Washington, Jun 19 : Scientists have captured for the first time the image of memory formation.
An international team has in fact got the image of a mechanism, specifically protein translation, which underlies long-term memory formation, a finding which shows when a new memory is formed new proteins are made locally at the synapse -- the connection between nerve cells.
And, according to the scientists, this increases the strength of the synaptic connection and reinforces the memory.
"An important step in long-term memory formation is 'translation', or the production, of new proteins locally at the synapse strengthening synaptic connection in reinforcement of a memory, which until now has never been imaged.
"Using a translational reporter, a fluorescent protein that can be easily detected and tracked we directly visualised the increased local translation, or protein synthesis, during memory formation.
"Importantly, this translation was synapse-specific and it required activation of the post-synaptic cell, showing that this step required cooperation between the pre and post -synaptic compartments, the parts of the two neurons that meet at the synapse.
"Thus highly regulated local translation occurs at synapses during long-term plasticity and requires trans- synaptic signals," lead scientist Dr Wayne Sossin of Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital said. Z
11:50 PM
First image of memory formation 'captured'
planetInfo
11:50 PM
Mumbai zoo all set to adorn new look by 2012
planetInfo
Mumbai, June 19 : The city zoo, which has been receiving flak since the death of a five-year-old hippopotamus in April, is all set to adorn a new look by 2012.
After receiving the green signal from Mumbai Heritage Committee for the Rs 433-crore modernisation plan last week, Byculla Zoo Authorities, is now awaiting approval from the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to start the facelift.
"The work will be carried out in four phases and it would start after clearance from the Standing Committee. While tenders for Phase I has been received, tenders will be invited for the remaining three phases soon," Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) Vikram Pawar said.
The proposal is likely to come up for approval before the Standing Committee next week.
Thailand-based HKS Designer and Consultancy had prepared the Rs 433-crore master plan for the 53-acre Veermata Jijabai Bhosale zoo at Byculla in central Mumbai.
In Phase I, a civic administration building will be constructed. The construction would also include an interpretation centre, a zoo hospital, a quarantine area, perimeter wall, fencing and a service road which will be taken up at a cost of nearly Rs 34 crore.
"While all this work is being carried out the zoo will not be closed down completely but it will be shut in phases," Pawar said. Ze
After receiving the green signal from Mumbai Heritage Committee for the Rs 433-crore modernisation plan last week, Byculla Zoo Authorities, is now awaiting approval from the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to start the facelift.
"The work will be carried out in four phases and it would start after clearance from the Standing Committee. While tenders for Phase I has been received, tenders will be invited for the remaining three phases soon," Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) Vikram Pawar said.
The proposal is likely to come up for approval before the Standing Committee next week.
Thailand-based HKS Designer and Consultancy had prepared the Rs 433-crore master plan for the 53-acre Veermata Jijabai Bhosale zoo at Byculla in central Mumbai.
In Phase I, a civic administration building will be constructed. The construction would also include an interpretation centre, a zoo hospital, a quarantine area, perimeter wall, fencing and a service road which will be taken up at a cost of nearly Rs 34 crore.
"While all this work is being carried out the zoo will not be closed down completely but it will be shut in phases," Pawar said. Ze
11:50 PM
H S Rao
London, Jun 19 : Prince William, the second-in-line for the British throne, has expressed his desire to fight for Britain on the front line in Afghanistan.
The future king, who until now was believed to have been barred from going to war because of his position, yesterday said he was still hopeful to perform active duty before he leaves the military to take up his royal mantle.
26-year-old William, who is currently training with the Royal Air Force to become a search and rescue pilot, said: "To me, I didn't join the forces to be mollycoddled or treated any differently. As far as I am concerned, in my eyes, if Harry can do it, then I can do it. I want to fight in Afghanistan." The prince's optimism is at odds with military chiefs who have always privately expressed the opinion that it would be impossible for him to be sent to a war zone.
Senior royal and RAF sources, however, told the Mail that it is not inconceivable for the second-in-line to the throne to be deployed in Afghanistan in some capacity once his commitment to the RAF's search and rescue arm were met.
"It is clearly something said from the heart," said one.
"I don't really separate it into that much difference. As a future head of the armed forces it's really important you at least get the opportunity to be credible and to do the job I signed up for the best I can. That's all I have ever wanted to do," prince William said. Ze
London, Jun 19 : Prince William, the second-in-line for the British throne, has expressed his desire to fight for Britain on the front line in Afghanistan.
The future king, who until now was believed to have been barred from going to war because of his position, yesterday said he was still hopeful to perform active duty before he leaves the military to take up his royal mantle.
26-year-old William, who is currently training with the Royal Air Force to become a search and rescue pilot, said: "To me, I didn't join the forces to be mollycoddled or treated any differently. As far as I am concerned, in my eyes, if Harry can do it, then I can do it. I want to fight in Afghanistan." The prince's optimism is at odds with military chiefs who have always privately expressed the opinion that it would be impossible for him to be sent to a war zone.
Senior royal and RAF sources, however, told the Mail that it is not inconceivable for the second-in-line to the throne to be deployed in Afghanistan in some capacity once his commitment to the RAF's search and rescue arm were met.
"It is clearly something said from the heart," said one.
"I don't really separate it into that much difference. As a future head of the armed forces it's really important you at least get the opportunity to be credible and to do the job I signed up for the best I can. That's all I have ever wanted to do," prince William said. Ze
11:30 AM
Mumbai, Jun 18 : The CBI today conducted searches at the South Mumbai residence of Padamsinh Patil and recovered five firearms and other incriminating documents pertaining to slain Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and noted social activist Anna Hazare.
The CBI has also recovered cash worth Rs 7.5 lakh and nine high frequency walkie-talkie sets, which are usually used by the police force, from the house of Nimbalkar, an accused in the Congress leader's murder case, CBI officials said.
The firearms would be sent for forensic tests to find out when was it last used and if the cartridges in it are the same as those used to gun down Nimbalkar on June 3, 2006 at Kalamboli in the neighbouring Navi Mumbai, they said.
