Tuesday, April 30, 2013

US religious body concerned over Modi entry into US | ummid.com

US religious body concerned over Modi entry into US | ummid.com
In its 2013 annual report, the federal advisory body that monitors religious freedom abuses abroad, said USCIRF continues to urge the Departments of State and Homeland Security to develop a lookout list of aliens who are inadmissible to the US States on this basis.

Fear of fake drugs haunts Kashmiris | ummid.com

Fear of fake drugs haunts Kashmiris | ummid.com
Ironically, the fear and scare among the commonman are so widespread here that from ordinary cottonwool supplied to government hospital drug stores to life saving injections like Mannitol administered in the Valley's only superspecialty Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), every drug is viewed with suspicion by the public.

Six Maharashtra policemen killed in road crash | ummid.com

Six Maharashtra policemen killed in road crash | ummid.com
"The victims belonged to the Amravati ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) and had come to Washim for a trap case along with our local ACB. They were bound for home after completing their duties late last night," police official Santosh More told IANS.
 

Never visited Govandi in my life: 2006 Mumbai train blast accused | ummid.com

Never visited Govandi in my life: 2006 Mumbai train blast accused | ummid.com
Mumbai: Deposing before the Special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) Court as witness, one of the accused in the July 2006 Mumbai train blast on Tuesday said that he never visited Govandi in his life - a claim contradictory to the charges framed against him by the police.

Israeli settlers turn violent in West Bank after deadly attack | ummid.com

Israeli settlers turn violent in West Bank after deadly attack | ummid.com
The driver was moved to Nablus hospital, but his condition is unclear. Several girls have been lightly injured due to the attack. Settlers have also entered the nearby villages of Urif and Hawara setting fire to buildings and injuring another Palestinian.

Government battles crisis after court slap over coal mess | ummid.com

Government battles crisis after court slap over coal mess | ummid.com
And on a day Additional Solicitor General Harin Rawal resigned after taking on Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati, anguished Supreme Court judges demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be "liberated" from "extraneous consideration, influences and intrusions".

Harin Raval resigns as additional solicitor general | ummid.com

Harin Raval resigns as additional solicitor general | ummid.com
Harin Raval resigned as additional solicitor general Tuesday, a day after locking horns with Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati on the vetting of the CBI status report on its probe into the allocation of coal blocks by Law Minister Ashwani Kumar and two officials of the Prime Minister's Office and the coal ministry.

SP hardsells Harvard boycott to woo minority vote | ummid.com

SP hardsells Harvard boycott to woo minority vote | ummid.com
Party spokesperson and Prisons Minister Rajendra Chowdhary hailed Akhilesh Yadav for "standing up against unjust and anti-Muslim America", a stand he said was in line with the SP's socialist ethos.

Indian origin woman short-listed for 'best job in world' | ummid.com

Indian origin woman short-listed for 'best job in world' | ummid.com
If she finally lands the role, Asha Patel's job would be to eat her way across the state, forage out the finest produce and uncover the best bars and restaurants, the Leicester Mercury newspaper reported Tuesday.

Tata tie-up with Tel Aviv University on tech innovations | ummid.com

Tata tie-up with Tel Aviv University on tech innovations | ummid.com
"Tata has taken the decision to partner with Ramot and TAU with a desire to enhance capabilities of Tata companies and leverage technology as a differentiator for our businesses." K.R.S. Jamwal, executive director of Tata Industries said in a statement.

Petrol prices slashed by Rs.3 per litre | ummid.com

Petrol prices slashed by Rs.3 per litre | ummid.com
Petrol prices have been slashed by Rs.3 per litre from midnight, state-owned Indian Oil Corp announced Tuesday.

Over 260 Kashmiri ex-militants returned to India via Nepal | ummid.com

Over 260 Kashmiri ex-militants returned to India via Nepal | ummid.com
The state government has "notified the policy procedure for return of ex-militants from POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) to J&K through an order dated Nov 23, 2010."

Indian wins ideal driver award by Dubai police, gets 0.1mnDh car | ummid.com

Indian wins ideal driver award by Dubai police, gets 0.1mnDh car | ummid.com
Jayaseelan's name was shortlisted from 700 drivers who had gathered the maximum number of white points in one year, during which the drivers did not commit any traffic offence or were not involved in any accident, the Emirates 24/7 website reported Tuesday.

Tokyo governor apologises for provocative remarks on Istanbul bid | ummid.com

Tokyo governor apologises for provocative remarks on Istanbul bid | ummid.com
His former controversial remarks, made in a recent New York Times interview, prompted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate, while Turkey's sports minister said they were "unfair and disheartening" and "did not comply with the spirit of the values of the Olympic Movement", reports Xinhua.

Sarabjit 'clinically dead'; family to return Wednesday | ummid.com

Sarabjit 'clinically dead'; family to return Wednesday | ummid.com
Raj Kumar Verka, vice chairman of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes, said in Amritsar Tuesday that he spoke to Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur who told him that doctors have told her that Sarabjit was "brain dead".

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar acquitted in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case | ummid.com

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar acquitted in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case | ummid.com
District Judge J.R. Aryan convicted the other five accused in the case related to the killing of five people in Delhi Cantonment area following the assassination of Indira Gandhi on Oct 31, 1984.

SC for liberating CBI from government interference | ummid.com

SC for liberating CBI from government interference | ummid.com
While underlining the need to liberate the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from extraneous influences, an apex court bench headed by Justice R.M. Lodha said the affidavit to be filed by the agency's director should be "absolutely complete and truthful".

Violence continues in Assam's Goalpara district, death toll four | ummid.com

Violence continues in Assam's Goalpara district, death toll four | ummid.com
In Assam's second incident of police firing in as many days, one person was killed and at least 10 injured in Sonitpur district Tuesday. The fresh trouble broke out even as curfew continued in Goalpara district where the death toll from Monday's police firing rose to four with the discovery of two more bodies.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Shiv Sena condemns US over Azam Khan detention | ummid.com

Shiv Sena condemns US over Azam Khan detention | ummid.com
In a sharp editorial in the party mouthpiece Dopaharka Saamna Tuesday, Thackeray said that Azam Khan was virtually placed under arrest and treated as if he was a terrorist carrying 50 kg of RDX with plans to blow up White House.

Mumbai gets its first Shariah Court | ummid.com

Mumbai gets its first Shariah Court | ummid.com
Mumbai's first Darul Qaza or Shariah Court was inaugurated by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) General Secretary Syed Mohammad Wali Rahmani on Monday in an impressive public meeting held at Anjuman Islam campus near Victoria Terminus (VT).

India ranked 38th in Index of Democracy; US 21st | ummid.com

India ranked 38th in Index of Democracy; US 21st | ummid.com
The top three positions go to Norway (9.93) Sweden (9.73) and Iceland 9.65, while the United States is ranked 21st with an overall score of 8.11 in the fifth edition of the Index prepared by the London weekly focusing on international politics and business.

Interventional treatment gains popularity against life-threatening diseases | ummid.com

Interventional treatment gains popularity against life-threatening diseases | ummid.com
In a country like India, where people are diagnosed with serious diseases every three minutes, while one dies of the disease every 13 minute, these practices are gaining popularity, mostly in big cities. The practice is very common in western countries, doctors said.

Bangladesh to get first woman parliament speaker | ummid.com

Bangladesh to get first woman parliament speaker | ummid.com
She is likely to be elected without contest as the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia is boycotting the parliament and so far there was no words from BNP that it will contest for the post.

China biggest enemy of India, Pakistan no threat: Mulayam | ummid.com

China biggest enemy of India, Pakistan no threat: Mulayam | ummid.com
"I would request and I would urge upon the government that adequate steps be taken to drive out the Chinese forces from the Indian territory and all attempts should be made to demarcate the Line of Actual Control," demanded Biju Janata Dal's Bhartruhari Mahtab.
 

Three held in Bhopal hospital building collapse case | ummid.com

Three held in Bhopal hospital building collapse case | ummid.com
A case of death by negligence has been registered against three persons including two Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, (BHEL) officials in connection with the collapse of ceiling of Kasturba Gandhi Hospital on April 26, wherein three persons were killed and more than two dozen were injured, under Section 304-A of IPC – which says culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Indian origin schoolboy murdered in South Africa | ummid.com

Indian origin schoolboy murdered in South Africa | ummid.com
While Dareshan Moodley was stabbed to death at Chatsworth, an area in Durban largely dominated by people of Indian origin, his 18-year-old brother Revarsheen is undergoing treatment in the city's R.K. Khan Hospital, the Daily News newspaper reported

Mamata should apologise for smoking comment: Rights group | ummid.com

Mamata should apologise for smoking comment: Rights group | ummid.com
In the wake of the multi-crore Saradha Group chit-fund scam, the Banerjee government has constituted a Rs.500 crore corpus to indemnify the marginal investors who have suffered heavy losses after the company went bust.

