Thursday, February 28, 2013

No breakthrough in Hyderabad terror attack probe | ummid.com

No breakthrough in Hyderabad terror attack probe | ummid.com
Despite claims by the police of obtaining many clues, it appears to be still groping in the dark. No one has been arrested so far in connection with the twin bomb blasts, though police picked up for questioning many youth including some who were acquitted in 2007 Makkah Masjid blast.

Uproar in J&K assembly over Guru's hanging | ummid.com

Uproar in J&K assembly over Guru's hanging | ummid.com
Members of the ruling National Conference (NC), as also the lone Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) member, too joined the demand. The PDP started shouting slogans demanding the adjournment motion.

Chavez's battle for health, life continues: vice president | ummid.com

Chavez's battle for health, life continues: vice president | ummid.com
The 58-year-old Chavez has been battling cancer since 2011. He was re- elected to another six-year term in October 2012, following a contentious campaign against a coalition of conservative parties.

NPF wins absolute majority on own in Nagaland | ummid.com

NPF wins absolute majority on own in Nagaland | ummid.com
The NPF, the main constituent of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), saw its tally go up by 11 from the 26 won in the 2008 polls, while coalition partners Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-United won a seat each, election officials here said.

Citizens praise budget, but question efficacy on ground | ummid.com

Citizens praise budget, but question efficacy on ground | ummid.com
"In the the last five years, I think this is the best budget for the start-up eco-system. The government has sent a subtle message that it wants the small and medium companies to grow big and it has offered several sops to compete at the national level," Sanjay Vijayakumar, CEO of Kochi-based MobME Wireless told IANS on telephone.

AIIMS bags highest budget share among medical colleges, hospitals | ummid.com

AIIMS bags highest budget share among medical colleges, hospitals | ummid.com
India's health budget has been hiked by 28 percent with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram allocating Rs.37,330 crore (Rs. $6962 million), with a special focus on medical education, training and research.

Women don’t need to veil, can travel alone: Saudi Mufti | ummid.com

Women don’t need to veil, can travel alone: Saudi Mufti | ummid.com
According to Al Arabiya, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Qassim al-Ghamdi, the former head of Mecca's Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice committee, in statements posted on Twitter said: “It is permissible for people to look at what is not forbidden in women like their faces and their arms.”

Goa archbishop calls prayers for worthy new Pope | ummid.com

Goa archbishop calls prayers for worthy new Pope | ummid.com
In his address to Catholics in the state, Ferrao said that it was a time for deep prayer for the universal church and the his archdiocese of Goa and Daman thanked the "wise and inspiring" guidance of Pope Benedict XVI.

Gadar Memorial in US to become museum | ummid.com

Gadar Memorial in US to become museum | ummid.com
The Gadars were led by Lala Hardayal. A migrant to the US in 1911, he tapped into the discontent among immigrant workers along the Pacific Coast and brought many together, giving their unhappiness a political colour.

Chidambaram terms education priority area, hikes allocation 17 percent | ummid.com

Chidambaram terms education priority area, hikes allocation 17 percent | ummid.com
Calling education an area of priority, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram Thursday announced an increase of 17 percent in the budget allocated to this sector to Rs.65,867 crore ($12,285 million).

The finance minister added that the budget will leverage assistance from multilateral development banks to extend scheme for funds for regeneration of traditional industries (SFURTI) to 800 clusters during the 12th Plan with a planned outlay of Rs.850 crore.Chidambaram proposes Rs.2,400 crore to powerloom sector | ummid.com

Chidambaram proposes Rs.2,400 crore to powerloom sector | ummid.com
The finance minister added that the budget will leverage assistance from multilateral development banks to extend scheme for funds for regeneration of traditional industries (SFURTI) to 800 clusters during the 12th Plan with a planned outlay of Rs.850 crore.

Congress wins nine seats in Meghalaya | ummid.com

Congress wins nine seats in Meghalaya | ummid.com
Prominent Congress candidates who won include Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh, Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong, Urban Affairs Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh and P.N. Syiem.

Left retains Tripura -- for fifth straight term | ummid.com

Left retains Tripura -- for fifth straight term | ummid.com
The Congress and its allies, the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) and the Nationalist Conference of Tripura were crushed, for the fifth consecutive time since 1993.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Chidambaram's marginal rebate to low-income taxpayers | ummid.com

Chidambaram's marginal rebate to low-income taxpayers | ummid.com
Presenting the national budget for 2013-14, the finance minister said any hike in the exemption limit for direct tax that is paid by individuals would take millions out of the tax net and was neither a desirable proposition, nor feasible.

Eight govt doctors to be arrested for negligence | ummid.com

Eight govt doctors to be arrested for negligence | ummid.com
Araria Superintendent of Police S.W. Lande said he passed the orders after stumbling upon first information reports (FIRs) filed against them.

Eye injured in surgery: Negligent doctor hauled up | ummid.com

Eye injured in surgery: Negligent doctor hauled up | ummid.com
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled in favour of Parvatiben Bhimjibhai Rathod, a resident of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, and said that doctor Shivkumar Chandra Shekhar was negligent during the cataract operation on her left eye that caused irreversible damage.

NPF leading in Nagaland | ummid.com

NPF leading in Nagaland | ummid.com
The NPF had bagged one seat and was ahead in 17 seats till 10.30 a.m. The Congress was in the lead in seven seats, officials said. Counting had started at 8 a.m.

aleemChidambaram begins presenting India's 82nd budget | ummid.com

Chidambaram begins presenting India's 82nd budget | ummid.com
He began his speech by seeking the support of all parties and stakeholders to help navigate the Indian economy through the current crisis. He said getting back to the growth rates of over 8-9 percent seen some years ago was the main challenge.

Left Front set to retain power in Tripura | ummid.com

Left Front set to retain power in Tripura | ummid.com
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was heading for victory from Dhaunpur in west Tripura while Finance Minister Badal Chowdhury and other cabinet colleagues were also leading against their Congress nominees.

Children with disorders appeal to PM for help | ummid.com

Children with disorders appeal to PM for help | ummid.com
Around 100 children from across the country suffering from rare genetic disorders Wednesday participated in a silent march to appeal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to provide them with financial aid and better treatment facilities.

MNS violence hits Maharashtra | ummid.com

MNS violence hits Maharashtra | ummid.com
In an unexpected move, cousin and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray rushed to Raj's support, terming the attack on the latter's convoy as "unwarranted", and challenged the NCP to step out of the Democratic Front government.

Kolkata market fire: Death toll 19; Mamata sniffs sabotage | ummid.com

Kolkata market fire: Death toll 19; Mamata sniffs sabotage | ummid.com
"Why has this incident happened? There are so many inflammable objects that if anybody intentionally lit a small fire, it could turn into a major fire. There can be (a) conspiracy, sabotage. The probe will look into all aspects," she said.

With Bansal at helm, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh bask in railway budget | ummid.com

With Bansal at helm, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh bask in railway budget | ummid.com
Haryana, which has a Congress government, seems to have benefitted the most with a rail coach factory being announced at Sonipat. The new rail lines announced for the state include the Hisar-Sirsa and Yamunanagar-Chandigarh sections. The state will also benefit from better connectivity and frequency of trains running within Haryana.

Rights panel summons MP for remarks on Park Street rape | ummid.com

Rights panel summons MP for remarks on Park Street rape | ummid.com
Talking about the Feb 6, 2012, case in which an Anglo-Indian woman was allegedly raped at gunpoint in a moving car in the early hours by a gang of five after picking her up from Park Street, Ghosh Dastidar claimed it to be a "sex deal gone wrong".

Mali conflict could ignite unrest in region: United Nations | ummid.com

Mali conflict could ignite unrest in region: United Nations | ummid.com
“There has to be a plan. There are deeper issues in the region, beyond the rebellion. There is malnutrition, drug trafficking, a lack of development, governance problems. Even if this crisis is temporarily resolved, the international community must look at the longer term", he said.

Chidambaram set to present India's 82nd budget | ummid.com

Chidambaram set to present India's 82nd budget | ummid.com
Since independence in August 1947, the country has seen a total of 25 ministers hold the finance portfolio. It has also seen 81 budgets -- 65 normal annual budgets, 12 interim budgets and four special-occasion budgetary measures, also called mini-budgets.

Rajya Sabha adopts motion for JPC probe into chopper deal | ummid.com

Rajya Sabha adopts motion for JPC probe into chopper deal | ummid.com
The motion, read by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, was moved after a short discussion on the purchase of the helicopters by the defence ministry from AgustaWestland.

Cops throw old couple off moving train, woman dead | ummid.com

Cops throw old couple off moving train, woman dead | ummid.com
Sub-inspector Ram Chandar and constable Subhash of the GRP asked the couple where they were headed. The couple responded that they were on their way to Saharanpur, only to be told that they were on the Shatabdi Express, which does not halt at Saharanpur.

