The Indian Panorama

Year: 2013

  • SOON, A SMART PHONE WHICH DOUBLES UP AS A MICROSCOPE

    SOON, A SMART PHONE WHICH DOUBLES UP AS A MICROSCOPE

    LONDON (TIP): Your smart phone may soon be able to double up as a high resolution microscope that can detect even the smallest virus. University of California Los Angeles researchers have created a portable smartphone attachment that can be used to perform sophisticated field testing to detect viruses and bacteria without the need for bulky and expensive microscopes and lab equipment. The device weighs less than half a pound. Using this device which attaches directly to the camera module on a smartphone the team was able to detect single Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) particles. HCMV is a common virus that can cause birth defects such as deafness and brain damage and can hasten the death of adults who have received organ implants who are infected with the HIV virus or whose immune systems otherwise have been weakened. A single HCMV particle measures about 150-300 nanometres – a human hair is roughly 100,000 nanometres thick.

    Aydogan Ozcan, a professor of electrical engineering and bioengineering at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science said “This cell phonebased imaging platform could be used for detection of sub-wavelength objects, including bacteria and viruses and therefore could enable the practice of nanotechnology and biomedical testing in field settings and even in remote and resource-limited environments. These results also constitute the first time that single nanoparticles and viruses have been detected using a cell phone-based, field-portable imaging system”. In a separate experiment, Oscan’s team also detected nanoparticles — specially marked fluorescent beads made of polystyrene — as small as 90- 100 nanometres. To verify these results, researchers used other imaging devices, including a scanning electron microscope and a photon-counting confocal microscope. These experiments confirmed the findings made using the new cell phone-based imaging device. Capturing clear images of objects as tiny as a single virus or a nanoparticle is difficult because the optical signal strength and contrast are very low for objects that are smaller than the wavelength of light. Researchers here detail a fluorescent microscope device fabricated by a 3-D printer that contains a colour filter, an external lens and a laser diode. The diode illuminates fluid or solid samples at a steep angle of roughly 75 degrees. This oblique illumination avoids detection of scattered light that would otherwise interfere with the intended fluorescent image.

  • US MAN GROWS NEW FINGER AFTER HORSE BITE

    US MAN GROWS NEW FINGER AFTER HORSE BITE

    NEW YORK (TIP): A 33-year-old man in US has undergone a ‘miraculous’ medical procedure to grow back his index finger which was chomped down by an overzealous horse while he was feeding the animal. Paul Halpern from Florida managed to save the severed digit and take it to the hospital, but doctors told him there was nothing they could do. Halpern then visited Dr Eugenio Rodriguez, a Deerfield Beach general surgeon who used an innovative procedure called xenograft implantation to regenerate the finger. Xenograft refers to transplantation of cells from one species to another. Rodriguez created a scaffold of Halpern’s missing finger, using tissue from a pig bladder, and attached it to the severed portion. The finger grew into the mold, generating new bone and soft tissue and a new fingernail. According to CBS Miami, Halpern had to apply pulverised pig bladder tissue to his wounded finger each day and cover it with a protective saline sheet. Rodriguez said the powder stimulates stem cells in the finger to regenerate, which causes the growth.

  • US launches unmanned Cygnus cargo ship to International Space Station

    US launches unmanned Cygnus cargo ship to International Space Station

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Orbital Sciences Corp launched the first flight of its unmanned Cygnus cargo ship today to the International Space Station, as Nasa forges ahead with its plan to privatize US space missions. “This is just the beginning of what we can do to support human space flight,” Orbital executive vice president Frank Culbertson, a retired Nasa astronaut, told reporters after Cygnus went into orbit around the Earth. The Cygnus capsule, hitched to Orbital Science’s Antares rocket, blasted off at 10:58 am (1458 GMT) from Nasa’s Wallops Flight Facility off Virginia’s eastern coast, for a Sunday rendezvous with the ISS. At the orbiting outpost, the Exhibition 37 crew watched live video of the blast-off. Nasa released a photo showing Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineers Karen Nyberg and Luca Parmitano suspended due to the loss of gravity as they gathered around a laptop computer screen in the station’s Destiny laboratory.

    “Congrats @OrbitalSciences — great launch! Excited for Cygnus arrival on Sunday!” Nyberg tweeted using her handle @AstroKarenN. Cygnus separated from the rocket’s second stage about 10 minutes after blast-off to reach Earth’s orbit, marking the success of the launch. It later deployed both of its solar arrays, which will supply power to the spacecraft. The payload separation was successful, a Nasa commentator said on the US space agency’s live television feed. Clapping could be heard at mission control. “That was just a beautiful launch,” a Nasa commentator said. “All going very smoothly with the continuing health of the spacecraft.” Cygnus will ferry about 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms) of food, clothing and other cargo for the crew aboard the space station, which it is scheduled to reach at 1130 GMT Sunday. “Today marks a milestone in our new era of exploration as we expand the capability for making cargo launches to the International Space Station from American shores,” Nasa Administrator Charles Bolden said in a statement. “Orbital’s extraordinary efforts are helping us fulfill the promise of American innovation to maintain our nation’s leadership in space.” Parmitano, with help from Nyberg, will command the station’s 57-foot (17-meter) robotic arm, Canadarm2, to reach out and grapple Cygnus ahead of the docking.

  • BLACK HOLE, NOT BIG BANG, MIGHT HAVE STARTED UNIVERSE

    BLACK HOLE, NOT BIG BANG, MIGHT HAVE STARTED UNIVERSE

    MELBOURNE (TIP): The big bang theory may be a myth, as cosmologists have speculated that the universe was created after a star collapsed into a black hole – a theory that helps to explain why it seems to be expanding in all directions. The big bang theory suggests that the universe was created from a single point in the universe but despite years of research, nobody yet knows what triggered the eruption. It also fails to explain why the Universe has an “almost completely uniform temperature.” Researchers said that there does not seem to have been enough time since the birth of the cosmos for it to have reached temperature equilibrium, News.com.au reported. Astrophysicists from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada have released a paper discussing a previous theory out of Germany that posited that the universe is a three-dimensional “membrane” floating through a four-dimensional “bulk universe”.

    A bulk universe is a very complicated concept out of string theory that puts forward the idea that space is a plane of infinite dimensions through which other planes of infinite dimensions float. The team claimed that if the “bulk universe” contained four dimensional stars, some of them could collapse and cause black holes in the same way that stars in our universe do – they turn in supernovae, ejecting their outerlayers while their inner layers collapse into the black hole. Black holes in our universe are spherical in shape and possess some kind of “membrane” that keep them that way. These “membranes” are known as “event horizons”. Anything that passes through this event horizon is done for, because the gravitational pull is so great it makes escape impossible. In our universe only a two dimensional object is capable of becoming an event horizon within a black hole, Nature explained. Whereas in a bulk universe, the event horizon of a four dimensional black hole would have to be three dimensional, known as a “hypersphere”. In a nutshell this means that a star floating through a multidimensional plane got sucked into a black hole, half of it got swallowed up and the other half that survived spawned the creation of the universe. The fact that our universe is expanding in all directions could be a sign simply of cosmic expansion, rather than as the origin of the universe itself, the researchers suggest.

  • HILL STATIONS OF MAHARASHTRA

    HILL STATIONS OF MAHARASHTRA

    As the state of Maharashtra is the Home of Sahydri Mountains, the state has many appealing hill stations. The Britishers founded most of these hill stations during their colonial era to beat the scorching heat. But the beauty and the charming glory are still alive in these hill stations. The Western Ghats, which form a part of the Sahydri range, has also lots of beautiful hill stations. Hill stations of Maharashtra not only attract the foreign tourists but also Indian domestic tourists, which are exhausted with the fast urban life. Popular hill stations of Maharashtra are Matheran, Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchagani, Bhandardara, Malshej Ghat, Amboli, Chikhaldara Panhala, Panchgani, Sawantwadi, Toranmal, and Jawahar. It is said that each hill station of Maharashtra has unique characteristic and its closeness to a city makes it very popular.


