India is the Next Big Story, Not China, By Jonathan Power (POWER'S WORLD) - 12/20/2009
khaleejTimesIndia is the Next Big Story, Not China
Jonathan Power (POWER’S WORLD)
What India wants India will get. As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told me a couple of years ago, India wants to overtake China whilst putting its own runaway capitalism under tighter social control.
At the time he seemed downbeat about realising these goals. But as India has emerged faster than China, from the great recession, and as its huge anti-poverty programmes begin to bite his pessimism seems unwarranted. Maybe it was just caution about the revolution he has wrought.
I first came to Kolkata 35 years ago. It was then literally a “black hole”. I walked out of my hotel in the evening. Everywhere was dark. The city could only afford minimal street lighting. The bodies of families eating, defecating and sleeping were scattered along every pavement. The next morning I walked along the back lanes near the hotel. How could I ever forget seeing one man in a yard with piles of used toilet paper. He was carefully tearing the unsoiled bits off the soiled bits, presumably for some other use. The shantytowns sprawled everywhere just as in Mumbai’s “Slumdog Millionaire” today.
I returned to Kolkata 30 years later. After nearly 30 years of Communist rule it was a transformed city. The shantytowns had gone and the poor had flats with sewerage and clean water. The families on the pavement had all but disappeared although single men sleep here and there. The city is brightly lit, the streets cleaned everyday and the police efficient with police boxes on every major intersection. The crime rate remains slower than in any major city in the world.
Now undisturbed one can see clearly the heritage of Kolkata—its fine 18th and 19th century mansions, some nicely restored, on every street. The Maidan, the world’s largest city park, continues to be the great lung of the city, where the rich and poor gather every Sunday to walk, picnic and to play cricket.
No longer do poor peasants pour into the city. The great land reform in the West Bengal countryside has given every peasant a living on the own soil. Of the states, West Bengal has the second most productive agriculture in India. No wonder the Prime Minister told me that he wants the rest of India to emulate West Bengal.
Investment, foreign and domestic, is pouring into the state. Already its computer industry is beginning to snap at Bangalore’s heels. Educational levels and health services have been dramatically improved. Amartya Sen graduated from the city’s Presidency College, West Bengal has produced seven Nobel prize winners and a disproportionate number of the world’s top economists.
This is India resurgent, now emulated, albeit on a lesser scale than West Bengal, in many of its states.
India is well on its way to overtake China, but with a type of development more coherent than China’s winner-take-all capitalism. As one banker put it to me: “China was ahead because it had no rule of law. But now India will go ahead because it has rule of law.” High speed economic growth needs civic walls if society is not to crack under the strain and its innards poured out onto the streets. India has them—elections, human rights standards and courts. No one goes to prison for their beliefs and contracts are enforced. China’s civic walls barely exist.
On the world stage, India is showing its muscle. It persuaded President George W. Bush to lift the prohibition on providing India with enriched uranium and to drop its sanctions on supplying nuclear materials. Its nuclear armoury is now accepted as well protected and there has been no proliferation of its technology. India is now pushing for the charter of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to be revised next year so that it is recognised as one of the six established nuclear powers, which will give it added responsibilities. Its relationship with China has improved beyond measure. Its economic power puts it as one of the leading powers in the newly constituted Group of 20 which now overshadows the G8. India’s future is written here in West Bengal, with its Communist government which is in fact Social Democratic. Moreover, Congress will likely win the next state election and at the centre, Congress and its social democracy look like staying in power for a long time.
So India not only will continue with its Singh-devised economic policies but with its burgeoning tax revenues will spend increasing amounts on giving the poor incomes, jobs, health and educational services. Within 10 years, India will have effectively banished the worst poverty.
What India wants India will get. Within a decade India will be the world’s No. 1 economic power. And its social policies will be witness to its success.
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Police Probe Pyramid Scam: Never sign any Arabic documents without its translation. - 12/20/2009
khaleejTimesPolice Probe Pyramid Scam as 200 Fall Prey
More than 200 people of various nationalities, are believed to have fallen prey to a loan scheme linked to a pyramid scam and police have begun investigations to unravel the fraud.
Victims of an alleged pyramid scam file their affidavits at the Philippine consulate-general in Dubai.—KT photo by Bernard Pablo Testa
The alleged scam, on an Emirati national’s website, which claimed it could extend loans to members, was uncovered after 22 Filipinos affected by it approached the Philippine consulate in Dubai this week to seek assistance.
The 22 Filipino came forward after many of them were charged by the same company for bounced cheques. When they approached the police to file complaints, they claim that their side was not investigated because of the outstanding bounced cheques.
However, Lieutenant-Colonel Abdul Rahim Shafi, director of Organised Crimes Department, Dubai Police, told Khaleej Times police were looking into the matter. “The Dubai Public Prosecution has instructed the Naif Police to interrogate the owner of the company and accept all people’s complaints against him,” he said.
The complainants told Khaleej Times and the Philippine Consulate that they learned of the company through an online advertisement offering financial assistance.
They said they were offered loans, which they could use to settle their credit cards if they would register and bring new members. Members were offered a certain sum for getting others to join the scheme.
“Yet, as we continued to bring in new people as well as pay our monthly amortisation, the remaining amount was not released to us,” one of the complainants said. “When we started doubting the company and stopped getting more people to join, the firm started depositing our blank cheques and got us into trouble.”
Philippine Consul-General Benito B. Valeriano said he had asked all those involved to execute sworn statements, which he would take with his endorsements to the Dubai and Sharjah authorities to seek redressal for the victims as many had lost their jobs after they spent time in jail.
“I will ask the Sharjah and Dubai governments to look into these cases,” he said.
Other victims and consular officials could not be reached.
Eleven of the 22 complainants have sought the services of Law Firm International Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Ian Joseph Uy, one of the firm’s consultant, told Khaleej Times that the clients were asked to sign a Special Power of Attorney which they did not understand as it was in Arabic. They were also asked to bring with them a guarantor who was required to issue a blank cheque and seven referees who were required to issue two blank cheques.
Uy said the company, which is a debt collection agency, argued that it was collecting the money for payment of credit cards and had photocopies of the victims’ credit cards.
“We checked with the Dubai Economic Department and it emerged that the firm was not licensed to extend loans, which is a violation of the federal laws,” Uy said.
The complainants said they were not aware that the company would demand more money when they registered.
“The firm did not give us the remaining amount even though we had met all the requirements,” a complainant said, on behalf of the others.
“When we decided to stop bringing new people to join the scheme, the suspect gave the police the security cheques leading many to be imprisoned,” he added, asking not to be named.
Olivia Merino, one of the complainants, and the others accompanied
by Advocate Abdullah Omran of the Law Firm International Advocates & Legal Consultants, filed their complaints with the Naif Police station on December 7. However, police had Merino listed as the subject of a bounced cheque complaint from the suspect. “Instead of accepting our complaint, the police brought me to Sharjah even after I explained that the cheque was given in the suspect’s office in Dubai. I spent a night in jail as he deposited my blank cheque by putting an amount of Dh28,000 on it,” Merino said.
Her lawyer went to the Sharjah judge and filed for temporary release vouching for her. She was released the next day and filed a complaint with the prosecution on December 9. Uy said the prosecution issued a resolution that it would forward the complaint to the Naif Police Station within two days for investigation. “Today also, we have filed a complaint at the Naif Police Station,” Merino said.
Each of the victims was asked to issue two blank cheques and said they did not know what amount was written on these until they were arrested and jailed when the cheques bounced.
Isabel Alcantara said she was jailed in Dubai for two days because her Dh19,000 security cheque was deposited in April. She paid the court a fine of Dh25,000 and was cleared. “Now, my second cheque of Dh40,000 has again been deposited even though I got two people to join the scheme, who paid the firm Dh24,000,” Alcantara said.
“I got only a Dh25,000 loan from the firm.”
Pedro Comiling, who was referred to the scheme by a friend, said, “My promissory note mentioned only Dh15,000 but the firm put Dh20,000 on my blank cheque. I never received anything from it.” Lt-Col. Shafi said all police officers were instructed to take prompt action when receiving a complaint from any person even if a case was filed against the complainant.
“The police will investigate each case separately,” he said.
He added that to enable the police to take a decision and to verify the type of crime, the complainant should bring their documents and explain the matter to the police.
The consul-general warned all Filipinos not to fall prey to suspect financial schemes. “If you need loans, go to banks and not to any organisation or individuals from private companies you do not know,” he said. “Never sign any document in Arabic without obtaining its translation in English.”