Researchers create detailed heart atlas | ummid.com

Researchers create detailed heart atlas | ummid.com
"This atlas is a statistical description of how the heart and its components -- such as the ventricles and the atrium -- look," Corne Hoogendoorn, researcher at Pompeu Fabra University's CISTIB centre, told SINC, the news agency of the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology FECYT.

Over 3 lakh schools started under RTE: Economic Survey | ummid.com

Over 3 lakh schools started under RTE: Economic Survey | ummid.com
Over 2,80,000 new school buildings have been constructed, and over 12,46,000 teachers have been appointed under the scheme in that time, the survey said.

19 students of Crescent Academy clear IAS Main Exam | ummid.com

19 students of Crescent Academy clear IAS Main Exam | ummid.com
Nineteen students of Delhi-based Crescent Academy have successfully cleared the Main Exam of IAS Examination, 2012, the results of which were announced recently. In the Prelims (first stage) 30 students were successful.

Muslim youth selectively being targeted: Parliament told | ummid.com

Muslim youth selectively being targeted: Parliament told | ummid.com
“There has been miscarriage of justice to scores of Muslim youths who were arrested and charged in cases related to terror attacks. In some cases, these young men have remained incarcerated for more than 10 to 15 years. Later, they were acquitted by the courts,” the CPI (M) group leader Basudeb Acharia said.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fatehpur Sikri was once a Jain pilgrimage centre: Book | ummid.com

Fatehpur Sikri was once a Jain pilgrimage centre: Book | ummid.com
Basing his arguments on the excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1999-2000 at the Chabeli Tila, senior Agra journalist Bhanu Pratap Singh said the antique pieces, statues, and structures all point to a lost "culture and religious site," more than 1,000 years ago.

A million-dollar prize for Delhi slum education project | ummid.com

A million-dollar prize for Delhi slum education project | ummid.com
Mitra, an education technology professor at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, said he will use the prize, awarded by TED, an annual global ideas conference, to launch a global initiative for self-directed learning that builds on his discovery.

Press council chief urged to take action against bias media, stop Media trial | ummid.com

Press council chief urged to take action against bias media, stop Media trial | ummid.com
Gen. Secretary of Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee Lateef Mohammed Khan in an open letter sent to the Press Council Chief, Justice (Rtrd.) Markandey Katju has urged him to take action against the 'bias media' and stop the Media Trial' of the Muslim community.

NCP, MNS activists turn to violence in Maharashtra | ummid.com

NCP, MNS activists turn to violence in Maharashtra | ummid.com
"In democratic politics, anybody is free to criticize anybody. But, how will activists digest the kind of abusive language used by him (Raj Thackeray)? This is absolutely deplorable," an agitated NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told IANS Wednesday.

Hagel confirmed as defence secretary; critics play India card | ummid.com

Hagel confirmed as defence secretary; critics play India card | ummid.com
The final 58-41 vote fell nearly down party lines, with only four Republicans voting for the former Nebraska senator and a fellow Republican, the smallest margin for a defence secretary since the position was created in 1947, according to Senate records.

4A compendium on rural India | ummid.com

A compendium on rural India | ummid.com
Earlier, the information was scattered over hundreds of sources including a large number of private organizations like NGOs, private charitable societies and companies, in addition to different departments and attached offices of the central and state governments and district administrations, census offices at the states and the centre etc.

10 killed in fire at Kolkata market | ummid.com

10 killed in fire at Kolkata market | ummid.com
The fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the market at central Kolkata. Twenty-two fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flame.

10,000 Indian students unleash creativity on Windows at AppFest | ummid.com

10,000 Indian students unleash creativity on Windows at AppFest | ummid.com
The students landed in 54 key hubs in 45 major cities across 18 states of India, and the reverberations of the day-long coding fest were felt across the country with each state hosting a bustling hands-on workshop run by a total of 150 Microsoft Student Partners on-call to give students a first-hand app development experience.

India rebuts Hagel's allegations of financing problems for Pakistan | ummid.com

India rebuts Hagel's allegations of financing problems for Pakistan | ummid.com
Hagel had suggested in a previously unreleased 2011 speech that "India has over the years financed problems for Pakistan" in Afghanistan. He made the remark during a 2011 address on Afghanistan at Oklahoma's Cameron University, according to a video of the speech obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

No Akbarabadi Mosque ever existed, apex court told | ummid.com

No Akbarabadi Mosque ever existed, apex court told | ummid.com
Jethmalani, who has been appointed amicus curiae by the court to appear for respondent Sri Sri Sai Baba Om Ji, made the contention to the bench hearing a petition of Delhi legislator Shoaib Iqbal. Iqbal challenged the Sep 19, 2012, Delhi High court order directing demolition of the illegal wall put up by him and his supporters at the site of alleged Akbarabadi Mosque.

Egyptian student wins trip to India | ummid.com

Egyptian student wins trip to India | ummid.com
The competition was aimed at capturing the essence of Gandhi's message in the iconic Tahrir Square that witnessed a peaceful revolution Jan 25, 2011.

Sayeed makes emotional plea to PM for Afzal Guru's body | ummid.com

Sayeed makes emotional plea to PM for Afzal Guru's body | ummid.com
In the letter the contents of which were released by the PDP to the media Tuesday, Sayeed said: "I am writing this letter after an agonizing fortnight that in my opinion witnessed all the effort at rebuilding a relationship of trust between Kashmir and rest of the country almost evaporate into thin air."

Persian paved way for secular, mass education in India: Historian | ummid.com

Persian paved way for secular, mass education in India: Historian | ummid.com
"Aside from Muslims, no other Indian of a caste lower than Brahmins had access to literacy. In such a situation Persian offered itself as a language open to one and all," he said while explaining why Persian and not an Indian language was used as an official language in India.

Akbaruddin Owaisi admitted to hospital in Hyderabad | ummid.com

Akbaruddin Owaisi admitted to hospital in Hyderabad | ummid.com
His personal physician told IANS that the legislator has been admitted to Apollo Hospital at Jubliee Hills here. "His condition is critical and he is undergoing treatment in intensive care unit," said Mazharuddin Ali Khan.

Woman cop held for sending vulgar SMSes to bureaucrat | ummid.com

Woman cop held for sending vulgar SMSes to bureaucrat | ummid.com
Constable Joyti Kumari, posted in Gaya district, was taken into custody Monday from near the official residence of trainee Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Kanwal Tanuj in Kishanganj district, about 350 km from here.

Mumbaikars dismiss rail budget as dull | ummid.com

Mumbaikars dismiss rail budget as dull | ummid.com
"According to me, it is a dull budget. Railway fares had just been hiked and hence it was obvious not to hike them further. The (railway) minister has increased the tatkal and reservation fees which were not hiked earlier," said Sadhna Malkan, a home-maker.

No fare hike, eye on travel comfort in India's rail budget | ummid.com

No fare hike, eye on travel comfort in India's rail budget | ummid.com
Bansal said while making all these proposals, he was happy to note that the operating ratio of Indian Railways -- the money spent on recurring costs such as salaries and interest to earn Rs.1 in revenue -- had come down to 88 paise from around 95 paise.

Absolved of terror charges, Deccan Herald journalist walks free | ummid.com

Absolved of terror charges, Deccan Herald journalist walks free | ummid.com
After a six-month ordeal of being branded terrorists and charged with waging a war against the state, two of the fifteen arrested suspects, Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui, a journalist who was working with Deccan Herald, and Syed Yusuf Nalaband walked to freedom late Monday night.

Monday, February 25, 2013

With focus on safety, Bansal begins presenting 2013 rail budget | ummid.com

With focus on safety, Bansal begins presenting 2013 rail budget | ummid.com
"The growth of Indian Railways is inextricably linked with the growth of the country," Bansal said in his budget speech in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. "It must remain financially sustainable. Resources generated must be ploughed back."

100,000 Bangladeshis seek death penalty for war crimes | ummid.com

100,000 Bangladeshis seek death penalty for war crimes | ummid.com
The movement began Feb 5, soon after Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Abdul Quader Mollah was sentenced to life in prison for rape, killing and genocide in 1971 during country's liberation war. People became angry on seeing the image of Mollah smiling and holding up two fingers in a "V" sign as he was led from the court.

Akhilesh undertakes biggest reshuffle of bureaucracy | ummid.com

Akhilesh undertakes biggest reshuffle of bureaucracy | ummid.com
The 11-month-old Akhilesh Yadav government has undertaken the biggest reshuffle of the bureaucracy by transferring 51 Indian Administrative Service, 48 Provincial Civil Service, 88 Indian Police Service and 92 Provincial Police Service officials.

India beat Australia by eight wickets in first Test | ummid.com

India beat Australia by eight wickets in first Test | ummid.com
Earlier, Australia were all out for 241 in the second innings. Moises Henriques remained unbeaten on 81 and Nathan Lyon (11) was dismissed by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who finished with three for 72.

Fare hike, over 100 new trains on cards in 2013 Railway Budget | ummid.com

Fare hike, over 100 new trains on cards in 2013 Railway Budget | ummid.comAmong the railways' priorities will be launching over 100 new trains, especially on some religious tourism sections, speeding up derailed projects, cleanliness of stations, improving catering and, of course, setting finances in order, ministry sources said.

