Tamilnadu Uniformed Service Recruitment Board invites applications for the recruitment of 1095 Sub Inspector of Police (SIs) both Men & Women in the year 2010
Click here to download Notification and List of Post Offices
Click here to download Notification and List of Post Offices
Washington, April 2 (DPA) US regulators Thursday finalised new fuel efficiency rules for cars and light trucks, raising fuel economy standards and for the first time regulating greenhouse-gas emissions blamed for global warming.The announcement is part of a broader pledge by President Barack Obama to shift the US economy towards cleaner forms of energy and curb climate change, though efforts to achieve comprehensive reforms have so far floundered in Congress.
The Obama administration will by 2016 require carmakers to reach an average of 15.1 km per litre across their fleet of models, up from the current 11.6 km per litre. The rule also requires an average carbon dioxide emission level of 155 grams per kilometre.
The new standards will be introduced gradually, starting in 2012. Lisa Jackson, head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), called it a "historic" standard that would be a "win-win programme for our economy and our environment".
Obama first directed his administration to raise fuel economy standards in May 2009 in an effort to curb pollution from vehicles, which account for about one quarter of all climate-damaging emissions from the US.
The new rules were welcomed by environmentalists and carmakers, who had agreed to back the higher fuel economy requirements after talks with the Obama administration last year.
General Motors Co in a statement said: "While these requirements are very challenging, we feel confident that GM will be able to achieve the mandated fleet fuel economy targets."
Separately, GM announced that the first Chevy Volt had rolled off the factory production line. The plug-in hybrid, which enters mass production later this year, is a central element of GM's strategy to green its car fleet.
The Volt is powered by an electric motor with a range of about 64 km, after which a petrol motor kicks in that extends its range by nearly 500 km.
GM's plans are part of a wider trend in the industry towards petrol-electric hybrids and other greener vehicles. Japanese maker Nissan will later this year begin selling its all-electric Leaf model.
The higher fuel economy standards were estimated to cost carmakers $52 billion and will add about $950 to the cost of each vehicle by 2016, the EPA estimated.
Jackson argued consumers will make up the difference in lower petrol costs. The administration also argues the new standards will ultimately save 1.8 billion barrels of oil.
Obama supports a more comprehensive clean energy bill that would impose a pollution cap on most industries. Yet talks have stalled in the US Senate amid stiff opposition from conservatives and some fellow Democrats over its potential costs to the economy. (IANS)
The logo unveiling ceremony of Lulu shopping mall, India's biggest shopping mall (upcoming) will be held at Kochi, Kerala on April 3, 2010.The event will be presided by Shri.Oommen Chandi, leader of Opposition and the logo will be unveiled by Shri. VS Achuthanandan, Chief minister of Kerala. The official website of the shopping mall will also be launched in the event.
Lulu shopping mall, Kochi which claims to be India's biggest shopping mall is built upon 25 lakh square feets. The shopping complex will feature a 5 star luxury hotel by Marriott, Family amusement centre, 3000 plus car parking, Multiplexes etc.
The shopping mall which is expected to be completed in June 2011 will give direct employement for 8000 and indirect employment for about 20,000 people.
The shopping mall is built by EMKE group of Middle east.
Film: "Kites"; Music Director: Rajesh Roshan; Lyricists: Nasir Faraaz and Asif Ali Beg; Singers: KK, Vishal Dadlani, Suraj Jagan, Hrithik Roshan, Suzanne D'Mello, Rajesh Roshan, Anirudh Bhola and Anushka Manchanda; Rating:*** 1/3Rajesh Roshan has another hit album in the soundtrack of much-awaited film "Kites". The album boasts of five originals and four remixes and all the songs exude freshness and melody. Most of them have a romantic touch and it seems the composer composed them specially for people in love.
But it won't be wrong to say that the highlight of the soundtrack is the song sung by Hrithik Roshan.
The album opens with "Zindagi do pal ki", a melodious song, currently doing the rounds on television channels. The mushy song instantly connects, thanks to simple but meaningful poetry and effective vocals by KK.
This track also has a remix version, which doesn't sound like an unnecessary addition.
"Dil kyun yeh mera", crooned by KK again has a soft, soothing beginning that makes you sway. The romantic song gets a rock feel in the middle, which gives it an edge. A well-composed track.
This too has a remixed version, which unlike most remixes has some substance. It does not entail unnecessary sounds but has beats that gel well with the song. The rap that comes along makes the remix worth a hear.
Next is Vishal Dadlani and Suraj Jagan singing "Tum bhi ho wahi". A slow start, but it picks up pace after a few seconds. The punch in it makes it all the more interesting. It experiments a lot with percussions.
The remixed version of the song, however, is average.
Then we have the most anticipated song of the album, "Kites in the sky". Hrithik makes his singing debut with the breezy love ballad in English. Hrithik proves his mettle as a singer with this soft, free flowing melody. The rise and fall of tempo is impressive. Suzanne D Mello gives ample support to Hrithik with the Spanish lyrics. Even though it has minimal orchestration, Hrithik does a commendable job and manages to pull off the song very well.
Finally there is "Fire" with Rajesh Roshan, Vishal Dadlani, Anirudh Bhola and Anushka Manchanda behind the mike. The song is marked by a long prelude, electronic sounds and strong orchestration. The vocals too come along way, but much later. It sounds like a track to be used as a background score.
It also has an English version, which is not too different from the Hindi version.
On the whole, for "Kites", Rajesh Roshan has experimented with some modern sounds and beats that make the album interesting. One can look forward to the album that has a potential to become a hit. (IANS)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) Thursday strongly criticised the serial "Na Aana Is Desh Lado" aired on Colors TV for the way it portrays women.In a statement Girija Vyas, chairperson of NCW, said the commission has asked for clarifications from the channel because the serial presents women in a poor light and appears to be derogatory, and outrages the modesty of women.
Vyas stated that the commission strongly condemns the recently aired episodes of the serial, where women are subjected to torture and coerced into sexual acts outside marriage. These acts shock the social and moral values of society, and therefore, such episodes should not be telecast.
"Na Aana Is Desh Lado" is a fictional drama that focuses on prevalent social evils in Indian society such as female infanticide.
The show is aired Monday to Friday at 10:30 p.m. (IANS)
India's first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan will be representing Dutch squad PSV Eindhoven in the 2010 Superleague Formula series that links two popular sports, football and motorsport.The Superleague Formula consists teams representing legendary European football clubs like FC Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspurs, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, RSC Anderlecht and FC Porto. Some former Formula 1 drivers like Sebastien Bourdais, Franck Montagny, and Robert Doornbos will also be participating in this championship.
PSV Team Principal Jan Lammers, a former Formula One and Le Mans 24-Hour racer, has confirmed that the 33-year-old Karthikeyan will be at the wheel for the Dutch team starting this weekend (April 3-4) at the first round of the Superleague here.
Lammers first came up against Karthikeyan when the Indian raced for A1 Team India. He was then the team principal at A1 Team Netherlands and recognized the talent and professionalism of Narain.
Lammers said: "Narain Karthikeyan will defend the red and white livery of PSV Eindhoven while competing against several drivers he has already raced with from the past. He is also very excited about the kick-off at Silverstone on April 3."
Karthikeyan said: "I'm really looking forward to racing for PSV Eindhoven in the 2010 season. Single-seater racing has always been very close to my heart, and I'm very excited to be racing in the Superleague Formula.
"Continuing in single-seaters is very important for my future career plans. I am very proud that my corporate partners from India, the Tata Group, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, MRF and Amaron are supporting me wholeheartedly in this new venture. I must also thank Starbeast Motorsport for their support.
"The first weekend at Silverstone will be a whole new learning experience for me, but it is one which I'm looking forward to with great enthusiasm. The team is a fantastic one, with some hugely experienced engineers and mechanics, led by Lammers who is a motorsport legend. I'm flattered that he has chosen me to represent PSV Eindhoven in this very prestigious championship." (IANS)
Scientists have discovered a real-life "moral compass" in the brain that controls how we judge other people's behaviour."You think of morality as being a really high-level behaviour. To be able to apply a magnetic field to a specific brain region and change people's moral judgements is really astonishing," said Liane Young of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who led the study, reports dailymail.co.uk.
The moral compass lies in a part of the brain called the right temporo-parietal junction. It lies near the surface of the brain, just behind the right ear.
In an extraordinary experiment, researchers were able to use powerful magnets to disrupt this area of the brain and make people temporarily less moral.
(IANS)
Haj 2010 Hajj 1431 India Registration started
The Haj Committee of India has announced the Programme for Haj 1431 (H) – 2010
Single Haj Application Form for provisional registration for Haj 1431 (H) – 2010, are available with all the State Haj Committees with effect from 1st April 2010, free of cost.
The Forms are also available on the website of Haj Committee of India www.hajcommittee.com
For more details visit http://hajcommittee.com/announ_index.php
The Haj Committee of India has announced the Programme for Haj 1431 (H) – 2010
Single Haj Application Form for provisional registration for Haj 1431 (H) – 2010, are available with all the State Haj Committees with effect from 1st April 2010, free of cost.
The Forms are also available on the website of Haj Committee of India www.hajcommittee.com
For more details visit http://hajcommittee.com/announ_index.php
Rail Coach Factory (RCF), rolled out country’s first air conditioned double decker coach for oscillation trials on Delhi- Muradabad section. The Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee inspected the sample AC double decker coach at New Delhi Railway Station after its arrival from RCF, Kapurthala today. She had earlier announced the introduction of AC double decker trains while presenting the Railway Budget 2010 in the Parliament in the month of June, 2009. RCF will start manufacturing the double decker coaches after successful completion of oscillation trials. These futuristic high speed-stainless steel AC coaches would be introduced to cater to the heavy rush of commuters in high density corridors offering AC travel at a low cost. The first double decker train would be seen running on rail tracks by end of this year. The new coach with pleasing green-yellow colour scheme has all the features and the comforts of a Shatabdi coach.
A totally new coach shell design capable of running at a speed of 160 kmph was developed by RCF engineers in tandem with Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) within a short span of just nine months. In the new design, 128 passengers can be seated as compared to 78 passengers in Shatabdi chair cars, thus increasing the capacity by almost 70 per cent.
The overall height of double decker coach has been increased marginally (four and a half inches) keeping in view the constraints like overhead structures, bridges, electric traction equipment, platforms etc. so that these coaches can be used without modifying any of the fixed structures except for clearing some minor infringements. Space for the two decks has been generated by optimally using the well space between the two bogies. To save upon space, it was decided to use End-On-Generation configuration where power for train lighting and air-conditioning is supplied by two power cars, attached at both ends of the train.
