News ! News ! and more news. Surprises and more surprises. In the wake of the 8/11 Al-Qaeda manoevres and the Mumbai blasts, the latest revealations about the failed terror attacks in the UK only raises scepticism and cynical reactions.
Brilliant and educated doctors involved in the plot. The accusing finger points at Bangalore. Haneef and Sabeel have only bought disrepute to their profession and country.
The Garden city, India's fastest growing metropolis will have to watch out.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
New plans on the anvil for Indian space science
India's own space shuttle, manned capsules going to th e moon and beyond, a two-way mission that brings back helium 3 from the moon, in- orbit servicing of satellites, besides an indigenous GPS satellites, besides an indigenous GPS satellite system in place by 2012 are some of the dreams ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair nurtures.
With 43 missions so far and 15 live satellites in orbit today, servicing various sectors of society the Indian space programme is robust and raring to go.
A Mars orbiter by 2015, an asteroid orbiter by 2017, exploration of inner solar system and building capability for outer solar system by 2020 are among the conceptual stage objectives he set for the nation's space programme.
India has thus become a member of the global network in space science.
With 43 missions so far and 15 live satellites in orbit today, servicing various sectors of society the Indian space programme is robust and raring to go.
A Mars orbiter by 2015, an asteroid orbiter by 2017, exploration of inner solar system and building capability for outer solar system by 2020 are among the conceptual stage objectives he set for the nation's space programme.
India has thus become a member of the global network in space science.
Friday, July 13, 2007
A unique planet
Astronomers in Paris announced they had spotted the first planet beyond the Solar System that has water, the precious ingredient for life.
The watery world, though, is far beyond the reach of our puny chemically- powered rockets and in any case is quite uninhabitable.
It is made of gas rather than rock and its atmosphere reaches temperature not enough to melt steel which means the water exists only as superheated steam.
The find named HD 189733 , is about 15 per cent bigger than our Jupiter and orbits a star in th e constellation of Vulpecula the Fox, according to a paper released by Nature the weekly British science journal.
The Universe is full of surprises.
The watery world, though, is far beyond the reach of our puny chemically- powered rockets and in any case is quite uninhabitable.
It is made of gas rather than rock and its atmosphere reaches temperature not enough to melt steel which means the water exists only as superheated steam.
The find named HD 189733 , is about 15 per cent bigger than our Jupiter and orbits a star in th e constellation of Vulpecula the Fox, according to a paper released by Nature the weekly British science journal.
The Universe is full of surprises.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Indian's propensity to multiply
India's population is likely to reach around 1.5billion by 2025 according to a United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
US Consul-General Henry Jardine said as per other UN projections, India's population may stabilise at around 1.7 billion by 2060. India already has at least four cities that have population of over 10 million.
US Consul-General Henry Jardine said as per other UN projections, India's population may stabilise at around 1.7 billion by 2060. India already has at least four cities that have population of over 10 million.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Globalisation in art and culture
Art knows no frontiers. If Shakespeare's works could be translated into Kannada then the criticism against English Yakshagana was not justified, according to Yakshagana artiste and critic M.Prabhakar Joshi.
He further said, 'it is not an easy task to perform Yakshagana in English. A troupe has to face many hurdles including choosing the language , dialect and writing dialogues.
Through knowledgeable sources, it is learnt that 'through English Yakshagana, the heritage of our culture would spread throughout the world.'
We can happily conclude that if American TV serials can be dubbed in Hindi, if Bharatanatyam items can be recited in various Indian languages, then , why not English Yakshagana?
He further said, 'it is not an easy task to perform Yakshagana in English. A troupe has to face many hurdles including choosing the language , dialect and writing dialogues.
Through knowledgeable sources, it is learnt that 'through English Yakshagana, the heritage of our culture would spread throughout the world.'
We can happily conclude that if American TV serials can be dubbed in Hindi, if Bharatanatyam items can be recited in various Indian languages, then , why not English Yakshagana?