Rajat Gupta ordered to pay Goldman Sachs $6.2 mn | ummid.com

Rajat Gupta ordered to pay Goldman Sachs $6.2 mn | ummid.com
US District Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over Gupta's criminal trial for allegedly passing tips to convicted hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam, gave the ruling Monday in response to a claim filed by Goldman.

Apophis asteroid may strike Earth in 2068 | ummid.com

Apophis asteroid may strike Earth in 2068 | ummid.com
The asteroid has been the focus of considerable attention after it was discovered in December 2004 to have a significant probability of Earth impact in April 2029.

Apophis asteroid may strike Earth in 2068 | ummid.com

Apophis asteroid may strike Earth in 2068 | ummid.com
The asteroid has been the focus of considerable attention after it was discovered in December 2004 to have a significant probability of Earth impact in April 2029.

Hyderabad Blasts: A lawyer's questionnaire to police chief | ummid.com

Hyderabad Blasts: A lawyer's questionnaire to police chief | ummid.com
If in earlier blasts like the ones in Samjhauta Express, Ajmer, Malegaon, Hyderabad, etc., right wing groups are found on NIA investigation to be involved, how and why is it that none of those from those organisations or linked to those accused, are being investigated or their names shown as possibly involved ? Or, to repeat, is it a foregone conclusion that ONLY Muslims can be responsible and the police believes in advance that no one else need be suspected, and if so, considering this and 13 above, how credible is this investigation going to be?

Hyderabad Blasts: A lawyer's questionnaire to police chief | ummid.com

Hyderabad Blasts: A lawyer's questionnaire to police chief | ummid.com
If in earlier blasts like the ones in Samjhauta Express, Ajmer, Malegaon, Hyderabad, etc., right wing groups are found on NIA investigation to be involved, how and why is it that none of those from those organisations or linked to those accused, are being investigated or their names shown as possibly involved ? Or, to repeat, is it a foregone conclusion that ONLY Muslims can be responsible and the police believes in advance that no one else need be suspected, and if so, considering this and 13 above, how credible is this investigation going to be?

32 of every 1,000 Goa men won't get wife in 15 years | ummid.com

32 of every 1,000 Goa men won't get wife in 15 years | ummid.com
Goa's sex ratio stands at 968/1,000 as per the 2011 census. It is better than the national average of 940/1,000, but successive state governments have stepped up efforts to check the decline. The ratio had dipped to an inglorious low of 961/1,000 in 2001.

SC declines to hear plea by Sahara Group companies | ummid.com

SC declines to hear plea by Sahara Group companies | ummid.com
The two Sahara Group companies - Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd. (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd. (SHICL) - were directed by the apex court Aug 31 last year to return Rs.17,400 crore of investors' money with 15 percent interest.

IAF ex-chief Tyagi, 10 others named by CBI in chopper case | ummid.com

IAF ex-chief Tyagi, 10 others named by CBI in chopper case | ummid.com
Others named in the inquiry include Giuseppe Orsi, the former CEO of Italian defence major Finmeccanica, Bruno Spagnolini, CEO of AgustaWestland - a Britain-based subsidiary of Finmeccanica - and alleged middlemen Guido Ralph Haschke, Karlo Valentino, Ferdinando Gerosa, and Christian Michel.

Film 'ridiculing' Mamata denied clearance, director cries foul | ummid.com

Film 'ridiculing' Mamata denied clearance, director cries foul | ummid.com
"Kangal Malsat (Beggars' war cry)", based on a Nabarun Bhattacharya novel of the same name, and directed by Suman Mukhopadhyay, has also been refused certification for "irresponsibly portraying" Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

Rs.18,500 crore investment proposal for Vidarbha | ummid.com

Rs.18,500 crore investment proposal for Vidarbha | ummid.com
The Memorandums of Understandings (MoU) for as many as 24 mega-investment proposals, including eight of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), totally worth nearly Rs.18,500 crore were inked in the presence of Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and top industrialists and officials present on the occasion.

Indian rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off | ummid.com

Indian rocket carrying seven satellites blasts off | ummid.com
A little after 6 p.m., the rocket - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C20 (PSLV-C20) - standing 44.4 metres tall and weighing around 230 tonnes hurtled towards the skies ferrying seven satellites to sling into orbit.

Russian President signs smoking ban bill into law | ummid.com

Russian President signs smoking ban bill into law | ummid.com
It also imposes measures to reduce the demand for tobacco products and restrict trade in them. Advertising and sponsorship of tobacco is prohibited under the law.

Kremlin Museum plans to exhibit Nizam jewels | ummid.com

Kremlin Museum plans to exhibit Nizam jewels | ummid.com
"A preliminary agreement has been reached with the National Museum in New Delhi. Talks are being held to present jewellery from the Nizam of Hyderabad collection," Elena Gagarina, director-general of Moscow Kremlin Museum told IANS.

mAutopsy shows Palestinian detainee tortured to death in Israeli jail | ummid.com

Autopsy shows Palestinian detainee tortured to death in Israeli jail | ummid.com
Arafat Jaradat’s autopsy showed torture resulting from fractures in his body and bruises in his face, while his heart was in good condition, said Issa Qaraqaa, the minister in charge of prisoner affairs, citing a Palestinian doctor who took part in the autopsy.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

It's evolutionary difference that makes for human brains | ummid.com

It's evolutionary difference that makes for human brains | ummid.com
Our ancestors evolutionarily split from those of rhesus monkeys about 25 million years ago. Since then, brain areas have been added, have disappeared or have changed in function, according to a Harvard statement.

'Argo' bags best film Oscar | ummid.com

'Argo' bags best film Oscar | ummid.comMichelle Obama introduced the nominations and the winner via a video conference from White House. The team of "Argo" - co-producers Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck and George Clooney - collected the trophy.

Saudi cleric terms women Shura Members prostitutes; receives flak | ummid.com

Saudi cleric terms women Shura Members prostitutes; receives flak | ummid.com
However, the backlash to the recent statements regarding the Shura Council appointees was severe. Author Maha al-Shahri tweeted: “(These statements) are a moral crime. The government has to set laws to (teach) them and their likes (morals).” Doctor Abdelrahman al-Sobeyhi tweeted: “Every disease has a medicine to heal it except stupidity.”

200,000 gather to hear Pope's last public prayer | ummid.com

200,000 gather to hear Pope's last public prayer | ummid.com
The Pope is spiritual leader of the estimated 1.2 billion followers of the Catholic Church, according to the Annuario Pontificio, its annual statistical report.

'Life of Pi' gets Oscar for cinematography, visual effects | ummid.com

'Life of Pi' gets Oscar for cinematography, visual effects | ummid.com
Ang Lee's "Life of Pi", a fantasy adventure drama widely shot in India, won the 85th Academy Award for best cinematography and best visual effects here Sunday night.

'Brave' wins best animated feature film Oscar | ummid.com

'Brave' wins best animated feature film Oscar | ummid.com
The film's story is about a high-spirited Scottish princess Merida, who resists her mother's efforts to transform her into a more ladylike young woman.

Library book returned 55 years late! | ummid.com

Library book returned 55 years late! | ummid.com
The Daily News says the biography of a 16th-century priest, "Fire of Francis Xavier", was borrowed from the library's Fort Washington branch April 10, 1958.

Shinde's statement was of regret, not apology: Kamal Nath | ummid.com

Shinde's statement was of regret, not apology: Kamal Nath | ummid.com
After Shinde expressed regret Wednesday over his controversial remark made while addressing a Congress conclave in Jaipur in January, Congress spokesperson P.C. Chacko Thursday said the home minister's statement was factually correct.

'Investigating agencies illegally detaining Muslim youths' | ummid.com

'Investigating agencies illegally detaining Muslim youths' | ummid.com
"Those youth whose lives were destroyed on the name of Makkah Masjid bomb blast investigation are again made scapegoats and targeted in which Arshad, Raheem, Kareem, Rayees, Azmath and so many others are detained on the name of investigation. The manner of police investigation is illegal", it said.

Tension in Assam's Baksa after four youth found killed | ummid.com

Tension in Assam's Baksa after four youth found killed | ummid.com
"Our investigation is on to find out the motive behind the killing and those involved in the crime," a police officer said, adding that local villagers spotted the bodies lying in paddy fields and informed the police.

Army officer held with Rs.15 crore worth drugs in Manipur | ummid.com

Army officer held with Rs.15 crore worth drugs in Manipur | ummid.com
Pseudoephedrine tablets are also called party drugs as these induce great energy when taken as pills, injected, inhaled or smoked. These kind of drugs are particularly attractive to teenagers world over.

Countdown on for India's 101th space mission Monday | ummid.com

Countdown on for India's 101th space mission Monday | ummid.com
"The countdown is smooth and is normal. The fuelling of second stage of the four-stage rocket will begin tonight (Sunday) and will get over tomorrow (Monday) morning," an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), preferring anonymity, told IANS.

