Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Meat, fish prices slip






The auspicious month of Aadi has had an impact on the prices and consumption of eggs, fish and meat. The retail rates of poultry and meat have come down.


The end of the 45-day fishing ban in the western coast of the country has led to an increase in catch. This coupled with the low demand for fish during the Aadi month has brought down prices.


According to sources in the Fisheries Department, there has been a demand for only small fish such as sankara, nethili, sheela, mackerel and dried fish (karuvaadu) during this period.


Meat consumption in the city has come down by 25 per cent, said Shabeer Ahmed of Chennai Meat Traders Association. “Though wholesale rates have remained stable, retail rates have reduced,” he said.


As far as egg prices are concerned, on an average, retail prices have been Rs. 3 per egg, throughout the month.




More In: Chennai







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3708724.ece

Ajai stuns Jeong







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/article3708758.ece

Chennai through the lens







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3707790.ece

Life in a bar







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3707669.ece

Waitlisting safety [Malayalam: Suraksha waitlistil padaanduthalla] Editorial, July 31, 2012. Translated by Kurien Pampadi, presented by a Correspondent







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article3707551.ece

Monday, July 30, 2012

Is Tamil Nadu Express jinxed?







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3704654.ece

Women’s realm – studies and research







The Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi, develops, promotes and disseminates knowledge about women’s roles in society and economic trends which affect their lives.



Those who are interested in carrying out serious research on women’s issues can gainfully utilise the rich infrastructure and enlightened and committed faculty in the unique Centre for Women’s Development Studies in New Delhi.


The centre was established in 1980. The initiative had come from a group involved in the preparation of the first comprehensive government report on the “Status of women in India.”


Later on, the members of the group were associated with the Women’s Studies Programme of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).


The Advisory Committee on Women’s Studies of the council recommended the need for an autonomous institute to build on the knowledge already generated, but with a wider mandate and resources to expand its activities in research and action. This was taken up by the Women’s Bureau of the Union Ministry of Social Welfare. This in brief is the genesis of the Centre for Women’s Development Studies, 25, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi – 110 001; Website: www.cwds.org. The centre is supported by the ICSSR.


Activities


Develops, promotes and disseminates knowledge about women’s roles in society and economic trends which affect women’s lives and status.


Promotes and coordinates research on women and development.


Organises and assists training programmes in the field; collaborates with institutions engaged in allied activities, especially in areas where under-privileged women are involved.


Provides consultancy services.


In a nutshell, the centre is a catalyst in assisting women in realising their full potential and exercising their active influence on society and its transformation. It discourages any action that marginalises women’s role in, or contribution to, society. Women’s special needs such as maternity protection, child care, literacy education and expanding employment opportunities are being focussed.


The mainstay of the centre since its inception has been research. “Women’s studies” is not a simple entity of one dimension, but it involves facing the rigours and challenges in a broad interdisciplinary field of scholarship. Research has to be responsive to contemporary problems and new questions demanding investigation.


Areas of focus


The centre makes regular studies and goal-oriented research on a wide range of topics that are intimately connected with women’s problems, and steps to empower them to be strong participants in nation-building. Even issues that may look unimportant in the first look may have immense impact on the roles of women in society. Let us take some of the topics that are/were studied at the centre to get a clear picture of the opportunities that await future students and researchers at the centre.


Mapping the public-private mix in women’s healthcare:


The special issues concerning women’s healthcare, such as coverage, type of service-providers, nature of service provided, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, sustainability and equity, were identified. The role of the private sector in healthcare is on the rise in our country. A judicious mix of the private and the public sectors can meet the requirements of low-income groups among women effectively. Studies based on PPP (public private partnerships) were held, analysing different health areas affecting women’s life.


Gender and migration: Negotiating rights — a women’s movement perspective:


This is an interesting study of motivation, compulsions and women’s experiences of domestic migration. The primary focus has been on labour migration rather than demographic movements. Changes in personal and work lives and identification of the new possibilities and tension generated by migration were analysed. There is significant impact on family relations, economic structures and a broad range of citizenship rights. There is a paradox of a high rate of female migration along with a falling rate of female work participation.


The field surveys conducted in 17 States showed an inexplicable jump in the rates of marriage migration. This deserves a detailed study and exploration.


Higher education, gender and discrimination:


Study on the relationships between higher education, gender and discrimination is made with some comparison between the conditions in India and China.


Though there are several initiatives in this area, questions of gender are often forgotten. Women’s participation in higher education is sometimes shaped by the interlocking markets of labour, education, and marriage.


Factors such as class, region, caste and community also become significant in shaping women’s higher education.


Social and political economy of care in India:


The study demonstrates how the multidimensional nature of care-giving and its quantitative or qualitative time and labour demands are not recognised.


The findings suggest a stratified familialism in care practices owing to the differences in time available to family members for care. (Familialism is an ideology that promotes the ‘nuclear family.’)


Care becomes reduced when mothers in poor families go for paid work. Crèches and pre-schools may be beyond their reach. However, women from the elite and upper middle classes can break out from the gendered moulds.


Official denial of the time and skill requirements of care, along with the non-recognition of women’s multi-layered work, adds to women’s burden.


This issue has to be addressed to liberate women and ensure justice to them.


Some of the other areas explored are:


Adverse child sex ratio in North-West India.


Globalisation and women’s work.


Multiple vulnerabilities and marginal identities: exploring violence in the everyday lives of women with disabilities.


Gender and democratic governance.


Study on women migrants of Tamil origin in France.


Women in Indian engineering: An analysis of graduate degree level education.


Gender, status, and migration of Malayali nurses.


From oppression to assertion: Women and Panchayats in India.


More In: Education





The tools before a forensic medicine doctor






A one-of-its kind workshop at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai threw up interesting facets of a subject that is of utmost importance to the police and the investigators.


Laymen are perhaps aware of investigation, the fieldwork that police do. They bring the victim to the forensic medicine doctor who gathers evidence and provides the investigating officer clues to finding the perpetrator of the crime. A forensic medicine doctor conducts the post-mortem and examines the wounds on the body of the victim and makes meticulous notes. He/she also follows instructions from the investigating police officer who wants samples of tissue or bone and tooth for DNA analysis at a later date.


