911 for help as it sank in the chilly St. Croix River, saying they couldn't get out, couldn't swim and were afraid of drowning, a transcript released Monday shows.

One man died and three women were injured. All four of the victims were from India, police said. Their hometowns were not immediately released.

Police identified the dead man as Mohanraj Pothiraj, 28. He died Monday at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

The injured women are Rohini Krishnamurthy, 27; Kalai Selvi Vijaya Kumar, 25, who both were in critical condition at Regions; and Deepa Veluswamy, 25; who was in serious condition.

The Hyundai Crossover SUV went into the river about 10 p.m. Sunday about a quarter-mile north of the Stillwater Lift Bridge, and it was not clear why.

Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway could not say which direction the SUV was headed or what the occupants of the vehicle were doing. He said at this point, police do not believe alcohol was involved.

The SUV was submerged, upright, in about 6 feet of water about 30 to 40 feet from shore. Rescue divers broke the SUV's windows and pulled the passengers out after receiving 911 calls.

Police released transcripts of two 911 calls received from the SUV. In the first exchange, a dispatcher asked if the door could be opened or a window kicked out.

"Our car is going to submerge in the next 10 minutes," a man in the SUV told the dispatcher.

"Can you kick the window out at all?" the dispatcher asked.

"No, we can't open the window. We can't open the window," he said.

"I understand that. Can you kick it? Can you kick it with your foot?"

"No, we can't do anything. It's freezing water."

In the second 911 call, a female caller told the dispatcher, "Hello, we don't know swimming. Our car is submerging. ...

"The door is got stuck and we can't open, our fingers are frozen."

The vehicle was underwater about 10 or 15 minutes before its occupants were pulled out, Capt. Chris Zeuli of the Stillwater Fire Department said.

Rescue workers were "feeling their way around to get to the passengers," Stillwater Fire Chief Stuart Glaser said.

The SUV had crashed through trees and went into the river near docks belonging to the St. Croix Yacht Club.

Photographer Brian Andren, who runs a studio in downtown Stillwater, grabbed his camera and made his way to the scene, which is about a block east of Main Street. He arrived just after rescue divers pulled the passengers out of the submerged vehicle.

"There were a lot of people running around and hollering to people on the dock," Andren said. "But the rescue looked pretty well organized."

Authorities from Washington County and the Stillwater Police Department will lead the investigation. The State Patrol has been called in to help with accident reconstruction, said Lt. Mark Peterson, patrol spokesman.

A steady stream of onlookers drove by and stopped at the scene Monday. Brush and branches marked the spot where the car went into the water.

"It's so sad," Glenda Mooney of White Bear Lake said.

In September 2006, a mother and a daughter were killed when the car they were riding in drove off the Stillwater Lift Bridge while its lift section was raised. The driver of that vehicle was rescued. She told authorities that the car's brakes failed.

nit hamirpur

2008-04-16T12:40:00.001+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR NIT HAMIRPUR RESULTS & OFFICIAL WEBSIRE

About NITH

National Institute of Technology Hamirpur is one of the twenty NITs of the country, established in 1986 as Regional Engineering College, as a joint and cooperative enterprise of the Govt. of India and Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. The goals of the institute as embodied in the logo are truly remarkable in their scope of vision. The college provide Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate Education in Engineering, Sciences & Humanities; fostering the spirit of national integration among the students, a close interaction with industry and a strong emphasis on research, both basic and applied. It has been given the status of Deemed University.

Campus

The campus is situated at Anu in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh and is 4 Kms from main bus stand of Hamirpur on Hamirpur – Toni Devi road. The city of Hamirpur is well connected with the rest of the country by road. The nearest broad gauge rail head is at Una (Himachal Pradesh) which is 80 Kms from Hamirpur. The campus has a picturesque surrounding facing snow clad Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Lush green pine trees surround it. The campus is well laid with roads, electric installations, water supply, underground drainage, etc. The place has healthy climate with moderate temperature ranging from 1oC to 38oC with an altitude of 900 meters.

Travel Guide

The Institute is located on Hamirpur – Toni Devi - Awaha Devi Road in the outskirts of Hamirpur town.

Rail Link

Nearest broad gauge train head is at Una (Himachal Pradesh ), at a distance of 80 Kms from Hamirpur. Una is well linked to all parts of India and journey is of nine hours from Old Delhi Railway Station. Taxi/Bus services are available from Hamirpur to Una. NIT Hamirpur is around 4 kilometers away from Hamirpur bus stand.

To find details about train service from different cities towards Una, visit http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Air Link

The nearest airport is at Gaggal (district Kangra) about 75 Kms from Hamirpur. Direct air link from Delhi to Shimla is also available. Shimla airport is at a distance of 175 (approx.) Kms from Hamirpur.

JAGSON AIRLINES FLIGHT SCHEDULE

DELHI-SHIMLA-KULLU-SHIMLA-DELHI

(MONDAY,WEDNESDAY,FRIDAY)
JA-221 DELHI 0730 SHIMLA 0830
JA-221 SHIMLA 0900 KULLU 0930
JA-222 KULLU 1000 SHIMLA 1030
JA-222 SHIMLA 1100 DELHI 1200

DELHI-CHANDIGARH-KULLU-DHARAMSHALA-KULLU-CHANDIGARH-DELHI

(TUESDAY,THURSDAY,SATURDAY)
JA-211 DELHI 0700 CHANDIGARH 0750
JA-211 CHANDIGARH 0820 KULLU 0850
JA-211 KULLU 0920 DHARAMSHALA 0850
JA-212 DHARAMSHALA 1010 KULLU 1040
JA-212 KULLU 1110 CHANDIGARH 1140
JA-212 CHANDIGARH 1210 DELHI 1300

Road Link

The campus is situated at Anu in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh and is 4 Kms from main bus stand of Hamirpur on Hamirpur – Toni Devi road. The city of Hamirpur is well connected with the rest of the country by road. Hamirpur is at a distance of about 480 Kms from Delhi.

Click here to find road map of Himachal Pradesh.

imtiaz ali

2008-04-16T12:29:00.002+05:30

We all know that SRK has been unanimously declared King Khan both by the media and trade circle, close on his heels we have a new Prince in Bollywood. No prizes, for guessing this one guys! He's none other than Saif Ali Khan. Yes guys, that's the new name given to Saif after he raced ahead of his contemporaries with the super duper opening of Race. "The title King Khan rightfully belongs to SRK, thus Saif is the new Prince of Bollywood.

It's just perfect, considering, Saif's royal lineage," declares a trade pundit. Saif who has embedded his royal stamp in Bollywood had a rollercoaster ride to stardom. Till somewhere down the lane, he wasn't consider a 'safe' bet at the box office and filmmakers would always shy away from taking him as a solo lead in their films, offering him multi starrer films with Akshaya, Aamir or a Shah Rukh Khan, but now the tables have turned and the Chote Nivab has emerged as a clear winner both in his personal and professional front.

Saif and Kareena are hailed as the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of India, but Saif thinks otherwise "I think we are much cooler. We are Saif and Kareena of the world, not the Brad and Angelina of India," he grins.

But the fact is that filmmakers are falling over each to sign the new power packed golden couple. "I could love to sign them, if I get a suitable subject. They look awesome on the screen," feels Madhur Bhandarkar. Saif has always spelt sophistication and style, thanks to his royal lineage and his educational background; he belongs to the nawabs family of Pataudi. And not many known that he is the grandson of great Bengal poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, educated in Winchester College, England.

But more than his background, it's his body of work that speaks realms of his diverse acting talent. Whether it was Ek Haseena Thi, Dil Chahta Hai, Omkara, Being Cyrus, Parineeta, Salaam Namaste, Kal Ho Na Ho, Hum Tum, Parineeta or the recently released Race,

Saif has punched his mark successfully and hit the bull's eye. “This is the most exciting time of my career and life, every department of mine is loaded with exciting potentials and wonderful possibilities, both professionally and personally. Its upto me to make full use of them," he says.

Noted trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, "The industry always spoke of the three Khans when it spoke of star power — Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman. Then Hrithik Roshan made it to the premium list and also Akshay Kumar. These five actors called the shots, commanded the best fee, while their films fetched incredible prices. Post Race, Saif Ali Khan has joined the elite club and he deserves it. Saif's talent was acknowledged long back; the actor has delivered sparkling performances in films earlier but Race has consolidated and cemented his status as a star with tremendous pull."

Saif is the perfect combination of a stylish star and a versatile actor and a 'SAFE ' bet at the box office, feels the Abbas- Mastan duo. "We always wanted to work with him and we are glad we got the change and the result is for everyone to see. He has arrived on the scene big time," feels Abbas-Mastan.

After having worked with the most diverse set of directors starting from Sriram Raghvan, to Kunal Kohli to Farhan Akhtar, Pradeep Sarkar to Homi Adajania to Abbas- Mustan, Saif clearly has the edge over other superstars. Race, his new release, is his second biggest opener in several international markets, after Kal Ho Na Ho.

Business reports have it that Race has garnered a whopping Rs. 22 cr in just three days after his release coming close to Om Shanti Om that had opened to that kind of massive collection. It is expected to garner 35-40 crore net by this weekend. The film "raced" ahead worldwide boasting of a collection of $10.5 million in three days.

Saif is all geared to branch out and explore unexplored territories. The actor has just launched his production brand Illuminati Films. A-list directors Shriram Raghvan, Imtiaz Ali and Homi Adjania have been roped in to make films for his banner. In fact Raghvan will soon embark on Agent Vinod that has Saif in the lead, playing desi James Bond. Plus there's Karan Johar's untitled venture with Kareena.

And on his personal life, he's blessed with an equally good looking and successful Kareena Kapoor. "Saif has bought happiness and glow on my face. I have also found a new best friend in Saif. We are best of friends, then a couple," declares Kareena

The success of Race confirms Saif Ali Khan’s position in the big league

Saif Ali Khan has just bought himself a Ford Mustang. This little detail in itself could have been irrelevant trivia were it not for the fact that in showbiz, big buys are usually symbolic of a turn of fortune. In this instance it could be the success of his new release Race.

Race, according to the buzz has managed to mop up an impressive 29.5 crore in the first five days (parallels are being drawn with OSO’s 40 crore). In industry parlance, all this adds up to that magical word-BLOCKBUSTER. This, after two successive duds -Ta Ra Rum Pum and Eklavya in 2007, is good news for the charming actor.

In an exclusive interview with Screen, the actor confirmed that he was delighted with the outcome. “It feels really good. A lot of an actors’ success, one has learnt over a period of time, is based on drawing room decisions. I had become associated with urban multiplex movies and I wanted to do a movie that was more far reaching and Abbas-Mustan came to mind. I liked the twists and turns and enjoyed being in a man’s role.”

It’s strange for him to go back to what he admits is the old school of film-making-more eighties. Almost the sort that he started his career with almost 16 years ago. The significance of its success could be that it underscores his versatility as an actor. If Dil Chahta Hai was the movie where he came into his own, the actor followed it up with an impressive range of films like Ek Haseena Thi, Hum Tum, Being Cyrus, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Parineeta and Omkara. In the last five years or so, he has also firmly earned himself the reputation of being able to pull off solo hero projects and the film’s success is likely to help him cement that status. “When I started out the idea was not to be laughed at. Then it was to be a solo successful hero. You have to keep raising the bar.”

He hopes to achieve that with his forthcoming films -
Yash Raj’s Tashan (he dubs it one of the best scripts that he’s come across) and yet another with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions which also stars lady love Kareena.

And then there is Illuminati Films, the actor’s very own production house which has already swung into action-talented directors Imtiaz Ali, Homi Adajania and Shriram Raghavan have been roped in for projects under the banner. While Ali is planning a love story with Khan opposite Deepika Padukone, Raghavan has an edgy Agent Vinod lined up.

The chhote nawab is following in others footsteps and then some more – directing ad films at some point and helming movies with other actors is under consideration too but at present it is about making his kind of movies. There are even plans to launch an IPO once a creative equity has been created. Direction, however, says the actor, is not on the cards. With about 14 brand endorsements in his kitty, he is reportedly, second only to King Khan and though there are no plans to move to television yet, he does intend getting a share of the cricketing action. “We will tie up and associate with a team. Talks are on,” confirms the actor.
Clearly, the actor is geared to enjoy a good innings

trivandrum

2008-04-16T10:17:00.001+05:30

APIS Becomes Operational In India's Major Airports

NEW DELHI, April 16 (Bernama) -- Six major airports in the country have a modern passenger information system, which will allow immigration authorities in India to get information about passengers coming into the country in a short span of time, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Under the Advanced passenger Information System (APIS), international airlines have to provide information about passengers and crew on board within 15 minutes of taking off for India.

Airlines are to provide details like complete name, nationality, passport number and visa particulars.

APIS have become operational from April 1 at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi, PTI quoted the sources, as saying.

The information received by the immigration authorities would enable expeditious clearance of the immigration formalities of passengers besides helping security agencies to match the profiles with the data base of terrorist and criminals.

Information would be shared by the immigration authorities of India with the counter part in US, Canada, Australia and China.

The sources said efforts have been made to make APIS operational soon in other international airports including Kolkata, Amritsar, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Goa and Trivandrum.

TRIVANDRUM — Foreign remittances to Kerala have recorded a modest acceleration during 2006-07 even in the absence of such acceleration in the volume of emigration, a study by the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum revealed.

The total remittances during the last fiscal were to the tune of Rs245.25 billion, as per the study conducted jointly by senior CDS fellows, K.C. Zachariah and S. Irudaya Rajan as part of the migration monitoring studies.

The remittances form 20.2 per cent of the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) and 28 per cent of the state's revenue receipts in 2007. It was 3.85 times more than the funds the state received from the federal government by way of its share of taxes and grants.

The remittances to the state have been showing a steady rise in the past one decade. The increase during 1998-2003 was to the tune of Rs49 billion. The corresponding increase during 2003-07 was Rs60 billion.

The study revealed that the international migration situation during 2003-07 had remained absolutely stationary.

The study shows that the era of large-scale emigration from the state is largely over. The study attributes this partly to a steady decline in unemployment in the state and demographic contraction (reduction in the proportion of persons in the younger age groups as a result of decrease in the birth rate.

The study notes a whopping 40 per cent decrease in unemployment in the state during 2003-07.

AIPMT

2008-04-16T09:56:00.002+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR AIPMT RESULTS

Only 1.6 lakh students appeared for the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) 2008 conducted by the CBSE. It's a significant - 40,000 - drop in numbers, a substantial 25% decrease from last year.

For Delhi, the numbers are more alarming. Only 26,366 students appeared for the paper, as against the almost 40,000 students who sat for the entrance in 2007. That the numbers highlight the huge disparity between salaries of doctors and other professionals is a fact that even CBSE acknowledges.

What are the reasons ?

While one of the reasons is changes in eligibility criteria, the larger reason is that more students are preferring to opt for engineering.

Analysts feel that the main reason the long gestation period in medicine before one gets a degree and starts earning has always been a deterrent, which has only gotten highlighted by the huge salaries that engineers, armed with an additional management degree, are getting nowadays.

In Engineering the number of students applying for engineering exams is increasing every year while medicine doesn't see a corresponding increase. In 2008, more than 8 lakh applicants have already signed on for the AIEEE 2008 - an engineering entrance conducted by CBSE.

While there is a declining trend of aspirants for PMT, the number of students wanting to appear for the IIT entrance, scheduled on April 13, has gone up by about 70,000 this year.

Nearly 3.2 lakh students would appear in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission in seven IITs across the country. Last year about 2.5 lakh students had appeared the test.

But this year's drop is quite worrying, admits both CBSE and other educationists. Experts say that s the trend is alarming, and has only increased in the past few years.

In schools also, there has been a drastic drop in the number of students opting for Biology in the senior secondary level.

Students prefer to go for either engineering or commerce since the salaries are wonderful. Medicine on the other hand is a long process and a Master's is a must. Even thereafter, the salaries don't compare with what other professions get.

The lack of interest will, educationists fear, lead to poor quality of health services in the future. ''We need good doctors and if bright students refuse to opt for the stream, it's a worrying scenario,'' adds another educationist.

kuruvi songs

2008-04-16T09:53:00.001+05:30

It is a big day for all Vijay fans as they get to hear the songs of Kuruvi. Kuruvi will be released in India by ANAK Audios, while in rest of the world by Ayangaran International. The highlight of the songs is said to be the racy number by Yogi B along with Ilayathalapathi Vijay.

Kuruvi is produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. Dharani of Ghilli fame will be directing this action adventure movie. Suman and Vivek are also part of the film’s cast. Vijay will be attending the audio release function. Kuruvi cassettes and CD’s will be available in AnAk stores in India.

The buzz is that the movie is inspired from the english movie Transporter. The story is about a man whose job is to deliver packages without asking any questions. Complications arise when he breaks those rules.