India urged to turn its gaze on the Maghreb | ummid.com

India urged to turn its gaze on the Maghreb | ummid.com
The Maghreb should be the "new target" of Indian diplomacy and it should be the "logical location for Indian companies to diversify and expand," said Mohammed Hacene Echarif, Algeria's ambassador to India, voicing the unhappiness of the region at not being allowed to play a more prominent role in ties with India.

Growth, fiscal discipline to be focus of Chidambaram's 8th budget | ummid.com

Growth, fiscal discipline to be focus of Chidambaram's 8th budget | ummid.com
Chidambaram will present the budget at a time when the economy is growing at its slowest pace in a decade. The current account deficit has hit a record high and the fiscal deficit has been on a cliff. Also, inflation is much above the comfort level and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to hinder growth and investments.

Don't hang Rajiv Gandhi killers, says judge | ummid.com

Don't hang Rajiv Gandhi killers, says judge | ummid.com
Thomas told reporters here: "If they are going to be awarded (death sentence) after spending 22 years in jail, it would be like giving them two punishment for the same crime, which is against the constitution."

Muslim voices of sanity need to be loudly heard | ummid.com

Muslim voices of sanity need to be loudly heard | ummid.com
A liberal Muslim must check a communalist Muslim and a communal Hindu be checked by a liberal Hindu. Muslim voices of sanity aren't loudly heard. We have to agree in principle that killing of innocents cannot be justified, irrespective of race, religion, place or ethnicity. There is no room for 'ifs' and 'buts' for terror acts.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Indian scientists develop arsenic detection tool | ummid.com

Indian scientists develop arsenic detection tool | ummid.com
Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general of the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, said arsenic poisoning in India is a widespread phenomenon which needs monitoring techniques as well as methods for removal of the toxic substance.

This will be a make-or-break budget for UPA | ummid.com

This will be a make-or-break budget for UPA | ummid.com
It goes without saying that the forthcoming electoral tests have been compounded by the perceptibly declining political standing of the ruling alliance caused by multiple scams and economic stagnation. In addition, defeats in a series of elections ranging from municipal contests to state assemblies have underlined its predicament.

Time to revive Kashmir's traditional storytellers | ummid.com

Time to revive Kashmir's traditional storytellers | ummid.com
The art of storytelling is something the locals allowed to die out as more dazzling and pushbutton means for entertainment became available to them.

Hyderbad terror attack shattered young dreams | ummid.com

Hyderbad terror attack shattered young dreams | ummid.com
The victims include young students who had come to Hyderabad from various districts with dreams of making a career and a poor worker who migrated from Rajasthan to eke out a livelihood. The twin blasts in the crowded Dilsukhnagar plunged the families into grief.

Huge turnout in peaceful Nagaland, Meghalaya polls | ummid.com

Huge turnout in peaceful Nagaland, Meghalaya polls | ummid.com
India's democratic system triumphed as Meghalaya electors rejected a shutdown call by an outlawed outfit to cast votes in large numbers while Nagaland too saw brisk balloting in peaceful assembly elections Saturday. Over 80 percent polling was recorded in both states.

Amnesty wants thorough, impartial probe of Hyderabad bombing | ummid.com

Amnesty wants thorough, impartial probe of Hyderabad bombing | ummid.com
Says shoddy investigations and unlawful police practices violate fair trial rights of suspects
Amnesty International Saturday said Indian authorities must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the Hyderabad twin bombings but "protect minority communities from the discrimination, violence and harassment they often suffer in the aftermath of an attack".

We need action to empower Muslims, not promises: Arshad Madani | ummid.com

We need action to empower Muslims, not promises: Arshad Madani | ummid.com
"We need action, not tall promises" to empower Muslims by giving them reservation in legislatures, parliament and government jobs and ensuring justice for innocent Muslim youth, languishing in jails without trial for years," Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat-Ulema Hind, said at a gathering of over 10,000 Islamic clerics.

Voters out in large numbers in Nagaland | ummid.com

Voters out in large numbers in Nagaland | ummid.com
Election officials are using 2,600 EVMs to conduct the polls in 2,023 polling stations. A total of 188 candidates, including two women, are in the fray with 49 outgoing legislators seeking re-election.

Friday, February 22, 2013

NSUI asks PM to grant students bus fare concession | ummid.com

NSUI asks PM to grant students bus fare concession | ummid.com
"All students across India should uniformly be able to utilise the 'half-ticket' policy for students which has been in place in Goa for decades now," Hasiba Amin, president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), said at a press conference Thursday.

Teachers clash with police in Odisha, 40 hurt | ummid.com

Teachers clash with police in Odisha, 40 hurt | ummid.com
Police used water cannons, followed by a baton charge, to disperse the teachers after some of them broke barricades and attacked police personnel, pelting stones on them, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nitinjeet Singh told IANS.

Mirza Wasey injured for second time in terror attack | ummid.com

Mirza Wasey injured for second time in terror attack | ummid.com
Mirza Abdul Wasey was being treated at Yashoda Hospital for the injuries he received in his waist and back. Doctors said his condition was stable.

Court orders pension for Hyderabad freedom fighter | ummid.com

Court orders pension for Hyderabad freedom fighter | ummid.com
Justice Valmiki J. Mehta allowed the petition of Pratapani Muthaiah seeking pension under the Swatantrata Sainik Sanman Pension Scheme, as his case was approved by the Hyderabad Special Screening Committee since he complied with all the terms and conditions of the scheme.

Shinde: An asset or liability for Congress? | ummid.com

Shinde: An asset or liability for Congress? | ummid.com
Shortly after his "Hindu terror" remark controversy, Shinde was criticized for not intimating the family of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged Feb 9, through Speed Post, denying even the basic human courtesy to him.

First ear, then eye: The cost of joining strike in West Bengal | ummid.com

First ear, then eye: The cost of joining strike in West Bengal | ummid.com

A brick kiln worker was seriously injured and his eye severely damaged after he was attacked allegedly by Trinamool Congress supporters for participating in the trade union strike of Wednesday and Thursday.

Hyderabad blasts: Police get vital clues | ummid.com

Hyderabad blasts: Police get vital clues | ummid.com
Twentyfour hours after the blasts, police also announced rewards for anyone providing information about the suspects seen in Dilsukhnagar where the evening rush hour bombings Thursday also maimed dozens.

Premji transfers 12 percent Wipro shares to his trust | ummid.com

Premji transfers 12 percent Wipro shares to his trust | ummid.com
The trust will utilise the endowment to fund various social initiatives of the Azim Premji Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation he set up in 2001, with a view to contributing to a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society in India.

Cybrabad blasts - Kai Po Che – Its Afzal ! | ummid.com

Cybrabad blasts - Kai Po Che – Its Afzal ! | ummid.com
Many TV channels are blaming the blast on Afzal Guru and believe me it could be true. One wise friend of mine went on to say that Guru had taken the remote device with him and has detonated it from wherever he is now.

Probe cops roughing up woman MP, Ansari tells government | ummid.com

Probe cops roughing up woman MP, Ansari tells government | ummid.com
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MPs Seema and M.B. Rajesh, along with some other activists were allegedly roughed up Thursday during a protest against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien for his alleged involvement in the Suryanelli rape case.

Six cops, villager killed in Bihar landmine blast | ummid.com

Six cops, villager killed in Bihar landmine blast | ummid.com
The incident took place around noon in Gaya district's Uchla village near Sherghati, about 100 km from here, when Maoists blew up a patrolling vehicle of the Roshanganj police station.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Hyderabad blasts: Death toll 16; Twelve blast victims identified | ummid.com

Hyderabad blasts: Death toll 16; Twelve blast victims identified | ummid.com
Eight out of the twelve identified are Mohd. Rafeeq (22), Ijaz Ahmed (first-year student of polytechnic college), Vijay Kumar (23, MBA student), Mutyala Raju (23, MBA student), A. Ramulu (56), R. Shivani, Gunta Thirupathi and Srinivas Reddy.

Routine medical tests cause more harm than good: US doctors | ummid.com

Routine medical tests cause more harm than good: US doctors | ummid.com
"Twenty-five of the nation's leading medical specialty societies have now spoken up and shown leadership by identifying what tests and treatments are common to their profession, but not always beneficial," said Christine Cassel, president and chief executive officer of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation, in an online statement.

No toilets in 188 girls schools in Chhattisgarh | ummid.com

No toilets in 188 girls schools in Chhattisgarh | ummid.com
In a written reply to Congress Dharamjeet Singh, School Education Minister Brijmohan Agarwal admitted that 188 girl schools have no toilets and 107 don't even have hand-pump facilities.