Bihar to introduce road safety in high school syllabus | ummid.com

Bihar to introduce road safety in high school syllabus | ummid.com
"Millions of students in class nine and ten would study road safety in detail. We have decided to introduce road safety in their syllabus after it was successfully introduced in middle schools," Patel told IANS here.

325 highly accident prone spots in India | ummid.com

325 highly accident prone spots in India | ummid.com
These account for the "highest rate of accidents and fatalities in the country", Road Transport and Highways Minister C.P. Joshi said in a statement.

Indian origin cop in South Africa wins racism case | ummid.com

Indian origin cop in South Africa wins racism case | ummid.com
When Munsamy reached the rank of Major in May 2011, equivalent to that of a superintendent, he sued the police ministry and department, claiming the difference in the salary he would have got had he been promoted 11 years ago and the salary he was paid 11 years later.

'Wife' troubles dog Jharkhand BJP leaders | ummid.com

'Wife' troubles dog Jharkhand BJP leaders | ummid.com
On Saturday, Seema Rai, vice president of the Scheduled Castes Cell of the state, appeared before the media in New Delhi to say her "husband" had deserted her in a mall. The runaway husband, she said, was Ram, who is already married and a father of three.

India vouches for safety, efficacy of its drugs | ummid.com

India vouches for safety, efficacy of its drugs | ummid.com
"India is the largest supplier of generic medicines in the world. These drugs are issued only after their quality and compatibility are checked," said P.V. Appaji, director general of the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council.

60,000 Indians register at Indian missions in Saudi Arabia | ummid.com

60,000 Indians register at Indian missions in Saudi Arabia | ummid.com
Around 60,000 Indian workers have registered in the Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate general in Jeddah in the wake of the new Saudi labour policy, according to India's Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.

India, Saudi Arabia joint panel to address Indians' woes | ummid.com

India, Saudi Arabia joint panel to address Indians' woes | ummid.com
The first meeting of the new panel will be held in Riyadh May 1 to discuss various means to solve the problems Indian workers would face under the new Nitaqat or Saudization policy, local media reported Monday.

Panel decides against shifting Sarabjit outside Pakistan | ummid.com

Panel decides against shifting Sarabjit outside Pakistan | ummid.com
The four-member medical panel has shot down the possibility of Sarabjit Singh being sent abroad for specialised treatment and decided that he would continue to be treated in Pakistan, Geo News reported Monday.

Key figures whose fate will be decided May 5 | ummid.com

Key figures whose fate will be decided May 5 | ummid.com
Law Minister S. Suresh Kumar, from Rajajinagar in Bangalore, mainly because he is pitted against his former ministerial colleague Shobha Karandlaje, now in former chief minister B.S.Yeddyurappa's KJP.

Karnataka polls: Corruption is main campaign issue | ummid.com

Karnataka polls: Corruption is main campaign issue | ummid.com
The campaign by central and state leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the main challenger, the Congress, as well as leaders of smaller parties is full of promises to rid the state of corruption - with an assurance of good governance thrown in.

Two killed in Assam police firing | ummid.com

Two killed in Assam police firing | ummid.com
Police opened fire in Goalpara district around noon after being attacked by residents protesting a suspected murder, a police official said.

Muslims need a new roadmap | ummid.com

Muslims need a new roadmap | ummid.com
Muslims have already outgrown Catholics as the world’s biggest religious community. This in turn seems to fuel insecurity in societies where Muslims are in minority. Sri Lanka and Myanmar are the latest examples of growing Islamophobia.

Third Front no easy task, can't be rushed: Karat | ummid.com

Third Front no easy task, can't be rushed: Karat | ummid.com
"Third alternative front is not an easy task and it cannot be formed hastily. To form the third alternative front, the strength and political base of the CPI-M and Left parties must be strengthened," Karat said, addressing an extended meeting of the CPI-M state committee here Sunday night.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Media and Muslims: Fact and fiction | ummid.com

Media and Muslims: Fact and fiction | ummid.com
Moved by the need to give a balance to issues concerning Muslims, A. Aleem Faizee, an electronics engineer turned journalist. launched his website Ummid.com. It is a popular and good resource base. In 2006 after the blasts in Malegaon, Faizee and others decided it was time to set the record straight.

Fire at DRDO complex, no loss of life reported | ummid.com

Fire at DRDO complex, no loss of life reported | ummid.com
A senior DRDO official said fire fighters rushed to the site and were able to prevent the spread of the fire. People living nearby were evacuated soon after a security informed authorities of the blaze.

Turkmenian president wins horse race, earns $11 mn | ummid.com

Turkmenian president wins horse race, earns $11 mn | ummid.com
The Turkmen leader’s horse Berkarar (Powerful) ran the distance within 21.2 seconds, while his closest rival, who came second, finished in 21.9 seconds.

Will do everything to bring back Sarabjit, says India | ummid.com

Will do everything to bring back Sarabjit, says India | ummid.com
As Indian death row prisoner Sarabjit Singh battled for his life in a Lahore hospital, the Indian government Sunday said it would do everything it can to let him come home on humanitarian grounds.

Sarabjit critical; family pleads for help, prays | ummid.com

Sarabjit critical; family pleads for help, prays | ummid.com
Sarabjit's family arrived in Lahore city of Pakistan from Amritsar Sunday afternoon to be with him. After meeting him at the Jinnah Hospital, the family pleaded that he be allowed to be taken back to India or any other country immediately for treatment.

Hamas arresting Salafi fighters in Gaza, say families | ummid.com

Hamas arresting Salafi fighters in Gaza, say families | ummid.com
Dozens of women, dressed in black outfits covering their entire bodies, and some children gathered at the intersection of a main street in the city, holding banners calling for the release of their sons, who were held for taking part in firing rockets into Israel.

Girls' hostel warden arrested for seeking sexual favours | ummid.com

Girls' hostel warden arrested for seeking sexual favours | ummid.com
Police said that the 35-year-old accused, Prashant Kumar, was the warden of Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sansthan run by an NGO.

Probe ordered into Bhopal hospital building collapse | ummid.com

Probe ordered into Bhopal hospital building collapse | ummid.com
The committee is chaired by DK Dixit, General Manager (Quality) BHEL, Bhopal. Venkatachalam Ex. AGM, BHEL, Bhopal; PJ Reddy BHEL, AGM, RC Puram; PML Prasad AGM BHEL R & D Hyderabad, Nitin Dindorkar, Professor of Structure Engineering, MANIT; and Oscar Angel, DGM (SF), are members of this committee. The committee will submit its report within one week.

Mumbai engineer Hamid Ansari missing in Pakistan | ummid.com

Mumbai engineer Hamid Ansari missing in Pakistan | ummid.com
His distraught family in Mumbai's upmarket Versova area fear that he may have been involved in a serious accident, may have been kidnapped by a terror group or arrested by authorities for illegally entering Pakistan.

China to build robots at new industrial base | ummid.com

China to build robots at new industrial base | ummid.com
Located in Shenfu New Town, a development zone in Fushun, the industrial base will cover an area of five square km, Zhao Qibin, deputy director of the town management committee, told Xinhua.

Japan marks first 'sovereignty recovery' day | ummid.com

Japan marks first 'sovereignty recovery' day | ummid.com
A ceremony was held in which the Japanese imperial couple, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as well as about 390 lawmakers, prefectural governors and government officials took part, Xinhua reported.

Assam minister attacked for slamming Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi | ummid.com

Assam minister attacked for slamming Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi | ummid.com
People hurled shoes, sandals and empty water bottles at Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain in Western Assam's Chirang district Sunday after he hit out at All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Moulana Badaruddin Ajmal in a speech.

Three injured in gunfire as new Italian cabinet sworn in | ummid.com

Three injured in gunfire as new Italian cabinet sworn in | ummid.com
Xinhua cited local media reports as saying that the man fired several shots outside the government office building, which is close to the presidential palace where Prime Minister Enrico Letta was being sworn in with his cabinet ministers.

Murder suspect dies in Ghaziabad lockup, probe ordered | ummid.com

Murder suspect dies in Ghaziabad lockup, probe ordered | ummid.com
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nitin Tiwari said that a departmental probe has been ordered into the incident and he will request the district magistrate for a magisterial inquiry.

