The Indian Panorama

Month: June 2016

  • Einstein 2.0: Gravitational waves detected for a second time

    Einstein 2.0: Gravitational waves detected for a second time

    CAPE CANAVERAL (TIP): The ground-breaking detection of gravitational waves, ripples in space and time postulated by Albert Einstein 100 years ago, that was announced in February was no fluke. Scientists said on Wednesday that they have spotted them for a second time.

    The researchers said they detected gravitational waves that washed over Earth after two distant black holes spiraled toward each other and merged into a single, larger abyss 1.4 billion years ago. That long-ago violent collision set off reverberations through spacetime, a fusion of the concepts of time and three-dimensional space.

    These gravitational waves were observed by twin observatories in the United States late on December 25, 2015. The detectors are located in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington.

    The first detection of gravitational waves was made in September and announced on February 11. It created a scientific sensation and was a benchmark in physics and astronomy, transforming a quirky implication of Einstein’s 1916 theory of gravity into the realm of observational astronomy.

    The waves detected in September and December both were triggered by the merger of black holes, which are regions so dense with matter that not even photons of light can escape the gravitational sinkholes they produce in space.

    The merging black holes that set space ringing in December were much smaller than the first pair, demonstrating the sensitivity of the recently upgraded Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO, facilities.

    “We are starting to get a glimpse of the kind of new astrophysical information that can only come from gravitational-wave detectors,” said Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher David Shoemaker.

    The black holes that triggered the newly detected gravitational waves were eight and 14 times more massive than the sun, respectively, before merging into a single, spinning black hole about 21 times more massive than the sun. The equivalent of one sun’s worth of mass was transformed into gravitational energy.

    The Louisiana site detected the waves first and the Washington state detector picked up the signal 1.1 milliseconds later. Scientists can use the timing difference to calculate a rough idea of where the black holes merger occurred.

  • NEW SPACE ROCK TO REVEAL ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH

    NEW SPACE ROCK TO REVEAL ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH

    NEW YORK (TIP): Scientists have discovered an ancient space rock which can reportedly shed more light on the evolution of life. The meteorite, discovered in Sweden’s fossil meteorite-rich Thorsberg quarry, belongs to a type that has never before found on the Earth.

    The new meteorite, called Ost 65, appears to be from the missing partner in a massive asteroid collision 470 million years ago.

    The collision sent debris falling to the Earth over about a million years and may have influenced a great diversification of life in the Ordovician Period which lasted almost 45 million years, beginning 488.3 million years ago and ending 443.7 million years ago.

    One of the objects involved in this collision is well-known. It was the source of L-chondrites, the most common type of meteorite. But the identity of the object that hit it has been a mystery.

    “In our entire civilisation, we have collected over 50,000 meteorites and no one has seen anything like this one before,” said study co-author Qing-zhu Yin, professor of geochemistry and planetary sciences at University of California-Davis. “Discovering a new type of meteorite is very, very exciting.”

    Measuring just under four-inches wide, it looks like a gray cow patty plopped into a pristine layer of fossil-rich pink limestone.

    By measuring how long Ost 65 was exposed to cosmic rays, the team established that it travelled in space for about a million years before it fell to the Earth 470 million years ago. This timeline matches up with L-chondrite meteorites found in the quarry.

    According to the researchers, about 100 times as many meteorites slammed into the Earth during the Ordovician Period compared with today owing to the massive collision in the asteroid belt.

    This rain of meteorites may have opened new environmental niches for organisms, thus boosting both the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. “I think this shows the interconnectedness of the entire solar system in space and time, that a random collision 470 million years ago in the asteroid belt, could dictate the evolutionary path of species here on Earth,” Yin explained.

  • SELLERS GAIN ON AMAZON AS IT CUTS OWN COMMISSIONS

    SELLERS GAIN ON AMAZON AS IT CUTS OWN COMMISSIONS

    BENGALURU (TIP): Amazon India has cut its own commissions by 25-30% in key categories such as mobiles, PCs, electronic devices, and personal care appliances. This may put the American e-commerce giant’s local arm at an advantage over rival Flipkart, which recently increased its commissions across key segments and also asked sellers to bear the costs of logistics in case of returns.

    In a communication to sellers, Amazon India has said that its latest policy changes will be effected from June 17. Amazon has reduced its commission for mobile devices and tablets to 3.5% from about 5.5%, and for desktops and laptops to 3% from 4%. Electronic devices, too, have seen a change similar to that of PCs. Electronic devices and mobiles are one of the highest selling categories for companies like Flipkart and Amazon India, fuelled to a great extent by discounts. When contacted, an Amazon India spokesperson confirmed the development. “Yes, we lowered the rates for certain categories. We think these revised rates can significantly help sellers to perform even better and succeed in their business,” the spokesperson said in an emailed response.

    Amazon noted that it started with just 100 sellers three years ago and now has over 85,000 sellers. The number is growing at 250% year-on-year, and Amazon is adding over 90,000 products/day, the company said.

    Among other categories, the company has reduced its commission from 12% to 5% on movies and educational software. However, it had recently increased commissions in some categories such as mobile accessories. Market leader Flipkart has had to face resistance from some sellers on its platform following its revised seller policy. Flipkart’s new seller policy will be effective from June 20.

    Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently announced another $3-billion commitment for the Indian market, taking its total investment in India to $5 billion. Some of these funds are now clearly being used to woo sellers.

  • Uber, Tata ink pact to create 20,000 micro entrepreneurs

    Uber, Tata ink pact to create 20,000 micro entrepreneurs

    MUMBAI: Uber Technologies Inc and the Tata Group on Thursday announced a partnership where the latter will provide a comprehensive vehicle and ownership solution to Uber’s drivers. Under the arrangement, Uber’s drivers can buy Indica and Indigo cars from Tata Motors at discounted rates, with loans offered by Tata Capital Financial Services and Tata Motors Finance at attractive terms, and affordable insurance provided by Tata AIG.

    This is Tata Group’s second partnership with US headquartered ridesharing major. Last year Tata Opportunity Fund had picked up a stake in Uber.

    “Drivers on Uber platform will receive discounts, specialized financing schemes and insurance on Tata cars,” said Madhu Kannan, member-group executive council, and group head-business development and public affairs.

