Kerala Police today filed a chargesheet against Kannada film actress Jayamala, four years after she made a controversial claim that she had touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at the famous Sabarimala temple in violation of the hill shrine custom.
Jayamala, 50, has been listed as the third accused after astrologer Parappanangadi Unnikrishnan and his Bangalore-based aide Raghupathy for their alleged "deliberate and malicious act to outrage" religious sentiments by hatching a conspiracy involving her.
The chargesheet was filed in the first class judicial magistrate court at Ranni in Pathanamthitta District.
The 'revelation' by the actress in June 2006 raised a storm. A crime branch probe found that it was only a "conspiracy" hatched by the astrologer and his aide.
The chargesheet said the accused were involved in a deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings under section 295 of Indian Penal Code.
Jayamala, a former president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, had claimed she had in her prime youth entered the sanctum sanctorum and touched the idol of the presiding deity.
Women in the 10-50 age group are barred from entering the temple.
She had faxed her claim to the temple administration office when an astrological examination of the conduct of the temple affairs, known in local parlance as "deva prasnam", was on by Unnikrishnan.
The astrologer had claimed then that the poojas and rituals of the shrine had not been performed with due sanctity and dedication by priests and there were even signs of the idol having been touched by a woman.
It was after this that Jayamala made the claim that she had visited the temple when she was just 18 and she wanted to do penance for that.
With the incident leading to a storm, the government had then ordered a crime branch probe.
The inquiry, as part of which the actress was questioned in Bangalore, concluded that her claim of having been pushed by the rushing devotees into the idol chamber appeared "most illogical and implausible".
According to the investigators, the whole episode appeared to be a conspiracy to buttress the claim of the astrologer about the poor state of temple affairs.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Jayamala chargesheeted in Sabarimala case
United Airlines
United Airlines, which is matchlessly largest American organization under the airlines’ category, is currently bringing their name in headlines because of their recently introduced or you may say announced fee for their reputed customers. This airline, which recently had merged their business with the Continental Airlines, has announced a USD $5 fee just in intention to fare holding or you may say fare locking facility to their customers
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Ex-CJI was aware of Raja influencing judge
In an embarrassment to former CJI K G Balakrishnan, Supreme Court Judge H L Gokhale today contradicted his claim that he was not aware that it was former Union Telecom Minister A Raja, who had tried to influence a Madras High Court judge in a criminal case.
In a statement, Justice Gokhale, who was the chief justice of the Madras High Court at that time, said that in his letter to Justice Balakrishnan, the then CJI, he had clearly referred to the name of Raja.
Justice Gokhale's statement totally contradicts Justice Balakrishnan's claim that there was no mention of any Union Minister in the report sent by Justice Gokhale, then High Court Chief Justice, on Justice S Reghupathi episode.
"I regret to say that the allegations are absolutely incorrect," Balakrishan had said last week referring to news reports that he had suppressed a letter purportedly written by Justice Reghupathi to him when he was Chief Justice of India.
In a statement today, Justice Gokhale said, "The former CJI has stated in his press conference that in my letter I did not mention the name of any Union Minister having talked to Justice Reghupathi over phone to influence him.
"With respect to this statement I may point out that Justice Reghupathi's letter was already with him and in the second paragraph thereof justice Reghupathi had specifically mentioned the name of Raja.
"I had no personal knowledge about the incident and observations in my reply wherein are in conformity with the contents of Justice Reghupathi's," Justice Gokhale said.
News reports had alleged that Balakrishan had suppressed that letter which had purportedly alleged that Raja had tried to influence Justice Reghupathi which cast aspersion on him (CJI) that he had committed dereliction of duty.
"When this incident was reported in the media, I sought for a report from the then Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice Gokhale and he sent me a report wherein nothing was mentioned about any Union Minister having made a telephonic talk with Justice Reghupathi to influence him," Balakrishan had said.
The Madras High Court had on December 7 suspended from the bar a top lawyer who was allegedly involved in an attempt to influence a judge taking the name of Raja.
A division bench comprising Justice F.M.Ibrahim Khalifulla and Justice M.M.Sundaresh, had said the status of R K Chandramohan, a member and subsequently as Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Pondichery, shall stand suspended forthwith.
He should not not be permitted to function as such pending disciplinary action by the Bar Council of India, the bench had said.
Disposing of a petition by a lawyer, the Bench had appended a portion of a letter written by Justice Reghupati, who had reported that Chandramohan had entered his chamber last year and pleaded that the case of a father and a son, accused in a marks scandal case in Puducherry, for anticipatory bail be considered favourably as they were "family friends" of Raja.
The lawyer handed over his mobile phone to the judge, saying that the "union minister is on the line to have a talk with me".
"I discouraged such conduct of Mr. Chandramohan and told him that the case would be disposed of in accordance with law, if listed before me," Justice Reghupati had said in his letter of July 7, 2009 to the then Chief Justice of India.
Justice Reghupati, who has since retired, had in his letter, complained about Chandramohan's "outburst and uncontrollable" behaviour.
Reliance 3G launched Tariff Plans – Postpaid & Prepaid
First Operator to offer 3G services to customers in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata
Reliance to lead Creation of a ‘Wire-free India’ through launch of ‘Affordable 3G for All’
Reliance to launch 3G services in 13 circles by next quarter,targets nation-wide presence next year
The 3G mobile TV pricing will be 15 news channels viewing for Rs 150, 15 kids channels for Rs 150, five devotional channels for Rs 100 and mega pack of 75 channels for Rs 250 per month.
It also offers post-paid bundles starting from 50 MB data for 199 to 5 GB data for Rs 2,499 per month, which includes 6,000 voice minutes and 6,000 SMS’s.
The prepaid bundles include 200 MB data for Rs 299 and 500 MB data for Rs 699 for 30 day validity, the company said
Also, Reliance has launched special unlimited plans for 3G mobile broadband, for HSDPA 7.2 MB/s you need to pay Rs. 2599 whereas for HSPA 21MB/s speed you need to pay Rs. 4499. Also most importantly Reliance Communications unlike TATA Docomo won’t be distinguishing whether you are using it on a cell phone or on a USB Modem or on any tablet PC. To avail 3G Services, you need not change your sim card with a new one; you can use your existing sim card to avail the benefit of 3G Services. Apart from TATA Docomo, BSNL too launched 3G Services.
Also, along with 3G data services, Reliance has launched Mobile TV service on the lines of its Reliance BIG TV DTH Service as mobile TV will come with Electronic Program Guide (EPG), set reminders for their favorite shows. Also, watching TV will not eat up your data limit as the subscription to mobile TV will be based on individual channel packs.
Perform or get a pay cut: NZ players told
New Zealand cricketers are bearing the burnt of their disastrous tour of India, as they have been issued a warning by their Players' Association to either perform or get ready for a less pay package.
Heath Mills, general manager of the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association (NZCPA), said the leading players are all on annual contracts and if they play well they will be rewarded or else they must be ready to drop down the pecking order with an associated cut in salary.
"If they don't perform during the year they will slide down the rankings and get paid less money. It's as simple as that and it's happened over the last few years under our system," Mills was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald today.
The top 20 players receive a basic salary before match payments. It ranges from the No 1 ranked player getting $177,000 down to the bottom three players who receive $72,000. The numbers drop $6000 with each ranking spot.
"To suggest they don't get a pay cut shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the professional-sport contracting environment. It's a volatile environment and these guys will be feeling it on a whole host of fronts," added Mills.
Mills also said that poor performance may just limit their other playing opportunities like the T20 tournaments around the world, and even the sponsors could take a dimmer view of backing an under-achieving player.
However, he admitted that the players do not need to be reminded that they significantly require to raise their game that was expected of them by the nation's cricket loving public and stakeholders.
"What they all say to me is 'we've let the country down. That's what they carry every day and they need to be accountable for that and need to rectify it," said the boss of the players' association.