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Local News: Science Express in Udupi from today till the 22. - Oscar Next CM? - 12/19/2009
Thomas DSouza
Udupi, December 19: The “Science Express”, an innovative science exhibition mounted on a specially designed train, will be in Udupi from December 20 to 22.
A press release issued here on Friday stated that the main objective of the “Science Express” was to nurture curiosity among youth and rekindle their interest in science. The “Science Express” has been showcased in 100 cities across the country since October 2007 when it was flagged off.
Over 35 lakh people, mostly students, have enjoyed learning about cutting-edge research in science, explained through interesting audio-visual exhibits and interactive tools.
The exhibition is primarily for students of ninth standard and above. There is no entry fee for the exhibition. Visitors are not allowed to carry their mobile phone, camera, bags or water bottles into the express.
The “Science Express” is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Udupi Railway Station. The “Science Express” is a 16-coach fully air-conditioned train especially fabricated for the Department of Science and Technology by the Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala.
The exhibits were designed and developed by Max Planck Society, Germany.
BANGALORE : It has been reliably learnt that the Congress was chalking out a strategy to form an alternative government under the leadership of the AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes in case of the downfall of the BJP government following the internal crisis which has cropped up again.
The Congress leadership which is sure that the BJP government would witness a downfall in early January, has selected Oscar as a consensus candidate in order to avoid any tussle for the top post. Even the Congress leadership in the state is of the firm belief that none may oppose Oscar’s selection for the top post, he being a leader who is capable of moving ahead taking everyone into confidence.
Though the JD(S) has already agreed to back the Congress and has even conveyed the message that it wouldn’t have any objection to Siddaramaiah becoming the CM, the Congress leadership is all likely to oppose Siddaramaiah as the CM. Though even senior leader and union minister may be in the race for the top post the Siddaramaiah loyalists may not allow the same.
Already the over 20 legislators who have turned up against the government have almost arrived at a conclusion that there were no chances of the government conceding to their demands and are all likely to identify themselves either with the Congress or the JD(S).
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First party president from Maharashtra - Nitin Gadkari takes charge - 12/19/2009
The Hindu
L.K. Advani (left), Chairman of BJP Parliamentary Party looks on as the outgoing president, Rajnath Singh, offers sweets to the newly elected
Nitin Gadkari was on Saturday appointed the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), succeeding Rajnath Singh whose term got over last month.
At 52, Mr. Gadkari happens to be the youngest party president, heralding the party’s first step towards ushering in a generational transition in its leadership. His appointment was announced after a meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board at the party headquarters here.
At the meeting, Rajnath Singh also formally stepped down as the party president at the end of his three-year tenure. Placing on record its gratitude to Mr. Singh for the leadership provided by him, the Parliamentary Board expressed confidence that his services would continue to be available to the party.
Mr. Gadkari’s appointment as the BJP chief came a day after the party veteran L. K. Advani stepped down as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, handing over baton to Sushma Swaraj. A special slot of Chairman of BJP Parliamentary Party was created by amending the party constitution and Mr. Advani became its first incumbent. Arun Jaitley was also renominated as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
First party president from Maharashtra
Hailing from Nagpur, Mr. Gadkari also happens to be the first party president from Maharashtra. He has been a public works minister in Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999 and has also been heading the party’s State unit since November 2004.
Mr. Gadkari takes charge of the BJP at a time when the party is trying to restructure itself after suffering a setback in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Indications of a generational change in the BJP were available over the past few months, particularly when Mohan Bhagwat took over as the new chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Giving an inkling of the RSS thinking, he hinted at the possibility of younger leaders coming to the helm of affairs in the BJP.
Mr. Bhagwat, in his public speeches at several forums, had also indicated that the BJP leadership should be handed over to those between 55 and 65 years of age and the next party chief should be from outside Delhi.
After the meeting of the party’s Parliamentary Board where he was flanked by Mr. Advani, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, Mr. Gadkari said that he was happy to shoulder the "biggest responsibility’’ in the party which has been entrusted to him.
Seeking help of all the office-bearers in his new assignment, he said the process of appointing a new set of office-bearers would take some time. Party sources said that it could take about two months for the new office bearers to take charge as the organisational elections in the States were also to be held next month.
'Will follow the nationalist ideology of the party'
Later, talking to reporters, Mr. Gadkari said that he would be paying visits to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr. Advani and Ms. Swaraj to seek their blessings. "I will follow the nationalist ideology of the party. I will not do anything which will let the leaders down,’’ he said while making a pitch for a ``strong political will’’ that was needed to solve all sorts of problems in the country.
Known as the "infrastructure and development’’ man, Mr. Gadkari said that he never made any false commitments or promises.
"There is a saying, where there is a will, there is a way. That is how I achieved success in implementing expressway projects in Maharashtra and I will use politics as an instrument for bring about socio-economic reforms and carrying on social welfare activities,’’ he said in his first brief comments after assuming charge as the party chief.
End of Atal-Advani era
As the party workers burst crackers and some even danced to the beats of drums at the party headquarters rejoicing at the top level change in the party, Mr. Gadkari’s appointment as party chief also drew curtains on the Atal-Advani era in the BJP. He happens to be the ninth party president since 1980 when the BJP came into being and Atal Bihari Vajpayee became its first president. Only Mr. Advani enjoyed three terms as the party chief from 1986 to 1990, from 1992 to 1998 and 2004 to 2005.
Assuring him of all possible support from the office-bearers of the BJP, Mr. Advani said that Mr. Gadkari was a popular leader and known for the Mumbai-Pune Express Highway. Rajnath Singh said the Parliamentary Board members and party’s State units saw in Mr. Gadkari a responsible and able worker.
Former BJP chief M. Venkaiah Naidu said that Mr. Gadkari would have the support of entire party apparatus as the party believed in "collective leadership.’’ Expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger during Mr. Gadkari’s leadership, Mr. Naidu said that guidance of Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Advani would be always available to the party.
As Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council and also as the president of the party’s Maharashtra unit, Mr. Gadkari’s efforts to rebuild the party organisation earned him a reputation for being an "efficient and energetic’’ leader. He also made it a point to associate every party worker with at least one social or voluntary service project in the region.
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ಇದು ಪ್ರಸವೋದ್ಯಮ: ಮಗು ಹೆರಲು ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಔಟ್¯ಸೋರ್ಸಿಂಗ್! (In Vitro Fertilization) - 12/19/2009
WDಭಾರತದಂತಹಾ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಗಳಿಂದ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಂದಿರನ್ನು ಗೊತ್ತುಪಡಿಸುವ ಸಿರಿವಂತ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಗಳ ಹೊಸ 'ಹೊರಗುತ್ತಿಗೆ' ಪದ್ಧತಿಯು ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾದ ಬ್ರಿಸ್ಬೇನ್¯˛ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಸಮಾವೇಶವೊಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಸಿ ಬಿಸಿ ಚರ್ಚೆಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿದೆ.
ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಹೊಂದಿದ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಗಳ ಸಂತಾನಹೀನ ದಂಪತಿಗಳು ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಂದಿರ ಮೂಲವನ್ನಾಗಿ ಅಮೆರಿಕವನ್ನೂ ಮೀರಿಸಿ, ಭಾರತವನ್ನೇ ಆಯ್ದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಸಿಡ್ನಿ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದ ಸಮಾಜಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಜ್ಞೆ, ಸಹಾಯಕ ಪ್ರೊಫೆಸರ್ ಕ್ಯಾಥರೀನ್ ವಾಲ್ಡಬಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತಾನೋತ್ಪತ್ತಿ ಎಂಬುದು ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಗೊಂದು ಉದ್ಯೋಗವೇ ಆಗಿಬಿಟ್ಟಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕ್ಯಾಥರೀನ್¯ರನ್ನು ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿಸಿ ಎಬಿಸಿ ಆನ್¯ಲೈನ್ ವರದಿ ಮಾಡಿದೆ.
ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗೆ ಆಸ್ಟ್ರೇಲಿಯಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಗ್ರಿಫಿತ್ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಿದ್ದ ಏಷ್ಯಾ-ಪೆಸಿಫಿಕ್ ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ, ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಲ ಸಮಾವೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಯಾಥರೀನ್ ಅವರು ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಭಾಷಣಕಾರರಾಗಿದ್ದರು.
