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Sunday, August 31, 2008
Nepal adds more water to Kosi
New Delhi: Despite apologising for a the breach in the River Kosi on Saturday, Nepal has released another 2.5 lakh quesek of water from the Kosi barrage.
This may lead to the water level rising drastically up to an additional 2.5 feet.
On Saturday afternoon, Nepal's Foreign Minister, Upendra Yadav had said that the breach was not noticed on time and that repair work was delayed.
"Nobody noticed the cracks in the beginning. When it was about to break a few people went there to repair it. But they had a feud with the local workers and the work stopped. The next day the dam collapsed," says Yadav said. source: IBNlive
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Laptop @ Rs 15,000
[PC world] Zenith Computers, announced the launch of a new laptop and desktop under the brand name 'EcoStyle'. According to the company, the Zenith EcoStyle laptop priced at Rs. 14,999, will be the lowest priced Windows OS enabled laptop in the market; while the desktop PC will be available at Rs 11,999. The EcoStyle PC and laptop will be available across India through Zenith's chain of authorized dealers and exclusive showrooms will stock these computers.
The laptop is Net enabled, and comes preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite: an Operating System (Windows XP Home Edition), Microsoft Works (includes Word Processor, spreadsheets and PPT viewer), and Microsoft Windows Live Suite (Includes Email Client, Messenger and Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare).
The EcoStyle PC will give the customer an option of choosing Windows Vista Starter or Microsoft Windows XP Home. The laptop weighs 2.2 kg and has dimensions of 185mm x 250 mm x 70 mm. The desktop will also come preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite.
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog.
The laptop is Net enabled, and comes preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite: an Operating System (Windows XP Home Edition), Microsoft Works (includes Word Processor, spreadsheets and PPT viewer), and Microsoft Windows Live Suite (Includes Email Client, Messenger and Family Safety from Windows Live OneCare).
The EcoStyle PC will give the customer an option of choosing Windows Vista Starter or Microsoft Windows XP Home. The laptop weighs 2.2 kg and has dimensions of 185mm x 250 mm x 70 mm. The desktop will also come preloaded with the Microsoft productivity suite.
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Broadband @ Rs 95
INTERNET SERVICE provider, World Phone has announced an ambitious deal for the users, it will offer cable broadband service in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) for as low as Rs 95 per month.
To offer the service, World Phone has entered into agreement with television cable operators. The customers will get a speed of upto 256 kbps with a 200 MB data download limit, only for Rs 95 per month.
World Phone also has plans to offer unlimited plan, hourly plan and data limit based plan to suit user needs. It is likely that it will offer prepaid service using recharge vouchers from the cable operators.
[Merinews]
Congress policy on Singur
Silence has been the Congress's political policy on Singur, but now the divide is clear. Senior leaders like Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Commerce Minister Kamal Nath are uncomfortable with the siege of the TATA Nano plant by Trinamool Congress workers. Local Congress leaders, though, are eyeing an alliance with Trinamool Congress leader, Mamata Banerjee. source: CNN-IBN
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Kosi river flood : The complete story
History of the sorrow of Bihar
Koshi or Milk River is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” when it flows from Nepal to India, as it has caused widespread human suffering in the past due to flooding and very frequent change in course.
Koshi has an average water flow (discharge) of 1564 cumecs (cubic metres per second) or 55,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs). During peak floods, it increases to about 18 times over. The highest flood recorded in living memory in the river is reported to be 24,200 cumecs (8,50,000 cusecs) on August 24, 1954 and the Koshi Barrage has been designed for a peak flood of 27,014 cumecs (950,000 cusecs).
Due to extensive soil erosion and land slides in its upper catchment by factors both natural and human, the silt yield of Koshi is about 19 cum/ha/year, one of the highest in the world. The Arun, with its origins in Tibet, brings the greatest amount of coarse silt in proportion to its total sediment load. On account of the steep slopes and narrow gorges in the upper reaches of the river in Nepal, sediment/silt in the river is carried to the plains where the slopes are flatter beyond Chatra resulting in deposition of sediment bed load and high aggradation of the river bed causing a number of interlacing channels, which shift their channels laterally from time to time. The excessive rains, large flood discharge during the monsoon and erosion prone low banks in the plains compound the problem of floods in the highly braided river in the plains of Nepal and north Bihar, inducing pendulum action starting at the bends and triggering extensive damages to life and property in the thickly populated lower plains of the river basin in Nepal and Bihar (more so in Bihar). To this is owed its epithet “River of Sorrow”.
The 2008 floods
Thousands of people were marooned in Bihar after the Kosi river breached its banks upstream in Nepal, flooding villages and towns in many areas across the state. The floods have claimed 55 lives so far.
Floodwaters entered new areas on Tuesday and have affected two million people so far in Supaul, Araria and Madhepura districts.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that a breach in the Kosi embankment near Kusaha in Nepal had forced the river to change its course, for the first time since the 1950s.
The Chief Minister said it was not a normal annual flooding, but a catastrophe.
Most of the marooned people have been without food and water for five days. Despite the government maintaining that it has air dropped relief material and set up relief camps, crowds of displaced people perched on embankments were seen protesting against inadequate government help.