MPs panel raps ministry for clearing 33 drugs without trials | ummid.com

MPs panel raps ministry for clearing 33 drugs without trials | ummid.com
It a report tabled in parliament last week, the panel headed by parliament member Brajesh Pathak said: "This is yet another instance where the ministry, inspite of appreciating the serious problem the continued marketing of these 33 drugs may pose to Indian patients, has chosen to take no action to resolve it".

Kerala Police collect Rs.1.5 million as fine from smokers | ummid.com

Kerala Police collect Rs.1.5 million as fine from smokers | ummid.com
"A total 9,885 people were fined across 20 police districts, netting Rs.15.75 lakh (Rs. 1.57 million). For the sake of administrative convenience, 14 districts in the state have been grouped under 20 police districts," said the website www.keralapolice.org.

Pakistan hobbles towards May 11 polls | ummid.com

Pakistan hobbles towards May 11 polls | ummid.com
"Now that tickets have been awarded for the May 11 polls, it's clear that while political parties may court the female vote for its strategic value, they cannot bring themselves to consider women as viable candidates for general seats," Dawn said in an editorial.

Sarabjit's survival chances slim, say doctors | ummid.com

Sarabjit's survival chances slim, say doctors | ummid.com
He has been on death row in Pakistan since 1990 after being convicted by Pakistani courts for bomb blasts in Lahore and Multan, which left 14 people dead. His family claims he is innocent, and that he crossed over to Pakistan in August 1990 in an inebriated state, and was arrested there.

'Teachers' training has almost collapsed' | ummid.com

'Teachers' training has almost collapsed' | ummid.com
The Right to Education Act lays down strict guidelines on the student-teacher ratio, as well as on training, according to which the Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) should be 30:1 in primary classes and 35:1 in upper primary classes.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Sri Lanka posing a challenge to Kerala ayurveda | ummid.com

Sri Lanka posing a challenge to Kerala ayurveda | ummid.com
Ayurveda plays a key role in attracting close to one million foreign and over one crore domestic tourists every year to Kerala. Almost 70 percent of the foreigners and 30-40 percent of Indian tourists come to Kerala for ayurvedic treatment.

Sun has 5 billion years left: Nobel laureate | ummid.com

Sun has 5 billion years left: Nobel laureate | ummid.com
The US-born astrophysicist, who lives in Australia, won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011 along with Adam Riess and Saul Perlmutter for discovering that the universe is accelerating.

Cancer-struck Indian professor waits for donor | ummid.com

Cancer-struck Indian professor waits for donor | ummid.com
"After around eight weeks or so, she may not be healthy enough to accept the treatment even if a matching donor is found," rued D'Souza, adding that they were making all efforts to find one in Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, and among south Indians in general.

Saudi Arabia offers higher salaries to attract locals to get jobs | ummid.com

Saudi Arabia offers higher salaries to attract locals to get jobs | ummid.com
The government plans to offer training and higher salaries to attract locals to get jobs, especially the blue-collar ones, reported local daily Okaz citing a labor ministry source.

Sarabjit remains critical, family heads for Lahore Sunday | ummid.com

Sarabjit remains critical, family heads for Lahore Sunday | ummid.com
Four of Sarabjit's family will cross over to Pakistan Sunday to visit him in Jinnah Hospital in Lahore, where he has been admitted after a brutal assault. Doctors, according to reports, said that Sarabjit was in "deep coma".

US-based Sikh group seeks UN intervention for Bhullar | ummid.com

US-based Sikh group seeks UN intervention for Bhullar | ummid.com
A Swiss NGO, Movement Against Atrocities and Repression (MAAR), and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) have filed an appeal with Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Christof Heyns on April 25.

Aligarh Muslim University Ratan | ummid.com

Aligarh Muslim University Ratan | ummid.com
In addition, Dr. Banu, who was first class, first, throughout her college career at BHU. finds time to develop science curriculum for deeni madrasas and Islamic schools. This is only the tip of the iceberg that our subject is capable to embody----so casually.

Israel for 4-way summit on talks with Palestinians: Official | ummid.com

Israel for 4-way summit on talks with Palestinians: Official | ummid.com
US Secretary of State John Kerry had briefed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting in Turkey last week on details of the proposal, in which US President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordanian King Abdullah II along with Abbas will participate, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

New government housing scheme announced for Mumbaikars | ummid.com

New government housing scheme announced for Mumbaikars | ummid.com
The cheapest and smallest flat under the economically weaker section will be available at the Turbhe, Mandale and Mankhurd suburbs in eastern Mumbai. The 180 square foot flat will priced at around Rs.650,000 - a little over Rs.3,600 per square foot.

Indian American students shine in California science fair | ummid.com

Indian American students shine in California science fair | ummid.com
Eesha Khare, a 12th grade student of Lynbrook High School in San Jose, California, won the top award for 'Project of the Year' in the senior grade at the fair held earlier this year, India-West reported Saturday.

Kerala to host country's first meet on travel technology | ummid.com

Kerala to host country's first meet on travel technology | ummid.com
Subject experts -- tour operators, hotel and resort owners, tourism marketing professionals, academics, researchers and think tanks -- from India and abroad will gather at the conference to discuss evolving technologies and the opportunities they present.

Pakistani military protests treatment meted out to Musharraf | ummid.com

Pakistani military protests treatment meted out to Musharraf | ummid.com
The delegation of 75 officers from Command and Staff College, Quetta, led by Col. Saqib Ali Cheema, met the chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Mushahid Hussain Sayed at the parliament house to express concern over Musharraf's arrest, reported Dawn.

Direct cash subsidy scheme making states mere bystanders: Jayalalithaa | ummid.com

Direct cash subsidy scheme making states mere bystanders: Jayalalithaa | ummid.com
In a letter to Manmohan Singh, Jayalalithaa - referring to the utilisation of the state government for implementing the direct benefits transfer scheme said: "This is clearly an infringement of the authority of the state governments and totally violative of the federal polity of the country and the spirit of democratic decentralisation."

Mahmoud Abbas begins talks to form Palestinian national government | ummid.com

Mahmoud Abbas begins talks to form Palestinian national government | ummid.com
The government is supposed to rule the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and to prepare for holding general elections, including polls within the bodies of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), he said, calling on all Palestinian factions to cooperate with the formation of the government.

Mahmoud Abbas begins talks to form Palestinian national government | ummid.com

Mahmoud Abbas begins talks to form Palestinian national government | ummid.com
The government is supposed to rule the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and to prepare for holding general elections, including polls within the bodies of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), he said, calling on all Palestinian factions to cooperate with the formation of the government.

Saturn to be closest to Earth Sunday for decade | ummid.com

Saturn to be closest to Earth Sunday for decade | ummid.com
Last time, Saturn came close to Earth was April 15, 2012 and the next time it will be May 10, 2014, but the affinity of 2013 will be only witnessed after another decade, he explained.
 

Modi may have had the last laugh | ummid.com

Modi may have had the last laugh | ummid.com
He arrived at the airport here around 5 p.m, Wednesday and drove to the Sivagiri Mutt to participate in the silver jubilee celebrations. In his carefully worded speech, he accused both the rival fronts of political hypocrisy and won the hearts of his audience, that had turned out in huge numbers.

Activists demand SC, ST sub plans as legislation | ummid.com

Activists demand SC, ST sub plans as legislation | ummid.com
"We want the centre to introduce this bill in parliament and pass it as an act. Money earmarked under these two plans does not reach the people belonging to SC and ST communities," P.S. Krishna, a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer said.

Rift in Hindu group ahead of Malaysian polls | ummid.com

Rift in Hindu group ahead of Malaysian polls | ummid.com
A rift between brothers P. Waythamoorthy and P. Uthayakumar of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has become apparent after an SMS started circulating that Waythamoorthy had been sacked as chairman of the group by its “supreme council” and that Uthayakumar would be championing the group's cause, according to the local media.

Israel agrees on UN probe into heritage safety in Jerusalem | ummid.com

Israel agrees on UN probe into heritage safety in Jerusalem | ummid.com
"Jordan and Palestine, supported by Arab states, succeeded in pressuring Israel, for the first time since 2004, to accept and facilitate a UNESCO experts' mission to investigate and assess the status of heritage and conservation of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls," a palace statement said on Tuesday. 