"Rest assured, however badly I or other stakeholders may be feeling, for the players it's 20 times worse. There's no need to remind them; they know they've got a lot of work to do."
During their tour of India, New Zealand lost the Test series 0-1 and the five-match ODI series 0-5. Earlier, they suffered a 0-4 whitewash in the ODI series against Bangladesh as well.
Mills also said it was time to find ways to help the players get back to the level "we know they can perform at".
Not aiming to overthrow govt: BJP
Terming as "unprecedented" the washout of Parliament's Winter Session, BJP today blamed the Congress for the stalemate over JPC demand to probe the 2G spectrum scam but said the opposition protest was not aimed at overthrowing the government.
BJP leader L K Advani said the Opposition did not demand mid-term polls and such suggestions were in fact given by a minister in the government. He, however, refused to name the minister.
"Some parties may be welcoming mid-term polls but why an MP, who has been elected for five years, would like curtailment of his term," Advani said making it clear that the opposition's campaign against corruption in Parliament did not aim at throwing out the government.
Talking to reporters, the senior BJP leader said, "This is first time that the entire session was washed out on one issue... It was triggered off by Congress. It has been isolated on the issue both inside and outside Parliament not only by the oppostion but even by its own allies".
Advani made the remarks after a meeting of the NDA partners to finalise their strategy for the alliance campaign against the government on the issue of corruption.
Vowing to take the "fight against corruption" from Parliament to the street, the NDA's Working Chairman said the alliance will organise country-wide rallies against corruption.
A rally in Delhi will be held on December 22 and in Mumbai on January 16.
Slamming the government for putting the blame on the Opposition for the wash out of the session, Advani said neither Prime Minister Manmohan Singh nor Congress President Sonia Gandhi could offer any "convincing and credible reason" on why they did not accept the JPC demand.
Terming the 2G spectrum issue as "a multi-dimensional scam", Advani alleged that while the country wanted to know who were its beneficiaries, the government did not want that this information should not reach people.
He said that he would still appeal to the government to accept JPC.
The BJP leader said the government would not have taken action against former Telecom Minister A R Raja, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Suresh Kalamdi in connection with the cases of 2G Spectrum, Adarsh Housing and CWG Games irregularities had the opposition not adopted a "tough posture".
Gold futures up on firm Asian cues
Gold futures prices surged by Rs 97 to trade at Rs 20,880 per ten grams today, as speculators enlarged their positions, taking firm cues from the Asian region.
Firming trend at the domestic markets, driven by the ongoing marriage season demand also supported the upside gold futures.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange counter, gold for delivery in April edged up by Rs 97, or 0.44 per cent to Rs 20,880 per 10 grams.
Gold for delivery in February also traded higher by Rs 113, or 0.43 per cent to Rs 20,706 per 10 grams. It ended 0.50 per cent higher at Rs 20,593 per 10 grams in the previous session.
Analysts said firm trend in the Asian region, where gold shot up by 0.55 per cent to USD 1,402.20 an ounce as investors sought a protection of wealth from Europe's debt woes. China's decision to hold off raising interest rates may boost demand, also influenced gold futures here.
Hunt on to locate Indian Mujahideen men
In an offensive against cadres of Indian Mujahideen, the Government has formed special teams to locate 31 most wanted men of the banned outfit, whose list has been circulated to all states and union territories.
According to official sources, these special teams will make "concerted efforts" to apprehend the absconding IM terrorists within the country and coordinate with foreign countries where they are suspected to be holed in.
The Union Home Ministry prepared a complete set of the 31 absconding Indian Mujahideen cadres and circulated it to all the states and union territories for gaining more and more information about them.
The detailed dossiers about the IM militants along with photographs have also been shared with a few Gulf countries, as intelligence inputs suggested that some of them were currently based there their with Pakistani passports.
The sources said some of the foreign countries had already started helping the security agencies and begun surveillance on some suspects.
Among these 31 terrorists, eight are from Uttar Pradesh (all from Azamgarh), ten from Karnataka (three of them from Bhatkal town), six from Kerala (all from Kannur), three from Maharashtra and two each from Gujarat and Jharkhand.
Of these terrorists, majority were either in Pakistan or in Middle-East while around 10 are in India, the sources said.
The Home Ministry dispatched the particulars of the IM terrorists to the states and advised them to be alert and look for them, as some of them could be hiding anywhere in India.
There have been regular intelligence inputs that the IM has been trying to expand its network by recruiting new members, particularly from Uttar Pradesh, and sending some of them to Pakistan for terror training.
Sources said though the IM cadres were lying low for sometime, the terror group has not desisted from launching terror attacks in the country -- the recent one being at Varanasi on Tuesday last.
The Indian Mujahideen's hand is suspected in over 10 serial blasts in Delhi and other parts of the country that claimed nearly 500 lives.
The IM, which is a shadow outfit of the banned SIMI and Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba and directly controlled by ISI, was banned by the Government in June this year.
With its addition to the terror list, the number of such outfits has gone up to 35 which includes al-Qaeda, LTTE, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, CPI-Maoist and ULFA.
The Indian Mujahideen is alleged to be involved in serial bomb blasts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bangalore and Mumbai and came under spotlight on February 23, 2005 when it carried out a blast in Varanasi leaving eight people injured.
The deadliest attack of the IM was in the pre-Diwali blasts in the national capital in 2005 in which 66 people were killed.
Amir Reza Khan was the founding member of the Indian Mujahideen, which was created by ISI ostensibly to spread terror through Indian front outfits. The group is at present headed by Iqbal Bhatkal, a resident of North Karnataka, the sources say.
The outfit's hand is seen in this year's Pune blast that claimed 17 lives. Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorist Squad claims that it had evidence to link Riaz Bhatkal, Iqbal's brother, with the blast. The Bhatkal brothers are believed to be in the Gulf and Pakistan.
HC upholds stay on Royals' termination
In a major reprieve to Indian Premier League franchisee Rajasthan Royals, the Bombay High Court today upheld the order passed by an independent arbitrator granting stay to the termination of its contract by the BCCI.
Justice S J Vazaifdar today dismissed an appeal filed by BCCI challenging the stay granted by the arbitrator, and permitted Rajasthan Royals to participate in the IPL IV auction that is to be held on January 8 and 9.
The Court, however, imposed a condition on Rajasthan Royals directing them to file an affidavit before it by January 3 specifying full details of its ownership pattern and mode of control.
"It is necessary that the bonafides of the three owners - Emerging Media (IPL) Ltd, Tresco International and Bluewater Estates Ltd - are established. BCCI is entitled to call for full disclosure of ownership under the franchisee agreements," the court observed.
Apart from specifying the mode of control, the affidavits should also include a statement from all the three company owners that they are in full control of their investment companies.
The Court also directed Rajasthan Royals to submit $2.83 million as guarantee to the BCCI for the contract and $18 million as bank guarantee for the players.
The arbitration proceedings shall continue unless BCCI approaches the Supreme Court challenging the stay.
BCCI had on October 10 terminated the franchisee agreement of Rajasthan Royals - winners of IPL in 2008 - after the team allegedly committed breach of contract by having changes in its corporate structure without consent.
Rajasthan Royals had on October 26 approached the High Court against BCCI. However, the case was kept pending as both the parties agreed to resolve the matter through arbitration.
On November 30, Justice B N Srikrishna, who was acting as arbitrator, granted injunction in Rajasthan Royals favour by staying the termination of its contract. BCCI then challenged this before the High Court.
Iranian president sacks foreign minister
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad abruptly fired his foreign minister on Monday as he was in the middle of an official visit to Africa, and named the nuclear chief as the acting top diplomat.
The president thanked Manouchehr Mottaki for his more than five years of service — spanning Ahmadinejad's entire time in office — but gave no explanation for the change in a brief statement on his website. He named nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi, who is also one of the country's 12 vice presidents, to serve as caretaker foreign minister.
