A first-time Indian novelist and two other Indian writers Salman Rushdie and Amitav Ghosh will compete for this year's #50, 000 prestigious Booker prize.
The White Tiger, a debut novel by Aravind Adiga, a software engineer from Karnataka has recieved considerable attention in western capitals for its clear-eyed view of India's economic coming of age.
As almost always the case with Rushdie, his Enchantress of Florence was immediately described as the favorite to win. The 40-year- old Booker Prize, which is technically called Man-Booker because it is sponsored by the alternative investment management-business the Man group, announced its B-strong long-list on Wednesday. The long-list was culled from 112 books of which nine interestingly were called in to read by the judges by special demand. The final shortlist will be announced in September just a month before the prize winner is feted at a gala dinner here.
This year's long-list is seen to have a marked sub-continental flavour, as it also features another first-time novelist, this time from Pakistan. It is Mohammad Hanif for his political satire A case of Exploding Mangoes, about the mysterious air crash that killed General Zia-ul-Huq. Former Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Partillo, who chaired the Booker's panel of judges, said he was' pleased with the geographical balance of the longlist with writers from Pakistan, India, Australia, Ireland and UK.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tulunadu culture showcased
Facets of Tulunadu culture came alive at a prototype 'Guttina Mane' (a traditional house for a clan with an open courtyard) at Pilikula Nisargadhama.
The occasion was a programme titled 'aatitonji dino' ( a day in the Hindu lunar month of 'aashada') organised by Pilikula Nisargadhama Society.
People tasted 22 delicious delicacies of the coastal belt at the 'nadu mane' (sheltered area around courtyard) besides witnessing some of the ancient household articles, agriculture related articles , old bamboo baskets, wooden game articles, pottery items and articles used in 'bhoota worship' ( spirit worship). The special Aashada delicacies were made by enthusiastic women at their own places and brought to 'Guttina Mane' .
Shankari T.Alva had cooked 'neeruppad chutni' ( chutni prepared from mango pieces stuffed in salt water) . There were coastal specific dishes such as 'patrode', 'kuda chutni, 'timere chutni', ' pejakai chutni' ,'mude' " manjal ireta gatti'.
Students rendered folk songs. Some women shared the tricks of the trade of preparing dishes of the 'aati' month. Books on Tulu culture and literature were put on sale.
People enjoyed the serene atmosphere in the village. They felt free there.
The occasion was a programme titled 'aatitonji dino' ( a day in the Hindu lunar month of 'aashada') organised by Pilikula Nisargadhama Society.
People tasted 22 delicious delicacies of the coastal belt at the 'nadu mane' (sheltered area around courtyard) besides witnessing some of the ancient household articles, agriculture related articles , old bamboo baskets, wooden game articles, pottery items and articles used in 'bhoota worship' ( spirit worship). The special Aashada delicacies were made by enthusiastic women at their own places and brought to 'Guttina Mane' .
Shankari T.Alva had cooked 'neeruppad chutni' ( chutni prepared from mango pieces stuffed in salt water) . There were coastal specific dishes such as 'patrode', 'kuda chutni, 'timere chutni', ' pejakai chutni' ,'mude' " manjal ireta gatti'.
Students rendered folk songs. Some women shared the tricks of the trade of preparing dishes of the 'aati' month. Books on Tulu culture and literature were put on sale.
People enjoyed the serene atmosphere in the village. They felt free there.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
First solar eclipse around the corner
The Earth, the Sun and the Moon will align in a celestial ballet on Friday. The recipient will be China, where the first record of an eclipse was made more than 4,000 years ago, with a dazzling show.
Longingly awaited, the first total solar eclipse since March 2006, kicks off at 1453 IST, when the lunar shadow touches down on the fringes of Nunovet province in northern Canada.
The dark, narrow disc known as the umbra, then races across central Russia and Central Asia and head into Mongolia and north-western China. It then curves to the South-East before expiring near the city of Xin at 1650 IST, after a trek of some 10,200 kms.
Most of Asia, northern Europe and northern Canada will see a partial eclipse, according to NASA's eclipse expert. 'More than a billion people will be in the shadow of the Moon on August 1' says the US publication Sky & Telescope.
Eclipses of the Sun have long held a tenacious grip on the human mind. To ancient Chinese, it was a sun- eating dragon which had to be chased away with clashing of cymbals and pans. In Hindu mythology , demon Rahu takes a bite out of the Sun from time to time.
Longingly awaited, the first total solar eclipse since March 2006, kicks off at 1453 IST, when the lunar shadow touches down on the fringes of Nunovet province in northern Canada.
The dark, narrow disc known as the umbra, then races across central Russia and Central Asia and head into Mongolia and north-western China. It then curves to the South-East before expiring near the city of Xin at 1650 IST, after a trek of some 10,200 kms.
Most of Asia, northern Europe and northern Canada will see a partial eclipse, according to NASA's eclipse expert. 'More than a billion people will be in the shadow of the Moon on August 1' says the US publication Sky & Telescope.
Eclipses of the Sun have long held a tenacious grip on the human mind. To ancient Chinese, it was a sun- eating dragon which had to be chased away with clashing of cymbals and pans. In Hindu mythology , demon Rahu takes a bite out of the Sun from time to time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mishap on the streets
Two motorcycles collided with each other causing the riders to fall off their seats and collapse on the road. Minor injuries were sustained.