Indian scholar meets Saudi officials over new labour policy | ummid.com

Indian scholar meets Saudi officials over new labour policy | ummid.com
Ahmed met Saudi Deputy Labour Minister Mufrej Al-Haqabani and director of labour affairs Ahmad Humaidan recently and spoke of the long relationship between India and Saudi Arabia and the role of the Indian community in building Saudi Arabia.

Sarabjit still critical, kin seek Pakistan visa | ummid.com

Sarabjit still critical, kin seek Pakistan visa | ummid.com
Sarabjit Singh's sister Dalbir Kaur, who has been spearheading the campaign for his release from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat prison, and his wife and two daughters, arrived here Saturday morning from their hometown Bhikiwind, 50 km from Amritsar.

Kerala nod for Amjad's proposed international school of music | ummid.com

Kerala nod for Amjad's proposed international school of music | ummid.com
"I am grateful to the Kerala government for agreeing to my humble request. In my life I want to keep serving the people who have a desire to learn Indian classical music. In my music school, there will be students from all over the world and it would function in the lines of a gurukul model," said the great musician who added that he will also be teaching to play the Sarod.

Waveless poll makes Congress realistic on numbers | ummid.com

Waveless poll makes Congress realistic on numbers | ummid.com
That is just 12 to 17 seats more than the 113 required for majority in the house, which is made up of 224 elected members and one nominated to represent the Anglo-Indian community. Interestingly, a CNN-IBN poll Thursday gave the Congress 117-129 seats and a mere 39-49 to the BJP.

UPA better placed than NDA vis-a-vis allies | ummid.com

UPA better placed than NDA vis-a-vis allies | ummid.com
Prakash Karat of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), too, has spoken in favour of such an arrangement. He was, of course, the driving force behind a similar endeavour in 2009 under the Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati, which collapsed in a heap when the Congress crossed the 200-seat mark in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Miffed Akhilesh Yadav, Azam skip Harvard lecture | ummid.com

Miffed Akhilesh Yadav, Azam skip Harvard lecture | ummid.com
An announcement posted on the SAI website Friday said "Due to unforeseen circumstances, today's panel speaker will be Shri Jawed Usmani (Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Government-India)" in place of Yadav and Khan.

Friday, April 26, 2013

74-year-old German shoots mayor dead, kills self | ummid.com

74-year-old German shoots mayor dead, kills self | ummid.com
Police confirmed that county mayor Ruediger Butte was shot dead by the gunman who then turned the firearm on himself. There was no direct witness.

Parliamentary panel briefed on Chinese incursion, Mulayam says government scared | ummid.com

Parliamentary panel briefed on Chinese incursion, Mulayam says government scared | ummid.com
A parliamentary panel was Friday told that India and China were trying to resolve through existing mechanisms the row arising over incursion by Chinese troops in Ladakh area, even as Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav accused the government of showing weakness on the issue.

Government in deep crisis over CBI affidavit on coal mines | ummid.com

Government in deep crisis over CBI affidavit on coal mines | ummid.com
In its two-page affidavit, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chief Ranjit Sinha told the Supreme Court that it had "shared" its March 8 status report on investigations into coal blocks allocation with Ashwani Kumar and senior officials in the Prime Minister's Office and the coal ministry.

CBI says 'shared' coal blocks probe, sets off political storm | ummid.com

CBI says 'shared' coal blocks probe, sets off political storm | ummid.com
The disclosure of CBI director Ranjit Sinha immediately set off an opposition clamour for the law minister's resignation for allegedly interfering in the functioning of the premier investigating agency. An aggressive Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Sinha's statement "exposes" the government.

Sarabjit attacked in Lahore prison, sister alleges conspiracy | ummid.com

Sarabjit attacked in Lahore prison, sister alleges conspiracy | ummid.com
Indian death row convict Sarabjit Singh was admitted to the ICU of Lahore's Jinnah Hospital following a murderous attack on him by fellow prisoners in the city's Kot Lakhpat jail Friday afternoon, his family in Indian Punjab said.

Four Kashmir cops killed in ambush | ummid.com

Four Kashmir cops killed in ambush | ummid.com
Separatist guerrillas waiting in ambush attacked a police vehicle in Hygam area of the north Kashmir district, a senior police officer here told IANS.

Factory flexibility for changing petrol-diesel product mix: Ford India | ummid.com

Factory flexibility for changing petrol-diesel product mix: Ford India | ummid.com
"In the last three to four months there were shift towards petrol (vehicles) and it is moving more towards petrol. We are actually changing our mix in the factory so that we will able to meet the demands," Ford India president and managing director Joginder Singh told reporters here.

Police did not respond to helpline calls on 5-year-old's rape: Delhi CM | ummid.com

Police did not respond to helpline calls on 5-year-old's rape: Delhi CM | ummid.com
Speaking to IANS, Dikshit said: "There was a report which came from our 181 women's helpline on the five-year-old child who was raped. The 181 personnel kept speaking to the police, but they did not take any action."

Checking your mobile phone is contagious! | ummid.com

Checking your mobile phone is contagious! | ummid.com
The researchers observed how it has become the modern equivalent of glancing at your watch -- the furtive look at a phone screen to check for new messages or have a quick look at Facebook, Daily Mail reported.

Asteroid could fly 8,600 km from Earth in 2026 | ummid.com

Asteroid could fly 8,600 km from Earth in 2026 | ummid.com
The flyby of the asteroid 2013 GM3 April 14, 2026, may bring it within 15,000 km of the Earth's centre, or 8,620 km from the planet's surface, said astronomer Francesco Manca of the Sormano Astronomical Observatory near Milan.

How long will Bahadur Shah Zafar's exile continue, asks online petition | ummid.com

How long will Bahadur Shah Zafar's exile continue, asks online petition | ummid.com
A petition addressed to President Pranab Mukherji, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh put online Friday, has urged the Indian government to bring back the mortal remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar - symbol of freedom and secularism in India.

India's richest woman asked to vacate government house | ummid.com

India's richest woman asked to vacate government house | ummid.com
The court said that if Jindal failed to vacate the government bungalow within the stipulated time, the estate officer here would complete eviction proceedings within six weeks.

IIM-Trichy to offer short-term executive courses | ummid.com

IIM-Trichy to offer short-term executive courses | ummid.com
In a statement Friday, the management institute said: "IIM Trichy will shortly announce a range of short-term executive education programmes and customised management programmes for individual companies, at its Chennai centre."

Court refuses to allow photocopy of international textbooks in DU | ummid.com

Court refuses to allow photocopy of international textbooks in DU | ummid.com
The court had earlier restrained Rameshwari Photocopy Service located in Delhi School of Economics from making or selling course packs and also reproducing the publications of three international publishing houses -- the Oxford University Press, the Cambridge University Press and Taylor and Francis

Bangladesh building collapse toll rises to 271 | ummid.com

Bangladesh building collapse toll rises to 271 | ummid.com
He said 41 trapped people were rescued alive from beneath the rubble of the eight-storeyed building early Friday, keeping alive the hope that more lives can be saved as the rescue operation continues.

Slapped girl's brother asks Shinde to sack errant cops | ummid.com

Slapped girl's brother asks Shinde to sack errant cops | ummid.com
"We have submitted the letter to the office of union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde at North Block today (Friday) afternoon. The staff has assured us that it will be forwarded to Shinde," Kapil Mishra told IANS. A campaign activist, he accompanied the assaulted Beenu Rawat's brother Narender to the home minister's office.

One of every five Indian kids acutely malnourished: Krishna Tirath | ummid.com

One of every five Indian kids acutely malnourished: Krishna Tirath | ummid.com
Tirath said: "The approach to deal with the nutrition challenges has been two pronged. First is the multi-sectoral approach for accelerated action on the determinants of malnutrition in targeting nutrition in schemes or programmes of all the sectors.

Samajwadi Party, Muslim leaders slam Azam Khan's frisking in US | ummid.com

Samajwadi Party, Muslim leaders slam Azam Khan's frisking in US | ummid.com
"The foreign minister should immediately ask authorities behind such a disgraceful act to a respected politician to unconditionally apologise," he said, adding that the US will have to make changes in its mindset while dealing with such situations.

Indian researchers get generous fillip from EU | ummid.com

Indian researchers get generous fillip from EU | ummid.com
There is also Suman Peel-Lata, a research fellow at the University Of Bristol. Though she trained as a chemist in India, Peel-Lata was always fascinated by the "prospect of applying tools from physics to complex biological systems".

Indian American wins Wharton School award | ummid.com

Indian American wins Wharton School award | ummid.com
Founded by the student team of Indian American Venkat Jonnala and Jean-Mathieu Chabas, ZenKars is an online model connecting used cars from corporate directly to consumers targeting a $600-billion market.