The sudden shake-up could reflect growing rifts between the ruling clerics and Ahmadinejad's hard-line government, which is strongly backed by the powerful Revolutionary Guard.
"This moves shows not only the internal tensions but the primacy of the nuclear issue as Iran's main foreign policy objective," said Rasool Nafisi, an expert on Iranian affairs at Strayer University in Virginia.
A fourth round of sanctions was imposed in June in response to Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment, a key part of its nuclear program that is of international concern because it can be used both for making reactor fuel and atomic weapons. Iran insists its aims are entirely peaceful, but the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency says its years of investigating have not been able to confirm that.
In the past year, there were reports that Mottaki opposed a decision by Ahmadinejad to appoint his own special foreign envoys to key areas such as the Middle East, Afghanistan and the Caspian Sea region. Mottaki found the appointments embarrassing to the foreign ministry and allegedly took his complaint to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters.
Khamenei reportedly sided with Mottaki, forcing Ahmadinejad to moderate his position and change their title only to the level of advisers.
Iranian media have also reported in the past year that some lawmakers were pushing for Mottaki to be dismissed, arguing that he failed to adequately defend Iran at international organizations such as the United Nations. Iran is scheduled to hold another round of talks with world powers early next year over its disputed nuclear program.
It was not immediately clear how long Salehi would remain in the caretaker role. The semiofficial Fars news agency says Mohammad Ghannadi, a prominent nuclear scientist, is expected to replace Salehi as the new nuclear chief — an indication Ahmadinejad wants him to keep the job permanently. Ghannadi is currently Salehi's deputy at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Salehi — or any other candidate — has to win a vote of confidence from the 290-seat parliament to be appointed to the job.
Prominent conservative lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi says he was stunned to hear the news, saying the parliament was not aware of Ahmadinejad's decision to dismiss Mottaki, according to khabaronline.ir news website.
Mottaki was in the middle of a tour of African nations that took him to Senegal, where he delivered a message from Ahmadinejad to the West African nation's president on Monday, according to the official IRNA news agency. "It's unpleasant that he is fired in the middle of a foreign assignment. The president should have waited for Mottaki to return home first before a replacement," said conservative lawmaker Mahmoud Ahmadi Biqash.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Mottaki's dismissal should not affect negotiations between Iran and six world powers, adding that the process — which resumed last week in Geneva — should continue regardless of the officials involved.
The next round of talks between Iran and the six permanent UN Security Council members — the US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China — and Germany is scheduled for January.
"We put emphasis that talks which just started in Geneva will continue and that different political constellations in Iran will not lead to any disruptions or delay in the talks," Westerwelle said in Brussels, where he is attending a meeting of EU foreign ministers.
Talks between Iran and the world powers broke down last year when Iran rebuffed a UN-drafted plan to ship abroad its stockpile of low-enriched uranium in exchange for reactor-ready fuel. Low-enriched uranium can be used in reactors, but also for warheads if brought to much higher enrichment levels.
Earlier this month, Mottaki attended a security conference in Bahrain that included US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Mottaki, however, was on the defensive after American diplomatic memos released by WikiLeaks showed some Gulf Arab leaders urging for a US military strike to cripple Iran's nuclear program.
He tried to reassure Gulf Arab nations that Iran was not a regional threat, but his statements did not resonate, said Salman Shaikh, director of The Brookings Doha Center in Qatar.
"He had a golden opportunity to change some minds about Iran, but failed," said Shaikh. "This showed that Iranian foreign policy was stumbling and perhaps this led to the change."
Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Break Up
Shocking news of Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Break Up has just been added to the celebrity-split list; the American actors split just after two years of a warm relationship. The duo has decided to call it a day though they’re still ‘friends.’ No apparent reason such as infidelity seems behind Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Break Up but this is true. Zachary David Alexander “Zac” Efron is just 23 years of age and his ‘friend’ is even a year younger; Vanessa Anne Hudgens is 22-year-old
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Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens Break Up
www.indianbank.in | Indian Bank Clerk Exam Written Test Results
Indian Bank Clerk Exam Written Test Results
The results of candidates who have qualified in the written test held on 22.08.2010 for recruitment of Clerks is detailed
below.
The interviews are scheduled to commence from 03-Jan-2011 at centres where the candidates took the written test .
Request for change of centre will not be entertained under any circumstances .
Details of the Venue, Date and Time of the interview will be available for viewing by the successful candidates called for
the interview in our Bank’s website from 20.12.2010.
Call letters are being dispatched by post to all the successful candidates to their addresses provided in their online
application submitted while applying for the written test.
In case of non-receipt of the call letters by 29.12.2010, they may download the blank call letter formats which will be
made available in our Bank’s website from this date and fill in the required details and appear for the interview at the
venue allotted on the date and time which as already stated above will be available in our Bank’s website.
Help line to assist the candidates appearing for the interviews will be available at the centres where the candidates took
the written test from 30.12.2010 and the details of which will be available from this date in our Bank’s website.
Indian Bank has Published Clerk Written Exam Results 2010.
As per the bank`s official release, Interview session are expected to start from January 3, 2011 at the test centres itself.Selected candidates are being sent call letters that has the details of the Interview date & location – the same will be out on the website from Dec 20, it says.
Results of Indian Bank Clerk Exam Written Test Results
http://www.indianbank.in/pdfs/rec/clerical_685_rec_2010.pdf
Categories: Bollywood, Movies
Sensex up 65 points in opening trade
The BSE benchmark Sensex rose by 65 points in the opening trade today, extending two-session winning streak on sustained buying by funds and retail investors, driven by a firming trend on the other Asian bourses.
The 30-share index of the Bombay Stock Exchange, which had gained almost 450 points in the past two sessions, rose by another 64.80 points, to 19,756.58 with stocks of oil and gas, metals and PSU sector stocks leading the gains.
In a similar fashion, the broad-based National Stock Exchange Nifty index moved 21.70 points up to 5,929.35.
Brokers said besides firming trend on the other Asian bourses, strong industrial growth numbers for October, released on Friday, kept investor sentiment positive.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.27 per cent while, the Japan's Nikkei gained 0.05 per cent in the morning trade today.
The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 0.16 per cent up in the previous session.
Rupee recovers by 22 paise against dollar
The Indian Rupee recovered by 22 paise against the US dollar in the morning trade, on back of dollar's weakness overseas amid firm equity market.
Banks and exporters preferred to sell dollar at current level following persistent fall in dollar value in the New York market.
At the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market, the local unit opened higher at 44.94/95 a dollar from its last close of 45.14/15 and firmed up further to 44.92 per dollar before quoting at 44.99/45.01 per dollar at 1030 hours.
The Indian benchmark Sensex opened 54 points high in the early trade.
J&K Cong defends Sharma's 'azadi' comments
Jammu and Kashmir Congress today strongly defended its leader and health Minister Sham Lal Sharma over his controversial 'azadi for Kashmir' remarks and described him as a "bold voice" of the party in state cabinet.
Sharma was quoted out of context and the minister was in fact talking about forces wanting to divide the state, Vice president and spokesperson of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Mohammad Muzaffar Parray said.
"He (Sharma) actually wanted to alert the (Congress) party rank and file against some detractors," Parray told PTI, adding that, "Sharma was a bold voice of the party in state cabinet."
Parray's support to Sharma is an unexpected development as the AICC high command has already issued a showcause notice to the minister over his remarks.
On December 5, Sharma, at a public meeting at Bani in Jammu region, had said Kashmir should be granted 'azadi' while Jammu should get statehood and Ladakh be declared a Union Territory.
"You need to come out Kashmir-centric approach. I tell Congress, if you want autonomy or self-rule for Kashmir then you need to separate Jammu as a state and declare Ladakh as a Union Territory," Sharma had said.
Parray said the remarks of the Minister were in response to the inflammatory statements made by some leaders of National Conference, the coalition partner of Congress in the state, against their party.