“The investigating officer always wants us to provide the longest bone or the toughest tooth in the body for DNA analysis. Extracting it is time consuming. A simpler method would not only be safe but also make the job easy for us,” B. Santhakumar, head of the institute, says. It was modern technology that helped identify the dismembered parts of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was killed in Sriperumbudur by human bomb Dhanu in 1991, he adds.


Tamil Nadu thus became the first in the country to adopt modern technology in collecting samples, says Kamalakshi Krishnamurthy, deputy director, DNA Division of the State Forensic Science Department. “There are easier methods which are safer and can be stored for at least 20 years,” she says.


According to these experts, FTA card (Flinders Technology of Australia), a small card half the size of a visiting card, is used to collect blood and body fluid samples. Just two drops on the card is enough evidence for DNA analysis purposes, the experts say. Such cards have helped solve several murders, identify the dead in disaster zones and perpetrators of sexual assault, says Dr. Kamalakshi.


In fact, it has also helped prevent embarrassment to the government sometimes. Sometime ago, a family refused to accept the remains of their 28-year-old kin after one eye was found missing. The general belief was that rodents had feasted on it. The man was a victim of murder in Cuddalore. Some days later the eye was found and using the FTA card, the department proved that it was the murder victim's eye. FTA cards are most useful in determining paternity and maternity suits. A drop of blood from the parents or the children is enough to establish the genetic connection. Forensic experts have used it to ascertain a kidnapped child's biological parents.


Several years ago, two parents claimed ownership of a boy child born in a government maternity hospital in Chennai. Both sets of parents refused to claim the girl child while seeking to own the boy baby. Finally DNA tests were done to settle the dispute.


While the workshop focused on forensic doctors, the forensic science experts plan to hold hands-on workshops for investigating police officers and doctors in the casualty departments of hospitals too.



More In: Education





Winning with English







The Hindu THINK ENGLISH: Extensive reading and conversation opportunities help improve English knowledge. Photo: Anu Pushkarna




Not much is being done in colleges and universities to improve the English communication skills of students. A recent survey comes as a wake-up call.



“I can’t able to tell you.” This might just be one instance of a grammatically wrong sentence that often is a part of everyday conversations but it is just the tip of the iceberg as far as communication in business rooms is concerned.


According to the survey by employability measurement company Aspiring Minds, the English learning level among engineering graduates is very poor in India. The survey which analysed the English skills of over 55,000 aspiring engineers in 250 different engineering colleges, said “around 36 per cent of engineering graduates would be unable to read official reports and transcripts and derive information out of them, even when the information is explicitly stated.”


“The worse of it often comes out in mails — the most important medium of communication in corporate offices,” says R. Rajaram, HR head of an IT major. He explains, “They write incomplete sentences; their punctuation is non-existent and grammar very poor. This is why most companies have readymade templates with sentences, and employees just have to choose what they have to say.”


While Tamil Nadu has an excellent recruitment record with the State supplying the largest number of engineers, surveys on employability have cast the State in a poor light. A few months ago, Aspiring Minds also came out with a survey that said Tamil Nadu figured the lowest on the employability index. “This is mainly because they are not able to converse in English. Most of them are not confident of themselves,” the study concluded.


“Companies take communication very seriously and there are frequent training sessions for them. But all of that is focussed on their speaking skills. There is little done to improve their vocabulary or grammar,” says a senior HR Official.


One reason for the problem is the limited use of English in colleges though the language is the medium of instruction. “More than 70 per cent of the class is from rural areas and they understand nothing when taught in English. Once students get the concept and learn to communicate it in Tamil, English will definitely follow,” says G. Sathyamurthy, mechanical engineering professor, Anna University, explaining why the language is not used much in classrooms.


Colleges need to do their bit to inculcate an interest in the language among students but it must not just be for the sake of ensuring placements, says R. Prabha, who trains students on communication skills. “Every one thinks business English is sufficient to get a job and sustain it. But that way, one does not get a hang of conversational English, which is very important as you climb up the ladder. “As a result, students will be able to explain technical points but are at a loss when it comes to interacting and conversing comfortably with others,” she adds.


For instance, R. Gnanam, who studied computer science at Anna University and graduated last year, is yet to find a job. “I have an 8.7 CGPA but I get rejected by every company. English is a must to get into companies,” he points out. Those like R. Jayaprakash, who works as a senior software engineer, add that one cannot take it easy even after entering a company. “We are expected to constantly brush up our communication abilities. We need to network, and present demonstrations, send regular mails and make sure people understand what we are saying and vice-versa.”


There is dire lack of awareness of the issue. For instance, most bulletin boards are insensitive to the topic and common mistakes in conversation are at best a source of humour. “Companies want the best communicators who can work in tandem with clients and there is no other way to that without knowing to speak English,” says Jayaprakash.








PM expresses shock, grief






Condoling the loss of lives in the fire accident in the Tamil Nadu Express, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday asked the Railway Ministry to render all assistance to the affected.


Expressing shock and grief over the mishap that took place near Nellore, Dr Singh conveyed his sympathies to the kin of those who died in the accident.


He asked Railways to work with the Andhra government to coordinate and speed up rescue and relief measures besides rendering all assistance to the kin of the victims.


Thirty-two train passengers were charred to death and 25 others injured when a fire broke out in a coach of the New Delhi-Chennai Tamil Nadu Express near Nellore in the early hours.









via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3702966.ece

Short circuit sparks blaze in Tamil Nadu Express coach







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article3702656.ece

Day in Pictures





News in Pictures







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/article3702592.ece

Day in Pictures







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3702582.ece

Infra, transport finance firms optimistic about prospects in AP









Global economic meltdown in the aftermath of developments in the United States and the Euro zone crisis may have had a telling impact on core sectors like Information Technology.


But companies, particularly those engaged in infrastructure and transport sectors, are unfazed over the developments and are confident that the State offers huge potential which still remains untapped. The companies are betting big on domestic demand, thanks to the vast population in the States like Andhra Pradesh, which is set to drive the economy in the days to come.


“Andhra Pradesh has given some of the best contractors who are executing irrigation, roads, airports and other projects across the country,” Universal Construction Machinery and Equipment managing director Ranjeet More said. The company has, therefore, decided to open an assembly unit here shortly besides reaching out all the major locations across the State.


Efforts are also underway to expand its operations by setting up full-fledged offices at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam besides adding associates at Nellore, Tirupati and other major centres.


New technologies


Universal, according to Mr. More, is set to introduce new technologies like passenger lifts that will be of immense use in the construction of high rises while another technology, suspended platform, will replace the traditional bamboo platforms bringing down risk to workers.