The accident created animosity between the two victims.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Bejai church. People gathered around the site of the accident. Traffic continued alongside the road as no serious injury was caused to either of the victims.
Accidents are common in our roads. With speeding buses, a notorious menace of this small city of Mangalore, two-wheelers and cars jostle amidst the hustle and bustle of daily traffic.
The traffic police should be cautioned. Auto drivers too should stick to regulations.
The accident created animosity between the two victims.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Bejai church. People gathered around the site of the accident. Traffic continued alongside the road as no serious injury was caused to either of the victims.
Accidents are common in our roads. With speeding buses, a notorious menace of this small city of Mangalore, two-wheelers and cars jostle amidst the hustle and bustle of daily traffic.
The traffic police should be cautioned. Auto drivers too should stick to regulations.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Global warming vis-a-vis shrinking glaciers
With rising global temperature, glaciers in the Himalayas are retreating at an alarming rate of 15-20 metres every year, which could adversely impact agriculture in the region.
Mapping of 400 glaciers done jointly by the Himachal Pradesh Science and Technology Council and the Space Research Station Ahmedabad since 1994 on rivers Chandra, Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Spiti has shown that the glaciers are retreating.
'There had been a retreat of 10-15 metres per year in 400 glaciers', A.B.Kulkarni head of the Glaciology wing of Space Research Station, Ahmedabad said.
The mapping of glaciers through satellite picture suggests that there are in total 334 glaciers in the entire Sutlej and Beas basins covering an area of 1515 sq.kms.
Officials stressed an field based study in Himachal Pradesh to collect true statistics which would help in drawing plans accordingly. The temperature of Shimla has risen by a degree Celsius in last 100 years reflecting impact of global warming in the hill state.
Mapping of 400 glaciers done jointly by the Himachal Pradesh Science and Technology Council and the Space Research Station Ahmedabad since 1994 on rivers Chandra, Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Spiti has shown that the glaciers are retreating.
'There had been a retreat of 10-15 metres per year in 400 glaciers', A.B.Kulkarni head of the Glaciology wing of Space Research Station, Ahmedabad said.
The mapping of glaciers through satellite picture suggests that there are in total 334 glaciers in the entire Sutlej and Beas basins covering an area of 1515 sq.kms.
Officials stressed an field based study in Himachal Pradesh to collect true statistics which would help in drawing plans accordingly. The temperature of Shimla has risen by a degree Celsius in last 100 years reflecting impact of global warming in the hill state.
Rathore features in Time magazine
Athens Olympics silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore finds a mention in the Time magazine's list of 100- most compelling athletes to watch out for in the Beijing Games.
Rathore is the lone Indian in the list of '100 Olympic athletes to watch' which features athletes from different participating countries including Australia, China, US and Zimbabwe.
Writing on Rathore, Time noted that the 38-year old double- trap shooter is among the country's best hopes for a medal.
He picked up the sport after training as an Army marksman and won a silver in Athens, but that feat didn't change India's long history of indifference to sports other than cricket', the magazine said.
On his preparation, Rathore said it has not been easy considering that shortage of ammunition has been one of the major problems in the run-up to the games.
A recent surge of corporate sponsors, including steel Lakshmi Mittal, have stepped up to offer their support for some of India's elite athletes, something Rathore calls' a positive change for the country'.
Rathore is the lone Indian in the list of '100 Olympic athletes to watch' which features athletes from different participating countries including Australia, China, US and Zimbabwe.
Writing on Rathore, Time noted that the 38-year old double- trap shooter is among the country's best hopes for a medal.
He picked up the sport after training as an Army marksman and won a silver in Athens, but that feat didn't change India's long history of indifference to sports other than cricket', the magazine said.
On his preparation, Rathore said it has not been easy considering that shortage of ammunition has been one of the major problems in the run-up to the games.
A recent surge of corporate sponsors, including steel Lakshmi Mittal, have stepped up to offer their support for some of India's elite athletes, something Rathore calls' a positive change for the country'.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
India to test 'interceptor' missile again
India will take another step towards developing a ballistic missile defence (BMD) system in the next few days when it tests an 'interceptor' against an 'incoming enemy' missile over the Bay of Bengal.
The fledgling two-tier BMD system being developed by DRDO, capable of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside(exo) the earth's atmosphere has already been tested two times.
The impending third test from the Wheeler Island of Orissa's coast will be that of an 'exo-atmospheric' hypersonic interceptor missile, which will take on 'a longer range enemy' missile, in the 2,000 km class, at an altitude of around 80-km this time.
After the third test, DRDO plans to test both the 'exo' and 'endo' interceptor missiles together in an integrated mode by September -October.
With this development, India will gate-crash into a very exclusive club of only countries like U.S., Russia and Israel.
It's like stopping a bullet by hitting it with another bullet. Even the U.S. is still to master it completely' said a scientist.
The fledgling two-tier BMD system being developed by DRDO, capable of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside(exo) the earth's atmosphere has already been tested two times.
The impending third test from the Wheeler Island of Orissa's coast will be that of an 'exo-atmospheric' hypersonic interceptor missile, which will take on 'a longer range enemy' missile, in the 2,000 km class, at an altitude of around 80-km this time.