    The initiative has been launched in Hyderabad, which houses Uber’s largest office after the US, and will be subsequently rolled out in other cities where the California-based company runs its services. The partnership with Tata also ramps up Uber’s efforts in its fight against sector leader Ola in India, which is one of the fastest growing markets for Uber globally.

    Eric Alexander, head – business, Uber Asia, said that the initiative will enable more than 20,000 drivers to start their own business through the Uber platform over the next one year.

    “It’s clear from talking to drivers how much they value their flexibility and independence. It’s why we are excited to work with the Tatas to help make it easier and more affordable for drivers to get on the road, thereby promoting micro entrepreneurship in India,” Alexander explained.

  • IMF says Brexit could further weaken eurozone ties

    IMF says Brexit could further weaken eurozone ties

    WASHINGTON (TIP): The International Monetary Fund warned Thursday that a British vote next week to break with the European Union could stifle economic growth and weaken the ties that bind the eurozone.

    In a new report on the euro area, the IMF warned that the 19-nation single-currency bloc already faces rising doubts from within that could loosen its bonds, including from tensions over the refugee crisis and from financial strains.

    It said a pro-Brexit vote on June 23 could exacerbate that trend.

    “Strong collective actions are needed to allay Euroscepticism and renew faith in the monetary union,” the IMF said. “A ‘leave’ vote in the UK referendum, or even a close result in favor of remaining, could exacerbate these tensions, contributing to further Euroscepticism and uncertainty,” the Fund said. Britain is not a member of the eurozone.

    Meanwhile an IMF official said a British vote for exiting the 28-nation European Union would rattle markets and weigh on economic growth.

    “A vote for the exit of the EU would precipitate a protracted period of heightened uncertainty, financial markets volatility and slower growth as the UK negotiates its new relationship with the EU,” IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said at a news conference.

    Speaking a week before the Brexit referendum, the spokesman for the global crisis lender insisted to reporters that he was not sounding an alarm.

    “I would characterize it as the IMF doing its job… in an objective way, in an impartial way,” Rice said.

    But the IMF has already warned several times about the potential negative impact of a Brexit. In May, Christine Lagarde, the IMF managing director, said that quitting the EU would be “pretty bad to very, very bad” for the British economy.

  • INDIA WITHIN WHISKER OF TRADE SURPLUS IN Q1 BUT #BREXIT RISK, #OIL PRICES

    INDIA WITHIN WHISKER OF TRADE SURPLUS IN Q1 BUT #BREXIT RISK, #OIL PRICES

    MUMBAI (TIP): India narrowly missed recording a surplus on its current account in the first quarter of 2016 – the broadest measure of its trade with the rest of the world, central bank data showed on Thursday.

    Its overall balance of payments was in the black for the second consecutive quarter in January-March and for all of financial 2015/16, although the surplus narrowed sharply from the first quarter of last year due to lower foreign investments.

    “The current account deficit can be comfortably financed by foreign direct investment alone, which shows that India’s external sector is on a strong footing,” said Siddhartha Sanyal, India economist at Barclays in Mumbai.

    The current account deficit stood at$300 million or 0.1 percent of gross domestic product in January-March quarter compared with $7.1 billion, or 1.3 percent of GDP in the previous quarter.

    For the 2015/16 fiscal year that ended in March, the current account deficit stood at $22.1 billion versus $26.8 billion the previous year, the Reserve Bank of India said.

    High oil and non-oil imports and risks from a possible British vote to leave the European Union could keep exports growth muted and weigh on the overall balance of payments surplus, which fell to $3.3 billion in January-March from $4.1 billion the preceding quarter.

    For the full year 2015/16, the balance of payments surplus was $17.9 billion, well down from $61.4 billion the previous year.

    “The key risks to balance of payments arise from high oil, non oil imports and slow global growth, which could mean that exports may not post a positive growth rate this year,” said Indranil Pan, chief economist at IDFC Bank in Mumbai.

    Global oil prices which had plunged to a 12-year low in January at $27.71 a barrel, have since risen 80 percent to$49.91 a barrel, adding to India’s energy import bill.

    Nevertheless, India’s external sector balance sheet has seen a stark improvement from 2013 when fear of the US Federal Reserve slowing its stimulus inflated the balance of payments deficit and pushed the current account to a record gap of 4.8 percent of GDP.

    Since then, country’s economy has gathered momentum and extended its lead as the world’s fastest-growing large economy, overtaking fellow Asian giant China, which grew 6.7 percent in the March quarter – its slowest expansion in seven years.

    Success in bringing down inflation has given the RBI room to cut its benchmark interest rate by 150 basis points since January 2015 to the current 6.50 percent, the lowest level in more than five years.

    India’s external financial position seems unlikely to improve much from current levels, however. The balance of payments, which includes the current account and the capital account covering flows of finance, is expected to continue to remain in surplus while the current account deficit may stay around 1 percent of GDP, analysts said.

    In May, foreign investments in Indian equities and the debt market fell to a five-month low as lingering worries over a possible “Brexit” from the euro zone, a slowing Chinese economy and fear of the Fed raising interest rates dented demand.

    The trade balance stayed in deficit in the March quarter, narrowing to
    $24.8 billion from $34.0 billion in the previous three months.

    The capital and financial account, which includes foreign direct investment and portfolio flows, registered a $200 million surplus in January-March, flipping from a $100 million deficit in the same quarter a year ago.

  • NIRJALA EKADASHI

    NIRJALA EKADASHI

    Nirjala Ekadashi is a Hindu holy day falling on the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing fortnight of the Hindu month of Jyestha (May/June). The ekadashi derives its name from the water-less (Nir-jala) fast observed on this day.] It is considered as the most austere and hence, most sacred of ekadashis. If observed religiously, it is said the most rewarding and granting the virtue gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year.

    LEGENDNirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandava Bhima Ekadashi, or Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi. This name is derived from Bhima, the second and strongest of the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates the story behind the Nirjala Ekadashi vrata vow. Bhima, a lover of food, wanted to observe all ekadashi fasts, but could not control his hunger. He approached the sage Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata and grandfather of the Pandavas for a solution. The sage advised him to observe Nirjala Ekadashi, when for one day in the year, he should observe an absolute fast. Bhima attained the virtue of all 24 ekadashis, by observing Nirjala Ekadashi.