“The current slowdown relates largely to sentiment which is down. But minor hiccups are sure to be overcome and the activity will resume in the near future,” he said. While earthmovers and other heavy machinery is garnering major volume of the business, as is witnessed in the ongoing irrigation projects, the company will focus on small and medium contractors in the State who are yet to be exposed to the latest technologies and practices.


Leading transport finance firm, Shriram Transport Finance Company, part of the Shriram Group, is also confident that the infrastructure segment which is currently in a slow mode is poised to grow significantly and bounce back to normalcy any moment.


The company has decided to focus on expanding its presence in the rural areas of the State, adopting a model on the lines of business correspondent of the banks. “Given the buoyancy in the rural areas, we feel the next level of economic activity will be from these areas,” Shriram Transport Finance Company managing director Umesh Revankar said.


The company has already deployed field level staff, carrying laptops, in several areas to cater to needs of the local people, predominantly farmers dependent on carriers that transport their agriculture produce to markets. This is likely to witness steep growth shortly once the proposed optic fibre cable network project connecting major gram panchayats is put in place.


“The network connectivity will expose rural people to markets and this will give a significant boost to the business,” he said.










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article3702519.ece

Suravaram to take part in sadassu on August 10






Communist Party of India (CPI) national secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy will participate in a sadassu on “Indian Parliamentary democracy – need for proportionate representation in elections” on August 10, on the 26th death anniversary of the party’s former MP Yeddula Easwara Reddy, CPI district secretary G. Easwaraiah said on Sunday.


CPI State secretary K. Narayana would take part in a seminar on the need for Food Security Bill on August 3, he told a press conference.


Resenting Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar’s assertion that drought-affected mandals would be declared after assessing the situation prevailing on July 31, he said the recent rainfall would augur no good to agriculture. Notwithstanding the situation, the government mooted diversion of Veligallu reservoir water to Madanapalle, Mr. Easwaraiah said.


The CPI would launch an agitation against sale of cement at a high price of Rs.330 a bag, he said and added that discussions held with cement factory managements by the district administration yielded no result.


CPI leaders P. Krishnamurthy, G. Chandra and L. Nagasubba Reddy participated.



Keywords: Andhra politics










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article3702517.ece

Sensex up 179 points






The BSE benchmark Sensex rallied past the 17k mark on Monday to one-week high, up 179 points because of all-round buying on the back of renewed foreign capital inflows and firm Asian cues.


Sensex resumed higher at 16,919.14 and firmed up further to 17,035.17 before quoting at 17,018.60 at 10 15 a.m, showing a smart gain of 179.41 points or 1.07 per per cent from its last weekend close.


The NSE 50-share Nifty also rose further 52.85 points or 1.04 per cent to 5,152.70 at 10.15 a.m.


Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 563.72 crore on last Friday, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges.


Major gainers were ICICI Bank (3.49 pc), L&T (2.31 pc), Cipla (2.25 pc), Sun Pharma (2.06 pc), Tata Steel (1.80 pc), Tata Motors (1.76 pc), Bhel (1.70 pc) and Bharti Airtel (1.69 pc).


Asian stocks staged a broad-based advance early today, extending gains from last week, as European leaders signalled that they are prepared to take stronger action to curb the region’s debt crisis.


Key indices in Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan rose by between 0.62 per cent to 1.59 per cent.


However, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.13 per cent.



More In: Markets | Business







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/business/markets/article3702296.ece

BJP seeks hike in quota for SCs






BJP’s national SC Morcha president, Dushyant Kumar Gautham, has demanded that the Centre increase reservations for SCs from 15 to 17 per cent in accordance with the proportion of their population as per the last census.


Addressing the gathering on the second day of a 48-hour ‘Maha Deeksha’ organised by the State Dalit Morcha here on Sunday, he referred to the recent killing of Dalits in Srikakulam district and alleged that atrocities against SCs and STs were increasing all over the country under Congress rule.


The Deeksha has been organised seeking the appointment of a Chairman and other members of the SC/ ST Commission, introduction of reservations in private sector employment and arrangement of bank loans without security to educated SC/ST youth to set up enterprises, among others.



Keywords: SC/ST quota










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article3702520.ece

Telugu version of Ambedkar’s biography released






Reading a biography in a descriptive style is an all together a different experience and more so for children as the very outlook of the content will attract them like comics do.


Going through ‘Bhimayana’, the Telugu version of Bhimayan in English, a graphic biography of B.R. Ambedkar, is further more interesting to the children as the caricatures are drawn in ‘Pardhan Gond’ art style driving home the message in thick outlines enclosing dotted and shaded space.


The Telugu version Bhimayana published by Navayana-Hyderabad Book Trust was released here on Sunday in the presence of a select gathering.


The release at Lamakaan, an open cultural educational centre here, was marked by reading and reflections on the book by eight middle and high school students from elite schools as well as bridge schools.


Six children presented the sections of the book in Telugu, while two others did it in English.


Distinctive style


Manager of Lamakaan, Subba Reddy, said the distinctive style of graphics used in the book was well-suited to describe pain and agony in the face of cruelty – untouchability and discrimination underwent by Ambedkar. Apart from graphics used to describe different characters, the dialogue boxes used to narrate the subject were in unique shapes to suit the emotions described in Gond art, he explained.


The original book in English was already translated into French, all South Indian languages, Marathi and Gujarati. Co-author of the book S. Anand said lot of care had to be taken while explaining the emotions of Ambedkar.


Gita Ramaswamy of Hyderabad Book Trust was also present.



Keywords: B.R. Ambedkar










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/andhra-pradesh/article3702525.ece

AAT launches University of London courses






AAT College, Nungambakkam, recently announced its plan to bring the University of London courses to the country.


The arrangement will bring six different subjects covering Economics, Banking & Finance, Business, Development & Economics, Accounting with Law, and Politics & International relations to Indian students aspiring for a globally recognised degree course. The courses have been developed by academics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, one of the colleges of the University of London.


Dr. Keith Sharp, University of London, International Programmes at LSE expressed, “We are delighted that AAT will be offering University of London degree courses.


Students can be sure that our courses are designed and examined to exactly the same high standards as prevail in the University’s Colleges in London – in the case of the these degrees, the London School of Economics and Politics Science.