After the third test, DRDO plans to test both the 'exo' and 'endo' interceptor missiles together in an integrated mode by September -October.
With this development, India will gate-crash into a very exclusive club of only countries like U.S., Russia and Israel.
It's like stopping a bullet by hitting it with another bullet. Even the U.S. is still to master it completely' said a scientist.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
A satellite in micro-size
The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) is all set to design a micro-satellite, whose applications will be used in the areas of disaster management and studying water resources.
The micro-satellite weighing seven kilograms will be designed by the IIT-k for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the next couple of years.
'We will be meeting the ISRO officials seeking license for the micro satellite for a launch during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, which is to be held in two years', IIT-K Director S.G. Dhonde said.
He was speaking to reporters at the International conference on Smart Materials, Structures and systems. He said that an ISRO technology cell had already been set up at the Institute, which would help students learn how to build the system. "The project may cost about Rs. five to seven crore and the satellite would be designed to carry limited applications to cut down its weight', he added.
Speaking on the possible tie-up with the IIT-K, ISRO Chairman G.Madhavan Nair said that the space agency was looking forward to work together with the Institute . 'We are holding discussions with the Institute to work together on a satellite, which will weigh less than 10 kilograms', he stated.
The micro-satellite weighing seven kilograms will be designed by the IIT-k for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the next couple of years.
'We will be meeting the ISRO officials seeking license for the micro satellite for a launch during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, which is to be held in two years', IIT-K Director S.G. Dhonde said.
He was speaking to reporters at the International conference on Smart Materials, Structures and systems. He said that an ISRO technology cell had already been set up at the Institute, which would help students learn how to build the system. "The project may cost about Rs. five to seven crore and the satellite would be designed to carry limited applications to cut down its weight', he added.
Speaking on the possible tie-up with the IIT-K, ISRO Chairman G.Madhavan Nair said that the space agency was looking forward to work together with the Institute . 'We are holding discussions with the Institute to work together on a satellite, which will weigh less than 10 kilograms', he stated.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A 'human' explosion
As the world observed Population Day on Thursday, the question of survival in this highly demanding world is haunting every individual. At the same time, the knowledge that all the awareness campaigns to control population has yielding very few results is disturbing.
What better way to convey a message than put it through an understandable medium? Art has been a very convenient medium to convey relevant messages to humanity since time immemorial and the sand artists of Udupi were quick to seize their opportunity.
Sand Art, a troupe specialised in sand art, keeping their tradition of manifesting something new in their creation, in collaboration with city-based Radha developers, created a sand art portraying effects of population explosion.
The work was not just aesthetically appealing but was also a food for thought as every angle and every aspect of the art spoke eloquently about the effect of the population explosion on the future.
The work has two major parts. The upper part has a huge building structure while the lower part had a number of human faces that expressed a variety of emotions like hunger, pain, anguish, worry, anxiety and so on. The left side portrayed how the nature is being affected due to population explosion.
What better way to convey a message than put it through an understandable medium? Art has been a very convenient medium to convey relevant messages to humanity since time immemorial and the sand artists of Udupi were quick to seize their opportunity.
Sand Art, a troupe specialised in sand art, keeping their tradition of manifesting something new in their creation, in collaboration with city-based Radha developers, created a sand art portraying effects of population explosion.
The work was not just aesthetically appealing but was also a food for thought as every angle and every aspect of the art spoke eloquently about the effect of the population explosion on the future.
The work has two major parts. The upper part has a huge building structure while the lower part had a number of human faces that expressed a variety of emotions like hunger, pain, anguish, worry, anxiety and so on. The left side portrayed how the nature is being affected due to population explosion.
One life lost, due to rain
One person was feared washed away in the heavy rains that lashed Bangalore City from Sunday night till the early hours of Monday.
Several trees were uprooted in the City and cars were submerged in the low-lying areas of Cox town. Four houses at Lakshminarayapura collapsed in the downpour and the wall of a storm-water drain gave way. There are reports that a road caved in during the rains at Seshadripuram.
According to authorities, the City recorded this season's heaviest rainfall on a single day as it recieved around 80 mm rainfall in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The downpour began from around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday and continued till 5.30 a.m.
The man who was feared dead during the rains, has been identified as Barkath ( 34) of M.V. Garden in Halasur area. On Sunday night he was returning home with his friends. Despite the water overflowing the culvert, they decided to cross it. While three of his friends crossed the culvert braving the heavy flow, Barkat lost his balance and was reportedly swept away. The police are yet to trace his body even after a day's search.
Several trees were uprooted in the City and cars were submerged in the low-lying areas of Cox town. Four houses at Lakshminarayapura collapsed in the downpour and the wall of a storm-water drain gave way. There are reports that a road caved in during the rains at Seshadripuram.
According to authorities, the City recorded this season's heaviest rainfall on a single day as it recieved around 80 mm rainfall in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. The downpour began from around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday and continued till 5.30 a.m.
The man who was feared dead during the rains, has been identified as Barkath ( 34) of M.V. Garden in Halasur area. On Sunday night he was returning home with his friends. Despite the water overflowing the culvert, they decided to cross it. While three of his friends crossed the culvert braving the heavy flow, Barkat lost his balance and was reportedly swept away. The police are yet to trace his body even after a day's search.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Going by riches..............
Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Subrahmanya with a annual gross income pegged at Rs. 66.29 crore is the richest temple in Dakshina Kannada district.
For the fiscal year ending on March 2008, the temple's gross income start at Rs. 66, 29, 13, 010.
Next is the list of districts richest temples are Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple on the city's outskirts with a gross income of Rs. 6, 25, 59, 394 and Rs. 3, 65, 13, 560 respectively. According to the income data of the temples, the other 'crorepati' temples in the district are Kadri Manjunatha temple ( Rs. 1, 61, 75, 002) , Bolara Mangaladevi temple ( 1, 19, 36, 231) and Polali Rajarajeshwari temple ( 1, 16, 76, 837).
Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari temple generated an income of Rs. 95, 01, 031. The Endowment Department had categorised temples based on their income as 'A', 'B' and 'C' temples.
Ten temples including Kukke -Subrahmanya, Bolara-Mangaladevi, Kadri- Manjunatha, Kateel- Durga Parameshwari, Kudupu Anantha Padmanabha Someshwara- Somanatha, Polali Rajarajeshwari Puttur Mahalingeshwari and Uppinangadi Sahasralingeshwara temples with income more than Rs. 10 lakh are recognised as 'A' temples.
However, Pananbooru Nandamaheshwara (Rs. 38 lakhs) Pavanje Mahalingeshwara (Rs. 11 lakh) temples with income more than Rs. 10 lakh have been categorised as 'B' temples due to various reasons.
A priest in Kukke Subrahmanya temple recieves a salary of Rs. 10, 000 per month.
Puttur Mahalingeshwara and Sahasra Lingeshwara temples in Puttur have failed to submit their income and expenditure details to the Endowment department.
For the fiscal year ending on March 2008, the temple's gross income start at Rs. 66, 29, 13, 010.
Next is the list of districts richest temples are Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple on the city's outskirts with a gross income of Rs. 6, 25, 59, 394 and Rs. 3, 65, 13, 560 respectively. According to the income data of the temples, the other 'crorepati' temples in the district are Kadri Manjunatha temple ( Rs. 1, 61, 75, 002) , Bolara Mangaladevi temple ( 1, 19, 36, 231) and Polali Rajarajeshwari temple ( 1, 16, 76, 837).
Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari temple generated an income of Rs. 95, 01, 031. The Endowment Department had categorised temples based on their income as 'A', 'B' and 'C' temples.
Ten temples including Kukke -Subrahmanya, Bolara-Mangaladevi, Kadri- Manjunatha, Kateel- Durga Parameshwari, Kudupu Anantha Padmanabha Someshwara- Somanatha, Polali Rajarajeshwari Puttur Mahalingeshwari and Uppinangadi Sahasralingeshwara temples with income more than Rs. 10 lakh are recognised as 'A' temples.
However, Pananbooru Nandamaheshwara (Rs. 38 lakhs) Pavanje Mahalingeshwara (Rs. 11 lakh) temples with income more than Rs. 10 lakh have been categorised as 'B' temples due to various reasons.
A priest in Kukke Subrahmanya temple recieves a salary of Rs. 10, 000 per month.
Puttur Mahalingeshwara and Sahasra Lingeshwara temples in Puttur have failed to submit their income and expenditure details to the Endowment department.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Life-saving drive for boab trees
Australian Aboriginals replanted an ancient boab tree, after it was driven thousands of kilometres with a police escort to save it from destruction.
A road widening scheme meant the tree, estimated to be 750 years old had to be uprooted from its home in Western Australia and moved 3, 200 km by truck to a park in state capital Perth.
'Everyone is hoping that the tree will live for another 750 years' said horticulturist and project coordinator Patrick Courtney . 'We are giving it the best chance it would ever have got'.
The bottle-shaped tree can live for up to 2, 000 years and is a native of the remote northern Kimberly district of Western Australia state. It weighs 36 tonnes stands 14 metres high and is 2.5 metres in diameter.
The tree played a significant role in the traditions of the local Gija people. As the tree was in its dormant stage in the tropical dry season, few special measures were needed to be taken to keep it alive during the journey. It will be in the company of another 14 young boab trees, which seem quite happy in the more temperate climate of the Perth region.
A road widening scheme meant the tree, estimated to be 750 years old had to be uprooted from its home in Western Australia and moved 3, 200 km by truck to a park in state capital Perth.
'Everyone is hoping that the tree will live for another 750 years' said horticulturist and project coordinator Patrick Courtney . 'We are giving it the best chance it would ever have got'.
The bottle-shaped tree can live for up to 2, 000 years and is a native of the remote northern Kimberly district of Western Australia state. It weighs 36 tonnes stands 14 metres high and is 2.5 metres in diameter.
The tree played a significant role in the traditions of the local Gija people. As the tree was in its dormant stage in the tropical dry season, few special measures were needed to be taken to keep it alive during the journey. It will be in the company of another 14 young boab trees, which seem quite happy in the more temperate climate of the Perth region.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A 'human'explosion
As the world observed Population Day on Thursday, the question of survival in this highly demanding world is haunting every individual. At the same time, the knowledge that all the awareness campaigns to control population has yielding very few results is disturbing.