The new air-conditioned design uses many superior technical features like aesthetically pleasing stainless steel body, high speed Eurofima design bogies with air springs for superior ride quality and many other safety related features. This coach is fitted with control discharge toilet system. The successful development of AC Double Decker Coach is a clear illustration of Indian Railways' capabilities in design and manufacturing.
Sh. Pradeep Kumar, General Manager, RCF congratulated all the officials of the organisation who worked relentlessly on this project and gave it a final shape in record time of only 9 months. He said that double decker trains would herald a new era in rail travel in the country, because now a common man would be able to afford air conditioned travel at a low cost.
A totally new coach shell design capable of running at a speed of 160 kmph was developed by RCF engineers in tandem with Research Design and Standard Organisation (RDSO) within a short span of just nine months. In the new design, 128 passengers can be seated as compared to 78 passengers in Shatabdi chair cars, thus increasing the capacity by almost 70 per cent.
The overall height of double decker coach has been increased marginally (four and a half inches) keeping in view the constraints like overhead structures, bridges, electric traction equipment, platforms etc. so that these coaches can be used without modifying any of the fixed structures except for clearing some minor infringements. Space for the two decks has been generated by optimally using the well space between the two bogies. To save upon space, it was decided to use End-On-Generation configuration where power for train lighting and air-conditioning is supplied by two power cars, attached at both ends of the train.
The new air-conditioned design uses many superior technical features like aesthetically pleasing stainless steel body, high speed Eurofima design bogies with air springs for superior ride quality and many other safety related features. This coach is fitted with control discharge toilet system. The successful development of AC Double Decker Coach is a clear illustration of Indian Railways' capabilities in design and manufacturing.
Sh. Pradeep Kumar, General Manager, RCF congratulated all the officials of the organisation who worked relentlessly on this project and gave it a final shape in record time of only 9 months. He said that double decker trains would herald a new era in rail travel in the country, because now a common man would be able to afford air conditioned travel at a low cost.
Will Indian tennis star Sania Mirza be the second wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik? Yes, if one believes the father of a girl who claims to be Malik's first wife.Mohammed Ahmed Siddiqui, a businessman here, Wednesday announced his decision to move a court of law to seek divorce from Malik for his daughter Ayesha Siddiqui so that she can re-marry.
Hitting out at Malik, Siddiqui said the Pakistani was an "expert in enticing and entangling girls" and that could be the reason for Sania falling for him.
"He plays games with girls. He is the kind of a man who is not satisfied with one girl. He wants to be with one girl today and another girl tomorrow. He cheated girls even in Pakistan," a furious Siddiqui told reporters here, a day after Sania announced that she would marry the former Pakistani captain next month.
"I spoke to (the) Grand Mufti and showed him all the proof including the nikhanama of my daughter's marriage with Shoaib and he told me that Sania will be his second wife," Siddiqui said.
"Sania is also like my daughter. We have good relations with her family but unfortunately she decided to marry Shoaib despite knowing what he did to my daughter," said Siddiqui.
Ayesha's father claimed that he spoke to advocates who told him that his case is strong.
"I have the evidence to prove the marriage. He himself told the entire world that Hyderabad is his wife's hometown and Ayesha is the name of his wife. Now he is denying the marriage and hiding his face," he said.
Siddiqui denied the reported allegation by Malik that he was demanding Rs.18 lakh.
"Divorce for my daughter is the only thing I want from him. He is not giving divorce because this will expose him as a liar," he said.
He claimed that the Pakistani cricketer visited Hyderabad six to seven times after marrying Ayesha. He recalled that at a Man of the Match presentation ceremony after a practice match between India and Pakistan here in 2005, Malik told Arun Lal that Hyderabad is the hometown of his wife.
"He along with the entire team came to our house," he said referring to the reception he hosted.
Sania, the top ranking Indian woman tennis player called off her engagement with childhood friend Sohrab two months ago citing "incompatibility".
Sania had Tuesday said that the controversy involving Malik was not on her mind. "I live in the present and so does he (Malik)," she said.
The Siddiqui family claims that Malik married Ayesha June 3, 2002 through exchange of vows (nikah) over telephone. The Pakistani cricketer has denied this.
While admitting that they were engaged, Malik said he called it off as the two families could not reach an understanding on some issues.
In February 2008, Siddiqui had threatened to sue Malik for denying the marriage with Ayesha. He also claimed that he has the proof of marriage but did not file the case after Malik's family accused him of cheating and warned of legal action.
In January 2008, Malik announced that he was calling off the engagement with Ayesha.
(IANS)
The government is raising the prices of petrol and diesel by over one percent in 13 cities, where the Euro-IV grade low-sulphur fuel will be supplied from April 1."Bharat Stage-IV (Euro-IV) and BS-III (Euro-III) petrol and diesel are superior fuels and the oil refineries have made huge capital investments, besides incurring higher operating costs in production of these fuels. The oil marketing companies have therefore been permitted to marginally increase the Retail Selling Price (RSP) of BS-IV petrol and diesel, to be supplied with effect from April 1, 2010," said a government press release.
Senior officials at the petroleum ministry said that the hike in petrol and diesel in 13 cities, including the metros, will come into effect from midnight.
"The RSP of petrol will go up by 50 paise per litre and diesel by 26 paise per litre from April 1, 2010 (at Delhi), with corresponding increases in other cities depending upon the local levies," it added.
It is being done to recover Rs.30,000 crore that the oil marketing companies had spent in upgrading their refineries.
Additionally, the three state oil marketing companies, Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum, have under recoveries - losses due to subsidised retail rates - amounting to Rs.40,000 crore this fiscal.
Petroleum Secretary S. Sundareshan warned last week that unless prices are increased the oil companies will face larger under recoveries totalling Rs.70,000 crore next fiscal.
State oil firms are currently losing Rs.6 per litre on petrol, Rs.4 per litre on diesel, Rs.17 per litre on kerosene and Rs.267 per cylinder of cooking gas.
The distribution of Euro-IV grade petrol and diesel will add to their under-recoveries at the rate of 41 paise per litre on petrol and 26 paise per litre on diesel.
The last fuel price hike took place after the Union budget was presented Feb 27, when the government increased excise duty and restored duty on crude oil. At that time, the price of petrol and diesel had been increased by Rs.2.71 and Rs.2.55 per litre, respectively. (IANS)
"They (Kings XI Punjab) have had enough jhappis and prasad from Preity Zinta. It is high time they got some slaps from her." The SMS joke had started doing the rounds in Punjab circles even before the Mohali team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) crashed to its sixth loss in seven outings in the 2010 edition of the tournament.Except for a high in the first edition of IPL in 2008 when the US$76 million Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) reached the semi-final stage, the team owned by industrialist Ness Wadia, scion of the Bombay Dyeing textile group, his ex-girlfriend and Bollywood actor Zinta and two other businessmen (Karan Paul-Apeejay group and Mohit Burman-Dabur group) has been forced to bite the dust in the IPL-3.
In fact, so bad and disjointed have been the Kings XI Punjab performances that at the near full-house attendance at the magnificent Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here, 10 km from Chandigarh and the home ground of the team, fans have been rooting for other teams and players.
The team has lost all its three matches on the home ground this season.
The Mohali team has managed to win only one match, against Chennai Super Kings, that too through sheer luck in the super eliminator over March 21. Their last loss was to Mumbai Indians in Mumbai Tuesday.
Team co-owner Zinta had her pictures splashed in the print and electronic media for her now-famous jhappis (affectionate hugs) to her players, especially former KXIP captain and Chandigarh boy Yuvraj Singh. The 'jhappis' and jumping around from Zinta was commonplace in the first two editions, 2008 in India and 2009 in South Africa.
This time, though, the hugs are all but gone and Zinta has literally started banking on the gods by distributing prasad (holy offering) to team players before matches. But the heavenly intervention has not come so far given the below-par performances of team players, especially Yuvraj Singh.
The southpaw was removed as the KXIP captain for this season, replaced by Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumara Sangakkara. Though the players and team management see nothing amiss in this, the team is clearly putting up disjointed directionless performances - a fallout of the captaincy issue. Yuvraj, who hit six sixes in one over in the T20 world cup in South Africa in 2008, himself has failed to put up any sterling performance.
Even with the presence of big names like Aussie fast-bowler Brett Lee, Ravi Bopara, Mahela Jayawardane, Irfan Pathan, S. Sreesanth, Shaun Marsh and others in the KXIP line-up, the team is on a losing spree.
To add salt to the injury, the loss-prone team has been slapped with penalty running into nearly $400,000 (Rs.1.8 crore) for slow over-rate.
The KXIP has been a controversy-ridden team too.
Rumours of the KXIP team being divided into the Wadia and Zinta camps have also been doing the rounds even though both have denied these. But the two who broke their relationship last year have not been seen together at any of the team outings even though they have been around at the ground and at post-match parties.
The team and its owners face summons from a Chandigarh court for using the pictures of national martyrs like Bhagat Singh in team advertisements. The summons were issued this month.
Earlier, the team was caught in a controversy after two black cheerleaders complained of racism in 2008, saying they were sent back by the KXIP management because of the colour of their skin.
Wadia had a run-in with the Mohali district police chief in 2008 over payment for security at the PCA stadium. Wadia even accused the Punjab police of stealing KXIP goodies, including liquor and merchandise.
The team also had its 'slapgate' controversy when off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who incidentally belongs to Punjab but plays for Mumbai Indians, slapped fast bowler and Indian cricket teammate S. Sreesanth in the ground here after Bhajji's team lost to KXIP.
(IANS)
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday dedicated the Right to Education (RTE) act to the nation terming it as a fundamental right and urged every Indian to make the country strong through education.
"The act comes into effect from today. Our government comes before you to pledge right to free and compulsory education (to all children)," the prime minister said in his address to the nation.(IANS)
"The act comes into effect from today. Our government comes before you to pledge right to free and compulsory education (to all children)," the prime minister said in his address to the nation.(IANS)
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 has struck near the Andaman Islands, in the Indian Ocean, at 10:23 p.m IST on 30 March 201 . Tremors were felt in Chennai, Orissa, and eastern coast.
No threat of a destructive widespread tsunami has been given but probability of a local tsunami that could affect coasts exists reports CNN
Tremors from an earthquake in the north Andaman Islands Tuesday night jolted parts of Orissa, forcing people to rush out of their houses in panic in several places, officials and eyewitnesses said.
Minor tremors were felt for a few seconds in the districts of Khordha, Cuttack, and Jajpur and state capital Bhubaneswar. People rushed out of their homes as the furniture rattled.