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    Amboli
    Amboli is located in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. This hill station is at an altitude of 690m above the sea level. Having dense forests and steep mountains, Amboli is the last hill resort before the coastal plains begin in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri Hills. The hilltop Amboli gives a fine bird’seye view of the Konkan coast. Colonel Westrop, who was a British political agent, developed Amboli as a hill station after the opening of the Ghat Road from the coastal town of Vengurla, now in southern Maharashtra, to Belgaum. Receiving nearly 750 centimeters (269 inches) of rainfall per year, this hill station is the wettest place in Maharashtra. Amboli is one of the few hill stations of Maharashtra from where one can see the sea. This hill station is totally swathed with cloud during rainy season. Hiranyakeshi Temple, Nagarta falls, Hiranya Keshi, Mahadev Gad and Narayangad are the important places to visit in this hill station. Nearest airport is Belgaum, (64 km), while nearest railway station is Sawantwadi at 28 km on the Konkan Railway. One can stay at government resorts.

    Bhandardara
    Bhandardara is located at a distance of 70 km from Nashik. It is a small and peaceful area. This hill station is popular for fun loving and picnic lovers. Radha Falls, a deep valley, a clean and large Arthur Lake, a historical Ratangadh Fort, an ancient temple – Amritheshwar Temple, a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram,Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam, and Viewpoints are the important destinations at Bhandarda. It also has a trekking destination – Mount Kalusubai. The largest earthen dam in the country and one of the oldest dams in Asia,Wilson Dam or Bhandardara Dam is at Bhandardara. The height of the dam is nearly 150 m. The overflowing water makes the Umbrella Falls, which is a picturesque sight during the monsoon season. There is also a lake with serene beauty called Arthur Lake. One can also visit the site from where the lake originates at Pravara River. Streamlets from this lake flow down to 45m heights at Randha Falls. Not only a heart catching scenic spot, these falls also serves as a hydropower generation. Agasti Rishi Ashram is on the bank of the Pravara River, which attracts huge crowds. One can also visit Amriteshwar Temple at Bhandardara. Bhandardara is most suited to visit after the monsoon season as its beauty emerges only after the rains. Nearest Airport is Nashik at (93 km), nearest railway station is Igatpuri at (45 km).

    Chikaldhara
    Chikhaldara is in Amaravatio district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It is believed that its name is derived from Keechaka. This hill station is the only hill station, which offers the tourists lots of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls in the Vidharba region. Chikhaldara is situated at an altitude of 1,118 m. This place is the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees. Abundance of natural scenery, exciting wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls and placid lake make the hill station a perfect site for summer retreat. Popular as the Melghat Tiger Project and Dhakana-Kolkaz National Park, this station has wildlife like panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and wild dogs. Tourists can also enjoy the panoramic view of this hill resort from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. Gawilgad and Narnala fort, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, Tribal Museum and Semadoh Lake are other destinations of this hill station. Chikaldhara’s cool breezy climate makes it an excellent place to repose in summer. Nearest airport is Akola (150 km), while nearest railway station is Badnera (110 km). Nearest bus depot is in Amravathi (100 km). Accommodation is available at Chikhaldara.

    Jawahar
    Jawhar hill station is in Thane district of Maharashtra. Gifted with exotic valleys, thick rich forests and pleasant climate, Jawhar offers dofferent type of enjoyment comparing to other hill stations of Maharashtra. Jawhar is popular for its lively Warli paintings. This hill station is one of the few tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra. Tourists can visit Jai Vilas, the Palace of the tribal lords that offers a unique opportunity to expose and enlighten with the tribal way of life. Bhupatgad relics are also worth a visit. Dadar Kopra Falls, Hanuman Temple and Sunset Points are the other attractions of Jawhar. Jawhar is also known as the Mahabaleshwar of Thane District. Shirpamal, where Shivaji Maharaj camped on his way to Surat is near Jawhar. Nearest airport is at Nashik (80 km), while nearest railway station is at Igatpuri (61 km).

    Lonavala And Khandala
    Locating at an altitude of 625m, Lonavala and Khandala are famous for its beautiful hills, deep green valleys, huge lakes, historic forts and waterfalls etc. These two hill stations are at the Sahyadris Mountains of Maharashtra. Lonavala and Khandala have magnificent waterfalls that give a heart catching view during monsoon. Tourists can plan their trip together with Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala. This hill station is also known as the ‘Jewel of Sahydri’, because of its nature’s gifted of beautiful valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds. Khandala is smaller than Lonavala and relatively calmer. It is known to be the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. Beautiful waterfall amidst green environment is really splendid to see. The place refreshes the exhausted tourists. Tugauli, Lonavala, Bhushi and Valvan Lake are the important lakes of this hill station. Nearest airport is situated at Pune (64 km). Lonavala and Khandala are 104 km from Mumbai and 64 km from Pune on the Mumbai-Pune highway.

  • PITRU PAKSHA

    PITRU PAKSHA

    The dark fortnight of Ashvin (September-October) is known as Pitr Paksha, Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. This is an occasion to perform rites for the departed ancestors to keep their souls indebted for years. Pitr Paksha is performed for the departed immediate relatives usually up to 3 preceding generations. Pitr Paksha is performed from the 1st day / tithi of the Ashwin month and goes up to the following New Moon (Amavasya) day. Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the Shradh of those ancestors who had met eternity on that particular day / tithi. Pitr paksha is the occasion to repay debt to our departed ancestors by satisfying their souls by performing rites. For this purpose “Shradh” is performed with a belief that our dead ones’ souls are alive amongst us. Yamaraja, the Lord of death allows the souls to come down to the earth and receive offers from their descendants. This practice is made to the dead “pitris”. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.


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    Pitru Paksha 2013 Dates
    19 September (Thursday) Purnima Shraddha
    This is the auspicious time to perform either kutup muhurat and rohina etc. Muhurat after that till Aparahana kaal gets over and at the end Tarpan is done.

    20 September (Friday) Pratipada Shraddha
    Pratipada Shraddha Tithi is also a suitable to perform Shraddha for maternal grandfather and grandmother. ). If there is no person to perform Shraddha at maternal home or death anniversary not known then doing Shraddha on this Tithi appeases souls of maternal grandparents. It is said that performing this shraddha brings happiness and prosperity.

    21 September (Saturday) Dwitiya Shraddha , Tritiya Shraddha
    This form of Shraddha is done for those deceased family who died on dwitiya tithi or Trithiya tithi.

    22 September (Sunday) Chaturthi Shraddha
    Deceased family members who died on chaturthi tithi, for those chaturthi shraddha is performed

    23 September (Monday) Maha Bharani
    Bharani Shraddha is equivalent to those of Gaya Shraddha. This form of shraddha is performed after death of the person but according to dharmasindhu it can also be done every year.

    24 September (Tuesday) Panchami Shraddha
    This shraddha is done for those deceased family member who died unmarried.

    25 September (Wednesday) Shashthi Shraddha
    26 September (Thursday) Saptami Shraddha
    27 September (Friday) Ashtami Shraddha
    28 September (Saturday) Navami Shraddha
    This Shraddha is suitable to perform mother’s shraddha and it is said that doing shraddha on this day appeases all deceased female members in the family.