ಸಂತಾನಹೀನ ದಂಪತಿಗಳು ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಐವಿಎಫ್ (In vitro fertilisation - ಅಂತರ್¯ಗರ್ಭಾಶಯ ಫಲವತ್ತತೆ) ಮಾಡಿಸಿ, ಅದನ್ನು ಆ ಬಳಿಕ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಮಹಿಳೆಯ (ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಿ)ಯ ಗರ್ಭದೊಳಗಿರಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಕೈತುಂಬಾ ಹಣ ಬರುವುದರಿಂದ ಆಕೆ, ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ಗರ್ಭಿಣಿಯಂತೆ ಕಾರ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಭಾರತ ಸರಕಾರವು ಕೂಡ ಈ 'ಫಲವತ್ತತೆ ಔಟ್¯ಸೋರ್ಸಿಂಗ್' ಅನ್ನು ಇತರ ಕಾಲ್¯ಸೆಂಟರ್¯ಗಳಷ್ಟೇ ಆಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕ್ಯಾಥರೀನ್ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಅಮೆರಿಕಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಲಿಸಿದರೆ, ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಂದಿರು, ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ತಜ್ಞರು ಮತ್ತು ಹೆರಿಗೆ ಕ್ಲಿನಿಕ್ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಗಳು ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ತೀರಾ ಕೈಗೆಟಕುವ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಲಭ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಭಾರತೀಯ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಂದಿರು ಮಗುವೊಂದನ್ನು ಹೆತ್ತುಕೊಟ್ಟರೆ ತಲಾ 5000 ದಿಂದ 6000 ಡಾಲರ್ (ಅಂದಾಜು ಎರಡೂವರೆಯಿಂದ ಮೂರು ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ.ವರೆಗೆ) ಹಣ ಸಂಪಾದಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಇದು ಅವರ ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ಆದಾಯಕ್ಕಿಂತಲೂ ಆರರಿಂದ ಹತ್ತು ಪಟ್ಟುಗಳಷ್ಟು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿರುತ್ತದೆ.
ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆಯಾಗಿ ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಬಂದು ಮಗುವನ್ನು ಹೆರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯ ದಂಪತಿಗಳಿಗೆ 15ರಿಂದ 20 ಸಾವಿರ ಡಾಲರ್ ವೆಚ್ಚವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅಮೆರಿಕಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದರೆ ಇದು ಒಂದು ಲಕ್ಷ ಡಾಲರ್¯ವರೆಗೆ ತಲುಪುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದಿರುವ ಕ್ಯಾಥರೀನ್, ಈ ದರದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರತವು ಅಮೆರಿಕಕ್ಕೆ ಸವಾಲೊಡ್ಡುತ್ತಿದೆ ಎಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿಲ್ಲ. ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತ ಸರಕಾರವು ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಪ್ರವಾಸೋದ್ಯಮ ಉತ್ತೇಜನಕ್ಕೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ವೀಸಾ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳನ್ನೂ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ ಗರ್ಭಾಂಕುರ 'ಉದ್ಯಮ'ವು ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರೀ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಗಳಿವೆ ಎಂದೂ ಆಕೆ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಈ ವಿಧಾನದಲ್ಲಿ, ತನ್ನದೇ ಅಂಡಾಣು ಬಳಸಿ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಿ ಆಗುವ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆಗಿಂತ ಈ ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಗುವಿಗೆ ತಾಯಿಯ ಯಾವುದೇ ವಂಶವಾಹಿ (ಜೆನೆಟಿಕ್) ಅಂಶಗಳು ದೊರೆಯುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಂದರೆ, ಮಗುವು ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ತಾಯಿಯನ್ನು ಹೋಲುವ ರೂಪ ಲಕ್ಷಣಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಮೂಲಕ ಬಿಳಿಯರು-ಕರಿಯರು ಎಂಬ ಭೇದಭಾವವೂ ಹೊಸ ಮಗುವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ಅದು ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯರಂತೆಯೇ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ.
ಇದು ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರ್ಯಾಯ ಜೀವನೋಪಾಯವಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಒಂಬತ್ತು ತಿಂಗಳು ಹೊತ್ತು ಹೆತ್ತರೆ ಒಂದು ಮನೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವಷ್ಟು ಹಣ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಅವಕಾಶ ಇರುವುದರಿಂದ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಅತ್ತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆಕರ್ಷಿತರಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತದೆ ದೆಹಲಿ ಮೂಲದ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಲಹಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಶಮಾ.
ಗರ್ಭದೊಳಗೆ ಭ್ರೂಣ ಸೇರಿಸಿದಾಗ ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ರಿಸ್ಕ್¯ಗಳೂ ಜೊತೆಗಿರುತ್ತವೆ. ಇಂಥ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಮನೆಯವರು ಮಹಿಳೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಒತ್ತಡ ಹೇರುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆಗಳೂ ಇಲ್ಲದಿಲ್ಲ.
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Ishant for Sreesanth, Karthik replaces Dhoni, Sehwag to lead 3rd and 4th ODI - 12/19/2009
The Hindu
Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and other Indian cricketers being welcomed as they arrive at Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar on Saturday for the 3rd India - Srilanka ODI match. Ishant Sharma and Dinesh Karthik are part of the squad in the remaining two ODIs. Photo: PTI
Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik was today included in the Indian team for next two cricket one-dayers against Sri Lanka as a replacement for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has been forced to sit out because of a two-match ODI ban.
Pace-man Ishant Sharma has also been recalled into the squad in place of fellow pacer S Sreesanth who has been out of action since testing positive for swine flu.
These were the only two changes made in the squad announced by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan after a selection committee meeting here.
Yuvraj Singh, who has not played a single match because of a finger injury and flu, has been retained in the squad which is an indication that the elegant left hander was expected to be fit for the remaining three matches of the five-match series.
Karthik will keep wickets for the third and fourth matches after Dhoni was banned for two ODIs with immediate effect for the team’s slow over-rate during the second one-dayer in Nagpur.
The third one-dayer is scheduled to be played in Cuttack on December 21 while the historic Eden Gardens will be the venue for the fourth match on December 24. The five-match series is currently tied 1-1.
Team for third and fourth ODIs: Virender Sehwag (capt), Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Suresh Raina, Ravinder Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sudip Tyagi, Praveen Kumar and Pragyan Ojha.
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First time in India; Gujarat assembly passes mandatory voting bill - 12/19/2009
TOIGANDHINAGAR: Gujarat assembly on Saturday passed a landmark bill which makes, for the first time in the country, voting mandatory in local body
polls. The Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009, which also seeks to raise the reservation of seats for women in local self governance bodies from 33 to 50 per cent, was passed by voice vote. The opposition, led by Congress, opposed the mandatory voting provision, terming it in contradiction with the constitutional provisions but supported raising of seats for women in the local bodies from 33% to 50%. The opposition had demanded separate bills for 50% reservation for women and for mandatory voting in local self governance bodies. Under the bill, if a voter fails to vote for the reasons other than prescribed in the rules, he may be declared a "defaulter voter" and would face consequences for which rules will be framed and placed before the assembly for its approval later. "It is observed that due to low turnout of voters to discharge their duty by exercising their right to vote, the true spirit of the will of the people is not reflected in the electoral mandate," said the statement of objects and reasons of the bill.
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Brief Mumbai news with Pictures 18-12-2009 - 12/19/2009
Rons BantwalMumbai Dec. 18 :- Dindoshi Police arrested bogus CBI officer namely Mohd. Islam Shaikh in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Former President of India & Missile men A P J Abdul Kalam address to media after inauguration Exhibition of Vishwa-2009 in Mumbai. In pic A P J Abdul Kalam delivered inaugural speech.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Terrorist Ajmal Kasab's lawyer Advocate Pawar address to media out the special court, Arther Road jail in Mumbai.
Shirdi:- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President along their party workers went to Saibaba's temple at Shirdi.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Congres leader Bhai Jagtap along with their party's corporator during election in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam along with their party's corporator during election in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Rajasthan Cricket President,Union Minister C.P.Joshi With I P L Commisoner Lalit Modi,During the B C C I Working Commettee Meeting At BCCI Headquater in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar Come out After B C C I Working Commettee Meeting At BCCI Headquater in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Development Credit Bank ltd. & Yamini Art India presents " The Rising Tide" a collectionof art by Maharashtra's prominent artists. The exhibition was inaugurated by Smt. Shraddha Jadhav Mayor of Mumbai along with Murali M Natrajan, Managing Director & C E O of Development Credit Bank Ltd. in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 18 :- Anil Trivedi, Abhang Pratishthan & Subodh Tiwari, Convener, 6th International Conference on
Yoga Organized by Kaivalyadhama at the announcement of 6th International Conference Yoga from 27 to 30th Dec.2009 at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala.