"Whatsoever has been attributed to him by various newspapers for having advocated for trifurcation of state is not correct as same has been quoted out of context," Parray, considered to be close aide of PCC president Saifuddin Soz, said.
Parray was referring to statements made by Mustafa Kamal, NC leader and uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in which he accused Congress of betraying the people of Kashmir time and again.
"This can be said without any reservation that Sharma is great supporter of the integrity of the state," Parray said, adding that the minister "firmly believes" in the unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Geminid Meteor Shower Tonight
Another exciting show of the heavens will unfold tonight as the Geminid meteor shower peaks early Tuesday, between midnight and sunrise New Jersey time. The best viewing time for the Geminid meteor shower will be around 6:00am. There will be around 50 to 120 meteors which will illuminate the night sky every hour. Set your gaze at the Gemini constellation.
Unlike other meteor showers which are mostly from the tails of a comet, the Geminid metor showers are produced by rocky celestial leftoevers. The Earth passes through the stream of debris every December. This debris is produced by 32000 Phaethon which was once believed to be an asteroid and is now considered as an extinct comet.
You can also check out the website of NASA tonight since they will be hosting an online chat with astronomer Bill Cooke. Cooke will be taking qyestions during the online chat.
Geminid meteor shower 2010 started to be visible December 12 and will be illuminating the sky until December 16. People will see the meteor shower along the Gemini constellation specially on a very clear night sky.
The Geminid Meteor Shower however is not the only celestial event this month since on December 2010 and wee hours of December 21 there will be a total lunar eclipes. It will be the only full lunar eclipse of the year and the entire event will be visible in North America, Central America, a bit of South America, Greenland and Iceland.
A meteor shower is a celestial event in which a number of meteors are observed to radiate from one point in the night sky. These meteors are caused by streams of cosmic debris called meteoroids entering Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high speeds on parallel trajectories. Most meteors are smaller than a grain of sand, so almost all of them disintegrate and never hit the Earth’s surface. Intense or unusual meteor showers are known as meteor outbursts and meteor storms, which may produce greater than 1,000 meteors an hour. Because meteor shower particles are all traveling in parallel paths, and at the same velocity, they will all appear to an observer below to radiate away from a single point in the sky.
This radiant point is caused by the effect of perspective, similar to railroad tracks converging at a single vanishing point on the horizon when viewed from the middle of the tracks. Meteor showers are almost always named after the constellation from which the meteors appear to originate. This “fixed point” slowly moves across the sky during the night due to the Earth turning on its axis, the same reason the stars appear to slowly march across the sky.
The radiant also moves slightly from night to night against the background stars (radiant drift) due to the Earth moving in its orbit around the sun. See “IMO” Meteor Shower Calendar 2007 (International Meteor Organization) for maps of drifting “fixed points.
For More InformationMeteor Shower Tonight visit Nasa website
Wakf Board moves SC over Ayodhya suit
The Sunni Wakf Board today moved the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid title suits, contending that the judgement is based on faith and not on evidence.
The Board submitted in the appeal that the judgement dividing the 2.77 acres of disputed land into three parts among Muslims, Hindus and Nirmohi Akhara is not acceptable to it.
"We have challenged the verdict of the High Court on the ground that the High Court has committed an error in holding that the building was at the place of birth of Ram," the Board said in its petition.
The title dispute on Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid structure has already reached the Supreme Court with Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) challenging the Allahabad High Court's verdict and Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha filing a caveat to pre-empt any ex-parte order on the Ayodhya title dispute.
Challenging the verdict of the High Court's Lucknow bench, the JUH too had submitted in the appeal that the judgement is based on faith and not on evidence. "It is humbly submitted that the mosque was illegally demolished. However, the ruins still exist. The foundation of the mosque is still intact. Title would not extinguish by demolishing the mosque.
"Therefore, it was incumbent on the court to uphold the rule of law and not to validate an illegal act," the appeal filed by Anis Suhrawady of JuH had said. "It was nobody's case in the High Court that the Muslims, Hindus and Nirmohi Akhara were in joint possession of the disputed premises.
"The claims of the three sets of plaintiffs were mutually exclusive in the sense each set of plaintiffs claimed the entire property as its own and no one sought a decree for partition of the property," the appeal had said.
A three-judge bench of the High Court had passed three separate judgements on September 30 but the majority verdict held that the area covered by the central dome of the three-domed structure, where the idol of Lord Rama is situated, belongs to Hindus.
While two judges were of the view that the entire disputed land should be divided into three equal parts, each to be given to Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the parties representing 'Ram Lalla Virajman' (seated Baby Ram), one of the judges had held that the entire disputed area belonged to Hindus.
Earlier, a Delhi MLA Shoaib Iqbal had also filed the appeal in the apex court but the Supreme Court refused to entertain it saying the petition "is misconceived. Hence dismissed."
India-China
Inflation down to 7.48 pc in November
Continuing with its trend towards moderation, inflation declined to 7.48 per cent in November, mainly boosted by lowering of pressure on certain food items.
Inflation had stood at 8.58 per cent in October. It was 4.50 per cent in November 2009.
For September this year, the inflation figure has been revised upwards to 8.93 per cent from the provisional number of 8.62 per cent.
This is the fourth consecutive month when the overall inflation has been in the single digit. It had remained over 10 per cent for six months till July.
As per the WPI data, prices of primary articles -- food, non-food articles and minerals -- shot up by 13 per cent on an annual basis.
However, prices of certain food items declined on an year-on-year.
While wheat became cheaper by 1.49 per cent, pulses fell by 8.37 per cent and vegetables overall went down by 4.59 per cent.
During the month, fuel and power prices went up by 10.32 per cent, while manufactured goods became expensive by 4.56 per cent on an annual basis.
Manufactured items have the highest weight of 64.9 per cent in the wholesale price index, on the basis of which inflation is calculated.
Within manufactured products, however, sugar prices eased by 10.97 per cent and leather and leather goods by 1.77 per cent on an annual basis.
The latest figure bears out the projection of Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu who had earlier this month said that inflation in November will be down to 7.5 per cent.
The government also expects inflation to moderate to 6 per cent by end of the fiscal.
"Inflation is coming down. Now it is at the single digit but I would like it to be further reduced. I am hoping that by March it would be around 6 per cent, but it should come down further," Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after tabling the Mid-Year Analysis of the Economy in Parliament earlier this month.
Sensex advances for 3rd-day; up 107 pts
The BSE benchmark Sensex advanced for the third straight day by adding over 107 points as inflation slowed to an 11-month low, raising hopes that RBI will finally stop the round of policy rate hike for this year.
The Sensex, which had gained 450 points in last two trading sessions, rose further by 107.41 points to 19,799.19 as investors felt the slowing inflation would reduce pressure on the Reserve Bank to hike interest rate for the seventh time in its meeting on December 16.
Continuing with its trend towards moderation, inflation declined to 7.48 per cent in November, mainly boosted by lowering of pressure on certain food items. It had stood at 8.58 per cent in October.
In a similar fashion, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 36.45 points to 5,944.10, led by consumer durables, metals and capital goods.
The upsurge was mostly supported by stocks of consumer durables and metal sectors on expectations of rise in sales and improved earnings next quarter.
A firming Asian trend, as rising commodity prices boosted raw material stocks, further fuelled the uptrend. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 0.7 per cent to 135.21, a highest level.
In the 30-BSE index components, 19 stocks gained while 11 others ended with losses. The front runners were Reliance Industries, Reliance Infra, Larsen and Toubro, State Bank of India, Tata Steel and Tata Motors.
The consumer durable sector index gained the most by 3.14 per cent to 6,207.39, followed by metal sector by 1.60 per cent to 16,588.42 as base-metal prices advanced to record high in overseas markets.
Tata Steel rose 2.33 per cent to Rs 645.50 as it said the prices for plate and wire rod in Europe will be increased from Jan. 1. Sterlite Industries, largest copper producer, rose by 3.46 per cent to Rs 170.65. Copper surged to a record amid speculation demand will rise after China, the world's largest consumer, refrained from raising borrowing costs.