"An earthquake has struck off the north coast of Andaman Islands", S.C. Sahu, director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre told IANS. "Under its impact a minor tremor was felt in some places of coastal Orissa," he said.
There is no report of any casualties or damage, an official of the state revenue control room said.
No threat of a destructive widespread tsunami has been given but probability of a local tsunami that could affect coasts exists reports CNN
Tremors from an earthquake in the north Andaman Islands Tuesday night jolted parts of Orissa, forcing people to rush out of their houses in panic in several places, officials and eyewitnesses said.
Minor tremors were felt for a few seconds in the districts of Khordha, Cuttack, and Jajpur and state capital Bhubaneswar. People rushed out of their homes as the furniture rattled.
"An earthquake has struck off the north coast of Andaman Islands", S.C. Sahu, director of Bhubaneswar meteorological centre told IANS. "Under its impact a minor tremor was felt in some places of coastal Orissa," he said.
There is no report of any casualties or damage, an official of the state revenue control room said.
Chhattisgarh will host the 37th National Games, scheduled for 2013, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said Tuesday.Three editions of the National Games are yet to be held. The 34th National Games were scheduled in Jharkand in 2007, but have been postponed four times due to infrastructural delays. The 35th National Games are scheduled to be held in Kerala in May this year while Goa will host the 36th edition in 2011.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh signed the host city contract with IOA president Suresh Kalmadi at a function here. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Kalmadi, Raman Singh and Chhattisgarh Olympic Association chairman Anil Verma.
The state government also handed over a cheque of Rs.2 crore as contract fee for holding the event which includes 33 categories of Olympic sports.
"Hosting the National Games also means the state will have good infrastructure and other facilities to promote the Olympic disciplines. We have seen this happening in several states that have held the Games. It will be of immense help to the sportspersons of the state," said Kalmadi.
"The IOA always gives priority to small states to hold National Games as it provides an opportunity for infrastructural development in the region. Holding the games in different states also encourages sports talents from the region to participate in such events," he said.
Raman Singh said that the state has already started preparations for the games.
"The elementary preparations have started and we hope to make the event a great success."
The state government has also identified 200 acres of land in Raipur to develop infrastructure for the games. An international stadium is being constructed with an investment of Rs.100 crore in the capital, while another project is under way to build an indoor and an outdoor stadium in the city.
Though Raipur will be the host town, some events will also be organised in Bhilai steel city, and in Durg and Rajnandgaon districts.
"Sports persons from Chhattisgarh have won 17 medals at various national level tournaments and also many of them are participating in international events. Holding the national Games will lift the spirit of young aspirants as well as the people of Chhattisgarh," state Sports Minister Lata Usendi, who was also present on the occasion, said.
According to an estimate, the state would require Rs.1,100 crore for organising the event.
Of this amount, Rs.500 crore is expected to be spent on infrastructure and Rs.400 crore on the development of the games village and accommodation of visitors and sportspersons. The rest will be spent on procurement of equipment and organising the events.
The state has already begun the process of forming the National Games Organising Committee (NGOC). The governing council will be headed by the chief minister while the state chief secretary will preside over the NGOC's executive council. (IANS)
Google launched a tool for the growing trend of online shopping in India and finding information about thousands of products and their prices through web pages, company officials said Tuesday."Google users can access information on product names, prices and images from about 30,000 Indian websites and portals with a new tool through its search engine," the Indian subsidiary of the global firm said in a statement here.
Information on a plethora of popular products such as mobile phones, household goods, washing machines, and other products is available on the sites to select the best buy for the best price from different stores across the country.
"The tool also helps users to select a price range from the listings with specific information on diverse products," Google India products' head Vinay Goel said.
A study recently showed that online search has become an integral part of the product purchase decision process by end-users. The tool is designed to help users to make a decision faster and find deals online. (IANS)
The tickets sale for the Yonex-Sunrise Badminton Asia Championship beginning here April 12 was launched here Monday.
The tournament, to be held as Siri Fort Sports Complex, is the biggest badminton competition in the capital since the 1982 Asian Games.
Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi were present at the function here Tuesday. Dikshit said she was confident the event would draw full houses, especially since India's Saina Nehwal will be one of the favourites.
"Last month, Delhi showed its love for sporting events by supporting the Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Boxing Championships. I am sure that the Badminton Asia Championships, featuring a lot of leading names, will also draw a terrific response," said Dikshit.
Kalmadi said he expected the Badminton Asia Championship to be a huge success.
"Badminton Association of India hosted the World Junior Championship in Pune and the World Championship in Hyderabad successfully. By bringing the Asian Championship as the test event for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has ensured that the sport stays in the public eye," he said.
BAI president V.K. Verma pointed out that the ticket prices will be affordable.
"Given the fact that the world class players will be competing in the event, we have pegged the ticket prices really low," he said.
"The prices range from Rs.50 to Rs.200 for the first two days, Rs.100 to Rs.350 for the third and fourth days, Rs.150 to Rs.500 for the quafterfinals and semifinals and from Rs.300 to Rs.1,500 for the final day."
www.bookmyshow.com is the official ticketing agency. Tickets can be booked online by logging on to www.bookmyshow.com from 4.00 p.m. Tuesday. The agency will set up a call centre (011-39895050) and will send SMS/e-mail alerts for updates on the Championship 2010.
Tickets will also be available for purchase at Cafe Coffee Day outlets near Siri Fort Sports complex and across major areas in Delhi.
CCD outlets at the following locations will have tickets for sale: Gargi College, Chanakyapuri, Greater Kailash-I M-Block Market, Greater Kailash-II M-Block Market, Lajpat Nagar, Ansal Plaza, South Extension-II, Rajouri Garden, Connaught Place Inner Circle and Galleria Market (Gurgaon). (IANS)
The tournament, to be held as Siri Fort Sports Complex, is the biggest badminton competition in the capital since the 1982 Asian Games.
Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi were present at the function here Tuesday. Dikshit said she was confident the event would draw full houses, especially since India's Saina Nehwal will be one of the favourites.
"Last month, Delhi showed its love for sporting events by supporting the Hockey World Cup and the Commonwealth Boxing Championships. I am sure that the Badminton Asia Championships, featuring a lot of leading names, will also draw a terrific response," said Dikshit.
Kalmadi said he expected the Badminton Asia Championship to be a huge success.
"Badminton Association of India hosted the World Junior Championship in Pune and the World Championship in Hyderabad successfully. By bringing the Asian Championship as the test event for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, Badminton Association of India (BAI) has ensured that the sport stays in the public eye," he said.
BAI president V.K. Verma pointed out that the ticket prices will be affordable.
"Given the fact that the world class players will be competing in the event, we have pegged the ticket prices really low," he said.
"The prices range from Rs.50 to Rs.200 for the first two days, Rs.100 to Rs.350 for the third and fourth days, Rs.150 to Rs.500 for the quafterfinals and semifinals and from Rs.300 to Rs.1,500 for the final day."
www.bookmyshow.com is the official ticketing agency. Tickets can be booked online by logging on to www.bookmyshow.com from 4.00 p.m. Tuesday. The agency will set up a call centre (011-39895050) and will send SMS/e-mail alerts for updates on the Championship 2010.
Tickets will also be available for purchase at Cafe Coffee Day outlets near Siri Fort Sports complex and across major areas in Delhi.
CCD outlets at the following locations will have tickets for sale: Gargi College, Chanakyapuri, Greater Kailash-I M-Block Market, Greater Kailash-II M-Block Market, Lajpat Nagar, Ansal Plaza, South Extension-II, Rajouri Garden, Connaught Place Inner Circle and Galleria Market (Gurgaon). (IANS)
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), also known as the Big Bang machine, made history here Tuesday, as the machine smashed together particles at the highest energy reading ever recreated in a laboratory."Experiments are collecting their first physics data - historic moment here!" scientists at the lab wrote on their Twitter feed.
The excitement at finally being able to record data, after countless setbacks, was noted in previous messages, which included numerous exclamation points from the researchers in Geneva as each step of the process was completed.
The fact that the data would take months or years to be evaluated hardly dampened the joy of researchers, many of whom believe a new era of science was being born.
The historic collision - with proton beams being smashed into each other at 3.5 times the previous record speeds - are expected to help scientists understand the nature of the universe.
Hiccups at the LHC in the early morning, however, including proton beams falling offline, were quickly fixed, allowing the scientists, and their followers around the world, to watch as the historic moment unfolded.
In 2008, at a first attempt, the $10 billion project saw severe technical problems, which knocked the machine out of commission. After 14 months of repairs, and several runs at lower energy levels, the time was finally ripe again to attempt the main experiment.
The LHC - located 100 metres below the earth's surface at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, at the border between Switzerland and France - generated the fastest ever collisions of particles at 7 teraelectronvolts (TeV) - a massive measure of energy.
CERN now plans to run the machine continuously for a period of 18 to 24 months, with a brief interruption for technical purposes at the end of 2010.
The aim is to see if certain particles can be recreated, in an effort to understand the moment after the Big Bang - believed to be the explosive event some 14 billion years ago which started the Universe - in part by explaining how elementary particles acquire mass.
Scientists are searching for the so-called Higgs boson particle, and explain why matter has mass. (IANS)
Communal riots spread to new areas in Hyderabad Tuesday even as shoot-at-sight orders were issued in the old city and curfew was imposed in the areas under eight more police stations.While curfew continued the old city without any relaxation, it was imposed in new areas following fresh clashes.
Hyderabad police Commissioner A.K. Khan said Tuesday evening that indefinite curfew would be in force in Afzalgunz, Begumbazar, Shahinathgunz, Tappachaputra, Asifnagar, Mangalhat, Kulsumpura and Habibnagar police stations.
He also imposed prohibitory orders banning processions and rallies across this Andhra Pradesh capital after clashes in new areas.
The indefinite curfew in the riot-hit old city of Hyderabad continued Tuesday without relaxation. All 17 police stations under the south zone were brought under curfew Monday night to control the situation.
The communal violence, which was so far confined to the old city, spread to other areas in the city, triggering tension.
Groups belonging to two different communities clashed in Musheerabad, Bholakpur and Rani Gunj and other areas in central Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad.
Andhra Pradesh police chief Girish Kumar told reporters that police were ordered to shoot anyone carrying lethal weapons, stones or sticks in the curfew-bound old city. The order came after fresh incidents of violence that left over 30 people injured.
While the curfew-bound old city remained by and large peaceful, trouble broke out in Musheerabad area when some people allegedly pelted stones on a religious procession. Rival groups clashes with stones and sticks. The miscreants attacked houses and damaged over 20 vehicles.