    29 September (Sunday) Dashami Shraddha
    30 September (Monday) Ekadashi Shraddha
    01 October (Tuesday) Magha Shraddha, Dwadashi Shraddha
    This is the tithi suitable to perform Shraddha for those who had taken renunciation before death.

    02 October (Wednesday) Trayodashi Shraddha
    This tithi is most suitable to perform shraddha for dead children.

    03 October (Thursday) Chaturdashi Shraddha
    This tithi is suitable for those deceased family members who were killed by some weapon, died in accident, committed suicide or murdered. Otherwise Chaturdashi Shraddha is not done on this Tithi and is performed on Amavasya Shraddha Tithi.

    04 October (Friday) Sarva Pitru Amavasya
    If death anniversary is not known or forgotten then those shraddha is performed on this tithi. If someone not able to perform shraddha on all tithis single shraddha on this day is enough to appease all deceased souls in the family.

    Do’s and Don’ts
    According to the Hindu religion, Pitr Paksha is very important and auspicious. During this period, there are certain non-indulgences that should be followed keeping in mind the sanctity of the ritual. Although many people today, are not able to follow them or don’t believe in them, yet, they should be followed till whatever extent it’s possible.

    These austerities are:
    To refrain from Non-vegetarian food. Abstain from the consumption of onion, garlic, junk food. If possible one should avoid shaving and haircuts during this time. Although, it is obligatory to perform the rite of “Shradh” on the Tithi of the death, but, if for whatever reason it couldn’t be done, at least food should be distributed to poor according to the time of convenience. Doing recitals like Garuda Puraanam (depicting passage of a soul), Nachiketa story from Upanishads (where Yama Gita is there – it contains Lord Yama’s elucidation of the journey of a soul which was first revealed to the devoted Nachiketaa), and Ganga Avatarana chapter from Shrimad Vaalmiiki Ramayan. These recitals are stated to grant satisfaction of Pitrs and thereby ensure their blessings upon us.

    Legends
    Mahabharata, Karn ( the son of Kunti-Surya and supposedly brother-like to Pandavas) who is fondly remembered as “Daanveer Karn” made lots of charity in form of jewels, money and lands. When he died and ascended to heaven, he got all that he gave in form of charity in multiples. But, he didn’t get food as he did not give food-charity. He starved for days and finally asked the “Yamaraj” if he could get a chance to make for this deficiency. Yamaraj allowed him and granted a period of 14 days to go back to the earth and make for it. These 14 days were used by Karan to give numerous food-charities and he also offered Shradh to his ancestors. When he finally returned back to the heaven, there was plenty of food available to him. Thus, in Hindus, it is considered very auspicious to donate food in form of Shradh to poor, as whatever donated is supposed to reach directly to one’s ancestors. During these days and especially on the day of new moon it is believed that the soul of the dead ones (Atmas), are permitted by Yamaraj to reach earth and receive the benefits of these rites from their children. According to Lord Krishna “The soul never dies”, it only transforms from one external form (body) to another. Thus it is believed that in whatever form our ancestors exist, the charity during this time surely reaches them. The sons performing the rites of Pitru Paksha are free of any Pitr dosh and are eligible for Pitr lok. It lasts for a fortnight and the day to perform the rituals depend on the Tithi, calculated according to the Hindu calendar.

  • SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    CONTD FROM Vol 7 ISSUE 36 || 6 || 14 || 21 || ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: RAAG AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, CHHANT, FIRST HOUSE: Joy – great joy! I have seen the Lord God! Tasted – I have tasted the sweet essence of the Lord. The sweet essence of the Lord has rained down in my mind; by the pleasure of the True Guru, I have attained peaceful ease. I have come to dwell in the home of my own self, and I sing the songs of joy; the five villains have fled. I am soothed and satisfied with the Ambrosial Bani of His Word; the friendly Saint is my advocate. Says Nanak, my mind is in harmony with the Lord; I have seen God with my eyes. || 1 || Adorned – adorned are my beauteous gates, O Lord. Guests – my guests are the Beloved Saints, O Lord. The Beloved Saints have resolved my affairs; I humbly bowed to them, and committed myself to their service. He Himself is the groom’s party, and He Himself the bride’s party; He Himself is the Lord and Master; He Himself is the Divine Lord. He Himself resolves His own affairs; He Himself sustains the Universe. Says Nanak, my Bridegroom is sitting in my home; the gates of my body are beautifully adorned.

    || 2 || The nine treasures – the nine treasures come into my home, Lord. Everything – I obtain everything, meditating on the Naam, the Name of the Lord. Meditating on the Naam, the Lord of the Universe becomes the one’s eternal companion, and he dwells in peaceful ease. His calculations are ended, his wanderings cease, and his mind is no longer afflicted with anxiety. When the Lord of the Universe reveals Himself, and the unstruck melody of the sound current vibrates, the drama of wondrous splendor is enacted. Says Nanak, when my Husband Lord is with me, I obtain the nine treasures. || 3 || Over-joyed – over-joyed are all my brothers and friends. Meeting the Guru, I have won the most arduous battle in the arena of life. Meeting the Guru, I am victorious; praising the Lord, Har, Har, the walls of the fortress of doubt have been destroyed. I have obtained the wealth of so many treasures; the Lord Himself has stood by my side. He is the man of spiritual wisdom, and he is the leader, whom God has made His own. Says Nanak, when the Lord and Master is on my side, then my brothers and friends rejoice.

    || 4 || 1 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL: Inexpressible is the sermon of the inexpressible Lord; it cannot be known at all. The demi-gods, mortal beings, angels and silent sages express it in their peaceful poise. In their poise, they recite the Ambrosial Bani of the Lord’s Word; they embrace love for the Lord’s Lotus Feet. Meditating on the One incomprehensible and immaculate Lord, they obtain the fruits of their heart’s desires. Renouncing self-conceit, emotional attachment, corruption and duality, their light merges into the Light. Prays Nanak, by Guru’s Grace, one enjoys the Lord’s Love forever. || 1 || The Lord’s Saints – the Lord’s Saints are my friends, my best friends and helpers. By great good fortune, by great good fortune, I have obtained the Sat Sangat, the True Congregation. By great good fortune, I obtained it, and I meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; my pains and sufferings have been taken away. I have grasped the Guru’s Feet, and my doubts and fears are gone. He Himself has erased my self-conceit. Granting His Grace, God has united me with Himself; no longer do I suffer the pains of separation, and I shall not have to go anywhere. Prays Nanak, I am forever Your slave, Lord; I seek Your Sanctuary.

    || 2 || The Lord’s Gate – at the Lord’s Gate, Your beloved devotees look beautiful. I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice, again and again a sacrifice to them. I am forever a sacrifice, and I humbly bow to them; meeting them, I know God. The Perfect and All-powerful Lord, the Architect of Destiny, is contained in each and every heart, everywhere. Meeting the Perfect Guru, we meditate on the Naam, and do not lose this life in the gamble. Prays Nanak, I seek Your Sanctuary; please, shower Your Mercy upon me, and protect me. || 3 || Innumerable – innumerable are Your Glorious Virtues; how many of them can I sing? The dust of Your feet, of Your feet, I have obtained, by great good fortune. Bathing in the Lord’s dust, my filth has been washed away, and the pains of birth and death have departed. Inwardly and outwardly, the Transcendent Lord God is ever-present, always with us. Suffering departs, and there is peace; singing the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises, one is not consigned to reincarnation again. Prays Nanak, in the Guru’s Sanctuary, one swims across, and is pleasing to God. || 4 || 2 || AASAA, CHHANT, FIFTH MEHL, FOURTH HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: My mind is pierced by the Lord’s Lotus Feet; He alone is sweet to my mind, the Lord King. Joining the Society of the Saints, I meditate on the Lord in adoration; I behold the Lord King in each and every heart.