The materials were recovered from Patil's house at Colaba in South Mumbai. The CBI had sealed the house last week and conducted searches today. Z
The CBI has also recovered cash worth Rs 7.5 lakh and nine high frequency walkie-talkie sets, which are usually used by the police force, from the house of Nimbalkar, an accused in the Congress leader's murder case, CBI officials said.
The firearms would be sent for forensic tests to find out when was it last used and if the cartridges in it are the same as those used to gun down Nimbalkar on June 3, 2006 at Kalamboli in the neighbouring Navi Mumbai, they said.
The materials were recovered from Patil's house at Colaba in South Mumbai. The CBI had sealed the house last week and conducted searches today. Z
11:00 AM
New Delhi, June 18 : The Army today concluded a five-day war game, aimed at "refining" its strategies vis-a-vis the western borders and fine tuning its tactical manoeuvres for the future.
The table-top high-level war game was planned and executed with use of maps and clay models of forces on ground at the Army's Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir near Chandigarh with Army chief General Deepak Kapoor in attendance, top Army sources said here this evening.
"The war game is much more than an exercise, played out with use of real troops, equipment and weapon platforms. It looks at various options that the Army has to defend the borders and is done at regular intervals to update commanders from the unit level to the top on the scenarios that they could expect in the future," sources said.
Such war games had been played out by other formations including the South-Western Command headquarters in Jaipur along the Rajasthan borders with Pakistan earlier this year, source said.
Western Command, incidentally, covers most of the western borders with Pakistan including in Punjab, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, apart from portions of the Line of Actual Control with China along Himachal Pradesh. Z
The table-top high-level war game was planned and executed with use of maps and clay models of forces on ground at the Army's Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir near Chandigarh with Army chief General Deepak Kapoor in attendance, top Army sources said here this evening.
"The war game is much more than an exercise, played out with use of real troops, equipment and weapon platforms. It looks at various options that the Army has to defend the borders and is done at regular intervals to update commanders from the unit level to the top on the scenarios that they could expect in the future," sources said.
Such war games had been played out by other formations including the South-Western Command headquarters in Jaipur along the Rajasthan borders with Pakistan earlier this year, source said.
Western Command, incidentally, covers most of the western borders with Pakistan including in Punjab, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, apart from portions of the Line of Actual Control with China along Himachal Pradesh. Z
9:30 AM
Dibrugarh/New Delhi, June 18 : A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force today crashed near Chabua in Assam, badly hitting the IAF, which has already suffered six crashes this year and faces a depleting fighter squadron strength.
The pilot, identified as Flying Officer Hemanth Dave, however, managed to bail out of the cockpit in time to safety, IAF sources said here.
This is the sixth IAF plane crash this year and the second MiG-21 mishap within a month.
The type-77 aircraft got airborne from Chabua airbase around 1400 hrs, but went down immediately and crashed just outside the airbase into paddy fields after it experienced a technical snag.
"No damage to any civilian property or loss of lives was reported in the incident," sources said.
The MiG-21 pilot was on a training sortie when the mishap occurred.
"The pilot reported the technical error to the airbase and later jettisoned the aircraft," sources added.
The IAF had lost a Kiran MK-II trainer aircraft of its Surya Kiran aerobatics team on Januray 21, a Sukhoi on April 30, a MiG-27 on May 15, a MiG-21 Bison on May 27, and an AN-32 on June 9. Ze
The pilot, identified as Flying Officer Hemanth Dave, however, managed to bail out of the cockpit in time to safety, IAF sources said here.
This is the sixth IAF plane crash this year and the second MiG-21 mishap within a month.
The type-77 aircraft got airborne from Chabua airbase around 1400 hrs, but went down immediately and crashed just outside the airbase into paddy fields after it experienced a technical snag.
"No damage to any civilian property or loss of lives was reported in the incident," sources said.
The MiG-21 pilot was on a training sortie when the mishap occurred.
"The pilot reported the technical error to the airbase and later jettisoned the aircraft," sources added.
The IAF had lost a Kiran MK-II trainer aircraft of its Surya Kiran aerobatics team on Januray 21, a Sukhoi on April 30, a MiG-27 on May 15, a MiG-21 Bison on May 27, and an AN-32 on June 9. Ze
9:30 AM
Kasaragod (Ker), Jun 18 : Thieves decamped with 32 kg gold ornaments worth around Rs 4.50 crore from the North Malabar Gramin Bank (NMGB) in the district today, a senior bank official said.
After gaining entry by removing a rear window frame of the bank at Periye Bazar, about 22 km from here, they broke open one of the safes and decamped with gold ornaments and Rs 6.75 lakh cash, NMGB General Manager Itty Thomas told Zeack.
The burglars are believed to have used an iron bar to break open the safe, he said.
A hotelier in the ground floor informed police about the incident but the burglars had fled the scene before the police arrived, DySP Habeeb Rahman said.
Thomas said the bank had not appointed any night watchman in small branch offices.
Police is probing the robbery further. Ze
After gaining entry by removing a rear window frame of the bank at Periye Bazar, about 22 km from here, they broke open one of the safes and decamped with gold ornaments and Rs 6.75 lakh cash, NMGB General Manager Itty Thomas told Zeack.
The burglars are believed to have used an iron bar to break open the safe, he said.
A hotelier in the ground floor informed police about the incident but the burglars had fled the scene before the police arrived, DySP Habeeb Rahman said.
Thomas said the bank had not appointed any night watchman in small branch offices.
Police is probing the robbery further. Ze
9:00 AM
New Delhi, June 18 : In order to maintain synergy in its operation against Naxals at Lalgarh, central paramilitary forces dispatched to the trouble-torn area have been given "functional autonomy" and were working in coordination with the Centre.
The functional autonomy has been given in consultation with the state government as the situation in Lalgarh area continued to be tense, a Home Ministry official said.
The decision was taken as some parts of Jharkhand and Orissa need to be covered as the Naxals may flee to these areas after security forces mounted pressure on them.