Indian American wins Wharton School award | ummid.com

Indian American wins Wharton School award | ummid.com
Founded by the student team of Indian American Venkat Jonnala and Jean-Mathieu Chabas, ZenKars is an online model connecting used cars from corporate directly to consumers targeting a $600-billion market.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Why Boston killings got more coverage than any other story | ummid.com

Why Boston killings got more coverage than any other story | ummid.com
Many people noticed that the international media was shockingly selective in its news coverage this month. This columnist knows the mindset of foreign correspondents intimately, so here's an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW on the subject that just took place in a dark corner of my imagination.

Its humiliating, says Azam Khan; decides to cut short US visit | ummid.com

Its humiliating, says Azam Khan; decides to cut short US visit | ummid.com
In a statement issued by his personal assistant Muktinath Jha late Thursday, the minister alleged that on the pretext of frisking him homeland security officials humiliated him, and that he was targeted because he is a Muslim.

Now Azam Khan detained at American airport, India protests | ummid.com

Now Azam Khan detained at American airport, India protests | ummid.com
Khan, who is accompanying State Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for the presentation of a Harvard study on the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, was detained for about 10 minutes for "further questioning" at Boston Logan International Airport Wednesday, according to Indian officials.

SC to view contentious film 'Sada Haq' | ummid.com

SC to view contentious film 'Sada Haq' | ummid.com
A bench of Chief Justice Altamas Kabir, Justice Anil R. Dave and Justice Vikramajit Sen also said that senior counsel Fali Nariman, Rajiv Dhawan, and Additional Solicitor General Rebecca John too would be watch the film that would be screened in the apex court premises Friday afternoon.

Palika Bazar, now an underground porn hub? | ummid.com

Palika Bazar, now an underground porn hub? | ummid.com
This IANS correspondent visited the market in the business heart of Delhi and the shopkeepers admitted that advancements in technology and the decline in the number of affluent customers have given way to this new breed of shoppers who are looking for cheap entertainment.

Gaza blockade causing unprecedented hardships to Palestinians: India | ummid.com

Gaza blockade causing unprecedented hardships to Palestinians: India | ummid.com
Asoke Kumar Mukerji, India's Permanent Representative to United Nations, speaking at the Security Council Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, said the Middle East Peace Process is passing through its most difficult phase in recent times.

Pre-poll survey predicts Congress government in Karnataka | ummid.com

Pre-poll survey predicts Congress government in Karnataka | ummid.com
The Congress would be in a position to form a government in Karnataka, getting past the half way mark of 113 seats in the 225-member house while the ruling BJP's tally would go down significantly, a survey said Thursday.

Army chief briefs Antony on LAC stand-off; Khurshid visiting Beijing May 9 | ummid.com

Army chief briefs Antony on LAC stand-off; Khurshid visiting Beijing May 9 | ummid.com
The Indian Army chief, Gen. Bikram Singh, Thursday briefed Defence Minister A.K. Antony on the Chinese troop incursion in Ladakh even as External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said he is visiting China May 9. He described as "absurd" suggestions that the current stand-off would derail bilateral ties.

Two minor sisters raped; court says 'something somewhere is wrong' | ummid.com

Two minor sisters raped; court says 'something somewhere is wrong' | ummid.com
The comments came as the police arrested Rakesh Mishra, 35, a motor mechanic, for sexually assaulting the two girls for several months. Mishra was in an illicit relationship with the girl's mother. He was staying with them for the past one year.

Several celestial events lined up for sky gazers | ummid.com

Several celestial events lined up for sky gazers | ummid.com
The eclipse begins at 11.32 p.m. on April 25 and ends at 03.43 a.m. on April 26. According to the Planetary Society of India (PSI), people can noticeably witness darkening of the moon's disk between 1.22-1.53 a.m.

Shadows of Trident: Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial Candidate | ummid.com

Shadows of Trident: Narendra Modi as Prime Ministerial Candidate | ummid.com
Still the game is not lost. The unevenness of Indian political scenario is a saving grace against the homogenizing totalitarian politics of Modi and company. The regional diversity and struggles of democratic and oppressed sections is the major force which can halt the march of Communal Fascism with Modi as the leader.

Haj Committee of India invites applications for new batch of UPSC coaching centre | ummid.com

Haj Committee of India invites applications for new batch of UPSC coaching centre | ummid.com
The Haj Committee of India that runs an IAS & Allied Services Coaching and Guidance Cell on concession basis for the students from minority communities has invited applications for the new batch starting September 2013.

Congress, opposition at daggers drawn over 2G JPC report | ummid.com

Congress, opposition at daggers drawn over 2G JPC report | ummid.com
The Congress and the opposition were at daggers drawn Thursday, with the latter demanding the removal of P.C. Chacko as the head of the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) looking into 2G spectrum allocation and the former pressing for debarring three BJP members from voting on its report.

How can minors have agreement with social media sites, asks court | ummid.com

How can minors have agreement with social media sites, asks court | ummid.com
A division bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Vibhu Bakhru also issued notice to US-based Facebook Inc and Google Inc to file their responses on a plea seeking directions for social networking sites to restrain children below 18 from having an account with them.

Mohammedan Sporting qualify for I-League 2013-14 | ummid.com

Mohammedan Sporting qualify for I-League 2013-14 | ummid.com
After playing nine matches and bagging 18 points, Mohammedan Sporting, who sit pretty at the top of the table, are back in the top tier after a gap of four years. The centenary club last played in India's premier club competition in the 2008/09 season.

Mamata asks people to smoke more; receives flak | ummid.com

Mamata asks people to smoke more; receives flak | ummid.com
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday came in for sharp criticism from within her party and the opposition after she suggested people to "smoke more" to provide compensation to victims of a chit fund scam.

Maharashtra Minister laments Central Haj Committee over inadequate haj quota | ummid.com

Maharashtra Minister laments Central Haj Committee over inadequate haj quota | ummid.com
Minority Development Department Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra Arif Naseem Khan Thursday lamented the Central Haj Committee and his own government at the centre saying that the two had failed in getting the sufficient Haj quota based on the current population of the Muslims in the country.
 

Huge demand for Smart Business Centres at Technopark third phase | ummid.com

Huge demand for Smart Business Centres at Technopark third phase | ummid.com
The third phase consists of twin towers, Aanamudi and Ponmudi, which have been named after two mountain peaks in the state. It has a builtup area of one million square feet.m

Six members of a family found dead in Malegaon | ummid.com

Six members of a family found dead in Malegaon | ummid.com
In a tragic incident, all the six members of a Bihari migrant family were found dead on Thursday in the Sangmeshwar area of this textile town in North Maharashtra. Police suspect it a case of suicide.

UAE students shine in Kerala board exam | ummid.com

UAE students shine in Kerala board exam | ummid.com
Students of schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who appeared this year for the class 10 examinations conducted by the Kerala State Education Board, have come out with flying colours, posting a 98.8 percent pass rate.

Maharashtra government doctors on strike for third day | ummid.com

Maharashtra government doctors on strike for third day | ummid.com
"The strike continues as of now. From today (Thursday), we shall run parallel OPDs to ensure that poor and needy patients are not adversely affected," Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) president Santosh Wakchaure told IANS.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Key US lawmaker backs high-skilled immigration from India | ummid.com

Key US lawmaker backs high-skilled immigration from India | ummid.com
Highlighting the rapidly growing trade and economic engagement between India and the US, Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao has conveyed her deep appreciation to a key lawmaker for his support for high-skilled immigration.

Madhya Pradesh's BJP Govt. promises all support to leather crafts-persons | ummid.com

Madhya Pradesh's BJP Govt. promises all support to leather crafts-persons | ummid.com
The State Government will help market products manufactured by leather crafts-persons. Depots will be set up at Indore and Gwalior to provide raw material to them. Places will be earmarked for leather crafts-persons in small shopping centres to be established in rural areas.

28 lawmakers join caucus to support American Sikhs | ummid.com

28 lawmakers join caucus to support American Sikhs | ummid.com
A new bipartisan American Sikh Congressional Caucus has been formed to educate US lawmakers and the general public about Sikh issues and support the American Sikh community that has often faced discrimination post 9/11.

Draw for Maharashtra Hajis Thursday; over 35,000 applications for 5,512 seats | ummid.com

Draw for Maharashtra Hajis Thursday; over 35,000 applications for 5,512 seats | ummid.com
The Maharashtra Haj Committee is set to hold the draw of lots for the Maharashtra Hajis on Thursday at sharp 09:00 in the morning at the Haj House near Victoria Railway Terminus, an official said.