    I behold the Lord in each and every heart, and the Ambrosial Nectar rains down upon me; the pains of birth and death are gone. Singing the Praises of the Lord, the treasure of virtue, all my pains are erased, and the knot of ego has been untied. My Beloved shall not leave me to go anywhere – this is His natural way; my mind is imbued with the lasting color of the Lord’s Love. The Lotus Feet of the Lord have pierced Nanak’s mind, and now, nothing else seems sweet to him. || 1 || Just like the fish which revels in water, I am intoxicated with the sublime essence of the Lord, my Lord King. The Perfect Guru has instructed me, and blessed me with salvation in my life; I love the Lord, my King. The Lord Master, the Searcher of hearts, blesses me with salvation in my life; He Himself attaches me to His Love. The Lord is the treasure of jewels, the perfect manifestation; He shall not forsake us to go anywhere else. God, the Lord Master, is so accomplished, beauteous, and all-knowing; His gifts are never exhausted. As the fish is enraptured by the water, so is Nanak intoxicated by the Lord. || 2 || As the song-bird yearns for the rain-drop, the Lord, the Lord my King, is the Support of my breath of life. My Lord King is more beloved than all wealth, treasure, children, siblings and friends.

    The absolute Lord, the Primal Being, is more beloved than all; His condition cannot be known. I shall never forget the Lord, for an instant, for a single breath; through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, I enjoy His Love. The Primal Lord God is the Life of the Universe; His Saints drink in the Lord’s sublime essence. Meditating on Him, doubts, attachments and pains are shaken off. As the song-bird yearns for the rain-drop, so does Nanak love the Lord. || 3 || Meeting the Lord, my Lord King, my desires are fulfilled. The walls of doubt have been torn down, meeting the Brave Guru, O Lord King. The Perfect Guru is obtained by perfect pre-ordained destiny; God is the Giver of all treasures – He is merciful to the meek. In the beginning, in the middle, and in the end, is God, the most beautiful Guru, the Sustainer of the World. The dust of the feet of the Holy purifies sinners, and brings great joy, bliss and ecstasy. The Lord, the Infinite Lord, has met with Nanak, and his desires are fulfilled.

    || 4 || 1 || 3 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, CHHANT, SIXTH HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: SHALOK: Those beings, unto whom the Lord God shows His Mercy, meditate on the Lord, Har, Har. O Nanak, they embrace love for the Lord, meeting the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. || 1 || CHHANT: Just like water, which loves milk so much that it will not let it burn – O my mind, so love the Lord. The bumble bee becomes enticed by the lotus, intoxicated by its fragrance, and does not leave it, even for a moment. Do not let up your love for the Lord, even for an instant; dedicate all your decorations and pleasures to Him. Where painful cries are heard, and the Way of Death is shown, there, in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall not be afraid. Sing the Kirtan, the Praises of the Lord of the Universe, and all sins and sorrows shall depart. Says Nanak, chant the Hymns of the Lord, the Lord of the Universe, O mind, and enshrine love for the Lord; love the Lord this way in your mind. || 1 || As the fish loves the water, and is not content even for an instant outside it, O my mind, love the Lord in this way. Like the song-bird, thirsting for the rain-drops, chirping each and every moment to the beautiful rain clouds.

    So love the Lord, and give to Him this mind of yours; totally focus your consciousness on the Lord. Do not take pride in yourself, but seek the Sanctuary of the Lord, and make yourself a sacrifice to the Blessed Vision of His Darshan. When the Guru is totally pleased, the separated soul-bride is re-united with her Husband Lord; she sends the message of her true love. Says Nanak, chant the Hymns of the Infinite Lord Master; O my mind, love Him and enshrine such love for Him. || 2 || The chakvi bird is in love with the sun, and thinks of it constantly; her greatest longing is to behold the dawn. The cuckoo is in love with the mango tree, and sings so sweetly. O my mind, love the Lord in this way. Love the Lord, and do not take pride in yourself; everyone is a guest for a single night. Now, why are you entangled in pleasures, and engrossed in emotional attachment? Naked we come, and naked we go. Seek the eternal Sanctuary of the Holy and fall at their feet, and the attachments which you feel shall depart. Says Nanak, chant the Hymns of the Merciful Lord God, and enshrine love for the Lord, O my mind; otherwise, how will you come to behold the dawn? || 3 || Like the deer in the night, who hears the sound of the bell and gives his heart – O my mind, love the Lord in this way. Like the wife, who is bound by love to her husband, and serves her beloved – like this, give your heart to the Beloved Lord.

    Give your heart to your Beloved Lord, and enjoy His bed, and enjoy all pleasure and bliss. I have obtained my Husband Lord, and I am dyed in the deep crimson color of His Love; after such a long time, I have met my Friend. When the Guru became my advocate, then I saw the Lord with my eyes. No one else looks like my Beloved Husband Lord. Says Nanak, chant the Hymns of the merciful and fascinating Lord, O mind. Grasp the lotus feet of the Lord, and enshrine such love for Him in your mind. || 4 || 1 || 4 || AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, SHALOK: From forest to forest, I wandered searching; I am so tired of taking baths at sacred shrines of pilgrimage. O Nanak, when I met the Holy Saint, I found the Lord within my mind.

  • FOOD COMBOS TO MAKE YOU LEAN

    FOOD COMBOS TO MAKE YOU LEAN

    Combination: Eggs and Mango
    Gives you: Firm skin
    There’s no need to apply several products to get good, firm skin. Just eat some eggs and mango, especially now that the fruit is in season. Eggs are naturally rich in amino acids that are essential for formation of skin-plumping collagen. And mango, which is rich in Vitamin C, works with these acids to boost collagen production. This helps build back lost stores in the body, which can significantly improve the appearance of skin. Do it right: To give a boost to your next breakfast, pair an omelette with a cup of fresh mango chunks, which supply nearly an entire day’s supply of Vitamin C.

    Combination: Red Bell Peppers and Black Beans
    Gives you: Better Immunity
    They look good at the veggie market and are expensive. But here’s a good reason to buy them. You’ll absorb more immune-boosting plant iron by adding in some red bell peppers on your plate. Iron in black beans is hard for the body to absorb, however, adding a dose of Vitamin C-rich produce like red peppers converts the iron into a type that’s easier for the body to use. Do it right: There are great recipes online that show you how to mix your beans with red bell peppers and make the meal a tasty one too.

    Combination: Extra- Virgin Olive Oil and Tomatoes
    Gives you: Better protection from diseases
    Tomatoes boast of four major carotenoids (alpha-carotene, betacarotene, lutein, and lycopene) besides three potent antioxidants (betacarotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C) which may help fight cancer and heart disease. These protective chemicals are better absorbed with extra-virgin olive oil, which is high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Do it right: Leave the tomato skin on, since it is packed with phytochemicals. Extra-virgin olive oil is the least processed form, so it contains the most beneficial compounds. Store it away from heat and light to prevent it from going rancid.

    Combination: Broccoli and Tomatoes
    Gives you: Protection against cancer
    Both are individually known to have cancer-fighting properties, but research has shown that together they are the Hulk of cancerfighting foods. Scientists found consuming tomato and broccoli at the same time was more effective at slowing the growth of cancerous prostate tumours than eating either vegetable alone. Do it right: Have one-and-a-half cups of broccoli along with twoanda- half cups of fresh tomato, with pizza or spaghetti.