Nationwide strike affects banks, transport; unions warn of more protests | ummid.com

Nationwide strike affects banks, transport; unions warn of more protests | ummid.com
The second day of the strike was largely peaceful, except for some violence in the national capital where a flash mob attacked at least 12 factories, and in West Bengal's Jalangi in Murshidabad district where a panchayat worker's ear was chopped off allegedly by supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Gujarat IPS officer arrested in Ishrat Jahan case | ummid.com

Gujarat IPS officer arrested in Ishrat Jahan case | ummid.com
G.L. Singhal, an Indian Police Service officer at present posted as superintendent of police at state crime records bureau, was arrested during a raid at his house and offices in Ahmedabad.

Ear chopped off for skipping office during strike | ummid.com

Ear chopped off for skipping office during strike | ummid.com
"I was sitting in the office when some Trinamool goons came and asked why I was absent from office yesterday (Wednesday). Before I could reply, they attacked me with a knife and cut a portion of my left ear," said Omar, undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Tiniest planet shows sun-like stars can host smaller planets | ummid.com

Tiniest planet shows sun-like stars can host smaller planets | ummid.com
"That we have found one of these small and hard-to-detect planets suggests that they are abundant around other stars and lends weight to the belief that as planet size decreases their occurrence increases exponentially," said Stello, the journal Nature reports.

Bengal government asked for ways to ban online 'rape-games' | ummid.com

Bengal government asked for ways to ban online 'rape-games' | ummid.com
The game has been banned in several countries including Argentina, Malaysia and Thailand. Similar forms of the game are available on the internet.

Bonjour India, Namaste France | ummid.com

Bonjour India, Namaste France | ummid.com
The first relates to French assistance in setting up six nuclear reactors in Jaitapur in Maharashtra, negotiations for which have been proceeding rather gingerly. Their complexity cannot be denied which stems from growing concerns over nuclear safety after the Fukushima disaster, implications of India's nuclear liability legislation, and rising costs as a consequence.

Hair woes rising, but be cautious of haircare products | ummid.com

Hair woes rising, but be cautious of haircare products | ummid.com
Bad hair day? Well, going by the recent spurt of ads on hair care products, everyone is moaning over hair woes. Thanks to lifestyle changes, hair problems are becoming increasingly common in both women and men, doctors say, warning against being misled by random products bought over the counter.

Scientists engineer unique gel to repair heart tissue | ummid.com

Scientists engineer unique gel to repair heart tissue | ummid.com
University of California-San Diego bioengineers have demonstrated in a study in pigs that a new injectable hydrogel can repair damage from heart attacks, help the heart grow new tissues and blood vessels, and improve the health of the heart.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Maulana Azad Urdu varsity for exchange with Saudi universities | ummid.com

Maulana Azad Urdu varsity for exchange with Saudi universities | ummid.com
Ali Mohd. Al-Shehri, cultural attache at Saudi Arabia's embassy in New Delhi, responded positively to the idea of academic exchange between Indian universities offering Arabic courses and their Saudi counterparts, said a statement.

Nasheed trial's cancelled, Indian delegation reaches Male | ummid.com

Nasheed trial's cancelled, Indian delegation reaches Male | ummid.com
A court in Male Wednesday cancelled the trial hearing of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed after police were unable to present him to judicial authorities due to his presence in the Indian High Commission since Feb 13.

All-India strike hits financial sector, transport | ummid.com

All-India strike hits financial sector, transport | ummid.com
Day one of the nationwide protest saw trains stopped in some places like Bihar and roads blocked elsewhere but it was all mostly peaceful, with the exception of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Noida and Greater Noida areas, close to the national capital, where mobs attacked factories and set fire to vehicles.

Shinde regrets 'Hindu terrorism' remarks | ummid.com

Shinde regrets 'Hindu terrorism' remarks | ummid.com
A day ahead of parliament's budget session, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Wednesday withdrew his "Hindu terrorism" remark that threatened to stall the functioning of the house and was roundly criticised by the BJP and other organisations.

UP set to distribute free laptops to 1.5 million school-leavers | ummid.com

UP set to distribute free laptops to 1.5 million school-leavers | ummid.com
The laptops were promised by the SP during last year's assembly election campaign and in keeping with that, the images of the two Yadavs will be accompanied by the words "Poore hote vaade" (Fulfilling the promises) and the logo of the state government.

Government hopes for 'substantial business' this session | ummid.com

Government hopes for 'substantial business' this session | ummid.com
The government hopes to do "substantial business" during parliament's budget session starting Thursday despite the opposition's threat to take up several contentious issues.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Scholars denounce Iranian film on Prophet | ummid.com

Scholars denounce Iranian film on Prophet | ummid.com
The shooting of the film began in south Iran in October 2011. A number of actors including Amin Tarokh, Mehdi Pakdel and Sareh Bayat have joined the cast of the film “Muhammad (S)”.

Trade union strike threatens to cripple economy | ummid.com

Trade union strike threatens to cripple economy | ummid.com
The unions have demanded concrete measures for containing inflation, steps for employment generation, universal social security, and making the minimum wage to Rs.10,000 per month along with daily allowance.

VVIP choppers, civil n-deal figure in Manmohan-Cameron talks | ummid.com

VVIP choppers, civil n-deal figure in Manmohan-Cameron talks | ummid.com
Both countries also agreed to launch negotiations on a civil nuclear agreement and cooperate in energy security and boost trade as Cameron and Manmohan Singh held wide-ranging talks on a wide gamut of regional and global issues, including Afghanistan.

Hitler, Hilarious and Hopeful in Meghalaya poll line-up | ummid.com

Hitler, Hilarious and Hopeful in Meghalaya poll line-up | ummid.com
With a population of nearly three million, Meghalaya is predominantly Christian with Garo, Khasi and Jaintia being the main languages spoken and English used as the link language. Most tribal people in Meghalaya prefer names of famous people although they know very little about their background.

Indian MIT students' big idea caught in US visa limbo: Report | ummid.com

Indian MIT students' big idea caught in US visa limbo: Report | ummid.com
The system developed by Anurag Bajpayee and Prakash Narayan Govindan offers a cheaper, cleaner way to dispose of the billions of gallons of contaminated water produced by oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.

Afzal's hanging barbaric, says NHRC member | ummid.com

Afzal's hanging barbaric, says NHRC member | ummid.com"Death penalty is an abomination in a democracy and Afzal Guru's hanging is a barbaric violation of human rights. Not only his but it is also the violation of rights of his family which did not get the right to grieve," Pal told reporters.

Akhilesh presents Rs.2.21 lakh crore UP budget | ummid.com

Akhilesh presents Rs.2.21 lakh crore UP budget | ummid.com
Amid a walkout by the main opposition Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Tuesday presented a Rs.2.21 lakh crore budget, the biggest in the history of the state.

Monday, February 18, 2013

US court to hear human rights case against Badal | ummid.com

US court to hear human rights case against Badal | ummid.com
Badal's attorney Michelle Jacobs has sought dismissal of the case due to lack of service based on the sworn statements of two State Department security officials that Badal was not present at Oak Creek High School on Aug 9 as claimed by the plaintiffs.

EU approves tighter controls on beef amid horsemeat scandal | ummid.com

EU approves tighter controls on beef amid horsemeat scandal | ummid.com
The 27-member bloc also gave the green light for tests to determine whether horsemeat found at slaughterhouses contains residues of phenylbutazone, an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat horses that is potentially harmful to people.

'Formula milk should carry cigarette-style warnings' | ummid.com

'Formula milk should carry cigarette-style warnings' | ummid.com
Block is studying pelagic (deep sea) creatures with telemetry tags. The miniaturisation of sensors for tags, combined with acoustic receiver-carrying mobile glider platforms and instrumented buoys, has vastly expanded researchers' capacity to obtain data from ocean organisms as tiny as bacteria and as large as blue whales, according to a Stanford statement.

Scientists wiring oceans to protect ecosystems | ummid.com

Scientists wiring oceans to protect ecosystems | ummid.com
Block is studying pelagic (deep sea) creatures with telemetry tags. The miniaturisation of sensors for tags, combined with acoustic receiver-carrying mobile glider platforms and instrumented buoys, has vastly expanded researchers' capacity to obtain data from ocean organisms as tiny as bacteria and as large as blue whales, according to a Stanford statement.

Chopper deal: Ready for any discussion in parliament: PM | ummid.com

Chopper deal: Ready for any discussion in parliament: PM | ummid.com
The government was "ready for any discussion" including the VVIP chopper deal in parliament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday as the BJP signalled it would raise the issue forcefully in the budget session beginning Feb 21.

Chopper deal: Ready for any discussion in parliament: PM | ummid.com

Chopper deal: Ready for any discussion in parliament: PM | ummid.com
The government was "ready for any discussion" including the VVIP chopper deal in parliament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday as the BJP signalled it would raise the issue forcefully in the budget session beginning Feb 21.

'Kids hooked on TV grow into anti-socials' | ummid.com

'Kids hooked on TV grow into anti-socials' | ummid.com
Those who watched more TV were more likely to have a criminal conviction and were also more likely to have anti-social personality traits in adulthood, the US journal Paediatrics reports.