"This time, the flood has been caused by a two km breach in the embankment of river Kosi. The government has initiated moves to plug it," Ajay Naik, principal secretary in the water resources department, said.Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Subscribe in a reader or enter your email address below
Koshi or Milk River is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” when it flows from Nepal to India, as it has caused widespread human suffering in the past due to flooding and very frequent change in course.
Koshi has an average water flow (discharge) of 1564 cumecs (cubic metres per second) or 55,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs). During peak floods, it increases to about 18 times over. The highest flood recorded in living memory in the river is reported to be 24,200 cumecs (8,50,000 cusecs) on August 24, 1954 and the Koshi Barrage has been designed for a peak flood of 27,014 cumecs (950,000 cusecs).
Due to extensive soil erosion and land slides in its upper catchment by factors both natural and human, the silt yield of Koshi is about 19 cum/ha/year, one of the highest in the world. The Arun, with its origins in Tibet, brings the greatest amount of coarse silt in proportion to its total sediment load. On account of the steep slopes and narrow gorges in the upper reaches of the river in Nepal, sediment/silt in the river is carried to the plains where the slopes are flatter beyond Chatra resulting in deposition of sediment bed load and high aggradation of the river bed causing a number of interlacing channels, which shift their channels laterally from time to time. The excessive rains, large flood discharge during the monsoon and erosion prone low banks in the plains compound the problem of floods in the highly braided river in the plains of Nepal and north Bihar, inducing pendulum action starting at the bends and triggering extensive damages to life and property in the thickly populated lower plains of the river basin in Nepal and Bihar (more so in Bihar). To this is owed its epithet “River of Sorrow”.
The 2008 floods
Thousands of people were marooned in Bihar after the Kosi river breached its banks upstream in Nepal, flooding villages and towns in many areas across the state. The floods have claimed 55 lives so far.
Floodwaters entered new areas on Tuesday and have affected two million people so far in Supaul, Araria and Madhepura districts.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that a breach in the Kosi embankment near Kusaha in Nepal had forced the river to change its course, for the first time since the 1950s.
The Chief Minister said it was not a normal annual flooding, but a catastrophe.
Most of the marooned people have been without food and water for five days. Despite the government maintaining that it has air dropped relief material and set up relief camps, crowds of displaced people perched on embankments were seen protesting against inadequate government help.
"This time, the flood has been caused by a two km breach in the embankment of river Kosi. The government has initiated moves to plug it," Ajay Naik, principal secretary in the water resources department, said.Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Subscribe in a reader or enter your email address below
Ad defining modern India
This ad I believe defines the modern corporate India, who now their social responsibility and don't fake them for the heck of it. This Indian Oil advertisement featured in Times of India and what it says is something we know, but who says it is something commendable.
Mayawati's anger
Mayawati lashed out on airport officials when one of her bureaucrats was denied vvip passage at the IGI airport. Speak India says WTF. This ‘badtamazi’ had Mayawati flying into a fit of rage and for half an hour, officials tried to appease the chief minister even as the official was made to use the main terminal for security checks. What kind of chief ministers do we have. They have no patience and tolerance and we have been tolerating them for decades. And yes, we considered them as representatives of ordinary man.Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Subscribe in a reader or enter your email address below
Nano plant in uttaranchal
The Uttaranchal government has assured the TATAs a red carpet welcome if the country's largest industrial house plans an exit from West Bengal.
Uttaranchal Chief Minister, B C Khanduri sais, "We welcome the TATA group here in Uttaranchal and establish their project. We are talking with TATAs at an official level and we hope that we will be able to reach at a conclusion very soon. It will be good for Uttaranchal as with the coming of the TATA Group, employment will be generated. And it will be beneficial for the TATAs too as they can reap the benefits of subsidies and special privileges that have been allotted to Uttaranchal by the Central Government."
TATA already has a plant in Pantnagar, which manufactures the mini-truck Ace. If they relocate to Pantnagar, TATA could roll out the much awaited dream car Nano by tweaking the existing infrastructures.
Kosi river flood
With Bihar reeling under the severe flood caused by a breach in the embankment of Kosi river which originates in Nepal, the state government today demanded the Prime Minister Office (PMO) "must" actively pursue diplomatic initiatives with the Himalayan country to find a solution to the problem.
"Having officers of Foregin Affairs, Water Resources and Bihar government, the STF in the PMO must actively pursue diplomatic initiatives with Nepal for the construction of high dams, massive re-forestation in the upper catchment area of the rivers and strengthening of embankments there," a state government release said.
The demand assumes significance in wake of the upcoming visit of Nepalese Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav here tomorrow. The central government is likely to discuss the issue with him to find out a permanent solution to the problem which has been affecting Bihar for decades.
Acting on a missive from Bihar government, the Centre earlier wrote a letter to Nepal government to take measures at their end in this regard.
"North Bihar has perennially faced the woes of floods from rivers emnating from Nepal. 671 villages spread in 242 panchayats, which lie along the new course of the river have been inundated this time ," a letter by the Bihar government addressed to the Prime Minister said today.
Bihar government also sought additional 100 motorboats from the central government as evacuation of marooned people is posing a challenge.
The state on its own has mobilised 600 boats while the Indian Army chipped in with three columns each having 10 boats and NDMA providing 50 boats. PTI
"Having officers of Foregin Affairs, Water Resources and Bihar government, the STF in the PMO must actively pursue diplomatic initiatives with Nepal for the construction of high dams, massive re-forestation in the upper catchment area of the rivers and strengthening of embankments there," a state government release said.