Kuruvi Songs Released Only in Galatta

nandhinis.galatta.com — Kuruvi Songs has been released only in http://music.galatta.com. Songs are rocking Vijay fans it is a big treat for all of us. Listen and Enjoy the Kuruvi Songs.

‘Kuruvi’ audio from 16 April
IndiaGlitz [Monday, April 14, 2008]

The much-awaited audio of Vijay's ‘Kuruvi’ will hit the stands on 16 April.

Expectations are high on the album, since Vidyasagar, Dharani and Vijay come together after tasting success in ‘Ghilli’.

To be released by ANAK audios in India and Ayngaran International abroad, ‘Kuruvi’ has five songs.

Remember the pop singer Yogi B, who swayed the hearts of music-lovers rendering a popular remix in Dhanush starrer ‘Polladhavan’. He is back to sing a number in ‘Kuruvi’.

Produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin, the movie features Trisha in female lead.

bfsi

2008-04-15T15:08:00.002+05:30

Increased productivity by means of anytime, anywhere access to corporate information, increased quality of information, and enhanced customer orientation have been the key drivers of mobility solutions in the past; mobility and virtualization being the two trends altering the way people access information.

Telecom companies, are now offering VAS to create alternative sources of revenue and to interact with their customers, with personalized solutions to suit their needs and requirements. This has brought together wireless operators, handset manufacturers, content developers, and application service providers such as SFA, music and film companies, cartoon artists, game makers, and musicians for ring tones, gaming, mobile imagery, WAP, wall papers, logos, SMS-based contests, and streaming audio and video etc.

The enterprise mobility has changed the way employees work, more importantly, for the employees who are always on the move. Today, enterprises have realized the potential productivity improvement through wireless technologies and have started to incorporate mobility in their IT strategy. To remain competitive, enterprises today have started to deploy mobile applications that suit their requirements.

Mobile email and data access applications via GPRS connectivity or mobile connect data cards are the most popular applications in the enterprises currently. Looking at the level of potential, telecom companies are coming forth with premium mobile application offerings to the enterprise, including m-commerce applications that allow users to link their credit card, debit card or bank accounts to their mobile connection, push-to-talk services on the Blackberry and other handheld devices, assuring high availability and uninterrupted access to information, enterprise applications, and location-based map services.

Mobile banking application is another secure scalable application that will manage the unified transmission of customer data across multiple channels from SMS to IVR.

The overall enterprise mobile market in 2006-07 was estimated to be Rs 4,845 crore with mobile VAS applications contributing about 7% of the enterprise revenue. However, the mobile VAS market is growing, in terms of revenue, voice still dominates the mobile services market to a great extent. This growth is being propelled by mixed mobile convergence, where mobile phones are becoming primary means of communication, especially for branches situated in rural areas. The enterprise mobility market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% by 2012-13.

High utilization of mobility services has been noticed in the BFSI and IT/ITeS segments with increasing number of branches in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, mobile serves can be seen as an alternate and efficient form of communication.

On an average, currently, the top 5% of the employees in an organization possess company-owned connections, while partially-owned connections are around 7-10%. This ratio is bound to change by 2012 for both large as well as medium enterprises with the number of company-owned connections nearing 10% and partially owned connections increasing by a further 5-10%.

With mobile enterprise applications becoming a key growth area, there are certain challenges with respect to integration of these services on to the existing platforms and rolling out new applications. Further, the launch of 3G is expected to enhance the applications. It will help create more applications and add more features to the existing application, making the experience much richer. But there are a number of challenges to go through before 3G becomes a reality in India and value added services leverage on it.

HCL and Microsoft launches centre of excellence

Indian IT company HCL has announced that they are collaborating with US based software giant Microsoft to launch centre of excellence.

This new setup would employ over 500 software professionals. They would be working on Microsoft technologies.

The two companies said that the new center of excellence would benefit from the system integration capabilities of HCL and Microsoft’s suite of products.

They would provide services in several sectors including Telecom, BFSI, Power, Defense, Retail, eGovernance, Media & Entertainment, and Microsoft based horizontal solutions in Health, Railways and Airports.

Infosys Technologies has announced its fourth quarter and financial year 2008 numbers. The company is expecting FY09 revenues at Rs 19894-20214 crore and EPS of Rs 92.30-93.90.

It has posted FY08 net profit of Rs 4659 crore as against Rs 3856 crore in FY07 and net sales at Rs 16692 crore versus Rs 13893 crore.

S Gopalakrishnan (CEO and MD), SD Shibulal (COO), V Balakrishnan (CFO), TV Mohandas Pai (Member of the Board- HR), Ashok Vemuri (Senior VP and Executive Council Member) and BG Srinivas (Head - Manufacturing) give the guidance for the year ahead.

The CEO said that of the top 100 clients, 76% have said budgets are flat to down. Clients are looking to increase offshore budgets. Infosys will recruit 25,000 gross people in FY09.

Infosys expects OPMs to remain at current levels with a narrow movement of 40-50 bps; they are assuming rupee to be at 40.02 to the dollar.

Infy has hedged positions of USD 760 million. Their mark-to-market operating losses are of USD 7 m on hedging. The company is looking at reducing onsite buisness by 1% every year.

The company is looking to hike offshore salaries by 11-13% and onsite by 4-5%. It closed four large deals in Q4FY08, but is assuming a flat revenue growth in Q1FY09.

Hiring factors in 19-21% growth in revenues, the management said. Margins are likely to come down by 3% in Q1FY09. The effective tax rate will go up to 22-23% if tax benefits are not extended.

It's good news for shareholders too as dividend payouts will be increased from 20% to 30% of net profit. Europe contributed 29.3% to revenues versus 28% (QoQ).

Excerpts from CNBC-TV18's exclusive interview with the management:

Q: What has gone in to the guidance you have given out? We understand the environment is quite challenging.

Gopalakrishnan: We are in constant touch with our clients, we poll them frequently and this is the time when you have to be. Of the top 100 clients, though 76% have said that budgets are flat or slightly down, all of them say that they will increase global delivery, so we factored that into the budgets. We are recruiting about 25,000 gross people this fiscal, and medium to long-term the growth story still continues.

Q: The only dichotomy in the numbers is that you have guided for a fairly weak first quarter. What should the market assume from that? Do you believe that the growth will flow in Q2-Q3-Q4 or that you will get a better handle on budgets after Q1?

Gopalakrishnan: We believe that the companies will get a better handle of their own situation in the next two quarters and that's what is factored into our guidance.

Q: What have you factored in, in term operating margins for FY09 for the guidance and in that operating assumption what are you working with for the rupee and for pricing?

Balakrishnan: This year, we are the only company to maintain the operating margin as compared to last year despite the 11% appreciation in the rupee. In fact, we lost around Rs 2,000 crore on topline and Rs 1,000 crore on bottomline, but we were still in a position to maintain our operating margins. For the next year, we assume the operating margins to remain at the same level as FY08 within a narrow band of 40-50 bps.

We give guidance in dollars. We assumed the rupee to be at 40.02 per dollar, which was the closing rate as on March; for the whole of the next year. We increased the salaries in India by around 11-13% and outside India by around 4-5%. I think our guidance factors in all that and we believe, that with the benefit of scale, we should be able to maintain the margins even during the next year.

Q: The flip side of that argument from the analysts has been that you have simply squeezed every lever possible, being unmitigated cost containment; are you confident that you can maintain this sort of margin performance even though the quarterly guidance is a bit low this time?

Balakrishnan: That is the story I am hearing from the last five years and we still do it. We are a large company, we can bring in efficiency in a lot of areas and we continue to improve that. Our SG&A is about 14% of our revenue and still we are able to maintain their margins. This company is very focused on margins, we are very particular about margins, we want our quality growth and we will ensure that we get that.

Gopalakrishnan: If you look at the utilization, it’s at 76% in this quarter, so every parameter is not optimized every quarter. We only tweak some parameters depending on the environment in every quarter.

Q: How soon will you get a handle on how much more the off-shore component might be for many of these companies and just marry that with pricing as well, do you see that part of the equation remaining stable?

Shibulal: We have done this survey with the top 100 clients and 76% of them have flat down, the remaining are up. But the message consistently is that they are interested in spending with the global delivery model with us. What we are seeing is delay in decision making. In any of these situations when there is turmoil and people delay their decisions, they continue to wait. So if you apply that, we would start seeing more decisions being made maybe in the next 4-6 months. We have factored all that into our guidance. So if you look at our guidance, while giving a 19-21% growth for the year and for the quarter we have guided flat, we believe that’s what will happen as you go along in various segments.

Q: What about pricing, there has been a lot of talk in the market that it might be a difficult year for pricing, while setting out guidance what have you assumed for FY09 in terms of prices?

Shibulal: If you look at this quarter, our revenue productivity has gone up by 0.2% and YoY it has gone up by close to 6%. For the coming year, we have assumed stable pricing, that means the revenue productivity will remain stable compared with what it is in for the rest of the year.

Q: No increases at all?

Shibulal: We have not factored in any increase in our guidance.

Gopalakrishnan: That is consistent with how we do it. Though the pricing environment remains with a slight upward bias, it is consistent with what we have been doing till now.

Q: What is going on in the BFSI space because I believe you have had challenging quarter this time, are you seeing a lot of clients pull back, is that where your principal concerns lie?

Gopalakrishnan: Actually not true. In the BFSI space, the growth has come down. But we have not seen any cancellations of projects. Decision-making maybe slightly delayed, but no cancellations. There are maybe one or two projects cancelled in some other clients, but not in the BFSI space.

Q: What are you factoring in from BFSI by way of contribution and do you think that is the one pocket you might have a more tricky time with in terms of pricing?

Balakrishnan: There could be some short-term challenges in BFSI. But in a long-term to medium-term, we believe that there are lot of opportunities for us to grow in this space. That is one industry which is more global, which has adopted off-shoring in big way and they know the value off-shore players bring into them and our interactions with our clients very clearly say that they could accelerate off-shoring because they want to get more value for money on the IT spending. I think BFSI will continue to grow - that is the largest segment for us and we are not seeing any material cancellations or concerns in that sector now.

Q: Markets are quite keen on knowing the development on the BT contract and whether you are expecting to see a ramp-up in the next few quarters from there?

Gopalakrishnan: I cannot comment on a specific contract or client.

Q: Would it be fair to say that you would have been in a better position to give your annual guidance at the end of the Q1, where you would have had more clarity. You would have ideally like to do it at the end of Q1?

Shibulal: Not really. We have always given guidance at the beginning of the quarter. We have this philosophy that we should not have any asymmetry between information inside and outside; what our managers are looking for and what the outside world knows. So, we always believe in giving guidance at the beginning of the quarter. In one way, there is never enough information. There is always enough information to take the set of decisions.

We also believe that our guidance is not a statement of hope, it is a statement of facts as we see it today. We have considered not only our client surveys, but have considered the external factors, analysts’ reports saying that IT spending growth is coming down by 50% and have come up with the guidance as we see it today.

Q: Is there a sense that there is more uncertainty surrounding your guidance this time or when you have put a number on your table you are completely confident of delivering it?

Gopalakrishnan: We have 95% repeat business this quarter also, so our numbers as Shibulal said is based on the facts which we have today. We are confident of delivering on that number. There will always be some uncertainties and the situation is not very different. There is probably some more uncertainty but it is a same for us.

Q: How high is the risk though that along with this budget allocation could actually get scaled back because we are only beginning to see a trickle of the quarterly performances from the US markets and they look exceptionally disappointing across sectors and industries?

Gopalakrishnan: From July onwards, the situation has been there. It’s not that it has started just now. We have gone through almost nine months in this situation and have looked at all the facts which we have with us today. Given this guidance, we have to factor all this in our guidance.

Q: It’s been a more calm quarter for the rupee - what have you factored in by way of a hedge, this time around?

Balakrishnan: We have around USD 760 million of hedging positions as of March-end. It was USD 1.14 billion in the December quarter. We believe that technically the Rupee should depreciate because the trade deficit is still very high - it could be close to USD 100 billion this year. Oil price is still high at USD 110/bbl - India imports around USD 70 billion to USD 75 billion of oil every year, and also the inflows are coming down. If you look at the last two months, the co-relation between the BSE index and the Rupee-Dollar rate is almost same; that is one on one.

So the inflows are coming down; technically the rupee could depreciate, but the inflation is very high. So probably the RBI could appreciate the currency. To manage it, we believe that in the short term, it’s going to be volatile and going to move both ways. We have to actively manage our exposures and hedge it properly. In fact, the mark-to-market dollar instrument - that is one of the biggest concerns in the whole market today - about the hedging losses, the mark-to-market dollar hedging positions.

Every quarter, we adapt Accounting Standard 30 (AS-30); there is a big debate whether to adapt this Standard or not, I am disappointed with the Institute, because they are making it mandatory from 2011 - that Standard should have made mandatory immediately.

All the companies who have mark-to-market their hedging positions or at least tell the investors what is the impact of mark-to-markets, today the information flow is not there, and it’s not fair to investors.

So we adapt that Accounting Standard; we are marking to market all our instruments like what we were doing in the earlier quarters, and for us, the impact is not material; we had a non-operating loss of around USD 12 million - we had a benefit of USD 5 million for the operating income and our net income is only USD 7 million

hsbc house

2008-04-15T14:07:00.001+05:30

Punjab National Bank plans to roll out its own credit card product much in advance of November, when its existing co-branding tie-up with HSBC is due for expiry.

Faced with delays in regulatory clearances, PNB has now dropped the joint venture route for launching its credit card business. “The credit card business would now be an in-house departmental activity for us. I cannot wait indefinitely (for regulatory approvals for joint venture). If need be, we can always form a joint venture subsequently,” Dr K.C. Chakrabarty, Chairman and Managing Director of PNB, told Business Line here.

Although the tie-up with HSBC was valid till November 2008, it would expire the moment PNB launches its own credit card. “That is why we want to hurry up and launch it much before November 2008,” Dr Chakrabarty said.

Credit assessment was an important reason for the PNB-HSBC tie-up turning somewhat sour. As the card issuer, HSBC played the dominant role and did the credit assessment. PNB had very little role in credit assessment. “As the card issuer, I will do the credit assessment. Till yesterday, I could not assess my customers,” he noted.
SAARC presence

Meanwhile, PNB has chalked out plans to establish presence in the entire SAARC region. The bank may also eye African and Latin American markets, where many Indian banks do not have a footprint.

“Wherever Indian population goes and Indian trade goes, we will go there. We are looking at Indonesia, Norway, Australia and New Zealand. Next stage, we may look at Africa and Latin America,” Dr Chakrabarty said.

PNB already has international presence at London, Hong Kong, Kabul, Shanghai, Almaty and Dubai.

The bank’s application to enter Canada has been pending for more than two years. In the SAARC region, PNB has a presence only in Nepal through a joint venture.

“We expect some progress this year in our efforts to have presence in the entire SAARC region. Whether it will be through a branch or joint venture depends on the local regulatory regime in each country,” Dr Chakrabarty said.

Teenager Thomas Archer burgled a house in Corsham and obtained thousands of pounds by fraud with credit cards.

But the 19-year-old may escape a jail sentence after a judge adjourned the case against him to see if he is suitable for a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Archer was appearing at Swindon crown court after admitting one charge of burglary and five of fraud.
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The teenager broke into a house in Ludmead Road, Corsham, on Monday November 19 last year.

All five of the frauds took place in the same month involving two sums of £900 from Sainsbury's bank and Halifax.

He also got a further £1,050 from Sainsbury's, £320 from G E Money and £700 from HSBC.

The court heard he was also asking for six further matters to be taken into consideration when he is sentenced.

Judge Douglas Field said "I have read the papers and I think for the sake of completeness I am prepared to adjourn for a drug rehabilitation requirement assessment. That is not to say it is an indication which binds the hands of the court."

And he told the defendant, "Because I am granting that you should not think that you will get a non-custodial sentence; I am ordering this so a full picture is before the court."

Archer, who gave the court an address in New Malden, Surrey, was released on conditional bail until Friday May 2 when he will be sentenced.

UK prime minister Gordon Brown is to hold talks today on the economic and financial market impact of the credit crunch with senior figures from the British financial services industry.

The talks come hours before Brown leaves for a week-long visit to the US, where he is scheduled to discuss the fallout from the credit squeeze with American financiers.

'The meeting is with a wide range of people from the City to discuss global financial issues ahead of the the prime minister's meetings with people in Wall Street on Wednesday and ahead of his trip to the US,' Brown's spokesman, Michael Ellam, told reporters yesterday.

'This is an informal meeting that the prime minister has from time to time to hear from people in the City from their perspective on what is happening in global financial markets at the moment.'

Ellam described the talks as an 'informal breakfast meeting' which had been in Brown's diary 'for some time,' although he did confirm that representatives of retail and investment banks would be there.

The Financial Times reported this morning that participants will include the chief executives of Barclays PLC (nyse: BCS - news - people ), HBOS PLC, HSBC Holdings (nyse: HBC - news - people ) and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (other-otc: RBSQY.PK - news - people ) PLC, as well as senior London-based investment bankers.