By studying at AAT, students will now be able to achieve a world class degree from a top British University, for a fraction of the cost of travelling to the U.K.”


University of London also offers student exchange programmes.


For Further information, log on to www.aatcollege.com










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/education/college-and-university/article3696531.ece

Suburban train services affected






Suburban train services were crippled on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram sector following a major breakdown in the control room of the power transfer facility at St. Thomas Mount on Sunday.


The overhead electric power transfer for operating suburban trains is located near Kodambakkam while its control room is at St. Thomas Mount. A breakdown in the control room, due to a technical snag, disrupted power supply and brought train services to a halt between 8.10 a.m. and 9.15 a.m on Sunday, a Railway official said.


Electrical engineers of Southern Railway from Egmore and Tambaram rushed to St. Thomas Mount and power supply was restored by 9.15 a.m. However, crowds swelled at railway stations with many passengers left stranded inside the trains.


To clear the crowd, EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) from the car shed in Tambaram were operated on the main line which had power supply. There was one EMU train every 30 minutes.


However, there was some confusion as announcements were not made over the public address system at all railway stations. After noticing the electric trains arriving on the main line, commuters quickly switch sides.


Normal train services resumed only by 10.30 a.m.



More In: Chennai







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3700476.ece

Woman sets self ablaze






A 40-year old woman attempted suicide by setting herself on fire allegedly after policemen came to her house to arrest her son. She has been admitted to Kilpauk Medical College with burn injuries.


According to the police, Deivayani (40), is married to Andrews who works in the Chennai Corporation. They have three children — Dilli, Raju and Rajesh. The family resides at Perumal Koil Garden, Fourth Lane. On Sunday morning, Dilli got into a fight with another resident on the same lane.


Based on a complaint, the police came to arrest Dilli. Deivayani refused to let the police arrest her son. “The inspector went inside the house and was searching for Dilli. By then she raised a hue and cry,” said a police officer.


She then doused herself with kerosene and set herself ablaze. A policemen doused the fire and rushed her to hospital. “She has sustained only 30% burns, mostly on her legs,” said T.S. Anbu, deputy commissioner of police, Flower Bazaar.



Keywords: suicide attempt



More In: Chennai







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3700483.ece

Rupee up 14 paise against dollar in early trade






The rupee on Monday rose 14 paise to 55.20 against the US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange on selling by exporters and banks amid euro’s strength against the American currency.


Besides, a higher opening in the equity market also supported the rupee, forex dealers said.


The rupee had gained 18 paise close at one-week high of 55.34 on Friday following smart rebound in stocks, amid sustained weakness in dollar value overseas.


Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex rose by 144.99 points, or 0.86 per cent, to 16,984.18.



Keywords: rupee value



More In: Markets | Business







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/business/markets/article3702448.ece

25 pilgrims killed in a road accident at Siwani in Bhiwani district of Haryana





More In: New Articles






via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/incoming/article3702374.ece

Road, pedestrian path to Kailasagiri closed






The ghat road and pedestrian trekking path to the hill park atop Kailasagiri will be closed for 10 days from Wednesday. However, during the 10 days, the Ropeway will function to facilitate tourist movement.


The closure is ordered for widening two narrow points on the ghat road so as facilitate easy and safe movement of vehicles.


The closure and widening of the road is being taken up to improve safety of tourists, according to Vice-Chairman of VUDA Kona Sasidhar. VUDA maintains the Kailasagiri Park. Since the trekking path to the top of the hill park passes through the road widening point, it is decided to close that also to avoid any inconvenience to tourists.


Another trekking path located on NH-5 at Hanumanthawaka junction was closed recently as it was used by very limited visitors.


The ghat road with a length of about 2 km has three curves among which the topmost one is very narrow.


Keeping the problems in negotiating the steep curves in view, Mr. Sasidhar has decided to order widening the ghat road from the toll gate to Aditya view point.


The execution strategy of the work has been decided upon after careful study, says an official release on Sunday.


Thousands of tourists visit Kailasagiri every day earning a revenue of Rs.25,000 to Rs.40,000 a day depending upon the season.



Keywords: Kailasagiri



More In: Visakhapatnam







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/article3702344.ece

Tributes paid to Vempati Chinna Satyam







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/article3702349.ece

AAT launches University of London courses






AAT College, Nungambakkam, recently announced its plan to bring the University of London courses to the country.


The arrangement will bring six different subjects covering Economics, Banking & Finance, Business, Development & Economics, Accounting with Law, and Politics & International relations to Indian students aspiring for a globally recognised degree course. The courses have been developed by academics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, one of the colleges of the University of London.


Dr. Keith Sharp, University of London, International Programmes at LSE expressed, “We are delighted that AAT will be offering University of London degree courses.


Students can be sure that our courses are designed and examined to exactly the same high standards as prevail in the University’s Colleges in London – in the case of the these degrees, the London School of Economics and Politics Science.


By studying at AAT, students will now be able to achieve a world class degree from a top British University, for a fraction of the cost of travelling to the U.K.”


University of London also offers student exchange programmes.


For Further information, log on to www.aatcollege.com








Sunday, July 29, 2012

6.0-magnitude quake off Mexico






A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.


The quake took place at 1222 GMT at a depth of 25 kilometres, an estimated 29 kilometres south south-west of Suchiate, Chiapas, Mexico.



More In: International | News





6.0-magnitude quake off Mexico






A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.


The quake took place at 1222 GMT at a depth of 25 kilometres, an estimated 29 kilometres south south-west of Suchiate, Chiapas, Mexico.



More In: International | News







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article3700077.ece

News in pictures





Saturday, July 28, 2012

RTC union withdraws strike move







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article3699392.ece

Politics of heritage [Tamil: Parambariyaththin arasiyal] Editorial, July 27, 2012. Translated and presented by V.B. Ganesan







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article3696947.ece

Assam's sorrow [Telugu: Assam vipaththu] Editorial, July 26, 2012. Translated by V.R. Subrahmanyam, presented by Srinivas Ghantasala







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/article3696843.ece

Chennai through the lens







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3696700.ece

Olympics: Day One







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/article3696707.ece

No more guilt trips







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/Food/article3686055.ece

Day in pictures





Indian among 15 killed in Nepal road accident






At least 15 people, including an Indian, were killed when a jeep they were travelling in veered off some 100 metres down the road in western Nepal’s Palpa district early Saturday.