The demand assumes significance in wake of the upcoming visit of Nepalese Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav here tomorrow. The central government is likely to discuss the issue with him to find out a permanent solution to the problem which has been affecting Bihar for decades.
Acting on a missive from Bihar government, the Centre earlier wrote a letter to Nepal government to take measures at their end in this regard.
"North Bihar has perennially faced the woes of floods from rivers emnating from Nepal. 671 villages spread in 242 panchayats, which lie along the new course of the river have been inundated this time ," a letter by the Bihar government addressed to the Prime Minister said today.
Bihar government also sought additional 100 motorboats from the central government as evacuation of marooned people is posing a challenge.
The state on its own has mobilised 600 boats while the Indian Army chipped in with three columns each having 10 boats and NDMA providing 50 boats. PTI
Scrabulous removed from Facebook: Indian developers in legal hassle
A popular application Scrabulous that was built around the concept of Scrabble has been banned by Facebook. The developers, brothers, Rajat and Jayant, have been served a legal notice by toymaker Mattel, that owns the rights to the original word-building game outside the United States.
Hasbro and Mattel launched their own official Scrabble app on Facebook but it has only 70,000 active users,as compared to the 500,00 daily users on Scrabulous (Only 10 percent of the number of Scrabulous users at its peak.)
Mattel approached the Indian courts earlier this year and the case is still pending. As a result India is the only country where Facebook users can still access the application. In light of their legal troubles, the Agarwalla brothers have launched another word-building game 'Wordscraper' which uses circles instead of squares, has a marginally different scoring system and lets users design their own boards.
The Agarwalla brothers renamed their app Wordscrapper and tweaked it so users could design their own boards, in a bid to avoid legal proceedings.
Jayant Agarwalla said: "It surprises us that Mattel chose to direct Facebook to take down Scrabulous without waiting for the decision [of the Indian courts]. Mattel's action speaks volumes about their business practices and respect for the judiciary."
Hasbro and Mattel launched their own official Scrabble app on Facebook but it has only 70,000 active users,as compared to the 500,00 daily users on Scrabulous (Only 10 percent of the number of Scrabulous users at its peak.)
Mattel approached the Indian courts earlier this year and the case is still pending. As a result India is the only country where Facebook users can still access the application. In light of their legal troubles, the Agarwalla brothers have launched another word-building game 'Wordscraper' which uses circles instead of squares, has a marginally different scoring system and lets users design their own boards.
The Agarwalla brothers renamed their app Wordscrapper and tweaked it so users could design their own boards, in a bid to avoid legal proceedings.
Jayant Agarwalla said: "It surprises us that Mattel chose to direct Facebook to take down Scrabulous without waiting for the decision [of the Indian courts]. Mattel's action speaks volumes about their business practices and respect for the judiciary."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Pakistan infiltrating terrorists
At least five Border Security Force (BSF) troopers were injured when a patrol party came under fire from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Saujian sector in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, BSF officials said.
The firing from Pakistan Monday night violated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan once again, officials pointed out. The BSF troopers returned fire.
The area falls under army control, but BSF personnel assist the army in patrolling along the LoC - the de-facto border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.
On Tuesday, Pakistani troops opened fire once again to divert the attention of Indian security forces in Kana Chak sector of the border, allowing a group of infiltrators to cross into Jammu and Kashmir.
BSF officials said a manhunt had been launched to nab the infiltrators who were headed towards Jammu.source:Hindustan TimesStay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Saturday, August 23, 2008
iphone disadvantages email
There is an email on the iphone, which has lately been circulating after the launch of iphone in India. I'd like to publish this email on my blog and although I have not verified the claims it makes, the points sound very genuine. I have no intentions of doing a negative publicity and I too plan to buy it in future once the price of the phone i.e 31,000 (approx) comes down to its actual worth (in RS).
Highlights of the email
No video calling.
No AD2P on the Bluetooth.
Can't share any (mp3, images,videos....) files via bluetooth.
Can't use as a wireless modem, (you pay ridiculous data charges to activate internet on your phone, but cannot connect it to your PC and browse when you are at home).
No copy and paste,(cannot copy a part of a..... say.... email & send it....have to type it out yourself).
No 3..2 or 5 megapixel camera,(the 2MP camera it carries is worst camera i've ever seen..... photos look like they have come out of a VGA camera).
No video recording with camera.
No front camera.
No flash.
No JAVA support.
No physical keyboard (BELIEVE me! this alone is a dealbreaker...touch keyboard as good as it looks...once you use it then only you come to know about the importance of having a hard keypad).
No 3G network yet in India..so why pay for expensive 3G phone if you cant use its 3G services ... so, for India, iPhone 2.0 is no better than its first version.
No removable battery. (You cannot change battery. Have to send it to apple outlet.. Come on now!!!!...This is not an iPod. Its a bloody phone. You cannot live without phone for 2-3 days).
No haptic feedback and.
Cannot send MMS.
Can't use as external storage device (16 GB of utter waste..next time you go to your friend's house & find some interesting songs, movies, etc...sorry you cannot connect your '16 GB' phone and share it!!!! Apple apparently has a solution.. " BUY MUSIC & MOVIES FROM iTUNES STORE "..... Give me a break will you APPLE!!!)
No FM radio,
Can't use your mp3 files as ringtones,(This is heights man!!!)