What better way to convey a message than put it through an understandable medium? Art has been a very convenient medium to convey relevant messages to humanity since time immemorial and the sand artists of Udupi were quick to seize their opportunity.
Sand Art, a troupe specialised in sand art, keeping their tradition of manifesting something new in their creation, in collaboration with city-based Radha developers, created a sand art portraying effects of population explosion.
The work was not just aesthetically appealing but was also a food for thought as every angle and every aspect of the art spoke eloquently about the effect of the population explosion on the future.
The work has two major parts. The upper part has a huge building structure while the lower part had a number of human faces that expressed a variety of emotions like hunger, pain, anguish, worry, anxiety and so on. The left side portrayed how the nature is being affected due to population explosion.
What better way to convey a message than put it through an understandable medium? Art has been a very convenient medium to convey relevant messages to humanity since time immemorial and the sand artists of Udupi were quick to seize their opportunity.
Sand Art, a troupe specialised in sand art, keeping their tradition of manifesting something new in their creation, in collaboration with city-based Radha developers, created a sand art portraying effects of population explosion.
The work was not just aesthetically appealing but was also a food for thought as every angle and every aspect of the art spoke eloquently about the effect of the population explosion on the future.
The work has two major parts. The upper part has a huge building structure while the lower part had a number of human faces that expressed a variety of emotions like hunger, pain, anguish, worry, anxiety and so on. The left side portrayed how the nature is being affected due to population explosion.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The concept of multiple intelligence
Burdening children with lessons, projects, examinations may soon be replaced with children's interest of learning by exploring the Multiple Intelligence(MI) latent in them. MI theory instils in students the ability and conviction to realise their full potential to excel.
A team of four members from the MI school, key Learning Community, Indianapolis conducted the workshop at Inventure Academy in Bangalore where teachers were taught about concept of MI, which would be further taught in the class-rooms to enable children to learn with their individual styles. The MI theory identifies children's varied strengths among these intelligence, to stimulate and enhance learning according to their individual styles.
For example if a student is good in music and not in maths, MI helps the students to utilise the music skills to learn maths. In the same manner, utilising children's interests in learning the curriculum is what MI is all about. Various theories are applied to explore the children's MI.
One of the founder members of MI school said'MI is all about intrinsic intelligence which can be applied in the learning process and makes learning interesting to children'.
Children can now look forward to school where they wouldn't be overburdened by the curriculum.
A team of four members from the MI school, key Learning Community, Indianapolis conducted the workshop at Inventure Academy in Bangalore where teachers were taught about concept of MI, which would be further taught in the class-rooms to enable children to learn with their individual styles. The MI theory identifies children's varied strengths among these intelligence, to stimulate and enhance learning according to their individual styles.
For example if a student is good in music and not in maths, MI helps the students to utilise the music skills to learn maths. In the same manner, utilising children's interests in learning the curriculum is what MI is all about. Various theories are applied to explore the children's MI.
One of the founder members of MI school said'MI is all about intrinsic intelligence which can be applied in the learning process and makes learning interesting to children'.
Children can now look forward to school where they wouldn't be overburdened by the curriculum.
Friday, July 18, 2008
India's everyday ally, Russia ready to export fighter
Russia is ready to export state-of-the art SU-35 air superiority-cum-strike fighter to India.
The fourth generation plus(4+) fighter is rated next to the fifth generation American F-22 Raptor, which, however is not for export.
Su-35 has larger wings and more powerful engines than the Sukhoi-30 MRI, which is in service with the Indian Air Force.
India has tendered for 126 medium multi-role fighters worth #10.2 billion.
According to the company, the fighter is powered by engines that are much superior to those fitted on Su-30.
It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds and can carry up to eight tonnes of combat payload.
If the offer is accepted, Russia will be prepared to export the fighters in 2011.
The fourth generation plus(4+) fighter is rated next to the fifth generation American F-22 Raptor, which, however is not for export.
Su-35 has larger wings and more powerful engines than the Sukhoi-30 MRI, which is in service with the Indian Air Force.
India has tendered for 126 medium multi-role fighters worth #10.2 billion.
According to the company, the fighter is powered by engines that are much superior to those fitted on Su-30.
It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds and can carry up to eight tonnes of combat payload.
If the offer is accepted, Russia will be prepared to export the fighters in 2011.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A short and sweet presentation
News at one's fingertips. This is what modern-day news media promises us. And, adapting himself perfectly to this genre, young lad Kirti Mohan, second-year student of S.D.M Law College, Mangalore, delved into news anchoring as a hobby starting off with news presentation for Daiji World, Mangalore.
What started off as a hobby, became a passion as soon as he was to know, he had won the award at 'Intel Centrino MTV on the Job-2'contest, a show on MJV which showcases off-beat careers like news-anchoring, radio-jingle composing, promo-producing etc.
Kirti was selected for this show through an audition.
He opted for the news anchoring job. He was then asked to come to Delhi for a task which was entrusted upon him by 'Headlines Today', a leading news channel.