    PRACTICESWhile on other ekadashis abstinence of food is observed,on Nirjala Ekadashi, an absolute fast is observed, without partaking even water. The water-less fast is considered extremely difficult to follow as the day falls in the hot Indian summer and thus, it is deemed as very pious austerity. The fast is observed 24 hours from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. Some observe it from sunrise to sunset. On the day before Nirjala Ekadashi, the devotee performs the evening prayer (Sandhyavandanam) and takes only one meal, without rice – as rice eating is prohibited. The devotee is however permitted to have a single tiny drop of water as part of the Achamana purification ritual. Water more than that equals breaking the vow.

    Like other ekadashis, puja is offered to the god Vishnu, for whom ekadashis are sacred, to seek his grace. An image of Vishnu or a Saligrama stone (an iconic fossil stone in the form of Vishnu) is bathed (abhisheka) with Panchamrita, a mixture of five foods: milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), honey and sugar. It is then washed with water and then dressed in royal finery. A hand-fan is also offered. Flowers, incense, water and arati (lamps) are also offered. Devotees meditate on the image of the god. In the evening, they worship Vishnu with durva grass in their hands. Devotees remain awake the whole night and sing praises of Vishnu or meditate on his image.

    Another characteristic of ekadashis is charity to Brahmins (the priest class). Clothes, food grains, umbrellas, hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc. are prescribed to be donated on Nirjala Ekadashi.

    MERITSAccording to the Markandeya Purana and the Vishnu Purana, the day of Ekadashi is itself a form of Vishnu. The vrata observed on this day is said to wash away all sin.[5]One who completes the vrata of Nirjala Ekadashi is mentioned to gain the favour of Vishnu, who grants him happiness, prosperity and forgiveness for sins.[1] The devotee is described to receive the merit gained by the observance of all 24 ekadshis in the year. It is most popular and strictly observed by the Vaishnavas, in particular The observer gains longevity and moksha (salvation).[4] Usually, the messengers of the god of death Yama are described to fetch the person’s soul after death. Yama then judges the person’s deeds and sends him to Svarga (heaven) or Naraka (Hell). However, one who observes the Nirjala Ekadashi rituals is believed to be excused Yama’s judgement and taken by messengers of Vishnu to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, after death.

    IMPORTANCE OF NIRJALA EKADASHI

    • It is equal to going on pilgrimage.
    • ? It provides virtue of all 24 Ekadashi.
    • ? It washes away all sin.
    • ? Grants happiness, prosperity, longevity and moksha (salvation).
    • ? This Ekadasi happens before monsoon season and therefore it is also helps in cleansing the body.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NIRJALA EKADASHI VRAT

    Nirjala means without water. Hence, fast is observed without water and food. It is considered as the most strict and hence, most sacred of all Ekadashis. This fast is extremely difficult to follow as it falls in the hot Indian summer. The 24 hours long fast begins from sunrise on Nirjala Ekadashi to sunrise the next day. People fast and offer puja to Lord Vishnu on this day.

    The fast begins with Sandhyavandanam – a prayer. This prayer is performed in the evening before Nirjala Ekadashi, i.e. on 10th lunar day. After prayer devotee takes only one meal, without rice (as rice eating is prohibited). The strict fast continuous throughout Ekadashi. It gets over on next morning. Devotees offer prayer, tulsi, fruits, and sweets to Lord Vishnu and then finish their fast.

    RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS OF NIRJALA EKADASI

    • ? Offer Puja to Lord Vishnu and seek his grace.
    • ? Bath the idol of Lord Vishnu with Panchamrit.
    • ? Wash with clean water and then dressed in new clothes.
    • ? Offer flowers, incense, water, lamps and a hand fan.
    • ? In evening, worship Vishnu with Durva grass.
    • ? Visit nearby Vishnu temple and observe Jagran at night.
    • ? Chant bhajans, Vishnu Sahasranama and other slokas dedicated to Lord Vishnu
    • ? Donate clothes, food grains, umbrellas, hand-fans, pitchers filled with water, gold etc.

    NIRJALA 1STORY OF NIRJALA EKADASHI VRAT

    Bhimsen – the second Pandava brother and big eater wanted to keep Ekadashi Vrat. All his brothers, wife Draupadi and mother Kunti observed Vrat on 24Ekadasis throughout the year and request him to do the same. But he was unable to perform the ritual due to unbearable hunger pangs. Bhima, was upset due to his weak determination. He was also sacred of dishonouring to Lord Vishnu. So, when Maharishi Vyasa visited them Bhima asked him to find a solution. Sage Vyasa advised him to observe single Nirjala Ekadasi fasting. This fast would compensate for not observing all Ekadashi fasting in a year. Bhima performed the fast with an ease but on the morning of very next day he became unconscious. Then he offered Ganga water with Tulsi to end up his day fast. Due to this legend Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Bhimseni Ekadashi, Bhima Ekadashi or Pandava Ekadashi.

  • WHY INDIAN WORKING MOTHERS MAKE THE BEST PROFESSIONALS

    If you are a working mother, you already know the struggles of juggling between a career and kids (and home, husbands, in-laws and so many more things). It can get really tough and overwhelming. Rushing out of an important meeting on the pretext of getting some papers to call the daycare to check on the safe arrival of kids or missing out on a crucial doctor’s appointment in the middle of the week to give that dreaded presentation to the boss. We all have been there, done that.

    At professional front, a lot of us have witnessed or undergone ‘motherhood penalty’. In one experiment, sociology professors Shelley Correll, Stephen Benard, and In Paik at Harvard questioned college students to rate a pair of job applicants offering them their resumes along with notes from screening interviews. Once they picked all the qualified professionals, they were told that one was a mother. As part of the experiment, it was found that mothers stood lesser chances to be recommended for hire. And if they were, they were offered less in starting salary over childless women.