Indian workers in Saudi Arabia assured all help | ummid.com

Indian workers in Saudi Arabia assured all help | ummid.com
In a meeting held at the Indian School in the provincial capital of Dammam Tuesday, the ambassador took first-hand information about the problems faced by members of the Indian community, the Arab News newspaper reported.

After death of hundreds, Dalai Lama condemns Myanmar violence | ummid.com

After death of hundreds, Dalai Lama condemns Myanmar violence | ummid.com
Amid damning reports showing official Myanmar complicity in ethnically cleansing entire Muslim towns and villages, the world's foremost Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, has condemned the violence that has left hundreds dead and an estimated hundreds of thousands homeless.

At last, case against Gorakhpu blast accused Tariq Qasmi withdrawn | ummid.com

At last, case against Gorakhpu blast accused Tariq Qasmi withdrawn | ummid.com
The move followed a recommendation from the district administration to the state home department that the case against Qasmi, resident of Azamgarh, be withdrawn.

'Growth of MNCs, relation with Israel influencing national policies' | ummid.com

'Growth of MNCs, relation with Israel influencing national policies' | ummid.com
He said in 1992 due to new economic policies Muslim youths also joined multinational companies but the communal forces could not digest their high positions and prosperity and they changed their strategy.

BJP attacks Sheila for sharing stage with Kazmi | ummid.com

BJP attacks Sheila for sharing stage with Kazmi | ummid.com
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Jolly demanded explanation from Dikshit whether her Congress-led government has given a "clean chit" to Kazmi who is involved in the matter which concerns "nation security".

Violence in China’s Xinjiang, 21 dead | ummid.com

Violence in China’s Xinjiang, 21 dead | ummid.com
Police were investigating an arson attack in the region where the violence began. "The region has been the focal point for ethnic and racial tensions for quite some time now," Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas said.

Aleppo Mosque: A glimpse into endless Syrian war | ummid.com

Aleppo Mosque: A glimpse into endless Syrian war | ummid.com
But at the mosque, rebel comrades wielding homemade grenades, guns and bandoleers of bullets remain defiant in the face of near-daily shelling since taking control of the site.

Uranium residuals found in Himachal village | ummid.com

Uranium residuals found in Himachal village | ummid.com
During ground breaking for construction of a rainwater harvesting tank in Lambera village under the Khyah gram panchayat in Hamirpur district extracts of uranium were recovered by the villagers Tuesday night, block development officer Sunil Chandel told reporters in Hamirpur town.

Singer Shamshad Begum passes away | ummid.com

Singer Shamshad Begum passes away | ummid.com
Among the first woman playback singers in the Hindi film industry, which has turned 100 this year, Shamshad Begum was born in April 14, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab.

Kerala has nothing to learn from Gujarat: Chandy | ummid.com

Kerala has nothing to learn from Gujarat: Chandy | ummid.com
"The Kerala model of development is one that is accepted worldwide and we do not have anything to learn from Gujarat. Just look at our standards of public health and the education standards that we have achieved," Chandy said, while speaking to reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting.

Partial lunar eclipse Thursday night | ummid.com

Partial lunar eclipse Thursday night | ummid.com
"Only a tiny sliver of the Moon will be covered by the Earth's umbral shadow at maximum eclipse, the northern half of the Moon will be darkened from being inside the penumbral shadow," said Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) president C.B. Devgun.

Over 100 killed as building collapses in Dhaka | ummid.com

Over 100 killed as building collapses in Dhaka | ummid.com
More than 100 people were killed and over 600 injured Wednesday when an eight-storeyed building crumbled on the outskirts of capital Dhaka. Rescued workers complained they were forced to get back to work though the building was evacuated just a day earlier after cracks appeared.

American Muslim shuns plum job, devotes life to promote education | ummid.com

American Muslim shuns plum job, devotes life to promote education | ummid.com
Sal Khan (36), son of Indian and Bangladeshi immigrants, was working as a financial analyst after earning degrees from MIT and an MBA from Harvard. But now he devotes himself full-time to his Khan Academy, a tutoring, mentoring and testing educational website at khanacademy.org.

Kerala leaders refuse to share stage with Narendra Modi | ummid.com

Kerala leaders refuse to share stage with Narendra Modi | ummid.com
On Wednesday, Left leader and former minister N.K. Premachandran, and Kerala State Women's Commission chairperson K.C. Rosakutty, a former Congress legislator, turned down an invitation to take part in an event at the Sivagiri Mutt, which is to be attended by Modi.

Panic in US as AP's hacked twitter account reports blast at White House | ummid.com

Panic in US as AP's hacked twitter account reports blast at White House | ummid.com
President Barack Obama was said to be fine after a tweet by the Associated Press, America's largest news agency, about blasts at the White House and injuries to the president was shot down as false within seconds.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Violence in Deoband after vendor dies in police baton charge | ummid.com

Violence in Deoband after vendor dies in police baton charge | ummid.com
Heavy reinforcement of police has been rushed to the violence-hit area and the deputy inspector general of police (DIG) and the senior superintendent of police (SSP) are camping in the area to thwart any attempt to escalate the violence, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) R.K. Vishwakarma told IANS.

SEBI asks Saradha to wind up schemes, return money to depositors | ummid.com

SEBI asks Saradha to wind up schemes, return money to depositors | ummid.com
"Since the noticee (Saradha Realty India Ltd) has launched 'collective investment schemes' without obtaining certificate of registration from SEBI, it has contravened provisions of section 12(1B) of the SEBI Act and regulation 3 of the CIS Regulations," the order said, on a day Sen was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir.

Economy bottomed out; to grow at 6.4 percent in 2013-14: PM panel | ummid.com

Economy bottomed out; to grow at 6.4 percent in 2013-14: PM panel | ummid.com
"The economy has bottomed out and we will achieve higher growth of 6.4 percent in the current financial year," Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council chairman C. Rangarajan said at a media conference here.

India asks China to maintain status quo ante on border | ummid.com

India asks China to maintain status quo ante on border | ummid.com
External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said India and China had "differing perceptions" of the Line of Actual Control in the Depsang area and the incursion by Chinese troops had led to a "face-to-face" situation between their troops.

Hamas welcomes Erdogan's resolve to go ahead with Gaza visit | ummid.com

Hamas welcomes Erdogan's resolve to go ahead with Gaza visit | ummid.com
The US, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) held that such a visit would bolster Hamas, which took over the coastal enclave after routing forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007.

Hyderabad woman ends life after tiff over TV remote | ummid.com

Hyderabad woman ends life after tiff over TV remote | ummid.com
Twenty-year-old Madhu Priya, working as a nurse in a private hospital, had a fight with her brother over the TV remote. He was reportedly watching a cricket match while she wanted to watch some other programme.

Protests against Saradha Group in Assam, several offices ransacked | ummid.com

Protests against Saradha Group in Assam, several offices ransacked | ummid.com
No company officials were, however, present in any of the offices which were found locked. Irate mobs broke in and vandalised some properties in different offices, while the company's agents, who had been facing the heat from the investors, ransacked the group's realty and agro industry in Guwahati and a biscuit factory in Dhubri.

Influx of Muslim students in America should be stopped: Fox News analyst | ummid.com

Influx of Muslim students in America should be stopped: Fox News analyst | ummid.com
A media analyst from Fox News has said “we should keep any more Muslims from studying” in the United States because “so many people hate us [Americans],” in his show aired on Monday evening, Al Arabiya reported Tuesday.

Subsidised foodgrain: SC disallows discrimination | ummid.com

Subsidised foodgrain: SC disallows discrimination | ummid.com
The apex court bench of Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice F.M.I Kalifulla said it was not getting any satisfactory answer from the government on the implementation of Justice D.P. Wadhwa Committee's recommendation on revamping the public distribution system.

Missing Indian in Sharjah found | ummid.com

Missing Indian in Sharjah found | ummid.com
"Without telling anyone my father went out. He has a habit of going out for a walk after breakfast, and when we realised he was gone for some time and had not come back, we looked everywhere for him but could not find him," Syeda told the Gulf News.

Missing Indian in Sharjah found | ummid.com

Missing Indian in Sharjah found | ummid.com
"Without telling anyone my father went out. He has a habit of going out for a walk after breakfast, and when we realised he was gone for some time and had not come back, we looked everywhere for him but could not find him," Syeda told the Gulf News.