The capital goods sector index rose by 0.93 per cent to 15,449.14 as Larsen increased 1.48 per cent to Rs 1,997.35 and Reliance Infra, builder of a mass transit system rose 2.67 per cent to Rs 833.10.
CSA accords India biggest ever reception
With the Rainbow Nation celebrating 150 glorious years of Indian settlement in South Africa, the CSA hosted the the biggest ever official reception for the visiting Indian cricket team in Johannesburg.
"The official welcome reception for the Indian team is the biggest ever for any team that had visited South Africa," Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola said during the reception last night.
The function was attended by players of both the teams, board officials of both the countries, including CSA president Mtutuzeli Nyoka and Indian Consul-General Vikram Doraiswami among others.
During his welcome speech, CSA president Nyoka said that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men were the deserving numero uno team in the world. "This is a team (India) that has over the last two years swept all before them. I think that by all accounts they deserve the number one status in Test cricket," he said.
Nyoka singled out Sachin Tendulkar for praise and saluted the champion batsman for his contribution to the game. "I want to say thank you to you (Tendulkar) for the many years of wonderful memories that you have given us.
"You are a true champion, a true hero. You are one of the most decorated cricketers playing today. I salute you as a sportsman, as a cricketer and as a human being," the CSA president said.
Nyoka also lauded the cricketing links between the two countries. "South Africa is what today because of its relationship with India. CSA is a vibrant, strong organisation not least because of the relationship it has with BCCI, and I hope our mission of friendship and brotherhood continues for a very long time," he added.
In keeping with the jovial spirit at the reception, Indian Consul-General Doraiswami said, "We've always believed our cricket team is the best and rankings are just a matter of devious Western subversions. It's good to have it finally recognised officially."
He also recalled how former South Africa paceman Allan Donald had given troubled times to the Indians during the first tour way back in 1992-93. "Thank God you don't have White Lightning (Donald's nickname) anymore!," Doraiswami quipped.
China Premier to address India's concerns
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is expected to address some of India's key concerns like those on stapled visas for Jammu and Kashmir residents, its bid for permanent membership in UNSC and growing trade imbalance, to put strained bilateral ties back on track.
Wen will arrive in New Delhi tomorrow for a three day visit, a trip billed as a "significant event" by China.
The visit is taking place after elaborate rounds of talks at various levels starting with the candid meeting between Wen and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Hanoi in October this year, creating high expectations to remove some of the major irritants like stapled visas, which created furore in India.
Ahead of the visit, Chinese official media projected it on a positive light today with headlines like, "China has high expectations for Premier Wen's upcoming visit to India" and "India visit to help smoothen trade ties".
The visa issue resulted in India putting on hold the defence exchanges after rejection of visa to a top Indian General BS Jaswal on the ground that he headed troops in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ahead of the three day visit, Chinese officials too sounded upbeat on finding a solution to the visa row.
"We will not exclude the possibility of discussions on any issue. For the issues such as visas, I believe the working level staff will talk about it between our two countries," Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, Hu Zhengyue, who briefed the media here about Wen's visit said.
Indications are that China has promised to find some solution and issued regular visas to some Kashmiris, indicating a roll back of its policy which started since 2008.
India has flagged off this issue in all the high level discussions in the recent months as it marked a significant China's stand amounted to taking sides favouring Pakistan on Kashmir issue, ending its neutral stand.
Officials here said Chinese leadership was concerned about implications of continuing the policy specially after getting the feed back from Zhou Yongkong, the politburo member of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, who recently visited New Delhi and ruling opposition parties, who in voice expressing concern over the policy.
Satisfactory solution?
If a satisfactory solution was found, Wen's visit would result in the resumption of defence exchanges, which China appeared keen, officials said.
The Chinese premier's visit is also significant as he is expected to elaborate on China's stand India's bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
China was caught by surprise by US President Barrack Obama's announcement during his India trip fully backing India's aspirations to get the permanent seat.
China backed India's election to the non-permanent seat this year and expressed readiness to hold talks with New Delhi in the light Obama's announcement as it is the only Veto wielding member countries to decide on it.
The other four, US, France, UK and Russia have backed India's candidature.
Hu said the Premier's "discussions will touch upon this matter.
"It is not for the first time it has come up in our discussions. Our two countries have exchanged views on many occasions and publicised documents. We have made our stand clear. We are happy to see India playing a bigger role in international arena including the United Nations," he said.
Wen's talks in New Delhi on key issue will be watched carefully in Islamabad as the Premier would travel there from New Delhi on December 17 to revitalise the close strategic, all weather ties between the two countries.
Trade deficit
Ahead of Wen's visit China also expressed its readiness to address the trade imbalance issue as the trade deficit crossed a record USD 16 billion this year even though the bilateral trade too expected to touch record USD 60 billion.
"India is having a trade deficit with China, this is true. Actually China has attached a lot of importance to this trade imbalance. The reasons for such an imbalance are determined by as a result of trade structures between the two sides," Liang Wenzhao, Deputy director of the Department of Asian Affairs of China's Ministry of Commerce told media here at a briefing about Wen's visit.
"The Chinese government is taking a number of measures to expand its import from India" which included sending trade and investment promotion information to India to purchase products that India wants to export as well as India's competitive products', he said.
The run up to the visit was not smooth as the two countries had some hiccups as China has asked India along with all other countries to boycott the Nobel Peace Prize presentations ceremony to its jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo.
However during the past few days China began focussing on Wen's visit India and Pakistan, giving a positive projection, allaying fears that it may have a negative impact.
According to China Daily about 30 deals, mainly focussing on iron ore, biochemical products and fabrics were expected to be signed during visit to India.
Expectations are that the two sides would conclude USD 20 billion worth of agreements.
Besides holding talks with Singh, Wen will also meet President Pratibha Patil, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and other political leaders, besides interacting with cultural and media professionals.
Engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton photographs
Two Offical photos were released yesterday to represent the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The photographs were taken in the Cornwall Room in St James’s Palace and these engagement photos were clicked by photographer Mario Testino, who is a good friend of Princess Diana.
In one photo the couple, both wears jeans with Kate sporting a blouse William wearing a brown sweater over a white shirt, smiling broadly and with wrapping each other’s arms, whereas Kate placed her left hand on Prince William’s chest. It is clearly visible in the photograph the large sapphire and diamond ring that William gave her at their engagement ceremony. 
In the second photograph the pair stands on a red carpet which was taken in St James’s Palace council chamber in front of oil paintings of few of the William’s ancestors. The pair looks smiling to the camera, William’s wears a gray suit and blue tie over a white shirt, Kate is in white dress.
William and Middleton, both 28, announced their wedding date, last month. They will marry on 29th April at Westminster Abbey in London
Richard Holbrooke
Richard Holbrooke the famous Afghanistan – Pakistan US special envoy passes away on December 13, 2010; he underwent surgery to repair a torn aorta. 69-year-old Richard Holbrooke was considered to be top-ranked American diplomat and also an investment banker and Peace Corps
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M&M to Launch SUV ‘Thar’ in India, Priced at Rs 6-8 Lakhs
As per the latest buzz in the automobile sector, the off-roader Mahindra Thar is all set to roll out on Indian roads this December. According to the Mahindra and Mahindra’s official Facebook fan page, the company will launch Mahindra Thar in India on 21st December, 2010. The SUV will be first launch in Kerala and Rajasthan.
Mahindra Thar was showcased last month at the Performance Autocar Show in Mumbai. As per the reports, Thar is a refined version of Commander Jeep and is being re-introduced by nearly after 10 years in the Indian market. Thar is powered by a 2.5L, 4 cylinder, turbo-diesel direct injection common rail engine that generates 105 bhp of raw power at 3800 rpm and ground breaking 247 Nm torque at 1900 rpm.