    According to Dr. Simrat Kaur, Doctorate in Neuro Psychology and presently working as a Consultant Neuro Psychologist with Doctor Insta, “The ‘motherhood penalty’ at workplace is quite worrisome. What many don’t realize is that the brightest side of becoming a mother is that you learn patience, which is an extremely essential trait to function better in day to day life, especially at a workplace. Motherhood makes you wiser, more adept to handle stress and the ability to maintain a healthy balance in your life.”

    Yet people often stay conflicted about the positives of having a working mother as an employee. They may give you a significant cut on your appraisal because you were away on your maternity for three months or talk behind your back for leaving office on time; mind you, if working mums unite, they can change the power structure of the world. Here’s how:

    WORKING MOTHERS CAN MULTITASK Undeniably so, they are doing a lot at once. The fact that she handles a child back home along with the umpteen tasks that she handles at work in itself shows her prowess to handle multiple things at one go. She could be researching about her presentation, shooting urgent mails to the support staff, replying to the kid’s teacher over Whatsapp and also pouring herself a cup of green tea -all at once.

    HAVE BRILLIANT PEOPLE MANAGEMENT SKILLS A working mother handles the ungodly tantrums of her little one back home, yet resists every urge to give up and strike back. Motherhood teaches her brilliant people management skills. And this wisdom enters with her at the workplace too. She is adept at handling tough colleagues and is often the best person to go if you are in dire need of some sensible advice. Clearly so, she barely has time for office politics and tries to keep her surroundings clear of it.

    WILL NEVER DELAY WORK Yes, she likes to leave office in time but that’s also why she finishes her work well in time. She is very well aware that delaying work would mean staying back in office till late or completing work assignment at home. A single delay at work can cause mayhem back home and she will never let that happen. Thus, she gives her best in her working hours.

    ARE ORGANISED A woman who is basically nurturing another life (and family) knows darn well the importance of staying organized. What’s more? She is always more focused on practical solutions to ensure that there is balance in everyday life, both at work and back home.

    WILL NEVER COMMIT A working mother knows her limitation and she will never over commit at the workplace. “Whatever she will says, she will mean it,” adds Dr Kaur. The underlying insight remains that motherhood is the most trying roles and also the greatest learning experience ever.

  • Hydrate, exfoliate, moisturize to avoid dry skin

    Hydrate, exfoliate, moisturize to avoid dry skin

    Save your skin from dryness and dehydration. Increase water intake and exfoliate the dead skin cells to achieve smooth skin, says an expert.

    An expert from Advanced Beauty and Cosmetic Clinic has shared a few tips to get spotless skin:

    Hydrate: Hydrating yourself is absolutely essential to keep your skin healthy. A lot of water content from the body is lost while you sweat during summer season. Therefore, it is essential to increase water intake by a couple of glasses every day.

    Avoid caffeinated drinks and keep away from aerated drinks too as they further dehydrate the skin. Instead, opt for freshly squeezed lime juice or go for coconut water and other fresh juices.

    Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps in the removal of dead skin cells and in achieving smooth skin. You can do it yourself at home with the right mix.

    Oatmeal, honey, lemon, curd, cucumber are some of the ingredients that can work wonders on your skin. In summer season, exfoliate at least thrice a week to remove dead skin and improve blood circulation.

    Moisturize: It is necessary to moisturise your skin before you step out in the searing sun. This will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and scaly.

    Apply a light and non-greasy moisturiser after you step out from a shower and before applying sunscreen. Follow this procedure in the night.

    Balanced diet: It is not just water that helps you to stay hydrated; indulging in fresh fruits, leafy vegetables and salads help as well. Eat the right food to nourish your skin and stay fit during summer. Avoid boiling or steaming vegetables for too long, as this will reduce their water content. Junk food, beverages, non-vegetarian and spicy preparations are a strict no-no as well during summer.

    Milk

    Milk products work wonders on your skin. If you have dry and itchy skin, try applying milk. Take a piece of cloth, soak it in milk and apply it on your skin. Leave it on for five to eight minutes and wash with lukewarm water. Apply it on alternate days and see how your skin begins to glow in a matter of weeks.

    Olive Oil

    Olive oil helps condition your skin since it has many properties that can leave your skin smooth. Take some olive oil and apply it on your skin half an hour before you take shower. Take a hot water bath, and moisturise your skin using a cream. As the procedure takes time, try this over the weekends.

  • FOLIC ACID DURING PREGNANCY COULD CUT OBESITY RISK IN CHILDREN

    FOLIC ACID DURING PREGNANCY COULD CUT OBESITY RISK IN CHILDREN

    Thank your doctor for asking you to have folic acid during pregnancy. By doing so you may have shielded your child’s future risk of obesity, a study reveals.

    This is more in the case of mothers who were obese.

    Folic acid or folate — an essential B vitamin — reduces the foetus’ risk for neural tube defects, which are malformations affecting the brain, spine and spinal cord.

    “Maternal nutrition during pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on child health, as well as the health of a mother after pregnancy,” said lead researcher Xiaobin Wang, from Johns Hopkins University in the US.

    The study, published online in JAMA Pediatrics, suggested that adequate maternal folate may mitigate the effect of a mother’s obesity on her child’s health.

    “Folate is well known for preventing brain and spinal cord defects in a developing foetus, but its effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity, is less understood,” added Cuilin Zhang from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) in the US.

    During pregnancy, maternal obesity increases the risk for a range of pregnancy complications, such as stillbirth, birth defects and preterm birth, the researchers said.

    The findings showed that babies born to obese mothers have long-term health risks, including a higher risk of obesity in childhood. Obese mothers in the study tended to have lower folate levels than normal weight mothers.

    Children of mothers who had the lowest levels of folate in the gestation period showed the highest risk of obesity.

    “This study uncovers what may be an additional benefit of folate and identifies a possible strategy for reducing childhood obesity,” Zhang noted.

    However, the children of obese mothers with adequate folate levels (at least 20 nm/L) showed a 43 per cent lower risk of obesity compared to children of obese mothers with lower folate (less than 20 nm/L).

    Conversely, when folate levels reached approximately 20 nanomoles per litre
    (nm/L), which is within the normal range for adults, further increases in folic acid did not confer additional benefits, indicating a threshold or ceiling effect.

    Establishing an “optimal” rather than “minimal” folate concentration may be beneficial for women planning a pregnancy, especially obese women, the researchers suggested. For the study, the team analysed health records of more than 1,500 mother-child pairs, ranging from two to nine-years-old.