Maldivian court issues second arrest warrant for Nasheed | ummid.com

Maldivian court issues second arrest warrant for Nasheed | ummid.com
The Hulhumale magistrate court has issued a new arrest warrant, ordering police to present Nasheed at the court on Feb 20 at 4 p.m, an official from the Judiciary Media Unity has confirmed to MinivanNews.

Congress unlikely to act against Kurien in rape case | ummid.com

Congress unlikely to act against Kurien in rape case | ummid.com
The Congress may not act against Kurien in the 17-year-old alleged rape case despite knowing that the opposition would raise the issue in the parliament's budget session starting Feb 21.

Afzal's body not likely to be given to family | ummid.com

Afzal's body not likely to be given to family | ummid.com
The family had demanded handing over of Afzal Guru's body after his Feb 9 execution for the attack on the Indian parliament. The family had written to the government requesting for the body.

Forget cars, drive around in a motorhome | ummid.com

Forget cars, drive around in a motorhome | ummid.com
Automobile fabricator company JCBL, which is based out of Derabassi in Punjab, 20 km from here, has brought the motorhomes to the country in collaboration with PLA (Pier Luigi Alinari), a leading manufacturer of caravans and campers in Italy.

Britain seeks to be India's partner of choice: Cameron | ummid.com

Britain seeks to be India's partner of choice: Cameron | ummid.com
"India's rise is going to be one of the great phenomena of this century and it is incredibly impressive to see - the vibrancy of your democracy, the great strength of the diversity of your country and the enormous power of your economy, that is going to be one of the top three economies by 2030," he said while addressing officials and executives of Hindustan Unilever here.

Shinde terror remark case: Arguments on summoning minister March 7 | ummid.com

Shinde terror remark case: Arguments on summoning minister March 7 | ummid.com
A Delhi court Monday posted for March 7 the hearing on arguments on whether to summon Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde in a defamation case filed against him for his remarks linking the BJP and the RSS to terrorism.

Apex court stays Veerappan aides' hanging, kin relieved | ummid.com

Apex court stays Veerappan aides' hanging, kin relieved | ummid.com
The Supreme Court Monday suspended till Wednesday the execution of death sentence of the four aides of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, whose mercy petition was rejected Feb 12.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Mood-altering drugs produce fishy effect? | ummid.com

Mood-altering drugs produce fishy effect? | ummid.com
The psychiatric drug is used to treat anxiety in humans. But, Oxazepam residues often wind up in natural aquatic systems, downstream from sewage treatment plants, where their effects on eco-systems have been unknown, the journal Science reports.

China mulls curbing minors' online game addiction | ummid.com

China mulls curbing minors' online game addiction | ummid.com
A special work plan, jointly issued by 15 ministry-level authorities, Sunday gave a call to researchers to develop tools to identify early stages of potential addiction for facilitating early intervention for minors.

India gifts 50 computers to central American nation college | ummid.com

India gifts 50 computers to central American nation college | ummid.com
Addressing those gathered on the occasion at the Fordyce Memorial Chapel, Chinoy said: "India extends assistance to friendly countries with whom we have good relations, and countries like Belize with which we want to deepen our engagement, including at the people to people level."

Need for total political change: Ex-solicitor general | ummid.com

Need for total political change: Ex-solicitor general | ummid.com
Advocating empowerment of the Comptroller and Auditor General to verify financial details furnished by politicians in election affidavits, Subramaniam said the Election Commission was not looking into this aspect.

Andhra rains claim 17 lives, cause huge crop damage | ummid.com

Andhra rains claim 17 lives, cause huge crop damage | ummid.com
Standing crops like paddy, maize and Bengal gram were damaged over 147,986 hectares while horticulture crops like mango, chilli and vegetables were damaged in over 104,558 hectares. The crop losses were reported from 12 districts. Prakasam, Krishna and Guntur districts in south coastal Andhra bore the brunt.

Ex-cop, others nabbed for Mumbai builder's murder | ummid.com

Ex-cop, others nabbed for Mumbai builder's murder | ummid.com
Wajid Qureshi, 28, was arrested in Thane. Earlier in the day, former police officer Emmanuel Samuel Amolik was nabbed and remanded in police custody till Feb 22, for his alleged role in the murder, along with Venkatesh Shettiar.

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com
Openers Meg Lanning (31) and Rachael Haynes (52) got their team off to a rollicking start, reaching 52 runs in just nine overs. After the fall of Lanning, Haynes strung together a partnership of 64 runs with Cameron to put Australia in the driver's seat.

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com
Openers Meg Lanning (31) and Rachael Haynes (52) got their team off to a rollicking start, reaching 52 runs in just nine overs. After the fall of Lanning, Haynes strung together a partnership of 64 runs with Cameron to put Australia in the driver's seat.

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com

Australia beat Windies to win ICC Women's World Cup | ummid.com
Openers Meg Lanning (31) and Rachael Haynes (52) got their team off to a rollicking start, reaching 52 runs in just nine overs. After the fall of Lanning, Haynes strung together a partnership of 64 runs with Cameron to put Australia in the driver's seat.

Manuka honey most effective in healing wounds | ummid.com

Manuka honey most effective in healing wounds | ummid.comUniversity of Technology Sydney (UTS) researchers looked at three kinds of honey, namely manuka, kanuka and clover, to determine which was the most effective in combating them.

Delhi feels more unsafe, say foreigners | ummid.com

Delhi feels more unsafe, say foreigners | ummid.com
"I often come to India for holiday and north Indian cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Pushkar are my favourites. Things have definitely changed for me after the Delhi rape," Sandra Portman, a backpacker from New Zealand, told IANS.

India invites UAE investments in infrastructure | ummid.com

India invites UAE investments in infrastructure | ummid.com
Sharma, who is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met investors and senior officials, including the UAE's Foreign Trade Minister Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid al Qasimi, and discussed the investment opportunities in India.

Indian buses for Bangladesh | ummid.com

Indian buses for Bangladesh | ummid.com
On Saturday, Khurshid and his Bangladesh counterpart Dipu Moni exchanged the strip maps of the demarcated areas and discussed a wide spectrum of issues at the second meeting of the Indo-Bangla Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) in Dhaka.

Quality of higher education in India worrisome: Jamia Millia VC | ummid.com

Quality of higher education in India worrisome: Jamia Millia VC | ummid.com
The quality of higher education in India is worrisome with the accent more on "job-oriented courses" rather than "broad-based, good, solid education" backed by "original quality research", says Jamia Millia Islamic vice-chancellor Najeeb Jung.

Housewife chefs: Delivering home food in star hotels | ummid.com

Housewife chefs: Delivering home food in star hotels | ummid.com
Feeding this particular thought and the fact that home-cooked food is the most authentic representation of a region's cuisine has brought homemakers to the kitchens of the Gateway Hotels and Resorts of the Taj group across India.

Bathing India's monuments in light sculptures | ummid.com

Bathing India's monuments in light sculptures | ummid.com
Rimoux said he "spent six years working for Nelson Mandela in Soweto, designing the light art installation where Mandela and the Congress of the People had signed the freedom charter beginning the battle to end apartheid in 1955".

Bathing India's monuments in light sculptures | ummid.com

Bathing India's monuments in light sculptures | ummid.com
Rimoux said he "spent six years working for Nelson Mandela in Soweto, designing the light art installation where Mandela and the Congress of the People had signed the freedom charter beginning the battle to end apartheid in 1955".

Why early humans shed hair for naked skin | ummid.com

Why early humans shed hair for naked skin | ummid.com
Jablonski said that she and other researchers based their estimate on when humans evolved hairless skin on the study of the fossil record and an examination of the molecular history of genes that code proteins that help produce skin pigmentation.

Arab Spring and Maghreb: Morocco's distinctive model | ummid.com

Arab Spring and Maghreb: Morocco's distinctive model | ummid.com

By choosing the way of the evolution of political institutions of the country, Morocco has pursued the reforms undertaken in the 1990s. Needless to say, the Moroccan monarchy has a historical and religious legitimacy and has always been the symbol of the state's continuity and the guarantor of national unity and stability.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

More Andhra migrants return from Gulf | ummid.com

More Andhra migrants return from Gulf | ummid.com
Sridhar Babu told reporters that 1,000 migrants stuck up in the UAE have approached the state government for help. He said the government had asked a team of officials to identify the migrants.

Conclave for new Pope may begin before March 15 | ummid.com

Conclave for new Pope may begin before March 15 | ummid.com
The conclave of 117 cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church is expected to start between March 15 and 18, about two weeks after Pope Benedict's resignation Feb 28. Under the church rules, the conclave is to begin between 15-20 days after the papacy becomes vacant, to give cardinals time for the arrival in Rome.

A History of the Nobel Peace Prize | ummid.com

A History of the Nobel Peace Prize | ummid.com
Another laureate, Mother Tersea of Calcutta, had an original view of war and peace. “The greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Because it is a direct war, a direct killing- direct murder by the mother herself.”