    Combination: Oatmeal and Strawberries
    Gives you: A healthier heart
    Oats contain two important phytochemicals called avenanthramides and phenolic acids, which are known to work with Vitamin C to reduce harmful effects of bad cholesterol and help prevent plaque build-up that lead to heart attacks. Do it right: Enjoy a half cup of sliced strawberries with your morning bowl of oatmeal.

    Combination: Green Tea and Lemon
    Gives you: A healthier heart
    Green tea, a rich source of powerful antioxidants called catechins, is known to help improve the heart’s health. However, according to studies only about 20 per cent of these compounds are absorbed by the human body. Adding lemon juice to green tea has been shown to increase the catechins level to 80 per cent. Do it right: After brewing yourself a cup of green tea, squeeze in the juice of one whole lemon.

    Combination: Cinnamon and Whole Grain Toast
    Gives you: Extra energy and quicker weight loss
    Sprinkling cinnamon on your toast may help keep your blood sugar at a healthier level, which prevents dips in your energy and spikes in your hunger level. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, cinnamon was found to slow the rate of stomach emptying after meals and reduce the rise in blood sugar after meals to negate more bingeing later. Do it right: Use whole grain bread, trans-free margarine and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

    Combination: Garlic and Onions
    Gives you: Full-body protection
    Both these veggies contain a number of organosulfur compounds and heart-healthy plant chemicals that help keep arteries free of plaque. Some of these compounds have even been studied for their power to detoxify carcinogens in the body. Do it right: Most Indian cooking combines the two, however if you are in the mood for something else, the combination even works for soups and sauces.

    Combination: Green Tea and Black Pepper
    Gives you: A slimmer waistline
    Forget crash dieting. After your next meal sip a cup of green tea with a little black pepper thrown in. The combination boosts the absorption of EGCG, a key antioxidant in tea tied to calorie burning, by 130 per cent. Experts say the compounds in green tea can affect the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. Do it right: Studies say as little as a half-teaspoon of black pepper can increase the absorption of tea’s beneficial compounds.

  • IRREGULAR PERIODS, A HEALTH ALERT FOR TEENS

    IRREGULAR PERIODS, A HEALTH ALERT FOR TEENS

    While irregular periods are common among teenage girls, researchers have warned that if erratic menstrual cycles persist later into the teen years, girls should see a specialist to determine if they are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine disorder that is characterized by an excess of androgens or male hormones in the body. The imbalance of hormones interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries, which can prevent ovulation and menstruation. Apart from irregular periods, symptoms associated with PCOS can include weight gain, hair growth on the body and face, thinning of the hair on the head, acne and infertility. Women with PCOS are at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and endometrial cancer. People with PCOS also tend to become resistant to insulin, which can lead to diabetes.

    Suzanne Kavic, MD, division director, Reproductive Endocrinology, Loyola University Health System, said that symptoms associated with this syndrome can be concerning to young girls particularly during the teen years, which is already a stressful time. However, Kavic said that PCOS can be identified at an early age and begin managing symptoms to alleviate some of the anxiety for these girls. Treatments for PCOS can include a combination of exercise, diet modifications and medication. Weight loss helps to regulate male hormones and blood sugar levels, which can restore ovulation and menstruation. Birth control pills also may be prescribed to control the menstrual cycle while other hormone therapies can decrease androgen levels and curb symptoms.

  • Craving pizza? Poor sleep to blame for it

    Craving pizza? Poor sleep to blame for it

    Not enough shuteye is linked with several health disadvantages. The latest among them, is the craving for junk food. That’s right, a study has recently revealed that sleep deprivation can make us desire junk food more than healthy food. Researchers at UC Berkeley scanned the brains of 23 healthy young adults, first after a normal night’s sleep and next, after a sleepless night by using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The researchers measured brain activity as participants viewed a series of 80 food images and rated their desire for each of the items. Matthew Walker, the senior author of the study, found that highcalorie foods became significantly more desirable when participants were sleep-deprived.

  • YOUR NEW HOME YOUR HAVEN

    YOUR NEW HOME YOUR HAVEN

    Moving into a new house is never an easy experience. It takes sometime to truly start loving the place and convert it into a home which has your personal touch. And at times, it is possible we feel out of place. Here are some ways to make your new place seem your own at the earliest.

    Colour
    Fresh coats of paint are the easiest way of adding that personal touch to your home. If you do not like the builder’s choice of colours or want to brighten up a room, choose your favourite shades and change the appearance with immediate effect. Soft, mossy green in the living room, warm cornmeal yellow in the kitchen and dining room and bright, rich tones in the bedroom is what we recommend. The new and clean walls help in creating positivity and gives a base to the other interior decoration plans. All this need not cost a bomb and can easily fit into a smaller budget.

    Pictures
    This is another inexpensive way of personalising your home. Mount photographs cut out of old coffee table books in inexpensive heavy black frames rather than buying pre-framed prints. Or use cheap outdoor wicker furniture inside.

    Bring in the greens
    Tropical plants add colour and life to every room. But make sure you place them at locations which receive ample sunlight.

    Shop smart
    Keep things manageable by making a list of everything you need to buy for each room. Start by discarding hand-me-down items you really don’t need. Plan the budget required to complete the work in one room at a time to make it easy on the pocket. Important tip: Avoid inviting friends and family as far as possible within the first six months as premature entertaining just leads to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

  • BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA

    BEAUTY BENEFITS OF TEA

    From calming tired eyes to adding bounce to your hair, tea can help you look your best If you have always loved sipping on that cup of chai, here’s more reason to love tea, which is rich in antioxidants – it can help you get gorgeous. Here are some of the ways tea benefits you… Is a great moisturiser: Dry skin? Just spray cold, green tea on the face. This is a great refresher and removes impurities. It also gives a nice glow to the skin. Busts under eye puffiness: Don’t throw out the used teabag. A quick and easy home remedy is to put the used bag in the fridge to cool it and then place it under the eyes. Tea has caffeine, which aids in shrinking blood vessels under the eyes and thus reduces puffiness and dark circles. Gives a sheen and bounce to hair: Want a great mane? Rinse out your hair using black tea or green tea. While black tea can reduce breakage, green tea is said to stimulate hair growth. Just pour the cooled tea on hair and leave it on for ten minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair after that. Eliminates foot odour: Suffering from smelly feet? Don’t just use a deo on them; instead soak your feet in a solution that made of boiled black tea. Tea is antibacterial and stops the ‘foot sweat’ thus reducing the smell. It also closes the pores of the feet. Soothes the skin post shaving: Do your legs turn red and itchy after a shave? Press a cool, black tea bag on the affected area, it calms the skin.

  • GWYNETH PALTROW SAYS SHE’S ADDICTED TO SEX

    GWYNETH PALTROW SAYS SHE’S ADDICTED TO SEX

    Gwyneth Paltrow has confessed that she is addicted to sex. The ‘Shakespeare In Love’ star, who is married to Chris Martin, told chat show host Chelsea Handler that she was a really normal person until she started to hangout with Handler all the time, the Daily Star reported. Paltrow said that she was inspired by all the fun Handler was having in her life. The 40-year-old actress was on the chat show to promote her upcoming film, ‘Thanks For Sharing,’ which deals with sex addiction.

  • JENNIFER ANISTON OBSESSED WITH FIANCE’S COUSIN

    JENNIFER ANISTON OBSESSED WITH FIANCE’S COUSIN

    Jennifer Aniston is apparently obsessed with her fiance’s famous TV documentary-making cousin Louis Theroux. Sources have revealed that the ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S.’ star, who is engaged to Justin Theroux, loves watching clips of Louis on the internet, the Daily Star reported. The insiders stated that the 44-year-old actor has only met her fiance’s cousin a couple of times, but she was hanging on to his every word. The sources also said that Aniston now tells Theroux that his cousin should make a speech at their wedding. Theroux has even joked that he feels threatened by his fiancee’s obsession.