  • JUST 15 MINUTES OF DAILY EXERCISE CAN CUT DEATH RISK IN ELDERLY

    JUST 15 MINUTES OF DAILY EXERCISE CAN CUT DEATH RISK IN ELDERLY

    Just exercising for 15 minutes daily may lower the risk of death in the elderly, a new study has claimed.

    “Age is not an excuse to do no exercise. It is well established that regular physical activity has a better overall effect on health than any medical treatment,” said David Hupin from University Hospital of Saint-Etienne in France.

    “But less than half of older adults achieve the recommended minimum of 150 minutes moderate intensity or 75 minutes vigorous intensity exercise each week,” said Hupin.

    Researchers studied two cohorts. A French cohort of 1,011 subjects aged 65 in 2001 was followed over a period of 12 years. An international cohort of 122,417 subjects aged 60 was included from a systematic review and meta-analysis, with a mean follow up of 10 years.

    Physical activity was measured in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) minutes per week, which refers to the amount of energy (calories) expended per minute of physical activity.

    One MET minute per week is equal to the amount of energy expended just sitting. The number of MET minutes an individual clocks up every week depends on the intensity of physical activity, researchers said.

    For example, moderate intensity activity ranges between 3 and 5.9 MET minutes while vigorous intensity activity is classified as 6 or more, they said.

    The recommended levels of exercise equate to between 500 and 1000 MET minutes every week. Researchers looked at the associated risk of death for four categories of weekly physical activity in MET minutes, defined as inactive (reference for comparison), low (1-499), medium (500- 999) or high (1000).

    During the follow up there were 88 (9%) and 18,122 (15%) deaths in the French and international cohorts, respectively, researchers said.

    The risk of death reduced in a dose response relationship as the level of exercise increased. Compared to those who were inactive, older adults with low, medium and high activity levels had a 22%, 28% and 35% lower risk of death, respectively, they said.

    “These two studies show that the more physical activity older adults do, the greater the health benefit they have. The biggest jump in benefit was achieved at the low level of exercise, with the medium and high levels bringing smaller increments of benefit,” said Hupin.

    “We found that the low level of activity, which is half the recommended amount, was associated with a 22% reduced risk of death in older adults compared with those who were inactive,” he said. This level of activity equates to a 15 minute brisk walk every day.

  • Drinking caffeine has little to no benefit after three nights of poor sleep

    Drinking caffeine has little to no benefit after three nights of poor sleep

    Caffeine is known for its effects as a stimulant, boosting levels of alertness and concentration. However, new American research suggests that caffeine may no longer be beneficial after three nights of just five hours’ sleep. The study was presented June 14 at the 30th Anniversary Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Denver, Colorado, USA.

    Grabbing a coffee is a familiar reflex for many people when they feel sleep deprived, tired or overrun. And, the more tired we feel, the more likely we are to up our consumption.

    New research, published June 14 in the journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, could call into question coffee’s famous reputation as an effective pick-me-up in certain situations.

    In fact, the scientists found that after three nights of just five hours’ sleep, continuing to drink coffee had little or no benefit.

    The researchers were surprised to find that the benefits brought by two 200mg doses of caffeine per day were lost after three nights of restricted sleep.

    They studied a group of 48 healthy individuals, restricting their sleep to five hours per night for a total of five days. Some were given 200mg of caffeine per day and others were given a placebo.

    While awake, the participants were given a series of cognitive tasks every hour to monitor their alertness and mood.

    The scientists found that caffeine significantly improved participants’ performance during the first two days, but not during the last three days of sleep restriction.

    The research was presented Tuesday, June 14, at SLEEP 2016, the 30th Anniversary Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Denver, USA.

    European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines recommend a daily caffeine intake of no more than 400 milligrams for adults, which is equivalent to just over four espressos.

  • Scientists design protein to modify memory

    Scientists design protein to modify memory

    NEW YORK: Scientists have developed a new tool to modify brain activity and memory in targeted ways, without the help of any drugs or chemicals.

    The new tool is a protein that can be encoded in animal genomes to effectively switch off their inhibitory synapses — connections between neurons —increasing their electrical activity.

    The GFE3 protein may help researchers map the brain’s connections and better understand how inhibitory synapses modulate brain function, said lead author Don Arnold , professor at University of Southern California.

    It also may enable them to control neural activity and lead to advancements in research for diseases or conditions ranging from schizophrenia to cocaine addiction, Arnold said.

    “GFE3 harnesses a little known and remarkable property of proteins within the brain,” Arnold said.

    The protein takes advantage of an intrinsic process — the brain’s cycle of degrading and replacing proteins.

    Most brain proteins last only a couple of days before they are actively degraded and replaced by new proteins. GFE3 targets proteins that hold inhibitory synapses together to this degradation system and as a result, the synapses fall apart.

    “Rather than a cell deciding when a protein needs to be degraded, we sort of hijack the process,” Arnold explained. For the study, published in the journal Nature Methods, the team of scientists studied the protein’s effect in both mice and zebrafish.

  • BIPASHA BASU TURNS SHOE DESIGNER

    BIPASHA BASU TURNS SHOE DESIGNER

    Actress Bipasha Basu has been trying her luck in footwear designing these days. The newly married actress, who was last seen on silver screen opposite her husband Karan Singh Grover in ‘Alone’, took to Twitter to share her creations. “I styled the absolute bestseller brogue in new metallic hues – Silver, Gold and Rose Gold, so that you start every day on a happy shiny note! Get yours now on TheLabelLife.Com @TheLabelLife #TheLabelLife,” she wrote along with a picture of a gold sneaker shoe.

    Meanwhile, the ‘Raaz’ star also changed her name to Bipasha Basu Singh Grover on Instagram.

  • ACTORS DON’T TAKE UP RELEVANT SUBJECTS: KAREENA

    ACTORS DON’T TAKE UP RELEVANT SUBJECTS: KAREENA

    Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan says it’s a rarity for popular stars to take up movies on relevant subjects. But she agreed to do a “small special role” in ‘Udta Punjab’ –a movie on Punjab’s drug menace — for the strong message that it conveys.