Cannot insert any other SIM card….
Completely tied to iTunes... Connect to your friend's iTunes & you risk erasing everything on your phone.
This is just 30% of the email. For the rest subscribe to Speak India.
Highlights of the email
No video calling.
No AD2P on the Bluetooth.
Can't share any (mp3, images,videos....) files via bluetooth.
Can't use as a wireless modem, (you pay ridiculous data charges to activate internet on your phone, but cannot connect it to your PC and browse when you are at home).
No copy and paste,(cannot copy a part of a..... say.... email & send it....have to type it out yourself).
No 3..2 or 5 megapixel camera,(the 2MP camera it carries is worst camera i've ever seen..... photos look like they have come out of a VGA camera).
No video recording with camera.
No front camera.
No flash.
No JAVA support.
No physical keyboard (BELIEVE me! this alone is a dealbreaker...touch keyboard as good as it looks...once you use it then only you come to know about the importance of having a hard keypad).
No 3G network yet in India..so why pay for expensive 3G phone if you cant use its 3G services ... so, for India, iPhone 2.0 is no better than its first version.
No removable battery. (You cannot change battery. Have to send it to apple outlet.. Come on now!!!!...This is not an iPod. Its a bloody phone. You cannot live without phone for 2-3 days).
No haptic feedback and.
Cannot send MMS.
Can't use as external storage device (16 GB of utter waste..next time you go to your friend's house & find some interesting songs, movies, etc...sorry you cannot connect your '16 GB' phone and share it!!!! Apple apparently has a solution.. " BUY MUSIC & MOVIES FROM iTUNES STORE "..... Give me a break will you APPLE!!!)
No FM radio,
Can't use your mp3 files as ringtones,(This is heights man!!!)
Cannot insert any other SIM card….
Completely tied to iTunes... Connect to your friend's iTunes & you risk erasing everything on your phone.
This is just 30% of the email. For the rest subscribe to Speak India.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Pakistan troops open fire again
The Centre has reacted strongly to the ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control today.
“Ceasefire violations by Pakistan are unacceptable,” said Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma. “We’ve conveyed our concerns to Pakistan,” he added.
Earlier in the day Pakistani troops targetted Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir and fired six mortar shells.
Pakistani forces resorted to intermittent firing of mortar shells in Jhangarh area of Nowshera sector in Rajouri district for 45 minutes from 0640 hours, defence spokesman Lt. Col S D Goswami said.
Indian troops exercised restraint and did not retaliate, he said, adding there was no loss of life or damage to property in the shelling.
The questions in my mind are
“Ceasefire violations by Pakistan are unacceptable,” said Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma. “We’ve conveyed our concerns to Pakistan,” he added.
Earlier in the day Pakistani troops targetted Nowshera sector in Jammu and Kashmir and fired six mortar shells.
Pakistani forces resorted to intermittent firing of mortar shells in Jhangarh area of Nowshera sector in Rajouri district for 45 minutes from 0640 hours, defence spokesman Lt. Col S D Goswami said.
Indian troops exercised restraint and did not retaliate, he said, adding there was no loss of life or damage to property in the shelling.
The questions in my mind are
- Why are we not counter attacking them ?
- Shouldn't we attack when they fire shells at us ?
- Till what time will this continue ?
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Over 4 lakh arrests in Jammu
Its true. The residents of Jammu have started a revolution and now they are going to jail to prove their point. The merciless police of Jammu is now putting the residents of Jammu behind bars. Jammu residents recently were put behind bars when they went ahead with their agitation against the kashmiri imperialism. A jammu resident recently spoke to to saying that dignified people are readily going to jails in support of the agitation. A fire which started with the Amarnath Shrine Land has brought out the real cause of fury among the people of Jammu. People not persuaded or bought by political parties have joined this revolution. Over 2.5 lakh arrests were made till monday. Even children were ready to go to jails and jails in Jammu had almost filled up . Surprisingly this news has not enough media coverage, the reasons I am still searching for.
Nuclear Deal : What India said
Ranita said...
The Prime Minister should have been more gracious in victory but he showed that he had a small heart.
Let him not forget the Congress partys massacre of Sikhs, and the role of Left Front in Nandigram. To go on and on talking about Gujarat riots is not unacceptable more so when GODHRA victims are forgotten.
There is nothing special about Manmohan Singh.
Anonymous person said...
Advani has always treated the PM in a manner not expected of a leader of a political party that boasts at being different. PM has in the past also commented on being called a weak PM, “that whether or not he is weak will be jugded by history”. And he made history on 22nd July by taking India ahead on nuclear path not by exploding a bomb but using it for peaceful purpose of generating Electricity for the country. He also proved to the country that he is not a weak PM by taking on Advani and exposing the Pseudo-intellectualism of Advani and BJP.
Even the BJP is aware of the importance of the nuclear agreement and its benefits to the nation. Thier allies like the Shiv Sena and the Akalis have openly said that the agreement is good for the country, but BJP under Advani has tried to stall the passage of the bill so as not to give the credit to Manmohan Singh who has staked his every thing for the progress it can bring to the country. Advani to belittle the PM is even willing to stop the agreement which is expected to bring progress to the nation.