The trouble spread to nearby Bholakpur and Rani Gunj areas. In Begum Bazar area near the old city, police opened fire in the air to disperse two clashing groups.
There was tension in several areas as various organisations took out processions to mark Hanuman Jayanti. As the tension was mounting, police ordered closure of shops and business establishments in almost all parts of the city as a precautionary measure. Almost the entire city wore a deserted look.
Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were reported from curfew-bound areas of Gulzar Houz and Shahali Banda near the historic Charminar but the police controlled the situation by resorting to baton charges and arresting the miscreants.
The violence, which broke out Saturday in Moosabowli area of Hussaini Alam over a dispute on putting up of religious flags, has so far left one person dead and over 80 injured while several places of worship were attacked and vehicles torched.
With rampaging mobs taking to streets in several areas Monday afternoon, police imposed curfew to bring the situation under control. Hundreds of policemen and paramilitary forces personnel were deployed across the communally-sensitive walled city.
The violence of last three days and the curfew has put the residents to severe inconvenience.
Police, with the help of some dairy farms, arranged supply of milk in curfew-bound areas Tuesday morning. Women were allowed to come out and buy milk from the suppliers.
Policemen from other parts of the state, neighbouring states and personnel of central forces like Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed in the trouble-torn areas.
Police Commissioner Khan said any decision on relaxing the curfew would be taken after a review of the situation Wednesday.
He said police had formed special teams to identify the culprits behind the riots. "We have so far arrested 110 people in connection with various incidents and questioning them to identify the culprits," Khan said.
Authorities have postponed the Class 10 examinations in all curfew-bound areas. The education department announced that the examinations would be held for students in the old city at a later date. (IANS)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) Tuesday signed a major merchandising deal with Yog Sports, a marketing and distribution company.As part of the 10-year exclusive deal, Yog Sports will be the IPL's "Official Merchandise Distribution Partner".
"Yog Sports has acquired exclusive rights to distribute branded merchandise of DLF-IPL and all eight teams across India for a 10-year period.
"Merchandise will include jerseys, T-shirts, caps, key chains, wrist bands, backpacks, gym bags, flags, trumpets, and other accessories, including those of the team's official kit sponsors like Reebok, Adidas and Puma," IPL said in a statement.
The company, which provides merchandise for sporting events, will be setting up exclusive 'IPL Match Stores' at stadiums, multiplexes, airports, railway stations, and ISBT's, in addition to select malls, high streets, and IT parks.
"This year, Yog Sports is setting up 200 retail stores across 12 cities wherever the matches are being held. The company plans to scale up its operations taking its merchandise retail footprint to 1,000 stores by the 10th year."
In addition, the company is also the exclusive supplier to the IPL online match store at www.iplt20.com.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said official merchandise is an integral part of any global sporting league as it helps enhance fans' participation and team loyalties.
"With this deal, we have defined a collaborative strategy to ensure that IPL fans get access to authentic team merchandise at attractive prices. We will now work towards ensuring the highest quality standard for all IPL merchandise and through their robust distribution network will attempt to reach out to fans even outside the stadia and across India."
Saumitra Srivastava, director, Yog Sports, said: "We aim to bring to IPL fans, the international merchandise experience, both in terms of quality, choice and value for money."
(IANS)
Indian consulate officials in Dubai Tuesday got access to 17 Indians sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for killing a Pakistani as a shocked Indian government pledged to provide all legal aid to them.
The sentenced Indians were in good health, sources said here. The government is now awaiting a detailed report from the consulate before exploring legal options.
The Indian consulate general in Dubai has sought consular access to these Indians and is seeking a copy of the judgment of Sharjah's Shariah court that sentenced them.
The Indians, most of them being from Punjab, were accused of killing a Pakistani and injuring three Pakistanis following a row over illegal alcohol business.
"We will give them consular assistance and we will also try to find out in what other ways we can help them out to file an appeal in the higher court," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said.
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi added: "(We will) see that everything is done and give an important lawyer and also financial assistance to the accused. Definitely, we will try to help these people who are in need of government help."
"The death sentence is rather shocking. We have decided to give maximum possible help to them," he said.
India's consulate general in Dubai is in touch with the Sharjah authorities.
"Whenever information is required about the incarceration of Indian nationals, consular access is sought by the consulate," the consulate said in a statement.
"Information about such detention is conveyed to the family members where required. In the case of destitute, legal advice is arranged," it said.
The consulate pointed that the Indian community in the UAE was overwhelmingly law abiding and their contribution was widely recognised and appreciated. (IANS)
The sentenced Indians were in good health, sources said here. The government is now awaiting a detailed report from the consulate before exploring legal options.
The Indian consulate general in Dubai has sought consular access to these Indians and is seeking a copy of the judgment of Sharjah's Shariah court that sentenced them.
The Indians, most of them being from Punjab, were accused of killing a Pakistani and injuring three Pakistanis following a row over illegal alcohol business.
"We will give them consular assistance and we will also try to find out in what other ways we can help them out to file an appeal in the higher court," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said.
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi added: "(We will) see that everything is done and give an important lawyer and also financial assistance to the accused. Definitely, we will try to help these people who are in need of government help."
"The death sentence is rather shocking. We have decided to give maximum possible help to them," he said.
India's consulate general in Dubai is in touch with the Sharjah authorities.
"Whenever information is required about the incarceration of Indian nationals, consular access is sought by the consulate," the consulate said in a statement.
"Information about such detention is conveyed to the family members where required. In the case of destitute, legal advice is arranged," it said.
The consulate pointed that the Indian community in the UAE was overwhelmingly law abiding and their contribution was widely recognised and appreciated. (IANS)
Sania Mirza, her parents and sister have applied for a visa to Pakistan, a day after news broke that the Indian tennis star plans to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.An official at the Pakistan High Commission here confirmed that visa applications of 23-year-old Sania, her parents and younger sister were received Tuesday.
"They are being issued their visas," he said.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Shoaib's family has also applied for Indian visas and will be travelling to India in the first week of April.
The wedding is set to be held in Hyderabad and the reception in Lahore. The couple would settle down in Dubai after tying the knot, according to their families.
Indo-Asian News Service dm/pp/vt
Close on the heels of one of its PhD students being arrested for harassment of a woman professor with "intimidating", romantic text messages, the Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) university Tuesday said it has expelled three of its students in different cases of sexual harassment on campus.
"After receiving complaints and carrying out investigations, the proctorial department of the university recently found three students guilty of being involved in different cases of sexual harassment on campus," a statement by the university said.
"Taking a serious view of this development, the university has expelled all three students from the university and a campus ban has also been imposed on them," it added.
Earlier, an official spokesperson of the varsity had said that in the past two weeks there have been three cases of sexual harassment in the campus - with the case of the PhD student and the professor being one of them.
"Over the past two weeks, we have had three cases of sexual harassment. This case (the PhD student-professor case) is one of them. The university on its part has taken strict action in all the cases," the spokesperson told IANS.
A PhD student of the varsity was Thursday arrested after a woman professor lodged a complaint with the police that he was harassing her with long, romantic text messages for over two months. The messages, she said, were "intimidating".
While the student was later released on bail, the professor again approached the police Monday, saying he had once again started troubling her by landing outside her department with a bouquet of flowers. He was then arrested.
"The professor approached the police and also spoke to the university officials about the issue. While police took action, the university on its part expelled the student and has issued a proctorial enquiry into the matter," the spokesperson added.
In a recently held seminar on sexual harassment on university campuses, professors of the varsity admitted that although Jamia has a committee to look into sexual harassment cases, they were struggling with bringing out of a policy on the same.
Its counterparts here, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU), however, have a concrete policy framework on sexual harassment on their campuses.
The Jamia statement however said: "As an institution, Jamia has zero tolerance for those elements that are found to indulge in any instance of sexual harassment on campus. In order to send a strong message to potential offenders, the university has taken exemplary and firm action against those who have been found to indulge in sexual harassment on campus in the last few days". (IANS)
"After receiving complaints and carrying out investigations, the proctorial department of the university recently found three students guilty of being involved in different cases of sexual harassment on campus," a statement by the university said.
"Taking a serious view of this development, the university has expelled all three students from the university and a campus ban has also been imposed on them," it added.
Earlier, an official spokesperson of the varsity had said that in the past two weeks there have been three cases of sexual harassment in the campus - with the case of the PhD student and the professor being one of them.
"Over the past two weeks, we have had three cases of sexual harassment. This case (the PhD student-professor case) is one of them. The university on its part has taken strict action in all the cases," the spokesperson told IANS.
A PhD student of the varsity was Thursday arrested after a woman professor lodged a complaint with the police that he was harassing her with long, romantic text messages for over two months. The messages, she said, were "intimidating".
While the student was later released on bail, the professor again approached the police Monday, saying he had once again started troubling her by landing outside her department with a bouquet of flowers. He was then arrested.
"The professor approached the police and also spoke to the university officials about the issue. While police took action, the university on its part expelled the student and has issued a proctorial enquiry into the matter," the spokesperson added.
In a recently held seminar on sexual harassment on university campuses, professors of the varsity admitted that although Jamia has a committee to look into sexual harassment cases, they were struggling with bringing out of a policy on the same.
Its counterparts here, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU), however, have a concrete policy framework on sexual harassment on their campuses.
The Jamia statement however said: "As an institution, Jamia has zero tolerance for those elements that are found to indulge in any instance of sexual harassment on campus. In order to send a strong message to potential offenders, the university has taken exemplary and firm action against those who have been found to indulge in sexual harassment on campus in the last few days". (IANS)
Most Eligible Bachelor in India
MS Dhoni, the captain of Indian cricket was voted as the 'most eligible bachelor in India' in the weekly poll.
Dhoni secured 25% votes followed by Rahul Gandhi with 24% votes and Salman Khan with 15% votes.
The poll results are as follows
Shahid Kapoor 48 (13%)
MS Dhoni 89 (25%)
Rahul Gandhi 84 (24%)
Salman Khan 55 (15%)
Yuvraj Singh 26 (7%)
Somebody else 45 (12%)
By Mohammed Shafeeq Hyderabad, March 30 (IANS) The decision of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza to tie the knot with Shoaib Malik has baffled people in her home town and triggered a debate on her move in view of the controversy involving the Pakistani cricketer.The people, especially youngsters, were heard discussing the possible impact of the wedding on India-Pakistan relations, on her tennis career and whether Sania would remain an Indian citizen or become a Pakistani.
There is also speculation that the 23-year-old would stop playing tennis after the 2012 Olympics.