    Kareena will be seen essaying a doctor named Priti Sahani in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial, which has been in the midst of controversy for its theme. Talking about what made her sign the film, Kareena told IANS: “It was the subject… Even though it’s a small role in the film. I think actors like us don’t take up relevant subjects like this.” “Mainstream actors constantly look for roles that are a part of commercial films. I have done a lot of that,” added the 35-year-old actress over phone from Mumbai. It was when the film’s director approached her with the script of ‘Udta Punjab’ that she says she was very “clear that ‘I want to be a part of this film’.”

    “It has a strong message and it’s a small special role. I thought it has a great message and (because I wanted) to be part of something good out there for my fans,” added Kareena, who dedicated 20 days to the film. A bonus for her was the preparation that Chaubey had for a movie which is on an “important” subject as serious as the escalating issue of drug abuse in Punjab — something that she also felt needs to be brought “out on celluloid”.

    “The director was very well-prepared. He came very well-prepared on the set. Abhishek was clear on the subject. He was very clear on the kind of film he wanted to make and his characters. It was interesting and I am happy that I am playing a small part in this film,” Kareena said. Ultimately, the makers moved the Bombay High Court which on Monday overruled the CBFC-recommended cuts to the film and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers by the filmmakers. Kareena says it’s been a great victory for the team of the film. “It’s one of the greatest triumphs to have happened in recent times. It’s just so wonderful for the people (who) have put in the hard work. Abhishek Chaubey had believed in the brave film he wants to make. So, I think it’s really his moment of triumph that finally his baby is actually coming out on the big screen,” said the “joyous” actress.

  • Do Lafzon Ki Kahani | MOVIE REVIEW

    Do Lafzon Ki Kahani | MOVIE REVIEW

    STORY: Battling the ghosts of his tumultuous past, Sooraj (Randeep Hooda) seeks redemption. He distances himself from the world until a chance encounter with Jenny (Kajal Aggarwal) gives him a sense of purpose. Abandoning his loneliness, he starts afresh but fate has different plans for him.

    Do Lafzon Ki KahaniREVIEW: Bollywood seems to be enamoured by Korean films of late. Do Lafzon Ki Kahani is a Hindi remake of a Korean film too. Incidentally, the protagonist here bears an uncanny resemblance to a hooded John Abraham’s mysterious character in Rocky Handsome, which was also a Korean remake. Unfortunately, this film is as lacklustre as the John starrer.

    Set in Malaysia, Deepak Tijori’s clean and old school take on romance is refreshing in times of Hindi cinema riding high on PDA. But endearing it fails to be. While Marathi blockbuster Sairat nailed that raw emotion and beautifully portrayed what falling in love feels like, Tijori’s drama falls short of achieving that feat. His characters cease to be interesting beyond a point.

    Randeep still manages to infuse life into his brooding character in an understated way. Guilt-ridden and bruised, he essays his role with conviction. He’s a fine actor and deserves better.

    On the contrary, as a visually impaired chirpy girl, Kajal fails to leave a mark. In her defence, the writing is way too sympathy seeking for your liking. Either someone has sinned, disabled, dying or in pain and yet nothing makes you weep, which is the biggest tragedy.

    Also, too many cliches muddle the story, for instance opposites attract. He is a boxer, she likes Hindi daily soaps. She talks, he listens and her optimism overcomes his sadness. But none of this makes you feel for the characters. Pace is another issue. The story crawls to its conclusion sluggishly.

    The only portion that manages to impress is Hooda flexing his muscles in the boxing ring as a MMA fighter. We wish it would have taken precedence over the ineffective mushy love story. The music of the film stands out too.

    Tijori’s film has its moments but it’s way too tedious to be called Do Lafzon Ki Kahani.

  • J LAW TO PLAY THERANOS FOUNDER IN HER UPCOMING

    J LAW TO PLAY THERANOS FOUNDER IN HER UPCOMING

    Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming drama based on Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes, whose blood-testing company Theranos is under federal investigation.

    Apparently, the 25-year-old actress has herself volunteered to both star and produce alongside ‘The Big Short’ director Adam McKay, who is himself writing the film, reports
    Independent.co.uk.

    The movie will bring to screen the notorious tale of Theranos (a blood testing start-up) owned by 32-year-old CEO Holmes. She hit headlines after the net worth of her healthcare company evaporated from $4.5 BN to zero last week, followed by allegations that the company’s blood-testing device gave inaccurate results. Interestingly, Holmes was named the richest self-made woman by Forbes last year.

  • SARAH JESSICA PARKER SURPRISES BRIDES WITH FREE SHOES

    SARAH JESSICA PARKER SURPRISES BRIDES WITH FREE SHOES

    Actress Sarah Jessica Parker @SJP surprised three brides by gifting them shoes from her SJP Collection during their wedding dress fittings. Brides-to-be Taylor-Rey, Hilary and Kaitlin were all having their dress and accessories fittings when the actress entered the store with a cart full of her designs and shared: “I think I’m more excited than anybody.”

    The moment was captured on video for Brides magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Meanwhile, Parker, who wore a black dress for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997, recently said that if she was getting married again, she would have gone for a more traditional gown.

    She said: “If I were getting married today, I’d likely wear cream, just to have that bridal experience. Now I would want my dress to have an Oscar de la Renta feel, pockets below the waist, a very fitted bodice, a huge skirt, in taffeta or duchesse satin. That silhouette appeals to me because it’s old-fashioned yet can look very modern.”

  • The Conjuring 2 | MOVIE REVIEW

    The Conjuring 2 | MOVIE REVIEW

    STORY: Seven years after the Amityville horror case, a single mother named Peggy in North London is terrorized similarly. She and four children live in a haunted house and a whey-faced nun wants their blood. Can demonologists Ed and Lorraine save them?

    REVIEW: Fear quadruples at the mere thought that the events in the film has happened to real people. And that formula of the franchise works all over again. The generic – possessed-exorcism-redeemed concoction found a clever twist in the first film. Just like its predecessor, The Conjuring 2 is also about a demonic invasion that disrupts the life of an English family when Ed and Lorraine Warren are prompted by the Church to go to their rescue.