H.H Shrimad Sudhindra Teertha Swamiji Released G.S.B Dahisar Navaraatri Callender.
Chinarbimbha-Teachers Sibira held at Vidyanagari Campus Pics by Rons Bantwal
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CHRISTMAS, What does it mean to you? By PAUL VINCENT D'SOUZA, (KEMMANNU)/Kuwait{Comments 2} - 12/19/2009
CHRISTMAS, What does it mean to you?
This year, as so many other years that have passed, Christmas day, remain the most celebrated event in the world..... There is nothing close to this by any standard.
Through the traditions of human, the meaning of Christmas has been diluted and eroded. Some people think that it is a day of exchanging or giving gifts. Otheres it is the day of maximum enjoyment and do what they like. To otheres it is a day of making lots and lots of money, etc. There is nothing wrong with this provided one knows WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS. Let me briefly explain:
Luke 2:10-11 writes "And the angel said unto the shepherds, fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to ALL PEOPLE. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior which is Christ the Lord: For more reading see ISAIAH 9:6-7, 42:1-9 and 53:1-end
Paul the Apostle wrote " wherefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus evrery Knee should bow of things in heaven and things on earth and the things under the earth and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father (Phil, 2:9-11)
This scripture will also finally come to fullfillment , When Christ comes the second time, at the close of the age , is being fulfilled every CHRISTMAS.
Christmas is about a Savior Jesus Christ. He was born into this world for purpose of savings us form ur sins as all human have sinned and there is no one who is right with GOD (Romans 3:23)
We would be totally lost before God if it was not for the birth of Christ Jesus into this world. We rejoice being regular at church, giving your money to the poor, however good these things may be, will not be able to save us from our sins.
JESUS WILL, It requires a personal invitation. this was what Jesus told Nicodemus, " NICODEMUS EXCEPT YOU ARE BORN AGAIN, YOU CANNOT SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD" (John 3:3)
The prison warden about 2am in the morning cried to Paul and Silas and said " Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Paul and Silas were very quick to give this answer, " BELIVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED, AND THY HOUSE ( Acts 16:30-32)
This is the meaning of CHRISTMAS. Ask yourself , have I invited CHRIST IN MY HEART ??
AM I Right with CHRIST JESUS. No one else will answer these questions except yourself.......
Jesus says in Revelution 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock, If any one hear my voice and open door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me."
How wonderful it would be for you at this Christmas day, While sitting at your dinner table enjoying the wonderful meal and that Christmas pudding !! to know that CHRIST has been invited into your heart,
THIS IS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. Merry X'mas
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Christmas Preparations and celebrations in India - photographs by Rons - 12/19/2009
Photographs by Rons BantwalChristian community in India celebrate Christmas with pomp, gaiety and devotion. Celebrations of Christmas festival begin on the eve of Christmas on 24th of December and continue till New Year's Day. Christians across the country mark the birth of Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day by participating in special masses organized in churches. Celebrations of Christmas are marked by carols, cakes, candles and decoration of Christmas Tree. In several parts of India, especially in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, Christmas Festival has assumed secular overtones and is joyfully celebrated by people of all religions and communities. Christmas Day called 'Bada Din' (Big Day) in Hindi is a national holiday in India and people from all religions join their Christian friends to make the most of the joyous celebrations.
Preparations for Christmas in India
In Christian households, preparations for Christmas begin atleast a month in advance. People get their homes whitewashed and indulge in spring cleaning of the house to give it a fresh new look. Ladies start preparations for the traditional Christmas cake which is anxiously awaited not just by the entire family but also by the neighbors!! Hectic shopping activity takes place as everyone buys new clothes for the festival. Christmas Gifts are also bought for friends, relatives and kids in the family. Biggest festival for Christians - Christmas is also the time for family reunions. People staying in different cities for job or higher studies rush back to their homes to celebrate Christmas with their near and dear ones.
Christmas Celebrations in Different Parts of India
Customs for Christmas celebrations vary in the vast expanse of India. These variations are largely because of the local cultural influence. In South India, for instance, Christians light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses, the same way as Hindus decorate their homes during the Diwali Festival. Besides, in several states of India a popular custom is to decorate banana or mango tree instead of traditional pine tree. In northwest India, the tribal Christians of the Bhil tribe go out night after night for a week during Christmas to sing their equivalent of carols the whole night through. In Mumbai, which has one of the largest Roman Catholic communities in India, there is a tradition to depict nativity scenes and decorate home with big stars.
Christmas in Goa
Most exhilarating celebration of Christmas can be seen in the vivacious state of Goa. A large number of domestic and international tourists flock to the beaches Goa during Christmas festival to watch Goa at its cultural best. One can also regale in the best of Goa music and dance during Christmas festivities. Catholics in Goa participate in the traditional midnight mass services locally called Missa de Galo or Cock Crow as they go on well into early hours of the morning. The Carnival, preceding Lent, is the most important event at Goa. This is similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
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Dubai/Abudhabi: Christmas announcements and Schedule - 12/19/2009
Kemmannu.comTeamDubai:
1. CONFESSIONS: DAILY – MORNING: 06.00 A.M. TO 08.00 A.M. EVENING: 5.00 P.M. TO 9.00 P.M. UNTIL 23rd DECEMBER.
2. CHRISTMAS 2009 AND NEW YEAR 2010 PROGRAMME: THE PROGRAMME WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE EXITS OR DOWN LOAD THE SAME FROM THE INTERNET .
3. THURSDAY 24th DECEMBER BEING A CHRISTMAS EVE THERE WILL BE NO BAPTISM CEREMONY.
4. ON CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24th / CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25th AND NEW YEARS EVE DECEMBER 31st / NEW YEARS DAY JANUARY 1st NO MEETINGS, FUNCTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE CHURCH PREMISES – MAIN HALL, MINI HALL OR MEETING ROOMS.
5. FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION OF ALL PARISHIONERS:
a) THOSE ATTENDING CHRISTMAS EVE / DAY MASSES, PLEASE AVOID TAKING CHAIRS / STOOLS INSIDE THE CHURCH: SIMILARLY THE FOOT BALL GROUND TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE ASTRO TURF.
(b) FOR ALL MATTERS CONCERNING SECURITY / DISCIPLINE / ORDERLINESS PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS / GUIDE LINES OF THE VOLUNTEERS ON DUTY. THEY ARE THERE TO HELP YOU.
(c) TAKE CARE OF THE BELONGINGS (WALLET / MOBILE PHONE) For more details log on to: http://www.saintmarysdubai.com/ 
Abu Dhabi:
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COUGH UP RS 11,500 IF YOU WISH TO SERVE LIQUOR AT PUBLIC PLACES IN KARNATAKA - 12/19/2009
Thomas DSouzaCOUGH UP RS 11,500 IF YOU WISH TO SERVE LIQUOR AT PUBLIC PLACES IN KARNATAKA
Your drink may taste bitter when you raise a toast and say cheers in a function next time in Karnataka as the excise department has enforced section 15(A} of the Karnataka Excise Act 1965, which prevents consumption of liquor in unlicensed public places. This applies to marriage halls too. In case people want to serve liquor in such places, they have to obtain the Occasional License (OL) to the department, coughing up a hefty fee of Rs 11,500.
For the rich, this price is not much as they spend lakhs of rupees on occasions. However, for middle class families it is taxing. It looks curtains for celebration spirit of a common person, who loves to celebrate event in halls and hotels and liquor is served as it is once a lifetime event for many. Again, it is a problem for people who arrange small functions for 100-200 guests, as the amount is too high.
Earlier Christians used to celebrate their functions at home, be it wedding or others. Now everybody celebrate even functions like cradling, Birthday, Engagement and even Roce and Housewarming in halls. This law will definitely hurt them and push their functions back to their courtyards.
It is yet to be seen how this rule is implemented. Rules like smoking and use of mobile phones while driving is an offence only on paper and never implemented. It looks like a draconian law in nature and a major initiative to increase the revenue of their officials concerned by corrupt practices. It is common knowledge that RTO and excise department are the most corrupt departments amongst government offices.
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Kolalgiri Church Attack: State Human Rights Commission orders probe - 12/19/2009
Thomas DSouza
BANGALORE : The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission which has voluntarily registered a case with regard to the recent incident wherein miscreants stoned and damaged the grotto of St Antony in the premises of the Sacred Heart Church at Kolalagiri near Brahmavar,has directed the authorities concerned to immediately undertake an investigation and submit a report to the Commission.
The Commission Chairman Justice SR Nayak has directed the DK and Udupi SPs and Western Range IGP to undertake a probe and submit a report within one month. It has also directed the department to ensure suitable protection to the places of worship of the minority community.