Taking a serious view of Maoists controlling the places in West Midnapore district and its adjoining areas, the Home Ministry directed the forces to deal with any situation arising there in close coordination with the state authorities, the official said.
"Since we consider the situation as serious, the forces are being given functional autonomy," the official said.
However, the special anti-naxal force CoBRA is yet to be deployed for the operations against the naxals and have been kept on stand by.
About 1,100 additional paramilitary personnel, including some women, have also been dispatched to West Bengal to assist the state authorities to deal with the situation. Ze
The functional autonomy has been given in consultation with the state government as the situation in Lalgarh area continued to be tense, a Home Ministry official said.
The decision was taken as some parts of Jharkhand and Orissa need to be covered as the Naxals may flee to these areas after security forces mounted pressure on them.
Taking a serious view of Maoists controlling the places in West Midnapore district and its adjoining areas, the Home Ministry directed the forces to deal with any situation arising there in close coordination with the state authorities, the official said.
"Since we consider the situation as serious, the forces are being given functional autonomy," the official said.
However, the special anti-naxal force CoBRA is yet to be deployed for the operations against the naxals and have been kept on stand by.
About 1,100 additional paramilitary personnel, including some women, have also been dispatched to West Bengal to assist the state authorities to deal with the situation. Ze
8:30 AM
Chennai,Jun 18 : A person of Algerian origin wanted in connection with a 1992 blast at Algeria airport and against whom an Interpol red corner notice was pending was arrested at the airport here last night.
According to highly-placed officials in the state police, Saleem Abbasi (42) was taken into custody after he arrived here en route to Bangalore for a business conference from Malaysia.
He was arrested by Immigration authorities following the Interpol red corner notice, officials said.
Intelligence Bureau sources said Abbasi was of Algerian origin who had acquired a Qatari passport, adding he was wanted in connection with the August 1992 bombing of the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algeria which killed nine persons and injured around 100.
Asked whether he would be deported to Algeria immediately, the sources said "the due process of law would be followed," but declined to elaborate. Ze
According to highly-placed officials in the state police, Saleem Abbasi (42) was taken into custody after he arrived here en route to Bangalore for a business conference from Malaysia.
He was arrested by Immigration authorities following the Interpol red corner notice, officials said.
Intelligence Bureau sources said Abbasi was of Algerian origin who had acquired a Qatari passport, adding he was wanted in connection with the August 1992 bombing of the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algeria which killed nine persons and injured around 100.
Asked whether he would be deported to Algeria immediately, the sources said "the due process of law would be followed," but declined to elaborate. Ze
8:30 AM
Kolkata, June 18 : The West Bengal government tonight ruled out negotiations with Maoists saying "so long there is violence and obstruction, there cannot be any discussion".
"We have started police action at Lalgarh. Police and CRPF have left Pirakata," West Bengal Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said.
He ruled out discussion with the tribals "so long there is violence and obstruction.
"There cannot be any discussion as the Maoists will not allow it to take place." Police did not have to fire at Pirakata as teargas shells and baton charges could remove the obstruction put up by the tribals, he said.
"Fortunately, they did not have to open fire," he said adding, "the operation will get tougher and we have to be prepared to face attacks and ambushes." He said there might have been some injuries due to the baton charges but did not specify the number of people arrested in the operation.
Sen declined to state how long the operations would take. "It is extremely tough. So far there has been no major confrontation but that does not mean it will not occur in future.
"We estimate about 100 armed Maoist cadres are at Lalgarh. Their leader Kishanji is possibly there," Sen said. Ze
"We have started police action at Lalgarh. Police and CRPF have left Pirakata," West Bengal Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said.
He ruled out discussion with the tribals "so long there is violence and obstruction.
"There cannot be any discussion as the Maoists will not allow it to take place." Police did not have to fire at Pirakata as teargas shells and baton charges could remove the obstruction put up by the tribals, he said.
"Fortunately, they did not have to open fire," he said adding, "the operation will get tougher and we have to be prepared to face attacks and ambushes." He said there might have been some injuries due to the baton charges but did not specify the number of people arrested in the operation.
Sen declined to state how long the operations would take. "It is extremely tough. So far there has been no major confrontation but that does not mean it will not occur in future.
"We estimate about 100 armed Maoist cadres are at Lalgarh. Their leader Kishanji is possibly there," Sen said. Ze
8:00 AM
Two test positive for swine flu in Karnataka
planetInfo
Bangalore, June 18 : A South Korean and a Thai national tested positive for swine flu today taking the total number of cases in Karnataka to five, Health officials said.
The two men arrived from South Korea and Bangkok respectively at the Bengaluru International Airport on June 14 and were sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, the officials told Zeack.
Earlier, a 29 year-old woman, her four year-old child and another passenger who arrived at BIA from San Francisco tested positive. They were being treated at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, the officials said.
Two baby girls, aged one-and-a-half and eight months, who arrived from Singapore and Dubai, were quarantined at the Institute today with suspected symptoms of swine flu and their samples were sent for tests, they said.
In all 1,48,116 air passengers had been screened in the state. Ze
The two men arrived from South Korea and Bangkok respectively at the Bengaluru International Airport on June 14 and were sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, the officials told Zeack.
Earlier, a 29 year-old woman, her four year-old child and another passenger who arrived at BIA from San Francisco tested positive. They were being treated at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, the officials said.
Two baby girls, aged one-and-a-half and eight months, who arrived from Singapore and Dubai, were quarantined at the Institute today with suspected symptoms of swine flu and their samples were sent for tests, they said.
In all 1,48,116 air passengers had been screened in the state. Ze
8:00 AM
Bangalore, Jun 18 : UPA Government would make substantial allocation to science and technology in the coming budget, Union Minister Prithviraj Chavan said today, asserting that Biotechnology would be the "focus area" for the country.
"Spending two percent of the GDP for S and T is our goal, but we have not reached it here," the Minister of State for Science and Technology told the Bangalore-Bio 2009, an annual event showcasing the Biotech industry.
Asserting that that "biotechnology is a focus area for us", he said the sector had recorded a domestic growth of 18 per cent and its turnover was expected to reach USD 25 billion by 2020.