A 'bionic eye' that gives limited vision to blind | ummid.com

A 'bionic eye' that gives limited vision to blind | ummid.com
"This is truly an exciting and historic moment in the drive to restore vision in people with advanced retinal degenerative diseases," said Stephen Rose, chief research officer of the Fighting Blindness Foundation.

Israeli Prime Minister's favorite ice cream costs $2,700 | ummid.com

Israeli Prime Minister's favorite ice cream costs $2,700 | ummid.com
The budget, of about $2,700, came after Netanyahu displayed a passion for a parlor nearby his official residence, the "Metudela" ice cream parlor in Jerusalem, with a particular love for the store’s pistachio and vanilla flavors.

Hamas confirms indirect talks with Israel over Gaza | ummid.com

Hamas confirms indirect talks with Israel over Gaza | ummid.com
Hamas envoys have recently met Egyptian officials and urged them to assess Israel's conduct in Gaza, al-Hayya said, noting that Israel "violates" the ceasefire by targeting fishermen and farmers and not completely lifting restrictions on the transport of goods through the Israeli-controlled commercial crossings.

Army will never carry out a coup: Gen. V.K. Singh | ummid.com

Army will never carry out a coup: Gen. V.K. Singh | ummid.com
"Today, I can reveal that some bureaucrats and some army officers planted this baseless news. These two units were part of routine mobilisation, and if you remember, there were some developments in Maldives six-seven days later. These units were meant to go there", he said.

A fragile peace and daunting challenges | ummid.com

A fragile peace and daunting challenges | ummid.com
As Abdullah uttered these words, he probably went the farthest any chief minister could go while his party is part of the Congress-led coalition in New Delhi.

Mamata's Bengal: 'Pariborton' for the worse! | ummid.com

Mamata's Bengal: 'Pariborton' for the worse! | ummid.com
The fact that the goon is known to be associated with the Trinamool Congress will not surprise anyone in the state, which has seen how the police has continued to be reluctant to act against anti-socials with links to the ruling party, as during Leftist rule.

Mamata's Bengal: 'Pariborton' for the worse! | ummid.com

Mamata's Bengal: 'Pariborton' for the worse! | ummid.com
The fact that the goon is known to be associated with the Trinamool Congress will not surprise anyone in the state, which has seen how the police has continued to be reluctant to act against anti-socials with links to the ruling party, as during Leftist rule.

Saudi Arabia biggest spender on technology in Middle East | ummid.com

Saudi Arabia biggest spender on technology in Middle East | ummid.com
The IDC, a global market intelligence and advisory firm for the information technology and telecommunication industries, outlined their plans for the upcoming Middle East summit on the 18th and 19th of February.

Sonia Gandhi addresses AMU convocation via tele-conferencing | ummid.com

Sonia Gandhi addresses AMU convocation via tele-conferencing | ummid.com
Says will do everything to preserve the varsity's historical character, autonomy
"The role that Sir Syed played for educational empowerment of his community, was exemplary and borne promises for the future. He felt the importance of education and dreamt of a University that would be a sign of wisdom and ration. He worked for the propagation of scientific quest and knowledge by establishing Scientific Society and publishing a reform journal, Tahzibul Akhlaq", she said.

Scientists develop 'intelligent armchair' | ummid.com

Scientists develop 'intelligent armchair' | ummid.com
For years, the trends have been clear: not only are people getting older but they are also increasingly left to take care of themselves in their old age. This is why researchers are working on technologies that will assist them in everyday situations later in life.

BJP fumes over Jaitley's phone surveillance | ummid.com

BJP fumes over Jaitley's phone surveillance | ummid.com
The BJP Saturday demanded an explanation from Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on the alleged "unauthorised surveillance" on its leader Arun Jaitley even as an arrested constable said he collected the call details for personal reasons.

BJP fumes over Jaitley's phone surveillance | ummid.com

BJP fumes over Jaitley's phone surveillance | ummid.com
The BJP Saturday demanded an explanation from Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on the alleged "unauthorised surveillance" on its leader Arun Jaitley even as an arrested constable said he collected the call details for personal reasons.

Boy declared pregnant sues Kazakh medics | ummid.com

Boy declared pregnant sues Kazakh medics | ummid.com
A male pregnancy is definitely a medical sensation grabbing headlines worldwide. A 15-year-old Kazakh boy was recently declared pregnant, given a handful of erroneous medical prescriptions and a bill for 50,000 tenge ($330).

Malaysia to set up virtual Islamic university | ummid.com

Malaysia to set up virtual Islamic university | ummid.com
Among universities involved in the project are the University of Sharjah, Islamic University in Uganda, Kuwait University, Azerbaijan State Economic University and the University of Sheikh Anta Diop-Senegal.

Akbaruddin Owaisi released from jail | ummid.com

Akbaruddin Owaisi released from jail | ummid.com
The legislator was released from district jail in Adilabad, about 300 km from here, at 5 p.m. after his lawyers completed all formalities of the bail granted him Friday.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Time for Kerala media to introspect | ummid.com

Time for Kerala media to introspect | ummid.com
Even as the three pillars of democracy -- legislature, executive and judiciary -- come under routine scrutiny and churning, the fourth estate in Kerala, however, has few occasions to look inward and retrospect.

NHRC asks cops to explain delay in lodging FIR | ummid.com

NHRC asks cops to explain delay in lodging FIR | ummid.com
Taking suo moto cognisance of a media report, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought explanation from the Maharashtra Police over delay in lodging an FIR of a young girl who was kidnapped after being rescued from a brothel.

Sugar heals wounds faster than antibiotics | ummid.com

Sugar heals wounds faster than antibiotics | ummid.com
He grew up in Zimbabwe where his father used sugar to heal wounds and reduce pain when he was a child. When Murandu moved to the Britain, he realised that sugar was not recognised as a traditional medicine that had something to offer, the Daily Mail reports.

ISRO to launch seven satellites Feb 25 | ummid.com

ISRO to launch seven satellites Feb 25 | ummid.com
According to ISRO, the rocket is expected to escape the earth's gravitational force at around 6 p.m. and inject the satellites in sun synchronous orbit (SSO) at around 785 km.

Government begins process to cancel VVIP chopper deal | ummid.com

Government begins process to cancel VVIP chopper deal | ummid.comIt had also noted that the changes in the tender were incorporated during March 2005 to September 2006 when Pranab Mukherjee was defence minister and S.P. Tyagi was the Air Chief. Mukherjee is now president of India and Tyagi is facing allegations that three of his kin took kickbacks to swing the deal.

12th plan to restore value to degrees: Planning Commission adviser | ummid.com

12th plan to restore value to degrees: Planning Commission adviser | ummid.comAgarwal made the observations while delivering the keynote address on the second and last day of an education summit, organised at India International Centre here by the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI), an apex body of over 500 higher education institutions.

Blog comments take sheen off science online | ummid.com

Blog comments take sheen off science online | ummid.com
For rapidly developing nanotechnology, a technology already built into more than 1,300 consumer products, exposure to uncivil online comments is one of several variables that can directly influence the perception of risk linked with it, according to University of Wisconsin-Madison study, the Journal of Computer Mediated Communication reports.

Over 500 injured as meteor shower hits Russia | ummid.com

Over 500 injured as meteor shower hits Russia | ummid.com
The European Space Agency (ESA) said there was no link between the meteorite and the 2012 DA14 asteroid which is due to pass close by the Earth Friday.

Akbaruddin Owaisi gets bail in both cases, to be released Saturday | ummid.com

Akbaruddin Owaisi gets bail in both cases, to be released Saturday | ummid.com
Meanwhile, MIM activists in Hyderabad, Adilabad, Nizamabad and other districts celebrated court orders granting bail to their leader. Carrying party flags, they came on the streets, distributing sweets and bursting firecrackers.

Diesel price hiked by 45 paise a litre, petrol to cost Rs.1.50 more | ummid.com

Diesel price hiked by 45 paise a litre, petrol to cost Rs.1.50 more | ummid.com
"Since the last price change, the international oil prices have constantly shown an uptrend. Crude oil price has increased from $109.08 per barrel to $113.24 per barrel," said Indian Oil Corporation, the country's largest oil marketing firm.

SC notice to Maharashtra govt on Dhule police firing | ummid.com

SC notice to Maharashtra govt on Dhule police firing | ummid.com
The petitioners alleged that the police was involved in looting and arson, and firing with an intention to kill. They also alleged that the police were refusing to register the FIRs and were instead filing cases against Muslim victims.

Revoked telecom permit holders must stop operation: Supreme Court | ummid.com

Revoked telecom permit holders must stop operation: Supreme Court | ummid.com
In February last year, the Supreme Court had cancelled 122 permits of second generation (2G) airwaves held by eight firms, including Idea Cellular, Tata Teleservices, Telenor and Sistema Shyam TeleServices.

Indians in Middle East remit home over $35 billion every year: National Security Advisor | ummid.com

Indians in Middle East remit home over $35 billion every year: National Security Advisor | ummid.com
Country needs to engage more with West Asian nations, says National Security Advisor
India's trade and economic ties with the region of about $160 billion were growing, as was its dependence for energy. About 60 percent of oil and gas was imported from the region. It was also a factor in food security as a major source of phosphatic and other fertilizers.