He was asked to present news on the news channel and was made to face real-time problems which news anchors generally face( the teleprompter getting spoilt, breaking news for five news stories etc.) . On July 1 Kirti was declared winner of this job by Pritish Nadi, Gaurav Sarat( Headlines Today Editor) and Nikhil Chinapa (MJV VJ).
Kirti is the first person from the south to have made it to this show.
He has been awarded an internship with Headlines Today for this achievement.
Confessing, he hadn't expected to win the award, Kirti Mohan is elated at winning it and is looking forward to his internship with 'Headlines Today' which begins next year.
What started off as a hobby, became a passion as soon as he was to know, he had won the award at 'Intel Centrino MTV on the Job-2'contest, a show on MJV which showcases off-beat careers like news-anchoring, radio-jingle composing, promo-producing etc.
Kirti was selected for this show through an audition.
He opted for the news anchoring job. He was then asked to come to Delhi for a task which was entrusted upon him by 'Headlines Today', a leading news channel.
He was asked to present news on the news channel and was made to face real-time problems which news anchors generally face( the teleprompter getting spoilt, breaking news for five news stories etc.) . On July 1 Kirti was declared winner of this job by Pritish Nadi, Gaurav Sarat( Headlines Today Editor) and Nikhil Chinapa (MJV VJ).
Kirti is the first person from the south to have made it to this show.
He has been awarded an internship with Headlines Today for this achievement.
Confessing, he hadn't expected to win the award, Kirti Mohan is elated at winning it and is looking forward to his internship with 'Headlines Today' which begins next year.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Life-span of an athlete
Speculation abounded on whether the world no.1 in tennis would be dethroned. Federer, the greatest of all time tennis player couldn't muster enough strength against upstarts competing close at his heels in the closely-fought arena of top-class tennis.
This year, Nadal played high-quality tennis to dethrone five-time champion Swiss Roger Federer with a block-buster 6-4, 6-7(5/7), (6-7) (8/0), 9-7 win in what was easily one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time. Spain hasn't had it this good in sport for so long. Close on the heels of Euro Cup 2008 victory that came after 44 years, came the victory in Wimbledon, after 42 years.
Nadal became only the third man to win French Open and Wimbledon in the same season and the first since Bjorn Borg in 1980, while giving Spain its first men's Wimbledon champion since Manuel Santana of the grass-is -for-cows fame won it in 1966. Nadal added a Wimbledon title to his four of French Opens, shattering Federer's dreams of a historic sixth successive trophy. Nadal may not be the expert on grass as he is on clay but the 22-year-old Spaniard is widely seen as the top men's player.
This year, Nadal played high-quality tennis to dethrone five-time champion Swiss Roger Federer with a block-buster 6-4, 6-7(5/7), (6-7) (8/0), 9-7 win in what was easily one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time. Spain hasn't had it this good in sport for so long. Close on the heels of Euro Cup 2008 victory that came after 44 years, came the victory in Wimbledon, after 42 years.
Nadal became only the third man to win French Open and Wimbledon in the same season and the first since Bjorn Borg in 1980, while giving Spain its first men's Wimbledon champion since Manuel Santana of the grass-is -for-cows fame won it in 1966. Nadal added a Wimbledon title to his four of French Opens, shattering Federer's dreams of a historic sixth successive trophy. Nadal may not be the expert on grass as he is on clay but the 22-year-old Spaniard is widely seen as the top men's player.
New revealations on Moon
The ancient astronomers once deemed the Moon, like Earth to be awash with water.
The space age, revealed these oceans or More, to be desolate, bone-dry basalt plains and ever since the Moon has been saddled with the reputation as a hostile place forever lacking a key ingredient for life.
There is evidence that water has been a part of the Moon since its early existence. And it strengthens speculation that the precious stuff may be found at the lunar poles.
A leading theory is that the Moon was created when a Mars-sized object whacked into the infant Earth, some 4.5 billion years age, sending molten debris into orbit that coalesced and cooled to form our plant's satellite.
The violence of this collision have vapourised the proto-Moon's light elements, including those for water, in a flash.
But a close examination of glassy, pebble-like beads brought back by the Apollo missions has revealed a surprise.
Previous examination of these rocks, the result of a volcanic outpouring some 3.5 million years ago, had found no signs of water, a finding consistent with the 'waterless Moon' conception.
The space age, revealed these oceans or More, to be desolate, bone-dry basalt plains and ever since the Moon has been saddled with the reputation as a hostile place forever lacking a key ingredient for life.
There is evidence that water has been a part of the Moon since its early existence. And it strengthens speculation that the precious stuff may be found at the lunar poles.
A leading theory is that the Moon was created when a Mars-sized object whacked into the infant Earth, some 4.5 billion years age, sending molten debris into orbit that coalesced and cooled to form our plant's satellite.
The violence of this collision have vapourised the proto-Moon's light elements, including those for water, in a flash.
But a close examination of glassy, pebble-like beads brought back by the Apollo missions has revealed a surprise.
Previous examination of these rocks, the result of a volcanic outpouring some 3.5 million years ago, had found no signs of water, a finding consistent with the 'waterless Moon' conception.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
World heritage site in the north
The Kalka- Shimla Railway (KSR) considered an engineering marvel of the 19th century, has become a World Heritage Site with the UN approving it for inclusion in the World Heritage List .