Chinese 'Be Safe' condoms found unsafe in Ghana | ummid.com

Chinese 'Be Safe' condoms found unsafe in Ghana | ummid.com
The "Be Safe" condoms failed tests at the FDA's Medical Devices Laboratories as they did not "meet quality standards and were found to have holes and burst easily under pressure and could easily break during sex", a statement said.

Malaysian leader apologises to Indians | ummid.com

Malaysian leader apologises to Indians | ummid.com
Datuk Zulkifli Noordin of the Barisan Nasional party met a group of 100 Indians over dinner at Shah Alam, the capital of the state of Selangor, last weekend and offered his apologies, local media reported.

Andhra legislator's daughter alleges 'house arrest' for four years | ummid.com

Andhra legislator's daughter alleges 'house arrest' for four years | ummid.com
E. Ramya, daughter of ruling Congress party legislator Eeli Nani, approached the Legal Services Authority in Guntur, claiming that she was kept under "house arrest" by her father since she married her classmate Sandip in 2008 after a love affair.

Poorest unable to exercise rights fully under NREGA, says CAG | ummid.com

Poorest unable to exercise rights fully under NREGA, says CAG | ummid.com
The Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) report said that widespread instances of non-payment and delayed payment of wages have been noticed in 23 states under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Court orders Musharraf be probed in Bhutto's murder | ummid.com

Court orders Musharraf be probed in Bhutto's murder | ummid.com
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which is investigating the Bhutto assassination, told the court in the garrison city of Rawalpindi that the former military ruler has not yet been formally included in the case, reported Xinhua.

Tripura, Meghalaya to ban gutka, pan masala | ummid.com

Tripura, Meghalaya to ban gutka, pan masala | ummid.com
Health department officials of Tripura and Meghalaya said that both the states have already taken initiative to ban the sale, manufacture and distribution of gutka, khaini, pan masala and other chewing products containing tobacco or nicotine.

Pakistan court releases list of journalists paid secretly | ummid.com

Pakistan court releases list of journalists paid secretly | ummid.com
The court released the names during the hearing of petitions by two private television channel anchors who had requested the court to probe the matter of media accountability and payments made to journalists by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)- led government in 2011-12.

Lok Sabha adjourned for day over 'quit PM' demands | ummid.com

Lok Sabha adjourned for day over 'quit PM' demands | ummid.com
The Lok Sabha was earlier adjourned soon after it assembled when Samajwadi Party (SP) members gathered near the speaker's podium to protest reports of Chinese incursion in the Ladakh region.

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Tea-house project: Kolkata's Chinatown set for revival | ummid.com

The Tea-house project: Kolkata's Chinatown set for revival | ummid.com
The Chinese have been coming to India from the time of scholars Fa Hien (4th century) and Huen Tsang (7th century) - some might even have settled in India, making it their home. But it was not until the 1700s that the Chinese began settling in discernible numbers.

Job or passion? Enjoy both as new career opportunities open up | ummid.com

Job or passion? Enjoy both as new career opportunities open up | ummid.com
Social media is one of the most exciting, new avenues that has opened up, career wise. Its power, as a tool to influence people's opinion, is felt like never before. Therefore, a growing number of companies are hiring social media experts whose job is to build their online reputation and offer a platform for instant feedback from consumers.

Parliament disruptions: A negation of democracy? | ummid.com

Parliament disruptions: A negation of democracy? | ummid.com
In 2012, parliament proceedings were marred by disruptions over a wide range of issues, notably the CAG report on coal allocation and FDI in retail, says data complied by thinktank PRS Legislative Research.

Muslim parents appeal hijab ban in Russian court | ummid.com

Muslim parents appeal hijab ban in Russian court | ummid.com
The uniform guidelines ban pupils from wearing brightly coloured clothes, veils, pants and skirts with a low waistline or high slits, and accessories depicting informal youth group symbols, as well as religious clothing.

Former CJI, anti-rape law panel head Justice Verma dead | ummid.com

Former CJI, anti-rape law panel head Justice Verma dead | ummid.com
"Justice Verma was admitted to the hospital on Friday with complaint of liver failure. He died at 9.30 p.m. of liver failure and bleeding in the stomach," Yatin Mehta, head of the Institute of Critical Care Medanta, told IANS.

Attending marriage to cost Rs.50K to Aurangabad arms haul case accused | ummid.com

Attending marriage to cost Rs.50K to Aurangabad arms haul case accused | ummid.com
"Mohammed Muzaffar Mohammed Tanver needs to deposit Rs.52,992/- with the jail authorities before leaving for Aurangabad to attend his only sister's marriage", Advocate Shahid Nadeem Ansari said to ummid.com.

Punjab jail riot: 3 officials injured, probe ordered | ummid.com

Punjab jail riot: 3 officials injured, probe ordered | ummid.com
A government spokesman said that the prisoner "apparently died of a cardiac arrest early today Monday) morning". He said that other inmates protested against the jail's medical staff, blaming his death on lack of proper and timely medical attention.

Akhilesh Yadav calls for third front | ummid.com

Akhilesh Yadav calls for third front | ummid.com
According to him, the leader of the nation will be a person selected by backward classes, farmers and downtrodden and only a person who can understand the pains of poor can become the prime minister.

Ajit Jogi seeks Rs.1 crore for robotic legs | ummid.com

Ajit Jogi seeks Rs.1 crore for robotic legs | ummid.com
The robotic legs will cost Rs.90 lakh and expenses on doctors will also run into severl lakhs. The former chief minister has thus asked the state government to give him Rs.1 crore towards medical process, the ffamily sources said.

India urged to help end killings in Myanmar | ummid.com

India urged to help end killings in Myanmar | ummid.com
"India has long maintained that its policy of quiet engagement with the Burmese authorities has great impact," Meenakshi Ganguly, the group's South Asia director, said in a statement.

End 'ethnic cleansing' in Myanmar, says rights body | ummid.com

End 'ethnic cleansing' in Myanmar, says rights body | ummid.com
Myanmar officials, community leaders and Buddhist monks organised and encouraged ethnic Arakanese backed by state security forces to conduct coordinated attacks on Muslim neighbourhoods and villages in October 2012 to terrorize and forcibly relocate the population, it said.

Indian woman in Bahrain with burn injuries stable | ummid.com

Indian woman in Bahrain with burn injuries stable | ummid.com
D'Souza was returning home from a cold store April 19 evening when she got caught in the middle of a clash between police and protestors at Isa Al-Kabeer Avenue in Manama, Bahrain's capital.

Contempt notice to DU for not starting teachers' biometric attendance | ummid.com

Contempt notice to DU for not starting teachers' biometric attendance | ummid.com
The affidavit, filed by the registrar of the university last year on the PIL, said: "The University of Delhi is committed to adopt and implement measures which are favourable and beneficial to the university system as a whole, such as the biometric system of attendance for its teachers in order to ensure their presence in colleges and ensure the participation of all teachers in the teaching/learning process."

Maharashtra civil services exam rescheduled to May 18 | ummid.com

Maharashtra civil services exam rescheduled to May 18 | ummid.com
The examinations, originally scheduled for April 7, were postponed after a virus attack in the MPSC main server led to loss of data of 260,000 candidates, who were to appear.

NHRC seeks report from centre on Pakistani Hindu refugees | ummid.com

NHRC seeks report from centre on Pakistani Hindu refugees | ummid.com
"We have issued notice to the secretaries of home ministry, ministry of external affairs and chief secretary to Delhi government, calling for reports within four weeks," an official of the NHRC told IANS.

Yeddyurappa bribed Advani to remain in office: Ex BJP Minister | ummid.com

Yeddyurappa bribed Advani to remain in office: Ex BJP Minister | ummid.com
"I have documents and will release them at the appropriate time," V. Dhananjaya Kumar, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and junior central minister in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at New Delhi, told reporters here.

Turkish PM Erdogan to visit Gaza despite US request for delay | ummid.com

Turkish PM Erdogan to visit Gaza despite US request for delay | ummid.com
Local Daily News quoted a Turkish official as saying there will be no changes in Erdogan's Gaza visit although Washington asked him to postpone it due to the "critical timing."

Cops hunt for suspected terrorists in Thane | ummid.com

Cops hunt for suspected terrorists in Thane | ummid.com
In view of recent intelligence alerts of possible terror strikes in Mumbai and other parts of the state, the local police and commandos went around the complex besides checking out restaurants, hotels, lodges, guest houses, clubs and other places where the suspects could be hiding.