Rev Fr Jerome Montheiro, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church reacting to the incident has said that it was a communally instigated act and added that the civil society can never tolerate such incidents. He has also demanded that the district administration considered this case seriously and initiate action against the guilty.
Sad News: VANDALS DESECREATE ST.ANTHONYS STATUE AT KOLALGIRI CHURCH Click Here
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ಆಕೆ ಸತ್ತು ಬದುಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ; ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಕೊಂದು ಬಿಡಿ..! - 12/18/2009
WDಸುಂದರ ಕನಸುಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊತ್ತು ಬದುಕಿನ ಹೊಸ್ತಿಲಲ್ಲಿ ಋತು ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗಾಗಿ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಯುವತಿಯಾಗಿದ್ದಾಕೆ; ಅದೊಂದು ಕೆಟ್ಟ ದಿನ ಆ ಹಸಿಹಸಿ ಭಾವಗಳನ್ನು ದುರುಳನೊಬ್ಬ ಛೇದಿಸಿಯೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ. ಅದು ನಡೆದು ಹೋಗಿ 36 ವರ್ಷಗಳೇ ಕಳೆದರೂ ಇದುವರೆಗೂ ಆಕೆ ಸತ್ತು ಬದುಕುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಳೆ-- ಮುದುಕಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಆಕೆಗೀಗ ದಯಾಮರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಅವಕಾಶ ನೀಡಿ ಎಂದು ಆಪ್ತರೊಬ್ಬರು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ಮೊರೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
1973ರಲ್ಲಿ ನರ್ಸ್ ಆಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಕೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಬಲಾತ್ಕಾರ ನಡೆದಿತ್ತು. ಆ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಅದೇ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯ ವೈದ್ಯರೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಿಶ್ಚಿತಾರ್ಥವನ್ನೂ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಈ ನತದೃಷ್ಟೆಯ ಹೆಸರು ಅರುಣಾ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಶಾನಭಾಗ್.
ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಆಗಿದ್ದಿದ್ದರೆ ಆಕೆಯ ಬದುಕು ಹೀಗೆ ಜೀವಚ್ಛವವಾಗುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ವಿಧಿಯೆಂಬ ಕ್ರೂರಿ ಆಕೆಯ ಬದುಕನ್ನೇ ಶೇ.99ರಷ್ಟು ಆಪೋಶನ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಕೊಲ್ಲುವುದು ಅದಕ್ಕೂ ಬೇಕಿರಲಿಲ್ಲವೇನೋ?
ಮುಂಬೈಯ ಕಿಂಗ್ ಎಡ್ವರ್ಡ್ ಮೆಮೊರಿಯಲ್ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅರುಣಾ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಆಕೆಗೆ ಕೇವಲ 24 ವರ್ಷ. ರೋಗಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಬೇಕಾದ ಹಾಲನ್ನು ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ಮಾರಾಟ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಮೇಲಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದು ಸತ್ಯದ ಕಡೆ ವಾಲಿದ್ದೇ ಆಕೆಗೆ ಮುಳುವಾದದ್ದು.
ತನ್ನ ಕೊಠಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಟ್ಟೆ ಬದಲಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಆ ದುಷ್ಕರ್ಮಿ ಎರಗಿ ಅತ್ಯಾಚಾರ ನಡೆಸಿಯೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟ. ಅಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೇ ತನ್ನ ಕುಕೃತ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮುಗಿಸದ ಪಾಪಿ ನಾಯಿಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟುವ ಸರಪಳಿಯಿಂದ ಆಕೆಯ ಕತ್ತನ್ನು ಬಿಗಿಗೊಳಿಸಿ ಉಸಿರು ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಲು ಯತ್ನಿಸಿದ್ದ. ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಮಿದುಳಿಗೆ ಬಹುದೊಡ್ಡ ಆಘಾತವಾಯಿತು.
ಅಷ್ಟೇ, ಆ ನಂತರ ಆಕೆ ಎಂದೂ ಮಾತನಾಡಿಲ್ಲ, ಎದ್ದು ಕುಳಿತಿಲ್ಲ, ಮಗ್ಗುಲು ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಿಲ್ಲ, ತಾನಾಗಿ ಆಹಾರ ತಿಂದಿಲ್ಲ, ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಏಕೆ ಕಣ್ಣು ಬಿಡಲೂ ಆಕೆಗೆ ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ತನ್ನನ್ನು ಉಪಚರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವವರು ಯಾರೆಂದು ಅವಳಿಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತೇ ಇಲ್ಲ.
ಆಕೆ ಈ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿ ಬರೋಬ್ಬರಿ 36 ವರ್ಷಗಳೇ ಸಂದಿವೆ. ಅಂದಿನ 24ರ ಯುವತಿಗೀಗ 62 ವರ್ಷ. ದಯಾಮರಣಕ್ಕೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಕಾನೂನಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಕಾಶವಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಅರಿತ ಆಕೆಯ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತೆ ಪಿಂಕಿ ವಿರಾಣಿ ಎಂಬ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತೆ, ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ಆಕೆಗೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಆಹಾರವನ್ನಾದರೂ ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸಲು ಅವಕಾಶ ನೀಡಿದ ಎಂದು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ಮೊರೆ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಈ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಇದೀಗ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯವು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರಕಾರದ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯವನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿದೆ. ಆಹಾರ ಸ್ಥಗಿತಗೊಳಿಸುವ ಮೂಲಕ ದಯಾಮರಣ ಪಾಲಿಸಲು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಒಪ್ಪಿದರೆ ಅರುಣಾಳ ಬದುಕಿನ ಯಾತನೆಗೊಂದು ಅಂತ್ಯ ಸಿಗಬಹುದು.
ಅಂದ ಹಾಗೆ, ಅರುಣಾಳ ಬಾಳನ್ನು ಮೂರಾಬಟ್ಟೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಕೋಮಾ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ತಲುಪುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಪಾಪಿಯ ಕೃತ್ಯ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಬೀತಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ವಂಚನೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಕೇವಲ ಆರು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಜೈಲಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆದು ವಾಪಸ್ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾನೆ!
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Thunderstorms to hit the UAE on Saturday, making driving and sailing hazardous - 12/18/2009
Gulf News
- Clean-up crews are hard at work trying to get rid of water puddles after Sunday's heavy rain fall.
- Image Credit: Francois Nel/Gulf News
Dubai: Thunderstorms will hit the UAE on Saturday, making driving and sailing hazardous, the Dubai Meteorological Office said on Friday.
A 64-kilometer per hour squall will make the seas very rough with waves reaching five feet offshore. A marine warning was issued on Friday and is valid until Saturday night. The unsettled weather is expected to percolate late on Friday and clear on Saturday night.
While the intermittent showers will not be as heavy as the last ones, the rain waters are expected to clog the drains and flood the streets once again. Last week Al Ain recorded the highest rainfall of 60 mm and motorists in Dubai and Sharjah were stuck in traffic jams for hours.
Police have advised motorists to slow down when it rains. Scores of accidents were reported in last week’s downpour. Many malls experienced leaks and some shops in Ibn Battuta Mall had strategically placed buckets on the floor to catch the drips.
The forecaster said the thunderstorm is due to a low pressure front moving in from Iran. Thunderstorm warnings have also been issued across the Gulf States, specially Bahrain and Qatar, according to the weather bureau in Sharjah.
The temperatures are expected to further drop on Saturday to a minimum of 14 degrees Celsius with a daytime temperature of 29 degrees Celsius.
It will be partly cloudy on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday with a risk of isolated showers. These are the usual winter rains in these parts, said the forecasters. The rains are expected to continue until January.
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The real attacker was another man, says ‘Kasab’ - 12/18/2009
The Hindu
In this photograph taken on November 26, 2008, Mohammed Ajmal Amir ‘Kasab’, the accused gunman, walks at the Chatrapathi Sivaji Terminus in Mumbai
Mohammad Ajmal Amir ‘Kasab,’ the lone surviving gunman in the Mumbai terror attack case, alleged on Friday that the police had tutored witnesses to identify him as one of the attackers at the CST. Further, since his photograph was splashed around the world, it made identification easy.
He said the “shorter person,” a term often used by eyewitnesses to describe ‘Kasab,’ was not him; the real attacker was another man of short stature, named “Abu Ali, who had died.” “Since my height and face matched the CST attacker, the policed fitted me in the case.”