    Sometimes the biggest scares are hidden in the most mundane scenes and harmless objects. The house in which the film is set looks like regular one minus the classic-horror forlorn look. This familiarity connects well and palpable touch helps heightening fear when things start going awry.

    You need patience to sit through the build-up as the story takes a while to gain momentum. Director James Wan has little to offer in terms of surprises as the shocks mirror the ones from the prequel. But his smarts rescue a film that could’ve labelled predictable. He builds the milieu ably – where even a toy make you suspicious and phone calls make you jump in your seat. He offers a few inspired scenes that will blow your mind. The camera work is impeccable and his passion to create something fearsome is overwhelming. The one scene where Ed and the demon have a charged-up conversation is blood-curling.

    Some sharp editing could’ve helped the drama from getting loopy, but that’s hardly a downer. Ed and Lorraine played beautifully by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga and the superlative Madison Wolfe, are show stealers.

    You don’t particularly buy the human drama at the center of this film but Wan doesn’t let you ponder over the flaws. He keeps the mood tense, the jumps frequent and the ambience unnerving. Even with its glitches, The Conjuring 2 gets one thing right; it scares the hell out of you.

  • Sustainable Development Goals can accelerate action towards achieving gender equality: Lakshmi Puri

    Sustainable Development Goals can accelerate action towards achieving gender equality: Lakshmi Puri

    WASHINGTON (TIP): UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri spoke at the first-ever United State of Women Summit on 14 June 2016. Convened by President of the United States Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, the Summit gathered inspirational speakers and aimed to discuss key gender equality issues, including women’s economic empowerment and violence against women.

    Ms. Puri took part in the second plenary, on economic empowerment. The only high-level United Nations official attending the White House Summit, she spoke about how the Sustainable Development Goals can accelerate action towards achieving gender equality, and the importance of engaging youth and men and boys in the work to achieve gender equality.

    In her speech at the summit, Ms. Puri said: “Promising to ‘leave no one behind’, the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals address a fundamental environmental, economic and social issues and position the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment as a precondition and necessary outcome of sustainable development”.

    Read More

  • AAM AADMI PARTY SUSPENDS ALKA LAMBA AS PARTY SPOKESPERSON

    AAM AADMI PARTY SUSPENDS ALKA LAMBA AS PARTY SPOKESPERSON

    NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday suspended MLA Alka Lamba @LambaAlka from the post of party spokesperson, for two months.

    Lamba was reportedly removed as AAP spokesperson over her statement that Gopal Rai was “relieved” of the transport portfolio on Tuesday because of the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB)’s investigation into corruption charges related to favouring an app-based premium bus service.

    Reacting to her suspension, Lamba said that she is a disciplined worker and will abide by the party’s decision. “If I have made a mistake unknowingly, I am ready to repent,” Lamba tweeted on Thursday.

    On June 14, Gopal Rai had quit as transport minister citing his health, even as the opposition BJP and Congress termed it a fallout of the ACB’s investigation.

    Rai refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition parties saying that he quit solely on health grounds.

    “Some people are spreading rumour that I have resigned due to Premium Bus Scheme. There has been no corruption in this scheme and my resignation has no connection with it,” the former transport minister tweeted.

    The portfolio of the transport department has now been given to his cabinet colleague Satyendar Jain, who already holds key portfolios of PWD, health, power and home.

  • GHOST OF 1984 ANTI-SIKH RIOTS CONTINUES TO HAUNT KAMAL NATH

    GHOST OF 1984 ANTI-SIKH RIOTS CONTINUES TO HAUNT KAMAL NATH

    NEW DELHI/MUKTSAR (TIP): The ghost of anti-Sikh riots continued to haunt Congress leader Kamal Nath despite his giving up charge of poll-bound Punjab with his political rivals stepping up attack and demanding filing of a case against him.

    On his part, the former union minister and his party rejected reports that he was asked to resign in view of the controversy surrounding him and that he did it on his own volition so that attention is not diverted from issues facing Punjab.

    Congress’ @INCIndia face in Punjab and former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh came to Kamal Nath’s defence saying he had done a gracious thing by his resignation but maintained that had he continued also “there would not have been any difference”.

    On Sunday, Kamal Nath was appointed as General Secretary and given charge of both Punjab and Haryana. He resigned last night as in charge of Punjab, which goes to polls next year, in the wake of rivals targeting him on the issue of riots.

    Akali Dal leader and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today attacked Kamal Nath saying his exit “vindicated” the stand of his party that 1984 Sikh carnage was a “deep rooted conspiracy” of Congress party to “butcher of innocent” Sikhs.

    “Kamal Nath was reluctant to accept this post because of his guilty consciousness’ owing to his role in massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs,” Badal alleged on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan programme in Malout Assembly constituency.

    He alleged Kamal Nath could not “muster the courage” to face people of state who were well aware of his role in this “barbaric holocaust” of Sikhs.

    However, Badal said that the people of state in general and Sikhs in particular would never forgive Kamal Nath and other leaders of his party who had “planned and executed this heinous carnage”, which was a dark spot in the entire history of India.

    The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is trying to make inroads into the state in the next year’s Assembly elections, also joined the attack on the Congress leader.

    It claimed victory over his resignation and demanded that an FIR be registered against Kamal Nath in the Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib in which two Sikhs were burnt to death in 1984.

    After its persistent pressure, the Congress had to sack Kamal Nath, the AAP said claiming it was an “acceptance” of defeat. “Two Sikhs were killed in the incident. So Kamal Nath is also responsible for it as he was their leader. This is an insult to the law.”

    “By merely tendering resignation does not absolve Kamal Nath from the charges and he should be tried for murder and chargesheet should be filed at the earliest,” said AAP leader and lawyer H S Phoolka, who has been fighting for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims. He said the role of Kamal Nath has never been investigated.

    Talking to media, Kamal Nath rejected reports that he was asked to step down as General Secretary in-charge of Punjab and said he quit to ensure that attention was not diverted from the issues affecting the state.

    He denied that Congress President Sonia Gandhi asked him to quit the post, adding that she understood the reasons he gave in his letter to the party to step down as in-charge of Punjab. “I called Rahul Gandhi and told him I am sending the letter…I read him the letter. He told me to send it to the Congress President…I called Sonia Gandhi and told her that this is in the interest of the party and we should not let them use this politics,” he said.