Advani turned a blind eye to the riots in Gujarat under Modi, is that not weakness. Advani goes to Pakistan, praises Jinnah and back tracks after returning to India because his party and RSS do not support him, is that not weakness. Not allowing to pass the agreement in parliament so that they can do it when they come to power, is that not weakness. Leading all the people to Babri Masjid, destroying it, and then calling it a sad day in his life, is that not weakness.
It is not Manmohan Singh who is weak, but Advani who is weak of character and the earlier the country does not accept people like him to lead the country the better this country would be
If BJP, Akalis and Shiv Sena who all do belive that the deal is beneficial for the country would have voted for the same along with the congress only on this issue, there would have been no need for any horse trading which was a sad part of the entire process. If only our politicians put the nations interest above their personal ambition (read Advani’s ambition to become PM even at the cost of country’s interest) India could go miles ahead. But what to do we have a weak leader of opposition in the parliament, who does not even care.
I never voted for the congress but the BJP. Only in the last elections I voted against BJP for what it did in Gujarat. I do not whom to vote for now, probably Manmohan Singh if he is made PM again by the congress.
Pratul said...
What a foolish address by Manmohan Singh and it vindicates L.K.Advani to have called him a Nikamma. Being quiet doesnt qualify him to be an ace P.M. He is forgetting that on this occasion L.K.Advani didn't move the motion .So there is no question of L.K.Advani taking advice of the astrologer to suit the timing. It was the government which was desperate to prove its majority. Dont you guys understand this simple thing. It is an insult to the Indian people that they went out of the way and broke all decorum to prove their majority ;siding with criminals, power brokers and blatantly abusing the freedom of the press through selected journalists.
Its just a matter of time before the Indian people get wiser to such gimmickery.
Mr. Manmohan Singh , can you compare even fractionally Mr. Advani's personal sacrifices over past five decades for the sake of the country. If not, then please do not insult a senior person.
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog.
The Prime Minister should have been more gracious in victory but he showed that he had a small heart.
Let him not forget the Congress partys massacre of Sikhs, and the role of Left Front in Nandigram. To go on and on talking about Gujarat riots is not unacceptable more so when GODHRA victims are forgotten.
There is nothing special about Manmohan Singh.
Anonymous person said...
Advani has always treated the PM in a manner not expected of a leader of a political party that boasts at being different. PM has in the past also commented on being called a weak PM, “that whether or not he is weak will be jugded by history”. And he made history on 22nd July by taking India ahead on nuclear path not by exploding a bomb but using it for peaceful purpose of generating Electricity for the country. He also proved to the country that he is not a weak PM by taking on Advani and exposing the Pseudo-intellectualism of Advani and BJP.
Even the BJP is aware of the importance of the nuclear agreement and its benefits to the nation. Thier allies like the Shiv Sena and the Akalis have openly said that the agreement is good for the country, but BJP under Advani has tried to stall the passage of the bill so as not to give the credit to Manmohan Singh who has staked his every thing for the progress it can bring to the country. Advani to belittle the PM is even willing to stop the agreement which is expected to bring progress to the nation.
Advani turned a blind eye to the riots in Gujarat under Modi, is that not weakness. Advani goes to Pakistan, praises Jinnah and back tracks after returning to India because his party and RSS do not support him, is that not weakness. Not allowing to pass the agreement in parliament so that they can do it when they come to power, is that not weakness. Leading all the people to Babri Masjid, destroying it, and then calling it a sad day in his life, is that not weakness.
It is not Manmohan Singh who is weak, but Advani who is weak of character and the earlier the country does not accept people like him to lead the country the better this country would be
If BJP, Akalis and Shiv Sena who all do belive that the deal is beneficial for the country would have voted for the same along with the congress only on this issue, there would have been no need for any horse trading which was a sad part of the entire process. If only our politicians put the nations interest above their personal ambition (read Advani’s ambition to become PM even at the cost of country’s interest) India could go miles ahead. But what to do we have a weak leader of opposition in the parliament, who does not even care.
I never voted for the congress but the BJP. Only in the last elections I voted against BJP for what it did in Gujarat. I do not whom to vote for now, probably Manmohan Singh if he is made PM again by the congress.
Pratul said...
What a foolish address by Manmohan Singh and it vindicates L.K.Advani to have called him a Nikamma. Being quiet doesnt qualify him to be an ace P.M. He is forgetting that on this occasion L.K.Advani didn't move the motion .So there is no question of L.K.Advani taking advice of the astrologer to suit the timing. It was the government which was desperate to prove its majority. Dont you guys understand this simple thing. It is an insult to the Indian people that they went out of the way and broke all decorum to prove their majority ;siding with criminals, power brokers and blatantly abusing the freedom of the press through selected journalists.
Its just a matter of time before the Indian people get wiser to such gimmickery.
Mr. Manmohan Singh , can you compare even fractionally Mr. Advani's personal sacrifices over past five decades for the sake of the country. If not, then please do not insult a senior person.
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Freedom of kashmir condemned by India
The Union Ministry of External Affairs has lashed out at controversial author -- Arundhati Roy -- who has upset sensitivities by advocating Azadi for Kashmir.
Terming her comments as preposterous, Anand Sharma, MoS, External Affairs said:"It is preposterous for any one to say so. It deserves to be rejected with contempt. We are a constitutional democracy and what is against the constitution has to be strongly condemned. One must remember in our country, there is room for all shades of opinion. But Indians territorial integrity is invaluable and non-negotiable."