He alleged that the identification parade was manipulated by the police. Giving an instance, he said: “There was one witness who could not identify me. The officer then hinted at me with his eyes. Only one officer would escort the witnesses to the parade. You can see for yourself that most witnesses have given similar evidence.”
‘Kasab’ also denied having taken a taxi from the Badhwar Park or having planted a bomb in a taxi. “Atireki the; utar gaye, Taj mein [They were terrorists; they got off at Taj].” When asked to give the meaning of the word, ‘atireki,’ he said: “Jo dehshat karte hai. [Those who spread terror].”
The court reminded him of his voluntary confession on July 20 while he was in judicial custody. He had admitted to everything, including the exchange of fire with the police at the CST. But he said he had admitted out of fear for the police.
Referring to the men in uniform who stood next to him in the court, he said their presence itself was not good for his wellbeing. The judge reminded that he had specifically pointed to a photograph in a footage admitting that it was him. However, ‘Kasab’ said he had lied, and his confession was not true. He said he was not part of any of the CD footage. “The terrorists at CST and Taj are the same.” He felt that if punishment was delivered quickly, he would be shifted to another jail where he could be in peace. On Friday, he again appealed for punishment.
Alleging police torture, ‘Kasab’ said his confession recorded before the magistrate was forcibly taken. “Maar peet ke manvaya mujhe. Sab zabardasti. [They beat me and forced me to agree].”
Headley named
‘Kasab’ said he was interrogated by four foreigners. “Chaar gore aye the. Usme ek Headley tha. [Four white people had come. One was Headley].” David Coleman Headley is now in the custody of the FBI for his alleged involvement in 26/11.
Avoiding straight answers and using digressions, ‘Kasab’ appeared to be playing to the gallery. So much so that the court had repeatedly asked him to look straight and stick to the point. About a witness having identified him, he said: “Poor thing, she was mistaken.”
As for the testimony of a 10-year-old child eyewitness, he said: “She is a child. She said what she was tutored to say.”
Like all his answers, he was also vague about his address and age. He first appeared to be unsure about his age, but later said he could be 20. When the court probed how he could take such a guess, ‘Kasab’ said: “Mother and father would say, son now you are 10 or 12 years old.”
He gave his address as Faridkot, Punjab. The judge queried: “Punjab in India or Pakistan?” “That the government has to decide. I am saying I am from Pakistan,” he replied. He did not know his date of birth and stated his occupation as “labourer.”
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Cheating: Confidential document reveals industrialized countries are cheating on climate{Comments 1} - 12/18/2009
TOICOPENHAGEN: The industrialized countries are cheating the world. A confidential document of the UN Frame Convention on Climate Change secretariat
prepared on December 15 shows, contrary to what the rich nations might claim, even if they come true on their current pledges to reduce emissions the world is headed towards a 3 degree temperature rise by 2050, not two degree Celsius – the tipping point.
The document, an authoritative assessment by the UN itself, still kept a secret from the 192 country delegates presently at Copenhagen says, “Unless the remaining gap (of the emissions required to be reduced) is closed and parties (countries) commit themselves to strong action prior and after 2020, global emissions will remain on an unsustainable pathway that could lead to concentrations equal or above 550 ppm (parts per million of carbon dioxide in air) with the related temperature raise around 3 degree Celsius.
The UN global group of scientists – IPCC – has long ago warned that if the global temperatures go more than 2 degrees above pre-industrial era the world would tip over into irreversible natural calamities.
The 2 degree target is considered the beacon for how much emission cuts the industrialized countries and others should undertake. The industrialized countries, such as US and Europe have made some offers and claimed it is enough to prevent disaster. The UN secret document now shows that the targets the rich countries have unofficially claimed they could take are just not enough.
The rich countries have even 12 hours before the heads of the states meet at Copenhagen, refused to put even these numbers as part of their official positions.
The rich countries have taken commitments under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce their emissions to keep temperatures stable. While the rich countries are not on track to meet their targets even in the first phase that ends in 2012 they have so far refused to commit to deeper action as required by science in the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol starting 2013. They, instead, want the Kyoto Protocol to be killed completely
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ICFPA by Ryan International opens to a Grand Colorful beginning in Delhi - 12/18/2009
Rons Bantwal
International Children’s Festival of Performing Arts Celebrated by Ryan International Education Group of Institute
ICFPA opens to a Grand Colorful beginning in Delhi
Ryan Foundation’s ICFPA (International Children’s Festival of Performing Arts) celebrated its 10th anniversary of spreading peace and unity through the medium of performing arts at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi on 16th December 2009.
Under the theme ‘I can. I will.’ ICFPA will continue its journey as Asia’s biggest festival of performing arts for children. Mr. Kapil Sibal, The Human Resources Development Minister, Govt. of India, along with film maker Mr. Madhur Bhandarkar raised the curtain at the opening ceremony of ICFPA 2009. Tennis ace Mr. Mahesh Bhupati was also a part of the festival’s decade celebration. This four day festival will conclude on 19th Dec, 2009.
The little delegates brought soil from their countries which were collected in a pot. As a mark of global togetherness, minister of human resource development Kapil Sibal planted a sapling in the pot.
“While the plant would provide shade after growing up, these children would also become source of knowledge once they become young,” said Sibal.
He said as culture, history, empathy unites people from across borders, at the same time religion and politics divide them into groups. “Let us all collect human knowledge to come together to achieve peace and harmony. Lets collect the value that unites us and make the world a place worth living. That’s what we are trying to do in Copenhagen and that is what we should try doing everywhere” he added.
Famous film maker Madhur Bhandarkar and tennis player Mahesh Bhupati were also present at the opening ceremony to greet almost 5,000 children from all over the world.
 
Delhi welcomed the festival and over 20,000 viewers thronged to fill all the four venues -National Bal Bhavan, Little Theatre Group, Pearey Lal Bhavan and Shri Ram Centre.
The grand gala was a compilation of 250 productions from different countries and cultures. Trainers from selected nations worked together with the Indian children to facilitate the cultural exchange making it a ‘festival for the children of the world’.
“This unique initiative is aiming at bringing children from different parts of the world under one roof and makes them perform on a single platform. Over the years the festival is growing with the expectations and of our participants and I am happy that it is entering into its 10th successful year. I hope children of Delhi will enjoy the performances and learn various cultures”, said Managing Director Grace Pinto.
To mark the occasion, an Opening Parade was carried out from Jantar Mantar to National Bal Bhavan in the morning with all the national and international participants at the festival. Children from across the world, walked hand in hand, with flags of all the nations flying high. These young global ambassadors represented the global mission of creating a world without violence, hatred and war as they sang together shouting slogans for a Peaceful World. It was a colorful extravaganza as circus jugglers, acrobats and scores of other entertainers joined the cosmopolitan march.
The festival is hosted by Ryan Foundation, which was founded by Chairman Dr. Augustine F. Pinto and Managing Director, Grace Pinto, who with their farsighted vision are relentlessly working to create unparalleled standards of education across the globe.
ICFPA has gone through a brilliant journey of 9 years and in its 10th edition, it has been suffused with the creativity of Indian and International artists alike.
Presented by Ryan Foundation in association with National BAL Bhavan and Indian Council for Cultural Relations, this festival will host over 5000 children from countries like Bangladesh, Germany, Iran, Israel, India, Latvia, Nigeria, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Zambia, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Switzerland, and Thailand among other countries.
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Brief Mumbai news with Pictures 17 -12- 2009 - 12/18/2009
Rons Bantwal
Mumbai Dec. 17 :- Pant Nagar Police arrested 12 persons ( accused ) & recovered the adulteration (duplicate) 3000 Ltr.Milk during the raid in Mumbai.
Mumbai Dec. 17 :- Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested five people in Kalachowky morning walk shut-out case in Mumbai. In pic Jt. C P ( crime ) Rakesh Maria address to media.
Mumbai Dec. 17 :- Water wastage near Curry Road station in Mumbai. In pic water tank overflow society can not shut the valve.
Mumbai Dec. 17 :- Excise Sr. Inspector Nishikant Phadke raided a godown at Pump house Andheri and confiscated 7 Lakhs of Duplicate Foreign Liquor.
Mumbai Dec. 17 :- Bollywood actor Ashish Chaudhary today went to Mumbai Police Commissioner office in Mumbai.
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Local News: Mermaid like baby dies soon after birth - 12/17/2009
Thomas DSouzaShree Shiroor Mutt website inaugurated
Udupi, December 17: The website of Shree Shiroor Mutt which contents over all information on Udupi and photo gallery, www.udupishiroormutt.in was inaugurated by the paryaya ascending Seer Shree Laxmivaratheertha Swamiji here on December 17.