The Committee of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)granted the inscription of the 96-km-long KSR as a World Heritage Site.
A special feature of this line is its multi-arch galleries which have been built instead of conventional bridges.
The decision is a boost for the Railways as well as tourism in the country.
With the KSR getting the UNESCO nod, Indian Railways, now have World Heritage Sites in all the four regions in the country with Darjeeling Himalaya Railway in the east, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal in the west and Nilgiri Mountain Railway in the south.
The Committee of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)granted the inscription of the 96-km-long KSR as a World Heritage Site.
A special feature of this line is its multi-arch galleries which have been built instead of conventional bridges.
The decision is a boost for the Railways as well as tourism in the country.
With the KSR getting the UNESCO nod, Indian Railways, now have World Heritage Sites in all the four regions in the country with Darjeeling Himalaya Railway in the east, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal in the west and Nilgiri Mountain Railway in the south.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Variety in purchase
After stately homes, the Mittals are now eyeing heritage hotels of Britain. They are considering investing in the company behind upmarket country hotels including Cliveden, near Heathrow and the Royal Crescent in Bath.
The Indian-born family's interest in high-end heritage hotels is a departure from their previous pursuit of expensive private homes. They already own three properties in kensington Palace Grounds, London's most expensive street. The hotels they are said to be interested in are seeped in British history. Cliveden House, set amid 376 acres of formal gardens, parkland and an idyllic bend in the Thames , has a past going back 300 years. Several prominent persons have called it their home over the years, the most famous being Nancy Astor, the first woman MP of Britain. Queen Victoria used to drop in for a quiet cup of tea, records show. The Royal Crescent in the town of Bath in Somerset is among the world's unique buildings.
The Indian-born family's interest in high-end heritage hotels is a departure from their previous pursuit of expensive private homes. They already own three properties in kensington Palace Grounds, London's most expensive street. The hotels they are said to be interested in are seeped in British history. Cliveden House, set amid 376 acres of formal gardens, parkland and an idyllic bend in the Thames , has a past going back 300 years. Several prominent persons have called it their home over the years, the most famous being Nancy Astor, the first woman MP of Britain. Queen Victoria used to drop in for a quiet cup of tea, records show. The Royal Crescent in the town of Bath in Somerset is among the world's unique buildings.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Festival of chariots commences
The Rath Yatra, festival of chariots of Lord Jagannath began with thousands of devotees of various faiths pulling the chariot.
The divine chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra began its journey from the Shree Jagannath temple at Agra. It is considered very auspicious to touch the rope by which the colorful decorated chariots are drawn or even to have a glimpse of the deities.
A team of kirtan singers from ISCKON sang bhajans all along the procession. The Oriya Community in the city is at the forefront of the celebration. The Rath Yatra in Puri is attended by lakhs of devotees.
As per tradition, the Lord along with his brother and sister make an annual trip to their aunt Gundicha's house. After eight days, they return to their abode. The return journey is known as the Bahuda Yatra.
In Orissa and all over the world, Lord Jagannnath is revered as a symbol of egalitarianism and harmony between believers of different faiths.
The divine chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra began its journey from the Shree Jagannath temple at Agra. It is considered very auspicious to touch the rope by which the colorful decorated chariots are drawn or even to have a glimpse of the deities.
A team of kirtan singers from ISCKON sang bhajans all along the procession. The Oriya Community in the city is at the forefront of the celebration. The Rath Yatra in Puri is attended by lakhs of devotees.
As per tradition, the Lord along with his brother and sister make an annual trip to their aunt Gundicha's house. After eight days, they return to their abode. The return journey is known as the Bahuda Yatra.
In Orissa and all over the world, Lord Jagannnath is revered as a symbol of egalitarianism and harmony between believers of different faiths.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The cost one has to pay for looking beautiful.
It was the last week of April when an upcoming model went to the beauty salon of Lakme in Sahakarnagar on Bellary Road for a routine facial. After this, she was advised to go in for a hair treatment called 'Refresh Indulgence'.
This is basically a chemical treatment to soften the hair and costs Rs. 650. The effect was opposite to what was expected. Her once beautiful hair had turned into a knotty mess. She was forced to cut nearly 15 inches of her hair.
She has taken the matter to court. Attempts to contact Suma Radheshgame the Sahakarnagar outlet owner and Geetha the manager were in vain as their phones remained switched off.
This is basically a chemical treatment to soften the hair and costs Rs. 650. The effect was opposite to what was expected. Her once beautiful hair had turned into a knotty mess. She was forced to cut nearly 15 inches of her hair.
She has taken the matter to court. Attempts to contact Suma Radheshgame the Sahakarnagar outlet owner and Geetha the manager were in vain as their phones remained switched off.
Friday, July 4, 2008
DRDO links up with Embraer
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inked an agreement with Brazil's Embraer to fix an indigenous air borne early warning and control system atop one of the Indian Air Force's Embraer jets, which are used for VIP flights.
After the integration -to be carried out at the company's workshop in Brazil- the first modified Embraer -145 is expected to reach India by 2011. The integrated system will be flight-tested by the IAF and DRDO in 2012.
Three EMB-145 aircraft will be integrated with the AEW &CS , the development of which was approved by the government in October 2004 at a project cost of Rs. 1800 crore.