BT was being recognised as a sunrise sector and it had "come of age" in India, he said.
"If the country had to become a major power and solve its problems, BT would be called to play an important role," the minister said, adding "the people of India will not wait" and wanted science to provide solutions to their problems.
The national BT strategy needed focussed attention, optimisation of facilities, focus on discovery and innovation and connectivity across states and creating human capital, he said.
India was now considered the vaccine hub in the world with every third child administered Indian vaccine, Chavan said.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the state's millennium biotech policy was under revision, with thrust on capacity building, de-regulating certain provisions coming in way of growth of the sector, providing fiscal incentives and concessions and building up the necessary infrastructure. Ze
"Spending two percent of the GDP for S and T is our goal, but we have not reached it here," the Minister of State for Science and Technology told the Bangalore-Bio 2009, an annual event showcasing the Biotech industry.
Asserting that that "biotechnology is a focus area for us", he said the sector had recorded a domestic growth of 18 per cent and its turnover was expected to reach USD 25 billion by 2020.
BT was being recognised as a sunrise sector and it had "come of age" in India, he said.
"If the country had to become a major power and solve its problems, BT would be called to play an important role," the minister said, adding "the people of India will not wait" and wanted science to provide solutions to their problems.
The national BT strategy needed focussed attention, optimisation of facilities, focus on discovery and innovation and connectivity across states and creating human capital, he said.
India was now considered the vaccine hub in the world with every third child administered Indian vaccine, Chavan said.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the state's millennium biotech policy was under revision, with thrust on capacity building, de-regulating certain provisions coming in way of growth of the sector, providing fiscal incentives and concessions and building up the necessary infrastructure. Ze
8:00 AM
Mumbai, Jun 18 : Shiv Sena today launched 'Shiv Vada', its version of the common man's burger, and plans to take the snacks on global platform.
"We are taking the Shiv Vada as a brand on global level, just like McDonalds," Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said after the launch function at Sena Bhawan in central Mumbai this evening.
The initiative is being seen as an attempt by the saffron party, which popularised the 'vada pav', staple diet of many a Mumbaikar, four decades ago, to establish rapport with the 'Marathi manoos', whose tilt in favour of Sena offshoot MNS, cost the party dearly in recent Lok Sabha polls.
"In foreign countries, burger is available 24-hours. Why can't vada pav be also available similarly," Uddhav said.
The party, which has started a cooperative to encourage Marathi entrepreneurs, showcases 'Shiv Vada' as its first project under the new initiative, sources said.
To begin with, 25 Shiv Vada stalls would be operational in the city, they said. Ze
"We are taking the Shiv Vada as a brand on global level, just like McDonalds," Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said after the launch function at Sena Bhawan in central Mumbai this evening.
The initiative is being seen as an attempt by the saffron party, which popularised the 'vada pav', staple diet of many a Mumbaikar, four decades ago, to establish rapport with the 'Marathi manoos', whose tilt in favour of Sena offshoot MNS, cost the party dearly in recent Lok Sabha polls.
"In foreign countries, burger is available 24-hours. Why can't vada pav be also available similarly," Uddhav said.
The party, which has started a cooperative to encourage Marathi entrepreneurs, showcases 'Shiv Vada' as its first project under the new initiative, sources said.
To begin with, 25 Shiv Vada stalls would be operational in the city, they said. Ze
8:00 AM
New Delhi, Jun 18 : India and China will set up a hotline between the Prime Ministers of the two countries which is expected to be operational next month.
The decision to establish the hotline was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao in Yekaterinburg on Monday.
"We are working on the finer details and it is expected to be operational next month," highly placed sources said here.
The sources said the two countries had been working on the matter for "quite some time".
The hotline will enable Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao to hold direct conversations whenever they want. Ze
The decision to establish the hotline was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao in Yekaterinburg on Monday.
"We are working on the finer details and it is expected to be operational next month," highly placed sources said here.
The sources said the two countries had been working on the matter for "quite some time".
The hotline will enable Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao to hold direct conversations whenever they want. Ze
7:30 AM
New Delhi, Jun 18 : In an effort to ensure foolproof security along the coastline, Home Minister P Chidambaram today reviewed the progress in manufacture of high-speed interceptor boats, which can go as fast as 140 nautical miles per hour, and stressed on their timely delivery.
At a meeting with CMDs of Goa Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata, Chidambaram took stock of the progress being made in the manufacture of the boats, which are being made with the technological help of a Greek ship building company, and their timely delivery.
"While noting that delivery of boats has commenced from April, 2009 and 13 interceptor boats have been dispatched to States and UTs, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Goa, Lakshadweep and others, Chidambaram underlined the need to ensure that there are no slippages in time-lines," a Home Ministry statement said.
The Home Ministry had given orders to the two public sector undertakings to manufacture 194 high speed boats. Of these 85 are five tons vessels while rest are 12 tons, sources said.
The state-of-the art patrolling boats can pick up a speed of more than 140 nautical miles per hour (260 km per hour) and carry up to 10 people on board. The boat with dual jet engine costs approximately Rs 2.3 crore and comes with sophisticated GPS, a radar, a powerful search light and binoculars. Z
At a meeting with CMDs of Goa Shipyard Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata, Chidambaram took stock of the progress being made in the manufacture of the boats, which are being made with the technological help of a Greek ship building company, and their timely delivery.
"While noting that delivery of boats has commenced from April, 2009 and 13 interceptor boats have been dispatched to States and UTs, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Goa, Lakshadweep and others, Chidambaram underlined the need to ensure that there are no slippages in time-lines," a Home Ministry statement said.
The Home Ministry had given orders to the two public sector undertakings to manufacture 194 high speed boats. Of these 85 are five tons vessels while rest are 12 tons, sources said.