According to the FT, the banking chiefs will renew calls for the urgent government action to unblock the money markets in order to mitigate the effects of the credit crunch.

Possible measures include a widening of the range of collateral that the Bank of England will accept against loans to commercial banks in an effort to improve liquidity.

Separately, Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will next week hold talks with the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) to explore ways of limiting the impact of the credit crisis on the UK housing market.

The talks with the CML will also be attended by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Yvette Cooper and Minister for Housing Caroline Flint.

The discussions come amid mounting worries that a sharp tightening of lending criteria by UK mortgage banks could trigger an abrupt fall in UK house prices, hampering economic growth.

Today, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors reported in a closely-watched survey that 78.5 percent more of its members reported a fall in house prices than a rise in the three months to March.

The finding was the most negative since the survey began in 1978, easily surpassing the previous historic low of 64.5 percent reported in June 1990, just before the last major house price downturn.

Last Friday, CML chairman Steve Crawshaw warned that total UK mortgage lending in 2008 could fall to just half last year's level, unless banks find additional sources of funding.

mrf house

2008-04-15T14:03:00.000+05:30

A new nest for tsunami survivors
4 April 2008

The British Red Cross has finished constructing 216 houses across four islands in the Maldives after the devastating Boxing Day tsunami.
Ahumad Ali (49) and his family are among 44 families that have recently moved into their new homes in Fonadhoo. He said: “The house is extremely good, much better than my old house before the tsunami. The house is bigger, stronger and comfortable. And most importantly, if there is another tsunami I am sure there will not be any damage to the structure.” Ahumad Ali stands in front of his new house
On the morning of 26 December 2004, after completing some work at the office, Ahumad came home for breakfast. One of his daughters was at the hospital about to give birth to his grandchild and only his son was at home. He came out of the house after he heard a loud noise to see coconut trees swaying and birds flying. “I thought it was an attack from another country!”

Destruction

He ran to grab his son before running out of the house. Water was up to his waist at this point and it was getting higher and higher. The wall surrounding his house collapsed. His leg got stuck and by mistake he let go of his son’s hand. Water was up to his nose and he could see his son about 40 feet away, being swept away with the waves.

Ahumad managed to pull his leg out and swam to his son. Although he tried to swim towards his relatives’ house, the current was too strong and they were pushed again towards his house. By then he saw that his house was completely destroyed.

Ahumad had taken a loan of 15,000 Maldives Rufiyaa (about £590) to construct his house and had kept 4,000 MRF (around £160) in his house that was lost with the waves.

Grateful

After several years of reconstruction, Ahumad was very pleased to move into his new home. He said: “I am very grateful to the British Red Cross. Fonadhoo has seen lots of teams come to do surveys and have heard no more. But the British Red Cross actually did a programme and has given my family a new home.”

As well as constructing houses, the British Red Cross is helping communities rebuild their livelihoods and learn how to be prepared for future disasters.

ici house

2008-04-15T13:53:00.001+05:30

Mutinda Mwanzia
Nairobi

Hundreds of Mungiki members staged night raids in Gatundu and Thika districts, leaving a trail of bloodshed and destruction.

The men, wielding G3 rifles and teargas canisters, attacked with military precision, killing three people.

Residents told of a night of terror as Mungiki gangs engaged police in running battles.

Ms Damaris Waithera, a resident, said: "I was woken up by bursts of gunfire. Then I heard people running near my house. I was too terrified to venture out then the groans."

What scared her most was when she heard an enraged gangster say: "Nimwamugutha ngui ici. Nainyui ni mugwitikia turi arume (You have hit him. You will know that we, too, are men).

The woman said the man who had allegedly been stabbed fell near her doorstep, groaned for some time and then died.

Police officers flush out a man from a house during the search for Mungiki members in Dandora, Nairobi, yesterday. Picture by Jonah Onyango

Two other men were killed a few metres away, where dried blood was visible despite the heavy downpour.

Near where the two men had fallen, two poles lay across the road, a crude barricade near a heap of smouldering tyres throughout the morning.

"I was woken by cat calls and whistles. The first burst of gunfire was at 3.45am, followed by ceaseless shooting," said a witness at Nyamarigu village.

The man, too scared to give his name, said when he went out of his house, he was ordered to go back.

"We do not want you to die... These things do not concern you," the resident was told.

Other witnesses recalled that a milk vendor fled after he was confronted by the youths at the roadblock. He abandoned his vehicle and took cover in a nearby farm.

Hours later, the vehicle was found in a church compound with everything intact.

The Gatundu DC, Mr Dan Mesis, said: "We did not know that such attacks were in store."

He added: "We do not know whether they are Mungiki, but we are investigating."

He explained that the group was organised and struck simultaneously at dawn.

The DC said bodies of the victims were taken to the City Mortuary because the local one was small.

Villagers said some people were warned on Sunday night.

In Thika, the situation was different as the attacks had been anticipated and were thwarted at Kiandutu and Kiang'ombe slums.

Thika DC, Mr John Litunda, said: "They burnt two matatus at the Thika bus park. There was commotion in town and businesses closed."

Meanwhile, travellers were stranded for hours when Mungiki barricaded the busy Kangundo-Nairobi road.

They lit bonfires and erected barriers on the road as early as 5.30am near Ruai and Njiru trading centres.

Commuters were huddled in groups discussing the events of the morning.

Matatus plying the Kangundo route suspended their trips to Nairobi for nearly five hours before officers intervened.

jharkhandjpsc.org RESULTS

2008-04-15T12:22:00.002+05:30

LINK TO jharkhandjpsc.org RESULTS & SITE CLICK HERE

thrissur pooram

2008-04-15T12:01:00.003+05:30

Kerala gears up to celebrate Thrissur Pooram

THRISSUR: Raising the curtain to the Pooram which set the mood of the festival in Thrissur, Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms will display the sample fireworks at the desk on Monday.

Apart from setting the tone by creating a festive ambience, the mini show is eagerly looked for by the Thrissurians to have a sneak preview of what is to come on Wednesday, the day of Pooram.

Pyrotechnician P R Mani is the fireworks contractor for Thiruvambady while Desamangalam Surendran has been assigned the responsibility of the display of Pooram fireworks by the Paramekkavu Devaswoms.

In order to ensure that the fireworks display is held safely, the security arrangements have been tightened and officials of the Explosive Department is keeping a close watch over the production of fireworks items to be displayed during the sample display and on the finale.

Elephants Thiruvambady Sivasundar and Ramabhadran will bear the thidambu of Thiruvambady Bhagavathy during the main processions of the Pooram. Paramekkavu Sree Padmanabhan will bear the thidambu of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy.

THRISSUR: Heralding the famous Thrissur Pooram, the traditional Pooram flags were hoisted in the temples of the two main participants of the annual festival of Thrissurians - Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady - on Thursday morning.

In the Paramekkavu temple, the flag hoisting ceremony was held between 11.30 am and 12.15 pm on a flag mast prepared as per tradition by Chembil Neelakandan Asari.

The flag hoisting ceremony in Thiruvambady Temple was performed between 11 am and 11.30 am after the bhoomi pooja by Kanattukara Ravanni Asari.

The flag hoisting ceremonies by the two major participants of the festival were followed by flag hoisting at the eight minor temples - Laloor Kartiyani Temple, Kanimangalam Shasta temple,Karamukku temple, Panamukkampilli Shasta temple, Choorakottukavu temple, Ayyanthole Kartiyani temple, Kuttur Naithelakavu temple and Chembukkavu Kartiyani temple.

chak de india

2008-04-15T11:41:00.002+05:30

It is not known whether Chak De India is a favourite movie of Ms Sonia Gandhi.

But, it is certainly known that there has been a sort of resemblance between

her and Kabir Khan, its protagonist. The resemblance is of a different kind.

The hockey coach was the centre of the attack following an unfortunate miss by

him, in a key match in which he played for India. Ms Gandhi was hounded for a

different reason - for being born Italian. Her foreign origin issue has

affected her greatly, even, as it changed the politics in the largest

democracy of the world.

Kabir Khan, the coach, wiped out the stigma and the ridicule and earned a

standing ovation from a grateful nation as team India, won the cup. Ms Sonia

had her triumph in 2004. She made the moment of glory all the more magnificent

by deciding against becoming the Prime Minister of India.

Now, it is a time of stocktaking, as she has completed a decade as the

Congress President, a feat unparalleled in the history of the grand old party

that has seen many a stalwart. Ms Gandhiâ€™s arrival on the scene was also at a

difficult moment for the party. She took over the reins, when, nothing was

going right for the organisation and its longest dry patch since independence

had begun.

While P V Narasimha Rao had managed the show for over five long years, from

1991-96, both, as the Congress president and as the prime minister, the

organisation had been on the decline. The Mandal and Mandir issues had

unleashed new political forces. The demolition of the Babri Masjid, in

December 1992, added to the woes of the party, with Muslims becoming angry.

The fact of the matter is that, the Congress was on the decline since its

spectacular victory in 1984, held in the backdrop of the assassination of

Indira Gandhi.

Rajiv Gandhi was a young but inexperienced leader, who was oblivious of the

shrewd and the cunning of the political class, especially, in his own party.

Ms Soniaâ€™s keeping away from active politics in the wake of his assassination

in 1991, made Rao the prime minister and party chief. It was his attempt to

ensure that the Gandhi-Nehru family, the first family of the party, does not

get center stage.

Sitaram Kesri, who followed Rao as party chief, was no charismatic leader.

There was no question that he could stem the rot. The party, which relied on

the charisma of the first family, found itself to be at the wits end to reach

out to the people.

It is at this time that Ms Sonia Gandhi was made party chief by a concerned

Congress Working Committee, which almost sacked a reluctant Kesri. Ms Sonias

disdain of politics, had kept her at arms length from things political, when

she married into the Gandhi family, becoming the wife of Rajiv Gandhi, who was

an airline pilot. Despite residing in the residence of the prime minister, she

was just the daughter-in-law of Indira Gandhi.

It is in this background that Ms Soniaâ€™s baby- steps in politics should be

seen. The presidentship of a pan Indian party that brought the country its

freedom is no childâ€™s play. This is especially so for a woman who had

consciously stayed away from the rough and tumble of politics, as also from

the party-men, who had made an art of sycophancy and flattery.

Ms Soniaâ€™s critics say that she has been both an asset as also a liability for

the party. Asset she is. This was because she has kept the party united at the

most difficult moment and has even ensured that it comes back to power. Asset,

also because, she has an innate sense of politics, the way she nominated Dr

Manmohan Singh for prime minister, flooring all her detractors, saffron and

otherwise, is a case in point.

Liability, because, she has failed to bring it back to its golden days of

single party dominance. The Congress has got power, but, via the coalition

route, unheard of since independence. She has failed to set Ganga-Yamuna on

fire politically and Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu continue

to be the Achilles heel of the Congress.

There has been nothing much to write home about her running the affairs of the

party which has not given up its sycophantic ways.

The â€˜mai-bap cultureâ€™ is still ingrained among party-men at a time the

challenges are many and diverse for the organisation in the 21st century. The

age of personality cult has given way in view of various factors coming in

play.

The followers of Ms Gandhi are now busy in the exercise of wooing her son Mr

Rahul Gandhi in a big way, knowing that he is the future leader. For various

reasons, the organisation has remained neglected. One reason could be that she

is busy in running the coalition politically as the United Progressive

Alliance party chairperson.

Ms Gandhis dominance of the political scene in recent years has more to do

with the disarray in the saffron camp. This is because an old and unwell Mr

Atal Bihari Vajpayee is in the retirement mode and Mr L K Advani out to

project himself as the supreme leader without much conviction.

A failure of Ms Gandhi has also been her inability to tackle the regional

parties. The growth of these parties has been a matter of worry for the

pan-Indian party and also a signal that it has not been able to rise to the

aspirations and expectations of various regions.

The Lok Sabha elections next year would be a test for Ms Gandhi, far bigger

than in 2004. This time the Congress is in power at the Centre and has no one

to blame for the problems being faced by the aam aadmi. It has not come out

with flying colours in a series of state elections recently, including in

Gujarat. This indicates that the mood of the aam aadmi is not euphoric.

The Congress president has once remarked that politics is not just the art of

the possible, but art of the impossible. The outcome of the next Lok Sabha

election would show how much she has mastered the art. Ms Gandhi is standing

at a crossroad after her decade-long helmsmanship of the grand old party. Only

time will tell whether the next decade would belong to her.

THE VOLUPTUOUS heroine playing a coy hide-and-seek game of love around a tree in Indian cinema has produced derisive scoffs from western audiences and sophisticated film buffs at home and abroad.

But equally, the bump-and-grind routines accompanied by catchy tunes have fascinated a host of foreigners, from leaders like Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser to ordinary Arabs, Malays and non-Asians. The southern movie idol, Rajnikanth, known for his impossible stunts and dialogue deliveries in the Tamil language, has a fan following in, of all places, Japan.

But India’s celebrated director, Shimit Amin, believes Indian audiences are ready for change. He blames Indians, specifically affluent expatriates and those of Indian origin who reside all over the world, for stifling the industry’s creativity.

“Non-resident Indians are the worst audience for Indian cinema,” says Amin, director of the film Chak de! India. “They want Indian cinema to look as it was when they left; they encourage the garish part of our industry. Meanwhile, the rest of India has grown and wants change,” he said.

‘Chak de! India’ is about the members of an all-women’s field hockey team pulling themselves together from grassroots scratch to international success under the motivation of their coach played by Indian superstar Shahrukh Khan.

The film, which has none of Indian cinema’s usually loud and mawkish song-and-dance numbers and features 90 Australian players and over 9,000 Australian extras, unexpectedly won an Australian best film award at Sydney in October 2007.

International awards are unusual for Indian films because, despite being produced by the world’s most prolific movie industry, those are generally not taken seriously by international film juries.

But India’s new crop of film directors is “different”. Young, talented, passionate and committed, resembling unsung writers instead of wealthy “filmies”, money has not been their motivating force.

“I don’t own a car, I don’t own a house,” says Anurag Kashyap, director of more banned than screened films, including the banned ‘Black Friday’, based on the Mumbai terror bomb blasts of 1993. “But I own the largest personal library in the country,” he says.

Indian television, on the other hand, has more money in its hands than it knows what to do with. With 463 different channels, many with collaboration from foreign television channels, India’s TV industry, in its bid to compete with each other, is sometimes sensational, outrageous, flauntingly rich.

“Don’t worry about the money at first,” Rohit Jaisingh Vaid, chief creative officer of Contiloe Pictures, which produces popular national television serials, told an audience of media students from the Bangalore-based Convergence Institute of Media, Management and Information Technology (COMMIT).

“It will come in truckloads in time; you won’t know how to spend it. We have, you won’t believe it, over 300,000 vacancies in the television industry today, and we’re able to fill just 30,000 of these currently,” says Vaid.

But while Indian TV seems to compete within itself by sensationalism, Indian cinema is curiously turning closer to reality. “People living their lives and making movies on them is now a part of Indian cinema,” says Amin. “There is a sizeable segment of Indian society that is snobbish about the garishness of Indian cinema, but will go to see a good movie if we can give it to them.”

Anurag Kashyap’s films seem to get banned for dealing honestly with sensitive current issues in India, driving India’s censor board into nervous tizzies and the young director into debt. “I have almost cleared my debts,” Kashyap told IPS. “I write scripts for regular movies and charge a ‘packet’ for them,” he grins.

Kashyap, a zoology graduate whose latest film ‘Hanuman Returns’ is an intelligent animated feature on the Hindu mythical monkey god, which also deals with global warming, told IPS that Indian cinema has “absolutely no idea” about environmental awareness.

But nevertheless, Kashyap, like Amin, believes that realistic and well-made Indian cinema holds great potential. “We’re moving into a golden period,” he says. “There is now a space in India for art-house theaters to come up. These need to be tax-free with government incentives for encouraging audiences.”

“We are gods in waiting,” Rohit Vaid told the COMMIT students in Bangalore. “Just step out with that belief and it will work.” Amin though, had a parting shot: “If you think you can become a superstar, it’s terrifically impossible.”

Meanwhile, it’s debatable whether Egyptian, Arab and Asian audiences will take to the new incarnation of Indian cinema.

Prabodh Tirkey is probably having the greatest time of his life. The cool and soft spoken boy from Orissa has played a stellar role to bag bronze medals in two successive tournaments — The Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia in May and the Champions Challenge in Belgium early this month.

When this 22 year old star traps the ball and begins to run, it spells a thunder and fear among the best of defenders of world hockey. This man has the responsibility to defend the Asia cup in his own land.

Now a days he is very busy in making Indian hockey team to continue their good performance. He however has spent some time to chat with us.

In an Exclusive interview with Odishatoday.com's Sports editor Gulrej Ahmed the Indian Hockey Captain, prabodh Tirkey spelled out team's strategy and India's chances in the forthcoming Asia cup in Chennai.