Monday, July 09, 2007
Cricketing news
The cricket fraternity in India contributed a fresh sensation as former captain Kapil Dev came into the news. He has dared the BCCI to sack him from the chairman's post at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for his alignment with the rebel Indian Cricket League.
Kapil earned the Board's wrath by joining Essel Group's ICL as the Chairman of its Executive Board.
'If I can do something for the game and the young cricketers through Indian Cricket League, I will not budge' he asserted.
A few months back, the Essel Group had launched the ICL with much fanfare, announcing that some top names of world cricket would take part in it.
Speculation is rife that legends like Brian Lara, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath will join the league that promises a huge prize money.
Kapil earned the Board's wrath by joining Essel Group's ICL as the Chairman of its Executive Board.
'If I can do something for the game and the young cricketers through Indian Cricket League, I will not budge' he asserted.
A few months back, the Essel Group had launched the ICL with much fanfare, announcing that some top names of world cricket would take part in it.
Speculation is rife that legends like Brian Lara, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath will join the league that promises a huge prize money.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
An artist's fate
M.F. Hussain, India's eminent artist has always courted controversy. The 92-year-old artist has been hounded in India by the media, politicians and the 'defenders' of the country's culture.
Today, Husain keeps shuttling between New York, London and Dubai where he lives in exile. He fears that he would be put behind bars and tormented by legal proceedings if he comes to India. The last thing he wants is to spend the sunset of his life battling persecution.
According to him, his attitude is :'I am not a hypocrite. I come out with my feelings honestly'.
As is generally the case, in his own country, he is not appreciated.
Today, Husain keeps shuttling between New York, London and Dubai where he lives in exile. He fears that he would be put behind bars and tormented by legal proceedings if he comes to India. The last thing he wants is to spend the sunset of his life battling persecution.
According to him, his attitude is :'I am not a hypocrite. I come out with my feelings honestly'.
As is generally the case, in his own country, he is not appreciated.
India preaches ahimsa
India , in the backdrop of terrorist violence in its border areas, extolled the virtues of peace and non-violence.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signalled to the international community that India was committed to maintaining th e highest standards of non-profileration, in spite of possessing advanced technologies. India, he said was against any arms race.
The Prime Minister reiterated that "We seek a neighbourhood of peace and prosperity as a vital pillar of our national security. We don''t wish to engage in an arms race with anyone.
At the same time he stressed upon the need to create adequate defence preparedness to manage any potential challenge to our security and vital national interests.
Whilst being well prepared on the arms front it would however not be belligerent.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signalled to the international community that India was committed to maintaining th e highest standards of non-profileration, in spite of possessing advanced technologies. India, he said was against any arms race.
The Prime Minister reiterated that "We seek a neighbourhood of peace and prosperity as a vital pillar of our national security. We don''t wish to engage in an arms race with anyone.
At the same time he stressed upon the need to create adequate defence preparedness to manage any potential challenge to our security and vital national interests.
Whilst being well prepared on the arms front it would however not be belligerent.
Friday, July 06, 2007
India's acquisition- the Brahmos
When President A.P.J Abdul Kalam handed over replicas of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles, it signified the start of the delivery of the Brahmos missile to the Army.
Brahmos is a remarkable success story of a joint venture between India and Russia is a high-technology defence product. Today, there are only two countries in the world that have supersonic cruise missiles in their inventory. Even the United States has only a subsonic cruise missile called Tomahawk.
'There is no defence against Brahmos'. It has speed, power and precision. It can fly at velocities of Mach 2.8 to Mach 3.
The Brahmos has the advantage of all th e three and it can be launched simultaneously from multiple platforms such as silos, trucks, ships, submarines and aircraft, targeting enemy assets and inflicting destruction in a short time.
Brahmos Aerospace is now working on the missile's submarine launch and Air Force versions.
Work on the missile version for the Indian Air Force will be ready in two years.
It can be percieved that Brahmos is indeed a versatile missile.