Paryaya Welcome Committee president Pramod Madhwaraj, Chief Convener Jayakara Shetty Indrali, Chief Secretary Ranjan Kalkura, Divakara Shetty were present.
Sharashchandra, Rajesh Acharya, Rahul Acharya who supported in creating the website were felicitated on this occasion. Yuva Brahmana Parishath offered their contribution for the upcoming Paryaya Mahothsava.
Lathavya Acharya welcomed the gathering and delivered the vote of thanks.
New bell at Shri Krishna Temple
Udupi, December 17: In order to continue the tradition of olden era of ringing the bell once every hour, Shri Shiruru Mutt seer Shri Laxmivara Tirtha Swamiji the forth coming Paryaya pithadeesh has installed a 150 kg bronze bell. And the present Paryaya Puttige Mutt Seer inaugurated it by ringing the bell.
This bell was made at the ‘The Best Material’ company in Gulbarga in 1940 and was given to Shri Shiruru Mutt Seer by a donor. In 1960 his Guru Shri Laxmindra Tirtha Swamiji had got installed a similar bell. And in his memory this bell was installed said Shri Laxmivara Tirtha Swamiji.
Harmony Christmas-2009
Let communal harmony be implemented: Sara Abubakar 
Mangalore, December 17: Philosopher of this land taught us non-violence, humanity and communal harmony. Most religions also preached non-violence as a way to celebrate the miracle of life. Let communal harmony be implemented, said authoress Sara Abubakar.
She spoke in a program named Harmony Christmas-2009 organised with the joint association of Karnataka Christ Education Institution, Mangalore Christian Council, Protestant Christian Welfare Association and Sandesha Prathistana Institution here in Karnataka Theological College of Balmatta on Thursday.
Fundamental devout mentality of the people is the main reason for 2002 Gujarat riot, Orissa Kandahar rape incidents. This kind of programs which promotes communal harmony in the society should be held in more numbers, she opined.
Mangalore University Kannada Dept Lecturer Prof. B Shivaram Shetty, Sandesha Prathistna Director Father Valerian Mendonsa greeted the gathering.
Kids belonging to various communities cut the cake symbolically. Theological College principal Dr Hani Kabral, Dr Anil Kumar, Praveen James, Sathish Pengal lit the lamp. Former Bishop C L Furtado prayed on this occasion.
Mermaid” like baby dies soon after birth
BHATKAL : A woman from Shirali who had been admitted to the government hospital here has given birth to a mermaid like queer child which died within minutes after its birth, on Tuesday night.
The hospital’s gynecologist Dr Krishna G removed the child through a surgery after the mother failed to deliver despite developing labour pains for quite a long time.
The part of the body of the baby below the waste was completely joined and the part where the feet and fingers ought to be was tail shaped, The child also did not have its left ear. Though the child had normal weight at birth it died soon after. Doctors attending on the mother said she was recovering and that had the child not been removed through a surgery, then the mother’s life too would have been in danger.
This was the second delivery of the woman
Karopady blast leaves several questions
VITTAL : The blast in a hi-tech explosive manufacturing unit at Karopady in Vittal police station on Tuesday night, leaving eight nearby houses damaged and a child hospitalised, has given rise to several questions in the minds of the general public. Meanwhile, locals are also furious over the police who took as long as an hour to reach the spot despite them intimating the cops immediately. It is also suspected that the police by delaying their arrival at the spot, had only helped those inside the unit to escape along with the explosives. It is also being alleged that the explosives were being manufactured illegally at the place with due support of the local police.
The huge explosion heard on Tuesday night had triggered tremors in an area of 10 kms in the vicinity.
A certain Mohammad of Kerala had been residing in the building located in the site owned by one PM Moidukunhi of Karopady village in survey number 548/2ap1-0.12 acre and 546/2c1p6-2, since the past five months. Not only that, nine persons from Kerala origin were residing in the house under construction here. But as darkness set in luxurious cars of Kerala registration used to frequent this place much to the suspicion of the locals.
Though the locals had tipped off the police regarding the suspicious activities in the building several times, the latter had preferred to ignore the same. Locals allege that those in the building had silenced the cops by offering mamool.
Even the local panchayat and the revenue department had turned a blind eye to this illegal activity, ultimately resulting in Tuesday’s explosion.
Locals even allege that the police who arrived at the spot instead of taking the locals into confidence had threatened them. The tracing of explosives worth nearly Rs 25 lakhs in the house and the two vehicles meant exclusively to transport the explosives all explain the situation. Though police are trying to prove that this was just a fire works storage unit, the remains of the area tell a different story.It has also been learnt that the police by failing to be on guard in the area, till early morning, had helped the miscreants to arrive at the place again in the wee hours and escape with important documents, a cupboard where cash was placed and huge quantity of explosives in four to five vehicles. It is also being said that those inside the building when the explosion was heard, have been admitted to a hospital in Kasargod.
The accused were using hi-technology to manufacture the explosives. Three separate sheds had been constructed in a 300 feet high hill near the building. The explosives manufactured here were transported to the building through a ropeway.
The building where the explosives were stored has been ripped apart in the explosion, while the vehicles have been damaged by he angry public.
Locals who are unhappy with the police investigation are even planning to move the court in this regard.
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Beware Smokers: It takes just 15 cigarettes for the risk of developing lung cancer. - 12/17/2009
TOIA new study has shown that it takes just 15 cigarettes to increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
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It takes just 15 ciggies to raise lung cancer risk (Getty Images) |
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The research team led by Peter Campbell of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge insists that the new discovery may lead to new drugs that target the specific changes to the gene that helps to trigger the disease
The study suggests that a person may develop one mutation for every 15 cigarettes smoked.
Using new DNA sequencing technology called "massively parallel sequencing," the researchers cracked the entire cell genome and found more than 23,000 mutations that the tumour cells had acquired.
The mutations were linked with exposure to the toxins found in cigarette smoke and had accumulated over the lifetime.
"The profile of mutations we observed [in the lung-cancer patient] is exactly that expected from tobacco, suggesting that the majority of the 23,000 we found are caused by the cocktail of chemicals found in cigarettes,” the Independent quoted Campbell as saying.
“On the basis of average estimates, we can say that one mutation is fixed in the genome for every 15 cigarettes smoked," he added.
Similarly, the study conducted on patient with skin cancer showed that malignant skin cells contained changes that resulted from exposure to ultraviolet light.
"With these genome sequences, we have been able to explore deep into the past of each tumour, uncovering with remarkable clarity the imprints of these environmental mutagens [mutation-causing agents] on DNA, which occurred years before the tumour became apparent," said Professor Mike Stratton at the Sanger Institute.
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Advani likely to quit tomorrow, Rajnath on Saturday, Sushma is tipped to succeed Advani - 12/17/2009
TOINEW DELHI: A generational change in the BJP hierarchy may be on the anvil with L K Advani all set to quit as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha on
Friday and party President Rajnath Singh stepping down on Saturday. 57-year-old Sushma Swaraj, deputy leader of the party in Lok Sabha, is tipped to succeed Advani (83), who makes way under an RSS-conceived move to usher in younger leadership against the backdrop of the debacle in Lok Sabha polls. Advani may be made the Chairman of BJP Parliamentary Party, a post to be created by amending the parliamentary party constitution. A two-thirds majority is a must to make such an amendment. Soon after Lok Sabha defeat, the BJP veteran had suggested to the party top brass to choose a new leader of opposition, but it was ignored and he was chosen for the post. But later RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stepped in to suggest that the party better look at having a younger leadership between 55 and 65 years of age. Simultaneously, a change of guard is also on the anvil in the party organisation when president Rajnath Singh, 58, is slated to tender his resignation on December 19. That will pave the way for Maharashtra party unit Chief Nitin Gadkari to take over, party sources said. "BJP Parliamentary Board meeting will be held at 3 pm on December 19 followed by a meeting of office-bearers of the party," BJP headquarters In-charge Shyam Jaju said. Sources said Rajnath Singh will submit his resignation to the Parliamentary Board in Saturday's meeting. Gadkari, 52, had earned the reputation of a good administrator as a PWD Minister in Maharashtra in the Sena-BJP government and a good organiser. He has been called to Delhi for the meeting and will be anointed party unit Chief. The decision will be ratified by the BJP National Council. In the wake of these developments, some posts, including the deputy leader of BJP in Lok Sabha, would be up for grabs in the party. The race for the post of Deputy Leader of BJP in the Lower House is now between Ananth Kumar, Gopinath Munde and Shahnawaz Hussain. Munde and Yashwant Sinha are also eyeing the post of Public Accounts Committee Chairman which has fallen vacant after Jaswant Singh's resignation.