Here are the excerpts of the interview.

Gulrej: Congratulations for being appointed Captain of Indian Hockey Team for Asia Cup.

prabodh : Thank you very much.

Gulrej: Due to extra responsibility of captaincy, are you feeling any extra pressure for the Asia Cup?

prabodh : I am very happy for the captaincy. I dont feel any extra pressure at all after taking responsibility of captaincy. I am enjoying my self both as the captain and the player of the team.

Prior to this tournament the team tasted some success and won bronze in both Azlanshah Cup and Champions Challenge under my captaincy. I have also good experience of leading the country in junior level so I am not feeling any pressure. I am trying to play in cool and relaxed mind so that I can lead the team successfully.

Gulrej: As you have tasted recent success in Azlanshah Cup and Champions Challenge, will there be any extra pressure this time on the team as the expectation from the team is high?

prabodh : In Azlan Shah Cup we had 6-7 youngsters in the team, they had performed well and gained good international experience. After the recent success, the expectation from the team will be high. Adding to it the Asia cup is going to be played in India, so there will be little bit pressure on the team to perform well and to win the Cup.

As I have already told you our players gained good international experience and the coach is also doing hard work. The coach made us as a combined force, so I think the team could easily tackle the pressure of playing in home turf very well.

Gulrej: You are playing in home turf. So do you think you have any advantage?

prabodh : You are right. we are playing in our own ground, there will be familliar conditions and above all we will get huge support from our fans, so all these factors may help us in one way or other. In international matches every home team enjoys these conditions. It is a part of game, but as I have told earlier it has also negative effects of high expectations and huge pressure.

Whatever it may be we have to play really good hockey to win matches and my team is very confident to display good hockey irrespective of conditions and home advantage. Our main aim is to play good attacking hockey through out the trouney.

Gulrej: What kind of challenge are you expecting in Asia Cup in Chennai?

prabodh : First match will be very crucial in the tournament. If we will win the first match with big marging we have a very good chance to win the Cup. All are very good teams in our pool. Pakisthan is also in our pool so there will be good contest among all the teams. In last two tournaments we had a very good overall performance and expecting even better in Asia Cup.

Gulrej: What will be the main strategy of the team in the Asia Cup?

prabodh : We have decided to play attacking hockey right from the beginning so that we can dominate the game as early as possible and push the opposition on the back foot. Subsequently we can control the game very well.

Gulrej: India have been consistenly poor in converting the penalty corners into goals. How will you tackle this problem?

prabodh : In the match against Argentina, in Champions challenge we missed few penalty corners.We learnt a lot from the past mistakes and now we are paying special attention to it. We have practiced a lot to rectify those mistakes in converting penalty corners into goals.

Moreover we have penalty cornor specialist Raghunath, who is doing very good job in his specialisation. I believe our conversion rate will be high in this Asia Cup.

Gulrej: One more difficulty we have is Indian team always conceedes lot of goals in dying moment of the game, any special attention to this weakness?

prabodh : We have very good bowling talent in the state, only thing we have to do is nurse them at proper time and proper stage and give them opportunity to prosper. Earlier we used to face this problem, but in last two tournaments we had given special attention towards this and improved a lot.

We have making strategies like, keeping the ball in our control and releases the ball as soon as possible in the dying moments of the game.

We are also focusing on scooping the ball at dying moment to kill the time provided we are in good position. In the last two tournaments also we have not concceded any goal in the dying moments.

Gulrej: Pakistan is also figured in our pool in Asia Cup and any match against Pakistan arouses patriotic passion. Any special strategy for Pakistan match?

prabodh : Pakistan is also a good team, but our chances are more against them and as always our fans will be crazy to watch the game with patriotic passion.We have designed our strategy for the whole tournament.

Gulrej: Are you satisfied with the training camp?

prabodh : Yes, I am absolutely satisfied, all the players are looking forward to take the challenge.

Gulrej: What are our chances in the Asia Cup?

prabodh : I think the main competition wil be among the four teams Malasiya, India, Pakisthan and Korea to clinch the trophy. As one defeat is enough to put any team on the back foot so we need to win from the first match itself to boost up our confidence.

So far as our chances in the Asia Cup is concern, I must say that we have a very good chance to win the trophy, because recently we have played well and all our players are fit. After many years, we have a good team in place. We have a mixture of young and experienced players. we have also a very good defence lineup headed by experienced Dillip Tirkey, in forward we have very good players like Tushar Khandekar, Rajpal Singh and Prabhjot Singh who can breach opposition defence at any time to score goals.

Joaquim Sir works hard and his presence inspires the players to give their best. As we are playing in home turf, the audience support will be there with us. All these factors making me confident enough to lift the trophy this time as like the 2003 edition.

Gulrej: Prabodh at last, diverting from Asia cup I would like to know that what according to you should be the media's role in popularing Hockey in the country and what do you want to say about th movie Chak de India which is based on the Indian hockey. Will it help in popularising hockey?

prabodh : Media has a great role to play for popularising hockey in the country. Except media coverage the bolloywood have also come forward to make a film like Chak de India. I believe this kind of movies are going to inspire young hockey players in the country. It will definitely help to promote Indian hockey and there is a big possibility that youngsters develop interest in playing hockey after watching the film. The movie will be a good boost to promote the sport in India.

Gulrej: Thanks you very much for talking to us and all the best for the coming season. We wish Indian should clinch the trophy.

prabodh : Thank you and wish all the best to all the members of ‘Odishatoday’ .

cdacmohali

2008-04-15T11:33:00.003+05:30

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Mohali

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK cdacmohali

C-DAC's Vision
To emerge as the premier R&D institution for the design,development and deployment of the world class electronic and IT solutions for economic and human advancement.

Profile

C-DAC (Erstwhile CEDTI) Mohali, established in 1989 in the ELTOP(Electronics Town of Punjab) Complex, caters to the training, consultancy, design and product development needs of electronics and information technology industry and allied sectors. It also promotes potential Entrepreneurs through various services, academic and training progarms. The institute has its own aesthetically designed building with covered area of 4300 sq mts. The building has an attached students hostel, which provides for residential facility to the outstation students. Another modern hostel and housing complex has been developed in sector-70, Mohali that is a kilometer away from the institute.

C-DAC (Erstwhile CEDTI) Mohali, an institute under the Government of India, is the first society of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to have an ISO 9001 : 2000 certification, which reflects the quality in conceptualization, design, implementation and monitoring of the training programs. The certification is a testimony by international quality in system that governs its well structured and regularity updated training with global acceptance.

Infrastructure

Staff Quarters: Staff members have occupied the 16 / B & 8 / C type quarters.

Guest House: The Centre has a air conditioned guest house attached to the main building.

Canteen: The Centre has a canteen attached to the main building, which provides meals to staff and students at a subsidized rate.

Students Hostel: The Centre has 3 hostels, one attached to the main institute building and two in sector 70 Mohali for outstation students. One hostel is for Girl students
Land/Premises : The Centre has an impressive building located amongst a number of prestigious electronics industries. 10 acres of land for the Institute building has been provided free of cost by the Govt. of Punjab. The building has approx. 4300 sq.mt. covered area. The institute 13 laboratories, a conference room and an auditorium.

Laboratories :

* Microprocessor Lab
* Advanced Computer Lab
* Computer Lab
* Multilingual Lab
* Multimedia Lab
* Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Lab
* PC Repair & Maintenance Lab
* Measurement Lab
* Prototype Development Lab
* PCB Lab Power Lab
* Power Electronics Lab
* Digital Communication Lab
* Bio-Medical Electronics Lab
* R&D lab

Library :

The Library has a well selected collection of more than 10,500 books in the field of Computers, Electronics industry. The library receives over 200 journals & periodicals to enable the staff and students to have latest and up to date information on various fields.
Services Rendered to Industries/Other Users over the past year

The Centre offered the following advanced technical services to various industries in the region:
i) Development of Lith Film
ii) EPROM Programming
iii) CNC PCB Drilling
iv) Development of Proto Type Single Sided PCB’s Photoplotting

The job work was done for the following companies: BEL, Panchkula, DURO Electronics, Spice Telecom, Mohali, Narmak System, Mohali, PUNCOM,Mohali, Ariens Electrotech, Souvenir Graphics, Labotron Instruments, Rohini Micro Systems, Allenger Medical Systems, Mohali, DELTRON, Chd, TELEBOX, Mohali, MONTECH Instruments, SCL, Mohali, CDIL, Chd., INDOSAW, Ambala, Multioverseas Pvt. Ltd., Saksham Electronics Chd., Multioverseas Pvt. Ltd., Alpha Medical, Chd, SAA Power Eng Pvt Ltd, BCC Fuba (I) Ltd, Micromation (P) Ltd. Total revenue of Rs.72235.40 was generated through these facilities and services.

Newsclips

* C-DAC releases five new products at ELITEX 2008 >>
* Telemedicine project inaugurated in Mohali >>
* 19th Foundation Day, 10 May 2007 >>
* International Women's Day, 8 March 2007 >>
* National Science Day, 28 Feb 2007 >>

tipu sultan

2008-04-15T11:10:00.001+05:30

I met Saif Ali Khan in Kenya: Rozza Catalano
After gyrating to the sizzling ‘Jaane Kyun’ in Samar Khan’s Shaurya, Rozza Catalano is now gearing up to set the screen ablaze in Parto Ghosh’s Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De.

On the personal front, there has been considerable speculation and fabrication about her equation with Saif Ali Khan ever since their relationship soured. Rozza Catalano in a freewheeling chat with Swati R Chaudhary on Saif, her preoccupation with India and more…

A brief introduction of your background…
We hail from the South coast in Italy. We are four siblings- My brother Gioele, sisters Contessa and Dalia, myself and my parents of course.

My family moved to Switzerland before I was born and they wanted to move back to Italy but it never happened due to our education, friends and other commitments. I’ve done various print and television ads (international and Indian). ‘Seagram’ is one of the brands I worked with.

What got you to India? What fascinates you about India? Are you happy here?
I came to India with Saif Ali Khan. It was very challenging to come to India and stay back here.

I am a traditional person with a strong sense of family values. My family used to dine together and we would say our prayers before every meal. I was drawn to the Indian culture and its strong value system.

I thought I was patient but I have learnt to be far more patient that I ever thought I could be. India is all about acceptance.

You came to India as Saif Ali Khan’s girlfriend. How do you look back at this episode?
I met Saif Ali Khan in Kenya. I was in Kenya for about 6 years for my social work projects. That’s when we first met and I decided to move to India.

As I’ve always maintained, I am a real person. I don't have any expectations from people. People come and go and that really doesn't make any difference to one’s life. When I landed in India, I knew a few people and I still know them.

I look for people who are genuine and I have known them since I have arrived and these are the real people who care for me and are still with me. I rather know genuine people than fake ones.

Are you learning Hindi?
Thoda Thoda.

Do you enjoy the Indian cuisine?
Indian cuisine is my favourite. I like kali daal and naan and drool over masala dosa. I come from the Calabria region which is known for chilies.

I thoroughly enjoyed my mom’s lip smacking spicy food, so in that respect, I love the spicy Indian cuisine. My mom also made the best pasta and lasagna. I also relish Thai and Chinese cuisine.

What’s happening on the professional front?
I am looking forward to Partho Ghosh’s Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De co-starring Jackie Shroff and Manisha Koirala. It’s a family story about values, karma and the ‘present’.

Tell us about the reality dance show Yeh Hai Jalwa?
Yeh Hai Jalwa marks my debut on television. I am really excited about the show and my team. There are common people from different walks of life. My team has five very hard working members and they are as excited to perform for the first time on television.

What prompted you to be a part of it and how did it happen?
The channel 9X approached me for the show. I loved the concept and that is what got me hooked on this show. The whole idea of it being a dance show and audience deciding on the results is very challenging.

Earlier I used to tell my sister that there are hardly any places in Mumbai to dance, but today I am dancing everyday for Yeh Hai Jalwa and that makes me happy.

What do you do in your spare time?
There are so many things that I like to do. I like to be alone, spend quality time with myself either playing the guitar or writing poems. I enjoy dancing, reading spiritual books but I don't enjoy horror, action or romance.

I like reading books that spell humor. I love sports and I am training with my master on martial arts at the moment. I am quite an outdoor person and I enjoy ice skating and skiing.

Saif Ali Khan made sure he missed yet another public meeting with ex-girlfriend Rozza Catalano.

The actor made a special appearance on 9X's television show, Yeh Hai Jalwa [Images], only after Rozza -- one of the contestants -- was eliminated from the show.

Last month, we had reported that Saif turned up for a press event at the same venue as Rozza, who was simply in the next room.

When the media quizzed Saif on the coincidence and asked him about Rozza, the actor turned a deaf ear.

So what's promoting his moves? Is it a jealous Kareena Kapoor [Images], or is Saif simple trying to play safe?

I met Saif Ali Khan in Kenya: Rozza Catalano

After gyrating to the sizzling ‘Jaane Kyun’ in Samar Khan’s Shaurya, Rozza Catalano is now gearing up to set the screen ablaze in Parto Ghosh’s Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De.

On the personal front, there has been considerable speculation and fabrication about her equation with Saif Ali Khan ever since their relationship soured. Rozza Catalano in a freewheeling chat with Swati R Chaudhary on Saif, her preoccupation with India and more…

A brief introduction of your background…
We hail from the South coast in Italy. We are four siblings- My brother Gioele, sisters Contessa and Dalia, myself and my parents of course.

My family moved to Switzerland before I was born and they wanted to move back to Italy but it never happened due to our education, friends and other commitments. I’ve done various print and television ads (international and Indian). ‘Seagram’ is one of the brands I worked with.

What got you to India? What fascinates you about India? Are you happy here?
I came to India with Saif Ali Khan. It was very challenging to come to India and stay back here.

I am a traditional person with a strong sense of family values. My family used to dine together and we would say our prayers before every meal. I was drawn to the Indian culture and its strong value system.

I thought I was patient but I have learnt to be far more patient that I ever thought I could be. India is all about acceptance.

You came to India as Saif Ali Khan’s girlfriend. How do you look back at this episode?
I met Saif Ali Khan in Kenya. I was in Kenya for about 6 years for my social work projects. That’s when we first met and I decided to move to India.

As I’ve always maintained, I am a real person. I don't have any expectations from people. People come and go and that really doesn't make any difference to one’s life. When I landed in India, I knew a few people and I still know them.

I look for people who are genuine and I have known them since I have arrived and these are the real people who care for me and are still with me. I rather know genuine people than fake ones.

Are you learning Hindi?
Thoda Thoda.

Do you enjoy the Indian cuisine?
Indian cuisine is my favourite. I like kali daal and naan and drool over masala dosa. I come from the Calabria region which is known for chilies.

I thoroughly enjoyed my mom’s lip smacking spicy food, so in that respect, I love the spicy Indian cuisine. My mom also made the best pasta and lasagna. I also relish Thai and Chinese cuisine.

What’s happening on the professional front?
I am looking forward to Partho Ghosh’s Ek Second Jo Zindagi Badal De co-starring Jackie Shroff and Manisha Koirala. It’s a family story about values, karma and the ‘present’.

Tell us about the reality dance show Yeh Hai Jalwa?
Yeh Hai Jalwa marks my debut on television. I am really excited about the show and my team. There are common people from different walks of life. My team has five very hard working members and they are as excited to perform for the first time on television.

What prompted you to be a part of it and how did it happen?
The channel 9X approached me for the show. I loved the concept and that is what got me hooked on this show. The whole idea of it being a dance show and audience deciding on the results is very challenging.

Earlier I used to tell my sister that there are hardly any places in Mumbai to dance, but today I am dancing everyday for Yeh Hai Jalwa and that makes me happy.

What do you do in your spare time?
There are so many things that I like to do. I like to be alone, spend quality time with myself either playing the guitar or writing poems. I enjoy dancing, reading spiritual books but I don't enjoy horror, action or romance.

I like reading books that spell humor. I love sports and I am training with my master on martial arts at the moment. I am quite an outdoor person and I enjoy ice skating and skiing.

priyanka gandhi

2008-04-15T10:57:00.002+05:30

Nalini Sriharan, the only surviving member of the LTTE assassination squad that killed Rajiv Gandhi, has claimed that she didn’t know anything about the plan of the group till the very last moments. The sensational revelation was made to Priyanka Gandhi when she visited Nalini at the Vellore jail to ‘make peace with violence’ in her life.

Priyanka Gandhi met Nalini on March 19 as confirmed by Nalini’s lawyer. The confirmation came even as a city lawyer D Raj Kumar sought information on the meeting under Right to Information Act (RTI).

Priyanka, reportedly, wanted to know why her father was made the target of the fatal suicide bombing that killed him in Sriperambudur on May 21 1991.

Nalini was awarded the death penalty by a special court after being convicted of involvement in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. The sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after Sonia Gandhi interceded in her behalf, pleading for clemency.