Coming a couple of months after she called off her engagement to childhood friend Sohrab Mirza citing "incompatibility", the news of her proposed marriage with former Pakistani captain has surprised her fans and critics alike.
Shoaib, 28, had reportedly married Ayesha Siddiqui, daughter of a businessman from this city, in 2002 but the Pakistani star later denied the marriage.
Even close family friends of Sania had no information about the alliance till her family Monday night confirmed a report by Pakistani television channel Geo News.
Some of her fans believe that she has taken a risk by choosing a Pakistani as her life partner given the strained relations between the two neighbours.
Sania Mirza is perhaps the first Indian sporting celebrity to marry a Pakistani who is also a sports star in his country. The news of the marriage has attracted intense attention here.
"Sania and Shoaib will make a handsome couple. I wish her all the best," said S. Rashmi, a student.
The opinion was divided on whether the alliance would help strengthen people-to-people ties. "Marriage of the two celebrities would make no difference to Indo-Pak relations as they would have no influence on the powers that decide the foreign policies," said M.A. Amir, a software professional.
Though Sania's family in their statement said she would settle down in Dubai after the marriage and would continue to represent India in coming events, her relatives were tight-lipped on whether she would remain an Indian or accept Pakistani citizenship after a few years. "I don't think she will ever accept Pakistani citizenship given the strained relations between the two countries," feels Fauzan Hashmi, a student.
Sania's critics feel she has committed a "double fault" by breaking off the engagement with her childhood friend and then choosing a Pakistani, who allegedly cheated a girl from her own city after marrying her.
"Sania has made Hyderabad and India proud through her achievements but she should not have landed herself in a controversy by choosing a man who is accused of cheating a girl," said Sana Khan, a housewife.
Controversies surrounded Sania and they infact overshadowed her tennis career. Muslim clergy had taken strong exception to her dress on court and her reported remarks on pre-marital sex. She, however, denied making the remarks.
Sania, who has one single WTA title, eight doubles and one mixed doubles title, had a meteoric rise on Indian sports. She became the highest ranking Indian woman tennis player by breaking into the top 30 in world ranking. However, the poor performances during the last couple of years saw her ranking slipping to 92nd this month. She had once said that her tennis career may end without winning a Grand Slam titile.
Shoaib had called off his engagement with Ayesha Siddiqui in January 2008 saying the two families could not reach an understanding on some issues. Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui had even threatened to sue Malik for cheating and demanded him to give a formal divorce.
What is your opinion. Comment below
Paceman Brett Lee has been recalled in the Australian squad for the World Twenty20 in the West Indies starting April 30.Lee,33, underwent elbow surgery last year and has not played for his country since the tour of India in October. The pace bowler, who is currently playing for Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League, proved his fitness to selectors.
Lee was selected ahead of the in-form Ryan Harris.
"While Brett Lee hasn't played the amount of cricket we would've liked him to in preparation for this World Cup, at his best he is one of the best Twenty20 cricketers in the world," said Andrew Hilditch, the national selection panel chairman .
"He also has the opportunity of continuing to play in the IPL as preparation for this tournament," he said.
"We've been preparing hard for this tournament since the last event and we're pleased with the squad's performance in recent games, under the captaincy of Michael Clarke. The squad has a good mix of experience and exciting young talent and is capable, at its best, of playing competitive and entertaining Twenty20 cricket."
"Ryan Harris is extremely unlucky to miss selection given his strong performances in all forms of the game in recent times for Australia," Hilditch added.
The squad for the women's World Twenty20 which will be played at the same time was also announced.
Squad:
Men's: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Dirk Nannes, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Women's: Jodie Fields (captain), Alex Blackwell, Jessica Cameron Sarah Elliott, Rene Farrell, Rachael Haynes, Julie Hunter Shelley Nitschke, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Leah Poulton Lisa Sthalekar, Clea Smith, Elyse Villani.
(IANS)
Scientists have developed the world's tiniest superconductor -- a sheet of four pairs of molecules less than a nanometre wide.
The Ohio University (OU)-led study provides the first evidence that nanoscale molecular superconducting wires can be fabricated for use in nanoscale electronic devices and energy applications. (A nanometre is a billionth of a metre).
"Researchers have said that it's almost impossible to make nanoscale interconnects using metallic conductors because the resistance increases as the size of wire becomes smaller," said Saw-Wai Hla, associate professor of physics, astronomy at the OU, who led the study.
"The nanowires become so hot that they can melt and destruct. That issue, Joule heating, has been a major barrier for making nanoscale devices a reality," added Saw-Wai Hla, who works at the OU Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute.
Superconducting materials can carry large electrical currents without loss of power or generating heat. They are currently used in applications ranging from supercomputers to brain imaging devices.
Superconductivity was first discovered in 1911, and until recently, was considered a macroscopic phenomenon. The current finding suggests, however, that it exists at the molecular scale, which opens up a novel route for studying this phenomenon, Hla said, according to an OU release.
"We've opened up a new way to understand this phenomenon, which could lead to new materials that could be engineered to work at higher temperatures," Hla said.
These findings were published in the Monday online edition of Nature Nanotechnology. (IANS)
The Ohio University (OU)-led study provides the first evidence that nanoscale molecular superconducting wires can be fabricated for use in nanoscale electronic devices and energy applications. (A nanometre is a billionth of a metre).
"Researchers have said that it's almost impossible to make nanoscale interconnects using metallic conductors because the resistance increases as the size of wire becomes smaller," said Saw-Wai Hla, associate professor of physics, astronomy at the OU, who led the study.
"The nanowires become so hot that they can melt and destruct. That issue, Joule heating, has been a major barrier for making nanoscale devices a reality," added Saw-Wai Hla, who works at the OU Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute.
Superconducting materials can carry large electrical currents without loss of power or generating heat. They are currently used in applications ranging from supercomputers to brain imaging devices.
Superconductivity was first discovered in 1911, and until recently, was considered a macroscopic phenomenon. The current finding suggests, however, that it exists at the molecular scale, which opens up a novel route for studying this phenomenon, Hla said, according to an OU release.
"We've opened up a new way to understand this phenomenon, which could lead to new materials that could be engineered to work at higher temperatures," Hla said.
These findings were published in the Monday online edition of Nature Nanotechnology. (IANS)
Cigarette filters may have traces of pig's blood, an Australian professor has said, adding the devout may find this "very offensive".Simon Chapman, a professor at the University of Sydney, said a recent Dutch research had identified 185 industrial uses of a pig - including the use of haemoglobin in cigarette filters.
"I think that there would be some particularly devout groups who would find the idea that there were pig products in cigarettes to be very offensive," Chapman was qouted as saying by Australian AAP news agency.
"The Jewish community certainly takes these matters extremely seriously and the Islamic community certainly do as well, as (so) would many vegetarians.
"It just puts into hard relief the problem that the tobacco industry is not required to declare the ingredients of cigarettes ... they say 'that's our business' and a trade secret."
The research found pig haemoglobin was being used to make cigarette filters more effective in blocking harmful chemicals before it entered a smoker's lungs.
The professor said that one cigarette brand sold in Greece was confirmed to be using pig haemoglobin in its processes, Chapman said. (IANS)
iProf Learning Solutions India has launched iProf, India's first personal education tablet computer with Google's Android operating system.
iProf can display study material in multiple formats such as audio-video lectures, animations, structured tests, solutions, performance analysis and much more. Being a touch tablet, it digitizes learning and makes if faster and more efficient.
iProf is a 7-inch touch screen tablet with high speed broadband and wi-fi capabilities and will be available at a price of Rs 14,900/-.
iProf will be displayed iProf iStudy Zones from April 1 onwards.
iProf can display study material in multiple formats such as audio-video lectures, animations, structured tests, solutions, performance analysis and much more. Being a touch tablet, it digitizes learning and makes if faster and more efficient.
iProf is a 7-inch touch screen tablet with high speed broadband and wi-fi capabilities and will be available at a price of Rs 14,900/-.
iProf will be displayed iProf iStudy Zones from April 1 onwards.
Swami Paramahamsa Nityananda, who was recently in the news for a controversial video footage, on Tuesday announced his decision to resign as head of his Dhyanapeetam ashram and from all trusts associated with it and start living a life of 'spiritual seclusion' for an indefinite time.
In a press releasec available at the Dhanyapeetam website Swami Nityananda says;
I have decided to live a life of Spiritual seclusion, for some indefinite time,
to which the acharyas have agreed in principle.
In view of this, and
to enable the Dhyanapeetam to function with such amended agenda as may be
necessary, I am resigning as the head of the Dhyanapeetam and from all the
trusts associated with it. A board of trustees consisting from sadhakas of the
Dhyanapeetam who are non-controversial, will henceforth manage the Dhyanapeetam.
I have also requested the Acharyas to help the newly constituted trust reorient
the activities of the Dhyanapeetam increasingly to undertake spiritually
oriented service activities and to guide the trustees. I have also directed the
new trustees of Dhyanapeetam to seek the counsel and go by the advice of the
Acharyas.
The ruling DMK Tuesday swept the bypolls for the Pennagaram assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu held March 27 by a big margin.
Party candidate P.N.P. Inbasekaran trounced his nearest rival PMK candidate G.K.M. Tamilkumaran by a margin of over 36,000 votes. In the four-cornered contest, AIADMK and DMDK were also-rans.
The bypoll saw 84 percent polling. From the beginning, DMK was in the lead with a comfortable margin.
DMK leader and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said: "It is victory given by the Tamil Nadu people."
DMK party workers celebrated the victory bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters.
With this victory, the DMK has won all assembly bypolls held in the state after it came to power in 2006. The DMK will now have 99 legislative members in the state assembly and if, including the speaker it will have 100 members in the 235-seat assembly.
Around 84 percent of over 200,000 voters Saturday cast their votes in the by-election to the Pennagaram assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. The counting of votes to be held March 30.
Though 31 candidates are in the fray the poll is largely dominated by four major candidates - DMK's P.N.P. Inbasekaran, PMK's G.K.M. Tamilkumaran, AIADMK's R. Anbalagan and DMDK's Kaveri Varman.
During the run up to the elections all the parties traded charges of large scale electoral malpractices like distribution of cash and kind to woo the voters.
The Election Commission monitored the entire election process with web cameras at all the polling stations.
Party candidate P.N.P. Inbasekaran trounced his nearest rival PMK candidate G.K.M. Tamilkumaran by a margin of over 36,000 votes. In the four-cornered contest, AIADMK and DMDK were also-rans.
The bypoll saw 84 percent polling. From the beginning, DMK was in the lead with a comfortable margin.