Brahmos is a remarkable success story of a joint venture between India and Russia is a high-technology defence product. Today, there are only two countries in the world that have supersonic cruise missiles in their inventory. Even the United States has only a subsonic cruise missile called Tomahawk.
'There is no defence against Brahmos'. It has speed, power and precision. It can fly at velocities of Mach 2.8 to Mach 3.
The Brahmos has the advantage of all th e three and it can be launched simultaneously from multiple platforms such as silos, trucks, ships, submarines and aircraft, targeting enemy assets and inflicting destruction in a short time.
Brahmos Aerospace is now working on the missile's submarine launch and Air Force versions.
Work on the missile version for the Indian Air Force will be ready in two years.
It can be percieved that Brahmos is indeed a versatile missile.
Dynastic Politics
Politics-the last resort of a rascal. Scandals throng politicians all round the world. The Watergate scandal, Telgi scam, Bofors case to name a few.
Politics is associated with red tapism, corruption, money-laundering and also runs in the blood of a few selected families.
The Kennedy family, the Castro clan, the Nehru family can be cited.
In India, the Nehru family can be said to have a stronghold over the country's political map.
Indira Gandhi was groomed for the Prime Minister's post by her esteemed father. The rest of the family is following suit.
Charisma plays a strong role in politics. Nehru had charm, intellect, wit wisdom. The following generations too despite tragedies are taking on politics as a full-time job.
Politics is associated with red tapism, corruption, money-laundering and also runs in the blood of a few selected families.
The Kennedy family, the Castro clan, the Nehru family can be cited.
In India, the Nehru family can be said to have a stronghold over the country's political map.
Indira Gandhi was groomed for the Prime Minister's post by her esteemed father. The rest of the family is following suit.
Charisma plays a strong role in politics. Nehru had charm, intellect, wit wisdom. The following generations too despite tragedies are taking on politics as a full-time job.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
The Sania era
Sania Mirza shot into the headlines as India's tennis sensation but has faced mixed luck recently.
Sania Mirza's dreams in the Wimbledon ladies' doubles events turned to dust when she and Israel's Shaher Peer were knocked out by Lisa Raymond (USA) and Suneetha Stosur(Australia) in the pre-quarter finals. The Indian star, however remained in contention in the mixed doubles, pairing up with Mahesh Bhupathi to defeat Janette Husarova (Slovakia) and David Skoch (Czech Republic) in the first round.
The Indian press may have written her off but Sania continues to make news.
Sania Mirza's dreams in the Wimbledon ladies' doubles events turned to dust when she and Israel's Shaher Peer were knocked out by Lisa Raymond (USA) and Suneetha Stosur(Australia) in the pre-quarter finals. The Indian star, however remained in contention in the mixed doubles, pairing up with Mahesh Bhupathi to defeat Janette Husarova (Slovakia) and David Skoch (Czech Republic) in the first round.
The Indian press may have written her off but Sania continues to make news.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Malaise in the medical profession
The hand that healeth- such is the manner one would describe doctors. But there are some who bring disrepute to the profession.
Two Indian doctors have been held in Britain and Australia in connection with a week's failed terror attack in the UK as the hunt for conspirators intensified across the globe.
Police currently suspect that the leader of the terror cell is one of the five doctors held in the UK who were working or training for th e NHS.
Two Indian doctors have been held in Britain and Australia in connection with a week's failed terror attack in the UK as the hunt for conspirators intensified across the globe.
Police currently suspect that the leader of the terror cell is one of the five doctors held in the UK who were working or training for th e NHS.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Fighter aircraft fitted with radar
L.A state-of-the-art radar being developed for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be integrated into the fighter aircraft by March 2005. The radar known as the multi-mode radar is being considered by India's Electronic Research Development Establishment and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Israel's Elta Systems.
The radar will be fitted onto seven Limited Series Production (LSP) being manufactured by HAl.
The radar will be fitted onto seven Limited Series Production (LSP) being manufactured by HAl.
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