Nalini’s two lawyers S Duraisamy and Elangovan, who confirmed the meeting, said that the meeting was ‘cordial’. It lasted for about an hour and coincided with Priyanka’s visit to the Sripuram temple. The meeting was not a spur of the moment decision, the lawyers said, the ground for it was laid much before.

On March 11 a central intelligence official met Nalini to discuss her pending application for an early release. During the course of the meeting he showed her a photo of Priyanka Gandhi, asking Nalini if she would want to meet her.

Nalini consented. Later, another intelligence official met Nalini on March 18 and told her that Priyanka would meet her the next day.

Nalini wanted to present Priyanka with some sweets that she had prepared in jail for her, but she was not allowed to take them to the meeting room.

Priyanka grew very emotional during the meeting and made Nalini sit next to her. Why was her father killed? Priyanka wanted to know. He was a good person, grievances could have been resolved through talks. Nalini said that she knew nothing till the last moment, even though she was present at the assassination spot.

Did you know my father? Priyanka asked. Nalini did not reply to this question. Priyanka next wanted to know when was the last time when she saw her father. When he was getting out of his car, Nalini answered. Did you see him before the blast? No, Nalini answered, my vision was blocked by the crowd and I was standing too far.

Who was behind the blast, Priyanka asked. Dhanu, Nalini said. Was the LTTE behind the killing, Priyanka wanted to know, but Nalini denied all knowledge of this. Only Dhanu, the human bomb, would have known.

She had no idea from whom she took orders.

Nalini believes that the visit may have been prompted by the frequent letters that she sends to the Gandhi family.

In a personal note to the conversation they talked about their personal families. Priyanka inquired about Nalini’s daughter and other family members, while telling her about her own.

Nalini found Priyanka to be "very simple and loveable".

The applicant raised several legal questions regarding the meeting, as a court’s permission is needed before someone can meet a convicted person. D Raj Kumar also asked how long the meeting lasted and what exactly was discussed between the two.

New Delhi: Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination is making news once again. This time it is because of his daughter Priyanka Vadra's visit to a Vellore prison, where the only living member of Rajiv's assassination squad, Nalini Sriharan, is lodged.

According to a leading daily, a local lawyer D Raj Kumar filed an RTI application seeking clarifications about a meeting in jail between Priyanka Gandhi and Nalini on March 19.

Raj Kumar's petition sought clarifications on details such as the nature of the talks between the two women, who accompanied Priyanka and under which legal provision was Priyanka permitted to meet the prisoner.

Nalini's mother in Coimbatore reportedly confirmed this while her two lawyers Duraisamy and Elangovan described the meeting as "very cordial".

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Priyanka said, “Yes, I did visit Vellore to meet my father’s assassins.”

“The visit reported on 19th March as a visit to Vellore temple was not to the temple. I went to speak with her,” she said.

“It’s completely personal, I don’t want to say anything about it,” Priyanka said. “I needed to make peace with all the violence in my life.”

Nalini reportedly told her lawyers that Priyanka was keen to know why her father, whom she called a “good man”, was assassinated.

Nalini was part of a five-member squad recruited to assassinate Rajiv Gandhi. The attack had been carried out by a suicide bomber Subha, in Tamil Nadu’s Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991. Rajiv Gandhi and 17 others had been killed on the spot.

Thirty-three-year-old Nalini Sriharan had been sentenced to death. The sentence was, however, commuted to life imprisonment after Rajiv’s widow and Congress President Sonia Gandhi pleaded for clemency on account of Nalini’s five-year-old daughter.

'Brahmmavar - Barkur' Assembly seat was shaped in the year 1978, bifurcating few villages from Kundapur and Udupi segments. Ever since, this constituency provided study material for political analysts, mainly because of matured voting pattern exercised by its electorate, in various elections held in the past. Unfortunately delimitation exercise conducted by the Election Commission now eliminated the seat, rather stripped off into four pieces and distributed the segments - out of total 51 Village panchayats, as many as 23 annexed in Udupi, 22 Villages in Kundapur, 6 in Kaup and few places in Karkala.

Earlier it was Kaup seat the smallest in size and population, likely to be eliminated, then may be unseen hands or the prudence or call it pressure - of leaders succeeded in saving the latter to axe the genuine Brahmmavar from the political map of Karnataka State. Kundapur, though an existing name for the seat, its geographical coverage has changed drastically - out of total 40, it lost some 9 Villages to nearby Baindoor and got new 22 from Brahmmavar making total of 53 Vaillage Punchayats, on the West Arabian Sea, North Chakra / Kollur river, South Barkur and River Seeta and East the thinly populated Western Ghats. Anyhow, now one may have to wait at least another two decades to do the same exercise once again by the Election Commission.

To call back past, this seat was well represented by S. Basavaraj - Congress Party, Dr. B.B.Shetty of BJP, Ananda Kunda Hegde once as Congress and Jaya Prakash Hegde once as Janatha Dal party nominee, with wheel symbol, and record two terms as an Independent. It was a great honor to the electorate to see, first ever Minister for Fisheries and Ports in Shri Jaya Prakash Hegde in Late J. H .Patel Ministry, elected by them.

Very interesting point to note over here is, even though Janata Dal lost power, mostly because of infighting in the State, Hegde was victorious with a handsome margin. Today, he joined Congress Party and deservedly nominated as its candidate from Kundapur Assembly constituency. Herculean task awaiting Hegde to snatch the prestigious victory, from the hands of all powerful Bharatia Janata Party nominee, popular, the sitting MLA Halady Srinivasa Shetty, which will surely make Hegde a Minister in the event of Congress securing majority.

In our opinion, at this moment, the fight is evenly balanced and the margin of victory may be few hundreds

The positives and negatives of the two main contenders:

Though the battle lines yet to be drawn, and other Party's not announced their candidates, it shows all signs that the fight is between two equally good leaders of our time.

What is common with both Jaya Prakash Hegde and H.Srinivasa Shetty are:

* The candidates are locals, Jaya Prakash Hegde is from Korgi Village and H.S.Shetty hails from Halady both the places are situated in the assembly, hence no tag of outsider!
* As both belong to powerful Bunts Community, caste based votes, if at all there will be shared by two.
* Both have clean image and enormous goodwill of common man as people's representatives, both know the pulse of people well, as Hegde is third time MLA, and H.S Shetty twice.
* Both have die-hard supporters and workers, and contesting on behalf of two National Party's, viz All India National Congress and Bharatia Janata Party.
* Both BJP and Congress Party go to the electorate on Stability and Development.

Few points that favor Jaya Prakash Hegde are:

* As many as 22 Villages earlier in the Brahmmavar Constituency now part of Kundapur where Hegde is already a familiar name.
* As per analysts, traditional Congress vote bank comprising minorities  both Muslims and Christians, backward castes, Scheduled castes and tribes may be relied on.
* The good work done by him as Minister for Fisheries and Ports not forgotten by middle class fishing community in the area.
* Consolidation of secular Janatha Dal votes, most likely continue to support Hegde, as he once belong to erstwhile Janata parivar
* The whole hearted support of MLC Pratap Chandra Shetty, twice Congress MLA and his influence in certain pockets.
* Pro farmer Budget by the Union Govt., and economically poor friendly policies.

What favors Halady Srinivasa Shetty are:

* BJP a cadre based party having well oiled party machinery - die hard pro Hindutva organizations such as the RSS, ABVP, Bhajrang Dal etc. to canvass rigorously for him.
* Service as MLA past 8 plus years in the out going Assembly is a big plus point.
* Sympathy factor in favor of Yediyurappa, as he was betrayed by Janatha Dal Secular headed by H.D. Deve Gowda and his son and former Chief Minister H.D.Kumara Swamy.
* Popular schemes announced by the Finance Minister Yediyurappa in two State Budgets.
* Blessings of stalwarts like AG. Kodgi and other top class BJP leaders.

What may tilt the balance in either's favor are:

* If Congress enters into some sort of electoral understanding with Samajavadi Party led by S.Bangarappa then it is a favorable point to Hegde as other wise SP will steal votes from Congress kitty only.
* Kundapur is having a sizable Communist supporting working class, if asked to support Hegde, it will benefit, Congress.
* To match the clout of expected effective propaganda by BJP in the form of Narendra Modi, L.K.Advani, Rajnath Singh, Yediyurappa etc. if Congress organize rally's by charismatic Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders, then it may benefit Hegde.
* The so called, so far un seen wave or swing at the last moment of electioneering in favor of BJP a vote for a change or chance, to form the Government on its own in the State, may favor Shetty.
* Stability and Development of the State slogan to be seen how both the National Party's market in their favor and convert into votes?

Conclusion:

Considered as one of the most educated constituency in the State, where the average literacy level is high, the people are multi lingual, broad minded and secular thinking, now have to choose between a suave, matured and well educated Lawyer Jaya Prakash Hegde and Halady Srinivasa Shetty whose affiliation to a pro Hindu Party though well known but unlike few others, he never shown hatred to other communities.

Hegde's influence and his entry into the Congress fold surely have positive effects in the nearby constituencies such as Udupi, Karkala and Kaup in particular and the Coastal Districts in general to brighten the chances of beleaguered Congress now put to test.

We have to wait and watch till the ballot box opened, to end the suspense who'll make their way to Vidhana Saudha? We wish the best one to get elected to represent us in the next State Assembly.

Did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meet her dad's assassin?
Did Priyanka Gandhi Vadra meet her dad's assassin?

This is a question that a Chennai-based lawyer has reportedly sought to know as part of an application in court under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

A report published in the Times of India said on Tuesday the lawyer D. Raj Kumar, claims that Priyanka Vadra met Nalini Sriharan, one of the accused in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination conspiracy case, at Vellore prison last month. The applicant has asked for a response from the prison superintendent of the prison to his queries.

Nalini was one of the co-accused in the conspiracy case and was sentenced to death by the special court, though it was later commuted to life sentence. At that time, Nalini who was 33 and had a baby, reportedly got the support of Sonia Gandhi, who sought clemency for her on grounds of her motherhood.

The newspaper said their efforts to verify the event came to nought as the jail superintendent refused to discuss the matter. Times of India has quoted Nalini's mother to confirm the meeting as did two of Nalini's lawyers. The lawyers have told the paper quoting Nalini that Priyanka Vadra wanted to know why her father was assassinated despite being a good person.

They claimed that the meeting, which lasted about an hour, said preparations for the face-to-face began early in March with a visit to the jail by an intelligence official who asked Nalini whether she wanted to meet Priyanka. The meeting was thus arranged and Nalini was quoted as saying by the lawyers in the newspaper that she had even prepared some sweets for her visitor.

Giving details of the meeting, the newspaper said that Priyanka got Nalini to sit next to her and asked her several questions including the reasons for targetting the former Prime Minister and the modus operandi of the assassins. Nalini, who is the only surviving member amongst the five who purportedly planning the strike, admitted to being at the site in Sriperambudur but denied all knowledge of the plot.

Another related report in the Times of India said that Priyanka sought to know about the kingpin behind the attack and whether it was the handiwork of the LTTE. Nalini's lawyers claimed that she denied any knowledge of the plot and said she got involved only because the alleged mastermind Sivarasan (also known then as the one-eyed Jack) and the human bomb Dhanu and Murugan used to visit her house regularly.

She further claimed that even Murugan was not in the know of the plot which was a secret between Dhanu, Sivarasan and Shubha. The latter two were found dead in their house at Konankunte on the outskirts of Bangalore by the Special Investigation Team, who had tracked them and surrounded their hideout.

INCOMETAX INDIA

2008-04-15T10:50:00.001+05:30

LINK TO INCOMETAX INDIA CLICK HERE

History of Taxation PRE – 1922

"It was only for the good of his subjects that he collected taxes from them, just as the Sun draws moisture from the Earth to give it back a thousand fold" –
--Kalidas in Raghuvansh eulogizing KING DALIP.

It is a matter of general belief that taxes on income and wealth are of recent origin but there is enough evidence to show that taxes on income in some form or the other were levied even in primitive and ancient communities. The origin of the word "Tax" is from "Taxation" which means an estimate. These were levied either on the sale and purchase of merchandise or livestock and were collected in a haphazard manner from time to time. Nearly 2000 years ago, there went out a decree from Ceaser Augustus that all the world should be taxed. In Greece, Germany and Roman Empires, taxes were also levied sometime on the basis of turnover and sometimes on occupations. For many centuries, revenue from taxes went to the Monarch. In Northern England, taxes were levied on land and on moveable property such as the Saladin title in 1188. Later on, these were supplemented by introduction of poll taxes, and indirect taxes known as "Ancient Customs" which were duties on wool, leather and hides. These levies and taxes in various forms and on various commodities and professions were imposed to meet the needs of the Governments to meet their military and civil expenditure and not only to ensure safety to the subjects but also to meet the common needs of the citizens like maintenance of roads, administration of justice and such other functions of the State.

In India, the system of direct taxation as it is known today, has been in force in one form or another even from ancient times. There are references both in Manu Smriti and Arthasastra to a variety of tax measures. Manu, the ancient sage and law-giver stated that the king could levy taxes, according to Sastras. The wise sage advised that taxes should be related to the income and expenditure of the subject. He, however, cautioned the king against excessive taxation and stated that both extremes should be avoided namely either complete absence of taxes or exorbitant taxation. According to him, the king should arrange the collection of taxes in such a manner that the subjects did not feel the pinch of paying taxes. He laid down that traders and artisans should pay 1/5th of their profits in silver and gold, while the agriculturists were to pay 1/6th, 1/8th and 1/10th of their produce depending upon their circumstances. The detailed analysis given by Manu on the subject clearly shows the existence of a well-planned taxation system, even in ancient times. Not only this, taxes were also levied on various classes of people like actors, dancers, singers and even dancing girls. Taxes were paid in the shape of gold-coins, cattle, grains, raw-materials and also by rendering personal service.

The learned author K.B.Sarkar commends the system of taxation in ancient India in his book "Public Finance in Ancient India", (1978 Edition) as follows:-

"Most of the taxes of Ancient India were highly productive. The admixture of direct taxes with indirect Taxes secured elasticity in the tax system, although more emphasis was laid on direct tax. The tax-structure was a broad based one and covered most people within its fold. The taxes were varied and the large variety of taxes reflected the life of a large and composit population".

However, it is Kautilya’s Arthasastra, which deals with the system of taxation in a real elaborate and planned manner. This well known treatise on state crafts written sometime in 300 B.C., when the Mauryan Empire was as its glorious upwards move, is truly amazing, for its deep study of the civilisation of that time and the suggestions given which should guide a king in running the State in a most efficient and fruitful manner. A major portion of Arthasastra is devoted by Kautilya to financial matters including financial administration. According to famous statesman, the Mauryan system, so far as it applied to agriculture, was a sort of state landlordism and the collection of land revenue formed an important source of revenue to the State. The State not only collected a part of the agricultural produce which was normally one sixth but also levied water rates, octroi duties, tolls and customs duties. Taxes were also collected on forest produce as well as from mining of metals etc. Salt tax was an important source of revenue and it was collected at the place of its extraction.

Kautilya described in detail, the trade and commerce carried on with foreign countries and the active interest of the Mauryan Empire to promote such trade. Goods were imported from China, Ceylon and other countries and levy known as a vartanam was collected on all foreign commodities imported in the country. There was another levy called Dvarodaya which was paid by the concerned businessman for the import of foreign goods. In addition, ferry fees of all kinds were levied to augment the tax collection.

Collection of Income-tax was well organised and it constituted a major part of the revenue of the State. A big portion was collected in the form of income-tax from dancers, musicians, actors and dancing girls, etc. This taxation was not progressive but proportional to the fluctuating income. An excess Profits Tax was also collected. General Sales-tax was also levied on sales and the sale and the purchase of buildings was also subject to tax. Even gambling operations were centralised and tax was collected on these operations. A tax called yatravetana was levied on pilgrims. Though revenues were collected from all possible sources, the underlying philosophy was not to exploit or over-tax people but to provide them as well as to the State and the King, immunity from external and internal danger. The revenues collected in this manner were spent on social services such as laying of roads, setting up of educational institutions, setting up of new villages and such other activities beneficial to the community.

The reason why Kautilya gave so much importance to public finance and the taxation system in the Arthasastra is not far to seek. According to him, the power of the government depended upon the strength of its treasury. He states – "From the treasury, comes the power of the government, and the Earth whose ornament is the treasury, is acquired by means of the Treasury and Army". However, he regarded revenue and taxes as the earning of the sovereign for the services which were to be rendered by him to the people and to afford them protection and to maintain law and order. Kautilya emphasised that the King was only a trustee of the land and his duty was to protect it and to make it more and more productive so that land revenue could be collected as a principal source of income for the State. According to him, tax was not a compulsory contribution to be made by the subject to the State but the relationship was based on Dharma and it was the King’s sacred duty to protect its citizens in view of the tax collected and if the King failed in his duty, the subject had a right to stop paying taxes, and even to demand refund of the taxes paid.