  • Grown Ups 2

    Grown Ups 2

    STORY: The first day of summer in Lenny’s hometown has him, Eric, Chris and David up to all manner of shenanigans that are anything but grown up! REVIEW: Lenny (Sandler) has given up his job and along with his wife Roxanne (Hayek) and kids, moves back to his hometown. You get a taste of what’s in store for the rest of the movie with a cascade of inexplicable events that unfold. Take, for example, when Lenny and Roxanne wake up and find, for no reason whatsoever, a deer in their bedroom, munching on Roxanne’s sexy lingerie. There follows a long sequence of how they manage to get the deer out of their house. Cut to pal Kurt (Rock) and wife Deanne (Rudolph) for a nonsensical breakfast scene. Higgins (Spade) has a visit from a son he didn’t know he had while Eric (James), well, he’s just busy trying to perfect the art of burping, sneezing and passing wind at the same time – a technique he calls ‘burpsharting’.

    From here, the movie seems largely improvised, like the scene where the wives bump and grind with gratuitous cleavage shots for a very unconventional aerobics class. Or, the time they haul Eric to a lake for a swimming session, stumble on to a college party and are ragged. In this scene, Taylor Lautner steals the show. Apart from family values and sticking by your friends, scriptwriters Sandler, Herlihy and Wolf speak about a healthy appreciation for the curvaceous female form. You’re not going to watch this film looking for finesse. There are Sandler movies with far better laughs. In fact, it’s a little hard to describe this film as anything more than a bunch of grown men acting like dorks and in the process, attempting to wrangle a few gags out of situations that seem like a home video stretched to feature film length. The only thought that this film might provoke is to make you wonder what Sandler and gang were thinking when they made this.

  • MALLIKA DOES IT AGAIN

    MALLIKA DOES IT AGAIN

    There she goes again. Anything for publicity — and brazen be damned! That’s Mallika Sherawat for you, ladies and gentlemen (remember her last accent-bhara ‘India is sooo conservative’ Cannes interview?), the lady who jumps, or let’s say in this case, sings right into any publicity gimmick that she can. Guess what the esteemed Cannes ‘invitee’ has been doing between zipping around Rajasthan shooting for the KC Bokadia’s ‘Dirty Politics’ (well…), shooting for a reality show, and going ‘baaack home’? Singing Happy Birthday, recording it, and posting it online. And mind you, it’s a special dedication to none other than Narendra Modi. So, she starts by announcing she’s going to sing for her ‘perfect bachelor’, and starts a very out of tune ‘Happy Biiiirthday Narenderji…’ (she ends with ‘er’ — her native tongue style) and that’s when she realizes nothing in her angrezi vocabulary rhymes with ‘Narenderji’, so in the next line, she continues with the ‘jiiii’ till her voice peters out.Well,she’s proved one thing: Priyanka and Exotic she definitely is not.

    Twitter sort of erupted with funny one liners after Mallika’s birthday act on Tuesday.”Sherawat manages to sing even Happy Birthday out of tune. That is how talented she is,” read one tweet, “And our own Mallika Sherawat sings birthday song for @narendramodi. After this performance she can be renamed Mallike SheraWTF,” said another. “What!! Mallika Sherawat is crooning for NaMo’s birthday. Hope Poonam Pandey is not in the mood for competition,” went yet another. Whatever it is, that plain simple Mallika Syndrome (read: a nose that smells for free publicity) of hers has now made her a sniggering point even in political circles, for some time to come. Maybe Mallika will be inundated with birthday party invites of many politicians in the coming days,but aaj ke din,there’s definitely Mr Modi wishing he were born another day!

  • Grand Masti

    Grand Masti

    STORY: Three married men plan to get up to some bachelor pranks during their college reunion. Do they go all the way or do they chicken out?
    REVIEW: Grand Masti stakes its claim to being Bollywood’s first adult comedy. And, just like the innumerable puerile potboilers that India’s dream factory churns out with a warning that says — leave your brains behind, this one should have a disclaimer that reads, ‘Leave your pretensions behind’. Once you do this, you can sit back and laugh aloud at the crass jokes this film throws up at regular intervals. College mates Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani have uncontrollable libidos, but get very little sex in their married lives. Their mundane existence stems from the fact that their wives —- Karisma Tanna, Sonalee and Manjari Fadnis — give more attention to work, the baby and family, in that order. But there appears to be someone listening to their prayers.

    A college reunion gets them together. And they fervently hope this would be their chance to chase skirts and their fantasies. On campus, the men reunite with an over-sexed teacher, Rose ( Maryam Zakaria), a vacuous brunette, Mary ( Bruna Abdullah) and Marlow (Kainaat Arora), whose names, when pronounced together, beat most expletives. A lot of double-meaning jokes, oohs and aahs reveal that the women in their lives are related to their college principal, who lands up at the doorstep just when the action is getting heated. Some more sexual mayhem follows and before you know it, the irrepressible threesome is lying on hospital beds with multiple fractures. They sheepishly vow never to stray. Riteish, Vivek and Aftab are comfortable in their roles and even manage to say some of the most terrible things with a poker face. The girls are not really required to act. While the wives are shown to be particularly dumb, the temptresses with vacuous expressions and ample cleavage make the impact they are required to.

  • VIDYA BALAN SHEDDING EXTRA KILOS FOR HER NEXT WITH EMRAAN

    VIDYA BALAN SHEDDING EXTRA KILOS FOR HER NEXT WITH EMRAAN

    Bollywood’s favourite yoyo dieter Vidya Balan is at it again. This time the actress is on a dieting spree to shed the pounds for her next venture with Emraan Hashmi. Vidya had cut a rather full figure in her last film with the actor, ‘Ghanchakkar’, where she played a loud mouth Punjabi housewife. But in the upcoming Mohit Suri project produced by Vishesh Films, Vidya will portray a florist working in a posh hotel chain and the actress is in a bid to quickly lose the pounds in a bid to fit the prim mould of the character. The filmmakers did not ask Vidya to lose weight, but she knew that the role demanded that she be trim. She is an intelligent artiste who puts in a lot of effort to portray characters convincingly, so she is on a strict diet and exercise regime.

  • Muzaffarnagar riots: Arrest warrants against 16 UP leaders

    Muzaffarnagar riots: Arrest warrants against 16 UP leaders

    LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI (TIP): A Muzaffarnagar court on September 18 issued non-bailable arrest warrants against a BSP MP, two MLAs each of the BJP and the BSP and 11 other political and community leaders for allegedly inciting communal violence that has claimed 47 lives. The warrants were issued on a day when the Central Government accused the Samajwadi Party-led UP Government of “extreme carelessness” in containing violence and demanded its resignation. No arrests have been made, but the police said action would be taken against the accused in two days. “We have collected some evidence and more evidence is being collected. The guilty will be arrested in two days,” said SSP Muzaffarnagar, Praveen Kumar. BSP’s Muzaffarnagar MP Qadir Rana, BJP MLAs Hukum Singh, Sangeet Som and Bhartendu Singh, BSP MLAs Noor Saleem and Maulana Jameel, Congress leader Saeed-ul-Zaman and BKU chief Naresh Tikait were among the 16 against whom warrants were issued, the police said. They are wanted for violating prohibitory orders and provoking communal tension by making inflammatory speeches at different meetings (mahapanchayats).