Earlier reports had said that all those killed were Indians. However, the police later confirmed that the victims included 14 Nepalese and an Indian.


The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu also confirmed that only one Indian was among those killed.


Nine women, two men and four children were killed when the jeep fell down the road on a slope at Jorte of Deurali Bhire area of Palpa district, police said.


Two injured passengers have been shifted to Lumbini Medical College for treatment, police said.


The passenger had hired the jeep for a pilgrimage to the local Rishikesh temple in western Nepal, they said. The jeep was taking them to Ridi in Gulmi district of western Nepal when the accident took place, police said.


A team of police led by Deputy Superintendent Mira Chaudhary has been dispatched to the accident site.



More In: International | News





Friday, July 27, 2012

Facebook’s stock plunge makes it a record loser







AP Facebook's stock hit a new low on July 27, 2012, after it reported second quarter results that disappointed investors.



Facebook’s shares plunged a further 12 per cent on Friday, closing trading at 23.70 dollars as investors worried the company would not be able to meet the earnings growth needed to justify its lofty stock price.


The share plunge followed the company’s first earnings report as a public company, in which it reported a loss of 157 million dollars on revenue of 1.18 billion dollars.


The company’s shares were valued at 38 dollars when it went public in May at a record valuation of 104 billion dollars. It managed to close at a higher price only after the first day of trading and has now lost 34 billion in market cap, or 38 per cent of its value.


According to Bloomberg News on Friday no other company had ever lost so much value so quickly.



Keywords: Facebook



More In: Companies | Business







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article3695566.ece

Court grants bail to Jigna Vora






A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court on Friday granted bail to journalist Jigna Vora, accused in the murder of senior journalist J Dey for lack of evidence and on humanitarian grounds.


Ms. Vora was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch on November 25, 2011, for her alleged role in the murder. She was charged under provisions of the stringent MCOCA.


She was granted bail on a surety of Rs. 1 lakh and two personal bonds. The court also laid down the condition that she would not speak to the media. It directed her to be present at the police station twice a week.


The court took into consideration the protracted wait for forensic reports of her cell phone records and laptop. Citing lack of adequate technical infrastructure, the forensic science laboratory had told the court earlier that it was not able to get any “supporting data.” Speaking of the grounds for bail, a Crime Branch official told The Hindu, “The court said it could not wait longer for forensic reports. It also took into account the fact that she is the mother of a child. Moreover, she is not a gangster or hardened criminal.”


The Crime Branch had submitted six cell phones to FSL to retrieve deleted messages and call data for any possible proof related to the murder. It later submitted CDs to the court containing the retrieved data, material on a memory card and other files. “We argued that there was no material to support allegations of personal animosity or that she was in touch with gangsters abroad. Yes, we admitted that two phone calls were made, but they were in connection with news reports, which were published. We said that her every action cannot be treated as part of a conspiracy,” a defence lawyer told The Hindu.



More In: National | News | States







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3693777.ece

Hepatitis awareness exhibition at GH






An exhibition showcasing liver samples at different stages of degeneration was organised by the department of Hepatology at the Rajiv Gandhi General Government Hospital on Friday, marking the World Hepatitis Day . The exhibition was followed by a human chain, formed by all the nurses working at the GH, to spread awareness about liver diseases, especially Hepatitis B and C. The event was attended by the State Health Minister V. S. Vijay.


Along with interactive diagrams and posters, the exhibition had a unique display of 12 liver samples arranged according to different pathogens representing different stages of deterioration of the liver cells. There was a patient councillor present explaining the samples and addressing queries. An awareness program was also played emphasizing the seriousness of Hepatitis B and C, and highlighting the need for an early diagnosis.


The first liver sample among the 12 that were displayed in glass containers was that of a healthy liver. The healthy sample was displayed to demonstrate the parts of the liver and to provide a contrast to the infected samples. P. Sudan, the patient councillor said, “As the liver undergoes levels of morphological changes, the healthy red colour gradually fades out as the liver dies.”


The infected samples included a liver infected with early tonic cirrhosis identified as the first level of degradation. That is followed by other stages of scarring of the liver like Micronodular cirrhosis, CVC liver fibrosis, Gumma Liver and Haemangioma liver. At the final stages of pathogenesis, a liver may be affected by Hepatocellular Carcinoma, for which the only treatment is transplantation.


According to experts, most of the liver diseases can be caused by alcoholism or by being infected with the Hepatitis virus .


Dr. Vijay, interacting with those present, appreciated the idea of setting up an exhibition for educating people about liver diseases.



More In: Chennai







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3693607.ece

Truck breaks down at level crossing, rail traffic hit







The Hindu Sanction for a road overbridge to replace this crossing was given in 2000-2001. Photo: A. Muralitharan



Movement of suburban electric trains on the Tambaram — Chennai Beach sector was affected for 30 minutes on Friday afternoon after a truck broke down at the level crossing near the Pallavaram railway station.


The vehicle, carrying a heavy load of boulders, broke down while crossing the track at the northern end of the station. Southern Railway sources said that it was carrying the load from a quarry at Tirusulam and was going toward Keelkattalai.


While going past the crossing, the truck got stranded when an axle broke. Gates at the crossing could not be closed as a result. A couple of suburban electric trains proceeding towards Tambaram and Beach got stranded too.


Police personnel brought a tipper truck which towed the vehicle from the spot. Train services were affected from 12.45 p.m. to 1.10 p.m..


The level crossing (LC No. 24) is among the few remaining facilities that are still operational on this sector. Most of them have been closed following the completion of subways or road overbridges.


Sanction for a road overbridge to replace this level crossing was given as early as 2000-2001. Work started in 2003 and was to have been completed by 2005.


However, procedural problems and delay in acquiring land from the Ministry of Defence hampered the work.


In April 2010, a sport utility vehicle fell from the bridge onto the railway track. The driver, who was unaware that the work on the structure was incomplete, had a miraculous escape.