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Train derails at Thane, no injury has been reported; services disrupted - 12/17/2009
News TOI, Photographs by Rons BantwalMUMBAI: Services on the Central line of Mumbai was on Thursday disrupted after three bogies of an empty local train derailed at neighbouring Thane, Railway official said
"The train , which was empty, was going towards Karjat from Thane yard when three of its bogies jumped off the track," Central Railway PRO A K Jain said.
However, no injury has been reported, he said. All local trains on the slow line between Thane and suburban Mulund have been diverted to the fast track, Jain said.
Services are running late by 30 minutes as the restoration work continues.
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Indian Family suicide in the Al Karama area: No clear picture yet - 12/17/2009
Gulf News
- Entrance to the Karama flat of the family who committed suicide on Wednesday. With no clear picture emerging on the reason behind the suicides yet, speculations are rife on the family reeling under enormous debt.
- Image Credit: Siham Al Najami, Gulf News
Dubai: Neighbours of the Indian family who seemingly committed collective suicide in the Al Karama area of Dubai have described them as quiet.
Shocked neighbours did not want to talk about the incident, which took place on Wednesday evening, but all said the family were ‘non-interfering’, meaning they kept to themselves and cause no problems.
The mother, 38, her 20-year-old sister and her son from a previous marriage died after hanging themselves from the fan at their flat on the second floor located above the Family Supermarket.
The husband, 40, who claimed to have failed in his suicide attempt, was the one to inform the police.
The textile shop owned by the family which is located under the building was closed and concerned staff were seen lingering outside the shop.
No clear picture yet
With no clear picture emerging on the reason behind the suicides yet, speculations are rife on the family reeling under enormous debt. Gulf News has also learnt that the wife who was a Hindu is a new convert to Islam while the son and the wife’s sister were Hindus.
A watchman at the building told Gulf News that the lady of the house was the one who ritually switched on the lights of building reception area on her way out to the textile shop every day at 4pm.
The man, who did not want to give his name said: “On Wednesday afternoon when I did not see the lights on in the reception area I jokingly enquired with the building plumber who was with me as to how on earth did the lady forget to switch on the lights. I did not get to see her yesterday. I and the plumber did not make a big deal out of it and we both got back into my room located at the ground floor near the elevator to watch a Hindi movie DVD.
“After half-an-hour we heard an ambulance siren, but did not bother to get outside and probe as this being a busy area we come across ambulances racing off every other day. We continued with the movie but were disturbed by siren which sounded more that of a police van. We both got outside and to my shock there was a police vehicle surrounded by a large crowd waiting for me to open the electronic gate for them to get into the premises. I rushed to spot and enquired with the police as to what the whole issue was about and it was then I learnt of the suicides. I immediately rushed to the second floor accompanied by the police but was not allowed to go enter the flat. I was then asked to control the crowd that had by now swelled in number in the building premises and the ground floor. The dead bodies were then taken in the waiting two ambulances after 10pm.”
Staff at the Family supermarket said that the family did not shop on credit but paid in cash each time they brought something. One supermarket staff said: “On Wednesday one of the ladies had come down to the supermarket to buy vegetables. The son came down later for a pack of cigarettes. Few hours later we learnt of the family had committed suicides. We are all in shock.”
A staff who worked at the textile shop said: “We did not have any idea of our boss being in huge debt. We got our salary on time. There are four of us who work there, one Pakistani and three Indians. Other than the boss, the ladies of the house also use to be at the cash counter and supervise the shop. On Wednesday it was wife’s sister who was at the cash counter until noon but after lunch there was no one from the family at the shop. The shop is now closed and we have no idea what happens to our jobs.”
The case is still being investigated by Dubai Police.
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ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿಯರು ಸರಿಯಾದ ಬ್ಲೌಸ್ ಹಾಕ್ಕೊಳ್ಳಿ ಎಂದ ತಮಿಳುನಾಡು! - 12/17/2009
WDಇಂತದ್ದೊಂದು ಆದೇಶ ನೀಡಿರುವುದು ತಮಿಳುನಾಡಿನ ಘನ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರ. ನೀವು ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ಹುದ್ದೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವವರು ಮತ್ತು ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಿರಬೇಕಾದವರು; ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ದಿರಿಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಭ್ಯತೆಯಿರಲಿ ಎಂದು ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಹೇಳಿದೆಯಂತೆ.
ಸರಕಾರದ ಈ ಸೂಚನೆಗೆ ಬಹುತೇಕ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ-ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿಯರು ದಿಗ್ಭ್ರಮೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ನಾವು ಪಾಠ ಮಾಡುವ ರೀತಿಯನ್ನು ಗಮನಿಸಿ, ನಿರ್ದೇಶನಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡುವುದನ್ನು ಒಪ್ಪಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು; ಆದರೆ ಇದೆಂತಹ ಸೂಚನೆಗಳು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಹೇವರಿಕೆಯನ್ನು ಹೊರಗೆಡವಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗಷ್ಟೇ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಗಳ ಕೆಲವು ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ-ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಿಕೆಯರ ಅಸಭ್ಯ ದಿರಿಸುಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ದೂರಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದರು. ಇದನ್ನು ಹೆತ್ತವರು ಸರಕಾರದ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ತಂದ ಹಿನ್ನಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸರಕಾರ ಈ ಸೂಚನೆಯನ್ನು ನೀಡಿದೆ.
ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿಯರು ಮಾಮೂಲಿ ರವಿಕೆ (ಬ್ಲೌಸ್)ಗಳ ಬದಲಿಗೆ ಫ್ಯಾಷನ್ ಕಟ್¯ಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಅಶ್ಲೀಲವಾಗಿ ಕಾಣಿಸುವ ರವಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಧರಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಕೂಡ ವಿಶೇಷ ಫ್ಯಾಷನ್ ಉಡುಪುಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಒತ್ತು ಕೊಡುತ್ತಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಹೆತ್ತವರು ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ತಂದಿದ್ದರು.
ನಮ್ಮ ಬೋಧನಾ ಶೈಲಿ ಹೇಗಿದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ಸಂಬಂಧಪಟ್ಟವರು ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸುವುದು ಓಕೆ. ಆದರೆ ಇದು ಉತ್ತಮ ನಡೆಯಲ್ಲ. ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿಯರಾದ ನಾವು ಸೀರೆಯನ್ನೇ ಉಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲ ಗೊತ್ತು, ಈ ನಿಯಮಗಳನ್ನು ನಮಗೆ ತರಬೇತಿ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲೇ ಕಲಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ 'ಸಭ್ಯತೆ' ಪಾಠವೇನು ಎಂಬುದು ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಸರಕಾರಿ ಶಾಲಾ ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಿಕೆಯೊಬ್ಬರು ತನ್ನ ಅಸಮಾಧಾನ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಯಾರೋ ಒಬ್ಬಿಬ್ಬರು ಆ ರೀತಿ ಡ್ರೆಸ್ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಬಂದಿರುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಜ್ಯದಾದ್ಯಂತದ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕ-ಶಿಕ್ಷಕಿಯರಿಗೆ ಸಂದೇಶ ರವಾನಿಸುವುದು ಸರಿಯಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬುದು ಅವರ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ.
ಆದರೆ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಈ ನಿಯಮವೇನೂ ಹೊಸತಲ್ಲ. ಹಲವು ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ಜಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ನಿಯಮದ ಕುರಿತು ನೆನಪೋಲೆಯನ್ನಷ್ಟೇ ಕಳುಹಿಸಲಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಪಾಠ ಮಾಡುವ ಶಿಕ್ಷಕರು ಸಭ್ಯತೆಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸದಿದ್ದರೆ ಹೇಗೆ ಮಾದರಿಯಾಗಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಖಾರವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯಿಸಿರುವ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ರಕ್ಷಣಾ ಹೋರಾಟಗಾರ್ತಿಯೊಬ್ಬರು, ಮಹಿಳೆ ಆಕೆಗೆ ಯಾವ ಉಡುಪು ಹೊಂದಾಣಿಕೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೋ, ಅದನ್ನು ಧರಿಸುತ್ತಾಳೆ; ಅದನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಲು ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ಹಕ್ಕಿಲ್ಲ. ಬಟ್ಟೆಯ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಆಕೆಯ ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ವಿಚಾರವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಇದು ಕಲಿಕೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ಬೀರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
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