DMK leader and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said: "It is victory given by the Tamil Nadu people."
DMK party workers celebrated the victory bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets at Anna Arivalayam, the party headquarters.
With this victory, the DMK has won all assembly bypolls held in the state after it came to power in 2006. The DMK will now have 99 legislative members in the state assembly and if, including the speaker it will have 100 members in the 235-seat assembly.
Around 84 percent of over 200,000 voters Saturday cast their votes in the by-election to the Pennagaram assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu. The counting of votes to be held March 30.
Though 31 candidates are in the fray the poll is largely dominated by four major candidates - DMK's P.N.P. Inbasekaran, PMK's G.K.M. Tamilkumaran, AIADMK's R. Anbalagan and DMDK's Kaveri Varman.
During the run up to the elections all the parties traded charges of large scale electoral malpractices like distribution of cash and kind to woo the voters.
The Election Commission monitored the entire election process with web cameras at all the polling stations.
San Juan, March 30 (IANS/EFE) Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin has revealed that he is a homosexual and feels "blessed" to be himself.
"Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution. I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am," the singer wrote in a statement posted on his website Monday.
The pop star announced that he will write his memoirs, a project which will bring him "closer to an amazing turning point" in his life.
"From the moment I wrote the first phrase I was sure the book was the tool that was going to help me free myself from things I was carrying within me for a long time. Things that were too heavy for me to keep inside," he said.
He also admitted that he could not reveal his homosexuality over the years because he was told by his friends and associates that "many people in the world are not ready to accept your truth, your reality, your nature".
"Because all this advice came from people who I love dearly, I decided to move on with my life not sharing with the world my entire truth," Martin said. "Allowing myself to be seduced by fear and insecurity became a self-fulfilling prophecy of sabotage.
"Today I take full responsibility for my decisions and my actions," the singer, philanthropist and activist said.
In 2008, Ricky Martin became the father of twins with the helo of a surrogate mother.
"What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment," he said.
David Hussey Catch in IPL 2010 Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders, One of the most exciting catches in the tournament.
"She will hold the rank and status of union cabinet minister with immediate effect. The salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of the chairperson and members shall be such as the government may specify from time to time," an official statement said.
Her term will begin from the date she assumes charge, it said.
"It will be co-terminus with the term of the NAC or until further orders whichever is earlier. The chairperson shall be entitled to the same salary, pay, allowances and other facilities to which a member of the union council of ministers is entitled."
According to the statement, the term of NAC members will be for one year but this could be extended. They will draw salary and allowances determined by the central government.
Gandhi had resigned from the NAC in March 2006 after the opposition alleged that she had violated the office of profit principle requiring MPs not to hold offices that carry wages, salaries or allowances during their tenures. She had also resigned her Lok Sabha seat of Rae Bareli but won it back in a re-election.
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government subsequently came up with a bill seeking to exempt 56 posts, including the NAC chairperson, from being considered as office of profit. The bill was approved in May 2006 by parliament amid opposition by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led opposition.
The NAC was first formed during the earlier tenure of UPA government and had played a role in the enactment of Right to Information Act, Forest Rights Act and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
The reconstituted NAC is expected to take up the food security bill over which there are differences between social activists and the government. The activists, some of whom were part of the previous NAC, have differed with the government on draft food security bill cleared by the cabinet, saying its provisions were "minimalist".
The reconstituted NAC is also expected to keep a watch on the existing flagship welfare schemes such as the rural employment guarantee programme and scrutinise other proposed legislations dealing with social sector. (IANS)
Britain-based Indian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is all set to unveil, the first look, her new English film "It's A Wonderful Afterlife" April 1.
Two weeks later, April 15, fans will get a sneak peak of the dubbed Hindi version which is titled "Hai Marjaawan". Both vesions are slated to release in India May 7.
Starring veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi in a pivotal role, "It's A Wonderful Afterlife" is romantic comedy and tells the story of a mother who goes to extreme lengths to get her daughter married.
It also stars Goldy Notay, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sally Hawkins and Jimi Mistry.
"I think 'It's A Wonderful Afterlife' is my best work to date," Chadha had told IANS in an interview.
Chadha had dubbed her 2004 "Bride & Prejudice" in Hindi and titled it "Balle Balle Amritsar To LA". (IANS)
Two weeks later, April 15, fans will get a sneak peak of the dubbed Hindi version which is titled "Hai Marjaawan". Both vesions are slated to release in India May 7.
Starring veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi in a pivotal role, "It's A Wonderful Afterlife" is romantic comedy and tells the story of a mother who goes to extreme lengths to get her daughter married.
It also stars Goldy Notay, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sally Hawkins and Jimi Mistry.
"I think 'It's A Wonderful Afterlife' is my best work to date," Chadha had told IANS in an interview.
Chadha had dubbed her 2004 "Bride & Prejudice" in Hindi and titled it "Balle Balle Amritsar To LA". (IANS)
Former Pakistani cricket captain Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza have got engaged and will tie the knot in April, a media report Monday said.
"The two sports stars have been in an affair for the last six months which had led to Sania's earlier engagement to break," Geo TV reported.
There was, however, no independent confirmation of the report.
According to Geo News, Shoaib Malik's mother met the family of Sania, and sought Sania for her son. The channel claimed that Sania's family has accepted the proposal and the two families are all set to conduct the engagement the two.
The channel even claimed that the engagement ceremony was expected to take place next month.
The news of Sania's proposed marriage with Malik came two months after she called off her engagement to childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, citing "incompatibility".
Six months after the engagement took place here amid much fanfare, Sania decided to part ways with Sohrab.
Interestingly, Shoaib Malik was also engaged to a girl from this southern Indian city a few years ago but he later called it off. The family of the girl had even claimed that he had married her but the Pakistani star denied this.
Malik had said in January 2008 that his marriage plans with Ayesha Siddiqui ended because both families could not reach an understanding on certain issues.
However, the girl's family claimed that the marriage had taken place in 2002. Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui had even threatened to sue Malik and demanded him to give a formal divorce.
Malik had met Ayesha in Dubai and they decided to marry. The Pakistani cricket team was given a grand reception by Ayesha's parents at their residence here when the team toured India in 2005.
Shoaib was also linked with Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat.
(IANS)
"The two sports stars have been in an affair for the last six months which had led to Sania's earlier engagement to break," Geo TV reported.
There was, however, no independent confirmation of the report.
According to Geo News, Shoaib Malik's mother met the family of Sania, and sought Sania for her son. The channel claimed that Sania's family has accepted the proposal and the two families are all set to conduct the engagement the two.
The channel even claimed that the engagement ceremony was expected to take place next month.
The news of Sania's proposed marriage with Malik came two months after she called off her engagement to childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, citing "incompatibility".
Six months after the engagement took place here amid much fanfare, Sania decided to part ways with Sohrab.
Interestingly, Shoaib Malik was also engaged to a girl from this southern Indian city a few years ago but he later called it off. The family of the girl had even claimed that he had married her but the Pakistani star denied this.
Malik had said in January 2008 that his marriage plans with Ayesha Siddiqui ended because both families could not reach an understanding on certain issues.
However, the girl's family claimed that the marriage had taken place in 2002. Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui had even threatened to sue Malik and demanded him to give a formal divorce.
Malik had met Ayesha in Dubai and they decided to marry. The Pakistani cricket team was given a grand reception by Ayesha's parents at their residence here when the team toured India in 2005.
Shoaib was also linked with Bollywood actress Sayali Bhagat.
(IANS)
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza's family Monday confirmed that she was all set to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.
An Indian news channel quoted Sania's father Imran Mirza as saying that the reports of her proposed marriage with Malik were true. According to the channel, he said that the marriage would take place in a month and that the couple would settle down in Dubai after tying the knot.
Imran said that both Sania and Malik would continue to represent their countries in their respective games.
However, Sania's father or any family member did not come out of the house to speak to mediapersons waiting outside to get a confirmation of the news first aired on a Pakistani television channel.
According to Geo News, Shoaib Malik's mother met the family of Sania, and sought Sania for her son. The channel claimed that Sania's family has accepted the proposal and the two families are all set to conduct the engagement of the two.
The channel even claimed that the engagement ceremony was expected to take place next month.
The news of Sania's proposed marriage with Malik came two months after she called off her engagement to childhood friend Sohrab Mirza, citing "incompatibility".
Six months after the engagement took place here amid much fanfare, Sania decided to part ways with Sohrab.
Interestingly, Shoaib Malik was also engaged to a girl from this southern Indian city a few years ago but he later called it off. The family of the girl had even claimed that he had married her but the Pakistani star denied this.
Malik had said in January 2008 that his marriage plans with Ayesha Siddiqui ended because both families could not reach an understanding on certain issues.
However, the girl's family claimed that the they entered the wedlock through 'nikah' over telephone in 2002. Ayesha's father M.A. Siddiqui had even threatened to sue Malik for cheating and demanded him to give a formal divorce.
Malik was also quoted by Pakistani media as saying that Ayesha was not the girl he met in Dubai and that her family cheated him by sending a photograph of another girl.
Malik had reportedly met Ayesha in Dubai and they decided to marry. The Pakistani cricket team was given a grand reception by Ayesha's parents at their residence here when the team toured India in 2005.
Interestingly, Ayesha had not come out at the reception and did not even meet Shoaib, saying she was down with some allergic problem. (IANS)
Priyanka Chopra will make her debut on TV as the host of "Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi" and says she will be more than up to cracking what's seen to be a male domain.
"Just because I'm a girl it shouldn't be presumed that I can't enter the boys' territory. I'd do the stunts better than the boys," Priyanka told IANS.
The special edition of the show will feature Indian as well as international cricketers competing with each other to vie for the 'Fear Factor - Khaton Ka Khiladi' title for 2010.
"And cricketers are people I'm very cool with. Not that I know the cricket world that well. It will be great getting to know them," said the actress who has her own stunts planned for the show.
"All I can tell you is that the stunts this year are going to be bigger and scarier than they were on the show last year. Now we've male contestants instead of female and I've to match up to them," she said.
"I was getting a lot of television offers for the last couple of years. But the amount of time that those shows required didn't suit me. Besides nothing excited me. 'Fear Factor' is one of my favourite shows. And it goes with my personality. I'm sporty and spontaneous.
"The channel didn't have to convince me much. The pay-cheque? Ah, let's say it's the cherry on the icing," she added.
Priyanka is also excited about shooting for the adventure reality show in Brazil because she has never visited that part of the world.
"I'm looking forward to shooting the show there. I haven't seen Brazil. So July onwards I'm going to be basking in Brazilian territory," she said.