More In: Chennai







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3693610.ece

Robber cuts off astrologer’s ears







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3693608.ece

Women to be considered for senior police roles







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3692950.ece

Raise Haj quota to match number of applicants: Bapu Musliar







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3693001.ece

Londoners let hair down for big party





U.N. worried over ‘imminent’ Aleppo showdown





Nature, the muse







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/arts/art/article3692688.ece

Bharathan magic revisited







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3692702.ece

Aval puliyodharai













  • The Hindu Aval puliyodharai. Photo: M.Srinath




  • The Hindu V. Sreedevi. Photo: M.Srinath










GRANDMA’S RECIPE An iron-rich replacement to rice in the traditional puliyodharai



What you need:


Aval (Rice Flakes): 250 grams


Tamraind: Lemon-sized ball


Turmeric powder: Half Tsp


Salt: To taste


Cooking oil: Four Tsp


For Seasoning:


Mustard, Urad dal, Bengal gram, Groundnuts, Asafoetida, Curry leaves, Green and red chillies


Cooking instructions:


To aval that has been cleaned with water add turmeric powder, salt and tamarind water and soak for one hour. In a pan heat oil and add all the seasoning ingredients and then add the soaked aval. Mix thoroughly and simmer for about five to ten minutes. Serve hot with chips or papad.


V. Sreedevi, who learnt this reciepe from her mother thinks it is a good way to keep in the taste while eliminating the calories from rice. The aval based recipe consumes lesser oil and time, making it ideal for a light evening tiffin or even dinner. Aval, which isn't one of the most popular cereals, can be given a makeover this way, while ensuring your family's haemoglobin levels, says Sreedevi.


V. Sreedevi is a homemaker, who likes to spend her spare time working on her art and craft work. She loves making soft toys, cushions and to also experiment with painting styles such as mural and coffee painting.










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/Food/article3692974.ece

An SOS from Hamelin





Thursday, July 26, 2012

Supreme Court to go into delay after 1991 in L.N. Mishra murder case






Dismissal of charges is the only possible remedy where speedy trial has been denied to the accused facing proceedings in the L.N. Mishra murder case for 37 years, senior counsel T.R. Andhyarujina argued in the Supreme Court on Thursday.


Counsel did not accept the suggestion, made by a Bench of Justices H.L. Dattu and C.K. Prasad on Wednesday, that it would ask the trial court to complete the proceedings in three months.


Mr. Andhyarunina said: “The consequences of violation of the fundamental right to speedy trial would be that the prosecution itself is liable to be quashed…”


The then Railway Minister was killed in a bomb blast at the Samastipur railway station in Bihar on January 2, 1975. The trial of the case was transferred from Samastipur to Delhi in 1979 on an application moved by the then Attorney- General. The charge sheet was filed against several people including advocate Ranjan Dwivedi and Sudevananda Avadhuta. However even after 33 years the case is yet to conclude in the sessions court.


The Bench told counsel it would scrutinise the aspect of delay after 1991, as the Supreme Court had in 1991 said the prosecution was not responsible for the delay.


“If we come to the conclusion that the delay was due to the prosecution, then it will be held in favour of the accused and if we find that the delay was due to the accused, then the accused will be held to be at fault. Also if we come to the conclusion that delay was due to the system, then everyone is to be held responsible.”


Additional Solicitor-General Harin Raval, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, argued: “Mere delay [in trial] per se could not be a ground for quashing of charges and criminal proceedings,” he said and asked the court to allow the trial to reach its logical end.


Arguments will continue on July 31.



More In: National | News







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3688644.ece

Chavan plays down Congress-NCP standoff






Playing down the rupture between the Congress and its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Maharashtra; Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said the ‘crisis’ was largely a media creation and that the rift was blown out of proportion.


The Chief Minister was reacting to reports that the NCP and a section of legislators within his party were disgruntled with his leadership.


“I am under no pressure from my party [the Congress High Command] leadership. The end result [of the Congress-NCP standoff] in Delhi has been the reinstatement of a co-ordination committee between the two allies to facilitate things better,” Mr. Chavan told reporters here.


When pressed whether he was asked to go slow on cases of corruption involving senior NCP politicians, the Chief Minister wryly asserted there was no question of him going after anybody.


“Some of these cases are sub judice. There is little that the government can do in this,” he said.


Mr. Chavan likewise brushed aside suggestions of dissent within party ranks.


Reports of a ‘complaint letter’, signed by more than 40 Congress legislators allegedly upset with Mr. Chavan’s manner of functioning, had surfaced during the standoff.










via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3688399.ece

‘Strengthening rural congregations is priority’







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3688172.ece

IIT Bombay seeks changes in JEE formula






The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has sought some changes in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) formula, for admission to the IITs, adopted last month.


The IIT Bombay Senate accepted the JEE, but said there should be lesser number of students from the JEE Main to be eligible to write the Advanced Test that would be held only for IIT aspirants. It has suggested reducing the number from 1,50,000 to 50,000.


The Senates of IIT Delhi and Kanpur are likely to endorse the suggestion when they meet shortly to adopt the new JEE.


In the formula, arrived at in a special meeting of the IIT Council on June 27, it was agreed that only the top 1.5 lakh students, across all categories in the JEE Main, would be eligible to appear for the Advance Test.


Students shortlisted on the basis of performance in the test must be among the top 20 percentile in the applicable category in their respective Boards.


The IIT Bombay Senate meeting on Wednesday said there were only 9,640 seats in the IITs and, therefore, there was no point in shortlisting more than 50,000 students. This would give them a ratio of 10 students per seat.


A larger number of students for the Advanced Test would only put pressure on the IIT’s entrance examination machinery.



Keywords: IIT admissions



More In: National | News | Education





Question corner







special arrangement



Seeing patterns


Why do we see patterns in light and this is so even when we close our eyes?


R. SUJITHA, Chennai


Basic working of the eye is as follows — Focusing mechanism of the eye, namely, cornea and lens focus the image of the object being seen on to the retina. Retina is a nerve tissue which reacts by absorbing the focused light [energy] and converting it into electrical impulses which travel through the optic nerve reaching the brain resulting in visual perception.


Any electric discharge from the retina will be “seen” as a visual perception. Retina can spontaneously discharge electrical impulses under several situations. The most common will be small changes in pressure of the eye which can occur with tight closing of the lids, rubbing of the eye, holding the breath and straining hard, a blow to the eye etc.


These induced pressure changes will cause the retina to discharge electrical impulses resulting in a perception of patterns of light. This phenomenon is known as ‘phospenes.’ These can typically be seen when the eyes are closed.


When one looks at a clear background particularly a light blue back ground [as in the open clear sky] we can observe certain patterns or designs in form of lines dots etc moving with the movement of the eyes. These are ‘vitreous floaters.’