The much awaited off-roader also features 5 speed gearbox with manual transmission. The new generation independent torsion-bar front suspension system has been used in Thar by the company.Mahindra Thar will be available in four color options including Arctic White, Mist Silver, Black and Toreador Red.
Mahindra TharMAHINDRA THAR PRICE IN INDIA: Mahindra Thar is expected to be priced at Rs 6-8 lakhs.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS OF MAHINDRA THAR:
NEF CRDe Turbocharged intercooled, Euro IVCapacityBore x Stroke
Power
Torque2498 CC
94 x 90 m.m.
105 H.P.@3800 R.P.M.
247NM@1800-2000R.P.M.5 speed – Manual
Borg Warner – Manual Shift
2 Speed gear reduction – High 1.0:1 Low 2.48:1Full Floating Hypoid Ratio 4.3:1,
Capacity: 1100 kg
Semi-Floating Hypoid Ratio 4.3:1,
Capacity: 1700 kgIndependent front suspension with Torsion bar and stabilizer bar
Rear Semi elliptical leaf springsGround Clearance
Approach angle
Departure angleDimensions
Front Track
Rear Track
Overall Length
Wheel Base
Overall Height
Overall Width1445 mm
1346 mm
3920 mm
2430 mm
1930 mm
1710 mm
Manmadha Banam Songs | Download Manmadha Banam Movie Mp3 Songs | Manmadha Banam Movie Audio Songs
Dubbed Telugu version of versatile actor Kamal Haasan’s romantic comedy Manmadhan Ambu, directed by K.S. Ravi Kumar and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin, has been titled Manmadha Banam.
Kamal Haasan, Trisha and Madhavan will be present at the audio launch. This film is directed by KS Ravi Kumar and touted to be one of the costliest comedies ever made on South Indian screen. 
Composed by Devi Sri Prasad, the music of the Telugu version will be released shortly. Dialogues are penned by Vennelakanti. The film stars Madhavan, Trisha and Sangeetha in major roles. According to sources, Kamal Haasan plays a private detective hired by Madhavan to go after his love Trisha to confirm her sincerity.
Devi Sri Prasad composed the music for this film and the audio that was released few days ago in Tamilnadu is already a big hit. Devi Sri Prasad earlier scored background music for Kamal’s Dasavataram. This time he worked as a fulltime music director.
Petrol Prices to be Hiked by Re 1-2 Per Litre
NEW DELHI: The consequences of rise in international crude oil prices, touching USD 90 per barrel mark, will be seen in Indian market soon, with oil companies planning to raise petrol prices. An official of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on Tuesday said that a hike in petrol prices by Re 1-2 per liter is expected this week.
“We would have raised petrol price yesterday … we had the oil ministry consent to hike prices by Rs 1.90-1.95 per litre immediately after the winter session of Parliament ended yesterday, but at the last moment we are asked to wait for one or two more days,” an official of IndianOil (IOC), said.
The rise in crude oil prices which mounted to USD 90 per barrel, has hurt the profit motive of IOC and other state retailers Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL). They are losing Rs 4.17 per litre on selling petrol.
Petrol Price Hike“International prices are on the rise leading to widening of gap between domestic retail price and their cost of production,” the official said. He added that the oil firms have proposed for about Rs 2.50 per litre hike in prices. However, the political leadership is willing to concede only Rs 0.95-1.05 a litre.
As per the reports, Empowered Group of Ministers headed by Pranab Mukherjee will also consider the hike in diesel rates, which is scheduled on December 22. On diesel, the three firms including IOC, BPCL and HPCL are losing about Rs 5 a litre.
The last hike in petrol prices was on November 9 by Rs 0.32 per litre to Rs 52.91 a litre in Delhi even through the desired increase was about Rs 1.1 per litre. According to the available data, the oil retailers lose Rs 272.19 on the sale of every 14.2-kg LPG cylinder and Rs 17.72 per litre of kerosene.
Fresh epass Scholarship Applications 2010-2011 | epass.cgg.gov.in | Submission of epass Renewal Applications 2011
Epass Scholarship
Government of Andhra Pradesh Electronic Payment & Application System of Scholarships 2010-11.
For any queries about epass application renewals and fresh contact 040-23390228 or e-mail to help.epass@cgg.gov.in.
1. Scanned image of Passport Photograph of size less than 30KB.
2. Student’s own Email Id
3. Mobile Number
If the 2009-10 application is at pending status, the change of course year or course or college etc. can be done at district officer level or field officer level.
Sastra University Even Semester Online Registration and Time Table..
sastra offers various undergraduate and post graduate courses in Engineering, Science, Education, Management and Arts besides various Doctoral programmes and has state-of-the-art laboratories, a well stocked library and one of the best computing facilities. With an ideal teacher-taught ratio, we strive for academic excellence through personalized attention. The mechanism established to support and monitor the student’s progress assure success and satisfaction.
Sastra University has Published the Even Semester Online Course Registration 2010-11.you can registration from below link.
Sanju Weds Geetha Kannada Movie Starcast and Release Date
Cast: Srinagara Kitty, Ramya, Jai Jagadish
Director: Nagashekhar
Producer: Pramod Narayan
Music: Jessie Cift
Release Date: Jan 2011
Language: Kannada
Kati Marton
Kati Marton is the famous American author-journalist and she was the wife of Richard Holbrooke the diplomat; at the age 69, her husband died on December 13, 2010. Former ABC News Reporter 54-year-old Kati Marton married to Richard Holbrooke in 1995 till his death the other day. Kati also used to be a National Public Radio correspondent since 1971; this is when she started her correspondent career as a production assistant.
Here is the original post:
Visualizing a World of Facebook Connections
Here's part of Butler's explanation:
"I defined weights for each pair of cities as a function of the Euclidean distance between them and the number of friends between them. Then I plotted lines between the pairs by weight, so that pairs of cities with the most friendships between them were drawn on top of the others. I used a color ramp from black to blue to white, with each line's color depending on its weight. I also transformed some of the lines to wrap around the image, rather than spanning more than halfway around the world."
Butler says that when he shared the image with others at Facebook, "it resonated with many people. It's not just a pretty picture, it's a reaffirmation of the impact we have in connecting people, even across oceans and borders." Indeed, it is a very powerful visualization of our world.
Yahoo may lay off 600 to 700 workers
Yahoo Inc.'s holiday trimmings will include 600 to 700 layoffs in the Internet company's latest shake-up triggered by lackluster growth.
Employees could be notified of the job cuts as early as Tuesday, according to a person familiar with Yahoo's plans. The person asked for anonymity because Yahoo hadn't made a formal announcement.
The planned cutbacks represent about 5 percent of Yahoo's work force of 14,100 employees. It will mark Yahoo's fourth mass layoff in the past three years.
The latest two housecleanings have come under the company's current CEO, Carol Bartz, a Silicon Valley veteran hired nearly two years, despite a lack of experience on the Web or in advertising — Yahoo's main source of revenue.
This week's round of reductions is expected to be concentrated in Yahoo's U.S. products group, which already has been undergoing an overhaul since Bartz hired former Microsoft Corp. executive Blake Irving to run the division last spring.
The job cuts won't come as a shock. News of the looming layoffs was first reported last month by two popular technology blogs, TechCrunch and All Things Digital.
Yahoo's feeble financial growth, stagnant stock price and recent management defections have raised questions about whether Bartz herself might be shown the door before her contract expires in January 2013.
The company's revenue had edged up by less than 2 percent to $4.8 billion through the first nine months of the year, reflecting the difficulty Yahoo has had selling ads while other Internet companies such as Google Inc. and Facebook are thriving.
Google's revenue climbed 23 percent to nearly $21 billion through the first nine months of the year. Privately held Facebook doesn't disclose its results but it is growing so fast that it had to move into larger headquarters earlier this year.
Yahoo's stock price fell 31 cents to close Monday at $16.70, a few cents below where it ended last year. Meanwhile, the technology-driven Nasdaq composite index has risen by 16 percent so far this year.