Meanwhile, earlier, political parties too had lashed out at Roy. She came under attack from the Congress and the BJP over her controversial statement on Kashmir with the ruling party dubbing her a "loose cannon" and the main opposition saying her remarks were "nothing short of sedition".
Congress national spokesperson, Dr A Singhvi, had said, "India will not compromise on an inch of its territorial integrity. To put it mildly, it is utter nonsense. To provoke people and make such irresponsible statements will not be tolerated. India stands for equal, non-discriminatory treatment for all but if you play with India's security and integrity, you are playing with fire. There are enough provisions in the Indian constitution and penal code and power with the Indian government to nip off such attempts at its bud."
source:TimesNOW.tv
Terming her comments as preposterous, Anand Sharma, MoS, External Affairs said:"It is preposterous for any one to say so. It deserves to be rejected with contempt. We are a constitutional democracy and what is against the constitution has to be strongly condemned. One must remember in our country, there is room for all shades of opinion. But Indians territorial integrity is invaluable and non-negotiable."
Meanwhile, earlier, political parties too had lashed out at Roy. She came under attack from the Congress and the BJP over her controversial statement on Kashmir with the ruling party dubbing her a "loose cannon" and the main opposition saying her remarks were "nothing short of sedition".
Congress national spokesperson, Dr A Singhvi, had said, "India will not compromise on an inch of its territorial integrity. To put it mildly, it is utter nonsense. To provoke people and make such irresponsible statements will not be tolerated. India stands for equal, non-discriminatory treatment for all but if you play with India's security and integrity, you are playing with fire. There are enough provisions in the Indian constitution and penal code and power with the Indian government to nip off such attempts at its bud."
source:TimesNOW.tv
Iphone in India
Vodafone will sell the 8GB 3G iPhone for 31,000 rupees ($712) and the 16GB model for 36,100 rupees ($828). And this for a 3G model when India does not even have 3G services yet.Vodafone and Airtel will launch the 3G Apple iPhone in India on August 22. Airtel is yet to announce its price for the phones but it’s unlikely the pricing will differ much.The price of the 8GB model in the U.S. is $199 and $299 for the 16GB model. So is buying the iPhone in India worth it or will the grey market rule?
But the big question is "Who will buy the new iPhone?" when phones half the price offer more more features.
Its just that they don't have the touch screen and are not "COOL"
source: blogs.reuters.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sushil kumar wins the second indian medal at the Beijing olympics
Wrestler Sushil Kumar gave India one more reason to won cheer when he won the bronze medal in the freestyle 66kg category at the Beijing Olympics on Wednesday.
Sushil defeated Leonid Spiridonov of Kazakhstan 3-1 in the repechage match of the men's freestyle wrestling 66kg to win India's India's first wrestling medal since the 1952 Helsinki Games.
He is only the second Indian wrestler after Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav to win an Olympic medal. Jadhav had won a bronze medal in the 1952 Games.
In the earlier rounds of repechage Sushil overcame the challenge of USA's Doug Schwab and Belarrussian Albert Batyrov in the first two repechage rounds.
Sushil had lost to Ukrainian Andriy Stadnik in his quarter-final bout.
All those who lose to the ultimate finalists take part in the repechage, which decides the two bronze medallists.
Sushil later said that there was not much pressure on him.
Cash Rewards
The Haryana government announced a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh while Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the wrestler has done the country proud by his stupendous feat. He also announced a cash reward of Rs. 25 lakh to woman shuttler Sania Nehwal who had reached the quarter-finals of the singles event in Beijing Olympics.
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announced Rs 55 lakh cash reward and also said that the wrestler will be promoted as Assistant Commercial Manager. Sushil was earlier Chief Ticket Inspector.
Union Sports Ministry also announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh.
Vijendra wins
Vijender Kumar assured India of yet another medal when he entered the semi-finals of the middleweight (75kg) category on Wednesday.
Vijender defeated Ecuador's Carlos Gongora 9-4 at the Workers' Gymnasium.
In the Olympic boxing event even the losing semifinalists get a bronze medal.
Vijender maintained a dour defence which Gongora simply could not breach.
Vijender looked indefatigable and his nimble footwork stood him in good stead as the Indian tired out his opponent and connected most of his blows to run away with the game.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Jammu Kashmir - A Divided India
In this post I'd like to express my concern over the fact that India may loose its oneness and may be divided because of the vested interests of politicians involved in this violent uprising against the wrong issues (communal) . This uprising may have been ignited by the Amarnath shrine land, but the main cause of it has been different. The differences are between the people of Jammu and those of Kashmir. These differences have grown into a full fledged poisonous tree that is now threatening to destroy its own roots. The people of Jammu resentfully feel that Kashmir has been pampered for the last 60 years, no denial of that fact. The fact that educated people, not persuaded by political parties have joined the agitation itself proves this. On the contrary, the highway blockade by VHP activists has sharpened the perception that Kashmiris (Muslims) are persecuted in India (dominated by Hindus). This agitation had nothing to do with hindus or muslims, but this case has become critical since the density of Hindus is more in Jammu and the same is with Muslims in Kashmir.
I recently was a spectator to a debate between a resident of Jammu and a kashmiri. The debate was centered around the agitation in Jammu and had begun from the violence by the army. The Jammu resident was unhappy with the over pampering of Kashmir. She said that Kashmir has been the center of growth and development.