Vitreous body is a gel like substance filling the posterior portion of the eye. This gel sometimes has particles which are visible to us under conditions mentioned. Over and above these phenomena, under very ideal conditions, against a clear blue back-ground one can actually see the blood flowing through the retinal capillaries.


The network of capillaries can be made out as well as the white blood cell flowing through them will be perceived as very tiny luminous white dots moving around. All of the above can be classified as ‘entoptic phenomena.’


Dr. ARULMOZHI VARMAN, Uma Eye Clinic, Chennai



Keywords: question corner



More In: Sci-Tech





News in pictures













  • The Hindu Kiran Bedi shows an ipad to Anna Hazare during the second day of Team Anna’s fast and dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo:Sandeep Saxena




  • The Hindu With the London Olymics opening on Friday, school children from Nasr School in Hyderabad cheer with the National Flag for the country's sportspersons. Photo: P.V.Sivakumar




  • PTI Defence Minister A K Antony with Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne and Army Chief General Bikram Singh after paying homage to Kargil war martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Photo:PTI




  • AP Greece's finance minister Yannis Stournaras arrives for a meeting between Greek officials and the debt inspectors from the European Central Bank, European Commission and International Monetary Fund. Photo: AP




  • AP Supporters of India's anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare shout slogans during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Photo: AP




  • PTI NDA's Vice Presidential candidate Jaswant Singh shakes hands with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar before a meeting in New Delhi. Photo:PTI




  • AP Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (second from left)attends a regular session of Parliament at Myanmar Lower House. Photo: AP




  • AP President Barack Obama address the National Urban League Conference in New Orleans. Photo: AP




  • AP Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez(right) speaks as he is accompanied by a Brazilian commission at the Miraflores presidential palace in Venezuela. Chavez met with the Brazilian commission to talk about entry of Venezuela to Mercosur, the largest trading bloc in South America. Photo:AP




  • PTI General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army's Northern Command Lt Gen K T Parnaik interacts with the families of Kargil war martyrs during Vijay Diwas celebrations at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir. Photo:PTI









Images from the news events of the day







Day in pictures







via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3686193.ece

Prime Minister to visit Assam on Saturday





More In: New Articles






via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/incoming/article3686286.ece

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Big Ben to ring more than 40 times to celebrate Games






To herald the first day of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games on Friday July 27, Big Ben and thousands of bells across the U.K. will ring out as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes.


Big Ben, the hour bell of the Palace of Westminster, will chime more than 40 times from 8:12 am to 8:15 am to ring in the Olympic Games.


This is a historic occasion for one of the world’s most famous bells, as it is believed to be the first time that the strike of Big Ben has been rung outside its regular schedule since February 15, 1952, when it tolled every minute for 56 strokes from 9:30 am for the funeral of King George VI.


It has also been confirmed that the National Assembly for Wales will be ringing its bell along with Stormont and the Scottish Parliament. All four Parliaments will be ringing in unison at 8:12 am on 27 July as part of All The Bells in celebration of the first day of the London 2012 Olympic Games.



More In: International | News





More troops called up for Olympics security






The British government on Tuesday called up an additional 1,200 soldiers to perform security duties at the Olympic Park in London.


The extra troops had already been on standby.


“With three days to go to the Olympics, we are not leaving anything to chance,” said Jeremy Hunt, the minister responsible for the Games.


He said the call-up did not mean that the security situation had “deteriorated.” On the contrary, private contractor G4S — which had previously failed to provide enough staff — had lately been supplying more manpower.


The number of troops at the Olympic Park has now risen to 18,200 — out of a total security of 40,000.



More In: International | News





Day in pictures





‘Imbalances plague education’






There are several imbalances in the higher education system in India and these continue to plague the system, coming in the way of the nation’s progress, M. Anandakrishnan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, said on Monday.


“Though the education system is moving closer to the core of development thinking, there are ridiculous imbalances all over India,” the former Anna University Vice-Chancellor said. He was speaking during the inauguration of a three-day national conference on Indian Higher Education – Contemporary Challenges and Perspectives, at Madras Christian College.


Somehow the whole country was brainwashed into believing that sending young people to study engineering and medicine alone was enough and in the process, ignoring history, fine arts and literature among many other disciplines, he added.


Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner to Southern India, said foreign educational institutions should not look at India as a “pipeline for student recruitment” and that they should engage in long-term relationships based on trust and values. .


William Sweet, Director of the Centre for Philosophy, Theology and Cultural Traditions at St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, Canada, Kulbir Singh, Postmaster General, Business Development, Technology and Marketing, Tamil Nadu Circle, and others also participated.



More In: Chennai | Education





Monday, July 23, 2012

Anxious students throng medical counselling centre






Despite clear instructions on the State government’s Health Department websites, candidates aspiring for a seat in government medical colleges arrived at the Government Kilpauk Medical College on Monday, creating a flutter.


There were several families from across the State on Monday morning even as counselling for admission to self-financing dental colleges in the State began.


A group of candidates with very high scores had brought interview call letters, but were not allowed to enter the auditorium, the counselling venue.


Even as agitated parents protested, the policeman posted outside the auditorium stood his ground. A relative of one student said parents were upset that there was no Health Department authority to express their grievances to.


K. Subramaniam said his son was keen on MBBS but not dentistry. “He has got admission in an engineering college. I am exploring the possibility of his getting a seat in medicine,” he said.


He was, however, worried if his son would lose the opportunity by not attending the allotted counselling session for BDS.


T. Devaraj’s son was admitted to BDS in a private dental college but wondered whether the private college would reimburse the fees if his son were to be admitted to a government-run college at a later date.


“I have paid the fee of Rs. 25,000 today and it is non-refundable. If after a month a vacancy arises in a government medical college and my son gets admission, I don’t know if the private college would return the fees or how much they would deduct,” he said.


Secretary of Selection Committee R.G. Sukumar said the candidates had been informed about the method of selection and the details were on the website. It was their anxiety that brought them to the counselling centre, he said.








Training programme with placement






Accel IT Academy, the training division of Accel Frontline Ltd., has launched a 100 per cent job assured training programme in IT Infrastructure Management for fresh diploma and engineering graduates and for non-graduates with two to three years of experience. The course is formulated based on industry requirements and custom-made to meet the high-end IT system and networking requirements of the industry. The selection of students will be based on enrollment along with aptitude tests and interview. The course is being conducted across all Accel Centers. The duration of the course (training programme) is 45 days. At the end of training period, all students shall receive guaranteed placements with attractive pay packages.