    As many as 10 police teams have fanned out across the state to arrest those against whom warrants have been issued. In the UP Assembly, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav hit out at the BJP accusing it of vitiating the atmosphere in view of the coming Lok Sabha elections and promised stern action against all those guilty. High drama was witnessed outside the Vidhan Sabha this evening amidst rumours that BJP MLAs — against whom a Muzaffarnagar court had issued warrants — would be arrested when they emerge from the House. The leaders hurriedly left the Assembly complex virtually shielded by a human armor of their MLAs. Shouting anti- SP slogans, BJP MLAs led by Hukum Singh and Uma Bharti crossed the Ashok Marg and found refuge in the heavily guarded BJP state office virtually across the road. Uma Bharti warned the SP government of dire consequences if it dared to arrest BJP MLAs. “First get the charges against them probed. There are charges against Mohd Azam Khan as well. If Hukum Singh and Sangeet Som are arrested, then he (Azam Khan) should also be arrested. Otherwise, all BJP MLAs would court arrest.

    The situation may turn ugly for which none but the SP government would be held responsible,” said Bharti. Later, BJP leaders quietly dispersed to their respective Lucknow homes. It is now believed that the arrests would be made after the conclusion of the monsoon session. In New Delhi, Congress spokesperon Meem Afzal said: “The UP Government has failed to contain the situation and has displayed extreme carelessness in containing violence. If they can’t run the government, they must resign immediately.” The Congress’ demand for the Akhilesh Yadav government’s resignation came on the day of mounting evidence that the state political machinery prevented UP cops from taking preemptive action. Amid two new sting CDs that have “caught the cops on camera” accusing some UP ministers (including Azam Khan who has denied his role) of asking them to go soft on rioters of a particular community, the Congress called for a thorough probe to determine the veracity of the policemen’s claims.

  • TEJINDER SINGH WANTS FORMER ARMY CHIEF GEN V K SINGH’S BAIL CANCELLED

    TEJINDER SINGH WANTS FORMER ARMY CHIEF GEN V K SINGH’S BAIL CANCELLED

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Lt Gen (retd) Tejinder Singh on September 19 sought cancellation of bail granted to former Army chief Gen V K Singh, who is facing criminal defamation charges, saying he had levelled false allegations against him. “He (V K Singh) is making false and defamatory allegations against me on TV channels. I can expose him in five minutes on the same TV channel but I will not do that… Whatever steps are to be taken as per the law should be taken by the court to restrain V K Singh from making such statements,” Tejinder Singh told metropolitan magistrate Jay Thareja. During arguments on Tejinder Singh’s plea seeking cancellation of bail, his counsel Anil Aggarwal argued that the former Army chief had given an interview to a news channel where he had levelled defamatory allegations against his client and he had repeated it again in an another interview given recently. “V K Singh had said I (Tejinder) am trying to influence CBI investigation… V K Singh had also said that my client was involved in sinister and anti-national activity to demean the Indian Army,” Aggarwal said. He claimed that V K Singh had also cast aspersions on the court which should be treated as “contempt of court” and these were enough grounds to cancel his bail.

    V K Singh’s counsel Vishwajeet Singh opposed Tejinder Singh’s plea saying he had already advised his client not to take any names and give such alleged statements in the media. He also refuted Tejinder Singh’s allegations about influencing the CBI saying, “How can I (V K Singh) pressurize the CBI? I am not the home minister.” During the hearing, the court also concluded the hearing on Tejinder Singh’s plea seeking cancellation of exemption from personal appearance granted to four other accused. The court has reserved for October 3 its order on both the pleas. Tejinder Singh had lodged a criminal defamation case against V K Singh, the then vice-chief of Army S K Singh, retired Lt Gen B S Thakur (then director general of Military Intelligence), Maj Gen S L Narshiman (additional director general of public information) and Col Hitten Sawhney. In his complaint, Tejinder Singh had alleged he was defamed by the Army through its press release issued on March 5 last year which accused him of offering a bribe of Rs 14 crore to the then Army chief to clear a deal of 600 trucks, a charge refuted by him. Advocate Sidharth Agarwal, who appeared for the other four accused, argued that non-appearance of these persons did not have any impact on the case as their lawyers remained present to participate in the proceedings. He also read out the affidavits, filed by the incumbent Army chief and the defence ministry before the Delhi High Court, saying it was mentioned that these four officials had acted in a “bonafide manner”.

  • CBI clears Sushilkumar Shinde in Adarsh society case

    CBI clears Sushilkumar Shinde in Adarsh society case

    MUMBAI (TIP): The CBI, probing the Adarsh society case,said that there was nothing on record to show that Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde had a role in the alleged scam by allotting flats to ineligible members. The Colaba tower has come up next to defence establishments. The CBI on September 19 made a plea in the high court to dismiss an application filed by Pravin Wategaonkar, who had filed a PIL seeking a probe by Enforcement Directorate for alleged benami transactions over flat allotments, in the tower 31-storey sea-facing residential tower in Colaba, had seeking to include Shinde’s name in the criminal case. But CBI said, “There is nothing on record to suggest that Shinde insisted on 51 more members by substituting ineligible members before the land was given to the society resulting in addition of benami members.” CBI officer K Babu filed an affidavit and said the probe into benami transaction is on. Wategaonkar had sought details and a probe into allotment of a flat to a family member of a retired army major N W Khankhoje.

    He had suggested that Shinde may have suggested Khankhoje’s name. The CBI said Major Khankhoje who had retired in 1977 had learnt of Adarsh and applied in 2004 for a membership after ”gathering information from Army sources” . He had asked his son Kiran who also retired from the Indian Navy as a captain in 1996 to join Air India as a pilot to arrange for the flat payment. Kiran’s wife Devyani is a vice president in a large private sector group company. The CBI said ”while it may be true that the membership was pursued by K L Gidwani a politician and another Adarsh member, it can’t be confirmed at this stage since both Gidwani and Major Khankhoje have since expired.” But the CBI said that “investigation does not reveal any family relationship between Khankhoje and Shinde”. Wategaonkar also filed a fresh affidavit pointing to internal file notings of 2004 bearing Shinde’s signature as then CM of Maharashtra. The CBI and state sought two weeks time to study and reply to the fresh affidavit and the HC adjourned the matter by a week to next Thursday. Wategaonkar filed a fresh affidavit pointing to internal file notings of 2004 bearing Shinde’s signature as then CM. The CBI and state sought two weeks time to reply to the fresh affidavit. The HC adjourned the matter to next Thursday.

  • Riots threaten Mulayam’s rainbow coalition

    Riots threaten Mulayam’s rainbow coalition

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Muzaffarnagar riots threaten to bring apart the ambitious social coalition that Mulayam Singh Yadav has been attempting with aggressive polarization politics and anti-quota rhetoric. The post-riot anger among Muslims has raised serious questions about their continuance in the Samajwadi tent. If the grievance persists among Muslims that the Akhilesh Yadav regime deliberately let the situation turn riotous, it could knock out a major component of the rainbow coalition that Mulayam has been eyeing. Taking Muslim support for granted as also OBCs, Mulayam recently embarked on a strategy to win over a chunk of upper castes to improve his chances in the 2014 elections. Turning his back on his Mandalite past, Mulayam opposed ‘reservation quota’ for dalits despite a large consensus in its favour in Parliament, a move designed as an olive branch for upper castes. In fact, Muslims, OBCs and upper castes are united in their hostility to quota.