More funds are allocated to Kashmir than to Jammu and hence the growth has been slow. There are few colleges in jammu and most colleges in kashmir have more quota for Kashmiri people. Most politicians in kashmir have built sprawling bunglows in jammu on illegal forest land and they come there to stay, when its snowing in the valley. So when it came to amarnath land there was no need for the land to be taken. The Kashmiri resident argued that there were more number of people in Kashmir and almost equal funds had been allocated to jammu, mentioning that there were almost 7 flyovers in jammu as compared to 1 in Kashmir. When this debate was going on I was just thinking that why has this become communal and why hurriyat and BJP are in the midst fuelling agitation and protests in J&K. This is the only thing stopping a civil war. The agitation and protests have been concentrated on economic effects.
More funds are allocated to Kashmir than to Jammu and hence the growth has been slow. There are few colleges in jammu and most colleges in kashmir have more quota for Kashmiri people. Most politicians in kashmir have built sprawling bunglows in jammu on illegal forest land and they come there to stay, when its snowing in the valley. So when it came to amarnath land there was no need for the land to be taken. The Kashmiri resident argued that there were more number of people in Kashmir and almost equal funds had been allocated to jammu, mentioning that there were almost 7 flyovers in jammu as compared to 1 in Kashmir. When this debate was going on I was just thinking that why has this become communal and why hurriyat and BJP are in the midst fuelling agitation and protests in J&K. This is the only thing stopping a civil war. The agitation and protests have been concentrated on economic effects.
The media has also been biased and has only focussed on issues pertaining to a single side. Media plays a vital role in influencing the thoughts of people and if it biased or corrupted then it adds fuel to the fire. It could although give them good sales but it is simply ruining J&K, already heading towards anarchy. One such website I'd like
to mention is www.greaterkashmir.com . The website has shown has portrayed kashmiris as victims and all others as cruel. The fact is that we all are victims here. Things such as Muzaffarabad Chalo could only give the anti social terror elements a chance to sneak in militants into India and they could kill innocents.
The situation could be like what it was in 1947 if muslims were made to flee from jammu, giving the BJP an electoral advantage.
The possibility of a bloody civil war is quite there as J&K has a lot of village self defense committees armed with automatic rifles. These committees are largely Hindu. In the hilly terrain, a civil war could would mean catastrophy.The only solution to this situation is that one side needs to compromise. The political parties have their own vested interests. BJP might have gained good political ground from this agitation. We need to sort out our differences and stay with peace. Somebody will have to compromise. We have seen so many communal riots and seen thousands of people die as a result of that. But we are still fighting, not realizing that this situation could get communal soon. There are lakhs of people at the Amarnath yatra. As a resident of J&K you might criticize me. You might say that how can I, who may have never stayed in J&K could say this so easily. You are right, but the solution of this problem is only in compromising. About 21 people have died so far because of the firing by the army and CRPF. You may hate the army, but please don't support the terrorists either. Supporting them has allowed them to survive. Naxalites have also survived in a similar way. The right path is long and bumpy and does not look easy, but it always leads you to the right place.
Stay connected to Speak India and become an active Indian by subscribing to this blog. Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On road craters
On road graves, it sounds something related to accidents, you might think, but that ain't this posts' content. I stay in Delhi, the capital of the developing India, but something I observe everyday makes me feel I am back to stone age, literally. Its more than just an observation, shaking me all over from within. It is the on road grave, the pot holes that have become large enough to fit in a stuffed big car. Mountain biking, I'd say would loose the battle when it comes to driving on the capital's roads in terms of the vibrations and roughness. The newly built flyovers have also broken down in this bustling city. The vibrations get to your head in no time and as a result people try to catch up when they find a free stretch, void of craters leading to more accidents. The poor state of affairs has lead to this city loosing precious revenue on account of time lost in transportation. You need some really good stress busters to keep up in this big and poorly managed city.
My apologies to Shiela Dixit and congress, but it seems you don't deserve another chance after you've screwed up the city transport with the BRT corridor. It could be your economic sense for private reasons that you went for such an untested project.Some info for all congress supporters who might argue with delhi metro, delhi metro was a BJP initiative.
My apologies to Shiela Dixit and congress, but it seems you don't deserve another chance after you've screwed up the city transport with the BRT corridor. It could be your economic sense for private reasons that you went for such an untested project.Some info for all congress supporters who might argue with delhi metro, delhi metro was a BJP initiative.
Abhinav Bindra
Abhinav Bindra has done it by becoming India's first individual Olympic gold medalist. He has brought hope in the minds of Indians who have a defeated look, when the World's most popular and celebrated sports event begins. This is just the beginning of the Indian athletes. In a population of more than 100 crore, where the vox populli is cricket, such victories come as uprisings against the low budget and poor state of affairs for other non popular sports.s
And now the big deals
“There is no precedence of India winning a gold in the Olympics. Media frenzy in the next few days will get brand owners excited, and Bindra as a brand will get bigger once he is back,” he says. But India being a one sport country, the prospects for brands will have to be topical and tactical, says Ms Vinita Bangard, COO, Percept Talent Management.