Kautilya has also described in great detail the system of tax administration in the Mauryan Empire. It is remarkable that the present day tax system is in many ways similar to the system of taxation in vogue about 2300 years ago. According to the Arthasastra, each tax was specific and there was no scope for arbitratiness. Precision determined the schedule of each payment, and its time, manner and quantity being all pre-determined. The land revenue was fixed at 1/6 share of the produce and import and export duties were determined on advalorem basis. The import duties on foreign goods were roughly 20 per cent of their value. Similarly, tolls, road cess, ferry charges and other levies were all fixed. Kautilya’s concept of taxation is more or less akin to the modern system of taxation. His over all emphasis was on equity and justice in taxation. The affluent had to pay higher taxes as compared to the not so fortunate. People who were suffering from diseases or were minor and students were exempted from tax or given suitable remissions. The revenue collectors maintained up-to-date records of collection and exemptions. The total revenue of the State was collected from a large number of sources as enumerated above. There were also other sources like profits from Stand land (Sita) religious taxes (Bali) and taxes paid in cash (Kara). Vanikpath was the income from roads and traffic paid as tolls.

He placed land revenues and taxes on commerce under the head of tax revenues. These were fixed taxes and included half yearly taxes like Bhadra, Padika, and Vasantika. Custom duties and duties on sales, taxes on trade and professions and direct taxes comprised the taxes on commerce. The non-tax revenues consisted of produce of sown lands, profits accuring from the manufacture of oil, sugarcane and beverage by the State, and other transactions carried on by the State. Commodities utilised on marriage occasions, the articles needed for sacrificial ceremonies and special kinds of gifts were exempted from taxation. All kinds of liquor were subject to a toll of 5 precent. Tax evaders and other offenders were fined to the tune of 600 panas.

Kautilya also laid down that during war or emergencies like famine or floods, etc. the taxation system should be made more stringent and the king could also raise war loans. The land revenue could be raised from 1/6th to 1/4th during the emergencies. The people engaged in commerce were to pay big donations to war efforts.

Taking an overall view, it can be said without fear of contradiction that Kautilya’s Arthasastra was the first authoritative text on public finance, administration and the fiscal laws in this country. His concept of tax revenue and the on-tax revenue was a unique contribution in the field of tax administration. It was he, who gave the tax revenues its due importance in the running of the State and its far-reaching contribution to the prosperity and stability of the Empire. It is truly an unique treatise. It lays down in precise terms the art of state craft including economic and financialadministration.

History of Taxation post 1922

1. Preliminary :

The rapid changes in administration of direct taxes, during the last decades, reflect the history of socio-economic thinking in India. From 1922 to the present day changes in direct tax laws have been so rapid that except in the bare outlines, the traces of the I.T. Act, 1922 can hardly be seen in the 1961 Act as it stands amended to date. It was but natural, in these circumstances, that the set up of the department should not only expand but undergo structural changes as well.
2. Changes in administrative set up since the inception of the department:

The organisational history of the Income-tax Department starts in the year 1922. The Income-tax Act, 1922, gave, for the first time, a specific nomenclature to various Income-tax authorities. The foundation of a proper system of administration was thus laid. In 1924, Central Board of Revenue Act constituted the Board as a statutory body with functional responsibilities for the administration of the Income-tax Act. Commissioners of Income- tax were appointed separately for each province and Assistant Commissioners and Income-tax Officers were provided under their control. The amendments to the Income tax Act, in 1939, made two vital structural changes: (i) appellate functions were separated from administrative functions; a class of officers, known as Appellate Assistant Commissioners, thus came into existence, and (ii) a central charge was created in Bombay. In 1940, with a view to exercising effective control over the progress and inspection of the work of Income-tax Department throughout India, the very first attached office of the Board, called Directorate of Inspection (Income Tax) - was created. As a result of separation of executive and judicial functions, in 1941, the Appellate Tribunal came into existence. In the same year, a central charge was created in Calcutta also.

2.1

World War II brought unusual profits to businessmen. During 1940 to 1947, Excess Profits Tax and Business Profits Tax were introduced and their administration handed over to the Department (These were later repealed in 1946 and 1949 respectively). In 1951, the 1st Voluntary Disclosure Scheme was brought in. It was during this period, in 1946, that a few Group 'A' officers were directly recruited. Later on in 1953, the Group 'A' Service was formally constituted as the 'Indian Revenue Service'.

2.2

This era was characterised by considerable emphasis on development of investigation techniques. In 1947, Taxation on Income (Investigation) Commission was set up which was declared ultra vires by the Supreme Court in 1956 but the necessity of deep investigation had by then been realised. In 1952, the Directorate of Inspection (Investigation) was set up. It was in this year that a new cadre known as Inspectors of Income Tax was created. The increase in 'large income' cases necessitated checking of the work done by departmental officers. Thus in 1954, the Internal Audit Scheme was introduced in the Income-tax Department.

2.3

As indicated earlier, in 1946, for the first time a few Group A officers were recruited in the department. Training them was important. The new recruits were sent to Bombay and Calcutta where they were trained, though not in an organised manner. In 1957, I.R.S. (Direct Taxes) Staff College started functioning in Nagpur. Today this attached office of the Board functions under a Director-General. It is called the National Academy of Direct Taxes. By 1963, the I.T. department, burdened with the administration of several other Acts like W.T., G.T., E.D., etc., had expanded to such an extent that it was considered necessary to put it under a separate Board. Consequently, the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963 was passed. The Central Board of Direct Taxes was constituted, under this Act.

2.4

The developing nature of the economy of the country brought with it both steep rates of taxes and black incomes. In 1965, the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme was brought in followed by the 1975 Disclosure Scheme. Finally, the need for a permanent settlement mechanism resulted in the creation of the Settlement Commission.

2.5

A very important administrative change occurred during this period. The recovery of arrears of tax which till 1970 was the function of State authorities was passed on to the departmental officers. A whole new wing of Officers - Tax Recovery Officers was created and a new cadre of post of Tax Recovery Commissioners was introduced w.e.f. 1-1-1972.

2.6

In order to improve the quality of work, in 1977, a new cadre known as IAC (Assessment) and in 1978 another cadre known as CIT (Appeals) were created. The Commissioners' cadre was further reorganised and five posts of Chief Commissioners (Administration) were created in 1981.

2.7

Tax Reforms : Certain important policy and administrative reforms carried out over the past few years are as follows :-

(a).

The policy reforms include :-

* Lowering of rates;
* Withdrawls/reduction of major incentives;
* introduction of measures for presumptive taxation;
* simplification of tax laws, particularly relating to capital gains; and
* widening the tax base.

(b).

The administrative reforms include :-

* Computerisation involving allotment of a unique identification number to tax payers which is emerging as a unique business identification number; and
* realignment of the available human resources with the changed business needs of the organisation.

2.8

Computerisation : Computerisation in the Income-tax Department started with the setting up of the Directorate of Income tax (Systems) in 1981. Initially computerisation of processing of challans was taken up. For this 3 computer centres were first set up in 1984-85 in metropolitan cities using SN-73 systems. This was later extended to 33 major cities by 1989. The computerized activities were subsequently extended to allotment of PAN under the old series, allotment of TAN, and pay roll accounting. These computer centres used batch process with dumb terminals for data entry.

In 1993 a Working Group was set up by the Government to recommend computerisation of the department. Based on the report of the Working Group a comprehensive computerisation plan was approved by the Government in October, 1993. In pursuance of this, Regional Computer Centres were set up in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai in 1994-95 with RS6000/59H Servers. PCs were first provided to officers in these cities in phases. The Plan involved networking of all users on LAN/WAN. Network with leased data circuits were accordingly set up in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in Phase-I during 1995-96. A National Computer Centre was set up at Delhi in 1996-97. Integrated application software were developed and deployed during 1997-99. Thereafter, RS6000 type mid range servers were provided in the other 33 Computer Centres in various major cities in 1996-97. These were connected to the National Computer Centre through leased lines. PCs were provided to officers of different level upto ITOs in stages between 1997 and 1999. In phase II offices in 57 cities were brought on the network and linked to RCCs and NCC.

2.9

Restructuring of the Income-tax department : The restructuring of the Income-tax Department was approved by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 31-8-2000 to achieve the following objectives :-

* Increase in effectiveness and productivity;
* Increase in revenue collection;
* Improvement in services to tax payers;
* Reduction in expenditure by downsizing the workforce;
* Improved career prospects at all levels;
* Induction of information technology; and
* Standardization of work norms

The aforementioned objectives have been sought to be achieved by the department through a multi-pronged strategy of :

a.

redesigning business processes through functionalisation;

b.

increasing the number of officers to rationalise the span of control for better supervision, control and management of workload and to improve tax-payer services and

c.

re-orient, retrain and redeploy the workforce with appropriate incentives in the form of career advancement.
3. Important events affecting the administrative set up in the Income-tax department:

1939

# Appellate functions separated from inspecting functions.
# A class of officers known as AACs came into existence.
# Jurisdiction of Commissioners of Income tax extended to certain classes of cases and a central charge was created at Bombay.

1940

# Directorate of Inspection (Income-tax) came into being.
# Excess Profits Tax introduced w.e.f. 1-9-1939.

1941

# Income-tax Appellate Tribunal came into existence.
# central charge created at Calcutta.

1943

# Special Investigation Branches set up.

1946

# A few officers of Class-I directly recruited.
# Demonetisation of high denomination notes made.
# Excess Profits Tax Act repealed.

1947

# Business Profits Tax enacted (for the period 1-4-1946 to 31-3-1949).

1951

# Report of Income-tax Investigation Commission known as Vardhachari Commission received.
# Voluntary Disclosure Scheme introduced.

1952

# Directorate of Inspection (Investigation) set up.
# Inspector of Income-tax declared as an I.T. authority.

1953

# Estate Duty Act, 1953 came into existence w.e.f. 15-10-1953.
# Act XXV of 1953 gave effect to the recommendations of Commission appointed under Taxation of Income (Investigation Commission) Act, 1947.

1954

# Internal Audit Scheme in the Income-tax Department introduced.
# Taxation Enquiry Commission known as John Mathai Commission set up.

1957

# The Wealth tax Act, 1957 introduced w.e.f. 1-4-1957.
# I.R.S.(DT) Staff College started functioning at Nagpur and much later four R.T.Is. stationed at Bombay, Calcutta, Bangalore and Lucknow opened.

1958

LI>The Gift-tax Act, 1958 introduced w.e.f. 1-4-1958.
# Report of Law Commission received.

1959

# Direct Taxes Administration Enquiry Committee submitted its report.

1960

# Directorate of Inspection (Research, Statistics & Publications)was set up.
# Two grades of Inspectors - selection and ordinary grades - merged into one single grade.

1961

# Direct Taxes Advisory Committee set up - Direct Taxes Administrative Enquiry Committee constituted.
# Income-tax Act, 1961 came into existence w.e.f. 1-4-1962.
# Revenue Audit introduced for the first time in the Department.
# New system for evaluation of work done by Income-tax Officers introduced.

1963
1964

# Central Board of Revenue bifurcated and a separate Board for Direct Taxes known as Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)constituted under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963.
# For the first time an officer from the department became Chairman of the CBDT w.e.f. 1-1-1964.
# The Companies (Profits) Sur -tax Act, 1964 was introduced.
# Annuity Deposit Scheme, 1964 introduced.

1965

# Voluntary Disclosure Scheme came into operation.

1966

# Functional Scheme introduced.
# Special Recovery Unit created.
# Intelligence Wing created and placed under the charge of Directorate of Inspection (Investigation).

1968

# Valuation Cell came into existence in the Income tax Department.
# Report of rationalisation and simplification of tax structure (Bhoothalingam Committee) received.
# Administrative Reforms Commission set up.

1969

# Direct Recruitment to Class II Income-tax Officers made.
# The post of IAC (Audit) created in the Income-tax Department.

1970

# The posts of Addl. Commissioner of Income-tax created and abolished after one year.
# Recovery functions which were hitherto performed by Income- tax Officers, given to Tax Recovery Officers. Prior to that State Government officials exercised the functions of a Tax Recovery Officer.

1971

# A new cadre of posts known as Tax Recovery Commissioners introduced w.e.f. 1.1.1972.
# Report of Direct Taxes Enquiry Committee received.
# Summary Assessment Scheme introduced w.e.f. 1-4-1971.

1972

# A Special Cell within the Directorate of Inspection (Investigation) created to oversee the cases of big industrial houses.
# A new cadre of posts known as IAC(Acq.) created and IAC appointed as Competent Authority with the insertion of new Chapter XXA in the Income Tax Act, 1961 on the acquisition of immovable properties in certain cases of transfer to counter evasion of tax.
# Directorate of Organisation & Management Services (Income- tax) created.
# The post of I.T.O. (Internal Audit) created.
# Bradma Scheme in the Income-tax Department introduced.
# System of Permanent Account Number introduced.
# Valuation Officers given statutory powers under the Income-tax Act, 1961 and Wealth-tax Act, 1957.

1974

# Compulsory Deposit Scheme (Income-tax Payers) Act, 1974 introduced.
# Action Plan for the Income-tax Officers introduced for the first time.
# Concept of M.B.O introduced.

1975

# Voluntary Disclosure Scheme for Income and Wealth implemented.
# Special Cell for dealing with Smugglers' cases created.

1976

# Settlement Commission created and Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act,1975 inserted a new Chapter XIXA in the Income Tax Act w.e.f.1-4-1976.
# Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 introduced w.e.f. 25-1-1976.
# A new scheme for departmentalization of accounts introduced.
# Chokshi Committee submitted its interim report.

1977

# A new cadre of posts known as IAC (Assessment) created.

1978

# Appellate functions given to a new cadre of Commissioners known as Commissioner (Appeals).
# Directorate of Inspection (Recovery) set up.
# A new directorate known as Directorate of Inspection (Vigilance) came into existence by bifurcating the functions of Directorate of Inspection (Investigation).
# Chokshi Committee submitted its final report.

1979

# A new directorate designated as Directorate of Inspection (Publication & Public Relations) created out of the Directorate of Inspection (RS&P).

1980

# Hotel Receipt Tax Act, 1980 came into force w.e.f. 1.4.1981.

1981

# Economic Administrative Reforms Commission set up.
# Three new Directorates viz. Directorate of Inspection (Intelligence), Directorate of Inspection (Survey) and Directorate of Inspection (Systems) created.
# Within the Directorate of Inspection (Income Tax and Audit), a separate Director of Inspection (Audit) appointed.
# Directorate of Inspection (RS&P) re-organised and Directorate of Inspection (P&PR) re-designated as Directorate of Inspection (Printing & Publications).
# I.R.S.(DT) Staff College, Nagpur, re-designated as National Academy of Direct Taxes.
# Special Bearer Bonds (Immunities & Exemptions) Act promulgated.
# Director General (Special Investigation) and Director General (Investigation) appointed to control the functioning of various Directorates under the control of Central Board of Direct Taxes.
# Five posts of Chief Commissioner (Administration) created.
# A few posts of Commissioner of Income-tax were earmarked as Commissioner of Income-tax (Inv.) and Commissioner of Income- tax (Recovery).

1982

# Special Cell within the Directorate of Inspection (Investigation) converted into a separate Directorate and re-designated as Directorate of Inspection (Special Investigation).
# DIT (Systems) appointed in the Directorate of Income-tax (Organisation and Management Services) to coordinate efforts in introducing electronic data processing in the IT Deptt. A microprocessor based EDP system along with data entry system was installed heralding the era of computerisation.
# Levy of Hotel Receipts Tax discontinued.
# Regional Training Institute at Nagpur started functioning under the control of the National Academy of Direct Taxes.

1983

# The vigilance set up reorganised and the strength of Dy. Director (Vigilance) and Asstt. Director(Vigilance) augmented.
# Computerised systems for processing challans and PAN designed and developed.

1984

# Taxation Laws(Amendment) Act 1984 passed to streamline procedures in the interest of better work management; avoid inconvenience to tax payers; reduce litigation; remove anomalies and rationalise some provisions.

1985

# Post of Director General (Investigation) created for more effective checking of tax evasion.
# E.D.(Amendment) Act 1985 discontinues levy of estate duty on deaths occurring on or after 16.03.1985.
# Compulsory Deposit Scheme (Income Tax Payers) Act 1974 discontinued w.e.f. 1.4.1985.
# Interest Tax Act, 1974 discontinued w.e.f. 31.3.1985
# A new "Reward Scheme" for motivating officers introduced w.e.f. 1.4.1985.

1986

# The I.T. Act and W.T. Act amended by Taxation Laws (Amendment and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act :-
# Established Settlement Commission.
# Introduced Block assets concept for depreciation.
# Four offices of Appropriate Authority for acquiring property in which unaccounted money is invested set up in metropolitan cities.