(IANS)
The Tamil Nadu government Monday rejected the demand for the release of Nalini Hariharan, sentenced to life for the 1991 assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Tamil Nadu Advocate General P.S. Raman submitted the government's decision to the Madras High Court, citing the decision of the Prison Advisory Board that had examined the request.
The board, headed by the Vellore district collector, had listed eight counts on which Nalini should not be released, including her reported refusal to apologise for Gandhi's assassination.
Raman submitted to the division bench comprising of Justices Elipe Dharma Rao and K.K. Sasihdharan that the DMK government had accepted the board's verdict.
The case was filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy challenging Nalini's right for remission. According to him, Nalini has already got one remission - the reduction of death penalty to life imprisonment.
DMK MP T.K.S. Elangovan told IANS: "The government has accepted the decision of the independent board."
The Congress party, the ruling DMK's ally, welcomed the decision to keep Nalini in prison.
Congress legislature party leader D. Sudharsanam told IANS: "Our stand is that of the Tamil Nadu government's."
Congress leaders had opposed the release of Nalini and others convicted for the killing of Gandhi at an election rally at Sriperumbudur near here.
Gandhi was blown up when a young woman suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) detonated explosives strapped on her body while pretending to touch his feet on May 21, 1991.
Nalini was seated among the audience at the rally along with another LTTE woman member. According to investigators, she was part of the "killer team" that wanted to kill Gandhi for sending the Indian Army to Sri Lanka in 1987 that ended up fighting the LTTE.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had said the state government would consult New Delhi on Nalini's plea that she should be released since she has spent nearly two decades in prison.
Originally, Nalini was convicted on 16 counts of murder and awarded death penality. Later, at the intervention of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the slain Rajiv Gandhi's widow, this was commuted to life imprisonment.
In September last year, Nalini filed a petition in the Madras High Court asking the Tamil Nadu government to convene the advisory board to consider her case for release from jail.
In her petition, she said that she was entitled for release in 2005 itself as she had completed 14 years in jail.
After her arrest, Nalini had married LTTE activist known by his nom de guerre Murugan. He is also in prison for the Gandhi killing. They now have a grown up daughter.
In March last year, Priyanka Vadra, daughter of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, visited Nalini in the prison. Nalini cited the meeting while demanding her release. (IANS)
Tamil Nadu Advocate General P.S. Raman submitted the government's decision to the Madras High Court, citing the decision of the Prison Advisory Board that had examined the request.
The board, headed by the Vellore district collector, had listed eight counts on which Nalini should not be released, including her reported refusal to apologise for Gandhi's assassination.
Raman submitted to the division bench comprising of Justices Elipe Dharma Rao and K.K. Sasihdharan that the DMK government had accepted the board's verdict.
The case was filed by Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy challenging Nalini's right for remission. According to him, Nalini has already got one remission - the reduction of death penalty to life imprisonment.
DMK MP T.K.S. Elangovan told IANS: "The government has accepted the decision of the independent board."
The Congress party, the ruling DMK's ally, welcomed the decision to keep Nalini in prison.
Congress legislature party leader D. Sudharsanam told IANS: "Our stand is that of the Tamil Nadu government's."
Congress leaders had opposed the release of Nalini and others convicted for the killing of Gandhi at an election rally at Sriperumbudur near here.
Gandhi was blown up when a young woman suicide bomber from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) detonated explosives strapped on her body while pretending to touch his feet on May 21, 1991.
Nalini was seated among the audience at the rally along with another LTTE woman member. According to investigators, she was part of the "killer team" that wanted to kill Gandhi for sending the Indian Army to Sri Lanka in 1987 that ended up fighting the LTTE.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had said the state government would consult New Delhi on Nalini's plea that she should be released since she has spent nearly two decades in prison.
Originally, Nalini was convicted on 16 counts of murder and awarded death penality. Later, at the intervention of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, the slain Rajiv Gandhi's widow, this was commuted to life imprisonment.
In September last year, Nalini filed a petition in the Madras High Court asking the Tamil Nadu government to convene the advisory board to consider her case for release from jail.
In her petition, she said that she was entitled for release in 2005 itself as she had completed 14 years in jail.
After her arrest, Nalini had married LTTE activist known by his nom de guerre Murugan. He is also in prison for the Gandhi killing. They now have a grown up daughter.
In March last year, Priyanka Vadra, daughter of Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi, visited Nalini in the prison. Nalini cited the meeting while demanding her release. (IANS)
The S1200 features
12.2 MP Camera
3x Optical Zoom
Xenon Flash
Multiple Face Detection
Smile Shutter
TV Out
2.4 inches Screen
EDGE/ JAVA
Expandable Memory Up to 32GB
12 MP Camera with Professional CCD Sensor
3X Optical Zoom + 9X Digital Zoom
Multiple Face Detection
Xenon Flash
32 GB Expandable Memory
TV Out with Cable
The S1200 is priced at Rs. 14,500/-
State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will offer free installation and unlimited data download for the first 15 days to customers who subscribe to its landline-based broadband service by March 31.
"BSNL will offer free installation, free broadband usage for first 15 days at speeds upto 2 mbps, free music and video on demand, free games on demand and free web conferencing services for two months for customers who apply for landline-based broadband connection up to March 31, 2010," it said in a statement.
Customers, however, will have to pay a security amount and modem rentals.
The company has several new tariff plans, both for limited and unlimited usage. The plans are customised for different segments like home, enterprise, office, business and institutions. The customers will get Internet speed according to the plans they have opted for.
BSNL offers the highest broadband speed up to 24 mbps on wireline broadband, the statement claimed.
The new launches inlcude Xperia X10, Xperia X10 mini, Xperia X10 Mini Pro, Vivaz and Vivaz Pro which are priced between Rs 25,695 and Rs 35,795.
Xperia X10 is the first Sony Ericsson smartphone to run the Android operating system. The phone features a 8 MP camera and a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. The screen supports DVD wide-screen resolution. It allows users access to the applications available in the Android Market. Connection speeds up to HSDPA (3G+) are possible with the handset. It introduces a new UX platform that will evolve across the product portfolio and expand over time adding new features and capabilities.
The X10 Mini and the X10 Mini Pro are the two smaller feattured versions of the Xperia X10 with a slide out keyboard.
Vivaz is the first Sony Ericsson phone supporting High Definition (HD) video capture.
More Features
Saraswat Bank, the largest Urban Co-operative Bank in India, has a network of 200 fully computerised branches on CBS platform located in six states i.e. Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Delhi. The total business of the Bank has crossed over Rs.22,000 crore as on today with zero percent net NPA. The Bank is now looking for energetic and dynamic candidates, residing in Mumbai and Pune only and fulfilling the following eligibility norms for recruitment as CLERKS – (MARKETING & OPERATIONS)
Post
Eligibility Criteria
Clerk – (Marketing & Operations)
Vacancies – approx.200
Age : Between 18 years to 27 years as on 1st April, 2010.
Educational Qualification : B.Com. (First Class) with minimum 60% marks from a recognised University.
Candidates appearing for final year B.Com exams and expecting first class with minimum 60% marks will be allowed to apply provisionally.
Proficiency in computer operations is a must.
The eligible candidates will have to qualify in the written test and group discussions/interview. The written test will comprise of Test of Reasoning, English Language, Numerical Ability and Clerical Aptitude.
The selected candidates will be on probation for six months and during probation, will be paid a consolidated salary of Rs.9,500/- p.m. After confirmation, the post will carry gross emoluments of around Rs.1.43 lakhs per annum and other benefits, as admissible under the relevant grade.
In future, on promotion as Officer, the services are transferable to any location/office/subsidiary of the Bank.
Interested candidates fulfilling the above eligibility criteria may send their applications with complete details (in the formats available by clicking the option given below) in a sealed envelope superscribing“Application for the post of Clerk – (Marketing and Operations)” alongwith a demand draft of Rs.200/- in favour of “The Saraswat Co-op.Bank Ltd., Mumbai” as application fee within five days to Mrs. Pearl R. Varghese, Asst. General Manager (HRD), The Saraswat Co-operative Bank Ltd., (Scheduled Bank), “Madhushree” Plot No.85, Sector 17, District Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400 703.
Post
Eligibility Criteria
Clerk – (Marketing & Operations)
Vacancies – approx.200
Age : Between 18 years to 27 years as on 1st April, 2010.
Educational Qualification : B.Com. (First Class) with minimum 60% marks from a recognised University.
Candidates appearing for final year B.Com exams and expecting first class with minimum 60% marks will be allowed to apply provisionally.
Proficiency in computer operations is a must.
The eligible candidates will have to qualify in the written test and group discussions/interview. The written test will comprise of Test of Reasoning, English Language, Numerical Ability and Clerical Aptitude.
The selected candidates will be on probation for six months and during probation, will be paid a consolidated salary of Rs.9,500/- p.m. After confirmation, the post will carry gross emoluments of around Rs.1.43 lakhs per annum and other benefits, as admissible under the relevant grade.
In future, on promotion as Officer, the services are transferable to any location/office/subsidiary of the Bank.
Interested candidates fulfilling the above eligibility criteria may send their applications with complete details (in the formats available by clicking the option given below) in a sealed envelope superscribing“Application for the post of Clerk – (Marketing and Operations)” alongwith a demand draft of Rs.200/- in favour of “The Saraswat Co-op.Bank Ltd., Mumbai” as application fee within five days to Mrs. Pearl R. Varghese, Asst. General Manager (HRD), The Saraswat Co-operative Bank Ltd., (Scheduled Bank), “Madhushree” Plot No.85, Sector 17, District Business Centre, 2nd Floor, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400 703.
Pop star Beyonce Knowles' YouTube web page videos have been blocked by Sony Music Entertainment on "copyright grounds".
"The video contains content from Sony Music Entertainment which has blocked it on copyright grounds," eonline.com quoted a message replaced by Sony on Beyonce's YouTube page.
The action comes on the heels of a copyright infringement issue involving Beyonce's label. (IANS)
Moscow, March 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 32 people were killed Monday when blasts rocked two Moscow metro stations, an official said.
The first blast occurred around 8 a.m. at the central Moscow Lubyanka station, killing 20 people and injuring 11. The second blast occurred some 45 minutes later at the nearby Park Kultury station. The blast left at least 12 people dead.
The injured were evacuated by helicopter. It is suspected to be a terror attack.
The first blast occurred around 8 a.m. at the central Moscow Lubyanka station, killing 20 people and injuring 11. The second blast occurred some 45 minutes later at the nearby Park Kultury station. The blast left at least 12 people dead.