The malaise has spurred speculation that opportunistic buyout firms might put together a takeover bid for Yahoo, possibly in partnership with another embattled Internet icon, AOL Inc.
Bartz, 62, has repeatedly insisted Yahoo, which is based in Sunnyvale, is heading in the right direction, although she has cautioned it might be another year or two before there's a significant improvement in the company's financial results.
Wikileaks' Assange Wins TIME Person of Year Reader Poll - But Will the Editors Choose Him?
TIME Editors will ultimately make the Person of the Year selection and it's sure to be controversial whether they choose Assange or not. The winner will be announced on the TV show Good Morning America this Wednesday.
WikiLeaks Coverage From ReadWriteWeb:Wikileaks' Assange Wins TIME Person of Year Reader Poll - But Will the Editors Choose Him?ReadWriteWeb's Comprehensive WikiLeaks TimelineWeekly Wrap-up: WikiLeaks and Anonymous, PayPal, Facebook, Twitter, Mirror Sites and More... Assange Banged in the Tanty: This Week in Online TyrannyWhere In the World Is WikiLeaks Mirrored? [Google Earth]As Attacks on PayPal, Amazon Fail, Anonymous Wikileaks Supporters Begin "Operation LeakSpin" Operation Avenge Assange as Digital Direct ActionWikiLeaks, Anonymous & the Unfolding Cyberwar, 11 Days In
Assange's critics have called him a terrorist and a danger to the United States, if not to global stability in general. His supporters generally consider him a brave journalist dedicated to exposing wrong-doings and advancing the cause of political transparency and responsibility. Naming him the Person of the Year would not be a signal of support by TIME's editors for Assange's actions, Stalin was once named person of the year simply because of his (negative) global impact, but it would confer a degree of legitimacy.
Assange is currently being held in a UK jail, denied bail and facing possible extradition to Sweden, where it's believed he might be handed over the US authorities. He's being held not for his dealings in stolen documents, but for violating Sweden's politically progressive laws against sexual assault.
TIME's Managing Editor, Richard Stengel, has paid close attention to the case of Wikileaks and has personally interviewed Assange in recent months. Editor at Large Fareed Zakaria, on the other hand, seems utterly indifferent. The former editor of Newsweek International, if Zakaria's perspective isn't influential on the decision it is at least typical of the thinking of the members of the political establishment not bent on Assange's destruction.
On Zakaria's most recent CNN podcast, his panel of international analysts chuckled for just a few minutes about the impact Wikileaks is likely to have on diplomatic record keeping, history and accountability. (Specifically, people would simply stop writing things down.) Zakaria said that the leaked documents hadn't disclosed duplicity or immoral behavior on the part of US officials and then the group moved on to talking about international currencies and debt.
Explicit evidence of clear lies covering up US military action in Yemen, the coverup of human trafficking by US military contractors, the revelations that US officials had sought information to blackmail climate change negotiation participants more enthusiastic about regulations than the US and other high-profile contents of the small portion of leaked documents that have been published were apparently considered trivial.
Given what columnist Glenn Greenwald has called the authoritarianism of the American media when it comes to Wikileaks (and other matters) nothing can be taken for granted, no matter how polls turn out. Both supporters and critics of Wikileaks will no doubt have fingers crossed and one eye shielded from the TV when this venerable award is issued to someone Wednesday morning.
PM breaks silence over phone tapping
Breaking his silence over the telephone tapping controversy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today acknowledged that there was "nervousness" in the corporate sector and spoke of tightening the system to prevent leakage of tapped conversations.
Speaking at a business conference here he said the Cabinet Secretary has been asked to look into these issues and report back to the Cabinet within the next month.
"I am aware of the nervousness in the corporate sector, arising out of the powers conferred upon the government authorities to tap phones for protecting national security and preventing tax evasion and money laundering.
"While these powers are needed, they have to be exercised with utmost care and under well-defined rules, procedures and mechanisms so that they are not misused," he said while inaugurating the India Corporate Week 2010.
Singh said solutions should be looked through technology to prevent access of telephone conversations to systems outside the framework of the government.
"Legal mechanisms already in place should be strengthened for more effective enforcement. I am asking the Cabinet Secretary (K M Chandrasekhar) to look into these issues and report back to the Cabinet within the next month", he said.
The effort of the government, the Prime Minister said, would be to provide a "level-playing field for private businesses, free from fear or favour".
The Prime Minister's remarks come against the backdrop of Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata expressing serious concerns over conversations between him and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia making their way to media. He used strong words like India facing the threat of becoming a banana republic.
HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh too had expressed concern over telephone tapping and leakage of 'private conversations' in public domain, and said the episode had hurt the morale of the industry.
Part of the 5000-odd telephone conversations recorded by the Income Tax Authorities between Radia and bigwigs including businessmen, politicians and press persons have found their way to the media and the Internet.
Raising concerns over the issue of "ethical deficit", the Prime Minister said, "the manner is which they (corporates) use natural resources and the extent to which they are sensitive to the needs and aspirations of common man is critical to their own long-term survival."
Ethical behaviour
Noting that concentration of wealth without empowering people is unacceptable ethically, Singh said, "I am sure business leaders are aware that business practices of some corporate houses have recently come under intense public scrutiny for their perceived ethical deficit."
The Prime Minister said that "ethical and responsible behaviour needs to become the cornerstone of corporate behaviour, as indeed out national outlook."
Singh also asked India Inc to ensure resettlement and rehabilitation of the project affected families, besides addressing environmental concerns.
"Our growth process must not suffer because of loss of confidence in industrialisation and development", he said, adding the country needs policies and interventions that would minimise livelihood disruptions.
The companies, he said, "must also adopt environmentally friendly measures and avoid taking shortcuts that adversely impact livelihoods and worsen the quality of living of the local populace."
On the positive side, the Prime Minister referred to growing might of domestic companies on the global stage and said, "India's corporate sector is poised to become the main engine of growth for the Indian economy. The responsibility it carries is, therefore, enormous."
The Corporate Affairs Ministry, he said, has been providing an enabling regulatory framework to facilitate the corporate sector to function productively and responsibly and broadly in line with national aspirations.
Singh also complimented the Ministry for updating the Company Law, introducing limited liability partnerships, making efforts to converge domestic accounting norms with International Financial Reporting Standards and spreading investor education.
"The voluntary guidelines issued by the Ministry on corporate governance and corporate social responsibility have evoked interest internationally", he said.
The government was committed to providing an enabling environment conducive to the growth of the corporate sector, Singh said, hoping, "corporate India will contribute to our efforts to fulfil the dreams of the aam adami (common man)."
Muharram Latest SMS 2010 | Muharram Festival Wishes 2010 | Muharram SMS Gretings 2010
Muharram Festival Wishes 2010
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months of the year in which fighting is prohibited. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar. Muharram is so called because it is unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word haram, meaning “forbidden”. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. Some Muslims fast during these days. The tenth day of Muharram is called Yaumu Ashurah, which is known by Shia Muslims as ‘the day of grief.Some Sunni Muslims fast during this day, because Prophet Musa and his people obtained a victory over the Egyptian Pharoah on this 10th day of moharram,according to them Prophet Muhammad asked Muslims to fast on this day, and also a day extra either before or after, so that they are not similar to Jews.Fasting differs among the Muslim groupings; mainstream Shia Muslims stop eating and drinking during sunlight hours and do not eat until late afternoon. Sunni Muslims also fast during Muharram for the first 10 days of Muharram, just the tenth day or on both the ninth and tenth days; the exact term depending on the individual. Shia Muslims do so to replicate the sufferings of Husayn ibn Ali on the day of Ashurah. Some Shia Muslims, especially in India, go further in their attempts of replication, including self flagellation .