1987

# Government's approval obtained to set up three new benches of Settlement Commission.
# L.K. Jha Committee set up for simplification and rationalisation of tax laws.
# Office of Directorate General (Tax Exemption) set up at Calcutta.
# The Direct Tax Law(Amendment) Act 1987 introduced uniform previous year and redesignated the following authorities :-
Director of Inspection
Insp. Asstt. Commissioner of I.Tax
Appellate. Asstt. Commissioner
Income tax Officer Gr. A
Income tax Officer Gr. B

Director of Income Tax
Dy. Commissioner of Income Tax.
-Do- (Appeals)
Asstt. Commissioner of I.Tax
Income tax Officer
# Expenditure Tax Act 1987 brought into force.

1988

# Benami Transactions Prohibition Act 1988 introduced.
# The Government announced a "Time Window Scheme" which allowed tax payers 50% rebate of interest u/s 220(2) if they pay the tax and balance interest. The scheme was in operation between 1.7.88 to 30.9.88.
# CIT (Central) placed under the control and supervision of Director General (Investigation).
# Government decided that cadre control for Group 'C' and 'D' posts would be with Chief Commissioner and with CBDT for Group 'A' and 'B'posts.
# Extension of Direct Tax Law to the State of Sikkim by a notification of the President of India dated 7.11.1988.

1989

# Creation of an attached office of DGIT(Management Systems) to supervise Directorate of I.Tax(Research, Statistics, Publication & Public Relations) and Directorate of I.Tax (Organisation and Management Services) from Sept. 1989.

1990

# Gift tax Bill introduced on 31.5.1990.
# Creation of 65 posts of Dy. Commissioner of I.Tax by upgradation of equal number of posts of Asstt. Commissioner of I.Tax.

1991

# Interest Tax Act, 1974 revived.
# Directorate of I.Tax(Systems) started reporting directly to Board.

1992

# Rs. 1400 Presumptive Taxation scheme introduced as a measure to widen tax base.
# The post of Director General of Income-tax (Management Systems) was abolished.

1993

# 40 additional posts of Commissioner of Income-tax (Appeals) created.
# Authority for Advance Rulings set up.
# A comprehensive phased cadre review for Group B, C and D initiated.

1994

# 2068 additional posts in Group B, C and D sanctioned.
# New PAN introduced.
# Regional Computer Centres (RCCs) were set up in Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.

1995

# New procedure for search assessment introduced.
# 50 years of training commemorated and "Seminar Twenty Five" introduced by National Academy of Direct Taxes.

1996

# 77 posts of Commissioners of Income-tax created.
# Infrastructure for operational needs strengthened.
# Study report on 4th cadre review of Group 'A' officers (IRS) of the Department prepared by Directorate of Income Tax (Organisation and Management Services).

1997

# Rates of Income-tax reduced significantly.
# Legal measures to widen tax base on certain economic indicators introduced in selected cities.
# Presumptive tax scheme discontinued.
# Voluntary Disclosure Scheme 1997 introduced.
# Minimum Alternate Tax introduced.
# National Computer Centre (NCC) was set up in Delhi.

1998

# Sec. 260A introduced enabling direct appeals to High Court.
# 1/6 Scheme & penalty for non-filing of return introduced to widen tax base.
# Gift-tax abolished for gifts made after 1.10.1998.
# Kar Vivad Samadhan Scheme 1998 introduced.
# Silver Jubilee of Regional Training Institutes celebrated.
# Designation of Asstt. Commissioner (Senior Time Scale) changed to Dy. Commissioner and that of Dy. Commissioner (Junior Administrative Grade) to Joint Commissioner.

1999

# Furnishing details of bank account and credit cards in the prescribed form made mandatory for refund purpose.
# Prima-facie adjustments to return done away with; acknowledgments to serve as intimations.
# Samman Scheme introduced in 1999 to honour deserving tax payers.

2000

# The process of implementation of restructuring of the Department commenced to increase efficiency and to deal with increased workload.
# Total sanctioned work force reduced from 61,031 to 58,315.
# Certain rationalisation measures at structural levels introduced.
# Interest-tax Act terminated with effect from 1-4-2000.

2001

# The restructuring of the Department resulted in reducing the stagnation at all levels and large number of personnel were promoted in various grades.
# Jurisdiction pattern was revamped.
# New posts were created at the level of DGIT/DIT in the areas of Research, International Taxation and Infrastructure.

2002

# Computerised processing of returns all over the country introduced.
# Kelkar Committee Report, inter alia, recommended :-
i. Outsourcing of non-core functions of the department ;
ii. Reduction in exemptions, deductions, reliefs, rebates etc.

pratibha patil

2008-04-15T10:46:00.001+05:30

People bee-line to get clicked with Pratibha Patil in Brazil

It was a photo opportunity for dozens of Indians in this commercial capital of Brazil as President Pratibha Patil began her first leg of three nation tour to Latin America.

After her brief inaugural speech at the reception hosted in her honour, the organisers of the function, possibly surprised at an early end of the function, asked all those who had gathered to queue up for clicking themselves with the first woman president of India and within no time the entire hall at a five-star hotel saw people bee-lining for the opportunity, taking the security by surprise.

After nearly 30 minutes, the organisers, unable to cope up with the rush decided to call it an end and quickly the President was escorted out of the room.

Patil is on a 13-day visit to Brazil, Mexico and Chile.

In her brief address to the Indian community based in Sao Paulo, the President said both India and Brazil are large democracies and major countries in their respective regions. "The emergence of our two countries as leading players in the global arena has been propelled by their large and qualified manpower resources, big land mass, vibrant trillion dollar economies and the spirit of entrepreneurship that permeates our societies," she said.

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday greeted the people on the eve of Baisakhi and hoped the harvest festival brought prosperity to the nation.

“On the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow countrymen and particularly to those who are engaged in agriculture and cultivation,” Ms. Patil said.

Dr. Singh extended his greetings to the nation on the eve of Baisakhi, Mesadi, Vishu, Vaisakhadi and Bahag Bihu. In his message, the Prime Minister said the harvest festivals were “not only an occasion for joy and celebration but also an occasion to be grateful to nature for its bounty.”

India-Brazil to ink MoUs, extradition treaty

By Ravinder Singh Robin
Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) Apr 14 (ANI): India and Brazil are to sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an extradition treaty during the visit of President Pratibha Patil.
The MoUs would be in the areas of agriculture, civil defense and oil and natural gas to further strengthen their bilateral ties. These agreements will take place today at Brasilia. Under the MoU on agriculture, the two sides will cooperate in agriculture research and development, production technologies and credit system for small farmers, post harvest management and food processing.
Both countries will also exchange expertise and experiences in rural development programs and cooperate in upgrading of rural infrastructure and basic amenities. On civil defense, the two countries have decided to undertake joint exercise and exchange experience and technical personnel. India and Brazil work together on prevention and reduction of natural resources.
The MoU on oil and natural gas includes research and development and greater ties between Indian and Brazilian companies, execution of large projects like oil and gas pipeline projects and establishment of an institutional cooperation relationship for issues related to development of oil and natural gas.
An extradition treaty between the two countries will be signed on Wednesday, which would provide for the extradition of any person against whom an arrest order is issued by a competent court for a crime, which is punishable in both countries with an imprisonment for at least one year or a more severe punishment.
In a case of a financial or revenue related crime, the extradition may take place even if both the countries do not have the same penalty for the crime. This treat excludes the extradition of own national by either country and also prohibits extradition for trivial crimes of political nature.

leslie tripathy

2008-04-15T10:42:00.001+05:30

Speculation over Biranchi murder

Statesman News Service
BHUBANESWAR, April 14: Everybody in town would like to believe that Biranchi was killed by gangster Raja Acharya because he tried to intervene on behalf of actress Leslie Tripathy.
The potboiler – notorious gangster stalking an actress and someone trying to help the lady in distress paying with his life is lapped up by the public at large even as the police grope for clues to Biranchi’s murder. Leslie has clarified that she had never sought the assistance of Biranchi. The actress told reporters
that Biranchi was one of the many people who had given her a call to sympathize with her after she had lodged a FIR against Raja Acharya.
Without discounting any of the possible motives to the cold blooded murder, the most serious one that needs thorough investigation is the alleged illegal scrap business link to it.
It also brings to fore a more dangerous trend of big money and contract killing. The gravity of the entire scrap business angle can be gauged from the whispers
doing the rounds of the state capital that Biranchi was in the know of the illegal business and was perceived as a threat. Even more shocking in the speculation that policemen who were allegedly hand in glove with the illegal
scrap trade had tipped off a Cuttack based businessman on Biranchi.
Speculations are that this scrap trader had engaged contract killers to eliminate Biranchi. Raja Acharya is a Cuttack based criminal and has as many as 35 cases against him. He had been enlarged on bail recently.
The fact that he used to operate at Cuttack makes it reasonably possible that he was known to the unscrupulous traders and the ‘kabadiwallahs’ ( scrap businessmen) remarked a police officer while subscribing to the theory that the angle needs to be probed. A recent incident leading to seizure of trucks engaged in transport of scrap is also being discussed in police circles here.

Fresh troubles for Raja Acharya
BHUBANESWAR: Extortionist Sandip Acharya alias Raja may soon again find himself badly entangled in the web of law.

Today, as many as three FIRs were lodged against him and he had been charged with kidnapping, criminal intimidation and causing hurt besides other allegations.

The cases have been lodged by professionals from video album music industry at three different police stations - Airfield, Sahid Nagar and Khandagiri.

It all started on Wednesday with Raja - who is after an album artist Leslie Tripathy for quite sometime - making telephone calls to the latter. When she raised objection, he allegedly kidnapped Arun Kumar Mantri who works as an assistant recorder with a studio run by one Jubilee Sundaray.

Since Tripathy is a friend of Arun’s sister Bidusmita, also an album artist, Raja apparently carried out the kidnapping in a bid to mount pressure. He is alleged to have resorted to firing in front of Arun’s OUAT Colony house late on Wednesday night.

However, the extortionist did not stop at that. He released Arun during the morning but went on to threaten Jubilee who knows Tripathy since they are in the same industry. All three lodged complaints with police which is likely to arrest Raja later in the night.

A day after the murder of Biranchi Das, who was famous for training child marathoner Budhia Singh, cops made a little headway in the case, as hundreds of people attended the coach's funeral in Puri on Monday.

( Watch: Mafia hand suspected in Biranchi murder )

According to a senior police officer, there has been no breakthrough except the arrest of two persons in a related case. Police commissioner B K Behera said two persons - gangster Raja Acharya's younger brother and his cousin - were arrested. "These arrests are linked to TV actor Leslie Tripathy case," he said.

For the past few weeks, there has been a controversy after Leslie accused gangster Raja Acharya of "harassment" and posing a "threat to her life". Biranchi was reportedly brokering peace between the two. This was not to the liking of Acharya, which may have led to the murder, sources said.

Leslie's father S N Tripathy, however, denied Biranchi was ever approached to mediate in his daughter's case. "We have only informed cops," he said.

Behera said he was planning to provide security to Leslie and her family.

The involvement of mafia, too, can't be ruled out. Biranchi has reportedly tipped cops about the mafia who used to steal scrap from the railway workshop at Mancheswar regularly.

"We have found several leads but it will be premature to disclose anything at this point," Behera said. Police said the murder was "well-planned" and the criminals might have done some "dry runs" before killing Das at a time when there were few people at his judo hall on Sunday.

According to witnesses, the killers seemed to have known Biranchi. "People inside the judo hall said they had heard Das pleading with someone not to shoot him.

They rushed out on hearing the gun shots and took him to hospital," the police commissioner said.

"Special teams have been formed to nab the killers, but there is no tangible progress as yet," Behera said, adding that the police would "catch the culprits" soon.

BIMM PUNE

2008-04-15T10:11:00.002+05:30

CLICK HERE FOR BIMM PUNE

ABOUT bimm pune

BIMM – ONE AMONGST TOP 13 PRIVATE B-SCHOOLS AND A++ B-SCHOOL

BIMM – Creating History
“So many of our dreams seem impossible at first then they seem improbable and then when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.”

Balaji Institute of Modern Management is a B-school with a difference – a B-School approved by AICTE, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India, that works 24 x 7 x 365 to procreate dynamic student managers who can easily adopt to the challenging Industrial environment. BIMM has produced highly successful managers who are managing critical and important positions globally in important and prestigious companies. This, we ensure, not only through a comprehensive course curriculum taught by eminent faculties but also through practical exposure to the industry.

The campus spread over 20 acres is located in the proximity of Industrial belt and provides a conducive atmosphere for learning. The institute has an in-campus hostel with a capacity to accommodate 700 students. The fully Wi-Fi enabled campus has abundant full-time / visiting faculties, well-stocked libraries, a temple, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, messes, a grooming centre for both men and women and a swimming pool thereby providing a stimulating and enabling environment.

BIMM today stands tall amongst the best B-schools in the country. This is proved from the fact that more than 200 reputed companies are recruiting our students and many more of them have provided project studies. Army Headquarters also allows their officers to pursue our two-year full-time PGDM (PM & HRD) program on study leave.

All the PGDM programmes offered by the Institute, for that matter, the whole society are of equal status and at the time of placements the companies look at them at par.

Never - the-less, it should be noted that each individual is a different and unique entity with his/her own strengths and weaknesses which will determine their performance/ placements.

Yes, we have the best brains from all over India specializing in different streams of management and we are determined to do everything possible for your Success.

A banker, researcher, management consultant, author, trainer, teacher, and administrator.
Prof. Dr. A. P. Ghosh
Director, BIMM
Ph. D. in Financial Management (1983).
M.Com.
CAIIB (Certified Associate of “The Indian Institute of Bankers”)
Worked in India and abroad and has 37 years of varied experience in the field of banking, consulting, training, research, and education. He has teaching experience of over 24 years. Held senior positions abroad such as Acting Director General in reputed Government organization, Director of Training and Development, Professor of Finance, Head of Department (Accounting), and Senior Lecturer, for various UK/ US/ Canadian universities and professional Institutes.

Taught the MBA programs of prestigious universities, such as the Strathclyde University (UK), University of Wales, (UK), Degree Programs of University of Missouri (Rolla), USA, and Professional Programs such as ACCA, (UK), Institute of Canadian Bankers, (Canada), Chartered Insurance Institute (UK), Securities Institute (UK), Degree, Post Graduate, and MBA programs of Pune University (India).
Had been the Research Supervisor for the Ph.D. program in “Business Management” of Pune University.
Had supervised many Dissertations for the MBA Program of prestigious universities such as Strathclyde University, UK, University of Wales, UK, and other research thesis.
At present Research Supervisor for the Ph.D. program in Management of BITS Pilani, Rajasthan. He is supervising a Ph. D student, (a Professor) who is a Post-graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology.
Research paper on “Women Entrepreneurship” (as joint author) was published at the 50th World Conference of the International Council for Small Business held at Washington D.C. USA in June 2005.
Presented papers at the “World Congress on Total Quality 2005” on “Quality in Education Sector” at Mumbai (India) in January 2005.
Another research paper was presented at the Central Bank of Oman on “Nursing and Rehabilitation of Sick Industrial Small & Medium Enterprises in the Sultanate” in May 2004.
A research paper on “New Concept in Bank Lending” was published at the World Services Congress held at Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 1999 and he participated in it.
His latest researches are on Cashless Society, Security System, Energy from untapped sources, and Reuse of paper.
Conducted over 200 Seminars and Short Courses abroad. His participants include His Excellency – The Executive President, Vice Presidents, Director Generals, General Managers, Deputy General Managers from Government organizations, Central banks, Commercial banks and Financial Institutions, Oil companies, various industries, and other Private sectors.
Co-author of seven books.
Been the Project Consultant for Small Industries, Government of India, Resource Person on the National Pool of Experts, New Delhi, India, and Examiner for Professional examinations.
Visiting Faculty for the MBA programs at many prestigious Institutes.
Fellow Member of Institute of Directors.
Attended the International Council Board meeting, and World Conference held at Melbourne, Australia, in June 2006, and at Finland in June 2007. He is going on the Board of Directors at the International Council, Washington DC, USA soon.
A Rotary member of Rotary Club Pune Ganeshkhind, India.

WHY BIMM

BIMM has seen a meteoric rise in a short span of time and today is ranked among a select club of top Indian B-Schools. The following rankings is a true reflection of BIMM's premier position amongst top B-Schools in India.

Ranking 2007

BIMM ranked as one amongst top 13 B-Schools in the country (India). (Source: OUTLOOK-Cfore Survey: India's Top B-Schools, September 10-17, 2007)

Ranking 2006

BIMM ranked as one amongst top 15 B-Schools in the country (India). (Source: OUTLOOK-Cfore Survey: India's Top B-Schools, September 18, 2006)

BIMM - A++, Top Grade B-School in India. (Source: Business India, Oct 2006).