Anti-rape protests continue, 3 Metro stations shut | ummid.com

Anti-rape protests continue, 3 Metro stations shut | ummid.com
Holding banners and placards, the protestors demanded the resignation of Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. They also criticized Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Concern over child's rape, 2G and coal stall parliament | ummid.com

Concern over child's rape, 2G and coal stall parliament | ummid.com
The first day of parliament after a month-long recess opened on a note of discord Monday with concerns over the rape of a five-year-old along with issues like irregularities in coal allocation and the draft JPC report on 2G spectrum disrupting both houses repeatedly.

A Kerala family may come into $900mn Saudi bonanza | ummid.com

A Kerala family may come into $900mn Saudi bonanza | ummid.com
The state government is urging the centre to intervene to ensure the transfer of the money, amounting, in the 1950s, to 1.4 million Saudi riyals (one riyal today is equal to Rs.14.40), which has been lying in the Saudi treasury for the past nearly six decades.              

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Nutrient from urine, anti-bacterial clothes: Innovations from IIT-Delhi | ummid.com

Nutrient from urine, anti-bacterial clothes: Innovations from IIT-Delhi | ummid.com
"We have developed silver nanoparticles which when applied to fabric during its manufacturing makes it antimicrobial and keeps it fresh and cool in sweltering heat," Manjeet Jassal, professor, research group on smart and innovative textile materials, told IANS.

Iran to stand with Syria in face of crisis | ummid.com

Iran to stand with Syria in face of crisis | ummid.com
Iran has expressed its solidarity with Syria amid prevailing crisis, with the visiting national security head from Tehran assuring support to President Bashar al-Assad's efforts to handle "aggressive foreign policies".

Quest for Equality, Equity and Justice: Requisites for realisation | ummid.com

Quest for Equality, Equity and Justice: Requisites for realisation | ummid.com
It is ironic that Muslims, despite facing all forms of discrimination, marginalization and insecurity, have no legal mechanism to deal with the situation. It would have been desirable to enlarge the definition of communal and targeted violence under the Communal Violence Bill to cover day-to-day forms of identity-based discrimination.

Germany to launch roadshow in Hyderabad for academics | ummid.com

Germany to launch roadshow in Hyderabad for academics | ummid.com
The eight-day road show at Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology here consists of exhibitions, workshops, lectures, symposiums, quizzes and cultural events on Indo-German research collaboration, said a statement from the organizers.

Police must be held accountable: Amnesty on Delhi child rape | ummid.com

Police must be held accountable: Amnesty on Delhi child rape | ummid.com
"This case shows the appalling extent of indifference in the police to violence against women and girls, and the inadequacy of internal processes to ensure professional conduct," said G. Ananthapadmanabhan, chief executive of Amnesty International India, in a statement.

Palestinians hold first marathon in West Bank | ummid.com

Palestinians hold first marathon in West Bank | ummid.com
The race starting point was in front of the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus. The athletes ran four times around the holy city and in several points the race track went along the concrete barrier Israel has been building in the West Bank since 2002, reports Xinhua.

Delhi cop murders parents, held | ummid.com

Delhi cop murders parents, held | ummid.com
Constable Neeraj, 28, posted at the Patiala House court complex in central Delhi, was arrested for murdering his father Dharam Singh and mother Kamlesh, both in their late 40s, after an altercation with them Friday night at their house in Chhawla in west Delhi, police said.

Tragedy in Boston and selective approach of world community | ummid.com

Tragedy in Boston and selective approach of world community | ummid.com
While the world grieves for the three Boston blast victims, spare a thought for hundreds of children killed in America’s war
What interests me more than the US reaction though is the world’s response to Boston. World leaders flooded the White House with their messages of condolences and solidarity. Prayers and vigils for the victims were held in distant Dubai and Delhi.

Indian 'human computer' Shakuntala Devi no more | ummid.com

Indian 'human computer' Shakuntala Devi no more | ummid.com
Indian mathematical genius and astrologer Shakuntala Devi, who was dubbed "human computer" for her swift numerical calculation abilities, passed away here Sunday after brief illness. She was 83 and is survived by a daughter.

Study shows fat cells help repair muscles | ummid.com

Study shows fat cells help repair muscles | ummid.com
The findings of the study in mice, published in the April 11 issue of Cell, showed that a well-known immune cell called eosinophil carries out the muscle repair in two ways - by clearing out cellular debris from damaged tissue and teaming up with a type of cell to trigger muscle re-growth.

UPA counts numbers ahead of parliament session | ummid.com

UPA counts numbers ahead of parliament session | ummid.com
Though most political parties do not want early elections to the Lok Sabha, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was flexing his muscles in the past, is seen as perfectly capable of pulling the rug from under the government's feet without notice.

At 56 deaths a month, Vidarbha screams for intervention | ummid.com

At 56 deaths a month, Vidarbha screams for intervention | ummid.com
"According to police reports, 168 farmer suicides have been registered till March 31 this year," said Kishor Tiwari, president of the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti, a farmer advoacy group.

Live telecast may be suspended if Rajya Sabha disrupted: Ansari | ummid.com

Live telecast may be suspended if Rajya Sabha disrupted: Ansari | ummid.com
"Since one possible objective of disruptions is to seek instant publicity through live telecast of proceedings, we may dispense with simultaneous telecast of the Question Hour and instead have it on a deferred basis," official sources quoted the vice president as having said.

Visa-on-arrival approved at two Kerala airports | ummid.com

Visa-on-arrival approved at two Kerala airports | ummid.com
"The new facility will allow citizens of 11 countries - Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia - to obtain tourist visas upon arrival in Kerala," Kerala Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said.

Tahrir Square hero to address India Internet Day | ummid.com

Tahrir Square hero to address India Internet Day | ummid.com
The IID, held under the auspices of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi - National Capital Region chapter, will bring together net geeks, e-commerce strategists, venture capitalists and hundreds of aspiring internet start-ups, according to a TiE statement.

NIA combing operation in Bihar's four districts for suspected terrorist | ummid.com

NIA combing operation in Bihar's four districts for suspected terrorist | ummid.com
"NIA teams have conducted raids in Samastipur, Darbhanga, Munger and Madhubani districts in the last 24 hours in search of Tahseen Akhtar alias Monu, accused of several terrorist attacks," an officer at the Bihar Police headquarters here said.

Delhi protests rage, barricades broken at Sonia house | ummid.com

Delhi protests rage, barricades broken at Sonia house | ummid.com
Dozens of BJP women activists Sunday marched to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's house and broke barricades on the way to denounce the brutal rape of a five-year-old as protests raged for a second day in the capital.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Africa’s largest solar plant launched in Mauritania | ummid.com

Africa’s largest solar plant launched in Mauritania | ummid.com
The Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant, located in the capital, Nouakchott, will generate 15 megawatts of solar photovoltaic (PV) power and, according to Masdar, is now the largest PV plant in all of Africa.

Jamia Millia in cutting-edge nanotechnology research, says official | ummid.com

Jamia Millia in cutting-edge nanotechnology research, says official | ummid.com
The single-wall carbon nanotube is a fraction of the weight of steel, but hundred times stronger. The technology development programme was sponsored by the department of electronics and information technology, union ministry of communications and information technology, at a cost of Rs 3.81 crore.

Two-day event to showcase Ghalib's legacy on death anniversary | ummid.com

Two-day event to showcase Ghalib's legacy on death anniversary | ummid.com
"While the couplets have been specially selected for the occasion that will leave the listeners spellbound, the dancers will capture three moods; the remorseful, the lonely and the philosophical - befitting for the death anniversary," GMM said in a statement.

Health ministry promoting special courses on family medicine | ummid.com

Health ministry promoting special courses on family medicine | ummid.com
"There is a gap between the need and availability of doctors," T. Sundaraman, executive director of the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), told reporters at a two-day National Rural Health Mission-sponsored conference that began here Saturday.

Bihar's growth story concentrated in cities, says new book | ummid.com

Bihar's growth story concentrated in cities, says new book | ummid.com
"The improvement in economic growth can primarily be attributed to the considerable rise in the growth rates of sectors such as transport and communication, trade and construction. The construction sector has in fact played the most significant role...," say authors Gerry Rodgers, Alakh N. Sharma, Amrita Datta, Janine Rodgers, and Sunil K. Mishra.

NRI woman raped by brother in Haryana | ummid.com

NRI woman raped by brother in Haryana | ummid.com
"We have booked the accused on charges of rape and causing hurt by poison after recording statement of the victim today (Saturday). The victim has been undergoing treatment and her condition is stable," Rohtak Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) Virender Singh told IANS