The EMB-145 aircraft will carry DRDO's active array antenna unit on top of the aircraft's fuselage.
Pakistan had objected to the Indian purchase on the ground that the deal would ruin the strategic balance in the subcontinent as neither Pakistan nor China have Phalcons.
However, the deal went through, courtesy back door intervention by the U.S.A.
After the integration -to be carried out at the company's workshop in Brazil- the first modified Embraer -145 is expected to reach India by 2011. The integrated system will be flight-tested by the IAF and DRDO in 2012.
Three EMB-145 aircraft will be integrated with the AEW &CS , the development of which was approved by the government in October 2004 at a project cost of Rs. 1800 crore.
The EMB-145 aircraft will carry DRDO's active array antenna unit on top of the aircraft's fuselage.
Pakistan had objected to the Indian purchase on the ground that the deal would ruin the strategic balance in the subcontinent as neither Pakistan nor China have Phalcons.
However, the deal went through, courtesy back door intervention by the U.S.A.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
All life ........standstill.
The city came to a halt on Thursday as 'bandh' was observed throughout the length and breadth of Mangalore. Shops remained shut and buses were'off' the road with due'respect' towards the bandh 'call'.
However private vehicles, such as cars, vans , tempos and scooters were seen plying across the roads. The 'bandh' occurred after a long respite from any such 'call' for Mangloreans.
For the layman,it means a time spent indoors. Colleges and schools, but, of course remained shut. For the children and teens it means a 'holiday'. People who had planned to journey outstation have had to cancel their plans.
The housewife or the 'common man' who had planned to shop for groceries was, naturally disappointed. Only, curious onlooders were espied on the roads.
However private vehicles, such as cars, vans , tempos and scooters were seen plying across the roads. The 'bandh' occurred after a long respite from any such 'call' for Mangloreans.
For the layman,it means a time spent indoors. Colleges and schools, but, of course remained shut. For the children and teens it means a 'holiday'. People who had planned to journey outstation have had to cancel their plans.
The housewife or the 'common man' who had planned to shop for groceries was, naturally disappointed. Only, curious onlooders were espied on the roads.
Accidental deaths
One reads of road accidents, train mishaps and plane crashes. One never knows when one will die. It seems, in our country, death is round the corner. Floods, landslides, sun-kissed deaths, murders, suicides, frost-bites one hears of......
The latest accidental death springing to news is that of a young woman falling to meet her nemesis after attempting a ride on a Tora Tora in an amusement park. The lady, in question had sought some fun but ended up losing her life. This matter again, brings up the perennial argument of the lack of precautionary measures in the mechanical devices in our country. Be it the Giant Wheel, the Tora Tora or the roller-coaster. The rides are exciting, adventorous and dangerous. But they are fun. And, that's the reason people go for them. But, then if the personnel manning these mechanical agents are careless, then one's life is at risk.
In the recent case, the man in charge of the Tora Tora was arrested. But, then again it is an instance of belated action. If the rotating device had been in perfect form, the woman's life could have been saved. In all innocence the lady sought some amusement for her kid and the child is motherless now. An orphan in infancy itself.
The latest accidental death springing to news is that of a young woman falling to meet her nemesis after attempting a ride on a Tora Tora in an amusement park. The lady, in question had sought some fun but ended up losing her life. This matter again, brings up the perennial argument of the lack of precautionary measures in the mechanical devices in our country. Be it the Giant Wheel, the Tora Tora or the roller-coaster. The rides are exciting, adventorous and dangerous. But they are fun. And, that's the reason people go for them. But, then if the personnel manning these mechanical agents are careless, then one's life is at risk.
In the recent case, the man in charge of the Tora Tora was arrested. But, then again it is an instance of belated action. If the rotating device had been in perfect form, the woman's life could have been saved. In all innocence the lady sought some amusement for her kid and the child is motherless now. An orphan in infancy itself.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
India carves an anchor at North Pole
India commissioned its permanent research base at the North Pole which will enable scientists to carry out studies on a range of subjects, including climate change in one of the cleanest environments on earth.
The research station -Himadri, on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway. Ny-Alesund is the northernmost international research station situated only 1,200km from the North Pole.
The research station was set up following expeditions by Indian scientists to Ny-Alesund in the last 11 months.
The research base in the North Pole comes three decades after India set up a permanent station Dakshin Gangothri in Antarctica.
Initially, Himadri will be manned by Indian scientists on a project- to -project basis and later on converted into a round-the -year station as is the case in Antarctica.
India has access to Svalbard because of a treaty with Norway, which has sovereign rights over the area.
India became the 11th country in the world to have a research station in Ny-Alesund.
The research station -Himadri, on the west coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway. Ny-Alesund is the northernmost international research station situated only 1,200km from the North Pole.
The research station was set up following expeditions by Indian scientists to Ny-Alesund in the last 11 months.
The research base in the North Pole comes three decades after India set up a permanent station Dakshin Gangothri in Antarctica.
Initially, Himadri will be manned by Indian scientists on a project- to -project basis and later on converted into a round-the -year station as is the case in Antarctica.
India has access to Svalbard because of a treaty with Norway, which has sovereign rights over the area.
India became the 11th country in the world to have a research station in Ny-Alesund.
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