And now the big deals
“There is no precedence of India winning a gold in the Olympics. Media frenzy in the next few days will get brand owners excited, and Bindra as a brand will get bigger once he is back,” he says. But India being a one sport country, the prospects for brands will have to be topical and tactical, says Ms Vinita Bangard, COO, Percept Talent Management.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Crack of whip for bad cops:Supreme court
Supreme court has issued an order that a policeman turning away a person without registering his complaint could face contempt of court charges and cool his heels in jail if he failed to justify non-registration of the FIR. So citizens, if a cop refuses to file an FIR, the jury is backing you.
"In India, officials act only on huntering (flogging). India understands only 'chabuk' - this is the meaning of swaraj and this is the concept of swaraj (self-rule)," Justice B N Agrawal said.
The cracker of an order came from a bench headed by Justice Agrawal, who on Thursday had a massive spat with a former law minister in open court before excusing himself from hearing a petition that had sought FIRs against judicial officers allegedly involved in the Rs 23 crore PF scam.
Final the law and order is getting into place.
Another thing, which has to be emphasized is the behaviour and manners of the policemen. They behave no better than thieves or local goons.
"In India, officials act only on huntering (flogging). India understands only 'chabuk' - this is the meaning of swaraj and this is the concept of swaraj (self-rule)," Justice B N Agrawal said.
The cracker of an order came from a bench headed by Justice Agrawal, who on Thursday had a massive spat with a former law minister in open court before excusing himself from hearing a petition that had sought FIRs against judicial officers allegedly involved in the Rs 23 crore PF scam.
Final the law and order is getting into place.
Another thing, which has to be emphasized is the behaviour and manners of the policemen. They behave no better than thieves or local goons.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Phoonk : Ramus tryst with horror
Ram Gopal Varma and Phoonk are out marketing their film never heard before. Phoonk is out with a challenge. Watch it alone in a theatre and take home 5 lakh ruppees. It does not seem as easy as it may sound to you. RGV camp is claiming it to be the scariest movie ever to hit the Indian cinemas. This kind of marketing seems new, something Shahrukh and Red Chillies entertainment can look into.To market the movie Ram Gopal has also used his blog.
Ramu's experience with supernatural
He says that once on he was on a flight with shiamak dawar. Shiamak and Ramu had never met or worked before except at a party where they had met. While talking Shiamak suddenly asked, "Is your father dead ?". He was taken aback. He said "ya".
Shiamak replied saying that Ramu's father was there with them and was little concerned about Ramu.
Lets see what is Shiamak's take on this story. I can only say one thing to him, "Man! you are so scary". You scared Ramu.
There are three scary stories that Ramu has to tell, which are there on his blog. Shiamak's story was the one I found the best to mention. For the rest there is Ramu's blog, not Speak India. If you find them funny don't blame me.
I appreciate this story/incident but I wonder why such incidents only come in light when a movie on black magic is about to be released. Maybe marketing, publicity. But calling your dead dad back for few extra bucks doesn't sound too good. Best of luck RGV for your PHOONK. I'll be there.......................................................................................................................................
................only to watch your movie...
website : www.phoonk.in
Want to get this stuff everyday. Just subscribeDo you remember me or just my number
We receive calls everyday on our mobile and the first thing we check is the number. Softwares have been developed that play different ring tones for different numbers. If the person calling is important, we don't waste time in pondering over, but if unknown or weakly related, we might cancel it. This trend is for everybody and it is correct too. After all our time is precious. We are hard working people and we need time to work, rest and do other stuff. To add to our woes are the beleaguered calls from tele marketing agencies who have managed to get hook of our number. This commercial use by advertisers has lead to believe that an unknown number could bring a known or an unknown nuisance. Happy news we seldom expect. There are people who need favours too. They are persistent and persuasive and will not let you live, sleep or enjoy your meal. They'll keep calling you.
This number id system of a person has made man using the phone itself commercial.
There used to be days when people used to remember by voice. Today if you call from an unexpected number to your friend, and if he picks up and recognizes your voice, it would be a miracle. The conversations have lost the initial warm greet and now they begin with "Ok SAM, whts up, wht do you want... "
Sounds quite professional, isn't it, but is it really human or a computer talking ?
Its just like typing data into a computer. Such things are the sole reason, I believe that robots with emotions are being made today, because seeing the rate of progress, emotions would be a term in history books one day.
China Shining, India hiding
China has shown the world what it is capable of. Behind the glitz, fireworks and the splendor of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics is a hidden message saying "We are here" . The country has shown the world what its is capable of. The truly magnificent ceremony came like a dragon pouncing on the world super powers, overshadowing the ceremonies held till date. The dragon also ate away the cultural might of the over rated India. The peerless performance made its resonance all across the world and like the great wall could have been felt in space too. The ineffable event even made the seers think about India's future. Indian condition seemed penury with their mismatched outfits and shoddy presentation.It does not make me feel proud when I hear my friends and family say that it'll take India another 10 years or more matching this sort of event. The fallacy of an Indian about his culture has been shown the reality in lights of the fireworks that went off that evening. I might sound jealous, but thats how every passionate Indian would feel. Our leaders have let us down. They have brought only shame to our country. The nuclear deal in parliament, bribing of MP's and double sided nature of parliamentarians makes me ask a few questions. "Are they really interested ? Do they want India to become a world power ? Do they want electricity in all homes or do they just want to highlight Kalawati" .
I applaud the Chinese people for setting up a spectacular show, but what I want to know is what can we do ?
Are we prepared to host such an event on world stage. Are we competent enough or simply apathetic ?
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