The state-of-the art patrolling boats can pick up a speed of more than 140 nautical miles per hour (260 km per hour) and carry up to 10 people on board. The boat with dual jet engine costs approximately Rs 2.3 crore and comes with sophisticated GPS, a radar, a powerful search light and binoculars. Z
7:30 AM
BJP will not go back on Hindutva: Venkaiah
planetInfo
Hyderabad, June 18 : The BJP will not go back on its core ideology of Hindutva in wake of the jolt it suffered in the recent general elections, a senior leader said here today.
"There is no question of going back on our ideology. We should not change it because of the electoral setback," Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here.
The BJP leader made the statement when asked whether the party would review its 'Hindutva ideology' and commitment to issues like common civil code and Article 370 in the wake of its dismal performance in the hustings.
BJP President Rajnath Singh and senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi had earlier clarified that the party need not give up its ideology or sever ties with the Sangh Parivar in wake of the poll defeat.
Naidu said BJP shares an "eternal relationship" with RSS, which he described as a "cultural and national organisation." Hindutva is not a political or religious issue but a way of life in the country, passed on from generations, he said.
On BJP president Rajnath Singh's recent directive to the party leaders, he said the party president has not issued any gag order but only reminded that internal issues have to be discussed in party forum. Z
"There is no question of going back on our ideology. We should not change it because of the electoral setback," Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here.
The BJP leader made the statement when asked whether the party would review its 'Hindutva ideology' and commitment to issues like common civil code and Article 370 in the wake of its dismal performance in the hustings.
BJP President Rajnath Singh and senior leader Murli Manohar Joshi had earlier clarified that the party need not give up its ideology or sever ties with the Sangh Parivar in wake of the poll defeat.
Naidu said BJP shares an "eternal relationship" with RSS, which he described as a "cultural and national organisation." Hindutva is not a political or religious issue but a way of life in the country, passed on from generations, he said.
On BJP president Rajnath Singh's recent directive to the party leaders, he said the party president has not issued any gag order but only reminded that internal issues have to be discussed in party forum. Z
7:00 AM
New Delhi, June 18 : Government today set up a high- level committee headed by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to strengthen the coastal security apparatus and regularly monitor progress in measures taken after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting called by Defence Minister A K Antony in South Block and attended by prominent government functionaries including National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, apart from the Cabinet Secretary.
"The high-level committee that has been set up under the Cabinet Secretary will meet frequently to review the coastal security situation," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said here.
The meeting also discussed the progress made with regard to previous decision for fast track acquisition for Navy and Coast Guard, including fast-attack crafts, off-shore patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft and helicopters, he said.
"At the meeting, Antony asked the Navy and Coast Guard to optimally use their assets and force for coastal surveillance," the spokesperson added.
The meeting, which went on for over an hour, was attended by Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Navy's deputy chief, representatives from Petroleum, Shipping Ministries and ministries with roles in sea-faring, and other maritime security agencies. Z
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting called by Defence Minister A K Antony in South Block and attended by prominent government functionaries including National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, apart from the Cabinet Secretary.
"The high-level committee that has been set up under the Cabinet Secretary will meet frequently to review the coastal security situation," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said here.
The meeting also discussed the progress made with regard to previous decision for fast track acquisition for Navy and Coast Guard, including fast-attack crafts, off-shore patrol vessels and surveillance aircraft and helicopters, he said.
"At the meeting, Antony asked the Navy and Coast Guard to optimally use their assets and force for coastal surveillance," the spokesperson added.
The meeting, which went on for over an hour, was attended by Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Navy's deputy chief, representatives from Petroleum, Shipping Ministries and ministries with roles in sea-faring, and other maritime security agencies. Z
6:30 AM
Mumbai, June 18 : The Indian rupee continued to rule above the crucial 48 level today and dropped further by six paise to 48.19/20 against the American currency due to persistent fall in local stocks on fears of capital outflow from foreign funds.
Resuming higher at 48.05/07 a dollar, the domestic unit later moved in a range of 48.34 and 48.02 before ending the day at 48.19/20 against the dollar, cheaper by six paise from its last close of 48.13/14 a dollar.
Dealers at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) market said continued capital outflows in the week weighed on rupee sentiment.
Foreign institutional investors pulled out nearly USD 240.90 million in the last three days.
The Indian benchmark Sensex tumbled by yet another 257 points or 1.77 per cent following dramatic sell-off by foreign funds.
Global crude oil prices rose further above USD 71 a barrel on the back of bullish data on Chinese and US crude inventories.
The US dollar edged up in the overseas markets against major rivals, finding modest strength on a weaker tone in equity markets. Z
Resuming higher at 48.05/07 a dollar, the domestic unit later moved in a range of 48.34 and 48.02 before ending the day at 48.19/20 against the dollar, cheaper by six paise from its last close of 48.13/14 a dollar.
Dealers at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (forex) market said continued capital outflows in the week weighed on rupee sentiment.
Foreign institutional investors pulled out nearly USD 240.90 million in the last three days.
The Indian benchmark Sensex tumbled by yet another 257 points or 1.77 per cent following dramatic sell-off by foreign funds.
Global crude oil prices rose further above USD 71 a barrel on the back of bullish data on Chinese and US crude inventories.
The US dollar edged up in the overseas markets against major rivals, finding modest strength on a weaker tone in equity markets. Z
5:00 AM
Suspected swine flu case in Akola
planetInfo
Akola (Maha), Jun 18 : A youth, who arrived here from Australia some days ago, was shifted to Government Medical College in Nagpur for suspected A(H1N1) flu, health officials said here today.
The 27-year-old local resident was admitted after he complained of cold, fever and pain in throat, in-charge district health officer D N Pande said.
He was shifted to Nagpur yesterday evening where he was quarantined, he said.
The samples of his throat swabs have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune for tests, he added. Z
The 27-year-old local resident was admitted after he complained of cold, fever and pain in throat, in-charge district health officer D N Pande said.
He was shifted to Nagpur yesterday evening where he was quarantined, he said.
The samples of his throat swabs have been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune for tests, he added. Z
5:00 AM
Kolkata, Jun 18 : The West Bengal government today ruled out the demand for apology made by Maoist leader Kisanji for 'atrocities' on the tribals at Lalgarh and blamed the ultras for bloodshed and violence in restive West Midnapore district.