Ranking 2005

BIMM - A+ Level 1, Top Grade B-School in India (Source: Business India, Oct 2005)

BIMM ranked as one amongst top 20 B-Schools in the country (India). (Source: OUTLOOK-Cfore Survey: India's Top B-Schools, September 19, 2005)

BIMM is ranked as No. 1 institute in Pune and one amongst the top 19 B-School in Infrastructure in India. (Source: Businessworld, 3 Oct 2005)

BIMM ranked as one amongst top 20 B-Schools in the country (India). (Source: OUTLOOK-Cfore Survey: India's Top B-Schools, September 19, 2005)

BIMM is ranked as one amongst the top 11 B-Schools in Western Region. (Source: Business World 3 October 2005)

BIMM is ranked as one amongst the top 17 B-Schools for Faculty Efficacy in Country (India). (Source: Business World 3 October 2005) .

'Best B-School' award by Deccan Hearld, Bangalore for the year 2005.

Ranking 2004

BIMM ranked as one amongst top25B-Schools in the country. (Source: OUTLOOK-Cfore Survey: TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS, September 27, 2004).

BIMM is ranked as No. 1 institute in Pune and one amongst the top 13 B-School in Networking in India. (Source: Business World September 2004)

BIMM is ranked as one amongst the top 12 B-School in Western Region. (Source: Business World September 2004)

BIMM is ranked as one amongst the top 7 B-School in Foreign placement. (Source: Business World September 2004)

Ranking 2003

BIMM was adjudged and received the Best B-School award at the "World HRD Congress" held at Mumbai on 30th January 2003.

Ranking 2002

BIMM is ranked as one of the top 10 new B-Schools in the country. (Source: Business World, Outlook and Business Baron 2002).

As per the prestigious Business Baron – TNS Mode survey published in January 2003 issue of India’s Most Admired 35 B-schools; BIMM stands one amongst the most Admired B-School. In the Most Reputed Institute Category, it stands at 23rd position while it stands at 21st position on in-depth Industry-Interaction Category.

BIMM is also recognised as one of the fastest growing management institutes by all the "Intelligent Investor". It is ranked amongst the 30 best B-Schools in the country As per Business Today Survey BIMM is the top Ranking B-School in Pune city.

BIMM stands at the 13th position in the country with regard to 'The Market Performance-Internal Capability Correlation'(Business Today Edition Dt: 4th August 2002.). It is fully equipped with state of the art facilities and supported by well experienced faculties coupled with intensive inputs from the industry to groom the students to enable them to join the corporate world as efficient professionals.

BIMM enjoys excellent placements for those who join the institute with a focus on corporate careers. More than 200 blue chip companies from all over India have participated in our Campus Placement programme/recruited our students. Click to know the companies visited. Another 150 companies are our recruiters for projects. These lists are ever increasing. Many of our students are also internationally placed.

The highest salary offered in the campus during the current placement which is in progress is Rs. 6.5 lakhs p.a. Many students got more than Rs. 3 lakhs p.a. The average salary offered in the campus is Rs. 2.6 lakhs p.a.

BIMM perhaps only institute in the country which offers qualification of two Post Graduations one in Management (PGDM) and the other in IT(MDCA) simultaneously during the two year programme. Of course students will have to work round the clock without any holidays to gain these qualifications. However, the second Post Graduation is optional. The multi-skills gained in the institute thus enable them to have an opportunity to join variety of jobs.

BIMM strongly believes in the values of 'Discipline, Dedication and Determination' as well as 'Loyalty, Integrity and Hard Work'. We attach utmost importance to provide an industry like atmosphere in the institute and treat every student as a student manager.

BIMM invests a lot in the personality development of student managers. Work-shops, seminars, management games, debates, co-curricular activities, corporate interface are regular features.

BIMM enforces practical exposure to industrial life. All the students of PGDM (Dual) and those specialising in Marketing from PGDM IT & Marketing will go for two live projects of two months each (May to June and October to November) in the companies in any part of the country. The students from PGDM (PM & HRD) and those specialising in Systems and Finance will go for 3 months project studies at a time (September to November). These projects will be evaluated on 100 marks. Students against whom adversary reports are recieved will be debarred from Campus Placements.

BIMM provides hired accommodation to all the students at a nominal rent very adjacent to the campus. We also provide mess facilities to all the students a nominal price or nominal prices. The students activities are monitored by the competent authorities and progress reports are sent to parents regularly.

Applicants for admission to BIMM have an option to opt for admission to our sister concern BITM (Balaji Institute of Telecom Management), Balaji Institute of International Business (BIIB), and Balaji Institute of Management in Human Resource Development (BIMHRD) through one prospectus only.

rajasthan board

2008-04-14T16:42:00.001+05:30

LINK TO RESULTS & SITE rajasthan board CLICK HERE

Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan

Origin and Development

The history of the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (BSER) is a remarkable panorama of progressive record of the futurological vision for developing a dynamic system of various sub-systems of examinations and highlights of the academic excellence of the last four decades. The BSER took rapid strides for promotion and development of Secondary Education in Rajasthan, spread over 3,42,239 sq. km. and in more than 6000 schools located in 32 districts involving 8.5 lakhs students for Secondary and Senior Secondary Examination in the year 2000.

With the promulgation of the Rajasthan Secondary Education Act in 1957, this Board was set up in Jaipur on 4th Dec, 1957. It was shifted to Ajmer in 1961. In the year 1973 it began functioning in its present multistoried building with an enchanting dignity of its own with all amenities.

ORGANISATION SETUP

The Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan has been constituted under the Rajasthan Secondary Education Act 1957. The set up is as follows :
Chairman

1
Ex-Officio Members, Including Vice Chairman 7
Elected Members 7
Nominated members by the state government 17
Nominated members by the speaker legislative assembly 2
Co-opted members 2

Highlights

* The Chairman is nominated by the State Government.
* Director, Secondary Education is Vice- Chairman and Ex-officio member of the Board.
* Tenure of the Board is three years.
* Secretary of the Board is appointed by the State Government.
* The work of the Board is transacted by employees and officers as per rules prescribed by the Board.

rajasthan board

2008-04-14T16:23:00.001+05:30

LINK TO RESULTS & SITE rajasthan board

Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan

Origin and Development

The history of the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (BSER) is a remarkable panorama of progressive record of the futurological vision for developing a dynamic system of various sub-systems of examinations and highlights of the academic excellence of the last four decades. The BSER took rapid strides for promotion and development of Secondary Education in Rajasthan, spread over 3,42,239 sq. km. and in more than 6000 schools located in 32 districts involving 8.5 lakhs students for Secondary and Senior Secondary Examination in the year 2000.

With the promulgation of the Rajasthan Secondary Education Act in 1957, this Board was set up in Jaipur on 4th Dec, 1957. It was shifted to Ajmer in 1961. In the year 1973 it began functioning in its present multistoried building with an enchanting dignity of its own with all amenities.

ORGANISATION SETUP

The Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan has been constituted under the Rajasthan Secondary Education Act 1957. The set up is as follows :
Chairman

1
Ex-Officio Members, Including Vice Chairman 7
Elected Members 7
Nominated members by the state government 17
Nominated members by the speaker legislative assembly 2
Co-opted members 2

Highlights

* The Chairman is nominated by the State Government.
* Director, Secondary Education is Vice- Chairman and Ex-officio member of the Board.
* Tenure of the Board is three years.
* Secretary of the Board is appointed by the State Government.
* The work of the Board is transacted by employees and officers as per rules prescribed by the Board.

ankur gupta

2008-04-14T13:40:00.001+05:30

Ankur Gupta’s Summary

10+ years of hands on experience in software engineering and product development including 6+ years of engineering and product management. Experience with delivering innovative technology solutions and systems infrastructure projects with varying complexity.

Experience working in technology startup and startup like culture in Fortune 500 companies.
Ankur Gupta’s Specialties:

- Engineering Management, Software Product, Project and Program Management
- Domains (Internet, Search Advertising, Search & Browse, eCommerce, Telecommunications, Computer Software)
- Highly available, fault tolerant distributed platform & service oriented architecture (SOA)
- Large & complex systems integration & deployment in high-trafficked internet environments. Hardware Capacity Planning
- SDLC (Waterfall & Spiral), SD Methodology (Agile, RUP, XP)
- Interviewing, hiring, team building
Ankur Gupta’s Experience

*
Sr. Engineering Manager
Yahoo! Inc

(Public Company; 5001-10,000 employees; YHOO; Internet industry)

July 2005 — Present (2 years 10 months)

Yahoo! Search Marketing - Sponsored Search business unit connects advertisers with prospective customers by listing products/services in search results across the Web. Led front end serving and data platform initiatives.

Yahoo! Search Marketing - Domain Match business unit monetizes parked and under developed domains by providing content and advertiser listings. Led serving platform initiatives.

Ankur Gupta’s Education

*
Georgia Institute of Technology

MS, Engineering, 1996 — 1998
*
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

BTech, Engineering, 1991 — 1995

mumbai indians

2008-04-14T13:22:00.001+05:30

Mumbai Indians franchise team have started the sale of tickets online for their home league matches in the DLF Indian Premier League for the matches in the city which will be played at two venues - the Wankhede Stadium and the D Y Patil Stadium at Nerul in Navi Mumbai.

The ticket sale started on Saturday. The first match of the Mumbai Indians will be against the Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Wankhede Stadium on April 20.

For Mumbai Indians, IPL is serious business as well as a platform to strengthen the connect with the masses. Balakrishnan talks to ‘Mint’ about the team’s plans. Edited excerpts:
Mumbai is a metro. Won’t it be difficult to build city pride among people who come from different regions?
Mumbai, historically, has had a strong cricket culture. India’s national cricket team has always drawn talent from Mumbai and Maharashtra. The city has (the) maximum number of cricket associations. Ranji Trophy and many other such prestigious events and associations are from Mumbai. Cricket runs in the Mumbaikar’s veins. Then, Mumbai has a strong city culture. Mumbaikars are known for their performance-oriented and winning culture. And we are going to tap into this strong ethos and spirit. There are successful examples of metropolitan cities having powerful teams, such as The New York Yankees in the US and Real Madrid in Spain.
Mumbai Indians (Graphic)
Reliance Industries is a hard- core business group driven by profits and revenues. What explains your investment in a sport?
Our association with cricket is more than two decades old. We had sponsored the cricket World Cup in 1987. And, that was the first time the World Cup moved out of England to the subcontinent. It was called the Reliance World Cup. So, it is not really a new association. And, why cricket? Because cricket is a big leveller in India. It is discussed with the same intensity and passion in boardrooms as it is on roadside tea stalls. It is a great property to build a mass connect.
IPL Calendar (PDF)
But sponsorships are different from buying a team. We are talking about an investment of $112 million (around Rs448 crore).
Well, Reliance’s own connect with consumers runs very deep. It is, without doubt, one of the biggest brands in India. And, I think that is where the resonance between the brand and the game comes from. Both stand for a strong connection with the common man. So, IPL is not just a marketing initiative. It is, in fact, a multifaceted opportunity, which involves serious business as well. IPL is a going concern. It is for perpetuity. We will definitely be looking at numbers. It will be driven like any other business.

Pollock feels India hold advantage at Kanpur

Mumbai (PTI): Former South African captain Shaun Pollock has put his money on India against the country of his birth when the two teams lock horns in the third and deciding cricket Test commencing in Kanpur on Friday.

"The Kanpur wicket (at Green Park) will be very flat and Indians would have the upper hand," said the 34-year-old all rounder, who is all set to play for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, from Durban during a teleconference on Thursday.

Pollock, among a handful of players to have achieved the double of 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket, praised the South African team for having done well so far in the series in which they lead 1-0 going into the deciding clash.

"They have played fantastic cricket and I don't think they should do anything different from what they have been doing so far at Kanpur," said the player who represented his country in 108 Tests and 303 ODIs before retiring in February.

Pollock described young pacer Dale Steyn, who has taken 12 wickets in the first two Tests and 75 from the last 11, as someone special, but not as his successor.

"I don't see him as my successor (in leading the attack). He's been a hot property in the South African team. He has done a great job but I don't see him as my successor," Pollock said about the pace bowler who is set to play for the Bangalore team in IPL.

Pollock said he was eager to play in the IPL for Mumbai Indians which would be led by Sachin Tendulkar and mingling with players from all parts of the world.

"I am looking forward to the IPL. It's a new experience for me, mingling with players from different countries, as well as young local talent, see how they prepare for the matches," said Pollock, who captured 421 and 393 wickets in Tests and ODIs, besides 22 in 20 Twenty20 internationals.

The allrounder hoped that the Indian crowds, who back the home team and specifically Tendulkar, would lend their support to the Mumbai Indians squad owned by Reliance Industries.

"The Indian crowds are used to supporting the Indian team and Sachin. He's got lot of attention. And with him in the team (Mumbai Indians) we should have a lot of support from the crowd," he said.

Pollock said he planned to interact with Tendulkar once he reaches Mumbai. "I have not had the chance to talk to him. Once I reach India there's going to be at least a week before our first match to interact with him. I am not sure how his injury is going. Hopefully he should be able to play from the first match," he said.

Mumbai Indians are set to take on Bangalore Royal Challengers in their lung opener here on April 20.

Pollock brushed aside concerns that the hot weather that would be prevalent in this country during the April 18-June 1 IPL will bother him.

"People are coming from New Zealand. We are used to such weather in South Africa," he pointed out.

Pollock maintained that though Twenty20 cricket was entertaining, Test cricket would always remain on top. "The true test (for a player) will always be Test cricket," he added.

cseb

2008-04-14T13:13:00.002+05:30

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) has awarded the Letter of Intent (LoI) to Indiabulls Power Generation (IPGL), the power sector subsidiary of the real estate major Indiabulls, to set up the pit-head coal fired Bhaiyathan thermal power project in Chhattisgarh.

Two weeks ago, Indiabulls Power had won the bid for 1600 MW Bhaiyathan project and the 350 MT coal block in Chattisgarh, defeating ten leading power producers including Reliance Power and Tata Power.

According to a release issued by the company to the BSE today, the project includes development of captive coal mines containing proven reserves of 349 MT in District Korba of Chhattisgarh to provide low cost coal supply to the power project.

According to the terms of the deal, 35% of power produced from the Bhaiyathan project will be available for merchant sale at market rates and the remaining 65% has to be sold to CSEB at the quoted levelised tariff.

CSEB would soon hand over the land, water and environmental clearances for the project.

Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (CSEB) has successfully conducted the bidding process for procurement of power from 1200 - 1500 MW Bhaiyathan TPS alongwith captive coal blocks and associated transmission lines. SBI Capital Markets Ltd is the sole advisor for the transaction.

Indiabulls Power Generation Limited bagged the project with a levellised tariff of Rs. 0.81 per unit. The project comprises the development of thermal power plant, development & operation of captive coal blocks at Gidhmuri and Pathuria, 400 KV transmission line upto Raipur load centre as well as other associated facilities viz. Coal transportation system from coal block to the proposed power plant site.

The project was structured to meet two objectives viz. compliance with prevailing regulations as well as competitive tariff for CSEB. In order to comply with captive coal mining guidelines, as applicable during allotment of coal blocks to CSEB, CSEB has taken a stake of 26% in the project for consideration other than cash. This shareholding by CSEB transforms the project into CSEB project.

Further, the project company, comprising of a private developer and CSEB, would be responsible for development and operation of coalmines for exclusive use of CSEB Bhaiyathan TPS for the period of PPA. However, the coalmine lease will be and will remain with CSEB.

In order to accommodate the project structure, it is proposed to execute three agreements viz. PPA for power purchase, Share Subscription Agreement for allocation of 26% of equity for CSEB for consideration other than cash, and Assistance & Operator Agreement with Project Company for development & operation of coal mines for exclusive usage of CSEB Bhaiyathan Power Plant.

To optimise the tariff from the power project, the structure of the project includes the provision that the project company would contract 65% of available capacity at generator terminal to CSEB. The balance power would be available for the project company to contract to the third party, which would facilitate the development of the long awaited open electricity market.

Mr. A. P. Verma, Managing Director & CEO SBI Capital Markets said, "It is a privilege to be a part of such an innovative model under Public/Private partnership project for procurement of power by a distribution licensee. It is essential to bring in new structures for the development of power projects in order to meet the growing demand of electricity, as well as to meet policy objectives of the government. SBICAP strives to complement such efforts of utility companies".

Out of 27 bidders who purchased the tender documents, ten bidders submitted the bid in January 2008. These include leading developers viz. Tata Power, Reliance Power, Sterlite Energy, GMR Energy, Lanco Infratech, Torrent Power, Adani Power and others.

On March 18, 2008, the bid opened and Indiabulls Power Generation Limited quoted the lowest price with levellised tariff of Rs. 0.81 per unit. GMR Energy quoted Rs. 0.882 per unit and Sterlite Energy quoted the third lowest tariff of Rs. 0.885 per unit. CSEB has placed the Letter Of Intent to Indiabulls Power Generation Limited.