The injured were evacuated by helicopter. It is suspected to be a terror attack.
Chairman and commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Lalit Modi Sunday said that the league has tied up with UFO Moviez for 3D screening of four pre-final matches in theatres across India.
"Today (Sunday), we just finalised that the last four matches of the IPL - two semi-finals, third play and the fourth play matches - will be shown live across cinema halls in India through the UFO chain in 3D," Modi told reporters.
"It's the first time that any sports body is doing it in a large way and we are going ahead and making the 3D production available in India and hopefully some other parts of the world," Modi added.
"Today was the first day I went to many different malls and saw the live experience of the IPL in cinemas. I must say the experience was absolutely incredible. The crowd was very good and the quality provided by UFO was absolutely breathtaking," he added.
Modi believes that the IPL craze among cricket lovers is much more this year than in previous years.
"This third season of the IPL is much more successful than the previous season because people know more about it this time and people have given huge support to the teams of their choice," he said.
Asked about how different the 3D experience would be, he replied: "People will have a unique experience watching it in 3D. For example in 3D you will feel that the ball is passing over your head," said Modi.
Modi said that if he is successful with this experiment, from next season all 94 matches would be shown in 3D.
"We are starting with four matches and if this experiment is successful, all 94 matches from the next season would be shown in 3D," he said.
"We will be the first sporting body in the world that is embracing this and the objective again is of course to keep innovating. We are known as an innovative league and so we want to be at the forefront of innovation. We want to be the first," Modi said. (IANS)
The communal clashes Sunday spread to more areas in the old city of Hyderabad as police clamped ban on gathering of five or more people and deployed additional forces to bring the situation under control.
Police fired shots in the air to disperse clashing groups in Kalapatthar area after a baton charge failed to bring the situation under control while mobs took to streets in Lal Darwaza and Shahali Banda areas Sunday evening, pelting stones and attacking vehicles.
Tension gripped the communal sensitive old city as fresh incidents of violence spread panic among people.
Nearly 24 hours after the trouble broke out over religious flags in Hussaini Alam area, the disturbances in more areas near the historic Mecca Masjid shattered the day-long peace.
Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters that 36 people were injured in violent incidents at various places since Saturday night.
"We are on alert in view of the latest incidents and are monitoring the situation from time to time," he said.
Paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state police personnel were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain peace as Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, who reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting, directed police to deal firmly with trouble-makers.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of criminal procedure code, banning assembly of five or more persons were imposed in the limits of the entire south zone of Hyderabad.
Khan said the violence was pre-planned and claimed that some elements creating trouble have been identified. Denying the involvement of any political party, he said a meeting would be held with all elected representatives to seek their cooperation in maintaining peace.
Police have registered 15 cases and arrested 70 people for various violent incidents. Khan said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would probe the cases.
Trouble began in Moosa Bowli Saturday night when members of a community were allegedly putting up saffron flags after removing the green flags installed recently during a festival. The heated exchange of word snowballed into clashes between two groups.
Incidents of stone pelting and attacks on places of worship, houses, shops and vehicles were reported well past midnight while some people were seen vacating their houses in sensitive areas.
Thirteen people, including two scribes, were injured in stone pelting and police baton charge. Two vehicles were set afire and about a dozen others were damaged by the mobs.
Police used batons to disperse clashing groups, who were armed with sticks and stones.
The incidents took place two days after clashes between two groups in Madannapet area on the same issue.
The two communities by and large live in peace and harmony in the city, which has not seen any major communal riot for two decades. (IANS)
Police fired shots in the air to disperse clashing groups in Kalapatthar area after a baton charge failed to bring the situation under control while mobs took to streets in Lal Darwaza and Shahali Banda areas Sunday evening, pelting stones and attacking vehicles.
Tension gripped the communal sensitive old city as fresh incidents of violence spread panic among people.
Nearly 24 hours after the trouble broke out over religious flags in Hussaini Alam area, the disturbances in more areas near the historic Mecca Masjid shattered the day-long peace.
Police Commissioner A.K. Khan told reporters that 36 people were injured in violent incidents at various places since Saturday night.
"We are on alert in view of the latest incidents and are monitoring the situation from time to time," he said.
Paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state police personnel were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain peace as Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, who reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting, directed police to deal firmly with trouble-makers.
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of criminal procedure code, banning assembly of five or more persons were imposed in the limits of the entire south zone of Hyderabad.
Khan said the violence was pre-planned and claimed that some elements creating trouble have been identified. Denying the involvement of any political party, he said a meeting would be held with all elected representatives to seek their cooperation in maintaining peace.
Police have registered 15 cases and arrested 70 people for various violent incidents. Khan said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would probe the cases.
Trouble began in Moosa Bowli Saturday night when members of a community were allegedly putting up saffron flags after removing the green flags installed recently during a festival. The heated exchange of word snowballed into clashes between two groups.
Incidents of stone pelting and attacks on places of worship, houses, shops and vehicles were reported well past midnight while some people were seen vacating their houses in sensitive areas.
Thirteen people, including two scribes, were injured in stone pelting and police baton charge. Two vehicles were set afire and about a dozen others were damaged by the mobs.
Police used batons to disperse clashing groups, who were armed with sticks and stones.
The incidents took place two days after clashes between two groups in Madannapet area on the same issue.
The two communities by and large live in peace and harmony in the city, which has not seen any major communal riot for two decades. (IANS)
The first-ever same-sex marriage in Manipur between two men in their 20s ended in a 'divorce' two days into their wedding following stiff opposition from their families.
Sandip, the 25-year-old 'groom', and Nikhil, the 28-year-old 'bride', who exchanged marriage vows Thursday in the presence of a modest gathering at a community hall here, decided to end their marriage late Saturday.
Their families Saturday filed a complaint with the local police station at Singjamei, seeking help to end the marriage.
"A police official called Sandip and Nikhil to the police station and counselled them for about two hours. The two men agreed to split and call off their marriage," a family member of Sandip told IANS.
The families were opposed to the marriage after the couple decided to enter into wedlock after a six-year relationship. They maintained it would be a scar on the families as gay marriage is still a taboo in society.
"We were deeply hurt and objected to the marriage. With no options left, we approached the police. They helped us not by force, but by reasoning and convinced the duo to change their mind and split," another family member of Nikhil said requesting not to be named.
The couple were staying together after their wedding at the beauty parlour run by Nikhil.
They exchanged bouquets and rings to wed. Sandip wore a black suit for the ceremony, while Nikhil was dressed in a white gown.
Soon after the wedding Thursday, Sandip said: "I am blessed to have Nikhil as my wife. We are indeed happy." (IANS)
Sandip, the 25-year-old 'groom', and Nikhil, the 28-year-old 'bride', who exchanged marriage vows Thursday in the presence of a modest gathering at a community hall here, decided to end their marriage late Saturday.
Their families Saturday filed a complaint with the local police station at Singjamei, seeking help to end the marriage.
"A police official called Sandip and Nikhil to the police station and counselled them for about two hours. The two men agreed to split and call off their marriage," a family member of Sandip told IANS.
The families were opposed to the marriage after the couple decided to enter into wedlock after a six-year relationship. They maintained it would be a scar on the families as gay marriage is still a taboo in society.
"We were deeply hurt and objected to the marriage. With no options left, we approached the police. They helped us not by force, but by reasoning and convinced the duo to change their mind and split," another family member of Nikhil said requesting not to be named.
The couple were staying together after their wedding at the beauty parlour run by Nikhil.
They exchanged bouquets and rings to wed. Sandip wore a black suit for the ceremony, while Nikhil was dressed in a white gown.
Soon after the wedding Thursday, Sandip said: "I am blessed to have Nikhil as my wife. We are indeed happy." (IANS)
The craze to feature on reality shows and the instant fame and moolah that comes with it seems to be catching on in a big way. Over 2,000 aspirants from across the country gathered at the Laxman Public School here for the auditions for the third season of UTV Bindass' reality show "Dadagiri".
The winners will get a chance to experience the life of an army personnel.
The auditioning was schedule for 6 a.m. Saturday and despite being so early people from all over the country, including Agra and Bangalore, gathered here. Alber Louis, the man behind the show, says the glamour behind an army job attracted so much of a crowd.
"A lot of people consider an army job to be very glamorous but don't know what exactly goes into the making of an army personnel. We will take these boys and girls and let them face various obstacles to test their endurance. The weaklings will be eliminated at every stage," Louis told IANS.
The format is renamed "D3: Commando Force" and this time the format of the show, going on air May 8, will also be changed.
Such overwhelming response is not new. Early this month more than a dozen people were injured in a stampede during the audition for reality TV show "Indian Idol" at Noida's Sector-62.
On March 10, thousands of boys and girls had lined up outside Expo Mart in Sector-62, Noida, to audition for "Indian Idol". When the gates opened, they made a mad rush for the entrance triggering a stampede.
The 60 bouncers and 15 policemen who were deployed at the spot could do little to contain the crowd. (IANS)
Internet addiction may be regarded as a disease in China, a media report said.
A research on internet addiction, which is to be named "pathological Internet use", was being conducted by the Ministry of Health, China Daily quoted Shen Jiahong, director of the Guangzhou Baiyun Psychological Institute, as saying.
About 50 percent of teenaged delinquents in China's Guangdong province were Internet-dependent, said Deng Weilong who heads the Guangdong team on the prevention of teenaged crimes.
India Sunday successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Agni I missile that can strike a target 700 km away, an official said.
The missile was tested as part of user-trial from a facility on Wheeler Island near Dhamra in the district of Bhadrak, some 170 km from here, by the Indian armed forces.
"It was a fantastic launch," director of the test range S.P. Dash told IANS.
The Agni-I has already been inducted into the armed forces. It is 15 metres tall and weighs 12 tonnes. It can carry nuclear payloads weighing up to one tonne.
Developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the missile was first tested in May 1989.
The armed forces also successfully tested two nuclear-capable missiles, Dhanush and Prithvi II, Saturday in Orissa. (IANS)
The missile was tested as part of user-trial from a facility on Wheeler Island near Dhamra in the district of Bhadrak, some 170 km from here, by the Indian armed forces.
"It was a fantastic launch," director of the test range S.P. Dash told IANS.
The Agni-I has already been inducted into the armed forces. It is 15 metres tall and weighs 12 tonnes. It can carry nuclear payloads weighing up to one tonne.
Developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, the missile was first tested in May 1989.
The armed forces also successfully tested two nuclear-capable missiles, Dhanush and Prithvi II, Saturday in Orissa. (IANS)