For details, contact Accel IT Academy, 37, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai. Ph: 42251234 / 321. Accel centres are in Adyar (65551467); T. Nagar (28144507 / 08 / 09); Tambaram (22262860 / 61); Vadapalani (42136905 / 42013295); Villivakkam (32219982 /83) and Porur (32570880 / 32570358).



More In: Education | Chennai





‘Valens’ brings out innate talent of participants





Now control your car with a wink or nod






Engineers have come up with a new gadget to control a car’s functions using nods and winks, thanks to the infrared sensor mounted on the dashboard that recognises the driver’s facial expression.


A computer concealed inside the car translates the gestures, which corresponds to a list of commands for the radio, Sat Nav, heating and mobile phone. The gestures, undergoing tests before they are finalised, include a wink to turn the radio and music player on and off.


The technology is meant to be able to differentiate between an accidental blink and a wink by the length of time of the action before turning the radio on or off. Drivers can nod left to turn the volume up and right to turn it down while a tap on the steering wheel to skip the station or song, the Daily Mail reported.


Motorists can even make a phone call by making the ‘lifting the receiver gesture’ with their hand and dial by saying the name of the person they wish to call.


They can even control the air conditioning and heating by raising and lowering their left hand above the gear stick, which has another computer sensor mounted inside.


The technology means drivers would be able to control the functions inside the car without being distracted from the road. Engineers from global infotainment specialists Harman have created a prototype car, which could hit the roads in two years’ time.


Hans Roth, director of technology at Harman, said: “It’s all about reducing distractions in the car. These basic gestures are being tested around the globe to find the ideal system that can be used in countries around the world.”


For instance, wink: To turn the radio on and off. Nod left — turn the volume up. Nod right — turn the volume down. Tap finger on steering wheel — Skip radio channel or song. Left hand up (above gear stick) — Turn the heating on. Left hand down (above gear stick) — Turn the air-conditioning on.



Keywords: Harman



More In: Technology | Sci-Tech





Sunday, July 22, 2012

Day in pictures





Militants attack gas pipeline in Egypt’s Sinai






An Egyptian security official says militants have blown up a gas pipeline in the country’s Sinai Peninsula that used to transport fuel to Israel.


The attack was the 15th on the pipeline since last year’s popular uprising that ousted long-time leader Hosni Mubarak. Previous bombings of the pipeline have been blamed on Islamist militants who have stepped up their activity in Sinai, taking advantage of a security vacuum caused by the thin police presence in the post-Mubarak era.


The official said Sunday’s blast did not cause major damage but set fire to a small quantity of gas left in the pipeline from when the flow was cut following a March attack. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to brief the media.



More In: International | News





Saturday, July 21, 2012

Activists report heavy fighting in Syria's Aleppo



http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01151/allepo_1151261f.jpg







AP In this Tuesday, June 12, 2012 file photo, a Syrian revolutionary flag waves on top of a building on the outskirts of Aleppo, Syria.



Syrian troops clashed with rebels in the city of Aleppo for a second day on Saturday, forcing inhabitants to flee to safer areas in some of the fiercest fighting to date in the heart of the country’s northern commercial hub, activists said.


Until recently, Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, has remained largely loyal to President Bashar Assad and has been spared the kind of daily bloodshed that has plagued other cities over the course of the uprising against him.


The fighting in the Salaheddine district in the city centre suggested Assad was losing his grip on one more traditional bastion of support.


“This night was very bad, there were huge explosions and the gunfire didn’t stop for several hours,” said Aleppo-based activist Mohammad Saeed via Skype.


The clashes began on Friday and continued throughout the night until Saturday morning, most of it in Salaheddine.


“The uprising has finally reached Aleppo,” Mr Saeed said.


This week, fierce fighting between troops and rebels reached the Syrian capital, the central bastion of Assad’s rule, shattering parts of the city and sending thousands of people fleeing to neighbouring Lebanon and Iraq.


Activists and residents reported a tense calm in Damascus on Saturday but said sporadic gunfire and explosions could be heard throughout the night.


Two residents who did not want to be identified for safety reasons said by telephone that the fighting peaked between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. local time.


Damascus and Aleppo are both home to elites who have benefited from close ties to Assad’s regime, as well as merchant classes and minority groups who worry their status will suffer if Assad falls.


But for months, rebels have been gaining strength in poorer towns and cities in the Aleppo countryside, gaining footholds near the Turkish border. Anger has also been building inside the city at the government’s deadly crackdown on the uprising and in recent months, it has seen huge anti-government demonstrations, particularly among students at Aleppo University.



Keywords: Syrian uprising




More In: International | News







by AP

146 presumed dead in Tanzania ferry accident



http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png






Tanzania’s government on Saturday halted rescue operations for a ferry accident that appears to have killed 146 people.


Government official Ali Juma Shamhuna said 69 passengers were confirmed dead and 77 were still missing, but the rescue efforts were called off because it was unlikely to still find any passengers alive in the Indian Ocean three days after the accident.


The ferry MV Skagit, which capsized Wednesday while travelling from the East African nation’s economic capital Dar es Salaam to the island of Zanzibar, was carrying 291 passengers, although it had only been certified to carry 250, he added.



More In: International | News







by AP

9 killed as bomber attacks militant chief’s compound in Pak.



http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png






Police said a suicide bomber attacked a militant commander’s compound in northwest Pakistan, killing at least nine people, including three children.


Amjad Khan, a senior tribal police official, said the compound attacked Saturday in Spin Dal village in the Orakzai tribal area was owned by militant commander Mullah Nabi.


It’s unclear who carried out the attack.


Nabi is a rival to another prominent commander from Orakzai, Mullah Toofan, who is allied with the Pakistani Taliban.


Mr. Khan said the bomber tried to enter the guest quarters in Nabi’s compound and detonated his explosives when he was challenged by guards outside.


Sabar Gul, another tribal police official, said three children were among the nine dead and 15 people were wounded.



More In: International | News







by AP

Strong quake hits off east coast of New Zealand



http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png






A strong earthquake has struck off the east coast of New Zealand, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries or damage.


The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-5.8 temblor struck Saturday off the east coast of the North Island at a depth of 20 kilometres.


New Zealand is prone to earthquakes. In February 2011, a strong quake in Christchurch killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city’s downtown area.



More In: International | News







by AP