No two yardsticks to deal with terror: Minister | ummid.com

No two yardsticks to deal with terror: Minister | ummid.com
"We must act with neutrality if we want to clean our society. If we condemn Indian Mujahideen (Indian militant group accused of some terror attacks in the country in the past), we must also condemn those groups and organisations involved in the Malegaon and Samjhauta Express bomb blasts (that killed a lot of Muslims)," the minister said.

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com
In English, a function word comes before a content word (the dog, his hat, with friends, for example) and the duration of the content word is longer, while in Japanese or Hindi, the order is reversed, and the pitch of the content word higher, the journal Nature Communications reports.

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com
In English, a function word comes before a content word (the dog, his hat, with friends, for example) and the duration of the content word is longer, while in Japanese or Hindi, the order is reversed, and the pitch of the content word higher, the journal Nature Communications reports.

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com

Bilingual babies know grammar by 7 months | ummid.com
In English, a function word comes before a content word (the dog, his hat, with friends, for example) and the duration of the content word is longer, while in Japanese or Hindi, the order is reversed, and the pitch of the content word higher, the journal Nature Communications reports.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Agra to mark people's poet Nazeer Akbarabadi's birth anniversary | ummid.com

Agra to mark people's poet Nazeer Akbarabadi's birth anniversary | ummid.com
The defence ministry has asked the chief of AgustaWestland to "categorically state the clear position in view of the current developments indicating specifically if any financial transaction has taken place with any Indian individual/entity which would be violative of the integrity pact or any other terms and conditions of the contract".

Chopper deal: India warns Italian firm of blacklisting | ummid.com

Chopper deal: India warns Italian firm of blacklisting | ummid.com
The defence ministry has asked the chief of AgustaWestland to "categorically state the clear position in view of the current developments indicating specifically if any financial transaction has taken place with any Indian individual/entity which would be violative of the integrity pact or any other terms and conditions of the contract".

Kamaal Maula Masjid/Bhojshala Controversy: Palpable communal tension pervading MP town | ummid.com

Kamaal Maula Masjid/Bhojshala Controversy: Palpable communal tension pervading MP town | ummid.com
A raging battle for supremacy between Hindus and Muslims, which has all the trappings of another Babri Masjid dispute at Ayodhya, seems to snowball in Dhar, a tribal-dominated district. Both the communities are adamant not to give leeway to the other and offer prayers in the 11th century shrine “Bhojshala” on February 15.

Public spitting to be banned in London | ummid.com

Public spitting to be banned in London | ummid.com
London's Waltham Forest Council says it is the first local authority to introduce the ruling as part of a crackdown on the disgusting practice, Daily Express reported.

Tripura records 92 percent turnout, polling peaceful | ummid.com

Tripura records 92 percent turnout, polling peaceful | ummid.com

According to Jindal, except one or two small incidents, the voting passed off peacefully with no major incident reported from anywhere in the north-eastern state, which shares a 856-km border with Bangladesh.

Hollande, Manmohan discuss Jaitapur, Rafale; sign four agreements | ummid.com

Hollande, Manmohan discuss Jaitapur, Rafale; sign four agreements | ummid.com
Hollande, who arrived here early Thursday at the head of a high-level delegation which includes six ministers and a 50-member trade delegation, said France and India, which became strategic partners in 1998, are taking their relationship to "yet another stage".

Hollande, Manmohan discuss Jaitapur, Rafale; sign four agreements | ummid.com

Hollande, Manmohan discuss Jaitapur, Rafale; sign four agreements | ummid.com
Hollande, who arrived here early Thursday at the head of a high-level delegation which includes six ministers and a 50-member trade delegation, said France and India, which became strategic partners in 1998, are taking their relationship to "yet another stage".

Want US out, Taliban okay: Afghan women senators | ummid.com

Want US out, Taliban okay: Afghan women senators | ummid.com
"We want the US out of Afghanistan, but as far as Taliban is concerned, any one who is a resident of Afghanistan can be a part of the government, if they respect the constitution and women's rights," said Tayeba Zahidi, member of the upper house of Afghanistan, during an interaction with Indian journalists at the Indian Women's Press Corps.

Government to open sport schools in 628 districts | ummid.com

Government to open sport schools in 628 districts | ummid.com
"We will have a district sports schools in all the 628 districts of the country. Each school will accommodate some 100 boys and girls. So we have around 628,000 youngsters, who are training in different sports," said Deb here Wednesday.

Researchers figure out why some are slow learners | ummid.com

Researchers figure out why some are slow learners | ummid.com
In subjects who responded well to the training, the EEG (Electroencephalography) revealed characteristic changes in brain activity, more specifically in the alpha waves

Researchers figure out why some are slow learners | ummid.com

Researchers figure out why some are slow learners | ummid.com
In subjects who responded well to the training, the EEG (Electroencephalography) revealed characteristic changes in brain activity, more specifically in the alpha waves

Protests continue in Andhra's Nellore over women's murder | ummid.com

Protests continue in Andhra's Nellore over women's murder | ummid.com
Twenty-year-old A. Bhargavi, a student of Narayana Medical College and her mother Shakuntala, 43, were killed in their house by a carpenter and his two accomplices in broad daylight Tuesday. They also injured Bhargavi's father Dinakar Reddy, who runs a pharmacy college in the town, about 500 km from Hyderabad.

Government plays down sexist comments of Vayalar Ravi | ummid.com

Government plays down sexist comments of Vayalar Ravi | ummid.com
A woman journalist in Kerala sought Ravi's reaction Thursday to attempts to make Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha P.J. Kurien stand trial in the Suryanelli sex case. Vayalar Ravi responded with a personal swipe at the reporter, asking if she had a personal grudge against Kurien.

Israel's isolation growing, says scholar | ummid.com

Israel's isolation growing, says scholar | ummid.com
Speaking on regional powers in the region, scholar Efraim Inbar said the power differential between Israel and its neighbours was increasing.

After threats by Hindu groups, parks in Hyderabad closed on Valentine's Day | ummid.com

After threats by Hindu groups, parks in Hyderabad closed on Valentine's Day | ummid.com
Police directed municipal authorities to lock all big parks following threats by groups such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to 'counsel' and even forcibly marry couples seen in parks and other public places. They argue that the celebrating the day is against Indian culture.

Singing, dancing, mark 'One Billion Rising' campaign | ummid.com

Singing, dancing, mark 'One Billion Rising' campaign | ummid.com

"This Valentine's Day, apart from exchanging gifts and expressing love, let's join the OBR campaign, which aims to gather women and men from all walks of life to pledge their commitment to ending violence against girls and women," said Megha Mishra, a college student in the flash mob.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Voting begins for Tripura assembly elections | ummid.com

Voting begins for Tripura assembly elections | ummid.com
Thursday's vote would decide the fate of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, his 11 cabinet colleagues, former chief minister and senior Congress leader Samir Ranjan Burman, his son and state Congress president Sudip Roy Barman, opposition leader Ratan Lal Nath, Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) president and former militant leader Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl among others.

Witness to Environmental Degradation | ummid.com

Witness to Environmental Degradation | ummid.com
I have traveled on such train journey before and it used to be a beautiful sight with leaves brushing the windows and one can pluck some flowers or fruit on the way. Alas it’s no more, one can see the plight of the forest with its fallen trees from a distance.

Centre wants food bill passed, states have doubts | ummid.com

Centre wants food bill passed, states have doubts | ummid.com
The Congress-led UPA government Wednesday expressed hopes of passing the National Food Security Bill in the Budget Session of parliament starting Feb 21 even as the opposition-ruled states opposed its provisions at a meeting here.

Mughal Gardens set to open for public | ummid.com

Mughal Gardens set to open for public | ummid.com
While there are 120 varieties of roses across the 15-acre Mughal Gardens, this time around the main attraction are the 2,500 dahlias that will certainly grab eyeballs.

'BRICS nations emerging as world's most influential economies' | ummid.com

'BRICS nations emerging as world's most influential economies' | ummid.com
The pro-vice chancellor said this at the inaugural ceremony of 'BRICS: Synergies and Complementarities', a seminar organised by the Centre for South African and Brazilian Studies.

West Indies women reach ICC World Cup final | ummid.com

West Indies women reach ICC World Cup final | ummid.com
The West Indies got off to a slow start and were into the fifth over when Megan Schutt (3-50) first struck. She claimed the wicket of opener Juliana Nero (1), who was caught behind by captain Jodie Fields.

Asaduddin Owaisi visits Khuldabad, says hopeful of Aurangabad rally | ummid.com

Asaduddin Owaisi visits Khuldabad, says hopeful of Aurangabad rally | ummid.com
"I have full faith in the judiciary and I'm sure I'll soon be able to address my supporters in Aurangabad," Asaduddin Owaisi said during a visit to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khulbabad, 30 km from here.