Muharram SMS Gretings 2010
God is the light of the heavens and the earth;
His light is as a niche in which is alamp,
and the lamp is in a glass…
*******************************************
God guides to his light whom
He pleases; and God strikes out parables for men,
and God all things doth know”
******************************************
Zikre Shabbir ko fatwaon se dabanay waly,
Kitny nadaan hain sooraj ko chupany waly,
Ghaib se aati hai sadaye Mehdi,
Zikry Shabbir ko hum hain bachany waly.
******************************************
Kya Haq Ada Karega Zamana HUSAIN Ka,
AbTak Zamee Pe Karz He Sajda HUSAIN Ka,
Jholi FelaaKar Manglo Mumino,
Har DUA Kabul Karega DAI HUSAIN Ka
******************************************
Janat me Janat k haqdar jayenge,
Kasam ALI ki ALI k hubdar jayenge,
Dar-e-Janat pe khari Zehra A.S kehti hen,
Janat me mere LaaL k Azadar jayenge
Samantha Actress Stills
Telugu film actress Samantha personal profile, biography, detailed filmography, Samantha photo gallery with latest photos, Samantha upcoming movies information and her complete telugu movies list, Samantha in movie news and much more about Samantha updated regularly.
Samantha Personal Profile
Name: Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Nick Name: Honey, Kiss Baby
Date of Birth: 1987, April 28
Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Profession: Acting
First film: Ye Maya Chesave
First hero: Naga Chaitanya
First Director: Gautham Vasudeva Menon
First Producer: Manjula
Zodiac sign: Taurus
Favourite God: Jesus Christ
Religion: Christian
Nationality: Indian
Favorite dressing: Modern dresses
Mother Tongue: Malayalam
Languages Known: Tamil, English, Malayalam a bit of Telugu
Height: 5.6 inches
Education: Commerce Degre from Stella Mary’s College
Favorite actresses: Trisha
Hobbies: Chatting with Friends, Going on long rides
Marital Status: Single
Samantha Biography
Samantha is model turned film actress who appears in Telugu and Tamil films. She was born to Telugu and Malayali parents on April 1987 April 28. She was brought up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and she is the youngest child of the family having two elder brothers. Despite her mixed regional background, Samantha sees herself as a Tamilian as she was brought up speaking Tamil and English at home. She completed her commerce graduation at Stella Mary’s college in Chennai.
Samantha Filmography
Samantha started her acting career, with modeling and then peeped into some film offers, which came in her way. Although, Tamil film projects, knocked her doorstep first, it was a Telugu film “Ye Maya Chesave” which introduced her as an actress on the silver screen.
Samantha was signed for the first Telugu film in August 2009 and participated actively in all the shooting schedules of the movie, which were scheduled in India and United States. In the month of February 2010, “Ye Maya Chesave” released and brought fame and value to actress Samantha in Tollywood.
She recently tasted another success with Jr Ntr in a film Brindaavanam being directed by Vamsi Paidipally. Here she played a role called Indu, which also gave her good identity. She was seen sporting modern dresses in this film. Along with her Kajal Agarwal an established actress shared screen space with Samantha.
Samantha Upcoming Movies
As off now, Samantha has signed the project of actor Mahesh Babu who is known as Prince of Tollywood. The movie is titled as Dookudu, which is produced by her first producer Majula. And the banner name is Indira Productions.
Samantha Movies
Ye Maya Chesave
Brindaavanam
PSEB 12th Class Result Announced
The Punjab State Education Board (PSEB) has announced the Senior Secondary Examination 2010 1st Semester/Compartment/DIC /Open School result on 13-12-2010. The exams were held in the month of september 2010.
PSEB class XIIth compartment/open school results are available on the official website of the board: http://pseb.ac.in/frmResultShow.htm . The results are also available shool wise, where you just need to type the school code to get the results.
To avoid load and congestion on the website, the PSEB has also arranged for three separate servers so that it easier for students and parents to see the results on the other server in case one server is down due to heavy traffic.
Punjab State Education Board Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was set up under an Act of Legislation in 1969, which was later amended in 1987, 2000 and 2005. According to the provisions of this Act, the PSEB exercises and performs the following functions:
1. Prescribe the syllabus, courses and text books for school education;
2. Conduct reserach for grading of textual vocabulary and make arrangements for regular revision of text books and other books;
3. Conduct examinations for school education (at different levels), announce the results of these exams and grant certificates to the students psssing such examinations
4.Look after the preparations, compilation, publication, improvement, printing and sale of text books.
5.To make necessary arrangements and work towards affiliations of schools to the PSEB
6.To work towards bringing about qualitative improvement in school education.
7.To act as an advisory body to the state Govt. regarding School Education.
Is Mariah Carey Pregnant
The latest buzz right now is the question ‘Is Mariah Carey Pregnant’ and the recent pictures of 40-year-old American pop/R&B singer tell the story.
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Pune University BSL 5th Year Result 2010 | www.unipune.ac.in | Pune University BSL Results 2010
Pune University Results
University of Pune was established under the Poona University Act, passed by the Bombay Legislature on 10th February, 1948. In the same year, Dr. M. R. Jayakar assumed office as the first vice chancellor of the University.Shri B.G.Kher, Chief Minister and Education Minister, Govt. of Bombay, took a keen interest in setting apart a beautiful campus for the University. As a result of his efforts, a campus extending over 411 acres was allocated to the University in early 1950.
Pune University has publish BSL (New Five Year Law Course) Exam Results 2010.
Pune University Examination Results 2010.
Buckley T Ratchford
Buckley T Ratchford: latest news about Buckley T Ratchford updates, Goldman Sachs is probably the greatest investment bank in the world – and maybe the universe. It employs over 1700 managing directors, but how many of them are bona fide financial shamans or money mystics See the original post here: Buckley T Ratchford Jim Flaherty’s Interview with BNN’s Amanda Lang at the Conference of Montreal The International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Conference of Montreal was covered this week by BNN’s Amanda Lang, who interviewed the World Bank President (Robert Zoellick), the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (Dominique Strauss-Kahn), former U.S.
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Jayamala Case | Kannada Actress Jayamala Case | Jayamala chargesheeted in Sabarimala case
Jayamala Case
Jayamala is a Kannada Film Actress.She was Arrested by Kerala Police on touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at the famous Sabarimala temple in violation of the hill shrine custom.
Kerala Police on Tuesday filed a Charge Sheet against Kannada film Actress Jayamala, four years after she made a controversial claim that she had touched the idol of Lord Ayyappa at the famous Sabarimala temple in violation of the hill shrine custom.50-year old Jayamala has been listed as the third accused after astrologer Parappanangadi Unnikrishnan and his Bangalore based aide Raghupathy for their alleged deliberate and malicious act to outrage religious sentiments by hatching a conspiracy involving her.
The chargesheet was filed in the first class judicial magistrate court at Ranni in Pathanamthitta District.The revelation by the actress in June 2006 raised a storm.A crime branch probe found that it was only a conspiracy hatched by the astrologer and his aide.
The chargesheet said the accused were involved in a deliberate and malicious act intended to outrage religious feelings under section 295 of Indian Penal Code.Jayamala, a former president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, had claimed she had in her prime youth entered the sanctum sanctorum and touched the idol of the presiding deity.Women in the 10 50 age group are barred from entering the temple.She had faxed her claim to the temple administration office when an astrological examination of the conduct of the temple affairs, known in local parlance as deva prasnam was on by Unnikrishnan.
The astrologer had claimed then that the poojas and rituals of the shrine had not been performed with due sanctity and dedication by priests and there were even signs of the idol having been touched by a woman.It was after this that Jayamala made the claim that she had visited the temple when she was just 18 and she wanted to do penance for that.With the incident leading to a storm, the government had then ordered a crime branch probe.
The inquiry as part of which the actress was questioned in Bangalore, concluded that her claim of having been pushed by the rushing devotees into the idol chamber appeared most illogical and implausible.According to the investigators, the whole episode appeared to be a conspiracy to buttress the claim of the astrologer about the poor state of temple affairs.