    Kamal Nath said Gandhi spoke with him again after she received the letter and told him that “well if this is your reason, fine.”

    On being asked whether he was forced to step down as the in-charge after allegations over his role in the anti-Sikh riots resurfaced, the senior-most Lok Sabha MP wondered why the issue of his alleged role in the riots was being raked up after 32 years. He said the Nanavati Commission which investigated the anti-Sikh riots had absolved him.

    “It is nothing but a political ploy to divert from the real issues. There was an adjournment motion on which Akalis spoke, L K Advani of BJP spoke. No one pointed fingers at me,”
    he said.

    He claimed that the real issues affecting Punjab such as drugs, farmer plight, mis-governance are being ignored. Responding to a poser on a letter reportedly written by his former Cabinet colleague M S Gill, Kamal Nath said he never raised the issue of 1984 riots with him when they were Cabinet colleagues nor in the Cabinet. Gill had yesterday described his appointment is akin “rubbing salt on wounds”.

    Kamal Nath rejected suggestions that the Nanavati panel absolved him due to ‘lack of evidence’. He said the report should be read in its entirety.

    The Congress veteran said he was at the Rakabganj Gurudwara near Parliament House after he was told that a crowd had gathered here. He said that policemen at the scene asked him to engage the crowd till reinforcements arrived. “I left as soon as I saw the reinforcements arrive,” he said.

    Senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma also defended Kamal Nath saying he resigned “on his own volition” anguished over the “mischievous” campaign against him by opponents regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

    Talking to media, Sharma dismissed suggestions that the Congress buckled under pressure to replace him and insisted that the “dishonest, perverse, and mischievous” narrative by opposition against him was done with an eye on elections.

    Replying to questions, he, however, made it clear that Kamal Nath continued to be the AICC General Secretary in charge of Haryana.

    Reports earlier quoting party’s chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala had it that Nath had resigned as General Secretary of the AICC.

    Asked about the AAP’s charges against Nath, Sharma said AAP has “no credibility and has an opportunistic agenda” and was targeting the Congress leader with an eye on polls…”

    “The demand to reopen cases is ridiculous because there is no case ever. You cannot reopen which does not exist”, he said when asked about the AAP demand.

    Maintaining that Kamal Nath is the senior-most member of the Lok Sabha, who has also been party General Secretary and Union Minister, Sharma said that he decided to quit “out of his anguish” after being “condemned day in and day out despite being not guilty”.

    Source: PTI

  • Temple desecration: Internet services suspended in Jammu

    Temple desecration: Internet services suspended in Jammu

    JAMMU (TIP): Authorities on June 17 decided to suspend all Internet services across Jammu region to stop spread of rumours on social networking sites following the desecration of a temple here last evening.

    All mobile and broadband-based Internet services have been suspended, a district official said.

    “To stop rumour mongering on social networking sites in the wake of the desecration of Shiv temple in Nanak Nagar area, the authorities decided to temporarily suspend all Internet services including mobile and landline Internet services,” the official said.

    One more temple was allegedly desecrated in Jammu yesterday, leading to tension briefly in parts of the city.

    “A man entered a temple in the Nanak Nagar area and tried to vandalise it. The man has been identified and arrested,” Deputy Commissioner of Jammu Simrandeep Singh had said. A large number of people came onto the roads after news spread. Shopkeepers in the area downed their shutters and held a protest demanding action against the accused. “Though some people held protest in the area, the situation is normal and under control. Adequate police personnel have been deployed to foil any untoward incident in the area,” Singh said.

    The incident took place even as normalcy had returned to Jammu following alleged desecration of a temple in another area Roopnagar on Tuesday by a man who was described by police as “mentally disturbed”. The city had witnessed violence and arson over that incident.

  • NGO run by Teesta loses FCRA licence

    NGO run by Teesta loses FCRA licence

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Activist Teesta Setalvad’s NGO will not be able to collect foreign funds from now, with the Centre on June 16 cancelling its licence on violation of various rules.

    The move comes nine months after Sabrang Trust’s licence was suspended on a slew of charges of violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.

    The trust said it will explore all legal options to challenge the government order. This order comes a fortnight after the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the licence of Indira Jaising-led Lawyers Collective.

    Indira, Teesta’s lawyer, tweeted: “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight, Teesta.”

    Thursday’s order cited six reasons for barring Sabrang Trust from receiving foreign funds. It includes transfer of foreign funds to organisations that do not have permission to receive it and diverting foreign funds for personal use.

    According to the order, foreign contribution has been “frequently used” for items of “personal expenses like dining in hotels, food takeaways ordered at their residences, cakes and sweets from premium outlets, purchase of purely personal items like ear buds, wet wipes, clippers, sanitary napkins by both Teesta and Anand, which have been reimbursed to the trustees from FCRA account”.

  • 11 CONVICTS IN GULBARG SOCIETY MASSACRE SENTENCED TO LIFE TERM

    11 CONVICTS IN GULBARG SOCIETY MASSACRE SENTENCED TO LIFE TERM

    AHMEDABAD (TIP): Eleven of 24 people convicted for their participation in the Gulbarg Society massacre were sentenced to life in jail by a special SIT court on Friday.

    In addition, one convict was sentenced to 10 years in jail while 12 were given seven years in jail. All 24 were involved in the murder of as many as 69 people, including former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri. The court said all the convicts will serve their sentences concurrently.

    “They are not a menace to society, the accused can be reformed,” said the court while delivering the sentence.

    Gulbarg Society, a Muslim residential pocket of about 30 bungalows and 10 apartment blocks in Ahmedabad, was attacked a day after the Sabarmati Express train was torched in Godhra. The massacre was committed on February 28, 2002 when Narendra Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister. This case’s trial lasted seven years and was conducted in front of four different judges.

    The public prosecutor, representing the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), had asked the court for nothing less than the death sentence or a jail term till 24 convicts are dead.

    The lawyer for the victims, S M Vora, had also sought the maximum punishment for the accused and argued that sentencing for each offence should not run concurrently. That’s so that the convicts spend their entire life in jail, he said.