    The Samajwadis are troubled at how the situation has panned out after riots, with no group happy with the state government. Given the extent of loss to the minorities, it remains an uphill task to convince the community otherwise. SP insiders believe the situation can be retrieved with exemplary action against rioters, most of whom named are from the BJP. Else, the party is staring at largescale desertion by the loyal minority base without any gain among upper castes who may be more amenable to appeals from BJP, and in parts to BSP and Congress. This would dash the hopes of the Samajwadi camp which has believed that communal tensions were not bad for its politics, the thinking drawing from the Ayodhya years when “secular” competitors like Congress and BSP were edged out. The Mulayam camp calculated that the advent of Narendra Modi on the national scene would push Muslims into a tighter embrace since its massive assembly triumph in 2012 had positioned it as the main challenger to BJP. The dip in Congress fortunes nationally only bolstered this belief. These calculations are being reviewed after the riots. Observers believe the angry minorities may see merit in BSP which has a stronger organization in western UP and, to some extent, Congress – defying traditional assumptions. Worse for SP could be the threat on the Hindu side. While upper castes may prefer non-SP parties, a polarized polity could even dent the Samajwadi’s Hindu backward caste base. A worried SP is eagerly looking to find a way out of the hole that the riots have dug for the party ahead of the 2014 polls.

  • BJP will emerge as single largest party in LS polls: Survey

    BJP will emerge as single largest party in LS polls: Survey

    NEW DELHI (TIP): BJP will emerge as the single largest party in the coming parliamentary elections, a survey has claimed. “BJP has emerged as a clear winner across the country, (more so in north and west). Majority of young people, in the age group of 18 to 30, favoured the party. While in south, both BJP and Congress were running neck to neck,” a survey by AC Nelson-ABP News said. Majority of people from north (around 42%) were unhappy with the performance of UPA-2 and in a setback to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the respondents rated his performance “even below his government’s performance”, it claimed. Narendra Modi has emerged as the favourable prime ministerial candidate as more than 60% people expressed satisfaction on his performance, the survey said, adding that majority of people feels that the Gujarat chief minister should be declared as BJP’s PM candidate.

    More than 60% have rated Modi’s performance as good or very good, he was more popular among the voters from north, younger generation and affluent. 70% respondents in Gujarat rated Modi’s performance as very good or good, with a mean score of 4.3, the survey said. Modi clearly emerged as front runner for the post of PM, followed by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. Across all zones except south, Modi emerged as the clear choice for the post of PM, while in south, he was neck to neck with Rahul Gandhi. Singh’s performance was rated as poor and very poor among the north Indian voters, who rated his performance even below the performance of UPA-2 government. Around 40% of the respondents feel that Singh was responsible for poor economic situation of the country. But surprisingly, in southern states, 45% people held finance minister P Chidambaram responsible for it. Congress may be calling itself as secular but people held both Congress and BJP equally responsible for communalisation of politics.

  • Japan, India chalk out roadmap for investment in export led manufacturing

    Japan, India chalk out roadmap for investment in export led manufacturing

    NEW DELHI (TIP): India and Japan have charted out a roadmap to boost investment between the two countries. In a meeting headed by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Anand Sharma and Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan, business leaders from both the countries were of a firm view that India’s growing economy and stable investment climate offer large opportunities for Japanese companies. “Our action plan focuses investment in export oriented manufacturing. Japan has shown tremendous interest that will lead not only foreign investment flows, bring in a culture of quality and high-end management practices in Indian industry along with creation and strengthening supply chains” said Shri Sharma at the meeting. In order to make the business environment amiable, the Japanese side agreed to hold business matching activities for procurement of automobile parts and raw materials in Chennai and Pune this year. It will be organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) for further consolidation of supply chain networks between both the countries.

    The Japanese side will also hold Japan-India Energy Exhibition in 2013 by JETRO and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) for business alliances in energy-saving sector. Same business matching exercise will be carried in the companies involved in creative industries. For further enhancing cooperation with the Central and State Governments on investment promotion and facilitation, the Indian and Japanese side felt the need of the establishment of institutional mechanisms and frameworks for exchange of views on issues related to investment among Government of Japan, Indian and Japanese businesses, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and various State Governments. The business delegation of both the countries strongly urged for the promotion of dissemination of investment information related to both Central and State Governments including investment rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Acting on this, the Japanese side will provide information to Indian investors on all aspects of doing business in Japan, offer free temporary office space throughout Japan by JETRO, and receive any inquiries from Indian investors regarding investment in Japan to give assistance on individual case in cooperation with relevant ministries by JETRO.

    Apart from this, the Japanese side will also support Japanese small and medium enterprises’ investment in India through the establishment of SME Overseas Business Support Platform in Mumbai and Chennai by JETRO from 2013. The Japanese side will also support capacity enhancement of export supporting institutions such as Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) through JETRO. Both sides will also start industrial human resource development by utilising The Overseas Human Resources and Industry Development Association (HIDA) programmes to develop and upgrade skills and promote investments in India’s manufacturing sector. Both sides will promote investment in India by Japanese companies which will enable these companies to export from India to neighbouring countries including countries in Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). The Indian and Japanese business leaders also sensed the need to establish one-stop investment centres in the respective countries to provide assistance and advisory services to the business sectors including information on regulatory regimes, incentives, infrastructure and facilitation of operating licenses and permits. Shri Sharma further stressed on the fact that although there has been increasing flow of Japanese investments over the last five years, it is still much below the potential that exists between our two countries.

    “There are huge opportunities for investment in sectors like infrastructure including investments in DMIC region; power; metals; renewable energy; manufacturing; automobiles and auto parts; agro processing and food processing; Electronics Hardware Manufacturing (EHM) and creative industries,” said Shri Sharma. The presence of Japanese companies in India has increased from 555 sites in 2008 to 1422 sites in 2011 and is expected to reach 2500 sites by 2015. Japan has partnered India in several high-key, high-value, highpriority projects like the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Project and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project. From April 2005 to March 2013, the cumulative Indian investments into Japan are around USD 371.46 million. While, on the other hand, according to JETRO, Japanese investments in India are around USD 15.93 billion inclusive of FDI as well as portfolio investment and M&A.

  • EBAY LAUNCHES 2ND DATA CENTRE IN BANGALORE

    EBAY LAUNCHES 2ND DATA CENTRE IN BANGALORE

    BENGALURU (TIP): US-based e-commerce major eBay Inc on September 19 inaugurated a new global development centre in India. The development centre, the company’s 16th such centre globally, is spread across 1,50,000 sq ft. “We have continued to expand our footprint across strategic areas,” said Ken Moss, vice-president (technology and science), eBay Marketplaces. “We are looking to tap into the large pool of software engineering talent in Bangalore…We are committed to India as a technology hub and see India’s software engineering talent as a critical driver for our long-term success.” In 2007, the company had set up a 2,50,000-sq-ft development centre in Chennai. That centre currently employs around 2,000 people. As is the case with the Chennai centre, the Bangalore facility would house eBay employees, as well as those of its wholly-owned subsidiary PayPal.

    Through the next three years, the company plans to hire 700 employees for its Bangalore facility. This would raise the company’s Bangalore staff strength to 1,000. Ram Narayanan, general manager, eBay Product Development Centre, said both fresh graduates and experienced professionals would be hired for the new date centre, which would undertake jobs across functions, including product management and analytics. eBay said it had invested “significantly” into the development centre. It however, did not disclose the exact investment. “We invest heavily in the career development of our people. We are hiring technologists with strong product development experience across functions, including platform and application development, architecture, quality engineering, product management, marketing and product analytics, user experience and design and information security,” Moss said. Meanwhile, Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister S R Patil said the government expected the first phase of the Bangalore information technology investment region to be commissioned by 2020. The Karnataka government is setting up a 10,500-acre ITIR near the Bangalore international airport, with an estimated investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore. The ITIR is expected to generate direct employment for 12,00,000 and indirect jobs for 28,00,000 people. “It (the ITIR) would be commissioned in two phases. The first phase would be commissioned in 2020 and the second by 2032,” Patil said.