"There is no question of apologising to Maoists who have committed murder and indulged in violence at Lalgarh and other areas. Why should we accept such a demand?" state Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakraborty told reporters here.
Stating that the government was never averse to talks with tribals, the chief secretary said that efforts were made in the past for discussions.
"The administration has kept its door open for talks with the tribals for return of peace," he said.
In an interview to a Bengali TV channel, Kisanji, known as Koteswar Rao, demanded an apology by the state government and the Centre for 'atrocities' committed on the tribals over the years. Z
"There is no question of apologising to Maoists who have committed murder and indulged in violence at Lalgarh and other areas. Why should we accept such a demand?" state Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakraborty told reporters here.
Stating that the government was never averse to talks with tribals, the chief secretary said that efforts were made in the past for discussions.
"The administration has kept its door open for talks with the tribals for return of peace," he said.
In an interview to a Bengali TV channel, Kisanji, known as Koteswar Rao, demanded an apology by the state government and the Centre for 'atrocities' committed on the tribals over the years. Z
4:20 AM
Mumbai, Jun 18 : A special court today screened closed circuit television footage of the terror attack at Chhatarapati Shivaji Terminus on November 26 last which showed movements of Pakistani gunmen Mohammed Ajmal Kasab and Abu Ismail, policemen and public.
The quality of the footage was poor and the faces of Kasab and Ismail were not clearly seen.
Footage of cameras in the main waiting hall of the terminus, where maximum casualties took place, was not available since the devices placed there were not functioning on the day and were scheduled for maintenance.
Footage recorded by the cameras on the suburban section of the terminus was mainly screened in the court.
The entire footage, recorded after 2130 hours on November 26, runs into one hour and fifteen minutes, but the court has viewed only 15 minutes which were relevant to the case.
Images from one camera showed the two gunmen moving about in the main waiting hall of CST and one of them firing at police personnel from a distance.
Kasab, the arrested gunman, sat silently in the accused dock and did not react to the footage that was being screened.
Both the gunmen are also seen going out of the terminus at about 2209 hours and then returning back inside at about 2216 hours. Z
The quality of the footage was poor and the faces of Kasab and Ismail were not clearly seen.
Footage of cameras in the main waiting hall of the terminus, where maximum casualties took place, was not available since the devices placed there were not functioning on the day and were scheduled for maintenance.
Footage recorded by the cameras on the suburban section of the terminus was mainly screened in the court.
The entire footage, recorded after 2130 hours on November 26, runs into one hour and fifteen minutes, but the court has viewed only 15 minutes which were relevant to the case.
Images from one camera showed the two gunmen moving about in the main waiting hall of CST and one of them firing at police personnel from a distance.
Kasab, the arrested gunman, sat silently in the accused dock and did not react to the footage that was being screened.
Both the gunmen are also seen going out of the terminus at about 2209 hours and then returning back inside at about 2216 hours. Z
3:25 AM
New Delhi, Jun 18 : Even as LJP and RJD have admitted that severing ties with Congress in the last general elections queered their outcomes in Bihar, LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan said his party and Lalu Prasad would not part ways in assembly bye-election to 15 seats and assembly polls next year.
"In the existing scenario in the state, the only credible political alternative is the RJD-LJP alliance which other secular parties like Congress and Left will also support if NDA has to be defeated in the state. There is now a need for a grand secular alliance in Bihar," Paswan told Zeack.
After being humbled in his home-turf of Hajipur and a poor show in Bihar, the LJP chief is marshalling his resources to take on the NDA regime in the state led by Nitish Kumar.
"We have decided to organise district and block level meetings to galvanise the party workers and motivate them to expose the anti-people and anti-Dalit policies of the Nitish Kumar government," Paswan said.
As the state goes to assembly polls in little over a year, Paswan's party has decided to launch agitations opposing the alleged attempt of the NDA government in the state to divide the Dalits and backward people in the name of Mahadalit and Extremely Backward Caste Commissions.
The two commissions were constituted by the Bihar government to give special emphasis on the empowerment of the more underprivileged in the Scheduled Caste and Backward categories, which are considered major cause for the rout of RJD-LJP combine in the recent election. Z
"In the existing scenario in the state, the only credible political alternative is the RJD-LJP alliance which other secular parties like Congress and Left will also support if NDA has to be defeated in the state. There is now a need for a grand secular alliance in Bihar," Paswan told Zeack.
After being humbled in his home-turf of Hajipur and a poor show in Bihar, the LJP chief is marshalling his resources to take on the NDA regime in the state led by Nitish Kumar.
"We have decided to organise district and block level meetings to galvanise the party workers and motivate them to expose the anti-people and anti-Dalit policies of the Nitish Kumar government," Paswan said.
As the state goes to assembly polls in little over a year, Paswan's party has decided to launch agitations opposing the alleged attempt of the NDA government in the state to divide the Dalits and backward people in the name of Mahadalit and Extremely Backward Caste Commissions.
The two commissions were constituted by the Bihar government to give special emphasis on the empowerment of the more underprivileged in the Scheduled Caste and Backward categories, which are considered major cause for the rout of RJD-LJP combine in the recent election. Z
3:25 AM
Mumbai, June 18 : The domestic maid, who has accused Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja of raping her at his residence, is 20-year-old as per the school certificate, police said today.
"The police team that had gone to obtain her school certificate from her native place Roha in nearby Raigad district has returned to Mumbai. As per the certificate, she is 20-years-old," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi told Zeack.
Earlier in the remand application, police had said that the victim was 18-years-old.
Meanwhile, Kalina Forensic Laboratory Science Director M V Garad said they were conducting various tests to corroborate evidence in the alleged rape case.
We have received materials like clothes of the victim and accused from the police, he said.
"It would take at least a week's time to complete all tests including DNA test," he added. Z
"The police team that had gone to obtain her school certificate from her native place Roha in nearby Raigad district has returned to Mumbai. As per the certificate, she is 20-years-old," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi told Zeack.
Earlier in the remand application, police had said that the victim was 18-years-old.
Meanwhile, Kalina Forensic Laboratory Science Director M V Garad said they were conducting various tests to corroborate evidence in the alleged rape case.
We have received materials like clothes of the victim and accused from the police, he said.
"It would take at least a week's time to complete all tests including DNA test," he added. Z
3:25 AM
New Delhi, Jun 18 : The Union Home Ministry is looking into the possibility of procuring new and compact satellite phones to enable paramilitary forces work without any communication handicap.
The move comes following an analysis of the naxal attack on a BSF camp in Bihar's Rohtas district during Lok Sabha polls when a satellite phone being used by a Deputy Commandant had proved to be a boon to counter the naxal attack.
At the time of the attack on April 15, when over 200 Naxals attacked the BSF camp set up near Rohtasgarh fort in Dhansa valley of Bihar, the lone deputy commandant with a satellite phone given by local administration had informed the state Director General of Police and his own DG in the national capital.
"All other communication equipment were down except the satellite phone. Both the DGs were on the phone and were coordinating the counter attack. When the Naxals fired the roacket launcher at the camp, the men were asked over the satellite phone not to open any fire," an official said. Z
The move comes following an analysis of the naxal attack on a BSF camp in Bihar's Rohtas district during Lok Sabha polls when a satellite phone being used by a Deputy Commandant had proved to be a boon to counter the naxal attack.
At the time of the attack on April 15, when over 200 Naxals attacked the BSF camp set up near Rohtasgarh fort in Dhansa valley of Bihar, the lone deputy commandant with a satellite phone given by local administration had informed the state Director General of Police and his own DG in the national capital.
"All other communication equipment were down except the satellite phone. Both the DGs were on the phone and were coordinating the counter attack. When the Naxals fired the roacket launcher at the camp, the men were asked over the satellite phone not to open any fire," an official said. Z
3:25 AM
Mumbai, June 18 : Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, accused of raping his domestic help, was today remanded to judicial custody till July two by a local court here.
Ahuja was remanded after the prosecution said that they want to investigate if the actor had consumed drugs or was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The prosecution, in its remand application, also stated that the medical reports of both the accused and the victim were not yet ready and the blood report of the accused is yet to be taken.
Besides, Ahuja is not co-operating with the investigation, the prosecution claimed.
Defence lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, however, argued that the prosecution is seeking Ahuja's custody on speculative evidence.
"Shiney is a teetotaller and does not consume drugs. His urine and blood samples have already been taken by the police and thus his custody is not required," Shivade said.
He also said that Ahuja should not be handcuffed when being brought from the lockup to the court since he is not a terrorist or a dreaded criminal.
The magistrate asked Ahuja if he had any complaint against the police to which he said "no". Z
Ahuja was remanded after the prosecution said that they want to investigate if the actor had consumed drugs or was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The prosecution, in its remand application, also stated that the medical reports of both the accused and the victim were not yet ready and the blood report of the accused is yet to be taken.
Besides, Ahuja is not co-operating with the investigation, the prosecution claimed.
Defence lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, however, argued that the prosecution is seeking Ahuja's custody on speculative evidence.
"Shiney is a teetotaller and does not consume drugs. His urine and blood samples have already been taken by the police and thus his custody is not required," Shivade said.
He also said that Ahuja should not be handcuffed when being brought from the lockup to the court since he is not a terrorist or a dreaded criminal.
The magistrate asked Ahuja if he had any complaint against the police to which he said "no". Z
1:49 AM
Chitrakoot (UP), Jun 18 : A dreaded dacoit, who engaged some 400 policemen for over 52 hours, finally gave the police a slip here this morning after gunning down four constables and injuring an IG and DIG rank officers.
Ghanshyam Kewat alias Nanhu, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, was surrounded by the police team headed by IGP V K Gupta and DIG S K Singh in village Jamauli in Rajapur area, over 120 kms from Allahabad.
The dacoit showered a hail of bullets on securitymen killing four constables and injuring 12 police personnel, including both Gupta and Singh, police sources said.
After suffering casualties, the securitymen mobilised more forces for a final assault and set fire to houses after evacuating villagers, hoping to smoke Kewat out.
The operation, which began on June 16, had to be suspended last night because of darkness, and was resumed this morning when it was discovered that the dacoit has fled from the village to a nearby forest. Ze
Ghanshyam Kewat alias Nanhu, carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, was surrounded by the police team headed by IGP V K Gupta and DIG S K Singh in village Jamauli in Rajapur area, over 120 kms from Allahabad.
The dacoit showered a hail of bullets on securitymen killing four constables and injuring 12 police personnel, including both Gupta and Singh, police sources said.
After suffering casualties, the securitymen mobilised more forces for a final assault and set fire to houses after evacuating villagers, hoping to smoke Kewat out.
The operation, which began on June 16, had to be suspended last night because of darkness, and was resumed this morning when it was discovered that the dacoit has fled from the village to a nearby forest. Ze
1:29 AM
Curfew relaxed for three hours in Meerut
planetInfo
Meerut, June 18 : The 24-hour curfew, which was clamped in parts of the city following a clash between two groups, was relaxed today at three places with no untoward incident reported.
Curfew, which was imposed in four police station areas, has been relaxed in Kotwali, Delhi Gate and Nisari Gate areas for three hours, from 12 noon to 3 p.M., while it will remain in force in Brahmpur area, District Magistrate Kamini Chauhan Ratan said.
A meeting of senior officials would be held in the evening to decide on the future course of action, the DM added.
Paramilitary forces, including 600 personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 500 PAC jawans were deployed in the four areas following the clash which broke out yesterday after some shopkeepers allegedly beat up the driver of a tractor for parking the vehicle near the railway station. Ze
Curfew, which was imposed in four police station areas, has been relaxed in Kotwali, Delhi Gate and Nisari Gate areas for three hours, from 12 noon to 3 p.M., while it will remain in force in Brahmpur area, District Magistrate Kamini Chauhan Ratan said.
A meeting of senior officials would be held in the evening to decide on the future course of action, the DM added.
Paramilitary forces, including 600 personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 500 PAC jawans were deployed in the four areas following the clash which broke out yesterday after some shopkeepers allegedly beat up the driver of a tractor for parking the vehicle near the railway station. Ze
12:40 AM
London, Jun 18 : A fascinating study by a team of international researchers has suggested that people make value judgements about others based on their facial expressions.
An in-depth study into how humans process emotional expressions show that after looking at a face for only 100 milliseconds we can detect expressions of happiness and surprise faster than those of sadness or fear. Whether this impression is correct, however, is another question.
The study by Spanish and Brazilian researchers on 80 psychology students (65 women and 15 men) to analyze the differences between their cerebral hemispheres using the "divided visual field" technique showed that the right hemisphere performs better in processing emotions.
"Positive expressions, or expressions of approach, are perceived more quickly and more precisely than negative, or withdrawal, ones. So happiness and surprise are processed faster than sadness and fear", said J. Antonio Aznar-Casanova, one of the authors of the study, published in the latest issue of the journal Laterality.
The top researcher at the University of Barcelona (UB) told SINC that it was far easier to processing "happy and surprised faces than sad or frightened ones". Ze
An in-depth study into how humans process emotional expressions show that after looking at a face for only 100 milliseconds we can detect expressions of happiness and surprise faster than those of sadness or fear. Whether this impression is correct, however, is another question.
The study by Spanish and Brazilian researchers on 80 psychology students (65 women and 15 men) to analyze the differences between their cerebral hemispheres using the "divided visual field" technique showed that the right hemisphere performs better in processing emotions.
"Positive expressions, or expressions of approach, are perceived more quickly and more precisely than negative, or withdrawal, ones. So happiness and surprise are processed faster than sadness and fear", said J. Antonio Aznar-Casanova, one of the authors of the study, published in the latest issue of the journal Laterality.
The top researcher at the University of Barcelona (UB) told SINC that it was far easier to processing "happy and surprised faces than sad or frightened ones". Ze
12:40 AM
Jacinta D'Souza
Bangalore, June 18 : With more and more diners yearning for a break from the urban bustle, theme-restaurants with out-of-the box offering in terms of ambience, cuisine and decor are gaining acceptance.
Now one could chug down timelines and enjoy some 'burrakhanna' of the British Raj, seated in a pullman styled 1850's railway-coach dining restaurant "Sahib Sind Sultan (SSS)", or one could go back to the spartan rock-age interior of "Guhantara", a cave resort.
Food connoisseurs can also have a pick of enjoying flavours from the Chinese woks at "Aromas of China" or usher in a celebratory mood of a wedding at "Jalsa", a restaurant.
"Eating out is no longer just about food but involves the entire experience of enjoying it", says Babita Jayaram, Marketing Vice President of BJN group, a leading player running a popular chain of theme restaurants in the country.
"Theme restaurants are doing well", said Priyanka, the entrepreneur behind the food portal, "Hungry Zone".
Good cuisine is a must and if blended with a good theme, a well-researched decor and overall ambience that enhances the eating experience, there is little reason for these players not to hope to see a full table, says Priyanka.
"One reason we are doing well today is because our customers are well travelled and are discerning about where they go out to dine", says Babita. Ze
Bangalore, June 18 : With more and more diners yearning for a break from the urban bustle, theme-restaurants with out-of-the box offering in terms of ambience, cuisine and decor are gaining acceptance.
Now one could chug down timelines and enjoy some 'burrakhanna' of the British Raj, seated in a pullman styled 1850's railway-coach dining restaurant "Sahib Sind Sultan (SSS)", or one could go back to the spartan rock-age interior of "Guhantara", a cave resort.
Food connoisseurs can also have a pick of enjoying flavours from the Chinese woks at "Aromas of China" or usher in a celebratory mood of a wedding at "Jalsa", a restaurant.
"Eating out is no longer just about food but involves the entire experience of enjoying it", says Babita Jayaram, Marketing Vice President of BJN group, a leading player running a popular chain of theme restaurants in the country.
"Theme restaurants are doing well", said Priyanka, the entrepreneur behind the food portal, "Hungry Zone".
Good cuisine is a must and if blended with a good theme, a well-researched decor and overall ambience that enhances the eating experience, there is little reason for these players not to hope to see a full table, says Priyanka.
"One reason we are doing well today is because our customers are well travelled and are discerning about where they go out to dine", says Babita. Ze
12:40 AM
Vellore (TN), June 18 : In the first ever across the blood group transplantation in the country, a youth here has undergone a "successful" kidney transplant from a donor with a different blood type at Christian Medical College Hospital.
The operation was done on April 23 on 21-year-old Anbarasu, whose blood group is "O" positive while that of his donor mother is "A" positive. Both were recovering well, a hospital press release said.
With this, the hospital has achieved yet another milestone in the care of people with end-stage renal failure, it said.
Till recently, blood group compatibility was a basic requirement for successful transplantation and a large number of patients were denied the benefit of transplantation for want of donor with a compatible blood group.
However, with advances in technology and availability of more potent immuno suppressive drugs, incompatible blood group transplantations have become possible.
The hospital's Department of Nephrology undertook the challenging transplantation with the support of various other departments such as Urology, Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine, the release said.
The hospital plans to perform more such transplants in future, it added. Z
The operation was done on April 23 on 21-year-old Anbarasu, whose blood group is "O" positive while that of his donor mother is "A" positive. Both were recovering well, a hospital press release said.
With this, the hospital has achieved yet another milestone in the care of people with end-stage renal failure, it said.
Till recently, blood group compatibility was a basic requirement for successful transplantation and a large number of patients were denied the benefit of transplantation for want of donor with a compatible blood group.
However, with advances in technology and availability of more potent immuno suppressive drugs, incompatible blood group transplantations have become possible.
The hospital's Department of Nephrology undertook the challenging transplantation with the support of various other departments such as Urology, Immunohaematology and Transfusion Medicine, the release said.
The hospital plans to perform more such transplants in future, it added. Z